DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to authentication of a user. In particular, the present disclosure relates to authentication of a user, based on a health of the user.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Generally, institutions require users belonging to the institution to be logged. Logging of a user may allow the user to mark their attendance, to be granted access to the institution, etc. In many cases, the user is logged by using an identification instrument of the user, for example, an identity card, biometric identification etc.
[0004] Typically, the institutions are regions where a plurality of users may congregate and interact. As such, there is a necessity for maintaining health of the users. Even a single user who is unwell may spread their illness, particularly, if their illness is communicable or contagious.
[0005] Many contagious illnesses cause fevers. In other words, the body temperature of the user increases when the user has a contagious illness. Typically, the temperature of the user during logging of the user is done manually. As a result, due to human error, there may be lapses in checking temperature of the user, which may potentially lead to an unwell user entering the institution and interacting with other users and spreading their illness.
[0006] There is therefore a requirement for a means to measure a temperature of a user while the user is being logged in.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method to authenticate a user.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to measure body temperature of a user while the user is being logged in.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to authenticate only healthy users.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to issue an alert on detection of an unhealthy user.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to log the user in a database.

SUMMARY
[0012] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for authenticating a user. The system includes an apparatus including a slot configured to receive an identification instrument of the user. The identification instrument is manually placed in the slot by the user. The apparatus further includes an identification sensor disposed at the slot and configured to detect the identification instrument. The identification sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument. The apparatus further includes a thermal sensor disposed on the apparatus, such that, when the identification instrument of the user is manually placed in the slot by the user, the thermal sensor is located proximate to a body part of the user. The thermal sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the body part of the user and generate a second signal indicative of the detected temperature of the body part of the user. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the identification sensor and thermal sensor. The controller includes a processor communicably coupled to a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the body part of the user based on the second signal from the thermal sensor. If the determined temperature of the body part of the user is within a permissible range of values, the controller is configured to authenticate the user based on the determined temperature of the body part of the user and the first signal from the identification sensor.
[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to generate an alert when the determined temperature of the body part of the user lies outside of the permissible range of values. In some embodiments, the permissible range of values is stored in a database communicably coupled to the controller. In some embodiments, generation of the alert is indicative of a non-authentication of the user.
[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to generate a completion signal upon receipt, at the controller, of the first signal and the second signal. In some embodiments, generation of the completion signal is indicative of detection of the identification instrument of the user and the detection of the temperature of the body part of the user by the respective identification sensor and thermal sensor. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to authenticate the user after generation of the completion signal. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to generate an error in the absence of any one of the first signal and the second signal.
[0015] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to generate an identification report for the user based on the first signal from the identification sensor. In some embodiments, the identification report for the user includes an identity of the user, a location of the apparatus, and a time stamp of generation of the identification report. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to store at least one of the identification report for the user and the determined temperature of the body part of the user in the database.
[0016] In some embodiments, the system further includes a display unit communicably coupled to the controller and the database, and configured to display at least one of the alert, the error, the identification report for the user, and the determined temperature of the body part of the user.
[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes an audio unit communicably coupled to the controller and the database and configured to output an audio message indicative of at least one of the alert, the error, the identification report for the user, and the determined temperature of the body part of the user.
[0018] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to at least one of mark attendance of the user and grant an access to the user based on authentication of the user by the controller.
[0019] In some embodiments, the identification sensor includes a radio frequency identification sensor. In some embodiments, the thermal sensor includes an infrared sensor.
[0020] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a frame configured to be mounted on a surface. In some embodiments, the frame includes a first position, wherein the slot and the identification sensor are disposed at the first position. In some embodiments, the frame further includes a second position, wherein the thermal sensor is disposed at the second position. In some embodiments, the second position is disposed relative to the first position, such that when the identification instrument of the user is manually placed in the slot by the user at the first position of the frame, the thermal sensor at the second position of the frame is located proximate to a body part of the user to detect a temperature of the body part of the user.
