RFID on International Bridges

RFID technology implementation continues at border crossings where smart-passports will make the process more efficient and secure. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware will be placed in all vehicle inspection lanes. It lets inspectors read travelers' passport cards ... " ...

Via Brownsville Herald: Border Security

Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates: "This four-lane bridge carries commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and pedestrians. It is 4,024 feet long, with sidewalks on both sides. ... "

Gateway International Bridge

Calexico RFID Monitoring

Thanksgiving holiday is a peak travel period. US Customs are planning for heavy visitor volumes and are providing guidance to travellers. ...

... "U.S. travelers are urged to apply now for their passport card, SENTRI port pass or enhanced driver’s license from participating states, all of which incorporate a new vicinity RFID chip. Special RFID antennas will be installed in the near future at Calexico area ports of entry that will detect the improved documents before vehicles arrive at the port inspection booths ... " ...

Via Imperial Valley: Calexico Area Border

RFID Inspection Services

WiscoLift selects Field ID to manage their inspection, testing, certification and repair services. The Field ID solution enables WiscoLift to provide safety traceability of their products and to participate in the Field ID Safety Network that shares safety data with vendors and customers. ...

... "Field ID is extremely user friendly and provides the traceability that our customers are looking for. We’ve been looking for a solution like this for a while and Field ID is the perfect complement to the services we provide. Field ID’s unique use of RFID, the web, and mobile computers will allow us to provide our customers with a safer work environment which is our number one goal”, noted Bob Kinney, President of WiscoLift. " ...

Via N4 Systems: Field ID to Manage RFID Based Inspection and Safety Services

Border Crossing RFID Deployments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection implements its Vehicle Primary Client computer system and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology hardware in the vehicle inspection lanes at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway crossings. ...

... "These technology enhancements will be incorporated into the ongoing construction of the new port facility at the Blaine Peace Arch crossing. The RFID deployment is part of a national construction initiative at 39 major entry points (354 total traffic lanes) along the U.S borders with Canada and Mexico over the coming months. Vehicle Primary Client, the new 21st Century portal-based system, represents the most substantial upgrade to the primary inspection computer system in 20 years. VPC incorporates the current license plate reader system with the new RFID enabled documentation technology. When completed, CBP officers will be able to quickly verify the validity of travel documents and make determinations regarding the admissibility of persons. " ...

Via U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Blaine Border Crossings

RFID SENTRI Rapid Inspection Technology ...

US CBP needs remaining Sentri users to upgrade to the latest RFID rapid inspection technology. ...

... "U.S. Customs and Border Protection urged San Diego and Tijuana area SENTRI participants who have not yet swapped their old fast pass vehicle transponder for the new RFID decal to make the conversion immediately or face loss of privileges. Of the 37,176 vehicles currently enrolled in the San Diego-Tijuana Secure Electronic Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program, about 8,200 still need to be converted to a newer technology Radio Frequency Identification decal that will provide secure occupant information to CBP officers as the vehicles enter ports of entry from Mexico. Detection equipment at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry that reads the old windshield-mounted transponder will be turned off on Thursday, June 22, replaced by newer equipment that reads an RFID chip embedded within the official SENTRI windshield decal, officials said. The vehicle conversion does not require an appointment and requires about 20 minutes to complete at the Otay Mesa passenger port, said James Hynes, director of the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa passenger ports of entry. " ...

RFID SENTRI Rapid Inspection Technology: Via U.S. Customs and Border Protection: SENTRI Users Urged to Upgrade to Newer Technology Now ...

RFID Security Smart Box Technology ...

US Customs is promoting the use of Savi's RFID smart box technology ...

... "Smart Box container technology recently promoted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for special green lane clearance under the C-TPAT program also can deliver sizable investment returns for shippers when linked to a proven global asset management and security network, according to new research by A.T. Kearney, one of the world's largest management consulting firms.

Robert Bonner, CBP Commissioner, announced during the recent Customs Trade Symposium in Washington DC that he was ready to take the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program to the next level, which he called C-TPAT Plus. C-TPAT Plus would provide no inspection upon arrival - immediate release for low-risk shippers using technology that can detect and record whether tampering has occurred with a container seal after being affixed at the point of origin. " ...

