Rugged Handheld Computer supports various peripherals.

Prodigy Electronics Limited Nov 10, 2009

Press Release Summary:

Powered by Samsung ARM9 CPU S3C2410-200/266, PE-HIC comes with Linux v2.6 OS and features 3.5 in. QVGA Color TFT LCD with LED backlight. Unit supports read/write operations of different types of smart card readers, including 13.56 MHz contactless smart card and multiple protocols. Expansion slots let users add functionalities such as finger print sensor, bar code reader, and magnetic card reader. Model with printer is also available.

Original Press Release:

Rugged Linux Handheld Computer that Support Smart Card Readers, Fingerprint Sensor, Bar Code Reader and Thermal Printer

Prodigy Electronics announce the release of its Rugged Handheld Industrial Computer

TECHNICAL FEATURES
Prodigy(TM) Handheld Industrial Computer PE-HIC is powered by Samsung ARM9 processor S3C2410-200/266 and comes ported with Linux 2.6 operating system.
The PE-HIC has internal memory of 64MB RAM, 64MB Flash and SD card slot for further memory expansion.
Human interface to the PE-HIC is provided through its 3.5" QVGA Color TFT LCD with LED backlight and user friendly keypads. Silicone rubber keypad provided on front-side supports 20 keys for numeric and data entry. In addition, 8 Hot Keys are provided on side of display.
Smart Card Reader The device support read and write of different types of smart card reader including contactless smart card, contact-type ISO7816 full size smart card and SAM cards
The device supports the read/write of 13.56MHz contactless smart card and the protocols supported are Mifare(TM), Sony(TM) Felica, ISO14443A/B, IS)15693. The device support the new Near Field Communication NFC protocol.
Security Access Module(SAM) 3x slots are provided internal to the device
Expansion slots provided in the device PE-HIC, allow user to add functionalities including finger print sensor, bar code reader and magnetic card reader.
The optical finger print sensor expansion module, provide 400x300 pixel 500 DPI image capture. 1:1 finger print authentication is done locally and 1:N verification is done real-time by communicating the finger print template to back-end server.
The Bar code reader expansion module, support 1D and 2D bar-code decoding.

To support the stringent security needs of its users, the Prodigy(TM) Handheld Industrial Computer PE-HIC devices comes with in-built tamper detection mechanism. On occurrence of any unauthorized tamper to the device, including unauthorized opening of unit, sudden temperature change, etc., the device automatically freezes and shuts down. To meet this security requirement, the device is provided with a battery backed up tamper detection circuitry using the Dallas(TM) security IC that meet FIPS-140.2.

The PE-HIC is available in 2 models: Basic Model and Printer Model. The printer models has a high speed 2" thermal printer integrated inside.

The PE-HIC is powered by a high energy Lithium Polymer 7.2V battery with current capacity of 3.2Ah and can last 20 hours on normal function and 8 hours on printing mode. Battery are re-charged by connecting the device PE-HIC to DC-Charger input. External charger units are also provided for standalone charging of the battery
The cradle of the device PE-HIC support USB and Serial communication. Wireless communication including GSM/GPRS, WLAN or Bluetooth are supported.

The device PE-HIC is designed for rugged application to withstand 1 meter drop to concrete and meets IP54 sealing specification, except the printer area.

APPLICATION - Some of the application of Prodigy(TM) Handheld Industrial Computer PE-HIC include:
1. Public Transit -Fare Collection, Ticketing and Inspection
a. The PE-HIC device used for this application includes smart card reader and printer. In some cases, a 2D bar code reader expansion module is included
b. The device is deployed by public transit operators and carried by transit conductors or ticket inspectors.
c. Passengers purchase tickets from conductors inside the bus/train or at the station by waving their smart cards in front of the PE-HIC. The PE-HIC validates the smart card and deducts the fare amount automatically from the smart card. The conductor prints the tickets to the passenger using the PE-HIC on receipt of the fare amount. The PE-HIC also allows collection of fare amount by cash payment or credit card payments.
d. Passengers purchase tickets online and pre-print the tickets. The pre-printed tickets include a 2D bar code image. The ticket inspector or conductor in the train/bus, checks the 2D bar code to validate the ticket. This 2D bar code ticket validation, are typically used in long distance train/bus journey.
e. The in-build GSM/GPRS modem allows back-end connectivity of the device for real time data transfer or end of day reporting and product updating.

2. Financial Inclusion - Rural Teller Machine, Micro-financing
a. The PE-HIC device used for this application include smart card reader, finger print sensor and printer
b. The PE-HIC devices are deployed by banks or financial institutions or Non-Governmental agencies (NGO) that require to do small value cash transactions in rural areas.
c. Smart Cards are issued to members of the program. Finger print information of the member is stored inside the smart card. All financial transaction data are stored inside the smart card.
d. Before processing a financial transaction, the bank officer validates the smart card presented by authenticating it with the finger print of the smart card holder
e. At end of the operation, a receipt is printed and provided as confirmation of the transaction
f. The in-build GSM/GPRS modem allows back-end connectivity of the device for real time data transfer or end of day reporting and product updating
3. Government Agencies - Immigration, Police and Road Transport Authorities
a. The PE-HIC used for this application include smart card reader, finger print sensor. Printer may be an option based on field requirement.
b. The government agency issue Smart Card to members of the public for various services required by the public. Finger print information of the member is stored inside the smart card. All personal details are stored inside the smart card.
c. The finger print of the authorized user of the smart card is stored inside the smart card.
d. The government officer use the PE-HIC validates the smart card presented by authenticating it with the finger print of the smart card holder
e. The in-build GSM/GPRS modem allows back-end connectivity of the device for real time data transfer or end of day reporting and product updating.
4. Other applications of PE-HIC including RFID based tracking in logistics industry.

About PRODIGY(TM): Prodigy Electronics is an Original Design Manufacturer of embedded electronics products. Prodigy(TM) is headquartered at Hong Kong, has in-house design centers located in Hong Kong and India; and manufacturing center located in South China.

Prodigy(TM) focus market segment including Automatic Fare Collection, Smart Card Devices, Industrial Control and Functional Safety Electronics.
For more information, www.prodigyelectronics.com

Media Contact
Ms. Stella YIP, Director
Prodigy Electronics Limited
Flat-F, 7th Floor, World Tech Center, 95 How Ming Street,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel. +852-23359916; Fax. +852-23351558;
Email. handheld@prodigyelectronics.com