Hi guys.. Im pretty new to this forum. Ive seen a lot of good and intellectual people on this forum so i wanted to throw an idea around and see if anyone has done this and what you guys think... i got this APC Biometric fingerprint reader for my computer, and I was wondering if anyone knows how to hook this up to ur car to maybe start the car.. could be a good security feature?

The product I have is: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/...ase_sku=BIOPOD

Its a pretty simple device, but its more software driven, because u first program the device to tell it ur fingerprint, then each time it matches it when you login.

Does anyone think that this could be doable? I am thinking you will need you will need some kind of computer, or PDA to connect this too and for it to work with. This connects via USB.

Thanks.

 

Read this thread and then tell me if it sounds like a good idea.

Car thieves cut off finger of owner in order to steal car

 

yup.. still want it. I read about that before. I want to have the fingerprint reader inside the car to start it, not for door unlock. I just want it cause it will be cool and different. Not too worried about that one incident though.

 

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I guess this could enhance the security, and also most of thieves in US prolly won't risk themselves to cut fingers or steal the car because of TL. IMHO, that MB in that country could sell the big $$$, which "might" feed many families for a long time or enjoy the decent life over there. No offense.

Back to the topic, how could you make it happen??

 

Well, to start with you have three ignition positions to deal with, Off, Accessory, and Start. You could achieve the difference between off and "on" pretty easily with a simple switch.

To get the fingerprint scanner to work you would need some sort of computer and control relay to understand the action you want to take place, as well as to be able to read and process the fingerprint.

So switch car on, which equals "Acc on" position, would "arm" the scanner and boot the recognition software.
Once fingerprint was scanned and accepted, you would need a relay to initiate the starter.
You would also need to figure out how long to engage the starter (Timing relay, rpm monitor, etc.) so as to not damage your starter.

Hmmm ... interesting idea.

Might be easier to use the fingerprint scanner to turn the car "on" and then have a starter button.

Of course you'de still need an override for those times you can't successfully read your fingerprint, loan the car to someone, use a valet, or try and sell it ...

 

I agree^, You need something to sense how long to crank the starter. Would definatly be cool, but a retnal camera mounted in the dash would be better.

 

as far as knowing how long to crank the starter... this is easy, and can be accomplished multiple ways, just look at remote start systems, one I installed one time on another vehicle (on of clifford's top of the line systems) had a wire that had to go somewhere to get a tach signal, so it knew as soon as the engine "sped up" from starting.

What would be REALLY neat, is having a switch/button to turn the car on, which would give the Nav system power too, and then using the nav computer, have some windows CE program on it handle the fingerprint reader!

 

what about a simple keypad? Kind of like the BMW in the Transporter. I'm sure its pretty simple, much like keypad door access. Heck even the old Taurus' had keypad door access, could be applied to the ignition

 

Keypad!?!?!?! Wayyy to easy for someone to crack. You are much more secure with your key and immobilizer. I would definatly prefer a retnal camera since they have somewhat decent range. Sou you could theoreticly sit down in the car, and hit a botton somewhere. I know in the pentagon you have to be within 2ish feet from the cameras(saw it on Mail Call).

If this can unlock a car, I am sure it could be hooked up to an auto crank device. http://www.bioenabletech.com/fingerp...izer_alarm.htm

 

It's the Triads in Maylasia

 

Some of the new finger print scanners have some density thingie so it wont work unless the finger has blood flow(the one the thinkpads use). In malaysia dont they have under car flame throwers to deter thieves?

 

no that is south africa, one of the worst places in terms of stolen cars.

 

Oh. In russia people have dropped to the level of stealing cars from the mob. As a result, the mob are now large purchasers of lo-jack. Does anyone think stealing from the mafia might not be the best idea, or is that just me?