Fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for vehicles

Abstract

To provide a system that enables both fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection with respect to a driver of a vehicle.SOLUTION: The present invention is a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle including a capacitance fingerprint sensor and a blood sensor. The system is provided in a portion that a user of a device attached to the vehicle touches, the device being used for actuation of the vehicle. When the user touches the portion, the system starts to perform, on the user, fingerprint authentication as to whether the user is a driver of the vehicle and determination on appropriateness for driving the vehicle by using an indicator such as blood concentration of alcohol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for authenticating the fingerprint of a person who wishes to drive a vehicle and detecting the blood concentration of a certain substance from the bloodstream of the person's finger. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for performing a capacitive fingerprint authentication and detecting the blood concentration of a substance used as a condition for avoiding driving a vehicle. Vehicles include various automobiles, various vehicles, ships, and aircraft. [Background technology]

[0002] The revised Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations, which came into force in Japan on April 1, 2022, require safe driving managers to visually check whether drivers of automobiles are under the influence of alcohol (so-called "alcohol check"). With this revision, alcohol checks are now also mandatory for drivers of private automobiles. With the effective date of October 1, 2022, in addition to visual checks, confirmation of alcohol intake using an alcohol detector will also be mandatory. The standard for alcohol detectors set by the National Public Safety Commission is "a device that has the function of detecting alcohol in the breath and indicating the presence or absence or concentration of alcohol by warning sound, warning light, numerical value, etc." The performance of the alcohol detector is stated as "sufficient as long as it can confirm the presence or absence of alcohol intake by sound, color, numerical value, etc., and no special performance requirements are required," but it is required to be kept in working order and without any malfunctions.

[0003] In addition to breathalyzers, there will also be a need for smaller detection methods that allow drivers to check their own condition. The background to this is that smart watches and blood oxygen saturation meters have become widely available in recent years as sensors that detect blood alcohol concentration.

[0004] Apart from blood concentration, in the relationship between a car and its driver, there are cases where it is necessary to confirm whether a person is the owner of the car or whether he / she is a person who has been registered in advance as the driver of the car, and there is also a need for a means of authenticating the driver of the car. As a means of authenticating a user of an object, capacitive, optical, and ultrasonic sensors have been put to practical use, and capacitive fingerprint sensors are also known for being used in smartphones.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a system that controls engine start prohibition and permission based on detection of the driver's drinking level and personal authentication of the driver. In this system, a camera that photographs a detection part for personal authentication and a light receiving element that detects a pulse wave signal of the detection part to detect the driver's drinking level are housed in one housing, and when the detection part is brought close to the housing, personal authentication by the camera and detection of the drinking level by the light receiving element are performed.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,399,633 describes a biometric sensing device, such as an interactive biometric touch scanner, that includes a sensor that delivers ultrasound to a finger and a processor that authenticates the finger and thus the person bearing the finger based on image data of the finger's fingerprint and an indication of the response to the ultrasonic energy delivered to the finger by the sensor. The document further describes a capacitive type of fingerprint scanner and the measurement of blood flow, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and inference of pulse patterns from scanning veins or arteries in the biometric sensing device.

[0007] Patent Document 3 describes a motherboard for a mobile device that combines a biometric thumb reader, a global positioning system (GPS), and an alcohol sensor configured on a mobile board. This document describes a system that can perform a breath test to measure a person's blood alcohol concentration while performing any activity or task, and identifies, approves, tracks, monitors, and manages any work personnel, such as workers and security guards, in real time.

[0008] Patent Document 4 describes a system and method for detecting the identity of a vehicle occupant. The system includes an optical sensor module mounted on the vehicle. The sensor module includes an occupant sensor that optically acquires an image of a part (skin or subcutaneous tissue) of the vehicle occupant to identify the vehicle occupant. The method includes activating the vehicle occupant identification system, acquiring an image of a person assumed to be a member of the vehicle occupant, comparing the acquired image with at least one stored image of the person previously determined to be a member, and evaluating whether the vehicle occupant has been identified by determining whether the acquired image matches the stored image. In addition, a biometric system is described that is intended to be applied not only to occupant confirmation but also to work environments and economic transactions, and also describes the understanding of biological data for safety and health management, such as alcohol concentration detection, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature, under the application of the biometric system.

