Munich. BMW Motorrad Boxer models are among the most
popular and sought-after motorcycles in the world – unfortunately also
among thieves. BMW Motorrad is now the first motorcycle manufacturer
in the world to meet this challenge with BMW iFace – a face
recognition system that makes the previous ignition key superfluous
and perfectly complements the existing Keyless Go technology.
BMW iFace was developed in cooperation with Professor Dr. Dr. Gerhard
Lesjöh, head of the world’s leading institute for ophthalmology at the
University of Munich. The system offers facial recognition of the
rider’s face on the one hand and also an iris-cornea comparison of the
eyes for definite identification on the other.
Face recognition using 3D scan and infrared scanning technology.
Face recognition uses the latest 3D technology integrated into
the ultra-modern BMW Motorrad TFT display, which is not visible from
the outside. This is carried out by means of stripe projection, a
technology that has been used for many years for example in reverse
engineering. With the helmet removed, the face is scanned
three-dimensionally and biometrically.
This three-dimensional image is compared with a data record stored in
the system. If the calibration is positive, the ignition, steering
lock and other locking functions are released and the rider can start
the motorcycle. Since the 3D scan works with infrared scanning, this
type of face recognition also works in the dark.
Iris cornea matching for maximum authentication.
BMW iFace operates as a dual system to achieve highest-level
comfort and safety. For example, the rider can be authenticated either
using face recognition (without helmet) or by iris-cornea scanning of
the eyes. This type of authentication enables the system to identify
the rider even with the helmet on, as only the iris and cornea are
scanned and compared with the data stored in the system.
Here too, infrared technology ensures functional reliability even in
absolute darkness. In addition, a special polarization filter enables
the scanning process even through heavily tinted and even mirrored
visors, different types of glasses and contact lenses. The rider
enters the type of visor and visual aid he is currently using in the
display prior to the scanning process using the corresponding menu functions.
Worldwide networking of BMW eCall and iFace enables
identification of thieves.
In case of an attempted theft, BMW iFace communicates with the
eCall electronic emergency service. Not only does the BMW Motorrad
Call Centre receive a corresponding message about the attempted theft
via a special code, but the scan data (face or eye scan) and the
current geographical position data are transmitted in parallel to the
international central database of the Federal Police authorities.
If corresponding data material is found there, the search for the
person concerned can be initiated immediately. If no suitable data is
available, the transmitted scan data will be stored in this database
for possible use at a later date.
Field trial with criminological support.
BMW iFace has been developed and tested in field trials over a
period of more than three years. Dr. Burkhard Hund, Head of Theft
Protection at BMW Motorrad: “Our special thanks go not only to
the Bavarian State Office of Criminal Investigation, but especially to
Giovanni Häberle. Today a respected owner of a consulting firm for
theft and burglary protection in the Stuttgart-Stammheim area, the
Swabian was an invaluable help to us in developing this system thanks
to his decades of expertise as a professional vehicle thief.”
BMW iFace will be presented at one of the autumn motorshows in 2023
and will initially be used on the BMW Motorrad Boxer models.
You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad
rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries, please contact:
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Telefon: +49 89 382-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad
Telefon: +49-151-601-23635, Jens.Lemon@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites
worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and
more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 149,475 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the
future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and
efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from
the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
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