Special vehicle having biometrics-based start control system

Abstract

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a biometrics-based special vehicle start control method is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps in which: a biometric authentication unit attempts driver authentication in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from a relay switch, wherein the seat belt fastening signal is generated by a seat belt fastening signal unit in response to a seat belt being fastened, and the start signal is generated by a start signal unit in response to a start operation; the relay switch closes a contact point between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit; and a special vehicle is started in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal if the relay switch has closed the contact point between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit.

Description

Special vehicles equipped with biometric-based ignition control systems

[0001] The present invention relates to a special vehicle having an ignition control system that authenticates a driver based on biometric recognition.

[0002] In general, special-purpose vehicles such as forklifts are widely used in construction sites, loading and unloading sites, and logistics sites for special purposes such as lifting and unloading relatively heavy loads or transporting them to a user-desired location.

[0003] Special-purpose vehicles like forklifts, equipped with specialized equipment and used for specialized purposes, generally require restricted operation by drivers with specialized skills. In particular, special-purpose vehicles are primarily used in high-risk locations such as construction sites, loading and unloading sites, and logistics sites. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent accidents caused by drivers without prior driver's permits (registration).

[0004] However, special-purpose vehicles generally lack driver authentication devices capable of verifying the driver's identity. Therefore, there is a demand for devices and methods that can authenticate drivers based on biometrics, utilizing the ignition control system of existing special-purpose vehicles.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2012705 (August 21, 2019)

[0007] The present disclosure is conceived in response to the aforementioned background technology, and provides a special vehicle having an ignition control system that authenticates a driver based on biometric recognition.

[0008] A biometrics-based special vehicle start control method for realizing the aforementioned task is disclosed. The method may include: a step of attempting driver authentication by a biometric authentication unit in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from a relay switch, wherein the seat belt fastening signal is generated by the seat belt fastening signal unit in response to the seat belt fastening, and the start signal is generated by the start signal unit in response to a start operation; a step of closing a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit at the relay switch in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit at the relay switch; and a step of starting the special vehicle in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit at the relay switch is closed.

[0009] Alternatively, the method may further include: in response to receiving a seat belt unfastened signal or an ignition end signal from the relay switch, opening a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the ignition signal unit from the relay switch;

[0010] Alternatively, the method may further include: in response to the relay switch not receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit, maintaining the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in an open state;

[0011] Alternatively, the method may further include: a step of maintaining the engine of the special vehicle in a turned off state in response to not receiving at least one of the engine speed control signal or the engine start signal when the contact between the engine speed control signal and the engine start signal is closed in the relay switch;

[0012] Alternatively, the biometric authentication unit may authenticate the driver using at least one of facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, vein recognition, palm pattern recognition, and behavior-based recognition.

[0013] Alternatively, the start signal unit may generate a start signal capable of starting the engine when there is a seat belt fastening signal.

[0014] A special-purpose vehicle is disclosed that performs a biometric-based special-purpose vehicle start control method for solving the aforementioned problem. The special-purpose vehicle may include: a seat belt fastening signal unit that generates a seat belt fastening signal or a seat belt unfastening signal depending on whether the seat belt is fastened; an ignition signal unit that generates a start signal or an ignition end signal; a biometric authentication unit that attempts driver authentication in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from a relay switch; a relay switch that closes a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit; and an ignition control unit that starts the special-purpose vehicle in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal when the relay switch closes the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit.

[0015] A method for implementing a special vehicle that performs a biometric-based special vehicle start control method for solving the aforementioned problem is disclosed. The method may include: a step of forming a first cable end and a second cable end by cutting a cable electrically connecting a seat belt fastening signal unit and an start signal unit; a step of connecting the first cable end and the second cable end to a contact terminal of a relay switch, wherein the contact terminal is a normally open contact; and a step of connecting a biometric authentication unit to a control terminal of the relay switch.

[0016] The present disclosure is conceived in response to the aforementioned background technology, and can provide a special vehicle having an ignition control system that authenticates a driver based on biometric recognition.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a special vehicle having an ignition control system for authenticating a driver based on biometrics according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a special vehicle without a relay switch and biometric authentication unit installed.

