Optical User Recognition via Infrared Radiation Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Premises management systems face challenges in user recognition, such as difficulty in accessing security systems due to hindered entry and easy access to temperature control systems by unauthorized users, leading to unnecessary alarms or administrative burdens.

Innovation Solution

An optical user recognition method using radiation patterns, where a device emits and captures sequences of radiation to determine object characteristics, allowing for automated and controlled access by identifying users based on their dimensions and locations within a room profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a security system requires passcode entry within a time period, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when users have hands occupied with bags and boxes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess to security system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of physically entering a passcode on a keypad with an optical recognition system using depth cameras and radiation pattern analysis. The system automatically identifies users through their body shape and movement patterns captured via infrared and visible light cameras, eliminating the need for manual keypad entry while maintaining security through biometric-like recognition of body dimensions and gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If access to temperature control systems is controlled through login and password, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repeated credential submission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidtemperature adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service authentication by automatically recognizing users through their physical presence and body characteristics captured by depth cameras. Users simply need to be detected in the room and their body pattern matched against stored profiles, eliminating the need for manual login or password entry. The system performs the authentication service automatically based on passive observation of the user's physical form and movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional thermostats are easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to manipulation by unauthorized users such as children

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermostat accessVSAvoidauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different recognition criteria for different user types by analyzing specific body dimension characteristics. The system can distinguish between adults and children based on their body proportions and dimensions captured by the depth camera, allowing easy access for authorized adults while automatically blocking access for unauthorized users such as children. Each user category receives different access permissions based on their locally measured physical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables secure and efficient user authentication for premises management systems, preventing unnecessary alarms and simplifying access control by accurately recognizing authorized users through radiation pattern analysis.

Implementation Method 1

capture, at a device, a sequence of patterns of radiation reflected from an object in a room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3113070B1Method and system for optical user recognition
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3113070B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3113070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3113070B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A method and system for optically detecting a user. A sequence of patterns of radiation reflected from an object in a room may be captured by a device. The patterns of radiation may be infrared radiation emitted from the device. A sequence of variations between the captured sequence of patterns of radiation and the emitted sequence of patterns of radiation may be determined and object characteristics of an object may be determined based upon the sequence of variations. The object characteristics may be a sequence of dimensions of the object and a sequence of locations of the object. The method may determine the first is a user based upon the determined object characteristics and a room profile. The room profile may include a plurality of object characteristics of one or more objects in the room.