It’s not just the car markers who are grabbing the attention of the world’s press at the Tokyo motor show.
Electronics firm Hitachi has chosen to use the show to unveil the latest development of its finger vein scanning technology, and how it can be adapted for use in cars as a security measure.
The sensor is mounted on the rear of the steering wheel, and scans the pattern of the veins in order to recognise who is behind the wheel before letting you start the car: a system which is claimed to be more reliable that scanning your fingertip.
Hitachi claims that the system will then activate all of that particular driver’s presets for their seat, mirrors, air conditioning and music choices.
Apparently, the system is also being developed for use with PC logins, ATMs and for authenticating payments.
We’d like to see all these things incorporated into the car-based system so you could pay for your Maccy Ds without fumbling in the glove box for left over change.