U.S. scientists have created new facial recognition software that might eliminate the need to remember dozens of passwords or credit card numbers.

Researchers led by University of Houston Professor Ioannis Kakadiaris have developed URxD, a face recognition program that uses a three-dimensional snapshot of a person's face to create a biometric. Kakadiaris said URxD can be used for everything from gaining access to secure facilities to authorizing credit card purchases.

"Accuracy is the name of the game in 3-D face recognition," Kakadiaris said. "What makes our system so accurate is the strength of the variables that we use to describe a person's face.

"Imagine a day when you simply sit in front of your computer and it recognizes who you are," he said. "Everything will be both easier and more secure, from online purchases to parental control of what Web sites your children can visit."

More information about the new technology is available at www.cbl.uh.edu/URxD.