Where is RFID Going To Be Next

RFID at the Airport For Security

2007-06-02T18:45:00.000-04:00

After the foiled plan that had been planned to blow up the fuel supply at JFK airport it got me thinking about how improvements can be made using RFID for access to off limit areas at the airport.

They could have truned off the ID card of the suspected bomber within a few minutes of the planned attack at JFK Airport.

Explaning RFID Is Not An Easy Task

2007-03-31T18:33:00.000-04:00

There is no easy way to explain RFID but this is the easiest way I can think of in easy to understand for the common person that has no clue what RFID is.

RFID technology is used frequently today, but not many people know about, or even know what it is never mind understand it. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is used to store and retrieve information. This information is stored and retrieved using RFID tags or transponders. These tags are small and can be incorporated into many products. The tags have antennas that allow them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver.

The RFID industry is currently undergoing speedy growth and orgasmic changes. Market research firms forecast the market for products and services will intensity to the $7 billion range by 2008. With mandates from both distinguished retailers and government entities, many more companies are ready to infuse on the RFID technology journey.

How Does It Work

RFID works off of a system that relies on tags, tag readers, tag programming stations, sorting equipment, circulation readers, and tag inventory wands. RFID is generally used in security, because security gates are programmed to read the RFID tags and then either open or close accordingly. The system helps the information be easily transmitted via an RFID device. Systems have evolved over the years along with Generation 2 chips. The hope is that it will one day be available to everyone (meaning consumers) because it will be more efficient and cost effective to implement RFID processes.

There are two types of RFID tags:

*Passive tags do not have their own power supply, but rather receive their power from a tiny electrical current present in the antenna that is induced by an incoming radio frequency scan. These tags are good for a short distance tracking solution.

*Active RFID tags have a power source and therefore are much stronger and can be used over larger distances and are therefore more highly effective. Active tags also have the ability to store more information than their passive counterparts. Some active tags have a battery life of up to ten years.

Where is RFID Used?

RFID can be found almost everywhere. It can even be found in your local Wal-Mart or other big brand retailers. The little alarm that sounds if an item has not been scanned is made possible by a chip. These chips are also found on car alarms,and even animal tags. One other use of this solution is to track and detect motion. This could be very useful in the coming years in terms of prisons. This technology will be employed in many states in the coming years.

Who knew that this technology was so simple to learn.

A video on RFID

2007-03-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

There is so much information out there on RFID that is so wrong. This little video will answer most questions on what RFID can do.

Amber Alerts and RFID

2007-03-11T13:00:00.000-04:00

I was just reading all about the Amber alert down in Lubbock Texas for Mychael Darthard-Dawodu and it got my mind thinking. First I am glad that the baby was found alive in New Mexico but is there any way that the abduction could have been prevented in the first place.

If you are not familiar with this particular Amber alert the baby was taken from the mother in a Texas hospital by someone posing as a nurse. The infant was kidnapped early Saturday from a woman who walked out of Covenant Lakeside Hospital with the 5 pound baby hidden in her purse.

This woman allegedy said she needed to take this days old baby to get some test done. Any mother in this situation would hand over their baby to someone that had hospital clothes on. It has been said that the woman actually came in the room a few times posing as a nurse. I am sure the mother felt comfortable hat this was a hospital employee.

Sure a hospital is busy place and this lady was seen on a security camera exiting the building but what could be done to stop this from happening in the first place is what I am thinking about. I would never want to think about the feelings that poor mother had when they told her about what happened.

I believe that we could and should use some sort of RFID tag device, maybe a label in a wrist strap on each baby that would be hard to remove. They already tag the baby with it's name so they don't get all the babies mixed up. It would be easy to make that wristband RFID capable. That's another thing that could be tracked also using something like I am thinking about. Maybe a tag on the inside of the diaper where it would not be seen. I know the wetness part is a tricky issue but the label can be placed high enough on the waistband that it could avoid getting wet.

Each hospital could place a RFID reader at each elevator entrance and staircase on the maternity floor. When the tag goes through it a big read flashing light could go off and security could have stopped this from happening before the suspect was caught 100 miles away.

Once again I am sure the people that are against using RFID for anything will say that it violates the babies privacy rights but that is something that I bet every parent that reads about this story will just laugh at.

I am sure that there is already a RFID product on the market that would be able to handle this already. I just can't focus on one as I keep thinking about what those poor parents must have been going through at the time.

With the cost of Generation 2 tags on the decline and the important issue at hand many hospitals should look into some sort of RFID enabled device or something else to keep this from happening.

Wal-mart is still on board with RFID

2007-02-25T12:55:00.000-05:00

I was just reading the finacial times and they had a large article talking about RFID and what companies are using this and if they are expanding or not.

