Method for robotic devices to authenticate users

Abstract

The present invention proposes a method for robotic devices to accurately identify authorized users. Biometric data of users is supplied to the system through biometric scanners. Biometric profiles of authorized users are identified to the system during an initial set-up phase. Subsequently, users provide biometric data to the system through the scanners in order to be authenticated. Received data is compared to the original stored profiles, and when a match is found, that user is authenticated. In another aspect of the invention, a time-activated memory storage process is utilized to prevent malicious attempts to overcome the authentication process. Memory cells become writable in successive time slots, after which point the memory cells are converted to read-only. If a user is authenticated during a particular time slot, their biometric data is written in the available memory cell. If no user is authenticated, the available memory cell is written with junk data. In this way, used memory cells may not be altered by a malicious attack. Furthermore, a loyalty metric is established for each user and stored in a loyalty index. The loyalty metric of each user is increased with each successful authentication. Functions of the robotic device may be assigned minimum loyalty requirements such that users must have had a number of successful past authentications in order to access some of the functions of the device.