Biometric gun lock

Abstract

A gun lock device and firearm security system configured to prevent unauthorized use of a firearm. The gun lock device includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a locking mechanism comprising a motor and a latch pin. The latch pin is actuated by the motor to engage or disengage a catch pin, thereby locking or unlocking the device. A control circuit, powered by an internal power source, controls the motor based on external signals, which may be received wirelessly. The system further includes a mobile device that captures biometric data, such as a fingerprint, and communicates with the control circuit to authorize unlocking of the gun lock. A cable is connected to the gun lock device to provide additional physical security. Tamper detection sensors and an audible alert system can also be integrated to enhance security and provide feedback upon unlocking attempts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A biometric firearm locking apparatus, comprising:
 a lock housing having at least two apertures;   a cable with two ends, the two ends being insertable into the apertures of the lock housing to secure the cable in place;   a microcontroller disposed within the lock housing, the microcontroller comprising a processor and memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to perform locking and unlocking functions;   a communications interface operatively connected to the microcontroller, the communications interface being configured to receive signals from a mobile device using wireless communication protocols;   a motor disposed within the lock housing, the motor being operatively connected to the microcontroller and configured to drive a locking member between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration;   wherein, upon receiving a signal from the mobile device to lock the apparatus, the microcontroller causes the motor to engage the locking member to secure the ends of the cable within the apertures, thereby locking the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein upon receiving a signal from the mobile device to unlock the apparatus, the microcontroller causes the motor to retract the locking member, allowing the ends of the cable to be removed from the apertures. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the mobile device is configured to capture biometric data, and the biometric data is used to authorize the transmission of the lock or unlock signals to the microcontroller. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the biometric data captured by the mobile device includes facial recognition data, and the mobile device is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the microcontroller upon successful facial recognition authentication. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the mobile device is further configured to store multiple biometric profiles, each profile corresponding to an authorized user, and the apparatus is configured to allow delegated role-based access control for unlocking the firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the biometric profiles are stored locally on the mobile device or remotely in a cloud-based storage system, accessible via the communications interface using secure communication protocols. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the microcontroller is configured to perform locking and unlocking operations in response to short-range wireless communications using Bluetooth, or long-range wireless communications using a cellular or Wi-Fi network. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cable is formed from a rigid material and configured to be threaded through a portion of the firearm, preventing removal of the firearm without disengaging the cable from the locking apparatus. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ends of the cable are configured with locking notches, the notches being engageable with the locking member to securely lock the cable in place within the apertures of the lock housing.