Sonic/ultrasonic authentication method

A method for verifying and identifying users, and for verifying users' identity, by means of an authentication device configured for transmitting, receiving and recording audio and ultrasonic signals, and configured for converting said signals into digital data, and performing digital signal processing, the method comprising:

• a) for each authorized user, recording on said authentication device the voice pattern of at least one word pronounced by the authorized user;
• b) storing on said authentication device user information providing identifying details of said authorized user(s);
• c) inputting to said authentication device a vocal identification signal from a user, wherein said recorded voice pattern of each of the authorized users and said vocal identification signal from a user are directly input into said authentication device via the same input transducer;
• and
• d) comparing the voice pattern of said vocal identification signal with the recorded voice pattern(s) of said authorized user(s), and if a match is detected issuing an indication that said user is identified as an authorized user.