Biometric access control for digital media streams in home networks

Abstract

Methods for controlling access to digital media content in the home environment using biometric sensing techniques are described. A wireless rebroadcast system for IP-TV content was retrofitted with a combination of fingerprint authentication and face recognition modules. Family members are enrolled and new individuals may be added to the system by a master user. Access to content requires fingerprint based authentication from a wireless PDA and the system also checks dynamically if it can recognize enrolled uses amongst those "sitting on the couch".