How does a fingerprint scanner authenticate users?

@toni 

A fingerprint scanner authenticates users by capturing and analyzing the unique patterns and ridges present in their fingerprints. Here is a simplified step-by-step process:

1. Enrollment: Initially, a user's fingerprint is enrolled in the system by placing their finger on the scanner's surface. The scanner captures the fingerprint image, which is then converted into a digital representation by identifying unique characteristics and minutiae points.
2. Template Creation: The digital representation of the fingerprint is used to create a template, which is a mathematical model of the unique features in the fingerprint.
3. Storage: The template is securely stored in a database or on the device for future comparisons.
4. Authentication: When a user wants to access a system or device, they place their finger on the scanner to capture a new fingerprint image. This image is converted into a digital representation.
5. Comparison: The newly captured digital representation is compared with the stored template in the database or device. The system analyzes the unique features and minutiae points to find matches or similarities.
6. Authentication Decision: Based on the comparison results, the system determines whether the newly captured fingerprint matches the stored template or not. If there is a match, the user is authenticated, and they are granted access. If there is no match, the authentication fails, and access is denied.

It is important to note that modern fingerprint scanners use advanced technologies, such as capacitive or optical sensors, to obtain high-resolution fingerprint images, enhancing the accuracy of the authentication process.