Starting system for an automotive vehicle using fingerprint recognition

A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system coupled to the engine, said system comprising:

• a switch assembly comprising,
• a pivoting member having a first position and a second position;
• a spring urging said pivoting member into said first position;
• a fingerprint sensor disposed on said pivoting member;
• a first housing disposed adjacent to said pivoting member;
• and
• a switch disposed on said housing so that when said pivoting member is in said second posit on said switch generates a start signal;
• a memory having n authorized fingerprint signal stored therein;
• and
• a controller coupled to the ignition system, said fingerprint sensor, said memory and said switch, said controller comparing said fingerprint signal with said authorized fingerprint signal a d enabling said ignition system in response to said start signal and said fingerprint signal being substantially equal to said authorized fingerprint signal.

A method of starting an engine of an automobile comprising:

• generating a first fingerprint signal from a fingerprint sensor disposed on a pivoting member;
• comparing said first fingerprint signal with a second fingerprint signal stored within a memory;
• issuing a fingerprint enable signal in response to said first fingerprint signal being within said memory;
• generating a start signal by pivoting said pivoting member to contact a mechanical switch;
• and
• starting an engine in response to said start signal and said fingerprint enable signal.