Host, user identification system and user identification method

Abstract

The invention provides a host, a user identification system and a user identification method. The host comprises a storage circuit and a processor. The storage circuit is arranged to store program code. A processor is coupled to the storage circuitry and is configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive a touch signal from a touch screen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result indicating whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. The processor is configured to determine a current operator of the touch screen based on the recognition result. The processor is configured to perform an operation on the touch screen based on the current operator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a host machine, and particularly to a host machine, a user identification system, and a user identification method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern vehicles increasingly integrate diverse electronic systems to provide a wide range of functions to enhance the driving experience. One key feature in many such vehicles is a touch screen equipped with a central display. This central display serves as a control hub, allowing users to interact with various in-vehicle systems, such as navigation, entertainment, air conditioning control, and vehicle settings, thereby providing a convenient and intuitive way to manage various functions of the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is directed to a host machine, a user identification system, and a user identification method to strike a balance between convenience and enhanced safety measures for touch screen systems in vehicles.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a host machine includes a storage circuit and a processor. The storage circuit is configured to store program code. The processor is coupled to the storage circuit and configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive a touch signal from a touch screen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result, and the identification result indicates whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. The processor is configured to determine a current operator of the touch screen based on the identification result. The processor is configured to perform an operation on the touch screen based on the current operator.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user identification system includes a signal generator, a touch screen, and a host machine. The signal generator is configured to provide a user identification signal. The touch screen is configured to generate a touch signal. The host machine includes a storage circuit and a processor. The storage circuit is configured to store program code. The processor is coupled to the storage circuit and configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive the touch signal from the touch screen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result, and the identification result indicates whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal. The processor is configured to determine a current operator of the touch screen based on the identification result. The processor is configured to perform an operation on the touch screen based on the current operator.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user identification method includes the following steps. A touch signal is received from a touch screen by a processor. An identification result is determined by the processor, and the identification result indicates whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. A current operator of the touch screen is determined by the processor based on the identification result. An operation is performed on the touch screen by the processor based on the current operator.

[0007] Based on the above, according to the host, the user identification system and the user identification method, the current operator is automatically identified when the touch screen is touched, thereby achieving a balance between the use convenience and the enhanced safety measures for the touch screen system in the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a user identification context according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a user identification context according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a user identification context according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a user identification context according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal provision configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a user identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the different drawings / taken to indicate the same or similar elements.

[0015] While touch screen systems in vehicles provide significant convenience for controlling various functions, the act of physically touching the screen creates potential safety concerns. This interaction can temporarily divert the driver's visual and cognitive attention from the road, causing distraction and thus raising legitimate safety concerns regarding the use of touch screens while driving.

[0016] To improve safety during driving, many vehicles are equipped with a function to deactivate the touch screen while the car is driving. However, this restriction often extends to passengers as well, preventing them from using the control device. While the intention is to minimize driver distraction, this blanket prohibition can be seen as an over-restriction on occupants other than the driver.

[0017] In the present disclosure, a signal for identification is generated by a signal generator and applied to an occupant of a vehicle. By identifying the signal carried by the occupant, the identity of the occupant is determined. In this way, when the touch screen is touched, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the driver cannot operate the touch screen, while the passenger can still operate the touch screen, thereby achieving a balance between use convenience and enhanced safety measures.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a host according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 1 , the host 100 includes a storage circuit 102 and a processor 104. In various embodiments, the host 100 can be any smart device and / or computer device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0019] The storage circuit 102 can be one or a combination of static or mobile random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disks, or any other similar device, and records a plurality of modules and / or program codes executable by the processor 104.

[0020] The processor 104 can be coupled with the storage circuit 102, and the processor 104 can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc.

[0021] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 104 can access the modules and / or program codes stored in the storage circuit 102 to implement the user identification method provided in the present disclosure, which will be further discussed below.

