WO2005072372A2

WO2005072372A2 - System for and method of finger initiated actions

Info

Publication number: WO2005072372A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/002547
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark J. Howell; Anthony P. Russo; Marcia Tsuchiya; Frank H. Chen
Original assignee: Atrua Technoligies, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-01-29
Filing date: 2005-01-24
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Also published as: WO2005072372A3; US20050169503A1; US7697729B2

Abstract

A device for and method of performing a task associated with fingerprint data is disclosed (120). The method comprises reading fingerprint data (115), matching the read fingerprint data to stored fingerprint data (120), the stored fingerprint data having an associated task (125), and perorming the task. The associated task is part of a chain of tasks that are automatically executed when the read Fingerprint data (115) is matched to the stored fingerprint data (120). preferably, at least one taks has associated user profile data that is used to perform the task. An electronic device that can e controlled in accordance with the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a personl computer, a personal digital assistant, and a remote controlled device.

Description

SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF FINGER INITIATED ACTIONS

Related Application This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the co-pending U.S. provisional application Serial Number 60/540,950, filed on January 29, 2004, and titled "SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF FINGER INITIATED ACTIONS." The provisional application Serial Number 60/540,950, filed on January 29, 2004, and titled "SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF FINGER INITIATED ACTIONS" is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to device controllers. More specifically, this invention relates to device controllers that use fingerprints to automatically perform tasks on an electronic device.

Background of the Invention Electronic computing platforms are used in every aspect of our daily lives. Devices such as personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, portable game consoles, remote controls, and digital cameras all provide multiple functions and services on which we depend heavily. To use services available on these platforms, however, a user typically must make a series of inputs or selections. For example, a personal computer user must find the icon of an application and double click on it to launch the application; a mobile phone user must enter the destination phone number and then press the send button to make a phone call; an e-mail user must enter her user name and password to access her e-mail account. When the same services are used or the same phone numbers are dialed every day, users often look for more convenient solutions. Shortcuts are used to reduce the number of steps and to simplify the steps required by a user to perform a task on an electronic device. For example, shortcut links are placed on the desktop of a personal computer; PDA's have a shortcut button to launch a calendar application; mobile phones support speed dial phone numbers. To many users, even shortcuts are not convenient enough. Short cuts on the desktop of a personal computer still require the user to move a pointer to select and launch a software application. The speed dial function of mobile phones still requires users to push at least 2 or 3 buttons. Users often forget the sequence of keystrokes or mouse clicks that provide a short cut. Moreover, these keypads and mice require valuable space, a disadvantage especially on portable electronic devices. Accordingly, what is needed is a system for and a method of executing tasks on an electronic device using a minimal footprint. What is also needed is a system for and a method of executing tasks on an electronic device using a minimal amount of entries, such as keystrokes or button presses. What is also needed is a system for and a method of authenticating a user before allowing him or her to perform tasks on an electronic device, using a minimal number of entries.

Brief Summary of the Invention A fingerprint control system provides a method of and system for reading a biometric image and performing an associated task having a chain of tasks. The task can include launching a computer program, such as an executable file, a macro, and a script; executing a function on an electronic device; or any combination of these. In a first aspect of the present invention, a method of performing a task on an electronic device comprises matching read biometric data to stored biometric data having a corresponding task comprising a first chain of tasks and automatically performing the corresponding task on the electronic device. Preferably, the biometric data comprises fingerprint data. The corresponding task is selected from a plurality of tasks that the electronic device is configured to perform. The corresponding task has optional parameters. In one embodiment, automatically performing a task comprises retrieving user profile data corresponding to a user and the task, and using the user profile data to perform the task. The user profile data comprises a telephone number and the corresponding task comprises dialing the telephone number. Alternatively, the user profile data comprises login information for accessing a host system and the corresponding task comprises transmitting the login information to the host system. The corresponding task comprises accessing a resource over a network such as a local area network or the Internet. A task in the first chain of tasks comprises encrypting the login information before transmitting the login information to the host system. The corresponding task comprises an interactive task. In one embodiment, performing the corresponding task comprises executing a computer game, remotely controlling a remote-controlled system, or performing a non- inherent function of the electronic device. Preferably, the corresponding task further comprises a second chain of tasks. In one embodiment, the first chain of tasks and the second chain of tasks are performed in parallel. In one embodiment, the method further comprises reading biometric data. Reading biometric data comprises reading data captured during a fmger placement on a fingerprint image sensor. Alternatively, reading biometric data comprises reading data captured during a fmger swipe over a fingerprint image sensor, h one embodiment, matching biometric data to stored biometric data comprises identifying a direction of the finger swipe, a first direction having the corresponding task and a second direction having a different corresponding task. Matching read biometric data to stored biometric data comprises determining whether a threshold number of points of read fingerprint data coincide with a number of points of stored fingerprint data. Preferably, the electronic device is portable, such as a personal digital assistant, a telephone, or any other hand-held device. Alternatively, the electronic device comprises a personal computer, a remote controller, a security system, a television set, an audio player, a game device, or any combination of these. In another embodiment, the stored biometric data is an ordered set of biometric data, such as a permutation of biometric data or a combination of biometric data. The read biometric data must also be a permutation or a combination of biometric data in order to match the stored biometric data. In another embodiment, the corresponding task relates to a context of an application executing on the electronic device. The stored biometric data corresponds to one set of stored biometric data from a plurality of sets of stored biometric data from a plurality of users. In a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device comprises (a) a biometric sensor for reading biometric data; (b) a memory storing a plurality of stored biometric data each having a corresponding task identifier used to perform a corresponding task, at least one task comprising a chain of tasks; and (c) a processor coupled to both the biometric sensor and the memory, the processor configured to match read biometric data with stored biometric data and to automatically perform a corresponding task on the electronic device. Preferably, the biometric sensor comprises a fingerprint image sensor, such as a placement sensor or a swipe sensor. In one embodiment, the swipe sensor is configured to detect a direction of a swipe, a first direction having a first task identifier and a second direction having a second task identifier. In one embodiment, the memory is further configured so that a task identifier also has user profile data corresponding to a user and the task. The task identifier has optional parameters. The corresponding task relates to a context of an application executing on the electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device further comprises a telephone operatively coupled to the processor. The user profile data comprises a telephone number and the corresponding task comprises dialing the telephone number on the telephone. The electronic device further comprises a link to a network, such as the Internet. The user profile data comprises a resource locator, and the corresponding task comprises connecting the electronic device to a host identified by the resource locator and accessible over the network. In one embodiment, the link comprises a wireless transmitter. The fingerprint image sensor comprises a thermal sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, or a capacitive sensor. Preferably, the processor is configured to execute two tasks in parallel. In a third aspect of the present invention, a method of initializing an electronic device comprises reading biometric data, storing the biometric data, and mapping the stored biometric data to a chain of tasks that are automatically performed on an electronic device.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of a fingerprint control system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows an array used to store fingerprint images and to associate each fingerprint image with a task and the task's parameters in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by a fingerprint control system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by a fingerprint control system to perform the task of automatically logging into an e-mail server in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by a fingerprint control system to perform the task of automatically dialing a telephone number in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps used to enroll a fingerprint image in a fingerprint control system and to associate a task with the fingerprint image in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a screen shot of a display screen schematically illustrating a plurality of hands each having a highlighted finger and the associated task for each highlighted finger. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating relationships between engines used to set up and run a fingerprint control system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps used to spawn child processes so that multiple tasks can be performed concurrently. Figure 10 is a graph showing a parent task that automatically spawns children tasks, each children task in a chain of tasks.

