Continental : Introduces Biometrics to Vehicles

• Innovative access system with biometric elements
• Fingerprint authentication increases level of security
• Face recognition provides authentic personalization Options

Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A./Regensburg, Germany, December 15, 2016. There is much more to innovative access systems than simply unlocking car doors or starting the engine. Continental will demonstrate the intelligence of today's solutions at the Consumer Electronics Show 2017 in Las Vegas. Through the combination of the keyless entry and start system PASE (Passive Start and Entry) and biometric elements, the international technology company is opening up new possibilities in the field of vehicle personalization and authentication.

Face recognition provides authentic personalization optionsImage download

'The integration of biometric elements brings our expertise in system integration to the fore, as we are linking our access control solution with other intelligent systems in vehicles to ensure increased comfort and safety for all passengers,' explains Andreas Wolf, head of Continental's Body & Security business unit. 'In addition, the access system functions almost like a doorman, allowing us to control specific components as and when they are needed. This means that components are not required to operate continuously, which saves energy and increases efficiency.'

Fingerprint-controlled engine start and authentic personalization

Depending on the system configuration, automotive manufacturers can introduce another level of security to their vehicles using biometrics. Introducing a biometric element could mean, for example, that the presence of a valid key inside the vehicle is no longer enough to start the engine as the driver is also required to provide authentication using a fingerprint sensor. This two-fold authentication process significantly increases the vehicle's anti-theft protection measures.

Fingerprint-controlled engine start enhances securityImage download

Biometric elements also allow drivers to personalize their vehicles. The system is connected to an interior camera, which recognizes the driver's face and automatically personalizes vehicle settings, such as seat and mirror position, music, temperature, and navigation, for the driver in question. Continental's Intelligent Glass can also be integrated, which allows drivers to gradually darken almost all windows of the vehicle and lightens them again automatically when the driver approaches.

It is possible to integrate the biometric system in all intelligent systems, regardless of the access technology used in the vehicle (Bluetooth Low Energy or low frequency).