Electronic Data Storage Medium With Fingerprint Verification Capability

Abstract

An electronic data storage medium is adapted to be accessed by a data terminal, and includes a processing unit connected to a memory device that stores a data file and security reference data possessed by a person authorized to access the data file, and an input-output interface circuit activable so as to establish communication with the data terminal. The processing unit is operable selectively in a programming mode and a data retrieving mode. The electronic data storage medium also includes a function key set for manually switching the electronic data storage medium between the programming mode and the data retrieving mode.

1 . An electronic data storage medium adapted to be accessed by a data terminal motherboard, said electronic data storage medium comprising: 
 a non-volatile memory device for storing at least a data file, wherein all data files are stored and located in different sectors of said non-volatile memory device, wherein said non-volatile memory device is a multi-level-cell flash memory device;    an input/output interface circuit for establishing communication with the data terminal motherboard, wherein said input/output interface circuit is a card reader interface circuit which comprises one of a Universal Serial Bus interface circuit, a Secure Digital interface circuit, a Memory Stick interface circuit, a PCI-Express interface circuit, a Compact Flash interface circuit, an Integrated Drive Electronics interface circuit, a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment interface circuit;    a processing unit coupled to said non-volatile memory device and said input/output interface circuit, wherein said processing unit includes means for selectively operating in a programming mode in which said processing unit activates said input/output interface circuit to receive the data file from said data terminal motherboard and stores the data file in said non-volatile memory device, a data retrieving mode in which said processing unit accesses the data file stored in said non-volatile memory device and activates said input/output interface circuit to transmit the data file to said data terminal motherboard, and a data resetting mode in which the processing unit facilitates erasing of the data file from said non-volatile memory device;    means for mode switching of the electronic data storage medium among the programming mode, the data retrieving mode and the data resetting mode;    means for controlling said processing unit when the electronic data storage medium is in the programming mode such that the processing unit transfers from the data terminal motherboard at least one data file through the input/output interface circuit into said non-volatile memory device;    means for controlling said processing unit when the electronic data storage medium is in the data retrieving mode such that the processing unit transfers at least one data file stored in the non-volatile memory device to the data terminal motherboard through the input/output interface circuit; and    a card body as a substrate on which said non-volatile memory device, said input/output interface circuit and said processing unit are mounted.