WO2002095320A1

WO2002095320A1 - Electric shock device havign finger print cognition function

Info

Publication number: WO2002095320A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/000937
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guhn Tae Kim
Original assignee: Silveray Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-05-19
Filing date: 2002-05-18
Publication date: 2002-11-28
Also published as: KR200243450Y1

Abstract

Disclosed is an electric shock device for self-defence including a fingerprint input section for recognising fingerprint of a finger coming into contact with a switch for switching on the electric shock device, a key input section for generating key signals for storing data of a user"s fingerprint inputted through the fingerprint input section, or deleting the stored fingerprint data, in accordance with a manipulation thereof conducted by the user, a memory section for storing fingerprint data in response to the manipulation of the key input section, and a microprocessor for comparing fingerprint data inputted through the fingerprint input section with the stored fingerprint data, and performing a control operation for allowing the electric shock device to be activated only when the inputted fingerprint data corresponds t the stored fingerprint data. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent other persons from optionally activating the electric shock device.

Description

ELECTRIC SHOCK DEVICE HAVING FINGERPRINT RECOGNITION

FUNCTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electric shock device having a fingerprint recognition function, and more particularly to an electric shock device for self-defense in which a fingerprint recognition function for storing the fingerprint of the user to recognize the fingerprint of the user is provided, thereby preventing others from optionally using the electric shock device.

Background Art Generally, an electric shock device is a self-defense appliance which is configured to be conveniently portable, and adapted to subdue an assailant using a high voltage generated therefrom.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional electric shock device. As shown in Fig. 1, the conventional electric shock device includes a body 10 which may have diverse shapes. A handle 12 extends downwardly from a lower end of the body 1 so as to allow the user to easily grasp the electric shock device. A switch 30 and a switch lock 32 are provided at. one side surface of the handle 12, The switch 30 serves to selectively turn on the electric shock device, whereas the switch lock 32 serves to selectively lock the switch 30.

A voltage supply section 20 is installed in the interior of the handle 12. The voltage supply section 20 includes a battery, and a battery receiving chamber openable to receive the battery. A DC/AC converter (not shown) and a high voltage generator (not shown) are installed in the interior of the body 10. The DC/AC converter receives a DC voltage from the voltage supply section 20, and converts the received DC voltage into an AC voltage under the control of a microprocessor (not shown). The high voltage generator includes a high voltage transformer for transforming the AC voltage outputted from the DC/AC converter into a high voltage, and a capacitor for charging the high voltage outputted from the high voltage transformer.

When the user who carries the electric shock device encounters a threatening situation, he releases the locked state of the switch 30 by manipulating the switch lock 32, and switches on the switch 30. In the ON state of the switch 30, the DC voltage from the voltage supply section 20 is applied to the DC/AC converter which, in turn, converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage. The AC voltage from the DC/AC converter is transformed into a high voltage by the high voltage generator. The high voltage is discharged from an output section 60 consisting of a pair of discharge electrodes formed at an upper end of the body 10. Accordingly, the user can apply electric shock to the threatening person so as to overcome the threatening situation.

However, the above mentioned conventional electric shock device has a problem in that it must be used under the condition in which the user is positioned close to an assailant because it is configured to subdue the assailant using a high voltage outputted from the discharge electrodes of the output section 60 as the user manipulates the switch lock 32 and switch 30 while grasping the handle 12 extending from the lower end of the body 10. In other words, the user may be exposed to attack by an assailant positioned close to him. Furthermore, the assailant may snatch the electric shock device from the user. In this case, the user may face a more dangerous situation.

Furthermore, the conventional electric shock device has a configuration allowing a very easy manipulation thereof. That is, there may be a risk of accident in that children may easily manipulate the electric shock device.

