smellpass

Smellpass is a term used to describe a biometric authentication concept that relies on an individual's olfactory signature—the characteristic pattern of volatile compounds emitted by the body or breath—to verify identity.

In practice, smellpass experiments capture a scent sample using sensors such as electronic noses or, in research settings, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and apply machine learning to compare the sample to a stored template. Enrollment creates a baseline odor profile, while verification tests a current sample against that profile.

Potential use cases include device unlocking, access control, and multi-factor authentication, often as a supplement to more established factors. Proponents note the approach is noninvasive and could resist some forms of spoofing, especially when combined with other identifiers.

However, smellpass faces notable challenges. Odor profiles can vary with diet, health, medication, hygiene, climate, and time of day. Sensor drift, calibration needs, and environmental interference complicate reliable matching. Privacy concerns center on consent and the storage of sensitive olfactory data.

Currently Smellpass remains exploratory, with academic and industry pilots rather than broad commercial deployment. Standardization of collection protocols, sensor technology, and ethical guidelines are active areas of discussion.

See also biometrics, olfactory biometrics, electronic nose.