Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a biometric authentication system, more particularly, relates to biometric authentication system for accessing a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Currently, accessing vehicles typically involves either a physical key or a key fob, both of which lack robust and effective security features against theft. Moreover, vehicle with advanced security systems utilize biometric authentication. It has been observed that the existing biometric authentication systems require more than one finger of the user to carryout authentication and thus are failed in effectively utilising the biometric authentication through touch screen cluster of the vehicle. These systems require the setup and maintenance of authentication data in either local or cloud-based storage, necessitating significant effort and resources.
[003] It has been observed that user/ driver's license details are stored by the biometric authentication system without verification which means that these system lack features to effectively validate whether the driver possesses a valid driving license approved by regulatory authorities. Consequently, there is a need for a system that addresses this issue. Therefore, there is a requirement for a more secure access and system design that utilizes fewer resources and is cost-effective in providing vehicle access to customers. Additionally, there is a need to control systems that control ignition of the vehicle based on the authentication output.
[004] Thus, there is a need in the art for an authentication system for the rider of the vehicle which can effectively address at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a biometric authentication system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to capture at least one of a biometric identifier of a user. The system further includes a server. The server is communicatively connected to a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the sensor. The control unit is configured to receive a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor. The control unit is configured to send the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor to the server. Further, the control unit is configured to fetch a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server obtained upon analysing the first data by the server. The control unit is configured to analyse if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions. Further, the control unit is configured to compare the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions. Further, the control unit is configured to allow the user to access the vehicle if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first data is related to biometric identifier being at least one of: a fingerprint; iris recognition; face recognition; and hand geometry.
[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the second data comprises at least one of: type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user; or an expiry date of the driving license of the user; or penalties registered with the driving license of the user.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of: whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date; or whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided; or whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value.
[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sensor is an ultrasonic scanner integrated with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of an instrument cluster of the vehicle.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is a microprocessor.
[011] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a biometric authentication method for accessing a vehicle. The method includes the step of capturing, by a sensor, at least one of a biometric identifier of a user. The method further includes the step of receiving, by a control unit, a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor. The method further includes the step of sending, by the control unit, the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor to the server. The method further includes the step of fetching, by the control unit, a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server obtained upon analysing the first data by the server. The method further includes the step of analysing, by the control unit, if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions. The method further includes the step of comparing, by the control unit, the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions. The method further includes the step of allowing, by the control unit, the user to access the vehicle if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle.
[012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first data is related to biometric identifier being at least one of: a fingerprint; iris recognition; face recognition; and hand geometry.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the second data comprises at least one of: type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user; or an expiry date of the driving license of the user; or penalties registered with the driving license of the user.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of: whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date; or whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided; or whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value.
[015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sensor is an ultrasonic scanner integrated with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of an instrument cluster of the vehicle.
[016] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is a microprocessor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a biometric authentication system for accessing a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a method flow diagram of the biometric authentication system for accessing the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another method flow diagram of the biometric authentication system for accessing the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[019] The present invention generally relates to a biometric authentication system and particularly relates to the biometric authentication system for accessing a vehicle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a motorcycle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a scooter or any other saddle type vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[020] In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or a multi-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may be powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor through one or more batteries or a hybrid-electric motor as per requirement. It should be understood that the scope of present invention is not limited to the illustrated two-wheeled vehicle having the internal combustion engine.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of biometric authentication system 100 for accessing a vehicle 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The biometric authentication system 100 includes a sensor 102. The sensor 102 is configured to capture at least one of a biometric identifiers of a user. In an embodiment, the sensor 102 include, but not limited to, any one of finger print scanner, iris scanner, camera. In an embodiment, the sensor is integrated with the vehicle 108. In another embodiment, the sensor 102 is an ultrasonic scanner integrated with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of an instrument cluster 110 (not shown) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the biometric sensor is disposed on a handlebar of the vehicle 108.
[022] In an embodiment, if a user of the vehicle 108 who rides the vehicle 108 wants to unlock or lock the vehicle 108, the user of the vehicle 108 will be required to access the vehicle 108 through the biometric authentication system 100.
