Fingerprint actuation of customized vehicle features
US6100811A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C9/00563
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its use, for gaining access to and operating a vehicle, such as a car (10), 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 subsystems 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 preferences 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 adjustment. 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…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.