Hong Kong researchers develop lip-reading password to foil imposters

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a lip reading password system they hope can be used to verify identity in such areas as customs clearance and electronic payments.

While the technology is similar to other types of biometric recognition systems, such as fingerprint reading, it adds an extra layer of protection by allowing users to modify their passwords – in the form of lip syncing a phrase – in the event of a security breach.

The system enables users to complete authentication within seconds by uttering a short phrase of their choice – regardless of length and language.

“You can use English, Cantonese or Putonghua ... you can even mimic a bird chirping,” explained computer science professor Cheung Yiu-ming, who led the research team of three.

The user does not even have to read the phrase aloud as the lip sequence is analysed visually, meaning people with speech disabilities can use it.