(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`Campbell et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`USOO6839449B1
`
`(54) KEY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors; John Campbell, Chandler, AZ (US);
`George Heredia, Paradise Valley, AZ
`.
`-
`-
`SJZS)(’U1§[)IChaelA'Mueller’PhoemX’
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`(73) ASSIgnee- $133151?“ Groups 111% Cmcmnam
`
`............... 356/71
`5/1996 Teratani et a1.
`5,517,299 A
`
`4/1997 Stansberry et a1.
`700/161
`5,617,323 A
`
`.....
`.. 708/135
`6/1998 Froehlich et a1.
`5,771,176 A
`~~~~~ 283/2:
`31333 fitmblatd ft al~
`3:33;? 2
`
`1 us e a . .............
`,
`,
`5/2000 Wills etal.
`........
`.. 382/100
`6,064,747 A *
`5/2000 Almblad et al. ........... 409/83
`6,065,911 A *
`
`2/2001 Yanovsky et a1.
`382/100
`6,185,311 B1 *
`.......... 382/100
`9/2002 Yanovsky et a1.
`6,449,381 B1 *
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 268 days.
`
`ES
`
`1/1991
`2 017 240 A
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`.
`(21) Appl. No" 09/625’274
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jul. 25, 2000
`
`7
`
`.................................................. G06K 9/00
`Int. Cl.
`(51)
`........................................ 382/100; 382/209
`(52) US. Cl.
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 382/100, 152,
`382/181, 190, 209, 217—218, 305, 309,
`409/81: 82: 83: 96
`
`(56)
`
`_
`References Clted
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,919,589 A * 11/1975 Hanak ......................... 315/71
`11/1981 Sakamoto ............ 358/484
`4,300,170 A
`
`.......... 356/601
`4,300,836 A
`11/1981 Holmes et al.
`........... 250/202
`4,652,738 A
`3/1987 Nishihara et a1.
`4,652,765 A
`3/1987 Nishihara .............. 250559.19
`
`3/1987 Tamura ............... 382/154
`4,653,104 A
`2/1989 Durland ............ 250/559.2
`4,803,371 A
`
`7/1989 Uede et a1. ::::::::::: 382/146
`4:845:764 A
`4,899,391 A
`2/1990 Clmlno et al.
`.............. 382/100
`e a .
`.....................
`.
`49297843 A
`5/1990 CthnlneleWSkl’Jr'
`250559 05
`5,119,190 A
`6/1992 Lemelson .................... 348/95
`..... 211/120
`5,127,532 A
`7/1992 Cimino et al.
`
`...................... 250/202
`5,128,531 A
`7/1992 Fadel
`..... 700/175
`5,255,199 A
`10/1993 Barkman et a1.
`
`................... 356/604
`5,307,151 A
`4/1994 Hof et a1.
`
`European Search Report for European Patent Application
`No. 011175494 (claiming priority to US. Appl. No. 09/625,
`274) dated Jun. 1, 2004.
`Gerblich, K.:
`“Ins Rechte Licht Geruckt” Elektronic,
`Munich, DE; V01. 41, N0. 9 Apr 28, 1992, pp 106—111
`non—english.
`.
`*
`.
`cued by exammer
`Primary Examiner—Daniel Mariam
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Finnegan, Henderson,
`Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`~
`~
`~
`~
`A Slim? f?” Ideniéflgfihthe kfy blanf Sorresg’o??mg. to a
`mas er CY 15 Pro“ 6 '
`esys emmcu 6” r5 ummo‘ls
`surface and a second lumlnous surface. The second luml-
`nous surface is disposed opposite the first luminous surface
`such that the master key is disposable therebetween. The
`first and second luminous surfaces are operable to generate
`an image of the master key. A receiver is provided to capture
`the image of the master key. The system also includes a
`~
`~
`~
`~
`control haVing a memory that stores information on a
`Ffiurfihtybf 11:65] blanks‘dThe $011301 15 fpegablg to édenttllfly
`. 6
`ey
`“1 COHCSPO“ mg. 0
`e mas er ey ase 0“
`6
`Image captured by the recelVer~
`
`17 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`Log
`
`
`
`
`T
`
`I“)
`
`”2
`
`I14
`us
`
`118
`
`
`
`.n
`
`m
`
`Dispny
`ennz'iedKevBln-ik
`
`
`1
`1d
`.
