Forensic science has made tremendous technological advances in the field of fingerprinting. One of the outcomes of these advancements is livescan fingerprinting, commonly referred to as livescan that has made its way into the public’s vernacular as well as onto the main stage of personal identification methodologies. This new technology has brought forth major advantages in the field of fingerprinting and will be discussed in this article.
In today’s times, almost all states in the US have mandated livescan fingerprinting for individuals applying for positions of contact with vulnerable members of the society such as children, the elderly, the mentally ill and the physically disabled.
Our verdicts and recommendations
In this section, we will be discussing the top five livescan devices that will help you to make a decision for your fingerprinting requirements. These five devices include the Suprema RealScan G10, Cross Match Verifier 310, Cross Match Verifier 320, Watson Mini and the Nitgen eNBioScan-D Plus.
Suprema RealScan G10
The RealScan G10 from Suprema features leading-edge optical technology coupled with precision image construction technique. This is a FBI-certified scanner and is designed to capture single as well as 10 fingerprints i.e. 4+4+2 and rolled prints at incredible frame rate of over 20 fps. This scanner also has top-of-the-class processing speed and superior image quality. The RealScan G10 is the perfect enrollment scanner for various civil and forensic applications that require ten-print capture. Its credentials of being an effective and reliable scanner are further solidified as this device has FBI IAFIS Appendix F certification.
Pros
- It has an extra wide platen that is the largest size in its class for comfortable capturing.
- It is a compact live scanner for single and ten-print capture with FBI certification that makes it perfect for civil and criminal applications.
It is a long-lasting and durable product that is suitable for both indoor and mobile environments.
It has high speed image capturing and seamless image processing enabled by Suprema’s advanced optical technology.
It can operate without any faults even in harsh conditions due to its IP54 rated dust and waterproof structure.
It has high-speed USB interface for data and power.
Verdict
The RealScan G10 is a powerful scanner equipped with 400 MHz CPU that allows it to perform high-speed processing when capturing, storing and transferring images. Its unique image pre-processing technique allows richer pixel throughput and more frame rates in capturing thereby producing better image quality. This scanner also has an incredibly low initialization time at 0.57 second. The device’s FBI certification assures that it meets or exceeds the FBI’s interoperability standards and works with the integrated automated fingerprint information system (IAFIS). The images captured by the RealScan G10 are of very high quality and supports all phases of identification for fingerprint experts and the IAFIS. This device also has advanced rolled image construction technology that uses Suprema’s unique slip detection algorithm to construct rolled fingerprint images. The ARIC technology also enables this device to capture images with the highest quality and lower error rate.
Usability
The scanner’s body is well-structured and comprehensively sealed in a dust and waterproof structure. The device features superb IP54 rated protection that provides it with meticulous sealing combined with extra protective engineering. The RealScan G10 can therefore withstand any invasive atmosphere like liquid, dust and moisture as well as operate faultlessly even under harsh conditions. It has a 3.5 inch solid and extra wide platen that is the largest size in its class and enables easy capturing when hands are placed on the scanner. The scanner surface is extremely durable and solid that makes it highly resistant to scratches as well as any kinds of stains or damages.
Integrated Biometrics Kojak
Kojak is a FBI certified FAP 60 10 print (4-4-2) scanner from Integrated Biometrics. Despite being a 10-print scanner, its implausible compactness can make you double check the spec-sheet. Unlike intimidatingly bulky and power hungry traditional 10-print scanners, Kojak promises to capture high quality fingerprint images while consuming a very less power. Equipped with intuitive LED graphical user interface, Kojak outshines the competition with lowest power consumption in any FAP 60 scanner. That’s not all; Kojak leverages Integrated Biometrics’ patented LES (Light Emitting Sensor) technology, which makes it possible to capture fingerprints from dry, moist, and even dirty fingers. Kojak promises to perform where traditional scanners fail.
Pros
- Comes with patented LES (Light Emitting Sensor) technology.
- Super compact and lightweight 4-4-2 FAP 60 scanner confirming FBI appendix F.
- No need to clean scanning surface thanks to patented Light Emitting Senor technology.
- Rugged structure that can handle extreme environmental conditions like high temperature and water spill.
- Low maintenance design results in savings.
- Extremely power efficient, consumes less power than its optical counterparts and any FAP 60 scanner.
