Short for
Automated Fingerprint Identification System,
AFIS is a type of
biometric system that uses
digital imaging to capture a
fingerprint, which then can then be compared to a
database of fingerprint records
to help determine the identity of an individual. AFIS is a biometrics system commonly
used in law enforcement where sets of prints are recorded at crime scenes,
digitally captured and then compared to fingerprint records in the AFIS system.
Civilian uses of AFIS include fingerprint scanners for security purposes.
See
"How Fingerprint Scanners Work" in the ""Did
You Know..." section of Webopedia.
See also
"How Biometrics Security Works" in the
"Did You Know..."
section of Webopedia.