Portable memory storage device with biometric identification security
First Claim
1. A portable memory storage device operable with a host device, comprising:
- a first section including a biometric device for receiving biometric data; and
a second section including a connector for establishing communication between the portable memory storage device and the host device, the second section capable of mating with, and at least partially covering, the first section.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable memory storage device is disclosed where access to information on the device is granted only upon proper biometric authentication of a user. The device includes a controller, a non-volatile memory which may be a flash memory, and a biometric scanner system for controlling access to the information within the non-volatile memory. Each of the controller, non-volatile memory and biometric scanner system may be mounted in a base of the portable device, with the biometric system having an exposed surface on a top portion of the base for accepting biometric data such as a fingerprint. A cover is provided which includes a USB connector capable of mating within a USB port of the host device to establish communications between the portable and host devices. The cover also covers the exposed portion of the biometric scanner to protect the sensor when the portable memory storage device is not in use.
63 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A portable memory storage device operable with a host device, comprising:
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a first section including a biometric device for receiving biometric data; and
a second section including a connector for establishing communication between the portable memory storage device and the host device, the second section capable of mating with, and at least partially covering, the first section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A portable memory storage device capable of communication with a host device via a cable having a first end capable of coupling to the portable memory storage device and a second end capable of coupling to the host device, the portable memory storage device comprising:
a base including;
a biometric device for receiving biometric data, and a docking enclosure for receiving the second end of the cable when the second end of the cable is not coupled to the host device.
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19. A portable memory storage device as recited in claim 19, the biometric device located in a position on the base where a portion of the cable adjacent the second end of the cable covers at least a portion of the biometric device when the docking enclosure receives the second end of the cable.
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20. A portable memory storage device operable with a host device, comprising:
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a base including;
a biometric device for receiving biometric data, a non-volatile memory within the base, and a docking enclosure on an upper surface of the base;
a cover including a connector capable of engaging a port of the host device to allow communication between the non-volatile memory and the host device, the cover capable of engaging the base when the cover is not engaged within the port, the second section covering the biometric scanner, and the docking enclosure at least partially enclosing the connector when the second section is engaged with the first section;
a cable connecting the base and cover, and terminating at the connector, the cable enabling communication between the non-volatile memory and the host device. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of forming a portable memory storage device operable with a host device, comprising the steps of:
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(a) assembling a base including a non-volatile memory and a biometric scanning device having a portion adjacent an upper surface of the base;
(b) assembling a cover including a connector capable of mating within a port of the host device, said step (b) of assembling including the step of configuring the cover to mate with the base and cover the portion of the biometric scanning device adjacent the upper surface. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. A method of using a portable memory storage device with a host device, the portable memory storage device including a base having a biometric scanner and the portable memory storage device including a cover having a connector, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) connecting the connector to the host device to enable communication between the portable memory storage device and the host device; and
(b) protecting the biometric scanner with the cover when the connector is not connected to the host device. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of using a portable memory storage device with a host device, comprising the steps of:
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(a) scanning biometric data into a biometric scanner on a first section of the portable memory storage device;
(b) connecting the portable memory storage device to the host device with a connector on a second section of the portable memory storage device; and
(c) covering the biometric scanner with the second portion when the portable memory storage device is not connected to the host device. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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Specification