31-10-2016, 11:05 AM
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INTRODUCTION
In context of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the phrase RFID infrastructure describes the IT-infrastructure which is necessary to collect, filter and enrich raw RFID data before processing it to the backend-systems (business intelligence systems like ERP, etc.). In our case, we are focusing on the software components doing this job. Hence middleware and infrastructure are to be used synonymously in this report.
In order to standardize the technical description derived set of evaluation criteria. Furthermore we have defined three phases the act of processing RFID-data typically has to go through if working properly. This was done by identifying and generalizing the several steps to be performed. Hence the abstract task of pre-processing data could be distinguished into three phases:
• collecting data by managing the RFID-reader(s)
• enriching this collected data for further use (e.g. by filtering, accumulating, etc.)
• exchanging enriched data with backend-systems
Thus we have an n-tier design approach for RFID-middleware (usually a 3- tier architecture presuming one layer for each phase). As further reading will show, nearly all solutions meet this approach.
HISTORY
In 1945 Léon Theremin invented an espionage tool for the Soviet Union which retransmitted incident radio waves with audio information. Sound waves vibrated a diaphragm which slightly altered the shape of the resonator, which modulated the reflected radio frequency.
Even though this device was a covert listening device, not an identification tag, it is considered to be a predecessor of RFID technology, because it was likewise passive, being energized and activated by waves from an outside source.
Similar technology, such as the IFF transponder developed in the United Kingdom, was routinely used by the allies in World War II to identify aircraft as friend or foe. Transponders are still used by most powered aircraft to this day.
Another early work exploring RFID is the landmark 1948 paper by Harry Stockman, titled "Communication by Means of Reflected Power" (Proceedings of the IRE, pp. 1196–1204, October 1948). Stockman predicted that "... considerable research and development work has to be done before the remaining basic problems in reflected-power communication are solved, and before the field of useful applications is explored."
Mario Cardullo's device, patented on January 23, 1973, was the first true ancestor of modern RFID, as it was a passive radio transponder with memory. The initial device was passive, powered by the interrogating signal, and was demonstrated in 1971 to the New York Port Authority and other potential users and consisted of a transponder with 16 bit memory for use as a toll device.
The basic Cardullo patent covers the use of RF, sound and light as transmission media. The original business plan presented to investors in 1969 showed uses in transportation (automotive vehicle identification, automatic toll system, electronic license plate, electronic manifest, vehicle routing, vehicle performance monitoring), banking (electronic check book, electronic credit card), security, and medical (identification, patient history).
CHAPTER 3
WHAT IS RFID?
Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects.
There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag).
The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it
COMPONENTS
Basically, a RFID system consists of the following three components:
• An antenna
• A transceiver (with decoder)
• A transponder (commonly called a RF tag) that is electronically programmed with unique information. Often the antenna is packaged with the transceiver and decoder to become a reader.
The fig above shows a RFID system where the data can be read from as well as written to the tag. It consists of a reader which is used to read/write data to RFID tags and a tag is used to transmit data to the reader.
The communication between them is made possible by the use of defined radio frequency and protocol to transmit and receive data from tags. The controller is the interface between one or more antenna and the device requesting information from or writing information to the RF tags.
1 ANTENNA /READER
Antennae are the conduits between the tag and the acquisition and communication. The antenna emits radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it. Each RFID system includes at least one antenna to transmit or receive the RF signals. It may have a single antenna as a transmitter and receiver or may have separate antennae to transmit or receive.
A reader and an antenna may be two different pieces of equipment or may be integrated into one. An antenna is designed to read in a certain range. When selecting a combination of tags and antenna, it is important to keep in mind the desired purpose of the tags.
Depending on application the range of antennae is selected. If the tag is placed near to the antenna then an antenna with a short range may be selected and if it is desired to find something in a warehouse then, it is important to select an antenna that is able to read the tags from a long distance.
