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VENDOR QUESTIONS:
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Extra capabilities such as palm capture require larger capture areas, but are only tested in conjunction with another category already on the list (e.g. Live-Scan, ID Flats or SAP 60).
How do I get started?
Download and read a copy of the relevant standards and testing procedures documents (5MB). Obtain test targets and perform internal testing to see if device is capable of meeting the specifications. A TestTools CD is available with software for checking many of the requirements. If there is any question on targets or test target collection, discuss the test protocol with the testing agency. When satisfied that the configuration is of sufficient quality for certification, submit test images.
How long does it take?
1-2 months from original receipt of the test data, assuming there are no substantial problems.
How can I check on the status of my product?
A confirmation email is sent when test data is received. Other than communication with questions or problems, there are no status reports until a certification letter is issued. If you believe there is a problem communicate with the FBI or the testing group.
How will I be notified if there are problems?
You will receive an email from the testing group.
How will I notified if my product is certified?
You will receive an official certification letter from the FBI. The web-site will eventually be updated with the information as well.
Are there any caveats?
A card scanner is not certified for use with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unless specifically stated "with ADF." A certified
card scanner is a configuration of a specific scanner and driver/support software optimized for fingerprint scanning.
A print system is a certified configuration of a printer and fingerprint printing algorithm implemented in software or a
combination of software/firmware/hardware.
How can I get help?
MITRE makes several tools developed for CPL testing publicly available online. A larger set of tools covering almost all the certification tests is available on request to vendors who will be testing for certification. Click here to go to the MITRE site. http://www.mitre.org/tech/mtf/
How can add my URL and an image of my certified product to the BioSpecs page?
Vendors may submit an image of the Certified Product to [email protected] for inclusion on the CPL listing on BioSpecs. The image must only be of the FBI Certified product; in JPG or GIF format; include company name and product name; and be resizeable to a max of 500 x 500. BioSpecs cannot be responsible for image clarity. Vendors are also welcome to provide a single firm URL.
Please be sure to clearly indicate the specific product associated with the image.
END USER QUESTIONS:
Why is certification important?
Certification provides assurance to users of biometric collection systems that certified products meet or exceed minimum FBI interoperability standards and will work with the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Information System (IAFIS). These specifications ensure that the images used in the system are high quality and support all phases of identification for both fingerprint experts and the IAFIS.
How can I find what I need?
The web-site search tools can help you narrow the list to configurations which match your program requirements. Note, that only basic capabilities and assurance of image quality certification are included in this list. For example, both half-palm and full palm capabilities are indicated as ‘palm’. The user is expected to do adequate research to ensure a product meets their end needs.
Does the FBI recommend any particular product?
No, the FBI does not recommend any particular product. Law enforcement programs may have requirements for an image quality spec (say Appendix F) or capabilities (1000 ppi or ADF) which restrict the number of relevant products, but individual products are not recommended.
What is the difference between the specifications?
- Appendix F has the most stringent image quality conditions, focusing on the human fingerprint comparison and facilitating large scale machine many-to-many matching operation.
- PIV-071006 is a lower-level standard designed to support one-to-one fingerprint verification.
- Appendix G is a deprecated standard that has not been tested against since 1999. It is of lower quality than Appendix F, and is missing some requirements present in PIV-071006.
What is the difference between all the livescan categories?
There are multiple livescan categories, which differ in the required collection capabilities (single or multiple fingers, rollscan or flat, and dimensions of capture area) and the image quality required. All livescan devices are certified with or without a membrane, where "membrane" refers to a deformable substrate covering the finger platen.
- 'Live-Scan' (Tenprint) System: Includes capability to collect all elements on a tenprint card, i.e. rollscans, plain thumb scans and 4-finger flats.
- Identification Flats System: Includes capability to collect 4-finger and 2-thumb flat impressions in a 3.2 x 3.0 inch area.
- PIV Single Finger: Includes capability to collect a single finger flat impression, with a minimum size limitation.
- Mobile ID: Devices that can operate in a mobile environment. Only flat impressions are required. The category is sub-divided into several levels by subject acquisition profile (SAP) number, based upon device capture dimensions, the image quality specification applied, and the number of simultaneous fingers that can be captured.
The following table summarizes the basic categories with overview information on the specification applied and types of images involved. See the specification documents themselves for exact details.
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Extra capabilities such as palm capture require larger capture areas, but are only tested in conjunction with another category already on the list (e.g. Live-Scan, ID Flats or SAP 60).
What should I be aware of?
Before buying COTS devices, realize that it is the combination of scanner and specific driver/support software, or
printer and specific printing algorithm that is certified.
A card scanner is not certified for use with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unless specifically stated "with ADF." A certified card
scanner is a configuration of a specific scanner and driver/support software optimized for fingerprint scanning.
A print system is a certified configuration of a printer and fingerprint printing algorithm implemented in software or a combination
of software/firmware/hardware.
What does 'series' mean in the printer listings?
This means that multiple accessory levels of the printer, typically with full model names ending with strings such as 'dn', 'dtn', 'n', 'tn', '/B', '/N', /DT', '/DX' are all certified. For example, the Xerox Phaser 4510 series includes the 4510/B, 4510/N, etc. A series in this context does not include products with a different model number. For example, the 4500 series does not include the 4510.