US6400835B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Taillight mounted vehicle security system employing facial recognition using a reflected image
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1996-05-15
•
Granted: 2002-06-04
•
Expires: 2016-05-15
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome H. Lemelson
- 👤 Louis J. Hoffman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 06:16
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/0017; B60Q1/0023; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/20; B60R25/25; B60R25/252; B60R25/255; B60R25/257; B60R25/30; B60R25/305; G; G06; G06V; G06V40/00; G06V40/10; G06V40/16; G06V40/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
A security system for a movable vehicle provided with an enabling system, the security system comprising: (a) an electronic camera mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle and adjacent to the rear window, wherein the scanning axis of the camera is directed along the center plane and at a rear-view mirror of the vehicle, and wherein the camera is positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver's station of the vehicle and structured to produce image signals; (b) an electronic facial-recognition system mounted adjacent to the camera, responsive to the image signals, and controllably coupled to the enabling system; and (c) an electronic storage device mounted adjacent to the camera and coupled to the facial-recognition system to store a set of image signals, such that the facial-recognition system activates the enabling system only if signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of the person derived from the image signals produced on the camera's output match a member of a set of signals stored in the electronic storage device, each member representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
A security system for a movable vehicle provided with an enabling system, the security system comprising: (a) an electronic camera mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle and adjacent to the rear window, wherein the scanning axis of the camera is directed along the center plane and at a rear-view mirror of the vehicle, and wherein the camera is positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of a person located at the driver's station of the vehicle and structured to produce image signals; (b) an electronic facial-recognition system mounted adjacent to the camera, responsive to the image signals, and controllably coupled to the enabling system; and (c) an electronic storage device mounted adjacent to the camera and coupled to the facial-recognition system to store a set of image signals, such that the facial-recognition system activates the enabling system only if signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of the person derived from the image signals produced on the camera's output match a member of a set of signals stored in the electronic storage device, each member representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is an infrared scanner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising another electronic camera that is a scanner sensitive to visible light, wherein both cameras are positioned to scan at least a portion of the face of the seated person and are coupled to the facial-recognition system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the portion of the face scanned by the camera includes an iris of an eye of the person at the driver's station, and wherein the electronic facial-recognition system is structured to recognize characteristics of features within the iris.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the camera includes an autofocus lens control.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is structured to automatically become deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined period of time after it is first activated or upon recognition of an authorized driver by the facial-recognition system, whichever occurs first.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is activated by closure of an ignition key switch of the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is responsive to activation of a sensor switch by a person sitting at the driver's station of the vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 8 wherein the sensor switch is an in-seat sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 9 wherein the camera is structured to become deactivated upon opening of the sensor switch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
106 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic storage device contains a personal code associated with each authorized operator, and wherein the facial-recognition system is further coupled to an electronic control of the vehicle so as to alter a personal setting automatically based on the code associated with the operator recognized by the facial-recognition system, said electronic control structured to control an operating setting of at least one of the following elements of the vehicle: (a) an audio system; (b) an electronic seat; (c) a window; (d) a temperature controller; (e) a mirror; and (f) the angle of the steering wheel column relative to the dashboard.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to trigger an audible alarm upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect the match after a predetermined time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to transmit alarm signals to a remote location upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect the match after a predetermined time.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to retain in non-volatile storage information derived from the signals on the camera output upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect the match after a predetermined time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 14 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to activate a signal light upon failure of the facial-recognition system to effect the match after a predetermined time.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the facial-recognition system is further coupled to a key-operated switch that, when activated, stores in the electronic storage device, as representative of a member of the set of authorized operators, selected signals representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of a person located at the driver's station of the vehicle and derived from the signals on the camera output.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the key-operated switch is structured to become activated by a coded sequence of turns.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the facial-recognition system is structured to become disabled for a predetermined period of time upon activation of the key-operated switch.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the facial-recognition system issues an authorization control signal upon determining said match; and (b) the authorization control signal activates an engine capable of powering and moving the vehicle, the engine being coupled to become activated in response to the authorization control signal only.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the facial-recognition system issues an authorization control signal upon determining said match; and (b) the engine and the gearshift are coupled to cause the engine to become activated in response to the combination of the authorization control signal and a selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver's station.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the facial-recognition system issues an authorization control signal upon determining said match; and (b) the engine and the transmission are coupled to cause the engine to turn off in response to a selected gear-shifting action by the person located at the driver's station.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the facial-recognition system issues an authorization control signal upon determining said match; (b) the system further comprises a second personal-identification system; and (c) the authorization control signal is produced only in response to identification of an authorized operator by both the facial-recognition system and the second personal-identification system.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 22 wherein the second personal-identification system includes a fingerprint reader.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the facial recognition system is coupled to at least one adjustable component of the vehicle to adjust the component to a predetermined setting associated with an authorized operator.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for securing a movable vehicle comprising a taillight assembly supporting at least the following elements: (a) an electronic camera having an output for image signals; (b) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; and (c) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; (d) wherein the facial-recognition system produces on an output an authorization control signal only if image signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of personal identifying signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for securing a movable vehicle comprising a taillight assembly supporting at least the following elements: (a) an electronic camera having an output for image signals; (b) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; and (c) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; (d) wherein the facial-recognition system produces on an output an authorization control signal only if image signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of personal identifying signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the taillight assembly further supports an electronic input port structured to receive control signals generated upon the operation of a brake pedal of the vehicle, which input port is coupled to an activation trigger for the camera.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the taillight assembly further supports a wireless transmitter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a control unit supported by the vehicle, the control unit structured for coupling to an enabling system of the vehicle and supporting a receiver and a decoder, which decoder communicates with said enabling system to control the enabling system to enable operation of the vehicle only if the decoder detects that the authorization control signal has been received by the receiver from the transmitter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a sensor activated by the presence of a person at the driver's station, and wherein the taillight assembly further supports an electronic input port structured to receive control signals generated upon activation of the sensor, which input port is coupled to an activation trigger for the camera.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the taillight assembly further includes mounting brackets configured to be secured to the roof of the vehicle.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