Verdict
Kojak tries to set new standards of compactness and power efficiency for 10-print FAP 60 scanners. Integration Biometrics’ patented LES technology does offer some unparalleled benefits, making Kojak a more attractive choice over traditional 10-print scanners. Despite being equipped with patented scanning tech, what makes Kojak further fascinating is competitive pricing which gives the competition a run for its money. It comes with Appendix F, PIV, FIPS 201 and FAP 60 FBI and image certifications to ensure interoperability with FBI’s biometric data standards. Ability to ignore latent prints on its sensing area makes it easy to operate and a real time saver in high volume identification or authentication situations. Need of cleaning scanning surface after each scan can consume a lot of time collectively, not to mention, an extra measure to take care of all the time with some scanner types.
Usability
Kojak fully supports to FBI Certified Appendix F 10-finger enrollment and verification, making it a potential choice for law enforcement as well as civil applications. Kojak can perform single as well as 10-print scans at the frame rate of 10 FPS.
Despite being compact, Kojak nowhere compromises on convenience part with a large 88.9mm x 80.01mm / 3.5” x 3.15” platen. Subjects even with large hands have enough room set their fingers for a 10 print (4-4-2) scan. Kojak’s durable body comes protected against direct water spray and does not let dust or dirt creep in. With IP65 ingress protection for bezel to film rating, it can endure accidental liquid spills. Surface durability confirms with MIL-C-675c 4.5010, MIL-STD-810F standards.
At 725 grams / 1.6 lbs. and compact form factor, it can be carried around effortlessly. Kojak also offers a wide range of OS compatibility, enhancing its usability. With official support for Windows Desktop (both 32 and 64 bit flavours), Windows Server, Linux and Android, Kojak can be deployed in desktop as well as mobile applications without making any adjustments.
Integrated Biometrics Sherlock
Sherlock from Integrated Biometrics claims to be the world’s smallest, lightest, and most accurate FBI Appendix F certified two-finger scanner. Equipped with IB’s patented Light Emitting Sensor (LES) film, Sherlock promises to produce the highest quality fingerprint images among certified mobile scanners. Developed and produced by Integrated Biometrics, LES film offers unmatched operability, which can work in direct sunlight on dry or moist fingers. It can resist abrasion, and makes the equipment 90-95% smaller and lighter than optical scanners.
Sherlock meets the stringent image quality conditions laid by FBI Appendix F, making it one of the worthiest options in certified mobile scanners. Mobile and handheld applications may heavily rely on battery power and energy efficient hardware. Optical scanners have failed to deliver the required efficiency in such applications. This is where Sherlock brings some hope by being compact and power efficient at the same time, making it a one of the hottest scanners in certified mobile market.
Pros
- Impeccable fi¬ngerprint capture in standalone applications as well as in combination with commercial smartphones and tablets.
- Equipped with patented LES film technology.
- At less than 55 grams / 1.94oz a very light weight offering among certified FAP 45 scanners.
- Capable of capturing two finger full prints and single finger roll scan.
- Ideal for use with mobility oriented applications like mobile computers, hand-held devices, smartphones, and tablets.
- Ergonomically designed, easy to use.
- LES can easily avoid leftover / latent prints that may be present on the scanning surface.
Verdict
Small or powerful? Ergonomic or Accurate? Why not all? Sherlock tries to tick all the boxes with its compactness, power efficiency, ergonomics and accuracy, saving you from trade-offs. Being the world’s smallest scanner with Appendix F FAP 45 FBI certification yet at a competitive price, Sherlock is a bang for the buck. This scanner is particularly suited to the mobile applications where minimal size and weight carries a significant value. Sherlock is provided with a full featured SDK to enable effective integration into applications requiring certified FBI PIV quality images. Tested on United States military environmental testing standards like MIL-STD-810, Sherlock is built to survive extreme environmental conditions.
LES (Light Emitting Sensor) technology leverages a sensor based on an electroluminescent (LES) film to create the fingerprint image. The technology has already stirred the market and attracted some high value clients. Being lightweight, compact and power efficient, Sherlock offers enough to make you click that “Buy Online” button.
Usability
Sherlock meets the needs for both enrollment and verification applications common in demanding international standards based programs. Weighing just 60 grams and with small footprint of mere 2.57” x 2.43”x .56”, Sherlock can be deployed particularly in mobile and handheld applications.
Unlike optical scanners, which can be affected by leftover prints on their scanning surface and needs to be cleaned after every scan, Sherlock can let unintentional or latent prints go unrecognized and does not have any impact on its performance. Cleaning latent prints can be a cumbersome job in high volume back to back scanning situations. Ability to let latent prints go unrecognized is inherent in LES film technology, which boosts the usability enormously.
