A news service reporting on developments
regarding the use of radio based tagging transponder systems for commerce
and scientific applications.
Covering the RFID technologies, EAS technologies and magnetic
coupled techniques.
Kista 7 Nov 96 - High Speed Tags from TagMaster AB
CONFIDENT from TagMaster AB is a 4 m range microwave system for
identifying materials, vehicles and people in applications where
efficiency, security and comfort are essential.
Based upon the successful CONFIDENT system TagMaster AB have
developed and launched a high speed heavy duty tag, that can
register objects at more than 200 km/h.
Hermetically encapsulated in a robust polyurethane material, the
tag can be used in all outdoor environments, e.g. on trains, trucks
containers and ships.
CONFIDENT has multi-channel read/write units with built-in database
functions and multiple read and programmable tags, so that the
system can be used in a wide range of applications.
Contact TagMaster AB via "SUPPLIER" section
18 Oct 96 -FIAT replaces existing auto ID-system with CONFIDENT from TagMaster AB
Kista - FIAT,
being one of the major car manufacturers in Europe, is leading the trend in changing towards
the latest available technology of microwave ID-Systems - CONFIDENT.
CONFIDENT is well known because of its moderate cost, small size tags, application
programmability, long communication range, intelligent readers and a large variety of
communication possibilities.
FIAT is using Heavy Duty R/W Tags that withstand tough environmental conditions.
The system was installed in the body-shop at FIAT AUTO Rivalta Factory in August this year
and is connected to PLC's from Allen Bradley and Texas as well as to different PC's.
The earlier microwave ID-system was removed and CONFIDENT installed without any
modifications to the PLC's, and no changes regarding placement of tags and communicators.
Just Remove-Replace-Run, thanks to small sized tags and application programmability.
Contact TagMaster AB via "SUPPLIER" section
11 Oct 96 - CONFIDENT Transponders for
Automotive installations
CONFIDENT is a fully automatic method for identifying objects and
people which is rapid, reliable and foolproof manufactured by
TagMaster AB in Sweden.
More and more automotive companies are now choosing CONFIDENT for
their production lines, in body shops, marriage points and final
assemblies. In comparison to traditional microwave ID systems
CONFIDENT offers a much more modern and cost efficient system.
Up till now BMW, FIAT, Honda, Mercedes Benz and Volvo have ordered
CONFIDENT systems.
CONFIDENT is well known because of its small sized tags, intelligent
readers and a variety of communications possibilities that makes
CONFIDENT a truly open system suitable for many kinds of
applications.
Contact TagMaster AB via "SUPPLIER" section
June 12, 1996 -Amtech's New SmartPass Product
Extends
Reader Range for Aviation Parking Applications
DALLAS - Amtech Systems Corp. announces the availability of its new
SmartPass(tm) AI1604 integrated reader system to provide
sophisticated, yet
low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) for the aviation
industry. The
new wireless identification product offers an expanded read range
that is
well-suited for commercial transportation management, and parking
and access
control for a wide range of airport applications. The product will
benefit
airport terminal service providers who prefer battery-free tags but
previously found them to lack the power necessary for practical
use.
Amtech's new nonstop SmartPass reads tags up to 40 feet when used
with a
battery-powered tag and up to 18 feet when used with a battery-free
tag.
SmartPass reads tags on vehicles as they move through any part of a
lane.
Because of its extended range, readers can be mounted directly above
or to
the side of lanes. Data collected from the readers provides an
accurate
record for security and traffic analysis as well as customer
billing.
"Consultants now recommend automatic vehicle identification (AVI)
systems as
part of the specifications for new airport parking and access
because the
technology reduces airport traffic congestion, increases revenue for
airport
terminal services and improves operational efficiency," said William
Ische,
aviation market director for Amtech. "Customers already using our
wireless
identification systems are experiencing dramatic efficiency and
management of
nonstop, hands-free AVI, and this new product will provide more
flexibility
for the same applications."
