Biometric authentication for work vehicles
A biometric authentication system for work vehicles addresses the issue of unauthorized access by ensuring secure operator identification and enhances battery management through personalized data recording and coaching, improving operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing security measures for work vehicles, such as PIN codes and Bluetooth keys, are not unique to operators and can be shared, lost, or forgotten, leading to unauthorized access and inefficiencies in battery management due to varying operator proficiency.
Implementing a biometric authentication system that collects and matches operator biometric identifiers against a list of authorized operators, enabling access only to authorized users and recording current machine data for personalized operator profiles, providing operational insights and coaching.
Ensures secure access to work vehicles is restricted to authorized operators, enhances battery management through operator-specific data recording, and provides operational insights for improved efficiency and coaching.
Smart Images
Figure 0007891317000001
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of work vehicles.
Background Art
[0002] It is known to use security measures to restrict the operation of work vehicles to authorized operators. Usually, a PIN code or password is used, or a Bluetooth key is used. These can perform a machine security function that enables the use of the machine, or an operator ID function that customizes the machine settings according to the operator. The operator ID can also be used to track performance. Security measures such as PIN codes and Bluetooth keys are not guaranteed to be unique to an operator because they may be shared, lost, or forgotten among operators.
[0003] The performance of electric off-highway machines can be related to the operating characteristics of the operator. In particular, the battery life may be affected by the operator's proficiency. Therefore, the timing of recharging and / or servicing the battery / electric motor of a given work vehicle depends on one or more operators who used the work vehicle, as well as other factors such as the length of time used and the type of work performed.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] A method for securing a work vehicle is provided in relation to this background technology. The method includes collecting a biometric identifier from an operator using a biometric device. The method further includes matching the biometric identifier against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator, the method further includes enabling access to the work vehicle and activating an operator profile linked to the authorized operator. While the work vehicle is in operation, current machine data for the current session is recorded against the operator profile, and the desired information is provided to the operator based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, the method further includes preventing access to the work vehicle.
[0005] Furthermore, a security device for the work vehicle is provided, which includes a biometric authentication device. The security device is configured to collect a biometric identifier from the operator using the biometric authentication device. The security device is further configured to match the biometric identifier against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, the security device is further configured to allow access to the work vehicle and activate the operator profile linked to the authorized operator. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for the current session is recorded against the operator profile, and the desired information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, the security device is further configured to prevent access to the work vehicle.
[0006] This allows for the identification of operators, and operation of work vehicles may be restricted to authorized operators only. Furthermore, data recorded for operator profiles can be collected and used for operator coaching and monitoring the status of work vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] Herein, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as mere examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This flowchart shows a method for securing a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] Figure 1 shows a method for securing a work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 110 of the method, a biometric identifier is collected from the operator using a biometric device. In step 120, the biometric identifier is matched against a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is granted in step 130. In step 140, the operator profile linked to the authorized operator is activated. While the work vehicle is in operation, current machine data for the current session is recorded against the operator profile, and the desired information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions. The method terminates when the user stops using the work vehicle (for example, when the user logs out, gets out of the vehicle, or turns off the power to the work vehicle). If the operator does not match an authorized operator in step 120, access to the work vehicle is prevented in step 150, and the method terminates.
[0009] The work vehicles may be equipped with an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, and may also include electric work vehicles, hydrogen-powered work vehicles, or work vehicles powered by another fuel.
[0010] In one embodiment, the biometric identifier may include an image of the operator's face, and the biometric device includes a face recognition device. For example, the biometric device includes a camera. The camera may be used for other purposes, such as monitoring operator fatigue. In another embodiment, the biometric identifier may include the operator's fingerprint, and the biometric device includes a fingerprint reader.
[0011] In one embodiment, the biometric device may be integrated on the work vehicle, for example, on the door to the driver's cab of the work vehicle, or in the driver's cab itself. In another embodiment, the biometric device may be a smartphone or other device configured to communicate wirelessly with the work vehicle. In this embodiment, step 130, which enables access to the work vehicle, and step 140, which activates the operator profile, may include transmitting a wireless signal to the work vehicle. Step 130, which enables access, may be based, for example, on the proximity between the biometric device and the work vehicle.
[0012] Current machine data may include battery discharge rate. Current machine data may include vehicle speed, data related to tool operation, or other performance metrics related to the work vehicle. Current machine data may include operator information such as performance metrics or statistics and battery usage, for example, the load of soil or other material moved in a given shift.
[0013] Current machine data may be used for operator coaching. If the work vehicle or its battery is rented on a subscription basis, current machine data may be used to set subscription fees. Current machine data may be used to improve the efficiency of the work vehicle.
[0014] The information provided to the operator may be displayed via a monitor in the work vehicle.
[0015] The information provided to the operator may be based further on the current machine data. Previous machine data may include previous data recorded for the operator profile of a previous session. For example, "current machine data" for the same operator from a previous session using the same or a different work vehicle. Previous machine data may include previous data recorded for the same work vehicle used by the same or a different operator.
[0016] The information provided to the operator may include information on how efficiently the work vehicle is being used. This may relate to the work vehicle itself, for example, information on the battery discharge rate. This may also relate to the operator's performance metrics, such as the amount of work performed by the operator or the speed at which the work is completed. The amount of work performed may include, for example, the amount of material moved.
