Biometrics is one of the security applications used by numerous industries nowadays. Because of its consistency and uniqueness, fingerprints have evolved hugely as time passes by. Fingerprint identification is indeed popular due to its straightforward application and its established utilization and collection by both immigration and law enforcement.

Two Types of Fingerprint Scanners

Let us face it, fingerprint sensors are present in a number of devices such as smartphones and some wearable gadgets. You can even see its application in smart home appliances and other smart industries for entry identification as well as data security. Two of the widely popular sensors used for fingerprint technology are capacitive sensors and optical sensors.

Fingerprint Optical Scanner

An optical fingerprint sensor have been used for the longest time. The way it works is by shining a light over the fingerprint and taking a digital copy of it. The microchip embedded in the device is light-sensitive which produces the photo by looking at the valleys and ridges of the person’s fingerprint. In the process, the photo taken is transformed into binary codes and create a personal code for the user.

Different devices have different installation requirements, which will also depend on the location where it will be installed. But one thing is for sure, it will typically require tools like Makita impact drivers compared to the usual manual screwdrivers for a more secure installation.

Capacitive Fingerprint Sensors

Capacitive fingerprint scanners can be frequently found in smartphones. Much like with capacitive touchscreen technology, it is measuring the finger by using conductivity. This creates electrostatic field and produces a digital image that’s based on an electrostatic field.

This technology is using small capacitor array circuits that are tracking the fingerprint’s detail. It is using ridges that’s positioned over conductive plates that alters the charge that is stored in the capacitor. The valleys on the other hand or the air gapes is leaving the charge on capacitor remain unchanged.

In a Nutshell

Regardless of the type of fingerprint technology that is used, the main goal is to maintain security and ease of access of the device, appliance or entry identification.