Vehicle operation control device, vehicle operation control method, and vehicle operation control system

Abstract

To prevent legitimate users from operating the vehicle incorrectly. [Solution] The vehicle operation control device according to the embodiment includes a controller. The controller enables operation to the vehicle's operating section when each of the multiple fingerprint detection units provided on the vehicle's operating section detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with each of the multiple fingerprint detection units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a vehicle operation control device, a vehicle operation control method, and a vehicle operation control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a fingerprint sensor is provided in a vehicle operation unit such as an operation lever, and an operation on the operation unit is made valid only when the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor is the fingerprint of a registered regular user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the above-described conventional technology is used, even if a regular user accidentally touches the operation lever, fingerprint authentication may be performed normally, and there is a risk that an incorrect operation may be executed. Further, even when a regular user operates the operation lever in an incorrect posture, for example, with an incorrect grip, if fingerprint authentication is performed normally, there is a risk that the operation may be executed.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in view of the above, and an object is to provide a vehicle operation control device, a vehicle operation control method, and a vehicle operation control system that can prevent a regular user from performing an incorrect vehicle operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle operation control device according to one embodiment includes a controller. The controller enables operation to the vehicle's operating unit when each of the plurality of fingerprint detection units provided on the vehicle's operating unit detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with the plurality of fingerprint detection units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the controller activates the operation when each of the multiple fingerprint detection units detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with it. In other words, the operation is activated only when each of the multiple fingers, such as the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, is placed in a predetermined position and the operation is performed. Therefore, according to one embodiment, it is possible to prevent a legitimate user from operating the vehicle incorrectly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram (part 1) illustrating the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram (part 2) illustrating the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram (part 3) illustrating the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram (part 4) illustrating the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram (part 5) illustrating the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle operation control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle operation control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of authentication pattern information. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the vehicle operation control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a second modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a third modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a fifth modification.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle operation control device, vehicle operation control method, and vehicle operation control system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] Also, hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between a plurality of identical elements, this element may be numbered in the form of “-k” (k is a natural number) after the reference numeral indicating this element. When there is no particular need to distinguish, this numbering will not be performed.

[0011] Also, in the following description, expressions such as “specific”, “predetermined”, and “constant” may be read as “predetermined in advance”.

[0012]

[0013] First, the outline of the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIGS. 1 to FIGS. 5 are outline explanatory diagrams (Part 1) to (Part 5) of the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment. 8]

[0014] In the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, when each of the plurality of fingerprint detection units provided in the operation unit of the vehicle detects a regular fingerprint respectively associated with each of the plurality of fingerprint detection units, the controller 13 of the vehicle operation control device 10 validates the operation on the operation unit.

[0015] Specifically, it will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the operation unit is a shift position button (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "shift button") arranged on the shift switch 3 for the shift operation of the vehicle will be mainly described as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the shift switch 3 is arranged, for example, on the center console of the vehicle. The shift switch 3 is becoming more popular in place of the shift lever 2 which is well-known as an operation unit for shift operation.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the shift switch 3 has shift buttons 31A-1, 31A-2, 31A-3, 31A-4. Each shift button 31A corresponds to an example of the operation unit 31 described later.

[0017] The shift button 31A-1 is a button for performing a shift operation to switch to the "P" (parking) position. The shift button 31A-2 is a button for performing a shift operation to switch to the "R" (reverse) position. The shift button 31A-3 is a button for performing a shift operation to switch to the "N" (neutral) position. The shift button 31A-4 is a button for performing a shift operation to switch to the "D" (drive) position.

[0018] Each shift button 31A has a plurality of fingerprint sensors 32 respectively. The fingerprint sensor 32 corresponds to an example of the "fingerprint detection unit". In the present embodiment, each shift button 31A has three fingerprint sensors 32, namely, fingerprint sensors 32-1, 32-2, 32-3.

[0019] Each fingerprint sensor 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 is positioned at a predetermined location (hereinafter referred to as "appropriate" fixed position) where the user's fingers should be placed when a legitimate user operates each shift button 31A. This ensures that the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment ensures that the user performs the shift operation in the correct posture with each finger in the fixed position.

[0020] For example, as shown in Figure 3, in the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, each shift button 31A (shift buttons 31A-4 in Figures 3 to 5) is basically operated by touch with the middle finger fm (step S1). However, in this vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, operation to each shift button 31A is not valid unless the index finger fi and ring finger fr are in the same position as the middle finger fm.

