Apparatus and methods for replicating a key from an image depicting the key
US9269136B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/45245
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments relate to replicating a key from an image of the key when the key is unavailable to replicate the key from the key itself. In a first embodiment, a key blank of the key is generated when an end image of the end of the key is rotated to create a mirror image of the end image so that an outline of the mirror image is similar to a corresponding keyhole. A key blank generating machine generates a key blank of the key from the mirror image. In a second embodiment, a replica of the key is cut from the key blank when the maximum depths of cuts in the key image are measured. A bitting number database is queried for bitting numbers that correspond to the measured maximum depths. The bitting numbers are provided to a key machine to cut the key blank to generate a replica.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.