RFID Security Smart Box Technology: Via Savi Technology: SMART BOX RFID TECHNOLOGY URGED BY U.S. CUSTOMS FOR SECURITY ALSO PROVIDES ECONOMIC VALUE FOR GLOBAL SHIPPERS - A.T. KEARNEY: New Research Finds Major Importers and Exporters Recognize Substantial Operational Savings Via Networked RFID Going Beyond Simple Tamper Alerts ...

Tags: Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, RFID Tag

Boeing RFID 787 Dreamliner ...

Boeing RFID 787 Dreamliner: Via Boeing: Boeing Introduces Radio Frequency Identification on 787 Dreamliner ...

... "RFID is an automated identification technology that uses radio frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and items that have RFID devices affixed. The smart labels contain a microchip and antenna and operate at internationally recognized standard frequencies. Similar to a bar code, the RFID tag stores data but offers enhanced data collection and significant advantages such as being able to read without a direct view of the RFID label and a dynamic read/write capability. Boeing plans for the tags to contain unique identification as well as maintenance and inspection data in accordance with industry standards developed for commercial aviation by the Air Transport Association. Typical Dreamliner parts to incorporate RFID smart labels will be serialized end items such as line replaceable units (LRUs) and life-limited parts as well as on-board emergency equipment. Smart labels will be applied during the manufacturing process by the responsible systems and equipment supplier prior to delivering the airplane to airlines. " ...

RFID Vehicle Inspection System

RFID Vehicle Inspection System: Via FleetOwner: Zonar debuts RFID inspection system ...

Wendy Leavitt writes about new RFID-driven electronic vehicle inspection reporting system presented by Zonar Systems, LLC at the International Trucking Show in Anaheim, CA last week ...

... "Dubbed EVIR (Electronic Vehicle Inspection Report), the system makes use of quarter-sized radio frequency identification (RFID) tags positioned around the vehicle. " ...

Via Zonar: RFID DataTrac™: Digital Mileage Interface ...

... "Zonar's DataTrac® is an RFID-Enabled electronic Hubodometer. This cutting edge technology provides a digital mileage interface for Zonar's EVIR® System. " ...

RFID DOD UID Partnership ...

RFID DOD UID Partnership: Cognex And Lockheed Martin Partner To Serve DoD Unique Identification Market

... "The Department of Defense Unique Identification (UID) Compliancy Initiative requires that every piece of equipment purchased by the Department of Defense with a value greater than $5,000, or that requires serialization, be marked with a 2D matrix code which clearly distinguishes each individual item from all others. Cognex is the leading provider of ID readers designed to read and verify 2D Data Matrix codes on a variety of surfaces. Lockheed Martin supplies a flexible and easy to install software application that manages UID-related data, creates a process audit trail, and ensures that the supplier's process meets DoD policy requirements. Together, Cognex ID reading technology and Lockheed Martin's I-GUIDES data management application provide DoD contractors with a total, cost effective solution to meet DoD identification requirements. " ...

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision systems, or computers that can "see." Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 250,000 machine vision systems, representing over $1.8 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Cognex's Modular Vision Systems Division, headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in machine vision systems which are used for automating the manufacture of a wide range of discrete items and for assuring their quality. Cognex's Surface Inspection Systems Division, headquartered in Alameda, California, specializes in machine vision systems which are used for inspecting the surfaces of products manufactured in a continuous fashion, such as metals, papers, and plastics. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, Cognex also has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

RFID Authentication and Inspection ...

FMCSA - Appendix C. Technology Compendium - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

... "Each of these products is uniquely different. Vericom's product, Veriguard, is a covert system that ensures driver authentication and performs vehicle disablement when an unauthorized driver attempts to take a vehicle. Zonar's EVIR is a series of RFID tags placed at strategic points on a truck or bus in accordance with a pre-trip inspection. These RFID tags are read by a handheld reader when a driver comes into close proximity with them, ensuring that a driver performs a pre-trip inspection correctly. " ...

RFID Electronic Tagging ...

The State-of-the-Art Port of Entry Workshop

... "Today's electronic tagging (RFID) and seal technologies are a good match to the problem of assuring freight integrity after inspection at the point of origin. Because proprietary information needs to be stored on the electronic tags and seals, they need to be secure. The data should be accessible only by parties with the proper need to know. Additionally, it may make sense to use seals that emit an alarm when the tag or its protected cargo has been tampered with or damaged, and that can aid in locating lost containers. " ...

RFID Tags Ride Inspection

NEW TECHNOLOGY, NEW TAGS FOR AMUSEMENT RIDES ...

... "But behind them is the new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. The chip allows ride inspectors to keep an electronic record of inspections instead of being forced to rely on a paper trail. Using a hand held reader, inspectors can immediately see any corrections orders issued against the ride so they can be double-checked for compliance with the rules. The process also allows viewing of maintenance records, operator training and operator's manual. " ...

RFID at MRO Conference

Aviation Week's Conferences & Exhibitions

MRO 2005 Conference & Exhibition
April 19-21, 2005
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport/Lake Grapevine, TX

... "Streamlining MRO with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID components imbedded throughout an aircraft will record parts data, installation dates and maintenance and inspection information. This will greatly enhance the MRO community's ability to anticipate and manage routine and long-term maintenance requirements for individual aircraft. The DOD's extensive RFID supply chain integration project now underway will affect virtually every one of its 43,000 suppliers and their ability to compete for contracts. This session help to clarify DOD standards and requirements MRO vendors and providers must adhere to now, and how this technology will ultimately permeate all aspects of aircraft MRO.

Presented by:
Alan F. Estevez, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration
Kenneth Porad, Program Manager, Automated Identification Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes " ...

RFID Safeguarding Freight Shipments ...

State of New Jersey - Executive Orders

... "WHEREAS, safeguarding freight shipments will require a comprehensive array of integrated technologies ranging from radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging at the item level, through wireless container tracking, to advanced sensory technology for inspection;" ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet on Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Homeland Security develops fact-sheet, or position paper, on the role of RFID in the US VISIT program ...

From Department of Homeland Security (press release) ... Radio frequency (RFID) identification technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or “tag ...

... US VISIT is exploring the use of RFID technology as a tool that will better enable the program to fulfill its goals, which are to enhance the security of our citizens and visitors, facilitate legitimate travel and trade to and from the United States, ensure the integrity of our immigration system and protect the privacy of our visitors. RFID technology can improve the ability to match entries to exits without impacting processing time at the land borders and record arrivals and departures of a visitor in pedestrian and vehicle lanes – rapidly, accurately and reliably. It will also allow US VISIT to detect a visitor’s tag and provide the primary inspection process with information and a mechanism for establishing an accurate and timely record of exits without slowing a traveler through the process. Finally, RFID can also provide solutions that are not invasive and that protect the privacy of visitors.

Overview: As US VISIT moves toward improving the automated entry-exit system at the nation’s land border ports of entry, RFID technology offers a potential solution for an entry-exit operation that better facilitates legitimate travel and trade. Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission. ...

US-VISIT continues to test technologies that will help it better achieve its mission to enhance security of our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet ...

Homeland Security RFID Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet on Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Homeland Security develops fact-sheet, or position paper, on the role of RFID in the US VISIT program ...

From Department of Homeland Security (press release) ... Radio frequency (RFID) identification technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or “tag ...

... US VISIT is exploring the use of RFID technology as a tool that will better enable the program to fulfill its goals, which are to enhance the security of our citizens and visitors, facilitate legitimate travel and trade to and from the United States, ensure the integrity of our immigration system and protect the privacy of our visitors. RFID technology can improve the ability to match entries to exits without impacting processing time at the land borders and record arrivals and departures of a visitor in pedestrian and vehicle lanes – rapidly, accurately and reliably. It will also allow US VISIT to detect a visitor’s tag and provide the primary inspection process with information and a mechanism for establishing an accurate and timely record of exits without slowing a traveler through the process. Finally, RFID can also provide solutions that are not invasive and that protect the privacy of visitors.

