Every sound we hear has a unique
signature thanks to the way it was created, and which objects the sound waves
have passed through. A team of South Korean researchers are now exploring
whether the unique bioacoustic signatures created as sound waves pass through
humans can be used to identify individuals. The biometric system developed by ETRI
uses a transducer to generate vibrations and thus sound waves, which pass
through a given body part on a person. In this a case, a finger is easily
accessible and convenient.
After the sound has passed
through the skin, bones, and other tissues, a sensor picks up the unique
bioacoustic signature. Teasing apart the distinct signatures of individuals is
further boosted using modeling. The approach is effective enough to distinguish
different fingers on the same hand. This means that a person must use the same
finger that was originally analyzed for authentication. While measuring changes
in acoustic vibrations is fairly accurate, it does not yet match the accuracy
of fingerprints or iris scans.
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