Another consideration in selecting a reader and antenna is the no of tags that can be read at one time. It is possible for an antenna or reader to read hundreds of tags at once. This is useful when the user want to gather some information regarding inventory on a truck leaving a ware house or entry of all packages at a checkpoint that are traveling in a large pallet and have gone through a specific routing center.
2 RF TAGS
RF tags come in all shapes and sizes depending on the application. Animal tracking tags inserted beneath their skin, can be as small as pencil lead in diameter and 1.3 cm in length. Tags can be of screw shaped to identify trees or wooden items, or credit cards shaped for use in access application. The anti theft hard plastic tags attached to merchandise in stores are RF tags. RF tags can even be integrated into labels or composite blocks or can be even mounted on non ferrous magnets. The fig below shows a Keyring RFID tag.
There are two types of tags:
• Passive tags, and
• Active tags
a. PASSIVE TAGS
Passive tags do not carry on-board power and derive it from the reader to enable reading and writing to the tag. This gives a tag practically unlimited life but a shorter range. They are activated only when they are read or interrogated by another device first. Data storage on a passive tag is a fairly limited. Hence capacity is often measured in bits rather than bytes. However for most application, a relatively small amount of data is needed to be codified and stored on the tag. So the limited capacity do Passive tags are ideal for tracking of high value and critical items like designer clothing, ammunition, computer equipment and chemicals. The range of passive tags is principally determined by the type and size of reading antenna. These can be read or written from up to 10 meter away. Up to 500 individual tags can be read in a second.
The ability to precisely locate items makes passive tags more conducive to remote monitoring than conventional bar coding or other invent to battery as this draw operating power from the RF beam of the device that reads or interrogates the tags which is why passive tags can be made as small as a grain of rice. With no battery and no moving parts, Passive tags have a very long life. The drawbacks of passive tags are limited data storage capacity, small output power and short range of communication.
b. ACTIVE TAGS
Active tags are the true transmitters of the information. These tags can initiate communication with the antenna and provides faster and higher storage capacity. Active tags have a built in power cell. These offer a higher communication range but there life is limited to the life of the power cell. These can be read and updated from hundreds of kilometers away. In addition to locating items, these systems can determine the physical condition of the items being tracked and monitored. For this, the tag is connected to multiple sensors used to monitor temperature.
humidity, breakage and other data. The tags can then communicate the data gathered by the sensors to the users. Active tags must be large enough to accommodate a powerful battery and are typically more expensive than passive tags. Frequent use of transmitter tends to shorten their lifetime.
3 Controllers
The controller is the interface between one or more antenna and the device requesting information from or writing information to the RF tags. There are controllers for interfacing antenna to PCs servers and networks. The selection of controller and interface device will affect the antenna’s transmission speed. Some contro translation and interrogation. This transfers some of data processing load from the devices to the controllers.
HOW DOES AN RFID SYSTEM WORK?
• An RFID system consists of a tag, which is made up of a microchip with an antenna, and an interrogator or reader with an antenna.
• The reader sends out electromagnetic waves.
• The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves.
• A passive RFID tag draws power from field created by the reader and uses it to power the microchip’s circuits.
• The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into digital data.
HOW IS RFID USED IN THE REAL WORLD?
Many consumers are already familiar with one form of RFID –the toll-pass that drivers can keep inside their cars to go through toll booths without having to stop to pay. The chip in the toll-pass sends information to a reader located in the toll booth. This information, the reader’s location, and the time and date system, which may be linked to databases containing other information such as the toll fee and the bank account that will be billed for the toll.
Another use of RFID that some consumers are familiar with are payment systems that allow them to wave a tag in front of a reader on a gas pump to fill up a gas tank. RFID technology is also being used to control entry into certain buildings.
Some pet owners are having their dogs or cats implanted to help track them in case they get lost, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a tag to be implanted in humans containing their patient records for use in hospitals.
RFID is being used in supply chains to track the movement of products from a manufacturer to a distributor to a retailer and any points in between. Depending on their intended use, RFID systems vary in capability, the complexity and cost of the tag, the amount and sensitivity of the information that the chips contain, and the distance from which readers can pick up the signals from the tags.
