How Do Fingerprint Scanners Work?

Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. • Aug 30, 2018

Fingerprint Scanner — Houston, TX — Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

If you have ever watched a sci-fi or spy thriller, you have probably seen someone place their hand or thumb on a scanner to unlock a door. While this may seem like futuristic technology, fingerprint, or biometric, scanners are more common and practical than you might imagine. In fact, they are used to secure everything from buildings to vehicles to smartphones.

But have you ever wondered how fingerprints are scanned, or how security systems use the information to lock and unlock doors? Here is a brief overview of how fingerprint scanners work and why they could potentially be more secure than traditional locks.

What Are Fingerprint Scanners?

Fingerprint scanners are electronic devices that capture the unique ridges and patterns on a person’s finger and use the information like a key. Once captured, it is processed and compared with other fingerprints on file using minutiae or pattern matching software. If a match is found, the user’s identity is verified and they are granted access to whatever is being secured.

Types of Fingerprint Scanners

There are four commonly used types of scanners, each with a different method for capturing fingerprints. These include:

Optical sensors – These are the most common variety. They essentially create a digital photocopy of your fingerprint using a light-sensitive scanner. While they are usually more affordable, they are easier to manipulate and are more susceptible to error.
Capacitive sensors – These scanners function similarly to optical sensors, except they use electricity to capture the fingerprint rather than light. They are more difficult to fool than optical and are more expensive.
Ultrasonic sensors – These scanners use high-frequency sound waves to determine the shape of the ridges and patterns of the fingerprint and create a 3D image. They are considered much more accurate than other varieties.
Thermal readers – These types use the different thermal temperatures produced by the valleys and ridges on a fingertip to create a map. One of the primary disadvantages of this type, however, is that it requires a controlled temperature to work properly.

Why Fingerprints?

Fingerprints can be used as built-in identification cards because they are unique to each individual – it is estimated that the chances of two people sharing a fingerprint is about one in 64 million. Even identical twins do not share the exact same fingerprint.

This is because of fingerprint minutiae – the unique pattern of ridges and valleys on each finger. All combinations of minutiae are used when classifying and comparing fingerprints. Frequently captured minutiae include:

Ridge endings – Where ridge lines abruptly end
Bifurcations – A ridge that divides into two
Islands – Single small ridges inside a short ridge
Deltas – Y-shaped ridge meetings
Cores – U-turn ridge patterns

How Fingerprints Are Used in Security Sytems

How security systems interpret minutiae is much more complex than simply comparing two images and spotting the differences. In fact, many scanners do not even use the entire fingerprint. Rather, only several major features on the finger pad are analyzed and used for matching.

For example, two fingerprints with the same number of ridge endings in similar positions that form the same dimensions could potentially be a match. Once the combination of features is scanned, it is converted into a numeric template to be compared with the others in fractions of a second using complex algorithms.

Advantages of Fingerprint Scanners Vs. Regular Locks

It is fair to wonder whether these high-tech gizmos are truly more effective than tried-and-true pin locks. In many cases, it boils down to your personal preference. Some of the reasons people choose to employ fingerprint scanners include:

Quick and easy access – no fumbling with keys
Cannot be picked or hacked like other locks
No passwords/keys that can be stolen or lost
Fingerprints cannot be easily duplicated or faked

There are reasons people stick with a high-security deadbolt. Primarily, some scanners, especially cheaply crafted products, are not always reliable. If there are errors, resolving them will be more difficult than getting a new key made. Or, you may not want your security dependent on software that is still relatively new.

Boost Your Security With Biometric and Other Electronic Locks in Houston

If you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security to a biometric or other high-tech electronic lock, look no further than the security and locksmith experts at Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. We offer a wide selection of affordable electronic security devices – including biometric equipment – that can be integrated into existing security systems.

Call (713) 643-5767 or visit us online to receive a quote today!

Number	First Name	Last Name	Email Address
1	Anne	Evans	anne.evans@mail.com
2	Bill	Fernandez	bill.fernandez@mail.com
3	Candice	Gates	candice.gates@mail.com
4	Dave	Hill	dave.hill@mail.com

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