If you use the latest Apple iPhone or iPad, you should be using familiar with the face ID feature, which unlocks your iPhone with a TrueDepth camera and machine learning. German two-wheeler marque BMW Motorrad has introduced a similar technology to Apple’s Face ID for its motorcycle, called BMW iFace. The iFace system uses face recognition and an eye scanner to authenticate the user. BMW says that this system perfectly complements its keyless go technology.
BMW iFace: How does it work?
BMW has developed the iFace technology in collaboration with Professor Dr Gerhard Lesjöh, head of ophthalmology, the University of Munich. BMW has utilised its TFT display to integrate a face recognition system that uses advanced 3D technology. When the rider is not wearing a helmet, stripe projection is used to scan the face three-dimensionally and biometrically. The system compares it with data that is stored on the bike’s computer. Once the rider’s face is successfully authenticated, BMW iFace releases the steering lock and prepares ignition. Notably, the 3D scan also uses an infrared scanner, so the rider can use iFace at night.
BMW iFace: Iris and Cornea scan
What if the rider is wearing a helmet? Well, BMW iFace also scans and stores the iris and cornea of the user. This iris and cornea scanner enables BMW iFace to authenticate the rider even with the helmet on. If you use glasses, contact lenses, heavily tinted, or even mirrored visors, BMW iFace’s special polarisation filter can still authenticate the rider. For this, the user needs to select between face and eye scan.
Keyword: BMW Motorrad introduces iFace; face and eye recognition system