`
`
`
`
`Multiple
`l0}
`‘3!
`
`
`: CEPIDICKeferencclmgge
`11:3:ch
`RequestThatUserFlipKey
`
`
`
`
`—'—l—"— IN
`126
`
`
`
`CQBEEfi'fi11.1115: ‘— 1
`Dlsplay "No Match"
`Emu Milllng Exil Slug:
`
`
`
`
`,.
`.
`CapmrcKeylmagewilh
`1
`”5
`i
`
`
`Back nghl And Top nghl
`:33:1:13:55;
`T
`In
`Produce silhoms 1mg:
`
`
`
`T
`
`
`cmumgemp
`1
`Belem-line Key Onenmion
`
`
`fi— 113
`Emu Edge Cm lnfomulion
`
`
`T
`Exmcl Spin: And
`Shbuldc! Localiun luformatin
`
`Emm Head and Shnulder
`
`Shape !""urnuuon
`1
`Camping Head and sneulasi
`Information With Dana Base
`
`Display List or
`Identified Key Blanks
`
`
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 1
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 1 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 2
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 2 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`
`
`LB
`
`16
`
`.
`
`«
`
`$
`
`\
`
`1H
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 3
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 3 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`go
`
`2.6
`
`::.:3
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 4
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 4 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 5
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 5
`
`

`

`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 6 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`Capture Reference Image
`
`Capture Key Image
`With Back Light
`
`Capture Key Image With
`Back Light And Top Light
`
`Produce Silhouette Image
`
`Create Edge Map
`
`Determine Key Orientation
`
`Extract Edge Cut Information
`
`Extract Spine And
`Shoulder Location Informatio
`
`Extract Head and Shoulder
`
`Shape If ?ormation
`
`Compare Head and Shoulder
`Information With Data Base
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 10a
`
`138
`
`Request That User Flip Key
`
`102
`
`104
`
`106
`
`108
`
`110
`
`112
`
`113
`
`114
`
`116
`
`118
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 7
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 7 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`124 Multiple
`
`
`
`Keys
`Matched?
` N0
`
`Yes
`
`126
`
`122
`
`Display “No Match”
`
`Extract Milling Ex1t Shape
`
`
`
`130
`
`Compare Milling Ex1t
`Shape With Data Base
`
`128
`
`
`
`Multiple
`Keys
`
`Matched?
`
`No
`
`
`
`Display Identified Key Blank
`
` Process
`
`Other
`Side?
`
`
` Display List Of
`Identified Key Blanks
`
`Fig. 10b
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 8
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 4, 2005
`
`Sheet 8 0f 8
`
`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`
`
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 9
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 9
`
`

`

`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`1
`KEY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention generally relates to a system for identify-
`ing a key. More particularly, the present invention relates to
`a system for identifying the key blank that corresponds to a
`master key.
`There are many circumstances in which a key owner may
`desire to obtain a copy of a key. For example, the key owner
`would need to replace a key after the key has undergone
`significant use and the cuts and notches on the key blade
`have worn to a point where the key can no longer effectively
`operate the corresponding lock. Akey owner may also desire
`to create a duplicate key to replace a lost key or simply to
`obtain an extra key.
`To reproduce a key, the type, or style, of key blank used
`in the master key must be identified from the numerous types
`of key blanks available in the market. In addition to iden-
`tifying the appropriate key blank, the cuts, or notches, in the
`blade of the key may be identified. After the key blank and
`the key cuts are identified, a key blank corresponding to the
`master key may be positioned in a clamp and a cutting
`mechanism employed to reproduce the notches in the blade.
`The end result of this process is a key that is a reproduction
`of the original master key.
