Computer Terminals Biometrically Enabled for Network Functions and Voice Communication

• US 20080155666A1
• Filed: 03/07/2008
• Published: 06/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bloomberg Finance LP (Bloomberg LP)
• Original Assignee: Bloomberg Finance LP (Bloomberg LP)
• Inventors: Waanders, John D., Bloomberg, Michael R., Ozolins, Helmars E.
• Granted Patent: US 9,378,347 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/5
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/06 Hooks; Cradles
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2473 Telephone terminals interfacing a personal computer, e.g. using an API (Application Programming Interface) details of API H04M7/0021
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/67 by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/6054 Biometric subscriber identification
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53308 Message originator indirectly connected to the message centre, e.g. after detection of busy or absent state of a called party

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.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

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:

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.