A Closer Look At Fingerprint Scanners

June 5th, 2024

The future is here, at least where various things are concerned. And one area that the modern world has finally caught up to sci-fi movies is in security systems. Fingerprint scanners, for example, are now more common in Houston, TX than most people realize.

You’ll find them almost everywhere, and fingerprint scanners are being used to secure a number of things including:

• Mobile phones
• Company keys
• Access doors
• Bank vaults
• Vehicles
• And more

From apartment buildings to casinos to your iPhone, fingerprint scanners are the new norm. But how do they work? Learning more about them is something well worth doing, especially when living in a world that is so reliant on them.

Fingerprint Scanner Basics

Fingerprint scanners are nothing more than devices that capture the ridges and patterns on your finger. Just as fingerprinting has been used for centuries by law enforcement, your fingerprints are stored in the system databanks. Then, instead of using a key to access different areas or things, you simply scan in your fingerprint. The system processes it and compares it with what is on file. If a match is found, your identity is verified and you’ll gain access.

There are four main types of fingerprint scanners being used today in Houston, TX. These include the following.

• Optical – The most common option, these use a light sensitive scanner to scan in a digital copy of your fingerprint. They’re more affordable than other options, but aren’t as secure and can be manipulated.
• Ultrasonic – One of the most accurate options, these use high frequency sound waves to scan in the fingerprint, then create a 3D image. It’s technology similar to sonar, and while it’s more accurate and reliable, they’re also more expensive than other options.
• Thermal – Thermal readers use temperature fluctuations caused by valleys and ridges in your fingerprint. They’ll scan in very accurate fingerprints, but require a controlled temperature in the room at all times.
• Capacitive – These systems use electricity to capture the fingerprint. Every person’s body gives out a tiny electrical charge. These sensors pick up those charges and store the information as a fingerprint.

The Big Advantages Of Fingerprint Technology

Of course, plenty of homes and businesses still use the more conventional key and lock systems. There’s nothing wrong with this, but as more and more people begin to implement fingerprint technology instead, the benefits become more apparent. Some of the advantages include:

• Fast and easy, with no need to fumble with keys
• No risk of losing keys or having them stolen
• Much harder to fake or duplicate than keys
• Can’t be picked or hacked
• Database is easy to update, modify, and review as needed.

The Right Security For You

Whether you’re securing your home, some valuables, or your business in Houston, TX and various rooms within the business, fingerprint scanning technology is an option that deserves more attention from everyone. They’re becoming more common than ever, and offer advantages that make them stand out as being the right call for your security needs. And, with today’s technology, they’re becoming more reliable and accurate than ever before.