Smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled smart wallet system
09589405 ยท 2017-03-07
Assignee
Inventors
- Steven D. Cabouli (San Diego, CA, US)
- Robert J. Mos (San Diego, CA, US)
- Clay von Mueller (San Diego, CA)
- Robert A. Lane (Carlsbad, CA, US)
- Marco A. SCHILLING (San Diego, CA, US)
- Paul E. Catinella (San Diego, CA, US)
Cpc classification
H04W4/80
ELECTRICITY
H04L63/0861
ELECTRICITY
G07F17/12
PHYSICS
G06F21/34
PHYSICS
G07C9/00563
PHYSICS
G06F21/32
PHYSICS
International classification
G07F17/12
PHYSICS
G06F21/34
PHYSICS
H04W4/00
ELECTRICITY
A45C13/18
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
This application provides an electronic wallet or passport case for controlling the opening, unlocking and locking of enclosures such as luggage, briefcases, lockers, cases, cabinets, vehicles, buildings, homes and with indirect operational control by the means of a smartphone, tablet or any personal computing device. More particularly, a Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System is provided. The Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System includes a biometric based finger print authentication module, and a Bluetooth communications enabled module, to prevent a non-owner or unauthorized user from accessing the device, along with mobile applications to control the Smart Wallet System using a smartphone. The smart wallet equipped unit may be replaced by any locking case such as a briefcase or luggage.
Claims
1. A smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system comprising: a) a smart wallet housing including a frame, incorporating a control processor and a locking latch; b) a biometric access input device user interface housed within said frame, for the purpose of verifying user credentials; c) a radio frequency (RF) communications unit housed within said frame, for the purpose of facilitating RF communications between a smartphone and said smart wallet system control processor; and d) a smartphone software application compatible with said smart wallet wherein the software application provides a user interface to verify a first authenticating factor including the user credentials, to lock, unlock, open and close said smart wallet locking case; wherein the software application requires a second authenticating factor which, is provided by the smart wallet control processor, to enable a pre-specified operation; and wherein access to said locking latch for locking and unlocking said smart wallet housing is controlled by said biometric access user interface and said Bluetooth RF communications unit housed within said frame.
2. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein said RF communications unit includes a Bluetooth RF communication link for facilitating the sending of data between said smart wallet control processor and any other Bluetooth enabled device.
3. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 2, wherein said Bluetooth RF communications sent between said smart wallet housing and said biometric access input device user interface and RF communications unit includes information relating to the operational status of both the locking case and the biometric access input device user interface.
4. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 2, further including a display wherein said biometric access input device user interface and said smartphone software application use operational information shown on said display and thereby control the locking and unlocking of said smart wallet housing.
5. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the RF communications between the case and said biometric access input device user interface includes authentication information relating IT both the locking case and the smartphone software application.
6. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric access input device user interface grants or denies access to security domains over which the access user interface has control.
7. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric access input device user interface communicates with the entry access computer within A vehicle and the operations granted include unlocking the doors and activating the ignition.
8. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the biometric access input device user interface communicates with a building door entry access door lock and the operations granted include unlocking the door.
9. A smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, further comprising: an RF communications unit including a mobile computing device having a RF communication link to said smart wallet control processor, and further including a mobile computing device software application compatible with said smart wallet control processor; and further including a global positioning satellite (GPS) detection device; wherein the software application provides a user interface to lock, unlock, open and close said smart wallet locking latch, and said GPS detection device provides geographical location information.
10. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 9, further comprising: an alarm function that activates an audible alarm in the mobile computing device when the received signal strength of the RF communication unit falls below a preset level; an alarm function that activates an audible alarm in the locking case when the received signal strength of the RF communication unit falls below a preset level; and a find me function that activates an audible alarm in the locking case when a find me request command is sent from the mobile computing device software application compatible with said smart wallet locking case system.
11. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 10, further comprising: a find me function that activates an audible alarm in the mobile computing device when a find me request command is sent from the locking smart wallet; wherein a smart wallet status function displays the battery charge level of the locking smart wallet on the display of a mobile computing device; and further wherein a locking smart wallet status function activates an audible alarm when the battery charge level falls below a predetermined threshold; wherein a mobile computing device status function activates an audible alarm when locking case battery charge level falls below a predetermined threshold.
12. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 10, further comprising: a remote open function that activates a locking case mechanism allowing the contents of the case to be accessed; a mobile computing device software application function which accepts as input a predetermined PIN number; a locking case access code generator; and an application code that verifies the entered PIN and generates a locking case open code after verification if the PIN; wherein the verified PIN access code is sent to the locking case, thereby opening the case and allowing access to the locking case contents.
13. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, further comprising: a locking smart wallet system; and an RF communications unit including a vehicle entry or building door entry access system including a RF communication link to a locking case, and a software application compatible with the locking smart wallet system; wherein the software application provides for a pre-specified vehicular operation or building access when the RF communication link signal level to the locking case is above a preset threshold.
14. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 13, further comprising: a biometric input device: further wherein the software application provides access to the vehicle when a valid fingerprint input matches the preregistered biometric input; the software application provides access to the vehicle when a valid voice recognition command input matches the preregistered biometric input; and the software application provides access to the vehicle when a valid set of rotational movements matches the preregistered movement input.
15. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 14, wherein the pre-specified vehicular operation enables door entry access, enables the vehicles ignition, and wherein the pre-specified vehicular operation unlocks an interior glove box.
16. A smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system comprising: an access control lock; a biometric access input device user interface; and an RF communications unit in communication with said access control lock including an entry access door lock system including a RF communication link to a locking case, and a mobile computing device software application compatible with the locking case system; wherein the mobile computing device software application unlocks the door lock when the RF communication link signal level to the locking case is above a preset threshold; and further wherein the software application requires a second authenticating factor which, is provided by the biometric access input device user interface, to enable a pre-specified operation.
17. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system according to claim 16, wherein the mobile computing device software application unlocks said access control lock when a valid fingerprint input matches the preregistered biometric input.
18. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system according to claim 16, wherein the mobile computing device software application unlocks said access control lock when a valid voice command input matches the preregistered biometric input.
19. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system according to claim 16, wherein the mobile computing device software application unlocks said access control lock when a valid set of rotational movements input matches the preregistered biometric input.
20. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system according to claim 16, further including a GPS detection device wherein said GPS detection device provides geophysical location information.
21. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled case locking system according to claim 1, further including: a smartphone incorporating a biometric access input device and user interface; wherein access to said locking latch for locking and unlocking said smart wallet housing is controlled by said biometric access input device and user interface incorporated within said smartphone.
22. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the access module includes the entry access computer system within an automobile, truck or bus and the operations granted include unlocking the doors and activating the ignition.
23. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the access module includes the entry access computer system within a boat, ship or vessel and the operations granted include unlocking the doors and activating the ignition.
24. The smartphone controlled biometric and Bluetooth enabled locking smart wallet system according to claim 1, wherein the access module includes the entry access computer system within an aircraft and the operations granted include unlocking the doors and activating the ignition.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
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(15) For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the design and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(16) Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System 10 are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in
(17) In this
(18) Referring to
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(23) While the Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System 10 (RF) link is active, devices within the transmission range can monitor for and establish a connection with the Smart Wallet 12. When a link is established the connecting device can be interrogated and ascertain the type of device which it is connected to Smart Wallet 12 and the connected devices capabilities. In the case of a connection with a (key FOB) dongle 82, the two devices pair and monitor for device separation. If separation greater than a preset level is detected audible and visual alarms are sounded.
(24) In the case of a connection with a smartphone or cell phone 84 or a mobile computing device 90 the two devices pair and a preinstalled application is loaded on the device providing enhanced capabilities, including setting the alarm range detection, sounding an alarm on the Smart Wallet 12 for finding a lost device within the transmission radius, a remote open function and a battery level monitoring function. In the case of a connection with a vehicle 86, the vehicle authenticates that the Smart Wallet 12 is authorized to access the vehicle, and if granted unlocks the door and enables the ignition system.
(25) In the case of a connection with a access control door lock 88, the door lock authenticates that the Smart Wallet 12 is authorized to access the seemed area, and if granted, activates the door lock open mechanism. In all of the above cases, if preconfigured, the pairing operation can also include a successful biometric authorization in addition to the described pairing operation to gram access to the paired devices protected operations within the Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System 10.
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(30) Referring now to
(31) The System Processor 117 (standard equipment) controls the overall operation of the Smart Wallet: System 110 unit. For example, the following operations are facilitated by the System Processor: a. Interprets the user's inputs and convert them into commands which control the fingerprint enrollment and identification process. b. Controls lock motor and monitors lock motor position feedback operation. c. Controls and interprets commands passed from the user's external Bluetooth device. d. Manages system power usage. e. Controls the operation of all LED's (Status LEDs and Hood Light). f. Monitors and records motion sensor data. g. Monitors and records temperature sensor readings. h. Manages the Real Time Clock for time-lock and alarm operation. i. Supports USB communication for direct connect setup and firmware updating. j. Monitors the battery voltage and reports battery status via status LEDs and Bluetooth. k. Optionally monitors and records GPS Data. l. Microphone input for voice controlled operation.
(32) The Bluetooth LE RF Module (standard equipment) 116 controls the Bluetooth radio link to the users' smartphone or other compatible intelligent device 150. It also receives commands and alerts from the external device 150 and passes them to the System Processor 117 for action. Additionally RF Module 116 receives command and control data from the System Processor 117 and passes that data to the external device 150 via the Bluetooth link throe the mobile device RF Module 151.
(33) The Fingerprint Sensor (standard equipment) 111 is the device on which the users places their finger to enroll a finger or to unlock the device.
(34) A Fingerprint Compressor (standard equipment) receives commands from the System Processor and then controls the operation of the fingerprint sensor.
(35) A USB interface (standard equipment) is used both to provide charging power for the battery and to control and setup the device with the individual user preferences and also allows reading the mass storage memory if equipped.
(36) The Battery (standard equipment) provides all power to the system during normal operation.
(37) A Power Supply (standard equipment) will serve to provide the system with the regulated voltages that are required for the system to operate.
(38) The Battery Charger (standard equipment) provides controls and monitors the battery charge cycle when the unit is plugged into a USB port or USB wall charger.
(39) Numerous Status LEDs (standard equipment), and custom display (optional equipment) 118 are used to convey unit status and also to prompt the user to perform some action like placing a linger on or lifting a finger from the fingerprint touch sensor. The functioning of these varying color status LEDs and custom display may be as follows: a. A Green LED blinks slowly when battery is charging and is on solid when the battery is fully charged. One long blink indicates user should place their finger on the fingerprint sensor. Green LED is off when in standby mode. b. A Red LED flickers at a slow rate to indicate the battery is in need of charging. One long blink indicates the user should lift their finger from the fingerprint sensor. Red LED is off when in standby mode. c. A Blue LED conveys the current state of the Bluetooth link.
(40) An Internal Lighting (standard equipment) can be used, and may be configured in the form of an illuminated frame around the case. These lights illuminate the contents of the case momentarily when opened in low light conditions.
(41) A Lock Status Switch (standard equipment) signals the main processor when the Lock Motor has completed the full Unlock/Relock cycle.
(42) An Activate/Power Button (standard equipment) powers the unit on if it is off and requests the user to input a fingerprint to unlock the unit. If the unit is already on or in standby mode the unit will just request that the user inputs a fingerprint to unlock the unit.
