AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION & DATA

CAPTURING USING RF ID

ABSTRACT: replaces barcode readers, magnetic

RFID is a type of Automatic type of readers.

Identification System. The purpose

of an RFID system is to enable data ABC’S of RFID:

to be transmitted by a portable Radio Frequency (RF) technology

device, called a tag, which is read has been around since WWII, when

by an RFID reader and processed the Allied Forces first used it to

according to the needs of a identify friendly aircraft. Today this

particular application. The data technology is used for mobile

transmitted by the tag may provide phones, toll tags, fuel pump key

identification or location fobs, animal tracking both wild and

information, or specifies about the domestic as well as many other

product tagged, such as price, color, applications.

date of purchase, etc. This is the

latest development of In this presentation we will

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION discuss the use of RF in automatic

AND DATA CAPTURE after the identification systems, the most

two technologies i.e., optical and rapidly growing segment of today’s

magnetic versions. In this version Automatic Data Collection (AIDC)

the transmission of data is purely Industry. RFID (Radio Frequency

based on radio frequency ranges. In Identification) uses radio frequency

this latest version developed by signals to identify “tagged” items,

these ADIC technologies data is cases and pallets as they move

automatically captured, which through the supply chain. This data

is then collected and transmitted to a New RFID label printers marry
host system using an RF Reader. these two technologies for the best
A Basic RFID System of both worlds. These printers are

• RFID Device (transponder, tag, able to print barcodes, human-

smart label, readable text, and graphics on the

Card, etc.) – contains data about surface of a pressure sensitive label

the tagged and then encode the RFID chip

Item embedded as part of the label.

• Antenna – transmits the RF Working principle of RFID:

signals between
the reader and the RFID device RF signals are electromagnetic
waves classified according to their

• Reader – receives RF wavelength frequency. The most

transmissions from an commonly recognized ranges are

RFID device and transmits to a low (LF), high (HF), ultra-high

host (UHF) and micro-wave (UW).

System for Current RFID technology uses

processing frequency ranges from 50 kHz to

5.8GHz. The higher the frequency,
the higher the throughput or rates of

RFID replacing Barcode readers data transfer.

Most experts agree that RFID Typical RFID System Frequency

will coexist with traditional Ranges

barcodes for many years to come.

RFID is an extension of barcode • Low Frequency (125 KHz) has a

data collection systems for maximum

enhanced tracking of items through read range of up to 20 inches

the supply chain network. • High Frequency (13.56 MHz) has a

maximum
 read range of up to 3 feet
• Ultra-High Frequency (868 MHz –
Europe)
(915 MHz – US) has a read range of
20 feet or
more
• Microwave Frequency (2.45 GHz)
has a read
range of up to 1 meter as a passive
tag or
longer range as an active tag
passed a certain point in the supply
chain, serial number and much more.
This data is transmitted from the
RFID tag to the RFID reader, which
in turn communicates to a host
computer or information management
system, which could be running a
WCS (warehouse control system) or
WMS (warehouse management
system) application.

Like a barcode system that

uses an optical signal reader or
scanner to interpret data contained in
a barcode, an RFID system uses an
RF reader to receive radio frequency
signals from RFID devices containing
stored data. Unlike barcode systems,
RFID systems do not require line of-
site to read the RF tags. This along
with the ability to read many tags at
once is the major factor driving
interest in RFID technology.
Fig: Block diagram of RFID

An RFID device such as a tag or label operation

contains data, much more data than a

barcode, which uniquely identifies the
item it is attached to. Stored data can
include; a description of the item,
manufacture date, time the item
 environment, tag placement and
reader location all can affect tag
read rates. There is not a one tag
fits all solution.

