Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11604863-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
An alignment system may comprise a housing defining a channel having a first end and a second end; a light source disposed at the first end of the channel; and an alignment image disposed at the second end of the channel. The light source may be in optical communication with the alignment image. The alignment system may further comprise a baffle extending around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the channel, the baffle defining a backlight aperture. The light source may be in selective optical communication with the alignment image.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an alignment system with a housing that defines a channel having a first end and a second end. A light source is disposed at the first end and an alignment image is disposed at the second end. A baffle extends around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the channel and defines a backlight aperture, and a colored light filter is disposed in the channel generally parallel to the alignment image and between the light source and the baffle.
The system is arranged so that the light source is in selective optical communication with the alignment image. Optics and an alignment image structure cause the alignment image to appear illuminated to a user only when the user’s eye/face is within a defined field of view.
For authentication, an authentication system includes an imager disposed in proximity to the alignment system. The imager captures user iris/face imagery when properly aligned, and a processor compares captured images to stored image data to determine authentication. The results can be communicated to vehicle systems, and the system can be installed in a vehicle.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims that cover three inventive features: an alignment system structure with specific optical elements and selective optical communication, an authentication system that combines the alignment system with a nearby imager and optional concealment, and a method of using the authentication system to align a user feature with field-of-view-based illumination behavior and electro-optic concealment responsive to an input.
Alignment system channel with selective optical communication
A housing defining a channel having a first end and a second end; a light source disposed at the first end of the channel; an alignment image disposed at the second end of the channel; a baffle extending around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the channel, the baffle defining a backlight aperture; a colored light filter disposed in the channel and generally parallel to the alignment image and between the light source and the baffle; wherein the light source is in selective optical communication with the alignment image.
Authentication system with proximate imager
An authentication system comprising an imager and an alignment system with a housing defining a channel, a light source, an alignment image, a baffle defining a backlight aperture, and a colored light filter disposed generally parallel to the alignment image and between the light source and the baffle, wherein the light source is in optical communication with the alignment image and the imager is disposed in proximity to the alignment system.
Method with field-of-view illumination and selective concealment
A method of using an authentication system to align a feature of a user, including activating a light source of an alignment system, activating an imager in proximity with the alignment system, illuminating the alignment image, determining whether an object is within a field of view of the imager, and causing an electro-optic element disposed so as to selectively conceal components of the authentication system to clear upon receipt of an input from a sensor, wherein the alignment image appears illuminated to the user when the user’s eye is in the field of view of the imager.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on an alignment channel having a baffle-defined backlight aperture and a colored light filter arranged between the light source and an alignment image, with selective optical communication. The authentication independent claim adds a nearby imager and optional electro-optic concealment in the overall authentication system context. The method independent claim further ties illumination of the alignment image to the imager field of view when a user’s eye is in that field of view, with processor-based field-of-view determination and electro-optic element clearing based on sensor input.
Stated Advantages
Alignment image illumination is provided to the user when the user’s eye is in the field of view of the imager.
The electro-optic element selectively conceals components of the authentication system to clear upon receipt of an input from a sensor.
Documented Applications
Use in a vehicle, with communication to at least one other vehicle system.
Biometric authentication based on capturing a user’s iris/face when properly aligned.
Interested in licensing this patent?