Any of the cheap sensors has to have a function interpreting its
"view" of the fingerprint. So in that sense there has to be an
algorithm. But it doesn't have to be more than primitive, given the
uses to which it is presently being put. And a discussion of a
"silicon sensor" versus a "silicon camera" is a good example of
finding a truly ridiculous and beside the point distinction to try to
make yourself look good. These components are very cheap and far from
a major biometric system . . . that's the point.
Why do you believe inexpensive (software or hardware) components have
to be low quality or incomplete? Please, tell us because Identix sure
doesn't want to.
From Veridicom website:
Limitations of Existing Methods
In the past, fingerprints have been acquired and compared using
optical readers. However, these readers are bulky, they often
require a computer host, and they contain complex optics that make them expensive. This has limited their use to applications
where the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Breakthrough Technology for Fingerprint Sensors
Veridicom applied Lucent's breakthrough advances in semiconductor
electronics, materials science, and pattern recognition to
develop solid-state sensors for fingerprint identification. These
chip-based solutions are substantially less expensive, dramatically
smaller, more reliable, more robust, and easier to use than existing
readers. These innovative sensors will enable the fingerprint to
become the basis for all types of electronic identification.
Advantages of Silicon-Based Technology
Efficiency and Reliability
Because they are silicon-based and use standard CMOS processes,
Veridicom's fingerprint sensors can be produced using highly
efficient, cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing techniques.
Solid-state technology also enables the sensor to be very small, about
the size of a postage stamp, with a simple and convenient user
interface - just "press here."
Silicon fabrication also provides absolute precision of each sensor's pixel element positioning and identical resolution from
sensor to sensor. It experiences none of the distortion induced by
complex optical light paths, and each sensor is identical to all
others. Advanced pattern-recognition technology also contributes to making the Veridicom system highly reliable.
Robust, Expandable Device
As a solid-state device, the Veridicom sensor is inherently more robust than optical components. The chip is 100 times stronger
than glass and protected with a proprietary coating that makes it highly resistant to abrasion. It is rugged enough for use at
ATMs or in industrial environments, for example.
Silicon technology will also allow a host of expanded functions to be incorporated into the sensor in the future, including A-to-D
converters and on-board microprocessors, at very low incremental cost and with no increase in chip size.
The end result is a cost-efficient, reliable identification system
that is practical and affordable for a wide range of existing and
future applications.
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1. I don't think it is feasible to sell a $500 finger scanner when
you can (or soon will) buy entry level PCs (sufficent for web
browsing) for the same cost.
2. If Identix algorithms and reader are worth extra $$$ why did it get
such a bad review in Network Computing?
3. What is the status of F3? |