Amtech's customers in the aviation market include Salt Lake City
International Airport, Oakland International Airport,
Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport and the Sapporo Chitose Airport in Japan. These
airports use SmartPass for monitoring commercial transportation such
as
buses, taxis, limousines, courtesy vehicles, shared ride services and
delivery vehicles. The airports also use the systems for parking and
access
control, which includes preferred parking customers and maintenance
vehicles.
The SmartPass AI1604 integrated reader system contains a radio
frequency
transceiver, antenna, check tag, reader processing logic and data
storage
circuitry all in one unit. The identification data is unique to each
tag,
which contains programmable security codes. It features Wiegand
interfaces
for easy connection to new or existing security systems.
June 12, 1996 - Amtech Adds Two SmartPass
Products to Improve
Information Access in Rail and Parking Markets
DALLAS - Amtech Systems Corp. today announced the release of two new
SmartPass(tm) integrated reader systems for its growing line of
hands-free
technology products for transportation markets. Both provide
sophisticated
yet affordable radio frequency identification. SmartPass AI1603 is a
highly
accurate product that provides high-speed tracking and monitoring
for rail
and intermodal applications; SmartPass AI1604 offers an expanded
reader range
- up to 40 feet with battery-powered tags and up to 18 feet with
battery-free
tags - for parking and security access applications.
"SmartPass provides real-time information for management and
customer
service for many transportation-related applications - without human
intervention." said Jeff Wetherell, president of Amtech Systems
Corp. "Amtech
is expanding its ability to meet various market conditions and
customer
requirements through its additional product offerings."
SmartPass AI1603, which is a high-power version of SmartPass AI1601
for
high-speed rail applications, is an integrated reader system capable
of
tracking and identifying a train traveling at speeds up to 80 mph on
single-track sites. It provides cost-effective radio frequency
identification
for sites that do not require more sophisticated, full-service
Amtech reader
systems already in use throughout the country. It can be easily
integrated
with networks using those reader systems.
The SmartPass AI1603 will be used mainly for three different
rail/intermodal
applications. First, it will allow rail networks that already have
established automatic equipment identification (AEI) and automatic
equipment
monitoring (AEM) systems to install additional readers to gather
information
at more frequent intervals for more accurate systems management.
Because the
product works at high speeds at a lower cost than a full-service
reader, it
will make AEI affordable for short-line rails.
SmartPass AI1603 also will be used for inventory management for
private
industries and industry-specific markets such as coal lines and
lumber mills.
Another application is identification of moving equipment in
intermodal
yards.
The extended read range of Amtech's other new product for parking
and
security access applications, SmartPass AI1604, makes it unnecessary
for
vehicles to stay close to the curb as they near a parking gate.
The release of the SmartPass AI1604 product fills an increasing
customer
need for more flexibility with battery-free tags. The SmartPass
AI1604 is a
low-cost solution for parking, security and access control. It
offers Wiegand
interfaces for easy connection to new or existing security
systems.
Data compiled through use of SmartPass AI1604 readers provides an
accurate
record for customer billing, traffic management, shipment tracking,
security
analysis or additional vehicle monitoring. Its uses include
installation at
parking garages, entrance gates to residential and business
complexes,
municipal waste management facilities, airports and commercial fleet
yards.
Both of the new SmartPass integrated readers contain a radio
frequency
transceiver, antenna, check tag, reader processing logic and data
storage
circuitry in one unit. The identification data is unique to each
tag, which
contains programmable security codes.
Amtech Systems Corp. is the world's leading provider of wireless
identification, tracking and monitoring technologies for the
intelligent
transportation industry. Founded in 1984, the company helps
businesses
improve productivity by offering reliable, accurate and innovative
solutions.
With more than 4 million tags and 6,000 readers distributed
throughout the
world, Amtech Systems Corp. is the only company that meets the
automatic
equipment identification standards set by transportation groups in
maritime,
U.S. rail and trucking and European rail industries. Based in
Dallas, the
company heads the Transportation Systems Group of Amtech Corp.
(NASDAQ-AMTC).