[0009] Non-Patent Document 1 describes the correlation between earlobe blood flow, breath alcohol concentration, and alcohol detection by a MEMS blood flow sensor, regarding alcohol sensing using an integrated laser Doppler blood flow meter (MEMS blood flow sensor). It also describes that when a blood flow sensor is used, it is easy to perform fingerprint authentication and the like at the same time as measurement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4706733 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 295005 [Patent Document 3] Indian Patent Application No. 1794 / MUM / 2014 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 204290 [Non-patent literature]

[0011] [Non-Patent Document 1] Wataru Iwasaki and six others, "Drinking Sensing Using a MEMS Blood Flow Sensor," [online], Proceedings of the 2010 Spring Meeting of the Japan Society for Precision Engineering, [Retrieved September 3, 2022], Internet<https: / / www.jstage.jst.go.jp / article / pscjspe / 2010S / 0 / 2010S_0_861 / _pdf / -char / ja> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The inventor recognized that the conventional optical or ultrasonic fingerprint authentication systems using cameras require relatively large calculations and costs for automobiles, and the size of the measuring device itself also poses problems for practical use. In addition, the inventor recognized the need for an alcohol detection system that can easily obtain an indicator for avoiding driving a car, separate from breath alcohol detection. In addition, the need to determine whether a person is fit to drive is not limited to two-wheeled and four-wheeled automobiles, but also to vehicles, ships, aircraft, railway vehicles, and not only vehicles but also industrial machinery and transportation machinery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a capacitive fingerprint sensor having a fingerprint detection range and detecting and acquiring fingerprint data of a user's finger in the fingerprint detection range; a blood flow sensor having a blood flow detection range and detecting and acquiring data on the blood concentration of at least one predetermined component from the finger in the blood flow detection range; A storage means for storing registered fingerprint data of a person who is registered in advance as a driver of a vehicle and data on a physical condition that is used as a criterion for determining whether or not the person is fit to drive the vehicle; a processing unit that performs the following: comparing fingerprint data acquired by a fingerprint sensor with the registered fingerprint data to generate an authentication result; and comparing data acquired by a blood flow sensor with the physical condition data to determine whether the user is suitable to drive; a surface facing the pad of a user's finger, the surface having the fingerprint detection area and the blood flow detection area; In a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle, at least the fingerprint sensor and the blood flow sensor are attached to a portion that a user touches with his / her finger to operate the vehicle, and the system starts operating when the user's finger touches the surface or presses the surface. Effect of the Invention

[0014] By configuring a system that determines whether a driver is fit to drive a vehicle using various indices obtained from blood flow data and performs fingerprint authentication of the driver of the vehicle by connecting or incorporating it into an accessory device linked to the operation of the vehicle, it becomes particularly convenient to obtain such indices and perform fingerprint authentication. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a measuring means provided in a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system according to one embodiment and a user's finger. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the measuring means shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing different orientations of the measuring means shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and also showing the relationship between the fingerprint detection range and the blood concentration detection range. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic connection relationship in data communication between main components of the fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 1 shows an overview of the positional relationship between a measuring means provided in a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system 1 for vehicles according to the present invention and a user's finger. Here, the vehicle is a variety of machines operated by a driver or operator, including various automobiles, ships, and aircraft. For convenience, the driver or operator will be referred to as a "user."

[0017] More specifically, the lower right corner of Figure 1 shows the user's finger F approaching the measurement means as indicated by the white arrow, and the left side of Figure 1 shows an overview of the pad B of the user's finger F facing the surface used for a specified measurement.

[0018] The measurement means has a cover 2 that can cover the entire area of ​​the pad B of a user's finger F, which is necessary for fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection. On the inside of the cover 2, there is a surface used for the above-mentioned predetermined measurement. This surface is a flat or curved surface facing the pad B of the finger F, and on this surface there is a fingerprint detection range 32 and a blood concentration detection range 42. The size and position of the fingerprint detection range 32 and the blood concentration detection range 42 on this surface can be freely configured within a range that allows fingerprint detection and blood concentration detection to be performed. In FIG. 1, the blood concentration detection range 42 is located inside the fingerprint detection range 32, but this is just one example, and the present invention is not limited to this example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0019] 1, fingerprint detection range 32 facing pad B of finger F has width W in the width direction of the finger and length L in the length direction of the finger. Blood concentration detection range 42 similarly has a diameter φ.