Fig: How
RFID works

RFID Tag:

There are a variety of tag designs,

shapes and sizes. The basic
Fig: Basic elements in
structure includes a silicon chip
RFID tag
(stores data) and an antenna
(transmits data to a reader).
Together these two components
are referred to as the “inlay”. The
inlay in turn is embedded in a base
material; paper, Mylar, plastic or
film. The differences in tag
performance are determined by
characteristics such as size,
antenna, surface and shape. The
physical properties of the product
to be tagged will determine which
tag to use for optimal
performance. Packaging material,
 energize the tag, sending an RF
signal to a
reader. Active tags are able to
transmit
signals over greater distances,
up to 300
feet indoors and 1,000 feet
outdoors.
Because these tags include a
battery and
more complex circuitry, they
are much
larger and more expensive than
Fig: Various types of tags and passive
readers tags.
The life of the tag is limited to
the life of the battery. However,
RFID tags are available in active, by optimizing the circuitry and
passive and semi-passive forms. battery, some tags may last ten
Each type of tag transmits RF years or longer.
signals to be received and decoded • Passive – the most common type
by an RFID reader. Every tag has of RF tag,
a unique identifier, allowing its passive tags operate without an
signal to be differentiated from internal
other RF tags. battery source. Instead they
obtain power to
Types of Tags: operate from the
electromagnetic field
• Active – uses an integrated generated by the RF reader. An
battery to RFID
 reader transmits an energy field
that
“activates” the tag and provides
power to
the chip, allowing the tag to
transmit or
store data. Transmission range
for passive
tags is limited compared to
active tags, but
with no battery the tags can be
much
RFID READERS
smaller and less expensive.
Passive tags do
RFID readers are used for high
not have a battery, they have an
speed automatic data capture of
unlimited
products or assets in Catellae
life span.
systems. The RFID readers often
replace manual scanning with
• Semi-Passive – a combination
handheld terminals, paper based
of active
work processes or manual data
and passive styles, this tag has an
entry. The RFID readers are most
internal
suited for applications with
power source that only powers
controlled, automated work
the on board
processes. The results is
circuits. Communicates to the
significant savings in manpower,
reader in a
increased scanning speed and
similar manner as a passive tag.
increased productivity.

RFID readers are used for

automatic data capture and
processing of RFID tags mounted
on a large range of products and automatically applied to a product,
assets. RFID readers covering box or pallet.
frequency range from 125kHz,
13,56 MHz, 433 MHz, 868-923 While some smart labels are
MHz and 2,45 GHz are used in encoded during the tag
Catellae systems. manufacturing process then
Data capture printed, a more efficient method is
RFID readers are used for to use an RFID Label Printer. An
scanning RFID tags in all business RF encoder integrated into a
areas of Lyngsoe Systems. The thermal transfer printer encodes
RFID readers are connected to and the tag/label prior to printing text,
controlled by the Catellae EDECS graphics or barcodes onto
data collection platform. the label.
As a systems integrator
Lyngsoe Systems uses RFID An RF reader verifies the
readers only from leading encoded data before the label is
hardware vendors, but also fed forward for application. If the
produce RFID readers for specific tag does not read or its data does
purposes. Lyngsoe Systems has not verify the label is voided and
developed a range of RFID removed prior to application. This
products based on active RFID process takes milliseconds to
tags in the 125kHz and 433 MHz seconds depending on the amount
frequency area. of encoded data.
Label design software will bridge
Smart Labels: application software and the RFID
Due to the smaller, thinner label printer, telling the printer
size of passive tags, they can be what type of tag and what data to
integrated into a pressure sensitive encode to it.
label. These “smart” labels can be
printed with human readable text Smart labels are made
or barcodes and then from flexible material that will not
damage the print head. Some tags management enables real time
use conductive inks to conduct the decision making for a more
electronic signals in place of flexible and responsive supply
traditional metal antennas; this chain execution. Decisions can
makes the tags even thinner. If the be made to redirect product flow
integrated circuit (IC) creates an to meet changing customer
uneven surface, which demands.
can affect print quality, a thicker
label material can be used or the • Enhanced Customer Service –
operator can avoid printing instant status information leads to
directly over the circuit. more accurate delivery dates and
increased ability to respond to
RFID uses: urgent orders.

