Fixed text speaker verification method and apparatus

Abstract

Speaker verification is performed by computing principal components of a fixed text statement comprising a speaker identification code and a two-word phrase, and principal spectral components of a random word phrase. A multi-phrase strategy is utilized in access control to allow successive verification attempts in a single session, if the speaker fails initial attempts. Based upon a verification attempt, the system produces a verification score which is compared with a threshold value. On successive attempts, the criterion for acceptance is changed, and one of a number of criteria must be satisfied for acceptance in subsequent attempts. A speaker normalization function can also be invoked to modify the verification score of persons enrolled with the system who inherently produce scores which result in denial of access. Accuracy of the verification system is enhanced by updating the reference template which then more accurately symbolizes the person's speech signature.