Infrared biometrics information collection device and vehicle door lock having the same

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door lock having an infrared biometrics information collection device. In certain embodiments, vehicle door lock includes, a vehicle door with a door handle for opening vehicle door, an infrared light source, and an infrared biometrics information collection sensor. The infrared light source includes one or more infrared light emitters. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers of a target human hand. The fingers are positioned between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor. The infrared light source irradiates infrared light through the one or more fingers to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to user authentication, and more particularly to infrared biometrics information collection devices, and vehicle door locks having the infrared biometrics information collection devices.

BACKGROUND

Infrared biometrics information collection devices can be used for user authentication with high accuracy, and this technology has been widely used in many security areas except automobile industry. Conventional infrared biometrics information collection devices are mostly used in-door such that the infrared biometrics information collection devices are not interfered with broad light spectrum, and the infrared biometrics information collection devices are operated in suitable room temperature instead of extremely high or low temperature. The application of this technology to the automobile industry presents us a challenge that the infrared biometrics information collection devices must be used out-door, and must be able to overcome the light interference and extreme temperature.

Therefore, heretofore unaddressed needs still exist in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an infrared biometrics information collection device. In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes an infrared light source, and an infrared biometrics information collection sensor. The infrared light source includes one or more infrared light emitters. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers of a target human hand. The one or more fingers are positioned in a biometrics information collection space between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor. The infrared light source irradiates the infrared light through the one or more fingers to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers.

In certain embodiments, the biometrics information of the one or more fingers includes finger veins, finger bone structure, and finger tissue patterns.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes an infrared light transmission space. The infrared light transmission space is formed by infrared light transparent media. The infrared light transmission space includes a first infrared light transmission space, the biometrics information collection space, and a second infrared light transmission space. The one or more fingers are placed in the biometrics information collection space.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes one or more infrared bandpass filters positioned between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor to reduce light interference from outside of infrared light spectrum and improve image quality of the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes one or more defrost modules. In one embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes a first defrost module for defrosting the surface of the infrared light source. In another embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes a second defrost module for defrosting the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes a lock controller. The lock controller includes: a power module, a Processor and a non-transitory memory. The power module provides electric power to the infrared light source, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the lock controller. The non-transitory memory stores computer executable instructions. When executed by the Processor, the computer executable instructions cause the Processor to: turn on infrared biometrics information collection device, when human is detected by a proximity sensor, irradiate, by the infrared light source, infrared light through the one or more fingers to form at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and capture, by the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers formed on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes the proximity sensor. When the human approaches the infrared biometrics information collection device within a predetermined distance from the infrared biometrics information collection device, the proximity sensor detects the human, and sends a command to the power module to turn on the infrared biometrics information collection device. In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor includes a motion sensor, a blue-tooth proximity sensor, and a Narrowband Internet of Thing (NB-IoT) proximity sensor.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle door lock having an infrared biometrics information collection device. In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock includes, a vehicle door with a door handle for opening the vehicle door, an infrared light source, an infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and a lock controller having a power module to provide electric power to the infrared light source, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the lock controller, a processor and a non-transitory memory storing computer executable instructions. In certain embodiments, one or more fingers of a target human hand are positioned in a biometrics information collection space between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, the infrared light source irradiates infrared light through the one or more fingers to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers, when the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers captured matches one of the infrared images of biometrics information stored in a biometrics storage module of the lock control module, the lock control module opens the vehicle door.

In certain embodiments, the infrared light source includes one or more infrared light emitters. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers of a target human hand. The one or more fingers are positioned in a biometrics information collection space between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor. The infrared light source irradiates the infrared light through the one or more fingers to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers. When the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers captured matches one of the infrared images of biometrics information stored in a biometrics storage module of the lock control module, the lock control module opens the vehicle door.

In certain embodiments, the biometrics information of the one or more fingers includes finger veins, finger bone structure, and finger tissue patterns.

In one embodiment, the infrared light source is positioned on the door handle, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor is positioned on the vehicle door. In another embodiment, the infrared light source is positioned on the vehicle door, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor is positioned on the door handle.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock includes an infrared light transmission space. The infrared light transmission space is formed by infrared light transparent media. The infrared light transmission space includes a first infrared light transmission space, the biometrics information collection space, and a second infrared light transmission space. The one or more fingers are placed in the biometrics information collection space.

In certain embodiments, the infrared light transmission space further includes one or more finger placement notches for placing the one or more fingers. The one or more finger placement notches are placed inside of the door handle.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock includes one or more infrared bandpass filters positioned between the infrared light source and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor to reduce light interference from outside of infrared light spectrum and improve image quality of the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock includes one or more defrost modules. In one embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes a first defrost module for defrosting the surface of the infrared light source. In another embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device includes a second defrost module for defrosting the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor.

