UV Keypad and Iris Camera Integration for Vehicle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle unlocking systems face inaccuracies and increased costs due to fingerprint sensors, and require separate technologies for driver identification and key press detection, which can be cumbersome and insecure.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system utilizing a single camera to capture key presses on an ultraviolet keypad and identify the driver's iris, integrating iris recognition for secure unlocking and personalized settings, with the ability to toggle between secure biometric access and keypad entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate technologies are used for driver identification and key press detection, then both functions are provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: it acts as both the driver identification device (capturing iris patterns) and the key press detection device (capturing finger presses on the UV keypad). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining all required capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the driver identification function and key press detection function into a single camera system. By combining these previously separate technologies into one device, the system complexity is reduced while preserving both functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If UV keypad is displayed on vehicle window, then key press detection is enabled, but visibility and detection accuracy must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeypad accessibilityVSAvoidkey press detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical detection instead of mechanical switches or capacitive sensors for key press detection. The camera captures optical images of the UV keypad, detecting key presses through changes in light reflection or absorption patterns, which provides high detection accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 security by reducing false positives, simplifies manufacturing, and provides personalized vehicle settings based on authorized driver profiles, ensuring only authorized individuals can unlock and customize the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

capture a key press on an ultraviolet keypad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

capture an iris of a person outside the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10137857B1Vehicle unlocking systems, devices, and methods

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for unlocking a vehicle. An example vehicle includes an ultraviolet keypad coupled to a window. The vehicle also includes a camera directed at the window, configured to capture a key press of the ultraviolet keypad and an iris of a person outside the vehicle. And the vehicle further includes a processor configured to detect the key press and iris, unlock the vehicle based on the detected key press, and modify a vehicle setting based on a profile corresponding to the detected iris.