[0020] A capacitive fingerprint sensor 3 is used for fingerprint detection. The fingerprint sensor 3 has a fingerprint detection range 32. The fingerprint sensor 3 shown in the figure has a rectangular outer shape with an opening in approximately the center, but other shapes are also possible. The position of the opening of the fingerprint sensor 3 is free within a range that ensures support for other components that are integrated with the sensor, and is not limited to the center of the fingerprint sensor 3. The thinner the fingerprint sensor 3, the more advantageous it is for miniaturizing the measuring means. Also, in FIG. 1, the fingerprint sensor 3 is symbolized and shown outside the cover 2, but in reality it is located inside the cover 2 and has a fingerprint detection range 32.

[0021] A blood flow sensor 4 is used for detecting blood concentration. The blood concentration to be detected is, for example, the alcohol concentration in the blood, but the concentration of other components or substances is also assumed. Furthermore, it is assumed that indicators of the state of the circulatory system and the mental state, such as blood oxygen saturation, can be obtained from the data obtained by the blood flow sensor 4 and used for that purpose. The blood flow sensor 4 has a blood concentration detection range 42. The blood flow sensor 4 may be an integrated device using MEMS technology. The blood flow sensor 4 is provided inside the cover 2 together with the fingerprint sensor 3.

[0022] The user's finger F is not limited to a specific finger. As described later, the finger F may be a finger that touches or presses an ignition switch (an example in the case where the vehicle is an automobile) that is configured to start the system 1, an index finger, or a thumb.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of an example related to the measurement means shown in Fig. 1. In the example of Fig. 2, it is configured integrally with ignition button 51 on cover 2. In other words, activation means 5 of the fingerprint sensor and blood flow sensor of this system is configured integrally with the ignition switch of an automobile, which is an example of a vehicle. Activation means 5 has a surface on which the above-mentioned fingerprint detection range 32 and blood concentration detection range 42 exist. In Fig. 2, the presence of fingerprint sensor 3 is symbolized and shown outside cover 2, but in reality it is arranged inside cover 2 and has fingerprint detection range 32.

[0024] The left side of FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram in which the orientation of the measuring means in FIG. 2 is changed by approximately 90 degrees. This diagram shows an example in which the index finger F of the user's left hand is about to press or touch the activation means 5. When the finger F presses the activation means 5 or the finger F comes into contact with the activation means 5, fingerprint detection and blood concentration detection are started almost simultaneously, and fingerprint authentication and a blood concentration detection value are determined. This determination is at least whether or not the user is suitable to drive a vehicle (e.g., a car). If the pressing or touching of the finger F against the activation means 5 is insufficient to start the system 1, a warning may be issued audio or visually to prompt the user to correct the pressing or touching of the activation means 5. If necessary, it is also assumed that a time lag may be set between fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection.

[0025] The system 1 further includes a storage means or memory (not shown). The storage means stores, for example, as a database, fingerprint data of a person predetermined as a driver of a vehicle using the system and numerical data corresponding to the blood concentration of a specific component or substance. The fingerprint data is for fingerprint authentication, and the numerical data corresponding to the blood concentration of a specific component or substance is for determining at least whether the user is suitable to drive a car. The numerical data corresponding to the blood concentration of a specific component or substance is not limited to determining whether the user is suitable to drive a car, but may also be used to determine risks to human health or safety. The storage means may be provided in the cover 2 together with the fingerprint sensor 3 and the blood flow sensor 4, or may be provided in or next to the processing unit 6, or may be capable of communicating with at least the processing unit 6 by wireless communication.

[0026] Next, when the vehicle is an automobile, the location of the activation means 5 (button 51) is not limited to the ignition switch, but may be, for example, a shift lever inside the automobile or the surface of a housing around it, a smart key attached to the automobile, a display inside the automobile, an instrument panel in front of the driver's seat, etc. In other words, installing the activation means 5 on a device or member that the user always touches with his / her finger in relation to driving the vehicle is convenient for the user, and ensures reliable execution of fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection without the trouble of forgetting to measure or increasing the number of actions required for measurement.

[0027] The lower right of FIG. 3 illustrates modified examples of the arrangement of the blood concentration detection range 42 of the blood flow sensor, taking blood alcohol concentration detection as an example. The arrangement of the outer edge of the blood concentration detection range 42 is shown in two cases: inside and outside the fingerprint detection range 32. In other words, the relationship in size between the blood concentration detection range 42 and the fingerprint detection range 32 is free as long as both blood concentration and fingerprint detection are possible. In one modified example, the arrangement of the blood concentration detection range 42 and the fingerprint detection range 32 may be determined assuming any location on the pad of any finger. In another modified example, the blood concentration detection range 42 may be arranged outside the fingerprint detection range 32.