[0021] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for authenticating a user. The method includes generating, by an identification sensor configured to detect an identification instrument of the user, a first signal indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument of the user. The identification sensor is disposed at a slot of an apparatus for authenticating the user. The slot is configured to receive the identification instrument of the user. The identification instrument is manually placed in a proximity of the slot by the user. The method further includes generating, by a thermal sensor disposed on the apparatus and configured to detect a temperature of a body part of the user, a second signal indicative of the temperature of the body part of the user. The thermal sensor is disposed on the apparatus, such that, when the identification instrument of the user is manually placed in the slot by the user, the thermal sensor is located proximate to the body part of the user. The method further includes determining, by a controller communicably coupled to the identification sensor and the thermal sensor, a temperature of the body part of the user based on the second signal from the thermal sensor. The method further includes authenticating, by the controller, if the determined temperature of the body part of the user is within a permissible range of values, the user based on the determined temperature of the body part of the user and the first signal from the identification sensor.
[0022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for authenticating a user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an apparatus of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the apparatus being used by the user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a controller of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for a method for authenticating the user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a hardware platform for implementation of the system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0031] The present disclosure relates generally to authentication of a user. In particular, the present disclosure relates to authentication of a user, based on a health of the user.
[0032] Generally, institutions require users belonging to the institution to be logged. Logging of a user may allow the user to mark their attendance, to be granted access to the institution, etc. In many cases, the user is logged by using an identification instrument of the user, for example, an identity card, biometric identification etc.
[0033] Typically, the institutions are regions where a plurality of users may congregate and interact. As such, there is a necessity for maintaining health of the users. Even a single user who is unwell may spread their illness, particularly, if their illness is communicable or contagious.
[0034] Many contagious illnesses cause fevers. In other words, the body temperature of the user increases when the user has a contagious illness. Typically, the temperature of the user during logging of the user is done manually. As a result, due to human error, there may be lapses in checking temperature of the user, which may potentially lead to an unwell user entering the institution and interacting with other users and spreading their illness.
[0035] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for authenticating a user. The system includes an apparatus including a slot configured to receive an identification instrument of the user. The identification instrument is manually placed in the slot by the user. The apparatus further includes an identification sensor disposed at the slot and configured to detect the identification instrument. The identification sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument. The apparatus further includes a thermal sensor disposed on the apparatus, such that, when the identification instrument of the user is manually placed in the slot by the user, the thermal sensor is located proximate to a body part of the user. The thermal sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the body part of the user and generate a second signal indicative of the detected temperature of the body part of the user. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the identification sensor and thermal sensor. The controller includes a processor communicably coupled to a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The controller is configured to determine a temperature of the body part of the user based on the second signal from the thermal sensor. If the determined temperature of the body part of the user is within a permissible range of values, the controller is configured to authenticate the user based on the determined temperature of the body part of the user and the first signal from the identification sensor.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system 100 for authenticating a user 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an apparatus 200.
[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the apparatus 200 being used by the user 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] Referring to FIGs. 1, 2A and 2B, the apparatus 200 includes a slot 202 configured to receive an identification instrument 204. The identification instrument 204 is manually placed in the slot 202 by the user 110. The identification instrument 204 may be any means for asserting a digital identity of the user 110. For example, the identification instrument 204 may be an identity card, a fingerprint, a retina pattern, etc. In the illustrated embodiment FIGs. 2A-2B, the identification instrument is an identity card. The identity card may include an electronic chip (not shown) that may be programmed with identity details of the user 110. The identity card may be read by a reader (e.g., an identification sensor 106) configured to read such an electronic chip. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2A-2B, the identification instrument 204 is radio-frequency identification (RFID) enabled. In some other embodiments, the identification instrument 204 may include other near-field communication (NFC) technologies.
[0040] The apparatus 200 further includes the identification sensor 206 disposed at the slot 202. The identification sensor 206 is configured to detect the identification instrument 204. The identification sensor 206 is further configured to generate a first signal 162 indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument 204. In some embodiments, the identification sensor 206 includes a RFID sensor.
