Jaguar Land Rover is developing technology that uses facial recognition and gait* analysis to detect when owners of its vehicles approach, to open the doors for them.

    Cameras mounted under the windows of the doors would capture both video and still images of someone walking and standing by the car, comparing them with those saved on its computer.

    If they match, the car will unlock its doors and open them. It could save drivers the hassle of having to dig out their key when approaching their car and even make it easier if they are laden down with bags of shopping.

    Its patent* states: “The user of the vehicle must carry out a registration process which requires them to record a still image of their face and a moving image such as a hand gesture or their gait as they approach the vehicle.”

    The company plans to use stereoscopic* cameras that will provide a 3-D image, allowing the car to estimate how far a person is from the vehicle along with helping to analyze their movement.

    The patent also hints future Jaguars and Land Rovers may come without door handles at all.(SD-Agencies)