Key Control
Finder is a two-part RFID Locator comprising of the main terminal and tab stickers. Basically you are supposed to stick the tracking stickers to objects that you tend to misplace often, like keys, phone, wallet etc. Configure the sticker with the appropriate label on the main terminal and you are set to use it. No more lost keys again, yay!
Designers: Chu Wang, Qiujin Kou, Qian Yin & Yonghua Zhang
















182 Comments »
Teto says
if it works, i need, i really need!!!!!
Maryline says
There is already a lot of key finders on the market at low prices. How much will it take to produce this, and will it be worth it when there are cheaper alternative?
R says
Nice use of AR and transparent displays. I think the “sticker” idea could be a little more robust though. Good concept.
Alek says
I hope this comes out in the market cheap. Yes, there are a lot of key finders out there, but none are as small or as subtle as this. Most are bulky keychains or dongles that are just not pleasant to the eyes.
Get this out on the market and I’ll get one!
michael says
if you need a finder, how will you find the finder? is there a finder finder? or maybe it just gets really really upset and starts screaming when you are not holding it. might be better if the finder was a little robot and it just went and got the keys for you. charged you a few bucks everytime or something. or maybe it would just go get them and put them back where they belong.
Jimmy C says
If you actually have that problem, Michael, I feel sorry for you.
Érica says
what if you lose the finder??? i can happen… haha
Jason C says
A very neat design concept!
We actually went through a feasibility study on a device similar to this about 3 years back. At that time the technical limitation of the technology, makes it pretty impossible (even today)… As the size of the tag is reduced, the read range reduces greatly as well. I would be surprised if a little passive dot on the key would have a read distance of a few cm… Also determining the direction using a small reader is a challenge as well, esp in an indoor environment. Even if it is technically feasible, the cost of such device would make it hard to justify for domestic usage..
But i’m sure in a few years time this would be possible
redeye37 says
This would make a great app for a smartphone, but another device… not as awesome.
Rem says
It would be far better and more convenient as a cellphone app, cause honestly i really don’t need another device that consumes pocket space. Good idea no the less.
Fred B says
Just what I was thinking! (Plus I keep some of my stuff in RFID-Proof packaging!)
zoara says
How does it know where your head is? Hold your finger and thumb in an O shape and look at something as far away as the keys are in the image, then move your head slightly. See how much the “target” moves?
As others have said, it would be better as a phone app, but not just for the “extra things in your pocket” reasons; at least with a camera and screen you can process the image and overlay a “target”. Even then, how will it work out the relative positions of the finder and the object being sought? relative positions in space can’t be measured anywhere near that accurately yet.
I love a lot of the concepts on this site, even those that stretch realism a bit. But those concepts that have no root in what is actually really possible are just design masturbation; what’s the point in “designing” something that is not limited by reality? Hey look, I designed a phone that will fly me to the moon! Etc.
Lance E Sloan says
This is a nice concept, but I would suggest that rather than building a new “main terminal” for this purpose, use existing devices. For example, iOS devices (iPod, iPhone, iPad) or Android devices would be good for this. They already have cameras and could provide the augmented reality feature. These devices might lack RFID capabilities now, but a small adapter could provide it.
Lance E Sloan says
It doesn’t matter where the user’s head is. Ideally the location would be based on the position of the handheld device.
adloram says
nothing new.
Justine Doerner says
I think the design concept is pretty cool and so agree with most on the fact that yes, there are indeed many “finders” out there but they are bulky and a “PITA” when they tend to be so bulky. I like how you are able to stick smaller sized stickers onto an item BUT the question now is: will these tiny stickers last and can they be easily removed by a small child or perhaps a drunk friend who thinks it is funny to remove them? I’m just giving scenarios – you never know what would happen right? Or will they loose the adhesive in general? I also agree as to the blatant fact that it could just as easily get lost as any set of keys, cell phone or other objects that people lose on a daily basis. I would love one – if all the bells and whistles work properly and it has the ability to somehow be registered via GPS or some other way in order to find it if it along got lost. Gosh I hope I don’t get bashed for putting my two sense in. Gotta luv technology – there’s always something new!!
WhiskeyLunch says
Wow… I’ve never seen an ‘ACTIVE’ RFID tag that small! Passive tag, maybe, but certainly not active ones which you would definitely need for this type of use. Amazing!
J Rivera says
No way. In 2008 i had a group presentation and we had to come up with a new product and pitch it. This is exactly what we came up with. Of course it was just made up and we had no way of actually doing it. but this was exactly it. amazing
Kellan says
why have it as an app if your phone is something you lose most often? if it was an app, it wouldn’t help me at all because i’d need it to find my phone!
PomBear says
Man, no need of keys in near future & if the screen will be transparent how device will know from which side You look at it, because if you look from the opposite side image will be mirrored therefore unreadable.
