It is common to see biometric devices being used around us. Out of all other biometric devices, the biometric fingerprint device is one of the most commonly used. From having fingerprint locks on our smartphones to using fingerprint scanning for access or attendance, technology is making our day-to-day lives easy and more secure. Let us learn more about how the biometric fingerprint devices like mantra fingerprint scanner work and how we can get the best results from them.
The composition of biometric fingerprint devices
There are four key parts of the biometric fingerprint scanners. They are the fingerprint sensor module, the Central Processing Unit or CPU, a plastic shell, and a USB cable. Here is what they do –
- The fingerprint sensor module is the main part of the device that does the job of scanning your finger. It finds and scans the unique fingerprint pattern.
- The CPU receives the data from the sensor for further processing. The CPU then checks the fingerprint to find a match in a database of authorized fingerprint scans.
- The plastic cover of the scanner keeps it protected from being exposed to the environment and protects it from damage. Some high-rated biometric fingerprint scanners have stronger shells that protect them from tough environmental conditions.
- A USB cable keeps the scanner connected to a computer, tablet, or other device to enroll the fingerprint to the device.
How does the biometric fingerprint scanner work?
The fingerprint scanners are used for multiple purposes i.e., from civil identification and security to national armies and access control. The fingerprint scanners work on optical sensing technology that instantly recognizes fingerprint patterns and also flags poor-quality fingerprints. The fingerprint scanners are used to access a mobile phone, a bank account, a personal computer, a special access room, and so on. These scanners may either have contactless technology or contact fingerprinting technology. With partial fingerprinting, the sensors capture a portion of fingerprints and with full fingerprinting, a large area of the finger is captured for processing.
Since each fingerprint is unique and there cannot be two fingers that carry the same fingerprint pattern, the biometric fingerprint devices work with great accuracy. The mantra fingerprint scanner has a high level of tolerance against the many environmental factors that may cause unreliable results. There are two key performance indicators to judge the accuracy of biometric devices, which are False Accept Rate or FAR, False Reject Rate or FRR, and Equal Error Rate or EER. The recognition accuracy relies on several factors, such as input image quality and matching algorithms. With the continuous advancement in technology, biometric systems are becoming the smartest and can achieve outstanding matching accuracy.
Step-by-step process to use biometric fingerprint scanner
Here are a few steps with which you can use the biometric fingerprint device –
- Position your finger: First of all for the device to start working, you need to put your finger on the scanner.
- Apply a little pressure: A little pressure is required by the scanner for the pattern of the fingerprint to be exposed well to the scanner. Do not put a lot of pressure otherwise, there is a chance of distortion for the image captured on the corners of the fingers.
- Keep the finger still: Do not move your finger and keep it still for the sensor to work effectively.
- Sensor activates: The device activates its sensor to scan the unique patterns in your fingerprint and works to match them to any known match in the database of authorised fingerprints.
- Rolling the finger: You can roll your finger a little during the scanning process for the fingerprint pattern to be exposed to the scanner.
- Wait for confirmation: Just wait a little for the results. Once there is a match, the device will provide you access and if there is no match, you may have to see what went wrong with the scanning and try again.
Why your fingerprint may get rejected by a biometric fingerprint device
Now take a look at the scenario when your fingerprint is rejected by the device, despite you being one of the authorised users. Despite having a 99% accuracy rate, there may be instances when the biometric fingerprint scanners provide failed fingerprinting attempts. What may have gone wrong in this case? Here is a look at the reasons why your fingerprint may get rejected by biometric fingerprint device —
The sample is not good enough.
When the biometric fingerprint device does not get a good enough sample to scan due to multiple issues with the user’s behaviour, it may reject the correct fingerprinting attempts. When the device rejects the first attempt and asks you to re-scan the finger, it is time to correct the mistake made earlier and try again. Some of the instances of samples not being good enough is due to user behaviour, for instance, the finger might be too dry, too wet, or dusty. If the user is unsteady while placing the finger on the scanner, it may give a false negative result.
Poor maintenance of the scanner
Poor maintenance of the scanner and its rigorous usage over time can make it inefficient to read the fingerprint scans. Though the biometric fingerprint devices of modern days are quite robust and built to maintain accuracy, they need regular care and maintenance to provide their best performance. It is important to keep it away from dust or liquid, clean the scanner glass with a specialised cleaning solution, using it gently without rubbing strongly on the glass.
Poor quality of the device
There are biometric fingerprint devices of a wide variety available these days. A cheap fingerprint scanning device may be good enough to solve the purpose in the short run, but in the long run, you may have to witness poor results as it may not work well with great accuracy. When the device is not able to scan the fingerprints in the best quality, it becomes difficult for the device to work.
Tips to get the best results from biometric fingerprint device
- Use the best quality fingerprint scanner. You do not have to buy the most expensive one in the market, but the scanner should be of good quality to be able to work with high efficiency and accuracy.
- Learn the best way to use the fingerprint-scanning device. One needs to use finger pad stably by keeping the finger arch, whorls, edges, and loops exposed to the scanner. The fingerprint pad of the finger should be completely exposed to the scanner, and not just the tip of it.
- Adapt to one way of placing your finger on the scanner and do it the same way each time.
- Notice the state of your fingers before using the scanner. Ascertain if they are too wet, dry or dusty. Just clean the hands with clean tissue paper or moisturize them well if they feel too dry.
- It is recommended to clean the lens of the scanner with an office tape every week to make sure that it provides optimal performance. Only use the recommended cleaning solutions to clean the lens and avoid any harsh chemicals.
- Read or listen to the error messages for failed attempts, as produced by the scanning device. If you keep on getting failed attempts again and again, it is time to contact the managing team and let them know about the situation.
To conclude
We have discussed the components of biometric fingerprint scanners and how they work. We have also seen the best ways to use the device and the scenarios in which the scanner can reject the sample. It is a good idea to invest in a good quality biometric fingerprint scanner as the cheaper option may save a few bucks but does not last long. However, the accuracy of the results is not only dependent on the quality of the biometric fingerprint device or its algorithm, but also by how you care and maintain it.
Frequently asked questions about biometric fingerprint scanners.
Which is the most common type of fingerprint scanner?
The single-finger scanner is the most common type of fingerprint scanner. They are the smallest, most affordable, and easy to install. Their features make them a good choice for use in all kinds of facilities for identity verification and access control. They are used by offices, factories, etc. On the other hand, the large multi-finger scanner includes two fingers or all fingerprints and is used by government agencies and law enforcement agencies for identification.
What are the benefits of a biometric fingerprint scanner?
The biometric fingerprint scanner works on the uniqueness of fingerprints, which are unique to each individual and cannot be misplaced or shared. They are highly accurate and can easily identify people to provide access or identification. The use of biometric fingerprint devices eliminated the need to remember passwords, passkeys, or access cards. They also capture the attendance of the staff with accuracy.
How to use the fingerprint scanner well?
The best way to use the fingerprint scanner is gently, without applying a lot of pressure on the lens. The lens of the scanner should be completely clean. Use the lens cleaning solution with a soft microfibre cloth to clean all the dust particles from its surface. Another method is to use scotch tape on the surface of the lens to capture all dust particles.