Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a gesture based virtual keypad that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on April 1st, 2024, published on June 24th, 2025, and assigned serial number 12337792.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford currently offers its SecuriCode keyless entry keypad on a variety of models, both as a factory- and dealer-installed option. However, the automaker has also explored various new ideas as it pertains to that space via more than one patent filing as of late – giving us ideas for things like a heated keypad, a window based keyless entry system, and a keyless entry keypad with a biometric system. Now, this newly published patent lays out a concept for a gesture based virtual keypad that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.
In this case, Ford proposes a system that would utilize a virtual keypad to grant access to vehicles, one that uses cameras instead of physical buttons. The automaker notes that such an idea could preserve the functionality of a traditional keypad while also cutting costs, as it would do so by projecting the virtual keypad on a vehicle, rather than relying on physical equipment or pricey sensors. Otherwise, the system would work just like a traditional keyless entry keypad – users could simply enter their code, and the vehicle would unlock if that code is correct.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”
Comments
I have a gesture for this new keypad proposal and it is called “the bird”. Don’t overcomplicate matters and ruin a good thing. Just leave it alone the way it is and works fine! Change for the sake of change really pissed me off and the result is usually not as good as what it replaced.
I have a suggested gesture too. I feel like Ford is the Titanic and they’re rearranging deck chairs. Are they going to start playing “Nearer, My God, to Thee”? Gesture entry? How about standing behind their warranties and putting quality back in their vehicles. They’re headed for the record this year for recalls. Failure Farley needs to move on.
The numeric keypad is unique to all Ford vehicles. Just keep it as it is.
I giggled reading this. My wife’s Ford Escape has the gesture detecting to open the rear hatch… works one try in 100. Absolute failure of technology. Get back to the basics before continuing to add dumb stuff that won’t or will rarely work. Ford has become a laughing stock. I’ve had Fords my whole life and must say my 2018 F series and my wife’s 2020 escape will be our last. Sad.