RFID enables Fembot interactivity

Cool robotics enabled by RFID technology ...

... "She's also got an RFID reader, which scans the objects in her hand (obviously said object must have an RFID tag to recognize) ... " ...

Via CNET: German Fembot

Facebook RFID Presence Check

Facebook spices up their f8 Conference with location awareness. ...

... "have given all attendees a small RFID tag attached to their conference badge. This tag is a part of something called Facebook Presence which allows you to check-in ... " ...

Via TechCrunch: Facebook Presence Location

Attaching RFID Tags

Alien RFID Applied to Fish Crates for Traceability

Alien Tech supports RFID traceability application for Pack and Sea A/S, the Danish fish crate tracking consortium. ...

... "Pack and Sea is the largest consortium of commercial fishermen in Denmark. They required very durable RFID tags on hundreds of thousands of plastic crates to withstand routine supply chain logistics processes including high temperature cleanings and the continuous exposure of the reusable assets within a highly saline environment. Seawater is a very aggressive corrosive substance so it was critical to provide an extremely rugged and proven tag design solution. After subjecting all UHF Gen 2 inlays available in the marketplace to rigorous tests, we selected Alien’s Higgs-3 Squiggle inlay which provided the most consistent and long read range, so it was an obvious choice to make. " ...

Via Alien Technology: Fish crate tracking application

FRICK RFID Recommendation

Frost & Sullivan recognizes William Frick & Company with an Award for Customer Value Enhancement, based on its RFID market analysis. ...

... "FRICK has established itself as one of the most reliable vendors of RFID solutions in North America and is currently one of the leaders in the RFID tag market. This has been driven by the success of the SmartMark line of products. SmartMark is a suite of durable RFID tags and labels, with most of them currently built on the Gen 2 Passive UHF protocol. " ...

Via PRNewswire: Success in RFID Solutions

Clinical RFID Tagging

RFID tag will be used as marker for surgery. ...

... "This device and associated clinical techniques promise a major advance for patients and their doctors. Since lesions can be marked days or weeks prior to surgical biopsy, the scheduling of the localization procedure and surgical procedure can be uncoupled, a great advance in logistics and workflow. Surgeons will have the potential benefit of active intra-operative localizations, and pathologists may be able to use the tag to help guide tissue inspection.

We are hopeful that multiple tags may allow bracketing of lesions. We believe that the SenoRx RFID procedure will also offer the advantages of no radiation and the capacity for the surgeon to inspect the breast pre-operatively at any time after the RFID tag is implanted using the detector/reader in order to confirm that the RFID tag is easily detectable from the skin surface and to help plan the best surgical approach. The detector/reader includes a pencil-like probe that is used intra-operatively to pinpoint the location of the tag. " ...

Via SenoRx: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Device

SenoRx RFID Medical Tag

SenoRx will use the Congress of The Radiological Society of North America to study the market for its new radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for medical applications. ...

... "SenoRx will be conducting market research for its new RFID tag and accompanying handheld reader which the company believes may be the next generation lesion localization device. The company recently submitted a 510(k) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because the RFID tag is completely contained inside the breast, SenoRx believes that the close schedule coordination which is currently required between the radiologist and the surgeon performing the two separate procedures is significantly reduced. " ...

Via CNN Money: SenoRx Market Research for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Device

RFID Bill Vetoed in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Governor, Donald L. Carcieri, vetoes legislation that would have limited the use of data generated from RFID tracking of students and driving statistics. ...

... "The governor vetoed two bills that would have banned the use of RFID tags to track students and would have required police and other law enforcement agencies to get court orders before they could get access to toll data ... " ...

Via The Providence Journal: Rhode Island Governor

RFID Reader Firmware Improves Stray Tag Elimination

Sirit updates its INfinity 510 firmware to release 3.0 and introduces improvements, such as enhancing the reading of tags at dock doors or portals with stray tag elimination. ...

... "The 3.0 firmware introduces Stray Tag Elimination technology (STE). This powerful addition allows customers to differentiate between tags that are actively transitioning the RF field and tags that are in the field but not moving. STE is particularly important around portals, such as a dock door, or for electronic article surveillance. The reader is able to distinguish between those tags moving through a portal or an exit separately from stationary tags in the vicinity of the portal. " ...

Via SIRIT: INfinity 510 RFID Reader

RFID Use on Metal Cylinders

Intel Labs WISP RFID

A look inside Intel research laboratory shows emerging products such as the WISP that leverages RFID technology to power the tag. ...

... "David Wetherall showed me WISP (Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform, see photo left), a type of enhanced RFID tag that contains sensors and a microcontroller and gets its power from an ultrahigh-frequency RFID reader. " ...

Via Xconomy: Intel Labs

BAP RFID Tag Long Range Read

RFID Sniffing Creates Interactivity

Sniff, the dog, deploys RFID sniffing to create an interactive environment for children with sight impairment. ...

Sniff from timo on Vimeo.

Sniff Dog Design: "uses Radio Frequency IDentification technology to Sniff: identify objects that he comes close to, which trigger behaviors that are expressed through sound and vibration. "

Developed by Sara Johansson.

Omni-ID RFID Ultra Tag

Omni-ID brings a new suite of radio frequency identification products to the manufacturing, transportation, and defense markets. ...