[0022] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2A , the user identification scenario 200A includes the host 100, a signal generator 202, a touch screen 204, and users U1-U4. It should be noted that the host 100, the signal generator 202, and the touch screen 204 can be disposed in a vehicle. That is, the users U1-U4 can include a driver of the vehicle or a passenger of the vehicle. For example, the user U1 can be the driver, and the users U2-U4 can be the passengers. In addition, the host 100, the signal generator 202, and the touch screen 204 can form a user identification system provided in the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0023] In an embodiment, the signal generator 202 can be configured to provide a user identification signal, and the user identification signal can be configured to be applied to the user Ul. That is, the user identification signal is applied only to the user Ul, and the user identification signal is not applied to the users U2-U4. In other words, only the user Ul carries the user identification signal, and the users U2-U4 do not carry the user identification signal. In an embodiment, the frequency of the user identification signal can be 20 KHz to 120 KHz and / or the energy (voltage) of the user identification signal can be 5 volts to 20 volts. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0024] It should be noted that when the user Ul touches the touch screen 204, the user identification signal can be transmitted from the user Ul to the touch screen 204. Also, the user identification signal can be included in a touch signal caused by the user Ul touching the touch screen 204. That is, the touch screen 204 can be configured to generate the touch signal. Also, by determining whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal, the identity of the user Ul can be determined.

[0025] For example, the identification result can indicate whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal. When the touch signal is caused by the user Ul, the identification result can indicate that the touch signal includes the user identification signal. That is, since only the user Ul carries the user identification signal, the current operator of the touch screen 204 can be determined to be the user Ul (i.e., the driver). On the other hand, when the touch signal is caused by one of the users U2-U4, the identification result can indicate that the touch signal does not include the user identification signal. That is, since the users U2-U4 do not carry the user identification signal, the current operator of the touch screen 204 can be determined to be one of the users U2-U4 (i.e., the passenger). In other words, the current operator of the touch screen can be determined based on the identification result.

[0026] Also, when the vehicle is in motion and the current operator is the user Ul (i.e., the driver), the touch screen 204 can not respond to the touch signal caused by the user Ul. That is, the operation of the touch screen 204 can be a no operation (i.e., no operation). On the other hand, when the vehicle is in motion and the current operator is not the user Ul, the touch screen 204 can normally respond to the touch signal caused by one of the users U2-U4. That is, the operation of the touch screen 204 can be a normal operation. In other words, the operation on the touch screen 204 can be performed based on the current operator. Also, the detection of the movement of the vehicle can be implemented by using well-known techniques, and details are not described herein.

[0027] In this way, when the touchscreen 204 is touched, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, when the vehicle is in motion, the driver does not have access to the touchscreen 204, while passengers still have access to it, thus achieving a balance between ease of use and enhanced safety measures.

[0028] It is worth noting that the user identification signal may have a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform. That is, by detecting whether the touch signal includes a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform, it can be determined whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. In other words, the processor 104 can be configured to determine whether the touch signal includes a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform to determine whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0029] In one embodiment, the signal generator 202 may be disposed in the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's pedals, or the vehicle's seat. That is, a user identification signal can be applied to the user through the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's pedals, or the vehicle's seat. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] Furthermore, when one of the users U1 to U4 touches the touchscreen 204, the finger of one of the users U1 to U4 essentially forms an equivalent capacitance with the touchscreen 204 (e.g., one of the capacitors C1 to C4). This capacitive coupling allows electrical signals present on the user's body to be transmitted to the touchscreen 204. By detecting changes in capacitance at the contact point, the touch location can be determined. In other words, the processor 104 can be configured to determine the touch location (e.g., touch coordinates) based on the touch signal. In other words, by analyzing the touch signal, the identity of the current operator and the touch location can be determined simultaneously. In this way, the user identification system can be implemented without significantly increasing the overall design complexity.

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the host 100, signal generator 202, and touch screen 204 may include communication circuitry, which may include, for example, a wired network module, a wireless network module, a Bluetooth module, an infrared module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) module, a Zigbee network module, or a near field communication (NFC) network module, but is not limited thereto. That is, the host 100, signal generator 202, and touch screen 204 may communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0032] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B , Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe difference between them is that the user identification signal is applied only to the user U1 in the user identification context 200A, while different user identification signals are applied to all the users U1-U4 in the user identification context 200B, respectively. For the sake of brevity, the similar configurations can be referred to the description of Figure 2A and details are not repeated here.

[0033] In an embodiment, the four signal generators 202 can be configured to provide four different user identification signals, and the four different identification signals can be configured to be applied to the four users U1-U4, respectively. That is, one user identification signal is applied to one of the users U1-U4. In other words, each of the users U1-U4 carries one user identification signal.

