United States Patent (19)
`Wulidart
`
`USOO6164403A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,164,403
`Dec. 26, 2000
`
`54 SECURITY SYSTEM
`
`75 Inventor: Luc Wuidart, Pourrieres, France
`73 Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A., Gentilly,
`France
`
`21 Appl. No.: 09/220,524
`22 Filed:
`Dec. 23, 1998
`30
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Dec. 24, 1997 FR France ................................... 97 16467
`(51) Int. Cl. ............................................... B60R 25/00
`52 U.S. Cl. ..................
`... 180/287; 340/425.5
`58 Field of Search ......................... 180/287; 340/425.5,
`340/426,485.69
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,151,512 4/1979 Riganati et al. ..................... 340/146.3
`4,663,626 5/1987 Smith ...............
`... 340/825.69
`4,926,332 5/1990 Komuro et al. .
`... 364/424.05
`5,661,451
`8/1997 Pollag ..............
`... 340/426
`5,729,191 3/1998 Allen et al. ............................. 340/426
`
`5,818,330 10/1998 Schweiger ............................... 340/426
`5,887,466 3/1999 Yoshizawa ................................ 70/257
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`01114193 5/1989 Japan.
`08270281 10/1996 Japan.
`WO95/15663 6/1995 WIPO.
`Primary Examiner Kevin Hurley
`Assistant Examiner Kevin McKinley
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm Theodore E. Galanthay; Stephen
`C. Bongini; Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman & Bongini P.L.
`57
`ABSTRACT
`A Security System of the type having a fixed terminal and a
`portable unit Such as a remote control. The portable unit
`produces an activation Signal based on active intervention by
`a user and a measurement Signal based on the measurement
`of a biometrical Signature of the user. A control Signal is
`generated when the activation and measurement Signals are
`both generated within a specified temporal window and the
`measured biometrical Signature corresponds to that of an
`authorized user. Thus, there is a reduced chance of both the
`Security System being disarmed by an ill-intentioned third
`party and of untimely or inadvertently disarming the System.
`
`33 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 26, 2000
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`Sheet 1 of 2
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`6,164,403
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`FIG 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 26, 2000
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`Sheet 2 of 2
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`6,164,403
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`FG3
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`sw
`ST1 A-
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`SA1 N DB2
`PL2
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`1
`SECURITY SYSTEM
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`6,164,403
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`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is based upon and claims priority from
`prior French Patent Application No. 97-16467, filed Dec. 24,
`1997, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated
`by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to Security Systems, and
`more Specifically to Security Systems of the type having a
`fixed terminal and a portable unit that delivers a signal to the
`fixed terminal.
`2. Description of Related Art
`A conventional automobile Security System is one
`example of a Security System that has a fixed terminal and a
`portable unit that delivers a lock/unlock signal to the fixed
`terminal. In the typical automobile Security System, the fixed
`terminal is a device for the centralized locking and unlock
`ing of the vehicle and the portable unit is a remote control
`for operating the locking and unlocking device. The portable
`unit is designed to be carried by an authorized user (e.g., the
`vehicle owner), and under certain conditions delivers the
`lock/unlock signal to the fixed terminal in order to remotely
`lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle. (This description
`uses the term “fixed', for example in designating the locking
`and unlocking device on the vehicle, in a relative Sense and
`the term should be understood with reference to the portable
`unit.)
`The lock/unlock signal from the portable unit is generally
`transmitted by a carrier wave Such as an electromagnetic or
`infrared wave, and typically includes a fixed or changing
`code (i.e., a code whose value depends on the number of
`previous transmissions). The code must be recognized as
`valid by the fixed terminal in order for the signal to prompt
`the locking or unlocking of the doors of the vehicle. While
`this provides Some anti-theft protection, the Security level of
`Such a System against theft is still imperfect because the
`mere physical possession of the portable unit is generally
`sufficient to effect the unlocking of the vehicle. Thus, if the
`portable unit is lost or Stolen, an ill-intentioned third party
`can easily use the portable unit to open the doors of the
`vehicle and then remove articles inside the vehicle or even
`steal the vehicle.
