Using Android's Fingerprint Scanner for Application

Question

I need to create an application that scans fingerprints and authenticates them. I can't find anything about fingerprint permissions on the Android website. Is it possible to use a phone's fingerprint scanner for a regular application? If so, what is the limit on the number of fingerprints it can store (I'd prefer to store them on the phone itself)

Thanks

Answer 1

Fingerprint scanner is not a feature in Android (Now available on Android M).

So each company as Samsung, Motorola, HTC create is own API and SDK to access to fingerprint sensor.

For instance Samsung provide a SDK http://developer.samsung.com/galaxy#pass

Pass SDK allows you to use fingerprint recognition features in your application. With Pass SDK, you can provide reinforced security, since you can identify whether the current user actually is the authentic owner of the device.

If you want to enroll multiple users and check users in your app, it's not possible with Samsung device. You could only check owner of device.

I don't know SDK of other companies.

UPDATE

Android M have new FingerPrint API: https://developer.android.com/about/versions/marshmallow/android-6.0.html#fingerprint-authentication

Answer 2

Android M preview introducing FingerPrint scanner API. You can checkout example for this here : https://github.com/googlesamples/android-FingerprintDialog/

Answer 3

I needed a similar functionality and my solution was to use an external scanner instead of use a device with integrated fingerprint scanner. There are several companies which offer integration with mobile phones through SDKs. You should research through out the next companies on google:

Nitgen: http://www.nitgen.com/eng/product/Hamster3.html#a2

Secugen: http://www.secugen.com/products/sdk_pro.htm#android

Tactivo: http://precisebiometrics.com/smart-card-reader/android/

In my case I used Secugen, but feel free to use the suitable device for your solution. Notice that this solution could make your project cheaper because you don't need to use an expensive mobile phone, the only feature that the phone needs it's having a USB OTG (On-The-Go).

I know this solution it's a bit different from what your were asking for but I believe that it could be interesting for you too.