Radio Frequency Identification

RFID Technology

        Radio-frequency identification(RFID) is an Advance technology that uses radio-frequency waves to transfer   data between a reader and a movable item to identify, categorize, tracking.

        RFID is fast, reliable, and does not require physical sight or contact between reader/scanner and the tagged item.

- Requires a transceiver(Reader), antenna, and transponder(Tags).


Why RFID is Replace to Barcode on Library(RFID VS Barcode)

Barcode Vs RFID
Barcode Reader Require Direct Line of sight, using the laser technology. Scan and read one tag at a time .	RFID does not require line of sight. Scan and read Multiple tags Simultaneously.
Reading by Barcode takes much more Time. .	Reader can read tags much faster, appx. 20 Tags per seconds.
Human Intervention is required to scan a barcode .	Human intervention is overcome by RFID Tech..
Barcode can be affected by dirt, Moisture and packaging.	RFID tags are not affected by those conditions.
Less read range in comparisons to RFID	RFID tags have longer range than Barcode
Less Expensive	More Expensive
Barcode don’t have read/write memory	RFID have Read/Write memory

RFID Applications:--

 -            E-Passports(Ist introduce in Malaysia-1998) 

 For toll booths (or any “pay for entry” system)

 Tracking Books in Libraries

 Car keys, wireless entry and ignition

 Animals Identification--  Hospital Patients 

Standard RFID Operating Frequencies:-

 -ISO 18000-2

-<135 KHz(LHF)

  - Animal identification, factory data collection.

- Unaffected by presence of water.

- Fairly costly because of coil in transponder.

n-ISO 18000-3

n13.56 MHZ(HF)

      -  Smart cards, In Library for identifying a Books.

   

n-ISO 18000-4

n2.45 GHz(Microvave)
- 802.11 WLAN, Bluetooth standards

n-ISO 18000-6

n860-960 MHz(UHF)
  - EAN, various standards
 - Long range 2-5 meters.

n-ISO 18000-7

n-433 MHZ (UHF)
 - Defence applications.

Different Operational frequencies

   

  Why  RFID Need in Libraries:-

Libraries have used RFID to replace the barcodes on library items. The tag can contain identifying information or may just be a key into a database. An RFID system may replace or supplement bar codes and may offer another method of inventory management and self-service checkout by patrons. It can also act as a security device, taking the place of the more traditional electromagnetic security strip.

    

       RFID tags can be read through an item, there is no need to open a book cover or DVD case to scan an item, and a stack of books can be read simultaneously. Book tags can be read while books are in motion on a conveyor belt, which reduces staff time. This can all be done by the borrowers themselves, reducing the need for library staff assistance. With portable readers, inventories could be done on a whole shelf of materials within seconds.There are followings reason why rfid for library:-

•  Fastest, easiest, most efficient way to track, locate & manage library materials

•  Efficient Book circulation management.

•  Automatic Check-in and Check-out.

•  Library inventory tracking in minutes instead of hours.

•  Multiple books can be read simultaneously.

        •  human intervention is overcome by this technology.

•  Automated material handling using conveyor & sorting systems

                     

How does RFID Works in Libraries:-

1) Firstly items-tag are scanned by reader;

 2) Secondly in backend transmitted data coming through antenna (RF-wave) are being recognized by RFID-based system PC. It acts as a middleware communication gateway among items, reader and system database;

 And at the end it filters out and store data in RFID-databases for checking the data fault and relevant operation.

Four Key Components for RFID In Library
1)Tags 2)Reader 3)Antenna 4)Software

See this Video