The CSIR’s VeristicPrint Biometric Technology is a contactless fingerprint recognition technology that enables digital imaging devices, such as smartphones, webcams and digital cameras, to be used as fingerprint scanners. This technology is a relevant tool for use in a world that is pursuing social distancing and avoidance of activities and technologies that have a high possibility of spreading germs or viruses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The objective of the technology is to provide access to an affordable locally sourced contactless fingerprint solution that can be integrated into existing biometric systems, such as the Home Affairs National Identification System, without the need to re-enrol users. This is achieved through its ability to normalise the resolutions of all fingerprints captured by digital devices to ensure that different devices are compatible with each other, as well as with existing commercial touch-based systems.

The introduction of a cheaper biometric solution that does not rely on specialised hardware means that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and non-governmental organisations can have access to contactless biometrics at affordable prices, using devices such as smartphones.  The CSIR has partnered with a local SMME that specialises in finance technology, which became the first user of the novel visitor identification system under the terms of a pilot licence.