Biometric authentication for work vehicles

Abstract

Biometric authentication for work vehicles A method for securing a work vehicle. A biometric identifier is collected from an operator using a biometric authentication device. The biometric identifier is checked against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is allowed and an operator profile linked to the authorized operator is activated. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for a current session is recorded against the operator profile and desired information is provided to the operator based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is prevented.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of work vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to use security measures to restrict operation of work vehicles to authorized operators. Typically, a PIN or passcode is used, or a Bluetooth key is used. These can perform a machine security function to enable use of the machine, or an operator ID function to customize machine settings for the operator. The operator ID can also be used to track performance. Security measures such as PIN codes and Bluetooth keys are not guaranteed to be unique to an operator, as they may be shared between operators, lost, or not remembered.

[0003] The performance of an electric off-highway machine can be related to the operating characteristics of the operator. In particular, battery life can be affected by the skill level of the operator. Thus, the timing of recharging and / or battery / electric motor servicing for a given work vehicle will depend on the operator or operators who have been using the work vehicle, as well as other factors such as the length of time and the type of work performed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, a method for securing a work vehicle is provided. The method includes collecting a biometric identifier from an operator using a biometric authentication device. The method further includes matching the biometric identifier with a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator, the method further includes allowing access to the work vehicle and activating an operator profile linked to the authorized operator. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for a current session is recorded against the operator profile and target information is provided to the operator based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, the method further includes preventing access to the work vehicle.

[0005] Also provided is a security device for a work vehicle, the security device comprising a biometric authentication device. The security device is configured to collect a biometric identifier from an operator using the biometric authentication device. The security device is further configured to check the biometric identifier against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, the security device is further configured to enable access to the work vehicle and activate an operator profile linked to the authorized operator. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for a current session is recorded against the operator profile and target information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, the security device is further configured to prevent access to the work vehicle.

[0006] This allows operators to be identified and operation of the work vehicle may be restricted to only authorized operators. Additionally, data recorded against the operator profile may be collected and used for coaching the operator and monitoring the condition of the work vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for securing a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A method for securing a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. In step 110 of the method, a biometric identifier is collected from an operator using a biometric device. In step 120, the biometric identifier is checked against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is allowed in step 130. In step 140, an operator profile linked to the authorized operator is activated. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for the current session is recorded against the operator profile, and target information is provided to the user based on previous machine data for previous sessions. The method ends when the user stops using the work vehicle (e.g., when the user logs out, exits the vehicle, or powers off the work vehicle). If the operator does not match an authorized operator in step 120, access to the work vehicle is prevented in step 150, and the method ends.

[0009] The work vehicle may be equipped with an internal combustion engine, for example a diesel engine, and may include electric work vehicles, hydrogen powered work vehicles, or work vehicles powered by another fuel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the biometric identifier may include an image of the operator's face, and the biometric device includes a facial recognition device. For example, the biometric device includes a camera. The camera may be utilized for other purposes, such as operator fatigue monitoring. In another embodiment, the biometric identifier may include a fingerprint of the operator, and the biometric device includes a fingerprint reader.

[0011] In one embodiment, the biometric device may be integrated on the work vehicle, for example, in a door to the cab of the work vehicle, or in the cab itself. In another embodiment, the biometric device may be a smartphone or other device configured to wirelessly communicate with the work vehicle. In this embodiment, step 130 of enabling access to the work vehicle and step 140 of activating the operator profile may include transmitting a wireless signal to the work vehicle. Step 130 of enabling access may be based, for example, on proximity between the biometric device and the work vehicle.

[0012] The current machine data may include battery discharge rate. The current machine data may include vehicle speed, data related to tool operation, or other performance metrics related to the work vehicle. The current machine data may include information about the operator, such as performance metrics or statistics, and battery usage, for example, the load of dirt or other material being moved in a given shift.

[0013] The current machine data may be used for coaching an operator. If the work vehicle or its battery is rented on a subscription basis, the current machine data may be used to set subscription fees. The current machine data may be used for efficiency of the work vehicle.

[0014] The desired information provided to the operator may be displayed via a monitor on the work vehicle.

[0015] The target information provided to the operator may be further based on current machine data. Previous machine data may include previous data recorded for the operator profile in a previous session, for example "current machine data" for the same operator from a previous session using the same work vehicle or a different work vehicle. Previous machine data may include previous data recorded for the same work vehicle used by the same operator or a different operator.

[0016] The information of interest provided to the operator may include information regarding how efficiently the work vehicle is being used. This may relate to the work vehicle, for example, information regarding the battery discharge rate. This may relate to operator performance metrics, for example, the amount of work the operator has performed or the rate at which work is completed. The amount of work may include, for example, the load of material moved.

[0017] The information of interest may include predictive information. The predictive information may include a predicted remaining battery life (or a predicted time until the next charge is required) based on previous machine data and the current state of charge of the work vehicle's batteries. The predicted battery life may be further based on how the operator is using the work vehicle, e.g., the type of operation performed or the efficiency of use. The previous machine data may include data describing battery discharge during operating conditions similar to those in which the work vehicle is currently placed (e.g., type of machine operation, identity of operator).

