“Lumidigm’s sensors do more to meet performance requirements than the fingerprint sensors of any other vendor surveyed,” relates Raman Monga, industry manager for Frost & Sullivan’s electronics group. “Since they are small, light and compatible, possessing multiple communication interfaces, Lumidigm biometric sensors can be easily integrated into any existing system. The return-on-investment (ROI) of Lumidigm sensors is much higher than that of traditional biometric sensors.”

“For many years now, the promise of biometrics has not been fully realised in large part because conventional biometric technologies rely on unobstructed and complete contact between the fingerprint and the sensor, a condition that is elusive in a world that is wet, dry, or dirty and where users are not all young office workers with great skin who are experienced at using biometrics,” emphasises Phil Scarfo, Lumidigm senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “Frost & Sullivan has recognised that Lumidigm’s more effective solution, based on using multiple spectrums of light and advanced polarisation techniques to extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both the surface and subsurface of the skin, provides results that are more consistent, more inclusive and more tamper resistant.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, the biometrics industry averages for False Accept Rates (FAR) and False Reject Rates (FRR) are unacceptably high due to problems with data collection and poor image quality. That’s because, Scarfo explains, traditional technologies rely solely on surface fingerprint characteristics that can be obscured by moisture, dirt or wear. Meanwhile, the “inner fingerprint” lies undisturbed and unaltered beneath the surface. Lumidigm’s multispectral imaging technology combines surface fingerprint information with subsurface fingerprint information and reassembles it in an intelligent and integrated manner, resulting in superior biometric performance.

“While fingerprints should be more convenient, cost-effective, and secure than other forms of authentication, conventional fingerprint sensors simply don’t deliver the real world performance required to meet customer expectations in many applications,” adds Scarfo. “As this award underscores, Lumidigm sensors can be reliably used for getting on a company’s data network, operating a forklift, signing for merchandise, creating major Citizen ID programmes and virtually every type of application in which organisations now feel forced to use cards, keys or PINs. Biometrics can finally get beyond the door.”