Digital weight apparatus having a biometrics based security feature

Abstract

A programmable microprocessor-controlled weight device capable of storing a plurality of user profiles, each individual user profile comprising, a biometric identifier used for secured access to said individual user profile, measured information and, optionally, custom data The biometric identifier is preferably placed such that identification of the user is conveniently performed while the user is positioned for measurement on the weight device. The biometric identification data is used to scan the plurality of user profiles, determine whether the current user has a profile, or whether one must be created, and allows access to the user profile associated with the current user. Measured information and, optionally, custom data can then be loaded to and from the current user's profile. The information in a user's profile is, therefore, easily accessible by the proper user, and is securely maintained to prevent unauthorized access by others.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) is claimed herein to U.S. Provisional Application No.: 60 / 543,057, filed Feb. 9, 2004. The disclosure of the above referenced application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a device that is useful for weighing objects, such as a bathroom scale; that is capable of creating, storing, updating and communicating data within one of a plurality of user profiles; that is easily programmable; and that maintains the privacy and security of said data using biometric identifiers. BACKGROUND [0003] Weight control has become a modem obsession. It is virtually a national pastime in the United States, where many tens of millions of Americans struggle daily with diets and exercise programs. Some are motivated by a desire to live a healthier lifestyle. Others are driven by a need to alleviate anxiety about personal appearance. All prefer that a weight...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Measured information and, optionally, custom data, can then be loaded to and from the current user's profile, allowing the user to maintain a user profile comprising a comprehensive set of data relating to current measurements, physical attributes, trends and projections of measurement change, target goals and other similar information. The information in a user's profile is easily accessible by the proper user, and is securely maintained to prevent unauthorized access by others.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the digital scales known in the art are generally ineffective in securely maintaining a plurality of users' information stored within said digital scale, and are further inefficient and laborious in accessing and updating the user's profile and measurement information.

Using the record keeping devices and measurements of the prior art, the individual's privacy is easily breached.

Printed and handwritten records of the prior art offer little privacy, and are easily lost.

Digital scales of the prior art offering password protected user profiles attempt to offer some level of privacy; however, said passwords are tedious for the user and are easily accessed by others.

In addition, the use of a user code is tedious in that the user must remember the code, manually enter the code and maintain the secrecy of the code.

Although several prior art digital scales have attempted to offer a device that is capable of privately maintaining a variety of weight management information, the devices of the prior art are deficient is accomplishing this goal.

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