`Each different type, or style, of key blank has different
`features that uniquely identify the key blank. These features
`include the head shape, blade length, milling locations and
`depths, and the number of cut edges (i.e. whether the key is
`one-sided or two-sided). To identify the appropriate key
`blank, this information is extracted from the master key and
`compared to known key blanks. A key blank can be iden-
`tified when each of the features of the master key is matched
`to a particular key blank. This comparison process may be
`performed manually or with an automated identification
`device. The currently known automated key identification
`machines extract this information from a master key through
`a combination of two processes: back lighting and light
`striping.
`In a back lighting process, a light source and a camera are
`positioned on opposite sides of a master key so that the light
`from the light source forms a profile of the key for the
`camera to capture. The captured profile is digitized and the
`results are analyzed by a processor to extract information
`about the master key. This back lighting process can reveal
`information about the head shape, blade length, and whether
`the key is one-sided or two-sided. However, information
`about the shape of the key blade surface, such as the location
`and depth of any grooves or millings, cannot be determined
`from the profile of the master key. Thus, the back lighting
`process alone is unable to extract all of the information about
`the master key needed to identify the key.
`The process of light striping will reveal the information
`that can not be obtained in the back lighting process. In the
`light striping process, a generally planar beam of light is
`directed at an angle against the blade of the key. The beam
`of light is then moved along the length of the key blade,
`either by moving the key relative to the light stripe and
`camera or by moving the light stripe and camera relative to
`the key. The image created by the intersection of the light
`stripe and the blade surface is captured by a camera. Because
`of the angle of intersection of the light stripe and the key
`blade and the differing depths of the key blade surface due
`to the millings or grooves, the image captured by the camera
`will be non-linear. This non-linear image may be digitized
`
`10
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`
`65
`
`2
`and analyzed to determine the location and depth of the
`grooves or millings on the key blade surface.
`Key identification machines that identify a key with the
`light striping and back lighting processes are typically
`complex machines as they must include the moving parts
`and multiple lighting sources needed to both back light and
`light stripe the key blade. In addition, a bright light source,
`such as a laser, is typically required to generate the light
`stripe. The use of a laser necessitates that certain safety
`precautions, such as laser shielding, be included in the light
`striping device.
`In addition, imperfections or dirt on the surface of the key
`blade can result in glares or shadows under the harsh light
`of a laser generated light stripe. These glares and shadows
`are captured as part of the camera image of the light stripe
`and can reduce the accuracy of the key identification pro-
`cess.
`
`Another problem with known light striping machines is
`that
`the master key must be accurately positioned with
`respect to the light stripe to obtain an accurate identification
`of the master key. For the light striping process to work, the
`user must place the key blade perpendicular to the light
`stripe generator. Any other positioning will result
`in a
`distorted non-linear image. If the alignment of the key is too
`far off from perpendicular, the distortion of the non-linear
`will prevent an accurate identification of the key blank.
`In light of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved
`key identification system that (1) has a reduced number of
`moving parts; (2) is easy to use; and (3) has improved
`accuracy and speed of key identification.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a system
`for identifying keys that obviates one or more of the limi-
`tations and disadvantages of prior art key identification
`devices. The advantages and purposes of the invention will
`be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in
`part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned
`by practice of the invention. The advantages and purposes of
`the invention will be realized and attained by the elements
`and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
`claims.
`
`To attain the advantages and in accordance with the
`purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly
`described herein, the invention is directed to a system for
`identifying a key blank from a master key. The system
`includes a first luminous surface and a second luminous
`
`surface disposed opposite the first luminous surface such
`that a master key is disposable therebetween. The first and
`second luminous surfaces are operable to generate an image
`of the master key. A receiver captures the image of the
`master key, and a control that has a memory storing infor-
`mation on a plurality of key blanks identifies the key blank
`corresponding to the master key based on the captured
`image.
