Global: IDloop Launches Advanced 3D Contactless Fingerprint Biometrics Scanner

IDloop, a Germany-based leader in biometric security solutions, has introduced the CFS flats, a cutting-edge optical contactless fingerprint scanner featuring advanced 3D imaging capabilities. This innovative product is specifically designed for use in high-traffic environments like airports, where maintaining high levels of security without physical contact is essential.

CEO Jörg Reinhold highlighted that while contactless fingerprint scanners are not new, the CFS flats sets a new standard with its enhanced 3D imaging technology, providing unparalleled detail and accuracy.

“CFS flats represents a significant advancement in biometric security. While contactless scanners are established, our product is engineered for public settings where utmost security is not just necessary, but critical,” Reinhold emphasized.

The CFS flats operates by projecting structured blue light onto the finger’s surface. As the light interacts with the unique unevenness of a fingerprint, it creates a distorted pattern that is captured by a specialized camera. This data is then transmitted to a computing unit, which processes it into a detailed 3D point cloud.

IDloop states that each point cloud consists of over 5 million individual data points. The scanner can capture 13 point clouds per second with a depth resolution of 10 micrometers, enabling precise fingerprint images that include sweat pores.

To generate a fingerprint replica, the 3D image undergoes conversion into a 2D image using an optimized biophysical model. This 2D equivalent contains all the intricate minutiae essential for accurate person identification and verification.

Last year, IDloop unveiled a pre-commercial version of its biometric scanner and was awarded a 10 million euro grant by the European Commission to facilitate its market introduction.

The system supports one-to-many (1
) authentication, leveraging its high accuracy and detailed fingerprint images suitable for comprehensive database enrollment, according to the company.

“With rapid 3D imaging capabilities, our technology provides not just an image but millions of high-resolution 3D data points — devoid of false minutiae, scaling issues, or perspective distortions,” Reinhold explained.

IDloop asserts that its 3D fingerprint biometrics are resilient to ambient lighting, motion, skin variations, color differences, and moisture levels, ensuring consistent and accurate results across diverse conditions.

In related efforts to enhance contactless fingerprint recognition, researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced standardized test fingers last year, aiming to elevate the precision and reliability of this technology.