Systems and methods for biometric identification using the acoustic properties of the ear canal

Patent · Tue Jul 28 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:672558

Bouchard, A M; Osbourn, G C

The present invention teaches systems and methods for verifying or recognizing a person`s identity based on measurements of the acoustic response of the individual`s ear canal. The system comprises an acoustic emission device, which emits an acoustic source signal s(t), designated by a computer, into the ear canal of an individual, and an acoustic response detection device, which detects the acoustic response signal f(t). A computer digitizes the response (detected) signal f(t) and stores the data. Computer-implemented algorithms analyze the response signal f(t) to produce ear-canal feature data. The ear-canal feature data obtained during enrollment is stored on the computer, or some other recording medium, to compare the enrollment data with ear-canal feature data produced in a subsequent access attempt, to determine if the individual has previously been enrolled. The system can also be adapted for remote access applications. 5 figs.

• Research Organization: Sandia Corporation
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,787,187/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-626,704
• OSTI ID: 672558
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
ALGORITHMS
AUDITORY ORGANS
ENTRY CONTROL SYSTEMS
IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS
MAN
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS