CES 2024: Continental integrates facial recognition invisibly behind the driver display

Continental is presenting a two-stage access control system based on biometric user recognition at CES 2024 in Las Vegas with the "Face Authentication Display." Special camera systems are used, which are mounted outside on the B-pillar of the vehicle as well as invisibly behind the driver display in the vehicle interior. Thanks to biometric facial authentication, the vehicle unlocks and starts as soon as it detects a registered user. The system reliably detects any attempt at deception thanks to liveness detection by trinamiX, a leading provider of biometric solutions and a subsidiary of BASF SE.

Combination of User Experience and Design

To avoid disrupting the design language of the vehicle interior, Continental has positioned the necessary camera technology behind the driver display for the first time. The frameless design of the screen area is a further development of the technology awarded an Innovation Award at CES 2023. A camera with biometric authentication checks inside the vehicle whether the person in the driver's seat is authorized to start the vehicle. Additional digital services such as a payment function can also be realized in this way. The high-contrast and bright OLED display has been specially adapted so that the optical components detect people through the pixels of the active display. Furthermore, the system's built-in sensors include the functionality for reliable attention and drowsiness detection.

“For us, User Experience defines itself not only through the functional and technical part of an interaction but also with an aesthetic claim. Sophisticated comfort and safety functions that are not visually perceived during use are, in this respect, a complete success for us,” said Dr. Boris Mergell, Head of the User Experience (UX) business area at Continental.

Keyless Access to the Vehicle: Identification via Facial Recognition

Opening the driver's door without a key or any other access medium: This is made possible by facial authentication technology, which Continental additionally integrates into the B-pillar of a vehicle. Thanks to this system, originating from technology partner trinamiX, vehicle unlocking in the future will be done solely through secure driver authentication.

The camera in the B-pillar not only checks for optical matching with a known user, but also enables real skin detection. The dual authentication for both exterior and interior not only provides an additional layer of security to protect against theft. For example, it also allows all family members access to the car at any time while preventing children from starting the engine.