What is the threshold for "Official Support"?
Specifically, I'm wondering about libfprint and the Validity 138a:0091 Fingerprint Sensor.
It is officially supported, and is listed as such, is recognized and able to enroll. However, my own experience, and subsequent research leads me to the conclusion that the current matching algorithm has virtually no chance of ever functioning.
Unfortunately, the matching algorithm used in the previous libfprint driver doesn't work with this sensor. They seem to rely on a single high quality image to do the matching, something that is never obtained.
So how appropriate is it for the '91 to be on the "officially supported" list if it doesn't work? It seems that there is only partial support, the matching algorithm needs to be able to work. Someone needs to be able to use the thing.
Is there some kind of process? Do I poke someone and ask them if anyone has ever actually gotten it to work?
Posted Dec 7, 2025, 5:02 AM UTC