INDEX: S.

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1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3 4 Understanding RFID How RFID Works RFID Tags,Readers,Performance Using RFID RFID in Library Management System :Introduction Already existing Library Management System ,based on RFID Problems with the current Systems(LMS) Proposed Solution(LMS) Future Prospects References

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3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

1. RFID:
How RFID Works :

RFID wirelessly exchanges information between a tagged object and a reader/ writer . An RFID system is comprised of the following components (Figure 1): One or more tags (also called transponders), which consist of a semiconductor chip and antenna. One or more read/write devices (also called interrogators or simply, readers). Two or more antennas, one or two on the tag and at least one on each read/write device. Application software and a host computer system. TAGS: Tags can have one or more antennas There are 3 kinds of tags i.e. Active/passive/semi-passive Tags can be Read only/read-write Depends upon the surfaces READERS: Readers need to have at least one antenna Readers can be fixed or mobile Readers decodes data received from tags RFID Performance : Frequency Frequency Description Band 125-134 KHZ Low frequency 13.56 MHZ High

Range To 18 inches Near 2

Common Applications Vehicle identification Electronic ticketing and

frequency(HF )

contact -3 feet

858-930 MHZ

Ultra high 1 to 30 frequency(UH feet F)

2.45 GHZ

Microwave

10+ feet Figure:2

fair collection, contact less payment, access control, commercial laundry and garment tracking, sample tracking. Baggage tagging, WiFi based RTLS, asset management, work in process tracking, returnable container tracking, compliance tagging and other case and pallet ID. Long range identification with active tags

Standards Many national and industry standards are based on ISO or EPCglobal standards. RFID standards exist for item management, logistics containers, fare cards, animal identification, tire and wheel identification, and many other uses . The Gen 2 standard was created to facilitate the use of Electronic Product Code (EPC) numbers, which uniquely identify objects such as pallets, cases or individual products. The EPCglobal Generation 2 (EPC Gen 2) UHF standard is now also the ISO 18000-6C standard.. 1.4 Using RFID : RFID provides options when it is impractical or impossible to use other technologies or manual labor to collect data. RFID can operate in environments where factors such as indirect line of sight, high-speed reading requirements, temperature extremes and exposure to gases, moisture, acids and solvents, paint, oil prevents the use of other data collection methods.

2. Research on RFID in Library Management System:

2.1 Introduction: The concept of RFID can be simplified to that of an electronic barcode and can be used to identify, track, sort or detect library holdings at the

circulation desk and in the daily stock maintenance. This system, consist of smart RFID labels, hardware and software, provides libraries with more effective way of managing their collections while providing greater customer service to their patrons. The technology works through flexible, paper-thin mart labels, approximately 2X2 in size, which allows it to be placed inconspicuously on the inside cover of each book in a librarys collection. The tag consists of an etched antenna and a tiny chip which stores vital bibliographic data including a unique Accession number to identify each item. This contrasts with a barcode label, which does not store any information, but merely points to a database. These smart labels are applied directly on library books and can be read with an RFID interrogator/scanner. Line of sight is not essential for reading the tags with the scanner, therefore, the books require much less human handling to be read and processed. A middleware integrates the reader hardware with the existing Library Automation Software for seamless functioning of circulation. The information contained on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials is read using radio frequency technology regardless of item orientation or alignment. It provides a contact less data link, without need for line of sight, for example, the documents in the shelves or cardboard boxes can be checked without removing or opening. RFID has no concerns about harsh environments that restrict other auto ID technologies such as bar codes. Tags have a discrete memory capacity that varies from 96 bits to 2kbytes. In addition to tags, an RFID system requires a means for reading or "interrogating" the tags to obtain the stored data and then some means of communicating this tag data to library information system. RFID-based systems have been implemented for efficient document tracking purpose through out the libraries that combine, easier and faster charging and discharging of documents, security of materials, inventorying, stock verification and shelf handling. RFID tags transponders listen for a radio query from the reader and respond by transmitting their unique ID code. Most RFID tags have no batteries; they use the power from the initial radio signal to transmit their response.

