What is Biometric Technology?
Biometrics identification is the only mode of authentication that can unequivocally validate a person’s identity. Biometric authentication is the automated recognition of an individual using unique physiological characteristics, such as fingerprints, which have been pre-stored in a biometric security system or scanner. Biometrics most commonly refers to the use of technology to authenticate or identify a person based on their Fingerprint. Fingerprint readers analyse a fingerprint to digitally identify a person to grant access to systems, devices or data. There are other systems like face recognition, voice, hand geometry, Iris recognition, and DNA but fingerprint readers are most prevalent and are the only biometric solutions fitted to high-end aluminium residential entrance doors.
Why select a capacitive fingerprint scanner to unlock and open your front door?
Of all the biometric techniques, fingerprint scan is the most convenient and most secure way of proving identity, guaranteeing trusted access to the right people, at the right times. Plus, capacitive scanners are very reliable and easy to use. Children’s fingers from age of 6 upward are recognized and Spitfire Doors scanners are easy for young and old to use.
The Signature Spitfire Doors capacitive fingerprint reader requires the user to simply press and briefly hold the finger on the scanner for less than a second to open the door, which is a huge improvement over the old technology and far less reliable ‘swipe’ scanners.
The Signature Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner is intuitive and each time you use the scanner our unique algorithm adapts to your finger. This unique feature is particularly useful in hot and cold conditions because the scanner will still recognise your finger as your finger expands and contracts. The encrypted software guarantees peace of mind because it means your entrance door is totally secure.
Design your unique front door complete with fingerprint scanner
Are Fingerprint Readers Secure?
Your unique fingerprint is much more secure than a key, which could be stolen, copied or lost. Authorized individuals can be programmed to unlock a door using their unique fingerprint. And a fingerprint scanner is one thousand times more secure than the 4-digit code on a bank card.
A fingerprint reader has a patented fingerprint recognition algorithm at its core and biometrics are extremely hard to fake. Our advanced reader is very sensitive and detects the temperature of a finger placed on it, if the temperature is outside normal parameters the scanner will deny access.
No impression remains on the scanner when you use a Spitfire fingerprint scanner, which provides an extra level of security.
Biometrics provide strong authentication and accountability because no-one can later deny having accessed the scanner, because the scanner retains a record of activity.
Unlike keys or passwords, biometrics are non-transferable and the Spitfire Doors scanner unlocks the door in 1.2 seconds.
What is NFC Technology?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contact-less communication technology based on a radio frequency field using a base frequency of 13.56 MHz. NFC technology is perfectly designed to exchange data between two devices when they touch, or are in very close proximity to each other and that is why millions of modern payment terminals now feature NFC. You will have witnessed the rapid transaction between a contactless credit card and an NFC device, which is just like the contact between your Spitfire Doors fingerprint reader and your Smartphone will be.
The latest generation of Spitfire Doors feature NFC readers, that will communicate with our Smartphone App, meaning you can open your Spitfire Door using your Smartphone as you approach the door. The security of near field communication technology is emphasised by the word “near”. NFC signals only transmit data centimeters away from the NFC device and unlike wireless internet technology, near field communication signals can’t be hacked from across town, across the street or even across the room.
NFC is actually a subset of RFID (radio-frequency identification), a technology that allows identification through radio waves.
Can other technology be integrated into a biometric scanner?
Fingerprint readers and electrical unlocking systems allow more effective connections with smart phones.
The Spitfire Doors scanner has a double relay so that a second door could be programmed and opened using the same scanner; eg. a garage door or adjacent gate. An intercom system can also be wired into your door, allowing you to unlock the door with a single 24V pulse.
If your door or handle has LED lighting built-in, this can be controlled via the Smartphone App and scanner.
Spitfire Doors fingerprint readers can be combined with a codepad and wireless doorbell, in one small and aesthetically pleasing unit which is flush mounted on your door sash. These unique combination units can be integrated within the external pullbar handle or built-in to the external face of the door.
Our online Door Designer will help you configure your perfect door.
How easy is it to programme a scanner?
Fingerprints can easily be added to the Spitfire scanner using our Android or Apple Smartphone App or by using the control buttons located between the hinges of the door itself. There is no need for a PC or sets of buttons on the door itself. Only an ‘Authorised Administrator’ can grant access to other users, by first unlocking the scanner using their own fingerprint before they record a new users finger.
Adding a new user to the Spitfire Doors fingerprint scanner takes about 30 seconds and they can be removed just as quickly.
Can you allow free access through the door during a party for example?
Yes, our scanner has a ‘Free Access’ mode which can easily be activated or de-activated via our Smartphone App. This mode overrides the scanner technology and will allow any fingerprint to be read to open your Spitfire door, until you re-activate the scanner.
Can I check who is using my scanner?
Yes, via the App you can view the last 100 visitors and what time of day they entered.
Plus, you can restrict access to a user or users, at different times of the day e.g. cleaners or gardeners.
What type of lock is fitted on a Spitfire Door with fingerprint or codepad access?
An extremely secure, multipoint, electronically operated lock will be fitted to your door. This lock will be released when the scanner recognises a valid fingerprint, and you can simply push the door open.
Immediately as you close the door from either inside or outside, the electronic lock will automatically operate and all locking points will engage inside their security keepers with a reassuring whirr.
So, whenever your Spitfire Door is in the closed position, it will be totally secure with all locking points engaged. Safe, secure, sophisticated.
What happens in a power cut?
Your electronic lock will still operate if you access your Spitfire door using a key.
