PRESS RELEASE
October 19, 1996
Microwave-based ID-system enables
non-contact identification at
high speeds and in rough conditions

Increased flexibility in industrial
automation, more efficient distribution
logistics, and faster and friendlier
security controls on people and vehicles.
These are some of the possibilities
offered by Confident, a patented
microwave-based ID-system which permits
simultaneous non-contact identification
of several moving objects at distances
up to four metres. In a new high-speed
version, information can be transferred
at speeds of more than 200 km/h.
These are the claims made by the
Swedish company TagMaster AB, which has developed the system and is now, after a multiple of installations in Europe, launching the application in Asia. The system consists of thin and programmable credit-card-format badges, also available in an impact resistant, hermetically sealed heavy-duty version.

'The Confident system is built on more than ten years' experience in identification systems and microwave technology', says Staffan Gunnarsson, Managing Director of TagMaster AB in Stockholm. 'The system can simultaneously identify a number of moving people, vehicles, or goods items, with a high degree of reliability, and without the
ID-badge needing to be identified or inserted into a special slot. The thin, credit-card-style badge means that the system is becoming of interest in several new applications'.
The patented ID-system, which is being manufactured in collaboration with the Japanese electronics company Kenwood, is based around a fast communication unit (WiseMan) and
thin and programmable ID-badges (ScriptTag). The system is claimed to be unaffected by dirt, damp, or electromagnetic interference, and can be used without problems through glass windows, plastics, clothing, packaging, etc. The heavy-duty tag is moulded in a solid polyurethane case for use in extremely tough conditions.

Built-in intelligence and motion detector
The WiseMan communication unit can read the ID-badges at up to four metres and also transfer information to badges. The high-speed badges can be read at speeds up to 200 km/h and more. Additionally, it can search a built-in database for rapid and decentralised process control. A built-in motion detector provides the further possibility of detection and warning of people or objects which pass without identification.
The ID-badges are factory marked with an 8-digit electronic code and can store a further 82 alphanumerical characters with encryption. They can be configured for various applications, such as high-speed readout or simultaneous reading of several ID-badges. The badges are waterproof, shock-resistant, and insensitive to UV radiation.
According to the company, the Confident system provides simplification and increases efficiency in areas such as:
* industrial automation (marking/identification of
operational goods and products, e.g. in the automotive
and white-goods industries)
* logistics in various distribution applications
* entry control for persons and vehicles in buildings,
garages, restricted areas, etc.
* automatic debiting of garbage trucks entering waist
dumps, trucks exiting cement works, etc.
* tracking and monitoring people in mines, hospitals, etc
* automatic monitoring of high value assets on display,
e.g. artworks, TV sets, personal computers, etc.
* automatic and truly hands-free access to restaurant
kitchens, warehouses, etc. when carrying items.
The first installations in the field of industrial automation were in factories of the vehicle manufacturers BMW, Fiat, Mercedes Benz and Volvo, as well as the Italian dishwasher manufacturer Merloni. Entry systems for persons and/or vehicles exist in Italy, France, England, Spain, Sweden, Japan, and elsewhere. Production units are located in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. In Asia, the company is represented in the Peoples Republic of China, Hongkong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan./ins

Captions:
(1) The Confident heavy-duty tag is designed for reliable use under severe conditions and provides quick non-contact identification of people and products at up to four metres.

Technical Data:
Frequency/channels: 2.45 GHz/100 channels
Reading range: 4 m
Read/write rate: 16/4 kbit/s

Communication unit (WiseMan S1500):
Database function for off-line use: (15,000 badges)
Data-logger: (1,000 events)
Motion detector: (with or without ID badge)
Interface RS485/RS232, DTMF, relay, parallel I/O

ID-badges (ScriptTag S1250):
Dimensions: 86 x 54 x 2.5 mm
8-digit security code
82-digit memory with encryption function
Waterproof and shock-resistant
Service-life: approx 8 years