RFID-based Applications Research Articles

Construction of a General-Purpose Infrastructure for Rfid – Based Applications

The aim of advancements in technologies is to increase scientific development and get the overall human satisfaction and comfortability. One of the active research area in recent years that addresses the above mentioned issues, is the integration of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into network-based systems. Even though, RFID is considered as a promising technology, it has some bleeding points. This paper identifies seven intertwined deficiencies, namely: remote setting, scalability, power saving, remote and concurrent tracking, reusability, automation, and continuity in work. This paper proposes the construction of a general purpose infrastructure for RFID-based applications (IRFID) to tackle these deficiencies. Finally, the proposed IRFID is compared against eight existing systems. As a result, IRFID can be considered as a prototype for the futuristic with flexibility and generality in a wide-range of automation and development areas.

Knowledge Development Trajectories of the Radio Frequency Identification Domain: An Academic Study Based on Citation and Main Paths Analysis

The study collected papers on radio frequency identification (RFID) applications from an academic database to explore the topic’s development trajectory and predict future development trends. Overall, 3820 papers were collected, and citation networks were established on the basis of the literature references. Main path analysis was performed on the networks to determine the development trajectory of RFID applications. After clustering into groups, the results are twenty clusters, and six clusters with citation counts of more than 200 were obtained. Cluster and word cloud analyses were conducted, and the main research themes were identified: RFID applications in supply chain management, antenna design, collision prevention protocols, privacy and safety, tag sensors, and localization systems. Text mining was performed on the titles and abstracts of the papers to identify frequent keywords and topics of interest to researchers. Finally, statistical analysis of papers published in the previous 4 years revealed RFID applications in construction, aquaculture, and experimentation are less frequently discussed themes. This study provides planning directions for industry, and the findings serve as a reference for business domain. The integrated analysis successfully determined the trajectory of RFID-based technological development and applications as well as forecast the direction of future research.

A Survey of RFID Readers Anticollision Protocols

While RFID technology is gaining increased attention from industrial community deploying different RFID-based applications, it still suffers from reading collisions. As such, many proposals were made by the scientific community to try and alleviate that issue using different techniques either centralized or distributed, monochannel or multichannels, TDMA or CSMA. However, the wide range of solutions and their diversity make it hard to have a clear and fair overview of the different works. This paper surveys the most relevant and recent known state-of-the-art anti-collision for RFID protocols. It provides a classification and performance evaluation taking into consideration different criteria as well as a guide to choose the best protocol for given applications depending on their constraints or requirements but also in regard to their deployment environments.

Considering High-Performance Near-Field Reader Antennas: Comparisons of Proposed Antenna Layouts for Ultrahigh-Frequency Near-Field Radio-Frequency Identification

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is being widely used in supply chain and logistics applications for wireless identification and the tracking and tracing of goods, with excellent performance for the long-range interrogation of tagged pallets and cases (up to 4-6 m, with passive tags). Item-level tagging (ILT) has also received much attention, especially in the pharmaceutical and retail industries. Low-frequency (125-134 KHz) and high-frequency (HF) (13.56 MHz) RFID systems have traditionally been used for ILT applications, where the radio-frequency (RF) power from the reader is delivered to the passive tags by inductive coupling. Recently, ultra-HF (UHF) (840-960 MHz) near-field (NF) RFID systems [1] have attracted increasing attention because of the merits of the much higher reading speed and capability to detect a larger number of tags (bulk reading). A UHF NF RFID system is a valuable solution to implement a reliable short-range wireless link (up to a few tens of centimeters) for ILT applications. Because the tags can be made smaller, RFID-based applications can be extended to extremely minuscule items (e.g., retail apparel, jewelry, drugs, rented apparel) as well as the successful implementation of RFID-based storage spaces, smart conveyor belts, and shopping carts.

