Vehicular security access system

• US 6,323,761 B1
• Filed: 06/03/2000
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sam Mog Son
• Original Assignee: Sam Mog Son
• Inventors: Son, Sam Mog
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/585,796
• Time in Patent Office: 542 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/425.5, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.3, 340/575, 340/576, 340/573.1, 307/10.2, 382/115, 382/181
• US Class Current: 340/426.35
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/10 actuating a signalling device
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/241 whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/305 using a camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/18 Safety devices; Monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 7/12 for automatic initiation; for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger limiting speed of vehicles other than rail vehicles B60K31/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/767 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/106 Lighting
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/426 against unauthorised use E05Y2400/51, E05Y2400/522 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/65 using means for sensing the user's hand
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00563 using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00658 operated by passive electrical keys

Abstract

The present invention 10 discloses an optical recognition vehicular security access system that will unlock the vehicles doors 20 and or trunk 36 by capturing an iris image pattern and performing a comparative analysis with a stored iris image pattern of the operator 12. Also the optical recognition vehicular security access system provides means whereby when the handle 18 of the vehicle 14 is grasped the interior lights will light and the camera 16 will pivot to capture an iris image of the individual 12. After comparative analysis of stored iris images the door 20 will be unlocked if an authorized match is found or an alarm 24 will be sounded. Furthermore, the optical recognition vehicular security access system has an interior audible alarm 24 that will be triggered by comparative analysis of real time images of the driver 12 with a stored image pattern to determine if the driver is falling asleep. The optical recognition vehicular security access system also has fiber optics cables 50 which are used to transport light in the visible and infrared spectrums to the camera 16 for capturing an image pattern to be used in comparative analysis of the stored image pattern. In addition, the optical recognition vehicular security access system has a programmable control keypad 30 which will be used to define characteristics of the system, such as, programming restriction parameters for an image. For example, a teenage driver could be coded for daylight driving only. Also the system provides an external keypad 26 which will provide access to the vehicle 14 without facial recognition such as, when a computer 28 failure occurs or inclement weather prevents the computer from recognizing the driver due to an ice or snow storm.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for a vehicular security system, the vehicle having an operator'"'"'s entry door with a door handle, an interior light, an operator'"'"'s seat, brakes, and a start switch, the improvement comprising:

a) a camera for capturing a plurality of iris images of approved vehicle operators, said camera also operating in real time;

b) a computer, said computer having a central processing unit and an appropriate operating system;

c) means for storing a plurality of iris images in said computer;

d) means for comparing a plurality of iris images of approved operators stored in said computer with iris images captured in real time of potential operators before entering the vehicle whereby a match of the iris image of approved operators and potential operators is attempted by the computer, said camera having means for pivoting said camera across a predetermined filed of view outside of said vehicle, so as to focus on the eves of a potential operator;

e) means for unlocking the operator'"'"'s door if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is made; and

,

f) means for appropriately electrically connecting said camera, said computer, said means for storing, said means for comparing and said means for unlocking.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for unlocking the trunk of the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is made.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for unlocking the hood of the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is made.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an audible alarm triggered if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is not made.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a programmable control pad capable of defining operational parameters of the system.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an external keypad whereby entry is allowed into the vehicle if a match of iris images between an approved operator and a potential operator is not made.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an infrared lamp, said lamp being turned on by low light conditions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motion detector whereby inappropriate motion of the operator while positioned in the operator'"'"'s seat triggers said means for comparing a plurality of iris images of the approved operator.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said motion detector further comprises means for opening a vehicular window if a match of iris images of the operator is not made.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said motion detector further comprises means for applying the vehicle brakes after a predetermined length of time if a match of iris images of the operator is not made.

10. The method of operating a vehicular security access system comprising the steps of:

a) using a camera mounted within a vehicle to capture iris images of a potential operator approaching the driver door of said vehicle, said camera operating in real time;

b) activating a computer within said vehicle to compare the iris images of said potential operator with a plurality of iris images of approved vehicle operators stored in said computer;

c) unlocking said driver door when the potential operator touches a door handle on the driver door if an iris match is made;

d) allowing said potential operator to start said vehicle by pressing a start button within said vehicle and becoming the driver of said vehicle;

e) monitoring continuously the iris images of the driver while the vehicle is being operated and issuing an alarm if the driver'"'"'s are closed indicating the existence of danger; and

f) operating a keypad to add or subtract authorized drivers and establishing the parameters of operation of said vehicle by particular drivers on a permanent or temporary basis.