Continental, a technology company, will unveil its award-winning Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, 2025. This innovative display uses a camera and laser projector, hidden behind the dashboard, to monitor passenger vital parameters, enhancing safety and comfort features within vehicles. The technology, developed in partnership with biometric solutions provider trinamiX, operates invisibly through a high-resolution OLED screen, detecting vital signs and other crucial data points for driver monitoring systems.

CES Innovation Award for the technology

The Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display was honored with a CES Innovation Award in the "Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility" category. This recognition highlights the display's potential to revolutionise car interior design and enhance user experience.

The CES Innovation Award recognises the display's groundbreaking nature and its potential to shape the future of vehicle technology. By concealing the sensor systems behind the display, Continental provides a discreet yet powerful solution for driver monitoring.

“The award underlines our extensive technical expertise in user experience. By installing the camera and laser dot projector invisibly behind the display, we will unlock completely new creative possibilities for designers of car interiors and boost acceptance among users,” continues Prouza. The Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display captures a number of key data points that are relevant for interpreting driver monitoring systems. It therefore provides an innovative all-in-one solution that is invisible to the naked eye.

Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display technology

Continental's Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display employs a camera and laser projector concealed behind the dashboard display. This innovative approach ensures the technology remains completely undetectable to the naked eye, preserving the aesthetics of the car's interior design.

The display's capabilities extend to 3D distance mapping, optimising airbag deployment and restraint device functionality while verifying proper seatbelt fastening. By monitoring vital parameters like heart rate, the technology can identify stressful driving situations or potential medical emergencies. If necessary, the system can trigger safety features to protect both vehicle occupants and other road users.

“Our expertise allows us to seamlessly integrate pioneering technologies into our display solutions and thus enhance the range of functions offered and create added value,” says Pavel Prouza, head of the User Experience (UX) business area at Continental.

How does it work?

The biometric imaging technology, developed by trinamiX, uses a 1.5 MP near-infrared camera and an eye-safe laser dot projector embedded behind the OLED screen. These components work in tandem to monitor vital parameters, ensuring driver and passenger well-being.

The laser dot projector emits light points in the invisible light spectrum, which are then reflected and captured by the camera. Advanced algorithms powered by artificial intelligence analyse these reflections to derive vital sign information.

In addition to vital signs, the system gathers other essential data, including driver distance from the cockpit and the classification of textile materials. This information helps determine if seatbelts are properly fastened, further enhancing safety measures.

“Our biometric imaging technology is ideally suited for use in car interiors. The ability to monitor vital signs and other relevant passenger data without physical interaction and using just a single hardware module is a first on the market. We are delighted to be able to offer this solution together with Continental,” says Wilfried Hermes, Director Consumer Electronics North America and Europe at trinamiX.

Company's presence at CES 2025

Continental's presence at CES 2025 will extend beyond the Invisible Biometrics Sensing Display. The company plans to showcase a range of mobility innovations, highlighting its commitment to shaping the future of transportation.

Continental will host a private exhibit at Central Plaza, opposite the Las Vegas Convention Center, from January 7 to 10, 2025. This exhibit will feature various technological advancements, demonstrating Continental's expertise in connecting mobility solutions from the road to the cloud.

An exclusive media event, by invitation only, is scheduled for January 7, 2025, providing further insights into Continental's latest innovations and future plans within the mobility sector.