ID R&D receives patent for voice-based unlocking of devices

ID R&D, a Mitek Systems company and leading provider of AI-powered biometric solutions, announced the issuance of a new patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the method and apparatus for unlocking a user device by voice (US 11,941,097 B2). The issuance of this patent represents an important milestone in our commitment to advancing human-computer interaction. It also reflects their team’s commitment to excellence and reinforces their position at the forefront of voice authentication technology.

The role of voice as an interface for a variety of IoT and “smart” devices is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by the emergence of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there is already evidence that the same Gen AI technology that creates opportunities is also being used to create deepfakes and voice clones to enable scams, extortion, and financial fraud.

This latest patent from ID R&D integrates voice biometrics with anti-spoofing measures for keywords and short queries, ensuring secure voice-based access to mobile devices, smart devices and other IOT technologies as protection against Gen-AI-related fraud.

The patent introduces a technology that uses advanced neural networks to protect personal data on devices. It verifies that a voice matches the detailed voice characteristics of the authorized user. It also detects whether the voice is real or fake, ensuring that only genuine users can access their information. Beyond its role in device security, the patented technology opens up opportunities for secure voice-based interactions in a diverse pool of applications. Users can unlock and manage IoT devices in their homes, improve vehicle security with hands-free operation, and enable personalized settings in smart environments such as connected offices or homes.

“As a founder and experienced biometrics expert, I know that innovative technologies are critical to optimizing the user experience and providing robust protection against fraud and unauthorized access, especially in the voice area,” said Alexey Khitrov, President of ID R&D. “By leveraging the inherent simplicity of voice control, we ensure secure access across a variety of devices, including smartphones, PCs and smart home systems. This positions ID R&D as a pioneer in voice security innovation.”