Host, user identification system, and user identification method

Abstract

This invention provides a host, a user identification system, and a user identification method that can achieve a balance between improving the convenience and safety of an in-vehicle touchscreen system. [Solution] The host includes a memory circuit and a processor. The memory circuit is configured to store program code. The processor is connected to the memory circuit and configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive touch signals from a touchscreen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result indicating whether the touch signal contains a user identification signal. Based on the identification result, the processor is configured to determine the current operator of the touchscreen. Based on the current operator, the processor is configured to perform an operation on the touchscreen.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles tend to be equipped with a variety of electronic systems, providing a wide range of functions to improve the driving experience. One of the important functions installed in many of these vehicles is a touch screen with a center display. This center display functions as a control hub, allowing the user to operate various in-vehicle systems such as navigation, entertainment, air conditioning, and vehicle settings, enabling convenient and intuitive operation of the vehicle's functions.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a host, a user identification system, and a user identification method that can achieve a balance between improving the convenience and safety of an in-vehicle touch screen system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a host. The host includes a memory circuit and a processor. The memory circuit is configured to store program code. The processor is connected to the memory circuit and is configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive a touch signal from the touch screen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result indicating whether a user identification signal is included in the touch signal. The processor is configured to determine the current operator of the touch screen based on the identification result. The processor is configured to execute an operation on the touch screen based on the current operator.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a user identification system. The user identification system includes a signal generator, a touchscreen, and a host. The signal generator is configured to provide a user identification signal. The touchscreen is configured to generate touch signals. The host includes a memory circuit and a processor. The memory circuit is configured to store program code. The processor is connected to the memory circuit and configured to access the program code. The processor is configured to receive touch signals from the touchscreen. The processor is configured to determine an identification result indicating whether the touch signal contains a user identification signal. Based on the identification result, the processor is configured to determine the current operator of the touchscreen. Based on the current operator, the processor is configured to perform an operation on the touchscreen.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a user identification method. The user identification method includes the following steps: Receiving a touch signal from a touchscreen via a processor. Determining an identification result via processor 104 indicating whether or not the touch signal contains a user identification signal. Determining the current operator of the touchscreen via the processor based on the identification result. Executing an operation on the touchscreen 204 via the processor based on the current operator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Based on the above, the host, user identification system, and user identification method allow the current operator to be automatically identified when the touchscreen is touched, thereby achieving a balance between improved convenience and safety in the in-vehicle touchscreen system.

[0008] To make the above easier to understand, several embodiments, accompanied by drawings, are described in detail below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The accompanying drawings are provided to enhance the understanding of the present invention and are incorporated herein and constitute part thereof. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, are helpful in illustrating the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a host according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a signal provisioning configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of a user identification method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and description, identical or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals whenever possible.

[0011] While in-car touchscreen systems offer great convenience in controlling various functions, the act of physically touching the screen itself poses safety concerns. This operation temporarily diverts the driver's visual and cognitive attention from the road, leading to distraction and consequently creating legitimate safety concerns regarding the use of touchscreens while driving.

[0012] To enhance safety while in motion, many vehicles are equipped with a feature that disables touchscreens while the vehicle is in motion. However, this restriction often applies to passengers as well, preventing them from operating the screens. While this is intended to minimize driver distraction, such a complete ban may be perceived as excessively restrictive for passengers other than the driver.

[0013] In this invention, an identification signal is generated by a signal generator and applied to the vehicle occupant. By recognizing the signal emitted by the occupant, the occupant's identity is identified. In this way, when the touchscreen is touched, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, while the vehicle is in motion, the driver cannot access the touchscreen, but the occupant can still operate it, thus achieving a balance between convenience and improved safety.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a host according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the host 100 includes a memory circuit 102 and a processor 104. In various embodiments, the host 100 may be any smart device and / or computer device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0015] The memory circuit 102 is one or a combination of a fixed or portable random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk, or other similar device, which stores multiple modules and / or program code executable by the processor 104.

[0016] The processor 104 may be coupled with the memory circuit 102, and the processor 104 may be, for example, a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), multiple 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, other types of integrated circuits (ICs), a state machine, and the like.

[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, the processor 104 can access modules and / or program code stored in the memory circuit 102 to implement the user identification method provided in the present invention. This will be further explained below.