Lane says
if your loosing stuff that often a locator could be useless you might misplace the locator too.
jim says
Was going to post, but you have basically summed up my thoughts exactly
Unfortunately we live in the apple generation where good looks always trump functionality, manufacturability and practicality
Bluecheck says
Can I get this for my girlfriend, to find her keys, earrings, money, creditcard, etc…
Jesse Raya says
OK First off, people saying how it would be bad to keep this in your pocket, or what if you lose this… Easy solution. A holder/charger/base. Something you would have on a counter somewhere, or maybe on the wall. This isn’t something you would carry around with you. That would be stupid.
Make this a phone app? Thats crazy. You wouldn’t be able to turn this into an app for a phone. You would have to add new hardware to a phone for that to ever happen. Maybe make it a feature, to the future iphones or something, but this isn’t a key finder, it’s a finder. If this is an app on your phone, what the hell do you do when you lose your phone?
As far as the stickers losing their adhesive, they would just have to go hardcore industrial adhesive.
So there will have to be further progress in ‘ACTIVE’ RFID technology first. This is just a concept right? That means we have to work on it. I never been to this site. I think I need to spend more time here…
Yuri says
When did you buy it? I can’t find…
Jesse Raya says
Nobody bought it. It hasn’t been created yet. Just an idea.
Edith says
I know most of you won’t believe in me, but I’ve gotten that idea since 13 years ago, when I was a little girl. Its basic concept is EXACTLY what I was thinking… (Y)
Libbey says
I like it! I like that the stickers are small…they can be attached to SMALL objects. It is a lot more sleek than the other object finders…which we all know that looks are everything in the retail world. The finder looks EASIER to read (for that matter READABLE) than others.
hamidreza says
RFID Locator or key finder HOW can I buy that how much is that ?
amy says
is this being sold yet?? I need one!
Gary Morris says
This was my idea. I thought of this 12 years ago but when I looked into getting a patent on it I was told that the patent office was not accepting any new submissions for anything related to RFID technology.
Good for you guys, I am glad someone was able to get it done. Too bad it wasn’t me but that’s the way it goes.
Congratulations!
meg says
where can you buy it??!!
Katie says
Is this item available? My boyfriend needs this!
mel says
lmao!!!
Meg says
Damn it creator get on manufacturing this kick ass idea!!
kyuwon lee says
All these years almost everyone thought of the needs of a such device as this.
One day it came to my mind that this would cause so much problem in our society that it may be illegal to make this commercialized. Image this on you instead of items. Someone could, anyone can track you down. How about your mom? Psycho girl/boy friend? Secret admirer? I want this as much as any others do, but it kind a scares me to think its potentials in wrong hands, and mind. (ALL MANKIND has this potential of doing bad when the powers are given to them)
to kyuwon lee says
to kyuwon lee,
RFID technology is of 10 meter radious
unless your mom misplaces you in your house, i doubt this will be a problem
Victor François says
What I have to do to buy it? I really need this thing, will save my whole life!!!
There is something like paypal or anything like that to buy it?
Please, tell me yes!!!
Alberto says
very pretty, but if you really cant find your stuff, like if its in a drawer, pocket or under anything this wont pick up the signal and therefore wont work. And if your stuff is in an unobstructed path so that you can use this than just take a look around and you’ll find it, it’ll be quicker also. This looks like something for lazy people that don’t know what to do with their money and want to look like they are smart.
khalid alwan says
how much the finder price ?
what is the minimum order ?
Aliella123 says
Hi, this finder looks like a product that I desperately need, my toddler is fitted with bi lateral cochlear implants, at home he wears them with nothing attached as the attachments you get I feel always pull them off whilst they stay on much better just over the ear, the problem however is when he is rolling around they fall off and I can spend hours searching everywhere in the house for them, this is a great idea and I would suggest that if they would do no harm to the cochlear implants then this should be marketed at them, the implants are very expensive and if they do get lost cost thousands to replace, I for one would definitely buy this product as I’m sure a lot of other hearing aid users, implants especially with younger children would. Brill idea.
Martha Hawkins says
WOW! What a gadget. It’s very helpful in many ways. It’s just one of the many things RFID can make.
Harminder says
How much is it?
Shizue says
I Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed this!!!!!
JR says
what happens when you lose the finder?
stevie parham says
Haha idk but thats something i would do
Eliran Malka says
keys don’t need a finder – keys will find their way back to your pocket / bag / plant / doormat on their own.
keys are so primitive anyhow. in the future there will be no keys. just doormats.
Johanna Mason says
What happens if you lose the finder? Does it have like a tracking device or something?
Bro says
Just make f.ing RFID keys instead of a RFID key finder…
ahafdh says
how do you buy it??
Emma says
Where can you buy this?
Emma says
Where can you buy this? It sounds great
Fajas says
I wonder what you would use if ever you loose the gadget instead.
edward lansang says
how can i buy this? Thanks
Marcus says
Find your kids in a crowd, at the park, at Disney land, at the mall and never lose them. This could be huge!!!
