Tech firm looks to cut down on auto thefts
The eyes have it when it comes to the next level of vehicle theft prevention. As thefts of vehicles around the Albuquerque metro area continue soar, technological wizardry straight out of the movies is being introduced to combat that trend.
The number of auto thefts in Albuquerque jumped from 2,773 in 2010 to 5,179 in 2015.
During the recent CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Nev. — a global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow — a Michigan-based company unveiled a vehicle-based biometric identification system that should help thwart would-be thieves.
The system works through an iris scan of the owner’s eyes, said Steve Downing, Gentex Corp. senior vice president.
Upon entering the vehicle, the biometric system would identify the driver with an iris scan, and, if authorized, start the car and personalize setup by automatically adjusting mirrors, steering wheel, seat position, music favorites and GPS locations, he said.
Further plans include making it compatible with car-to-home automation products through radio frequency and wireless, cloud-based connectivity, he said. This will bring garage doors, security systems, home thermostats and lighting into one integrated system controllable from the vehicle, Downing said.
The biometric system will allow the connectivity program to provide added security and convenience for multiple drivers by activating the unique home automation presets of different authorized users.
“This type of system will also be perfect for new and evolving mobility solutions, such as car-sharing programs,” he said. “The iris scan would identify the driver, authorize vehicle use and allocate payment, including incidentals like tolls and parking, and eventually even gas and fast food.”
The entire system is housed with an automatic-dimming rearview mirror because it’s in an ideal integration position, as it’s a natural location for the driver when entering the vehicle, Downing said. What’s more, it allows for use across many different vehicles while also allowing it to share other electronic applications.
The technology was developed for automotive use through a cooperative agreement with Delta ID, which has developed similar technology for use with smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Iris recognition is believed to be the safest form of identification, with a false acceptance rate as low as one in 10 million, far exceeding facial, voice, or fingerprint recognition, Downing said.