[023] Further, the biometric authentication system 100 includes a control unit 104. In an embodiment, the control unit is a vehicle control unit or electronic control unit. In another embodiment, the biometric authentication system 100 includes a telematics unit. In an alternate embodiment, the control unit 104 includes a microprocessor and a memory unit.
[024] In an embodiment, the control unit 112 is disposed in the vehicle 108. Further, the biometric authentication system 100 includes a server 106. In an embodiment, the server 106 is a cloud database server which stores data related to the user of the vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the server is a backend existing government server such as Aadhar Services. The server 106 is communicatively connected to the control unit 104. The control unit 104 is communicatively connected to the sensor 102.
[025] The control unit 104 is configured to receive a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102. In an embodiment, the first data relates to biometric identifier is at least one of: a fingerprint, iris recognition, face recognition, and hand geometry. In another embodiment, the first data is received by a sensor of a communication device (not shown). The communication device is an electronic device which includes, but not limited to, any one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or any wearable devices. The communication device is communicatively coupled to the control unit 104. In an embodiment, the communication between the sensor 102 and the control unit 104 is established either through wireless network or wired network.
[026] In another embodiment, the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is received by the control unit 104 and is stored in the memory unit of the vehicle 108. In another embodiment, the received first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is stored at the server 106. In another embodiment, the control unit 104 is configured to check if the first data received from the sensor 102 matches with a prestored data stored in the memory unit of the vehicle 108. If the first data matches with the prestored data stored in the memory unit, the control unit 104 is configured to check whether the user corresponding to the first data has logged in within a predetermined period of time. If the user has logged in within the predetermined period of time, then the control unit 108 is configured to allow access of the vehicle 108 to the user. The predetermined period of time is 30-45 days.
[027] Further, once the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is received by the control unit 104. The control unit 104 is configured to send the first data related to the biometric identifier to the server 106. The control unit 104 is configured to fetch a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server 106 obtained upon analysing the first data by the server 106. The server 106 analyses the received first data upon receiving the first data from the control unit 104. In an embodiment, the server verifies the first data received from the control unit 104 by matching it to the prestored data stored at the server 106 about the user. Upon analysing, once the first data of the user is verified by the server 106, the control unit 104 is configured to fetch a second data indicative of the verified user information stored on the server 106. In an embodiment, the second data comprises at least one of: type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user, or an expiry date of the driving license of the user, or penalties registered with the driving license of the user. In an embodiment, if the second data of the user corresponding to the first data is not found on the server 106, then the control unit 104 is configured to display an error message on the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 and keep the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state.
[028] Further, the control unit 104 is configured to analyse the second data if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions. In another embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of: whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date, or whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided, or whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value. In an embodiment, if the second data of the user does not satisfy the one or more predefined conditions, the control unit 104 is configured to send an alert message to the user and keep the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state. In an exemplary embodiment, the alert message is sent by the control unit 104 either on the display screen of the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 or on the communication device of the user.
[029] In another embodiment, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions and the number of penalties registered with the license of the user is below a threshold value, the control unit 104 is configured to request the user to pay for the penalties registered with the license of the user. The control unit 104 is configured to generate signals requiring the user to pay for the penalties either by displaying a message on the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 or on the communication device. In an embodiment, if user pays the penalties registered on the driving license, the control unit 104 is configured to validate the payment status with the server 106 and allow the user to access the vehicle 108. In alternate embodiment, if user does not pay for the penalties, the control unit 104 is configured to inhibit access to the vehicle 108 and does not allow ignition of the vehicle or activate an immobilizer of the vehicle 108.
[030] Further, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions, the control unit 104 is configured to compare the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the third data of registered users of the vehicle is the data related to the registered users of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the third data is either stored in the memory unit of the vehicle 108 or stored in the communication device which is communicatively connected of the vehicle 108. If the second data does not match the third data of registered users of the vehicle 108, the control unit 104 is configured to send the alert message to the user and keep the ignition of vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state. Further, if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle 108, the control unit 104 is configured to allow the user to access the vehicle 108 and turn ON the ignition. In an embodiment, the control unit 104 allows the user to turn ON the vehicle 108.
