United States Patent [I91
`Hsu et al.
`
`[54] FINGERPRINT ACTUATION OF
`CUSTOMIZED VEHICLE FEATURES
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Shi-Ping Hsu, Pasadena; Bruce W.
`Evans; Arthur F- Messenger, both of
`Redondo Beach; Denes L. Zsolnay,
`Rolling Hills Estates, all of Calif.
`
`[73] Assignee: TRW Inc., Redondo Beach, Calif.
`
`[ * ] Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 081995,564
`Dec. 22, 1997
`[22] Filed:
`[51] Int. CL7 ........................................................ G06F 7/04
`[52] U.S. C1. .................................. 3401825.31; 3401825.3;
`3401825.34; 3401430; 3401539; 3401825.69;
`3821115; 3821124; 3821125; 3821126
`[58] Field of Search ............................ 3401825.31, 825.3,
`3401825.34, 430, 539, 825.69; 3821115,
`224, 126, 124, 125
`
`~ 5 6 1
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`511984 Harada et al. .......................... 3641424
`4,451,887
`611988 Sanders et al. ......................... 3401430
`4,754,255
`311991 Drori et al. ............................. 1801287
`4,997,053
`5,054,569 1011991 Scott et al. .............................. 1801167
`5,067,162 1111991 Driscoll, Jr. et al. ................... 3821126
`
`US006100811A
`[ i l l Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`6,100,811
`*Aug. 8,2000
`
`.........................
`5,559,504 911996 Itsumi et al.
`3401825.3
`...........................
`5,572,597 1111996 Chang et al.
`3821125
`5,631,971 511997 Sparrow .................................. 3821125
`........................
`5,802,199 911998 Pare, Jr. et al.
`3821115
`Primary Examiner4ichael Horabik
`Assistant Examiner-Yves Dalencourt
`Attorney, Agent, or F i r m 4 i c h a e l S. Yatsko
`ABSTRACT
`
`[571
`Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its use, for
`gaining access to and operating a vehicle, such as a car (lo),
`by means of at least one fingerprint sensor (16) installed
`inside the vehicle at a convenient location and, optionally,
`outside the vehicle (at 14), in or near a door handle (12).
`Once an authorized user's identify has been verified in a
`fingerprint matching device (30), various vehicle sub-
`systems are automatically adjusted to the identified user's
`preferred settings, which are stored in a memory (98). In
`addition, starting the vehicle engine is enabled if an interior
`fingerprint sensor has been used, or the vehicle is unlocked
`if an exterior fingerprint sensor has been used. Vehicle
`subsystems that are automatically adjusted to the user pref-
`erences include seats (38), mirrors (40), steering wheel (42),
`climate control (44), airbag (52), telephone (46), radio (50)
`and onboard computer (54), as well as performance control
`features (48) such as suspension and transmission adjust-
`ment. Door locks (34) and security system features (36) are
`also automatically controlled, as is a radio transmitter (56)
`that is automatically customized to open the user's home
`garage door or office parking entry gate. Features of a
`number of different fingerprints are stored in the device to
`allow for operation of the vehicle (10) by different family
`members, as authorized by a primary user.
`
`26 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`I DOOR-
`
`1/14
`
`I6d INTERIOR
`
`I
`
`-=*
`
`58
`
`HOME GARAGE
`
`UNLOCK
`
`FINGERPRINT
`MATCHING
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8,2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`FIG. 1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`'..---'
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`A U ~ . 8,2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_003
`
`

`

`f 56
`
`58- HOME GARAGE
`DOOR
`
`d &
`
`Cd
`
`OFFICE
`PARKING GATE
`
`DOOR-
`MOUNTED
`FINGERPRINT
`SENSOR
`SCAN
`
`1
`
`4
`
`1 6
`
`7
`
`-
`
`
`INTERIOR
`FINGERPRINT
`SENSOR
`
`f 34
`
`v
`
`/- 32
`ENGINE
`
`3
`
`1
`CONTROL ALARMI
`
`SECURITY SYSTEM
`
`1 f 52
`
`SEATS
`
`MIRRORS
`
`STEERING
`WHEEL
`
`CONTROL
`
`M O B l L E f 48 7
`PHONE
`PERF
`SELECT
`CONTROL
`
`46>
`
`MENT
`
`TION PREFS.
`
`RECOGNTN.
