Continental showed off the latest version of its in-car biometric technology at the Consumer Electronics Show. It is called an “invisible biometric sensor screen” and aims to improve the passive safety of vehicle occupants.
Biometrics is the science of identification using biological characteristics and this system goes further by detecting passengers using a camera and laser projector.
This technology is visible through a high-resolution OLED screen and is invisible to the naked eye. Developed by Continental in collaboration with its partner Trinamix.
This latest version uses 3D distance mapping to ensure airbags are deployed to best effect in the event of a collision, and it checks other restraint devices too – for example, making sure seat belts are fastened correctly.
The invisible biometric sensor display can also monitor vital parameters such as the driver’s heart rate to identify stressful situations or even an impending medical emergency.
At its core, the imaging technology consists of a 1.5-megapixel infrared camera and a laser dot projector that poses no risk to passengers’ eyes.
The system, also developed by Trinamix, works by capturing reflections from points of light emanating from the projector.
Passengers are unaware this is happening because the wavelengths used all fall within the invisible light spectrum.
The technology also captures other information, such as the distance between the driver and the instrument panel. Unsurprisingly, the engine room behind the optics is operated by AI-based algorithms.
The biometric imaging technology was developed specifically for use in vehicle interiors, and uses a single hardware module, and as such, Continental claims it is unique in the market.
The developers also believe that because the system is contactless and invisible to vehicle occupants, it should open up new creative opportunities for designers and be more easily accepted by users.
Of course, other driver monitoring systems have been around for some time. Bosch markets a drowsiness detection system based on an algorithm that begins recording the driver’s steering behavior from the moment he turns away.
Based on the frequency and pattern of driver inputs and other things such as trip length, use of indicators and time of day, algorithms can calculate a driver’s level of fatigue and issue a warning.
Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce a drowsiness detection system, with Attention Assist, in 2009. If it concludes that the driver needs a wake-up call, it will issue an audible and visual prompt: “Time for a break.”