Integrated Biometrics Watson

Integrated Biometrics Watson

Manufacturer: Integrated Biometrics, USA

The Integrated Biometrics Watson is a compact, professional-grade FAP 45 fingerprint scanner designed to capture single or dual-finger flat prints as well as single rolled prints. The device holds FBI Appendix F, PIV, and Mobile ID IQS FAP 45 certifications and complies with GSA FIPS 201 standards, making it suitable for systems requiring high-quality, standardized biometric data acquisition.

The Watson utilizes Integrated Biometrics' patented LES (Light Emitting Sensor) technology. Instead of a traditional optical system based on a glass prism, it employs a thin, light-emitting sensor. This solution delivers high-quality fingerprint images while maintaining a compact form factor and low power consumption. LES technology enables operation in both indoor environments and direct sunlight, and is resistant to common finger contaminants such as water, grease, oil, dust, and dirt.

The scanner supports the capture of single prints, simultaneous dual flat prints, and single rolled prints. Consequently, it can be used for both rapid biometric verification and the sequential enrollment of a full ten-finger set. The manufacturer positions the Watson as a solution suitable for both mobile and stationary applications.

The device is designed for heavy-duty use. It requires no replaceable membranes or cleaning tapes, and LES technology minimizes the need to clean the scanning surface between captures. Watson was also designed to detect common attempts to present a fake fingerprint.

Technical specifications

Device type: professional fingerprint scanner
Sensor class: FAP 45
Certification: FBI Appendix F
Certification: PIV – Personal Identity Verification
Certification: Mobile ID IQS FAP 45
Compliance: GSA FIPS 201
Sensor technology: LES Advanced Optical – Light Emitting Sensor
Camera type: CMOS
Image resolution: 500 ppi
Grayscale range: 256 levels
Image size: 800 × 750 pixels
Scan area: 40.6 × 38.1 mm
Platen size: 40.6 × 38.1 mm
Support for single flat fingerprint
Support for simultaneous dual flat fingerprints
Support for single rolled fingerprint
Capability for sequential 10-finger capture
Minimum capture speed: >10 fps on a Galaxy Nexus class platform (1.2 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 or equivalent)
Capture speed: up to 17 fps on an Intel 2.8 GHz processor or equivalent
Supported image format: RAW
Supported image format: JPEG2000
Supported image format: BMP
Supported image format: PNG
Supported image format: FBI-certified WSQ
Image quality assessment: NFIQ v1 for supported operating systems
NFIQ2 support
Communication encryption: AES with 256-bit key
RSA algorithm support
Supported ISO 19794-2:2005/2011 format
supported format: ISO 19794-4:2005/2011
supported standard: ANSI/INCITS 378:2004
supported standard: ANSI/INCITS 381:2004
communication interface: USB 2.0
power source: host device USB port
USB supply voltage: 4.4–5.25 V
required x86/x64 processor: 2.0 GHz or faster
required ARM processor: 1.0 GHz or faster
minimum RAM: 512 MB
device weight: 180 g
dimensions: 60.3 × 62.3 × 33.0 mm
operating temperature: -10°C to +55°C
storage temperature: -40°C to +80°C
operating humidity: 20–95% RH at temperatures below 40°C, non-condensing
protection rating (area between bezel and scanning surface): IP65
surface durability: MIL-C-675C 4.5010 and MIL-STD-810F
vibration resistance test: MIL-STD-810F Method 514.5, Category 24
electrostatic discharge resistance: compliant with IEC 61000-4-2
device safety: EN IEC 62368-1:2020+A11:2020
electromagnetic compatibility: FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class B
CE compliance: EN 55032:2015+A11:2020 Class B and EN 55035:2017+A11:2020
USB certification: USB-IF
iBeta ISO 30107-3 compliance
MOSIP compliance
TAA compliance for US customers
Manufacturer-declared MTBF: 33 years, based on 200 full two-finger registrations per day
Available connection options include USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB, and Molex, depending on the device version

Supported operating systems

Microsoft Windows 11 Desktop
Android 15 or later
Linux Kernel 5.x
Linux Kernel 6.x or a later supported release
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later
Debian 12 or later

Required software

The IBScanUltimate SDK (Software Development Kit) from Integrated Biometrics is used for communication with the scanner and for integrating the device with the target system.

The manufacturer recommends installing the latest version of the IBScanUltimate SDK before connecting the scanner. The package provides the communication layer between the Watson scanner and the application running on the computer, terminal, or mobile device.

The IBScanUltimate SDK includes, among other things:

drivers required for scanner communication
an API (Application Programming Interface) for integrating the scanner with an application
API documentation
Integrated Biometrics software components
demonstration applications
sample source code for supported platforms
single-finger capture functions
dual-finger simultaneous capture functions
support for single rolled fingerprints
multi-scanner support
support for multi-threaded applications
fingerprint image quality assessment mechanisms
communication encryption mechanisms
tools facilitating scanner integration with biometric applications

The manufacturer currently provides IBScanUltimate v4.4. Previous 4.x releases introduced, among other features, improvements to Watson image quality, NFIQ2 updates, and support for Android SDK 35 and Windows ARM64. The manufacturer guarantees that the current SDK remains compatible with existing Integrated Biometrics scanners.

The IBScanUltimate SDK is neither a complete AFIS system nor a biometric database. It is a set of libraries, drivers, and interfaces that enable a host application to utilize the Watson scanner. Consequently, a target deployment requires a host system—such as an enrollment application, AFIS, access control system, e-ID solution, or custom software developed by an integrator using the Integrated Biometrics API.

Applications

The Integrated Biometrics Watson is designed for systems requiring the capture of high-quality, certified fingerprint images—including single-finger, dual-finger, and rolled prints.

Typical applications include:

biometric personal identification
fingerprint-based identity verification
single- or dual-finger capture
full, sequential ten-finger capture
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems)
mobile biometric enrollment stations
stationary biometric enrollment stations
law enforcement and uniformed service solutions
booking and processing of detainees
border control and immigration
National ID systems
e-ID systems
PIV systems
military applications
public safety systems
e-Government solutions
employee and personnel verification
access control systems requiring certified biometrics
mobile identification kits
biometric terminals and kiosks
integration with Android applications
integration with Windows and Linux systems
OEM solutions and integrator systems