Capacitive Biometric Ignition Switch for Vehicle Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-to-start ignition systems in vehicles lack security and safety controls, as they do not prevent unauthorized or unsuitable individuals from starting the vehicle, particularly failing to detect and prevent driving under the influence of alcohol.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive push-to-start ignition switch with a measurement window and capacitive sensors on a touchpad that detects and measures biometric characteristics, such as blood alcohol level, to ensure only authorized drivers can start the vehicle, using haptic, visual, and audio feedback for correct finger placement and providing secure ignition control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional push-to-start ignition systems are used, then keyless entry convenience is achieved, but security and safety controls are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the push-to-start button with a biometric measurement window and capacitive sensors into an integrated ignition system. The measurement window is embedded within the push button assembly, allowing simultaneous keyless entry operation and biometric screening without requiring separate components or steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-to-start button assembly serves multiple functions: it detects the key fob for keyless entry, provides a touch interface for capacitive sensor activation, houses the measurement window for biometric screening, and controls ignition activation. This multi-functional design maintains convenience while adding security layers.
2Reliability
If biometric measurement window is added to push-to-start button, then security and safety controls are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement window and capacitive sensors are nested within the existing push-to-start button assembly structure. The biometric measurement components are integrated into the button housing, with the measurement window positioned within the button perimeter, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds functionality without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensors automatically detect when a finger is placed on the measurement window and trigger the biometric measurement process without requiring separate user actions. The system self-activates the security screening when the push button is pressed, reducing the need for additional controls or user steps.
3Reliability
If capacitive sensors and measurement window are integrated, then security screening is enabled, but dashboard space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The push-to-start button assembly is transformed into a multi-functional unit that combines ignition control, keyless entry reception, capacitive sensing, and biometric measurement. By making the existing button serve multiple purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate dashboard components for each function, thereby conserving dashboard space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement window and capacitive sensors into the push button assembly, consolidating multiple security and control functions into a single compact location. This integration ensures that biometric screening capabilities are achieved without requiring additional dashboard real estate.
4Ease of operation
If haptic actuator and feedback mechanisms are added, then user guidance and confirmation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic actuator provides tactile feedback to confirm proper finger placement on the measurement window and to indicate system status during the biometric screening process. Visual indicators and audio signals provide additional feedback layers, guiding users through the ignition sequence and confirming successful authentication, thereby improving usability despite added components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances vehicle safety by ensuring only qualified drivers can start the vehicle, integrating biometric screening without additional dashboard space, providing secure and safe ignition control through capacitive sensors and feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement window for measuring biometric characteristics of a vehicle driver includes a capacitive sensor on a touchpad capable of detecting a finger of the vehicle driver
Implementation Method 2
The measurement window may provide optical or spectra measurements and is capable of measuring one or more biometric characteristics including, for example, blood alcohol level
Data Source
AI summary
A push-to-start ignition device measures biometric information of a driver to control activation of vehicle ignition. The push-to-start switch includes a touchpad that senses, using capacitive sensors, a vehicle driver's finger and provides signals using one or a combination of lights, audio, and haptic feedback to guide the vehicle driver into a suitable position for measuring the biometric characteristic. If the biometric measurement meets a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is activated. If the biometric measurement fails to meet a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is locked.