Biometric vs. Non-Biometric Fingerprinting

The aura of criminality that accompanies the term "fingerprint" has not significantly impeded the acceptance of finger-scan technology, because the two authentication methods are very different. Fingerprinting, as the name suggests, is the acquisition and storage of the image of the fingerprint. Fingerprinting was for decades the common ink-and-roll procedure, used when booking suspects or conducting criminal investigations. More advanced optical or non-contact fingerprinting systems (known as live-scan), which normally utilize prints from several fingers, are currently the standard for forensic usage. They require 250kb per finger for a high-quality image. Finger-scan technology also acquires the fingerprint, but doesn't store the full image. It stores particular data about the fingerprint in a much smaller template, requiring from 250-1000 bytes. After the data is extracted, the fingerprint is not stored. Significantly, the full fingerprint cannot be reconstructed from the finger-scan template.

 

Login to access full report Not Registered? Email Password   Forgot your password? By clicking on Login, I agree to the terms and conditions of usage

The most comprehensive and up-to-date information on finger-scan technology - the market, technology and applications - can be found in IBG's authoritative report on the "State of Fingerprint Technology."