Fingerprints and their uses
– Fingerprints are patterns of friction ridges on fingers.
– Fingerprints are uniquely detailed, durable, and difficult to alter.
– Fingerprints have become an ideal means of identification.
– They are used for suspect and criminal identification in law enforcement.
– Fingerprint identification helps determine military allies and enemies in the military.
Types of fingerprint scanners
– Four types of fingerprint scanners: optical, capacitance, ultrasonic, and thermal.
– Optical scanners use a digital camera to capture a visual image of the fingerprint.
– Capacitive or CMOS scanners use capacitors and electric current for precision.
– Ultrasonic scanners use high frequency sound waves to penetrate the skin.
– Thermal scanners sense temperature differences on the contact surface.
Construction forms of fingerprint scanners
– Two construction forms of fingerprint scanners: stagnant and moving.
– Stagnant scanners require dragging the finger over the scanning area.
– Moving scanners have the finger lying on the scanning area while the scanner moves underneath.
– Moving scanners provide superior imaging due to constant speed movement.
– Stagnant scanners are cheaper but less reliable.
Usage of fingerprint biometrics
– Fingerprint biometrics find applications in various fields and industries.
– They are used for suspect and criminal identification in law enforcement.
– Fingerprint identification helps determine military allies and enemies in the military.
– Fingerprint biometrics are vital for immigration and national security in border control.
– Biometric ID cards with fingerprints ensure the right person receives treatment in healthcare.
Fingerprint scanner readers
– Stand-alone fingerprint readers were released by Microsoft in 2005.
– Integrated fingerprint readers were available on some laptops since the early 2000s.
– IBM produced laptops with integrated fingerprint readers since 2004.
– Apple introduced fingerprint recognition, known as Touch ID, for smartphones in 2013 and later for laptops in 2016.
– Fingerprint scanners can be equipped externally or integrated into devices.Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingerprint_scanner
