WO2003002387A1

WO2003002387A1 - Vehicular security access system

Info

Publication number: WO2003002387A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/020242
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Sam Mog Son
Priority date: 2001-06-26
Filing date: 2001-06-26
Publication date: 2003-01-09

Abstract

The present invention (10) discloses an optical recognition vehicular security access system that will unlock the vehicles doors (20) and or trunk (36) by capturing an iris image pattern and performing a comparative analysis with a stored iris image pattern of the operator (12). Also the optical recognition vehicular security access system provides means whereby when the handle (18) of the vehicle (14) is grasped the interior lights will light and the camera (16) will pivot to capture an iris image of the individual (12). After comparative analysis of stored iris images the door (20) will be unlocked if an authorized match is found or an alarm (24) will be sounded. Furthermore, the optical recognition vehicular security acces system has an interior audible alarm (24) that will be triggered by comparative analysis of real time images of the driver (12) with a stored image pattern to determine if the driver is falling asleep. The optical recognition vehicular security access system also has fiber optics cables (50) which are used to transport light in the visible and infrared spectrums to the camera (16) for capturing an image pattern to be used in comparative analysis of the stored image pattern. In addition, the optical recognition vehicular security access system has a programmable control keypad (30) which will be used to define characteristics of the system, such as, programming restriction parameters for an image. For example, a teenage driver could be coded for daylight driving only. Also the system provides an external keypad (26) which will provide access to the vehicle (14) without facial recognition such as, when a computer (28) failure occurs or inclement weather prevents the computer from recognizing the driver due to an ice or snow storm.

Description

VEHICULAR SECURITY ACCESS SYSTEM

Description

Technical Field

The optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for

capturing a iris image pattern to be used for future repetitive comparative analysis. The optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for storing a plurality of iris image patterns to be used in future repetitive comparative analysis. The

optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for triggering the

capture of an iris image pattern to be used for comparative analysis of a stored image pattern. The optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for triggering a near infrared lamp to be used in conjunction with a camera to capture an iris image pattern to be used for comparative analysis with a stored image pattern. The optical

recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for generating an interior

audible alarm. The optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means

for transporting light in the visible and infrared spectrums to a device for capturing an iris image pattern to be used in comparative analysis of a stored iris image pattern. The optical recognition vehicular security access system will provide means for unlocking the motor vehicle locking system based on the results of a comparative analysis of a captured iris

image pattern with a stored iris image pattern. Also the optical recognition vehicular security access system provides means whereby when the handle of the vehicle is grasped

the interior lights will light, the camera will pivot to capture an iris image of the individual, after comparative analysis of stored iris images the door will be unlocked if an authorized

match is found or an alarm will be sounded.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention discloses an optical recognition vehicular security access

system that will unlock the vehicles doors and or trunk by capturing an iris image pattern

and performing a comparative analysis with a stored iris image pattern of the operator. Also the optical recognition vehicular security access system provides means whereby

when the handle of the vehicle is grasped the interior lights will light and the camera will

pivot to capture an iris image of the individual. After comparative analysis of stored iris

images the door will be unlocked if an authorized match is found or an alarm will be sounded. Furthermore, the optical recognition vehicular security access system has an interior audible alarm that will be triggered by comparative analysis of real time images of

the driver with a stored image pattern to determine if the driver is falling asleep. The

optical recognition vehicular security access system also has fiber optics cables which are used to transport light in the visible and infrared spectrums to the camera for capturing an

image pattern to be used in comparative analysis of the stored image pattern. In addition,

the optical recognition vehicular security access system has a programmable control keypad which will be used to define characteristics of the system, such as, programming restriction parameters for an image. For example, a teenage driver could be coded for daylight driving

only. Also the system provides an external keypad which will provide access to the vehicle without facial recognition such as, when a computer failure occurs or inclement weather

prevents the computer from recognizing the driver due to an ice or snow storm. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described,

by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicular security access system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of the

present invention;

Figure 3 is a top illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of the

present invention showing a camera detecting a person approaching he vehicle;

Figure 4 is a top illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of the present invention showing activation of the system upon grasping of a door handle;

Figure 5 is another top illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of

the present invention;

Figure 6 is a continued top illustrative view of the optical recognition vehicular security access system of the present invention which has performed a comparative analysis

of the driver with a stored image pattern and has unlocked the vehicles doors; Figure 7 is another top illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an interior illustrative view of the vehicular security access system of the

present invention;

Figure 9 is a front view of the alternate access keypad for use with the vehicular

security access system of the present invention which can be used to gain access to the vehicles interior without having performed a comparative analysis; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the programmable control keypad for use with the vehicular security access system of the present invention to instruct the security system

to capture a number of images where a new driver is being added to the security system.