... "The Ultra is the longest read range, passive RFID tag currently available on the market today by a significant margin. In addition, the Ultra offers global functionality without any compromise in performance - an extremely important feature for applications being tracked internationally. By providing a balanced performance on, off, and near metals and liquids, Omni-ID Ultra protects customer investments and enables them to use the tags on different materials and in mixed-use environments. " ...

Via Omni-ID: New RFID Product Suite

RFID Tag Product Configurator

UPM Raflatac and Hansaprint have collaborated to create an NFC RFID tag portal that enable customer configuration of NFC-integrated print products online. ...

... "Using TagAge is easy. After choosing a suitable product type and size, the customer can upload the desired layout in PDF or one of the popular image formats. The customer selects the RFID tag type, positions it on the product and chooses an optional tag encoding information such as a url or SMS. Products can also be saved in a personal archive for later retrieval, editing and ordering. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: New NFC RFID tag portal

RFID Drives Aquarium Kiosk Interactivity

Design firm integrates RFID technology in aquarium exhibit to improve interactivity with the audience. ...

... "When an item is picked up, the claw reads an RFID tag embedded in the object, which triggers animation on the kiosk screen providing further information. " ...

Via Digital Signage Expo: Shedd Aquarium’s Oceanarium

TAGSYS RFID Archive Tag

TAGSYS has introduced library RFID systems improvements, such as the Folio Archive Tag that secures high value documents and collections. ...

... "The new Folio Archive Tag is the first TAGSYS RFID label to be fully ISO 9706 certified. It includes features such as a 40-year data retention, removable pH neutral adhesive and permanent paper. The label is fully qualified to secure high value collections of documents and archives. " ...

Via TAGSYS: Library RFID Infrastructure

Thin RFID Tags

Murata shrinks its RFID tag size. ...

... "The device is 1.6 x 1.0 x 0.25mm and Murata says its volume has been reduced by 89% compared to the first generation module. " ...

Via UK New Electronics: Thinner RFID modules

RFID Tag Filtering

Apparel RFID Finland

Mirror Ztamp RFID Tag Responds

Ztamp RFID tags bring the Nazbatag to life and could enable events in your life or business processes. ...

... "When the system detects a Ztamp it activates the particular response that you've selected in the software. " ...

Via Fast Company: Violet Mirror

RFID Supply Chain Information

RFID Access Control at Ski Event

UPM Raflatac's RFID inlays are used to enable access control for the men's FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and Piemonte Mondiale 2009 event in Sestriere, Italy. ...

... "At Piemonte Mondiale, all persons authorized by the event organizer were issued with an RFID-enabled plastic ID card carrying their personal data and access rights. These cards were used by all persons permitted to enter, including press, athletes and invited VIPs, authorities and operators. The same procedure was applied to vehicular access: authorized vehicles were issued an RFID-enabled ID pass. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: Alpine Ski World Cup

RFID Container Standards

ISO tech spec will ensure RFID tags perform in the container supply chain. ...

... "ISO/TS 10891:2009 provides specifications and test methods for RFID devices used for automatic identification of freight containers in supply chains. " ...

Via Refrigerated Transporter: RFID container tags

RFID Challenges at LA Port

Startup problems are experienced with RFID technology at Los Angeles ports, causing truck traffic congestion. ...

... "The ports began charging $35 per 20-foot container unit on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and used RFID to control the access. In some cases, the RFID didn’t work ... " ...

Via Land Line: RFID tag problems, LA Ports

Secure NFC RFID Tag

UPM Raflatac introduces RaceTrack NFC RFID tag that demonstrates global performance and improved security. The new product is ISO 14443A compliant and integrates NXP's Mifare UL C integrated circuit. ...

... "The RaceTrack NFC product offers a 1536-bit programmable read-only memory which is electronically erasable (EEPROM), 3DES authentication and cloning protection. These new features make the RaceTrack NFC tag an excellent choice for various NFC and ticketing applications. RaceTrack NFC is also compatible in applications using tags with earlier generation versions of NXP’s Mifare integrated circuits. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: NFC RFID tag with enhanced security features

United Airlines RFID Baggage Tags for Frequent Flyers

RFID Tag Manufacturing Line

ePassport RFID Challenges

The RFID technology in e-passports and enhanced drivers licenses present a security challenge. Privacy and border security can be at risk from unauthorized reading of the RFID tags. ...

... "The tags are inexpensive and can, in ideal conditions, be read from about 150 feet away -- an unusually long range for RFID, says Ari Juels, director and chief scientist at RSA Laboratories ... " ...

Via MIT Tech Review: Security Problem

RFID Advance Shipment Notice

DOD uses Advance Shipment Notice (ASN) transactions in combination with RFID tagging to synchronize the arriving RFID tag ID with the contents of an inbound shipment. ...

... "The current acceptable method for ASN submission is through Wide Area Workflow (WAWF). The RFID mandate requires that all vendors who are contractually obligated to affix passive RFID tags to material must also send an ASN via WAWF. The ASN is not a new process/transaction, but it is the same existing Material Inspection Receiving Report (MIRR) transaction being sent to WAWF with additional data (RFID data elements) added to the transaction. " ...

