Biometrics Could Let Fleets Authorize, Monitor Drivers
Burney Simpson
Several recent reports indicate the use of biometrics could be growing as a way to authorize and monitor drivers, and become a part of the technology used in driverless transportation. These systems offer security and safety capabilities that meet the needs of fleets, according to their developers.
French military supplier Safran and auto parts supplier Valeo last week showed off in Paris their joint development of biometric technology offering facial authorization and iris recognition.
The two partners posted this You Tube video that displays a biometric security system that uses facial recognition to authorize the driver to allow him to start the vehicle. The video suggests that the system tracks the drivers’ iris to determine whether he has taken his eyes off the road, validates his identity so he can blink to take a phone call, and tells him its time to take a coffee break.
It’s in French and something about the iris recognition got lost in translation for this viewer.
Also this month, Voxx Electronics Corp. announced it had integrated the iris identity authentication technology from EyeLock into a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The EyeLock ID uses the driver’s iris to certify his or her identity and authorizes the start of the vehicle in less than five seconds.
This myris system from EyeLock converts the patterns in a person’s iris to a unique code that can be used to allow access to various devices. EyeLock says that iris authentication is second only to DNA for assuring a person’s identity.
EyeLock says its ID system can be accessed through a mirror on a visor, allows up to five registered users, and gives the users the capability to preprogram seat and mirror positions, and radio presets.
Executives from Voxx and EyeLock are promoting the application for fleets, because it gives system managers the capability to limit vehicle use to authorized drivers, and to track driver use of vehicles. Myris is an auto aftermarket product being sold in retail stores.