Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to gesture-based authentication systems, specifically a system that utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect and authenticate finger gestures for secure access control. The invention finds application in various security systems, including smart locks, access control systems, and smart home automation devices, where gesture recognition is used for unlocking and controlling devices based on unique finger movement patterns.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional security systems often rely on methods such as passwords, biometrics (fingerprint or iris recognition), and RFID cards for user authentication. However, these methods can be vulnerable to security breaches or become cumbersome in certain environments. For instance, password-based systems are susceptible to theft or forgetting, while biometric systems may struggle with accuracy under various environmental conditions.

Gesture-based authentication has emerged as a promising alternative, with some systems relying on visual methods like cameras or infrared sensors to detect user gestures. However, these systems are often affected by external factors such as lighting, camera angle, and background noise, reducing their reliability. Furthermore, optical-based systems can be costly and complex to implement.
The proposed invention overcomes these challenges by using ultrasonic sensors, which are less susceptible to visual interference and can operate in a variety of environmental conditions. This system captures the unique distances between the sensors and the user's fingers to create a gesture pattern, ensuring a more secure, reliable, and cost-effective solution for user authentication. It can be used in both single-user and multi-user environments, providing flexibility and convenience for various applications, including home security and smart device control.
Existing security systems, such as passwords, fingerprint scans, and facial recognition, often face issues with security breaches, forgotten credentials, or expensive hardware. There is a need for an affordable and secure locking mechanism that is gesture-based and can be integrated with common hardware for easy implementation.
1. Password-based locks: Vulnerable to being guessed or hacked.
2. Biometric locks: Require specific hardware such as fingerprint or facial recognition sensors, which are costly and sometimes inaccurate.
3. Gesture-based systems using cameras: These often require complex image processing and are susceptible to visual interference and lighting conditions.
4. Patents: Existing gesture-based access control systems typically use cameras or sensors, but none specifically employ arrays of ultrasonic sensors for pattern-based gesture recognition.
Compared to camera-based systems, this invention is more robust in environments where lighting or visual obstructions might interfere with gesture recognition. It is also simpler and cheaper to implement than biometric solutions, which require specialized sensors. The ultrasonic sensor array provides accurate distance measurement, which makes it suitable for capturing finger gestures in a 3D space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The proposed system works by utilizing an array of ultrasonic sensors placed at strategic positions to detect finger gestures. When a user forms a specific gesture with their fingers, the sensors measure the distances between the sensors and the finger positions. These distances are captured as a unique pattern and stored in the system’s memory during an initial registration phase. The captured pattern essentially serves as the user’s fingerprint for gesture recognition. The system's embedded processing unit then processes this data, converting it into a signature that can be used for future authentication.
Upon a subsequent interaction, the user repeats the gesture in front of the ultrasonic sensor array. The system captures the new distance data and compares it to the stored pattern. If the captured data matches the stored signature within an acceptable threshold, the system triggers an unlocking mechanism, granting access to the user. If the comparison fails, the system denies access. The use of ultrasonic sensors ensures that the gesture recognition process is robust, as it is not affected by external environmental factors such as lighting or shadows. This makes the system more reliable and secure compared to other visual-based gesture recognition systems, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for gesture-based security.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The proposed invention utilizes an array of ultrasonic sensors to detect finger gestures. When a user makes a gesture (e.g., forming a specific shape with their fingers), the ultrasonic sensors capture the distances between the sensors and the finger positions. These distance values are stored as a signature pattern. To unlock the system, the user repeats the same gesture. If the captured distances match the stored pattern within a defined threshold, the lock opens.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
FIGURE 2: FLOW CHART
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The proposed invention utilizes an array of ultrasonic sensors to detect finger gestures. When a user makes a gesture (e.g., forming a specific shape with their fingers), the ultrasonic sensors capture the distances between the sensors and the finger positions. These distance values are stored as a signature pattern. To unlock the system, the user repeats the same gesture. If the captured distances match the stored pattern within a defined threshold, the lock opens.
The present invention describes a novel gesture-based security system that utilizes an array of ultrasonic sensors to detect and authenticate user gestures for unlocking or accessing secured devices. In this system, gestures are formed by the user using their fingers, and the ultrasonic sensors measure the distances between the sensors and the finger positions. These distance measurements are recorded as a unique signature pattern that serves as the key to unlock the system. When the user repeats the same gesture, the system compares the new measurement against the stored pattern. If the comparison matches within a specified threshold, the system is unlocked. If the gesture does not match, access is denied. This invention offers a highly secure and cost-effective solution for authentication, which is less susceptible to interference from external factors.
