Access Control Moves Into The 21st Century And Beyond - Post Revisited

We originally posted this article in September 2010 and have seen a great many views of the page. There is absolutely no doubt that advancing technology is influencing many significant parts of our daily lives and with new products from Aoptix Technologies like the one pictured here, we will soon be seeing this advanced wizardry in everyday use.

The AOptix InSight™ VM iris recognition system takes the qualities that make the originalInSight system so extraordinary and wraps them up in a new form factor that is compact and visually appealing.

It is functionally the same as the original InSight system and delivers the same unprecedented capture volume, 2 meter standoff distance, and advanced imaging and image quality metrics for outstanding ease-of-use, throughput, and matching accuracy. The VM also relies on the same deployment-tested communications interfaces, maintaining a focus on ease-of-integration and standards compliance for biometrics and ID management, IT infrastructure, and physical access control.

Form and Function

The InSight VM’s new shape isn’t just about looks. At less than 9 inches wide and deep, the VMis uniquely well suited to applications where footprint space is at a premium. We've created a system for end users, integrators, and architects that is purpose-designed for applications including:

• Immigration control programs, especially sleek installations at immigration counters
• eGates or expedited, automated immigration programs
• Checkpoint booths
• Government and corporate access control including turnstile, revolving door and standard door installations

Now, the power of the InSight iris recognition system is available to open up a new range of applications.

View the source below to visit the company's site and see a video of just how the unit works.

I suggest that the reality of total secure access control, using iris recognition technology is upon us. Perhaps the Star Trek future is becoming a reality?

I can see many positives in this kind of system, especially for companies requiring secure access to controlled locations, like vaults, computer rooms, drug storage facilities, hospital bacteria free zones, even the presidents office.

What do you think?

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Measles Makes A Resurgence at Disneyland - But Meroni Has You Covered

The recent outbreak of a new strain of Measles at Disneyland in California, highlights societies need to be vigilant in counteracting spreadable diseases.

Measles were supposedly wiped out by vaccines in the early 1970's but this new strain appears to be a mutated version of the all too common childhood disease.


With the regular news reports about viscious diseases and virus' popping up all over the world and in significantly increasing numbers, it has become a vital and important factor when considering protecting people in public buildings, dwellings even at home.

Diseases spread easily among children especially, due to their immune systems not having achieved sufficient maturity to ward off some spreadable virus'.

Meroni have been at the forefront of Anti-bacterial handles for many years and their unique handle products like the Combina and Pigio  offerings, provide care facilities, schools, hospitals and laboratories, all across the world with handles that minimize and mitigate the spread of shareable diseases.

Competitively priced and available to order, the extra special coating on the hardware is tested to European standards that are often considered significantly higher than the standards issued in the USA.

This is a picture of the Combina Anti-Bacterial Handle.
Available in passage, privacy and entrance versions, the color of the handle is an important attribute in the production of these anti-bacterial handles

In this picture you can see a version of the Pigio Anti-Bacterial handle as used in a laboratory.

Pigio is the first European lock to have been awarded CE EN179 certification, being acceptable and compliant with the International Building Code requirements for simple emergency egress.
This allows for a simple to operate, good looking handle that can be used on just about any door that offers ease of use by physically challenged and mitigates the spread of contagious diseases simultaneously.

Any of the unique range of Meroni hardware, make operation by arthritis sufferers much simpler than conventional handle hardware.

Many arthritis sufferers are challenged to clench their fist, which makes operating the simple door handle a task indeed. Not anymore, thanks to the fabulous Meroni range of handlesets.

We are the North American Distributors of all Meroni hardware, including handlesets, cabinet and furniture lock systems, hinges and accessories and door closers.
To become a reseller of the product, contact us to arrange pricing.

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Ebola Scare - Preventing The Spread Of This And Other Contagious Diseases.

Pictured here is an electron microscope view of the Ebola Virus.