`
`TRANSMN
`
`FIG. 5
`
`7 SELECT
`
`IN-CAR COMPUTER
`
`'
`
`DA TA
`SUBSCRNS
`
`&
`G ?=
`00
`
`t3
`0
`0
`0
`
`LC
`3
`CD s
`
`W
`o m
`4
`
`rn U
`F
`A A
`CrO
`F m
`
`U
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8,2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`16
`
`............. w
`
`INTERIOR
`FINGERPRINT
`SENSOR
`
`<'
`
`DOOR-MOUNTED
`FINGERPRINT
`' ;-----b
`:
`;
`:
`SENSOR
`j
`i
`i
`:
`;
`:
`;
`,
`:
`i
`:
`:
`;
`:
`
`I
`
`.................................. f76
`......................
`(CONTROL)
`.........................................................
`.J
`78
`
`74
`
`8 0
`
`(82
`
`w
`
`USER INTERFACE
`(SELECT MODE,
`SELECT USER ID.)
`
`72
`
`FINGERPRINT -
`
`96
`
`INTERFACE
`WITH
`
`SETTINGS
`MEMORY
`
`/-
`94
`
`84
`
`4
`
`SENSED
`FINGERPRINT
`
`r
`86
`
`T
`
`MATCH
`
`FINGERPRINT
`CORRELATOR
`
`I
`I
`A
`VERIFY
`ENROLL
`8 8
`/90
`~
`9
`2
`v
`REFERENCE
`FINGERPRINT
`MEMORY
`
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8,2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`PRIMARY USER
`SELECTS COMBO MODE
`
`ENGINE OFF IN
`OMBINATION
`
`NATION DIALED
`
`EXITS COMBO MODE
`
`FINGERPRINT IS
`VERIFIED
`
`<ENGINE SHUT OFF FOR
`ONE MINUTE
`
`AND FINGERPRINT IS
`
`ENROLLED USER
`
`FINGERPRINT IS
`
`PRIMARY USER
`SELECTS SET MODE
`
`UNENROLLMENT
`
`PRIMARY USER
`
`ENROLLIUNENROLL
`
`DETECTED IN
`
`SAFE MODE
`
`SECRET COMBINATION u DIALED
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8,2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`VERIFICATION (-2
`
`SELECT NEXT MOST
`LIKELY REFERENCE
`FINGERPRINT
`
`ACTIVATE
`FINGERPRINT
`CORRELATOR
`
`I
`
`USER
`OPTION A
`
`USER
`OPTION B
`
`USER
`OPTION C
`
`PRIM. USER
`
`LAST USER
`PRIM. USER
`ADDL. USERS
`ADDL. U ~ E R ~
`IN SELECTED
`IN SELECTED
`ORDER
`ORDER
`
`-,
`
`ALL USERS
`IN SELECTED
`ORDER
`
`TRASlTlON FROM
`LOCKED TO
`UNLOCKED MODE
`
`*(IF OTHER USERS
`PERMITTED FOR THIS
`TYPE OF MODE
`TRANSITION)
`
`ACCESS
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8,2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`UNLOCK
`
`;;,"I)," I
`I I
`I ENGINE
`I LOCK DOORS I I TFi:iF I
`
`150
`
`RETRIEVE
`ACTUATOR
`SETTINGS
`
`CUSTOMIZE ALL VEHICLE SUBSYSTEM
`
`I SETTINGS FOR IDENTIFIED USER
`
`52
`
`LOCK ENGINE
`
`FIG. 9
`
`8
`
`
`
`60
`
`I
`
`5
`
`1
`T
`SAVE
`ACTUATOR
`SETTINGS
`4
`UPDATE
`USAGE LOG
`
`LOCKED 0 oo
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_008
`
`

`

`,
`
`
`
`6,100,811
`
`1
`2
`FINGERPRINT ACTUATION OF
`More specifically, the actuators may include a seat adjust-
`CUSTOMIZED VEHICLE FEATURES
`ment actuator, a mirror actuator, a steering wheel position
`actuator, a climate control actuator, a mobile telephone
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`actuator, a vehicle performance control actuator, an enter-
`The present
`generally
`personal iden- s tainment device actuator, an airbag setting actuator, and an
`tification or verification systems and, more particularly, to
`onboard computer actuator.