In certain embodiments, the power module provides electric power to the infrared light source, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, and the lock controller. The non-transitory memory stores computer executable instructions. When executed by the Processor, the computer executable instructions cause the Processor to: turn on infrared biometrics information collection device, when human is detected by a proximity sensor, irradiate, by the infrared light source, infrared light through the one or more fingers to form at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, capture, by the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers formed on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor, compare, by an image processing module, the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers captured to a set of infrared images of biometrics information stored in a biometrics storage module, and unlock, by a lock control module, the vehicle door lock when at least one of the set of infrared images of biometrics information stored in the biometrics storage module matches the infrared image of biometrics information of the one or more fingers captured.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock includes the proximity sensor. When the human approaches the infrared biometrics information collection device within a predetermined distance from the infrared biometrics information collection device, the proximity sensor detects the human, and sends a command to the power module to turn on the infrared biometrics information collection device. In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor includes a motion sensor, a blue-tooth proximity sensor, and a Narrowband Internet of Thing (NB-IoT) proximity sensor.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock may include a vehicle door handle control mechanism. The vehicle door handle is enclosed in the vehicle door when the vehicle door is locked. In one embodiment, the vehicle door handle may be opened by the human with a touch on the vehicle door handle control mechanism. In another embodiment, the vehicle door handle may be opened by the proximity sensor when the proximity sensor detects the human within the predetermined distance from the vehicle door lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “plurality” means two or more.

As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or conventionally) without altering the principles of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an infrared biometrics information collection device10. In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes an infrared light source110, and an infrared biometrics information collection sensor120. The infrared light source110includes one or more infrared light emitters. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the infrared biometrics information collection device10has a first infrared light emitter1101, a second infrared light emitter1102, a third infrared light emitter1103, and a fourth infrared light emitter1104for four fingers61-64of a target human hand6, as shown inFIG. 2. In another embodiment, the infrared light source110may include only one infrared light emitter1101for irradiating infrared light for a thumb of the target human hand6. Although the infrared biometrics information collection device10may have sufficient accuracy for user authentication when having biometrics information of one finger such as one thumb, but when biometrics information comes from the four fingers61-64, the accuracy and reliability of user authentication may be further improved. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor120is positioned on an opposite side of the infrared light source110, and captures at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64of the target human hand6.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes an infrared light transmission space111. The infrared light transmission space111is formed by infrared light transparent media. The infrared light transmission space111includes a first infrared light transmission space1111, a biometrics information collection space200, and a second infrared light transmission space1116. The fingers61-64are placed in the biometrics information collection space200.

In certain embodiments, the fingers61-64are positioned in the biometrics information collection space200between the first infrared light transmission space1111and the second infrared light transmission space1116, as shown inFIG. 3. The infrared light source110irradiates infrared light beams1101,1102,1103, and1104through the fingers61-64to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor120captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64.

In one embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger veins patterns. In another embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger bone structure patterns. In yet another embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger tissue patterns. Many other biometrics information of the fingers61-64may be used for user authentications in the infrared biometrics information collection device10.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes one or more infrared bandpass filters1202positioned between the infrared light source110and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120to reduce light interference from outside of infrared light spectrum and improve image quality of the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the infrared biometrics information collection device10has a first infrared bandpass filter1202attached to the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120. In another embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device10may attach a second infrared bandpass filter (not shown inFIG. 1) to the surface of the infrared light source110.

In certain embodiments, in order to allow the infrared biometrics information collection device10to operate in extreme cold weather, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes one or more defrost modules122. As shown inFIG. 3, in one embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes a first defrost module1221attached to the surface of the infrared light source110for defrosting the surface of the infrared light source110. In another embodiment, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes a second defrost module1222attached to the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120for defrosting the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device10may include a temperature sensor (not shown inFIGS. 1-3). When environment temperature reaches a pre-determined low temperature, the infrared biometrics information collection device10turns of the one or more defrost modules to defrost the surface of the infrared light source and the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG. 3, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes a lock controller130. The lock controller130includes: a power module132, a processor134and a non-transitory memory136. The power module132provides electric power to the infrared light source110, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, and the lock controller130. The non-transitory memory136stores computer executable instructions. When executed by the processor134, the computer executable instructions cause the processor134to: turn on infrared biometrics information collection device10, when human is detected by a proximity sensor140, irradiate, by the infrared light source110, infrared light through the fingers61-64to form at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, and capture, by the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64formed on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120.

In certain embodiments, the infrared biometrics information collection device10includes the proximity sensor140. When the human approaches the infrared biometrics information collection device10within a predetermined distance from the infrared biometrics information collection device10, the proximity sensor140detects the human, and sends a command to the power module132to turn on the infrared biometrics information collection device10. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a motion sensor. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a blue-tooth proximity sensor. In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a Narrowband Internet of Thing (NB-IoT) proximity sensor. Other proximity sensors may also be used in combination with the infrared biometrics information collection device10.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle door lock100having an infrared biometrics information collection device10, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock100includes, a vehicle door12with a door handle14for opening the vehicle door12, an infrared light source110, an infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, and a lock controller130.

