Portable storage apparatus with integral biometric-based access control system

• US 7,961,914 B1
• Filed: 07/12/2006
• Issued: 06/14/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert J.D. Smith
• Original Assignee: Robert J.D. Smith
• Inventors: Smith, Robert J. D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehta; Bhavesh M
• Assistant Examiner(s): DRENNAN, BARRY T
• Application Number:
  US11/485,004
• Time in Patent Office: 1,798 Days
• Field of Search: 340/541, 340/542, 340/568.1, 340/568.7, 340/571, 340/5.52, 340/5.53, 340 58- 584, 382/115, 382/117, 382/118, 382/124, 704/246
• US Class Current: 382/115
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/185 of purses, money-bags or wallets
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/24 Devices for sound-producing, piercing, gas-discharging, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0202 Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7915 Tampering prevention or attack defeating

Abstract

A system and method by which a portable, personal storage container can be secured and protected using the owner'"'"'s fingerprint is herein disclosed. While the features of the invention can be incorporated into almost any type of physical container, it is most likely to be envisioned to be incorporated into a wallet, purse, sack or eyeglass case. The invention relies on a biometric sensor that recognizes the owner'"'"'s fingerprint, and unlocks the container when a match is presented. In addition to physical storage and security, the invention also provides electronic storage for computer files such as electronic files, documents, photos and the like via an integral computer connector. Finally, the invention is provided with a proximity sensor that detects when it has been moved more than a preset distance away from the rightful owner. This feature thus provides security against theft. The use of the present invention provides storage and protection for all-important items, whether physical or electronic, in a manner, which is not only quick, easy and effective, but safe and secure as well.

Claims

1. A portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system comprising:

a personal storage device comprising an interior;

a solenoid-based access device disposed in said personal storage device for providing selectable access to said interior;

a biometric sensor capable of sensing biometric features of a user;

a biometric driving circuit in electrical communication with said biometric sensor for generating a match signal or a no match signal based on active comparison of at least one biometric signature to said biometric features of said user;

a data storage device for storing electronic data;

a controller in electrical communication between said biometric driving circuit, said solenoid-based access device, and said data storage device, said controller generates a lock or an unlock signal based upon said match or said no match signal and communicates said lock or said unlock signal to said solenoid based access device and said data storage device;

a first proximity receiver disposed within said personal storage device and in electrical communication with said controller for receiving a radio signal;

a second proximity receiver disposed on said user and in radio communication with said first proximity receiver for transmitting said radio signal;

a distance control setting in electrical communication with said first proximity receiver for adjustably setting said radio signal such that said second proximity receiver is in radio communication with said first proximity receiver within only a predetermined distance;

an alarming unit disposed on said personal storage device for signaling an audible alarm upon receiving an alarm signal from said controller;

said alarm signal being generated by receipt of a repeated plurality of said no match signals from said biometric driving circuit or when said second proximity receiver is not in radio communication with said first proximity receiver; and

,

a power supply for providing power to said portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system;

wherein said power supply further comprises a battery, a battery compartment, and a battery compartment interlock switch;

wherein said battery compartment interlock switch sends a signal to said controller which sends said lock signal to said solenoid-based access device when said battery compartment is opened;

wherein said at least one biometric signature is programmed within said biometric data circuit;

wherein upon sensing said biometric features of said user, and confirming a match of said biometric features with said at least one biometric signature within said biometric data circuit, said controller actuates said solenoid-based access device to provide access to said interior of said personal storage device; and

wherein upon sensing said biometric features of said user, said controller provides access to said data storage device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a laptop-style notebook portable computer.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a purse.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a wallet.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a briefcase.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a PDA.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a personal planner.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal storage device further comprises a handbag.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said biometric sensor further comprises a fingerprint scanner.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said biometric sensor further comprises an eye retina scanner.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said biometric sensor further comprises voiceprint recognition software.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interface cable and connector for interfacing said data storage device with a computer.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user is a child or pet for the purposes of locating said child or said pet.

14. A method for providing an automatic audible alarm to prevent theft and unauthorized access of personal property, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system comprising;

a personal storage device comprising an interior for storing said personal property;

a solenoid-based access device disposed in said personal storage device for providing selectable access to said interior;

a biometric sensor capable of sensing biometric features of a user;

a biometric driving circuit in electrical communication with said biometric sensor for generating a match signal or a no match signal based on active comparison of at least one biometric signature to said biometric features of said user;

a data storage device for storing electronic data;

a controller in electrical communication between said biometric driving circuit, said solenoid-based access device, and said data storage device, said controller generates a lock or an unlock signal based upon said match or said no match signal and communicates said lock or said unlock signal to said solenoid based access device and said data storage device;

a first proximity receiver disposed within said personal storage device and in electrical communication with said controller for receiving a radio signal;

a second proximity receiver disposed on said user and in radio communication with said first proximity receiver for transmitting said radio signal;

a distance control setting in electrical communication with said first proximity receiver for adjustably setting said radio signal such that said second proximity receiver is in radio communication with said first proximity receiver within only a predetermined distance;

an alarming unit disposed on said personal storage device for signaling an audible alarm upon receiving an alarm signal from said controller;

said alarm signal being generated by receipt of a repeated plurality of said no match signals from said biometric driving circuit or when said second proximity receiver is not in radio communication with said first proximity receiver; and

,

a power supply for providing power to said portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system;

wherein said power supply further comprises a battery, a battery compartment, and a battery compartment interlock switch; and

wherein said battery compartment interlock switch sends a signal to said controller which sends said lock signal to said solenoid-based access device when said battery compartment is opened;

loading said at least one biometric signature into said biometric driving circuit;

adjustably setting said distance control setting such that said radio signal only transmits said predetermined distance;

disposing said personal property within said interior of said personal storage device;

disposing said second proximity sensor on said user;

transporting said portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system;

by inputting said biometric features of said user into said biometric sensor, such that said biometric driving circuit actively compares said inputting said biometric features of said user with said at least one biometric signature to access said interior of said personal storage device;

providing access to said interior of said personal storage device when said biometric features of said user matches said at least one biometric signature, such that said biometric driving circuit transmits said match signal to said controller which transmits said unlock signal to said solenoid-based access device;

restricting access to said interior of said personal storage device when said biometric features of said user mismatches said at least one biometric signature, such that said biometric driving circuit transmits said no match signal to said controller which transmits said lock signal to said solenoid-based access device;

providing said audible alarm when said controller receives said repeated plurality of said no match signals from said biometric driving circuit due to repeated mismatching comparisons of said biometric features of said user and said at least one biometric signature; and

,

providing said audible alarm when said first proximity receiver is not in radio communication with said second proximity receiver due to said second proximity receiver being outside of said predetermined distance.