(43) The Bluetooth Enable Button (standard equipment) is used to enable and disable the Bluetooth link to the user's external device.
(44) A Reset Button (standard Equipment) is used to reset the system. The reset button is accessed via a small diameter hole somewhere on the device. The button is activated by inserting the tip of a paperclip straight into the hole until it clicks. This is used to restart the main processor in the event of trouble. The unit will restart with all previous settings intact. An alarm will sound for a few seconds and the user will be prompted to place their finger on the fingerprint reader.
(45) A Lock Motor Control (standard equipment) provides power to the Lock Motor when requested by the System Processor.
(46) The Lock Motor (standard equipment) is an electromechanical device which unlocks and relocks the unit.
(47) An Alarm Amplifier (standard equipment) is present within the system. It Amplifies the low power audio signals from main processor to the high power signal required by the alarm speaker.
(48) The Alarm Speaker (standard equipment) provides the sounds which alert the user about a status change of the device, or other alarms which may require their attention.
(49) A WiFi Connectivity (optional equipment) module 116 allows longer distance control, access a id monitoring of the unit through WiFi communications.
(50) A GPS Sensor (optional equipment) 115 allows global position information to be monitored and recorded. The GPS Sensor 115 also allows for GPS aware security.
(51) The Temperature Sensor (optional equipment) 120 allows the monitoring of environmental conditions in the device which may be detrimental to the contents. An alarm may be triggered or the temperature profile may be recorded over time for later analysis.
(52) An Axis Accelerometer (optional equipment) 113 can be used to prevent the device from being opened while not being held at a specific angle. Can also be used to detect or record rough handling of the device. May also trigger an alarm if not handled as instructed. Can also be used where a specific set of motions is required to allow for low level authentication operations. Can also be used in multi-factor authentication where both a specific set of motions and a biometric operation are required to authenticate a given operation.
(53) An Axis Magnetometer (optional equipment) 114 can be programmed to trigger an alarm if the device is physically moved. It also may provide a virtual lock in place function.
(54) An Axis Gyroscope (optional equipment) may be programmed to trigger an alarm when the device is rotated in any axis at a rate greater than a fixed value.
(55) The Display (optional equipment) 118 may take the form of a custom display 118. A custom display may be added for applications that require re complex user interaction.
(56) The Keypad (optional equipment) 119 may be included to facilitate user interaction. A custom keypad may he added for applications that require more complex user interaction.
(57) A Mass Storage Device (option equipment) may be within the system unit. This Mass Storage Device would allow storage and recall of sensor history data such as temperature, motion and when and where the device was opened. The mass storage device can also securely store and recall multiple user passwords. Using the (RF) link the passwords can be securely transferred to unlock user accounts, door access codes and point of sale PIN numbers using the Bluetooth Enabled Case biometric functions.
(58) The Microphone input (optional equipment) 112 allows voice activation of various features. Developing voice recognition systems such as Alexa, Siri, and Goggle Voice among others provide high quality voice command access to multiple devices including home lights, door locks, temperature control, streaming media players among other uses. With a Bluetooth Enabled Case Lock and the cell phone connected to each other high security voice operations such as garage door operation can use the multi-device authentication of this system. In addition, the Bluetooth Enabled Case can use its limited voice recognition capabilities to control operation of the case.
(59) Referring now to
(60) Referring now to
(61) It should be noted that this smart wallet system may also take the form of a smart locking case, and that this anticipated smart locking case may be equipped similarly to the Smart Wallet 12 but be in the form of a small, medium or large locking case such as an attache case, brief case, or other form of luggage, etc. Any locking case so equipped would be controllable and controlled through the smartphone application as described and disclosed herein. Within this case locking system may be any combination of the standard and optional equipment as described above for the Smart Wallet 12 system.
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(63) The Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Case Lock 10 shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangement of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present application. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof; other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a Case Lock 10 in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this design as broadly defined in the appended claims.
(64) Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the inventing of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.