[0041] The apparatus 200 further includes a thermal sensor 208 disposed on the apparatus 200, such that when the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 is manually placed in the slot 202 by the user 110, the thermal sensor 208 is located proximate to a body part 112 of the user 110. The thermal sensor 208 is configured to detect a temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 and generate a second signal 164 indicative of the detected temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110. In some embodiments, the thermal sensor 208 includes an infrared sensor.
[0042] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 includes a frame 250 configured to be mounted on a surface (not shown). In some embodiments, the frame 250 further includes a first position 260. The slot 202 and the identification sensor 206 are disposed at the first position 260 of the frame 250. In some embodiments, the frame 250 further includes a second position 265. The thermal sensor 208 is disposed at the second position 265 of the frame 250.
[0043] In some embodiments, the second position 265 is disposed relative to the first position 260, such that, when the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 is manually placed in the slot 202 by the user at the first position 260 of the frame, the thermal sensor 208 at the second position 265 of the frame 250 is located proximate to the body part 112 of the user 110 to detect the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2A-2B, the frame 250 includes a first member 252 oriented substantially vertically. The first member 252 includes the slot 202. The frame 250 further includes a second member 254 oriented at an angle to the first member 252 and coupled to the first member 252 at a first end 256 of the second member 254. The second member 254 projects from the first member 252 from a region proximate to the slot 202 on the first member 252. The thermal sensor 208 is disposed at a second end 258 of the second member 254. Therefore, the second position 265 of the frame 250 is located at the second end 258 of the second member 254. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the slot 202 is configured to receive the identification instrument 204 by a hand 114 of the user 110, such that the thermal sensor 208 is configured to detect the temperature of a wrist 116 coupled to the hand 114 of the user 110.
[0045] In some examples, the identification instrument 204 may be a fingerprint, such as a thumb print of the hand 114 of the user 110. In such cases, the second position 254 may be located near the wrist 116 of the user 110, in order to detect temperature at the wrist 116 of the user 110.
[0046] In some other embodiments, the frame 250 may be configured, such that when the slot 202 receives the identification instrument 204 by the hand 114 of the user, the second position 254 may be located at a level of a forehead (not shown) of the user 110, in order to detect temperature at the forehead of the user.
[0047] In some examples, the identification instrument 204 may be the retina patterns of the user 110. In such cases, the first position 252 may be located at an eye level of the user 110 and the second position 254 may be located at a level of a forehead of the user 110, in order to detect temperature at the forehead of the user 110.
[0048] The system 100 further includes a controller 102 communicably coupled to the identification sensor 206 and the thermal sensor 208. The controller 102 includes a processor 104 communicably coupled to a memory 106. The memory 106 stores instructions 108 executable by the processor 104 to receive from the thermal sensor 208, the second signal 164. The controller 102 is further configured to determine a temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 based on the second signal 164 from the thermal sensor 208. The controller 102 is further configured to determine if the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 is within a permissible range of values 150.
[0049] In some embodiments, the permissible range of values 150 is stored in a database 190 communicably coupled with the controller 102. In some embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to compare the determined temperature with the permissible range of values 150 to determine if the determined temperature lies within it.
[0050] If the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 is within the permissible range of values 150, the controller 112 is configured to authenticate the user 110 based on the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 and the first signal 162 from the identification sensor 206. Specifically, the controller 102 is configured to authenticate the user 110 when the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 is positively detected by the identification sensor 206 and the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 is within the permissible range of values 150. Thus, the system 100 authenticates users who have the appropriate identification instruments and whose temperature is within permissible limits. In other words, the system 100 authenticates the users who have the appropriate identification instruments and who do not exhibit a fever. As a result, the system 100 facilitates authentication of healthy persons.
[0051] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to at least one of mark attendance of the user 110 and grant access to the user 110, based on authentication of the user 110 by the controller 102. In other words, the authenticated user 110 may be logged in to mark their attendance or may be granted access to a secure area that required positive authentication. As a result, the system 100 may prevent spread of illness in areas where the user 110 may mingle with other users.
