First Custom Keyboard with Biometric Capability
Reading, UK, December 6, 2006 - Designed to provide greater security in retail stores and banking, the AKC098 is a compact, customisable keyboard that eliminates the problems of lost, swapped or stolen PIN numbers and staff cards. When staff log-on to IT systems or to authorise a transaction, the use of the keyboard, with its associated finger print reader, increases the traceability of transactions, reducing shrinkage in retail environments and providing increased security for retail banking transactions. The use of such a system also protects employees from identity theft and the risk of fraudulent activities being carried out in their name. Furthermore, because fingerprints cannot be lost or forgotten, the AKC098 cuts wasted time.
Access offers a wide range of base products in the AKC family, each of which can be easily and quickly customised for individual applications. This avoids the delays and up-front engineering charges associated with a full custom design and means that small quantities are both commercially viable and available on short lead times. Integrating the finger print reader into the keyboard reduces clutter, simplifies installation and makes the high-speed device easy to use.
The built-in ‘U.are.U’ finger print reader module is a rugged, proven device manufactured by DigitalPersona. It has a USB interface and is compatible with all popular editions of the Windows operating system, including server versions. Users can be enrolled so that any of their 8 fingers and two thumbs can be used for log-on. The finger print data is stored as a binary number string, not as an image, so users’ identities are not put at risk.
The keyboard can be supplied with an optional integral magnetic swipe reader. It has a 36 key QWERTY block with a space bar and a matrix area of 46 freely-programmable key switches. Most commonly used functions can be programmed into the keys and made available with a single keystroke. Custom made key tops layouts can be supplied to match a users POS software requirements.
The AKC098 stores its layout permanently in non-volatile memory. A USB glide-point touch pad mouse can also fitted as a customer specified option. The AKC098 is housed in a robust plastic (ABS) enclosure, measures 293(W) x 187(D) x 40(H) mm and weighs approximately 2Kg, including its 2.9m connecting cable.