Fingerprint access control

	The CV74X0 handheld fingerprint reader from China-Vision Intelligence and Technology of mainland China supports GSM/GPRS data transmission.

Suppliers add nonbiometric features to suit diverse market. New models get external and structural design makeover.

Fingerprint recognition technologies drive China’s biometric access control industry. Fingerprint recognition products take up 90 percent of the sales of all biometric products in the region and 30 percent of the global supply. Buoyed by a strong growth in the global biometrics market, manufacturers do not foresee fingerprint access control products dropping out of mainstream supply in the near future because of their relatively low cost and mature technology.

Biometrics is increasingly becoming the norm in access control systems worldwide, resulting in remarkable growth rates for the industry. Global shipment of biometric recognition products was estimated at $3.8 billion in 2008 and is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2012, based on statistics from the International Biometrics Group.

Security products based on fingerprint recognition include fingerprint modules, access control products, time attendance (T/A) recorders, fingerprint locks and fingerprint cabinets. The product line has been extending its market reach, and now includes the finance, telecommunications and e-governance sectors in its application base.

Fingerprint recognition technology is now widely used in various information security applications, such as bank teller authentication products, driving training school products, biometric scanners and readers, fingerprint UKeys and network management systems. Increasing demand for security measures in personal information/data and personal finance has also enabled fingerprint recognition functions to be extended to mobile phones, desktop and notebook PCs, USB flash drives and PC peripherals.

Mainstream fingerprint access control products from China feature LCDs, LED backlights, 500dpi resolution, ≤0.0001 percent false acceptance rates (FAR), ≤0.01 percent false rejection rates (FRR) and 0.5s or less recognition speed. These products allow multiple identification methods, TCP/IP transmission and T/A recording. RS-485, RS-232 and USB interfaces are supported.

Makers’ product development priorities in the coming months will revolve around enhancements on external and structural design, FAR/FRR, recognition speed and resolution, combination methods and customization services. Suppliers are aiming for significant improvements in recognition speed and accuracy rates. Miaxis, for example, will release models with <0.00001 percent FAR and <0.001 percent FRR at 1:N verification mode (with N=6,000 to 9,000). For these models, the recognition speed will range from less than 1s at N=6,000 to less than 1.5s at N=9,000.

Suppliers are raising the bar in resolution values, with 500dpi forecast to breach the mainstream formerly dominated by 300dpi and 250dpi models. New models will also have more than 10-digit keyboards, large-screen displays, built-in audio devices, and voice and alarm functions.

Some companies are planning to combine various identification methods, such as fingerprint template, multiple fingerprints, contactless IC card, and ID + password and contact card, into one model. Most suppliers said that they will continue to develop combination products that merge biometric and nonbiometric recognition technologies. Sebury Technology Co. Ltd, China-Vision Intelligence & Technology Co. Ltd, Granding Technology (China) Co. Ltd, Miaxis and Wellcom have released one or two models each combining biometric and nonbiometric access control products.

China manufacturers are also improving product functions to widen the application of fingerprint access control products, particularly as more models are integrated into T/A recording systems, information security products, nonfingerprint access control systems, locks and law enforcement automatic fingerprint identification systems (AFIS). Some of the recent feature additions are voice prompt and blue backlit LCD indicator.

Some fingerprint access control products support GSM/GPRS, wireless and IR.

	The FTA730 from Miaxis of mainland China uses a 32-bit Samsung ARM920T processor. It supports multiple identification methods and T/A function.

Fingerprint access control products depend primarily on sensors and processors for operation. Optical, capacitive and inductive sensors are the three mainstream sensors used by China makers, with optical sensors—also called image sensors—leading in market share. The other sensor types used include temperature sensor, RF sensor and photoelectric sensor.

Many China makers use sensors from UPEK, AuthenTec, Symwave, Atmel, FingerPrint Card and Lightuning. Some leading companies, such as ZK Software and Miaxis, have developed their own optical sensors.

Optical sensors deliver better antistatic effect and faster access/matching time. These are also lower in price, but are more durable and more suitable for mass production. Capacitive sensors, which are mainly used in laptops and USB drives, are suitable for compact products. Capacitive sensors are more expensive and have a shorter lifespan and relatively slow recognition speed. However, these can discriminate between a fake finger and a real one to avoid an incorrect match. Inductive sensors likewise have this feature, which is an advantage over optical sensors.

Optical sensors come in CMOS and CCD versions. China makers use CMOS sensors, which offer better price-to-performance ratio and can be easily integrated into other security devices and systems. CMOS sensors are suitable for small-scale implementations and limited-access requirements. One downside is that CMOS sensors wear out easily, and, thus, require regular maintenance.

Meanwhile, CCD sensors are more suitable to large-scale implementations. These are highly durable, but are expensive to use for access control systems.

In terms of processors, makers use DSPs for their more stable performance. Suppliers say that DSPs are more effective in realtime computing environments, while ARM processors have lower power consumption and energy-saving features. China makers source DSPs from Texas Instruments (TI) and Philips, and ARM from Samsung and Intel.

	The BC-2028 fingerprint access control from mainland China's Sebury doubles as a T/A device. It records 3,000 fingerprints and 30,000 data logs.

Market competition, component cost, technology development and currency revaluation are influencing prices of fingerprint access control systems from China. At present, opposing forces are dictating price trends for the coming months. Rising production cost could bring about a slight increase in export prices. In contrast, maturing technology and tighter competition could cause a downturn in prices.

