Fords face recognition software could improve privacy controls

Fordês face recognition software could improve privacy controls

Ford is exploring the use of face recognition technology to improve privacy controls or to enable owners to look into their car remotely using their smartphone. The effort is a joint research project with Intel, called Mobile Interior Imaging, or Project Mobii.

Facial recognition software can identify different drivers and automatically adjust features based on an individualês preferences. If the software does not recognize the driver, a photo is sent to the primary vehicle ownerês smartphone. The owner can then set permissions and specify features that should be enabled or disabled. For example, if the driver is the child of the vehicle owner, restrictions could be automatically set to require seat belt use or prevent cell phone use while driving.

–The use of interior imaging is purely research at this point,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation. –However, the insights weêve gained will help us shape the customer experience in the long term.”