Abstract: A face and environment sensing portable device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is wrist-worn by a person, similarly to a wristwatch. The portable device includes one or more sensing elements, such as an image-capturing device, a microphone or other environmental sensor, and a processing system for processing data obtained from the sensing element(s). In addition, the portable device may include input/output elements for interfacing the portable device with a person and with external systems. The portable device reliably authenticates the identity of the person based on information obtained from the sensing element(s) and may also determine whether the user has been in continuous possession of the device. By using multi-modal identification, the invention may provide increased confidence, while maintaining a low cost. This verification may then be used, for example, to enable the person to conduct secure transactions.

Abstract: A face and environment sensing portable device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is wrist-worn by a person, similarly to a wristwatch. The portable device includes one or more sensing elements, such as an image-capturing device, a microphone or other environmental sensor, and a processing system for processing data obtained from the sensing element(s). In addition, the portable device may include input/output elements for interfacing the portable device with a person and with external systems. The portable device reliably authenticates the identity of the person based on information obtained from the sensing element(s) and may also determine whether the user has been in continuous possession of the device. By using multi-modal identification, the invention may provide increased confidence, while maintaining a low cost. This verification may then be used, for example, to enable the person to conduct secure transactions.