[031] Figures 2 is a flow diagram of a method depicting operation of the biometric authentication system for accessing the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[032] At step 202, the sensor 102 captures at least one of a biometric identifier of the user. At step 204, the control unit 104 receives the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102. In an embodiment, the first data related to biometric identifier being at least one of a fingerprint; iris recognition; face recognition; and hand geometry. At step 206, the control unit 104 sends the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 to the server 106. Upon receiving the first data from the control unit 104, the server 106 analyses the first data. In an embodiment, the server 106 verifies the first data received from the control unit 104 by matching it to the prestored data stored at the server 106 about the user. Upon analysing, once the first data of the user is verified by the server 106, at step 208, the control unit 104 fetches a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server 106. In an embodiment, the second data comprises at least one of: type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user, or an expiry date of the driving license of the user, or penalties registered with the driving license of the user. At step 210, the control unit 104 analyses the second data if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions. In an embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of: whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date, or whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided, or whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value. At step 212, the control unit 104 compares the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions. Further, at step 214, the control unit 104 allows the user to access the vehicle if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle.
[033] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the method depicting operation of the biometric authentication system for accessing the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[034] At step 304, the control unit 104 receives a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102. In an embodiment, the first data relates to biometric identifier is at least one of: a fingerprint, iris recognition, face recognition, and hand geometry. In another embodiment, the first data can be received by a sensor of a communication devices (not shown). The communication device is an electronic device. which includes, but not limited to, any one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA) any wearable devices. The communication device is communicatively coupled to the control unit 104. In an embodiment, the communication between the sensor 102 and the control unit 104 is established either through wireless network or wired network. In another embodiment, the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is received by the control unit 104 and is stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the vehicle 108. In another embodiment, the received first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is stored at the server 106.
[035] In another embodiment, the control unit 104 checks if the first data received from the sensor 102 matches with a prestored data stored in the memory unit of the vehicle 108. If the first data matches with the prestored data stored in the memory unit, then at step 306, the control unit 104 checks whether the user corresponding to the first data has logged in within a predetermined period of time. If the user has logged in within the predetermined period of time, then at step 308, the control unit 108 allows access of the vehicle 108 to the user. The predetermined period of time is 30-45 days.
[036] Further, once the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor 102 is received by the control unit 104. At step 310, the control unit 104 sends the first data related to the biometric identifier to the server 106. At step 312, the control unit 104 fetches a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server 106 obtained upon analysing the first data by the server 106. The server 106 analyses the received first data upon receiving the first data from the control unit 104. In an embodiment, the server verifies the first data received from the control unit 104 by matching it to the prestored data stored at the server 106 about the user. Upon analysing, once the first data of the user is verified by the server 106, the control unit 104 fetches the second data indicative of the verified user information stored on the server 106. In an embodiment, the second data comprises at least one of: type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user, or an expiry date of the driving license of the user, or penalties registered with the driving license of the user. At step 314, if the second data of the user corresponding to the first data is not found on the server 106, then the control unit 104 displays an error message on the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 and keep the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state.
[037] Further, at step 316, the control unit 104 analyses the second data if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions. In another embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of: whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date, or whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided, or whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value. At step 320, if the second data of the user does not satisfy the one or more predefined conditions, the control unit 104 sends the alert message to the user and keep the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state. In an exemplary embodiment, the alert message is sent by the control unit 104 either on the display screen of instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 or on the communication device of the user.
[038] At step 324, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions and the number of penalties registered with the license of the user is below a threshold value, at step 326, the control unit 104 asks the user to pay for the penalties registered with the license of the user. The control unit 104 asks the user to pay for the penalties either by displaying a message on the instrument cluster 110 of the vehicle 108 or on the communication device. At step 328, if user does not pay for the penalties, the control unit 104 keeps the ignition of the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state. At step 330, if user pays for the penalties, the control unit 104 allows the user to access the vehicle 108.