Built to last, Sherlock is a durable scanner with IP65 ingress protection rating for sealed bezel to scanning surface. Unlike optical scanners, it can work in direct sunlight and has no problem in scanning dry or dirty fingers.
Watson Mini
The Watson Mini from Integrated Biometrics is a compact and lightweight multi-fingerprint scanner. It utilizes the company’s proprietary light emitting sensor technology (LES) instead of the conventional glass prism to earn the distinction of being the world’s first optical scanner. It is also Appendix F certified by the FBI and meets all the usual requirements of ten print enrollment applications. The utilization of the LES technology also eliminates the need to clean between finger rolls and enables the reader to capture quick and high quality images. It is also bundled with a full feature SDK that allows it to effectively integrate into applications requiring certified quality images.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact equipment having efficient power consumption typically 1.2w.
- It does not recognize latent prints.
- It is a rugged device that can perform even in the toughest operating conditions and also requires minimum maintenance.
- It is able to operate well in direct sunlight and also does not generate light if it is used in darkness.
- It satisfies the requirements of both enrollment and verification applications that are common in international standards based programs.
- Its full featured SDK allows convenient and effective integration.
Verdict
The Watson mini is an excellent scanner with the ability to capture dual flat print as well as single rolls scans. It comes with both Appendix F and FAP 45 certifications from the FBI. It offers a new technology and its size, quality and ease of use is far superior as compared to most other livescan devices available nowadays. It is suitable for both standalone applications as well as in smart phones and tablets. Its LES sensor is not easily perplexed by foreign matter and is able to provide high-resolution and accurate scans in difficult environments such as indirect or direct sunlight, a factory etc.
Usability
The designers of the Watson mini laid special emphasis on its usability which resulted in a user-friendly interface. It is extremely lightweight reader about 85 grams that makes it particularly well-suited for mobile applications and hand-held devices where minimum size and weight have significant value. Its rugged and shock-resistant sensor adds to its durability and enables it to perform optimally in virtually any type of environment. It works extremely well with both dry and dirty fingers and is always on automatic self-calibration.
Nitgen eNBioScan-D Plus
This advanced dual fingerprint live scanner from Nitgen comes with an extra-wide fingerprint input window for easy capture of two fingerprints. As compared to single print scanners, the eNBioScan-D Plus delivers faster, accurate and reliable results along with reduced enrollment time. It has the ability to capture dual or single flat prints and also rolled prints. It supports international standard image compression, interfaces and formats such as WSQ compression, ANSI 378 and IOS 197924-2. It has a high resolution sensor of 500 dpi that is also rugged and resistant to scratches or vibration. It is certified by the FBI as IAFIS IQS Appendix F scanner.
Pros
- It provides high quality image capturing with support for WSQ compression format.
- It is a dual print scanner with support for high speed USB.
- It comes with a large input window for capturing prints.
- It is packed with features such as auto-on and auto-capture along with reduced enrollment time.
- It is user-friendly device with features such as led indicator and beep sound for guiding the user.
- It works extremely well with dry and wet fingers.
- It has a highly rugged sensor with strong resistant to scratches, vibration and electrostatic shocks.
Verdict
This FBI certified scanner from Nitgen is a high performing reader that supports international standards of image compression and is recommended for applications requiring high levels of security and control. It provides accurate and reliable user verification at fast speed. It supports USB 2.0 interface for both data transfer and power. It also features image quality checks along with automatic segmentation of two finger slaps. It has been implemented in various demanding applications such as national id and e-Passport, immigration, criminal investigation etc.
Usability
The eNBioScan-D Plus livescan device is user-friendly with features such as 3-color LED indicator along with beep sound. When the scanning process begins or ends, the buzzer sounds as an indication to the user as well as for guidance. It also displays the current status of the type of fingerprint input such as flat and roll. It is enabled with auto-capture and auto-on facility that allows it to automatically detect a finger when it is placed on the sensor. It has an extra wide and active image area for capturing of prints along with superior performance for dry and wet prints. It has slippage detection for rolls and can eliminate halo effect as well as ghost images.
Cross Match Verifier 310
The Verifier 310 from Cross Match manufactures is an extraordinary forensic-quality dual fingerprint capture device that delivers reliable and accurate results. It is a special kind of scanner and its level of accuracy is highly improved by two fingerprint images making it an ideal identity management solution for enrollment, identification and verification programs. When compared to a single-fingerprint scanner, the result will be in favour of the Verifier 310 as it is far ahead in terms of accuracy and speed. The complete enrollment process in the 310 takes very less time in addition to being completely error free which proves quite profitable and amazing.