[0018] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, the user identification scenario 200A includes a host 100, a signal generator 202, a touchscreen 204, and users U1 to U4. The host 100, signal generator 202, and touchscreen 204 may be located inside a vehicle. That is, users U1 to U4 may include the driver of the vehicle or the passengers of the vehicle. For example, user U1 may be the driver, and users U2 to U4 may be passengers. Furthermore, the host 100, signal generator 202, and touchscreen 204 may form a user identification system provided by the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0019] In one embodiment, the signal generator 202 is configured to provide a user identification signal, and the user identification signal is configured to be applied to user U1. That is, the user identification signal is only applied to user U1 and not to users U2 - U4. In other words, only user U1 transmits the user identification signal, and users U2 - U4 do not transmit the user identification signal. In one embodiment, the frequency of the user identification signal may be 20KHZ - 120KHZ, and / or the energy (voltage) of the user identification signal may be 5V - 20V. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0020] In addition, when user U1 touches the touch screen 204, the user identification signal can be transmitted from user U1 to the touch screen 204. Further, the user identification signal may be included in the touch signal induced by user U1's touch on the touch screen 204. That is, the touch screen 204 may be configured to generate a touch signal. Furthermore, by determining whether the user identification signal is included in the touch signal, the identity of user U1 can be determined.

[0021] For example, the identification result can indicate whether the user identification signal is included in the touch signal. When the touch signal is induced by user U1, the identification result can indicate that the touch signal includes the user identification signal. That is, since only user U1 transmits the user identification signal, it can be determined that the current operator of the touch screen 204 is user U1 (i.e., the driver). On the other hand, when the touch signal is induced by any of users U2 - U4, the identification result can indicate that the touch signal does not include the user identification signal. That is, since users U2 - U4 do not transmit the user identification signal, it can be determined that the current operator of the touch screen 204 is any of users U2 - U4 (i.e., the passenger). In other words, based on the identification result, the current operator of the touch screen can be determined.

[0022] Furthermore, when the vehicle is in motion and the current operator is user U1 (i.e., the driver), the touch screen 204 does not have to respond to the touch signal induced by user U1. That is, the operation of the touch screen 204 may be a NOOP operation (i.e., no operation). On the other hand, when the vehicle is in motion and the current operator is not user U1, the touch screen 204 may respond to the touch signal induced by any of users U2 to U4 as normal. That is, the operation of the touch screen 204 may be a normal operation. In other words, the operation on the touch screen 204 may be performed based on the current operator. Furthermore, the detection of the moving vehicle can be realized using known techniques, but the details are omitted in this specification.

[0023] In this way, when touching the touch screen 204, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the driver cannot access the touch screen 204, but the passengers can still operate the touch screen 204, so a balance between convenience and safety improvement is achieved.

[0024] Note 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 the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform, it is possible to determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal. In other words, the processor 104 may be configured to determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal by determining whether the touch signal includes the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0025] In one embodiment, the signal generator 202 may be disposed on the steering wheel of the vehicle, the foot pad of the vehicle, or the seat of the vehicle. That is, the user identification signal may be applied to the user via the steering wheel of the vehicle, the foot pad of the vehicle, or the seat of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] Furthermore, when any of users U1 to U4 touch the touchscreen 204, the finger of any of the users U1 to U4 and the touchscreen 204 essentially form an equivalent capacitor (e.g., any of capacitors C1 to C4). This capacitive coupling allows electrical signals present in the user's body to be transmitted to the touchscreen 204. By detecting the change in capacitance at the point of contact, the location of the touch can be determined. In other words, the processor 104 may be configured to determine the touch location (e.g., touch coordinates) based on the touch signal. To put it another way, by analyzing the touch signal, both the identification of the current operator and the touch location can be determined. In this way, a user identification system can be realized without significantly increasing the overall design complexity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the host 100, signal generator 202, and touchscreen 204 may each include a communication circuit. The communication circuit may include, but is not limited to, 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. In other words, the host 100, signal generator 202, and touchscreen 204 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0028] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the difference between Figure 2A and Figure 2B is that in user identification scenario 200A, the user identification signal is applied only to user U1, whereas in user identification scenario 200B, different user identification signals are applied to all users U1 to U4. For brevity of explanation, similar configurations can be described in the explanation of Figure 2A, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0029] In one embodiment, the four signal generators 202 may be configured to provide four different user identification signals, which may be configured to be applied to four different users U1-U4, respectively. That is, one user identification signal is applied to one of the users U1-U4. In other words, each user U1-U4 transmits one user identification signal.

