A fingerprint reader is a device that uses electricity or light to analyze a person’s fingerprint. Fingerprint readers are now commonly used in the security industry to authenticate an individual before he/she is permitted to access a system or device. For example, a home computer user may have a USB fingerprint reader installed that serves as a login device. Instead of entering a password, the user simply places his/her thumb on the fingerprint reader. The computer only allows access if that person’s fingerprint matches the one on file. Fingerprint readers can also be used for locks, doors, and other mechanisms.

How Fingerprint Readers Work

There are two types of fingerprint readers: optical and capacitance. Optical readers use light to take a picture of the individual’s fingerprint much like how a photocopier or scanner takes a picture of a document. The reader will then check the picture to make sure it is not too dark or too light and that the picture has a high enough quality. The optical reader will then compare the photo to one that is already on file in order to get a match.Capacitance readers use two capacitor plates to gauge electricity and use the individual’s finger as a third capacitor plate. When the person moves his/her finger closer to the capacitance reader, a higher capacitance and voltage are created. A person moving his/her finger further away from the capacitance reader will result in the opposite effect. Because the valleys in a fingerprint are further from the capacitance reader than the fingerprint’s ridges, the reader will detect a higher voltage where the ridges are. This allows the capacitance reader to create an image of where the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint are.

Micro Solutions Lockbox

The Micro Solutions Lockbox is an 80 – 200 GB external hard drive that connects to the user’s computer via a USB cable. While the Micro Solutions Lockbox can be used as a regular hard drive, the device’s main feature is its ability to hide additional partitions so that users can truly hide their files and folders. The device has a built-in optical fingerprint reader and only allows the user to access his/her hidden partitions when an accurate match has been made between the user’s fingerprint and the fingerprint on file. The Micro Solutions Lockbox can store up to eight separate fingerprints and is available for around $100.

M2-EasyScan

The M2-EasyScan is an optical fingerprint reader that is designed to be durable and provide high quality images of the user’s fingerprint, allowing for an accurate match to be made every time. The device can read both wet and dry fingerprints and can even be used for small children even though similar devices fail to provide these features. The M2-EasyScan can be implemented in any computer system whether for personal or commercial use. The M2-EasyScan is often used in places where membership is required and, occasionally, in school lunch lines. The M2-EasyScan is available for $115.

Lathem Touchscreen Biometric Time Clock

The Lathem Touchstation Biometric Time Clock is a revolutionary new method of “punching” in and out of a workstation. The Lathem Touchstation Biometric Time Clock eliminates false entries by logging each user’s timestamps only when that user’s fingerprint matches one on file. The device also saves time, reduces overhead costs, and uses a computer to calculate hours instead of relying on office personnel. The Lathem Touchstation Biometric Time Clock can be purchased for $449.99.