APPLICATIONS
1. Consumer availability
• Monitors self level usage.
• Calculates replacement to avoid self level out of stock condition.
• Extension of retail solution store business functionality.
2. Automatic check out
• Detects unit level items gathered for purchase at point of purchase.
• Processes payment generates billing documents and clears theft protection.
• In store functionality.
3. Security /Access control
• Validate personal for security clearance, building and system access.
• Utilize for movement tracking.
• Notify secure personnel through SCEM of unauthorized activity.
4. Theft protection
• Monitors store level inventory at the SKU level.
• Validates that a particular SKU has been purchased.
• Alerts store personnel if invalid through SCEM.
CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION
After examining the three fields Health care, Games and Human Activity Detection with regard to the usage of RFID technology we will now try to present the overall observations and draw some conclusions. The scenarios presented show that RFID technology is a technology with a promising future, even if there are still some problems and limitations that need to be solved.
Above all there is the need for small tags but especially for smaller readers. In the field of gaming, small tags are necessary for cards, puzzle pieces or counters. There is also a demand for smaller readers that can be integrated into areas of board games. Regarding Healthcare the wrist band scenario indicates the requirement for smaller tags as well, so the wrist band may be built very small and does not handicap the patients.
In the human activity scenarios describing the GETA sandals and the bracelet the need for small readers is obvious. Of course there are quite small tags available but not for a price that allows an unlimited extensive integration. Ina card game with 52 cards like the smart playing cards presented in section, very small tags need to be attached to each card.
The same applies to puzzles like the smart jigsaw puzzle with 1000 smart pieces and of course to healthcare systems since each test tube, blood bottle and all patients may be equipped with tags or readers. If you consider only one tag, a price of about 20 Cent is no object, but if you have to integrate thousands of tags in a small application it gets relevant. The matter of size becomes even more problematic as the RFID tags and readers are combined with other technologies leading to enriched functionalities but also to larger sizes as the motion sensitive WISPs.
INTRODUCTION
In context of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the phrase RFID infrastructure describes the IT-infrastructure which is necessary to collect, filter and enrich raw RFID data before processing it to the backend-systems (business intelligence systems like ERP, etc.). In our case, we are focusing on the software components doing this job. Hence middleware and infrastructure are to be used synonymously in this report.
In order to standardize the technical description derived set of evaluation criteria. Furthermore we have defined three phases the act of processing RFID-data typically has to go through if working properly. This was done by identifying and generalizing the several steps to be performed. Hence the abstract task of pre-processing data could be distinguished into three phases:
• collecting data by managing the RFID-reader(s)
• enriching this collected data for further use (e.g. by filtering, accumulating, etc.)
• exchanging enriched data with backend-systems
Thus we have an n-tier design approach for RFID-middleware (usually a 3- tier architecture presuming one layer for each phase). As further reading will show, nearly all solutions meet this approach.
HISTORY
In 1945 Léon Theremin invented an espionage tool for the Soviet Union which retransmitted incident radio waves with audio information. Sound waves vibrated a diaphragm which slightly altered the shape of the resonator, which modulated the reflected radio frequency.
Even though this device was a covert listening device, not an identification tag, it is considered to be a predecessor of RFID technology, because it was likewise passive, being energized and activated by waves from an outside source.
Similar technology, such as the IFF transponder developed in the United Kingdom, was routinely used by the allies in World War II to identify aircraft as friend or foe. Transponders are still used by most powered aircraft to this day.
Another early work exploring RFID is the landmark 1948 paper by Harry Stockman, titled "Communication by Means of Reflected Power" (Proceedings of the IRE, pp. 1196–1204, October 1948). Stockman predicted that "... considerable research and development work has to be done before the remaining basic problems in reflected-power communication are solved, and before the field of useful applications is explored."
