Fingerprint Scanners and Biometric Security System

Courtesy to the ever-advancing technology, the need for a robust and full-proof security system has never been so critical and emergent than now.

The biometric security systems based on fingerprint scanners have proven to be highly reliable and efficient systems for keeping your personal and confidential information safe and secure.

The fingerprint scanner matches the fingerprints scan of a person with the recorded fingerprints scans in a predefined database and on successful matching, it gives the user authorization to a specific system.

There are dozens of fingerprint scanners in the market place, but here Our Top Picks will make it easier for you to make the right choice and buy the best fingerprint scanner.

Here you will also find the different types of fingerprint scanners, how does a fingerprint scanner works and what are the things to consider before buying a fingerprint scanner and a few FAQs

Types of Finger Print Scanner

A typical scanning mechanism

Optical Scanners

Uses a beam of light which allows it to project the image of the finger’s tiny ridges and use it as a digital photograph. It then uses the image sensors (CMOS or a Charge-coupled device, also known as CCD) to project a digital image.

Capacitor Scanner

A capacitor fingerprint scanner measures the finger position and uses electrical chargers to figure out the ridges in order to get the fingerprint.

Capacitive circuit stores electric charge, which changes when the finger’s ridge is placed over conductive plates, while the air gap leaves the charge unchanged. These changes are tracked and recorded.

The best thing about this is that it’s difficult to fool with prosthetics. As a result, it can’t be replicated with an image.

 

 

 

Multi-Spectral Fingerprint scanner

It is designed to keep the spoof attacks away. It captures the features of the tissue which is below the skin surface and allows it to take a second scan of the fingerprint pattern.

Finger Print Scanner Buyer’s Guide

Responsiveness

Although fingerprint scanners never seem to wear off and do the job it is designed for, we often face problems when the person has a cut or a slight bruise on the finger that could make the scanner unresponsive.

In some cases scanner gets smudges, or it does not respond to the particular fingerprint due to the sweat on our palms. Thus, it should come with smudge protection or have an additional layer to protect it from smudges.

Accurate

One of the most important aspects we need to check in a fingerprint scanner is the accuracy. Sometimes even a small glitch in a system can make it less accurate.

Always conduct checks and research on the kind of fingerprint scanner you are looking for. Security checks are always necessary to ensure accuracy of the device.

Cost-Effective

As we all love to save a little from the investments which we make, it is important to look for the appropriate price as well, before buying your fingerprint scanner, look at the price tag on the device as we all make askew decisions.

Top 7 Best Finger Print Scanners

1. SAFRON MORPHO Fingerprint Scanner 

SAFRON MORPHO Fingerprint Scanner
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Safron scanner is a secure device as it needs the Activation Code after connecting to the pc.

This device is as light as a feather and scans fingerprints quickly. This fingerprint scanner is only recommended to the people who know a little more about the driver installing the facility as it might create a problem.

Main Features
  • All in one scanning capability, including verification and identification.
  • LED light visual indicator.
  • High-performance sensor: 500 dpi, 256 grey levels.
  • Multiple access controls.
PROS (What we liked)
  • A small but most effective device at this price range.
  • Security features include encryption and digital signature.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • May not work with some networks.
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2. Startek fm220u Fingerprint Scanner 

The Startek FM220 is an FBI-PIV and STQC certified compact model that comes with great hardware and software compatibility making it ideal for developers and verification purposes.

It ensures super-fast scanning with distortion-free image quality with a high resolution of 500 dpi. The compact design makes it easy to carry around.

Main Features
  • FBI-PIV and STQC certified (UIDAI Aadhaar).
  • Comes with great software and hardware compatibility.
  • Weighs only 99 gram making it super lightweight while traveling.
  • High-speed USB 2.0 interface.
  • Provides high biometric security for identity authentication.
  • 500 dpi/256 high precision.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Compact design.
  • Ensures a non-distorted image quality.
  • Ensures superior performance with the patented proprietary algorithms of MINEX certified template generator.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No negative points observed so far.

