Abstract: The present invention provides for biometric authentication of a user's identity and credential verification in performing a health-related transaction from a portable healthcare device. An access server is employed to receive a request for a transaction and biometric data from a user. The access server determines if the submitted biometric data is that of the claimed user. Where the user identity is confirmed, the access server determines validity of credential information associated with a user, such as by request that a credential service perform a credential check. If the credential information is appropriate for the user to conduct the transaction, the access server transfers enabling information to the portable healthcare device to permit the transaction to occur. The transaction is performed via an end-to-end communication system that includes a real-time communication channel between the portable healthcare device and a remote information site.

Abstract: A handheld device incorporating three (3) dual ported microphones and digital-signal-processing is described. A buffer is used to capture speech that may have occurred prior to a users depressing a press-to-talk switch. Dual switches are used to more readily accommodate both right-handed and left-handed people.