`In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
`device for identifying a key blank from a master key. The
`device includes a housing. A first illuminating means and a
`second illuminating means are disposed in the housing and
`are fixed relative to the housing. The first illuminating means
`is operable to selectively illuminate a first side of a master
`key and the second illuminating means is operable to
`selectively illuminate a second side of the master key. A
`receiver is provided to capture an image of the master key
`generated by at least one of the first and second illuminating
`means. A control having a memory operable to store infor-
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 10
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 10
`
`

`

`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`3
`mation on a plurality of key blanks is provided. The control
`is operable to identify the key blank corresponding to the
`master key based on the captured image.
`In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to
`a method of identifying a key blank from a master key.
`According to the method, a housing having a first luminous
`surface and a second luminous surface fixed therein is
`
`provided. A master key is positioned between the first
`luminous surface and the second luminous surface. At least
`
`one side of the master key is illuminated with one of the first
`and second luminous surfaces. The image of the master key
`generated by the one of the first and second luminous
`surfaces is captured and compared with information from
`known key blanks to identify a key blank corresponding to
`the master key.
`In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to
`a system for identifying a key blank from a master key. The
`system includes a housing configured to receive a master
`key. A luminous surface is disposed in the housing to
`selectively illuminate a surface of the master key. A receiver
`is provided to capture an image of the master key as
`illuminated by the first luminous surface. There is further
`provided a control having a memory for storing information
`on a plurality of key blanks. The control identifies the key
`blank corresponding to the master key based on the captured
`image.
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the
`invention, as claimed.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification,
`illustrate an
`embodiment of the present invention and together with the
`description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`In the drawings,
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a key identification system
`in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of first and second luminous
`surfaces and a receiver in accordance with the present
`invention;
`FIG. 3 is a side view of the first and second luminous
`surfaces and receiver of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
`2;
`
`FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of first and
`second luminous surfaces and a receiver in accordance with
`
`the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the first and second luminous
`surfaces and receiver of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
`4;
`
`FIG. 6a is a top view of an exemplary master key (without
`bitting pattern);
`FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view of the master key of FIG.
`6a taken along line A—A;
`FIG. 7a is a top view of another exemplary master key
`(without bitting pattern);
`FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view of the master key of FIG.
`7a taken along line B—B;
`FIG. 8a is a top view of another exemplary master key
`(without bitting pattern);
`FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view of the master key of FIG.
`8a taken along line C—C;
`FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a computer suitable for
`controlling the operation of the key identification system of
`the present invention;
`
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`4
`FIGS. 10a and 10b are a flowchart illustrating a method
`of identifying a key blank from a master key in accordance
`with the present invention; and
`FIGS. Ila—11d are top views of exemplary key blanks,
`illustrating the respective milling exit pattern of the key
`blanks.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
`preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples
`of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
`Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
`throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. An
`exemplary embodiment of a system for identifying a master
`key according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1
`and is designated generally by reference number 20.
`Key blanks are made in a variety of sizes and shapes, each
`of which is configured to ultimately operate a particular type
`of lock. To identify the key blank corresponding to a master
`key, the master key must be analyzed to obtain identifying
`information about the master key that will uniquely identify
`the corresponding key blank.
`FIGS. 6a, 7a, and 8a illustrate several exemplary master
`keys. For purposes of simplicity, the master keys are illus-
`trated without a bitting pattern. As shown, each master key
`32 has a head 64, a shoulder area 70, and a blade 72. The size
`and shape of key head 64 and shoulder area 70 are features
`of the master key 32 that are useful
`in identifying the
`corresponding key blank.
`Blade 72 of master key 32 has a length L and includes a
`first edge 66 and a second edge 68. Master key 32 may
`include cuts or notches in one or both of the first and second
`
`edges 66 and 68. Akey with cuts in one edge is considered
`a single-sided key, whereas a key with cuts in both edges is
`considered a double-sided key. The blade length L and the
`number of cut edges are additional features of the master key
`that are useful in identifying the corresponding key blank.
