Whenever a new type of security device is introduced, it takes time for that type of device to be generally accepted into the market. Biometric devices have been around in various forms for at least two decades. Hand geometry readers, face and voice recognition systems and retina scanners have all had limited success in the commercial security marketplace.
Part of the resistance may be because of fear of the unknown by the end user. Some people are afraid that the electronic device may cause them bodily harm. According to Alfred Lee, manager at Herald Datanetics Ltd., “Consumers are still trying to understand this biometric technology. Once they have more knowledge they will trust this technology more.”
One biometric device that has been readily accepted is the fingerprint reader. In fact, fingerprint access systems account for roughly 50 percent of the biometric access control market. Fingerprints are stored in a database and compared to the user requesting entry.
Herald Datanetics Limited has recently introduced a line of biometric fingerprint devices including stand-alone units and those that can be integrated into a smartcard, wiegand, magnetic stripe card, PIN code or time recording system.
The HFD112S Fingerprint Door Lock is designed for use in small office settings. Unlike a conventional keyed lock, it uses the touch of a registered fingerprint to unlock the door. Users do not need to remember any passwords or PIN codes. (Photo 1)
FEATURES
- Non-volatile memory for fingerprint template storage.
- Tubular latch design for use in standard door prep.
- Integrated die-cast lock housing and handle provide vandal resistance.
- Covered tubular cam lock provides emergency key override.
- Constructed of solid zinc alloy materials.
- Fingerprints are encrypted to templates for memory.
- For privacy, templates cannot be converted back to fingerprint image
Stores up to 105 fingerprint templates (100 user/5 master).
The HFD112S operates using four AA alkaline batteries and has low power consumption. An external DC power supply is an option. A low battery indicator is included and the unit has good weather resistance for outdoor applications with an operating range of minus 20 degrees Celsius (–4F) to plus 50 degrees Celsius (122F).
Standard finishes available are Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Satin Gold, Antique Bronze and Polished Brass.
INSTALLATION
The lock will easily install into an existing 2-1/8” cross-bore opening. For a new installation, a 1-1/4” cross-bore opening will suffice. The lock has a standard 2-3/4” backset. Two additional three-quarter-inch holes are required for the bottom throughbolt and cable pass through.
Two half-inch holes are drilled for the upper through bolts. The template supplied with the lock can also be downloaded. The latch faceplate uses a 1” by 2-1/4” cutout.
After all holes are drilled per the template, insert the latch unit into position. For outdoor applications, the manufacturer recommends using a silicone weather seal to prevent moisture incursion. Before using silicone sealant, dry fit the components and make sure the lock properly operates.
Feed the connecting cables through the upper cable hole. Align the three extended mounting posts with the holes to hold the front case in position. (Photo 2)
Select the proper transmission shaft based on door thickness and orientation (LH or RH) per the instructions. Feed the shaft through the latch unit and into the lever of the front case. (Photo 3)
Use the large spanner wrench to loosen the holding nut of the inner door lever and remove the battery cover from the back case. Remove the cosmetic screw from the lower portion of the back case.
Match the 9-pin and 10-pin connectors to their respective cables and seat them into position. (Photo 4)
Align the back case with the transmission shaft and three mounting holes. Install three mounting screws to secure the front and back cases together. (Photo 5) Use the large spanner wrench to tighten the inner lever holding nut. (Photo 6)
After verifying smooth lever operation, reinstall the lower cosmetic screw. If any lever binding occurs, loosen the mounting screws and re-align.
Install the 4 AA alkaline batteries in the holder and replace the battery cover. Since no fingerprint access is allowed without batteries, be sure to keep the emergency keys available for emergency override.
PROGRAMMING
The HFP110 programming kit is required to administer fingerprint management and other programming functions. Twenty programmable time zones provide for timed restriction and free ingress or passage mode operation. (Photo 7)
The HFP110 is specially designed to program the HFD112S. With the kit, the fingerprint templates stored in the lock can be copied and transferred to multiple fingerprint door locks without having to register users individually at each lock.
The kit is also used to program the lock to work in different modes and set the internal clock. The manager can download events logs from up to four different HFD112S units at one time. With each standalone unit having an event log capacity of 8,192, the programmer can hold 32,768 event records. Alternately, the programmer could download 2,000 events each from 16 different locks to reach the 32,000-event level.
All downloaded events can be printed out directly from a printer without the need for a PC, or can be exported to a PC with the optional connection kit (CD-ROM and cable).
The HFP110 uses 2 AA alkaline batteries and has an automatic power shutoff when not in use.
OPERATION
The memory retains the last 8,192 events. Like other audit memory storage, when that limit is reached, the next event causes the oldest event to disappear from memory. Each user can elect to enroll one or two fingerprints.
The door lock must be set up before normal operation. It requires at least one master fingerprint to be registered. To unlock the door, use a registered fingerprint to activate the trigger switch inside the fingerprint capture window. Then place the finger on the sensor. (Photo 8)
If the fingerprint matches one of the registered users, green LED will turn on with a short beep and the door will unlock for five seconds. If the red LED flashes with a long beep, it means the fingerprint is not recognized or is not authorized.
Note: As mentioned above, the lock can only be unlocked with the emergency key when no batteries are installed. With the batteries installed, if there are no user or master fingerprint templates registered in memory, the door lock can be unlocked by pressing the trigger switch without verifying a fingerprint.
If the battery power is low, the red LED will flash three times with three short beeps when the trigger switch is activated. The lock will operate normally for another 300 operations after a low battery status has been identified.
Normal users can be restricted or the lock can be put in passage mode by programming or the use of a master fingerprint. In ‘free ingress’ or passage mode, anyone can push the trigger switch to unlock the lever. A normal five second unlock will occur then the lock will revert to the locked mode.
For cold weather installations, the use of lithium batteries is recommended instead of alkaline. Never mix old and new batteries. Replace all batteries when power is low.
To use the emergency key override, remove the outer key cover with the small spanner wrench. Loosen the cover and unscrew by hand. After using the key to unlock the lever, remove the key and replace the cover. The door will relock when the key is removed. (Photo 9)
CONCLUSION
This is a great alternative for small and medium office use and gives the customer a high-tech security device that they can use to track and control employee movement.
Other Herald biometric products include the HFD101S for residential use - no programming kit required (Photo 10), the HFA200S Fingerprint Access Control Unit (Photo 11) and the HFA300S Fingerprint Time and Attendance System (Photo 12). The HFA220S Access Control Unit with Logger, HFE220 Enrollment Station and the HFP300 Portable Data Bank are all currently under development.
Herald Datanetics Limited is a multi-national company with production, engineering and manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong, Europe and the United States. They specialize in Biometric Products, Tape Heads, Fiber Optic Components, SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) Modules and Contract Design and Manufacturing. For more information on their products, contact your favorite locksmith distributor or www.heraldata.com, email: [email protected].
