RFID Replacing Barcodes

RFID Replacing barcodes

RFID tags are often envisioned as a replacement for UPC or EAN barcodes, having a number of important advantages over the older barcode technology. They may not ever completely replace barcodes, due in part to their higher cost and in other part to the advantage of more than one independent data source on the same object. The new EPC, along with several other schemes, is widely available at reasonable cost.
The storage of data associated with tracking items will require many terabytes on all levels. Filtering and categorizing RFID data is needed in order to create useful information. It is likely that goods will be tracked preferably by the pallet using RFID tags, and at package level with Universal Product Code (UPC) or EAN from unique barcodes.
The unique identity in any case is a mandatory requirement for RFID tags, despite special choice of the numbering scheme. RFID tag data capacity is big enough that any tag will have a unique code, while current bar codes are limited to a single type code for all instances of a particular product. The uniqueness of RFID tags means that a product may be individually tracked as it moves from location to location, finally ending up in the consumer's hands. This may help companies to combat theft and other forms of product loss. Moreover, the tracing back of products is an important feature that gets well supported with RFID tags containing not just a unique identity of the tag but also the serial number of the object. This may help companies to cope with quality deficiencies and resulting recall campaigns, but also contributes to concern over post-sale tracking and profiling of consumers.
It has also been proposed to use RFID for 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.
An FDA nominated task force came to the conclusion after studying the various technologies currently commercially available, which could meet the pedigree requirements. Amongst all technologies studied including bar coding, RFID seemed to be the most promising and the committee felt that the pedigree requirement could be met by easily leveraging something that is readily available

RFID Used in Pasports

PassportsIn an effort to make passports more secure, several countries have implemented RFID in passports. However, the encryption on UK chips was broken in under 48 hours. Since that incident, further efforts have allowed researchers to clone passport data while the passport is being mailed to its owner. Where before a criminal had to secretly open and then reseal the envelope, now it can be done without detection, adding some degree of insecurity to the passport system.

RFID tags are being used in passports issued by many countries. The first RFID passports ("E-passport") were issued by Malaysia in 1998. In addition to information also contained on the visual data page of the passport, Malaysian e-passports record the travel history (time, date, and place) of entries and exits from the country.
Standards for RFID passports are determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and are contained in ICAO Document 9303, Part 1, Volumes 1 and 2 (6th edition, 2006). ICAO refers to the ISO 14443 RFID chips in e-passports as "contactless integrated circuits". ICAO standards provide for e-passports to be identifiable by a standard e-passport logo on the front cover.
In 2006, RFID tags were included in new US passports. The US produced 10 million passports in 2005, and it has been estimated that 13 million will be produced in 2006. The chips will store the same information that is printed within the passport and will also include a digital picture of the owner. The passports will incorporate a thin metal lining to make it more difficult for unauthorized readers to "skim" information when the passport is closed.

Motorola RAZR2 V9 Cell Phone

Full Specifications:
Motorola RAZR2 V9 Cell Phone Features

Cell Phone Type : Camera, Digital Player, Video
Cell Network Technology : WCDMA, GSM
Wireless Technology : Bluetooth
Synchronization : MS Outlook
Supported Memory : MicroSD
Megapixels : 2 Megapixels
Screen Size : 2.2 in.
Supported Media Format : MPEG-4, H.263 video and AMR audio
Key Functions : Digital Camera, Digital Player
Connector Types : USB, Mini-USB Type B
Messaging : POP3, IMAP4
Additional Features Pictbridge Direct Printing
Antenna Style : Integrated
Digital Camera : Yes
Included Functions digital camera / digital player
Network Technology : WCDMA (UMTS), GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Vibrating Alert : Yes
Digital Camera Features : Digital Zoom 8 X

Display Display Type : LCD
Display Resolution 240 x 320 Pixels
Display Color : Support Color

Power Managment Battery Technology Lithium Ion

General Product Info Height 4.1 in , Width 2.1 in, Depth 0.5 in
Also known as Motorola MOTORAZR2, Motorola CHANNELRAZR2V9
Manufacturer Part No. 2000341
UPC 723755936812
Dimension 4.1 in x 2.1 in x 0.5 in (HxWxD)

WiFi Technology, 802.11, IEEE

WiFi

If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless networking, also called WiFi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and an increasing number of cities use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires

A wireless network uses radio waves, just like cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication. Here's what happens: A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. It sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired Ethernet connection.

802.11 networking (IEEE)

You may be wondering why people refer to WiFi as 802.11 networking. The 802.11 designation comes from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE sets standards for a range of technological protocols, and it uses a numbering system to classify these standards.

802.11n is the newest standard that is widely available. This standard significantly improves speed and range. For instance, although 802.11g theoretically moves 54 megabits of data per second, it only achieves real-world speeds of about 24 megabits of data per second because of network congestion. 802.11n, however, reportedly can achieve speeds as high as 140 megabits per second.

RADAR

Radar is a system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify the range, altitude, direction, or speed of both moving and fixed objects such as aircraft, ships, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. A transmitter emits radio waves, which are reflected by the target and detected by a receiver, typically in the same location as the transmitter. Although the radio signal returned is usually very weak, radio signals can easily be amplified. This enables a radar to detect objects at ranges where other emissions, such as sound or visible light, would be too weak to detect. Radar is used in many contexts, including meteorological detection of precipitation, measuring ocean surface waves, air traffic control, police detection of speeding traffic, and by the military. It was originally called RDF (Radio Direction Finder) in Britain. The term RADAR was coined in 1941 as an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging. The term has since entered the English language as a standard word, radar, losing the capitalization in the process.

The GPS satellite system, Differential GPS

What is GPS:- The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS.
How it works
GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.
How accurate is GPS?
Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average.

Differential GPS:
In this section you will see how a simple concept can increase the accuracy of GPS to almost unbelievable limits.
Why we need Differential GPS :

Differential GPS or "DGPS" can yield measurements good to a couple of meters in moving applications and even better in stationary situations.
How Differential GPS works :

Differential GPS involves the cooperation of two receivers, one that's stationary and another that's roving around making position measurements.
Where to get Differential Corrections :

Many new GPS receivers are being designed to accept corrections, and some are even equipped with built-in radio receivers.
Other ways to work with Differential GPS :

Not all DGPS applications are created equal. Some don't need the radio link because they don't need precise positioning immediately.
Advanced Concepts :

Imagine the possibilities. Automatic construction equipment could translate CAD drawings into finished roads without any manual measurements.

Bluetooth Technology

Why is it called Bluetooth?
Harald Bluetooth was king of Denmark in the late 900s. He managed to unite Denmark and part of Norway into a single kingdom then introduced Christianity into Denmark. He left a large monument, the Jelling rune stone, in memory of his parents. He was killed in 986 during a battle with his son, Svend Forkbeard. Choosing this name for the standard indicates how important companies from the Nordic region (nations including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) are to the communications industry, even if it says little about the way the technology works.

Bluetooth is an industrial specification for wireless personal area networks (PANs). Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras, and video game consoles over a secure, globally unlicensed short-range radio frequency. The Bluetooth specifications are developed and licensed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group

Bluetooth Headset

Detailed Product Description
Description:1) Bluetooth headset is a wireless headset based on Bluetooth technology. 2) It is specially designed for different mobile phones, offering you the freedomto talk on your mobile phone without using your hands. 3) It provides clear sound quality for a range of 10 meters (between headset andmobile phone).Features: 1) You can adjust the ear hook. Appreciate the flexible, soft-touch headset thatWhy is it called Bluetooth?Harald Bluetooth was king of Denmark in the late 900s. He managed to unite Denmark and part of Norway into a single kingdom then introduced Christianity into Denmark. He left a large monument, the Jelling rune stone, in memory of his parents. He was killed in 986 during a battle with his son, Svend Forkbeard. Choosing this name for the standard indicates how important companies from the Nordic region (nations including Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) are to the communications industry, even if it says little about the way the technology works.

