Continental introduces a biometric two-step access control system called the ‘Facial Recognition Display’. A special camera system, discreetly installed on the exterior of the vehicle’s B-pillar and behind the driver’s display console, automatically unlocks the vehicle doors and starts the engine when it detects a registered user. This solution, a leader in biometric technology, can also distinguish abnormal access using the biometric response detection technology developed by Trinamics, a subsidiary of global chemical company BASF.
To ensure a polished interior design, Continental is the first in the world to incorporate camera technology behind the driver display console, creating a frameless screen surface. This innovative design earned the company an award at CES 2023.
The biometric authentication camera inside the vehicle not only verifies whether the driver has permission to start the engine but can also be applied to other digital services, such as payment functionalities. The bright OLED display, with high contrast, is optimized so that the optical components can recognize the driver’s face through the activated display pixels, and the integrated sensor is equipped with attention and fatigue detection features.
As Boris Mergel, head of Continental’s UX division, stated, “User experience is defined not only by functional and technical aspects but also by aesthetic factors. In this regard, Continental adds refinement with sophisticated safety and convenience features.”
The facial recognition technology embedded in the B-pillar allows users to unlock the vehicle doors without needing a car key. Specifically, Trinamics’ system enables unlocking through verified driver authentication alone. The special camera within the B-pillar is designed to distinguish not only between registered users’ facial matches but also to differentiate real skin from other materials. The dual authentication function, both inside and outside the vehicle, provides an enhanced anti-theft system, allowing family members to access the car while preventing children from starting the engine.
Additionally, the integrated display in the B-pillar supports smooth interaction with drivers by showing the charging status of electric vehicles when viewed from outside. Continental has applied its In2Visible technology to the exterior of the vehicle for the first time, ensuring that the display is invisible when not in use, making it applicable to any vehicle design.
Boris Mergel further explained, “Continental is expanding the application of technology from the interior to the exterior to enhance safety and convenience. By expanding our UX portfolio externally, we will provide intuitive and new interaction options for both vehicle manufacturers and drivers.”
The facial recognition technology based on Trinamics’ innovative technology meets the highest biometric security certification requirements. It can effectively prevent attempts to use counterfeit faces, including 3D masks and AI-generated images, by distinguishing between real skin and other materials.
Wilfried Hermes, President of Consumer Electronics North America and Europe at Trinamics, stated, “Trinamics’ facial recognition guarantees top-tier security standards both inside and outside the vehicle, and we are improving the interaction between the driver and the vehicle with this upgraded driver monitoring system developed in collaboration with Continental, complete with an exclusive display design installed behind the OLED panel.”
Jang-In Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr