Biometric readers. Part 2.
For those who have not yet had time to read the first part of the review of biometric readers presented on the Russian market (No. 6–2009), we repeat that the authors decided to classify readers by cost. A normal choice, because it is the price that largely reflects the technical excellence of the equipment, its functionality and reliability.
Middle price segment
The main criteria for equipment in the mid-price segment include the following. This is a well-known global brand that has been present in Russia for quite a long time. The cost of readers is up to 00. In terms of functionality, these models operate in both verification and identification modes, are equipped with more accurate sensors, and also have a larger memory capacity than representatives of the lower price segment. Often, a biometric reader in this price segment is equipped with a built-in Proximity or smart card reader or has a Wiegand input for connecting any standard external reader. Almost all models in this price segment can operate as part of a full-fledged access control and management system due to the presence of a Wiegand output. This is done precisely to be able to integrate a biometric reader into an existing system at the facility. For example, if there is a need to provide additional protection for several of the most important rooms. Moreover, external Proximity readers can be connected to biometric readers and configured to operate in verification mode using the identifiers and readers that are already at the facility. This is advantageous.
Another option: if the facility uses the most common cards in the world from HID Global, then you can take a biometric reader combined with a HID card reader. Most manufacturers that work in the mid-range segment have such developments. That is, these devices are actually a biometric scanner combined with either Proximity readers or smart card readers.
But they do not have a keyboard, no LCD display. They do not have many other functions that fingerprint readers of the highest price category have.
Premium segment
The product lines of all serious manufacturers of fingerprint biometrics usually include both mid- and high-price range devices. That is, this is also equipment from global brands. The first to appear on the Russian market were readers from Identix. A little later, Bioscrypt presented its equipment, and finally, Sagem entered our market. Today, the situation has changed somewhat, because Identix and Bioscrypt have become structural divisions of L1.
If we talk about distinctive characteristics, here we should first of all mention the ability to configure FAR and FRR ranges, the presence of a large volume of built-in memory and a powerful processor for storing and processing thousands of digital user templates and system events, reading contactless Proximity and Smart cards, the ability to work in verification modes (using a PIN code or contactless card) or identification, the ability to store a fingerprint template not in the reader's memory, but on a Smart card.
The cost of such readers exceeds 00. A typical representative of this segment is equipped with a color LCD display and a keyboard. But programming devices using a PC is much more convenient: it is enough to create a user fingerprint database once and load it into each reader — this is especially convenient for large systems. Many readers can operate in multifactor identification mode (two- or three-factor authentication). It is also worth mentioning such functions as reading damaged and dirty fingers, easy replacement of sensors that have exhausted their resource, support for PoE and wireless LAN, displaying text messages on the LCD screen. Devices of this class are equipped with standard Wiegand outputs and are compatible with almost any serious full-featured network ACS. In addition, most products in this segment combine the functions of a reader and a controller, i.e. in fact, these are autonomous stand alone devices capable of independently controlling electric locking devices (or, in the language of GOST — «controlled blocking devices»).This equipment is in demand on the market. The economic crisis, of course, made its adjustments, but there was no catastrophic drop in sales. In Russia, too. The consumer segment may have narrowed somewhat, but structurally it has not undergone any serious changes. That is, it can be safely said that biometric identification devices are still used in almost all vertical markets.
And leading developers do not stand still — it is enough to mention, for example, the recently appeared new generation readers that provide fast and reliable identification of up to 10,000 users in 1:N mode. And in verification mode (1:1) the number of users is not limited at all.
ekey net (ekey, Austria)
ekey net is a network version of the access system that creates keys literally from the fingers of the personnel (available with RFID card readers). The data is registered and administered centrally. The system can administer any number of users, fingerprint scanners and time periods. More than 2000 different users can be saved locally on each scanner. Temperature range of the scanner: -40°C to +85° C, recognition probability FAR 1 x 10-6/FRR 1.4 x 10-2 , Permissible humidity max. 95%, IP43 outside, IP54 inside.
Access worldwide via VPN. The system is compatible with existing electronic locking systems, communication systems, code locks and card readers. Door status control. The scanner can be used independently of the network.
bioCLASS RWKLB575 (HID Global Corporation, USA)
The bioCLASS RWKLB575 biometric reader is an integrated device that combines the BIO500 optical fingerprint scanner and the RWRL550 rewritable iCLASS reader, equipped with a 12-button keyboard and an LCD display. Fingerprint templates are pre-entered into the iCLASS smart card memory using a special CP575 programmer. In access mode, the reader reads the previously recorded templates from the card and compares them with the presented fingerprints. If there is a match, information about the possibility of access is sent to the access control system control device (ACS controller).
A high level of recognition is achieved by using an algorithm for processing fingerprint images. Biometric parameters are stored on the iCLASS smart card. This data is protected by a cryptographic algorithm. Increased security is ensured by using long 64-bit identification keys, a complex encryption algorithm and a process of their mutual identification, when the reader and the card contain special software keys, only when they match the card transmits its access code to the reader.
The keyboard is used to enter the PIN code, you can choose different security levels: card and PIN code, card and fingerprint, card, PIN code and fingerprint.
Fingerprint reader Sagem MA520+ D (Sagem Securite, France)
The biometric reader MA520+ D is designed to identify and verify personnel in access control and/or time and attendance systems. A distinctive feature of this device is the presence of readers for contactless access cards of the Mifare and DESFire standards, a built-in database of 3,000 pairs of fingerprint templates with the possibility of increasing it to 50,000 pairs, the use of original verification algorithms, high accuracy and speed of identification.
