The present invention is generally directed to a multi-purpose biometric locking system having interchangeable cables and a biometric lock. As described herein, the locking system includes multiple length locking cables that are interchangeable in the locking system. The locking system also includes a biometric sensor to allow the lock to be operated using the fingerprints of the users.
A variety of locks for numerous different functions have been disclosed in the art. A group of these locks include electronic or biometric features that provide the added convenience of being usable without the need for a key or other mechanical mechanism for opening the lock.
As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. US 2003/0016847, a microprocessor operated keyless entry padlock is disclosed. This disclosure describes a fingerprint sensor for reading a fingerprint and comparing it to at least one fingerprint stored in the memory of the padlock. If a match is found, the padlock may be manually opened by a knob or is automatically opened by operating a drive gear portion connected to a locking bar to open the padlock.
As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. US 2007/0126551, a padlock is disclosed having a body and a shackle having two ends, one end of the shackle being rotatably secured within the body, the other end of the shackle being releasable from the body when the padlock is unlocked. The padlock comprises a biometric interlace disposed in a bottom wall defined in a base of the body. The interface includes a fingerprint scanner and a user access interface. A biometric validation module is disposed within the hotly and communicated to the biometric interface for processing a biometric profile from the fingerprint Scanner and for indicating a status with the user access interface. The biometric validation module provides a lock control signal responsive to processing of the biometric profile; and a mechanical interface, coupled to the biometric validation module and to a latch, for controlling a mode of the padlock responsive to a lock control signal from the biometric validation module, the mode including the unlocked mode in which the latch releases the shackle and the locked mode wherein the larch retains the shackle within the body when the shackle is inserted into the body,
U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,187 granted to Wood ling discloses a keyless padlock system that includes an electromagnetic switch system, a combination code and a fingerprint process system. The switch system and fingerprint process system operate a conventional clasp member which is movable between open and closed positions. The electromagnetic switch system operates the padlock with a mechanical actuated mechanism. The fingerprint process system allows the padlock device to operate similar to a key system. The buttons and LED's manage the padlock device using both fingerprint and a combination code. A changeable battery system is utilized without losing tire memory to provide a padlock device that is reliable and easily programmed.
Briefly and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved system and method for using a fingerprint and identification system for use with a multipurpose locking device.
It is a particular object of the present invention to have an improved cable system that includes a plurality of interchangeable cables that arc adapted for use in a variety of different situations. For example, a three-cable system may he provided wherein cable 1 may he a travel sized cable for use with luggage, zippers, bags, etc. Cable 2 may be a heavier duty cable for lockers, fences, storage units and heavy-duty applications. Cable 3 may be a longer heavy-duty cable for use with bikes, skis/snowboards, equipment etc.
It is still another particular object of the present invention to provide a fingerprint identification switch system connected with an actuated mechanical operation system to the locking device. More particularly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the locking device is provided with one or more LED buttons and a USB element for operating the fingerprint management. The LED on the buttons indicates the operation and the battery status without loss of the memory of fingerprint installed. It is a further object of the present invention to have both administrative, user and manufacturing access though the fingerprint microprocessor system to the locking system.
The present invention is directed to an improved system and method for providing a user with an improved multi-purpose locking system having the features of a traditional padlock. The preferred embodiments of the improved system and method are fully detailed, illustrated and described herein.
As shown in
The front surface of the housing 14 has at least one LED 16 indicator to indicate the status of the locking system 10 for the fingerprint installation and system management. The user uses the LED 16 to control and manage the locking system 10 with the set-up provided from a software program or microprocessor 46. The user can install and manage the fingerprint storage by following the LED 16 colors and indications.
The fingerprint sensor 18 is shown at the front surface of the locking system 10 in
On the bottom surface of the locking system 10 of the present invention show n in
The cable post 28 of the cable member 12 is shown in
As shown in
An alternate locking mechanism which is primarily electromagnetic may also be used with the present invention. The mechanism of the electromagnetic switch system of the locking system 10 of the present invention includes a rod that is assembled to a major electromagnetic switch that is retracted into the solenoid 52 and a magnetic body when the unlocking signal is turned on. The magnetic body holds the rod until the locking signal pushes the rod back to the locking position. A minor electromagnetic switch is used to retract the rod to the solenoid body and pull a stop plate back to squeeze a spring following the rod after receiving the unlocking signal. The rod and the slop plate will be released by the spring after the off signal is received. The minor electromagnetic switch works before the major electromagnetic switch is activated. The microprocessor 46 controls the signals in the fingerprint processing system.