`To overcome this problem, a Security System can be
`associated with its authorized user (or users) So that only an
`authorized user can unlock the doors of the vehicle. For
`example, the System can include means for measuring a
`biometrical Signature of an authorized user. With Such a
`means, the Security System can use a biometrical Signature
`Such as a fingerprint, the iris of the eye, or an audiometrical
`Spectrum of the authorized user's voice to identify or
`authenticate a physical perSon. To this end, it has been
`proposed to use a voice recognition module in the fixed
`terminal of a Security System to control the locking or
`unlocking of the vehicle upon the Sound of the authorized
`user's voice. In Such a System, the portable unit becomes
`Superfluous and can be eliminated to produce a “hands-free”
`access System.
`While Such a System would provide Some advantages over
`conventional Security Systems, there is a risk that the vehicle
`will be accidentally unlocked. For example, when in the
`vicinity of the vehicle, the authorized user could inadvert
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`ently pronounce a word or Sequence of words that prompts
`the unlocking of the vehicle. If the user does not realize that
`this has happened, the user may walk away and thus
`inadvertently leave the vehicle unguarded with its doors
`unlocked.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In View of these drawbacks, it is an object of the present
`invention to remove the above-mentioned drawbacks and to
`provide a Security System of the type associated with an
`authorized user (or users) that has a reduced chance of an
`inadvertent or untimely unlocking of the vehicle. The Secu
`rity System includes a fixed terminal and a portable unit that
`provides the fixed terminal with a signal for locking and
`unlocking a functional unit (e.g., a vehicle). The portable
`unit includes a detector, a measurement device, and a signal
`generator. The detector generates an activation Signal when
`active intervention by a user is detected, and the measure
`ment device measures a biometrical Signature of the user.
`When the activation Signal and a measurement Signal are
`produced within a Specified temporal window, the Signal
`generator generates the lock/unlock signal if the measured
`biometrical Signature corresponds to that of an authorized
`user. Because the measurement of a valid biometrical Signal
`is necessary to prompt the portable unit to transmit the
`lock/unlock signal, an ill-intentioned third party possessing
`the portable unit cannot use it to unlock the vehicle. Further,
`because an active intervention by the user is still necessary
`to transmit the lock/unlock signal, the chance of untimely or
`inadvertently unlocking the vehicle is significantly reduced
`or eliminated. The present invention also preserves the
`function of a remote unit So that the users current habits do
`not have to be significantly modified.
`Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
`invention will become apparent from the following detailed
`description. It should be understood, however, that the
`detailed description and Specific examples, while indicating
`preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given
`by way of illustration only and various modifications may
`naturally be performed without deviating from the present
`invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a simplified drawing showing a Security System
`for an automobile;
`FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a portable unit according to
`an embodiment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable unit according to
`an embodiment of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
`described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the
`attached drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a security system for
`an exemplary functional unit in the form of an automobile.
`The automobile 101 is fitted with an onboard fixed terminal
`Such as a centralized locking and unlocking unit 102. The
`Security System also includes a portable unit 103 Such as a
`“remote” control that is usually associated with a key for the
`vehicle. (In the following description, the portable unit is
`identified with the remote control or the key for the vehicle
`and these three expressions are used without distinction.)
`The portable unit is designed to be carried and operated by
`an authorized user 104 (e.g., the owner of the vehicle), and
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`other authorized users can use the same portable unit 103 or
`another unit of the same kind that is assigned to them for the
`Same function. Under certain conditions, the portable unit
`103 delivers a lock/unlock signal SD to the fixed terminal
`102 by means of a carrier wave Such as an electromagnetic
`or infrared wave. In preferred embodiments, the lock/unlock
`Signal SD is an amplitude-modulated or phase-modulated
`radio frequency Signal that is generated by the portable unit.
`FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a portable unit in
`the form of a key in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention. The key 103 has a conventional metal
`portion 12 that forms a key insert and an upper portion 11
`that forms the head or grasping portion of the key. The upper
`portion 11 fulfills a remote control function of the system.
`For this purpose, the upper or remote control portion in the
`illustrated embodiment is a plastic portion containing an
`electronic circuit that transmits the lock/unlock signal SD.
`The remote control portion includes detection means for
`detecting the active intervention of the user in a known
`manner. For example, the detection means can include one
`or more keys of a keyboard, or more simply a Switch SW
`(e.g., a push-button type Switch) that is positioned under a
`first region 13 of the remote control portion 11. The first
`region 13 of the remote control portion can be folded by
`pressure exerted by the user's thumb 15 (e.g., because of a
`Smaller thickness or the presence of adjacent ribs) to activate
`the Switch SW within the remote control portion 11.
