PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

Abstract: A personal identification system (22) to limit access utilizing a deformable device (30) which is gripped by the hand, identifying the unique bone and muscle structure, comparing this structure with a prerecorded structure stored in the memory and permitting access if the comparison is positive.

Description: Description PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM Technical Field This invention relates to personal, individual identification and, more particularly, to a system for comparing the structure of an individual's hand, including the bones and muscles, when the hand is in a gripping position with information stored in the device or companion computer, whereby the match of critical structural elements will give the individual access and a mismatch will prevent access. Background of the Invention Over the years, many methods have been used for limiting access, whether this access is to physical location such as rooms, buildings and/or individual proprietary material, such as automobiles, guns or the like. Further, methods and apparatus have been utilized to effectively disarm weapons or the like by likewise providing for a means to automatically identify the individual attempting to use the weapon. Methods known to the present inventor for controlling access include photographs and fingerprints which are visually compared, as well as more sophisticated means involving electronic measuring and/or memory. Examples of the more sophisticated means of personal identification include U.S. Patent No. 3,581,282 granted to Altman on May 25, 1971, which discloses a palm print identification system wherein the palm pattern is optically formed and converted to a numerical code which may be recorded on an identification memory card and compared with a palm print taken at the time that entry is requested. U.S. Patent No. 4,032,889 granted to Nassimbene on June 28, 1977 discloses a device wherein the contours of an individual's hand are detected and converted to electrical signals. The spacing of the palm lines is thus sensed and electronically compared to a master identification memory previously stored. U.S. Patent No. 4,467,545 granted to Shaw, Jr. on August 28, 1984 discloses a safety apparatus for a hand-held weapon wherein the safety device is activated by heat; and unless the palm or fingerprint of the hand holding the device matches a prestored pattern, a blocking safety mechanism is maintained in its blocking state. U.S. Patent No. 4,857,916 granted to Bellin on August 15, 1989 discloses a system for identifying an individual including a graspable member and a plurality of pressure sensors at preselected locations on the graspable member for developing a unique identifying signal indicative of the pressure exerted. Additional structure is provided for comparing the stored signals against later acquired signals. U.S. Patent No. 4,970,819 granted to Mayhak on November 20, 1990 discloses a firearm safety system wherein microprocessor signals correspond to the grip pattern in a programmed neural network set memory or the gun will not be discharged. U.S. Patent No. 5,070,714 granted to Bedford on December 10, 1991 discloses a method for unlocking a door or cabinet wherein several finger openings are provided. The fingers of a hand are inserted and at least one actuator for each finger opening is positioned to be selectively operated. The lock is released upon response to a preselected combination of actuator operations. Other references noted by the inventor include: U.S. Patent No. 3,576,537 granted to Ernst on April 27, 1971, which discloses a positioning device for the hand and means to encode measurements of the hand and compare to precoded measurements. U.S. Patent No. 3,614,737 granted to Sadowsky on October 19, 1971 discloses a method for determining and verifying identity of an individual by analyzing the skin characteristics of the individual, for example, the hand, which are transduced into an electrical signal and then compared. U.S. Patent No. 3,648,240 granted to Jacoby et al on March 7, 1972 includes an apparatus for electrooptically gauging predetermined dimensions of a human hand and making a comparison. U.S. Patent No. 4,107,775 granted to Ott on August 15, 1978 discloses an identification method including a physical vibration wave energy which is applied to a person's body at selected points, such as the fingertips, and the frequency and/or time function of force and/or motion parameters are detected and stored. Comparisons are then made with previously recorded functions. U.S. Patent No. 4,206,441 granted to Kondo on June 3, 1980 discloses a palm pattern detector utilizing an analog signal. U.S. Patent No. 4,322,163 granted to Schiller on March 30, 1982 discloses a fingerprint detection device wherein the finger ridges distort the underlying layers of a deflective material. U.S. Patent No. 4,357,597 granted to Butler on November 2 , 1982 discloses a palm-positioning and system-actuating mechanism for positive identification. U.S. Patent No. 4,573,193 granted to Shuto et al on February 25, 1986 utilizes the four fingers of the individual's hand including a transparent measuring table so that light passing through the hand becomes the identifying medium. Disclosure of the Invention With the above-noted prior art and problems in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a personal identification system which includes an apparatus which must be gripped and which includes a deformable exterior surface such that the underlying structure, i.e. the muscles and bones of the gripping hand, may be detected and used for identification purposes. The structure is compared to previously stored structural attributes. It is another object of the present invention to provide a means whereby the individual structure of the hand is used for identification purposes, providing a more accurate and reliable identification system. The structure is measured and recorded with the hand in a grip position. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a personal identification system which because of its size and configuration may be universally applied to a large number of situations whereat it is critical to control access. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 discloses the present invention as used to control access to a room, building or the like. Figure 2 discloses the present invention as applied to a handgun. Figure 3 discloses the present invention as applied to a steering wheel of a vehicle. Figure 4 is a view showing a human hand gripping an object, disclosing the various pressure points which can be detected and recorded for later comparison. Figure 5 is a simplified electrical schematic of a circuit usable in the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The present invention relies upon current computer technology for recording and storing sufficient information about an individual(s) such that a real time comparison may be made between hand characteristics obtained by gripping an object and characteristics previously recorded and stored. The object will have a deformable exterior skin and contact points beneath the skin such that the muscle and bone structure which are pressed against the object during the grip process are detected and will be stored in a memory unit, either within the object or connected in any manner to the object. A grip of the object, subsequent to the original which is stored in memory, likewise will result in identifiable, unique pressure patterns which are "readable" by the device, and in real time compared with the memory, and upon a positive comparison, i.e. same pressure pattern, will allow access to the protected device or space. It is to be understood that any one of several known devices or methods of reading, storing and comparing the data can be used, and these devices or methods are sufficiently disclosed in the prior art and so will not be disclosed in detail herein. As seen in Figure 1, the inventive apparatus is shown mounted to a wall adjacent to an entry door. The apparatus includes the device located within handle 2 to which the inventive personal identification element 4 is incorporated. In the illustrative case, the system will unlock the door, once a positive identification has been confirmed, via connecting wires 6 energizing a solenoid or the like encapsulated in box 8, such that when the handle 10 is turned, the door may be opened. As illustrated hereinafter, the gripping of the hand H permits a greater variety and more accurate method of personal identification. It is to be understood that the identification element 4 could be built into the grip bar 2 as easily as being added thereto; and further, the entire device could replace the handle 10, whereby a person gripping 4, once positively identified, would simply pull the door open, the positive identification of the gripping hand having unlocked the door. As seen in Figure 2, the inventive device is placed in the handle of a hand-held weapon such that when the weapon is gripped in its normal usage position, the device which is mounted in the grip portion as at 12 responds to an identification match by engaging a solenoid-type device 14 or electronically preventing the firing of the weapon. Obviously, the identification means as well as a source of power for the identifica¬ tion means and the solenoid could be mounted within the handle of the weapon. A further alternative of the present invention is in the motor vehicle line, wherein the device could be incorporated within and/or throughout the steering wheel of the vehicle; and upon appropriate identifica¬ tion, would allow the ignition to be engaged. Reference is now had to Figure 4, wherein a tubular device 30, having a deformable outer surface 32, is shown. The identifying circuitry would be mounted in a space between the surface 32 and the rigid inner tube 30 and would consist of a plurality of contacts mounted within a gel, or in the alternative, mounted such that they would only become activated upon the inward pressure of the muscle and bones of the gripper's hand. As seen in this view, the fingers and thumb are made in sections, designated as phalanx, and there is the distal phalanx 34, the intermediate phalanx 36 and the proximal phalanx 38, all joined by interphalangeal joints 40 and 42. As seen in this view and similarly for the thumb shown at the bottom of this view the distal phalanx 44 and the proximal phalanx 46 joined by joint 48 can be seen. Since these bones as shown and the muscles which allow the flexure and the gripping provide an uneven and distinctive support for the overlying skin, the act of gripping and/or squeezing a cylindrical object places these elements into compressive contact with the surface skin of the identification device which, as noted above, is recorded for identification purposes and then compared at the time the device is placed in use. As can be seen, the present invention provides a clear and distinct as well as unique means for personal identification.

Claims: Claims 1. A personal identification system comprising: an identification element which includes a deformable skin and is of a size such that it may be gripped by a human hand, said element including means extending over at least 50% of the element for identifying the individual human grip, said identification determined by the pressure generated by the muscle and bone of the gripping hand; and storage means within said element, said storage means including a memory and comparative circuit to perform the identification. 2. A personal identification system utilizing the unique properties of a person's grip, including the interrelationship of the muscles and bones, comprising: an object of a size that permits substantial encirclement by a human hand; said object including a deformable outer skin such that it deflects inwardly when gripped, reflecting the configuration of the hand and its underlying structure; means beneath the skin to sense the gripping pressures; and means within the object including memory enabling the identification of the hand.

Inventors: PETERSON DWIGHT C, STIVER JOHN A, PETERSON, DWIGHT, C., STIVER, JOHN, A.
Applicants: PETERSON DWIGHT C, STIVER JOHN A, PETERSON, DWIGHT, C., STIVER, JOHN, A.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G06K9
IPC codes: E05B1, E05B17, E05B65, G06K9, G06T7, G07C9