`As illustrated in FIGS. 6b, 7b, and 8b, blade 72 of master
`key also includes a first side 46 and a second side 47. Each
`side 46 and 47 typically includes millings 74, or grooves,
`that further define the key blank. These millings are
`designed to correspond to the shape of a key receptacle in a
`particular lock. A milling exit pattern 76 is formed in the
`shoulder area 70 and head 64 when the millings 74 are
`formed in the blade. The number, location, and depth of
`millings 74 and the resulting shape of milling exit pattern 76
`on the key blade are additional features of the master key
`that are useful in identifying the key blank that corresponds
`to the master key.
`By comparing information about the head, shoulder, and
`blade of the master key to similar information about known
`key blanks, the key blank corresponding to the master key
`may be identified. Some features, such as the head shape and
`blade length, may be common across a number of different
`styles of key blank and, therefore, cannot be used alone to
`uniquely identify the key blank. However, this information
`is easy to compare to known key blanks and can be used to
`reduce the number of potential key blank matches that
`warrant additional comparison with the remainder of the
`master key information.
`In accordance with the present invention, there is pro-
`vided a system for identifying a key blank corresponding to
`a master key. The system includes a first luminous surface
`and a second luminous surface. The first and second lumi-
`
`nous surfaces are disposed opposite one another such that
`the master key is disposable therebetween. The first and
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 11
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 11
`
`

`

`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`5
`second luminous surfaces are operable to generate an image
`of the master key. In the preferred embodiment, the first and
`second luminous surfaces include an electro-luminescent
`
`film, although the present invention contemplates that the
`luminous surfaces may include other luminous materials
`capable of generating uniform light, such as chemical and
`electrical luminescence.
`
`As illustrated in FIG. 1, the key identification system 20
`includes a first luminous surface 24 and a second luminous
`
`surface 26. Preferably, first and second luminous surfaces 24
`and 26 are disposed within a housing 22 and are fixed
`relative to the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, hous-
`ing 22 substantially encloses the first and second luminous
`surfaces 24 and 26 to provide a light tight environment in
`which a master key 32 may be examined. By enclosing the
`luminous surfaces, housing 22 prevents unwanted light from
`reflecting off any internal components of the key identifi-
`cation system. Any unwanted light that interferes with the
`key identification process could reduce the accuracy of the
`identification process.
`Preferably, housing 22 contains a door (not shown) or
`other opening through which master key 32 may be placed
`in the key identification system 20. The door may be
`automatically opened and closed during the key identifica-
`tion process by a control (as described in greater detail
`below). Alternatively, the door may be manually opened and
`closed by a user.
`In the preferred embodiment, first and second luminous
`surfaces 24 and 26 include an electro-luminescent film. As
`illustrated in FIG. 2, first and second luminous surfaces 24
`and 26 are connected to power leads 40 and 41, respectively,
`which are, in turn, connected to a power source (not shown).
`When the power source is activated, a voltage is applied to
`the electro-luminescent film. As is known in the art, when a
`voltage is applied to electro-luminescent film, the electro-
`luminescent film emits a uniform glow of light across the
`surface of the film. The brightness of the emitted glow may
`be varied by increasing or decreasing the voltage applied to
`the electro-luminescent film. In addition, adjusting the fre-
`quency of the current applied to the electro-luminescent film
`could also alter the brightness of the emitted glow.
`Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1—3, first
`luminous
`surface 24 is configured to receive master key 32. It is
`contemplated that master key 32 may be placed directly on
`first
`luminous surface 24 or a transparent support (not
`shown) may be provided to receive the master key. When
`master key 32 is positioned on or over the first luminous
`surface and the power source is activated, the light emitted
`from the first luminous surface will back light master key 32.
`Viewed from a position on the opposite side of master key
`32 from first luminous surface 24, the back lighting of the
`master key will outline the profile of the master key. The
`profile of the master key reveals the shape and size of the
`head and shoulder of the master key, as well as the length of
`the key blade. This back lighting process will also reveal the
`bitting pattern in the master key, if that is a desirable feature
`to extract from the master key.
