• Gentex has provided technology for the latest autonomous concept vehicle from Swiss car design powerhouse, Rinspeed
• microSNAP features Gentex’s biometrics, in-cabin monitoring and dimmable glass technologies
• microSNAP debuts next month at CES 2019 in Las Vegas

ZEELAND, Mich., Dec. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX), a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection products, recently integrated multiple technologies for microSNAP, the latest concept vehicle from automotive think tank Rinspeed, which formulates vehicle designs intended to inspire the transportation industry and promote future mobility systems.

Rinspeed's microSNAP in an autonomous "last-mile" vehicle designed for commuting and/or localized, just-in-time delivery. To help ensure passenger privacy, Gentex provided microSNAP with dimmable glass panels that darken on demand or in conjunction with sensor function. They can even assist the climate control system in maintaining a consistent temperature by darkening according to temperature and sun load sensors. Gentex’s iris-scanning system consists of a module housing near-infrared emitters, an iris-scanning camera, and system-level intelligence. It would serve to authenticate microSNAP passengers, authorize vehicle usage, track and assign ride payment, and deliver customized security, comfort, and convenience features. Gentex’s future cabin monitoring system would consist of a camera and environmental sensors that could monitor passenger activity and well-being along with vehicle hygiene and air quality.

Last year at CES 2018, Rinspeed launched Snap, a concept vehicle that allowed users to summon a vehicle-sized chassis or “skateboard” that docked with personalized passenger “pods” to autonomously drive users to work, shopping, camping, or anywhere they wanted to go.

This year at CES, Rinspeed is demonstrating a downsized Snap offshoot dubbed microSNAP, a “last mile” vehicle designed for commuting and/or localized, just-in-time delivery.

For microSNAP, Gentex provided its biometric iris-scanning system for occupant recognition, an interior cabin monitoring system, and dimmable glass window elements.

Gentex’s iris-scanning system consists of a small module housing near-infrared emitters, an iris-scanning camera, and system-level intelligence. It would serve to authenticate microSNAP passengers, authorize vehicle usage, track and assign ride payment, and deliver customized security, comfort, and convenience features. It would also sanction safe, secure access to a host of cloud-based, connected vehicle services.

Gentex’s future cabin monitoring system would consist of a camera and environmental sensors that could monitor passenger activity and well-being along with vehicle hygiene and air quality. System intelligence would alter vehicle operation and send alerts and notifications according to detected in-vehicle events. It could help ensure that passengers were properly restrained, that they exited the vehicle at their designated location, that they didn’t smoke in or vandalize the vehicle, and that they didn’t leave behind any belongings.

To help ensure passenger privacy, Gentex provided microSNAP with dimmable glass panels that darken on demand or in conjunction with sensor function. They can even assist the climate control system in maintaining a consistent temperature by darkening according to temperature and sun load sensors.

microSNAP debuts January at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association™, it has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for over 50 years. This year’s show runs January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The original Snap concept was so well received when it was launched just a year ago that a startup is now on the drawing boards, and talks with investors are underway, to put a version of “Snap” on the road.

About Gentex
Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (The NASDAQ Global Select Market: GNTX) is a supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and electronics to the automotive industry, dimmable aircraft windows for aviation markets, and fire protection products to the fire protection market. Visit the Company’s web site at www.gentex.com.

Official Rinspeed partner list and media materials: https://www.rinspeed.eu/en/
Rinspeed concept car history: https://www.rinspeed.eu/en/Concept-Cars
See microSNAP in action: https://youtu.be/9XG8uVTNsfQ

Photos accompanying this announcement is available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/890a5195-3b58-493a-87cd-257d9490046d

ttp://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a617dae-8ba6-486c-bed1-8e4800e568ae

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da7472ae-0a05-4353-ab16-e7134882be65

Source: Gentex Corporation