Computer Terminals Biometrically Enabled for Network Functions and Voice Communication
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a handset that includes a finger-image sensor that provides finger-image-related signals or data for authentication purposes and functions as a telephone handset for use with a computer terminal. A system, including handsets and computer terminals, enables the terminal and/or the handset to access or otherwise participate in at least one network-related function and voice communication in response to authentication of finger-image data provided by the handset. The handset includes an elongated housing having opposed major sides and opposed ends. A speaker is positioned in the vicinity of a first end of the handset to transmit sound from a first major side of the handset, and a microphone is positioned in the vicinity of a second end of the handset to receive sound from a first major side of the handset. A finger-image sensor is positioned in the vicinity of and spaced from the second end of the handset to sense a finger-image from a second major side of the handset, and a contoured surface is provided leading to the finger-image sensor. Circuitry for performing voice functions and finger-image functions are associated with separate USB ports, which are coupled to a USB hub of the handset.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. A system for enabling use of a plurality of computer terminals in a network to participate in the voice communication function over the network, comprising:
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a microphone and a speaker for each of the plurality of computer terminals coupled to provide signals to and receive signals from the respective computer terminal for voice communication; and a finger-image sensor for each of the plurality of computer terminals coupled at least to provide signals to the respective computer terminal relating to a finger-image sensed by the respective finger-image sensor; means for electronically authenticating a finger-image sensed by a finger-image sensor based on the finger-image-related signals provided to the respective computer terminal; and means responsive to the authenticating means for enabling at least two of the plurality of computer terminals in the network to participate in the voice communication function over the network with each other only if a sensed finger image was authenticated for each of the at least two terminals.
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Specification