[0017] The information to be used may include predictive information. This predictive information may include predicted remaining battery life (or predicted time until the next charge is needed) based on previous machine data and the current charge state of the work vehicle's battery. Predicted battery life may further depend on how the operator uses the work vehicle, for example, the type of operation performed or the efficiency of use. Previous machine data may include data describing battery discharge under similar operating conditions to those the work vehicle is currently in (e.g., type of machine operation, operator identity).
[0018] In one embodiment, current machine data collected for an operator profile, and / or previous machine data recorded for an operator profile, may be used to process predicted battery life or predicted battery charge usage. The operator profile may be used to more accurately predict battery life or battery charge usage based on the operator's operating characteristics, which are determined from previous machine data from previous sessions recorded for the operator profile when the operator uses the same or different work vehicles. Operating characteristics may include battery charge utilization. Predicted battery life or predicted battery charge usage may be based on previous machine data for the same work vehicle and / or previous machine data for the same operator.
[0019] The forecast information may include the predicted date for the next maintenance of the work vehicle.
[0020] The information to be used may include coaching messages to improve operator performance, such as hints on how to operate the work vehicle more efficiently or in a manner favorable to the battery condition. The coaching may be based on previous machine data from the same or different operators. For example, the coaching message may include a message informing the operator whether the battery discharge rate is appropriate or too high, and if the battery discharge rate is too high, the coaching message may include information on how the operator could have reduced the battery discharge rate.
[0021] Current machine data recorded for an operator's profile may be used to generate information for future use of the work vehicle. Current machine data recorded for an operator's profile may also be used to track the operator's usage patterns with respect to usage by the employer or site manager.
[0022] An operator profile may include preferred operator settings associated with the operator profile so that the settings are loaded when the operator profile is activated. These settings may include preferred cab settings, tool settings, or preferred operating modes. For example, settings may include settings related to the hydraulic speed of the equipment or other characteristics of the tools on the work vehicle. Settings may include preferred shift speed or travel speed of the work vehicle. Settings may include preferred cab settings such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature.
[0023] Access to the powered work vehicle may be enabled or prevented by one or both of a physical lock and a software interlock. The physical lock may be controlled by the work vehicle's control system, or wirelessly, or by another method, by a biometric device. The physical lock or software interlock may enable or disable locking of the cab door. The physical lock or software interlock may enable or prevent powering on of the work vehicle. The work vehicle may enable an operator to turn on some functions without a physical lock or software interlock to receive a biometric identifier. However, without a physical lock or software interlock enabling access, the work vehicle may not be able to move, and tools may not be able to be used.
[0024] The list of authorized operators may be controlled remotely, for example, via telematics.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a security device for a work vehicle. The security device includes a biometric device. The security device is configured to collect a biometric identifier from an operator using the biometric device. The biometric identifier is compared with a list of authorized operators. If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, access to the work vehicle is enabled and the operator profile linked to the authorized operator is activated. During operation of the work vehicle, current machine data for the current session is recorded against the operator profile and targeted information is provided to the user based on previous machine data from previous sessions. If the operator does not match an authorized operator, access to the work vehicle is prevented.
[0026] The security device may be located on the work vehicle, separately from the work vehicle, or a combination of both. The security device may be part of the work vehicle's control system. The security device may also include a smartphone or other portable device.
[0027] The security device may be further configured to incorporate any of the methods described above.
Claims
1. A method for securing a work vehicle, wherein the method is Collecting biometric identifiers from operators using biometric authentication devices, The aforementioned biometric identifier is compared with a list of authorized operators, If the aforementioned operator matches the authorized operator, To enable access to the aforementioned work vehicle, Activating the operator profile linked to the authorized operator, during the operation of the work vehicle, Current machine data for the current session is recorded for the operator profile. The information to be provided to the operator is based on previous machine data from a previous session. A method comprising: preventing access to the work vehicle if the operator does not match the authorized operator.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the biometric authentication device includes one of a facial recognition device and a fingerprint reader.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information for the aforementioned purpose is further based on the current machine data.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the work vehicle includes an electric work vehicle, and the current machine data includes the battery discharge rate.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the work vehicle includes an electric work vehicle, and the information for the purpose includes expected battery life.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predicted battery life is based on previous machine data, including battery discharge data recorded for the operator profile of a previous session.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information for the purpose includes the expected maintenance date of the work vehicle.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the information for the purpose includes coaching to improve the performance of the operator.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the security device is further configured to load preferred operator settings associated with the operator profile.
10. The biometric authentication device is Smartphones, The method according to claim 1, wherein one of the on-board devices mounted on the aforementioned work vehicle is...
11. A security device for a work vehicle, wherein the security device is equipped with a biometric authentication device, Collecting a biometric identifier from the operator using the aforementioned biometric authentication device, The aforementioned biometric identifier is compared with a list of authorized operators, If the operator matches an authorized operator from the list of authorized operators, To enable access to the aforementioned work vehicle, Activating the operator profile linked to the authorized operator, during the operation of the work vehicle, Current machine data for the current session is recorded for the operator profile. The information to be provided to the user will be based on previous machine data from previous sessions. A security device configured to prevent access to the work vehicle if the operator does not match the authorized operator.
12. The security device according to claim 11, wherein the biometric authentication device includes one of a facial recognition device and a fingerprint reader.
13. The security device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the information for the aforementioned purpose is further based on the current machine data.
14. The security device according to claim 11, wherein the work vehicle includes an electric work vehicle, and the current machine data includes the battery discharge rate.
15. The security device according to claim 11, wherein the work vehicle includes an electric work vehicle, and the information for the purpose includes expected battery life.