Over the last year, Tx Systems, Inc. has completed hundreds of smart card reader integration projects utilizing keyboard emulation.  Keyboard Emulation refers to the process by which a USB smart card reader emulates keystrokes and deposits the card ID number wherever the cursor resides on the computer screen.  Using this process, we can easily integrate a card reader into a kiosk or desktop application which allows the accompanying customer software to use the card ID as a unique identifier.

We have several options for keyboard emulation depending on the customer’s needs.  For desktop applications, the Omnikey 5427CK has been very popular in the recent months.  This reader can be programmed to do native keyboard emulation out of the box, and its sleek form factor is attractive for most applications. However, if another reader is already in use, we can easily install our Contactless ID reader software which will achieve the same affect.

Though desktop readers are capable of doing keyboard emulation, often a different type of reader is needed for kiosk application because desktop readers are difficult to mount.  For most kiosk applications, we will use an HID RP15 door reader, with an attached Linkstream converter.  The Linkstream converter converts the Wiegand output to USB with keyboard emulation or a Virtual COM port.  Most applications will utilize the Linkstream with USB keyboard emulation to be used with existing building access cards.  Whether the application is a vending machine, or an electric car charger, the RP15 with Linkstream seems to be the best fit.

Omnikey 5427CK and RP15

For more information or consultation on your product, please contact sales@txsystems.com.