[0030] When one of users U1 to U4 touches the touchscreen 204, a user identification signal transmitted by that user is sent to the touchscreen 204. Furthermore, by identifying the received user identification signal, it is possible to determine which user U1 to U4 it is.

[0031] For example, the four user identification signals may 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 user U1, the second user identification signal is applied to user U2, the third user identification signal is applied to user U3, and the fourth user identification signal is applied to user U4. In other words, the processor 104 may be configured to determine the current operator as user U1 (i.e., the driver) in response to a touch signal including the first user identification signal. The processor 104 may also be configured to determine the current operator as user U2 (i.e., the passenger) in response to a touch signal including the second user identification signal.

[0032] These four user identification signals may 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. In other words, the processor 104 may 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. In other words, the processor 104 may be configured to determine the current operator based on the waveform of the user identification signal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] In this way, when the touchscreen 204 is touched, the current operator is automatically identified, and personalized settings and functions are provided for each user U1 to U4. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a user identification scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the user identification scenario 300 includes a waveform set 301 and a sensing sequence 302.

[0035] First, refer to waveform set 301. Waveform set 301 may include waveforms WF1 to WF3. In one embodiment, waveform WF1 may be a sine wave, waveform WF2 a square wave, and waveform WF3 a sawtooth wave. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, waveforms WF1 to WF3 may each be assigned to a different user identification signal. Therefore, by identifying the received user identification signal, the identity of the current operator of the touchscreen 204 can be determined.

[0036] Next, we refer to the sensing sequence 302. The sensing sequence 302 may include P1 to P2. During period P1, the processor 104 may be configured to collect raw data of the touch signal induced by the operator's touch. In one embodiment, the touchscreen 204 may be coupled to a plurality of digital filters. The plurality of digital filters may be used to convert the analog signal induced by the operator's touch into a digital signal. That is, the plurality of digital filters may include an analog-to-digital converter. Furthermore, the plurality of digital filters may correspond to different frequencies. That is, each of the plurality of digital filters may be configured to convert an analog signal of a specific frequency into a digital signal (i.e., a touch signal).

[0037] During period P2, the processor 104 may be configured to detect the current operator of the touchscreen 204 based on a user identification algorithm. In one embodiment, the user identification algorithm may be configured to determine the frequency and / or waveform of a user identification signal included in the touch signal. Based on the frequency and / or waveform of the user identification signal, the current operator of the touchscreen 204 can be determined.

[0038] Furthermore, during period P2 or other periods of the sensing sequence, the processor 104 may be configured to determine the touch position (e.g., touch coordinates) based on the touch signal. In other words, by analyzing the touch signal, both the identification of the current operator and the touch position can be determined. In this way, a user identification system can be realized without significantly increasing the complexity of the overall design.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a signal provisioning configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2A, 2B and 4, the signal provisioning configuration 400 includes a direct contact configuration 401 and an indirect contact configuration 402.

[0040] First, the direct contact configuration 401 will be described. In the direct contact configuration 401, the signal generator 202 may be configured to directly apply a user identification signal to user U1. For example, the signal generator 202 may be located on the surface of the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's foot pads, or the vehicle's seats. In other words, when user U1 is inside the vehicle, a part of user U1's body may come into direct contact with the signal generator 202. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] Next, the indirect contact configuration 402 will be described. In the indirect contact configuration 402, the signal generator 202 may be configured to indirectly apply a user identification signal to the user U1 via an insulating material IM. For example, the signal generator 202 may be located on the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's foot pads, or the vehicle's seat. In other words, the insulating material may be on the surface of the vehicle's steering wheel, the vehicle's foot pads, or the vehicle's seat. To put it another way, if the user U1 is inside the vehicle, a part of the user U1's body may indirectly come into contact with the signal generator 202. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a user identification method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the user identification method 500 may include steps S510 to S540.

[0043] In step S510, a touch signal is received from the touchscreen 204 via the processor 104. In step S520, an identification result is determined via the processor 104, indicating whether or not the touch signal includes a user identification signal. In step S530, the current operator of the touchscreen 204 is determined via the processor 104 based on the identification result. In step S540, an operation is performed on the touchscreen 204 based on the current operator via the processor 104.

[0044] Furthermore, since sufficient teachings, suggestions, and implementation examples can be obtained by referring to the descriptions in Figures 1 to 4, the details of the implementation of the user identification method 500 will not be repeated here.