[0034] It should be noted that when one of the users U1-U4 touches the touch screen 204, the user identification signal carried by the one of the users U1-U4 can be transmitted to the touch screen 204. Furthermore, by identifying the received user identification signal, the identity of the one of the users U1-U4 can be determined.

[0035] For example, the four user identification signals can include a first user identification signal, a second user identification signal, a third user identification signal, and a fourth user identification signal. Furthermore, the first user identification signal is applied to the user U1, the second user identification signal is applied to the user U2, the third user identification signal is applied to the user U3, and the fourth user identification signal is applied to the user U4. That is, the processor 104 can be configured to determine that the current operator is the user U1 (i.e., the driver) in response to the touch signal including the first user identification signal. Furthermore, the processor 104 can be configured to determine that the current operator is the user U2 (i.e., the passenger) in response to the touch signal including the second user identification signal.

[0036] It is worth mentioning that the four user identification signals can have different frequencies and / or different waveforms. For example, the first user identification signal has a first user identification frequency, and the second user identification signal has a second user identification frequency. That is, the processor 104 can be configured to determine the current operator based on the frequency of the user identification signal. On the other hand, the first user identification signal has a first user identification waveform, and the second user identification signal has a second user identification waveform. That is, the processor 104 can be configured to determine the current operator based on the waveform of the user identification signal. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] In this way, when the touch screen 204 is touched, the current operator can be automatically identified, so that personalized settings and functions can be provided for each of the users U1-U4. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a user identification context according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the user identification context 300 includes a waveform set 301 and a sensing sequence 302.

[0039] First, referring to the waveform set 301. The waveform set 301 can include waveforms WF1-WF3. In an embodiment, the waveform WF1 can be a sine wave, the waveform WF2 can be a square wave, and the waveform WF3 can be a sawtooth wave. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the waveforms WF1-WF3 can be respectively assigned to different user identification signals. Thus, by identifying a received user identification signal, the identity of a current operator of the touch screen 204 can be determined.

[0040] Next, referring to the sensing sequence 302. The sensing sequence 302 can include periods P1-P2. In the period P1, the processor 104 can be configured to collect raw data of a touch signal caused by a touch of an operator. In an embodiment, the touch screen 204 can be coupled to a plurality of digital filters. The plurality of digital filters can be used to convert an analog signal caused by a touch of an operator into a digital signal. That is, the plurality of digital filters can include an analog-to-digital converter. In addition, the plurality of digital filters can correspond to different frequencies. That is, each of the plurality of digital filters can be configured to convert an analog signal of a specific frequency into a digital signal (i.e., a touch signal).

[0041] In the period P2, the processor 104 can be configured to detect a current operator of the touch screen 204 based on a user identification algorithm. In an embodiment, the user identification algorithm can be configured to determine a frequency and / or a waveform of a user identification signal included in the touch signal. Based on the frequency and / or the waveform of the user identification signal, the current operator of the touch screen 204 can be determined.

[0042] In addition, in the period P2 or another period of the sensing sequence, the processor 104 can be configured to determine a touch location (e.g., a touch coordinate) based on the touch signal. That is, by analyzing the touch signal, the identity of the current operator and the touch location can be simultaneously determined. In this way, the user identification system can be implemented without significantly increasing the complexity of the overall design.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal provision configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 4 , the signal provision configuration 400 includes a direct contact configuration 401 and an indirect contact configuration 402.

[0044] First, refer to the direct contact configuration 401. In the direct contact configuration 401, the signal generator 202 can be disposed to apply the user identification signal directly on the user U1. For example, the signal generator 202 can be disposed on the surface of one of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the foot pedal of the vehicle, and the seat of the vehicle. That is, when the user U1 is in the vehicle, a body part of the user U1 can directly contact the signal generator 202. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] Next, refer to the indirect contact configuration 402. In the indirect contact configuration 402, the signal generator 202 can be disposed to apply the user identification signal indirectly on the user U1 through the insulating material IM. For example, the signal generator 202 can be disposed on one of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the foot pedal of the vehicle, and the seat of the vehicle. That is, the insulating material can be the surface of one of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the foot pedal of the vehicle, and the seat of the vehicle. In other words, when the user U1 is in the vehicle, a body part of the user U1 can indirectly contact the signal generator 202. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a user identification method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figures 1 to 5 , the user identification method 500 can include steps S510-S540.