`systems that automatically verify a person's identity before
`The illustrative embodiment of the invention also includes
`
`
`
`l ~ ,granting access to a vehicle, ~ ~ ~ d i ~ i ~ ~ ~ lkeys and locks, or
`a second fingerprint sensor, mounted in a convenient exte-
`locks, have been used to limit access to
`rior location on the vehicle. The fingerprint matching con-
`property, on the theory that only persons with a right to
`access the property will have the required key or combina- 10 troller includes means for determining which fingerprint
`sensor has been used, and means for unlocking at least one
`tion. This traditional approach is, of course, still widely used
`vehicle passenger access door upon verification of the
`to limit access to a variety of enclosed spaces, including
`automobiles.
`identity of a user placing a finger in the second fingerprint
`sensor. Preferably, the second fingerprint sensor is located
`Many automobiles are protected both by locks and by
`intrusion alarms, which are typically activated and deacti- 1s near, or integrated into a door handle, for ease of operation
`vated using a small radio or infrared transmitter carried by
`while opening a door of the vehicle.
`the car Owner
`this
`fob.
`as a
`The apparatus also includes means for switching from the
`device is convenient, its loss by the owner may render the
`unlocked mode to the locked mode upon detection of engine
`vehicle just as vulnerable to theft as if mechanical keys had
`non-operation for a selected period of time, ~
`
`
`~hthe vehicle ~
`
`been used for protection.
`20 may be driven, and even restarted after an engine stall,
`Access to automobiles poses some special problems that
`without further identity verification, but will return to the
`have not been addressed by presently available security
`locked mode once the engine has been shut down for a short
`systems. Although fobs are widely used to transmit signals
`time, such as a minute or two.
`a car
`system, for
`access and
`activate and
`Ideally, the apparatus of the invention also includes a user
`deactivate intrusion alarms, once in the car a car owner or 25 interface for selection of modes of operation and user
`identities, ~n authorized user can speed up the verification
`user must typically resort to a mechanical key to start the car.
`Moreover, selection of customized features of the car, such
`process by manually selecting his or her own identity in the
`as seat and mirror adjustments, must be made manually,
`user interface, so that only one fingerprint matching opera-
`although some cars include a mechanism for memorizing
`tion is needed, ~n authorized user may also select a new
`settings of the some of the vehicle's main features.
`30 mode of operation at the user interface. The fingerprint
`Accordingly, there is a widely felt need for a more reliable
`match controller will automatically switch to a new selected
`technique for accessing and using automobiles. Ideally, the
`mode of operation immediately upon verification of the
`technique should positively verify the identity of the person
`identity of a user,
`the car's
`seeking access,
`provide access
`Among the modes of operation that may be selected by a
`features, and should eliminate the need to carry multiple 3s
`are a
`mode that permits enrollment of
`and fobs, Or to memorize
`Or passwords.
`additional users, For this purpose, the apparatus further
`Another desirable goal is that the technique should operate
`comprises means for obtaining and storing reference finger-
`a person'^
`enough that it does not 'knificantly
`print image data pertaining to additional users, Another
`access to and use of the vehicle. The present invention 4o mode that may be selected is a iguestn mode that permits
`satisfies all of these needs.
`operation of the vehicle without fingerprint verification. Any
`enrolled user may request transition to or from the guest
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`up0n identity verification.
`The present invention resides in apparatus, and a method
`Another mode that may be selected by the primary user of
`for its use, for automatically verifying the identity of a
`seeking entry to and use of a protected vehicle, 4s the vehicle is the "combination" mode, which permits opera-
`tion of the vehicle without fingerprint verification, but using
`
` ~ ~ i ~ f l ~ ,and in general terms, the apparatus of the present
`
`a Secret
`invention comprises a fingerprint sensor mounted in a con-
`The apparatus of the invention may also be defined as
`venient interior location in a vehicle; a high-speed finger-
`comprising a fingerprint matching system for verifying the
`print matcher, for comparing a sensed fingerprint image with
`features of a previously stored reference fingerprint image, so identity of a person who wishes to use the vehicle; an engine
`to verify the identity of a user of the vehicle; a fingerprint
`enabling switch coupled to the fingerprint matching system,
`match controller, for selecting from a plurality of stored
`to prevent operation of the vehicle until the identity of the
`reference fingerprint images for presentation to the finger-
`person has been verified; and at least one actuator for
`adjusting a vehicle subsystem to an individually preferred
`print matcher, and having a locked mode or operation and an
`unlocked mode of operation; an engine enabling switch, to ss setting. The fingerprint matching system includes means,
`operable upon successful verification of a user's identity, for
`prevent operation of the vehicle in the locked mode; means
`retrieving personal preference data associated with the iden-
`included in the fingerprint match controller, for switching
`tified user and for supplying selected personal preference
`from the locked mode to the unlocked mode upon success-
`data to the actuator, for automatic adjustment of the vehicle
`fully verifying the identity of a vehicle user; means operable
`in the unlocked mode, for actuating the engine enabling 60 subsystem to the user's preference.
