Patent Application
20060078175
The present disclosure generally relates to motor vehicle diagnostic equipment and methods and, more specifically, to a hand-held automotive diagnostic display unit including a biometric characteristic security system.
Modem vehicles include various electronic control units, such as microprocessors and controllers, that are programmed to control vehicle operations. Such control units include, for example, an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or on-board computer. The control units are designed to monitor the operation of various electronic components and electronics in order to optimize vehicle performance. For example, control units such as an ECM can monitor the amount of carbon monoxide in the engine exhaust and adjust the fuel/air ratio entering the cylinders in order to optimize combustion efficiency.
When multiple control units are available, they are typically interconnected so that certain key data is globally available. The data can be accessed by a user through an information port. Diagnostic systems are commonly used to obtain (and sometimes transmit) data through the information port. Accordingly, the diagnostic system can be used to monitor and adjust the operation of various systems of the vehicle, and also detect malfunctions.
Traditional diagnostic systems are provided in the form of units that are coupled to the information port by means of a data cable. The large diagnostic systems typically include a computer, a monitor, and a keyboard. Smaller, portable diagnostic systems are also now available. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,693,367, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application, shows a portable, hand-held vehicle diagnostic display unit that is configured such that a user can simultaneously lift and operate the diagnostic display unit with a single hand.
To discourage theft and to generally provide electronic security, it may be desirable to include a security device with the automotive diagnostic display unit. A typical security device may permit a user to enter a code or identifier (password, pass-phrase, personal identification number or “PIN”) to electronically lock and/or unlock the unit so that only an authorized can not operate the device. Other security systems rely on a physical key such as a mechanical key or electronic key card or smart card in order to control who is granted access.
Security systems that rely upon an identifier (i.e., a password, pass phrase, or PIN) typically suffer from the drawback that a user must be able to provide the identifier. If the user loses or forgets the identifier, the user is denied access. Security systems that rely upon a physical key suffer from the drawback that keys, key-cards and smart cards are frequently lost or stolen thereafter precluding a legitimate user's access. Both the identifier and the physical key are inconvenient in that they require the user to actively use the identifier or the physical key prior to using the unit utilizing the security device.
Instead of passwords or keys, biometric characteristics (e.g., finger prints, retinal scans and voice “prints”), which uniquely identify an individual, can be effectively used to reliably identify an individual and do not suffer from the aforementioned drawbacks of electronic security systems that use identifiers or physical devices. Security systems that use biometric characteristics have an advantage in that an authorized user presumably never loses his or her finger prints, retinas or voice characteristics. Security systems that use biometric characteristics also can be adapted for passive or automatic detection by the system.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an automotive diagnostic display unit having a security device that permits only an authorized user to operate the display unit. Preferably, the security device will automatically determine if the user is authorized when the user operates the automotive diagnostic display unit so that the user does not have to actively engage the security device, such as by needing to enter a security code.
The present disclosure provides a vehicle diagnostic display unit including a case, a display screen disposed within a front portion of the case, and a main support coupled to a side of the case and having a finger compartment for receiving a user's finger to allow the user to lift the vehicle diagnostic display unit using one hand. A navigation pad is disposed on a front surface of the main support, and the main support is configured to allow a user to simultaneously lift the diagnostic display unit and access the navigation pad with a thumb. The display unit also includes a fingerprint identification system including a scanner for scanning an image of a fingerprint of the user. The scanner is fitted on the navigation pad so that the user's thumb naturally rests on the fingerprint scanner when the user lifts the diagnostic display unit and accesses the navigation pad with the thumb.
Among other features and benefits, an automotive diagnostic display unit constructed in accordance with the present disclosure includes a security device that permits only an authorized user to operate the display unit. Moreover, the security device automatically determines if the user is authorized as the user operates the automotive diagnostic display unit.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
Reference is made to the attached drawings, wherein elements having the same reference character designations represent like elements throughout, and wherein:
Turning now the drawings, and initially to
Referring first to
As illustrated in
The main support 114 is coupled to a side of the case 110 to allow a user to hold and operate the diagnostic display unit 100 using one hand. According to one exemplary embodiment, the main support 114 is ergonomically designed based on the shape and contour of the hand. Specifically, the main support 114 is contoured to comfortably fit within the palm of the user when holding the diagnostic display unit 100.
The selection keys 116-122 disposed on the front surface of the main support 114 are used operate the diagnostic display unit 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plurality of keys includes the navigation pad 116, a plurality of selection keys 118, a display adjustment key 120, and a power key 122. The navigation pad 116 is in the form of directional thumb pad. By applying pressure along different portions of the navigation pad with the thumb, the user can navigate a cursor, not shown, on the display screen 112 through various menus. According to one exemplary embodiment, the navigation pad 116 is also pressure sensitive and the cursor can be moved at varying speeds based on the amount of pressure applied to the navigation pad 116. The navigation pad 116 can also be provided with directional arrows 124 imprinted on the surface thereof.
