Continental, one of the global automotive technology leader, has introduced “Face Authentication Display,” setting a new standard in vehicle access control through advanced biometric user recognition. The two-stage access system employs special camera systems discreetly mounted on the vehicle’s B-pillar and seamlessly integrated behind the driver display console, offering heightened security and user interaction. This innovation is helping Continental to take a leap forward in the automotive industry, combining cutting-edge technology with aesthetic design.
Continental, a technology company established in 1871, is at one of the forefront positions of developing innovative technologies and services to advance sustainable and connected mobility for both individuals and goods. With the vision to provide safe, efficient, intelligent, and cost-effective solutions, Continental operates in the domains of vehicles, machinery, traffic, and transportation. With a robust presence in 57 countries and markets, Continental, as of 2022, achieved sales of €39.4 billion and currently boasts a workforce of approximately 200,000 dedicated professionals.
The “Face Authentication Display” feature by Continental operates on biometric face authentication technology, allowing the vehicle to unlock and start as soon as a registered user is detected. The system, incorporating trinamiX’s unique liveness detection, ensures reliable identification by thwarting attempted deception. Continental has strategically positioned the required camera technology behind the driver display console, creating a frameless screen surface to preserve the vehicle’s interior design.
Continental’s advanced facility boasts an industry-leading automated mono PERC manufacturing line, achieving a remarkable cell efficiency of 22.9%. The facility is equipped to handle upcoming technologies, including larger-sized cells like M10, M12, and Multi-Busbar cells. The fully-automated module line, capable of processing half-cut cells and bifacial modules, further underscores Continental’s commitment to technological excellence.
To enhance user experience, the high-contrast and bright OLED display are specially adapted to allow optical components to detect users through the activated display pixels. The system also integrates sensors for reliable attention and fatigue detection, adding an extra layer of safety. Boris Mergell, head of the User Experience (UX) business area in Continental Automotive, emphasizes the importance of combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Continental’s biometric technology extends beyond the interior, with advanced facial authentication integrated into the B-pillar, offering keyless entry to the vehicle. This technology allows the driver’s door to be opened without a physical key, relying solely on secure authentication. The double authentication process in both the exterior and interior not only enhances security against theft but also facilitates controlled access for family members.
Continental has also introduced an additional display seamlessly integrated into the B-pillar. This exterior display enables user interaction, showcasing information such as the charging progress of an electric car. The display is invisible when not in use, contributing to the vehicle’s overall design. This “In2Visible” technology signifies a paradigm shift as Continental extends its user experience portfolio to the exterior, providing intuitive new interaction options for vehicle manufacturers and end-users alike. Mr Mergell has further explained about the “In2Visible” technology implemented by Continental, “Transferring our technologies from the interior to the exterior is a logical next step if this allows us to incorporate additional safety aspects and convenience functions. By extending our UX portfolio to the exterior, vehicle manufacturers and end users will benefit in equal measure from intuitive new interaction options.”
The biometric facial recognition technology from trinamiX, which forms the basis of the “Face Authentication Display,” meets the highest security standards by distinguishing real skin from other materials. This additional layer of security prevents unauthorized access using realistic reproductions like masks or AI-generated images. Wilfried Hermes, Director of Consumer Electronics, North America, and Europe at trinamiX, highlights the collaborative effort with Continental to improve driver monitoring systems, “trinamiX Face Authentication ensures the highest security standards in both the exterior and interior. Together with Continental, we are improving existing driver monitoring systems and thus ensuring better interaction between the driver and the vehicle. The installation behind the OLED panel also enables exclusive display designs,” says Wilfried Hermes, director of Consumer Electronics, North America and Europe at trinamiX.
Continental will showcase these technologies at CES 2024, demonstrating a wide range of mobility innovations. The private exhibition, held from January 9 to January 12, will feature Continental’s aim to shape the future of automotive technology, from the road to the cloud.
