Patent ID: 6614920
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B60R,H02J,H02K

Abstract:
A keyless fingerprint operated lock and ignition on a driver's door of a vehicle, comprising:an input shield (55) mounted on the exterior side of said door (4) for placement of a driver's finger; a first switch (34) activated by depressing a first part of said shield (2000/2001), a second switch (35) activated by depressing a second part of said shield (1000/1001), and a third switch (3b) activated by depressing either part of said shield (1000/1001, 2000/2001); an image sensor (R) mounted proximate said shield (55) for capturing an image of a driver's fingerprint when placed on either part of said shield (1000/1001, 2000/2001); a transmitter (48) proximate said shield (55) and activated by said third switch (3b), where upon activation, the transmitter storing said fingerprint image (21) from said image sensor (R), detecting signals (25) from said first or second switches (34, 35), and transmitting (26) said fingerprint image upon said detection; a controller (60) receiving (27, 28, 29) said fingerprint image from said transmitter (48), receiving signals from said first or second switches (34, 35), and comparing said fingerprint image with a preset fingerprint in a memory (37), and when said fingerprints match, the controller (60): activating the vehicle ignition (42) starting the vehicle when a signal is received from said first switch (34), or unlocking said door (43) when a signal is received from said second switch (35).