[0028] 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system 1 (system 1) for a vehicle according to the present invention. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system 1 includes a fingerprint sensor 3, a blood flow sensor 4 (e.g., an alcohol sensor 41) for detecting a blood alcohol concentration, an activation means 5 (e.g., an ignition switch or button 51), a processing unit 6, the above-mentioned storage means (not shown), and a power source (not shown) required for the operation of the system 1, which are, for example, electrically connected and additionally or alternatively connected so as to be capable of data communication.

[0029] The power source of the system 1 may be, for example, a power source in the vehicle, or, if the system 1 is provided in a smart key of the vehicle, a power source (replaceable battery) in the smart key, and may be installed anywhere that ensures the operation of the system 1 and the convenience of the user. The power source is not limited to a battery, and energy harvesting technology may also be adopted.

[0030] The fingerprint sensor 3 includes a sub-substrate 33 for processing detection data of the fingerprint sensor 3. The alcohol sensor 41 includes a sub-substrate 43 for processing detection data of the alcohol sensor 41.

[0031] The start-up means 5 includes a user interface for starting up the system 1, and a sub-substrate 53 for signal processing in response to the operation of the user interface. In this example, the button 51 pressed by the user serves as the user interface, but it does not have to be a button 51 that is physically pressed. Instead of the button 51, a touch sensor type user interface may also be used.

[0032] The processing unit 6 is a computer built on a printed circuit board (PCB) in one example. The processing unit 6 processes a signal corresponding to raw data transmitted through the sub-substrate 33 of the fingerprint sensor 3, the sub-substrate 43 of the alcohol sensor 41, and the sub-substrate 53 of the activation means 5, and outputs an output signal in a predetermined format. The processing unit 6 may be provided in a structure other than the structure in which the sub-substrates 33, 43, and 53 are incorporated, or may be incorporated in the same structure as at least one of the sub-substrates 33, 43, and 53. Alternatively, the processing unit 6 may be integrated with at least one of the sub-substrates 33, 43, and 53. As with the power source of the system 1, the location of the processing unit 6 may be determined according to where the system 1 is to be installed, or wireless communication may be used to obtain freedom of location of installation. In other words, the processing unit 6 may be installed in a desired location without being restricted to inside or outside the vehicle.

[0033] The storage means may be provided in the cover 2 together with the fingerprint sensor 3 and the blood flow sensor 4, or may be provided in or adjacent to the processing unit 6. When provided in or adjacent to the processing unit 6, there is a degree of freedom in installing the storage means according to the installation location of the processing unit 6. Also, similar to the processing unit 6, the recording means may be installed in a desired location using wireless communication, without being restricted to being inside or outside the vehicle.

[0034] The above-mentioned storage means may store fingerprint data for fingerprint authentication of a person who is permitted to drive a vehicle, blood concentration data for permitting the person to drive a vehicle (e.g., a set of multiple data including upper and lower limits), and a processing program for the data acquired by the fingerprint sensor 3 and blood flow sensor 4.

[0035] The above-described system 1 may be incorporated into an open or closed network together with a vehicle as a whole. The system 1 may also be constructed in a cloud computing environment.

[0036] The detection target of the blood flow sensor 4 is not limited to the alcohol sensor 41, but may be other detection targets related to health indicators to be combined with fingerprint authentication and indicators related to permission or prohibition of driving a vehicle. For example, detection targets that are indicators of physical condition such as blood oxygen saturation and body temperature, indicators of the circulatory system such as heart rate and the presence or absence of arrhythmia, and indicators of stress level and mental state. By incorporating a system that performs such various indicators, fingerprint authentication, and driving suitability judgment into devices and parts within the vehicle that are connected to the operation of the vehicle, it becomes particularly easy to obtain various biometric data about the user of the vehicle and make various judgments.