Disclosure of the Invention

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above mentioned problems involved with the related art, and an object of the invention is to provide an electric shock device in which a fingerprint recognition function for allowing only an authorized person to use the electric shock device is provided, thereby preventing others from optionally using the electric shock device. In accordance with the present invention, this object is accomplished by providing an electric shock device comprising a body with a handle, a voltage supply section, a DC/AC converter adapted to receive a DC voltage from the voltage supply section in accordance with a manipulation of a switch conducted by a user, and to convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage, a high voltage generating section adapted to receive the AC voltage, thereby generating a high voltage, and an output section including discharge electrodes for externally discharging the high voltage induced by the high voltage generating section, thereby temporarily applying electric shock to an assailant, further comprising: a fingerprint input section provided at the switch, and adapted to recognize a finge rint of a finger coming into contact with the switch; a key input section arranged on a desired portion of the handle, and adapted to generate key signals for storing data of a user's fingerprint inputted through the fingerprint input section, or deleting the stored fingeφrint data, in accordance with a manipulation thereof conducted by the user; a memory section installed in the body, and adapted to store fingeφrint data in response to the manipulation of the key input section; and a microprocessor installed in the body, and adapted to compare fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input section with the fϊngeφrint data stored in the memory section, and to perform a control operation for allowing supply of the voltage from the voltage supply section only when the inputted fingeφrint data corresponds to the stored fingeφrint data.

Preferably, the electric shock device further comprises a plurality of fingeφrint input sections provided at portions of the handle where respective fingers of the user are arranged when the user grasps the handle, in addition to the fingeφrint input section, so that when the number of fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input sections while corresponding to the stored fingeφrint data is equal to a predetermined number or more, the electric shock device is activated. In the electric shock device having the above described configuration according to the present invention, the data of the user's fingeφrint is stored in the memory section via the fingeφrint input section and key input section. Accordingly, the electric shock device is activated only by the user having the same fingeφrint as the stored fingeφrint data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional electric shock device;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electric shock device having a fingeφrint recognition function according to the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the constituting elements of the electric shock device according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Garrying Out the Invention

Now, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electric shock device having a fingeφrint recognition function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the electric shock device includes a body 10 which may have diverse shapes. The electric shock device also includes a handle 12 extending downwardly from a lower end of the body 10 so as to allow the user to easily grasp the electric shock device, and an output section 60 for discharging a high voltage induced through a voltage supply section 20, a DC/AC converter, and a high voltage generating section installed in the body 10. The electric shock device further includes a switch 30 for selectively turning on the electric shock device to supply a DC voltage from the voltage supply section 20 for generation of a high voltage, and a switch lock 32 for selectively locking the switch 30.

The electric shock device also includes a fingeφrint input section 70 for inputting the fingeφrint of the user so that it has a fingeφrint recognition function. The fingeφrint input section 70 is arranged on the body 10 above the switch 30. A key input section 80 is arranged on the handle 12. The key input section 80 serves to set a fingeφrint inputted by the fingeφrint input section 70, as a user's fingeφrint, and to perform inputting of key signals for deletion of the set fingeφrint and re-inputting of a new fingeφrint.

Although the electric shock device has been described as including one fingeφrint input section 70 arranged above the switch 30, it may include a plurality of fingeφrint input sections arranged at positions where respective fingeφrints of the user's fingers are disposed when the user grasps the handle 12. The key input section 80 may have numeral key buttons respectively corresponding to numerals "1" to "9" in order to allow the user to store desired fingeφrint data or to delete the stored fingeφrint data after inputting a correct secret number.

A memory section (not shown) is installed in the body 10 of the electric shock device in order to store fingeφ int data inputted through the fingeφrint input section 70 in accordance with a manipulation of the key input section 80 conducted by the user. A microprocessor (not shown) is also installed in the body 10. When the switch 30 is manipulated to be switched on, the microprocessor compares fingeφrint data, inputted through the fingeφrint input section 70 arranged above the switch 30, with the fingeφrint data stored in the memory section. Only when the inputted fingeφrint data corresponds to the stored fingeφrint data, the microprocessor performs a control operation for applying the voltage from the voltage supply section 20 to the high voltage generator via the DC/AC converter, thereby inducing a high voltage at the output section 60 consisting of a pair of discharge electrodes.

Where a plurality of fingeφrint input sections are formed at the handle 12 in addition to the fingeφrint input section 70 arranged above the switch 30, fingeφrint data inputted through each of the fingeφrint input sections is compared with an associated one of fingeφrint data stored in the memory section. When the number of the inputted fingeφrint data corresponding to the stored fingeφrint data is equal to a predetermined number (for example, 3) or more, the microprocessor controls the switch 30 to be switched on, thereby allowing supply of the voltage from the voltage supply section 20. Thus, a more reliable fingeφrint recognition function is obtained.

Now, the operation of the electric shock device having the above described configuration according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the constituting elements of the electric shock device according to the present invention. In Fig. 5, the reference numeral 40 denotes the DC/AC converter, 50 the high voltage generator, 90 the memory section, and 100 the microprocessor.

