Automatic key identification system
OwnerWilliam J. Cimino, Robert E. Powers, Jr.inventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for identifying and matching key blanks when duplicating an original key. A key holder is provided which positions the key horizontally along its longitudinal axis with the key's flat sides in a vertical plane. A lensing subsystem lights and forms an image of the front profile of the key. A video camera converts the light image into an electrical signal which is digitized and stored in computer memory. The computer compares the key image with stored images of known key blanks and signals the locksmith by means of an output subsystem the proper key blank to be used in duplicating the key.
Claims18
A system for identifying and matching key blanks when duplicating an original key, comprising:
- a holding device into which the original key is inserted;
- a lensing subsystem adjacent to said holding device which illuminates and forms an image of the front profile of said original key;
- a video subsystem adjacent to said lensing subsystem which converts said image into an electrical signal;
- a digitizer connected to said video subsystem which converts said electrical signal into a digital image;
- a computer subsystem, having memory, connected to said digitizer which stores said digital image into said memory, processes said stored image, compares said stored image to stored images of known key blanks, identifies the proper key blank to be used in duplicating said original key, and outputs said identification data;
- and
- an output subsystem which signals said identification data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.