It seems that since the price of generation 2 tags have come into play there is more and more merchants getting on the RFID bandwagon. They mentioned a few companies like Wal-mart, and Proctor and Gamble that have seen an increase in inventory tracking and planning on expanding.

The guy in charge of implementing RFID with Wal-mart was explaining how much better they got their shipments into their customers hands during the holiday season. With better tracking on their end in the warehouses they know when to order more items from their suppliers so their stores and order shipping can have the items in stock.

Defense workers warned about spy coins - Yahoo! News

2007-01-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

The privacy experts are all going to be causing a stir over the latest use of RFID.Defense workers warned about spy coins - Yahoo! News

Just think if the goverment was able to place a RFID tag in every coin that is in your pocket. Hmmmmmm

Intermec RFID Rules - The Guide to Getting RFID

2006-12-23T12:22:00.000-05:00


A great general-education video on RFID. Perfect for the classroom and the boardroom. This is a 10 minute overview of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and how it is changing markets and careers. The video explores supply chain, airline, bottling, and warehousing industries and how RFID is revolutionizing them.

Holland Casinos Get Boost of RFID : RFID News

2006-12-09T17:14:00.000-05:00

Holland Casinos Get Boost of RFID : RFID News

Once again RFID can be found in a Casino. This time it is in the Netherlands. I am always surprised at where RFID will show up next. Even though RFID in a casino is not that unfamiliar it does show that RFID is becoming the standard around the world when it comes to tracking things.

I.D. CRIME 'WAVE' By STEPHANIE GASKELL - New York Post Online Edition: Seven

2006-12-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

I.D. CRIME 'WAVE' By STEPHANIE GASKELL - New York Post Online Edition: Seven: "stephanie.gaskell@nypost.com"

Here is the article that covered the Senators press confernce yesterday. I am not so sure that crime is running that high as I have never seen anyone with a rfid reader in the street or near an ATM.

It is possible but I think the person with the reader would have to be so close to you that you would know what is going on.

StorefrontBacktalk - Canada's New RFID Privacy Rules Could Have The Wrong Effect

2006-12-03T19:02:00.000-05:00

StorefrontBacktalk - Canada's New RFID Privacy Rules Could Have The Wrong Effect

Although this article is based on rules being propsed in Canada it also harps on what senator Chuck Schumer was doing. He brought up the story again today claiming that RFID is responiblie for a rise in identity theft. I will post a link to that when I find one.

Using RFID In The Transportation Industry

2006-11-15T19:18:00.000-05:00

With the many uses around RFID I am never surprised at how many places this pops up. I have since heard that they are using this on the Lexington avenue line in New York City as a test. There is just no limit to the direction RFID will be employed as the price of RFID tags are becoming cheaper to produce every day.

read more | digg story

BBC NEWS | Technology | Consumer concern over RFID tags

2006-09-24T11:17:00.000-04:00

Even though this article is almost a year old it does show how some consumers are still scared over privacy issues when it comes to RFID BBC NEWS | Technology | Consumer concern over RFID tags

So Which Is It? Boom Or Bust For RFID?

2006-08-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

"Depending on which articles you look at, the RFID market will either booming next year or will be down in revenue...."

I can only see this as a stepping stone to where RFID is heading. The technology is still in the baby phase as i am concerned.

read more | digg story

MARTA Breeze - What is Breeze?

2006-06-24T08:58:00.000-04:00

MARTA Breeze - What is Breeze?

Looks like Atlanta will be the first railroad to use rfid cards. I know up in New York City they are testing something along the same lines on the Lexington avenue line but since Atlanta has a smaller and less complicated system it is easier to implement it there.

RFID Credit Card chips

2006-05-14T07:19:00.000-04:00

My friend Joshua just wrote a great article on credit card chips and security and he's kindly given me permission to republish it here.

The Disadvantages of RFID Credit Cards

by Joshua Shapiro

RFID credit cards are taking the nation. Also known as Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short, these cards allow you to make purchases with your credit card without even having to type in a pin number, swipe your card through a reader, or even sign for the sale. Instead, a coil radio transmitter insider your card—imagine how small it must be!—sends out a tagged radio signature, that then gets transformed by the way you move your finger over the card.
In essence, your personal way of "swiping" your card with your finger gives the signal a distinct "shape" that acts like an electronic fingerprint. In theory, no one else could have this electronic fingerprint. It’s not so much theory anymore. Some credit card companies are already experimenting with RFID technology. You can use them at gas stations, convenience stores, maybe even vending machines.
But is this technology as secure as all the experts say it is? It may be, but the thought of not signing for your purchase may make you have the heebie-jeebies. Also, usually with regular credit cards, the cashier is supposed to look at your card and compare signatures, to make sure you are you, each and every time you make a purchase. With RFID cards, you forgo this extra step of security.
Another issue with RFID cards, and one you won’t hear the credit card companies make, is that RFID cards make it possible to too easily to spend and drive up your debt. If all a person has to do is wave their card at the fast food restaurant, to get gas, to buy that expensive new flat-screen televisions set, then chances are they may start waving their card more and more. In the long run, that will make a ton more money for the credit card companies. But for the buyer, that could mean a long lifetime of living in debt.
Another potential issue with RFID technology is that it could be the next wave of the future for everything from passports to security to get into buildings. It could be used possibly to even track your movements throughout the day, the week, and the year. Just imagine—your car, every building that you enter into, your house, your work—all of them have RFID security technology. That makes for a chance for Big Brother to keep an eye on you. A scary thought, and pretty far-fetched, yes, but a possible reality none the less thanks to RFID.