The proposed system includes an array of ultrasonic sensors strategically placed to capture the distances between each sensor and the user’s finger. The user performs a gesture, forming a specific shape with their fingers, and the system measures the distances between the sensors and the fingers. These measurements are stored as a unique signature in the system's memory during the initial registration phase. In subsequent interactions, when the user repeats the same gesture, the system compares the newly captured distance pattern with the stored one. If the new gesture is within a pre-defined accuracy threshold of the stored signature, the system unlocks; otherwise, it denies access.
The initial setup or registration phase of the system involves the user performing the intended gesture in front of the array of ultrasonic sensors. As the user forms a specific shape with their fingers, the sensors detect the distances to the fingers, capturing these measurements to create a unique distance pattern. This pattern is then stored as the user’s signature for that specific gesture. The system also allows for multiple gestures to be registered, enabling the potential for multiple users to register their own signature gestures for access control.
During the authentication phase, the user will repeat the gesture in front of the ultrasonic sensors. The system again captures the distances between the sensors and the user’s fingers. These values are compared to the previously stored signature pattern, and the system checks if the new data matches the stored data within a defined accuracy threshold. The use of ultrasonic sensors ensures that the system is not easily influenced by external factors like lighting or environmental conditions, which can often disrupt optical-based gesture recognition systems.
If the newly captured gesture is within the allowable error margin of the stored gesture signature, the system triggers the unlocking mechanism, granting access to the user. The unlocking process can be integrated with a variety of devices or systems, such as doors, computers, or other electronic devices. The system can be expanded to incorporate various forms of control, such as smart home systems or devices, allowing users to control and access multiple devices with a simple gesture.
If the gesture entered by the user does not match the stored pattern within the defined threshold, the system will deny access. This ensures that only users who perform the exact gesture registered during the initial setup can unlock the system. By utilizing an array of ultrasonic sensors to capture the precise distances of finger positions, the invention ensures a high degree of security, as it requires the exact physical gesture rather than relying on potentially less secure methods like PINs or passwords.
The system can be expanded to support multiple gesture patterns, allowing it to accommodate multiple users. Each user can register their own unique gesture in the system, and the system will store different signature patterns for each individual. When a user inputs their gesture, the system checks the corresponding signature pattern stored for that user and grants or denies access accordingly. This makes the system versatile and suitable for family, office, or multi-user applications, further enhancing its usability.
The gesture recognition system can be integrated into other security and smart home systems. For example, in a smart home setup, the system can be used to control various devices, such as lights, thermostats, or locks, simply by performing specific gestures. The ultrasonic sensor array can detect these gestures and send commands to other devices, enabling hands-free control of the home environment. This integration makes the system not only a security solution but also an automation tool for everyday use.
The novelty of this invention lies in its use of an array of ultrasonic sensors to detect and authenticate user gestures, which sets it apart from traditional gesture recognition systems that rely on cameras or infrared sensors. Ultrasonic sensors are less susceptible to interference from visual conditions, such as lighting or background noise, making this system more reliable and effective. Furthermore, the cost of ultrasonic sensors is relatively low compared to optical systems, making the proposed invention an affordable solution for secure access control. The system’s reliance on a physical gesture adds an additional layer of security, as it is difficult to replicate or forge.
This invention has a wide range of potential applications. It can be used as a secure access control mechanism for various devices and systems, including doors, computers, and electronic devices. The system’s gesture-based unlocking feature makes it highly suitable for environments where traditional forms of authentication, such as PIN codes or cards, may be impractical or insecure. Additionally, the system's ability to integrate with smart home devices opens up possibilities for hands-free control of home automation systems, further enhancing convenience and security.
, C , Claims:1. A gesture-based security system comprising: an array of ultrasonic sensors configured to detect distances between finger positions during a gesture; a processor configured to store the captured distance data as a gesture pattern during an initial registration phase; a comparison module configured to compare the captured distance data with the stored gesture pattern; an unlocking mechanism configured to unlock upon detecting a match between the captured distance data and the stored gesture pattern.
2. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the comparison module is further configured to trigger the unlocking mechanism if the captured distance data matches the stored gesture pattern within a predefined threshold.
3. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sensors are configured to continuously monitor the distance between the sensors and the user's fingers during a gesture input phase.
4. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to store multiple gesture patterns for multi-user functionality, allowing for multiple unique gestures to be used for unlocking.
5. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unlocking mechanism includes an electronic lock that is activated upon detecting a match between the captured and stored gesture patterns.
6. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is integrated with a smart home automation system, allowing gesture-based control of additional devices upon successful recognition.
7. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initial registration phase further comprises storing a reference gesture pattern that is based on a specific user’s finger configuration and hand movement.
8. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sensors use time-of-flight measurements to determine the distances between the sensors and the user’s fingers.
9. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system includes a visual or auditory indicator to notify the user of a successful or failed gesture recognition attempt.
10. The gesture-based security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is designed to work with minimal interference from external environmental factors, such as lighting or shadows, ensuring consistent performance regardless of ambient conditions.