Frequently Asked Questions

General information

Product information

Using SecuGen fingerprint sensors

1. What is biometrics?

Biometrics is an automated system of recognizing a person based on the person's physical or behavioral characteristics. It is the same system that the human brain uses to recognize and distinguish one person from another. It is a system that recognizes a person based on "who" the person is and does not rely on "what a person is carrying" or "what a person knows." Things that a person can carry, such as keys and ID-badges, can be lost, stolen, and/or duplicated. Things that a person knows, such as passwords and pin-numbers, can be forgotten, stolen, and/or duplicated. Instead, biometrics relies on "who" a person is-on a unique immutable human characteristic that can not be lost, forgotten, stolen or duplicated. Biometrics, therefore, provides the ultimate level of security, convenience and ease of use. It is this security and convenience that SecuGen's fingerprint recognition system provides.

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2. What applications can use fingerprint recognition?

As many as the imagination can hold. Fingerprint recognition can be used in any application that requires security, access control, and identification or verification of the user. These applications include PC-peripherals for secure workstations, PC network security solutions, E-commerce, entry-access systems, door-locks, time-and-attendance machines, ATMs, toys and games. Presently, SecuGen's technology has been successfully integrated into computer mice and keyboards, network security solutions, Internet security solutions, on-line banking systems, door locks, access control systems, time & attendance machines, and ATMs. These products have proven performance and are sold throughout the world.

Examples of hardware products developed using SecuGen technology.
Examples of software products developed using SecuGen technology.

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3. What is the difference between verification and identification?

Fingerprint recognition methodology is divided into two distinct processes: Verification and Identification. The Verification process is a one-to-one matching process (1:1). The user states who the user is. A new fingerprint sample is taken from the user and compared to the user's previously registered or stored fingerprint. If the fingerprints match, the user is "verified" as who they say they are, and granted all the privileges and access of the stated user-the system verifies who the user says they are. The Identification process is a one-to-many matching process (1:N). A user need not state who they are. A new fingerprint sample is taken from the user and compared to a database of existing fingerprints of registered or stored users. When a match is found, the user is "identified" as the preexisting user-the system finds who the user is. This one-to-many matching process is how the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) works. SecuGen offers both verification and identification technology.

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4. How do SecuGen's fingerprint recognition products work?

First, a user must enroll their fingerprint for future verification (1:1) or identification (1:N). A user can enroll by placing their finger on a SecuGen® fingerprint recognition device such as a SecuGen® Mouse or an access control device integrated with a SecuGen fingerprint module. The device sensor scans the user's finger and captures the live 3-D fingerprint image. SecuGen's minutiae based algorithm then extracts minutiae points from the image and converts the data into a unique mathematical template, comparable to a 60 digit password-a password. This unique template is then encrypted and stored to represent the user. No actual image of the fingerprint is stored.

Next, for verification, an enrolled user states who they are (i.e. enters a user ID) and places the his or her finger on the device sensor. A new fingerprint image of the user is captured. Minutiae data is extracted from the fingerprint and converted into a template. This template is then compared to the user's pre-enrolled template for a match. If the templates match, the user is verified positively. For identification, a user places the his or her finger on sensor without stating their identity (i.e. does not enter any user ID). The newly extracted template is then matched against preexisting templates. If there is a match, the user is identified as the user who enrolled the preexisting template.

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5. Why does SecuGen focus on fingerprint technology as opposed to other types of biometrics technology?

Considered the oldest and most commonly accepted form of biometrics, fingerprints have been used for verification and identification purposes for thousands of years. Both the United States and Europe began documenting the use of fingerprints for identification and verification over a hundred years ago. After all this time, and millions of fingerprints later, no two identical fingerprints have ever been found. It is safe to say that fingerprints are truly a unique human characteristic, as no other biometrics technology can boast this level of scientific history and evidential support. Accordingly, its advantage over other biometric solutions lies in its proven accuracy, reliability, convenience, user acceptance and familiarity. Moreover, with SecuGen's technology and through support for developers, many applications have been developed and many more are continually being developed to make fingerprint recognition systems useful and affordable for consumers everywhere.