Where the user desires to carry the electric shock device of the present invention in order to use the electric shock device in a threatening situation, he manipulates the key input section 80 under the condition in which the user's fingeφrint comes into contact with the fingeφrint input section 70, so as to store the user's fingeφrint in the memory section 90 of the electric shock device.

When the user carrying the electric shock device desires to use the electric shock device in a threatening situation, he first manipulates the switch lock 32 to release a locked state of the switch 30, and then manipulates the switch 30.

The microprocessor 100 then compares fingeφrint data, inputted through the fingeφrint input section 70 arranged above the switch 30, with the fingeφrint data stored in the memory section 90. Only when the inputted fingeφrint data corresponds to the stored fingeφrint data, the microprocessor 100 switches on the switch 30, thereby causing the DC voltage from the voltage supply section 20 to be applied to the DC/AC converter 40. The DC voltage applied to the DC/AC converter 40 is converted into an AC voltage which is, in turn, amplified to a high voltage of 20,000 V while passing though the high voltage generating section 50. The high voltage is induced at the output section 60 which includes a pair of discharge electrodes.

Accordingly, the user can temporarily subdue an assailant by bringing the discharge electrodes of the output section 60 into contact with the assailant, thereby applying the high voltage induced at the output section 60 to the assailant. Thus, the user can overcome the threatening situation.

However, where the assailant snatches the electric shock device from the user, and then manipulates the electric shock device, or a child curiously manipulates the electric shock device, the electric shock device is not activated because even though the switch 30 is manipulated, the microprocessor 100 prevents the switch 30 from being switched on. That is, in this case, the microprocessor 100 recognizes the fact that the fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input section 70 does not correspond to the fingeφrint stored in the memory section 90, so that it cuts off supply of the voltage from the voltage supply section 20. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent other persons from optionally activating the electric shock device.

Where it is desired for the electric shock device to be used by another authorized person, he manipulates the key input section 80 of the electric shock device to delete the fingeφrint data stored in the memory section 90, and then to store his fingeφrint data in the memory section 90 in the same fashion as described above. Thus, it is possible to conveniently and simply replace the user of the electric shock device.

Where it is desired for the electric shock device to be used by a plurality of authorized persons, all fingeφrint data of those persons are stored in the memory section 90. In this case, the microprocessor 100 determines whether or not the fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input section 70 corresponds to any one of the fingeφrint data stored in the memory section 90, in order to control the electric shock device.

Industrial Applicability

As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides an electric shock device which is stored with data of the user's fingeφrint so that it is activated only when fingeφrint data corresponding to the stored fingeφrint data is inputted. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent other persons from optionally activating the electric shock device. Even when an assailant snatches the electric shock device from the user, it is possible to prevent the user from thereby facing a more dangerous situation.

In addition, it is possible to prevent an accident caused by a curious manipulation of the electric shock device by children. Thus, an improvement in the security of the electric shock device is achieved.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed for illustrative puφoses, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An electric shock device comprising a body with a handle, a voltage supply section, a DC/AC converter adapted to receive a DC voltage from the voltage supply section in accordance with a manipulation of a switch conducted by a user, and to convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage, a high voltage generating section adapted to receive the AC voltage, thereby generating a high voltage, and an output section including discharge electrodes for externally discharging the high voltage induced by the high voltage generating section, thereby temporarily applying electric shock to an assailant, further comprising: a fingeφrint input section provided at the switch, and adapted to recognize a fingeφrint of a finger coming into contact with the switch; a key input section arranged on a desired portion of the handle, and adapted to generate key signals for storing data of a user's fingeφrint inputted through the fingeφrint input section, or deleting the stored fingeφrint data, in accordance with a manipulation thereof conducted by the user; a memory section installed in the body, and adapted to store fingeφrint data in response to the manipulation of the key input section; and a microprocessor installed in the body, and adapted to compare fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input section with the fingeφrint data stored in the memory section, and to perform a control operation for allowing supply of the voltage from the voltage supply section only when the inputted fingeφrint data corresponds to the stored fingeφrint data.

2. The electric shock device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of fmgeφrint input sections provided at portions of the handle where respective fingers of the user are arranged when the user grasps the handle, in addition to the fingeφrint input section, so that when the number of fingeφrint data inputted through the fingeφrint input sections while corresponding to the stored fingeφrint data is equal to a predetermined number or more, the electric shock device is activated.