Via Defense Logistics and Materiel Readiness: Radio Frequency Identification

RFID Chip Clone

Vulnerability analysis by RSA and the University of Washington discusses use of RFID tag identifier to combat cloning activities. ...

... "Cloning: We report on the data format of Passport Cards and WA EDLs and demonstrate their apparent susceptibility to straightforward cloning into off-the-shelf EPC tags. " ...

Via RSA: EPC RFID Tags in Security Applications: Passport Cards, Enhanced Drivers Licenses, and Beyond (PDF)

Library RFID Security Focus

Cynthiana-Harrison Public Library deploys 3M Library Systems for security management this fall. The library will install 3M Series 8900 single-corridor detection units leveraging RFID technology to enable checkout process. Books will be marked with an RFID tag to signal check-in and check-out. ...

... "Tagging of some 50,000 circulation items has begun, and installation is expected to be completed by the end of November. Cynthiana Library Director Pat Barnes says the RFID tags eventually may serve more than one purpose, enabling the library to automate such circulation management functions as checkout and return, sorting and inventory. " ...

Via 3M RFID: RFID Security System

RFID Temperature Logging Tag

CAEN RFID releases new temperature logger semipassive tag that satisfies the need for low cost and small footprint with a long battery lifetime. It can serve as a pallet-tag and a case-tag. This RFID tag will provide a localized measurement of temperature. ...

... "The EASY2LOG Temperature Logger (Mod. A927Z) is a low cost, semi-passive UHF tag that allows to monitor temperature sensitive products during transportation or storage. Being compatible with the EPC Class1 Gen2/ISO18000-6C standard, EASY2LOG can be used with most of the Gen2 UHF RFID readers available on the market without requiring any additional equipment. " ...

Via CAEN RFID: New RFID temperature logger for food and pharma industry

Metal-Mounted RFID Tags

RFID Security Pedestal Library Inventory Transactions

RFID Electronic Toll Interoperability

TransCore launches the eZGo Anywhere standard onboard unit to support nationwide interoperability for electronic collection systems for tolls. The system support wireless payment of tolls as motorists travel across states. ...

... "The eZGo Anywhere onboard unit (OBU) operates in the 902-928 MHz frequency ranges, and is a high-speed, high-performance RFID tag suitable for electronic toll collection and traffic management applications where a standard on-board unit is specified. It is a read-write OBU that supports adding and editing data to the OBU at high speeds in real-time. The TransCore eZGo Anywhere OBU employs advanced security techniques that ensure a tag's authenticity while preventing data corruption and/or alteration. In addition, tag cloning, spoofing, copying, or duplicating is prevented. eZGo Anywhere OBUs support factory programming of fixed data fields that are locked at the factory and cannot be reprogrammed. Agency read-only data fields are programmed by the agency using password-protected programming equipment. eZGo Anywhere OBU cases are constructed of highly durable, impact resistant, molded plastic and are available in five colors. Markings on the OBU assist patrons in the proper installation and orientation. eZGo Anywhere OBUs are available in waterproof, driver feedback, and exterior-mount models. eZGo Anywhere features a non-replaceable internal battery with a decade’s worth of lifespan based upon typical usage. " ...

Via Transcore: RFID-based eZGo Anywhere Tag for National Interoperable Electronic Toll Collection

Alliance for Toll Interoperability: "The Alliance is being created to promote, research, and implement interoperability concepts to allow existing and new agencies to better utilize today’s technologies to operate their facilities while minimizing revenue loss due to unavailable or inaccurate information. "

RFID Nazbatag Book Demonstration

Book reading is demonstrated ...

RFID Tags Toll Road

Florida SunPass system adopts TransCore eGo Plus radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker tag as the SunPass mini. ...

... "The newer, more versatile and affordable tags overcome the cost barrier to widespread adoption of electronic toll collection technology, making it more attractive to migrate to all electronic toll roads and increase the number of customers who pay tolls wirelessly versus manually. The more than three million hardcase SunPass tags currently in use will work alongside the new mini tags.

The eGo Plus sticker tag is a 915 MHz radio frequency programmable, beam-powered, windshield-mounted tag. Packaged as a flexible sticker, this tag is ideal for applications that require low-cost, easily installed tags and is appropriate for electronic toll collection, airport access and ground transportation management systems, parking access, and security access. The tag supports multiple protocols, making it easy to migrate from a mixed-tag population to a common tag. Each eGo Plus sticker tag comes equipped with a factory-programmed unique tag identification number that prevents the tag from being duplicated. The eGo Plus, batteryless sticker tag offers a read range of up to 31.5 feet (9.6 meters) and 2048-bit read/write memory at a fraction of the cost of older, less flexible RFID technology. The tag provides the capability to read, write, rewrite, or permanently lock individual bytes. " ...

Via Transcore: Statewide SunPass Electronic Toll Collection System Orders 1.5 Million Tags

RFID KUTag

KU researchers have developed high-performance, low-cost, and thin RFID tag that will perform well on metal or liquid containers. ...

... "Deavours foresees the KU-Tag, which is thinner than a quarter, transforming internal asset tracking, allowing users to reliably place RFID tags on any object regardless of what it is made of or contains. For example, electronic readers placed throughout a manufacturing plant could send out radio signals to which each tag would respond with its identifying information. " ...