Standalone fingerprint access control systems with TCP/IP and optional T/A functions are priced from $50 to $200. Midrange models that come with T/A recording, TCP/IP, USB interface, multiple identification methods, alarm and management software are quoted from $100 to $300. High-end models, which are priced from $200 to $300, feature T/A function, USB, wireless transmission, multiple access/identification methods, RFID reader and multilingual mode. Multiple identification methods usually include fingerprint, password, contactless card and contact card.

A few companies have developed high-end products that combine fingerprint access control and other security functions. A model released by Sebury combines a video door phone. It lists at $1,000.

Models that also support nonfingerprint biometric verification technologies, such as face recognition and iris and palm identification, are priced higher. A fingerprint access control product with hand geometry recognition from Topscom Electronics Co. Ltd is priced at $20,000. The product can scan and identify all critical parts of the hand, including the palm cup, interdigital region, carpal crease and wrist palm.

Encouraged by the rising demand worldwide, a flood of newcomers has been expanding China’s supplier base in recent years. There are now more than 100 suppliers of fingerprint access control products in China. Among the leading companies are ZK Software Inc., Miaxis Biometrics Co. Ltd, Beijing PKU High-tech Fingerprint Co. Ltd, Zhejiang Wellcom Biometrics Co. Ltd, Beijing ZTEway Biotech Co. Ltd, Beijing Hisign Technology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen Ideal Microelectronics Co. Ltd, Shenzhen Aratek Biometrics Technology Co. Ltd, Hongda Opto-Electron Co. Ltd and Shenzhen EPASS Digital Security Co. Ltd.

The majority of manufacturers concentrate on final product assembly, outsourcing software development and solutions. About 10 companies operate their own R&D facilities and specialize in some core technologies, such as data collection and module processing, verification algorithms and software upgrades.

The industry leaders generally have in-house R&D capability. They are able to provide their own fingerprint verification modules, SDK and EDK solutions, fingerprint T/A systems, access control systems, IT systems and other fingerprint recognition-related products. Some companies can develop their own fingerprint sensors. The export business of most suppliers began between 2003 and 2005.

China has four main manufacturing hubs for fingerprint access control products. These are Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and Shenzhen in Guangdong.

Shenzhen accounts for 40 percent of China’s total output of fingerprint access control products, making it the primary production hub for this line in the region. Major players such as China-Vision Intelligence & Technology Co. Ltd and ZK Software Inc. are based in the city. Most of the products manufactured in Shenzhen are shipped to North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Some of the leading China suppliers of fingerprint access control products are based in Beijing, Shanghai or Hangzhou. Beijing’s major players include Beijing PKU High-tech Fingerprint Co. Ltd, Beijing ZTEway Biotech Co. Ltd and Beijing Hisign Technology Co. Ltd. Miaxis Biometrics Co. Ltd and Zhejiang Wellcom Biometrics Co. Ltd are based in Hangzhou. Granding Technology (China) Co. Ltd is based in Shanghai.

Most manufacturers in these four areas have in-house R&D capability. They offer a wide range of products on top of fingerprint access control devices, such as fingerprint locks and car locks, fingerprint T/A systems and fingerprint POS systems. Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou also boast several universities, academic institutions and high-tech companies that help bolster the fingerprint access control industry in these areas. Their local governments invest heavily in R&D on high-tech products, including fingerprint access control systems.

Fingerprint access control products based in these four main hubs take advantage of the established supply chain to grow the industry. The cities offer an ample number of subcontractors that specialize in product design, mold making, plastic injection molding, software development and EMS. There is also an abundant supply of components and solutions that makers can tap for their products.

Biometrics has taken an important role in Taiwan’s access control industry. The once lean product segment is now served by two types of suppliers: the traditional biometrics provider that expanded into the access control sphere by offering biometric access control products, and the access control product manufacturer that has added biometric technologies to its line. There are currently about 50 companies in Taiwan that supply access control products, mostly proximity card readers and fingerprint readers. Approximately 20 suppliers focus on fingerprint recognition products. These include Taiwan Jantek Electronics Ltd, Startek Engineering Inc., Hundure Technology Co. Ltd, Soyal Technology Co. Ltd and Soca Technology Co. Ltd. Almost all are small or medium companies.

Taiwan’s main production centers are Taipei and Middle Taiwan, the latter including Taichung and Chiayi County. A large number of suppliers can handle in-house manufacturing, including PCB subassembly, final assembly, QC and R&D. Some companies have also invested in surface-mount machines. A few suppliers choose to concentrate on product design and R&D, and subcontract manufacturing to their partners. Taiwan makers usually source key components and raw materials from local suppliers or providers based in Japan and the United States.

Fingerprint recognition remains as the most popular biometrics technology in Taiwan. The International Biometrics Group estimates that fingerprint recognition accounts for more than half of the biometrics market worldwide. Face recognition is far behind with only 12.9 percent of the market, while iris, hand and vein verification technologies have 5.1 percent, 4.7 percent and 3 percent share, respectively.

User adoption of fingerprint-based identification systems is high because of its mature technology, easy implementation and cost effectiveness. Despite persistent concerns about the product’s verification time, reading errors and sanitary issues, makers expect fingerprint identification systems to continue their market dominance. As supply and cost of components remain stable, suppliers will maintain their prices, and this will further boost the line.

Taiwan-made fingerprint access control products are shipped mainly to the US and Western Europe, with 41 percent and 31 percent export shares, respectively. The rest of the products are exported to the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Mexico and other parts of the world.