[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to generate an alert 166 when the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 lies outside the permissible range of values 150. In some embodiments, the generation of the alert 166 is indicative of a non-authentication of the user 110. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be further configured to store the generated alert 166 in the database 190.
[0053] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to generate a completion signal 168 upon receipt, at the controller 102 of the first signal 162 and the second signal 164. The generation of the completion signal 168 is indicative of the detection of the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 and the detection of the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 by the respective identification sensor 206 and thermal sensor 208. In some embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to authenticate the user 110 after the generation of the completion signal 168. In other words, the controller 102 is configured to authenticate the user 110 only when the identification instrument 204 is detected and the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 is detected. In some cases, due to improper placement of the identification instrument 204, the identification instrument 204 may not be detected by the identification sensor 206, while the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 may be detected. In some other cases, due to motion of the user 110, the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 may not be detected while the identification instrument 204 may be detected. In either of such cases, the completion signal 168 is not generated by the controller 102, as a result of which, the controller 102 does not authenticate the user 110. Hence, the controller 102 prevents authentication of the user 110 without detection of both identification instrument 204 and the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110.
[0054] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to generate an error 170 in the absence of any one of the first signal 162 and the second signal 164. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be further configured to store the generated error 170 in the database 190.
[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to generate an identification report 172 for the user 110 based on the first signal 162 from the identification sensor 206. In some embodiments, the identification report 172 for the user 110 includes an identity 174 of the user 110, a location 175 of the apparatus 200 and a time stamp 176 of generation of the identification report 172.
[0056] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is further configured to store at least one of the identification report 172 for the user 110 and the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 in the database 190. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be further configured to store the identification report 172 for the user 110 and the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 in the database 190. In other words, the controller 102 is configured to log the user 110 and store the log in the database 190.
[0057] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a display unit 120 communicably couped to the controller 102 and the database 190 and configured to display at least one of the alert 166, the error 170, the identification repot 172 for the user 110, and the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110. In some embodiments, the display unit 120 may be communicable coupled to a display device. In some embodiments, the display device may include a screen, a plurality of lights etc. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the display device includes a display screen 220.
[0058] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes an audio unit 122 communicably couped to the controller 102 and the database 190 and configured to output an audio message indicative of at least one of the alert 166, the error 170, the identification repot 172 for the user 110, and the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110. In some embodiments, the audio unit 122 may be communicable coupled to an audio device. In some embodiments, the audio device may include one or more speakers. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the audio device includes a speaker 222.
[0059] In some embodiments, the system 100 may further include a power source 230. The power source 230 may provide power for operation of the various components of the system 100 and apparatus 200.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of the controller 102 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring now to FIGs. 1 and 3, the controller 102 includes the processor 104. The processor 104 may include a processing engine 304, which may further include a detection engine 306, an authentication engine 308, and other engines 310. The processor 104 may be communicably coupled with the memory 106. The memory 106 may store the instructions 108, which when executed by the processor 104 may cause the system 100 to perform the steps involved in the authenticating the user 110 (shown in FIG. 2B). The processor 104 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 104 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 106 communicably coupled with the system 100 for performing tasks such as detecting the identification instrument 204 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the user 110, detecting temperature of the body part 120 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the user 110, and/or any other functions. Any reference to a task in the present disclosure may refer to an operation being or that may be performed on data. The memory 106 may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for authenticating the user 110. In some embodiments, the instructions or routines may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory 106 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may include interfaces 302. The interfaces 302 may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interfaces 302 may facilitate communication of the controller 102 with other components of the system 100. The interfaces 302 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the controller 112. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, the processing engine 304 and the database 190.
[0061] The processing engine 304 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming for example, programmable instructions to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine 304. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine 304 may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine 304 may comprise a processing resource for example, one or more processors, to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine 304. In such examples, the controller 102 may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the controller 102 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine 304 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0062] The processing engine 304 may include one or more engines such as the detection engine 306, the authentication engine 308, and other engines 310. In some embodiments, the other engines 310 may include engines configured to perform one or more functions associated with processing of the first signal 162, and the second signal 164. The detection engine 306 may enable detection of the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 as well as determination the temperature of the body part 120 of the user 110. The authentication engine 308 may enable authentication of the user 110 based on positive detection of the identification instrument 204 of the user 110 and when the determined temperature of the body part 120 of the user 110 is within the permissible range of values 150.