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6. What are the benefits of using fingerprint biometrics?

SecuGen biometrics eliminate the problems associated with password management by measuring fingerprints, a unique human characteristic that is virtually impossible to duplicate or forget. Fingerprint biometrics make it more convenient for you to access your electronic resources, while maintaining a secure method of authentication.

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7. How do SecuGen's products handle dirt, oil or moisture buildup?

Very well. SecuGen's optical prism is specially designed to resist distortions caused by dirt, oil or moisture buildup. Unlike many other optical devices, there are no expensive coatings to disturb on the hard surface of the prism. Designed for high usage and daily exposure to touch and contaminants from hands, SecuGen's rugged and scratch-resistant fingerprint sensor can easily be cleaned or wiped with a cloth or household glass cleaner if necessary.

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8. What are the advantages of SecuGen's optical fingerprint recognition technology over semiconductor (or chip) -based technologies?

Physical strength. SecuGen's optics-based system is physically stronger than semiconductor-based systems in terms of impact-resistance, scratch-resistance, weather-durability, and corrosion-resistance. Physical strength is a key factor for versatile outdoor usage. Semiconductor-based systems must apply special surface treatments to protect their inherently weak surfaces. Even then, they are far weaker than SecuGen's optical-prism strength.

Low maintenance costs. Semiconductor chip-based fingerprint recognition systems have higher maintenance costs than SecuGen's system due to their fragility. Unlike SecuGen's optical system, semiconductor-based systems use fragile and expensive parts that are equally expensive to replace and maintain.

No electrostatic problems. Semiconductor systems are inherently susceptible to damage from electrostatic energy, especially in carpeted areas. SecuGen's optical system is immune to electrostatic energy. Static electricity can actually burn out an entire semiconductor-based system.

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9. What are the advantages of SecuGen's fingerprint recognition products over other optics-based fingerprint recognition systems?

High image quality. Traditional fingerprint devices require fine hand-calibration of its optical components. As such, image quality can vary significantly from one unit to another depending on the level of calibration. Accordingly, mass production of such units is costly or nearly impossible. Furthermore, such systems cannot endure high physical impact or shock, limiting their potential for outdoor use. SecuGen's patented-pending optical system allows mass production of high quality image capturing modules with minimal calibration requirements. Additionally, conventional optical fingerprint recognition systems use FTIR (Frustrated Total Internal Reflection) image processing methodology. In such systems, high image quality requires longer focal lengths and therefore longer and larger modules. To make these conventional optical systems smaller, image quality must be compromised and the system is left to work with inherently distorted images. Image distortion effectively lowers accuracy and reliability. By contrast, SecuGen's Fingerprint Recognition System utilizes a unique, patented SEIR (Surface Enhanced Irregular Reflection) imaging method. Using this breakthrough technology, SecuGen's fingerprint modules are able to achieve distortion-free image capturing while drastically reducing its physical size.

Compact size. In traditional optical systems, higher image quality means longer focal lengths, which in turn means larger devices. SecuGen's patented-pending optical system provides distortion-free high image quality in the most compact module-design available today.

Resistant to grease and oil buildup Image quality is reduced when grease or oil builds up on the optical surface. Unlike other optical systems, SecuGen's patent-pending optical prism does not allow for grease or oil to build up on its surface. In addition, SecuGen's patented- pending optical prism is highly resistant to abrasions and is nearly indestructible.

Performs well under extreme conditions. Unlike other optical systems, SecuGen's fingerprint recognition system can operate under extreme temperature and humidity. Due to its superior wear-resistance, SecuGen's optical system functions well even under the most difficult outdoor weather conditions.

Low Cost. SecuGen offers the most cost-effective fingerprint recognition solution with the highest image quality available in the market today. SecuGen's advanced automated manufacturing processes mean reliable mass production. The result is a tremendous value to our customers at a significantly reduced cost.

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10. How fast can SecuGen's products verify a user?

The verification speed is generally less than half a second.

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11. What are the False Rejection and False Acceptance Rates (FRR and FAR) of SecuGen's products?

First, it is helpful to explain the meaning of these rates, what affects them, and how they are determined.