[0037] Next, embodiments according to another aspect of the present invention will be listed. (1) a capacitive fingerprint sensor having a fingerprint detection range that detects and acquires fingerprint data of a user's finger within the fingerprint detection range; a blood flow sensor having a blood flow detection range, the blood flow sensor detecting and acquiring data on the blood concentration of at least one predetermined component from the finger in the blood flow detection range; A storage means for storing registered fingerprint data of a person who is registered in advance as a driver of a vehicle and data on a physical condition that is used as a criterion for determining whether or not the person is fit to drive the vehicle; a processing unit that performs the following: comparing fingerprint data acquired by a fingerprint sensor with the registered fingerprint data to generate an authentication result; and comparing data acquired by a blood flow sensor with the physical condition data to determine whether the user is suitable to drive; a surface facing the pad of a user's finger, the surface having the fingerprint detection area and the blood flow detection area; A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle, comprising: A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle, characterized in that at least the fingerprint sensor and the blood flow sensor are attached to a part that a user touches with their finger to operate the vehicle, and the system starts operating when the finger touches the surface or presses the surface. (2) The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for vehicles according to (1), wherein the vehicle is an automobile and the part touched by the user's finger is the ignition switch of the automobile. (3) The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for vehicles according to (1), wherein the vehicle is an automobile and the part touched by the user's finger is a smart key for the automobile. (4) The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for vehicles of (1), wherein the vehicle is an automobile and the part touched by the user's finger is the automobile's shift switch, steering wheel, or instrument panel in front of the driver's seat. (5) A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4), in which, if the acquired fingerprint data does not identify the user as a pre-registered driver, the processing unit sends a signal to a control means provided in the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from operating. (6) A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the processing unit compares the data created by the blood flow sensor with the physical condition data and determines that the person is unsuitable for operating the vehicle, it sends a signal to a control means provided in the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from operating. (7) A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the specified component is blood alcohol concentration. (8) A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for vehicles according to (7), wherein the specified components further include at least one of blood oxygen saturation or pulse rate. (9) A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the blood flow sensor is an integrated device using MEMS technology. (10) A vehicle equipped with a fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for any of the vehicles described in (1) to (9).

[0038] Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, there may be other embodiments than those disclosed that are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0039] The vehicle fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system of the present invention can be used in various automobiles, vehicles, ships, aircraft, railway vehicles, industrial machinery, and transportation machinery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1. Fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system 2 Cover F finger B Finger pad 3. Fingerprint Sensor 32 Fingerprint detection range W Fingerprint detection range width L Fingerprint detection range length 33 Sub-board 4. Blood flow sensor 41 Alcohol sensor 42 Blood concentration detection range φ diameter 43 Sub-board 5 Activation means 51 Button 53 Sub-board 6 Processing section

Claims

1. a capacitive fingerprint sensor having a fingerprint detection range for detecting and acquiring fingerprint data of a user's finger within the fingerprint detection range; a blood flow sensor having a blood flow detection range, which detects blood concentrations of predetermined components used as criteria for determining suitability to drive a vehicle other than blood oxygen saturation from the finger within the blood flow detection range and blood oxygen saturation to obtain data; A storage means for storing registered fingerprint data of a person who is registered in advance as a driver of a vehicle, data on the blood concentration of the predetermined component, and data on the blood oxygen saturation level; a processing unit that executes: comparing the fingerprint data acquired by the fingerprint sensor with the registered fingerprint data to generate an authentication result; and comparing the data acquired by the blood flow sensor with the blood concentration data of the predetermined component stored in the storage means to determine whether the user is suitable for driving; a surface facing the pad of a user's finger, the surface being provided with the fingerprint detection range and the blood flow detection range; A fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle, characterized in that at least the fingerprint sensor and the blood flow sensor are attached to a part that a user touches with their finger to operate the vehicle, and the system starts operating when the finger touches the surface or presses the surface.

2. 2. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an automobile, and the part touched by the user's finger is an ignition switch of the automobile.

3. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an automobile, and the part touched by the user's finger is a smart key of the automobile.

4. 2. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an automobile, and the part touched by the user's finger is located on the automobile's shift switch, steering wheel, or instrument panel in front of the driver's seat.

5. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein if the acquired fingerprint data does not authenticate the user as a pre-registered driver, the processing unit sends a signal to a control means provided in the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from operating.

6. The fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the processing unit compares the data created by the blood flow sensor with the blood concentration data of the specified component and determines that the data is unsuitable for operating the vehicle, it sends a signal to a control means provided in the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from operating.

7. 2. The vehicle fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined blood concentration of the component is a blood alcohol concentration.

8. The vehicle fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the blood flow sensor is an integrated device using MEMS technology.

9. A vehicle comprising the fingerprint authentication and blood concentration detection system for a vehicle according to claim 1.

Images