• Time and Labor Savings – • Security – better tracking,

“field” reading allows the reduced inventory shrinkage

scanning of multiple items in (loss), reduced counterfeiting

seconds
without unloading a pallet. Basic RFID tag will stores data

This also eliminates the possibility as shown:

of a receiving clerk
failing to scan all items. 01. 000D54S. 00019J
• Increased Control – tags with 000024KR3.
read/write capabilities permit data Header Manufacturer OC Serial No.
to be updated throughout the 8 –bits 28-bits 24-bits 36-bits
supply chain, highlighting
The unique identifier is the
problem areas and enabling faster
foundation of the EPC Network
responses.
and where the full power of RFID
systems can be realized. This
• Flexible Product Flow – RFID
identifier facilitates item level
as part of supply chain
tracking, real time supply chain origin and this is used for
management, more warranty and tracing when a packing
service management, faster more plant condemns a carcass.
targeted product recalls Currently CCIA tags are
and more. EPC global is working used in Wisconsin and by
with manufacturers, end-users, US farmers on a voluntary
technology vendors and Auto-ID basis. The USDA is
Labs (successor of Auto-ID currently developing its
Center) to establish web service own program.
standards to securely share RFID
XML data across the web. This
will allow real-time decisions and
collaboration from any point
along the supply chain.

Current usage:
An RFID tag is embedded in new
UK passports and US passports
will have RFID beginning in
August 2006
RFID tags used in libraries:
Product Tracking: square book tag, round CD/DVD
tag and rectangular VHS tag.
o The Canadian Cattle
Identification Agency
began using RFID tags as
a replacement for
barcode tags.

o The tags are required to

identify a bovine's herd of
 stores that combine item-
level RFID tagging and
SOA to deliver an
integrated supply chain,
from warehouse to
consumer.

o UHF RFID tags are

o High-frequency RFID tags commonly used
are used in library book or commercially in case,
bookstore tracking, pallet pallet, and shipping
tracking, building access container tracking, and
control, airline baggage truck and trailer tracking in
tracking, and apparel and shipping yards.
pharmaceutical item
tracking. High-frequency
tags are widely used in
identification badges,
replacing earlier magnetic Automotive:
stripe cards. These badges o Microwave RFID tags are
need only be held within a used in long range access
certain distance of the control for vehicles.
reader to authenticate the
holder. The American o Since the 1990's RFID tags
Express Blue credit card
have been used in car keys.
now includes a high-
Without the correct RFID,
frequency RFID tag.
the car will not start.

o BGN has launched two

o In January 2003, Michelin
fully automated Smart
began testing RFID
 transponders embedded allowing the car to detect
into tires. After an 18 the key approximately 3
month testing period, the feet from the sensor. The
manufacturer will offer driver can open the doors
RFID-enabled tires to car and start the car with the
makers. Their primary key in a purse or pocket.
purpose is tire tracking in
compliance with the Animal identification
United States
Transportation, Recall, o Implanted RFID tags are
Enhancement, also used for animal
Accountability and identification. There are
Documentation Act several more or less
(TREAD Act). incompatible systems.

o Starting with the 2004 Antenna types:

model year, a Smart o The Hestnes factor is a
Key/Smart Start option practical factor which
became available to the describes the reading zone
Toyota Prius. Since then, around a RFID antenna. A
Toyota has been RFID antenna has a
introducing the feature on reading range both
various models globally sideways and in front of
under both the Toyota and the antenna. The Hestnes
Lexus brands, including factor is defined the
the Toyota Avalon (2005 following way:
model year), Toyota
Camry (2007 model year), o Hestnes factor: Front
and the Lexus GS (2006 reading range / sideways
model year). The key uses reading range.
an active RFID circuit
 RFID include the
o The Hestnes factor can reduction of labour costs,
depend on the antenna the simplification of
geometry, noise business processes and the
surroundings and the reduction of inventory
readers reading range. It is inaccuracies.
named after the still alive Human implants
antenna designer Ole
Hestnes.

