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Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capabilityRelated Patent Categories: Electrical Computers And Digital Processing Systems: Support, System Access Control Based On User Identification By Cryptography, Using Record Or Token, Biometric AcquisitionElectronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080010465, Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. Patent application for "ELECTRONIC DATA STORAGE MEDIUM WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY", U.S. application Ser. No. 11/624,667, filed Jan. 18, 2007, which is a divisional of U.S. Patent application for "ELECTRONIC DATA STORAGE MEDIUM WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY", U.S. application Ser. No. 09/478,720, filed Jan. 6, 2000. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to an electronic data storage medium, more particularly to an electronic data storage medium with a fingerprint verification capability. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] At present, confidential data files are stored in floppy disks or are delivered via networks that require passwords or that use encryption coding for security. Confidential documents can be sent by adding safety seals and impressions during delivering. However, the aforesaid are exposed to the risks of breaking of the passwords, encryption codes, safety seals and impressions, thereby resulting in unsecure transfer of information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electronic data storage medium with a fingerprint verification capability for security during the transfer of information. [0007] According to the present invention, an electronic data storage medium is adapted to be accessed by a data terminal. The electronic data storage medium includes a memory device, a fingerprint sensor, an input-output interface circuit and a processing unit. [0008] The memory device stores a data file and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file. [0009] The fingerprint sensor is adapted to scan a fingerprint of a user of the electronic data storage medium and to generate fingerprint scan data. [0010] The input/output interface circuit is activable so as to establish communication with the data terminal. [0011] The processing unit is connected to the memory device, the fingerprint sensor and the input/output interface circuit. The processing unit is operable selectively in a programming mode, where the processing unit activates the input/output interface circuit to receive the data file and the fingerprint reference data from the data terminal, and to store the data file and the fingerprint reference data in the memory device, and a data retrieving mode, where the processing unit receives the fingerprint scan data from the fingerprint sensor, compares the fingerprint scan data with the fingerprint reference data in the memory device to verify if the user of the electronic data storage medium is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device, and activates the input/output interface circuit to transmit the data file to the data terminal upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage medium is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: [0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment of an electronic data storage medium according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0014] Referring to FIG. 1, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic data storage medium is adapted to be accessed by an external computer 9, and is shown to include a card body 1, a processing unit 2, a memory device 3, a fingerprint sensor 4, an input/output interface circuit 5, a display unit 6, a power source 7, and a function key set 8. [0015] The memory device 3, such as a flash memory device, is mounted on the card body 1, and stores a data file, a reference password, and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file in a known manner therein. The data file can be a picture file or a text file. [0016] The fingerprint sensor 4 is mounted on the card body 1, and is adapted to scan a fingerprint of a user of the electronic data storage medium and to generate fingerprint scan data. One example of the fingerprint sensor 4 that can be used in the present invention is that disclosed in a co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,130, entitled "INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARD WITH FINGERPRINT VERIFICATION CAPABILITY", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0017] The input/output interface circuit 5, such as a PCMCIA or RS232 interface, is mounted on the card body 1, and is activable so as to establish communication with the external computer 9. [0018] The processing unit 2 is mounted on the card body 1, and is connected to the memory device 3, the fingerprint sensor 4 and the input/output interface circuit 5. The processing unit 2 is operable selectively in: a programming mode, where the processing unit 2 activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to receive the data file and the fingerprint reference data from the external computer 9, and to store the data file and the fingerprint reference data in the memory device 3 in a compressed format to increase storage capacity of the memory device 3; a data retrieving mode, where the processing unit 2 receives the fingerprint scan data from the fingerprint sensor 4, compares the fingerprint scan data with at least a segment of the fingerprint reference data in the memory device 3 to verify if the user of the electronic data storage medium is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device 3, and activates the input/output interface circuit 5 to transmit the data file to the external computer 9 upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage medium is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device 3; and a data resetting mode, where the data file and the finger reference data are erased from the memory device 3. [0019] The power source 7 is mounted on the card body 1, and is connected to the processing unit 2 for supplying electrical power thereto. Continue reading about Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability... Full patent description for Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Electronic data storage medium with fingerprint verification capability patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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