The selection keys 118 allow an operator to make various selections within the menus displayed on the display screen 112. For example, the selection keys 118 can consist of a “yes” key and “no” key. In operation, the user would navigate the cursor to a particular item, or entry, and utilize the “yes” key to accept the entry or access an additional menu. The “no” key can be used, for example, to reject a selection or navigate to a previous menu screen. The diagnostic display unit 100 also includes a power key 122 that allows the user to turn the diagnostic display unit 100 on and off. A display adjustment key 120 can also be provided to adjust various features, such as contrast, of the display screen 112.
A user can advantageously hold and operate the diagnostic display unit 100 using a single hand. This allows the user to utilize their free hand to access various items, or take notes, during the diagnostic process. Additionally, such a one-handed construction allows the user to quickly view and operate the diagnostic display unit 100 while, for example, working under the hood of the vehicle.
With continued reference to
A knuckle guard 142 is also formed on the side of the case 110 adjacent to the finger cavity or compartment 140. The knuckle guard 142 is designed to engage the knuckle portion of the user's hand when the diagnostic display unit 100 is being held. The combination of the knuckles bearing on the knuckle guard 142 and the fingertips bearing on the inside of the finger cavity 140 allows the user to support the display unit 100 without the need to use the thumb. The combination allows the user the freedom of moving his thumb freely for operation of the thumbpad 116 and/or selection keys 118.
As illustrated in
According to one embodiment, the diagnostic display unit 100 includes a charging circuit disposed within the case 100. The charging circuit functions to supply a charge to the rechargeable power cells 146 when the diagnostic display unit 100 is electrically coupled to the vehicle via the primary adapter 190.
The secondary adapter 186 includes a plurality of secondary connectors disposed therein. Similar to the primary connector 190, the secondary connectors are recessed within the secondary adapter 186 in order to minimize potential damage resulting from impact. The secondary connectors are provided for exchanging data and various signals with external components or vehicle components other than the on-board computer. For example, the secondary adapter illustrated in
The connection panel 188 also includes a plurality of connectors for exchanging data and signals with external devices. As illustrated in
As previously stated, the primary adapter 184 is intended for connection to the vehicle's on-board computer, while the secondary adapter 186 and connection panel 188 allow data and electrical signals to be exchanged with external components and other vehicle components. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide the secondary adapter 186 and connection panel 188 in order to obtain an operational diagnostic display unit 100.
Although not shown, the diagnostic display unit 100 can include at least one expansion slot provided within the case 110. The expansion slot is provided for upgrading or improving various features of the diagnostic display unit 100. Such features can include, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, a modem interface, etc. Such a feature advantageously allows the user to upgrade and improve the features of the diagnostic display unit 100, thereby extending its usable technological life. In other words, rather than replacing the diagnostic display unit 100 for a newer model, the expansion cards can be used to upgrade the features of an aging diagnostic display unit 100.
Referring to
Although not shown, the fingerprint identification system further comprises a first memory device, a second memory device and a processor. The first memory device stores data representative of the image of the fingerprint as obtained by the fingerprint scanner 10. The second memory device stores data representative of at least one reference fingerprint of an authorized user. The processor is programmed to determine whether the data representative of the image of the scanned fingerprint matches the data representative of the reference fingerprint.
Still referring to
If the data representing an image of the scanned fingerprint does match the data representative of at least one reference fingerprint of an authorized user, then the CPU of the diagnostic display unit 100 allows the display unit to remain on, as shown at 30 of
The method 20 may also include turning the diagnostic display unit 100 off upon not being used for a predetermined “idle” time. For example, in
The method may additionally include restricting authorized users to select functions, or computer programs, available on the diagnostic display unit 100. For example, if the diagnostic display unit 100 includes a total of five functions or computer programs, one authorized user may be authorized to use all five functions or computer programs, while another other authorized user may be authorized to only use one of the five functions or computer programs. In such a case, the second memory device also stores at least one permitted function for each of the authorized users, and the permitted functions are listed during the enrollment procedure of a new authorized user. The enrollment procedure itself may be carried out by a computer program loaded onto the diagnostic display unit 100 as part of the fingerprint scanner 10, and a single user, or administrator, may be authorized to execute the enrollment program and enter the authorized function for each of the other users.
The processor is then programmed to permit the display unit 100 to perform a function selected by the authorized user upon determining that the selected function matches the permitted function stored for the authorized user, as shown for example at 50, 52 and 54 of
The present disclosure, therefore, provides an automotive diagnostic display unit including a security device that permits only an authorized user to operate the display unit. Moreover, the security device automatically determines if the user is authorized as the user operates the automotive diagnostic display unit. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not meant to be limited to a fingerprint scanner and that other biometric identification systems can be alternatively used in accordance with the present disclosure. Other suitable biometric identification system include, for example, face-recognition systems, retinal scanners, and voice scanners.
The specific methods and apparatus described in this specification have been presented by way of illustration rather than limitation, and various modifications, combinations and substitutions may be effected by those skilled in the art without departure either in spirit or scope from this disclosure in its broader aspects and as set forth in the appended claims. All methods and apparatus disclosed herein, and all elements thereof, are contained within the scope of at least one of the following claims. No elements of the presently disclosed methods and apparatus are meant to be disclaimed.
