Object identification system

Abstract

A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An interactive key identification system comprising:
 an interactive user interface for inputting at least one specified variable related to a first key, wherein said specified variable is known by a user of the system;   a database for matching a key blank through comparison of known values in response to the specified variable inputted into the interactive user interface;   a logic configured to search said database and match said known values with key blanks associated with said known values to narrow the number of key blanks that match said first key; and   wherein said logic is configured to direct an automated device driver to retrieve at least one matching key blank from a storage location.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a software configured to compare said known values related to key blanks with said specified variable. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said interactive user interface comprises a graphical user interface. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said first key is a key for an automobile. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the automated device driver is an auto-retrieval system that includes movable subpanels configured to revolve so as to present one location or a series of related locations to a user. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the automated device driver is a robotic retrieval system that includes a combination of motors configured to cause an arm-like device to retrieve the key blank. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a key cutting machine configured to cut the profile of said first key into the matching key blank. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an inventory system to track and record the number of key blanks added to and retrieved from the system. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a means to compare a selected key blank with a key blank identified by the system to verify proper selection of the identified key blank. 
     
     
         10 . An key identification system comprising:
 a kiosk having an interactive user interface for inputting at least one specified variable related to a first key, wherein said specified variable is known by a user of the system;   a database for matching a key blank through comparison of known values in response to the specified variable inputted into the interactive user interface;   a logic configured to search said database and match said known values with key blanks associated with said known values to narrow the number of key blanks that match said first key; and   wherein said logic is configured to direct an automated device driver to retrieve at least one matching key blank from a storage location.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the automated device driver is an auto-retrieval system that includes movable subpanels configured to revolve so as to present one location or a series of related locations to a user. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the automated device driver is a robotic retrieval system that includes a combination of motors configured to cause an arm-like device to retrieve the key blank. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a software configured to compare said known values related to key blanks with said specified variable. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said interactive user interface comprises a graphical user interface. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said first key is a key for an automobile. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said specified variable is related to the make of said automobile. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said specified variable is related to the model of said automobile. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a key cutting machine configured to cut the profile of said first key into the matching key blank. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising an inventory system to track and record the number of key blanks added to and retrieved from the system. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a means to compare a selected key blank with a key blank identified by the system to verify proper selection of the identified key blank.