How do biometric fingerprint readers work?
Are you familiar with unlocking a phone using fingerprint identification? We’ve seen an increase in fingerprint scanning technology, with rapid growth predicted over the next few years. It’s not surprising, due to their 10/10 accuracy and speed.
Human fingerprints are all unique, which is why these fingerprint scanning devices are an accurate and secure method of authentication. They can be used in industries including law enforcement, hospitality, healthcare and more!
How do biometric fingerprint readers work?
These devices work by capturing the pattern of a human fingerprint. The information is then processed using the device’s analysis/matching software. The fingerprint will be compared to the list of registered prints on file, granting access to the external device when a match is made.
The readers can also be used to create a database of new prints, for example when scanning suspect’s prints in the law enforcement industry. This is a great way to securely capture personal data that can then be loaded into another system.
The HID DigitalPersona 4500 Fingerprint Reader is a compact USB peripheral, perfect for individual desk top users or multiple users in shared environments. The fingerprint reader uses optical scanning technology to achieve excellent image quality, a large capture area and superior reliability. The silicone coating allows it to make readings accurately, regardless of the placement angle of the finger.

Simply place the finger on the reader window. The reader will automatically capture and encrypt the fingerprint image before sending it to the DigitalPersona Finger Jet biometric engine for verification. A red flash will indicate that the image has been captured.
Key features:
- Small form factor
- Excellent image quality
- Fast image capture
- Encrypted fingerprint data
- Compatible with DigitalPersona Biometric SDKs
Types of scanners
Optical Reader
An optical reader makes a photocopy of the fingerprint, usually using an image sensor or light-sensitive microchip.
Capacitive Reader
Instead of light, these scanners use electricity, in a similar way to a touchscreen, to read the print pattern. Most smartphones use this type of fingerprint reader.
Ultrasonic Reader
These readers use sound waves. The hardware sends ultrasonic pulses to measure how much bounces back, which will outline the print pattern.
The HID DigitalPersona 4500 is an optical reader, using illuminated light to create a photocopy of the finger to match with the database.

Benefits of an optical reader
- High accuracy
- Long-term stability
- Easy to use
- Non-intrusive
- Smaller storage space needed which reduces database memory use
If you’re interested in improving your authentication methods, chat to us today.
Benefits of RTLS in healthcare industries
Hospitals are busy, complex environments that are always changing, no two days are the same. The primary focus of hospital staff is to provide patients with straightforward access to care. They need their equipment and tools to be in the right place at the right time, so no time is wasted, and they can offer assistance as quickly as possible.
For the workflow to run efficiently, medical departments need to ensure their assets are managed securely and resources are used productively. Siemens RTLS system allows healthcare industries to do just that, with a completely transparent view of the entire facility and its assets, in real time.
The solution allows medical professionals to:
- Keep track of assets in real-time
- Improve the patient experience by increasing productivity and focus on patient care
- Increase staff satisfaction by enhancing interactions and increasing motivation of the workforce
- Improve workflows and optimise clinical operations by automating processes

The solution uses sensor-based tracking technology to identify places and locate all valuable assets, including objects, patients, and staff. Each asset is equipped with a tag, that uses wireless transmissions to send location data to receivers (repeaters) that are installed throughout the facility. The data can then be processed into actionable insights and becomes visualised through virtual interfaces.
RealTime Asset Optimisation
Provides an overview of the location and status of your tracked assets.
RealTime Hospital Navigator
This is a mobile app that provides patients, visitors, and staff with a personalised 3D map of the facility, showing important locations such as waiting areas, cafes, examination rooms and specific units. The app can give you step-by-step instructions on how to get to where you need to be, it offers different routes for patients with disabilities.
RealTime Asset Finder
This is the digital locating service that locates medical equipment in your organisation. As well as showing you where your assets are, it identifies specific features so you can work out exactly what you need. All your asset information is available in one place, along with a filter function so you can filter your search using different categories such as weight, size, department, colour, serial number etc.
RealTime Staff Connection
Automates manual activities, saving time, optimising workflows and makes it easier for your workforce to coordinate tasks and collaborate with each other. In turn, this will improve productivity and increase their work satisfaction.
RealTime Asset Security
This sends automatic alerts if any assets leave a secure zone. This helps prevent theft and misplacement of important/expensive equipment.
Secure zones can be personalised in specific areas, meaning you can tailor your security to your exact needs within different units. The alert notifications can also be personalised for different scenarios, using asset status information from the system. This includes maintenance dates, disinfection status and more.
For more info please give us a call on 01483 413362
HID NOMAD 30 – Pocket Reader
The HID NOMAD 30 Pocket Reader is a fingerprint reader made for Windows, Android and iOS. The reader can be bundled with smartphones, tablets or laptops to provide rapid identification, ideal for use in the law enforcement industry as well as retail, medical, hospitality and education. Unlike many other fingerprint readers, this is a more affordable option, whilst maintaining the features and quality that the more expensive readers have.
The device will make the officer’s job easier, by allowing them to identify subjects without having to bring them back to a police station.
When in use, the user can open the app and the device will show two illuminated ‘landing lights’ that indicate that the device is ready to capture. There is an automated capture feature that captures the fingerprint instantaneously and ensures the image reaches the standard of quality that the FBI needs.
The patented, capacitive thin film transistor enables the device to capture images that remain within the FBI standards even in direct sunlight. This technology is also capable of capturing high quality images when the fingers are dirty, greasy or stained, which is usually something that delays the process.
The haptic motor in this device will alert you when the image has been successfully captured, by sending a vibration. This feature works hand in hand with the ‘landing lights’ and will inform officers that their image has been successfully captured without having to try a few times to get it right. Within the law enforcement industry this is an extremely useful feature, as it means officers do not have to be in close contact with potentially dangerous criminals for any longer than they need to.
The surface of the capacitive sensor of the pocket reader includes a glass coating that covers the sensor. This makes it more robust and resistant to scratches or impact. The sensor has been thoroughly tested with up to 1 million touches with no decrease in performance. Along with this, the NOMAD 30 has an Ingress Protection rating of 65 that protects against dust and water, making it perfect for a number of industries due to its resilience.
Download our spec sheet here – https://www.cmitechnology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cid-nomad-30-module-ds-en.pdf