Instructions

U.are.U SDK - Developer Guide 17
Working with Fingerprint Readers
THIS CHAPTER PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT SUPPORTED FINGERPRINT READERS AND THEIR USE.
The U.are.U SDK works with the following fingerprint readers:
• U.are.U 4500 Fingerprint Reader Rev. 103
• U.are.U 5xxx Fingerprint Readers (5100, 5160, 5200 and 5300)
• Eikon 510, 710 and Eikon II Fingerprint Readers
However, please note the following limitations.
• The U.are.U 4xxx and Eikon readers do not support image streaming.
• The U.are.U 4xxx and Eikon readers do not support selection of alternate image processing formats.
• Only two U.are.U 5xxx readers may be used simultaneously, and they must be connected to separate USB
controllers.
Fingerprint readers can lose their calibration as a result of changes in temperature, humidity and ambient light.
Humidity is the most important environmental factor affecting calibration. U.are.U fingerprint readers are self-
calibrating, but you still might want to set up your application to check periodically that no additional calibration is
needed.
If the fingerprint reader is not giving clear readings:
• Try cleaning it:
• For the 4xxx readers, clean the gel surface with sticky tape. Gently dab it with the sticky side of the tape. Do not
rub it with paper and do not get it wet.
• For the 5xxx readers, in addition to sticky tape, you can use a damp wipe. Do not clean with compressed air and
do not use industrial cleaners or solvents.
• Make sure that you are touching the fingerprint reader with the pad of your finger, not the tip. The most detail
(minutiae) occur roughly midway between the first joint and the tip.
• If your fingers are very dry, try touching your forehead with the pad of the finger you are trying to scan and then
rescanning your fingerprint.
Good ergonomics in the mounting of your fingerprint reader can significantly improve the quality of fingerprint scans.
Be sure that the reader is mounted in a way that is convenient for users to touch properly, such that the large area of the
pad of the finger is captured. The angle at which the reader is mounted as well as the rim around the sensing area can
make it difficult for people with large fingers or long fingernails to have proper contact between the pad of the finger
and the sensing area.
If your fingerprint reader becomes non-responsive from an electrostatic shock you may need to perform a hardware
reset.
Your application should check the reader status between fingerprint scans to ensure that the hardware has not
experienced an error condition.