On Using Sampling Bloom Filter for Unknown Tag Identification in Large-Scale RFID Systems

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one of the key technologies for Internet of things. In RFID systems, the tags without registering in advance are called unknown tags, which usually appear in the scenarios, where the tag-attached objects are moved into or misplaced in the reader’s interrogating area. Consequently, unknown tag identification is significant for RFID-based applications, which is the concentration of this paper. We first propose a basic efficient unknown tag identification protocol based on sampling Bloom filter called UTI-SBF, which consists of known tag deactivation phase and unknown tag identification phase. The idea behind the UTI-SBF protocol is to deactivate the known tags to counteract their interference on the unknown tag identification. Then, we propose an enhanced protocol called EUTI-SBF, which eliminates the non-homogeneous slots based on the UTI-SBF protocol to improve the time efficiency. The parameters of the two protocols are theoretically analyzed to maximize the efficiency. We conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the proposed UTI-SBF and EUTI-SBF protocols and the simulation results illustrate that the UTI-SBF and EUTI-SBF protocols outperform the BUIP protocol. In particular, the EUTI-SBF protocol only consumes about 70% of deactivation time compared with the BUIP protocol in the known tag deactivation phase.

Efficient 3-dimensional localization for RFID systems using jumping probe

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology manifests its potential in widespread applications, such as warehouse management, library maintenance and product tracking, etc. One of the most important characteristics for RFID-based applications is their 3-Dimensional localizability. Recently, researchers have proposed some 3-Dimensional RFID-based localization schemes, but most of them suffer from low efficiency. In this paper, we target at improving the efficiency of RFID-based localization, including energy efficiency and time efficiency, without sacrificing localization accuracy. The main idea is to adopt a “jumping probe” in distance estimation, based on which we propose the 3-Dimensional RFID-based localization schemes called JumpLoc, including a passive scheme two active schemes. In the passive JumpLoc scheme, a target tag will be located based on the estimated distances between itself and some reference readers. While the active schemes include basic and enhanced active JumpLoc schemes to locate a target reader. We numerically analyze the localization efficiency improvement of the proposed JumpLoc schemes. We also conduct simulations to validate their effectiveness, the results of which show that the passive JumpLoc scheme can improve the energy efficiency and time efficiency by at least 56% and 34% respectively, and the active JumpLoc schemes can improve the energy efficiency and time efficiency by at least 82% and 83% respectively.

Measuring the Uncertainty of RFID Location Streams Based on Optimal Estimation Particle Filter

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is widely used in object tracking and tracing, especially in real-time locating system (RTLS). Due to the external and internal influence of RFID systems, a lot of redundant and uncertain location streams could be generated in RFID-based RTLS applications, which could seriously affect the accuracy of estimation for RFID mobile object position and cause great difficulties in RFID-based RTLS applications. In this paper, we systematically analyzed the characteristics of RFID location streams. We then derived the optimal weight for the attributes of RFID location streams by applying information entropy based methods and used probability matrix to optimize weight attributes in location streams. We also proposed an optimal estimation particle filter algorithm (OEPF) based on traditional particle filter, which greatly reduced the data redundancy and realized online measurement for the uncertainty of RFID location streams. Finally, the experimental results showed that, compared to the existing algorithms, our algorithm effectively improved the accuracy of location estimation in ensuring the premise of real-time.

Efficient Protocols for Collecting Histograms in Large-Scale RFID Systems

Collecting histograms over RFID tags is an essential premise for effective aggregate queries and analysis in large-scale RFID-based applications. In this paper we consider an efficient collection of histograms from the massive number of RFID tags, without the need to read all tag data. In order to achieve time efficiency, we propose a novel, ensemble sampling-based method to simultaneously estimate the tag size for a number of categories. We first consider the problem of basic histogram collection, and propose an efficient algorithm based on the idea of ensemble sampling. We further consider the problems of advanced histogram collection, respectively, with an iceberg query and a top- $k$ query. Efficient algorithms are proposed to tackle the above problems such that the qualified/unqualified categories can be quickly identified. This ensemble sampling-based framework is very flexible and compatible to current tag-counting estimators, which can be efficiently leveraged to estimate the tag size for each category. Experiment results indicate that our ensemble sampling-based solutions can achieve a much better performance than the basic estimation/identification schemes.