RFID in inventory systems

o An advanced automatic
identification technology Fig :(a)
such as the Auto-ID
system based on the Radio
Frequency Identification
(RFID) technology has
two values for inventory
systems. First, the
Fig:(b)
visibility provided by this
(a): Hand with the planned
technology allows an
location
accurate knowledge on the
(b): just after the operation to
inventory level by
insert of the
eliminating the
RFID chip the RFID tag was
discrepancy between
completed
inventory record and
Implantable RFID chips
physical inventory.
designed for animal tagging are
Second, the RFID
now being used in humans. An
technology can prevent or
early experiment with RFID
reduce the sources of
implants was conducted by British
errors. Benefits of using
professor of cybernetics Kevin
Warwick, who implanted a chip in technology in their
his arm in 1998. Night clubs in Chicago Card.
Barcelona, Spain and in
Rotterdam, The Netherlands, use o In August 2004, the Ohio
an implantable chip to identify Department of
their VIP customers, who in turn Rehabilitation and
use it to pay for drinks. Correction (ODRH)
Other approved a $415,000
o Sensors such as seismic contract to evaluate the
sensors may be read using personnel tracking
RFID transceivers, greatly technology of Alanco
simplifying remote data Technologies. Inmates will
collection. wear wristwatch-sized
transmitters that can detect
o Some smart cards attempted removal and
embedded with RFID alert prison computers.
chips are used as electronic This project is not the first
cash, e.g. Smart Trip in rollout of tracking chips in
Washington, DC, USA, US prisons. Facilities in
Easy Card in Taiwan, Michigan, California and
Suica in Japan, T-Money Illinois already employ the
in South Korea, Octopus technology.
Card in Hong Kong, and
the Netherlands and Oyster
Card on the London o Automatic timing at mass
Underground in the United sports events " Champion
Kingdom to pay fares in Chip ".
mass transit systems
and/or retails. The Chicago o Used as storage for a video
Transit Authority recently game system produced by
began using RFID Mattel, "Hyperscan".

o RFIQ in, designed by Vita
Craft, is an automatic
cooking device that has
three different sized pans,
a portable induction heater,
and recipe cards. Each pan
is embedded with a RFID
tag that monitors the food
16 times per second while
a MI tag in the handle of
the pans transmits signals
to the induction heater to
adjust the temperature.
o Many more applications
can be found
in the literature.
Prisoners To Be Tracked Using
RFID
Prisoners Beware! If you are
planning to get into some scuffle
with your inmates or trying to
break out of the prison then read
this before taking any stupid step.
In order to ascertain the position
of its staff and prisoners ACT's
first prison would be RFID
equipped which would enable real
time tracking of staff and
prisoners.
Now at this prison, inmates would
be fitted with an anklet or a
bracelet having a unique identifier
and the security guard would be
wearing pagers emitting a radio
signal. This would enable pin
pointing of staff and prisoners
through triangulation of signals
that would be read by numerous
readers. A combination of active
and passive tags would
be used. This is not only going to
reduce the pressure on prison staff
engaged in continuo’s monitoring
or watching CCTVs but also
discipline the prison inmates
Certainly it would not only relieve
the headache of the prison
authorities but also caution the
prisoners that if they entered into
any illegal activity within the
prison premises it could land them
into soup.
Conclusion:
maintenance cost and labour time
is less. The technical issues
associated with RFID are likely to
be resolved as further investments
are made in the technology.
Enough progress has been made at
this time that trails for the first
truly large scale rulers of RFID

RFID is a leading technology are beginning.

that can provide considerable

value in a world in which