Fingerprint Recognition: A Game-Changer in the World of Identity Verification

The global biometrics market was valued at $39 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $144 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.2%. This remarkable growth is owed to technological advancements, increasing focus on innovation, rising maintenance of border control, and growing concern about maintaining travel and workplace security to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Biometrics includes several solutions like fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, iris pattern detection, face matching, hand geometry, etc. In this blog, we will learn about fingerprint scanning, one of the most popular methods of biometric verification in detail.

What is Fingerprint Recognition?

Fingerprint recognition is a type of biometric identification procedure that is used to verify the identity of an individual based on their fingerprint.

Different fingerprint recognition technologies are used for this objective which are uniquely designed for capturing fingerprint data. Some recognition systems use optical technology, while others use capacitive, ultrasound, or thermal imaging. Moreover, some fingerprint recognition systems require a fingerprint to be swiped across a scanner, while others directly scan the fingerprint.

All fingerprint recognition systems are built on the same fundamental principles of fingerprint matching, regardless of the differences in technologies implemented. Fingerprint-matching technology consists of many different components, including fingerprint scanners and fingerprint algorithms that work together to analyze fingerprint patterns and identify specific individuals.

This technique obtains fingerprint features and images by using fingerprint capture devices. The fingerprint-matching algorithms examine the collected fingerprint data to check for unique fingerprint traits or patterns, like minutiae points and ridge lines, to verify if the fingerprint belongs to a particular person.

You know that fingerprint recognition was originally introduced for locational security purposes, but nowadays it has many use cases ranging from securing mobile phones to bank accounts, from restricting access to government services to healthcare providers, and many more.

How does Fingerprint Recognition Technology Work

Fingerprint recognition technology generally captures an image of your fingerprint using a scanner. Let’s look into the different methods of scanning.

• Optical scanner: It captures your fingerprint image digitally by scanning your fingertip through a prism. The prism reads the ridges and valleys and generates light which is then transformed into an image.
• Capacitive scanner: It produces an electric charge through tiny embedded capacitors that store power. When a finger touches the scanner, the capacitors release electric charge.

Fingerprint ridges generate a higher release level as they have a greater contact surface, while valleys generate less release, due to the gaps between the ridges. The variation between these levels is then examined to generate the fingerprint.

• Ultrasound scanner: Ultrasound scanners use echoes to scan a finger. Based on the different sounds reflected by the ridges and the gaps, the sensor records unique prints. This scanner does not require physical contact with the finger to obtain a measurement and has the benefit of measuring in 3-D.
• Thermal scanner: It takes into account the temperature differential between the fingerprint’s ridges and valleys using heat. By comparing the temperature differences of the two, it generates the image of the fingerprint.

Following the scanning process, fingerprints are compared using a technique called pattern matching, which looks for similarities between two images. Generally, minutiae-based matching is employed, which examines the orientation and position of the points in greater detail.

After filtering the unique data and specifications of the fingerprint, it is saved as an encrypted biometric key or a mathematical model (algorithm). The image of the fingerprint is not saved, only the binary code (a string of numbers) is kept and used for verification. This algorithm cannot be replicated to recapture the image of the fingerprint.

What are the Benefits of Fingerprint Recognition Technology?

There are several benefits of fingerprint recognition technology, some of which are discussed below:

• Enhanced Security: Fingerprints are the safest and go-to option when it comes to identity verification. Fingerprint recognition enhances security in various applications, such as accessing control systems and monetary transactions.

For example, Banco Superveille, an Argentina-based bank implemented fingerprint recognition technology to verify the identity of pensioners receiving payments. The move was aimed at stopping relatives from continuing to withdraw from the pension fund of deceased pensioners.

The decision to use fingerprint recognition technology by Banco Superveille sets a good example for other businesses as well to enhance security and provide a seamless experience for employees and pensioners.

• Increased Accuracy: Fingerprint recognition technology provides highly accurate results in identifying individuals. The unique features of fingerprints make it tough for fraudsters to fake them, hence offering a reliable solution for biometric verification.
• Greater Convenience: With fingerprint biometrics, there is no need to remember long passwords or carry physical keys or access cards. Authorized people can easily and quickly access prohibited areas or unlock applications with a simple touch.
• It not only ensures access authorization but also saves time and effort as compared to traditional verification procedures.
• Flexibility: Fingerprint biometrics provide flexibility as fingerprints do not change, unlike other biometric traits. Since fingerprints remain the same for an individual’s lifetime, they provide long-term reliability for identity verification purposes.

The above-mentioned advantages make fingerprint recognition technology a trusted and widely accepted method for safe and convenient verification procedures across various industries.

Well, each technology has its disadvantages as well. Let’s discuss the disadvantages of implementing fingerprint verification.

What are the Disadvantages of Fingerprint Recognition Technology 

• Technical issues: Fingerprint scanners are prone to technical failures and demerits such as power outages, errors, and environmental factors just like any other digital identity verification systems.
• Cost: Nowadays fingerprint recognition systems have become affordable, but for smaller companies, the cost of installation and maintenance is still a barrier. This demerit is slowly fading though, as applications are becoming more cost-effective.
• Exclusions: There are certain people whose fingerprints do not remain the same over the lifetime like people who have done manual work for years or people who are handicapped. These people end up being excluded from using the system. 

To sum up, we can say fingerprint verification is one of the safest and most reliable approaches among the biometric authentication techniques. This is significant because it can identify people through the unique patterns on their fingerprints. With their distinctive and stable features, fingerprints are an excellent tool for verifying identity for businesses.

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