After nearly three years of code development, and protected by several pending patents, ODI Security, LLC has readied a low cost, power efficient stand-alone embedded fingerprint module for consumer and commercial applications. According to the maker, the new modules utilize patent pending, high security algorithms and small footprint hardware design, in combination with Atmel’s FingerChip fingerprint sensor technology and power efficient ARM 7 processor core. This powerful combination allows the modules to extend battery life that exceeds a year in normal consumer use, said ODI.

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Operating voltage is 6 V or 3 V with typical power consumption of 50 mA. According to ODI, the sensor modules have been optimized for use under all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and temperatures ranging from 85 °C down to –40 °C, including extreme user environments, such as with greasy or dirty fingers.

“These are the first truly suitable sensors for use outdoors. Unlike the other sensors, these work as well in the rain as they do dry. Our modules’ ability to identify a person’s fingerprint under less than ideal conditions allows us to build the first really reliable consumer and commercial products,” said Rich Slevin, ODI Security’s CEO. “When The Atmel sensor is combined with our patent-pending imaging and algorithm technologies, and our optimized hardware design, we can now hit the right price points for these modules and products and offer the first truly usable and affordable biometric products.”

Most biometric products have a backup key or keypad to allow access for the roughly 20% of the users that cannot register or for when weather conditions are less than ideal. In contrast, the ODI modules do not require such backup due to their inherent reliability. The modules are the most robust on the market today, claimed ODI.

Atmel’s FingerChip technology offers the highest levels of sensitivity and image quality on the market, ensuring operation in difficult environments and with difficult, dry and poor fingerprints. Its embedded grounded surface electrode ensures excellent ESD protection, and its thick surface coating ensures unbeatable mechanical robustness and protection in all weather, according to ODI.