Understanding fingerprint systems

Today, fingerprint technology is not only used in identifying criminals; its use has expanded to provide identification and authentication. But just how does a standard system work?

Let's take a look at the first step in the process – scanning the fingerprints.

Scanning the fingers

When scanning fingerprints, the user will press (gently) and hold on the scanner to obtain the image. Today, there are several methods that may be used, depending on the device. You might use an optical or capacitive technology, or the newest technology, ultrasonic sound waves, to capture an image.

Let's take a look at each of these in turn, starting with the oldest method – optical scanners.

Optically capturing an image

Optical scanners have been in use for many years, and work by capturing an image using light. Once captured, an algorithm detects the fingerprint details, such as ridges and minutiae, by sensing the dark and light...