A mechanised 3D scanning method for item-level radio frequency identification of palletised products

The automatic, non-line-of-sight characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for identifying multiple objects are conducive to full visibility and traceability of individual product items in a supply chain. However, practical implementation of item-level RFID-based applications necessitates solving some critical issues. Among these issues, reading tag data to identify a relatively large number of individual product items, which are usually packed in batches and distributed on pallets, is particularly a bottleneck, because it affects the accuracy and trustworthiness of batch distribution of products and all subsequent logistics operations in the supply chain. Current techniques for batch identification at item-level of palletised products suffer low reading rate and incomplete tag data acquisition, rendering the RFID systems unreliable. We address this issue by proposing a mechanised 3D scanning method for identification of tagged products in large numbers to facilitate supply chain management. The proposed method requires installing RFID readers only in the X-Y plane. The readers scan tagged products in the X and Y directions while the pallet is simultaneously rotated around to be effectively scanned in the Z direction. Different scanning patterns are adopted to alleviate the problems due to randomness of tag orientation and reader collisions. As such, 3D scanning of RFID tags for item-level applications is effectively achieved without incurring much hardware cost. The performance of the proposed method is validated using an RFID-enabled gate-door for identification of palletised apparel products with item-level RFID tagging. Experiment results show that the proposed method can achieve batch reading rates remarkably higher than those reported in literature. Moreover, a correlation between the batch reading rate and the batch density is established. Apparently, the proposed mechanised 3D scanning method for batch identification of item-level tagged product items can substantially enhance the accuracy and reliability of RFID-based supply chain management systems.

RFID Anti-Counterfeiting for Retailing Systems

Counterfeiting is one of the most serious problems in the consumer market. One promising approach for anti-counterfeiting is to attach a low-cost Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) tag to the product authentication. In this paper, we propose an RFID system for detecting counterfeiting products. This RFID system consists of the tag authentication protocol and the database correction protocol. We use the tag authentication protocol for authenticating tags without revealing their sensitive information. This protocol also allows the customer to freely inquire the tag. To prevent the widespread of the counterfeit products, we use the tag status information along with tag identity information. Meanwhile, the database correction protocol guarantees the correctness of the tag status. Our anti-counterfeiting system is the first work considering the seller who plays an important role in the consumer product supply chain. Finally, we show that anti-counterfeiting system is quite secure against counterfeiting and the tag authentication protocol is lightweight enough to be implemented in RFID-based applications.

Electricity Metering Monitoring and Management Technology Based on Internet of Things

Things of RFID-based asset management applications in the metering equipment, researching applicable to the marketing of RFID tags metering equipment, automatic identification metering equipment. Based on sensor network technology, a wireless sensor network are established in the metering equipment warehouse, working libraries and other areas so that each region and the metering device automatically perception, monitoring and recording the operation of process measuring device , strengthen out of storage management, metering equipment for the entire process of tracking. Innovative metering equipment on-site mode of operation, through handheld devices, allows the operator to automatically locate existing metering operation of equipment, a comprehensive record of on-site business information to improve business efficiency. System of things technology integration metering equipment monitoring information, will achieve metering equipment identity, authentication, monitoring, positioning and tracking, real-time monitoring metering device status, with warning alarm, query statistics functions.