[0021] Specifically, in the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, the operation is enabled (step S3) when the ring finger fr, middle finger fm, and index finger fi are each placed in fixed positions and each fingerprint sensor 32 detects a pre-associated legitimate fingerprint (step S2). In the example in Figure 3, the controller 13 enables the operation of the shift button 31A when fingerprint sensor 32-1 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the ring finger fr, fingerprint sensor 32-2 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the middle finger fm, and fingerprint sensor 32-3 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the index finger fi.

[0022] On the other hand, suppose a user operates each shift button 31A using only their middle finger fm. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the controller 13 will disable the operation of the shift buttons 31A even if only fingerprint sensor 32-2 among the fingerprint sensors 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 detects a fingerprint, and even if it is a legitimate fingerprint of the middle finger fm (step S4).

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the controller 13 also invalidates operations even if, for example, fingerprint sensor 32-1 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the index finger fi, fingerprint sensor 32-2 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the middle finger fm, and fingerprint sensor 32-3 detects a legitimate fingerprint of the ring finger fr (step S5). In this case, even if, for example, the user operates each shift button 31A in an incorrect posture, for example, by forcibly changing the orientation of their palm, this operation can be invalidated.

[0024] Furthermore, even if the fingerprints of a passenger in the front passenger seat are pre-registered, and that passenger accidentally operates any of the shift buttons 31A from the passenger seat side, this operation can be invalidated.

[0025] Thus, in the vehicle operation control method according to this embodiment, the controller 13 enables operation to the operation unit 31 when each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 provided on the vehicle's operation unit 31 detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32.

[0026] Therefore, according to the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, the controller 13 activates the operation when each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 detects the corresponding legitimate fingerprint. In other words, the operation is activated only when each of the multiple fingers, such as the index finger fi, middle finger fm, and ring finger fr, is placed in the designated position and the operation is performed. Therefore, according to the vehicle operation control method according to the embodiment, it is possible to prevent a legitimate user from operating the vehicle incorrectly.

[0027] In this embodiment, the primary example is the case where the operating unit 31 is a shift button 31A located on the center console, as described above. The arrangement of the operating unit 31 on the center console offers the advantage of being easily accessible from the driver's seat, allowing the user to operate it in the correct posture. On the other hand, when the operating unit 31 is arranged in a panel-like manner on the center console, there is a limitation in that the shape of the object itself, such as the grip portion of an operating lever, makes it difficult to guide the user to the correct finger position. However, even with such limitations, the vehicle operation control method according to this embodiment allows operation to be activated only when the hand touching the operating unit 31 is in the correct posture, thus preventing the vehicle from malfunctioning due to incorrect operation by a legitimate user.

[0028] The following describes in more detail an example of the configuration of a vehicle operation control system 1, including a vehicle operation control device 10 to which the vehicle operation control method according to the above embodiment is applied.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle operation control system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the vehicle operation control system 1 includes operation units 31-1, ..., 31-m (where m is a natural number), a vehicle operation control device 10, control ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 50-1, ..., 50-n (where n is a natural number), and controlled devices 70-1, ..., 70-n.

[0030] Each operating unit 31, the vehicle operation control device 10, and each control ECU 50 are connected to each other via an in-vehicle network N1 such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network) to enable communication. In addition, each control ECU 50 and each corresponding controlled device 70 are connected to each other via the in-vehicle network N1 or the like to enable communication.

[0031] Each operating unit 31 is an operating component used to operate the vehicle. At least one of the operating units 31 has a plurality of fingerprint sensors 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, ... Each fingerprint sensor 32 is positioned in a predetermined location corresponding to the correct posture for operating the operating unit 31. In addition, each fingerprint sensor 32 is pre-associated with the type of finger to be detected, such as the index finger fi, middle finger fm, and ring finger fr.

[0032] Although Figure 6 shows the fingerprint sensor 32 as being located inside the operation unit 31, at least a portion of the fingerprint sensor 32 may be located outside the operation unit 31, as shown for each shift button 31A in Figure 2.

[0033] When each operation unit 31 is operated by a user, it transmits operation information indicating the operation to the vehicle operation control device 10 via the in-vehicle network N1. The operation information includes the fingerprint detection results from each fingerprint sensor 32.

