BMW Motorrad is taking riders into the future of motorcycle anti-theft devices with the introduction of BMW iFace, the world’s first eye and face recognition system for motorcycles. Originally released on BMW R-series Boxer models, iFace utilizes the latest in infrared and 3D technology, and gives the driver the choice of performing a full 3D scan without a helmet or just scanning. iris, even through visors, glasses, or contacts. For more information, read the press release from BMW Motorrad below.
The BMW Motorrad Boxer models are some of the most popular and sought-after motorcycles in the world – unfortunately they are also among the thieves. BMW Motorrad is now the world’s first motorcycle manufacturer to meet this challenge with BMW iFace, a facial recognition system that makes previous ignition keys redundant and perfectly complements existing Keyless Go technology. .
BMW iFace was developed in collaboration with Professor Dr. Gerhard Lesjöh, head of the world’s leading ophthalmology institute at the University of Munich. This system provides the driver’s face recognition and iris-cornea comparison of the eyes to clearly identify the other.
Advertisement
Related: 2023 BMW R nineT and R 18 100 Years Heritage Editions
BMW iFace: 3D scanning technology and infrared scanning
Facial recognition uses the latest 3D technology integrated on the ultra-modern BMW Motorrad TFT screen, which cannot be seen from the outside. This is done using stripe projection, a technology that has been used for many years, for example in reverse engineering. After removing the helmet, the face is scanned in three dimensions and biometrically.
This hologram is compared with a data record stored in the system. If the calibration is positive, the ignition, steering and other locking functions will be released and the rider can start the motorcycle. Since 3D scanning works with infrared scanning, this type of facial recognition also works in the dark.
Combined BMW iFace iris cornea
The BMW iFace works as a dual system to achieve the highest levels of comfort and safety. Riders can be authenticated using facial recognition (without a helmet) or by scanning the iris-cornea of the eye. This type of authentication allows the system to identify the rider even while wearing a helmet, as only the iris and cornea are scanned and compared with the data stored in the system.
As well as 3D scanning, infrared technology ensures functional reliability even in absolute darkness. In addition, a special polarizing filter allows scanning even through heavily tinted and even mirrored visors, various glasses and contact lenses. The driver enters the type of visor and visual aid he is currently using on the screen before the scan using the respective menu functions.
Related: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 R | Review the first trip
A global network that allows thieves to be identified
In the event of theft, the BMW iFace will contact the electronic emergency service eCall. The BMW Motorrad call center not only receives the corresponding notification of attempted theft through a special code, but the scan data (face scan or eye scan) and current geo-location data transmitted in parallel with the international central database of the Federal Police authorities.
If the corresponding data document is found there, the search for the relevant person can be started immediately. If no matching data is available, the transferred scan data will be stored in this database for future use.
Related: BMW Motorrad Days takes place in Berlin, July 7-9
Field test BMW iFace
BMW iFace has been developed and tested in field tests over a period of more than three years.
Dr Burkhard Hund, head of Anti-Theft at BMW Motorrad said: “We extend our special thanks not only to the Bavarian State Criminal Investigation Office but also to Giovanni Häberle. “Today, he is the respected owner of an anti-theft and anti-theft consulting firm in the Stuttgart-Stammheim area, Swabian was an invaluable help to us in developing this system thanks to his experience. his decades of professional experience as a professional car thief.”
The BMW iFace will be introduced at one of the fall 2023 motor shows and will initially be used on BMW Motorrad Boxer models.