[0019] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the process of cutting a cable electrically connecting a seat belt fastening signal unit and a start signal unit to install a relay switch.

[0020] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the process of connecting the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit to a relay switch.

[0021] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the process of connecting a biometric authentication unit to a relay switch.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a biometric-based special vehicle start control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for implementing a special vehicle that performs a biometric recognition-based special vehicle start control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a computing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Various embodiments and / or aspects are now disclosed with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that such aspects may be practiced without these specific details. The following description and the accompanying drawings detail specific exemplary aspects of one or more aspects. However, these aspects are exemplary, and any of the various methods within the principles of various aspects may be utilized, and the description is intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents. Specifically, the terms "embodiment," "example," "aspect," and "example" as used herein are not intended to imply that any aspect or design described therein is preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0026] Hereinafter, regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0029] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean either of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, "X employs A or B" can apply to any of these cases. Furthermore, the term "and / or" as used herein should be understood to refer to and include all possible combinations of one or more of the associated items listed.

[0030] And, the term “at least one of A or B” should be interpreted to mean “if it includes only A”, “if it includes only B”, or “if it is combined in the composition of A and B”.

[0031] Those skilled in the art should further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, configurations, modules, circuits, means, logics, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, configurations, means, logics, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application. However, such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The present invention is to be construed in the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0033] And, the term “~ etc.”, such as “A, B, etc.”, should be interpreted to mean “if it includes only A,” “if it includes only B,” or “if it is combined as a composition of A and B.”

[0034] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0035] The purpose and effects of the present disclosure, as well as the technical configurations for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail, along with the accompanying drawings. In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on the functions of the present disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator.

[0036] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various other forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure the completeness of the disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the disclosure of the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is defined solely by the scope of the claims. Therefore, such definitions should be based on the contents of this specification as a whole.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a special vehicle (1000) having an ignition control system for authenticating a driver based on biometrics according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the special-purpose vehicle (1000) may be a forklift. As another example, the special-purpose vehicle may be a ladder truck. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the special-purpose vehicle (1000) may include vehicles having various vehicle structures depending on the specific purpose.

[0039] The present disclosure is directed to implementing an ignition control system that authenticates a driver based on biometrics using a relay switch (400). In particular, the present disclosure enables the implementation of a biometrics-based ignition control system by easily adding a biometric authentication unit (300) to an existing ignition control system using a relay switch (400).

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a special vehicle (1000) may include a starter signal unit (100), a seat belt fastening signal unit (200), a biometric authentication unit (300), and a relay switch (400) as a starter control system. In addition, the special vehicle may include a steering wheel (500), a body (600), a driver's seat (700) on which a driver can sit on the body (600), and the like. In addition, the special vehicle (1000) may further include various vehicle structures depending on its purpose. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, when the special vehicle (1000) is a forklift, the special vehicle (1000) may further include a backrest having a fork protruding from the bottom, a mast supporting the backrest so as to be able to move up and down, and the like. Additionally, the special vehicle (1000) may include other components for performing the biometric-based special vehicle start control method, and only some of the disclosed components may constitute the special vehicle (1000). In some examples, the start control system may be implemented as part of a vehicle electronic control system.

[0041] In some examples, the special vehicle (1000) may further include a start control unit (not shown) for signal control related to starting. The start control unit may be a device that performs control to operate the engine. In some examples, the start control unit may control the special vehicle (1000) and its components to start the engine when a driver authentication signal, a seat belt fastening signal, and a start signal all occur. In some examples, the start control unit may be the start signal unit (100). For example, the start signal unit (100) may be a start control unit that starts the special vehicle by generating a start signal only when a seat belt fastening signal occurs. In another example, the start control unit may be a control unit of a vehicle electronic control system. Furthermore, the start control unit may be a control unit included in a relay switch. In this case, the start control unit may control the special vehicle (1000) and its components to start the engine of the special vehicle by checking the driver authentication signal, the seat belt fastening signal, and the start signal. Below, an exemplary embodiment of a special vehicle (1000) performing a biometric-based special vehicle start control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the special vehicle (1000) may attempt driver authentication by the biometric authentication unit (300) in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from the relay switch (400). Here, the seat belt fastening signal may be generated by the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) in response to the seat belt fastening, and the start signal may be generated by the start signal unit (100) in response to the start operation.

