Traditional methods of identity verification include identifying items (such as keys, ID cards, ATM cards, etc.) and identifying knowledge (such as usernames and passwords). However, since they mainly rely on external objects, once the identifying items and identifying knowledge used to prove identity are stolen or forgotten, one's identity can easily be impersonated or replaced by others.
 
  With the advent of emerging technologies such as mobile internet and the Internet of Things, traditional methods of personal authentication and identification can no longer meet the needs of social development. The trend is towards using high-tech methods such as computers, optics, acoustics, biosensors, and biostatistics to identify individuals based on inherent physiological characteristics (such as fingerprints, facial images, and irises) and behavioral features (such as handwriting, voice, and gait).
 
  Currently, the main biometric identification methods include: fingerprint recognition, palm print recognition, iris recognition, facial recognition, DNA recognition, and behavioral recognition.

Smart terminal devices are a catalyst for the rapid development of fingerprint recognition.

  Currently, the simplest, most practical, most accurate, and best-developed identification method is fingerprint recognition. Globally, fingerprint recognition accounts for nearly 60% of the entire biometrics market, with over a thousand fingerprint recognition manufacturers producing hundreds of different fingerprint recognition products, while other biometrics technology manufacturers account for less than one-tenth of that.
 
  The most common applications we see are fingerprint attendance and fingerprint access control. However, with the advent of the mobile internet, including information security and mobile payments, there is a huge demand for biometric authentication. Fingerprint recognition has become a method that mainstream smart device manufacturers and consumers can quickly accept. On the eve of the mobile payment boom, fingerprint recognition based on smart terminals will also usher in a period of great development.
 
  I. Basic Principles and Acquisition Technology of Fingerprint Recognition
 
  A typical fingerprint recognition system should include: a fingerprint recognition sensor, a feature extraction/matching module, a feature template library, and application software. Fingerprint matching can be divided into two steps: first, extracting the features of the fingerprint to be verified; and then comparing its similarity with template fingerprints in the fingerprint template library to determine whether the two fingerprint images come from the same finger.
 
  We can see that the core of fingerprint recognition is accurate and efficient fingerprint acquisition and analysis. The development of fingerprint recognition acquisition technology can be roughly divided into three methods: optical recognition, capacitive sensors, and biometric radio frequency.
 
  1. Optical recognition
 
  Optical fingerprint recognition is an earlier fingerprint recognition technology. It works by emitting light from an optical emitter, which strikes the finger and reflects back to the machine to retrieve data, which is then compared to a database to check for consistency. However, optical fingerprint recognition can only reach the epidermis, not the dermis, and is significantly affected by the cleanliness of the finger surface.
 
  2. Capacitive sensor
 
  Capacitive fingerprint sensor recognition utilizes two capacitors spaced at intervals. The fingerprint's contours are used to switch current between the capacitors as the finger slides across the sensor, detecting the fingerprint data. Capacitive sensors require relatively clean fingers, and the silicon material used on the sensor surface is relatively easy to damage. Technically, suppliers of capacitive fingerprint recognition technology include Authentec, Validity, and FingerprintPrintCardsAB (FPC). Authentec was acquired by Apple, and Validity was acquired by Synaptics. Capacitive fingerprint sensors are currently the most widely used technology.
 
  3. Bio-radiofrequency
 
  Radio frequency (RF) sensors emit minute radio frequency signals that penetrate the epidermis of the finger to obtain information about the underlying texture. This method requires relatively clean fingers. RF is a relatively new technology and is a type of capacitive sensor, but it is limited by patent issues. RF technology represents the future direction of development.
 
  II. Fingerprint Recognition Acquisition Method
 
  Regardless of the data collection technology used, from the user's perspective, there are only two input methods: press-to-type and slide-to-type.
 
  1. Slide-type
 
  The system captures the entire fingerprint by swiping your finger across the sensor. Pressing the finger down doesn't capture the complete image at once. The system takes snapshots of each fingerprint image captured as the finger swips across the sensor, and these snapshots are then stitched together to form a complete fingerprint image.
 
  The advantages of the sliding fingerprint sensor are low cost, easy integration, and the ability to acquire large-area images. It uses traditional feature point algorithms. However, its disadvantage is that it requires a continuous and standardized action from the user to acquire the image, resulting in a poor user experience and limited success in previous applications.
 
  2. Press-type fingerprint sensor
 
  The finger is placed flat on the device to acquire the fingerprint image. Generally, to obtain a fingerprint of the entire finger, a sensor larger than the finger must be used, and the entire finger must be pressed onto the sensor simultaneously.
 
  The advantages of press-type fingerprint recognition are a superior user experience; an image is captured with a single press, aligning with user habits on mobile applications and requiring no user training. The disadvantages are: higher cost, greater integration difficulty, relatively small image area captured per press, insufficient feature points, and the need for complex image comparison algorithms for recognition.
 
  Clearly, from a user's perspective, press-type fingerprint recognition is the simplest and most convenient. More and more mobile devices will adopt press-type fingerprint recognition solutions in the future.
 
  2.Analysis of Global Mobile Fingerprint Recognition Solution Vendors
 
  III. Analysis of Global Mobile Phone Fingerprint Recognition Solution Vendors
 
  While there are many global fingerprint recognition solution vendors, relatively few are involved in mobile phones and tablets. Following the iPhone 5S, a number of established international fingerprint recognition solution vendors quickly entered the market. Simultaneously, domestic touch IC manufacturers also rapidly invested in R&D in this field. Currently, a few vendors have already produced samples. The following is a summary of the development status of mainstream mobile phone fingerprint recognition solution vendors, compiled by the Mobile China Alliance editors based on publicly available information.
 
  1. AuthenTec
 
  Introduction: AuthenTec is a world-leading provider of fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions for the PC, wireless devices, and access control markets. Apple acquired AuthenTec on July 27, 2012, for $356 million.
 
  Current Status: AuthenTec is the world's largest supplier of inductive fingerprint recognition sensors. Its products are used exclusively in Apple products; it does not provide technology or products to other manufacturers (such as mobile phones and tablets). Currently, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 use capacitive and radio frequency-based semiconductor sensors integrated with the iPhone's Home button, with a sapphire crystal cover on top. Wafer manufacturing is handled by TSMC; wafer-level packaging is handled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and ChipMOS Technologies Co., Ltd.; and subsequent packaging, testing, and SiP module manufacturing are handled by ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd.
 
  Customers: After the acquisition by Apple, AuthenTec's fingerprint recognition products are only supplied to Apple in the mobile phone and tablet markets. It no longer supplies other manufacturers, but it can be used for banking security and management systems.
 
  2. Synaptics (Validity)
 
  Introduction: Synaptics, headquartered in the United States, was founded in 1986. It is a leading global company designing and manufacturing human-computer interface (HCI) solutions for mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices. In October 2013, Synaptics acquired biometric identification company Validity for $255 million, officially announcing its entry into the fingerprint recognition field.
 
  Current Status: Synaptics currently offers both slide and press-type fingerprint sensors, employing active capacitive silicon imaging sensors.
 
  Samsung and HTC use their products. Regarding the company's future technology development direction, earlier this year, Synaptics executives stated that their planned fingerprint sensor product will not be limited to the Home button like Apple's iPhone, but will be hidden under the glass panel screen of Android or Windows Phone phones. System packaging and testing will be handled by Taiwanese companies ChipMOS and Tylens.
 
  Customers: Synaptics' largest customer is Samsung, with key products including the Samsung Galaxy S5, which uses a slide-type solution integrated with the phone's Home button. Additionally, the HTC One Max also uses Synaptics, placing it on the back cover, also employing a slide-type solution.