User's Manual

PICS POC User’s Manual 13 January 2003
3.0 DESCRIPTIONS
The Personal Identification Credential System (PICS) is intended to provide access
control using a Personal Identification Credential (PIC), which can be issued to
individual users. The PIC will be a small, handheld, wireless biometric device small
enough to fit in a shirt pocket. In the initial application, users will operate the PIC from
within a vehicle in order to gain access to a facility.
In addition to the PIC, the system will include a PICS Enrollment Station, which consists
of a MS Windows based PC software application with an RF interface attached to a serial
port. The Enrollment Station software will run under the MS Windows environment and
provide enrollment capability and enrollment database maintenance.
Lastly, the PICS Reader is used to control access of users to the system. The PICS
Reader provides interrogation of PIC units and validation of PIC enrollment. The PIC is
responsible for validating the fingerprint, but the Reader is responsible for insuring that a
given PIC is to be allowed in the system.
3.1 PIC Operation
The operation of the PIC is straightforward, but the nature of the biometric fingerprint
sensor is such that the user will need to become well practiced in using it. The guidelines
given here may not work for everyone. Some users may find that a different approach to
using the sensor will yield better results. Unfortunately, the typical user will have little
time to experiment with using the PIC before being permanently enrolled in it.
The PIC automatically turns itself off after approximately 5 to 10 seconds. The act of
sliding open the fingerprint sensor activates the electronics inside. The PIC will emit a
short high pitch beep and briefly flash the LED yellow to indicate that it is alive. If the
batteries are getting low, the PIC will emit three short low pitch beeps and briefly flash
the LED red. If the batteries are too low, the PIC may not have enough power to function
correctly. The batteries should be replaced immediately upon receiving a low battery
indication.
Once the PIC is turned on, it will immediately start scanning for a valid fingerprint. It is
important for the user to be consistent in applying the finger to be tested. In order to
facilitate the correct application of the fingertip, the user should place the fingertip in the
indented portion of the slide cover, then slide the cover open and place the flat part of the
fingertip on the sensor. Figure 1 shows correct and incorrect placements of the fingertip
on the sensor.
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