Access Control with 2.4GHz Active RFID Solutions

2.4 GHz Active RFID Solutions for Access Control

RFID is used for a wide variety of applications in access control. With RFID readers and controllers at entrances, people carrying specific RFID tags could enter and exit particular facilities with their entry and exit record being recorded and tracked. Common use of RFID access control solutions is to keep track of employees’ time and attendance record when readers and controllers are installed at the office entrance. Some other examples are car parks and event sites access control.

Why active?

The latest RFID access control system offered by Hong Kong RFID Ltd. is an active access control system. Why active?

Powerful Reading Performance

With active RFID access control systems, access control can be performed hand-freely! Compared with passive RFID (battery-less) which is used in the past, active RFID has a larger reading coverage and longer reading range. Besides, reading distance is adjustable from less than one meter to up to several meters. To maintain security with authorized entry, shorter reading range is used.

Less Constraint

To keep track of certain personnel within a larger area, longer reading range is used instead. What’s more is that active access control system is less influenced or affected by environmental constraints such as liquid and metal factors, allowing uses in different operating environment.

Flexible and Automated

During operation, specific active RFID card could be read in a long distance. Access control can be performed as soon as people carrying the card walk towards the entrance. Entry and exit records are logged without having the card placed near the reader for recognition. Active RFID offers a more flexible and automated access control system.

Empress TM 2.4GHz RFID Active Series

Hussar ^TM RFID Active Tag is used to provide excellent active access control solutions. It is the world’s smallest active tag. With its slim and small outfit, together with accessories such as key fob, key chain, tailor-made card holder badge, silicon case and buckle, the tag is specially designed for applications involving tagging of human. The battery of Hussar™ tags is also replaceable.

With directional antennas, Empress^TM Active RFID reader is specially designed for access control. Compact design of the reader, as small as a router, provides extra user friendliness to any kinds of operations. Besides, it is easy to install as it has Wi-Fi connectivity. Short range readers are provided to suit unique customer operations as well.

The whole active access control system consists of tags, readers, controller box and door locks. With our active access control system, we hope our customers enjoy perfect access control solutions, with more convenience, efficiency and flexibility.

Revised - Garrison 2.4GHz Robust Active RFID Tag

Garrison^TM  2.4GHz Active RFID Tag Launched

Good news! A new member has joined our Active tag series. HKRAT-ZT0X is a platform for proprietary protocol which is effective in data gathering. The appearance of the new tag is similar to the existing Garrison tag, with an optional add-on LED light or button.

HKRAT-ZT0X has the special feature of two-way communication. Tags could be attached on the surface of the objects that requires tracking. Using a handheld reader, one can search a particular tag and the LED light on that tag will flash to notify the person searching for it. The person going to get the object only need to press the button on the tag to notify the system that the object is already found. This reciprocal communication makes the asset tracking procedure more flexible and dynamic.

HKRAT-ZT0X is durable - the battery inside can last for about 2 to 3 years. Being protected by the strong casing, it is robust enough for any kind of harsh environment.. It can also provide a long read/write distance of up to 30-40 meters. Other special features of HKRAT-ZT0X are listed below:

l   Optional add-on sensors.

l   LED light with trigger for wide application.

l   Customize protocol for better security.

Other than asset and document tracking, HKRAT-ZT0X can be used in a variety of projects such as:

l   Heavy duty, Harsh Environment E.g. Construction site

l   Long Distance Identification

l   Locating & Tracking

l   Automation System

l   Vehicle Management

l   Warehouse management

Winner of the Grand Award and Gold Award of Hong Kong ICT Awards 2011’s Best Innovation and Research Award

April 2011

                                    

 

Hong Kong RFID Ltd. is awarded the Gold Award of the category "Best Innovation and Research (Postgraduate & Open)" of the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2011 with our Interactive Floor Tile System after going through 5 rounds of assessment. With the System's outstanding performance, the panel of judges consisting of local ICT experts and professionals also awarded the Grand Award of the same category to us.

The Interactive Floor Tile System is the R&D outcome from Hong Kong RFID's excellent team of electronic and product development engineers. The System is a combination of innovative product design and skillful electronic design. The same system is used for the Hong Kong Exhibition of World Exposition 2010 Shanghai.

Demonstrated in the Urban Best Practices Area in the Hong Kong Exhibition, the Interactive Floor Tile System is able to trace movement of visitors by sensing changes in the electro field. Traditionally, this is achieved by weight detection, which is not possible in this case due to the heavy glass covering. To improve sensibility and reliability, electro field sensors have been used instead. Whenever a visitor passes by, the sensors detect the electro change and the corresponding tiles light up, leaving a lighted trail. The system also produces light effect with different rhythms, brightness, colors and patterns that can be preset to match different themes.

The technology employed in the Interactive Floor Tile System is applicable in other settings such as intelligent home systems and shopping malls. Hong Kong RFID’s research and development team will further explore different applications of it. We hope our success will inspire other technological firms.