[0018] In one embodiment, the current machine data collected for the operator profile and / or previous machine data recorded for the operator profile may be used to process a predicted battery life or predicted usage of battery charge. The operator profile may be used to more accurately predict battery life or battery charge usage based on the operator's operating characteristics, the operating characteristics being determined from previous machine data of previous sessions recorded for the operator profile when the operator uses the same work vehicle or a different work vehicle. The operating characteristics may include a utilization rate of the battery charge. The predicted battery life or predicted usage of battery charge may be based on previous machine data for the same work vehicle and / or previous machine data for the same operator.

[0019] The forecast information may include a forecast date for the next maintenance of the work vehicle.

[0020] The objective information may include coaching messages to improve the operator's performance, such as tips on how to operate the work vehicle more efficiently or in a manner favorable to the battery condition. The coaching may be based on previous machine data of the same operator or a different operator. For example, the coaching message may include a message informing the operator if the battery discharge rate is appropriate or too high, and if the battery discharge rate is too high, the coaching message may include information on how the operator could reduce the battery discharge rate.

[0021] The current machine data recorded against the operator's profile may be used to generate information of interest during future uses of the work vehicle. The current machine data recorded against the operator's profile may be used to track the operator's usage patterns with respect to usage by an employer or work site manager.

[0022] An operator profile may include preferred operator settings associated with the operator profile such that the settings are loaded when the operator profile is activated. Settings may include cab preference settings, tool settings, or preferred operating modes. For example, settings may include settings related to implement hydraulic speeds or other characteristics of tools on a work vehicle. Settings may include preferred shift or travel speeds for a work vehicle. Settings may include cab preference settings such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) temperatures.

[0023] Access to the electric work vehicle may be enabled or prevented by one or both of a physical lock and a software interlock. The physical lock may be controlled by the work vehicle's control system or wirelessly or otherwise by a biometric device. The physical lock or software interlock may allow the cab door to be locked or unlocked. The physical lock or software interlock may allow the work vehicle to be powered on or not powered on. The work vehicle may allow the operator to turn on some functions without a physical lock or software interlock to receive a biometric identifier. However, without a physical lock or software interlock to enable access, the work vehicle may not be able to move and the tools may not be able to be used.

[0024] The list of approved operators may be controlled remotely, for example via telematics.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a security device for a work vehicle. The security device comprises a biometric device. The security device is configured to collect a biometric identifier from an operator using the biometric device. The biometric identifier is checked against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, access to the work vehicle is enabled and an operator profile linked to the authorized operator is activated. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for a current session is recorded against the operator profile and target information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is prevented.

[0026] The security device may be on the work vehicle, separate from the work vehicle, or a combination of on the work vehicle and separate from the work vehicle. The security device may comprise a control system of the work vehicle. The security device may comprise a smart phone or other handheld device.

[0027] The security device may be further configured to implement any of the methods described above.

Claims

1. 1. A method of securing a work vehicle, the method comprising: collecting a biometric identifier from an operator using a biometric device; checking the biometric identifier against a list of authorized operators; If the operator matches an authorized operator, Providing access to the work vehicle; activating an operator profile linked to the authorized operator while operating the work vehicle; Current machine data for the current session is recorded against said operator profile; target information is provided to the operator based on previous machine data from previous sessions; and and preventing access to the work vehicle if the operator does not match an authorized operator.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biometric device comprises one of a facial recognition device and a fingerprint reader.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the target information is further based on the current machine data.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the work vehicle comprises an electric work vehicle and the current machine data comprises a battery discharge rate.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the work vehicle comprises an electric work vehicle and the information of interest comprises an expected battery life.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the projected battery life is based on previous machine data including battery discharge data recorded for the operator profile from a previous session.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information of interest includes a predicted maintenance date for the work vehicle.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the objective information includes coaching to improve the operator's performance.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the security device is further configured to load preferred operator settings associated with the operator profile.

10. The biometric authentication device Smartphone, and an on-board device mounted on the work vehicle.

11. A security device for a work vehicle, the security device including a biometric authentication device, collecting a biometric identifier from an operator using the biometric authentication device; checking the biometric identifier against a list of authorized operators; If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, Providing access to the work vehicle; activating an operator profile linked to the authorized operator while operating the work vehicle; Current machine data for the current session is recorded against said operator profile; The desired information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions; and and preventing access to the work vehicle if the operator does not match an authorized operator.

12. The security device of claim 11 , wherein the biometric device includes one of a facial recognition device and a fingerprint reader.

13. 13. A security device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the information of interest is further based on the current machine data.

14. 12. The security device of claim 11, wherein the work vehicle comprises an electric work vehicle and the current machine data comprises a battery discharge rate.

15. The security device of claim 11 , wherein the work vehicle comprises an electric work vehicle and the information of interest comprises an expected battery life.

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