[0034] The vehicle operation control device 10 acquires operation information from the operation unit 31 via the in-vehicle network N1. Furthermore, if the operation unit 31 corresponding to the acquired operation information requires fingerprint authentication, the vehicle operation control device 10 determines whether each fingerprint sensor 32 has detected the corresponding legitimate fingerprint based on the fingerprint detection results of each fingerprint sensor 32 included in the operation information.

[0035] Furthermore, if each fingerprint sensor 32 detects a legitimate fingerprint, the vehicle operation control device 10 enables operation to the operation unit 31 and transmits the operation information to the corresponding control ECU 50 via the in-vehicle network N1. If at least one of the fingerprint sensors 32 fails to detect a legitimate fingerprint, the vehicle operation control device 10 disables operation to the operation unit 31 and cancels the operation information. In the case of cancellation, the vehicle operation control device 10 does not transmit the operation information to the control ECU 50.

[0036] The control ECU 50 is an ECU that controls the corresponding controlled device 70. When the control ECU 50 receives operation information from the vehicle operation control device 10 via the in-vehicle network N1, it controls the controlled device 70 according to the operation content of the operation unit 31 indicated by the operation information. The controlled device 70 is various devices controlled by the corresponding control ECU 50. For example, the controlled device 70 operated by the shift switch 3 is the transmission.

[0037] Next, an example of the configuration of the vehicle operation control device 10 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle operation control device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle operation control device 10 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a controller 13.

[0038] The communication unit 11 is implemented by a network adapter or the like. The communication unit 11 is connected to the in-vehicle network N1 by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information between each operation unit 31 and each control ECU 50 via the in-vehicle network N1.

[0039] The storage unit 12 is implemented by a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In the example shown in Figure 7, the storage unit 12 stores fingerprint registration information 12a and authentication pattern information 12b.

[0040] The fingerprint registration information 12a contains the fingerprint of the authorized user who will be driving the vehicle. The fingerprint registration information 12a is registered in advance, for example, at the time of purchase of the vehicle or before the authorized user starts using the vehicle, via a fingerprint registration device (not shown). The fingerprint registration device may register fingerprints using a fingerprint sensor 32, for example, that is located in one of the operation units 31.

[0041] The authentication pattern information 12b is information that, depending on each operation unit 31, pre-associates the type of finger that each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 on each operation unit 31 should detect. Figure 8 shows an example of the authentication pattern information 12b.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the authentication pattern information 12b includes an "operator ID" item, a "hand type" item, and a "finger type" item. The "finger type" item includes a "first fingerprint sensor" item, a "second fingerprint sensor" item, a "third fingerprint sensor" item, a "fourth fingerprint sensor" item, and a "fifth fingerprint sensor" item.

[0043] The "Operation Unit ID" field stores the identification ID of each operation unit 31 that requires fingerprint authentication. The "Hand Type" field stores the type of hand to be used when operating the operation unit 31 corresponding to the identification ID, in other words, whether it is the "left hand" or the "right hand". The "Finger Type" field stores the type of finger that each fingerprint sensor 32 should detect in the operation unit 31 corresponding to the identification ID, i.e., the authentication pattern. For example, the record for operation unit ID "X001" in Figure 8 corresponds to one of the records for each shift button 31A shown in Figure 2. In such a record, the first to third fingerprint sensors for finger type correspond to fingerprint sensors 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 shown in Figure 2, respectively.

[0044] The controller 13, described later, acquires the authentication pattern information 12b and fingerprint registration information 12a from the storage unit 12 when the vehicle is started, and compares it with the authentication pattern information 12b when it acquires operation information from the operation unit 31. The controller 13 then determines, by comparing it with the fingerprint registration information 12a, whether each fingerprint sensor 32 has detected the legitimate fingerprint of each finger according to the type of finger that the corresponding operation unit 31 should detect, as indicated in the authentication pattern information 12b. If each fingerprint sensor 32 has detected the legitimate fingerprint of each finger, the controller 13 then enables the operation on the operation unit 31 corresponding to the operation information.

[0045] In other words, as described above, the controller 13 enables a touch operation to the operation unit 31, for example, if the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 matches a predetermined pattern of finger arrangement. This allows legitimate users to perform touch operations in the correct posture and prevents legitimate users from operating the vehicle incorrectly.

