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Ultrasonic vs Optical Fingerprint Readers

July 25, 2022

Ultrasonic vs Optical Fingerprint Readers

Gone are the days when passwords were the only security measure to safeguard our devices. Fingerprint readers have become a popular security feature in the past few years. With the advancement of technology, two types of fingerprint readers have emerged, ultrasonic and optical readers. Here, we will compare the differences between the two.

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Readers

Ultrasonic fingerprint readers use sound waves to capture the ridges and valleys of our fingerprints. When a finger is placed on the sensor, ultrasonic waves travel through the finger, and the sensor captures the reflection of the waves. The returned signal is then used to create a 3D map of the fingerprint that is stored in the device.

Ultrasonic fingerprint readers have some advantages over optical readers. For instance, they can work even if the finger is dirty or wet, as the waves can penetrate through the dirt and moisture. Additionally, ultrasonic readers are much more secure, as they are less prone to hacking and spoofing.

Optical Fingerprint Readers

Optical fingerprint readers, on the other hand, use light to capture the fingerprint image. When a finger is placed on the sensor, a light source illuminates it, and a camera captures an image of the fingerprint. The image is then analyzed, and the ridges and valleys are extracted to create a 2D map of the fingerprint, which is stored in the device.

Optical fingerprint readers are more common than ultrasonic fingerprint readers because of their lower cost. However, they have some disadvantages. The biggest drawback is that they are less secure than ultrasonic readers, as they are susceptible to hacking and spoofing. Additionally, optical readers may struggle to capture the fingerprint if the finger is dirty or wet.

Comparison Table

Factor Ultrasonic Optical
Sensing Technology Sound Waves Light
2D/3D Mapping 3D 2D
Accuracy High Moderate to High
Security High Low to Moderate
Cost Expensive Inexpensive
Environment Works well in wet/dirty Struggles in wet/dirty
Overall Performance Great Good

Conclusion

The choice between ultrasonic and optical fingerprint readers ultimately boils down to the level of security required and the price. Ultrasonic fingerprint readers are more secure but are also more expensive. On the other hand, optical fingerprint readers may be more affordable but are less secure. Additionally, if the environment the reader is in tends to be wet or dirty, ultrasonic fingerprint readers will likely perform better.

With all that said, both ultrasonic and optical fingerprint readers provide a level of security that passwords cannot match, and they are both widely used in various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

References

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