Vehicle Biometric Alignment System Using Diffractive Optical Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric systems, such as those using facial recognition or iris scanning, face challenges in ensuring that the user is properly positioned within the field of view for accurate image capture, particularly in constrained environments like vehicle pillars.
Innovation Solution
An alignment system comprising a diffractive optical element and an eye-safe laser source, which projects a beam of light through the element to provide visual feedback, helping users position their iris or face correctly for biometric scanners by displaying an image that appears when aligned, and includes a selectively transparent cover for aperture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a biometric identification system is installed in a constrained environment like a vehicle pillar, then the system can be integrated into the vehicle structure, but it becomes difficult to ensure that the user is properly positioned within the field of view of the scanning apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment system comprising a laser source and a diffractive optical element as an intermediary between the user and the biometric scanning apparatus. The laser beam passing through the diffractive optical element creates visual alignment indicators that guide the user to properly position their face or iris within the scanning field of view, thereby resolving the positioning difficulty caused by the constrained vehicle pillar installation environment
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system provides real-time visual feedback to the user through the laser-aligned diffractive optical element. As the user adjusts their position, the alignment indicators change, giving immediate feedback on whether the user is within the correct field of view for accurate biometric scanning, enabling self-correction of positioning
2Ease of operation
If the aperture in the vehicle pillar is left open for user access, then users can easily position themselves for scanning, but the internal components are exposed to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a selectively transparent cover that can dynamically change its transparency state between transparent and opaque. This dynamic property allows the cover to adapt to different operational conditions: transparent when user access is needed and opaque when protection from environmental factors is required, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of access and environmental protection
3Illumination intensity
If a traditional laser source is used in the alignment system, then the laser can provide bright alignment indicators, but it may pose safety risks to users' eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser source to fall within the eye-safe range (typically 780-1064 nm infrared range or visible red range above 650 nm). This parameter change allows the laser to maintain sufficient brightness for effective alignment indication while operating at power levels and wavelengths that are safe for human eye exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and eye safety
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
The alignment system effectively assists users in positioning their eyes or faces for accurate biometric scanning, ensuring proper alignment and facilitating secure authentication processes within vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffractive optical element comprising an image; and a laser source. The image may be visible when the laser source is viewed from a desired field of view through the diffractive optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment system comprises a first diffractive optical element comprising an image and a laser source. The image is visible when the laser source is viewed from a desired field of view through the diffractive optical element. The laser source may be configured to produce a beam of light that will extend through at least a portion of the first diffractive optical element, thereby illuminating the image. The first diffractive optical element and the laser source may be disposed in a vehicle.