delivers a comfortable fit on either ear 2) Fashionable appearance, smart model portable3) Plug-and-play and simple pairing for easy use4) Unique special software system and built-in DSP 5) Solutions for superior sound quality 6) Better interference resistance via the use of Bluetooth technology 7) Supports wireless audio streaming and headset / hands free application 8) Supports remote control feature 9) Listening to music and talking over wireless phones and computer10) Compatible with almost all Bluetooth mobile phones and PCsSpecifications:1) Bluetooth V1.2 compliant 2) Frequency: 2.4GHz~2.4835GHz ISM band 3) Transmitter power: 1mW 4) Output power: 0 dBm (class II)5) Long talk time: up to 6 hours6) Stand by time: up to 200 hours 7) Typical charging time: 1.5 to 2 hours8) Operation temperature: -10 to +45degreeC

Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman White Phone (Unlocked)

Product Features

Unlocked for use with quad-band GSM 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, or 1900 MHz service provider and SIM card (Note: phone does not come with service or a SIM card) Walkman 2.0 Media Player with one-touch music shuffle and dedicated music control keys on the front; integrated FM radio 2-megapixel camera with video capture; Memory Stick Micro expansion; Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity with stereo music streaming Up to 9 hours of talk time, up to 370 hours (15.4 days) of standby time; up to 20 hours of music playback in Music Mode It's all in your moves. With Shake control, a song from your playlist is randomly chosen at the flick of your wrist

On Line Fuel Conductivity Sensor

The FSI JF-1 on-line fuel conductivity sensor provides highaccuracy,long-term monitoring of conductivity in fuels flowing through pipelines. The continuous readings alert operators to low levels of conductivity in flowing jet and diesel fuels. On-line conductivity measurement allows automated polymer addition to reducethe potential for static discharge while ensuring that fuel leaving the facility meets allowable FAA conductivity levels. Precision conductivity readings for chemical additive pacing can also save on high-cost chemicals or expensive off-loading of delivered product. The JF-1 conductivity sensor is constructed of two titanium coaxial electrode sensors, suitable for longterm immersion in corrosive fuels. It is fully retractable through a 3/4” NPT port for ease of maintenance. The retractable fitting allows an adjustable insertion depth to optimize positioning of the sensor in theflow. Sensor cables are contained in an FM-, CSA-, CENELEC- and UL-certified explosion-proof housing, ensuring safe operation in hazardous locations. Designed for operation on 4- to 8-inch- (10-to 20-cm) diameter pipes, the low-power JF-1 operates on loop-provided DC power and provides 4-20 mA output scaled from 0 to 500 pS/m.

BIO-ICTD Profiler

The FSI Biological ICTD Profiler (Integrated Conductivity, Temperature and Depth) is a highspeed, state-of-the-art, integrated sensor and communication system tailored for upper-ocean biological/chemical oceanography.The Bio-ICTD combines the high-accuracy sensors and innovative self-calibrating electronics proven in the standard ICTD with the addition of a large number of standard interfaces and internal memory to yield a highly flexible upper-ocean sensor package. The ability to either directly record or transmit data up a single conductor logging cable allows the user to take data independent of shipboard constraints. The Bio-ICTD
also interfaces with a large variety of sensors, directly allowing the user to support a wide range.

The EdgeTech 2200 Modular Sonar System

The EdgeTech 2200 Modular Sonar System is designed for installation on a Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) or on a Remote Operated (ROV). It gathers side scan and/or sub-bottom data using EdgeTech’s proprietary Full Spectrum (enhanced chirp) technology in water depths up to 6000 meters. A modular system is provided as a complete package including sensors and pressure vessel. Alternatively, it can be integrated into the AUV pressure housing. The system can operate independent of the AUV by setting parameters before deployment, or a processor on the AUV can control it. Heave, pitch, roll, yaw, temperature and pressure are additional optional sensors. While EdgeTech supplies its own Topside Display Processor, it is also possible to interface other 3rd Party Topsides. EdgeTech has entered into agreements with several Topside Manufactures who have agreed to support the EdgeTech Full Spectrum products.