User's Manual

PICS User’s Manual 07 June 2004
5
3.0 DESCRIPTIONS
The Personal Identification Credential System (PICS) provides access control using a
Personal Identification Credential (PIC), which can be issued to individual users. The
PIC is a small, handheld, wireless biometric device small enough to fit in a shirt pocket.
In the initial application, users will operate the PIC from within a vehicle in order to gain
access to a facility.
In addition to the PIC, the system will include a PICS Enrollment Station, which consists
of a MS Windows based PC software application with an RF interface attached to a serial
port. The Enrollment Station software will run under the MS Windows environment and
provide enrollment capability and enrollment database maintenance.
Lastly, the PICS Reader is used to control access of users to the system. The PICS
Reader provides interrogation of PIC units and validation of PIC enrollment. The PIC is
responsible for validating the fingerprint, but the Reader is responsible for insuring that a
given PIC is to be allowed in the system.
3.1 PIC Operation
The operation of the PIC is straightforward, but the nature of the biometric fingerprint
sensor is such that the user will need to become well practiced in using it. The guidelines
given here may not work for everyone. Some users may find that a different approach to
using the sensor will yield better results. Unfortunately, the typical user will have little
time to experiment with using the PIC before being permanently enrolled in it.
Therefore, it is important that the PICS Enrollment Operator be well experienced in using
the PIC and training new users.
The act of sliding open the fingerprint sensor activates the electronics inside. The PIC
automatically turns itself off after approximately 10 to 15 seconds. Upon activation, the
PIC will immediately flash the LED amber to indicate that it is alive. Following a brief
delay, the PIC will then flash the LED green and emit a short high pitch tone. This is an
indication that the internal battery is good. If the user places a finger on the sensor
immediately upon activating the PIC, the LED may go directly to a flashing amber LED
without going green first. If the battery is getting low, the PIC will emit three short low
pitch beeps and briefly flash the LED red. If the PIC emits a long, low pitch beep and
flashes the LED red, this is an indication of an internal error and the user may need to be
re-enrolled. If the battery gets too low, the PIC may not function at all, or it may function
erratically. Any time the PIC indicates that the battery is low it should be recharged at
the earliest opportunity. Note that the internal battery cannot be removed. It must be
recharged in the supplied charging unit.
Once the PIC is turned on, it will immediately start scanning for a valid fingerprint. It is
important for the user to be consistent in applying the finger to be tested. In order to
facilitate the correct application of the fingertip, the user should place the fingertip in the
indented portion of the slide cover, then slide the cover open and place the flat part of the
fingertip on the sensor. The opening of the sensor and the application of the finger