Overview: As US VISIT moves toward improving the automated entry-exit system at the nation’s land border ports of entry, RFID technology offers a potential solution for an entry-exit operation that better facilitates legitimate travel and trade. Radio frequencies emanating from RFID tags are far below the levels that could cause any harm to human health and below the typical ambient radio frequencies most people are exposed to in the United States on a daily basis from devices such as TVs and radios. Like these other devices, RFID tags and readers are regulated and their safety is certified by the Federal Communications Commission. ...

US-VISIT continues to test technologies that will help it better achieve its mission to enhance security of our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders.

RFID Safety Inspection Program Support ...

RFID Safety Inspection Program Support: Project Group RFID Subsidiary to Implement Purchase Order from ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... (OTCBB:PJTG) announced today that the State of Indiana has awarded a purchase order for expanding the state's RFID based safety inspection program for ...

... The Project Group, Inc. (OTCBB:PJTG) announced today that the State of Indiana has awarded a purchase order for expanding the state's RFID based safety inspection program for amusement parks. The order will be implemented by its RFID solutions subsidiary, Pro Squared, Inc. ...

Pro Squared, Inc is a subsidiary of The Project Group focused on closed loop RFID solutions. RFID technology replaces traditional, unreliable bar codes and is rapidly becoming the state-of-the-art in supply chain management. RFID tags consist of silicon chips and an antenna that can transmit data to a wireless receiver. Recently, Wal-Mart has mandated that all major vendors utilize RFID and recently Pfizer, Smith Kline, Purdue Pharma and the FDA have all announced new RFID programs.

RFID Asset Management for Equipment Tracking ...

RFID Asset Management: US Postal Service Awards Contract to ID Systems, Inc. for National ...

From PR Newswire (press release)  ... ID Systems' RFID-based technology has demonstrated significant operational benefits in several USPS facilities where it is currently deployed. ...

... I.D. Systems, Inc.(Nasdaq: IDSY), a leading provider of wireless asset management solutions,announced today that it has won a contract from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to implement the company's Wireless Asset Net(TM) industrial equipment tracking and management system at USPS facilities nationwide. The contract has a minimum guaranteed value of approximately $4 million for a near-term deployment at eight major USPS facilities. Over the duration of the three-year contract, the USPS could deploy the system at up to 460 facilities ofvarying sizes. ...

The Wireless Asset Net is designed to improve industrial workplace safetyand security by restricting vehicle access to trained, authorized operatorsand by providing electronic safety inspection checklists. The system is designed to reduce maintenance expenses by automatically uploading vehicledata, reporting vehicle problems in real time, scheduling maintenance according to actual vehicle usage rather than on a calendar basis, and helping plant management determine the optimal economic time to replace equipment.The system is also designed to help improve productivity by ensuring equipmentis in the proper place at the right time and by providing management with unique reports on vehicle utilization.

Achieve Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards ...

Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards: Lipman Receives Visa PED Class B Approval for NURIT 8100 ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... 8100 secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions. ...

... Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd. (Nasdaq:LPMA) (TASE:LPMA) today announced that its NURIT 8100 secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions. Class B approval addresses the market need for flexibility by allowing banks to install their own or third party payment and value-added applications, such as loyalty programs, without the need for individual applications to undergo costly, time-consuming laboratory inspection prior to deployment at merchant locations. The NURIT 8100 is the only fully programmable all-in-one terminal listed by Visa International as meeting the Class B requirements. ...

Lipman is a leading worldwide provider of electronic payment systems. Lipman develops, manufactures and markets a variety of handheld, wireless and landline POS terminals, electronic cash registers, retail ATM units, PIN pads and smart card readers, as well as integrated PIN and smart card ("Chip & PIN") solutions. In addition, Lipman develops technologically advanced software platforms that offer comprehensive and customized transaction processing solutions for its customers, as well as managed professional services such as on-site and call-center support with remote terminal management. Lipman's corporate headquarters and R&D facilities are located in Israel. Lipman also maintains offices in the US, United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Spain, Finland, Russia, Italy, Canada and Latin America.

Additional resources on Visa PED Class B Security for Smart Cards ...

Visa PIN Entry Device Approval List - Visa: Axalto. Visa Approved PIN Entry Device (PED) Identifier 1 with ... Approval Number, Approval Class 3, Renewal Date, PIN Entry Option, TDES Capable 4, EMV Level 1 5. ...