MA520+ D uses an optical fingerprint scanner with a resolution of 500 dpi, has Wiegand, Clock&Data, RS-422/RS-485, TCP/IP and UDP interfaces for connecting it to the controller or directly to the IP network, and finger verification is carried out in 0.9 sec. In addition, the reader is equipped with a graphic LCD display with a resolution of 128×64 pixels, a keyboard for entering a PIN code and quickly calling up pre-programmed functions, a multi-tone buzzer, a multi-color LED indicator and can be powered via a twisted pair or from an external source, operating autonomously or as part of an access control system.
AY-W6500 (Rosslare, Israel)
In addition to the standard reading of PIN codes and PROXIMITY cards, the ROSSLARE AY-W6500 device includes a fingerprint user identification module. The reader has 500 user codes, 3 access levels (NORMAL/SECURE/MASTER), 2 operating modes: PIN/PROX + FINGERPRINT and PIN + PROX + FINGERPRINT, specialized software for managing and configuring the reader, an RS-232 interface for connecting to a PC, a 3×4 keyboard with backlight, a PROXIMITY reader of 125 kHz RFID Wiegand 26 bit format. The reading range is 75 mm. Fingerprint reader with memory for up to 1000 dual fingerprints and recognition speed less than 1.5 sec, two optical tampers (for opening and tearing), status indicator LEDs, built-in beeper, possibility of connecting an external speaker. The reader is compatible with standard ROSSLARE access controllers, and when connecting additional modules (AC-C15TU or PSC-15T) it can be used as a controller for 500 users. Specifications: power supply — 12-16 V DC; consumption — 130 mA, max. — 310 mA; operating temperature — from -5° to +60°С; humidity — up to 90%; weight — 320 g, dimensions — 144 x 34 x 104 mm.
Family of combined biometric readers (Samsung, South Korea)
The SSA-R2010/20/40 combined readers provide two types of identification: fingerprint biometrics (1000/2000/4000 fingerprint images) and proximity cards (125 kHz, Samsung format), Wiegand 26 interface. The SSA-R2011/21/41 readers — fingerprint biometrics and smart cards (13.56 MHz MIFARE format), Wiegand 34 interface. RS232, RS485 (line speed is selected in the range from 9600 to 57600 baud/s) or TCP/IP interfaces are used for communication with the main server with the installed SAMS software. The card reading range is up to 10 cm. Card reading time is 30 ms. Identification speed is less than 2 seconds, verification speed — less than 1 second. Voice guide in Russian. Original design case made of silver and black polycarbonate. Operating temperatures from -20 ° C to + 50 ° C, permissible humidity from 10% to 90%, voltage 12 V, overall dimensions 65.0×128.0×48.5 mm.
Fingerprint reader with optical/capacitive sensor V-Flex 4G (L1, USA)
When using the basic configuration of the mid-priced V-Flex 4G (Base) reader, there is no need to remember PIN codes or use cards for access, which significantly reduces administrative costs. If necessary, the V-Flex 4G (Base) can be supplemented with an external contactless card reader or keyboard (operation in verification mode). The built-in memory stores 10,000 templates for 1:N identification or 100,000 1:1 verification templates (when using an external reader).
Modifications with built-in readers V-Flex 4G (Smart), V-Flex 4G (Prox) provide an increased level of system security, thanks to multifactor user identification. The V-Flex 4G (Smart) model, when using the verification mode with storing the template on the card, removes the limitation on the maximum number of users.
The readers support the power supply mode over Ethernet (PoE) and remote administration. Various sensor options — optical or capacitive, high resolution 500 dpi.
The mechanism for easy replacement of damaged or worn-out sensors allows replacing the sensor with a similar one directly on site.
Fingerprint readers with keyboard, LCD display and optical/capacitive sensor V-Station 4G (L1, USA)
The V-Station 4G high-end biometric reader features a built-in keyboard, a powerful processor for fast and accurate authentication, encrypted data storage, large memory capacity, an LCD display with the ability to display personal messages for users, and a Wireless LAN 802.11 wireless communication module. The new generation of 4G readers provides ample opportunities for system expansion. The reader's memory stores up to 100,000 templates when operating in 1:1 verification mode or up to 10,000 (50,000 optional) templates when operating in 1:N identification mode.
V-Station 4G can operate in standalone mode, providing access control for one door.
The readers support Power over Ethernet (PoE) and remote administration. Various sensor options — optical or capacitive, high resolution 500 dpi.
The line includes the following devices: V-Station 4G (basic model) V-Station 4G (Prox), V-Station 4G (iClass), V-Station 4G (Mifare&DESFire).
Weather-proof fingerprint reader with keyboard and LCD display V-Station 4G Extreme (L1, USA)
V-Station Extreme is made in a super-strong weather-proof IP65 case (from -25° to +70°C), and can provide reliable biometric identification in any conditions, thanks to a special algorithm and sensor that accurately identifies users even with dirty, wet and damaged fingers. The reader is equipped with a built-in keyboard, a powerful processor for fast and accurate authentication, encrypted data storage, large memory, an LCD display with the ability to display personal messages for users and a wireless LAN 802.11 module (optional).
Maximum reader memory: 100,000 templates when operating in 1:1 verification mode, unlimited number of users when storing templates on a smart card, 10,000 (50,000 optional) templates in 1:N identification mode.