207 words
A movable vehicle having a passenger cabin and an engine compartment, comprising: (a) a rear-view mirror mounted at the front of the passenger cabin; (b) a taillight assembly mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle near the rear of the passenger cabin and supporting at least the following elements: i) an electronic camera having an output for picture signals, which camera is positioned to be directed at the rear-view mirror; ii) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; iii) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; and iv) a transmitter; v) wherein the facial-recognition system transmits via the transmitter an authorization control signal only if picture signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator; (c) an enabling system structured to enable operation of the vehicle; and (d) a control unit coupled to the enabling system and supporting a coupled receiver and decoder, which decoder activates the enabling system only if the decoder detects that the authorization control signal has been received by the receiver from the transmitter.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
207 words
A movable vehicle having a passenger cabin and an engine compartment, comprising: (a) a rear-view mirror mounted at the front of the passenger cabin; (b) a taillight assembly mounted along the vertical center plane of the vehicle near the rear of the passenger cabin and supporting at least the following elements: i) an electronic camera having an output for picture signals, which camera is positioned to be directed at the rear-view mirror; ii) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; iii) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; and iv) a transmitter; v) wherein the facial-recognition system transmits via the transmitter an authorization control signal only if picture signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator; (c) an enabling system structured to enable operation of the vehicle; and (d) a control unit coupled to the enabling system and supporting a coupled receiver and decoder, which decoder activates the enabling system only if the decoder detects that the authorization control signal has been received by the receiver from the transmitter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle of claim 31 wherein the control unit is integrally coupled to the enabling system and located in the engine compartment.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle of claim 31 wherein the taillight assembly is suspended from the roof above the passenger cabin.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle of claim 31 further comprising a brake pedal positioned in the passenger cabin and coupled to the taillight assembly.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle of claim 34 further comprising a driver's seat sensor positioned in the passenger cabin and coupled to the camera.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle of claim 35 further comprising a sound generator positioned in the passenger cabin and coupled to the control unit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vehicle of claim 31 further comprising an audible alarm device coupled to the control unit.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
51 words
The vehicle of claim 31 further comprising a key-operated switch positioned in the passenger cabin and coupled to the facial-recognition system to cause a set of signals to be stored in the electronic storage device representative of picture signals on the output of the camera when the key-operated switch is turned.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The vehicle of claim 31 further comprising a shift lever in the passenger cabin and a transmission device in the engine compartment coupled to the shift lever, wherein the shift lever is coupled to the control unit.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
268 words
A method of retrofitting a moveable vehicle with a security system, which vehicle has a passenger cabin and an engine compartment, a rear-view mirror mounted along the centerline of the vehicle at the front of the passenger cabin, a brake pedal in the passenger cabin, and an enabling device supported in the engine compartment and structured to enable motive force to the vehicle, comprising: (a) mounting a taillight assembly along the vertical center plane of the vehicle near the rear of the passenger cabin, which assembly supports at least the following elements: i) a rear-directed light; ii) a front-directed electronic camera having an output for a picture signal; iii) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; iv) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; and v) a transmitter; vi) wherein the facial-recognition system transmits an authorization control signal only if picture signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator; and (b) positioning the assembly so that the camera is directed at the rear-view mirror; (c) coupling the light and the camera of the taillight assembly to a line carrying a control signal that is generated upon operation of the brake pedal; and (d) coupling a control unit to the enabling device, which control unit supports a receiver and activates the enabling system only upon receipt by the receiver of the authorization control signal from the transmitter of the taillight assembly.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
268 words
A method of retrofitting a moveable vehicle with a security system, which vehicle has a passenger cabin and an engine compartment, a rear-view mirror mounted along the centerline of the vehicle at the front of the passenger cabin, a brake pedal in the passenger cabin, and an enabling device supported in the engine compartment and structured to enable motive force to the vehicle, comprising: (a) mounting a taillight assembly along the vertical center plane of the vehicle near the rear of the passenger cabin, which assembly supports at least the following elements: i) a rear-directed light; ii) a front-directed electronic camera having an output for a picture signal; iii) a facial-recognition system coupled to the output of the camera; iv) an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system; and v) a transmitter; vi) wherein the facial-recognition system transmits an authorization control signal only if picture signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face match a member of a set of signals stored in said electronic storage device, each member of the stored set representative of select characteristics of the scanned face of an authorized operator; and (b) positioning the assembly so that the camera is directed at the rear-view mirror; (c) coupling the light and the camera of the taillight assembly to a line carrying a control signal that is generated upon operation of the brake pedal; and (d) coupling a control unit to the enabling device, which control unit supports a receiver and activates the enabling system only upon receipt by the receiver of the authorization control signal from the transmitter of the taillight assembly.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 40 further comprising replacing the enabling device with an integral unit containing both the control unit and the enabling device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 40 wherein such mounting comprises suspending the taillight assembly from a roof supported above the passenger cabin.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 40 further comprising coupling the camera to a line carrying control signals that are generated upon activation of a sensor activated by the presence of a person in the driver's seat of the passenger cabin.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 40 further comprising coupling the control unit to a sound generator in the passenger cabin, which control unit further activates the sound generator in a select fashion upon receipt of the authorization control signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-06-03 | 2005-12-03 | 2006-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-12-03 | 2010-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-03 | 2013-12-03 | 2014-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |