Fingerprint Recognition

Fingerprint recognition

Abstract

Capable 21C supports fingerprint recognition devices that are compliant with the Griaule interface. These devices can be used to simplify patient/client check-in, and can provide a friendly interface to the patient/client welcoming them to the office.

Underlying challenge

Review to the Workflow section of the Advanced Training website before proceeding.

There are several steps involved in configuring fingerprint recognition, but before anything can be configured, an office needs to decide how the fingerprint recognition will be used. If an extra PC is available on the front desk, it’s screen can be turned around so that it faces the patients/clients as they enter the office. If this ‘Patient Facing’ PC is used, it needs to be configured for fingerprint recognition, as it will have the fingerprint recognition device attached to it. Other PC’s will need to be configured to acknowledge that a ‘Patient Facing’ PC is available.

If a ‘Patient Facing’ PC is not available, fingerprint recognition can still be used by attaching the fingerprint recognition device directly to the main front desk PC.

Resolution

If an extra PC will be installed at the front desk to display a welcome screen to the patient/client, the following steps must be followed:

Purchase, install and configure a fingerprint recognition device (with Digital Persona software) and its associated software on the PC that will face the patients/clients. Testing and Development was performed using the Microsoft Fingerprint Scanner (which has Digital Persona software).
Install either the free Griaule interface for fingerprint recognition (slow) or the purchasable Griaule interface for fingerprint recognition (fast)
Configure Capable 21C so that it links to the network.
Configure the fingerprint recognition options on that PC.
Switch the ‘Patient Facing’ PC to Fingerprint mode.

If there is no extra ‘Patient Facing’ PC at the front desk, fingerprint recognition can still be used to check the patient in by following these steps:

Purchase, install and configure a fingerprint recognition device (with Digital Persona software) and its associated software on the PC that will face the patients/clients. Testing and Development was performed using the Microsoft Fingerprint Scanner (which has Digital Persona software).
Install either the free Griaule interface for fingerprint recognition (slow) or the purchasable Griaule interface for fingerprint recognition (fast)
Configure Capable 21C so that it links to the network.
Configure the fingerprint recognition options on that PC.

Refer to the section below for details instructions on how to perform each of the steps above.

Detailed Information

Installing a fingerprint recognition device

Installing the free (slow) version of the fingerprint recognition software.

To install the free fingerprint recognition device and its associated software, you will need to refer to the documentation that came with the fingerprint recognition device.

Download and install grfinger4.1 free edition from http://www.capablesoftware.com.au/Patches2/GrFingerFree.exe
Configure the fingerprint scanner to turn off visual and auditory alerts.
Close Capable 21C and reopen it.

Installing the high speed (purchaseable) version of the fingerprint recognition software.

To install the free fingerprint recognition device and its associated software, you will need to refer to the documentation that came with the fingerprint recognition device.

Contact Capable Software Sales.
Once your order has been processed, Capable Software Pty Ltd will e-mail further instructions on installing the scanner.

Preparing the ‘Patient Facing’ PC

If a ‘Patient Facing’ PC is to be used, it must be prepared carefully. Aside from the installation of Capable 21C and the fingerprint recognition device, the PC’s keyboard and mouse should not be accessible to the patients/clients. Only the fingerprint recognition device should be reachable. It is also important to ensure that the PC’s on/off switch and reset buttons are not exposed to patients, and that the patients/clients are not exposed to any safety risks (eg exposed cables). Offices should also position the fingerprint recognition device so that it can be easily reached by patients/clients of different heights. It may be necessary to use some kind of adhesive so that it cannot be easily bumped out of place. Office staff will also need to include the fingerprint recognition device in their regular cleaning activities; both for the patient/client’s health and also to ensure optimum operation of the device.

Configuring the Fingerprint recognition options for a ‘Patient Facing’ PC

For a ‘Patient Facing’ PC, the fingerprint recognition device will be physically attached, but Capable 21C will notFor a ‘Patient Facing’ PC, the fingerprint recognition device will be physically attached, but Capable 21C will not typically be able to be used for processing invoices/payments/etc. This PC will be facing the patients/clients, and the screen will not be readily accessible to office staff. The PC should be configured in a particular way.

Go to Setup|Settings.
Go to the Workflow tab
Tick the box for Fingerprint Scanner is attached to this PC.
Click Apply.
Click Close.
Go to the Mode menu and select Fingerprint mode.

The PC can be recovered from Fingerprint mode by clicking the mouse anywhere on the screen.

Configuring the Front Desk PC when a ‘Patient Facing’ PC is present

If a ‘Patient Facing’ PC is present, the front desk PC should be configured in a specific way such that it is aware that fingerprint recognition can be used, but that it should be used via the ‘Patient Facing’ PC.

Go to Setup|Settings
Tick the box to ‘Take advantage of the fingerprint scanner attached to another PC in your network’
Tick the box so that 'This is the PC that invoices patients checked in by fingerprint scan'
Click Apply.
Click Close.

Configuring the Front Desk PC when there is NO ‘Patient Facing’ PC

If there is no ‘Patient Facing’ PC, the front desk PC can still be configured to take advantage of fingerprint scanning.

Go to Setup|Settings.
Go to the Workflow tab
Tick the box for Fingerprint Scanner is attached to this PC.
Click Apply.
Click Close.

To register a patient/client’s fingerprint into the system

To record a patient/client’s fingerprint, follow these steps:

Go to Patient/Client Information and Editing
Search for and select a patient
Click the Scan Fingerprint button
Ask the patient to scan their finger the appropriate number of times
Click Close

What happens when a patient/client checks in

When a fingerprint is scanned, the following sequence of events occurs:

The PC with the fingerprint recognition device will attempt to match the fingerprint.
If the fingerprint is recognised an appropriate message will appear on the fingerprint check-in PC.
If the fingerprint is not recognised, if the patient has an assistance alert, or if the patient has no appointment today, a message will appear directing them to see reception.
The patient is checked into an office area called 'Fingerprint Checkin'. Shortly afterwards, the reception PC will notice the patient checked in, move them to reception and start the normal invoice.