`switch to allow operation of the vehicle; one or more
`The invention may also be defined in terms of a method
`actuators for adjusting vehicle subsystems in accordance
`for controlling a vehicle using fingerprint identification, the
`with users' preferred settings; storage means for recording
`method comprising the steps of sensing a vehicle user's
`actuator settings associated with user identities; and means
`fingerprint image in a fingerprint sensor mounted in a
`operable in the unlocked mode, for operating the actuators 65 convenient location in the vehicle; selecting from a plurality
`of previously stored reference fingerprint images of autho-
`based on settings retrieved from the storage means for an
`identified user.
`rized users of the vehicle; comparing the sensed fingerprint
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_009
`
`

`

`6,100,811
`
`-
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`4
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the principal features
`and functions of the present invention;
`FIG, 6 is block diagram showing a fingerprint match
`controller and other hardware components of the present
`invention;
`
`3
`image with features of the selected previously stored refer-
`ence fingerprint image of an authorized user of the vehicle;
`verifying, in a fingerprint matching system, that the sensed
`fingerprint image matches the
`reference image;
`upon verification in the previous step, switching the finger- 5
`print matching system from a locked mode to an unlocked
`the
`is a state diagram
`mode and enabling operation of the vehicle; and actuating at
`operation of the fingerprint match controller of FIG. 6, and
`least one vehicle subsystem to conform with adjustment
`showing the conditions needed to effect transitions between
`settings associated with the identified vehicle user.
`The method may further comprise the steps of switching lo different pairs
`FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing functions performed by the
`the fingerprint matching system to a guest mode upon
`verification of an authorized user's fingerprint, wherein any
`fingerprint match controller during verification of a finger-
`driver may operate the vehicle while in guest mode; and
`print image; and
`the
`matching 'ystem back to the
`FIG, 9 is a flowchart showing functions performed by the
`an
`up0n
`fingerprint match controller in an unlocked mode of opera-
`authorized user. Further steps of the method include sensing
`tion,
`when the vehicle ennine has been inactive for a arescribed
`period of time; and then automatically switching the finger-
`print matching system back to the locked mode.
`The method may also include the steps of switching the
`fingerprint matching system to a "set" mode if requested by 20
`As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
`a primary authorized user; and enrolling additional users in
`present invention pertains to a system for automatic verifi-
`the set mode, by analyzing and storing fingerprint features of
`cation of the identity of a person seeking to enter and operate
`users. The
`the
`then
`a car. Traditionally, cars are protected by mechanical locks
`their
`users
`and keys, or by combination locks or electronic devices,
`features. Unenrollment of the primary authorized user places 2s
`as hand-held fobs,
`the fingerprint matching system in a cleared mode in which
`In accordance with the present invention, the person
`no fingerprint matching is needed to operate the vehicle.
`seeking access to a car, or wanting to start the car, does so
`In accordance with another feature of the invention, the
`first placing a finger Over a
`located sensor.
`method further comprises the step of switching the finger-
`print matching system to a combination mode if requested 30 The car user's fingerprint image is employed to control
`by a primary authorized user. Operation of the vehicle in the
`access though the car doors, to unlock the car engine, and to
`mode does not require fingerprint matching but
`customize a number of car subsystem features automatically
`to the personal preference of the user. FIG. 1 is an exterior
`does require the use of a secret
`~~~~i~~ the
`view of Part of a car, indicated by reference numeral 10,
`combination mode requires the further step of switching the
`fingerprint matching system from the combination mode to 3s having a door handle 12 and a fi%erprint sensor 14 located
`the unlocked mode upon another verification of the primary
`ad~acent to the door handle. The user gains access to the car
`10 by placing a finger, such as the index finger, momentarily
`user's identity in the fingerprint matching system.