Quality of service, safety and protection of privacy in hospital: a method for impact assessment of RFId technology in healthcare

Background: Radio Frequency Identification (RFId) technology is rapidly integrating into hospital practices to track assets, identify patients and manage personnel; it is important to assess its impact on privacy, safety and quality of health services. Objective: This paper describes the methodological approach adopted and the tools used by the authors to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of applications and systems using RFId technology in health care facilities to solve problems due to lack of traceability. Methods: To analyse the actual and/or potential effects of this technology, the method adopted is taken from the multidisciplinary approach of Health Technology Assessment (HTA), with particular reference to the assessment of quality of services provided, of safety and of protection of personal and sensitive data. Tools developed during the research include survey, verbal questioning and interviews involving hospital staff members (Management, Technical, Clinical&Service Implementation), and audit in Italian healthcare facilities. Results: We identified the current applications and technical characteristics of RFId technology and we calculated priority levels to determine impact health indicators. Results were used for evaluate the diffusion, the applications and the characteristics of RFId technology and also for calculate its impact on healthcare processes. Conclusions: Using the tools described in this paper, health managers can evaluate the impact of the RFId-based applications in their healthcare structure.

Zero Knowledge and Hash-Based Secure Access Control Scheme for Mobile RFID Systems

The integration of RFID technology and mobile smart device stimulates the daily increasing popularity of mobile RFID-based applications, which makes its way to become a new hot zone for research and development. The primary mitigation strategies of RFID systems are ensuring that all devices are behind the corporate firewall, and physically securing the network itself. But due to the portable nature of an RFID Mobile device, as well as the potential to use wireless or internet connections for communications, Mobile RFID systems have specific security concerns that need to be addressed. In this paper, an authentication protocol based on zero-knowledge protocol and hashing in mobile RFID environment is proposed which effectively achieves forward security with preventing replay, eavesdropping, and counterfeit tag attacks.

A policy-driven RFID event management framework

As a tool of item management, the primary goal of RFID middleware is to transmit a series of filtered tag data to the RFID-based applications, and so it has to provide a means for specifying event-constraints to refine and filter the raw data from the associated RF readers. However, the current specifications, such as EPCIS's ALE, ISO/IEC's SSI and other vendor-specific specifications, are too circumstantial to be understood by the application developers, and also they have to get acquainted with the technological details of those various types of specifications. To alleviate these difficulties, this paper proposes a referential framework consisting of unified RFID event-constraint specification and its managerial mechanisms, and we dub it a policy-driven RFID event management framework. The essential components of the framework are an XML-based RFID event management policy definition language and a policy exchanging protocol. Through the proposed framework, it is expected for the RFID-based application developers to be able to easily specify their event-constraints without acquainting with the technological details of the current specifications.

Radiofrequency identification and medical devices: the regulatory framework on electromagnetic compatibility. Part I: medical devices

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology has acheived significant success and has penetrated into various areas of healthcare. Several RFID-based applications are used in various modalities with the ultimate aim of improving patient care. When a wireless technology is used in a healthcare environment, attention must be paid to the potential risks deriving from its use; one of the most important being electromagnetic interference with medical devices. In this paper, the regulatory framework concerning the electromagnetic compatibility between RFID and medical devices is analyzed to understand whether and how the application of the current standards allows for the effective control of the risks of electromagnetic interference.

Security Framework for RFID-based Applications in Smart Home Environment

The concept of Smart-Homes is becoming more and more popular. It is anticipated that Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology will play a major role in such environments. We can find many previously proposed schemes that focus solely on: authentication between the RFID tags and readers, and user privacy protection from malicious readers. There has also been much talk of a very popular RFID application: a refrigerator/bookshelf that can scan and list out the details of its items on its display screen. Realizing such an application is not as straight forward as it seems to be, especially in securely deploying such RFID-based applications in a smart home environment. Therefore this paper describes some of the RFID-based applications that are applicable to smart home environments. We then identify their related privacy and security threats and security requirements and also propose a secure approach, where RFID-tagged consumer items, RFID-reader enabled appliances (e.g., refrigerators), and RFID-based applications would securely interact among one another. At the moment our approach is just a conceptual idea, but it sheds light on very important security issues related to RFID-based applications that are beneficial for consumers.