Pros
- This is the first optical scanner with compliance to FIPS 201.
- It supports USB 2.0 interface and has a large active platen area.

Cross Match Verifier 310
- Its auto sense capability coupled with auto capture reduces scanning time as it allows for fastest fingerprint capture.
- It has a rugged sensor making it an extremely durable solution with low maintenance requirements.
- This scanner is suitable for integrating into kiosks or similar machines as well as for high-traffic desktop applications.
Verdict
The Verifier 310 is the first optically-based scanner that is FIPS 201 compliant for both single and dual fingerprint capture. It has automatic fingerprint capturing along with enhanced accuracy for identification and verification processes as well as reduced time for full enrollment. The halo condensation effect that happens due to moist or warm fingers is eliminated by this scanner and its auto sense capability provides for the fastest fingerprint capture. The forensic-quality flat fingerprint images produced by this scanner make it suitable for application in various demanding industries such as homeland security, border and port security, correctional facilities, healthcare, finance etc. It can also be easily integrated with the Crossmatch Enterprise Match Server that enables it to perform rapid fingerprint verification. The scanner is also highly durable and requires less maintenance thereby saving additional costs.
Usability
The Cross Match Verifier 310 is a well-available optical fingerprint scanner with dual finger capture capability and USB 2.0 connectivity. It features an active and large platen area and also an I/R filter to improve ambient light rejection. Due to these features, the scanner can be readily integrated into most biometrically-enabled security installations. Its heated platen feature also enables it to purge condensation and halo effect. The scanner comes sealed in a rugged polycarbonate lexan case that adds to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Its raised platen border helps to support natural finger positioning and also has a high-contrast viewing area and under-cut lip for improved ergonomics. This device can be proficiently used with or without silicon membrane and its intuitive system design makes it easy to master with minimal training.
Cross Match Verifier 320
The verifier 320 from Crossmatch manufacturers is a dual fingerprint scanner that is an ideal solution for identification, verification and registration programs. The verifier 320 is capable of capturing forensic quality two-fingerprints as well as providing improved accuracy and decreased enrollment time as compared to single fingerprint scanners. This scanner is able to simultaneously auto capture two flat fingerprints as well as automatic capture of 1 rolled fingerprint. This scanner is certified as FBI Appendix F and also compliant with FIPS-201 (PIV). Verifier 320 is a scalable system and thus it is a perfect choice for both high and low volume deployments. With features such as Rapid Id that enables the scanner to capture dual fingerprints at 15 frames per second, the verifier 320 ranks as one of the fastest dual-fingerprint readers available in the market. Moreover, it has a compact size that enables easy integration into existing biometrically enabled security solutions along with durable polycarbonate casing.

Cross Match Verifier 320
Pros
- It is an excellent scanner with rich features and compact design for easy integration into existing systems.
- It is enabled for auto capture of two flat fingerprints simultaneously as well as rolled prints even from nail-to-nail.
- Its intuitive design implies that no expert training is required to start using the product.
- Its ruggedness and durable design adds to its longevity and makes it a cost-effective device.
- It is able to capture dual prints at incredible speed of 15 frames/sec enabled by its Rapid ID feature.
- The Quick Match software that comes with the scanner enables it to capture and store fingerprint images for searching and matching against the stored records.
Verdict
The Verifier 320 is Cross Match’s flagship two print live scan device with the ability to deliver forensic quality fingerprints and highly accurate, reliable and fast results in any condition. Its dual finger feature makes this scanner more accurate as compared to the single finger ones. Other features include time saving and overall better image quality. Furthermore, its compatibility with a vast variety of biometrically-enabled security installations makes the Verifier 320 ideally suited for organizations looking for a fast, durable and reliable accurate fingerprint reader.
Usability
The Verifier 320 is a FBI certified optical scanner enabled with a quick scan process making it perfect for the current demands of quick and accurate fingerprint readers. Its excellent sensor, image quality and design make it suitable for use in both low and high volume requirements. It supports USB 2.0 interface and includes a large active platen for ambient light rejection. It has an ergonomic design and a slightly raised border to allow natural finger positioning.
The Verifier 320 is a FBI certified optical scanner enabled with a quick scan process making it perfect for the current demands of quick and accurate fingerprint readers. Its excellent sensor, image quality and design make it suitable for use in both low and high volume requirements. It supports USB 2.0 interface and includes a large active platen for ambient light rejection. It has an ergonomic design and a slightly raised border to allow natural finger positioning.
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