Compared with a password, PIN, or pattern, fingerprint sensor more practical as the access code to activate the smartphone. The system is not easily broken, because no human being has the same fingerprint pattern.
How it Works and Fingerprint Sensor Type
optical Scanners
Optical fingerprint scanners is the oldest method that utilizes light when recording the fingerprint pattern. Finger is placed on a scanner, usually made of glass.
Furthermore, from the bottom of the scanner, transmitter light illuminates the surface of a fingertip. The reflection of light captured receiver so that fingerprints obtained.
This technique uses unique algorithms to detect patterns in the surface of the fingerprint. Then analyze the dark areas that indicate a more reflective light (hill) and the light areas indicating poor light reflective (valley).
Unfortunately, this system has some drawbacks. This technology can only capture 2D images and less secure because it can be deceived. Additionally, fingerprint patterns obtained is highly dependent on the condition of the soles of the finger.
That is, if your fingers are dirty or the skin is being peeled off, the scanner might fail to recognize your fingerprint.
capacitive Scanners
Theory and architecture behind chip capacitive fingerprint scanning
The most common types of fingerprint scanner technology that is used today in a smartphone is a capacitive scanner, which uses ultrasonic sensors, or capacitance (capacitive).
As the name implies, this capacitance sensor using such an electronic tool to scan a fingerprint capacitor. Instead of creating the traditional image of the fingerprint, the capacitor stores electrical charge connected with a conductive disc on the smartphone display so that it can be used to track detailed fingerprints.
The electrical charge on the capacitor will slightly change as part of a line stand in fingerprint placed on conductive disc. Meanwhile, inter-stream line stand almost no effect on the capacitor. From this fingerprint image obtained.
ultrasonic Scanners
While utilizing ultrasonic wave sensor when a fingerprint scan, the scanned fingerprint with the sensor already berkualitis three-dimensional (3D) so that the lower the possibility of counterfeiting.
Qualcomm developed this technology called Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner. Could be called the third generation fingerprint scanner that works quite differently from capacitive models.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner can work even though your fingers full of dust, dirt, and even sweat, and humidity levels are very high your finger.
Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner can also act through other panel surfaces, such as glass and metal. It is very possible for many vendors in the future to embed fingerprint panel hidden under the screen so it does not detract from the aesthetic side of the device.
Conclusion
Compared to optical scanners, capacitive scanners are more difficult to cheat. With a higher resolution, increasing the security level to a certain point. Stand as the only security risk is from hacking software.
Fingerprint identification process does look more complicated than the password, PIN, or pattern. But, the system is very easy for users of smartphones. Practical, because quite put a finger and open access to any smartphone.
Not surprisingly, demand for smartphones, incorporating such features rampant. Mobile phone manufacturers were competing paste fingerprint technology in their products. What do you think about the technology of this fingerprint scanner?
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