The reference numerals utilized throughout the drawing figures are defined as follows:

10 vehicular security access system of the present invention

12 operator

14 vehicle

16 camera

18 handle

20 door 22 hand

24 audible alarm

26 external keypad

28 computer

30 control pad

32 battery backup

34 brake sensor

36 trunk

38 trunk switch

40 start switch

42 front seat

44 rear seat

46 field of view

48 face

50 cables

52 valet

54 brake pedal

56 alpha pads

58 numeric pads

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1

through 10 illustrate the present invention being^'a vehicular security access system.

Turning to Figure 1, shown therein is an illustrative view of the present invention

10 in use. Shown is the motor vehicle operator 12 approaching the motor vehicle 14. The

optical recognition vehicular security access system camera 16 will capture in real time an

iris image of the potential operator 12 when the door handle 18 is tried by the hand 22 of the potential operator, then the system will perform a comparative analysis with previously

stored iris images of approved operators 12. If the optical recognition vehicular security

access system confirms the captured iris image pattern with the stored iris image pattern the

motor vehicles doors 12 will be unlocked. If the optical recognition vehicular security access system detects insufficient ambient light to capture an image which can occur at

night or dimly lit interiors such as parking garages than the system will use an infrared

lamp to capture an iris image for comparative analysis. The optical recognition vehicular

security access system eliminates the need for keys which can be lost. It also provides easier access for the physically challenged and would prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle even by family members. This system can be further enhanced by assigning

parameters, through the programmable keypad, to entered images. It would be possible to allow a teenage family member to use the vehicle in a restricted time frame by assigning

certain hours for their use.

Turning to Figure 2, shown therein is top illustrative view of the present invention

10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system that will unlock the

vehicles doors 20 by capturing an iris image pattern and performing a comparative analysis with a stored image pattern. The optical recognition vehicular security access system also provides means for storing a plurality of iris image patterns to be used in future repetitive comparative analysis. The optical recognition vehicular security access system provides

means for triggering the capture of an iris image pattern using one or more motion

detectors. A programmable control pad 30 for the system is shown having battery backup

32 along with a brake sensor 34. Additionally the optical recognition vehicular security access system has an infrared lamp that will be triggered by the motion detector to provide

lighting for capturing an iris image by a camera 16 that will be used for comparative

analysis with a stored image pattern. Furthermore, the optical recognition vehicular

security access system has an interior audible alarm 24 that will be triggered by

comparative analysis of real time images of the driver with a stored image pattern to determine if the driver is falling asleep or is sick and about to pass out. The optical

recognition vehicular security access system also has fiber optics cables which are used to

transport light in the visible and infrared spectrums to the camera 16 for capturing an image

pattern to be used in comparative analysis of the stored image pattern. The optical

recognition vehicular security access system has means for unlocking the motor vehicle locking system based on the results of comparative analysis of a captured iris image pattern with a stored iris image pattern. Further, the system has an external alternate access keypad

26 which can be used to gain access to the motor vehicle 14 without iris recognition in case

of a computer 28 failure or inclement weather such as iced or snow covered windows.

Also shown are the trunk 36, trunk switch 38, start switch 40, front seat 42 and rear seat 44.

Turning to Figure 3, shown therein is a top illustrative view of the present invention

10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system having a camera 16 that detects the approaching individual 12. The camera 16 captures an iris image pattern

which is sent to a computer central processing unit 28 for comparative analysis with previously stored image patterns. Upon confirmation of image pattern recognition the

system will unlock the vehicles doors 20. Also shown is a camera field of view 46

wherein the computer 28 will rotate the camera 16 in order to scan the operator 12. Also

shown are the alarm 24 and battery backup 32. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown.

Turning to Figure 4, shown therein is a top illustrative view of the present invention

10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system whereby when the

handle 18 of the vehicle 14 is grasped the interior lights will light, the camera 16 will pivot

or rotate to capture an iris image of the individual 12, after comparative analysis of stored

iris images the door 20 will be unlocked if an authorized match is found or an alarm 24 will

be sounded. Also shown are the computer 28 and battery backup 32.

Turning to Figure 5, shown therein is another top illustrative view of the present invention 10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system whereby

when the handle 18 of the vehicle 14 is grasped the interior lights will light, the camera 16

will pivot to capture an iris image of the individual 12, after comparative analysis of stored

iris images the alarm 24 will be sounded because of attempted unauthorized access to the

vehicle 14. Also shown are the computer 28 and battery backup 32.

Turning to Figure 6, shown therein is a continued top illustrative view of the optical recognition vehicular security access system 10 which has performed a comparative

analysis of the driver 12 with a stored image pattern and has unlocked the vehicles doors

20. The driver positions themselves behind the wheel and engages a start button 40. The

system determines that the driver 12 is positioned within the driver's seat 42 and the engine

is turned on. While the vehicle 14 is in motion the optical recognition vehicular security

access system continuously scans the face 48 and iris of the driver 12 to determine the

alertness of the driver. Should the system determine that the driver 12 is in danger due to

closing eyes or slumping in the seat 42 which could be caused by illness, such as a heart

attack, then the system having an interior audible alarm 24 that will be triggered by

comparative analysis of real time images of the driver 12 with a stored image pattern to

determine if the driver is falling asleep. Control pad 30 must be in auto mode for computer

28 controlled operation.