The disease has been surfacing and spreading across Northern Africa for the past couple of years and has started to make it's way to Europe and America with cases being reported in Spain, Greece and Dallas Texas.

A few years ago, the nasty Avian Flu from Asia commonly referred to as H1N1 was the planets last massive virus to affect numerous victims across the world, that got the attention of the media and Centers for Disease Control.

There are many media sources that have been reporting on methods to minimize the spread of this fatal virus, but so far the only cure is said to be a product called Zmapp, a drug developed in the USA to combat the disease.

Serrature Meroni, the Italian manufacturer of leading nouveau door handles and entry products introduced their Anti-Bacterial range of door knobs, about 7 years ago. The product uses an especially formed handle that dissipates or bounces microbes and bacteria away from the door handle, preventing transferrence of these "nasties" between people who naturally would touch the entry door handle to enter or exit a dwelling.

Prevention is often said to be better than cure, because it mitigates the spread of a disease before it can affect large populations.



The Serrature Meroni Combina is the logical choice for any public amenity, hospital, medical office, clean room, laboratory or even educational facility, that might decide that the protection of their staff and guests is of vital importance to their business.

The handles are available in limited colors (which has something to do with the Anti-Bacterial properties) and enables all users, even the physically challenged, to easily operate the door handles, free from worry of contracting or spreading diseases.

Already Deadly in Africa, Could Ebola Hit America Next?

In recent days there have been numerous news reports about the deadly Ebola virus spreading maliciously throughout Africa.

The article in the source below, gives an example of how this deadly disease can spread so easily and because the world is quickly becoming too small for deadly diseases like this to be contained easily within borders.

Apparently an outbreak of Ebola occurred in a Washington DC suburb in the last few weeks. Luckily it was contained quickly but the issues about deadly virus' continue to be front and center news that potentially can affect all of us.

The spread of disease is all too common today, as the last few years have shown us with H1N1 and Avian Flu and H4N1 being the most well known and talked about.

Minimizing potential disease infections and spread is a very serious challenge for medical centers, hospitals, aged care centers, hospices, hotel, schools, child care centers, gymnasiums, swimming pools and almost any public building. Many of the businesses and institutions mentioned employ quality janitorial staff who expertly maintain and clean railings, doors, bathrooms, handles and shared public facilities.

But many handles can still transfer deadly bacteria that can contain germs of the kind that spread diseases very easily and are used by very many patrons of establishments between times that the janitorial staff perform their cleaning routines. It is not possible to prevent the transfer of microbial and infection borne diseases all day every day, is it?

Well, thanks to the fine Italian manufacturer Serrature Meroni, it is. Meroni have been at the forefront of handle design for many years and continue to produce award winning designs. Their Combina and Pigio handles are especially designed with anti-bacterial properties that directly disperse infectious bacteria and other potentially harmful virus' .

Any facilities manager realizes just how important the safety and health of staff, patients, visitors, residents and children is to the efficient and continued running and management of institutions as mentioned above.

We at Master Key Systems America LLC appreciate that the health and well being of all peoples is vital and important to continued happy existence and are proud to offer the fabulous Meroni Anti-Bacterial handles to the the North American market.

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Price Rise Season Is Again Upon Us.

It is unfortunate that price rises are a natural part of life in a capitalist economy. Due to increasing costs of raw materials and shipping and taxes, many companies are forced to increase their prices to remain solvent.

Listed below, are some companies that have announced price rises effective immediately.

Olympus Lock

Dynalock

Schlage (Commercial & Residential)

Von Duprin

LCN

Ives

Glynn-Johnson

Steelcraft

Schlage (Electronics)

Dexter Brands

Belwith

Not all companies are announcing price rises at this time. Our Meroni product line continues to maintain 2012 price structures. The fabulous Meroni products service the residential and commercial markets with their wide range of specialty door hardware, handlesets, cabinet locks, door closers and specialty Automotive security solutions .