Detailed Description of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a fingerprint image can be used to initiate one or more associated tasks on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device reads a fingerprint image and performs a specific task associated with a fingerprint image. Thus, for example, if the electronic device is a personal computer (PC), when a user places or swipes her index finger on a fingerprint sensor coupled to or part of the PC, the PC launches a web browser; when the user places or swipes her thumb on the fingerprint sensor, the PC connects to the e-mail account of the user; when the user places or swipes her ring finger on the fingerprint sensor, the PC runs a calculator program. Thus, each fingerprint image can be used to perform tasks on an electronic device. Likewise, a pair of fingerprint images can be used to perform a task on the electronic device. If a single fmger is used, ten unique tasks can be performed. If a pair of fingerprint images are used, up to one hundred unique tasks can be performed. As used herein, a task is any operation on an electronic device. Thus, the performance of a task includes, but is not limited to, (1) the execution of an inherent function of an electronic device, such as copying on a photocopier; (2) the launching of a program, such as a Web browser, e-mail program, or electronic calculator, that is not specific or inherent to a particular electronic device, including interactive programs; (3) any performance of one or more steps on the electronic device to perform any operation; or (4) any combination or permutation of the above. Thus, a task can include the inherent function of powering ON an electronic device, launching a Web browser to connect to a remote host machine, and automatically transmitting a user name and password to the host machine to log on to the host machine. The words "tasks" and "actions" are used interchangeably herein. As used herein, the term "computer program" refers to executable files, scripts, macros, and any sequence of instructions that can control the performance of tasks on an electronic device. Embodiments of the present invention thus advantageously (1) reduce the number of entries that a user must make to perform a task-rather than entering numerous keystrokes to connect to an e-mail account, a single finger placement or swipe can accomplish the same task; (2) reduce the footprint of an electronic device since keypads, function buttons, joy sticks, and mice can be replaced with a fingerprint image sensor; (3) reduce the complexity of user interfaces since a user does not have to remember keystrokes, logon information, or other information needed to perform a task; and (4) increase the security of electronic devices since, using a fingerprint, a user can be authenticated each time she requests that a task be performed so that the authentication and the performance of the task can be accomplished using a s single finger swipe or placement. Embodiments of the present invention accomplish any one or more of these results. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fingerprint control system 100 in accordance with the present invention. The fingerprint control system 100 comprises a central processing unit 110 electronically coupled to a fingerprint sensor 115, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, and an input unit 135. The storage unit 120 comprises a mapping store 125 containing fingerprint mapping information, such as the task information and associated parameters described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the fingerprint control system 100 can be a stand-alone system comprising an electronic device or can be coupled to an external electronic device (not shown) and used to control the external electronic device as described below. The fingerprint sensor 115 is used to read the image of a fingerprint placed upon it. The fingerprint sensor 115 can be a placement sensor or a swipe sensor. Placement sensors require a user to place her finger on a reading surface of the fingerprint sensor until a fingerprint image is captured. Placement sensors are designed to actively sense the entire surface of a finger at once. Placement sensors can be based on optical, thermal, pressure, electrical, or other sensing means. In general placement sensors are designed to have a reading surface with an area as large as the pad of a typical human finger, typically 15 mm². It will be appreciated that the area of the reading surface in accordance with the present invention can be larger or smaller than 15 mm². Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor 115 can be a swipe sensor. In general, swipe sensors are fully sized in one direction (typically in width) but abbreviated in the other (typically in height). Swipe sensors are thus configured to sense only a small rectangular portion of a finger at any one time. To capture a fingeφrint image, a user needs to swipe his fmger over the sensor. Swipe sensors are especially suitable for portable devices because they are smaller than placement sensors. Methods of and systems for fingeφrint sensing are described in detail in the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10/194,994, filed July 12, 2002, and titled "Method and System for Biometric Image Assembly from Multiple Partial Biometric Frame Scans," and in the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10/099,558, filed March 13, 2002, and titled "Fingeφrint Biometric Capture Device and Method with Integrated On-Chip Data Buffering," both of which are hereby incoφorated by reference in their entireties. In the preferred embodiment, the fingeφrint sensor is a ATW100 capacitive swipe sensor by Atrua Technologies, Inc., at 1696 Dell Avenue, Campbell, California 95008. It will be appreciated that any sensor technology can be used in accordance with the present invention. The input device 135 is used to input information, such as task information, into the fingeφrint control system 100. For example, as described in more detail below, an administrator or user may use the input device to enter a user name and password associated with a fingeφrint image. Thus, for example, when a user places her thumb on the fingeφrint sensor 115, a Web browser is opened, a connection made to an e-mail server, and the user name and password are automatically transmitted to the e-mail server so that an e-mail session is automatically initiated for the user. The input device can be used to type in the task information associated with her thumb print. Such task information can include (1) parameters such as a user name and password and (2) the name or memory address of one or more programs that launch a Web browser, connect to an e-mail server, and transmit the user name and password combination. The input device 135 can be any type of device for inputting information including, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, and a port for receiving information from an electronic device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). When entering the task information, such as a user name and password, into the fingeφrint control system 100, the typed information can be displayed on the display unit 130. It will be appreciated that the input device 135 and the display unit 130 are typically used only when the fingeφrint control system 100 is being initialized, such as described in Figure 6, and thus both are optional and can be absent when the fingeφrint control system 100 is used in normal operation, such as performing a task. The storage unit 120 comprises a fingeφrint mapping store 125 used to store fingeφrint mapping information. As described in more detail below, the fingeφrint mapping information comprises a plurality of fingeφrint images, their associated tasks, and the parameters used by the tasks. Thus, when the fingeφrint sensor 115 reads a fingeφrint image (the read fingeφrint image), a control program executed by the CPU 110 compares the read fingeφrint image to fingeφrint images stored in the fingeφrint mapping store 125. These stored fingeφrint images are referred to as "enrolled fingeφrint images" or "stored fingeφrint images." When the control program matches the read fingeφrint image to an stored fingeφrint image, the CPU 110 will execute the tasks associated with the matched stored fingeφrint image, using the associated parameters, if any. In a preferred embodiment, the fingeφrint mapping information is stored in a fingeφrint array (table) where the index or key is a fingeφrint image and the associated task is the value for the array. Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a fingeφrint array, described in more detail below. Using a fmgeφrint array, the control program can quickly associate a fingeφrint image to its corresponding task. The electronic device to be controlled by the fingeφrint control system 100 can include the same hardware as the fingeφrint control system 100. Thus, for example, if the electronic device is a PC, the PC can also comprise one or more of the CPU 110, the fingeφrint sensor 115, the storage 120, the display 130, and the input device 135. The CPU 110 can execute fingeφrint operations as well as other application programs. Similarly, if the electronic device is a telephone, the fingeφrint control system 100 can reside on and form part of the telephone. Thus, the fingeφrint sensor 115 can be integrated into a telephone case, the display 130 can be a telephone liquid crystal display unit, and the input 135 can be the telephone keypad. Alternatively, the fmgeφrint control system 100 can reside on hardware separate from the electronic device it controls. Thus, for example, if the electronic device is a coffee maker, the fingeφrint control system can be electronically coupled to the coffee maker. Thus, a user can use the fingeφrint control system 100 to launch a program, and the program can send control signals to the coffee maker, thereby controlling the coffee maker. It will be appreciated that the fingeφrint control system 100 can be coupled to the electronic device in any number of ways, depending on the application at hand. The fingeφrint control system 100 can be directly coupled to the electronic device using control wires. Alternatively, the fingeφrint control system 100 can be coupled to the electronic device over a local area network, using for example the Ethernet protocol, or over a wide area network, using, for example, TCP/IP. Also, the fingeφrint control system 100 can be wirelessly coupled to the electronic device using radio or infrared signals. It will also be appreciated that the electronic device can also be coupled to a remote host using, for example, a wireless transmitter or a wireless transceiver. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a fingeφrint array 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The fingeφrint array 200 comprises rows 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 and columns 201, 204, and 206. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the are that rows and columns are representative only. Any other database technique can be used with equal success. The column 201 contains multiple fingeφrint images, 211, 221, 231,241 and 251. The column 204 contains associated tasks (here, scripts or executable files). The column 206 contains any parameters for each associated task. In one embodiment, the parameters are input to the programs or scripts shown in the column 204. The row 210 contains the stored fingeφrint image 211, its associated task 214, and the parameter list 216 used to perform the associated task 214. In this example, the associated task 214 contains the PERL script email.pls, which is used to access an email account. Of course, any other software language can be used. The parameter list 216 contains a first element, "John Doe", and a second element, "passwordl". The performance of a task to access an email account using the associated task 214 and its parameter list 216 are described in detail relative to Figure 4 below, describing the steps performed to execute a task when a read fmgeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 211. The first element, "John Doe", and the second element, "passwordl", are one example of what are referred to as user profile data, that is, data specific to a fingeφrint image (or other fingeφrint data) and used to perform a task. The row 220 contains the stored fingeφrint image 221 and its associated task 224. The empty cell 226 indicates that no parameters are required to perform the associated task 224. The associated task 224 comprises one operation executed by the Visual BASIC script calc.vbs, which launches a calculator, allowing a user to perform mathematical operations on the electronic device. Thus, when a read fingeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 221, the control program launches (e.g., calls) calc.vbs, which displays a calculator GUI on a display device (e.g., 130, Figure 1). The user can then enter onto an input device (e.g., 135, Figure 1) operands in a mathematical equation, which the calculator computes and displays an answer. The row 230 contains the stored fingeφrint image 231, its associated task 234, and the parameter 236 used to perform the associated task 234. The associated task 234 is performed by launching the executable file "Wordprocessor.exe". In this example, when a read fingeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 231, the control program calls Wordprocessor.exe, which presents a user interface to a word processor, such as Wordperfect, Word, vi, or any other kind of word processor. The parameter 236 passed to the word processing program, "Font=τoman; size=12" can be used to automatically set the font style to "Roman" and the size (point) to "12". The parameter 236 can be passed to the word processing program in a variety of ways. For example, the parameters 236 can be sent to the word processing in a macro that is automatically called, by a template, by a style sheet, or by any other means. The row 240 contains the stored fingeφrint image 241, its associated task 244, and parameter 246 used by the associated task 254. The associated task 224 is performed by the PERL script phone.pls. The parameter 256 comprises the string "10102504085551212" designating a calling card code and a telephone number. Thus, when a read fmgeφrint image matches the fingeφrint image 241, the control program calls phone.pls to launch a telephone program that dials the digits "10102504085551212". In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 describes the tasks executed when a read fingeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 241. The row 250 contains the fingeφrint image 251, its associated task 254, and the parameter list 256 used by the associated task 254. The associated task 254 is performed by the PERL scripts ftp.pls and email.pls. The first element of the parameter list 256 comprises the string "http://www.site.com" , and the second element of the parameter list 256 comprises the string "joe(g),vahoo.com." In this example, when a read fingeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 251, the control program calls the program ftp.pls and passes it the first element of the parameter list 256 "http://www.site.com" to download a file from the Web site "http://www.site.com" using the file transfer protocol. The control program then attaches the file to an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address stored in the second element of the parameter list 256, "ioe@,yahoo.com", and then calls the script email.pls to send the e- mail. Thus, in this example, a file stored at a Web address and containing information that may be updated periodically can be automatically sent to a specific user. This example illustrates nested tasks, where one task can include the performance of multiple tasks, here the downloading of a file and the sending of the file by email. In this example, the task performed by the script ftp.pls is said to be chained to the task performed by the script email.pls. Preferably, fingeφrint data that uniquely identifies a fingeφrint image rather than an entire fingeφrint image is stored in the fingeφrint array 200. The fingeφrint data will correspond to a subset of the entire fingeφrint image, thus requiring less data storage. This fingeφrint data can correspond, for example, to multiple minutiae points for a fingeφrint. Thus, for example, when a fingeφrint image is read by a fingeφrint sensor, an extracted set of unique fingeφrint data is stored in a template. It will be appreciated that any reference herein to fingeφrint images will also correspond to fingeφrint data. It will be appreciated that fingeφrint images can be correlated to tasks using structures other than the fingeφrint array 200. Rather than storing fingeφrint images 211, 221, 231, 241, and 251 in the column 201, other fingeφrint identifiers that uniquely identify a fingeφrint image can be used. For example, rather than storing fingeφrint images in the array 200, pointers to fingeφrint images can be stored. The fingeφrint pointers can contain the address of fingeφrint images stored elsewhere in the storage 120 (Figure 1) or at other locations, as described below. In addition, fingeφrint images, associated tasks and their parameters can be stored in other data structures such as a hash (associative array), with each fingeφrint image as a key, and the corresponding tasks and parameters as values. Alternatively, the fingeφrint image and corresponding tasks and parameters can be stored in a database. Many structures can be used, depending on the application at hand. For example, if the electronic device is a PC, then a database and its associated database management system can be used in conjunction with the control program. If the electronic device is smaller, such as a PDA, and has less memory, an array can be used. Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps 300 taken by a control program in accordance with the present invention and used to perform a task after a fingeφrint image is read from the fingeφrint sensor 115 of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, in the start step 301, the fingeφrint sensor 115 and any data and variables used by the control program are initialized. Next, in the step 305, the user swipes or places her fmger on the fingeφrint sensor 115. Next, in the step 310, the control program determines whether the image quality of the read (scanned) fingeφrint image is acceptable. If it is not, the user is prompted (for example on the display device 130) to again swipe or place her finger on the fingeφrint sensor 115. Alternatively, if an optional display is absent the unit can beep or blink on LED to signal the user. The control program then loops back to the step 305. It will be appreciated that the control program can be configured to allow only a pre-determined number of unacceptable images to be scanned. After this limit is reached, the control program can alert the user that the fingeφrint sensor 115 is dirty or damaged. If it is determined in the step 310 that the quality of the read fmgeφrint image is acceptable, the control program continues to the step 315, where it compares the read fingeφrint image with the stored fingeφrint images in the column 201 of the fingeφrint array 200 of Figure 2. Fingeφrint images can be compared sequentially or using some weight based on the number of times a particular fingeφrint was matched in earlier sessions. A stored fingeφrint image (and thus a corresponding task) may match more often (e.g., corresponding to a popular task) and thus will first be compared with other stored fingeφrint images. By comparing a read fingeφrint image first with an often accessed fingeφrint image, the average number of comparisons on a fingeφrint control system can be reduced. Next, in the step 320, the control program checks whether the read fingeφrint image matches the current candidate stored fingeφrint image. If a match is not found, the control program proceeds to the step 305. If a match was found (e.g., matching the read fingeφrint image to the stored fingeφrint image 211), the control program continues processing at the step 325. At the step 325, the control program retrieves the corresponding task (e.g., the script email.pls in the field 214) and the corresponding parameters (e.g., the parameter list 216). Next, in the step 330, the control program performs the corresponding task (e.g., calls or launches the script email.pls) using the corresponding parameters (e.g., the user name "John Doe" and the password "passwordl"). It will be appreciated that executing one task can comprise executing one or more tasks in a task chain. Next, in the step 325, the control program ENDS. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a "test" fingeφrint image (also referred to as a "read fingeφrint image" or a "candidate fingeφrint image") is compared to a fingeφrint images in a set of stored fingeφrint images. The read fingeφrint image is read when a user places or swipes her finger on a fingeφrint sensor. The read fingeφrint image may not exactly match any image in the set of stored fingeφrint images. Therefore, the candidate fingeφrint image is compared to all of the stored fingeφrint images to compute a matching score, a number reflecting the number of matching minutiae points. The stored fingeφrint image with the highest match score is considered the best match, as long as the score is above a predetermined match threshold. If it is not above this threshold, none of the stored fingeφrint images is considered a match. The threshold is required because some security systems cannot be sure whether an impostor is trying to fool it. In certain circumstances the cost of illicit access can be excessively high (hence the need for fingeφrints in the first place). In low-security systems, the match threshold can be made artificially low, so that the best matching fingeφrint image is always selected. In this way, fingeφrint images that might not match with a higher threshold (due to noise, for instance), will be properly matched at the lower threshold, thereby reducing user inconvenience due to system error. Such an approach is only acceptable if the fmger initiated actions do not need high security protection (e.g. the actions can be started in other ways with more steps or keystrokes). Figure 4 illustrates the steps 400 taken to perform the task of automatically logging a user into her e-mail account so that the logon page is automatically bypassed, and the command page is displayed. The steps 400 correspond to the step 330 in Figure 3 and are performed, for example, when a read fingeφrint image matches the stored fingeφrint image 211 in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, for this example, it is assumed that the stored fingeφrint image 211 is read by the fingeφrint sensor 115. First, in the Start step 401, the fmgeφrint sensor 115 and any data structures used by the control program are initialized. Next, in the step 410 the a Web browser is automatically launched on the user's electronic device. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for her e-mail account is automatically input into the address field of the Web browser in the step 415. In the step 420, the home page for the user's e-mail server is received and displayed on the user's electronic device. Next, in the step 425, the user's login ID ("John Doe", the first element in the parameter list 216) and password ("passwordl", the second element in the parameter list 216) are automatically input into the appropriate fields of the e-mail home page. The SUBMIT command is then automatically invoked in the step 430. The user's mailbox can then be manipulated in the step 435, either manually, by the user, or automatically, by software in accordance with the present invention. The mailbox can be manipulated by, for example, displaying messages from the user's e-mail account, automatically composing a new e-mail message, allowing the user to compose a new e-mail or delete an old one. The process ends in the step 440 when, for example, the user logs off from her e-mail account. It will be appreciated that a user can access her mailbox or e-mail account in accordance with the present invention in other ways. For example, the control program can call other software, such as Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), which allows a user to seamlessly manipulate e-mail accounts and mailboxes. The control program can invoke a Web browser and post an HTML form to automatically log on to an e-mail server to access her account. The user can manipulate her e-mail account without using a Web browser, by using, for example, a command line such as used in the UNIX environment. It will be appreciated that user name, passwords, and other secured information can be used in other environments in accordance with the present invention, such as with online banking or other online purchasing where credit card and other confidential information can be transmitted. Figure 5 illustrates the steps 500 used to perform the task of automatically dialing (i.e., speed dialing) a telephone number in accordance with the present invention. The steps 500 correspond to the step 330 in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, for this example, it is assumed that the fingeφrint image 241 is read by the fingeφrint sensor 115. The control program launches the PERL script phone.pls, passing it the parameter "10102504085551212". The PERL script phone.pls then executes the tasks displayed in the steps 500. First, in the start step 501, the fingeφrint sensor 115 and any data structures used by the PERL script phone.pls are initialized. Next, in the step 505, the control program turns the electronic device (here, a telephone) ON. Next, in the step 510, phone.pls reads the parameters 246, the sequence of digits "10102504085551212" containing a calling card code and a telephone number. Next, in the step 520, phone.pls sequentially transmits the digits to a tone generator in the telephone, thus automatically dialing the calling card code and the telephone number. Next, in the step 530, the process ends. Figure 6 illustrates the steps 600 performed by an Enrollment Program to store fingeφrint images and their associated tasks and parameters in the electronic device 100 (Figure 1) during a set up process. The Enrollment Program starts in the START step 601. The START step 601 can be entered in a variety of ways, such as by pressing a START button (not shown) on the input device 135 of Figure 1. Next, in the step 605, the user is prompted to select a task, which in turn can execute a chain of tasks. Tasks can be presented in a number of ways. For example, a user can be presented with a menu of tasks on the display device 130, any number of which can be selected by, for example, entering a selected task on the input device 135. In addition, a user can type in the name of a script (e.g., phone.pls in the array cell 244 of Figure 2) and its associated parameters (e.g., "10102504085551212" in the array cell 246 in Figure 2). Next, in the step 610, the Enrollment Program checks whether the selected task has already been associated with a fingeφrint image. The Enrollment Program can do this by, for example, parsing the column 204 in Figure 2 to see whether any of the tasks stored there correspond to the task selected in the step 605. If the selected task corresponds to a fingeφrint image in the fingeφrint array 200, then the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 615; otherwise the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 620. In the step 615, the Enrollment Program prompts the user whether she would like to change the mapping (association) currently stored in the fingeφrint array 200. Preferably, the system of the present invention disallows two fingeφrint images from mapping to the same task. It will be appreciated, however, that two fingers can be mapped to the same task. If the user would not like to remap the action already stored in the fingeφrint array 200, the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 605; otherwise, the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 620. In the step 620, the user is prompted to select a finger that she will later swipe and whose image will be mapped to the selected task. The user can be prompted in a variety of ways. For example, she can be presented with a screen image (similar to column 201 in Figure 4) of fingers and a means (e.g., mouse click or keypad entry) for selecting one of the fingers presented. Next, in the step 630, the user swipes (or places) her finger on the fingeφrint sensor 115, and in the step 635 the Enrollment Program checks whether the fingeφrint image quality is acceptable. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this can be accomplished in many ways, such as by ensuring an adequate number of dark ridges. If the fingeφrint image quality is acceptable, the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 640; otherwise the Enrollment Program proceeds to the step 630. In the step 640, the Enrollment Program stores in the fingeφrint array 200 the fingeφrint image, its corresponding task, and the tasks corresponding parameters. Next, in the step 645, the Enrollment Program ENDs. Figure 7 is a screen shot 700 of a display showing the relationship between fingers (and thus fingeφrint images) and the corresponding tasks. Embodiments of the present invention can display the screen shot 700 to remind a user of the tasks associated with each fmger. For example, referring to Figure 1, by pressing a button on the input device 135, the screen shot can be displayed on the display unit 130. The screen shot 700 shows that when the user swipes her right pinkie fmger on the fingeφrint sensor 115, a Web browser is automatically launched; when she swipes her right ring finger, an e-mail program is automatically launched; when she swipes her middle finger, a calculator program is automatically launched; when she swipes her right index finger, a word processor is automatically launched; and when she swipes her right thumb, a telephone number is automatically dialed. Figure 8 illustrates the relationship between the elements of a fingeφrint control system 800 comprising a fingeφrint reader 845, an initialization program 825, a fingeφrint array 835, and a control program 840. The initialization program 825 comprises an Enrollment engine 810, a Task Definition engine 820, and a Task Configuration engine 815. The fingeφrint array 835 contains a column of 10 fingeφrint images labeled A through J (also referred to as row A through row J, respectively). Each fingeφrint image has associated with it a task chain. The task chain corresponds to multiple tasks that are executed by the control program 840 when a fingeφrint image read by the fingeφrint reader 845 matches a fingeφrint image stored in the fingeφrint array 835. Preferably, read fingeφrint data (e.g., minutiae points) are compared to fingeφrint data stored in the fingeφrint array 835. The row A has associated with it the chain of tasks (e.g., executable files or a scripts) Al, A2, and A3. Each task Al, A2, and A3 can have one or more parameters associated with it. The result of each task depends on the values of these parameters. It will also be appreciated that while Figure 8 shows a linear (one-dimensional) task chain Al, A2, and A3, such that task Al is performed, followed by task A2 and then task A3, tasks can also be performed in parallel. Thus, for example, when a read fingeφrint image matches the fingeφrint image A, a first task Al and a second task Al 1 (not shown) can be performed in parallel, thus allowing for the performance of tasks in a two-dimensional manner. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, tasks can be performed linearly (e.g., sequentially) and in parallel (e.g., concurrently). It will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, tasks can be executed in many dimensions. One such embodiment is illustrated in Figure 10. It will also be appreciated that a task in a task chain can be performed when called (e.g., launched) by a control program, when called by another task (e.g., program performing a task) in the task chain, or in any other manner. Figure 8 also shows two hands having associated fingers and their corresponding fingeφrint images 860A through 860J. The fingeφrint image corresponding to the fmger 860A is stored in the fingeφrint array 835 at the location A; the fingeφrint image corresponding to the fmger 860B is stored in the fingeφrint array 835 at the location B; etc. As shown in Figure 8, when the user chooses to enroll a fingeφrint image into the fingeφrint control system 800, the Enrollment engine 810 is executed. The Enrollment engine 810 processes a fingeφrint image captured by the fingeφrint scanner 845 and passes the fingeφrint image, a pointer to a memory location containing the fingeφrint image, or any other fingeφrint image identifier to the Task Configuration engine 815. A Task Definition (i.e., associated tasks or programs) are then supplied to the Task Definition engine 820. In one embodiment, the user types tasks using the an input device such as the input device 135 shown in Figure 1. The Task Configuration engine 815 then stores the fingeφrint image identifier (e.g., a fingeφrint image, fingeφrint minutiae points, pointer to fingeφrint minutiae points) into the first column of a row in the Fingeφrint Array 835 (e.g. A) and then stores the task chain (e.g., action sequence) and their associated parameters in the remaining elements in the row (e.g., Al, A2, and A3). It will be appreciated that a fingeφrint image can have any number of tasks in its respective task chain. Thus, for example, the fingeφrint image B has four tasks B1-B4 in its task chain; the fingeφrint image C has one task Cl in its task chain; etc. Each task in a task chain has any number of optional parameters. Parameters can include those used to perform a task (e.g., execute a program) regardless of the fingeφrint data that are matched, or those used when particular fingeφrint data are read (e.g., user profile data), or any combination of these. In one embodiment, the fingeφrint array 835 and the initialization program 825 can both reside in a single memory storage, such as the storage 120 in Figure 1. It will be appreciated, however, that the fingeφrint array 835 and the initialization program 825 can reside on different storage devices at different locations. For example, the initialization program 825 can reside on an electronic device (not shown) and the fingeφrint array 835 can be coupled to the electronic device over a network. The initialization program 825 is not required after the set up process. In one embodiment, fingeφrint images are stored on a storage device in encrypted form, thus adding an additional level of security. It will be appreciated that other modifications can be made to this embodiment in accordance with the present invention. For example, the read fingeφrint can be compared to decoded stored fingeφrint images, though such a modification will require multiple decryptions and thus may take longer. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to launch any number of tasks. For example, if the electronic device (e.g., platform) is a personal computer, the left index finger can launch a browser and bring up a web site, while the right middle fmger can launch an email program. If the platform is a mobile phone, the middle finger can trigger the phone to speed dial the home phone number of the user. If the platform is a game device, the thumb can launch a particular game to play on the game device. If the platform is a television remote control, the index finger can launch a program to switch to a parent-controlled channel while the last finger will turn off the television. If the platform is an automatic coffee maker, the right thumb can perform the inherent function of turning the automatic coffee maker ON and then launch a program that causes the coffee maker to brew a cup of cappuccino; if the right index finger is swiped, the program can direct the coffee maker to prepares a cup of mocha. If the platform is a MP3 player, swiping the right index fmger will direct the MP3 player to play the second song on a disc. If an electronic device is part of a high security environment, a user will normally swipe his left index fmger to pass a security checkpoint. If he is under duress or danger, he will swipe his left middle finger to pass the security checkpoint and also indicate a potential danger. In sum, any number of electronic devices can be controlled with embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the present invention is independent of device types and operating systems. It can work with all types of fingeφrint authentication solutions and all types of finger image sensors (e.g. capacitive, optical, thermal, pressure, etc.), swipe or placement. The present invention can also be executed in specialized hardware or firmware instead of in software. Tasks or parts of a task can be implemented in software while other portions are implemented in firmware, hardware, software, or any combination of these. The control program can launch multiple tasks that run concurrently. Figure 9 illustrates the steps 900 taken by a parent program (e.g., process) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. First, in the step 901, the parent program initializes any parameters used to control the multiple processes, such as process identifiers (PIDs). Next, in the step 901, the parent program waits for a finger swipe on a fingeφrint sensor. The parent program can, for example, wait for a swipe event, be interrupted as part of an interrupt service routine triggered when a finger is swiped on a fingeφrint sensor, or triggered in other ways. Next, in the step 910, the parent program spawns a child process or thread, passing it the fingeφrint image identifier, such as a fingeφrint image or the address of a memory location containing the fingeφrint image. The child process then performs the tasks associated with the fingeφrint image, as illustrated, for example, in the steps 300 of Figure 3. The parent program then loops back to the step 905. Thus, in a windows environment, multiple windows for multiple tasks can be open at once