Via University of Kansas, Information and Telecommunication Technology Center: KU RFID Tag

RFID Green Applications for Monitoring Beijing Olympics

AIM Global sees application of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies in enabling green capabilities as a growth market segment. ...

... "Vehicle emissions monitoring using RFID is being implemented at this summer's Olympics in Beijing to help supervise air quality. Emissions testing is required for all vehicles travelling in and out of Beijing. An RFID tag is embedded in a decal which is placed on the windshield if the vehicle passes the emissions test. A handheld reader is used to check vehicles on the road. This application will continue even after the 2008 Summer Olympics to help reduce pollution in the city. " ...

Via AIM Global: Increased Acceptance, Utilization Of RFID Technologies in Green Applications

Monza3 RFID Improves Performance

Impinj's new Monza 3 RFID tag ups the game in radio frequency identification performance. RFID write sensitivity and interference performance is improved. ...

... "Up to 40% improvement in tag read sensitivity: increases readability of tags on previously difficult to tag items and materials such as metals, liquids and products within densely packed cases and pallets
significantly expands tag placement options ... " ...

Via Impinj: Newest UHF Gen 2 Chip Offering Improves Data Accuracy and Enables New Applications

RFID Ink Tattoo Identification

Ink-based RFID is being piloted on cows for identification, which will replace the physical RFID ear tags. ...

... "You've just made a new kind of tattoo identification, and it's being used on cows. " ...

Via kwmu: Tattoo Identification

RFID Mobile Scenarios

Mobile applications of the future will be enabled by RFID location-awareness, higher bandwith capabilities, and three dimensional analysis. ...

... "The technician approaches a junction box and uses the phone to scan an RFID tag at the location. Once she opens the junction box, the technician uses the phone to view true 3D representations of the proper configuration of the cables in the box. " ...

Via Directions Magazine: Mobile Future

64Kb RFID Tag

Fujitsu introduces high-capacity RFID tag that delivers high-speed data writing and durability. The product is targeted for applications in highly efficient aircraft maintenance processes. Its high memory capacity (64KB RFID tag) supports automated data exchange and data management for tracking important assets over their lifecycles in the aviation supply chain. ...

... "Fujitsu developed a 64 KB high-capacity RFID tag memory for the aviation industry. Fujitsu's new RFID tag will increase the quality and the efficiency of aircraft maintenance operations by enabling the traceability of various products and maintenance information for parts exchanged between companies and across nations around the world. Overall, customers will realize improved supply chain management through shorter cycle times and lower costs. " ...

Via Fujitsu: World's First 64KByte High-Capacity FRAM RFID Tag for Aviation

NXP RFID Tags G2X IC Based

UPM Raflatac introduces UHF EPC Class1 Gen2 products that are built on UCODE G2X ICs from NXP. The G2X IC performns over the entire range of UHF frequency and can manage 240 bit EPC numbers. ...

... "It also offers reliable operation across long read ranges and in dense reader environments. G2X ICs are EPCglobal Class1 Gen2 1.2.0 compliant. UPM Raflatac is launching four different products with the G2X IC: Web, Belt, DogBone and ShortDipole. Sample quantities of Web are available immediately; Belt, ShortDipole and DogBone from January 2008 onwards. " ...

Via UPM Raflatac: New RFID tags based on NXP G2XM/L ICs

RFID Stack Tag Enable Document Tracking

Magellan Tech delivers RFID products with Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM), called StackTag technology. Their PJM-enabled tags support the international standard ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 2 and communicate with RFID readers when the tags are stacked without any separation. ...

... "This unique attribute enables the reliable tracking of original documents, including single page documents, on desks, in folders, on shelves, or in archive boxes. Keeping track of original documents once they are signed and kept as evidence is important due to legal and auditing purposes. This is especially vital at law firms, financial institutions, hospitals, government offices, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as educational institutions for tracking documents such as original exam papers. Original documents often travel from department to department, and as they are handled by more and more people, the likelihood of their being misplaced or lost increases dramatically. Only Magellan's unique PJM StackTag technology can effectively communicate with hundreds of tightly stacked tags that have virtually no separation, like RFID tags on single page documents. Today all other RFID tags stop working when they are next to each other and could not be reliably used for document tracking. " ...

Via Magellan Technology: Track single page RFID tagged documents in stacks

Solar RFID Reader Powers Asset Tracking System

Savi Technology deploys solar-powered Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and signposts that lower energy usage and costs and enable real-time asset tracking. In many cases, Army bases may be in remote locations with limited power. Solar energy is being used more frequently in remote RFID networks. ...

... "Solar energy provides an energy efficient and environmentally friendly power source for users' RFID hardware, and also eliminates the need to install electrical infrastructure in remote areas where there is no fixed reader infrastructure. Savi engineers mounted solar panels and RFID signposts on poles located at a major U.S. Army supply facility in Kuwait. The solar-powered signposts activate RFID tags attached to vehicles or pieces of equipment. The tags then report the assets' positions to nearby RFID readers, which relay the information to Savi Site Manager software that automatically updates the assets' latest location. These tools enable the facility to track more than 25,000 tags per day. " ...

Via Savi Technology: RFID Asset Tracking Uses Solar Power

RFID Tag For Metal Liquid Applications

Intelleflex SMT-7100 is an advanced RFID tag that performs well in metal and liquid applications. ...