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Kwikset Kevo - Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt

Kwikset are soon to release (October 31st, 2013) a new version of their electronic deadbolt entry system.

Called Kevo, this new product is especially designed with an included Bluetooth transceiver, enabling hands free and wireless key-free access control to residences.

In keeping with other modern electronic deadbolt systems, Kwikset have chosen to include their patented Smartkey technology cylinders into the key portion of the lock.

It is quite well understood across the locksmith and residential security products markets that the Kwikset Smartkey products have some inherent faults that render the security of their products, ineffective. We have mentioned in this blog before and repeatedly about some of these faults and issues. We receive a significant and increasing number of hits to this site about Kwikset Smartkey Problems. Recently an issue has surfaced that allows the locks to be bypassed with absolutely no visible damage to the mechanism, without picking or bumping the locks.

We include a video of this new product after the jump...

iPhone 5S Fingerprint Scanner Hacked - Faith In Biometric Fingerprint Control Begins To Decline

Apple's new iPhone 5S has only been out a few days now, but already some enterprizing German hackers have discovered a flaw with the biometric fingerprint access control function.
(The video after the jump shows how the hack works. )

It is no secret that I have mentioned reasonably often in the recent past about the limitations of fingerprint biometrics.

A few years ago, I was offering (what I thought was) a brilliant product that used a fingerprint scanner as the access control solution. It turns out that I couldnt have been more wrong. I discovered, through significant trial and error that biometric fingerprint scanners are faulty by design.

I think that one of the reasons that fingerprint identification became the rage, a few years ago, was because law enforcement and investigation services have been using the technology for many years to assist with forensic investigations. While it has proved to greatly assist investigators with identifying suspects, the technology must have been misinterpreted when someone thought they could use the technology as an access control solution.

After selling numerous fingerprint scanner products to concerned customers, I was disappointed to discover that most of the products available incurred serious sensitivity issues. Specifically, that people over aged 55 had enormous difficulty operating the devices unless the scanner sensitivity was turned down to zero. This directly reduced the perceived security of the devices. But that was not the only problem...

David-Link Systems - Biometric Access Control Solutions Simplified

David-Link are a southern California based company specializing in biometric access control and time clock/employee attendance products and services.

They offer unique branded super-high quality fingerprint readers and facial recognition devices, like the one pictured here. This particular model also doubles as an intercom system, so it's a perfect modern solution for high trafficked environments that may require increased security levels.

David-Link, established in 2008 are building a reputation for providing cost effective high quality products that dramatically improve business control systems, reduce costs and provide timely and accurate reporting.

Not only biometric fingerprint time and attendance systems, facial recognition devices, they also introduced a line of biometric safes that are superbly manufactured and competitively priced. They also provide older style time clock systems with employee punch cards. Also among their product line are laminators, designed for office environments. Laminators are often used for making employee identification badges and signs.

There are many options available in todays market and separating the wheat from the chaff can be a daunting task. With David-Link at the cutting edge of modern, sophisticated technology, combining with their experience in the time clocks of yesteryear, their especially trained and qualified technicians provide timely support and installations across America.

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Face ID - The Future Of Access Control Has Started.

In December 2009, we wrote an article about this fabulous product and it's infancy in the world of access control.

We are very pleased to see it has survived and entered it's teenage years.

Hanvon are the brains behind this superbly designed and engineered product aimed at hospitals, research labs, banks and large employers to handle time and access identification of employees.

Simple to use, convenient, anti-bacterial, protective and above all else accurate, this product has and will continue to improve our access.

The video after the jump gives a small glimpse of how this product works...

Smartspray DNA Helps Law Enforcement To Pinpoint Perps - Now In The USA

In July last year, we wrote an article about Chain Reaction DNA, a product that has been adopted by security personell in the USA under the guise of Smartspray DNA that enables the spray solution to "infect" a would be assailant or criminal and mark them with an invisible solution that shows up under ultra violet light.