`Additionally, the remote control portion 11 includes mea
`Surement means for measuring a biometrical Signature of the
`authorized user of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the
`measurement means includes a microphone and a voice
`recognition device that identify the user's voice. However,
`in preferred embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 2,
`the measurement means includes a fingerprint Sensor CED
`that is located within the remote control portion 11 of the
`portable unit 103. The active surface of the sensor CED is
`flush with an outer surface of the plastic portion 11 of the
`key.
`Sensors Suitable for Such use are currently available in the
`form of monolithic integrated circuits at prices that are
`compatible with the market for automobile Security Systems.
`Further, these Sensors are Sufficiently precise, reliable, and
`compact for Such an application. For example, one Such
`sensor is manufactured by STMicroelectronics S.A.
`(Gentilly, France) under the reference STFP2015-50. This
`particular sensor has an active Surface area of less than 2 cm
`that includes nearly 100,000 detection cells arranged in a
`matrix. The entire active Surface area is Scanned eight times
`per Second and Serial digital data corresponding to the active
`Surface Scanning is delivered.
`In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the
`fingerprint Sensor CED is positioned beneath a Second
`region 14 of the remote control portion 11 that is opposite
`the first region 13. This allows the user's index finger 16 to
`contact the Second region 14 containing the Sensor while the
`thumb 15 contacts the first region 13 containing the Switch
`when the plastic portion 11 of the key is clamped between
`these fingers. In Some alternative embodiments, the Sensor is
`positioned on the Surface of the plastic portion 11 at the level
`of the first region 13 so that the user's thumb 15 is applied
`against the active Surface of the Sensor while also exerting
`pressure through the sensor to activate the push-button SW.
`While two mechanical layouts for the Switch and sensor in
`the portable unit have been described, the present invention
`is not limited to only these specific Structures. The elements
`of the portable unit can be laid out in any appropriate manner
`in accordance with design preferences by one of ordinary
`skill in the art, and thus specific structures are not described
`in detail.
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`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable unit according to
`one embodiment of the present invention. AS shown, the
`portable unit includes detection means for detecting active
`intervention by a user and producing an activation Signal
`SA1. In one embodiment, the detection means is formed by
`a Switch SW that has a first terminal connected to the
`positive terminal of a Voltage Source ST1, and a negative
`Supply terminal of the Voltage Source is connected to ground.
`The activation signal SA1 is delivered by the second termi
`nal of the Switch SW. Thus, the activation signal SA1 is
`active (e.g., in the “1” state) when the Switch SW is closed.
`However, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection
`means includes the Switch SW and a timer MS1. The first
`terminal of the Switch SW is similarly connected to the
`voltage source ST1, but the timer MS1 is connected to the
`Second terminal of the Switch and outputs the activation
`Signal SA1. In this embodiment, the timer is a monostable
`circuit with a time constant T. The timer has the effect of
`holding the activation signal SA1 in the active State for a
`Specified time, which corresponds to the time constant T.
`after the closing of the Switch SW. Thus, even if the pressure
`exerted on the Switch by the users thumb is stealthy, the
`activation Signal is kept active for the Specified time. This is
`especially advantageous when the Switch is of a stealthy
`type Such as a push-button.
`Additionally, the portable unit includes measurement
`means CED, preferably in the form of a fingerprint Sensor,
`for measuring a biometrical Signature of the user and deliv
`ering a measurement Signal SM2. The portable unit also
`includes generation means for generating the unlock signal
`SD when the activation signal SA1 and the measurement
`Signal SM2 are produced within a Specified temporal win
`dow and the measured biometrical Signature corresponds to
`an authorized user. The generation means is in the form of
`a control circuit 20 having a first input E1 that receives the
`activation Signal SA1 and a Second input E2 that receives the
`measurement signal SM2 from the sensor CED.
`The control circuit 20 also includes a microcontroller M1
`that has a memory DB2 in which biometrical signatures of
`one or more authorized users are stored (e.g., the fingerprint
`of the thumb, index finger, or any other finger). Preferably,
`each biometrical Signature is Stored as a matrix of binary
`data and the biometrical signatures of each authorized user
`are stored in distinct areas of the memory DB2 that are
`referenced by a user number. For example, five distinct areas
`could be reserved for Storing the biometrical signatures of
`five different authorized users (e.g., the members of a
`family), with each user being fictitiously associated with a
`user number (e.g., 1,2,3,4 or 5). It is also preferable to have
`the fingerprint Sensor CED deliver the measurement Signal
`SM2 as a digital signal So that the data Supplied to the Second
`input E2 of the control unit 20 can be directly exploited by
`the microcontroller M1. Otherwise, it is necessary to provide
`an analog-to-digital converter for the measurement Signal.