Joshua Shapiro recommends Find Credit Cards to find a Citibank credit card offer that’s tailored to suit your financial needs. See http://www.findcreditcards.org/issuer/citibank.php for more information.
joshuashapi@gmail.com

RFID tags embedded in Daytona 500 tires

2006-03-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

It just goes to show you that no matter where you turn there are RFID Tags. Millions of people watched the Daytona 500 and seen Jimmie Johnsons #48 car circle the track a few hundred times but they were not seeing were Jimmie Johnson RFID tags. It seems that Goodyear is using them to track stuff inside the tire maybe for possible wear I don't know. Very interesting stuff indeed. You can read more here RFID tags embedded in Daytona 500 tires

CNN.com - Mini microchips beat lost luggage - Mar 10, 2006

2006-03-17T19:55:00.000-05:00

It looks like CNN has an article on something that I wrote about on the site about a year ago. Lost luggae and RFID chips and how you will not lose your luggage anymore. I have seen this in action about 10 times already since I fly out of JFK in New York and Las Vegas airport a lot of the time. CNN.com - Mini microchips beat lost luggage - Mar 10, 2006

RFID Viruses and Worms

2006-03-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

RFID Viruses and Worms

This is some scary stuff. If you are investing in cheap RFID solutions and chips you may want to rethink your security.

There are some bad guys out there that can exploit your sytem and it doesn't seem to be that hard for these people.

AM New York - Neighborhoods

2006-02-22T17:17:00.000-05:00

AM New York - Neighborhoods Smart cards are coming to New Jersey Path trains. It is about time more transit systems are adapting to RFID

Viagra packages to include anti-counterfeit tags - Yahoo! News

2006-01-06T20:50:00.000-05:00

Viagra packages to include anti-counterfeit tags - Yahoo! News

So RFID makes its way into your bedroom but not the same way that you were probably thinking. Pfizer is putting them on Viagra hmmmm.

Alien Technology - RFID Academy

2006-01-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

It wasn't long until I expected some sort of classes online that taught the inner workings of RFIDAlien Technology - RFID Academy has started classes for people interested in learning all about RFID.

New York Daily News - Home - MTA tries fast track

2005-11-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

I was a little surprised this morning when I read in the New York Daily News that the transit system in New York is going to use smart cards in the subway. This makes for a good use but I have to wonder why the MTA would waste so much money.

I got to thinking and it makes sense to spend millions of dollars on a system that would not only be able to track you getting on the subway but it can also track what station you get off. That's right the station that you are getting off. Since they will probably convert all the existing turnstiles they can easily place a reader above the turnstile and track you on the way out.

The Metrocard system that is currently in place has been used to catch criminals so why not track what stops the criminal gets off. I can see a serial rapist being caught because he always got off at the same stop after an attack.

Another thing that it could and it probably would is employee tracking. Since all MTA employees use a metrocard to enter the transit system they could use this to enforce timekeeping and many other things that employees do like go to lunch etc.

Read more about MTA and RFID here

No more lost baggage?

2005-10-11T19:48:00.000-04:00

Just like everyone else I hate it when my luggage gets lost. As we have reported on here a few times it is only a matter of time before every piece of luggage is RFID tagged. Here you can read all the guidelines on it.No more lost baggage?

CompactFlash RFID reader/writer reaches 100 meters

2005-10-11T19:37:00.001-04:00

This looks very promising an actual Compact flash RFID reader/writer that worlk up to 100 meters away. This was introduced by a company called Identic Solutions.

Some uses can be in the food industry or other places that are temper sensitive. It looks very promising. I will be looking forward to reading more about this company.

CompactFlash RFID reader/writer reaches 100 meters

Some new cars loaded with keyless smarts

2005-10-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

It looks like we are seeing a revolution of RFID technology being applied to the car industry as more and more cars are being made with RFID in mind. They span a lot of car makers from Cadillac, Mercedes and Infiniti. Read all about the models of cars here. Some new cars loaded with keyless smarts