RFID

1. RFID Radio Frequency Identification

2. Tags - thin enough to be embedded into a sheet of paper Retail Stores Wal-Mart

3. Automatic Identifying Method using Radio Waves for Communication by responding to queries from a RFID reader • RFID will eventually replace Barcodes

4. Three Identification Tag Types designed to both collect and transmit info.: • Passive • Requires no internal power source • Only active when reader is in close proximity to power and transmit • Minute current induced by RF signal provides sufficient power for tag to power up and transmit response • Contains non-volatile memory (secondary storage computer memory which retains stored info. when not powered similar to a hard disk) • Read distance is about 4 in. to 600 ft. • Semi-Passive • Requires a small battery as internal power source that powers only the microchip and not the signal broadcasting • Hibernates after periods of inactivity to conserve battery life unless energy from the reader is collected and stored to emit a future response, then the tag is operating active • Three main advantages: • Greater sensitivity than passive tags • Longer battery powered life cycle than active tags • Can perform active functions using it’s internal power when no reader is present for powering the circuitry • Active • Requires a small battery as internal power source to permit it to transmit in RF challenged environments (humidity, dampening targets such as humans and cattle which contain mostly water, reflective targets such as shipping containers and vehicles, or long distances • Remains continuously active for up to 10 years to provide real-time locationing • Usually larger and more expensive to manufacture in comparison to passive tags • Larger memories enable it to store additional information received from the reader. • Communication to readers is more reliable with fewer errors .

5. Tag Attachment • Attachable • Adhesive onto packaging, clothing, etc. • Implantable • Injected under the skin of humans and animals • Insertion • Between pages in books, pockets in clothing, etc. • Digestible • Consumed by humans and animals

6. Current Uses • Passports • Included in 13 million U.S. passports in 2006 • Chips will store printed information, fingerprints, and a digital photo • After the U.S. State Department initially stated info. could be read 4 in. away, widespread criticism and a clear demonstration indicated special equipment could read from 33 ft. away, passports were designed to incorporate a thin metal lining and a password for access to information rendering it difficult for unauthorized use • Other nations using RFID-chipped passports: • Malaysia (2000) • Pakistan, Norway, New Zealand, Belgium, The Netherlands (2005) • Ireland, Japan, Germany, Portugal, Poland, The United Kingdom (2006)

7. Transportation • In Atlanta, GA • MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) has transitioned its bus and rail lines from coin tokens to the new Breeze Card system which uses RFID tags embedded in disposable paper tickets. More permanent plastic cards are available for frequent users. • In GA • RFID tags are used for electronic toll collection at toll booths with Georgia's Cruise Card • In NY • The New York City Subway is conducting a trial during 2006, utilizing PayPass by MasterCard as fare payment. • In MA • The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority introduced the use of a CharlieCard RFID as a fare payment system which is cheaper than its paper or cash equivalent.

8. Product Tracking • The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency began using RFID tags as a replacement for barcode tags. The tags are required to identify a bovine's herd of origin and this is used for tracing when a packing plant condemns a carcass. Currently CCIA tags are used in Wisconsin and by US farmers on a voluntary basis. The USDA is currently developing its own program. • RFID tags used in libraries: square book tag, round CD/DVD tag and rectangular VHS tag. • High-frequency RFID tags are used in library book or bookstore tracking, jewelry tracking, pallet tracking, building access control, airline baggage tracking, and apparel and pharmaceutical items tracking. High-frequency tags are widely used in identification badges, replacing earlier magnetic stripe cards. These badges need only be held within a certain distance of the reader to authenticate the holder. The American Express Blue credit card now includes a high-frequency RFID tag. In Feb 2008, Emirates airline started a trial of RFID baggage tracing at London and Dubai airports. [19] • BGN has launched two fully automated Smartstores that combine item-level RFID tagging and SOA to deliver an integrated supply chain, from warehouse to consumer. • UHF RFID tags are commonly used commercially in case, pallet, and shipping container tracking, and truck and trailer tracking in shipping yards. • In May 2007, Bear River Supply began utilizing UHF RFID tags to help monitor their agricultural equipment.

9. Potential Uses • Replacing Barcodes • It has also been proposed to use RFID for Point-of-Sale (POS) store checkout to replace the cashier with an automatic system which needs no barcode scanning. However, this is not likely to be possible without a significant reduction in the cost of current tags and changes in the operational process around POS. There is some research taking place, however, this is some years from reaching fruition. • Telemetry (remote sensing and reporting) • Sensing of road conditions by implanted beacons, weather reports, and noise level monitoring • Identification of Patients and Hospital Staff • In July 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ruling that essentially begins a final review process that will determine whether hospitals can use RFID systems to identify patients and/or permit relevant hospital staff to access medical records. Since then, a number of U.S. hospitals have begun implanting patients with RFID tags and using RFID systems, more generally, for workflow and inventory management. There is some evidence, as well, that nurses and other hospital staff may be subjected to increased surveillance of their activities or to labor intensification as a result of the implementation of RFID systems in hospitals.

10. Potential Uses cont’d. • Identification of Patients and Hospital Staff cont’d. • In October 2004, the FDA approved USA's first RFID chips that can be implanted in humans. The 134 kHz RFID chips, from VeriChip Corp., a subsidiary of Digital Angel, Inc., can incorporate personal medical information and could save lives and limit injuries from errors in medical treatments, according to the company. The FDA approval was disclosed during a conference call with investors. Shortly after the approval, authors and anti-RFID activists Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre discovered a warning letter from the FDA that spelled out serious health risks associated with the VeriChip. According to the FDA, these include "adverse tissue reaction", "migration of the implanted transponder", "failure of implanted transponder", "electrical hazards" and "magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] incompatibility."

11. Crime • Mugger could target victims who arrived from wealthy countries • Terrorist could design explosive devices to function when visitors approached from a particular country

12. Privacy • Future Airport • Wal-Mart's Product Labeling Photos • Wal-Mart's Secret Experiment on Product • Wal-Mart Forces Suppliers to Comply

13. WORK CITED • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID#cite_note-5 • http://www.news.com/2010-1069-980325.html • http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/4083/1/1/