[0045] In summary, according to the user identification system and user identification method of the present invention, an identification signal is generated by a signal generator and applied to the vehicle occupant. By recognizing the signal emitted by the occupant, the occupant's identity is identified. In this way, when the touchscreen is touched, the current operator is automatically identified. Therefore, while the vehicle is in motion, the driver cannot access the touchscreen, but the occupant can still operate it, thus achieving a balance between convenience and improved safety.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass the present invention insofar as such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the following claims and equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0047] The host, user identification system, and user identification method of the present invention can be applied to vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 100: Host 102:Memory circuit 104: Processor 200A, 200B, 300: User Identification Scenarios 202: Signal Generator 204: Touchscreen 301: Waveform Set 302: Sensing Sequence 400: Signal provision configuration 401: Direct contact configuration 402: Indirect contact configuration 500: User identification method C1, C2, C3, C4: Capacitors IM: Insulating material P1, P2: Period S510, S520, S530, S540: Process U1, U2, U3, U4: User WF1, WF2, WF3: Waveforms

Claims

1. A memory circuit configured to store program code, A processor connected to the memory circuit, which accesses the program code, Receiving touch signals from the touchscreen, The identification result is determined to indicate whether or not the touch signal includes a user identification signal. Based on the identification result, the current operator of the touchscreen is determined, Based on the current operator, the operation is performed on the touchscreen, The processor configured to perform, Hosts, including

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

3. The user identification signal has a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform. The processor further accesses the program code, The touch signal is to determine whether the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform is included, and the touch signal is to determine whether the user identification signal is included, A host according to claim 2, configured to perform the following:

4. The aforementioned user includes the driver of the vehicle or a passenger of the vehicle. The host according to claim 2.

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

6. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the fact that the current operator is the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the operation is determined to be no operation. In response to the fact that the current operator is not the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the system determines that the operation is a normal operation. A host according to claim 4, configured to perform the following:

7. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the fact that the touch signal includes the user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the driver, In response to the fact that the touch signal does not include the user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the passenger. A host according to claim 4, configured to perform the following:

8. The user identification signal includes a first user identification signal or a second user identification signal. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the touch signal including the first user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the driver, In response to the touch signal including the second user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the passenger. A host according to claim 4, configured to perform the following:

9. 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 further accesses the program code, Based on the frequency of the user identification signal, the current operator is determined, A host according to claim 8, configured to perform the following:

10. 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 further accesses the program code, Based on the waveform of the user identification signal, the current operator is determined, A host according to claim 8, configured to perform the following:

11. A signal generator configured to provide a user identification signal, A touchscreen configured to generate touch signals, A host including a storage circuit configured to store the program code, and a processor connected to the storage circuit, The processor accesses the program code, Receiving the touch signal from the touchscreen, To determine whether or not the touch signal includes the user identification signal, Based on the identification result, determine the current operator of the touchscreen. Based on the current operator, perform the operation on the touchscreen. A user identification system configured to perform the following actions.

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

13. The user identification signal has a user identification frequency or a user identification waveform. The processor further accesses the program code, Determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification frequency or the user identification waveform, and determine whether the touch signal includes the user identification signal. A user identification system according to claim 12, configured to perform the following:

14. The aforementioned user includes the driver of the vehicle or a passenger of the vehicle. The user identification system according to claim 12.

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

16. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the fact that the current operator is the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the operation is determined to be no operation. In response to the fact that the current operator is not the driver and the vehicle is in motion, the system determines that the operation is a normal operation. A user identification system according to claim 14, configured to perform the following:

17. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the fact that the touch signal includes the user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the driver, In response to the fact that the touch signal does not include the user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the passenger. A user identification system according to claim 14, configured to perform the following:

18. The user identification signal includes a first user identification signal or a second user identification signal. The processor further accesses the program code, In response to the touch signal including the first user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the driver, In response to the touch signal including the second user identification signal, it is determined that the current operator is the passenger. A user identification system according to claim 14, configured to perform the following:

19. 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 further accesses the program code, Based on the frequency of the user identification signal, the current operator is determined, A user identification system according to claim 18, configured to perform the following:

20. The processor receives touch signals from the touchscreen, The processor determines whether or not a user identification signal is included in the above, The processor determines the current operator of the touchscreen based on the identification result, The processor performs operations on the touchscreen based on the current operator, A method for identifying a user, including [the specified method].

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