[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for a method 400 for authenticating the user 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 402, the method 400 includes generating, by the identification sensor 206 configured to detect the identification instrument 204 of the user 10, the first signal 162 indicative of the positive detection of the identification instrument 204 of the user 110. The identification sensor 206 is disposed at the slot 202 of the apparatus 200 for authenticating the user 110.
[0064] At step 404, the method 400 includes generating, by the thermal sensor 208 disposed on the apparatus 200 and configured to detect the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110, the second signal 164 indicative of the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110.
[0065] At step 406, the method 400 further includes determining, by the controller 102 communicably coupled to the identification sensor 206 and the thermal sensor 208, the temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 based on the second signal 164 from the thermal sensor 208.
[0066] At step 408, the method 400 further includes authenticating, by the controller 102, if the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 is within the permissible range of values 150, the user 110 based on the determined temperature of the body part 112 of the user 110 and the first signal 162 from the identification sensor 206.
[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a hardware platform for implementation of the system 100. As shown in FIG. 5, a computer system 500 can include an external storage device 510, a bus 520, a main memory 530, a read only memory 540, a mass storage device 550, communication port 560, and a processor 570. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor 570 include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on chip processors or other future processors. Processor 570 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port 560 can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fibre, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port 560 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects. Memory 530 can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read-only memory 540 can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 570. Mass storage 550 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.
[0068] Bus 520 communicatively couples processor(s) 570 with the other memory, storage, and communication blocks. Bus 520 can be, e.g., a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor 570 to software system.
[0069] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g., a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 520 to support direct operator interaction with a computer system. Other operator and administrative interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port 560. The external storage device 510 can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA® Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc-Re-Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0070] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0071] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 System
110 User
200 Apparatus
202 Slot
204 Identification Instrument
206 Identification Sensor
162 First Signal
208 Thermal Sensor
164 Second Signal
112 Body Part
250 Frame
260 First Position
265 Second Position
252 First Member
254 Second Member
256 First End of Second Member
258 Second End of Second Member
114 Hand
116 Wrist
102 Controller
104 Processor
106 Memory
108 Instructions
150 Permissible Range of Values
190 Database
166 Alert
168 Completion Signal
170 Error
172 Identification Report
174 Identity
175 Location
176 Time Stamp
120 Display Unit
122 Audio Unit
220 Display Screen
222 Speaker
230 Power Source
302 Interface
304 Processing Engine
306 Detection Engine
308 Authentication Engine
310 Other Engine(s)
400 Method
402 Step
404 Step
406 Step
408 Step
500 Computer System
510 External Storage Device
520 Bus
530 Main Memory
540 Read-Only Memory
550 Mass Storage Device
560 Communication Port
570 Processor

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0072] The present invention provides a system and a method to authenticate a user.
[0073] The present invention provides a means to measure body temperature of a user while the user is being logged in.
[0074] The present invention provides a means to authenticate only healthy users.
[0075] The present invention provides a means to issue an alert on detection of an unhealthy user.
[0076] The present invention provides a means to log the user in a database.

