Friday, December 23, 2011

The Rear-End as Biometric Modality

I'm usually pretty skeptical when it comes to novel biometric modalities but this one might have legs.

The Car of Tomorrow Recognizes Your Butt (Wired)
The driver’s seat is fitted with 360 sensors that measure pressure according to a scale of zero to 256. Each reading is plotted to create a 3-D image — essentially a topographic map of your ass — used as a personal identifier. Anytime someone gets behind the wheel, the system analyzes the shape of their behind. If it isn’t your rear end in the seat, the car isn’t going anywhere.

I don't think I'd roll this technology out in a way that would prevent the car from functioning as a car if the seat sensor identification didn't work out.

Remembering certain preferences, like seat position, climate control and audio options might be a great place to start, though.