[0046] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, the controller 13 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 13 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), etc. The controller 13 executes a program according to an embodiment not shown, stored in the memory unit 12, using RAM as the working area. The controller 13 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0047] The controller 13 performs information processing according to the processing procedure shown in Figure 9. Next, this processing procedure will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the vehicle operation control device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the controller 13 acquires fingerprint registration information 12a and authentication pattern information 12b from the storage unit 12 when, for example, the vehicle is started (step S101). Then, while the vehicle is starting up, the controller 13 acquires operation information indicating the content of the operation to the operation unit 31 (step S102).

[0049] Next, the controller 13 determines whether or not fingerprint authentication is required based on the operation information (step S103). For example, the controller 13 compares the operation unit ID included in the operation information with the authentication pattern information 12b and determines whether or not fingerprint authentication is required based on whether or not there is a record corresponding to the operation unit ID. Alternatively, the controller 13 may determine whether or not fingerprint authentication is required based on whether or not the operation information includes fingerprint detection results from each fingerprint sensor 32.

[0050] If fingerprint authentication is required (step S103, Yes), the controller 13 extracts the fingerprint detection results from the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 included in the operation information (step S104). Then, the controller 13 uses the authentication pattern information 12b and the fingerprint registration information 12a to compare each fingerprint detection result with the authentication pattern of the corresponding operation unit 31 (step S105).

[0051] Then, the controller 13 determines whether or not the authentication pattern matches (step S106). That is, the controller 13 determines whether or not each fingerprint sensor 32 has detected a legitimate fingerprint of each finger associated with the authentication pattern information 12b.

[0052] If the authentication pattern matches (step S106, Yes), the controller 13 sends the operation information to the corresponding control ECU 50 (step S107) and proceeds to step S109. If the authentication pattern does not match (step S106, No), the controller 13 cancels the operation information (step S108) and proceeds to step S109.

[0053] On the other hand, if fingerprint authentication is not required (step S103, No), the controller 13 transmits operation information to the corresponding control ECU 50 (step S107) and proceeds to step S109.

[0054] In step S109, the controller 13 determines whether or not the system has terminated. System termination refers to situations such as the vehicle stopping and the power being turned off. If the system has not terminated (step S109, No), the controller 13 repeats the process from step S102. If the system has terminated (step S109, Yes), the controller 13 terminates the process.

[0055] Next, some modifications of the embodiments described above will be explained. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the first modification. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the second modification. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the third modification. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth modification. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the fifth modification.

[0056] In the embodiments described above, for the sake of explanation, an example was shown in which multiple fingerprint sensors 32 are arranged horizontally, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. However, the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 may be arranged in any way that allows the user to operate the operating unit 31 comfortably and in the correct posture, for example, depending on the position and orientation of the operating unit 31 from the driver's seat.

[0057] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 may be arranged diagonally. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 may be arranged according to the length of each finger.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which some of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 are arranged outside the operation unit 31, but all of them may be in a position that overlaps with the operation unit 31. For example, Figure 2 shows an example in which fingerprint sensors 32-1 and 32-3 are arranged outside the shift button 31A, but as shown in Figure 12, all of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 may be in a position that overlaps with the shift button 31A (shift button 31A-4 in Figure 12).

[0059] This allows the operation unit 31 to be configured in such a way that fingerprint authentication using the vehicle operation control method according to this embodiment is possible, even if, for example, the design of the operation unit 31 prevents the fingerprint sensor 32 from being placed outside the operation unit 31. On the other hand, if, for example, the design of the operation unit 31 prevents the entire fingerprint sensor 32 from being placed in a position that overlaps with the operation unit 31, the operation unit 31 can be configured in such a way that fingerprint authentication using the vehicle operation control method according to this embodiment is possible by placing a part of it outside the operation unit 31.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the operating unit 31 is for shift operation and is an example in which the shift buttons 31A of the shift switch 3 are used to switch the shift position to one of "P", "R", "N", or "D". However, the operating unit 31 for shift operation is not limited to this example.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the operating unit 31 may be located on the shift switch 3A and, each time it is touched, may be a shift button 31B-1 that performs an upshift (see "+" in the figure) or a shift button 31B-2 that performs a downshift (see "-" in the figure).

