Computer system with integratable touchpad/security subsystem

Abstract

A personal computer system includes a touchpad having an infrared source and an infrared detector such that said touchpad may implement an infrared fingerprint security system and/or an infrared touchpad for cursor control. The infrared fingerprint security system may provide information necessary to gain access to peripheral storage media. For example, a peripheral storage medium may have a database which contains information about the fingerprints of authorized users such that the storage medium may only be accessed by authorized users in ways permitted for each particular user as indicated in the storage medium itself. A user may input information through a touch sensitive light pen which generates an infrared beam. The implementation of both a fingerprint security system and a touchpad cursor control with common elements is advantageous since both enhanced capabilities may thereby be provided at a reasonable cost.

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