| Does access control and security pique your interest? | | | | material which could potentially break |
| Or perhaps you want to know how realistic | | | | Replacement issues-although area sensors can be |
| something you saw in a movie is. | | | | replaced when they break or reach there usage limit, |
| Maybe a peer suggested you protect your trade | | | | this typically requires manufacturer assistance |
| secrets with a biometric lock. Either way, you're | | | | Reduce details-in comparison to swipe censors, |
| interested now and doing your research. | | | | surface-based sensors read 200 to 400 DPI (dots |
| Some concepts about biometrics immediately make | | | | per inch) |
| sense to you. You quickly familiarize yourself with the | | | | Swipe Sensors |
| concept of censors and learn the industry jargon. | | | | Swipe censors are being integrated into electronics |
| You feel as though you're ready to make a purchase | | | | such as cell phones and laptops. Because of the vital |
| when someone asks you a question which throws | | | | information we store on our electronics, the use of |
| you off: | | | | biometric locks to protect that information is |
| "Are you going with a swipe or area sensors?" | | | | increasing. Rather than placing a finger against the |
| Somehow you missed that information in your | | | | sensor, you swipe or sweep your finger across the |
| research so you hurry to fill in the blanks to make | | | | device to gain access. The sensor creates images of |
| sure you're getting the best protection. | | | | your finger during movement and then pieces them |
| Area Sensors | | | | together to produce an overall fingerprint image. |
| Are sensors are the ones which have traditionally | | | | Swipe sensors have been toted for their advantages |
| been used in biometric locks such as biometric | | | | over area sensors: |
| fingerprint locks. With this type of lock, you physical | | | | No latent fingerprint left on the device itself |
| press your finger against the sensor where it scans | | | | Swipe based sensors are capable of reading 500 |
| your print and attempts to match it with information | | | | DPI on a fingerprint-100 more dots per inch than an |
| stored within its memory. You know you will gain | | | | area sensor |
| access if a match is made. | | | | Swipe sensors are much smaller than their area |
| This surface based solution has provided increased | | | | counterparts, thus easier to protect from physical |
| security over traditional keyed locks for years. | | | | damage. This also makes swipe sensors ideal for |
| Although, while it has been useful, the concept of | | | | small electronics such as cell phones. |
| area censors also has some weaknesses: | | | | They are easier to replace than an area sensor |
| Latent prints-with fingerprint readers, the print | | | | Swipe sensors tend to be a more cost effective |
| remains on the surface of the sensor. This latent | | | | security solution than area sensors |
| print can then be used to trick the biometric lock to | | | | However, you may to replace a swipe sensor more |
| grant access to someone who should not have | | | | frequently because the motion of swiping creates |
| access (techniques which use latent prints are | | | | surface wear. |
| common on movies and on television) | | | | If you are looking to buy a biometric lock and have |
| Large surface area-area sensors have a larger | | | | the opportunity to purchase one with a swipe sensor |
| surface area because the entire structure (for | | | | instead of an area sensor, you can do so and know |
| instance, a finger) needs to fit. There is more sensor | | | | that it is a superior product. |