`As also illustrated in FIGS. 1—3, second luminous surface
`26 is positioned on the opposite side of master key 32 from
`first
`luminous surface 24. When the power source is
`activated, the light generated by second luminous surface 26
`will illuminate the unsupported surface 46 of master key 32.
`The uniform light generated by second luminous surface 26
`will illuminate the surface of the key, including any grooves
`or millings in the key blade and the milling exit pattern on
`the key shoulder and head.
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`The present invention contemplates that the key identifi-
`cation system of the present invention may include a single
`luminous surface fixed in a housing. As described in greater
`detail below, this embodiment will allow for the accurate
`identification of a key blank from a master key. However, it
`is expected that providing two luminous surfaces will pro-
`vide for a faster identification of the blank key.
`In accordance with the present invention, the key identi-
`fication system also includes a receiver operable to capture
`the image of the master key that is generated by the first and
`second luminous surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the
`receiver is a high resolution digital camera, such as a
`1288x1032 high resolution digital monochrome CCD manu-
`factured by PixelCam and Vitana.
`It
`is contemplated,
`however, that a non-digital camera may be used in connec-
`tion with a digitizer, which together will produce a digital
`signal that represents the image of the master key. The
`present invention also contemplates that the receiver may
`capture the image of the key when only the first luminous
`surface is activated to obtain the profile of the master key or
`when both luminous surfaces are activated to obtain an
`
`image of the unsupported surface of the master key.
`As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, receiver 28 is preferably
`positioned adjacent to second luminous surface 26. Second
`luminous surface 26 includes an opening 44 configured to
`allow receiver 28 to obtain an unobstructed view of master
`
`key 32. Preferably, opening 44 is as small as possible to
`ensure that second luminous surface 26 properly illuminates
`the unsupported (exposed) surface of the master key.
`Opening 44 limits the viewing range of receiver 28 to a
`certain viewing range 42. For master key 32 to be identified,
`the master key 32 must be disposed within the viewing range
`42 of the receiver. In the preferred embodiment, a frame 38
`(referring to FIG. 1) surrounds first luminous surface 24 to
`limit the area in which master key 32 may be placed to the
`viewing area of receiver 28. This will ensure that master key
`32 is placed within the viewing range of the receiver and can
`therefore be identified.
`
`Preferably, the lens of receiver 28 is flush with the second
`luminous surface 26. Alternatively, the lens of receiver 28
`may be slightly behind the second luminous surface 26. Any
`projection of the lens past the second luminous surface 26
`could potentially interfere with the light generated by the
`second luminous surface and cast a shadow on the master
`
`key. Such a shadow could reduce the accuracy of the key
`identification process. However, the further the lens moves
`away from the surface of the second luminous surface 26,
`the more the viewing angle of the receiver is restricted.
`Thus, the largest viewing area is obtained when the lens of
`receiver is flush with the surface of the second luminous
`surface.
`
`Receiver 28 is configured to capture different images of
`master 32 during the key identification process. The different
`images of master key 32 are generated by varying the
`amount of light generated by each of the first and second
`luminous surfaces and by selectively activating or
`de-activating the first and second luminous surfaces. It is
`contemplated that generating a variety of different images
`may be useful in identifying the key blank from the master
`key.
`For example, one image of master key 32 that is useful in
`identifying the key blank is a back lit image of the master
`key. The back lit
`image is generated by activating first
`luminous surface 24 without activating second luminous
`surface 26. The body of master key 32 blocks some of the
`illumination generated by the first luminous surface. The
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 12
`
`KEYME EX. 1005, PAGE 12
`
`

`

`US 6,839,449 B1
`
`7
`receiver captures the illumination that passes by the master
`key, which will define the shape of the master key. The
`receiver captures the image as a set of differently colored
`pixels. The darker pixels identify the location of the master
`key and the point at which the pixels change from darker to
`lighter indicates the location of the edge of the key. This
`image may be analyzed to determine the shape of the
`silhouette, or profile, of the master key.