The preferred form of this alternate locking system includes an internal structure at the locking and unlocking position of the cable post 28 of the present invention. The electromagnetic switch system works by receiving an on or off signal from microprocessor 46. When the unlocking signal is on, an end cap will follow the rod. The rod then slides off the sliding block with an end spring. The sliding block with the end spring is moved free from the cable post 28. The user can then pull the cable member 12 tree from the housing 14 to open the locking system 10.
When the user pushes the cable post 28 into the housing 14 as a normal lock to lock the locking system, the return block with the return spring acts as a return switch to provide a locking signal to push the rod back to the locking position. The sliding block is then pushed by cable post 28 and spring back to the locking position. The sliding block with the end spring preferably has a 90-degree motion with respect to the cable post 28. When the extending element 32 on the cable post 28 is blocked by the sliding block with the end spring, the locking system 10 w ill be locked. When the extending element 32 of the cable post 28 has not been blocked by the sliding block with the end spring, the cable post 28 can be moved up and down in the locking recess 30. In this embodiment, the user is able to pull or push the cable member 12 and cable post 28 to unlock or lock the locking system 10.
As shown in
Turning to
An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in
When a user's fingerprint is sampled, the details of the fingerprint are extracted and stored in memory as a data set. In the preferred form of the present invention, up to 10 fingerprints may be stored in the microprocessor 46. If the design allows only for one data set to be stored, then each time a fingerprint is stored in record mode it erases the previous set. To record multiple fingerprints for more than one authorized user, each user may be required to follow the steps set forth below. This assures that previously stored data sets are not inadvertently erased. If memory capacity allows for multiple fingerprints to be stored, then the microcontroller firmware may be programmed such that the oldest stored fingerprint set is replaced with the newest fingerprint over a preset amount. Alternately, an administrator fingerprint retained in storage and the secondary fingerprints are selectively deleted. For example, if memory was provided for up to 10 fingerprint data sets, when the 11th fingerprint is recorded, it will overwrite the first non-administrator fingerprint, A small amount of memory is allocated to keep track of the order of the data sets in a format such as a circular buffer or flash memory 72. A mode may be provided which will allow an authorized user to erase all fingerprints stored in the memory. For example, if the user first placed their linger on the fingerprint sensor, this could store the new fingerprint details, leaving the previously stored data alone.
An example of programming the locking system 10 of the present invention includes programming the fingerprint of an administrator and then multiple secondary users. In this embodiment, the administrator presses the finger print sensor for an extended duration. When a blue light is illuminated, the finger is lifted. When a green light flashes, the finger is pressed against the sensor up to ten times while the blue and green light flash. If the storage of the finger print individual application is successful, a blue light flashes. If the finger print individual finger print storage is unsuccessful, a red-light flashes. When ten successful recordings have been stored, a tone is heard and a green light flashes continuously.
For secondary users, the process for recording the finger print involves pressing the finger against the fingerprint sensor for an extended duration until a blue light flashes continuously. The recording of the secondary finger print is then started when the green light flashes. The finger is applied to the sensor ten times as the blue light and green light flash. If the application of the finger is successful, the blue light flashes. If the recording of the application of the finger is unsuccessful, the red-light flashes. When there a total of ten successful recordings of a single fingerprint, a tone is heard and the green light flashes continuously.
Fingerprints may be deleted only by the administrator in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the administrator places their finger on the fingerprint sensor for an extended duration. When the red-light flashes continuously, the administrator fingerprint is recognized. The administrator may then delete the secondary fingerprints individually or all stored secondary fingerprints at the same time. The preferred form of the fingerprint sensor allows for at least 180 degree or 270 degree fingerprint recognition. The resolution is preferably about 508 DPI. The battery is preferably 3.7V 300 mAh. The charger may be 5V and 1A. When the voltage is less than 3.5V, the red-light indicator will flash and then an alarm will sound every minute.
The electronics of the present invention may be programmed whereby if the system is run too many times, or receives too many false fingerprint readings, the locking system 10 may enter into an un-interruptible mode to prevent tampering. Once in the uninterruptible mode, the locking system 10 would then have to be actuated by USB connector 24, so as to be again capable of being actuated by use of the fingerprint Sensor 34. Alternately, a time out configuration may be provided. When the locking system 10 is in the record mode or set to receive new fingerprints, the data will be stored for later comparison.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 29683450 | Mar 2019 | US |
Child | 16352257 | US |