Important Messages from Visa: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... For Class B, the PED vendor must provide the tools and mechanisms for ... aftermarket (or OEM) product which, when used with a Visa approved PED, must be ...

The Green Sheet, Inc. · Home: secure multifunction Point-of-Sale terminals received Visa PED Class B PIN entry security approval for Online debit and Offline smart card transactions ...

News: can now offer Payment Tech customers Class B support on ... About the NURIT 8320 Visa PED secure, reliable and easy ... 8000, along with improved security features that ...

Animal RFID: Companies race to develop animal ID technology

From Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman, IA  ... The livestock industry has come to an early agreement that radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags are the most practical and cost-effective technology ...

Capital National Animal Identification Development Team: The goal of the Capital National Animal Identification Development Team is to ensure that when a highly infectious animal disease is spotted the infected animal's whereabouts can be traced back at least 48 hours. The USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) facilitates this effort among industry, state, and federal entities focused on “safeguarding animal agriculture by protecting American animal agriculture.”

Retail RFID Initiative: Right on cue

From Business Line, India ... WIPRO Technologies' retail business unit is betting on its radio frequency identification (RFID) initiative and the North American retail market's adoption of ...

An RFID chip is a small silicon chip that carries limited information and emits data, either actively or passively using radio waves to identify individual items thereby not requiring line of sight or human intervention for identification. Readers capture this information and pass it on to applications which can then process and use this information providing an all-pervasive view the tagged product through the supply chain. In effect RFID would transform every facet of the retail supply chain. It would enable easy inspection and immediate clearance of goods across all stages of the supply chain. The need for safety-stock would decline due to reduced lead-time and lead-time variability. There would be a direct reduction in labor costs, much higher utilization of assets and elimination of shrink. Also, the customer shopping experience, the post sale warranties and service programs would be greatly enhanced. Wipro RFID consulting group of cross functional specialists is working to identify areas of application development, infrastructure development and other capabilities which will help Wipro to service our clients better. Wipro has started working with a major retailer on the first RFID project thus becoming one of the very first companies in the world to have worked in this area.

RFID Handheld: Windows CE powered handheld reads barcodes and RFID

From WindowsForDevices, CA ... has announced what is claimed to be the world's first fully customizable rugged "Auto-ID platform" for reading both barcodes and RFID tags. ...

The Di-400 from Diagnostic Instruments Ltd. is claimed to be the world's first fully customizable rugged "Auto-ID platform" for reading both barcodes and RFID tags. The device, which is based on a 400MHz Intel XScale processor running Windows CE .NET, is expected to find applications in the asset management, inspection, maintenance, and homeland security markets, according to its maker.

The Di-400 offers a choice of fully integrated RF readers (125kHz, 134.2kHz, 13.56MHz) in combination with a traditional barcode scanner, enabling maximum flexibility for data capture solutions along with the unique ability to integrate emerging RFID technologies as required, according to the company.

There are three off-the-shelf RFID options to choose from: low frequency, 125 kHz (Hitag, EM Marin); low frequency, 134.2 kHz (TI - Tiris LF); and high frequency, 13.56 MHz (ICode, MIFARE, TI). However, the company says that its unique customizable design means that other reader options could be incorporated, such as UHF (862 to 928 MHz). Other ID technologies such as a Smart /Contact ID card reader can also be combined using the internal PCMCIA/CF interface.

Boeing RFID: Boeing to host global aviation RFID discussions

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... manufacturer, Boeing, is to sponsor a series of symposiums worldwide to help build agreement over standards for the global usage of RFID (radio frequency ...

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is sponsoring a series of symposiums worldwide to build consensus about standards for utilizing Global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on commercial airplanes.

Boeing and Airbus are collaborating on this effort. They've agreed to require Air Transport Association (ATA) SPEC 2000 automated identification and data capture guidelines and to jointly host the sessions.

RFID involves 'smart label' identification tags installed throughout an airplane that store data including part and serial numbers, manufacturer codes, country of origin, date of installation and maintenance and inspection information. The tags contain a microchip and antenna and offer significant advantages over similar technologies, including no line-of-sight requirement for data transmission and a dynamic read/write capability.