Jimmy says
I need this. Most of the time I am forgetful
Anonymous says
But this could be used to locate other items as well. not just keys.
judith weingarten says
Great idea but how far away from the lost object will it work and will the stickers stick?
Anastasia says
Really. How can i buy it?
Jaik says
What happens when you lose the transparent RFID tracker?
Hani Majaj says
This is very close to what I’ve been looking for, excellent gadget! where can I place an order?
thanks in advance,
Hani Majaj
MIS
Sharaf Aqeel says
Any info on where I can buy this? Thanks
Jim says
I would buy @ least a dozen. Where.how.can I purchase, cost, volume discounts?
Gabriel says
When will this be available in the YD Store?
Mikpike says
a cell phone is one of the easiest things to find if lost
So the phone is the natural choice “finder” for this technology
ML says
Just write an app for that! C’mon, iOS is entirely ready for it., prolly android is too.
Jd says
And than you misplace it…
Daniel says
But, what happens when you can’t find your phone? Screwed then hu?
Mike says
Anything can be lost, phones are one of the easiest to find
Franco says
What is the cost and where can I buy them?
faith says
Has do I get this? Has anyone tried it yet?
Pam says
Could you make it an app for an iPad; I never lose that. I’m afraid I would lose the handheld portion of this system.
chris says
Where can I buy that
Stacey says
I would purchase this if it were made available. I have a deaf cat and a locator this small could go on his collar and not bother him. Since he stays in the house it would work perfectly. Not your usual application for this type of gadget but it would be much easier than doing a sweep of the whole house top to bottom to find him.
DEBBIE says
I WOULD BUY ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR EVERYONE I KNOW. I HAD THIS IDEA 2 YEARS AGO AND HAD NO WAY TO “PRODUCE IT” GOOD FOR YOU…HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY ON THE MARKET AND FOR SALE??????? HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?????
Marijke says
Where can i buy this? Hoe much is it?
vanessa says
2 questions,
when are they hopping to make it available to purchase this, price range?
SySfS says
you find your phone by calling it… of all things you can lose your phone HAS to be the easiest to find.
Cassie says
Yes but what if it was out of battery? I lost my dead phone and never found it (still looking)
sysfs says
touche! But I believe that is the exception that proves the rule. I have an app on my android phone that shoots the phones location to a server just before the battery dies to mitigate that problem somewhat but… you do have a valid point. Nothing is “unloseable”
Evie Hawley says
I am a parent of child with special needs and I want to track something like this down. Even if it is not as streamlined. I am an engineer and my don’t see how they expect to do it passively- I was expecting bluetooth but not passively.
If you have investigated it- do you have any leads for me? I am thinking something I can stick on the ipad,ipod, and other expensive adaptive tools we buy our daughter.
I have seen this picture and device lots of places but it appears more of a concept someone is shopping around vs. a product I can buy. Do you have any leads you are willing to share?
Almasov Aibek says
4 designer design this easy thing?
…
someone do you have this problem with FIND KEY?
dehwei says
crap. that was my idea (but much more improved), but i’m too young to do anything about it.
Carolyn says
I haven’t found a locator yet that will work for me. I need to be able to attach something to my glasses. I’ve been searching and searching and searching, but all the other ones I’ve seen have giant tags to attach to the missing objects.
john says
wait what if the sticker is like under the couch will it still track it
john says
wait what if the sticker is like under the couch will it still track it???
al gonzalez says
I would like to purchase this product please send me information
al gonzalez says
I would like to purchase this product please send me information.
heather says
Great idea….but what if the locator is lost?? I would rather have an app on my mobile phone rather than ANOTHER gadget to carry!
HappyHen says
I would only purchase this if I could use my iPad/tablet as the tracking device
sam says
The problem with that is you just listed all the devices I’d likely be slapping a sticker on and trying to find. It’s a seperate device for a reason, if it were an iphone/pad/pod app, how would you find your iphone/pad/pod when it was lost? The things you lose are the things that you use everyday, that are usually glued to your hand until you leave them in x location. This thing lives in a drawer or on a wall until one of THOSE THINGS needs finding.
Mike says
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hunter says
Perhaps if you designed a wall bracket to be placed in a central location, so that the locator is not easily lost.
Darius449202 says
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the active variety which this is assuming it is, need to be powered somehow? Ie a battery?
Mark says
Too bad the technology for this doesn’t exist yet. I’m a radio engineer and understand how RFID works. Although the really small tags exist, (passive tags) they only work to maybe a couple of feet. They have no internal power so their range is very limited. There are active tags that require a battery, but they are much large. There are numerous systems out there that use active tags, Loc8tor for example. As for a phone app, the problem there is the phone does not have the correct technology built into the phone to make it work. I too went through the exercise of making something like this with the very small passive tags. too bad it won’t work, no yet anyway.
presto says
Can I buy this right now? perfect design for disc golf!!! The tiny sticker would have little or no effect on disc flight
Dave says
This thing does not exist, it is a concept they are working on.
Anjani says
For my elderly mom…this gadget would be priceless…uh…if she could find it!
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