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End User FAQ
What is Biometrics?
Biometrics is the use of automated methods to recognize a person based on a
physiological or behavioral characteristic. Biometric technologies are
becoming the foundation of an extensive array of highly secure
identification and personal verification solutions. Several examples of
biometric technologies include fingerprint, face, retinal, and iris
recognition, as well as hand geometry.
What are my personal privacy risks with the M2SYS system?
None. The M2SYS biometric system does not store a copy of the fingerprint image. The software
extracts the unique fingerprint pattern data from the image for the purpose of identification within a
closed environment. It is impossible to recreate a fingerprint image from this data, therefore, there
are no associated privacy risks. Additionally, the data template itself is 128-bit encrypted during
capture, transfer over the network, and finally during storage in the database.
What are the chances the system will misidentify me?
The M2SYS fingerprint system operates in a closed environment with several system parameters
configured to maximize both accuracy and performance levels. For example, during enrollment and
identification, the system forces the capture of a high quality image with a high number of unique
identifying points which nearly eliminates the chance of error.
What if something happens to my finger?
During enrollment, the M2SYS system captures two fingerprints which can be used to identify an
individual (typically the index finger from the left and right hand). Should something happen to one
of the enrolled fingers (i.e., cut, burn, damaged, etc.), the other fingerprint data will still serve
as a unique identifier. Additionally, any enrolled fingerprint can be updated in the system by an
administrator when necessary.
How long is my fingerprint data kept in the system?
The amount of time any record is stored in the system database is completely controlled by the system
administrator.
How accurate is the fingerprint system?
Every persons fingerprint contains a unique pattern consisting of what are known as "minutiae points".
The orientation of these points within the pattern is what differentiates one fingerprint from
another. M2SYS biometric software examines and extracts these unique minutiae points and stores them
in the form of a biometric identity template which is used during identification. When the maximized
fingerprint surface area (a "clean print") is captured during enrollment and recognition, the chance
of misidentification is nearly non-existent.
How long does the enrollment process take?
Enrollment consists of scanning each print three times consecutively. The scanner automatically
captures the print when the finger is placed on it. Capture time for each scan is less than one
second. Total enrollment time should take less than 10 seconds.
How long does it take to identify me?
The M2SYS system matches fingerprint data at a speed of 20,000 records per second in an optimized single CPU
environment. Unless there is an extraordinary number of stored individuals in the database, the
identification process is nearly instantaneous. |