Evaluation of ‘non-traditional’ fingerprint sensor performance

Abstract

Non-traditional (not optical) fingerprint sensors in use today incorporate technologies that have recently been developed and have not typically been suitable for the traditional Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Appendix F fingerprint image quality evaluation and certification processes. There is a lack of independent quality, matching performance and interoperability assessment related to these sensors. This paper describes the results of human subject testing using a variety of non-traditional fingerprint sensors, along with traditional optical fingerprint devices as a baseline. The test includes data collection, analysis and formal reporting. The range of fingerprint sensor technologies evaluated included: optical Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR), thin film transistor, single finger swipe and single finger multi-spectral. With funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accredited iBeta Quality Assurance Laboratory conducted the testing during the fall-spring 2014–15. The performance evaluation is organized into three categories; Native Performance, Non-traditional Probes Against FTIR References and Interoperability.