`The microcontroller M1 is driven by a control program.
`When the data elements of the measurement signal SM2
`correspond to the data elements Stored in one of the areas of
`the memory DB2, the microcontroller M1 delivers an output
`signal OUT. The output signal OUT is then supplied to a
`transmission circuit ER2 to prompt the transmission of the
`unlock Signal SD, for example through an antenna, infrared
`diode, or electrical connection. In order to provide a clear
`illustration of the logical combination of the activation
`signal SA1 and the measurement signal SM2 within the
`control unit 20, FIG.3 shows an AND gate PL2 that receives
`the activation signal SA1 at one input and the measurement
`signal SM2 at another input. The output of the AND gate
`PL2 is supplied to an input i1 of the microcontroller M1.
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`The AND gate PL2 is shown solely to illustrate one of the
`conditions that governs the transmission of the unlock signal
`(i.e., that the activation signal SA1 and the measurement
`Signal SM2 are generated within a specified temporal
`window). With Such a configuration, the measurement signal
`SM2 from the sensor CED only reaches the microcontroller
`M1 when the activation signal SA1 is active. However, this
`representation is not meant to imply any limitations on
`practical embodiments of the present invention. For
`example, the two signals SA1 and SM2 could be transmitted
`to two distinct inputs of the microcontroller M1 in order to
`be processed by the microcontroller in an AND-type logic
`operation.
`Further, it will be noted that the temporal window during
`which the activation Signal SA1 is kept active must at least
`be equal to the duration of the transmission through the
`measurement Signal SM2 of the data elements correspond
`ing to a user's fingerprint. It is presently believed that a
`temporal window of 500 milliseconds is sufficient for this
`purpose. Additionally, because both the activation Signal and
`the measurement Signal must be generated within the Speci
`fied temporal window in order to generate the lock/unlock
`Signal, problems of order and/or Synchronization between
`the occurrence of these two signals are avoided.
`In Some embodiments of the present invention, the por
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`table unit also includes other measurement means for mea
`Suring biometrical data elements corresponding to the user
`and generating other measurement Signals. Then, the gen
`eration means generates the unlock signal SD when the
`activation Signal SA1 and all of the measurement Signals SM
`are produced within the Specified temporal window and the
`measured biometrical signatures correspond to those of an
`authorized user. For example, a second biometrical data
`element of the user could be the arterial blood pressure
`measured at the finger, and a third biometrical data element
`of the user could be the temperature of the finger.
`In the illustrated embodiment, a pressure sensor CPR and
`a temperature Sensor CTP are also provided to measure these
`biometrical data elements of the user. By taking Such addi
`tional biometrical data elements of the user into account, it
`becomes more difficult to fraudulently unlock the vehicle.
`For example, the illustrated embodiment can thwart an
`attempt to fraudulently unlock the vehicle by manufacturing
`an artificial finger (e.g., of latex) that has a faithful repro
`duction of an authorized user's fingerprint. AS shown in FIG.
`3, a second AND gate PL3 receives a second measurement
`signal SM3 from the pressure sensor CPR at one input and
`the activation signal SA1 at another input. Similarly, a third
`AND gate PLA receives a third measurement signal SM4
`from the temperature sensor CTP at one input and the
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`activation Signal SA1 at another input. The outputs of the
`second and third AND gates PL3 and PL4 are supplied to
`second and third inputs i2 and i3 of the microcontroller M1.
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the unlock
`Signal SD includes an impersonal code to identify the
`authorized user whose biometrical Signature has been mea
`Sured and recognized to be valid. The imperSonal code can
`Simply be the corresponding user number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or
`5 as described above). By transmitting the impersonal code,
`Selected convenience functions in the vehicle can be acti
`vated when the unblock signal SD is received. For example,
`Such functions could include the adjusting of the positions of
`the Seats and the positions of the rearview mirrors, the
`Setting of a Selected temperature of the onboard thermostat,
`the tuning of the radio to a particular Station, and So on
`according to predefined values corresponding to the prefer
`ences of one of the users.