Active Location System

Workplace safety and security is becoming more important nowadays for businesses and governments. Traditional approaches in access control may not be adequate for personnel management, as they can only restrict access at major entrances and record the entry and exit time. Staff and guests are lost track of after they enter the building. With the advanced active location system, the position of staff can be traced for real time decision-making and control. This surely facilitates personnel management in offices, hospitals, construction sites or exhibitions.

The system consists of readers, active tags and a software program. Once readers are installed at major entrances throughout the premises, the software program can show the location of staff who are carrying active tags. You can click into a zone and see the IDs and pictures of registered employees that are in it. They need not do anything more than bring their tags with them, given that the tags can be sensed through clothing, bags and even vehicles. The refresh time can be set to as frequent as 5 seconds, allowing you to know the whereabouts of individuals at all times.

In addition to the traditional functions of attendance tracking and access control, the active location system helps to track the utilization rate of facilities. In case of emergency, it ensures that everyone is safe and out of the hazardous zone. If integrated with the active asset tracking system, it can be guaranteed that only authorized persons are allowed to use certain equipment. 

Hong Kong RFID’s New Office Grand Opening

March 2011

The New Office Opening Ceremony  was held on the 4^th of March to celebrate the growth of Hong Kong RFID. Since its establishment in 2004, Hong Kong RFID has expanded at an incredible speed. There was a need to move to a more spacious office to accommodate the increasing number of staff. We were honored to have Mrs. Agnes Mak, MH, JP, the Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr E. Anthony Tan, the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Dr. Eden Y Woon, JP, the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  to be our guests of honor to officiate this important occasion of our company.

The ceremony started with a welcoming speech from our founder and Business Development Director, Mr. Craig Jo. He thanked all the guests for coming to the ceremony and their support after describing the development path of Hong Kong RFID. He was followed by the first guest speaker, Mrs. Agnes Mak, who congratulated the vigorous development of our company. The second guest speaker, Mr. E. Anthony Tan, also addressed Hong Kong RFID’s rapid growth from an incubatee of Hong Kong Science and Technology Park’s Incu-Tech Programme. As the last guest speaker, Dr. Eden Y Woon praised the founders of our company as the role models for HKUST students.

With unanimous applause, the ribbon-cutting and toasting ceremony was conducted, followed by a string quartet performance from the band “Yanice and Friends”. After that came the sharing session of Mr. Mike S.H. Fung, the company’s founder and Operation Director, who shared Hong Kong RFID’ keys to success with the audience. The ceremony ended with blessings from the masters of ceremonies and cheers of the crowd. Guests were then invited to enjoy refreshments in the reception area or go on office tours.

Thanks to the immense support from guests and tremendous effort of our staff, the grand opening ceremony was held successfully. It signifies Hong Kong RFID’s continuous growth in prospect. 

Awarded the Caring Company of 2010/2011 by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service

March 2011

To inspire corporate social responsibility, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service has introduced the Caring Company Scheme. Under this scheme, our company is honored to be recognized as an organization with excellent corporate citizenship demonstrated in the following areas – caring for the community, the employee and the environment.

In the previous year, our company has been in close partnership with Christian Family Service Centre. Together we co-organized a flag selling day and sold vouchers, which raised more than HKD$800,000 for the community. We have also encouraged staff members to participate in fundraising events and community services launched by ORBIS, The Community Chest and Society for the Welfare of the Autistic Persons to support the underprivileged.

Hong Kong RFID sees every one of its employees as a valuable asset. To show concern for their work-life balance and well-being, we offer paid sick leave, annual leave and family leave. We have set up a caring group to regularly organize social gatherings to foster a stronger bond between our staff.

Furthermore, our company is committed in protecting the environment and sustainable development. 3R policies are adopted in the office to reduce waste. Sustainable seafood is selected for business banquet. Staffs are encouraged to take part in reducing carbon emission.

Corporate citizenship plays a fundamental role in our business operation. In the coming years, Hong Kong RFID will continue to invest resources in improving community life, employee’s welfare and environmental sustainability. Our target is to achieve the Caring Company Award for 5 consecutive years.

Industrial-grade HF RFID Handheld Reader (P/N: HKRHR-IQ081)

IQ081 Handheld Reader series is the 5th generation product developed for industrial applications. This PDA runs Windows CE with touch screen function. The embedded OS allows users to further develop the software program and run applications. It is convenient to collect data and information with this handheld reader. Synchronizing data with PC or network is easy also.

IQ081 is an industrial-grade product, it can read/write the electronic labels or the tags, which complies with ISO15693, ISO14443A, ISO14443B, UHF EPC Gen2 (ISO18000-6C), and ISO18000-6B standards.

Applications:

IQ081 handheld reader can be widely used in different applications. It can be applied to data collection systems, such as jewellery management, logistics control, vehicle and personnel access control, electronic anti-counterfeiting, automated-production management, etc.

Special Features:

•        Integrated Barcode Scanner
•        Support WiFi, communicate with LAN by wireless network
•        Outdoor user can keep in touch with headquarters at any time by GPRS
•        Support HF/UHF RFID
•        Handwrite input, support signature capture function
•        Industry IP54 hardware design and can be used in harsh environment
•        Good performance and cost-effective

New smallest Jewellery tag sample (HKRHT- J12, 17*14mm)

Apart from the new model J11 HF jewellery tag, Hong Kong RFID gladly announces the launch of another new Smart Tag for our jewellery management system J12 (Order P/N: HKRHT- J12). It is a small jewellery 10% smaller than the normal jewellery tags J10 (P/N: HKRHT-J10).

ADHESIVE FRIENDLY

The mat surface of J12 can provide a better adhesive force even for labels with weaker glue. User can now "Slap and Fold" the smart tag into their existing price tags firmly. Customers can form their own distinctive smart price tags. It is convenientand easy to use. 

ENVRIONMENTAL FRIENDLY
For those who concern about the environment as well as tag durability and appearance, we are now launching a J12 Smart Tag which is using PVC encapsulation. It is robust and solid with customizable printing graphics. It is reusable and low cost. Also, J12 is ROHS compliant to ensure the highest quality standard in part per million level (ppm).

ROBUSTNESS
After the successful launch of the previous 6th and 7th generation smart tag, J08 is popular for its high reliability and good sensitivity while J10 is uses the same design but optimizes the use of light weight material. J12 is smaller and more durable as it is not easily ripped. Hong Kong RFID is dedicated to designing better tags for our jeweler clients over years.

J12 has the following features:

• 17X14mm, smaller than a paperclip, compact but does not sacrifice reading range
• PVC encapsulation
• Simple and compact structure
• Color/printing customization
• Can be easily embedded into any price tags in the market
• Can be rewritable and reusable

The product is available from Feb 2011.

New Jewellery tag sample (HKRHT- J11, Tear-to-destroy)

Hong Kong RFID is glad to announce the launch of a new Smart Tag for our jewellery management system, J11 (Order P/N: HKRHT- J11). It is an updated version of J09, though our J08, J09 and J10 Smart Tags are being popularly used, due to the growing market demand, we have developed an advanced version with different features.

ADHESIVE FRIENDLY

The adhesive surface of J11 can provide a better force for tagging the existing price tag. It is printable roll form and no need to enclose the tag with other label again. Customers can form their own distinctive smart price tags. It is convenient and easy to use. 

SECURITY TAG

The antenna is specially designed for security purposes. When someone tries to tear the tag, the antenna would be damaged and can no longer function. In other words, when you cannot read the tag properly, the tag is very likely already destroyed by someone.

J11 has the following features:

• 30X15mm, similar size of a paperclip and very thin. Compact yet does not sacrifice reading range.
• RFID label with adhesive layer.
• Tear-to-destroy, avoid being exchanged, help protecting your info.
• Printable roll form available.
• Color/printing customization.
• Can be easily embedded to any price tags in the market.
• Rewritable and one time use.

The product is available from Feb 2011.

RFID World Asia 2011 Exhibition

Hong Kong RFID Ltd is delighted to be one of the participants in the RIFD World Asia 2011 Exhibition in Singapore. The exhibition is to be held in SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13-15 April, 2011. Our booth number is 4U07.

Like last year, we are going to present both passive and active RIFD solutions at the exhibition. These solutions include easy tracking of people and assets, convenient access without keys but a RFID tag, and much more. In addition, Hong Kong RFID Ltd. is pleased to introduce our latest Active System which is the essential component of your one-of-a-kind and innovative system. Various demonstration and detailed illustration will be offered by our colleagues at the booth. Make sure you drop by and visit us!

RFID World Asia is the largest RFID trade exhibition in the Asia region. It has been the unique platform for technological showcasing and sourcing of RFID products and solutions for the past seven years. Over sixty world class RFID suppliers exhibits their products and solutions during the show.It surely is a good chance for RFID technology sharing. If you are interested in the exhibition, please register through the following link:

https://secure.terrapinn.com/V5/vDetails.aspx?E=3730

We are ready to introduce our best RFID solutions to you and looking forward to meeting you in Singapore!  

Hong Kong RFID has been awarded as a outstanding participant of the Intellectual Capital Management Consultancy Programme (January, 2011)

January, 2011

Hong Kong RFID Ltd is proudly awarded as an outstanding participant of the Intellectual Capital Management Consultancy Programme jointly lauched by the Intellectual Property Department (IPD), the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Trade and Industry Department. The programme was created to help enterprises gain a better understanding of Intellectual Capital Management and utilize a set of management tools to maximize their business potential. With the aid of training materials and consultancy services from the supporting parties, key intellectual capital were identified in the intellectual capital report written upon completion of the programme. The main drivers behind our company's success, which include our human, structural and relational capital, are elaborated in details in the report. It allows stakeholders to have a better understanding of our capibility and future potential.
 
According to IPD, Hong Kong RFID is the first company in the information technology industry to publish an intellectual capital report. As a pioneer in this campaign, our company's effort has been recognized by a certificate awarded by the organizers. It is hoped that more companies will follow our footsteps and pursue intellectual capital management. In the future, we will continue to commit in the advancement of the industry.

For more information about the Intellectual Capital Management Consultancy Programme, please visit the following website:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/icm.htm#a8