Method and apparatus for detecting and differentiating users of a device
US8099210B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2360/141
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system includes an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from an operator hand, the interface device including a control panel having a visual display screen. The apparatus further includes a sensing system adjacent the interface device including an optical proximity sensor having a single infrared light source, a first plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a first reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a driver side of the vehicle and a second plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers for detecting a second reflected infrared light from the infrared light source that is reflected by the operator hand only when the operator hand approaches the optical proximity sensor near the interface device from a passenger side of the vehicle. A controller generates a user-specific menu on the visual display screen based upon the first and second plurality of directionally sensitive light receivers detecting respecti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.