Using facial recognition as an interface isn’t an entirely new technology form, but it hasn’t been successfully used in a motor vehicle yet. Toshiba looks set to change that, however, with it now showing off a new system that will allow users to control the A/C or radio with the glance of an eye, but also be able to alert you if you happen to take your eyes off the road for too long.

How does it all work? It’s done with the aid of a camera mounted above the steering wheel that’s used to both identify and map out the driver’s face, letting the car detect everything from drivers head movement and eye direction to eyelid blinks, which Toshiba says could eventually be used to alert drowsy drivers.

Although the potential automotive applications are exciting Toshiba doesn’t have any immediate plans to work in with an automaker and commercialise its systems, but is apparently working hard to further develop the technology.