in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that the parent program will perform other steps to perform steps of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a graph 920 illustrating how one task can automatically launch a plurality of tasks, each task being a part of a task chain, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, for example, when read fingeφrint data corresponds to stored fingeφrint data having an associated task 925, the associated task 925 launches the tasks (also referred to as sub tasks) 930A, 940A, 950A, and 960A. Each task 930A, 940A, 950A, and 960A can have any number of associated parameters (e.g., user profile data) that can be dependent on the stored fingeφrint data. Thus, in one embodiment, the task 930A can have a first element that corresponds to a script (e.g., 214 in Figure 2) and a second element that corresponds to the parameters used by the script (e.g., 216 in Figure 2). For the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the tasks 930A, 940A, 950A, and 960A are launched concurrently and can execute in parallel. Still referring to Figure 10, the task 940A in turn calls the task 940B, which in turn calls the task 940C. The tasks 940B and 940C also both have optional parameters. The task 940A can call the task 940B just before the task 940A completes so that the tasks 940A and 940B are not executing in parallel. Alternatively, the task 940A can call the task 940B at another time, so that the tasks are executing in parallel. The tasks 940A and 940B, as well as the other tasks illustrated in Figure 10, can also be coordinated so that they can share data. For example, the task 940A can read stock data on a Web page, and then pass the stock data to the task 940B, which includes the data in an e-mail to a user, thereby notifying the user of changes in stock prices. In a similar manner, the task 950A calls the task 950B. The task 960A calls the task 960B, which calls the task 960C, which calls the task 960D. The tasks 925 and 930A are said to form a first task chain, the tasks 925, 940A, 940B, and 940C are said to form a second task chain, the tasks 925, 950A, and 950B are said to form a third task chain, and the tasks 925, 960A, 960B, 960C, and 960D are said to form a fourth task chain. It will be appreciated that one or more of the tasks (e.g., 930A, 940A-C, 940A-B, and 960A-D) can each be a parent task, launching one or more parallel tasks such as done by 925. In this way, an n-dimensional chain can be formed with concurrently executing tasks. Multiple users may share the electronic device 100 of Figure 1. In such case, the electronic device 100 can have separate profiles for each user. Each profile will consist of the enrolled fingeφrint data (e.g., minutiae points) and the mapping information (e.g., associated tasks and their parameters) of the user. Different users enroll their fingers and associated tasks and parameters. Since fingeφrint authentication is technically reliable, a fingeφrint image from a user will not trigger the performance of a task associated with the fingeφrint image of another user. It will be appreciated that the fmgeφrint array 200 can hold fingeφrint images from one person or more than one person. Thus, multiple persons can use a single fingeφrint control system in accordance with the present invention, with each person's fmgeφrints mapping to particular tasks. Thus, one person's right index fingeφrint image can map to the task of opening a Web browser and a second person's right index fingeφrint image can map to the task of automatically logging in to the second person's e-mail account. It will be appreciated that fingeφrint data do not have to be stored in user profiles. In an alternative embodiment, fingeφrint images of all users are stored together in a single file. When more than one user has fingeφrint images enrolled in a fingeφrint control system, one or more fingeφrint arrays can be used to store fingeφrint images and their mapping information, the associated tasks and parameters. In one embodiment, each user each has a corresponding fingeφrint array. When a user first swipes his finger on the fingeφrint reader, all subsequent fingeφrint images (until he logs out) are compared to fingeφrint images stored in that user's corresponding fingeφrint array. When a second user logs in to the fingeφrint control system, all subsequent fingeφrint images (until she logs out) are compared to fmgeφrint images stored in her corresponding fingeφrint array. In this embodiment, fewer fingeφrint images (e.g., entries in the fingeφrint array) must be compared before finding the best match. In a second embodiment, all of the fingeφrint images are stored in a single fingeφrint array. In this embodiment, users do not have to log in and out. Instead, when a finger is swiped, the captured fingeφrint image is compared against all of the fingeφrint images in the single fingeφrint array to determine the best match. It will be appreciated that other methods and structures for storing and comparing fingeφrint images can be used in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, ten tasks can be performed by a single user, one for each fmger. Another embodiment expands the number of action sequences by mapping permutations of fingeφrint images. If two fingeφrint images are required to start an action sequence, then the maximum number of tasks that can be performed is 10² or 100. The two images may come from the same finger or different fingers of the same person. For example, a user may define the sequence of fingeφrint images for her left small fmger followed by her right small fmger to map to the action sequence that turns OFF the electronic device. The associated tasks will be appropriately mapped to allow users to link and map multiple fmger images to an action sequence. In general, the number of action sequence equals 10ⁿ, where n is the required number of finger images to start a task. It will be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention, tasks can be nested using combinations or permutations of fingeφrint images to perform a particular task. Thus, for example, a fingeφrint control system in accordance with the present invention can associate the combination of swiping the user's ring finger followed by the swiping of her thumb to perform a certain task. The combination of the ring fmger and the thumb, in any order, can thus be used to perform the task. Alternatively, the fingeφrint control system can associate permutations of finger swipes to unique tasks. Thus, the swiping of a ring finger followed by a thumb can associate with (e.g., trigger) one task, but the swiping of a thumb followed by a ring finger can associate with a second task, different from the first. It will be appreciated that any level of nesting can be used. In another embodiment, requiring that multiple people authorize a particular task, at least one fingeφrint image from two or more people can be required. Thus, for example, a task will be performed only if a first person swipes her thumb on a fingeφrint sensor and then a second person swipes his index fmger on the fingeφrint sensor. In this way, an added level of security is added. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a fingeφrint sensor is configured to detect the direction of a fingeφrint swipe. Most swipe sensors require that a finger be swiped in a direction peφendicular to the length of the swipe sensor surface. The swipe sensor can capture fingeφrint images in either swipe direction, and can tell which direction a fmger has been swiped. Using a direction sensitive swipe sensor, a finger can map to two different tasks or action sequences, depending on the swipe direction, thus increasing the number of tasks that can be mapped to a user's set of fingeφrint images. Thus, since a single fingeφrint image can map to two tasks, depending on the swipe direction, two fingeφrint images can map to four tasks. Ten fingeφrint images can map to twenty tasks. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the same fmgeφrint image is mapped to different tasks based upon the context. For example, on a personal computer, the context can be defined as the application that is currently active and occupying the Desktop. Thus, a fingeφrint image read when a text editor is active may launch the task of adding a signature at the cursor, but the same fingeφrint image read while a financial software application is running may launch the task of authorizing a transaction. As a second example, when the left index finger is detected, a mobile phone program can be launched to automatically dial the corresponding phone number. However, after the call is connected, detecting the same fingeφrint image will emit a series of DTMF tones that represent the calling card numbers. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the electronic device must support at least two contexts. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, swiping a fmger launches the combined tasks of granting a user access to the electronic device but also launches another application program. Thus, for example, a user who is computer illiterate or unable to type can start a computer and launch different applications depending on which finger is used for authentication. The user may use her left index fmger to start a computer with a browser pointing to the news, or she may use her right thumb to open the same computer and start with online radio. Thus, each fingeφrint image corresponds to a separate start-up profile of the user. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsWe claim:

