Object identification system

Abstract

A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 633,933 filed on Aug. 4, 2003 entitled “OBJECT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM” which is related to, and claims all benefits under of 35 U.S.C. 119(e), to the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 452,893 entitled “OBJECT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM” and filed on Mar. 7, 2003 and the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 400,772 entitled “IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM” and filed on Aug. 2, 2002, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of systems for identifying objects and, more particularly to systems for utilizing electronic means for identifying key blanks that are functionally compatible with an unknown key for use in a key duplication system.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]The identification of objects that are relatively fungible, but possess minute yet important nuances or details,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a relatively simple key-blank identification method and apparatus that can identify an identical or functionally compatible key blank from basic information provided by the user, with absolute accuracy and without the need for highly-specialized equipment or training.

[0014]Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method, based upon simple parameters and without the need for complex imaging systems or bulky comparative devices, to identify key blanks or any number of other objects having minute details or subtle nuances from an original provided by the user.

[0015]Another object of the present invention is to provide an identification method and apparatus that is: (a) easy to use, (b) relatively inexpensive to construct and operate and (c) highly reliable in terms of both its functioning and its results.

[0016]Still another object of the present invention is to provide an identification system that may be operated with minimal required training for the user and that may be implemented with minimal expense.

[0017]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a generalized identification method and apparatus that includes an electronic database of information concerning an array of objects for identification that can be readily monitored and easily updated or expanded.

[0018]A final object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly interface and display that permits everyday consumers to directly interact with and control the identification process, along with any other subsequent, automated processes that may be associated therewith.

Problems solved by technology

The identification of objects that are relatively fungible, but possess minute yet important nuances or details, can be a difficult, tedious and time consuming affair.

As will be readily recognized by those familiar with such enterprises, a failure to accurately identify such objects with regularity can have unintended or undesirable consequences.

However, choosing the correct key-blank can be difficult even for experts in the field.

These hard-to-notice subtleties significantly increase the level of difficulty for all operators of such key replication systems, both inexperienced trainees and experts alike.

If the incorrect key-blank is provided during this process, the key-blank being formed into the duplicate key may not possess the correct longitudinal length, thereby causing a failure.

When this type of failure occurs, the entire process of selecting a key-blank for replication and then mechanically cutting the key must begin again.

Worse still, if the blank has the proper length but does not possess the appropriate thickness, contour, groove or other traits, the failure may not be discovered until the key is actually inserted into the lock.

Such informal and imprecise key-blank identification invariably increases the rate of failures for the duplication process.

These failures often occur, at the expense of the industry and to the extreme dismay of the key holder.

Notably, each of these systems require specific arrangements cameras, lasers and / or scanning devices, in conjunction with a computer processor, to achieve their respective purposes, thereby increasing complexity and cost.

Such key-blank boxes can be bulky, difficult to update and inconvenient to store and maintain.

Most significantly, even with dedicated key blank boxes (which typically have test slots into which the original key is inserted to check for a proper fit), the minute differences in some blanks may still permit the original to fit properly into the wrong key blank's test slot, thereby resulting in a failure of the identification system.

Moreover, these previously known methods do not provide for any automated tracking of inventory, nor do they readily permit systematic tracking of other variables that may be of interest.

Further, none of the previously known systems appear to be readily adaptable to non-key-blank identification applications, nor do they seem to be allow for the use of common consumer computer systems and other similar construction materials (such as off-the-shelf personal computers, personal digital assistants, LEDs, etc.).

Finally, to the extent that many of these systems must be operated by skilled technicians or specially trained employees, the consumer feels disconnected from the process and, in all likelihood, will feel even more annoyed and dismayed if a failure occurs in using these systems.

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