[0043] Specifically, the special vehicle (1000) may be implemented to start the engine when a driver authentication signal, a seat belt fastening signal, and a start signal are all received. To this end, the special vehicle (1000) may operate the biometric authentication unit (300) for driver authentication when receiving a signal from the start signal unit (100) or the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) connected to the relay switch (400). In some examples, the start signal unit (100) may generate a start signal by a driver's starting operation of turning the ignition key or pressing a push button. The start signal may be transmitted to the relay switch (400) connected to the start signal unit (100). In some examples, the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) may generate a seat belt fastening signal by recognizing that a seat belt in the driver's seat (700) is fastened. The seat belt fastening signal may also be transmitted to the relay switch (400) connected to the seat belt fastening signal unit (200). In this case, the special vehicle (1000) can transmit a command to the biometric authentication unit (300) connected to the relay switch (400) to attempt driver authentication.

[0044] The biometric authentication unit (300) can authenticate a driver using various biometric technologies. For example, the biometric authentication unit (300) can authenticate a driver using at least one of facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, vein recognition, palm pattern recognition, and behavior-based recognition. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the biometric authentication unit (300) can recognize a driver using various biometric technologies. When the driver authentication is completed, the biometric authentication unit (300) can generate a driver authentication signal notifying the completion of driver authentication. When the driver authentication fails, the biometric authentication unit (300) can generate a driver non-authentication signal notifying the failure of driver authentication.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the special vehicle (1000) may close the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) at the relay switch (400) in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit (300) at the relay switch (400).

[0046] As described above, the biometric authentication unit (300) can generate a driver authentication signal when driver authentication is completed. In this case, the driver authentication signal can be transmitted to the relay switch (400) connected to the biometric authentication unit (300). In this case, the relay switch (400) can close the contact so as to enable electrical connection between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100). When the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) is closed, the start control unit can be in a state where it can receive the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal. Specifically, the start control unit cannot receive either the seat belt fastening signal or the start signal because the electrical connection between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) is cut off before the contact is closed. When the contact is closed, the start control unit can be in a state where it can receive both the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal because the electrical connection is established between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100).

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the special vehicle (1000) can start the special vehicle in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) is closed.

[0048] In some examples, when the ignition control unit is the ignition signal unit (100), the ignition signal unit (100) can generate a ignition signal that can start the engine when a seat belt fastening signal is present. For example, when there is no seat belt fastening signal, the ignition signal generated from the ignition signal unit (100) is not transmitted to the engine. When there is a seat belt fastening signal, the signal generated from the ignition signal unit (100) is transmitted to the engine, thereby turning on the special vehicle (1000). As described above, when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the ignition signal unit (100) in the relay switch is open, the seat belt fastening signal cannot be transmitted to the ignition control unit, and therefore, the ignition cannot be started by the ignition signal unit (100).

[0049] When the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) is closed in response to the driver authentication signal, the start signal unit (100) is in a state where it can receive the seat belt fastening signal through the closed contact. When the start signal unit (100) recognizes the seat belt fastening signal through the closed contact, it generates a start signal to start the special vehicle (1000) in response to the start operation. Therefore, the special vehicle (1000) starts the engine when the driver recognition signal, the seat belt fastening signal, and the start signal all occur.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the special vehicle (1000) may open a contact between a seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and an ignition signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) in response to receiving a seat belt unfastened signal or an ignition end signal from the relay switch (400).

[0051] In some examples, the ignition signal unit (100) may generate an ignition end signal by a ignition end operation in which the driver turns the ignition key in the opposite direction or presses the push button again. The ignition end signal may be transmitted to a relay switch (400) connected to the ignition signal unit (100). In some examples, the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) may generate a seat belt not fastened signal by recognizing that the seat belt in the driver's seat (700) is not fastened. The seat belt not fastened signal may also be transmitted to a relay switch (400) connected to the seat belt fastening signal unit (200). In this case, the special vehicle (1000) may open the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the ignition signal unit (100) at the relay switch (400) so that the ignition can be turned on again when the driver authentication is completed.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the special vehicle (1000) may keep the engine of the special vehicle turned off in response to not receiving at least one of the seat belt fastening signal or the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) is closed in the relay switch (400).