Alien RFID Vehicle Tracks Employee Parking

Alien Technology partners with STS Technology to implement vehicle tracking solution for the Municipality of Pendik in Istanbul, Turkey. ...

... "The Municipality of Pendik has installed the STS/Alien RFID vehicle tracking solution for their employee parking lots. Employee and company vehicles now will feature an Alien RFID tag mounted on the vehicle window with fixed position ALR-8800 readers mounted at various entry/exit points within the parking lots. " ...

Via Alien Technology: STS Integrates Turkey’s First EPC-Compliant Vehicle Tracking Solution with Alien Readers and Tags at the Municipality of Pendik, Istanbul

Evaluate RFID Kit: Far and Near Field Tag Applications

Impinj launches the GrandPrix Evaluation Kit which enables assessment of the company's far-field and near-field UHF RFID solutions for pallet-, case-, and item-level tagging applications. ...

... "The first suite of UHF RFID assessment products and tools to include item-level testing capability, the GrandPrix Evaluation Kit comprises: 1 Speedway UHF Gen 2 reader with power supply, 2 far-field antennas, 1 Brickyard near field antenna, Sample pack of Monza chip-powered UHF Gen 2 tags for pallet-, case-, and item-level tagging applications provided by Impinj tag and inlay partners
MultiReader host application software, Supporting documentation, including the Speedway Quick Start Guide and the Speedway User Guide. " ...

Via Impinj: Dock Door to Front Door RFID Evaluation Kit

Metro Supplier RFID Tag Pilot

METRO Group's Tag It Easy! pilot uses Checkpoint RFID labels to manage the inbound supply-side of its supply chain in Asia to Germany. ...

... "The METRO Group expects that the RFID pilot will optimize efficiency and transparency in the international flow of goods. Access to more-accurate, real-time shipment data will help the retailer improve control over its international supply chain, resulting in lower warehousing costs and reduced out-of-stock situations.

METRO Group has standardized on UHF EPC Gen 2 tags for compliance to all regional requirements: 917 - 922 MHz for China; 920 - 925 MHz for Hong Kong; and 865.6 - 867.6 MHz for Europe. The RFID tags on the labels provided by Checkpoint will store the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), which will be read at several points along the supply chain from Hong Kong to Unna, Germany. The METRO Group will receive an electronic delivery note in advance of the shipment, detailing the container content. The supplier also benefits, by gaining detailed proof of package delivery. The pilot will run for three months, and the METRO Group expects to extend the project to include several other Asian suppliers at a future date if the concept proves to be feasible. " ...

METRO Group and Checkpoint Systems Partner to Help Suppliers Tag it Easy

RFID Discovery Services

Afilias will offer its Discovery Services for free to RFID supply chain pilot programs through 2007. ...

... "Afilias Discovery Services provide a unique standards-based solution that companies can implement to link their supply chain partners to historical information concerning the life cycle of RFID tags, while still keeping competitive data secure. " ...

Via Afilias: Free Discovery Services for RFID Pilots

Point-of-Payment RFID Solutions Enables Customer Experience For Unattended Applications

RCD Technology and Innovative Control Systems collaborate to improve point-of-payment (POP) terminals through integration of application-optimized RFID tags, that have been piloted in automated car wash applications. ...

... "The enhancement of its POP terminals with optional RFID technology improves the overall consumer experience by enabling the customization of service offerings to suit individual preferences. Businesses that deploy the RFID tags benefit from the improved customer experience as well as the security provided by the vehicle-specific nature of the tags. The RFID tags are placed on the vehicle and destroyed if removed; guaranteeing that only the proper vehicle receives the services and benefits of the program. RCD's patented RFID tag fabrication process enables the production of an almost endless array of application-optimized tags for new and emerging RFID applications. In this case, ICS required a tag that enabled an adequate read distance, yet was unobtrusive and secure. The resulting UHF label produced by RCD meets all these requirements and also includes a customized ICS logo and a human-readable ID number. " ...

Via RCD Technology: RCD-produced tags provide new levels of flexibility and security for businesses using unattended Point-of-Payment terminals ...

LIME RFID Tag Secure Encryption of Item-Level Data

SecureRF Corp introduces the LIME RFID-Tag, which is a battery-assisted passive tag with security technology that authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag. It can be used at the item-level that only allows authorized readers to access the sensitive information on the tag. The company will begin deployment of the LIME tag in the pharmaceutical industry supply chain. The RFID tag will support authentication and data protection to address drug counterfeiting through cryptographic methods that translate into an electronic seal. ...

... "The company's strong LIghtweight Multistream Encryption Tag (LIME Tag) is based on SecureRF and industry standard security protocols. SecureRF's solutions include integration technology that allows its tags to be used with most of today's Gen 2 compliant readers without the need for firmware upgrades. This will allow currently deployed systems to easily upgrade to a fully secured supply chain with little cost or change to their current network. Mike McGregor, formerly a lead RFID chip designer at Alien Technology Corp. and one of the industry's foremost RFID chip engineers, is in charge of creating the new LIME Tag. SecureRF's founders include three world-class mathematicians / cryptographers who developed the cryptographic algorithm. " ...

Via SecureRF: LIME Tag authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag ...

RFID Asset Tracking Starter Kit

AssetTrack Express is a new solution from Fluensee that enables companies to quickly and begin using asset tracking technology and RFID, at an inexpensive price point. ...

... "AssetTrack Express is an out-of-the-box RFID starter kit to manage assets that most companies can install and have up and running within a day. It includes everything necessary for companies to deploy RFID technology to automatically track and manage nearly any type of valuable asset. With this kit, companies can start exploiting RFID's many uses, such as monitoring, planning and tracking asset movements, and providing analytical reports that help improve asset utilization. The standard AssetTrack Express kit is comprised of Fluensee's sophisticated asset tracking software, a rugged handheld RFID reader, up to 250 assorted passive RFID tags, a quick set-up guide, as well as support services. For an additional cost, kit contents can be modified - to include stationary readers or alternative tag technologies, for example - based on the user's specific needs." ...

Via Fluensee: AssetTrack Express - RFID Starter Kit

Active RFID Tag: AeroScout T3 Advances Track and Trace

AeroScout Inc. introduces its AeroScout T3 Tag, an advanced, active RFID tag for asset and people track and trace applications. New features are: Small size credit-card rugged form factor; Efficient power consumption provides efficient use of battery life up to 4 years; Seamless indoor-outdoor reliability provides integrated RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) location options; And, choke point detection capability that enables the active RFID tag to be triggered at doorways, gateways or enclosed areas. ...

... "The AeroScout T3 Tag builds on the company's innovation and expertise as the creator of both the market's original Wi-Fi tag, and the current market-leading T2 Tag. The T3 Tag combines the proven benefits of AeroScout's asset tracking capabilities with a new streamlined, flat shape, low power consumption, and advanced capabilities to meet a wide variety of customer needs. " ...

Via Aeroscout: AeroScout Launches T3 Series Wi-Fi-Based Active RFID Tag ...

Hitachi RFID: Smart Dust Realized

Hitachi introduces RFID tag, sized in the 0.05 millimeter range, that will achieve the concept of smart dust. ...

... "The world's smallest and thinnest RFID tags were introduced Tuesday by Hitachi. " ...

Via LiveScience: New Chip Size

DOD RFID Final Rule Adopted

DOD adopts final RFID rule and will require the use of Gen-2 RFID tags. ...

... "DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to include additional commodities and locations that require package marking with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The rule requires contractors to affix passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels when shipping packaged petroleum, lubricants, oils, preservatives, chemicals, additives, construction and barrier materials, and medical materials to specified DoD locations.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2007)

(a) Passive RFID tag means a tag that reflects energy from the reader / interrogator or that receives and temporarily stores a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response.
(1) Until February 28, 2007, the acceptable tags are --

(i) EPC Class 0 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 0 specification; and (ii) EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 specification. This includes both the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Class 1 specifications.

(2) Beginning March 1, 2007, the only acceptable tags are EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 specification. Class 0 and Class 1 Generation 1 tags will no longer be accepted after February 28, 2007. " ...

Via Federal Register: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Radio Frequency Identification (DFARS Case 2006-D002)

RFID Patent iCE Invention Bridges Tags

Syscan receives broad patent for iCE technology from Canadian Patent Office. ...

... "Syscan believes that iCE is a significant leap forward in the evolution of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification); not only for the Company's selected verticals in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and the military but throughout the entire spectrum of RFID. With iCE, the real-time desktop monitoring of remote assets can be significantly enhanced and the much predicted internet of things made more functional.

Syscan's iCE invention was developed using an energy-efficient dynamic bi-directional communications protocol that employs transmission windows to dramatically reduce the power consumption of Tag batteries, which comprise a major portion of the per-Tag cost. iCE Readers can access Tags that would normally be out of range by substituting other Tags that are within reach to temporarily act as communication bridges to relay data to the Reader. The architecture of the iCE RFID network can be defined by the Reader or the Tags according to their positions and characteristics. Once configured, the system is equipped with enough intelligence and is sufficiently dynamic to enable it to operate by itself without human intervention, regardless of whether or not there is a change in the position of the Tags or in their environment. " ...

Via Syscan: Syscan's Breakthrough RFID Technology Approved for Patent

China RFID SupplyChain: Exponential Growth Opportunity

Research report explores future market for RFID technology in China and discusses the government policies towards development of RFID in the country. ...

... "China is aware of the role RFID tags can play in improving the competence of manufacturing and supply chain management and data collection. Considering the vast variety of potential applications and the power it has to cut the supply chain costs significantly, the RFID market is anticipated to record an exponential growth in China in the coming years. " ...

China Banking on RFID

RFID Readiness Assessments: Tagging Objects

Avnet Technology Solutions and Stratum Global create partnership to focus on enterprise mobility solutions incorporating the RFID capabilities of TagNet. TagNet enables tracking of RFID-tagged objects (products, assets, or individuals). ...

... "The Avnet Enterprise Mobility team leverages its technical expertise and market experience to help partners develop and implement complete, custom enterprise mobility solutions encompassing hardware, software and services. The new relationship with Stratum Global complements Avnet's Enterprise Mobility initiative by providing RFID solutions for access control, asset management, compliance, high-volume conveyor tagging and closed-loop inventory location management. Stratum Global's TagNet RFID solution suite supports a variety of vertical industries, including defense, education, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. TagNet seamlessly integrates with most enterprise resource planning and business intelligence applications for complete end-to-end RFID event management.

As part of the new relationship between Avnet and Stratum Global, participating Avnet partners will be trained and certified to perform comprehensive RFID readiness assessments. The readiness assessments include an in-depth business analysis for end customers and the creation of a roadmap for developing and implementing RFID solutions. By working with Avnet and Stratum Global, channel partners can design and implement custom, integrated RFID hardware and software solutions for their customers, as well as establish plans for long-term scaleable end solutions. " ...

Via Avnet Inc.: Enterprise Mobility RFID Solutions

RFID Tags: Rubee Network Protocol For Visibility

An IEEE working group will develop standard for RuBee visibility networks. The first meeting is planned for February 20th ahead of the two-day RFID Smart Labels Conference. The IEEE Standards Association is a globally recognized standards-setting body and develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of an industry together. It has more than 375,000 members in approximately 150 countries. ...

... "RuBee networks operate at long-wavelengths and accommodate low-cost radio tags at ranges to 100 feet. The standard, IEEE P1902.1, RuBee Standard for Long Wavelength Network Protocol, will allow for networks encompassing thousands of radio tags operating below 450 KHz. RuBee networks provide for real-time inventory under harsh environments, e.g., near metal and water and in the presence of electromagnetic noise. RuBee radio tags, which can be either active or passive, have proven battery lives of ten years or more using inexpensive lithium batteries. " ...

Via IEEE: First Meeting of Working Group For IEEE RuBee(TM) Network Standard to Occur in Boston on 20 Feb.

3M RFID Library Productivity

3M Library Systems introduces new features into its workstations that make them fast, reliable and easy-to-use RFID products in the library environment. ...

... "Like its 3M predecessor model, the 3M Model 946 - with its ergonomic design - performs checkout or return in one step, combining RFID item identification and Tattle-Tape Security Strip from 3M in the same operation. The system also can perform bar code-to-RFID conversions for new acquisitions and smaller scale collections. For visual and audio media, it enables staff to verify that the case and item within match, without opening the case, and can confirm the presence of a sensitized Tattle-Tape Security Strip by means of a verifier light. Also introduced today was the 3M Conversion Station Model 812, an improved self-contained portable system for rapidly scanning bar codes and converting the data for RFID. Compared to its predecessor model, it contains a larger touch-sensitive screen, an easier-to-load 3M RFID tag dispenser, and the capability of converting all 3M RFID tag formats. Similar to its predecessor, 3M Model 812's sophisticated laser scanner is effective for virtually any bar code location or orientation, and provides a visible scan line that helps the user place items correctly. Because it does not require connection to an automated circulation system, the workstation can be easily moved on its cart for use in the stacks. The station also can reprogram RFID tags as items change. " ...

Via 3M Library Systems: 3M Unveils Two Advanced RFID Workstations with Additional Enhancements for Productivity and Security ...

Libraries are increasingly using RFID technology to manage their processes. ...

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:

... "With the 3M RFID system, everything in the library's collection is affixed with an RFID tag. The tag contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about each item's identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check out materials. Unlike barcode systems, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. " ...

Secure RFID through Partnership

SkyeTek and Atmel will partner to create secure HF reader and tag platforms for the RFID market. ...

... "The partnership between Atmel and SkyeTek will provide customers with an ultra-secure option for embedded RFID applications. Resulting solutions leverage CryptoRF's security features and the enterprise-class reliability and price-performance of the SkyeTek ReaderDNA and ReaderWare technology. This combination will provide customers with the ability to adapt RFID technology into existing applications and is well positioned to provide valuable solutions addressing ePedigree, patient safety, consumables authentication, item-level inventory management, and ticketing. SkyeTek's ReaderWare also provides the capability to upgrade the reader to support future tags, protocols, and cryptography via a firmware upgrade. " ...

Via SkyeTek: SkyeTek and Atmel Partner to Offer Industry Leading Secure RFID Technology ...

RFID Metal Packaging Works as Antenna

QinetiQ and Crown collaborate to develop adaptation of QinetiQ's Omni-ID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use on metal packaging. The improvements will enable RFID tags at the unit-level on metal items. Technology advancement is expected to integrate the metal substrate as part of the RFID tag's antenna. ...

... "This will enable brand owners to integrate ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags into metal packaging for a wide variety of applications at the single item level. Designed to mitigate issues such as signal reflection, detuning and grounding which reduce or negate RFID's effectiveness on metal packaging or with aqueous-based products, the unique technology leverages several of metal's inherent properties and shifts the format into an advantageous position.

QinetiQ's standalone Omni-ID tags and integrated Omni-ID packaging technology allows a UHF tag to be mounted directly onto the metal substrate. Measuring substantially less than 1mm in thickness, the unique Omni-ID structure collects and focuses RF energy and enables highly efficient coupling to the chip. Another advantage of the system is that RFID chips require only a short coupling antenna rather than the large dipole usually incorporated in UHF tags, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Crown and QinetiQ are continuing development of the technology for metal packaging to further optimize design. In the near future, it is expected that the metal substrate itself will have an integral role in the way the technology functions. Using a beverage or food can as an example, the can itself would serve as the antenna, simplifying production of the RFID tag and further reducing costs. " ...