3. Time Office Fingerprint and Cloud-Based Attendance Machine 

Time Office fingerprint recognition device is a durable, competitive, and effective cloud-based attendance machine. It is an easy-to-operate device that comes with a storage capacity of saving 1000 fingerprints, cards, and passwords.

This machine is integrated with cloud-based attendance management software with a mobile app that allows you to monitor the attendance of your employees on-the-go.

Main Features
  • It is equipped with a large transaction capacity as it supports 1, 00,000 transaction capacity.
  • It provides fast and secure login of employees to their workstations. It identifies the fingerprint scans in less than a second.
  • It features a high-performance finger-print sensor, durable keypad, and RFID card sensing area.
  • It supports 2 communication ports including USB Port and TCP/IP (LAN) port.
  • It is equipped with both audio and visual functionality with its 2.4? TFT color display and high-quality speakers that provide flexibility in operation.
  • It has a built-in battery that provides an impressive back-up time of 4 hours in case of power failure.
  • It supports the GEO-selfie feature in a mobile app that enables the field employees to mark their attendance.
  • It delivers live notifications to the admin on his/her smartphone regarding the punches recorded on the machine.
  • It supports smartphone apps that are available for both android and iOS phones.
  • With its API integration, you can easily integrate attendance data with 3rd party software.
  • It comes with the manufacturer’s warranty of one year
  • This system also gives notifications on the smartphone about the manager’s activities on devices.
PROS (What we liked)
  • It is engineered for seamless working with cloud attendance software and desktop-based software. It enables you to monitor the attendance data on your mobile app.
  • It enables you to access the live attendance monitoring dashboard on-the-go, on your PC, and mobile using its cloud attendance platform.
  • The cloud attendance software allows you to access more than 50 reports including leave reports, salary reports, monthly reports, daily reports, yearly reports, location reports, etc.
  • It supports the E-time office attendance app that is loaded with various user-friendly features like dashboard, reports, selfie approval, leave approval, notifications, and device connection status.
  • It gives live notifications to both admin and employees
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No negative points were observed so far.

4. KartString Startek FM220 Fingerprint scanner

KartString Startek FM220 Fingerprint scanner
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This fingerprint scanner is certified by the government for Aadhar verification. It is light-weight and is mostly compatible with all the systems. The 500 DPI resolution makes it accurate, which gives no chance for errors.

It has used in enrollment and attendance verification applications as a stand-alone or embedded device. If you are looking for a light-weight and compatible device, then this is the product for you.

Main Features
  • Certified for Aadhaar authentication.
  • Resolution: 500 DPI.
  • Low image distortion.
  • Light-weight.
  • A CMOS-based optical reader with high-quality.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Portable and easy to carry.
  • It can capture images and verify fingerprints with high speed.
  • Most suitable for usage for linking Aadhar cards
  • Used for NDLM, Apna CSC, Jeevan Pramaan, Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS), VTP.
  • Image resolution: 500 dpi.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • This device can not be used for SIM activation.
  • Needs thorough guidelines to install the driver of this product.
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5. SecuGen HU20 Hamster Pro 20 Fingerprint Scanner 

SecuGen HU20 Hamster Pro 20 Fingerprint Scanner
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SecuGem’s Hamster plus can be used in 2 systems at the same time. It has the function which allows you to make scanning precisely without any errors. You can use it with or without stand or a mount.

This fingerprint scanner is rugged and durable. It is very easy to operate. All you need to do is slip in your finger and it will automatically turn on to scan the finger.

