The biometric fingerprint scanner has become a necessity. With the rising cases of security issues and burglary, it becomes important to have systems in place that can guarantee complete security. While we talk about different kind of security devices, the one that is making a mark is the fingerprint scanning. Just like the technology has changed shades over time, so has the humble scanner. You find a biometric fingerprint scanner everywhere. From mobile phones to office entrances, it is hard to miss these darlings. Therefore, at the outset, before understanding the workings of a biometric fingerprint scanner, it is important to understand the more popular types of the device, doing the rounds.
There are different types of biometric fingerprint scanners- Amongst the different type of biometric recognitions, fingerprint recognition is a popular one and is widely used. The process involves taking the image of the fingerprint of the person with features like whorls, loops, arches and outline edges. This data is fed into the system and is later used for matching with the user to grant them access to information or entry. When it comes to the functioning of the fingerprint scanner, then it works on the following patterns:
Optical
Capacitive
Ultrasonic
Optical Biometric Fingerprint Scanner- The optical scanners are the most basic scanners and the technology used is a baseline to say it the easiest way. The technology used in these scanners is reliant on optical image capture and then using set algorithms for detecting superficial patterns. These scanners later analyze the image bits as per light exposure on parts. Therefore, the resolutions inherent are finite but with higher resolution count, the security level ensured goes up. The issue with optical scanners is that these are easier to hack and come with fluctuation and quality issues with heavy usage. However, this system is not as secure, since it analyses the 2 D image which can be easily prosthetically created and one can barge into the system.
Capacitive Biometric Fingerprint Scanners- This is one of the most popular fingerprint scanning technologies which is actively being used in smartphones. The security expectations are higher here but even these are being used in the more high-end smart devices and phones. The main component based on which the scanner functions is the capacitator though. In place of outlining a fingerprint image, the scanner of this category employs small circuits of capacitors for collecting fingerprint related data. Since capacitors bulk up on a charge, when the same is connected to plates that are conductors, the scanner can track fingerprint related details. This data is stored and is later used to match when the user tries to gain access to the system. There will be a direct but small impact on the capacitator as soon as the ridge of a finger gets kept on the plate. The resulting gap of air space will not cause alterations in the charging of the involved capacitator. The op-amp integrator type of circuit helps to track the changes. These are then recorded with the aid of converter from the analog-to-digital variants. The design used in this biometric fingerprint scanner type is very smart and thus very safe. In fact, safer than the optical varieties too. The better the device is, the more the number of capacitors used!
Ultrasonic Biometric Fingerprint Scanner- This is the very latest of all fingerprint scan technology. The use of the ultrasonic sensor is evident from the name. The functioning of this system is fairly easy; the signals are detected as mechanical stress. This stress creates an ultrasonic pulse at different points o the scanner. Longer scanning ensures creating a 3D scanned image of the fingerprint. This 3D image is far more secure than the above two methods, and that is the reason that most of the companies are now relying on this to enhance the security feature of their smartphones.
With the main types of biometric fingerprint scanner available in the current time, it gets tough to pick one over the other. The easiest way into this choice-making is to weigh your security needs, the level needed and the budget you can spare.
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