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Kwikset’s SmartScan Reads Your Fingerprint to Open Doors
The SmartScan from Kwikset is a deadbolt programmable for more than 50 users, with three access option settings and retails for $199.
Kwikset smartscan

Kwikset’s SmartScan keyless entry

Also Filed in Product News

July 10, 2007 | by Arlen Schweiger

Using keys to enter your home is so last century, right? The latest in 21st century keyless entry technology comes from Kwikset with its introduction of SmartScan, a residential biometric keyless entry system. 

The SmartScan uses only a fingerprint scan to give you commercial and government type security to your residence. It’s a deadbolt that can be applied to external and internal doors.

Just swipe a valid fingerprint across the sub-dermal sensor to activate the battery-powered SmartScan deadbolt. It uses RF electronic imaging to read live fingerprint patterns located beneath the sub-dermal outer surface layer of the skin, making it unaffected by dry, dirty or worn fingertips, Kwikset says.

The device is programmable with 50-plus user fingerprints, and has a special timed “lock out feature” that allows homeowners three levels of access options. This allows Continuous Access (24/7) for family members, Limited Date Access for contractors, and Restricted Access based upon Time and Date for babysitters or housekeepers and the like, allowing a specific day and window of time (Fridays 9:00 – 9:15 a.m., for example).

Programming and set up are allowed only by designated administrator(s) and are menu driven via a built-in keypad and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). If you’re wondering what happens if the battery dies, each system includes a backup key because the product is also a standard deadbolt in case those batteries were not replaced.

The SmartScan is available in satin nickel, polished brass and Venetian bronze finishes and retails for $199. Visit www.kwikset.com for more info.



About the Author:
Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine
Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!


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Comments (11) Most recent displayed first.
Posted by Deadbolt Lock  on  02/18/08  at  10:34 PM

Kwikset’s lock is good, but this Deadbolt Lock stops all break ins such as lockpicking and door kickins

Posted by ding  on  07/30/07  at  11:18 AM

I bet you anything thieves will now watch for this.  If you have something expensive, why tell everyone with an expensive lock system.

These days you needs a security monitor, someone to call the cops when the window breaks or door is opened when the system is active.

As Doug mentions, if they want to steal your possessions, why would they care about damaging your door (or window for that matter).

Posted by Micah  on  07/29/07  at  11:16 PM

Yeah, I think Doug has it 100% right.  Thieves don’t give a good goddamn about the fancy fingerprint scanner on your door, or the deadbolt or the chain.  They take a crowbar and pry the door off the hinges if they want to get in.  Security measures have to take into account the entire entry-way and solve each individual safety issue to be even mildly effective.  So don’t everyone get your panties in a knot about how “effective” the scanner is. It’s only as effective as the entire doorway itself is.

Posted by Doug  on  07/29/07  at  02:21 PM

As one who has experienced an actual break-in at 11:14AM (while the house was occupied) you’re all wrong.  A thief just breaks the door in using brute force.  Given that 99+% of all door jambs are soft pine with vertical grain, it takes only one good hit by a person with normal upper body strength.  Get a strong, unpickable lock for sure.  But you better improved the door’s framing too or you’re just passing gas in a tornado ... totally ineffectual.

Posted by Cook66  on  07/24/07  at  12:21 AM

As for those who think it’s hard to get a copy of the master print… Ever thought of just copying it off the scanner itself?


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