Question
: Can we scan fingerprints with a standard document scanner?
Answer : The FBI requires a minimum optical resolution of 500dpi (dots per inch) for fingerprint scans that may be used in an investigation. Most modern document scanners have an optical resolution of 600dpi, fulfilling this criteria.
However, the "optical" resolution is not necessarily the same as the scanner's advertised maximum resolution, as some older and inexpensive models may have a lower optical resolution and use a process called interpolation to scan at high resolutions. Many newer models also use interpolation to achieve resolutions over 600dpi. Be sure to check the detailed manufacturer specifications to be sure about the optical resolution before you purchase a scanner for fingerprints.
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