Smart glasses are becoming increasingly common, and with this rise in usage comes the pressing need for reliable user authentication. A new system from Cornell University promises just that. SonicID, an innovative technology developed by researchers at Cornell, leverages acoustic sensing to provide a low-power, minimally intrusive solution for identifying users wearing smart glasses.

Unlike traditional camera-based biometric systems which require a front-facing camera, SonicID utilizes ultrasound technology to authenticate users by mapping the unique contours of a user’s face. This method ensures privacy and expediency as it takes merely 0.06 seconds to perform the user scan. The technology uses speakers and microphones as sensors embedded in the glasses’ hinges to continuously emit and capture ultrasonic waves. These signals bounce off the wearer’s facial structure, generating unique acoustic patterns that are then analyzed to authenticate the user.

The system has proven remarkably efficient, achieving a true positive rate of 97.4% and a balanced accuracy rate of 96.6%, as demonstrated through a user study involving 40 participants. These tests validated SonicID’s consistency across multiple days and use sessions, making it a reliable alternative to more common methods, such as FaceID, which require more intrusive hardware.

Considering its energy efficiency, SonicID is designed to operate approximately 31,500 times on a single battery charge, assuming it’s the sole function running—a testament to its potential for integration within daily wearable technology without causing inconvenience or drawing excessive power.

The researchers behind SonicID see this technology not only as a solution to current authentication challenges but as a gateway to future applications in both smart glasses and other wearable tech, enhancing security without sacrificing user comfort or privacy. They anticipate the system’s adaptability to various commercial glasses, aiming to implement the technology in consumer electronics soon, optimizing its performance even further.

While testing has shown promising accuracy and performance, the team is exploring ways to enhance the system’s stability across various user conditions and long-term application scenarios. The use of acoustic sensing provides adaptabilities, such as not being influenced by lighting conditions, unlike standard camera-based systems. Such advantages position SonicID at the forefront of wearable authentication technology—showcasing a future where secure access can blend seamlessly with everyday natural use.