Taillight mounted vehicle security system employing facial recognition using a reflected image
US6400835B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/161
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.