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FAQs - fingerprint biometric, fingerprint reader technology including access control for biometric security
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Frequently asked questions

Confused with biometrics and fingerprints?  What does all the jargon mean?  We're here to help!  We have have divided our FAQ into two main sections - those related to general biometric questions and those more to do with TSSI's fingerprint readers and biometrics security.

Biometrics - general questions

TSSI's Verid+ fingerprint reader

What are biometrics?

Biometrics refers to the automatic identification of a person based on his/her physiological or behavioural characteristics. This method of identification is preferred over traditional methods involving passwords and PIN numbers for the following reasons:

  • the person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of-identification
  • identification based on biometric techniques obviates

Various types of biometric systems are being used for real-time identification, the most popular are based on face, iris and fingerprint matching. However, there are other biometric systems that utilise retinal scan, speech, signatures and hand geometry.

A fingerprint biometric system is essentially a pattern fingerprint recognition system that makes a personal identification by determining the authenticity of a specific physiological or behavioural characteristic possessed by the user. Depending on the context, a biometric system can be either a verification (1:1) system or an identification (1:N) system.  Return to top.

What are the advantages of biometrics?

By unequivocally linking an individual to a transaction or event, biometrics precisely verify who did what, where and when. The indisputable evidence of biometrics means that they add value to Loss Prevention or Time & Attendance solutions by minimising the opportunity for ID fraud through unauthorised use of lost, stolen or "borrowed" ID cards, PINs and passwords.  Return to top.

Why aren't simple ID cards sufficient?

ID cards without biometrics have an inherent weakness in that the use of such a card does not prove the legitimacy of its use by the holder. The loss, theft or lending (buddying) of non-biometric cards can lead to access by unauthorised personnel who are not required by the access control system to prove they are who they say they are. TSSI's fingerprint biometric solutions overcome the inherent weaknesses of standard ID cards.  Return to top.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personal information in order to impersonate someone else. The information can be used to obtain credit, merchandise, and services in the name of the victim, or to provide the thief with false credentials. In the access control environment, using another person's swipe card is identity theft. Incorporating fingerprint biometrics in the access control system eliminates this form of impersonation and provides full verification of identity.  Return to top.

I'm concerned about the Data Protection Act...

The are no issues with the Data Protection Act. TSSI's fingerprint biometric solutions use a captured digital image of the enrollee's finger, not a forensic print. This captured image is converted to a template and held in a binary format. Once the template is stored in the system the data cannot be extracted or reverse-engineered to produce a print. Every cardholder can use the system without fear that they have DNA stored in the system.  Return to top.

What are the surest ways to verify the identity of an individual?

Biometric security offers the surest way to verify an individual's identity. It is the science of using biological properties, such as fingerprints, voice patterns, retinal and iris scans, faces, and even the chemical composition of an individual's perspiration, to identify individuals to some form of database. The technology, such as TSSI's fingerprint biometrics, verifies conclusively that individuals really are the persons they claim to be. 

We are asked many times questions regarding the uniqueness of biometrics such as fingerprints. No one has reliable data for the whole world and cannot therefore say that any biometric is truly unique. What we can say is that the probability of finding identical fingerprints within a typical user base is extremely low - and certainly enough to be regarded as a reliable identifier.  Return to top.

How easy is biometrics to implement with current systems?

TSSI biometric fingerprint reader technologyhas been designed and developed in such a way that integration and implementation with existing infrastructures is seamless.  Return to top.

Performance measurements (FAR / FRR) - what do they really mean?

False accepts, false rejects, equal error rates, enrolment and verification times - these are the typical performance measures quoted by many vendors. But what do they really mean? Are these performance statistics actually realised in real systems implementations?

False accept rates (FAR) indicate the likelihood that an impostor may be falsely accepted by the system.  False reject rates (FRR) indicate the likelihood that the genuine user may be rejected by the system. This measure of template matching can often be manipulated by the setting of a threshold which will bias the device towards one situation or the other. Hence one may bias the device towards a larger number of false accepts but a smaller number of false rejects (user friendly) or a larger number of false rejects but a smaller number of false accepts (user unfriendly), the two parameters being mutually exclusive.
Somewhere between the extremes is the equal error point where the two curves cross and which may represent a more realistic measure of performance than either FAR or FRR quoted in isolation.
However, the quoted figures for a given device may not be realised in practice for a number of reasons. These will include user discipline, familiarity with the device, user stress, individual device condition, the user interface, speed of response and other variables. Remember that quoted statistics will probably be based upon tests under controlled laboratory conditions, supplemented by mathematical theory. They should only ever be viewed as a rough guide and not relied upon for actual system performance expectations.