Mario Cardullo's device, patented on January 23, 1973, was the first true ancestor of modern RFID, as it was a passive radio transponder with memory. The initial device was passive, powered by the interrogating signal, and was demonstrated in 1971 to the New York Port Authority and other potential users and consisted of a transponder with 16 bit memory for use as a toll device.
The basic Cardullo patent covers the use of RF, sound and light as transmission media. The original business plan presented to investors in 1969 showed uses in transportation (automotive vehicle identification, automatic toll system, electronic license plate, electronic manifest, vehicle routing, vehicle performance monitoring), banking (electronic check book, electronic credit card), security, and medical (identification, patient history).
CHAPTER 3
WHAT IS RFID?
Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects.
There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag).
The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it
COMPONENTS
Basically, a RFID system consists of the following three components:
• An antenna
• A transceiver (with decoder)
• A transponder (commonly called a RF tag) that is electronically programmed with unique information. Often the antenna is packaged with the transceiver and decoder to become a reader.
The fig above shows a RFID system where the data can be read from as well as written to the tag. It consists of a reader which is used to read/write data to RFID tags and a tag is used to transmit data to the reader.
The communication between them is made possible by the use of defined radio frequency and protocol to transmit and receive data from tags. The controller is the interface between one or more antenna and the device requesting information from or writing information to the RF tags.
1 ANTENNA /READER
Antennae are the conduits between the tag and the acquisition and communication. The antenna emits radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it. Each RFID system includes at least one antenna to transmit or receive the RF signals. It may have a single antenna as a transmitter and receiver or may have separate antennae to transmit or receive.
A reader and an antenna may be two different pieces of equipment or may be integrated into one. An antenna is designed to read in a certain range. When selecting a combination of tags and antenna, it is important to keep in mind the desired purpose of the tags.
Depending on application the range of antennae is selected. If the tag is placed near to the antenna then an antenna with a short range may be selected and if it is desired to find something in a warehouse then, it is important to select an antenna that is able to read the tags from a long distance.
Another consideration in selecting a reader and antenna is the no of tags that can be read at one time. It is possible for an antenna or reader to read hundreds of tags at once. This is useful when the user want to gather some information regarding inventory on a truck leaving a ware house or entry of all packages at a checkpoint that are traveling in a large pallet and have gone through a specific routing center.
2 RF TAGS
RF tags come in all shapes and sizes depending on the application. Animal tracking tags inserted beneath their skin, can be as small as pencil lead in diameter and 1.3 cm in length. Tags can be of screw shaped to identify trees or wooden items, or credit cards shaped for use in access application. The anti theft hard plastic tags attached to merchandise in stores are RF tags. RF tags can even be integrated into labels or composite blocks or can be even mounted on non ferrous magnets. The fig below shows a Keyring RFID tag.
There are two types of tags:
• Passive tags, and
• Active tags
a. PASSIVE TAGS
Passive tags do not carry on-board power and derive it from the reader to enable reading and writing to the tag. This gives a tag practically unlimited life but a shorter range. They are activated only when they are read or interrogated by another device first. Data storage on a passive tag is a fairly limited. Hence capacity is often measured in bits rather than bytes. However for most application, a relatively small amount of data is needed to be codified and stored on the tag. So the limited capacity do Passive tags are ideal for tracking of high value and critical items like designer clothing, ammunition, computer equipment and chemicals. The range of passive tags is principally determined by the type and size of reading antenna. These can be read or written from up to 10 meter away. Up to 500 individual tags can be read in a second.
The ability to precisely locate items makes passive tags more conducive to remote monitoring than conventional bar coding or other invent to battery as this draw operating power from the RF beam of the device that reads or interrogates the tags which is why passive tags can be made as small as a grain of rice. With no battery and no moving parts, Passive tags have a very long life. The drawbacks of passive tags are limited data storage capacity, small output power and short range of communication.
b. ACTIVE TAGS
Active tags are the true transmitters of the information. These tags can initiate communication with the antenna and provides faster and higher storage capacity. Active tags have a built in power cell. These offer a higher communication range but there life is limited to the life of the power cell. These can be read and updated from hundreds of kilometers away. In addition to locating items, these systems can determine the physical condition of the items being tracked and monitored. For this, the tag is connected to multiple sensors used to monitor temperature.
humidity, breakage and other data. The tags can then communicate the data gathered by the sensors to the users. Active tags must be large enough to accommodate a powerful battery and are typically more expensive than passive tags. Frequent use of transmitter tends to shorten their lifetime.
