Vehicle Occupant Identification Using Iris Biometrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle security systems lack a comprehensive and efficient method for authenticating vehicle occupants, particularly in scenarios where proximity detection and biometric verification are necessary for activating vehicle features while ensuring secure access and personalized settings.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle occupant identification system that includes a detection system to identify proximity and a biometric identification system using an imager to capture iris images, comparing them with stored information to authenticate occupants and activate vehicle features, with sensors for various detection methods and authorization levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple detection methods and biometric verification are implemented, then security and accuracy of occupant identification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the identification process into distinct stages: first a detection system monitors for proximity conditions (door unlock, key fob detection, motion sensors), then triggers an identification system that captures biometric data (iris, retina, facial recognition). This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system performs preliminary monitoring of various conditions (door status, key fob presence, interior/exterior motion, seated passenger detection) before activating the more complex biometric identification system. This preliminary action ensures the identification system only activates when necessary, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If biometric identification system is activated continuously, then occupant identification accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic monitoring through the detection system that continuously checks for triggering conditions (door unlock, key fob detection, motion), but only activates the energy-intensive biometric identification system when these conditions are met. This periodic activation pattern maintains identification accuracy while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system automatically monitors and triggers the identification system based on predefined conditions without requiring continuous human intervention or system activation. The system serves itself by using low-power sensors to detect when high-power biometric verification is needed, optimizing energy usage while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides secure and personalized access to vehicle features by accurately identifying authorized occupants and adjusting settings based on their profiles, enhancing security and convenience while minimizing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an imager configured to illuminate an eye of an occupant of the vehicle and capture at least one image of an iris and a pupil of the eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3551510B1User authentication activation systems and methods
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3551510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3551510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3551510B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle occupant identification system includes a detection system configured to detect that an individual is proximate a vehicle. The detection system is configured to detect the proximity of an individual by detecting at least one of a door unlock, a key fab, a door opening, a door closing, a seated passenger, and an individual proximate the vehicle. A controller is operably coupled with the detection system and is configured to activate an identification system. The identification system includes an imager configured to illuminate an eye of an occupant of the vehicle and capture at least one image of an iris and a pupil of the eye. A processor is configured to compare the at least one image of the iris of the eye of the occupant with previously stored iris information to identify the occupant and activate the vehicle.