Patent Application
20230214085
The present invention generally relates to an identification or monitoring system and, more particularly, to an alignment feedback apparatus for an identification or monitoring system.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a feedback apparatus for a user identification system of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus may include an indicator device configured to selectively activate a status icon and a plurality of directional segments disposed around the status icon. A controller is in communication with a scanning device configured to authenticate an object depicted in image data representing a field of view. The controller is configured to identify an alignment direction of the object within the field of view and activate one or more of the directional segments in response to the alignment direction. Additionally, the controller is configured to activate the status icon in response to the alignment direction indicating that the object is aligned in the field of view.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
In the drawings:
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Referring to
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In some embodiments, the scanning device 12 may be disposed or incorporated in various portions of the vehicle 16 to provide for access to various compartments or portions of the vehicle 16. For example, the user 22 may be authorized to access a trunk of the vehicle to receive a delivery or collect an item. In this way, the system 10 may provide for selective access through one or more gates, doors, and access panels and may be additionally operable to provide an authorization for the user 22 to complete various operations or transactions. Accordingly, the scanning device 12 may be incorporated in various portions of the vehicle 16 (e.g., a pillar, trunk, spoiler, hood, roof, etc.) or various other structures for convenient incorporation in a variety of environments. The various beneficial aspects of the system 10 are further discussed in the following detailed description.
In general, the feedback apparatus 14 may comprise a plurality of emitters configured to selectively or independently illuminate each of the segments 24 of the alignment symbol 26. For example, in some implementations, the feedback apparatus may correspond to a display screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display [LCD], light emitting diode [LED] display, organic LED [OLED] display, etc.) comprising emitters that illuminate pixels that combine to form the segments 24. In such cases, the display screen may additionally be configured to display image data from cameras (e.g., a rearview camera) of the vehicle 16. In some implementations, feedback apparatus may be implemented by a dedicated array or patter of emitters (e.g., LEDs, red-green-blue LEDs, etc.) aligned to form the segments 24. Additionally, light guides or diffusers may be positioned between the emitters and the user 22 to illuminate the segments 24 uniformly. In each case, the controller of the system 10 may be configured to selectively or independently illuminate each of the segments 24 to communicate alignment instructions from the feedback apparatus 14.
An example of the scanning device 12 and the feedback apparatus 14 of the system is shown in a partially exploded assembly view in
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As discussed in reference to
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In order to detect the user 22, the system 10 may implement the scanning device and/or a proximity sensor 52. The proximity sensor 52 may correspond to a capacitive sensor, radar sensor, Doppler sensor, ultrasonic sensor, image or light sensor, or various other sensors that may be configured to identify the presence of the user 22 or similar object proximate to the scanning device 12. In various embodiments, the controller of the system 10 may monitor signals from the proximity sensor 52 and selectively activate the feedback apparatus 14 in response to the presence of the user 22. Additionally or alternatively, the system 10 may detect the presence of the user 22 based on one or more inputs from a user interface, which may operate in response additional sensors that may be incorporated in the vehicle 16.
To provide for the eye-scan-identification function, for example, an iris scan, an image sensor 62 of the scanning device 12 may be disposed proximate to a rear surface (e.g., the fourth surface 44b) of the electro-optic mirror device 40. The image sensor 62 may correspond to, for example, a digital charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor, although may not be limited to these exemplary devices. The image sensor 62 may be in communication with at least one light source, which may be in the form of one or more infrared emitters 64. In operation, the infrared emitters may be configured to output an identification emission 66 of light in the NIR range (e.g., 700 nm to 940 nm, 750 nm to 800 nm, etc.). In some embodiments, wavelengths ranging from 750 nm to 800 nm may be utilized for the emission or 750 nm to 800 nm to suit one or more iris recognition functions. The identification emission 66 may be reflected from the user 22 as reflected light 68 that may be received by the image sensor 62 to process the identification of the user 22. In this configuration, the image sensor 62 may be configured to selectively activate the one or more infrared emitters 64 corresponding to the at least one light source 64 to illuminate the iris such that an identity of a user 22 of the vehicle 16 may be determined.
As later discussed in reference to
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Referring again to the electro-optic mirror device 40 demonstrated in
The electro-optic mirror device 40 may incorporate an electrochromic element. The electrochromic element may comprise an electrochromic medium, which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. Typically, both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term “electroactive” will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understood that the term “electrochromic” will be defined herein, regardless of its ordinary meaning, as a material that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference.
