Integrated Fingerprint Reader

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IBM Integrated Fingerprint Reader

Integrated Fingerprint Reader

IBMs second generation of T42 models (released in Autumn 2004) was the first to feature an integrated fingerprint reader. Various models since then have had this feature, actually implemented with a number of different devices, all of which appear on the USB bus. Some are just scanners, others do the recognition in the device itself.

USB ID Reader Software
0483:2016 UPEK/Thomson thinkfinger or fprint
147e:1000 UPEK TCS4C unsupported ??
147e:1002 UPEK unsupported ??
147e:2016 Upeksonly fprint patches
147e:2020 Upek / Authentec Forum discussion and howto for 32-bit, using non-free drivers Seems to be supported as of 2013-01-15 (Works for Me (TM)). On Ubuntu, use PPA at https://launchpad.net/~fingerprint
08ff:1600 Authentec AES1610 fprint
08ff:2580 Authentec AES2501 fprint
08ff:2810 Authentec 2810 supported by libfprint v0.5.0 onwards, released December 2012

Read more about the various models of reader on the libfprint wiki

Also check the Fingerprint-GUI PPA which has a detailed list of supported devices. Be aware this PPA includes non-free software as indicated in the About page of the project.

The UPEK device is supported by thinkfinger. Those devices and Authentec ones are supported by libfprint.

However: The fingerprint reader is an INSECURE device and gives a false sense of security! There has been quite a bit of research by a hacker named Starbug, a member of the Chaos Computer Club, Berlin, Germany. He outlined in two very good talks how to forge each and every available fingerprint sensor available at the cost of a few euros, using materials from your local hardware store, a digicam and a laser printer! Here's some links:

Remember, using fingerprints for authentication is much similar to having a password which is written on anything you touch.

Software support

See How to enable the integrated fingerprint reader.

Models featuring this Technology

UPEK Touchstrip (model?) - USB 0483:2016

UPEK Touchchip TCS4C - USB 147e:1000

UPEK - TouchStrip Fingerprint Sensor - USB 147e:1002

  • ThinkPad Edge E425

UPEK Touchstrip TCRD4C - USB 147e:2016

Upek TouchChip Fingerprint Coprocessor - USB 147e:2020

Authentec AES1610 - USB 08ff:1600

  • Lenovo V100, V200

Authentec AES2501 - USB 08ff:2580

  • Lenovo N100, N200

Authentec AES2810 - USB 08ff:2810

Validity Sensors - USB 138a:0090

Links