Method and apparatus for controlling operations in a vehicle
AssigneeMedius, Inc.
InventorsRobert Pierce Lutter, Tracy Olson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mission control unit includes a collision detection sensor and a processor. The processor initiates different collision detection events when a collision condition is indicated by the collision detection sensor. The mission control unit can be coupled to a vehicle wiring harness to provide real-time engine diagnostics while the vehicle is being driven. The mission control unit also automatically establishes a wireless communications link to a call center during a collision condition and allows the call center to remotely control and monitor devices in the vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, an image sensor is used to verify the driver as an authorized vehicle operator.
Claims38
A collision control unit, comprising:
- a platform;
- a collision detection sensor rigidly attached to the platform;
- and
- a processor attached to the platform, the processor initiating different collision detection events when a collision condition is indicated by the collision detection sensor.
A vehicle control unit, comprising:
- an wiring harness interface for tapping into signals carried on a vehicle wiring harness;
- and
- a main processor located in the vehicle and configured to monitor the signals from the wiring harness and control car operations real-time during vehicle driving according to the monitored wiring harness signals.
A vehicle operator identification system, comprising:
- an image sensor for capturing the facial image of an vehicle operator;
- a memory configured to store profiles for authorized vehicle operators;
- and
- a processor configured to compare the captured facial image with the stored profiles and enable vehicle operations according to the comparison.
A method for controlling access to a vehicle, comprising:
- storing images of persons authorized to access the vehicle;
- capturing an image of a person outside the vehicle;
- comparing the captured image to the stored authorized images;
- and
- unlocking a door on the vehicle if the captured image matches one of the stored authorized images.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.