[0053] Even when driver authentication by the biometric authentication unit (300) is completed, the special vehicle (1000) must start the engine only when both a seat belt fastening signal and an engine start signal are generated for safety reasons. For example, if the driver starts the engine without fastening the seat belt after completing driver authentication, the engine start control unit may not receive the seat belt fastening signal. Therefore, the engine start signal generated by the engine start signal unit (100) is not transmitted to the engine, and the engine of the special vehicle may remain turned off.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a special vehicle (1000) in which a relay switch (400) and a biometric authentication unit (300) are not installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process of cutting a cable electrically connecting a seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and an ignition signal unit (100) to install a relay switch (400) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process of connecting a seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and an ignition signal unit (100) to a relay switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a process of connecting a biometric authentication unit (300) to a relay switch (400) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] As described above, the present disclosure can implement a special vehicle (1000) equipped with a biometric-based ignition control system by easily adding a biometric authentication unit (300) to an ignition control system including a conventionally commonly used safety lock signal unit (200) and ignition signal unit (100) through a relay switch (400). Hereinafter, a method for implementing a special vehicle (1000) that performs a biometric-based special vehicle ignition control method is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a conventional special-purpose vehicle may generally have an ignition control system that only includes a seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and an ignition signal unit (100). Referring to FIG. 3, a first cable end and a second cable end may be formed by cutting a cable (110) electrically connecting the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the ignition signal unit (100) to install a relay switch (400). Here, the first cable end may be a cable (420) having an end connected to the ignition signal unit (100). In addition, the second cable end may be a cable (430) having an end connected to the seat belt fastening signal unit (200).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, a relay switch (400) may be installed in a special vehicle (1000). The relay switch (1000) may include a contact terminal for connecting components to open and close electrical connections. In addition, the relay switch (1000) may include a control terminal for receiving a control signal, such as controlling the opening and closing of the contacts. After the relay switch (400) is installed, a first cable end and a second cable end may be connected to a contact terminal of the relay switch so as to control an electrical connection between a seat belt fastening signal unit and an ignition signal unit through the relay switch. Here, the contact terminal may be a normally open contact. That is, it is preferable that the contact terminal be an open contact so as to close only when a driver authentication signal is present.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, a biometric authentication unit (300) may be installed in a special vehicle. Furthermore, the biometric authentication unit (300) may be connected to a control terminal of a relay switch (400). In this case, the relay switch (400) may perform an operation of closing the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in response to a driver authentication signal. In this case, the special vehicle (1000) may be equipped with an ignition control system that starts the engine in response to the driver authentication signal, the seat belt fastening signal, and the start signal.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a biometric-based special vehicle start control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S100) of attempting driver authentication by the biometric authentication unit (300) in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from the relay switch (400). Here, the seat belt fastening signal may be generated by the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) in response to the seat belt fastening, and the start signal may be generated by the start signal unit (100) in response to a start operation.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S200) of closing a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit (300) in the relay switch (400).

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S300) of starting the special vehicle (1000) in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) is closed.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may further include a step (S400) of opening a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and the start signal unit (100) in the relay switch (400) in response to receiving a seat belt unfastened signal or an ignition end signal in the relay switch (400).

[0064] The steps of the above method are presented for illustrative purposes only, and some steps may be omitted or additional steps may be added. Furthermore, the steps described above may be performed in any order.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for implementing a special vehicle that performs a biometric recognition-based special vehicle start control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of implementing a special vehicle performing a biometric-based special vehicle start control method may be performed by a mechanical device such as a robotic arm.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S1100) of forming a first cable end and a second cable end by cutting a cable electrically connecting between a seat belt fastening signal unit (200) and a start signal unit (100).

[0068] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S1200) of connecting the first cable end and the second cable end to a contact terminal of a relay switch. Here, the contact terminal may be a normally open contact.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include a step (S1300) of connecting a biometric authentication unit (300) to a control terminal of the relay switch (400).

[0070] The steps of the above method are presented for illustrative purposes only, and some steps may be omitted or additional steps may be added. Furthermore, the steps described above may be performed in any order.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified, general schematic diagram of an exemplary computing environment in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described above generally in the context of computer-executable instructions that may be executed on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be implemented in combination with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0073] Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods of the present disclosure can be implemented with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which may be operatively connected to one or more associated devices.

[0074] The described embodiments of the present disclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are connected through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0075] Computers typically include a variety of computer-readable media. Any media that can be accessed by a computer can be a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes volatile and nonvolatile media, transitory and non-transitory media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media and computer-readable transmission media. Computer-readable storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile media, transitory and non-transitory media, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be accessed by a computer and used to store the desired information.

[0076] Computer-readable transmission media typically includes any information delivery media that embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as another transport mechanism. The term modulated data signal means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed so as to encode information within the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable transmission media includes wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also intended to be included within the scope of computer-readable transmission media.

[0077] An exemplary environment (1100) implementing various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, including a computer (1102), which includes a processing unit (1104), a system memory (1106), and a system bus (1108). The system bus (1108) couples system components, including but not limited to the system memory (1106), to the processing unit (1104). The processing unit (1104) may be any of a variety of commercially available processors. Dual processors and other multiprocessor architectures may also be utilized as the processing unit (1104).

[0078] The system bus (1108) may be any of several types of bus structures that may be additionally interconnected to a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercial bus architectures. The system memory (1106) includes read-only memory (ROM) (1110) and random access memory (RAM) (1112). A basic input / output system (BIOS) is stored in non-volatile memory (1110), such as ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, and includes basic routines that help transfer information between components within the computer (1102), such as during start-up. The RAM (1112) may also include high-speed RAM, such as static RAM, for caching data.

[0079] The computer (1102) also includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) (1114) (e.g., EIDE, SATA)—which may also be configured for external use within a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) (1116) (e.g., for reading from or writing to a removable diskette (1118)), and an optical disk drive (1120) (e.g., for reading from or writing to a CD-ROM disk (1122) or other high-capacity optical media such as a DVD). The hard disk drive (1114), the magnetic disk drive (1116), and the optical disk drive (1120) may be connected to the system bus (1108) by a hard disk drive interface (1124), a magnetic disk drive interface (1126), and an optical drive interface (1128), respectively. The interface (1124) for implementing an external drive includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies.

[0080] These drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and the like. For the computer (1102), the drives and media correspond to storing any data in a suitable digital format. While the description of computer-readable media above refers to HDDs, removable magnetic disks, and removable optical media such as CDs or DVDs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of media readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and that any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the present disclosure.

[0081] A number of program modules, including an operating system (1130), one or more application programs (1132), other program modules (1134), and program data (1136), may be stored in the drive and RAM (1112). All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and / or data may also be cached in RAM (1112). It will be appreciated that the present disclosure may be implemented in various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0082] A user may enter commands and information into the computer (1102) via one or more wired / wireless input devices, such as a keyboard (1138) and a pointing device such as a mouse (1140). Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, and the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit (1104) via an input device interface (1142) that is connected to the system bus (1108), but may be connected by other interfaces such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, and the like.

[0083] A monitor (1144) or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus (1108) via an interface, such as a video adapter (1146). In addition to the monitor (1144), the computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, a printer, and so on.

[0084] The computer (1102) may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer(s) (1148) via wired and / or wireless communications. The remote computer(s) (1148) may be a workstation, a computing device computer, a router, a personal computer, a portable computer, a microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device, or other conventional network node, and typically include many or all of the components described for the computer (1102), but for simplicity, only the memory storage device (1150) is shown. The logical connections shown include wired / wireless connections to a local area network (LAN) (1152) and / or a larger network, such as a wide area network (WAN) (1154). These LAN and WAN networking environments are common in offices and companies, facilitating enterprise-wide computer networks such as intranets, all of which can be connected to computer networks worldwide, such as the Internet.