Electrochromic components, as described herein, include materials whose color or opacity are affected by electric current, such that when an electrical current is applied to the material, the color or opacity changes from a first phase to a second phase. The electrochromic component may be a single-layer, single-phase component, multi-layer component, or multi-phase component, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,572 entitled “Electrochromic Layer and Devices Comprising Same;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,617 entitled “Electrochromic Compounds;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,987 entitled “Electrochromic Medium Capable of Producing a Pre-selected Color;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,471 entitled “Electrochromic Compounds;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,137 entitled “Electrochromic Media for Producing a Preselected Color;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,916 entitled “Electrochromic System;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,912 entitled “Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds and Devices Comprising Same;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,369 entitled “Coupled Electrochromic Compounds With Photostable Dication Oxidation States;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,620 entitled “Electrochromic Media With Concentration-Enhanced Stability, Process for the Preparation Thereof and Use in Electrochromic Devices;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,072, entitled “Electrochromic Device;” and International Patent Application Serial Nos. PCT/US98/05570 entitled “Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, and Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices;” and PCT/EP98/03862 entitled “Electrochromic Polymer System,” which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Referring now to
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The general operation of the feedback apparatus 14 may provide for two primary instructions to be communicated to the user 22. The first visual instruction may correspond to a directional instruction that communicates a lateral 74 or vertical 76 adjustment of the user 22 within the field of view 28. The lateral direction 74 is aligned with a corresponding lateral axis 78 and the vertical direction 76 is aligned with a vertical axis 80. Extending along each of the lateral axis 78 and the vertical axis 80, the segments 24 and the directional segments 24a may be formed as spark-shaped segments spaced apart about a perimeter of the status icon 72. Each of the directional segments 24a may be positioned concentrically outward from a center 82 of the alignment symbol 26 positioned centrally along the lateral axis 78 and the vertical axis 80. In this configuration, the controller of the system 10 may communicate a directional alignment instruction by sequentially activating each of the directional segments 24a in the lateral direction 74 and/or the vertical direction 76 to instruct the user 22 for alignment within the field of view 28. A further detailed example of the sequential activation of the directional segments 24a is further discussed in reference to
Between each of the directional segments 24a, intermediate segments 24b may extend along a similar or the same arcuate path of the directional segments 24a. Accordingly, the combination of the direction segments 24a and the intermediate segments 24b may form a plurality of concentric rings 84 extending about the status icon 72. Each of the concentric rings 84 may include a different diameter, such that the concentric rings 84 are evenly spaced about the perimeter. More specifically, a first concentric ring 84a may include a first diameter, a second concentric ring 84b may include a second diameter, and a third concentric ring 84c may include a third diameter. The first diameter may be less that the second diameter, and the second diameter may be less than the third diameter. In this configuration, each of the concentric rings 84 may extend outward from the center 82 of the symbol 26. In this configuration, the controller of the system 10 may selectively activate each of the segments to provide both directional instructions and proximity instructions to assist the user 22 with an alignment in the field of view 28.
As previously discussed, the status icon 72 may be disposed centrally within the segments 24. As demonstrated in
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The controller 92 may comprise a processor 98 having one or more circuits configured to control various operations of the system 10. The processor 98 may be in communication with a memory 100 configured to store instructions to control operations of the scanning device 12. For example, the controller 92 may be configured to store one or more characteristics or profiles utilized by the controller 92 to identify the user 22 of the vehicle 16. In this configuration, the controller 92 may communicate operating and identification information with the scanning device 12 to identify the user 22 of the vehicle 16. Additionally, based on the identification of the user 22, the controller 92 may be configured to control and/or communicate with additional systems of the vehicle 16. Such systems may include a security system, speed governor, radio/infotainment system, etc. In this way, one or more systems of the vehicle 16 may be controlled or restricted based on the identity of the user 22.
In some embodiments in response to an identification of a passenger or user 22 of the vehicle 16, the controller 92 may access a database of stored driver preferences to customize aspects of the vehicle 16. For example, the controller 92 may access and enable radio station presets according to a driver's pre-established preferences. Navigation and/or map display settings may be changed or set according to a driver's pre-established preferences. Additionally, the system 10 may be utilized to customize a seat position or height and adjust various operating parameters before the user 22 even enters vehicle. For example, the system may be operable to start the vehicle 16, activate a radio to a preconfigured station or playlist, and activate a climate control to a user setting. Additionally, the database may comprise navigation information comprising known or previously visited locations. In particular, a route to home, work, or other frequently visited locations may be preset upon identification of a driver based on previous use or programming stored in the database.
In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 92 may be configured to process image data received from the image sensor 62. In this configuration, the controller 92 may process the image data with one or more algorithms configured to determine an identity of the user 22 of the vehicle 16. With the identity of the user 22 or one or more passengers of the vehicle 16 identified, the controller 92 may further be operable to control various systems or functions of the vehicle 16.
Though discussed in exemplary reference to the vehicle 16, the system 10 may similarly be implemented to authenticate users to control access or entry through doors or access gates into various buildings, office structures, residences, etc. Similarly, the system 10 may be utilized to authorize various transactions (e.g. access points, purchases, bank transactions, etc.) For example, in a residential setting, the system 10 may be in communication with a smart home system. In such embodiments, based on an authentication of the user 22, the system 10 may grant access to a door or gate of a home and control one or more devices in communication with the smart-home system to load specific settings or preferences of the user 22. In another example, the system 10 may be in communication with a secure authentication system. In such embodiments, based on authentication of the user 22, the system 10 may authorize purchases for the user 22 at secure authentication terminals or grant access to automated teller machines (ATMs) and other banking facilities if the system 10 is in communication with the secure authentication system. Accordingly, the system 10 may be configured to suit a variety of applications without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the controller 92 may utilize the identification of the user 22 of the vehicle 16 to report updates to an administrator of the system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 92 may further comprise one or more communication circuits 102 configured to communicate via a communication network 104. Accordingly, the system 10 may be in communication with a remote server 106 and/or a mobile device 108 via the communication network 104. The communication network 104 may comprise one or more wireless or wired network interfaces or communication protocols. As discussed herein, wireless communication protocols may operate in accordance with communication standards including, but not limited to Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE) 802.11 (e.g., WiFi™); Bluetooth®; advanced mobile phone services (AMPS); digital AMPS; global system for mobile communications (GSM); code division multiple access (CDMA); Long Term Evolution (LTE or 4G LTE); local multipoint distribution systems (LMDS); multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS); RFID; and/or variations thereof. In this configuration, the controller 92 may be configured to send an alert or message to the administrator of the system 10 in response to one or more predetermined events. The alert or message may correspond to a text message, data message, email, alert via an application operating on a smart device, etc.
It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the feedback apparatus 14, as described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and/or user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method used in using or constructing a classification system. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus, the methods and means for these functions have been described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/294,957 entitled AUTHENTICATION ALIGNMENT SYSTEM, filed on Dec. 30, 2021, by Richard T. Fish, Jr., et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63294957 | Dec 2021 | US |
