OBJECT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

• US 20150378585A1
• Filed: 09/10/2015
• Published: 12/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Original Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Inventors: Bass, Michael A., Hanish, Michael B., Thompson, Chester O.D. III, Ryai, Richard William Sr., Mutch, William Robert, Shaner, David Eric, Work, Joseph Mitchell
• Application Number:
  US14/850,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20150378585A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/245 Query processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/70 in which the articles are formed in the apparatus from components, blanks, or material constituents

Abstract

A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

Claims

1. An interactive key identification system comprising:

an interactive user interface for inputting at least one specified variable related to a first key, wherein said specified variable is known by a user of the system;

a database for matching a key blank through comparison of known values in response to the specified variable inputted into the interactive user interface;

a logic configured to search said database and match said known values with key blanks associated with said known values to narrow the number of key blanks that match said first key; and

wherein said logic is configured to direct an automated device driver to retrieve at least one matching key blank from a storage location.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a software configured to compare said known values related to key blanks with said specified variable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said interactive user interface comprises a graphical user interface.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first key is a key for an automobile.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the automated device driver is an auto-retrieval system that includes movable subpanels configured to revolve so as to present one location or a series of related locations to a user.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the automated device driver is a robotic retrieval system that includes a combination of motors configured to cause an arm-like device to retrieve the key blank.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a key cutting machine configured to cut the profile of said first key into the matching key blank.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising an inventory system to track and record the number of key blanks added to and retrieved from the system.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a means to compare a selected key blank with a key blank identified by the system to verify proper selection of the identified key blank.

10. An key identification system comprising:

a kiosk having an interactive user interface for inputting at least one specified variable related to a first key, wherein said specified variable is known by a user of the system;

a database for matching a key blank through comparison of known values in response to the specified variable inputted into the interactive user interface;

a logic configured to search said database and match said known values with key blanks associated with said known values to narrow the number of key blanks that match said first key; and

wherein said logic is configured to direct an automated device driver to retrieve at least one matching key blank from a storage location.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the automated device driver is an auto-retrieval system that includes movable subpanels configured to revolve so as to present one location or a series of related locations to a user.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the automated device driver is a robotic retrieval system that includes a combination of motors configured to cause an arm-like device to retrieve the key blank.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a software configured to compare said known values related to key blanks with said specified variable.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein said interactive user interface comprises a graphical user interface.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein said first key is a key for an automobile.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said specified variable is related to the make of said automobile.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein said specified variable is related to the model of said automobile.

18. The system of claim 10 further comprising a key cutting machine configured to cut the profile of said first key into the matching key blank.

19. The system of claim 10 further comprising an inventory system to track and record the number of key blanks added to and retrieved from the system.

20. The system of claim 10 further comprising a means to compare a selected key blank with a key blank identified by the system to verify proper selection of the identified key blank.