Turning to Figure 7, shown therein is another top illustrative view of the present

invention 10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system having

fiber optics cables 50 which are used to transport light in the visible and infrared spectrums

to the camera 16 for capturing an iris image pattern to be used in comparative analysis of

the stored image pattern. Upon verification of the captured image pattern with a stored

image pattern the trunk 36 will be unlocked. Also shown is an authorized valet 52

attendant approaching the driver's door 20. The camera 16 will attempt to identify any

person within the camera focal length. If the driver is identified all locked access panels,

such as doors, trunk 36, and hood will be unlocked. This will eliminate the need for keys.

In addition, the system provides for an external alternate access key 26 pad which will provide access to the interior of the vehicle 14 without stored iris recognition. This

condition can be due to valet parking, equipment failure, or traffic accident, or weather conditions such as an ice or snow storm which can impede the camera from determining a focal length for the photo which will result in access being denied unless overridden by the

alternate keypad 26. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown.

Turning to Figure 8, shown therein is an interior illustrative view of the present

invention 10. Shown is the optical recognition vehicular security access system having a

camera 16, an interior audible alarm 24 that will be triggered by comparative analysis of

real time images of the driver 12 with a stored image pattern to determine if the driver is

falling asleep or is sick, such as a heart attack. The computer 28 will determine these conditions by being unable to perform comparative analysis. In which case, the system will

engage the breaking system, bringing the vehicle 14 to a halt. In addition, an audible alarm

24 will be sounded to gain the attention of the driver. Also shown are the start button 40

and brake pedal 54. After the alarm 24 is activated, the operator 12 is given a preset length

of time within which to apply the brakes 54. If the driver does not respond in a timely manner, the computer will apply brakes, emergency flashers and open the driver's window.

Turning to Figure 9, shown therein is a front view of the alternate access keypad 26 which can be used to gain access to the vehicles interior without having performed a

comparative analysis. This may be necessary in the case of equipment failure such as,

computer failure, or traffic accident. It can also be used to give other drivers driving

privileges without entering the driver in the image directory. Pad 26 with both alpha 56

and numeric 58 pads provides over 60 million possible codes. Turning to Figure 10, shown therein is a perspective view of the programmable

control keypad 30 which can be used to instruct the security system to capture a number of images where a new driver is being added to the security system. It can also be used to add

restriction to a driver on a temporary or permanent basis. The alternate driver could be

restricted to operating the vehicle during specific hours. Also the system could be

temporarily disabled, such as, when the vehicle is in for repair or a relative or friend is using the vehicle. It would not be necessary to add them to the image database just to drive

to the store for a carton of milk.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for a vehicular security system, the vehicle having an operator's entry door with a door handle, an interior light, an operator's seat, brakes, and

a start switch, the improvement comprising: a) a camera for capturing a plurality of iris images of approved vehicle

operators, said camera also operating in real time;

b) a computer, said computer having a central processing unit and an appropriate operating system;

c) means for storing a plurality of iris images in said computer; d) means for comparing a plurality of iris images of approved operators stored

in said computer with iris images captured in real time of potential operators

before entering the vehicle whereby a match of the iris image of approved operators and potential operators is attempted by the computer, said camera having means for pivoting said camera across a predetermined field of view outside of said vehicle;

e) means for unlocking the operator's door if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is made; and f) means for appropriately electrically connecting said camera, said computer,

said means for storing, said means for comparing and said means for unlocking.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for unlocking the

trunk of the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a

potential operator is made.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for unlocking the

hood of the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a

potential operator is made.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audible alarm triggered

if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is not made.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a programmable control

pad[, said pad being] capable of defining operational parameters of the system.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an external keypad

whereby entry is allowed into the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is not made.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an infrared lamp, said lamp

being turned on by low light conditions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motion detector whereby

inappropriate motion of the operator while positioned in the operator's seat triggers said

means for comparing a plurality of iris images of the approved operator.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said motion detector further comprises means for opening a vehicular window if a match of iris images of the operator is not made.

10. (amended) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said [means for a] motion detector further comprises means for applying the vehicle brakes after a predetermined

length of time if a match of iris images of the operator is not made.

11. The method of operating a vehicular security access system comprising the steps of:

a) using a camera mounted within a vehicle to capture iris images of a

potential operator approaching the driver door of said vehicle, said camera operating in real time;

b) activating a computer within said vehicle to compare the iris images of said

potential operator with a plurality of iris images of approved vehicle operators stored in said computer;

c) unlocking said driver door when the potential operator touch a door handle

on the driver door if an iris match is made;

d) allowing said potential operator to start said vehicle by pressing a start button within said vehicle and becoming the driver of said vehicle; e) monitoring continuously the iris images of the driver while the vehicle is

being operated and issuing an alarm if the driver's are closed indicating the

existence of danger; and

f) operating a keypad to add or subtract authorized drivers and establishing the parameters of operation of said vehicle by particular drivers on a permanent or temporary basis.