The forums are June 8-9 in Atlanta, August 10-11 in Hong Kong, and October 19-20 in Munich. Participants will include airlines, aviation suppliers, regulatory agencies and third-party maintenance providers.

The events will offer detailed background information on recently completed in-service evaluations of RFID technology and will address industry concerns such as interference, certification, and standards.

For complete details and to register for any of the forums, please visit: http://www.globalaviationrfidforum.com.

RFID System: Maxell Corporation Brings Benefits of Smaller Footprint 13.56 MHz ...

From Business Wire (press release) ... America today announced a significant market expansion into the life sciences industry, with new customer engagements and the launch of its RFID-embedded test ...

...With Maxell's original Electro Fine Forming technology, the Coil-on-Chip RFID System is a radio-frequency identification system, featuring a precision, uniform-thickness antenna coil directly mounted on the surface of a tiny 2.5mm-square chip. When compared to conventional products, the Coil-on-Chip RFID system features lower cost, smaller size, and less deterioration through contact. Furthermore, this system can be attached on or embedded in various small objects...

Precision antenna coils mounted on the chip surface
With Maxell's original Electro Fine Forming technology, highly precise antenna coils can be mounted directly on the surface of silicon wafers. When compared to conventional 50mm-square contactless chips having external antenna coils, Coil-on-Chip RFID systems rarely malfunction due to deterioration of contacts or mechanical stress, because there is no external soldering connection between the antenna coils and the chips.

Applicable to various products and packaging
Compact, RFID chips can be attached to various materials having various shapes such as cards, coin-shaped tokens, mini-mold,etc .Because of their easy embedding and attachment, contactless IC chips feature a wide variety of applications to meet users'need.

Maxell’s Coil-on-Chip RFID system provides a wide variety of lineups ranging from those with memory capacity of 128 bytes up to 4K bytes, including the ME-Y2000 series, the latest addition to its lineup. Users have a wide range of options to choose from to configure for their most suitable user applications.
Reader/Writer modules supporting the ME-Y2000 series can also access the ME-Y1001 chip, allowing you to intermingle various types of chips...

Various types of Reader/Writer modules are available for Maxell’s Coil-on-Chip RFID system. Users have a wide range of options to choose from depending on their required specifications for each application, such as types of host interfaces, communication distance, power consumption, number of antenna channels, etc. It is also easy to quickly incorporate these systems into equipment, such as inspection machines, printers, copying machines, measuring instruments, game machines, and other manufacturing equipment...

Since its foundation in 1960, Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. has led the electronics industry at home and abroad in the fields of storage media and batteries. The Company boasts best-in-class technologies and development capabilities in these two core business fields, and as a result Maxell products are well regarded all over the world.

Business conditions are becoming more conducive to the realization of ubiquitous communications in global society. Ubiquitous networks are becoming irreplaceable not only in corporate business activities, but in our daily lives as well, working unobtrusively in the background as we benefit from this communications infrastructure. Moreover, ubiquitous networks enable the creation of new communities, opening up limitless possibilities.

Maxell is combining its core technologies in batteries and storage media to spur the organic growth of a new business in mobile communications devices. We believe that our technologies and products, borne of these core competencies, contribute to a higher standard of living the world over. Polishing our strengths, and based on our "Memory and Mobility" slogan, we will carry on with conscious reforms and restructuring while adopting new perspectives to remain a company trusted and supported by society, today and in future generations. Maxell makes every effort to continually increase the reliability of its products through technology.

RFID Tags: The Innovative Trade Network Announces Arrival of First Operation ...

From TMCnet ... devices, centralized data consolidation software, off-gas analyses, independent container inspection, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, automated ...

RFID Improves Intermodal Connectivity

Interstate-35 Corridor Coalition - This coalition was formed to support a high-priority corridor from Laredo to Duluth, Minnesota. The I-35 Priority Corridor will cut the driving time between Chicago and Mexico City by as much as 40 percent, to 36 hours. Currently it takes trucks crossing the Rio Grand 8 to 12 hours just to get past the border. Included in the Corridor Coalition design are arrangements for building customs inspection stations at a few spots along the highway, allowing the trucks to be checked and then sealed hundreds of miles away from the congested crossings at Laredo. The tracking technologies used will include "smart cards" containing an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) microchip to identify the truck. Assuming the seal was unbroken when the truck crossed the Mexican border, the truck could avoid long lines at the border inspection stations and drive North through the interior. The smart cards could also be used to automate the payment of fees or weight penalties owed to US states traversed en route. The infrastructure required for the corridor would include a fiber-optic cable along the Interstate-35 which would be connected at numerous points to short-range transmitters which would send a radio signal. The signal would interact with the smart cards in the trucks and identify each one to the appropriate computer system, so that highway authorities could ensure that trucks weren’t deviating from the routes they had paid to use.

Critical Technology Elements: Today’s large-fleet trucking companies are equipped with a number of electronic devices in heavy trucks operating in long-haul corridors. These devices allow the driver to pay tolls electronically, keep a trip log for hours-of-service reports, carry cargo manifest and bill-of-lading information on the on-board computer (OBC), perform scheduling and dispatching functions, monitor the performance of the engine or the temperature-sensitive cargo, and carry records of vehicle safety inspections. A typical high-technology truck is likely to be equipped with what is referred to as a "mobile terminal," equipped with devices such as a satellite receiver, an OBC, a data communication unit for processing data that allows messages between drivers and dispatchers to be sent via the satellite connections, a continuous tracking antenna, and an electric motor that keeps the antenna aligned with the satellite. More recently, heavy truck fleets are likely to be equipped with a modem-equipped personal computer for accessing the Internet for load dispatching information. The mobile terminal also includes a removable memory cartridge to transfer data to an office microcomputer or to pass from the recorder to a radio or satellite data receiver for relay to dispatch office ...

RFID in Transportation: The Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation System Projects

The Department of Transportation has been working on three Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) intermodal freight projects in coordination with the Secretary’s Office of Intermodalism. The three projects are Air Cargo Electronic Supply Chain Manifest, Electronic Seal System for Container Movement, and Asset Cargo Tracking. All three projects were originally designed to improve various aspects of freight mobility and efficiency. However, all three have as part of their design the ability to pinpoint location of freight assets and cargo based upon the latest reporting point. This can be either with fixedpoint, land-based readers, global positioning satellite readers, cellular network readers, or a combination of the three. If we are lacking knowledge related to the contents of a container or a trailer at anytime or
anywhere in the US, each of these projects has features that will help us to advance to meeting that objective.

The Air Cargo project is designed to handle chain of custody of cargo from its origination at a manufacturer/shipper to its end destination at the receiving air cargo facility or at the end destination customer. In route the originator, carrier and receiver of the goods uses a smart card to hand-off the freight between custodians. The smart card contains the biometric identifier of a thumb-print, the electronic manifest and an image of the driver’s commercial
driver license. All data is stored in a central server and is accessible through the internet. The Electronic Seal project is designed to track containers in-bond from the point of inspection to the destination of the container, through seaports and across land border crossings. The e-seal is a radio frequency device that emits a signal as it passes reader devices, and will display information as to whether or not tampering has occurred with the container.
The Asset Cargo Tracking project is designed primarily to track the chassis, that containers ride on, anywhere in the US. It also is designed for the chassis to know when a container is on it, and when it is tethered to a truck tractor. The information on location of chassis can be sent to a central data processing point by way of radio frequency identification (transponder),
cellular signal or global positioning system signal (satellite). If the container is equipped with a radio frequency device (transponder), the chassis tracking device will read the tag and can convey cargo information to a central data processing point. This project is expanding to include testing of e-seals.

All three of these projects hold promise toward helping the US meet a security objective of establishing an information system that will help those with a need-to-know what is on a container or trailer at any time, anywhere. For more information on these projects contact Mike Onder, DOT Office of Freight
Management and Operations...

RFID will play a key role in reusable container tracking.

The tracking process should provide reliable data, such as, dwell time of returnables, cycle length per container and per trip, inspection, repair, cleaning and usage. RFID tags with a passive read/write system allow for tags to be reprogrammed and revised while the tag remains attached to container.

There is an ANSI draft standard, MH10.8.4 , for Unit Loads and Transport Packages – RFID Tags for Returnable Containers. The standard has been reviewed and revised recently.