Abstract: A pointing device incorporates a biometric sensor at a location such that when operating the pointing device in a normal manner, a user's hand rests naturally in a position to place a finger of the user's hand in proximity to and readable by the biometric sensor. In one embodiment, a computer trackball pointing device includes a fingerprint sensor which is equally well suitable for use by either a right-handed or a left-handed user. Along with positional information from a position sensor and user selection information from at least one user-depressable button, the pointing device also conveys to an attached computer system information associated with the user's identity detected by the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing user access to a secured application. In one exemplary embodiment, a detector apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a receiving portion that is configured to accept an authentication article. The fingerprint sensor detects one or more predetermined features of the authentication article and reads at least a portion of a fingerprint of a user. The authentication article may include a precious gem such as a diamond. The detector apparatus may further comprise a feature detection sensor in operative relation with the fingerprint sensor. The feature detection sensor detects the one or more of the predetermined features. The fingerprint sensor may be detachably coupled to a portable device having an interface for operably communicating with a computer system to determine an identity of the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for performing secure transactions with remote computer systems. User authentication acts independently of any remote computer system with which the person may communicate. The authenticating device itself may be registered with remote computer systems with which the user wishes to obtain access. The device need not pass any biometric information to any remote computer system. Instead, biometric authentication may be initiated and completed on the device itself. What is passed from the device to the remote computer system is device-specific information, which identifies the device to the remote computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing user access to a secured application. In one exemplary embodiment, a detector apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a receiving portion that is configured to accept an authentication article. The fingerprint sensor detects one or more predetermined features of the authentication article and reads at least a portion of a fingerprint of a user. The authentication article may include a precious gem such as a diamond. The detector apparatus may further comprise a feature detection sensor in operative relation with the fingerprint sensor. The feature detection sensor detects the one or more of the predetermined features. The fingerprint sensor may be detachably coupled to a portable device having an interface for operably communicating with a computer system to determine an identity of the user.

Abstract: A pointing device incorporates a biometric sensor at a location such that when operating the pointing device in a normal manner, a user's hand rests naturally in a position to place a finger of the user's hand in proximity to and readable by the biometric sensor. In one embodiment, a computer trackball pointing device includes a fingerprint sensor which is equally well suitable for use by either a right-handed or a left-handed user. Along with positional information from a position sensor and user selection information from at least one user-depressable button, the pointing device also conveys to an attached computer system information associated with the user's identity detected by the fingerprint sensor.