Fingerprint controlled set-top box
First Claim
1. A method for making a purchase through a set-top box, comprising the steps of:
- (a) prompting an operator to make a purchase through the set-top box;
(b) providing fingerprint data from the operator to the set-top box;
(c) obtaining account information of the operator associated with a selected card, the card being one of a credit card, debit card, and a smart card;
(d) conveying the account information to a remote location;
(e) comparing the fingerprint data to stored fingerprint data of the operator; and
(f) in the event that the fingerprint data provided to the set-top box matches the stored fingerprint data of the operator within predetermined parameters, billing the account of the operator associated with the selected card for any purchases that are made.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for commerce through a set-top box in which fingerprint data is employed. After prompting an operator to make a purchase through the set-top box, the operator provides fingerprint data to the set-top box. Account information of the operator is also obtained and conveyed to a remote location. The fingerprint data is compared to stored fingerprint data of the operator, and, in the event that the fingerprint data provided to the set-top box matches the stored fingerprint data, the operator'"'"'s account is billed for any purchases that are made. The stored fingerprint data can be stored within the set-top box, a remote server, a central station, or on a card. Also disclosed is an improved set-top box of the type operable by a wireless control. The set-top box according to the invention includes a fingerprint reader either on the set-top box or the wireless control. The fingerprint reader acquires prints from a digit of an operator. The set-top box also includes a processor which is programmed to prompt an operator to enter his or her finger print. The prompt and fingerprint reader inform the set-top box of the identity of the operator.
298 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for making a purchase through a set-top box, comprising the steps of:
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(a) prompting an operator to make a purchase through the set-top box; (b) providing fingerprint data from the operator to the set-top box; (c) obtaining account information of the operator associated with a selected card, the card being one of a credit card, debit card, and a smart card; (d) conveying the account information to a remote location; (e) comparing the fingerprint data to stored fingerprint data of the operator; and (f) in the event that the fingerprint data provided to the set-top box matches the stored fingerprint data of the operator within predetermined parameters, billing the account of the operator associated with the selected card for any purchases that are made. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. In a set-top box of the type operable by a wireless control, the improvement comprising:
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(a) a fingerprint reader on one of said set-top box and said wireless control, the fingerprint reader acquiring the print of a digit as fingerprint data; and (b) a processor programmed to prompt an operator to enter fingerprint data, whereby the set-top box is informed of the identity of the operator. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification