U.S. patent application number 11/586014 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for biometric thumbprint lock apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Amber Lee Remelin.
Application Number | 20080134556 11/586014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496305 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080134556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Remelin; Amber Lee |
June 12, 2008 |
Biometric thumbprint lock apparatus and method
Abstract
A biometrically keyed thumbprint lock apparatus is disclosed. In
one embodiment the lock apparatus serves as a safety device on a
gun or rifle, the lock apparatus disabling the gun and preventing
its use. Another embodiment providing a thumbprint lock having a
`J` shaped lock bar, replacing conventional key and combination
locks.
Inventors: |
Remelin; Amber Lee; (Fair
Oaks, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Galasso & Associates, LP
P.O. Box 26503
Austin
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
39496305 |
Appl. No.: |
11/586014 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.07 ;
42/70.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/54 20130101;
F41A 17/46 20130101; F41A 17/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/70.07 ;
42/70.11 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/00 20060101
F41A017/00 |
Claims
1. A biometric thumbprint keyed gun lock comprising: a body having
an aperture therethrough sized and adapted to slidably and lockably
receive a lock engagement portion, the engagement portion sized to
be extendable through the body, the body comprising: a trigger
brace bar adapted for placement behind a gun trigger disabling the
actuation of the gun trigger; a lock bar comprising: a gun handle
engagement portion; and the elongated lock engagement portion, the
lock engagement portion having notches for lockably engaging with a
lock member, the engagement portion sized to be extendable through
the body so as to extend outwards from both sides of the body; a
biometric thumbprint scanner secured to the body of the lock; a
lock control means secured within the body of the lock, the lock
control means for engaging and disengaging the lock member from the
elongated lock engagement portion; and a logic control means
secured within the body and in communication with the lock control
means and the thumbprint scanner, the control means comprising: a
memory means for storing enrolled biometric thumbprints; a means of
comparing and validating a scanned thumbprint from the thumbprint
scanner against at least one enrolled thumbprint, wherein if the
scanned thumbprint matches enrolled thumbprint then the lock
control means is commanded to disengage; and a communication means
of interfacing the control means with an external computer
system.
2. The thumbprint keyed gun lock of claim 1, wherein the brace bar
is `L` shaped.
3. The thumbprint keyed gun lock of claim 2, wherein the gun handle
engagement portion is `J` shaped, wherein the `J` shaped engagement
portion is sized to engage around the rear and two opposing sides
of the gun handle, wherein the brace bar is sized and adapted to
engage around the rear and a first side of the trigger, wherein the
lock engagement portion extending outwards from the body opposite
the gun handle engagement portion extends proximate to a second
side of the trigger, wherein the brace bar and lock bar lockably
secure the gun lock to the gun.
4. The thumbprint keyed gun lock of claim 3, wherein the memory
means is a non-volatile memory.
5. The thumbprint keyed gun lock of claim 4, wherein the
communication means of interfacing the control means with an
external computer system is a USB port.
6. A biometric thumbprint keyed lock comprising: a body having an
apertures sized and adapted to slidably and lockably receive a `J`
shaped lock bar, the lock bar having at least one notch for
lockably engaging with a lock member, the lock member secured
within the body; a biometric thumbprint scanner secured to the body
of the lock; a lock control means secured within the body of the
lock, the lock control means for engaging and disengaging the lock
member from the lock bar, wherein when engaged the lock member is
locked against the body, wherein when disengaged the lock member is
free to extend and pivot away from the body; and a logic control
means secured within the body and in communication with the lock
control means and the thumbprint scanner, the control means
comprising: a memory means for storing enrolled biometric
thumbprints; a means of comparing and validating a scanned
thumbprint from the thumbprint scanner against at least one
enrolled thumbprint, wherein if the scanned thumbprint matches
enrolled thumbprint then the lock control means is commanded to
disengage; and a communication means of interfacing the control
means with an external computer system;
7. The thumbprint keyed lock of claim 6, wherein the memory means
is a non-volatile memory.
8. The thumbprint keyed lock of claim 7, wherein the communication
means of interfacing the control means with an external computer
system is a USB port.
9. A method of enrolling a user thumbprint into a biometric
thumbprint lock comprising the steps of: connecting the thumbprint
lock to a computer; entering a valid password; pressing a thumb
against a scanner of the thumbprint lock; scanning the user
thumbprint to create an image; extracting features from the scanned
image; and enrolling the scanned thumbprint features to memory in
the thumbprint lock.
10. A method of unlocking a biometric thumbprint lock comprising
the steps of: pressing a thumb against a scanner of the thumbprint
lock; scanning a user thumbprint to create an image; extracting
features from the scanned image; and matching the features against
features of enrolled users, if a match occurs then unlocking the
thumbprint lock.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosures made herein relate generally to locks of
various kinds including gun locks and, more particularly, to
locking apparatuses and gun locks incorporating biometric
thumbprint pattern recognition as the security identification means
for unlocking the lock.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The use of key and combination locks of various kinds, as
well as the use of gun locks for securing a firearm and preventing
unauthorized access and accidental discharge of a firearm is well
known. In residential homes, for example, it is desirable to secure
firearms against accidental use by children and visitors to the
home.
[0003] Key locks and combination locks are well known and widely
used. Key locks suffer from a disadvantage as the key used to open
the lock can become lost or difficult to find. Additionally, when a
key lock is used to secure goods at a remote location, say at a
storage rental facility, and if the user forgot to bring the key,
then the user may drive home (for example) to retrieve the key,
resulting in wasted motion and lost time.
[0004] Well known varieties of combination locks are opened by
turning a dial or dials on the lock to a preset combination.
Combination locks have known disadvantages. One disadvantage is
that the combination can be easily forgotten, making the lock
impossible to open. Another disadvantage is that (in many cases)
the combination is set at the factory and is not easily changed by
the user. This can be problematic, for example, sometimes it is
advantageous to give a key or combination to a person temporarily,
say when the person is an employee or if a neighbor is to watch
your home when you are away. In the case of a gun lock, an example
might be if you wish to loan your firearm to a friend for target
shooting. Once this person has the key or combination to the lock,
it is often impossible to later change the key or combination
without replacing the lock or gun lock apparatus.
[0005] Therefore, a biometric thumbprint lock apparatus configured
for overcoming the drawbacks of such conventional approaches in
lock apparatuses would be useful, advantageous and novel.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The disclosures herein are directed to a biometric
fingerprint actuated locking apparatus, which in certain
embodiments incorporates features of a gun trigger lock.
[0007] Embodiments have a lock body with at least one aperture for
receiving and locking a movable lock bar. The lock body includes a
biometric thumbprint scanning device for scanning and extracting a
thumbprint pattern from the thumb of a person. The thumbprint
scanner is in communication with a logic control means within the
body of the lock. The logic control means includes a memory means
in which enrolled or authorized thumbprints are stored. Enrolled
thumbprints are thumbprints which will unlock the thumbprint lock.
The lock body includes a serial communication means such as a USB
port for interfacing the thumbprint lock logic control means with
an external personal computer. When connected to the external
computer, new thumb prints may be enrolled in the memory of the
thumbprint lock, or previously enrolled thumbprints may be
reviewed, replaced or deleted. Computer thumbprint enrollment
access to the thumbprint lock has security enforced through a
password or PIN code. A lock control means is in communication with
the logic control means in the body of the lock. When a user
presses their thumb on the thumbprint scanner on the lock, and if
the thumbprint matches the thumbprint of an enrolled user, then the
lock control means is commanded by the logic control means to
disengage or unlock the lock.
[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the inventive
disclosures herein, the thumbprint actuated locking apparatus is a
gun lock for a firearm such as a handgun. In this embodiment the
lock body includes a trigger brace bar adapted for placement behind
a gun trigger for disabling the actuation of the gun trigger along
with a `J` shaped lock bar which is slidably and lockably received
into the body of the thumbprint actuated locking apparatus. The
lock bar engages around the back and sides of the gun handle while
the trigger bar engages at least one side and back of the gun
trigger, thereby securing the gun lock to the hand gun while
blocking the gun trigger from actuation, thereby disabling the
gun.
[0009] In embodiments of the inventive disclosures herein, the
thumbprint actuated locking apparatus has the memory capacity to
store a number of enrolled thumbprints, allowing more than one
person to have access to the gun or other materials secured by the
lock. Each enrolled thumbprint is stored in the computer as well as
in the memory of the thumbprint lock. With authorized thumbprints
stored this way, the user only needs to press their thumb against
the thumbprint scanner on the lock body to unlock the lock.
[0010] These and other objects and embodiments of the inventive
disclosures made herein will become readily apparent upon further
review of the following specification and associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings show a form of the invention that is presently
preferred; however, the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangement shown in the drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a
biometric thumbprint gun lock in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the biometric thumbprint
gun lock of FIG. 1 in accordance with the inventive disclosures
herein.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the biometric
thumbprint gun lock of FIG. 1 in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the biometric
thumbprint gun lock as depicted in FIG. 3 but applied to a handgun
to secure the handgun against use.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a biometric thumbprint lock in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting steps of a method of
enrolling a user thumbprint in the biometric thumbprint lock.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting steps of an unlock sequence
for authenticating a user thumbprint and unlocking the biometric
thumbprint lock.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In preparation for explaining the details of the present
inventive disclosure, it is to be understood by the reader that the
invention is not limited to the presented details of the
construction, materials and embodiments as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, as the invention concepts are clearly
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and realized in
various ways by applying the disclosure presented herein.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 1-FIG. 3:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a
biometric thumbprint gun lock in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the
biometric thumbprint gun lock of FIG. 1 in accordance with the
inventive disclosures herein.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the biometric
thumbprint gun lock of FIG. 1 in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein.
[0023] The biometric thumbprint gunlock comprises a body 102 and a
`J` shaped lock bar which is slidably and lockably received into an
aperture of the body. The lock bar has an elongated lock engagement
portion 104 with a gun handle engagement portion 106 secured to one
end of the lock engagement portion 104. The lock engagement portion
106 has a plurality of notches 108 formed into the side of the lock
engagement portion. The notches locklably engage with a lock member
(not shown) secured inside the lock body 102 to lock the lock bar
in position. A biometric thumbprint scanner 110 is secured to the
body of the lock. The thumbprint scanner 110 includes a pressure
sensitive sensor to detect when a thumb is being pressed onto the
scanner. A lock control means (not shown) such as a solenoid or
motor actuator is mechanically linked to the lock member to
mechanically effect locking and unlocking of the lock bar lock
engagement portion 104 in the body 102 of the lock. An `L` shaped
trigger brace bar 114 is configured to extend behind the trigger of
the gun to prevent the activation of the gun trigger. A logic
control means (not shown) is secured within the body of the lock
and in communication with the thumbprint scanner 110 and the lock
control means. The logic control means supervises the validation of
user thumbprints against a memory store of enrolled (authorized)
thumbprints and if authorized, commands the lock control means to
unlock.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the biometric
thumbprint gun lock as depicted in FIG. 3 but applied to a handgun
to secure the handgun against use. The biometric thumbprint gun
lock 100 is mounted and secured to hand gun 404. The gun handle
engagement portion 106 of the lock bar extends around the back and
two opposing sides of the gun handle 402. A portion of the lock
engagement portion 104 of the lock bar extends forward from the
lock body to rest against the trigger guard 406 of the hand gun.
The lock engagement portion 104, the gun handle engagement portion
106 and the trigger brace bar (114 FIG. 3) engage with the gun to
secure the gun lock onto the gun as well as to disable the gun
trigger from activation.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a biometric thumbprint lock in accordance with the inventive
disclosures herein. The lock body 502 has apertures 508, 510 sized
and adapted to slidably and lockably receive the `J` shaped lock
bar 504. A biometric thumbprint scanner 506 is secured to the body
502 of the lock. The thumbprint scanner 506 includes a pressure
sensitive sensor to detect when a thumb is being pressed onto the
scanner. A lock control means (not shown) such as a solenoid or
motor actuator is mechanically linked to a lock member to
mechanically effect locking and unlocking of the `J` shaped lock
bar lock 504 in the body 502 of the lock. A logic control means
(not shown) is secured within the body of the lock and in
communication with the thumbprint scanner 506 and the lock control
means. The logic control means supervises the validation of user
thumbprints against a memory store of enrolled (authorized)
thumbprints and if authorized, commands the lock control means to
unlock.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 depicting steps of a method of
enrolling a user thumbprint in the biometric thumbprint lock. At
step 602 a computer is connected to and in communication with the
biometric thumbprint lock. The thumbprint lock is equipped with a
communication port, preferably a USB communication port, for
interfacing the thumbprint lock with a personal computer to manager
(add or delete) enrolled thumbprints. At block 604 the computer
user is prompted for a password or PIN code, which is then entered
by the user. The password is tested by the logic control means in
the thumbprint lock at block 606, and if the password is valid then
the control transfers to block 608. Block 608 initiates fingerprint
scanning. Scanning starts when a thumb is pressed against the
thumbprint scanner of the thumbprint lock. A pressure sensor in the
scanner informs the logic and control means that an object is
pressed against the thumbprint scanner, initiating a thumbprint
scan. As the computer is connected and authenticated to the
thumbprint lock, the scanned thumbprint is assumed to be new.
Features are extracted from the scanned thumbprint image at block
610. These extracted features are enrolled into the thumbprint lock
memory at block 612 as a valid (authenticated) unlock thumbprint.
Not shown, the user at the external computer may then assign a name
or other ID tag to the scanned thumbprint to assist with
identifying enrolled thumbprints stored to the thumbprint lock. If
another thumbprint is to be enrolled, then control transfers to
block 608, otherwise the method exits.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 depicting steps of an unlock
sequence for authenticating a user thumbprint and unlocking the
biometric thumbprint lock. The sequence begins at block 702 when a
user presses his thumb against the thumbprint scanner of the
thumbprint lock. A pressure sensor in the scanner informs the logic
and control means that an object is pressed against the thumbprint
scanner, initiating a thumbprint scan. After the scan, features of
the thumbprint image are extracted at block 704. At block 706 the
features are compared against enrolled users and if the thumbprint
does not match an enrolled user then the procedure exits. If the
thumbprint matches that of an enrolled user then control transfers
to block 708. At block 708 the logic and control means commands the
lock control means (solenoid or motor actuator) to mechanically
unlock the lock. The unlock state is held at block 710 for a period
of time (5 to 10 seconds) to provide time for the user to open the
lock.
[0028] The discussed construction, illustrations and sequence of
operation is for one embodiment of the invention, but is in no way
limiting to other embodiments. The operating modes may be changed
and enhanced without deviating from the intention of this inventive
disclosure.
[0029] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments and certain
variants thereof have been described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be
understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that
logical, material, and mechanical changes may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *