Effortlessly Detect Fingerprints With The m5Stack Unit Fingerprint2 Sensor
Fingerprint detection is an interdisciplinary task. M5Stack provides a ready-to-deploy fingerprint-sensing module that outputs its results via a UART data stream.
Collecting fingerprint information is usually only half the solution. Collected image data needs to be compared before it can be used to unlock system functionality. The m5Stack Unit Fingerprint2 Sensor supports a fingerprint reader and RGB lighting for reliable imaging, powered by an STM32G031G8U6 microcontroller preloaded with recognition logic.
Exceptional Industrial Design for Ease of Integration
The U203 ships in an attractive plastic case complete with mounting holes. This way, the unit can be placed near the user without distorting the optical impression. Dimensions of just 40.0 x 24.0 x 8.0mm furthermore simplify placement.
A breathing light at the front of the unit can be enabled, providing a visual cue on where to place the finger to trigger detection.
UART Interface for Fingerprint Enrolment and Verification
The above-mentioned STMicroelectronics MCU communicates via an industry-standard 115200bps @ 8N1 serial link. Its command set, as discussed in detail in the document at https://m5stack-doc.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/1186/Unit-Fingerprint-Protocol-EN-V1.0.pdf, provides a frame format similar to the one shown in the figure.
Thanks to the module's generous flash memory, up to 100 fingerprint records can be stored in the system. Data acquisition and fingerprint enrolment -- the processes that create a template for verification -- are triggered via serial commands. The host system receives easy-to-process confirmations; if needed, bitmap data can also be provided.
Finally, visit https://docs.m5stack.com/en/arduino/projects/unit/unit_fingerprint2 to reveal the presence of an Arduino library and a wide array of sample code.
Conclusion
If an embedded system needs to detect fingerprints, the m5Stack unit makes data collection effortless. Thanks to the recognition intelligence embedded in the module, development effort on the embedded system side is minimized.