Sub-Vocal Biometric Authentication System

Luna Innovations proposes to develop a method of determining a user's identity through a sub-vocal electromyogram-based biometric. Luna's method will emphasize ergonomics, enabling the dismounted warfighter to authenticate to the device without manual intervention. Minimum effort, discomfort, and distraction will be required of the warfighter, while maintaining the highest levels of security. The effectiveness of this biometric will be mathematically and experimentally established as a high-assurance means of preventing unauthorized users, such as Opposing Forces, from accessing the device. The focus of Luna's research will be on reducing false positives and false negatives to levels acceptable for deployed utilization. A "liveness" test will be an integral part of this biometric. The method will be evaluated for use with various kinds of protective gear to ensure its accuracy when the warfighter is wearing nuclear-, biological-, chemical-, or fire-protective equipment. The components, devices, and methods needed to implement this biometric as part of a soldier-borne authentication architecture will be determined.