Main Features
  • Auto on – Scans your finger as soon as you touch the sensor.
  • Smart Capture – Quality fingerprint scanning of difficult fingers.
  • SEIR fingerprint biometric technology.
  • Maintenance-free optical fingerprint sensor.
  • Removable stand.
  • Multi-Device Connection.
  • Supported Operating Systems Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 Windows Server 2012, 2008 R2 Android 3.1 and above, Java, Linux.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Fast and accurate verification.
  • Integrated finger guide.
  • The rugged sensor prevents almost from as many damages as possible.
  • Can work easily on dry, wet, scarred or aged skin.
  • Also works under direct sunlight.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • No instructions provided to integrate software.
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6. Cogent CSD 200 Fingerprint Scanner 

Cogent CSD 200 Fingerprint Scanner
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3M has an aluminum finish and can capture ten frames per second. It is an optical fingerprint scanner and has an ergonomic design that allows it to be portable without compromising image quality.

It also scans faster than usual and gives the best scan possible. It is compatible with mostly all windows OS and can be used for Adhaar or passport verifications.

Main Features
  • Aluminum Casing.
  • Captures ten frames per second.
  • USB 2.0 connectivity.
  • 500ppi resolution.
  • Large active platen area.
  • Available in OEM version.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Automatic scanning procedure.
  • Certified as of FBI PIV-071006.
  • Auto scanning feature.
  • Captures high-quality flat impressions in a fast, reliable, and easy-to-learn way.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Drivers need to be downloaded from an external link.
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7. Shadow Securitronics Fingerprint Biometric Scanner 

Shadow Securitronics Fingerprint Biometric Scanner
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Shadow is an optical fingerprint scanner that does not need additional software to run. The plug-in feature allows you to use it faster and accurately. You can also customize the settings for this scanner according to your usage.

This fingerprint scanner has a bigger sensor, which minimizes errors. Due to no software installation, even beginners can use it to authenticate or to verify easily.

The product comes with a resolution of 508 PPI, which is better than most of its competitors.

Main Features
  • No software required to use this scanner.
  • Micro-USB.
  • Big sensor.
  • Customization is also available as per the user.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Ideal for linking Adhaar card and other related work.
  • Can work for verification, enrollment and identification.
  • Automatic usage, no need for extra software installation.
  • No driver CD required.
  • STQC -L0 Compliant (L1 Optional) ,Pixel Density – 508 Dpi, Gray Scale 8 bit, 256 levels of Grey, Connectivity: USB 2.0 full Speed Compliant, Identification < 0.8 sec.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It takes time to read data.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the types of biometric devices available?

Biometric sensors are classified into Physiological Biometrics and Behavioral Biometrics.

The Physiological biometric devices include the face, iris, fingerprint, DNA, and hand scanners, while the behavioral biometric devices include keystroke, voice, and signature recognition devices.

2. Which sensor is used in a fingerprint scanner?

Fingerprint scanners are optical scanners that use an LED light sensor to illuminate the finger. It detects the fingerprint and creates the image by obtaining the light and dark areas created by the ridges.

3. Are fingerprint scanners always accurate?

According to NIST testing, the best accuracy of fingerprint scanners was found to be 98.6 percent for single finger testing. It was 99.2 percent for two-finger testing and 99.9 percent for four or more fingers.

Thus, fingerprint scanners are almost always accurate.

Conclusion

The trend of applying biometric security systems and fingerprint scanners is rising exponentially across the various business and government sectors.  With a single swipe of a finger or one scan of the iris, you can log in to your workstation.

Some of the common areas where biometric technology is widely used include logical access control, physical access control, surveillance, law enforcement, and time & attendance.

These systems provide an ideal way of dealing with various security threats and preventing unauthorized access to information, documents, or systems.

If you are confused about which product to buy, you can go for our top picks from the list: safran Marpho and Super Startek FM220, which are popular and reliable products. If you have money to spare, you can select Cogent CSD 200 without a second thought.

Dolly Savla
 

Dolly is a part of the content creation team at reviews.in. Her strength lies in creating content about sports, fitness and lifestyle. Creating art, drinking coffee and reading books, makes her happy when not working with reviews.

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