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`In Such embodiments, the portable unit transmits an
`impersonal number Such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 that merely
`identifies one of the authorized users from among the Set of
`authorized users, and not information relating to the user's
`biometrical signature (hence the expression “impersonal
`code”). Thus, the data elements pertaining to the authorized
`user's biometrical Signature cannot fall into the hands of an
`ill-intentioned third party that intercepts the unlock signal
`SD. Preferably, the unlock signal SD also includes a code for
`identifying the vehicle associated with the portable unit So
`that a specified portable unit can be associated with a single
`vehicle.
`The exact Structure, features, and operation of the fixed
`terminal (e.g., a centralized door locking and unlocking unit)
`are not critical to the present invention and can conform to
`conventional fixed Systems. At the least, the Selection and
`design of the fixed terminal are within the Scope of one of
`ordinary skill in the art so the fixed terminal will not be
`described in greater detail. Furthermore, the lock/unlock
`Signal can also include a Standard type of open-ended code
`(i.e., a code whose value changes with each transmission).
`Such a code can be used to hinder fraudulent attempts at
`picking up and recording (with appropriate electronics) the
`lock/unlock signal when it is normally transmitted by an
`authorized user and then Subsequently and fraudulently
`reproducing the Signal to unlock the vehicle.
`While there has been illustrated and described what are
`presently considered to be the preferred embodiments of the
`present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in
`the art that various other modifications may be made, and
`equivalents may be Substituted, without departing from the
`true Scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifica
`tions may be made to adapt a particular situation to the
`teachings of the present invention without departing from
`the central inventive concept described herein. Furthermore,
`embodiments of the present invention may not include all of
`the features described above. Therefore, it is intended that
`the present invention not be limited to the particular embodi
`ments disclosed, but that the invention include all embodi
`ments falling within the Scope of the appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A Security System of the type having a fixed terminal
`and a portable unit that delivers a control Signal to the fixed
`terminal, the portable unit comprising:
`detection means for detecting active intervention by a user
`and generating an activation signal;
`measurement means for measuring a biometrical Signa
`ture of the user and generating a first measurement
`Signal; and
`generation means for generating the control Signal when:
`at least the activation Signal and the first measurement
`Signal are generated within a specified temporal
`window, and
`the measured biometrical Signature corresponds to the
`biometrical Signature of an authorized user,
`wherein the detection means and the measurement means
`are positioned Such that a Single holding position of the
`portable unit by the user enables both the user to
`produce the active intervention and the measurement
`means to measure the biometrical Signature of the user.
`2. The Security System as defined in claim 1, wherein the
`fixed terminal is attached to a vehicle and the control Signal
`is a lock/unlock signal that causes the fixed terminal to lock
`and unlock the vehicle.
`3. The security system as defined in claim 1, wherein the
`detection means includes a push-button Switch.
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`4. The security system as defined in claim 1, wherein the
`measurement means includes a digital fingerprint Sensor.
`5. The security system as defined in claim 1, wherein the
`generation means includes:
`a first input receiving the activation signal;
`a Second input receiving the first measurement Signal; and
`a microcontroller coupled to the first and Second inputs,
`the microcontroller having a memory that Stores bio
`metrical signatures for one or more authorized users.
`6. The Security System as defined in claim 1,
`wherein the portable unit further comprises at least one
`other measurement means for measuring a biometrical
`data element of the user and generating another mea
`Surement Signal, and
`the generation means generates the control Signal when:
`all of the measurement signals are generated within the
`Specified temporal window, and
`the measured biometrical Signature corresponds to the
`biometrical Signature of an authorized user.
`7. The security system as defined in claim 1, wherein the
`control signal includes an impersonal code that identifies
`which authorized user's biometrical Signature was
`measured, the impersonal code being automatically Selected
`by the generation means from a plurality of impersonal
`codes based on the biometrical Signature that was measured.
`8. The security system as defined in claim 1,
`wherein the detection means detects active intervention
`on one face of the portable unit, and
`the measurement means measures the biometrical Signa
`ture present on an opposite face of the portable unit.
`9. The security system as defined in claim 1,
`wherein the detection means detects active intervention
`on a face of the portable unit, and
`the measurement means measures the biometrical Signa
`ture present on the same face of the portable unit.
`10. The security system as defined in claim 3, wherein the
`detection means further includes a timer that holds the
`activation Signal in an active State for a predetermined
`period after activation of the Switch.