`on the sensor 14. As will be discussed in more detail, the
`Finally, the method may also include the step of recording
`usage data pertaining to the identified users and selected
`system of the invention has the ability to verify the identity
`of the user very rapidly, and to unlock the door (or all doors)
`parameters of vehicle operation.
`upon completion of the verification process.
`It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
`FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows an alternative
`invention represents a significant advance in providing
`location for the sensor 143 On the underside
`the
`secure access to vehicles. More particularly, the invention
`3. This
`12, as best
`in
`allows multiple users to gain entry to a vehicle and to have
`that have
`the recessed
`be
`selected vehicle subsystem settings adjusted to personal 4s best for
`preferences automatically. Each authorized user enrolls at
`pivoted out of a recess by placing a finger beneath the handle
`and pulling it Out.
`least one fingerprint in the apparatus of the invention. Then,
`FIG. 4 shows four possible locations for an interior sensor
`upon entering or starting the vehicle, an authorized user has
`16: (a) near the position of a conventional ignition key
`only to touch a fingerprint sensor and the vehicle will be
`automatically adjusted to preferred settings that were saved so switch on the car steering column 18, as indicated at 16a, (b)
`on the car dashboard 20, such as shown at 16b, (c), on the
`when the user last operated the vehicle. Other aspects and
`central console 22, as indicated at 16c, or (d) on a centrally
`advantages of the invention will become apparent from the
`mounted parking brake lever 24, as indicated at 16d.
`following more detailed description, taken in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings.
`FIG. 5 shows the principal functions controlled in asso-
`ss ciation with the fingerprint sensors 14 and 16, both of which
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`are connected to a fingerprint matching device 30 in the car
`FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevation view of a car, showing
`10, The fingerprint matching device 30 matches the finger-
`one location of an exterior fingerprint sensor used in the
`print image obtained by one of the sensors with one or more
`present invention;
`internally stored reference fingerprint images obtained from
`FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing an 60 the principal car user and a number of other frequent users
`alternative location for a fingerprint sensor, integrated into a
`who wish to be enrolled to use the car, ~f a match is
`door handle;
`determined, the fingerprint matching device 30 transmits
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the door handle shown in
`control signals to a number of car subsystems. Principal
`FIG. 2;
`among these subsystems is an engine control switch 32 and
`FIG. 4 is a simplified fragmentary perspective drawing of 65 a door locking switch 34. It will be understood that, for most
`cars, the exterior fingerprint sensor 14 will be used to unlock
`a car interior, showing alternative locations for an interior
`the car and to disable a security system 36, but not to enable
`fingerprint sensor used in the present invention;
`
`40
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_010
`
`

`

`6,100,811
`
`6
`5
`name. As will be discussed with reference to FIG. 7, a user
`the engine control switch 32. One approach for accomplish-
`may select a mode of operation on the user interface 80, and
`ing a division of functions between the exterior and interior
`then render that mode active by placing a finger on one of
`sensors 14 and 16 is further discussed below.
`the sensors 14 and 16 for identity verification.
`In addition to the more essential functions of engine
`the fingerprint matching
`imp0rtant
`An
`enabling, door unlocking and control of security alarms, the 5
`device 30 is a fingerprint correlator 84. In an enroll mode of
`fingerprint matching device 30 also performs a number of
`the sensed
`image, On line
`correlatOr
`control functions that customize the car for the user whose
`86, is processed to extract distinctive features of the image,
`identity has been verified. Thus, as soon as the driver's
`which are transmitted over line 88 to a reference fingerprint
`identity has been verified through one of the sensors 14 or lo memory 90. In a verification mode of operation, the corr-
`16, actuator control signals are transmitted to the car seats
`elator 84 compares a fingerprint image received over line 86
`38, mirrors 40, steering wheel 42, climate control 44, mobile
`with the fingerprint features stored in the memory 90 and
`telephone 46, vehicle performance controls 48, entertain-
`transmitted to the correlator over line 92. The result of the
`ment center 50, airbag controls 52, in-car computer 54, and
`correlation process is simply a match or no-match signal on
`radio transmitter 56. The seats, mirrors, steering wheel,
`line 94, which is coupled back to the fingerprint match
`climate control and airbag control are adjusted to the settings
`controller 70.
`preferred by the identified user. In the case of the airbag
`The fingerprint correlator 84 performs the matching f m c -
`controls 52, adjustment is made on the basis of the user's
`hardware in the
`very
`using s ~ e c i a l - ~ u ~ o s e
`previously sensed weight, height, or both, These and other
`integrated circuit
`form
`an a~~licatiOn-s~ecific
`adjustments are made on the basis of positional settings that
`search
`a high degree parallel processing
`were memorized when the same user last drove the car, 20 which
`an entire fingerprint image for instances of distinctive ref-
`Performance controls may include suspension and transmis-
`that have been previously stored in the
`erence
`sion settings that were either previously selected by the user
`90.
`the
`cOrrelatOr that
`or were stored after automatically adjusting to the user's
`form
`can achieve the desired speed of matching is disclosed in a
`weight or other characteristics.
`25 patent application by Bruce W. Evans et al., entitled "Fin-
`The entertainment center adjustments 50 include preset
`gerprint Feature Correlator," filed concurrently with this
`when previously in the car, and a
`application, The Evans et al, patent application is hereby
`of 'Ompact disks Or other music media previously
`incorporated by reference into this specification, Acorrelator
`selected. If the user is new to the car, no settings will be
`constructed in accordance with the principles described in
`available but selections made while operating the vehicle
`the Evans et al, specification is capable of verifying a user,s
`identity in less than a second, and closer to half a second if
`will be stored for use when the same user drives on a later 'O
`46 make an
`The
`only one reference fingerprint image has to be
`for the user, and
`with a sensed fingerprint image, The matching process can
`priate
`a
`retrieve a list of speed-dial numbers previously stored by the
`be easily arranged such that, in most cases, only one
`user.
`'5 comparison is needed, since the user's identity is usually
`The radio transmitter controls 56 are used to enable a
`known in advance,
`transmitter for opening a home garage door, as indicated at
`when a user's identity has been verified by the fingerprint
`parking access gate, as indicated at 60. Since
`58, Or an
`correlator 84, the fingerprint match controller 70 issues
`each user may have different requirements in this regard,
`appropriate commands to an interface 96 with various
`customized frequencies or control signals are stored for each 40 actuators and controls described with reference to FIG, 5,
`Actuator settings are retrieved from a memory 98 and used
`the system is
`user.
`these
`accomplished either by manually entering the data or by
`to generate these commands,
`utilizing a "training" mode in which signals from each user's
`The structure and operation of the fingerprint match
`separate garage door Opener and parking gate Opener Or
`controller 70 is best illustrated in the form of a state diagram,
`transponder are captured and analyzed.
`45 as shown in FIG. 7. The state diagram shows (as circles) the
`If the car has an ~nboard computer 54, the user's verified
`principal operational modes or states of the controller 70 and
`identity may be used to 1% in automatically, to fetch any
`the conditions needed to effect transfers from one state to
`another, me conditions are described in text associated with
`electronic mail (e-mail), to retrieve the user's appointment
`book, navigation system preferences, and speech profile (to
`each transition line from one state to another. The two
`from the SO principal states of the controller 70 are the locked mode 100
`condition the computer to accept voice ~ ~ m m a n d s
`user). The user's personal preferences for subscription data
`and the unlocked mode 102,
`the locked mode, the car's
`services may also be initialized in the computer, such as data
`conventional ignition key switch (not shown) is disabled by
`subscriptions to services ~ertaining to traffic, weather,
`another, series-connected, switch controlled by the finger-
`stocks, news, or sports.
`print matching device. In the locked mode, the doors may be
`FIG. 6 shows the principal hardware components of the ss either locked or unlocked. The car cannot bestarted in the
`fingerprint checking device 30. The fingerprint sensors 14
`locked mode 100 until the identity of an enrolled user is
`and 16 interface with a fingerprint match controller 70, the
`verified by the system. In the unlocked mode 102, the engine
`structure and function of which will be described with
`or ignition switch is enabled and the engine may be started
`reference to FIGS. 7-9. The controller 70 receives finger-
`by turning the ignition key or other device used for this
`print image data over lines 72 and 74 from the sensors 14 60 purpose. To make the transition from locked to unlocked
`and 16, and transmits control signals to the sensors over
`mode, a user first selects his or her enrolled identity on the
`lines 76 and 78, respectively. The fingerprint matching
`user interface 80, and then places a finger over the interior
`device 30 also includes a user interface 80, which is coupled
`sensor 16. If the exterior sensor 14 is used, the user cannot
`to the controller 70 over lines 82. The specific structure of
`access the user interface, and simply places a finger over the
`the interface 80 is not critical to the invention. It may, for 65 sensor to unlock the car and transition to the unlocked mode,
`but without the ability to start the car. As previously
`example, include a small display screen and a control panel
`for the selection of a mode of operation and an enrolled user
`mentioned, enabling starting the car still requires use of the
`
`Valeo Ex. 1007_011
`
`

`

`6,100,811
`
`8
`7
`interior sensor 16, but other user customization functions
`verified. Guest mode is turned off by selecting a user identity
`on the user interface 80 and having the user fingerprint
`may be initiated from the external sensor 14. Employing the
`verified.
`user interface 80 to specify a user identity potentially speeds
`The process of identity verification, as performed by the
`up the verification process because the fingerprint match
`controller 70 does not have to search through multiple s fingerprint match controller 70, is defined by the flowchart
`of FIG. 8. The first step, as indicated in block 120, is to select
`reference fingerprint images to find one that matches this
`the next most likely reference fingerprint to compare with
`user.
`the one being sensed. If the user interface 80 is set to a
`In the unlocked mode 102, the car may be started and
`specific user identity, then that identity is used to access the
`driven, and the various customization functions are per- lo reference data stored in the memory 90, If no identity is
`prepare the car for driving
`the identified user.
`formed
`specified by the user interface 80, either because the exterior
`Transition back to the locked mode loo
`when the
`sensor 14 is being used, or the user has not correctly adjusted
`engine has been shut off for
`short period, such as a
`the interface, or the system does not make use of the user
`minute or two. Thus, temporary engine stalls do not Prevent
`interface, then the next most likely fingerprint is selected as
`the user from driving the vehicle.
`indicated in table 122. Any of various user options may be
`When a car is first purchased, it is delivered in a "cleared" lS used to obtain a fingerprint preference list. In option A, the
`verification process first selects the last user's reference
`mode 104, in which the engine controls are not locked and
`fingerprint data. If no match is found, the process selects the
`the car may be driven and delivered using a conventional
`primary user's reference fingerprint data, if that, too, does
`ignition key. When a first user is enrolled, that user is
`designated the primary user. His or her fingerprint features
`not produce a match, additional users' reference fingerprint
`are stored as the primary user's and the controller 70 20 data are selected in a sequence that may be specified by the
`principal user. In 'ption B, the primary user's
`assumes the unlocked mode 102, Enrollment includes the
`data are the first choice and the previous user's identity is
`recording of the fingerprints of two fingers, preferably the
`ignored. In option C, the primary and last users' identities
`index and ring fingers of the right hand. The second finger-
`are both ignored and all users are scanned in a selected
`print serves as a back-up feature, for use if a finger is injured 2s sequence, When a reference fingerprint has been selected,
`or, for some reason, is ineffective in attempting to access or
`the fingerprint correlator is activated, as indicated in block
`drive the car.
`124, using the selected reference data and the fingerprint
`The primary user may enroll others to be authorized to
`image obtained from one of the sensors 14 and 16.
`drive the car. The enrollment process is started by selecting
`1, most cases, verification will accomplished in the short-
`a ''set" mode in the user interface and having the primary 30 est possible time because the identity of the user is already
`user place his or her finger on the sensor. In the set mode
`known, either because the user selects his or her name in the
`106, other users, such as family members of the primary
`user interface 80 before verification, or because the user is
`user, may have their fingerprints analyzed and recorded.
`the principal user or the last user of the vehicle. When a new
`Users may also be unenrolled in the set mode of operation.
`User approaches the vehicle and seeks entry using the
`After enrollment, any of these additional users may enter 3s exterior fingerprint sensor 14, there may be a slight delay
`and start the car with the same authority as the primary user.
`while multiple comparisons are performed, but the delay
`The primary user, however, has some additional powers that
`will be avoided once the new user has entered the vehicle
`and adjusted the user interface 80 to reflect his or her
`the additional users do not have. The primary user may
`select a combination mode 108 in the user interface 80 and,
`identity.
`If the fingerprint correlator 84 (FIG. 6) does not find a
`after fingerprint verification of the prima