[0085] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer (1102) is connected to a local network (1152) via a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter (1156). The adapter (1156) may facilitate wired or wireless communications to the LAN (1152), which may also include a wireless access point installed therein for communicating with the wireless adapter (1156). When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer (1102) may include a modem (1158), be connected to a communications computing device on the WAN (1154), or have other means of establishing communications over the WAN (1154), such as via the Internet. The modem (1158), which may be internal or external and wired or wireless, is connected to the system bus (1108) via a serial port interface (1142). In a networked environment, program modules described for the computer (1102) or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory / storage device (1150). It will be appreciated that the network connections depicted are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

[0086] The computer (1102) operates to communicate with any wireless device or object that is arranged and operates via wireless communication, such as a printer, a scanner, a desktop and / or portable computer, a portable data assistant (PDA), a communication satellite, any equipment or location associated with a radio-detectable tag, and a telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies. Accordingly, the communication may be a predefined structure as in a conventional network, or may simply be an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

[0087] Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) enables connections to the Internet and other devices without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows devices, such as computers, to send and receive data anywhere within the coverage area of ​​a base station, both indoors and outdoors, similar to cell phones. Wi-Fi networks use wireless technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, and high-speed wireless connections. Wi-Fi can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (using IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks can operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at data rates of, for example, 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b), or in products that include both bands (dual-band).

[0088] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referenced in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, various forms of programs or design code (referred to herein, for convenience, as “software”), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] The various embodiments presented herein can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" includes a computer program or media accessible from any computer-readable device. For example, computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips, etc.), optical disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs, etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, cards, sticks, key drives, etc.). Furthermore, various storage media presented herein include one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information.

[0091] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the presented processes is merely an example of exemplary approaches. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged within the scope of the present disclosure based on design priorities. The appended method claims provide elements of various steps in a sample order, but are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0092] The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be construed in the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0093] As described above, the relevant contents have been described in the best form for carrying out the invention.

[0094] The present disclosure can provide a special vehicle having an ignition control system that authenticates a driver based on biometric recognition.

Claims

1. In a biometric recognition-based special vehicle start control method performed by a computing device, A step of attempting driver authentication by a biometric authentication unit in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or a start signal from a relay switch, wherein the seat belt fastening signal is generated by the seat belt fastening signal unit in response to the seat belt fastening, and the start signal is generated by the start signal unit in response to a start operation; In response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit at the relay switch, a step of closing the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit at the relay switch; and A step of starting the special vehicle in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in the relay switch is closed; including, method.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of opening a contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in the relay switch in response to receiving a seat belt non-fastening signal or an ignition end signal from the relay switch; including more, method.

3. In paragraph 1, In response to not receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit at the relay switch, a step of maintaining the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in an open state at the relay switch; including more, method.

4. In paragraph 1, A step of maintaining the engine of the special vehicle in an off state in response to not receiving at least one of the seat belt fastening signal or the start signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in the relay switch is closed; including more, method.

5. In paragraph 1, The above biometric authentication unit authenticates the driver using at least one of facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, vein recognition, palm pattern recognition, and behavior-based recognition. method.

6. In paragraph 1, The above start signal unit generates a start signal that can start the engine when there is a seat belt fastening signal. method.

7. In a special vehicle that performs a biometric recognition-based special vehicle start control method, A seat belt fastening signal unit that generates a seat belt fastening signal or a seat belt non-fastening signal depending on whether the seat belt is fastened; A start signal unit that generates a start signal or a start end signal; A biometric authentication unit that attempts to authenticate a driver in response to receiving a seat belt fastening signal or an ignition signal from a relay switch; A relay switch that closes the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the start signal unit in response to receiving a driver authentication signal from the biometric authentication unit; and An ignition control unit that starts the special vehicle in response to the seat belt fastening signal and the ignition signal when the contact between the seat belt fastening signal unit and the ignition signal unit in the relay switch is closed; including, Special vehicle.

8. A method for implementing a special vehicle that performs a biometric recognition-based special vehicle start control method according to Article 1, A step of forming a first cable end and a second cable end by cutting a cable electrically connecting a seat belt fastening signal unit and an ignition signal unit; A step of connecting the first cable end and the second cable end to a contact terminal of a relay switch, wherein the contact terminal is a normally open contact; A step of connecting a biometric authentication unit to the control terminal of the relay switch; including, method.

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