,CLAIMS:1. A system (100) for authenticating a user (110), the system (100) comprising:
an apparatus (200) comprising:
a slot (202) configured to receive an identification instrument (204) of the user (110), wherein the identification instrument (204) is manually placed in the slot (202) by the user (110);
an identification sensor (206) disposed at the slot (202) and configured to detect the identification instrument (204), wherein the identification sensor (206) is configured to generate a first signal (162) indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument (204); and
a thermal sensor (208) disposed on the apparatus (200), such that, when the identification instrument (204) of the user (110) is manually placed in the slot (202) by the user (110), the thermal sensor (208) is located proximate to a body part (112) of the user (110),
wherein, the thermal sensor (208) is configured to detect a temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) and generate a second signal (164) indicative of the detected temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110); and
a controller (102) communicably coupled to the identification sensor (206) and thermal sensor (208), the controller (102) comprising a processor (104) communicably coupled to a memory (106), the memory (106) storing instructions (108) executable by the processor (104) to:
determine a temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) based on the second signal (164) from the thermal sensor (208),
wherein, if the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) is within a permissible range of values (150), the controller (102) is configured to authenticate the user (110) based on the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) and the first signal (162) from the identification sensor (206).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (102) is further configured to generate an alert (166) when the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) lies outside of the permissible range of values (150), wherein the permissible range of values (150) is stored in a database (190) communicably coupled to the controller (102), and wherein generation of the alert (166) is indicative of a non-authentication of the user (110).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller (102) is further configured to generate a completion signal (168) upon receipt, at the controller (102), of the first signal (162) and the second signal (164), wherein the generation of the completion signal (168) is indicative of detection of the identification instrument (204) of the user (110) and the detection of the temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) by the respective identification sensor (206) and thermal sensor (208), wherein the controller (102) is configured to authenticate the user (110) after generation of the completion signal (168), and wherein the controller (102) is further configured to generate an error (170) in the absence of any one of the first signal (162) and the second signal (164).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller (102) is further configured to:
generate an identification report (172) for the user (110) based on the first signal (162) from the identification sensor (206), wherein the identification report (172) for the user (110) comprises an identity (174) of the user (110), a location (175) of the apparatus (200) and a time stamp (176) of generation of the identification report (172); and
store at least one of the identification report (172) for the user (110) and the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) in the database (190).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a display unit (120) communicably coupled to the controller (102) and the database (190) and configured to display at least one of the alert (166), the error (170), the identification report (172) for the user (110), and the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, further comprising an audio unit (122) communicably coupled to the controller (102) and the database (190) and configured to output an audio message indicative of at least one of the alert (166), the error (170), the identification report (172) for the user (110), and the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (102) is further configured to at least one of mark attendance of the user (110) and grant an access to the user (110) based on authentication of the user (110) by the controller (102).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identification sensor (206) comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, and wherein the thermal sensor (208) comprises an infrared sensor.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (200) comprises:

a frame (250) configured to be mounted on a surface, the frame (250) comprising:
a first position (260), wherein the slot (202) and the identification sensor (206) are disposed at the first position (260);
a second position (265), wherein the thermal sensor (208) is disposed at the second position (265),
wherein the second position (265) is disposed relative to the first position (260), such that when the identification instrument (204) of the user (110) is manually placed in the slot (202) by the user (110) at the first position (260) of the frame (250), the thermal sensor (208) at the second position (265) of the frame (250) is located proximate to a body part (112) of the user (110) to detect a temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110).
10. A method for authenticating a user (110), the method comprising:
generating, by an identification sensor (206) configured to detect an identification instrument (204) of the user (110), a first signal (162) indicative of a positive detection of the identification instrument (204) of the user (110), wherein the identification sensor (206) is disposed at a slot (202) of an apparatus (200) for authenticating the user (110), the slot (202) configured to receive the identification instrument (204) of the user (110), and wherein the identification instrument (204) is manually placed in a proximity of the slot (202) by the user (110);
generating, by a thermal sensor (208) disposed on the apparatus (200) and configured to detect a temperature of a body part (112) of the user (110), a second signal (164) indicative of the temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110), wherein the thermal sensor (208) is disposed on the apparatus (200), such that, when the identification instrument (204) of the user (110) is manually placed in the slot (202) by the user (110), the thermal sensor (208) is located proximate to the body part (112) of the user (110);
determining, by a controller (102) communicably coupled to the identification sensor (206) and the thermal sensor (208), a temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) based on the second signal (164) from the thermal sensor (208); and
authenticating, by the controller (102), if the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) is within a permissible range of values (150), the user (110) based on the determined temperature of the body part (112) of the user (110) and the first signal (162) from the identification sensor (206).