The Use of Radio Frequency Identification Technologies for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus

Abstract

This article contains description of methods to prevent the spread of coronavirus using modern technologies. Businesses face significant challenges in complying with social distancing guidelines, and they do not have a real understanding of whether these guidelines are followed in their facilities. Many companies use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to ensure the safety of employees by tracking the proximity or location of each. Kinexon's SafeZone and Triax Proximity Trace are effective solutions to prevent the spread of coronavirus within the enterprise. SafeZone is a unique and powerful active RFID technology, the purpose of which is formation of a warning about the convergence and tracking of contacts in case of a positive test result for COVID-19. The solution consists of UWB labels, worn by employees, as well as cloud software to manage the collected data. Contact information allows companies to take steps to create a safe and healthy work environment. The SafeZone solution uses ultra-wideband (UWB) radio frequency tags. UWB uses the frequency bands 3.25 - 4.75 GHz and 6.25 - 6.75 GHz, which do not overlap with the bands of wireless networks (WLAN) and ISM. RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems) - an automated system that provides identification, accumulation, processing and storage of information about the location and movement of people, objects, mobile machinery and vehicles to monitor technological and business processes, signaling, as well as for retrospective analysis of certain processes and situations. All RTLS systems consist of several main components: tags, readers and software for interpreting data. Use of active UWB tags in these systems allows to achieve high speeds at a distance of up to 10 m, the technology allows you to reach 110 Mbps. UWB module - a desktop device for setting up and accounting for UWB Tag devices. UWB hub - a device capable of performing thousands of scan scans per second at a distance of up to 30 cm. UWB Sensor - a device that detects pulses emitted by UWB tags and provides the exchange of operational information about resources. UWB reader is an access control device that uses the patented technology of short-pulse ultra-wideband (UWB) signals. UWB-tag - a device that can be attached to objects or clothing of personnel to track and track their location at any time in real time with incredible accuracy. Triax Proximity Trace technology provides active feedback, in the form of visual and audible signal, so people understand when they have violated the proper social distance. Due to Triax Proximity Trace it is possible to determine the degree of contact of employees with those who received a positive test, for example, according to the CDC classification. Components of the system: labels, gateways that are deployed in strategic places, cloud software and information panel for managing proximity event data. Triax Proximity Trace uses tags that operate at 900 MHz. Due to SafeZone and Triax Proximity Trace solutions the company can have a complete picture of potential patients and send for testing real contacts.