RFID reader

MTI Micro s Mobion DMFC and methanol cartridge integrated into intermec Inc. s RFID reader... 

At 12 55 Jane arrives at Dr. Smith s office, and Dr. Smith s assistant greets Jane and activates the RFID reader to read Jane s global person identifier. The clinical encounter is recorded in the physician s office system. The physician s office system retrieves Jane s health records from various places based on Jane s global person identifier. 

Jane leaves Dr. Smith s office and goes to the nearest pharmacy. The RFID reader at the pharmacy reads Jane s global person identifier as she enters into the pharmacy and retrieves the prescription ordered by Dr. Smith. The pharmacist checks for drug interactions and allergies. The pharmacist dispenses the medicine for Jane and describes dosage and frequency of medicine, and its benefits and effects. 

The application scenario Intelligent Container combines a number of new ideas and methods of autmiomous control. At the center of this scenario is the model of a reefer. The intelligence of the cOTitainer is based on hardware components which are coordinated and represented by the implementation of an agent platform into the container s system and that of the transport good. The hardware components that have to interact in this case comprise the following components (1) an RFID reader, which oversees the loading process,... 

For data transmission the modulator transforms the input impedance of the RFID transponder, and thus modulates the backscattered electromagnetic waves, which are further detected and treated by the RFID reader. 

Another technology that uses the Proximity craicept to determine the location of objects is RFID. Two different concepts can be used with this technology Readers are spread along the scenario and detect the presence of the tags carried by the users, when they are within the reading distance as in [13]. Tags are embedded in the environment and users carry small portable RFID readers that detect the presence of the tags as in [11]. In the first case, the location of the user is the location of the reader while in the second is the location of the tag. 

RFID interr( ator (reader). The RFID transponder or the RFID tag (which is how it is often called) is a microchip connected to an antenna. This tag can be attached to an object, which needs to be uniquely identified, for example, it can be used in a warehouse to track the entry and exit of goods. This tag contains information similar to the barcode, which stores the unique properties of the object to which it is attached. An RFID reader can access this information. The RFID reader communicates with the RFID tag using radio waves. The radio waves activate the RFID tag to broadcast the information it contains. Depending on the type of tag used, the information transmitted could be merely a number or detailed profile of the object. The data fetched from the reader can then be integrated with the backend ERP or SCM or WMS systems (Tecstra, n.d.). 

To offer advanced a comprehensive survey of RFID technology from both technical and business perspectives. This is covered in detail in the following sub-sections where we give an in-depth explanation of the different types of RFID tags, RFID readers, and RFID middleware. 

An RFID system is composed of three main elements an RFID tag (inlay), which contains data that uniquely identifies an object an RFID reader, which writes this unique data on the tags and, when requested, can read this unique identifier and an RFID middleware, which processes the data acquired from the reader and then updates it to the backend database or ERP systems (Weis, Sarma, Rivest, Engels, 2004). 

A typical RFID system is shown in Figure 1. When the RFID tag comes in the range ofthe RFID reader, the reader activates the tag to transmit its unique information. This unique information is propagated to the RFID middleware, whieh appropriately processes the gathered information and then updates the baekend database. 

RFID readers can be classified using two different schemes. First, the readers can be classified based on their location as handheld readers and fixed readers. Second, the tags can be classified based upon the frequency in which they operate—single frequency and multi-fiequenr. ... 

There are two main components in a RFID reader antennae and the input/output (I/O) controller. 

Every RFID reader is equipped with one or more antennas. These antennas generate the required electromagnetic field to sense the RFID tags. There are many different kinds of antennas like linearly polarized, circularly polarized, or ferrite stick antennas. 

RFID readers can be differentiated based on several attributes. In this section we discuss 12 main attributes that should be considered when selecting RIFD readers. 

Most of the industry standard-compliant RFID readers are equipped with software to setup and re-configure the reader to enhance the resilience of the RFID systems. 

For SCM strategists, RFID facilitates detailed data collection and statistical analysis, from gross to very fine-grained levels. For instanee, RFID readers in a retailer s store can capture data on product arrival, placement, and movement, whieh can present the cyclieal patterns. This key eapabil-ity of RFID allows the executives to link the date received with the date sold. Moreover, it ean help to identify possible points of information leakage throughout the entire supply chain. As a result, RFID increases the visibility in the supply ehain, which can be used to make strategie deeisions to further increase eompetitive advantage. 

RFID middleware contributes a major portion of RFID investment. Many vendors supply RFID middleware, and the cost can vary depending upon the capabilities of the middleware. Usually factors that contribute to cost include complexity of the application and the number of places the middleware would be installed. Apart from the middleware, the companies should also consider the cost of edge servers, which are normally deployed in the warehouse, distribution center, or production facility. The edge servers are simple servers, which are connected to the RFID reader using a universal serial bus (USB) port. 

The miscellaneous costs might include regular maintenance of the RFID readers or replacement of damaged tags or antennas. 

Intermec. (2006c). IV7 IntelliTag vehicle mount RFID reader. Retrieved June 14,2006, from http // www.pointofsaleinc.com/pdf/Intermec/iv7.pdf... 

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