The False Rejection Rate (FRR, also called False Non-Match Rate or FNMR) states the percentage of instances that an authorized individual is falsely rejected by the system. The False Acceptance Rate (FAR, also called False Match Rate or FMR) states the percentage of instances that a non-authorized individual is falsely accepted by the system. FRR and FAR (or FNMR and FMR) are diametrically opposed. Therefore, raising the FAR will lower the FRR and vice-versa. Accordingly, FRRs and FARs can be adjusted to fit the requirements of the entire security system. SecuGen software products offer nine different security levels that allow you to adjust the FRRs and FARs to reach desired results.

In a real-world system, there are many factors that can affect FRR and FAR. For a minutiae-based fingerprint recognition system, these factors include: (A) the fingerprint capture device, (B) the fingerprint minutiae (template) extraction algorithm, (C) the fingerprint minutiae matching algorithm, (D) the user interface and (E) the user. There may be myriad other factors that can depend on the system, how it is used and the conditions in which it is used. For this reason, many tests for "performance," "accuracy" or other test that determine FRR and FAR must be able to control as many known factors as possible and maintain them consistently throughout all tests.

Independent of factors A, D, E and other variables, SecuGen's Pro algorithms have been extensively tested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in one of the industry's most reliable, rigorous and statistically significant tests of performance and interoperability of core fingerprint algorithms (MINEX).

Specifically, SecuGen's Pro extraction ("template generator") and matching ("matcher") algorithms that are supplied in SecuGen's FDx SDK Pro were tested and identified as compliant for template encoders and matchers for the United States Government's Personal Identity Verification (PIV) program.

To view the test information and test results, please refer to NIST's MINEX web pages at http://fingerprint.nist.gov/minex/index.html.

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12. How well do SecuGen's products capture dry fingerprints?

Unlike other optical systems, SecuGen's SEIR (Surface Enhanced Irregular Reflection) optical technology combined with SecuGen's proprietary algorithm is able to capture extremely high quality, accurate, and distortion-free images. SecuGen's optical system is thereby able to capture even the driest fingerprint images that other optical systems can not.

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13. How does fingerprint enrollment work?

When a three-dimensional fingerprint is applied to the sensor window of a SecuGen fingerprint recognition device, the fingerprint is scanned and a gray scale fingerprint image is captured. All fingerprints contain a number of unique physical characteristics called minutiae, which includes certain visible aspects of fingerprints such as ridges, ridge endings, and bifurcations (forks in ridges). Minutiae are generally found in the core points of fingerprints; core points are located near the centers of fingerprints. Figure 1 shows the positions of core points within fingerprints. The user is enrolled, or registered, in the database after a special minutiae-based algorithm extracts key minutiae points from the three-dimensional image at the time of acquisition (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 1 Core points on different fingerprint patterns. A core point is defined as the topmost point on the innermost upwardly curving ridgeline.

Fig. 2 Examples of Minutiae

The extracted minutiae data are then converted into a unique digital template comparable to a 60-digit password. This unique template is then encrypted and stored. It is important to understand that no actual image of the fingerprint is stored, only the minutiae-based template. The process of enrollment actually takes two samples captured from the same finger before that finger is considered registered. When the next fingerprint image is captured during input, it is scanned by the fingerprint recognition device, converted to a template, and compared to the registered set for matching. The term "biometrics" means the statistical use of measurable biological characteristics, like fingerprint minutiae. Biometric security, then, is based not on what you have (a key, a card) or what you know (a password, a PIN) - but who you are. Biometric security systems can be used in two distinct ways: (a) to verify a user's stated identity, or (b) to identify a user by finding the closest match in a database of stored fingerprint templates. The two methods are known as verification and identification, respectively.

The process of "authentication" refers to the validation of users on any system. Systems that use fingerprint biometrics include access control, time & attendance, and computer networks among many others. Fingerprint recognition systems are used to authenticate people, and are ideal for supplementing or replacing simpler, less secure authentication methods such as passwords or IDs. Most experts agree that fingerprint recognition is the best of the various biometric techniques for its proven reliability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

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14. Why do I need to obtain good fingerprint images?

