Fingerprint identification security system

• US 6,078,265 A
• Filed: 02/11/1998
• Issued: 06/20/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Netac Technology Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Netac Technology Company Limited
• Inventors: Fisher, Albert J. Jr., Bonder, Ronne
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US09/021,759
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 382/124, 70/289
• US Class Current: 340/5.23
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00603 by power transmission from lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00761 with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00984 fob
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00563 using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7169 Complex movement or puzzle type

Abstract

A key-lock operated security system utilizing a fingerprint of an authorized user to control access to the security system, such as the ignition system of an automobile. An intelligent key has a fingerprint scanning chip embedded in the surface thereof, and further has a microcontroller, a memory and electrical contacts to provide an intelligent key capable of scanning and distinguishing between different fingerprints. The scanning chip is interfaced to the microcontroller which controls the operation thereof and reads data from the scanning chip, to scan and correlate the minutia patterns of an individual fingerprint against one or more patterns of fingerprints of authorized users of the security system stored within the memory. A lock has electrical contacts which contact the electrical contacts on the intelligent key when the intelligent key is inserted therein, to provide electrical power to the circuitry of the intelligent key, and to enable a data signal to be transmitted from the intelligent key through the electrical contacts to a key-lock controller, which in response thereto controls security functions of the security system, such as the operation and control of the ignition system of an automobile.

Claims

1. A key-lock operated security system utilizing a fingerprint of an authorized user to control access to the security system comprising:

a. an intelligent key comprising a mechanical key having an enlarged base end to be grasped between a thumb and forefinger of an authorized user and a narrow blade extending from the enlarged base end which can be inserted into and rotate a lock, said intelligent key having a fingerprint scanning means embedded in the surface thereof, and further having a microcontroller and a memory to provide an intelligent key for scanning and distinguishing between different fingerprints entirely within the intelligent key, wherein the scanning means is interfaced to the microcontroller which controls operation of the scanning means and reads data from the scanning means, to scan and correlate the minutia patterns of an individual fingerprint against one or more patterns of finger fingerprints of one or more authorized users of the security system stored within the memory, such that fingerprint recognition is performed entirely within the intelligent key, and the intelligent key having a data transmission means for transmitting encoded data signals indicating control functions in the security system;

b. said lock mechanically interfacing with the intelligent key when the intelligent key is inserted into the lock;

c. a key-lock controller for receiving and decoding the encoded signals from the intelligent key and in response thereto, controlling security functions of the security system.

2. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system is installed in a motor vehicle to operate and control the ignition system of the motor vehicle, and the key-lock controller controls ignition switch functions of the motor vehicle.

3. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lock comprises a rotating lock mechanism.

4. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotating lock mechanism generates logic signals to indicate the rotational position of the lock mechanism.

5. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 2, further including an over-ride switch connected to the key-lock controller which is used to temporarily disable the security system such as during valet parking or for mechanical repair of the motor vehicle.

6. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 2, wherein user profile data is coded by the microcontroller to form the data signal which is transmitted to the key-lock controller, which decodes the data signal.

7. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the key-lock controller includes a microcontroller which decodes the data signal, and transmits control signals to the vehicle ignition system to start and operate the motor vehicle.

8. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system controls and grants access to a secure database.

9. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein electrical contacts are positioned on opposite sides of the intelligent key to conduct electrical power to the key and also to communicate the data signal from the key, when the key is inserted into the lock.

10. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle of the intelligent key is ergonomically designed to encourage a user to properly locate and position his finger over the scanning means embedded in the surface of the key by a raised ridge which partially surrounds the embedded scanning means.

11. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanning means comprises a solid state scanner chip which is embedded into the surface of the handle of the intelligent key.

12. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intelligent key includes keyed cuts in one edge to operate mechanical tumblers of the lock.

13. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intelligent key includes color-coded light emitting diodes as a user friendly interface to prompt a user to correct action and for clarity of operation.

14. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claims 1, wherein the memory stores a database which includes biometric data which is only used internally in the key and cannot be read out of the key, and associated user profile identification data which is read from the database during a successful correlation operation.

15. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intelligent key has electrical contacts, and the lock has electrical contacts which contact the electrical contacts on the intelligent key when the intelligent key and is inserted into the lock, to form the data transmitting means to enable the data signals to be transmitted from the intelligent key through the electrical contacts on the intelligent key and in the lock, and to provide electrical power to the scanning means, the microcontroller, and the memory of the intelligent key.

16. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the intelligent key includes a power/data interface means, connected to the electrical contacts, for separating electrical power supplied to the intelligent key and communication data signals.

17. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the key-lock controller includes a power/data interface means for separating electrical power supplied to the key-lock controller and communication data signals.

18. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory also stores data on the fingerprint of an attempted unauthorized user for law enforcement purposes.

19. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, further including a separate key programming system which is used to initialize and change data stored in the memory.

20. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the separate programming system is located and used at a central programming location.

21. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the separate programming system includes a microcontroller, a random access memory, a keyboard for input of alphanumeric data, a fingerprint scanner, a key receptacle for inserting an intelligent key to program, a power/data interface to interface with the key, and a temporary memory which stores user data during programming but is erased after programming of the intelligent key.

22. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system is an integral part of a general security system or computer control system of the motor vehicle.

23. A key-lock operated security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security system controls and grants access to a secure area.