Radio Frequency Identification:
RFID first appeared in tracking and access applications during the 1980s. It is a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags/transponders and is coming into increasing use as an alternative to the bar code. Radio Frequency identification (ID). Refers to the technology that uses devices attached to objects that transmit data to an RFID receiver. An alternative to bar coding. Advantages include data capacity, read/write capability, and no line-of-sight requirements.
RFID Works Better Than Barcodes
A significant advantage of RFID devices over the others mentioned above is that the RFID device does not need to be positioned precisely relative to the scanner. We're all familiar with the difficulty that store checkout clerks sometimes have in making sure that a barcode can be read. And obviously, credit cards and ATM cards must be swiped through a special reader.
In contrast, RFID devices will work within a few feet (up to 20 feet for high-frequency devices) of the scanner. For example, you could just put all of your groceries or purchases in a bag, and set the bag on the scanner. It would be able to query all of the RFID devices and total your purchase immediately. (Read a more detailed article on RFID compared to barcodes.) RFID technology has been available for more than fifty years. It has only been recently that the ability to manufacture the RFID devices has fallen to the point where they can be used as a "throwaway" inventory or control device. Alien Technologies recently sold 500 million RFID tags to Gillette at a cost of about ten cents per tag.
One reason that it has taken so long for RFID to come into common use is the lack of standards in the industry. Most companies invested in RFID technology only use the tags to track items within their control; many of the benefits of RFID come when items are tracked from company to company or from country to country.
Common Problems with RFID
Some common problems with RFID are reader collision and tag collision. Reader collision occurs when the signals from two or more readers overlap. The tag is unable to respond to simultaneous queries. Systems must be carefully set up to avoid this problem. Tag collision occurs when many tags are present in a small area; but since the read time is very fast, it is easier for vendors to develop systems that ensure that tags respond one at a time. See Problems with RFID for more details.
Successed In RFID
Simplements RFID in greenhouses
Filed in archive Implementation by gautam on July 19, 2007
It runs the world's largest and most advanced potted plant business in the world and if you keep your eyes on what's going around you then you might have guessed it correctly till now that I am talking about Holland. The country has around fifteen hundred potted plant growers with around thousand hectares of greenhouse space.
It runs the world's largest and most advanced potted plant business in the world and if you keep your eyes on what's going around you then you might have guessed it correctly till now that I am talking about Holland. The country has around fifteen hundred potted plant growers with around thousand hectares of greenhouse space.
country has tasted success in implementing RFID in its greenhouses. Walking Plant Systems or WPS which is a leading systems provider for greenhouse botanical growers has achieved success in implementing RFID in its Plant Order System for commercial greenhouses. Every potted plant has been affixed with a RFID tag so that a strict watch can be kept on the lengthy greenhouse process. With this technology they have been able to track every plant in their greenhouse spread over 30,000 sq m from seed to sale and the period ranges from six months to a year.
The Plant Order System comprises of pot adopters, conveyor belts and plant nutrition systems which takes care of the plant from seeding to customer orders. A combination of RFID and photography ensures that the plant is not neglected. In case the plant requires further nutrients the system takes not of the fact and sends the plant to the necessary section. RFID has enabled to achieve full automation and optimization and as a result achieve savings in high value assets production. The reason RFID was chosen over other technology is because it was found out to be reliable and diverse and it has helped in meeting the international standards. Earlier companies were hesitant to implement RFID but now there seems to be a reversal of trend where companies are coming forward to and implementing RFID after realizing that this technology can deliver for sure.
Article from http://www.rfid-weblog.com/
Water Jug Distribution gets RFID-ed
This is something which will enable the masses to get to know RFID even better since it's the lack of genuine knowledge which is causing more trouble rather than the technology itself. Northern Apex and S2C Global Systems have partnered to add this technology to Aquaduct water jug dispensing and that's not the end as it will be made available to thousands of customers across North America. It is expected to make the lives of retailers and customers quite easy since retailers can place them outside their stores which would result in space saving and customers will be able to refill jugs without the aid of an attendant. What it brings together is cost effectiveness and convenience for customers and retailers alike.
Let's see how RFID comes into play. Aquaduct has two openings - one is at the top and other at the bottom and the new jug is retrieved from the opening at the bottom and the empty jug is placed at the opening on the top where there is a molding in which the jug is placed in a particular position. Here the moldings are equipped with RFID reader antennas and the jugs are affixed with a tag and when the empty jug is placed within the molding the antenna starts reading the tag and the system takes note of the fact that the jug has been returned. As a result customer can get his deposit back or carry it forward. Even while making the transaction RFID is involved and every Aquaduct comes with a credit card payment panel using which purchases are made. While the jug is being dispensed the tag is read and the information is matched with the consumer and informs the consumer that the empty jug has been returned.
The tags have been designed in such a manner so that they can survive in the toughest of conditions and it is being regarded as a complete automated and foolproof system. Hope Aquaduct brings out the true picture of RFID!!
Article from http://www.rfid-weblog.com/
