Abstract: A biometric identity confirmation system is based on both pulse wave data and spirometric data for the subject. During an initial enrollment mode, pulse wave and spirometric data for a known subject are used to generate subject characterization data for the known subject. During a subsequent identity authentication mode, pulse wave and spirometric data for a test subject are analyzed using the subject characterization data to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject.

Abstract: A portable testing unit for biometric identity confirmation includes a housing with an orifice to receive a breath sample from the test subject, a spirometric sensor, and a pulse sensor adjacent to the orifice. A processor analyzes spirometric data from the spirometric sensor and simultaneous pulse wave data from the pulse sensor during the breath sample, together with stored subject characterization data for a known subject to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject. A communications link enables the processor to communicate to the external station whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject. For example, this portable testing unit can be used to control access to a secure facility or computer, authenticate the identity of a party in a financial transaction, or confirm the identity of the subject of an alcohol monitoring test.