[039] Further, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions, at step 318, the control unit 104 compares the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the third data of registered users of the vehicle is the data related to the registered users of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the third data is either stored in the memory unit of the vehicle 108 or stored in the communication device which is communicatively connected of the vehicle 108. If the second data does not match the third data of registered users of the vehicle 108, the control unit 104 sends the alert message to the user and keep the vehicle 108 in the turn OFF state. Further, at step 322, if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle 108, the control unit 104 allows the user to access the vehicle 108. In an embodiment, the control unit 104 allows the user to turn ON the vehicle 108.
[040] In an embodiment, the present system and method of biometric authentication for accessing the vehicle described above maybe used by fleet owner of electrical vehicles. The biometric identifier of the users of the vehicles managed by fleet owner is stored in another server or a private server. The vehicle access to the users is allowed by the fleet owner. The fleet owner is allowed to delete users’ biometric identifier, thereby disabling the vehicle access of the corresponding user of the vehicle.
[041] Advantageously, the present invention reduces the risk of theft of the vehicle as the biometric data of the users are verified thoroughly. The configuration of the system is simple and provides an ease of authentication of the biometric details of the user. The system does not require multiple control units and thus reduces the additional costs and system complexity. The present invention validates the data stored in the vehicle or the server before authenticating the rider for allowing access to the vehicle and ensures an effective security of the vehicle by providing user a secure access to the vehicle only upon verifying the driving license details of the user. The present invention provides verification at vehicle level by using right key and the verification of biometrics of a registered user. Further, the second stage of verification is done at server level. Hence, ensure double safety of the vehicle. The present invention also mandates users to execute payment of penalties in order to enable driving of the vehicles.
[042] In light of the abovementioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[043] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[044] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100 - Biometric Authentication System
102 - Sensor
104 – Control unit
106 - Server
108 – Vehicle
110 – Instrument Cluster
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A biometric authentication system (100) for accessing a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a sensor (102), the sensor (102) being configured to capture at least one of a biometric identifier of a user;
a server (106), the server (106) being communicatively connected to a control unit (104);
the control unit (104) being communicatively connected to the sensor (102), the control unit (104) being configured to:
receive a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor (102);
send the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor (102) to the server (106);
fetch a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server (106) obtained upon analysing the first data by the server (106);
analyse the second data if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions;
compare the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions; and
allow the user to access the vehicle if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first data related to biometric identifier being at least one of: a fingerprint; iris recognition; face recognition; and hand geometry.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second data comprises at least one of:
type of vehicles for which a driving license is granted to the user; or
an expiry date of the driving license of the user; or
penalties registered with the driving license of the user.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of:
whether the expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date; or
whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided; or
whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (102) being an ultrasonic scanner integrated with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of an instrument cluster (110) of the vehicle.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (104) being a microprocessor.

7. A biometric authentication method (200) for accessing a vehicle, the method (200) comprises the steps of:
capturing, by a sensor (102), at least one of a biometric identifier of a user;
receiving, by a control unit (104), a first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor (102);
sending, by the control unit (104), the first data related to the biometric identifier from the sensor (102) to the server (106);
fetching, by the control unit (104), a second data indicative of a verified user information stored on the server (106) obtained upon analysing the first data by the server (106);
analysing, by the control unit (104), the second data if the second data of the user satisfy one or more predefined conditions;
comparing, by the control unit (104), the second data with a third data of registered users of the vehicle, if the second data of the user satisfies the one or more predefined conditions; and
allowing, by the control unit (104), the user to access the vehicle if the second data matches the third data of registered users of the vehicle.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first data related to biometric identifier being at least one of: a fingerprint; iris recognition; face recognition; and hand geometry.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second data comprises at least one of:
type of vehicle for which a driving license is granted to the user; or
an expiry date of the driving license of the user; or
penalties registered with the driving license of the user.

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more predefined conditions being at least one of:
whether an expiry date of the driving license of the user being below a predefined expiry date; or
whether the type of vehicle for which the license is granted being same as the type of vehicle for which the access to the user is being provided; or
whether the number of penalties registered with the license of the user being below a threshold value.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sensor (102) being an ultrasonic scanner integrated with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen of an instrument cluster (110) of the vehicle.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (104) being a microprocessor.

Dated this 21st day of February 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471