1. A method of performing a task on an electronic device, the method comprising: a. matching read biometric data to stored biometric data, the stored biometric data having a corresponding task comprising a first chain of tasks; and b. automatically performing the corresponding task on the electronic device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the biometric data comprises fingeφrint data.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding task is selected from a plurality of tasks that the electronic device is configured to perform.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding task has optional parameters.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein automatically performing a task comprises retrieving user profile data corresponding to a user and the task, and using the user profile data to perform the task.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the user profile data comprises a telephone number and the corresponding task comprises dialing the telephone number.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the user profile data comprises login information for accessing a host system and the corresponding task comprises transmitting the login information to the host system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding task comprises accessing a resource over a network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein a task in the first chain of tasks comprises encrypting the login information before transmitting the login information to the host system.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the corresponding task comprises an interactive task.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the corresponding task comprises executing a computer game.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the corresponding task comprises remotely controlling a remote-controlled system.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding task comprises a non-inherent function of the electronic device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding task further comprises a second chain of tasks.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first chain of tasks and the second chain of tasks are performed in parallel.

17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising reading biometric data.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein reading biometric data comprises reading data captured during a fmger placement on a fingeφrint image sensor.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein reading biometric data comprises reading data captured during a fmger swipe over a fingeφrint image sensor.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein matching biometric data to stored biometric data comprises identifying a direction of the finger swipe, a first direction having the corresponding task and a second direction having a different corresponding task.