2.2 Already existing Library Management System based on RFID:

Library products: Staff Station: It is a plug and play multi protocol antenna-reader system specially designed for library circulation desk application. Gate Detection System: Walk through gate detection system capable of detecting unauthorized tagged items passing through it. It has in built audio visual alert facility and a minimum read range of 36 inches. HF Handheld Reader: Basic handheld reader primarily designed for performing activities such as shelf order checking, shelf-reading, searching, inventory scanning in library kind of environment. RFID Tags: They are rewritable passive HF Tags. Available in various types and form factors these are used for tagging library materials to uniquely identify particular tagged items using the RFID based automated library management system. Self check in / check out kiosk: Its a stand alone multi protocol Self Check-in / Check-out kiosk primarily for self issue and return of books in Library. With its inbuilt screen and printer, patrons can view & print transaction related information such as number of books issued, outstanding fine (if any) etc. Customized information can also be printed on the transaction slip. Book Return Station:

Its a multi protocol book drop primarily used for returning of library books. It helps in better circulation and gives time flexibility to patrons for returning of library materials issued by them. 2.3 Problems with the current Systems: High cost: The major disadvantage of RFID technology is its cost, RFID tags can cost as little as 50 cents or as much as $50 per tag depending on the type of tag, the application and the volume of the order, Active tags - those with a battery - can cost far more, and we know that in case LMS we need to tag all the books, magazines, etc. so thousands of such tags are required. It also includes the cost of readers, scanners, as well as the cost of development of software and its maintenance in future. Vulnerability to compromise: It is possible to compromise an RFID system by wrapping the household foil to block the radio signal. It is also possible to compromise an RFID system by placing two items against one another so that one tag overlays another. That may cancel out the signals. This requires knowledge of the technology and careful alignment. Removal of exposed tags: The RFID Tags can not be concealed in either spine or gutter of the books and are exposed for removal. If a library wishes, it can insert the RFID tags in the spines of all except thin books; however, not all RFID tags are flexible enough. A library can also imprint the RFID tags with its logo and make them appear to be bookplates, or it can put a printed cover label over each tag. Lack of a data standard: Concerns about the lack of a data standard somewhat limited the growth in some markets. The current library RFID technology uses proprietary and non-ISO (International Standard Organizations) Standardizations. The problem is the tags prices are fluctuating over the months. The manufacturer /third -party lock over the RFID library market. Thus the ISO RFID is on the move and to expand the library markets. Too many tags: If your library already uses RFID for self-service linked to a management system (or plans to) - it may not be a good idea to have to add another tag - with another data model. Too many tags in an item could result in a degradation of all the services being provided - as well as costing more than necessary! Using common data standards and frequencies, if possible, could help prevent costly mistakes.

2.4 Proposed Solution:

The compelling value point of RFID, compared to other wireless technologies, has been cost, with chips running as little as 35 cents a piece for some varieties. Long tag life will be more beneficial than barcodes because nothing comes into contact with them. Most RFID vendors claims a minimum of 100,000 transactions before a tag may need to be replaced. RFID reduces staffing as all the activities related to library get automated. Experiments on Position of Tags in Books, the main motive of using RFID technology is to decrease the time consumption of every task and to get 100% readability of tags. To achieve this, best tag position has to be identified to make sure that none of the tags gets compromised with reader in terms of getting hidden by the human body while carrying the books. Fig: Different tag positions on books

When the book will be searched on the rack then the tag position-9 with give maximum percentage of visibility as it is on spine of the book. If the tag will be placed to tag position-7 it will be more visible to the sensor gates while going out of the library, and will not be affected by the human body, as we know human body is made up of 70 % water, and RFID tags performance is affected by the contact of water. Metal causes two problems for RFID transponders: It can reflect energy away from the tag, and it detunes the tag antenna, thereby preventing it from receiving energy from the reader. But now there are tags with spacers that can be placed on metal objects, such as racks and servers in a data center. In many cases, tags utilize the metal to reflect a greater amount of energy to the tag, thereby increasing read range.