It is being used in some parts of the USA right now and the video (after the jump) shows a recent news article about how effective it is becoming.

The product is applied via a spay canister located in a vehicle, purposely set up by Florida police to catch a thief, who was targeting vehicles in their district.

Skydas - Unparalleled Burglary Resistant Entrances

Skydas are a Lithuanian company that specialize in super strong virtually impregnable entry systems.

Especially designed and built using state of the art manufacturing facilities located in Vilnius, Lithuania, Skydas began in 1999 with just 5 employees.

In the video (after the jump) below, they show attempts to bust open a door and just how strong this product is.


Specifically a high security door manufacturing company, they now have over 100 employees and sales offices in over 20 European countries. As the video shows, the doors and entrances are built to withstand some of the toughest and most determined destructive entry methods.

Skydas also produce some incredibly aesthetically pleasing doors and entrance-ways. But they do not just limit themselves to doors. They also include smash/bullet resistant glass as well.

Canon Security Products - Radio Vault

Canon Security Products recently introduced their new Radio Vault, which is a smart looking clock radio speaker system that includes an iPod/iPhone dock, enabling a high quality speaker sound system combined with a hidden biometric vault drawer.

Features

• $349.99 in Black
• Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
• Hidden Drawer for securing your valuables
• High Contrast LCD
• Easy to use Keypad
• Visual display of date
• FM Radio with Presets
• Dual Alarms
• Superior Sound Quality
• Time Sync
• WORKS WITH MOST MP3 DEVICES

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New Bird Flu Strain Found In China - More Reason To Prevent Transmission

According to ABC News in Australia, four more people have been infected with a new strain of bird flu in China.

This is hot on the heels of information obtained on Sunday that three more infections - two of them fatal - occurred in recent days.

The new strain of bird flu called H7N9 is being played down by the World Health Organization (WHO) but they said it is crucial to find out how the new strain of avian influenza is being spread to humans.

This knowledge should highlight why it is vital and important for all public buildings, schools, hospitals, medical centers etc to increase their onus of responsibility to their patrons. Responsibility in the form of protecting people from the possible transference of harmful bacteria, especially from the touching of door handles.

Just about every person touches a door handle every day, but are virtually completely unaware that shared contact of surfaces is one of the fastest methods for spreading harmful diseases.

Because the % of transmission from surface touching is considered low by statistics standards, it is most likely due to communal surfaces not being considered as potential causes of the spreading of diseases, that people generally dont consider door handles to be of sufficient importance to their health.

Luckily for some, Serrature Meroni have been producing their patented Anti-Bacterial range of door knobs for a few years now. As a dwelling owner or manager, it is your responsibility to maintain the health of all persons that enter or use your property. Using a door handle that prevent the transference of harmful bacteria should be a consideration not to be passed on.

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The Gun Debate Rages On and On and On...

The debate that is raging across the country today regarding gun ownership and availability, appears to be causing significant stir and spin across the political divide. Whether or not you agree or disagree with opinions being raised is pointless while the constitution allows for almost any citizen to "bear arms".

While the politicians continue to bicker over principles, mostly in reaction to recent deplorable events in schools, perhaps a better approach might be to require (with suitable legislation) all gun owners to own a suitably manufactured security safe, especially designed to comply with deliberately specified standards.

Back in November 2008 we posted an article here about safes and some regulations according to the state of California.

I came across an excellent video on Youtube that gives a really great explanation about gun safes It runs about a half an hour and is well worth watching, especially if you own firearms. See the video below.

Whether or not you personally choose to enter into the gun debate, realize that changing the USA constitution will be a monumental task that i suggest will be difficult at best.

My opinion (or just about any opinion) is irrelevant while the constitution protects the "right to bear arms".

I personally think that governments across the country should implement rigid legislation requiring gun owners to own a gun safe

Hygienic Door Handle - By Stream Hygiene Ltd.