`A second useful image in identifying a key blank is a top
`lit image of the master key. This image can be generated by
`activating both first and second luminous surfaces 24 and 26.
`Master key 32 will block a portion of the illumination
`generated by first luminous surface 24 and will reflect a
`portion of the illumination generated by second luminous
`surface 26. The resulting image captured by receiver 28 will
`include a set of differently colored pixels that define the
`surface of master key 32. The top lit image will include lines
`of darker colored pixels that indicate the location of millings
`74 on key blade 72. The top lit image may be analyzed to
`determine the location and width of millings 74 on key blade
`72 as well as milling exit shape pattern 76.
`An alternative embodiment of the receiver is illustrated in
`FIGS. 4 and 5. In this embodiment, a second receiver 50 is
`disposed adjacent receiver 28 and aligned with a second
`opening 52 in the second luminous surface 26. The lens of
`second receiver 50 is also disposed flush with, or slightly
`back from, second luminous surface 26. This configuration
`provides second receiver 50 with a viewing range 54 of at
`least a part of master key 32.
`Preferably, second receiver 50 is positioned such that the
`viewing range 54 of the second receiver 50 overlaps viewing
`range 42 of receiver 28. Thus, receiver 28 will capture an
`image of a first part of master key 32 and second receiver 50
`will capture and image of a second part of the master key.
`The images captured by receiver 28 and second receiver 50
`can be combined to create a complete image of the master
`key, from which the key may be identified, as described in
`greater detail below.
`Preferably, first luminous surface 24 includes reference
`marks 55 to aid in combining the images of the key captured
`by receiver 28 and second receiver 50. These reference mark
`have a width equal to the width of a pixel. Reference marks
`55 are placed within the overlap of the viewing ranges 42
`and 52. Thus, each receiver captures reference marks 55
`along with a portion of master key 32. The reference marks
`55 are used when the two separate images are combined to
`form a single image of the master key and ensure that the
`image of the key is properly combined.
`The dual receiver embodiment can provide for a more
`compact key identification system. Because the viewing area
`of the two receivers can be combined to form a complete
`image of the master key, the distance between the master key
`and the two receivers can be reduced to less than that
`
`required by a single receiver to capture the entire image of
`the master key. Thus, the height of the identification system
`may be reduced by employing an additional receiver.
`In accordance with the present invention, the key identi-
`fication system includes a control having a memory operable
`to store information on a plurality of key blanks. The control
`receives the digitized image of the master key from the
`receiver and analyzes the image to extract identifying infor-
`mation from the master key. The control compares the
`master key information to information about known key
`blanks to determine the key blank that corresponds to the
`master key.
`Preferably, the control includes a device, such as com-
`puter 80 (referring to FIG. 9), to control the operation of the
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`key identification system. Computer 90 includes a memory
`82, a secondary storage device 84, a processor 90 such as a
`central processing unit, an input device 92, and a display
`device 88. Computer 80 is optionally connected to a network
`94, such as the Internet.
`Memory 82 and secondary storage 84 may store
`applications, such as application 86, or information for
`execution and use by processor 90. In particular, memory 82
`stores information about known types of key blanks. The
`stored information includes all relevant information about
`
`each key blank, such as the head shape, blade length,
`number of cut edges, depth and location of millings, and the
`milling exit pattern. Preferably this information is stored in
`a manner that provides for efficient searches of the features
`of the key blank. The present invention contemplates that
`key blank information may also be stored in an external
`memory and accessed through a network or over the Inter-
`net.
`
`The present invention contemplates that memory 82 may
`be periodically updated with information on new types of
`key blanks. These updates may take place through a floppy
`disk, a CD-Rom, or other known techniques. In addition,
`updates may be delivered to computer 80 via the Internet.
`Although computer 80 is depicted with various
`components, one skilled in the art will appreciate that this
`computer can contain additional or different components.
`Additionally, although computer 80 is shown connected to
`network 94, computer 80 may be connected to other
`networks, including other wide area networks or local area
`networks. Furthermore, although aspects of the present
`invention are described as being stored in memory, one