ID R&D receives patent for voice unlocking

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

Voice’s role as an interface for various 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 (LLM). According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there is already evidence that the same Gen-AI technology that creates the opportunity is also being used to create deepfakes and voice clones to facilitate fraud, extortion, and financial scams.

ID R&D’s latest patent integrates voice biometrics with anti-spoofing protections for keywords and short requests, providing secure voice access to mobile devices, smart devices, and other IoT technologies as a defense against Gen-AI fraud.

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

“As a founder and biometrics veteran, I recognize that innovative technology is key to improving user experience and providing robust protection against fraud and unauthorized access, especially in the area of ​​voice communications” said Alexey Khitrov, President of ID R&D. “By leveraging the inherent simplicity of voice control, we provide secure access to a range of devices, including smartphones, computers and smart home systems. This positioning ID R&D as a leader in voice security innovation.”