초록 ▼

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 re

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I 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

[ I 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.