Biometric lock: overview, characteristics, types and features of the installation

Security systems with electronic stuffing are becoming increasingly popular. This direction is actively developing in the segment of professional security systems, and in the niche of household lock devices. The developers' confidence in the prospects of such devices is supported by the understandable desire of the consumer to make the protection of his house more modern and effective, as well as the growing popularity of the idea of "smart" housing. As a result, the market is replenished with various offers of devices working in conjunction with radio modules, smart cards and mobile devices. But the most technologically advanced is a biometric lock, the work of which is based on the principles of personal identification of the user through the recognition of unique features. However, there are many factors holding back the demand for such systems.

Features of biometric locks

The main difference from traditional mechanisms lies in a different way of selecting an "active combination". To open a conventional mechanical lock, it is necessary to use a key with a suitable stinger design. With all the shortcomings of this approach, it is currently the most popular among lock manufacturers. Biometric fingerprint locks recognize their host without requiring the use of additional keys, cards and special signals. It is enough to bring your finger to the working surface of the device with a touch coating, and the door will be open.

Since each person has a unique papillary pattern on his arm, the likelihood of unauthorized penetration in the same way is virtually eliminated. Another thing is that in terms of the strength of the design itself, such a device is on equal footing with conventional locks. Nevertheless, manufacturers tend to give the biometric lock higher reliability properties, not forgetting about the corresponding design, which emphasizes the modern filling of the system.

Main characteristics

By their size, such devices correspond to conventional locks. The special characteristics of this type of system include the number of memorized prints, the type of scanner, as well as the device's response to a series of erroneous attempts to open. In the standard version, such a lock can take into account 100 "working" prints, which is enough even to protect the office of a small firm. A very important characteristic refers to the type of scanner. In the interests of economy and convenience of technological realization, the biometric lock is more often based on the optical principle of reading data. But this option is vulnerable, since using a dummy will open the lock. For this reason, manufacturers often reinforce such locks with code and mechanical protection systems, and also use other types of scanners - for example, ultrasonic and silicon ones. As for the lock's reaction to unsuccessful attempts to open it, the panel usually becomes inaccessible for a few minutes and turns off.

Varieties

To date, this class of locks is not so widespread that it was possible to reveal obvious signs of segmentation. Nevertheless, traditional separation of devices is observed by the way of installation and purpose. With regard to installation, the most common is a mortise biometric lock on the door, which, however, has some features in terms of installation. There are also overhead models, but in this case it is important to carefully approach the power structure, since this is the weakest point of such methods of protection. It can not be said that they are weaker than mechanical analogs, but in such cases, intruders are initially guided by the complete dismantling of the created barrier.

Signs of classification can be noted in the nature of the assignment. On the market there are also special models designed for installation in door frames, as well as devices for safes. I must say that the first option is more common, since safes with a biometric lock do not yet enjoy the due confidence of the demanding consumer.

Additional Functionality

Most of the auxiliary options and various additions that are implemented in these locks are not related to the principle of biometric recognition. These can be sensors detecting fires, repelling sirens, extended self-contained power, and combined security modes as an addition to other types of protection. In other words, the device can also work as a signaling device - the main thing is to initially calculate possible threats.

Manufacturers of biometric locks

One of the leaders of the segment is Samsung, which produces functional and reliable devices with an original design. Especially worthy of attention is the Ezon SHS line. This is a biometric lock Samsung, which has a high-strength thoughtful design, a password input system, as well as the ability to connect an external power source. The only thing that can confuse a demanding buyer is thin pins in the design. But, as the manufacturer notes, they effectively cope with their function and are able to withstand a serious physical hacking. ZKTeco locks are quite well known to specialists, among which are devices of the L5000 series. This product is good because it provides a high-speed recognition algorithm. The devices are equipped with an ergonomic OLED-screen and an RFID-card reader, which increases the degree of protection.

Nuances of mounting biometric locks

By and large the installation scheme corresponds to the classical principle of installing mortise locks. In any case, the output is the same configuration. But there are some features of mounting electronic systems. First of all, it should be noted that the installation of a biometric lock involves the creation of two large holes through which the individual parts of the structure will interact. Also, high accuracy of marking is required - usually to facilitate this task, manufacturers accompany the kit with a lock with double-sided stencils, which can be used in working with left- and right-hand door cloths. The final stage is an assembly operation. The threaded block and the outer part are connected to the connectors of the internal locking system by means of flexible wiring.

Price issue

The high cost of such devices is one of the factors that inhibit the advancement of biometric technology to the broad masses. And yet many are willing to pay substantial money for providing quality and modern protection. So, the initial level is a biometric lock, the price of which is 10-15 thousand rubles. Next come the systems provided with good functionality and additional options. The highest class of biometric models costing from 20 thousand rubles. Represent devices with increased resistance to mechanical influences and a large number of prints that are fixed in memory. Of course, traditional mechanical systems are much cheaper, and it can even be compared with the premium segment.

Conclusion

Despite all the temptation and attractiveness of electronic security systems, they are not yet able to fully occupy all the niches where classical devices are presented. This confirms the biometric lock, which has a number of significant advantages, but has not yet received a serious spread. The lack of interest on the part of consumers is due not only to fears over the new technology, which is offered to entrust the most valuable - the safety of property. The hunt for similar acquisitions is rather discouraged by the price tag, which in some cases at times exceeds the cost of conventional locks.