Continental envisions this technology being implemented both inside and outside the vehicle. Beyond simply starting your car, it can also streamline digital payments at locations like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through the infotainment system.
What sets Continental's facial recognition apart is its integration with hidden cameras, a concept unveiled at last year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). These cameras can be discreetly placed behind an infotainment screen, eliminating the need for major interior changes. The camera seamlessly blends into the driver's line of sight.
Dr. Boris Mergell, the Head of UX at Continental Automotive, emphasizes that user experience extends beyond functionality. It also includes aesthetics, where sophisticated convenience and safety features, even when not visually evident during use, are paramount.
Continental's cameras can be seamlessly integrated into a vehicle's B-pillar to facilitate vehicle unlocking. To ensure security, the system verifies both facial features and ensures it's detecting real skin, preventing unauthorized access with a photo of the owner.
This technology opens doors to innovative features that traditional keys can't offer. For instance, your car could be set to start as soon as you approach it. Additionally, you could grant access to family members, allowing them to unlock the vehicle with their face, but not start it.
In addition to facial recognition, Continental has been working on screens that seamlessly blend into a vehicle's B-pillar. These screens remain nearly invisible when not in use but illuminate when the owner approaches, conveying information such as the state of charge and whether the doors are locked, enhancing the overall user experience.
Source: Continental