June 6, 1996 AVID - Responsible Pet Ownership Mandatory in
Mexico
As of June 6-1996, San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato in Mexico,
has launched a mandatory program for companion animal
identification.
The program consists of making the population and tourist's aware
that there is an optional obligation to visit your local veterinarian
to check the Rabies vaccination status and the microchip
identification
implant,
that dogs, cats and companion animals should have in San Miguel de
Allende.
There wil be every 3 weeks a collection campaign to recollect all
stray
animals and
any others roaming the streets, the animals collected will be scaned
looking
for the microchip implant that will allow authorities to locate the
owner and
have
him rescue his pet. The rest of the animals not bearing a microchip,
will be
put up for adoption, for a period of three days and if adopted they
will be
able to go home with their new owner. But with a recently implanted
microchip
that will save their life if ever picked up again, and a Rabies
Vaccine that
will assure the authorities that chiped Dog represents a vaccinated
pet.
With this program which is beign conducted as a pilot program to be
instituted in the rest of the country in 1997, San Miguel de
Allende, Gto.
Mexico becmoes the Leader in animal rights by trying to eradicate the
possibilities of Rabies Zoonosis associated with stray animals.
If you want to learn more about this program contact The Municipal
Court
House in San Miguel de Allende or any Veterinarian in town. The SPA
is
cooperating by the scaning of all animals brought to them. and are
very
activeley supporting this program that looks out for the main
interest of
their society, trying to avoid cruelty to animals.
The company providing the technology to make this posible, is the
worldwide
leader in the microchip technology.
May 30, 1996 - Amtech Executive to Discuss Radio Frequency
Solutions
as a Business Tool for Transportation Professionals
DALLAS - Automatic vehicle identification and automatic
equipment monitoring have raised the operating standards of fleet
management.
Transportation professionals are increasing profitability, providing
quick
and accurate delivery of merchandise, and monitoring operations more
efficiently through intelligent transportation systems. In a
presentation at
the American Trucking Associations' Management Systems Council
Meeting, Mike
Uremovich, director of worldwide fleets sales and marketing for
Amtech
Systems Corp., will discuss how radio frequency technology is being
used to
solve business problems for today's fleet companies.
In a presentation titled, "Today's RF Solutions for Tomorrow's
Wireless
World: Applying RF Technology to Fleet Management," scheduled for
June 4 at
11:30 a.m., Uremovich will explain the benefits of adopting a radio
frequency
system in fleet management. By relying on a wireless system, fleet
managers
can improve asset utilization by tracking tractors, trailers,
dollies, and
other equipment accurately and automatically. The technology allows
fleet
managers and carriers to monitor shipments and ensure quick and
accurate
delivery of merchandise.
"The transportation industry is undergoing a revolution. Fleets are
adopting
new methods and technologies to serve customers better, beat
competition,
reduce operating costs and attract drivers," Uremovich said. "One
key for
fleets is using hands-free wireless systems that give management a
more
complete view of equipment utilization."
In his presentation, Uremovich will look beyond the tags and readers
used to
track vehicle location. He will discuss how wireless systems using
radio
frequency can be used for vehicle/roadside communications, automatic
equipment monitoring, yard management
and fuel terminal authorization. Uremovich also will address the
growing
interest in tag technology for out-of-terminal applications
including fuel
authorization, weight scales, and gate access. Finally, he will
discuss how
radio frequency saves time and money and improves operations for
fleet
managers, carriers and business owners.
Uremovich has more than 13 years experience in selling solution
software,
data communications, value-added reseller business relationships and
hardware
component sales. As director of worldwide fleets sales and marketing,
Uremovich is responsible for Amtech sales to the transportation
segments of
trucking companies, private fleets, government and commercial vehicle
operations.
DALLAS - May 14, 1996 High-tech Train Announcement System is
International Tour Guide for Summer
Olympics Visitors
DALLAS - International visitors who decide to take advantage of
Metropolitan
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) transportation during the
1996 Summer
Olympics will feel right at home. A new automatic train announcement
system
(ATAS) will provide information in as many as seven different
languages. The
ATAS will announce and display the names of upcoming stations,
points of
interest along MARTA's train routes, and Olympic venues and
advertised
events. Train positioning equipment manufactured by Amtech Systems
Corp. will
activate the appropriate announcement for each station.
The ATAS will distribute helpful, detailed information to MARTA
riders
during the Summer Olympics and beyond. The system will broadcast
pre-recorded
voices in German, French, Spanish, Japanese and English. New LED
signs
mounted inside the railcars will display messages in many other
languages,
including graphics for languages such as Arabic and Chinese.
Amtech provides train positioning systems through wireless
identification
tags placed near stopping points along the route. The tags are
scanned by
Amtech SmartPass(tm) readers that are attached to MARTA railcars.
SmartPass
components are integrated into a microprocessor-based controller
made by
Infax Inc. of Lithonia, Ga., to interface with MARTA's existing
public
address system and recently installed LED display units designed,
manufactured and installed by Infax, the systems integrator on the
project.
"The train announcement system, which relies on Amtech's automatic
train
positioning capabilities, is just one example of how this technology
can be
used for transportation systems around the world," said Tim Bickmore,
director of rail and intermodal markets for Amtech. "On a larger
scale,
automatic train positioning allows transit authorities shorter
headway
between trains, ensuring safe, quick travel and maximum use of rail
lines."
Amtech will draw on its experience in automatic vehicle
identification
systems for the rail industry, where it has provided more than 3
million
automatic equipment identification tags for rail cars and 2,500 tag
readers
for North American railroad freight companies. The tagging system
allows
railroads to locate and track specific cars accurately as they move
throughout the rail system.
May 10, 1996 - Allsafe Signs Contract To Buy Manufacturing
Technology For
Contactless Smart Cards
Buffalo -Allsafe Inc., a card manufacturer
located in Buffalo, NY, has signed the first US license agreement
with Meinen, Ziegel & Co. GmbH of Munich Germany to buy
manufacturing technology for contactless smart cards. Allsafe has
chosen Meinen, Ziegel for its revolutionary cold manufacturing
process. This unique process combines card quality and economy of
manufacturing cost with virtually unlimited flexibility.
Additionally, all types of card materials may be utilized with this
process and the process allows both electronic circuits and antennas
as well as PCB type assemblies to be embedded in plastic cards.
The
market for contactless smart cards is growing rapidly. Market
analysts project more than 100 million of these cards by 1998.
Automatic fare collection, access control, employee identification,
and electronic purse systems are driving the market for contactless
smart cards. In a contactless smart card, the electronic chip is
completely embedded in the card. Data is exchanged between the card
and a card reader over a certain distance via a radio antenna. Since
there need be no contact between the card and the reader, this
technology is referred to as "contactless" or "prox(imity)".
Until
now, embedding electronic assemblies in cards while maintaining a
quality smooth surface finish has not been a simple task.
Previously, the traditional technology has included hot lamination
and molding. Although these techniques work, they require a great
deal of effort and process control to produce quality cards. With
the recent explosion of low cost direct-to-PVC dye sublimation
printers, there is a growing need for cards with an absolutely
smooth surface.
RFID cards from Allsafe have the same size as
credit cards and are fully photo printable using readily available
PVC dye-sublimation printers. Depending on the thickness of the
embedded electronics, true I.S.O thickness cards of 0.30mm thick are
possible. Allsafe RFID cards can also include a magnetic stripe,
debit stripe, bar code(s), barium ferrite insert, as well as other
card technologies and options.
Allsafe welcomes all RFID
semiconductor manufacturers to contact them to see first hand the
quality product produced by this new manufacturing
process.
Allsafe, located in Buffalo, NY, is a one of the largest
card manufacturer’s in the access control, time and attendance, and
parking marketplaces. Allsafe has been in business over 30 years and
has a great deal of experience with RFID cards having been
manufacturing laminated RFID cards since 1988.
Allsafe specializes
in custom and multiple technology cards in both PVC and polyester
for many marketplaces including access control, parking, time and
attendance, and employee ID marketplaces.
