4. Identity Pal USB Device Delivers Identification Database

What can you do if your kid gets lost? What if your dog disappears? How will anybody know to call you. What if you’re in an accident? How will emergency people know about you?

The answer to these and other questions resides in a waterproof, shockproof (to 1000 Gs) USB flash device that uses a special database to store and play your information. The IdentityPal is a 256 MB flash drive that uses a proprietary database and proprietary code to automatically launch the identification database. In the event of an emergency, or if your dog is found wandering in your neighborhood, inserting the Identity Pal into a PC automatically launches the identity application. The system’s first screen advises that, in an emergency, you should call 911. A second screen, to open the application displays the user’s name and any allergies or medications that the holder of the IdentityPal has stored on the device.

The person using the IdentityPal can then choose to open the software to retrieve the owner’s personal information, or the owner can optionally open the configuration application and update or change stored data. The configuration file has 256 bit password protection, so unauthorized users won’t be able to make changes to it. If desired, the owner can add or remove fields in the database. The data is not loaded onto the computer of the person who retrieves the information. Instead, the device uses a Flash Projector, delivering the information and data as a flash application.

The IdentityPal uses the Essential PIM database for managing the data.

Because it is so customizable, the IdentityPal can be used to track a variety of things. It can be worn on a keyring, worn on a chain around the neck, or worn anywhere the ring on the case can be attached. Thus, it can be put around a pet’s or person’s neck, put on a child or adult’s wrist, or even put inside a box if the box contains something you’d like to get back if it’s found by an honest person with a PC.

According to a company spokesman, most emergency vehicles - police, fire, and ambulances have PCs in their vehicles, and would be able to retrieve data from the IdentityPal. Although it’s larger than a small medallion that is usually used for medical alerts, it packs much more information. In an emergency, the medical alert jewelry only carries a small amount of information, and a special phone number must be called to get additional information about the person wearing the bracelet or necklace. IdentityPal provides the information that the owner wants to be shared with the person finding the IdentityPal.

In addition to its use as an identification device, it can also store other types of data - travel itineraries, birthdays, or other types of information that the owner may want to retrieve for his or her personal use. Further, the drive also acts as a traditional flash storage device, holding up to 256 MB of data.

The IdentityPro is now shipping. It has a suggested retail price of $39.95.