Importance

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Abstract

A distributed biometric identification system incorporates highly mobile workstations. The system generally includes a plurality of mobile workstations and a file server remotely located from the workstations. The workstations receive input biometric data, such as fingerprint and photographic data, and couples that biometric data to the remote file server. The file server compares the input biometric data with stored biometric data to determine whether any of the stored biometric data matches the input biometric data. The results of the comparison are provided to the workstation that requested the comparison. Workstation mobility is enhanced by providing a wireless and/or PSTN communications link between the workstation and the remotely located file server. Workstation mobility is further improved by housing the workstation in a self-contained, compartmentalized carrying case. Workstation mobility may be even further enhanced by housing the workstation in a so-called lunchbox configuration having a main body, a front panel hinged to the main body, and a back panel hinged to the main body. The front and back panels each have a stowed position adjacent the main body, and a deployed position away from the main body. When the panels are in their stowed positions, the workstation (i.e., main body, front panel, and back panel) is a compact, portable unit.

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First Claim