When securing your San Francisco, CA home or business, it’s critical that you use the latest technology to do so. Using outdated technology could leave your family and your employees vulnerable. A state-of-the-art security system should help keep you and your loved ones safe for years.

One of the exciting new developments into residential and commercial security is fingerprint scanners. The technology that was once a dream seen only in Hollywood movies is now accessible to residents of San Francisco. If you’re interested in incorporating this technology into your San Francisco security system, you’re in luck. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about fingerprint scanners.

How Do Fingerprint Scanners Work?

Our fingerprints are formed while in the womb. There’s no rhyme or reason as to how they’re created, which is why each person’s print is unique. Fingerprint scanners work by capturing the patterns and ridges that make your print unique to you. The scanners then compare the captured image to images uploaded previously into its database. If the scanner locates a match, you’ll gain access to wherever it is you’re looking to enter.

The unique ridges on your finger are known as minutiae. Fingerprint scanners work to capture common minutiae, such as where the ridges come to an end and where they divide into two. Fingerprint scanners used in security systems can analyze hundreds of minutiae in a matter of seconds thanks to complex algorithms programmed into the system software. 

Types Of Fingerprint Scanners

When installing fingerprint scanners as part of your security system, you’ll find that there are four options from which you can choose:

• Optical sensors
• Ultrasonic sensors
• Capacitive sensors
• Thermal readers

There’s a good chance that you’ll use optical sensors as part of your security system, as these are the most widely used and readily available. They rely on a light-sensitive scanner to capture your fingerprint. Optical sensors are the most affordable option available.

Ultrasonic sensors rely on high-frequency sound waves to create a three-dimensional image of your finger. They are incredibly accurate but also quite expensive. Capacitive sensors are similar to optical sensors, except they rely on electricity instead of light to capture the fingerprint image. Thermal readers are perhaps the most accurate of the four options, as they analyze minute temperature variations on the finger. However, they only work in a controlled environment.

The Benefits Of Fingerprint Scanners

Fingerprint scanners are a bit pricier than other access options like radiofrequency cards. However, the investment could be well worth your while. First and foremost, fingerprint scanners make it virtually impossible for someone to gain fraudulent access. Statistics show that there’s a 1 in 64 million chance that two people have the same fingerprint.

There’s no possibility of losing a fingerprint or having it stolen. However, both of these possibilities exist when using a key or an access card. Similarly, thieves will not be able to pick the lock of a fingerprint scanner. If you are wary of the cost of a fingerprint scanner, perhaps consider using it to protect your most prized belongings. You won’t regret the added layer of security that these sensors provide.