[0047] In step S510, a touch signal is received from the touch screen 204 by the processor 104. In step S520, a determination result is determined by the processor 104, and the determination result indicates whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. In step S530, a current operator of the touch screen 204 is determined by the processor 104 based on the determination result. In step S540, an operation is performed on the touch screen 204 by the processor 104 based on the current operator.

[0048] Furthermore, the implementation details of the user identification method 500 can refer to the description of Figures 1 to 4 for sufficient teachings, suggestions, and embodiments, and the details are not repeatedly described one by one here.

[0049] In summary, according to the host, the user identification system, and the user identification method, the identification signal is generated by the signal generator and applied to the occupant of the vehicle. By identifying the signal carried by the occupant, the identity of the occupant is determined. In this way, when the touch screen is touched, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, when the vehicle is moving, the driver cannot access the touch screen, while the passenger can still access the touch screen, thereby achieving a balance between use convenience and enhanced safety measures.

[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments can be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A host computer, characterized in that, include: The storage circuit is configured to store program code; as well as A processor, coupled to the storage circuitry, is configured to access the program code for execution: Receive touch signals from the touchscreen; Determine the recognition result, which indicates whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal; Based on the recognition result, the current operator of the touch screen is determined; as well as Based on the current operator, an operation is performed on the touch screen.

2. The host computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user identification signal is provided by a signal generator and is configured to be applied to the user.

3. The host computer according to claim 2, characterized in that, in The user identification signal has a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform, and The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: Determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform to determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal.

4. The host computer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The users mentioned therein include the driver of the vehicle or the passengers of the vehicle.

5. The host computer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The user identification signal is applied to the user via the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's foot pedals, or the vehicle's seat.

6. The host computer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the current operator being the driver and the vehicle being in motion, the operation is determined to be no operation; and If the current operator is not the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the operation is determined to be a normal operation.

7. The host computer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the touch signal including the user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the driver; and In response to the touch signal not including the user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the passenger.

8. The host computer according to claim 4, characterized in that, in The user identification signal includes a first user identification signal or a second user identification signal, and The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the touch signal including the first user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the driver; and In response to the touch signal including the second user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the passenger.

9. The host computer according to claim 8, characterized in that, in The first user identification signal has a first user identification frequency, and the second user identification signal has a second user identification frequency. The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: The current operator is determined based on the frequency of the user identification signal.

10. The host computer according to claim 8, characterized in that, in The first user identification signal has a first user identification waveform, and the second user identification signal has a second user identification waveform. The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: The current operator is determined based on the waveform of the user identification signal.

11. A user identification system, characterized in that, include: The signal generator is configured to provide a user identification signal; The touchscreen is configured to generate touch signals; as well as The host includes: The storage circuit is configured to store program code; and A processor, coupled to the storage circuitry, is configured to access the program code for execution: Receive the touch signal from the touch screen; The identification result is determined, and the identification result indicates whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal; Based on the recognition result, the current operator of the touch screen is determined; and Based on the current operator, an operation is performed on the touch screen.

12. The user identification system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The user identification signal is configured to be applied to the user.

13. The user identification system according to claim 12, characterized in that, in The user identification signal has a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform, and The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: Determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform to determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal.

14. The user identification system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The users mentioned therein include the driver of the vehicle or the passengers of the vehicle.

15. The user identification system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The user identification signal is applied to the user via the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's foot pedals, or the vehicle's seat.

16. The user identification system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the current operator being the driver and the vehicle being in motion, the operation is determined to be no operation; and If the current operator is not the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the operation is determined to be a normal operation.

17. The user identification system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the touch signal including the user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the driver; and In response to the touch signal not including the user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the passenger.

18. The user identification system according to claim 14, characterized in that, in The user identification signal includes a first user identification signal or a second user identification signal, and The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: In response to the touch signal including the first user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the driver; and In response to the touch signal including the second user identification signal, the current operator is determined to be the passenger.

19. The user identification system according to claim 18, characterized in that, in The first user identification signal has a first user identification frequency, and the second user identification signal has a second user identification frequency. The processor is further configured to access the program code for execution: The current operator is determined based on the frequency of the user identification signal.

20. A user identification method, characterized in that, include: The processor receives touch signals from the touchscreen. The processor determines the recognition result, which indicates whether the touch signal includes a user identification signal. The processor determines the current user of the touchscreen based on the recognition result. as well as The processor performs the operation on the touch screen based on the current operator.

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