3 Controllers
The controller is the interface between one or more antenna and the device requesting information from or writing information to the RF tags. There are controllers for interfacing antenna to PCs servers and networks. The selection of controller and interface device will affect the antenna’s transmission speed. Some contro translation and interrogation. This transfers some of data processing load from the devices to the controllers.
HOW DOES AN RFID SYSTEM WORK?
• An RFID system consists of a tag, which is made up of a microchip with an antenna, and an interrogator or reader with an antenna.
• The reader sends out electromagnetic waves.
• The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves.
• A passive RFID tag draws power from field created by the reader and uses it to power the microchip’s circuits.
• The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into digital data.
HOW IS RFID USED IN THE REAL WORLD?
Many consumers are already familiar with one form of RFID –the toll-pass that drivers can keep inside their cars to go through toll booths without having to stop to pay. The chip in the toll-pass sends information to a reader located in the toll booth. This information, the reader’s location, and the time and date system, which may be linked to databases containing other information such as the toll fee and the bank account that will be billed for the toll.
Another use of RFID that some consumers are familiar with are payment systems that allow them to wave a tag in front of a reader on a gas pump to fill up a gas tank. RFID technology is also being used to control entry into certain buildings.
Some pet owners are having their dogs or cats implanted to help track them in case they get lost, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a tag to be implanted in humans containing their patient records for use in hospitals.
RFID is being used in supply chains to track the movement of products from a manufacturer to a distributor to a retailer and any points in between. Depending on their intended use, RFID systems vary in capability, the complexity and cost of the tag, the amount and sensitivity of the information that the chips contain, and the distance from which readers can pick up the signals from the tags.
APPLICATIONS
1. Consumer availability
• Monitors self level usage.
• Calculates replacement to avoid self level out of stock condition.
• Extension of retail solution store business functionality.
2. Automatic check out
• Detects unit level items gathered for purchase at point of purchase.
• Processes payment generates billing documents and clears theft protection.
• In store functionality.
3. Security /Access control
• Validate personal for security clearance, building and system access.
• Utilize for movement tracking.
• Notify secure personnel through SCEM of unauthorized activity.
4. Theft protection
• Monitors store level inventory at the SKU level.
• Validates that a particular SKU has been purchased.
• Alerts store personnel if invalid through SCEM.
CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION
After examining the three fields Health care, Games and Human Activity Detection with regard to the usage of RFID technology we will now try to present the overall observations and draw some conclusions. The scenarios presented show that RFID technology is a technology with a promising future, even if there are still some problems and limitations that need to be solved.
Above all there is the need for small tags but especially for smaller readers. In the field of gaming, small tags are necessary for cards, puzzle pieces or counters. There is also a demand for smaller readers that can be integrated into areas of board games. Regarding Healthcare the wrist band scenario indicates the requirement for smaller tags as well, so the wrist band may be built very small and does not handicap the patients.
In the human activity scenarios describing the GETA sandals and the bracelet the need for small readers is obvious. Of course there are quite small tags available but not for a price that allows an unlimited extensive integration. Ina card game with 52 cards like the smart playing cards presented in section, very small tags need to be attached to each card.
The same applies to puzzles like the smart jigsaw puzzle with 1000 smart pieces and of course to healthcare systems since each test tube, blood bottle and all patients may be equipped with tags or readers. If you consider only one tag, a price of about 20 Cent is no object, but if you have to integrate thousands of tags in a small application it gets relevant. The matter of size becomes even more problematic as the RFID tags and readers are combined with other technologies leading to enriched functionalities but also to larger sizes as the motion sensitive WISPs.