`11. The security system as defined in claim 10, wherein
`the predetermined period is at least as long as the Specified
`temporal window.
`12. The security system as defined in claim 5, wherein the
`generation means further includes a transmission circuit
`coupled to the microcontroller, the transmission circuit
`transmitting the control Signal.
`13. The security system as defined in claim 5, wherein the
`memory has distinct areas reserved for Storing the biometri
`cal Signatures of different authorized users.
`14. The security system as defined in claim 6, wherein one
`of the other measurement means includes a pressure Sensor.
`15. The security system as defined in claim 6, wherein one
`of the other measurement means includes a temperature
`SCSO.
`16. The security system as defined in claim 7, wherein the
`fixed terminal activates convenience functions based on the
`impersonal code.
`17. A control unit for controlling a Security System, said
`control unit comprising:
`a detection circuit for generating an activation signal
`when active intervention by a user is detected;
`a measurement circuit for measuring a biometrical Signa
`ture of the user, the measurement circuit generating a
`measurement Signal when the measured biometrical
`Signature corresponds to the biometrical Signature of an
`authorized user; and
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`a signal generation circuit for generating a control Signal
`when at least the activation Signal and the measurement
`Signal are generated within a specified temporal
`window,
`wherein the detection circuit and the measurement circuit
`are positioned on the control unit Such that a Single
`holding position of the control unit by the user enables
`both the user to produce the active intervention and the
`measurement circuit to measure the biometrical Signa
`ture of the user.
`18. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`control Signal prompts at least the disarming of the Security
`System.
`19. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`Security System includes a unit that is attached to a vehicle
`and the control signal causes the attached unit to lock and
`unlock the vehicle.
`20. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`detection means includes a Switch and a timing circuit that
`holds the activation signal in an active State for a predeter
`mined period after activation of the Switch.
`21. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`measurement means includes at least one of a fingerprint
`Sensor, a pressure Sensor, and a temperature Sensor.
`22. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`generation means includes a microcontroller coupled to the
`activation Signal and the measurement Signal, the microcon
`troller having a memory that Stores at least one biometrical
`Signature for at least one authorized user.
`23. The control unit as defined in claim 17, wherein the
`measurement circuit includes a plurality of biometrical
`measuring circuits for measuring a plurality of biometrical
`data elements of the user, the measurement circuit generat
`ing the measurement Signal when all of the measured
`biometrical data elements correspond to the biometrical data
`elements of an authorized user.
`24. A method of controlling the disarming of a Security
`System, Said method comprising the Steps of:
`detecting active intervention by a user;
`measuring a biometrical Signature of the user; and
`disarming the Security System when within a specified
`temporal window, both active intervention is detected
`and a biometrical signature corresponding to the bio
`metrical Signature of an authorized user is measured,
`wherein the biometrical Signature of the user is measured
`while the user produces the active intervention that is
`detected.
`25. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein the
`disarming Step includes the Sub-Steps of:
`generating a control signal for disarming the Security
`System; and
`unlocking a vehicle containing the Security System.
`26. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein the
`measuring Step includes measuring at least one of a
`fingerprint, a preSSure, and a temperature.
`27. The method as defined in claim 24, further comprising
`the Step of Storing biometrical Signatures for a plurality of
`authorized users.
`28. The method as defined in claim 24,
`wherein the measurement Step includes measuring a plu
`rality of biometrical data elements of the user, and
`in the disarming Step, the Security System is disarmed
`when within a specified temporal window, both active
`intervention is detected and biometrical data elements
`that all correspond to the biometrical data elements of
`an authorized user are measured.
`
`IPR2022-00602
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`29. The method as defined in claim 25, wherein the
`control signal includes an impersonal code that identifies
`which authorized user's biometrical Signature was
`measured, the impersonal code being automatically Selected
`from a plurality of impersonal codes based on the biometri
`cal Signature that was measured.
`30. The security system as defined in claim 8, wherein
`when the face and the opposite face are gripped between two
`digits of the user, the detection means detects the active
`intervention on the face and the measurement means mea
`Sures the biometrical Signature of the digit on the opposite
`face.
`31. The security system as defined in claim 8,
`wherein the portable unit is in the form of a key, and
`the one face and the opposite face are opposite sides of the
`grasping portion of the key.
`32. The security system as defi