Via Qinetiq: Crown teams up with QinetiQ to resolve challenges of RFID on metal packaging ...

RFID Nano-Battery Technology

mPhase Technologies plans to reinvent the design of batteries, that power portable electronic devices, freeing us from the fire-hazards of lithium ion batteries, ie. the ones that catch fire in laptop computers. mPhase is creating the Smart Nanobattery, which is a radical approach to energy storage using nanograss.

... "The company is developing a battery for potential use in consumer commerce and security applications like active RFID Radio Frequency ID tags; " ...

Via mPhase Tech: mPhase Technologies To Continue Its Development Of A Radical Improvement In Battery Technology Superior To Current Designs ...

RFID Animal Identification and Management

RFID technology supports the management of animals, such as cattle, and enables efficient and effective tracking of samples. ...

... "The animals also had management tags that were paired up with the RFID tag so each animal had two forms of identification. After the tag was read, the animal was given the tuberculin test to be read three days later. " ...

Via The Prairie Star: Animal Identification Using RFID Technology

RFID Tag: Radiation Resistant

AdvantaPure introduces the GammaTag, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag that is safely sterilizable by gamma radiation. ...

... "GammaTag provides reliable electronic identification and data storage of single-use/disposable components used in critical process industries, such as pharmaceutical, bioprocess/biomedical, food and beverage, and medical device. GammaTag easily attaches to components such as sample and production bags, tanks, filters, manifolds, tubing and hose, storage vessels, and to complete single-use systems. Several attachment methods - silicone tape, watchband style holders, pouches, and lamination - are available. GammaTag withstands gamma radiation up to 45 kGy (kilograys) and temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to 85°C (185°F). GammaTag's read/write ability makes it unique, as data may be written directly on the tag, unlike read-only bar code labels or tags. In conjunction with a handheld tag reader and software (known as PET, Process Equipment Tracking), GammaTag allows access to the current status of process components on the spot - simply aim the reader towards the tag to recall information or to write new data to the tag. " ...

Via AdvantaPure: AdvantaPure Introduces the Only Read/Write RFID Tag That's Gamma-Radiation Resistant ...

RFID Pioneer: CTO Role at Sirit

Bruce Roesner has been appointed to the position of Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Engineering at Sirit, where he will manage RFID product and solutions development across all application focus areas. ...

... "After starting his career with industry leaders like Hughes Aircraft Company, Burroughs Corporation and Applied Micro Circuits, Bruce has been an entrepreneur and technologist in the domains of IC design and RFID. He was the founder of a number of technology companies including Instant Circuit Holdings, SCS Corporation and ClarIDy Solutions. He was instrumental in the development of low-cost RFID tags used in inventory tracking and control applications which won him Most Innovative Product and Entrepreneurial Team of the Year awards. Mr. Roesner is the author of numerous publications and presentations on the subject of high technology electronics including RFID. He is also the holder of over 25 patents and earned a M.S.E.E. and Ph.D. in Solid State Electronics from Purdue University. " ...

Via Sirit: Sirit Appoints Pioneering RFID Engineer to Lead Development Team ...

RFID Pilot: Cardinal Health Completes

Cardinal Health completes its RFID pilot, which tested RFID tags for end-to-end pharma packaging and distribution business processes. The pilot tested the application of tags and the utilization of item level tracking techniques. Alien Technology, IBM, and Verisign provided hardware, software and implementation services. The application and encoding of the RFID tags approached 100 percent success rates. Reliable read rates were best achieved at the individual case level. The pilot was a fruitful learning experience for the pharma industry. ...

... "The pilot program tested whether ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags could be applied, encoded and read at normal production speeds during packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Verifying the authenticity of medications along each step of the distribution process adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. It is also hoped that RFID data could improve efficiencies in the supply chain. Pilot Program Background: In conducting the industry's first end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health used new technology to place RFID tags on the labels of brand-name solid-dose prescription drugs, then encoded the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products were shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data was read and authenticated as products were handled under typical operating conditions. Normal procedures were enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign.

RFID Labeling and Online Encoding: Data collected from the pilot suggest that it is feasible for RFID tags to be inlaid into existing FDA-approved pharmaceutical label stock, and the tags can be applied and encoded on packaging lines at normal operational speeds. Online encoding yields were 95 percent to 97 percent, and fine tuning of the process is expected to produce yields that approach 100 percent. The RFID tag application and encoding requires minimal adjustments to current labeling and packaging lines.

RFID Read Rates: Unit-level read rate data varied widely depending on the locations and type of reading stations throughout the supply chain. Highly reliable unit-level read rates in excess of 96 percent were found when reading individual cases one at a time and when reading units mixed with other products in tote containers prepared for delivery to a pharmacy. However, as expected, unit-level read rates were not found to be reliable when attempting to read units within a full pallet of product. " ...

Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Releases RFID Pilot Results ...

RFID Working Group

A very practical RFID working group is starting up to address best practices for RFID label and tag placement - How to tag pallets, case, items, and other challenging objects. It is called the Packaging and RFID Special Interest Group (SIG) sponsored by MIT's Auto ID Labs.

A consortium of companies will work together on this necessary topic. First meeting is slated for March 4 at MIT. There is an annual company membership which has incentive tiers for early sign-up.