Introduction

Radio frequency identification (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.

An RFID system consists of:

i)          A microchip with an antenna;

ii)        An interrogator or reader with an antenna; and

iii)       Database application server.

The reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves. A passive RFID tag draws power from the 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, which converts the new waves into digital data.

Benefits of RFID

1.         Rapid charging / discharging

The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. This is because information can be read from RFID tags much faster than from barcodes and that several items in a stack can be read at the same time.

2.         High Reliability

Several vendors of RFID library systems claim an almost 100 percent detection rate using RFID tags and there are fewer false alarms than with older technologies once an RFID system is properly tuned.

3.         High-speed inventorying

A hand-held inventory reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all of the unique identification information. Using wireless technology, it is possible not only to update the inventory, but also to identify items which are out of proper order.

4.         Long tag life

RFID tags last longer than barcodes because nothing comes into contact with them.

Disadvantages of RFID

1.         High Cost

While the readers and sensors used to read the information are comparable in cost to the components of a typical EM or RF theft detection system, typically $2,500 to $3,500 or more each; a server costing as much as $15,000 may be required and the tags cost $.60 to $.85 each.

2.         Vulnerability to compromise

It is possible to compromise an RFID system by wrapping the protected material in two to three layers of ordinary household foil to block the radio signal.

3.         Removal of exposed tags

An RFID tag is typically affixed to an item and is exposed for removal.

The different applications of RFID are:

1.         Vehicle Servicing System

Each vehicle windscreen is placed with a RFID tag. The tag contains all the detail of past service report. The service engineer uses a RFID handheld device point and scans the tag that is mounted on the vehicle windscreen to pick up the service report information.

2.         Automotive Paint Separation System

Each vehicle door is embedded with a RFID tag. The tag contains serial number and the colour information. Once the vehicle door passes through the RFID antenna, the antenna will pick up the information from the tag and then do the necessary paint job.

3.         Smart Shelf

Each product has been tagged with a RFID tag. The tag contains all the information for that particular product. An antenna will be mounted on the shelf so that it will pick up all the necessary information for a particular product. Because each product has its own unique RFID tag, the system is able to identify which is which.

4.         Access Control & People Tracking

Each asset / personnel within a building will be carrying an Active Tag and antennas will be placed in designated areas in a building to pick up the signal from the active tags. This will enable the system to pin point the location of the asset / personnel. The active tags has its own power source, thus it can hold in more information and can be traced from a greater distance.

5.         Library System

All books will have a RFID label sticker which contains all the necessary information of the book. RFID gate/antenna is placed at the entrance for automated book check-in and check-out.

6.         Document Control System

All files will be attached with a RFID label sticker. The RFID reader will be in the forma of trays and handheld wands for locating documents quickly.

7.         Gun Safe

Each weapon is embedded with an RFID tag and each weapons rack is equipped with a short range RFID antenna. This ensures that the weapons are returned properly to its designated rack.

8.         Logistic

Each carton and pallet will have a RFID sticker attached. The RFID tag on the carton will contain all the information on the contents of the carton; and the RFID tag on the pallet will have the data on the cartons on the pallet. Four antennas will be placed at the gate to scan the pallet and carton for verification and update of inventory system before delivery.

 9.        RFID Human Tracking Security with Facial Recognition

The system will be able to identify human by reading RFID tag ID associated with the Facial Recognition Profile. This features two (2) layers of security, first being the information stored in the RFID tag; and the second being the use of a facial profile.