Jim,
I will be implementing RFID tagging in the near future. In our case, a Retro-reflectometer with a built-in RFID reader and GPS receiver will be used to read the tags and then the data will be transferred to the R:Base database. Interfacing a reader with a R:Base application with be similar to a bar code reader or a camera. There are several issues that you need to resolve before you start implementation. Fist of all, RFID is pretty much standardized in the same way the bar code is; as long as you use a standard protocol, you should not have any proprietary issues. You need to determine: Do you need active of passive tags - The active tags have a built-in power source and they can actually broadcast the signal so the information can be read from a greater distance. Passive tags get their power from the reader signal and hence can only be read from short distances. Again, you will need to decide which suits your application best. You also need to decide how much information you want to store in the tag memory. If you simply want an ID, you need very little; however, if you want to store history and such you will need more memory and you will also have to design a way to protect the information from unauthorized usage. Some tags used on shipping containers contain many Kb (or Mb) of data and cost in the hundreds of dollars (they are re-programmable and re-usable though) You also need to determine the environment in which the tags can be used, indoors/outdoors, sunlight/shade. This will determine the casing for the RFID as well as the mount. In my case, RID tags will be mounted on outdoor signs that are exposed to temperatures from -30 to + 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, because of the exposure to the sun (ultra-violet) we might not able to use an adhesive that would last the required 10 year life and we might have to use a fastener (screw, rivet) instead. Again, this is just a quick review of some of the issues that you will face. For our particular application, tags will range in price from roughly $2.00 to $3.00 depending on quantity. In large quantities, the simpler tags, such as those used by Wal-Mart can be bought for as little as 10 cents. There is lots of information available on the Internet and you are welcome to e-mail me privately if you need additional information. Javier, Javier Valencia 913-915-3137 _____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gross, Jim Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 6:16 AM To: RBASE-L Mailing List Subject: [RBASE-L] - RFID To All Healthcare and other industries have mobile equipment requiring periodic safety checks, service and other activities. Locating these items to perform periodic maintenance or safety checks consumes precious productive time that could be used elsewhere. Has anyone integrated RFID with an RBase application? Jim Gross Director of Facilities Engineering Noyes Hospital