Stream Hygiene Ltd. are a UK based manufacturer of hygienic washroom (toilet) products. They manufacture and distribute hygienic washroom products including the brilliant Tornado hands free air dryer, zero flush waterless urinals and revolving toilet seat covers.

Their latest product is the Hygienic toilet cubicle door handle. This unique device is expertly designed to protect toilet users from the hazards of disease transfer through contact. It is a well understood practise that many bathroom users do not wash their hands when using the bathroom, but more so, immediately after using the toilet cubicle, there is rarely a wash basin in the same room, so after finishing your business, in all likelihood, you will touch the same handle that the previous user touched. This could significantly increase the chances of catching a transferable disease. [view video after the jump]

Multi-Touch System To Contemporize Touch Screen Use.

About 3 years ago, Light Blue Optics, a UK based technology innovator, introduced a product that will redefine the nature of touch screen controls. The Light Touch™, is an image projector that allows for any surface to be converted into a touch screen.

When combined with recent research undertaken by a Purdue University team, whereby a multi-touch system using a computer, video projector and kinect camera, has shown that hand gestures and movement characteristics can be defined by the individual user, it is possible that such a system could lead to new access control solutions that increase security for sensitive openings/areas. (see video after the jump)

Dry Erase Marker - Modified To Hack Into Onity Hotel Room Door Locks

We recently published an article in this blog that has proven to be quite popular. The article:  Hacker beats The Worlds Most Prolific Hotel Room Door Lock  has been viewed about 5000 times since I wrote it.

It reprints an article from another source about Cody Brocious, who discovered a rather simple hack for defeating the most commonly found hotel room door lock made by Onity.

[See video after the jump]

IQ - Clever Key Control And Management System

Loxtore RFID Systems AB, are a well known Swedish company producing some technologically advanced RFID key management systems that are especially useful to automotive dealerships and hospitals intent on managing and controlling secure access to their properties.

One such product is shown in the video above. It is fairly easy to use and all keys are totally track-able.

Other controlled access facilities include police stations, military storage houses, gun ranges, power plants, schools and universities, casino's, hotels, property management companies and especially security companies - mobile patrol services/guards.

Almost any corporate facility employs many staff that require controlled access to offices and secure areas. There are modern day physical and electronic access control devices like master key systems, HID/magnetic card or swipe systems, biometric entry devices including fingerprint readers, retina scanners, facial recognition cameras even CCTV.

Eyelock - Iris Scan Technology Surpasses Fingerprint Biometric Technology

Stanley Security Solutions are one of the best known security companies in the world. Stanley Security Solutions can be found in hospitals, universities, shopping centers, airports, banks, schools and a great many government facilities.

The locksmith industry has been turned off by Stanley in past years because they took the unusual initiative of bypassing the locksmith market segment by preferring to sell direct to the end user, effectively shutting out locksmiths from selling and profiting from their solutions.

Stanley, recently combined with Eyelock to provide these unique and 21st century products that surpass the more common biometric fingerprint systems, found in operation across the world.

Home Invasion Statistics Across USA

Home invasions across the USA are increasing supposedly due to the poor economy and the ease at which perpetrators are learning to ply their trade, thanks in part to the enormous amount of information spreading across the internet.

There are a few companies here that are producing unique quality products aimed at preventing home invasions and identifying criminals.

StranDNA is one such company that produce a modern itteration of the ages old door chain.

Strikemaster II is produced by A Safe Homes International, designed to repair a broken door frame casing while at the same time preventing future door kick ins.

OnGard Door Brace is produced by an Atlanta based company designed to prevent door entry.

Bilock is an internationally acclaimed guaranteed 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof key system with keys that cannot be copied.

Many of the above products cannot be purchased at the big box stores, only from approved industry professional locksmith companies.

For further information on any of the above listed products, please contact us at your convenience.