Fingerprint Emulator

Abstract

An access key for a device having a fingerprint activated lock includes an electrically conductive member having surface features formed on a surface thereof that can be recognized by the fingerprint activated lock as a unique fingerprint. A second electrically conductive member is electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive member. The second electrically conductive member is electrically coupled to the body of a user such that the sensor recognizes the first electrically conductive member as a fingerprint. The second electrically conductive member is preferably a ring, stylus or gripping portion upon which the first electrically conductive member is mounted. The electrically conductive member is preferably constructed from a capacitive elastomer such as an electrically conductive silicone. The access key functions as a synthetic fingerprint to limit access to a system to a possessor of the key. Access to the system provided by key can be limited to a predetermined period of time or a selected geographic area.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of controlling access to a device having a fingerprint identification sensor, said method comprising:
 forming identifiable surface features on an electrically conductive member;   coupling said electrically conductive member to a user's body; and   using said fingerprint identification sensor to uniquely identify said electrically conductive member.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 using a second electrically conductive member electrically coupled to said electrically conductive member wherein said second electrically conductive member is adapted to be electrically coupled to a body of a user. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said second electrically conductive member is a ring and said electrically conductive member is mounted on said ring. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 electrically connecting said electrically conductive member to a conductive gripping portion. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 electrically connecting said electrically conductive member to a conductive stylus. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said electrically conductive member is constructed from electrically conductive silicone. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said electrically conductive member is constructed from a capacitive elastomer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 using said electrically conductive member to limit access to a system to a possessor of the electrically conductive member. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising:
 limiting access to said system provided by said electrically conductive member to a predetermined period of time. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising:
 limiting access to said system provided by said electrically conductive member to a selected geographic area.