21. The method of claim 1 , wherein matching biometric data to stored biometric data comprises determining whether a threshold number of points of read fingeφrint data coincide with a number of points of stored fingeφrint data.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is portable.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the electronic device is hand held.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a personal computer.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a personal digital assistant.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a telephone.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a remote controller, a security system, a television set, an audio player, and a game device.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein the stored biometric data is an ordered set of biometric data.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the ordered set of biometric data is a permutation of biometric data.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the ordered set of biometric data is a combination of biometric data.

31. The method of claim 1 , wherein the corresponding task relates to a context of an application executing on the electronic device.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein the stored biometric data corresponds to one set of stored biometric data from a plurality of sets of stored biometric data from a plurality of users.

33. An electronic device comprising: a. a biometric sensor for reading biometric data; b. a memory storing a plurality of stored biometric data each having a corresponding task identifier used to perform a corresponding task, at least one task comprising a chain of tasks; and c. a processor coupled to both the biometric sensor and the memory, the processor configured to match read biometric data with stored biometric data and to automatically perform a corresponding task on the electronic device.

34. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the biometric sensor comprises a fingeφrint image sensor.

35. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor is a placement sensor.

36. The electronic device of claim 34, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor is a swipe sensor.

37. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the swipe sensor is configured to detect a direction of a swipe, a first direction having a first task identifier and a second direction having a second task identifier.

38. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the memory is further configured so that a task identifier also has user profile data corresponding to a user and the task.

39. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the task identifier has optional parameters.

40. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the corresponding task relates to a context of an application executing on the electronic device.

41. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the electronic device further comprises a telephone operatively coupled to the processor, the user profile data comprises a telephone number, and the corresponding task comprises dialing the telephone number on the telephone.

42. The electronic device of claim 38, wherein the electronic device further comprises a link to a network, the user profile data comprises a resource locator, and the corresponding task comprises connecting the electronic device to a host identified by the resource locator and accessible over the network.

43. The electronic device of claim 42, wherein the link comprises a wireless transmitter.

44. The electronic device of claim 43, wherein the network comprises the Internet.

45. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor comprises a thermal sensor.

46. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor comprises an optical sensor.

47. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

48. The electronic device of claim 36, wherein the fingeφrint image sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

49. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the processor is configured to execute two tasks in parallel.

50. The electronic device of claim 33, further comprising a personal computer.

51. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the electronic device is portable.

52. The electronic device of claim 51, wherein the electronic device is hand held.

53. The electronic device of claim 52, wherein the electronic device is a personal digital assistant.

54. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein the electronic device is a remote controller.

55. The electronic device of claim 33, wherein stored biometric data comprises an ordered set of biometric data.

56. The electronic device of claim 55, wherein the ordered set of biometric data comprises a permutation of biometric data.

57. The electronic device of claim 55, wherein the ordered set of biometric data comprises a combination of biometric data.

58. A method of initializing an electronic device, the method comprising: a. reading biometric data; b. storing the biometric data; and c. mapping the stored biometric data to a chain of tasks that are automatically performed on an electronic device.

59. The method of claim 58, further comprising storing user profile data for a task.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein the stored biometric data comprises an ordered set of biometric data.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the ordered set of biometric data is a permutation of biometric data.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the ordered set of biometric data is a combination of biometric data.

63. The method of claim 58, wherein reading biometric data comprises reading fingeφrint images corresponding to a plurality of users.

64. A method of performing a task on an electronic device, the method comprising: a. reading biometric data; b. matching the read biometric data to one of a plurality of stored biometric data, the one of the plurality of stored biometric data having a corresponding task selected from a pool of tasks, the pool of tasks comprising a first task performed by launching a computer program; and c. automatically performing the corresponding task on the electronic device.