The Precise Biometrics Precise BioAccess device is an innovative fingerprint and contactless smartcard reader designed for physical access control applications (there is also a contact smartcard version available, as well as a version for use with the iButton token). Attractively presented in a smart two-tone gray with a translucent strip along the right hand edge, the reader will blend well into most working environments and should be easy to keep clean.

If you are wondering why the translucent strip is included, you will find out the moment you power up the device, when it illuminates in an attractive green. In fact, the strip is divided into two portions. The lower half illuminates in green when the contactless smartcard has been read and the upper half acts as an indicator for the biometric verification, illuminating in green upon a valid match and red for a non match. This is certainly the clearest and most intuitive user interface we have seen on a device of this nature. Furthermore, the display will be easily seen under any normally encountered lighting conditions.

The device is designed to be integrated with existing access control systems and features both Magstripe and Wiegand interfaces accordingly, as well as an RS485 serial output. This means that for most existing access control systems, one could simply replace an existing reader with the Precise BioAccess device in order to realize the enhanced security of using a biometric for personal identity verification. Alternatively, for new applications, the end user may simply choose an off-the-shelf access control package which suits their particular requirements and use the Precise BioAccess device as the reader technology of choice. This approach may suit the high tech office environment particularly well, whereby the smartcards could also be used as general ID cards. The theory sounds good, but how does the Precise BioAccess device stand up in practice?

Supplied with the evaluation kit was an enrolment software program and associated hardware comprising the contactless smartcard encoder and the standard Precise 100A fingerprint reader. The software loaded cleanly on the Win 98SE box used for testing and proved simple and intuitive in use, with a clear user interface which prompted users to place and remove their finger from the reader at the appropriate times. A graphic image of the fingerprint being read provides real-time feedback as to the quality of the sample being given. Two fingerprint samples were taken and encoded into a biometric template resident on the smartcard. Thus, the user carries their biometric data with them at all times on the card or token being used (Precise BioAccess also supports match-on-card technology whereby the template doesn't leave the card).

Having enrolled users and given them their access card, they may now use the Precise BioAccess reader(s). With the contactless version tested, users simply place their card in close proximity (2-3cm ideal) to the Precise BioAccess reader and will be greeted by the lower portion of the translucent strip illuminating in green to indicate that the card has been read and that they should now place their finger on the fingerprint sensor. In doing so, the upper portion of the translucent strip will illuminate in green for a valid match or red for a mis-match. Correct finger placement on the sensor proved to be important, as is always the case with fingerprint readers, but users quickly became familiar with the device and were able to use it consistently after a little practice.

The time taken for matching the fingerprint varied a little in practice. For correctly placed fingers in a valid match scenario, the matching was undertaken very quickly - usually less than one second. For poorly aligned fingers this would sometimes take a little longer, around 1-2 seconds being typical. For deliberate impostor attempts, the device might take 1-3 seconds to confirm a mis-match between the template and live sample. No false matches were encountered during testing. In practice, these times are perfectly acceptable and, for many users, may actually prove quicker than conventional card-based access control methods. From a user's perspective, one immediately obvious benefit is that they do not have to remember a PIN in order to use a secure access system. Those who are using cards and PINs for physical access control will be familiar with the intermittent keypad syndrome or the embarrassment of forgetting their PIN when they have other issues on their minds. The Precise BioAccess approach is both more intuitive from a user perspective and offers higher confidence as to the true identity of the user requesting access.

The idea of integrating biometric readers into conventional access control systems is not new and we have seen several examples to date, using several biometric techniques, including hand geometry, iris and retinal scans, voice verification and fingerprints. What is different about the Precise BioAccess device is the elegance and simplicity of design, affordable cost and intuitive user experience. One could easily imagine this device being used in a variety of workplace scenarios, especially areas such as research and development labs, finance departments, mainframe/server computer rooms and other potentially sensitive areas.

What about user acceptance of the idea of using fingerprints for access control? User psychology around the use of biometrics is always an interesting area to contemplate and observe. In this case, using the Precise BioAccess device seemed to be somewhat infectious, with its elegant design presenting a welcoming and friendly interface to the user. We doubt that most users would have any problem with using this device.

In conclusion, the Precise BioAccess device is a welcome addition to the biometric portfolio for use in physical access control applications. The use of contactless smartcards, while a little more expensive than conventional access tokens, does provide an extra dimension in usability and convenience. In addition the Precise BioAccess device, as we have come to expect from Precise Biometrics, is elegantly designed and presented and will sit comfortably in the typical modern office environment. If you are looking to secure access to sensitive office areas, you may like to include Precise BioAccess on your list of techniques to be evaluated.
   

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