Abstract: A system responds to detection of a vehicle situation by comparing a sensed eye gaze direction of the vehicle operator with data stored in memory. The stored data defines a first predetermined vehicle operator eye gaze direction indicating a high probability of operator desire that an alert signal be given and a second predetermined vehicle operator eye gaze direction indicating a low probability of operator desire that an alert signal be given. On the basis of the comparison, a first or second alert action is selected and an alert apparatus controlled accordingly. For example, the alternative alert actions may include (1) generating an alert signal versus not generating the alert signal, (2) generating an alert signal in a first manner versus generating an alert signal in a second manner, or (3) selecting a first value versus selecting a second value for a parameter in a mathematical control algorithm to determine when or whether to generate an alert signal.

Abstract: A user discrimination control system controls functionality made available by a vehicle infotainment device by reducing functionality provided to the driver while allowing enhanced functionality to another passenger in the vehicle. The system includes a human machine interface located in a vehicle for allowing an occupant to interface with the infotainment device. A passenger detection sensor senses a condition indicative of a passenger other than the driver interfacing with the human machine interface. A video imaging system detects a driver distraction condition. A controller controls functions made available by the infotainment device by allowing one of first and second levels of functionality based on the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A user discrimination control system controls functionality made available by a vehicle infotainment device by reducing functionality provided to the driver while allowing enhanced functionality to another passenger in the vehicle. The system includes a human machine interface located in a vehicle for allowing an occupant to interface with the infotainment device. A passenger detection sensor senses a condition indicative of a passenger other than the driver interfacing with the human machine interface. A video imaging system detects a driver distraction condition. A controller controls functions made available by the infotainment device by allowing one of first and second levels of functionality based on the sensed conditions.

Abstract: An image illumination apparatus for backlighting a portion of a liquid crystal display. The apparatus includes a light source generating an illuminating light, a light shielding medium located between the light source and a display grid, and an aperture formed in the light shielding medium for allowing the transmission of light generated by the light source to pass to a lighted portion of the display grid. The light shielding medium prevents light from being transmitted to a non-lighted portion of the display grid.

Abstract: A video tracking system integrates a pair of video cameras into the vehicle instrument cluster. The video tracking system includes an instrument cluster in a vehicle having at least one vehicle related instrument. A video camera is located in the instrument cluster and is oriented to capture images of a driver of the vehicle. The system includes a processor for processing the images acquired by the video camera and determining one or more characteristics of the driver.

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system includes a fingerprint sensor (26) that generates a fingerprint signal. A memory has a plurality of authorized fingerprint signals stored therein. A switch (28) is used to generate a start signal. A controller is coupled to the ignition system (20), the fingerprint sensor (26), the memory (18), and switch (28). The controller compares the fingerprint signal with the authorized fingerprint signal stored in the memory and enables the ignition system in response to the start signal and the fingerprint signal being substantially equal to an authorized fingerprint signal.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, apparatus for and method of eye tracking, including, in sequence, the steps of: viewing an entire face of a person to obtain predetermined facial features of the person to identify or not the said person; if the person is identified, retrieving a previously stored ocular profile of the person based on said predetermined facial features; using said ocular profile to track movement of an eye of said person. If the person is not identified, an ocular profile is created.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for eye tracking, including: an illuminator; reflection apparatus to reflect illumination from the illuminator onto a surface of a windshield of a vehicle in which the windshield is installed, such that the illumination is reflected onto at least an eye of a person in the vehicle, and to reflect an image of the at least an eye, and a sensor to receive a reflection of the image of the at least an eye reflected by the reflection apparatus and to produce an output signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system includes a fingerprint sensor (26) that generates a fingerprint signal. A memory has a plurality of authorized fingerprint signals stored therein. A switch (28) is used to generate a start signal. A controller is coupled to the ignition system (20), the fingerprint sensor (26), the memory (18), and switch (28). The controller compares the fingerprint signal with the authorized fingerprint signal stored in the memory and enables the ignition system in response to the start signal and the fingerprint signal being substantially equal to an authorized fingerprint signal.

Abstract: An image illumination apparatus for backlighting a portion of a liquid crystal display. The apparatus includes a light source generating an illuminating light, a light shielding medium located between the light source and a display grid, and an aperture formed in the light shielding medium for allowing the transmission of light generated by the light source to pass to a lighted portion of the display grid. The light shielding medium prevents light from being transmitted to a non-lighted portion of the display grid.