May 7, 1996Allsafe: First HITAG Licensee In The USA
Buffalo -Allsafe has signed the first US
license agreement with Mikron GmbH, Austria (a 100% subsidiary of
Philips Semiconductors) for their advanced radio frequency
identification (RFID) system called HITAG. Allsafe will develop and
produce HITAG core modules, access control readers to interface to
OEM systems, and will also manufacture HITAG and MIFARE cards for
the US marketplace.
HITAG is one of the most advanced read/write
RFID technologies, developed especially for access control, parking,
time and attendance, employee card, ski ticketing, vending, customer
loyalty and other related markets. HITAG combines a unique set of
features giving it the competitive edge over other RFID systems.
Some of these features include: read/write memory, extremely high
security using passwords and mutual key authentication, data
encryption and memory write protection, ability to read and write
multiple cards simultaneously with one reader (anticollision), and
long operating distances up to 30 inches suitable for hands-free
operation.
HITAG cards from Allsafe have the same size as credit
cards and are fully photo printable using readily available PVC
dye-sublimation printers. HITAG cards can be both read and written
using the HITAG core module as well as the Allsafe ProxRite
reader. The HITAG core module (called Prox-In-A-Can) is available
to any OEM who wishes to embed the HITAG card technology in their
own custom designed readers. The Allsafe ProxRite reader is
available to OEM’s who wish to be able to read and write HITAG
cards utilizing an industry standard interface such as Wiegand,
RS232, or RS422/485.
HITAG cards can also include a magnetic
stripe, debit stripe, bar code(s), barium ferrite insert, as well as
other card technologies.
DALLAS - April 10, 1996 - Amtech Teams with AVID for
National Electronic Parking Service
Amtech Systems Corp., heading the Transportation Systems Group of
Amtech Corp. (NASDAQ-AMTC), today announced that it has signed a
five-year
agreement with Boston-based AVID Systems Corp. to jointly offer a
commercial
parking payment service utilizing Amtech's automatic vehicle
identification
technology. The new service, which will allow parkers to enter and
exit
participating facilities without having to stop to pull a ticket or
pay on
exiting, will be marketed by AVID to garages nationwide. Parking
costs will
be processed and billed on a transaction fee basis through a
national parking
clearinghouse developed and operated by Amtech.
The system will initially be installed at commercial parking
facilities in
Chicago, Boston, Dallas and other metropolitan areas beginning in
the summer
of 1996. Amtech and AVID expect the system to be installed in as
many as 200
garages during the next two years. In cities such as Dallas, Houston
and
Atlanta, tens of thousands of motorists who already have Amtech
electronic
tags for nonstop electronic toll collection will also be able to use
the same
tags to pay for parking fees at participating garages.
"Two major benefits of this system include the simplification of
time-consuming back-office operations and a reduced requirement for
garage
personnel to handle cash and make change," said Bob Moore, director
of
parking and access control for Amtech Systems Corp.
Participating garages will install Amtech's SmartPass(tm) readers
and tags,
which utilize wireless radio frequency technology to electronically
admit and
log parkers as they enter and leave the garage. Customers using the
SmartPass
service will attach electronic tags to their vehicles' windshields,
and the
SmartPass readers will send transaction information to a host
computer for
billing purposes.
"The number one thing we are selling here is convenience, both for
monthly
and daily parkers," said Bob Anthonyson, president of AVID Systems
Corp. "The
technology eliminates the need to stop your car to roll down your
window
either to get a ticket or pay the fee. It also makes parking more
accessible
for the disabled."
AVID officials expect virtually all monthly parkers and at least
half of
daily parkers to use the SmartPass system within participating
garages.
Monthly parkers will receive the billing service free of charge as
part of
their monthly parking fee, while daily parkers may be required to
pay a
nominal monthly service fee.
Participating garage owners and operators benefit from lower
equipment
maintenance costs, lower staffing costs and more efficient use of
garages by
customers. Amtech's clearinghouse will provide support to the
garages via a
toll-free telephone line.
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