Biometrics company, Fingerprint and Gentex are to partner to bring iris-scanning technology to the automotive industry.
Automakers are keen to integrate biometric-based driver authentication into vehicles in order to improve vehicle security, cabin personalisation and securely authorise in-vehicle payments, home automation control, and additional cloud-based services.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
“Collaboration is key within the automotive ecosystem and as a leading provider of smart mirrors and automotive electronics, Gentex brings a platform and vehicle real estate through which we can deploy our ActiveIRIS technology,” said Fingerprints president and CEO, Christian Fredrikson.
“Together, we aim to advance the market for vehicle-integrated biometrics systems that authenticate the driver and deliver custom security, comfort and convenience features. We see a great opportunity for multimode biometry, both locally and in the cloud.”
Locating the iris authentication system in or around the mirror would allow auto manufacturers to offer the solution in varying vehicle trim packages, without requiring substantial redesign of the vehicle’s interior.
For auto manufacturers which use key fobs, or car sharing providers that leverage phone apps to identify the driver, iris recognition could act as a second layer of security, confirming the driver’s identity, with a false acceptance rate as low as one in 10m.
On entering the vehicle, the biometric system would identify the driver with an iris scan, and, if authorised, start the car and personalise set-up by automatically adjusting mirrors, steering wheel, seat position, music, GPS locations and more. ActiveIRIS could also provide an additional layer of security for vehicle-to-home automation services and vehicle-to-infrastructure transactions.
“The ActiveIRIS system could enable future vehicles to quickly and accurately identify drivers and personalise the in-vehicle experience,” added Gentex president and CEO, Steve Downing.
“It would also enable two-factor authentication, securing and customising everything from vehicle operation to in-vehicle functions such as speed limiting, geo-fencing, home automation control, toll payments, and in-vehicle transactions.”
While the first systems are likely to be discretely located inside a Gentex automatic-dimming rear-view mirror or related windscreen mount, future systems could be developed in various areas in the vehicle.
The agreement also allows for system integration outside the vehicle, where Fingerprints’ cloud capabilities offerings are an important component for businesses, single-household applications and unified smart cities.
