AUTHORIZATION MODULE AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING FIREARMS

摘要

An authorization module (10) is provided for activating an associated portable or hand-held electronic device such as a firearm (22). The authorization module includes a housing (12) defining a cavity, and an electrical interface for communicating with the electronic firearm. The housing is preferably generally in the shape of a firearm magazine for insertion into a magazine well of the electronic firearm. A fingerprint sensor (16) is supported on and faces outwardly of the housing (12) for generating a fingerprint signal indicative of a fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint sensor (16). A fingerprint identification circuit (14) is disposed within the cavity of the housing and communicates with the fingerprint sensor (16) for receiving the fingerprint signal and for comparing the sensed fingerprint pattern with an authorized user's fingerprint pattern stored in the identification circuit (14). The identification circuit (14) communicates with the electrical interface for transmitting an authorization signal to activate the firearm if the sensed fingerprint pattern substantially matches the authorized user's fingerprint pattern. The module is preferably powered by DC batteries (27) disposed within the housing.