An ECG Deep Learning user identification architecture using ECG sex recognition as a selective parameter

Human user authentication can be implemented by token-, keyword-, or identity-based mechanisms for digital environment session entry (i.e., smartphones, platforms with log-in). Physiological signals, such as ECG, have shown discriminative properties for user identity recognition. Due to ECG hidden nature, it is resilient to public trait exposition, light/noise saturation, or eavesdropping in contrast to fingerprint, facial, voice, or password approaches. ECG might fill those gaps toward a cooperative authentication environment. This paper proposes a Deep Learning identification scenario in which the inclusion of sex recognition directs the input sample toward a sex-specialized identity classification model, simplifying the discrimination space for each model. The architecture proposed could be suitable for large populations. Our scheme worked with an ECG three-axis pseudo-orthogonal configuration in which each axis is transformed into a time-frequency space. Additionally, we combine each lead matrix in an RGB image, joining the contribution of each wavelet waveform. Our results suggest that it is possible to identify people by using RGB wavelet representations, achieving a classification average of 99.97%. In addition, the inclusion of the sex category for our identification purpose does not significantly affect the classification performance, making it a feasible solution for systems with a larger population. With the features of our database, we have evidence that it is possible to recognize a person’s identity using an ECG sex recognition module through our proposed architecture. [Display omitted] •Our ECG user identification architecture achieved confusion matrix values over 99%.•We proposed using heart rate as a feature for user recognition in specialized classifiers.•Our architecture recognize a person’s identity without controlling the person’s stance.•This study integrates an ECG-based sex recognition module as a precursor to user identification.•Our ECG-based sex classifier may be effective against impostors of the opposite sex.