In certain embodiments, the infrared light source110includes one or more infrared light emitters. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the infrared biometrics information collection device10has a first infrared light emitter1101, a second infrared light emitter1102, a third infrared light emitter1103, and a fourth infrared light emitter1104for four fingers61-64of a target human hand6, as shown inFIG. 2. In another embodiment, the infrared light source110may include only one infrared light emitter1101for irradiating infrared light for a thumb of the target human hand6. Although the infrared biometrics information collection device10may have sufficient accuracy for user authentication when having biometrics information of one finger such as one thumb, but when biometrics information comes from the four fingers61-64, the accuracy of user authentication may be further improved. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor120is positioned on an opposite side of the infrared light source110, and captures at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64of the target human hand6.

In certain embodiments, the lock control module130includes a power module132to provide electric power to the infrared light source110, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, and the lock controller130, a processor134and a non-transitory memory136storing computer executable instructions.

In one embodiment, the infrared light source110is positioned on the door handle14as shown inFIG. 1, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120is positioned on the vehicle door12. In another embodiment, the infrared light source110may be positioned on the vehicle door12, and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120may be positioned on the door handle14(not shown inFIG. 1).

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the vehicle door lock100includes an infrared light transmission space111. The infrared light transmission space111is formed by infrared light transparent media. The infrared light transmission space111includes a first infrared light transmission space1111, a biometrics information collection space200, and a second infrared light transmission space1116. The fingers61-64are placed in the biometrics information collection space200.

In certain embodiments, the infrared light transmission space111further includes one or more finger placement notches1112,1113,1114, and1115for placing the fingers61-64. The finger placement notches1112,1113,1114, and1115are placed inside of the door handle14.

In certain embodiments, the fingers61-64are positioned over the finger placement notches1112,1113,1114, and1115located in the biometrics information collection space200between the infrared light source110and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, as shown inFIG. 3. The infrared light source110irradiates the infrared light beams1101,1102,1103, and1104through the fingers61-64to generate the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120. The infrared biometrics information collection sensor120captures the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64. When the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64captured matches one of the infrared images of biometrics information stored in a biometrics storage module13626of the lock control module130, the lock control module130opens the vehicle door12.

In one embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger veins patterns. In another embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger bone structure patterns. In yet another embodiment, the biometrics information of the fingers61-64includes finger tissue patterns. Many other biometrics information of the fingers61-64may be used for user authentications in the vehicle door lock100.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock100includes one or more infrared bandpass filters1202positioned between the infrared light source110and the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120to reduce light interference from outside of infrared light spectrum from outside of infrared light spectrum and improve image quality of the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the vehicle door lock100has a first infrared bandpass filter1202attached to the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120. In another embodiment, the vehicle door lock100may attach a second infrared bandpass filter (not shown inFIG. 1) to the surface of the infrared light source110.

In certain embodiments, in order to allow the vehicle door lock100to operate in extreme cold weather, the vehicle door lock100includes one or more defrost modules122. As shown inFIG. 3, in one embodiment, the vehicle door lock100includes a first defrost module1221attached to the surface of the infrared light source110for defrosting the surface of the infrared light source110. In another embodiment, the vehicle door lock100includes a second defrost module1222attached to the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120for defrosting the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock100may include a temperature sensor (not shown inFIGS. 1-3). When environment temperature reaches a pre-determined low temperature, the vehicle door lock100turns of the one or more defrost modules to defrost the surface of the infrared light source and the surface of the infrared biometrics information collection sensor.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG. 3, the power module132provides electric power to the infrared light source110, the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, and the lock controller130. The non-transitory memory136stores computer executable instructions. When executed by the processor134, the computer executable instructions cause the processor134to: turn on infrared biometrics information collection device10, when human is detected by a proximity sensor140, irradiate, by the infrared light source110, infrared light through the fingers61-64to form at least one infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, capture, by the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64formed on the infrared biometrics information collection sensor120, compare, by an image processing module13622, the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64captured to a set of infrared images of biometrics information stored in a biometrics storage module13626, and unlock, by a lock control module13624, the vehicle door lock100when at least one of the set of infrared images of biometrics information stored in the biometrics storage module13626matches the infrared image of biometrics information of the fingers61-64captured.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock100includes the proximity sensor140. When the human approaches the vehicle door lock100within a predetermined distance from the vehicle door lock100, the proximity sensor140detects the human, and sends a command to the power module132to turn on the vehicle door lock100. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a motion sensor. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a blue-tooth proximity sensor. In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor140includes a Narrowband Internet of Thing (NB-IoT) proximity sensor. Other proximity sensors may also be used in combination with the vehicle door lock100.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle door lock100may include a vehicle door handle control mechanism124. The vehicle door handle14may be enclosed in the vehicle door12when the vehicle door12is locked. In one embodiment, the vehicle door handle14may be opened by the human with a touch on the vehicle door handle control mechanism124. In another embodiment, the vehicle door handle14may be opened by the proximity sensor140when the proximity sensor140detects the human within the predetermined distance from the vehicle door lock100.