This situation is complicated, but we (and other vendors) are not trying to mislead you - it is just that it is almost impossible to give an accurate indication of how a device will perform in a limitless variety of real world conditions.  Return to top.



Can biometric security be added to the existing access control system?

This is achievable in the majority of the cases. TSSI has developed unique system software that will easily adapt to existing systems; without interfering with the current system. It involves little more than connecting two wires to the biometric unit from an existing entry panel.  Return to top.

Can the TSSI biometric security systems log the time and date of user activities?

The Verid+ LogView software can provide date and time stamp of user activities by means of a simple database which can be to readily exported to an XL spreadsheet.  Return to top.

How do I know if cardholders are using the system correctly?

TSSI has developed a performance logger for the Verid+ range of fingerprint readers. The program will clearly identify users that are using the system correctly. The data prompts which users need retraining to maximise the benefits of the system.  Return to top.

Can the Verid+ products control over 1000 users?

The Verid+ fingerprint reader range can control up to 3000 users. If required this can be expanded subject to understanding the specific application and criteria.  Return to top.

Can organisations with many sites grant user's access to other sites where biometrics is installed?

TSSI has developed Verid+ Browser software to provide remote card management. Using internet technology the secure system allows control of all fingerprint biometric units that are networked together from one central point. As a consequence any number of units can be managed wherever they are located in the world. This is particularly useful when dealing with new starters and leavers in retail or in any industry. A central authority, which may be HR, can now carry out inductions at Head Office and then provide access rights at whichever sites are appropriate. Additionally, the Verid+ Browser software contains features for deletion, amendments of access rights, changing groups and monitoring users; an effective powerful and time saving solution for large and disparate organisations.

TSSI also provides solutions to deal with high volume of users and large numbers of readers. The ' template on card ' system stores cardholders' fingerprint templates along with other information on a chip on a card, as opposed to a central database. When a user moves from one site to another or to another area, the Verid+ reader will verify the details on the template to that stored on the card, once matched access is granted. So if this card is lost or stolen, the card becomes useless to another.  Return to top.

What training is needed to implement and use biometrics?

TSSI provides quality training programs. TSSI carries out on-site training with administrators or SuperUsers, (authorised personnel that will add new users to the system), and then assists with the initial enrolment of users onto the system. From experience, clients grasp the enrolment technique very quickly.  Return to top.

Do biometric systems slow down throughput?

Verid+ systems work at an exceptionally fast speed. TSSI has designed and developed the system to ensure consistent and reliable throughput; it takes about a third of a second to process a verification.  Return to top.

What if there is a fire or evacuation in the building?

Verid+ systems are connected to the magnetic lock system which in turn is connected to the Fire Control panel. In the event of an emergency, the biometric system is overridden and doors automatically opened.  Return to top.

Why is Verid+ better that conventional locks and access control systems with just swipe/prox/PIN?

With many access control systems the person or user does not have to be present for access to be granted. This immediately jeopardises the security system as anyone could have found a swipe or prox card or seen a PIN and so gain access easily. The TSSI system stops this compromise. As fingerprint biometrics provide unique identities, the enrolled user must be present to present for verification to occur.  Return to top.

Can Verid+ be integrated with CCTV or intruder alarm systems?

The software design allows the system to interact with both types of systems. CCTV to monitor exits and entry points or intruder alarms which can be controlled by biometrics instead of standard pin systems through integration with a TSSI system.  Return to top.

Can an existing T&A systems be integrated with TSSI biometric solutions?

Not only can they be integrated, there are real benefits in eliminating impersonation as card sharing or 'buddying' is impossible. Such practices can cost businesses substantial sums every year. Fingerprint biometrics ensure that every access can be undeniably matched to an individual.  Return to top.

Why is a small template advantageous?

When the template that stores the fingerprint's algorithm is very small, say 52 bytes, then opportunities arise to store other personal data at an economic cost. Furthermore, when the template is stored on the card rather than in the reader, its usefulness in large or dispersed multi-user sites increases. Costs are minimised as no network is required to connect to a central database and access requests are handled faster.  Return to top.

 
 
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