ECloudRFID – A mobile software framework architecture for pervasive RFID-based applications

In the last few years, RFID technology has become a stimulating and rapidly expanding area of research and development. The technology's ability to precisely identify objects at low cost and without line of sight creates new and emerging opportunities for RFID applications that could become an integral part of our daily lives. Mobile RFID services for the Internet of Things can be created using RFID as an enabling technology in mobile devices. This pervasiveness enables embedded systems to interact with the user continuously, providing data from their sensors and responding to requests from the users too. Humans, devices and things are both the content providers and users of these mobile services. Mobile RFID services can be either provided on mobile devices applications as stand-alone services or combined with legacy and end-to-end systems. However, to develop and deploy this kind of system, it is necessary for an effective software development infrastructure to be able to deal with the restrictions and limitations imposed by related business areas, RFID and pervasive applications. This work presents a software framework architecture for mobile devices that aims to facilitate the development process of embedded RFID applications and the integration process of business applications and EPC Network instances. The framework provides for applications a common communication interface to abstract different devices and reading protocols as well as functions to process and distribute data.

Efficient RFID Data Cleaning Model Based on Dynamic Clusters of Monitored Objects

由于RFID(radio frequency identification)技术采用无线射频信号进行数据通信,漏读和多读现象时有发生,降低了其在事件检测中查询结果的准确性.在很多RFID监控应用中,监控物体都是以动态变化的小组为单位进行活动的.通过定义关联度和动态聚簇对各个RFID监控物体所在的小组进行动态的分析,并在此基础上定义了一套关联度维护和数据清洗的模型和算法,通过对图模型进行压缩,提出了基于分裂重组思想的链模型关联度维护策略,提高了维护的时空效率.模拟实验结果表明,该数据清洗模型可以获得较好的效率和准确性.;Because wireless radio frequency signal is adopted during the RFID (radio frequency identification) communication, many false negative and false positive readings may be produced leading to inaccurate event detection. In RFID-based applications, monitored objects often progress in the form of group. In this paper, by analyzing the group changes based on the defined association degree and dynamic clusters, a series of models and algorithms about association degree maintenance and data cleaning are proposed. Especially, by compressing the graph model, an association degree maintenance strategy based on splitting and recombining list model is discussed to improve the time and space performance. Simulated experiments have demonstrated the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed data cleaning model.

A temporal RFID data model for querying physical objects

Radio frequency identification (RFID) holds the promise of real-time identifying, locating, tracking and monitoring physical objects without line of sight, and it can be used for a wide range of pervasive computing applications. To achieve these goals, RFID data have to be collected, transformed and expressively modeled as their virtual counterparts in the virtual world. RFID data, however, have their own unique characteristics–including aggregation, location, temporal and history oriented–which have to be fully considered and integrated into the data model. The diversity of RFID applications poses further challenges to a generalized framework for RFID data modeling. In this paper, we explore the fundamental characteristics of RFID applications, and classify applications into a set of basic scenarios based on these characteristics. We then develop constructs for modeling each scenario, which then can be integrated to model most complex RFID applications in the real world. We further demonstrate that our model provides powerful support on querying physical objects in RFID-based applications.

A lightweight anti-desynchronization RFID authentication protocol

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been widely used in ubiquitous infrastructures. However, resource constraint in the low-cost RFID systems has posed potential risks such as privacy and security problems, becoming adoption barrier for RFID-based applications. In this paper, current security issues in RFID are introduced firstly. Then, we propose a lightweight Anti-desynchronization privacy preserving RFID authentication protocol. It is particularly suitable for the low-cost RFID environment for only the capacity of one-way hash function and XOR operation is needed. In this lightweight Anti-desynchronization RFID authentication protocol, the back-end server keeps the history of the random key update to prevent the active attackers from de-synchronizing the shared secret between the tag and the back-end server. The security and the performance of the proposed protocol are analyzed as well.