[0062] Furthermore, the shift switches 3, 3A, etc., may be configured as, for example, touch panels, and accordingly, the shift buttons 31A, 31B may be arranged as software components using a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0063] Furthermore, when using a touch panel, the touch panel sensor and the fingerprint sensor 32 may be integrated using a capacitive method, allowing operation by sliding a finger while it is touching the panel. For example, as shown in Figure 14, a shift switch panel 3B, which is an example of an operation unit 31, may be configured so that sliding an upward motion while multiple fingers are placed on it performs an upshift, and sliding a downward motion performs a downshift. In this case, when a user places their finger on the shift switch panel 3B, the position on the touch panel where the finger is placed functions as each fingerprint sensor 32, performing fingerprint authentication. That is, the controller 13 enables the slide operation when the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 at the time of finger contact with the shift switch panel 3B matches the authentication pattern. This prevents a legitimate user from operating the vehicle incorrectly, even during slide operations.

[0064] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment uses an operating unit 31 for shift operation as an example, the function of the operating unit 31 is not particularly limited. The operating unit 31 is not limited to shift operation; it may also be used to operate various control target devices 70 of the driving system (function systems related to driving, turning, and stopping), or it may be used to operate various control target devices 70 of the body system (function systems related to door locks, air conditioning, lights, etc.).

[0065] Furthermore, the multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 do not necessarily have to be detected simultaneously. For example, the controller 13 may enable the operation if other fingerprints are detected within a predetermined time after the first fingerprint is detected, and their arrangement matches an authentication pattern which is a predetermined finger arrangement pattern.

[0066] As described above, the vehicle operation control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a controller 13. The controller 13 enables operation to the operation unit 31 when each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 (corresponding to an example of a "fingerprint detection unit") provided on the vehicle's operation unit 31 detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32.

[0067] Therefore, according to the vehicle operation control device 10 of this embodiment, the controller 13 enables operation when each of the multiple fingerprint sensors 32 detects the corresponding legitimate fingerprint. In other words, the operation is enabled only when each of the multiple fingers, such as the index finger fi, middle finger fm, and ring finger fr, is placed in the correct position and the operation is performed. Therefore, according to the vehicle operation control device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a legitimate user from operating the vehicle incorrectly.

[0068] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1. Vehicle operation control system 3.3A Shift Switch 3B Shift switch panel 10. Vehicle operation control device 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 12a Fingerprint registration information 12b Authentication Pattern Information 13 Controllers 31 Operation section 31A, 31B Shift buttons 32 Fingerprint Sensors 50 Control ECU 70 Controlled Device fi (index finger) fm middle finger fr ring finger

Claims

1. A controller that enables operation to the vehicle's control panel when each of the multiple fingerprint detection units provided on the vehicle's control panel detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with each of the multiple fingerprint detection units. A vehicle operation control device equipped with the following:

2. The aforementioned operating unit is provided to allow touch operation, The aforementioned controller, The touch operation is enabled when the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint detection units matches a predetermined pattern of finger arrangement according to the operation unit. The vehicle operation control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operating section is provided to allow for sliding operation. The aforementioned controller, The slide operation is enabled when the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint detection units at the time of finger contact with the operation unit matches the pattern. The vehicle operation control device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned operating section includes a button, At least one of the plurality of fingerprint detection units is provided in a position that overlaps the button, while the other fingerprint detection units are provided in positions that do not overlap the button. The aforementioned controller, When the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint detection units matches the pattern, the operation of the button is enabled. The vehicle operation control device according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned operating section includes a button, The plurality of fingerprint detection units are provided in positions that overlap the buttons, The aforementioned controller, When the arrangement of multiple fingerprints detected by the multiple fingerprint detection units matches the pattern, the operation of the button is enabled. The vehicle operation control device according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned operating unit is located on the center console of the vehicle. A vehicle operation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned operating unit is for shifting the vehicle's gears. The vehicle operation control device according to claim 6.

8. A vehicle operation control method performed by a controller, When each of the multiple fingerprint detection units provided on the vehicle's control panel detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with that unit, the operation of the control panel is made valid. A vehicle operation control method including the following.

9. Multiple fingerprint detection units are provided on the vehicle's control panel, A vehicle operation control device that enables operation to the operation unit when each of the plurality of fingerprint detection units detects a legitimate fingerprint associated with each of the plurality of fingerprint detection units, A vehicle operation control system equipped with the following features.

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