The quality of your fingerprint image is relative to the number of minutiae points captured. If the number and locations of the minutiae remain consistent whenever your fingerprint image is scanned and captured, your fingerprint image will successfully match the template of your registered finger. Fingerprint images that do not contain adequate minutiae data are not acceptable as personal credentials, and are therefore invalid. Figure 3 shows poor-quality fingerprints, characterized by smudged, faded, or otherwise distorted areas on the fingerprint. Conditions like these may be attributable to a number of factors, including excessively dry or wet skin, or scarring.

Fig. 3 Examples of poor fingerprint images

SecuGen's fingerprint matching algorithm is capable of extracting the correct minutiae even without benefit of a perfect print. However, the positioning of your finger and the relative wetness or dryness of your fingerprint when it is placed on the optic window for scanning are both important factors in getting a match. Bright lighting and humidity may also contribute to lowered performance if you are not careful. To minimize the chances of rejection by the system, especially in high security environments, you should know how to properly position your finger on the fingerprint reader. The best advice is to cover the optic sensor window completely with your finger to ensure that the maximum fingerprint surface area is exposed to the scan. A common mistake is to touch the sensor with the tip of your finger, which contains little or no usable minutiae.

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15. How do I correct problems from dry fingerprints?

When the temperature is low, or just after washing hands, the fingerprint is often dry. In this case, you may moisturize the fingerprint by breathing on it, or by touching your forehead to pick up surface oil before applying it to the sensor window.

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16. How should I position my fingerprint?

In order to capture the most minutiae, maximize the surface area of the fingerprint on the fingerprint input window by covering the sensor completely. It is okay for your fingertip to extend beyond the length of the sensor to center your fingerprint. Apply pressure lightly and evenly without moving it during the capturing process. Figure 4 shows the correct positioning of the fingerprint on the input window. Figure 5 shows the most common mistakes made during the initial phase of enrollment.

Fig. 4 Correct placement

Fig. 5 Common mistakes

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17. Why do I have to place my fingerprint twice during enrollment?

During enrollment, or registration, the process requires you to lift your finger from the device then put it back for a second capture. This second placement is needed because the registered fingerprint template is made from two samples. The method by which the system will ask you to do this varies depending on the kind of a device you're using. For instance, a PC peripheral device might make the request via a dialog window on your PC monitor, while a stand-alone unit for access control might display instructions to users on an LCD panel. Although the user interface may vary between applications, basic usage will be the same for any installation using SecuGen fingerprint readers.

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18. How much can I rotate my fingerprint?

For optimal speed in matching and verification, SecuGen's fingerprint system algorithm is set to allow up to ±45° for input fingerprint rotation, as illustrated in Figure 6.

Fig. 6 The maximum angle of finger rotation

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19. How much pressure is required for a good-quality fingerprint?

Apply pressure lightly and evenly during the capturing process. You only need to apply as much pressure as is required to hold a piece of paper between your fingers. Pressing too hard may result in an overly dark or blurred image. On the other hand, if too little pressure is applied, the resulting image may be too faint, similar to the dry fingerprint. A little practice is all that is needed for users to get the feel of it.

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20. What should I do if I cut or injure my finger?

As a preventative measure, it is best to enroll more than one finger so that if one finger becomes unavailable for authentication, you will have an alternate finger to use. For this reason, many biometric products, including SecuGen software, provide the option of multiple finger enrollments.

If your biometric product features a password or PIN back-up, you can use this feature in case no finger or properly working fingerprint device is available.

If none of the above options work, please contact your IT administrator or technical support provider for help. For SecuGen software support, you may contact our Technical Support Team.

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21. Where can I get more information about how to use SecuGen fingerprint devices?

The document, SecuGen Peripheral User Guide (PDF), provides installation instructions, usage, care and maintenance tips, trouble-shooting tips, and information about how to use the SecuGen Device Diagnostic Tool for better performance.

For other non-SecuGen products that have a SecuGen fingerprint sensor integrated into them, the document, SecuGen Fingerprint Device User Guide (PDF), provides usage, care and maintenance tips.

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