Shared Vehicle Face Unlocking for Low-Friction Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sharing systems require cumbersome unlocking processes, such as inputting license plate numbers or scanning identification codes, which are inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing face recognition technology to determine user information and send unlocking instructions to the vehicle, simplifying the unlocking process by acquiring a face image when the user is within a preset distance and verifying user information to authorize vehicle access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional vehicle unlocking methods (inputting license plate number or scanning identification code) are used, then vehicle security and identification accuracy are ensured, but user operation complexity increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle unlocking convenienceVSAvoidunlocking process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual unlocking operations (inputting license plate numbers, scanning codes) with a biometric recognition system using facial recognition technology. The controller automatically captures facial images, extracts features, and triggers unlocking without requiring physical interaction from the user, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service unlocking by automatically detecting the user's presence through facial recognition and autonomously completing the unlocking process. The controller performs all necessary operations (image capture, feature extraction, authentication, and lock actuation) without requiring the user to manually input information or follow complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If face recognition technology is implemented for vehicle unlocking, then user convenience is improved and operation steps are reduced, but system complexity and authentication reliability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking timeVSAvoidauthentication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring for the presence of a user and pre-processing facial images in real-time. When a registered face is detected within the threshold distance, the system has already prepared the authentication decision, enabling instantaneous unlocking without delaying the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by comparing captured facial features against stored user information and providing automated authentication decisions. The controller receives feedback from the feature matching process and automatically triggers the appropriate response (unlock or maintain locked state), ensuring reliable authentication while minimizing manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3659875B1Method and apparatus for controlling vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 BAIDU ONLINE NETWORK TECH (BEIJIBG) CO LTD
  • EP3659875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3659875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and apparatus for controlling a vehicle. A specific embodiment of the method includes: determining a distance between a user and the vehicle; acquiring a face image of the user in response to determining that the distance is smaller than or equal to a preset threshold; determining user information of the user based on the face image; and sending an unlocking instruction to the vehicle, in response to determining that the user information satisfies a preset condition. This embodiment may unlock a vehicle using face recognition technology, and does not require additional operations by the user, simplifying the unlocking steps of a shared vehicle.