RFID System The Decades of RFID Decade Event

1940 - 1950

Radar refined and used, major World War II development effort. RFID invented in 1948.

1950 - 1960

Early explorations of RFID technology, laboratory experiments.

1960 - 1970

Development of the theory of RFID. Start of applications field trials.

1970 - 1980

Explosion of RFID development. Tests of RFID accelerate. Very early adopter implementations of RFID.

1980 - 1990

Commercial applications of RFID enter mainstream

1990 - 2000

Emergence of standards. RFID widely deployed. RFID becomes a part of everyday life.

The history The Germans, Japanese, Americans and British were all using radarwhich had been discovered in 1935 by Scottish physicist Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Wattto warn of approaching planes while they were still miles away. The problem was there was no way to identify which planes belonged to the enemy and which were a countrys own pilots returning from a mission. The Germans discovered that if pilots rolled their planes as they returned to base, it would change the radio signal reflected back. Under Watson-Watt, who headed a secret project, the British developed the first active identify friend or foe (IFF) system. They put a transmitter on each British plane. When it received signals from radar stations on the ground, it began broadcasting a signal back that identified the aircraft as friendly. RFID works on this same basic concept. A signal is sent to a transponder, which wakes up and either reflects back a signal (passive system) or broadcasts a signal (active system). Advances in radar and RF communications systems continued through the 1950s and 1960s. Scientists and academics in the United States, Europe and Japan did research and presented papers explaining how RF energy could be used to identify objects remotely. Companies began commercializing anti-theft systems that used radio waves to determine whether an item had been paid for or not. Electronic article surveillance tags, which are still used in packaging today, have a 1-bit tag. The bit is either on or off. If someone pays for the item, the bit is turned off, and a person can leave the store. But if the person doesn't pay and tries to walk out of the store, readers at the door detect the tag and sound an alarm. Mario W. Cardullo claims to have received the first U.S. patent for an active RFID tag with rewritable memory on January 23, 1973. That same year, Charles Walton, a California entrepreneur, received a patent for a passive transponder used to unlock a door without a key. A card with an embedded transponder communicated a signal to a reader near the door. When the reader detected a valid identity number stored within the RFID tag, the reader unlocked the door. Walton licensed the technology to Schlage, a lock maker, and other companies. In the 1970s, Los Alamos National Laboratory was asked by the Energy Department to develop a system for tracking nuclear materials. A group of scientists came up with the concept of putting a transponder in a truck and readers at the gates of secure facilities. The gate antenna would wake up the transponder in the truck, which would respond with an ID and potentially other data, such as the driver's ID. This system was commercialized in the mid-1980s when the Los Alamos scientists who worked on the project left to form a company

to develop automated toll payment systems. These systems have become widely used on roads, bridges and tunnels around the world. At the request of the Agricultural Department, Los Alamos also developed a passive RFID tag to track cows. Los Alamos came up with a passive RFID system that used UHF radio waves. The device drew energy from the reader and simply reflected back a modulated signal to the reader using a technique known as backscatter. In the early 1990s, IBM engineers developed and patented an ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID system. UHF offered longer read range (up to 20 feet under good conditions) and faster data transfer. IBM did some early pilots with Wal-Mart, but never commercialized this technology. When it ran into financial trouble in the mid-1990s, IBM sold its patents to Intermec, a bar code systems provider. Intermec RFID systems have been installed in numerous different applications, from warehouse tracking to farming. But the technology was expensive at the time due to the low volume of sales and the lack of open, international standards. Between 1999 and 2003, the Auto-ID Center gained the support of more than 100 large end-user companies, plus the U.S. Department of Defense and many key RFID vendors. It opened research labs in Australia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan and China. It developed two air interface protocols (Class 1 and Class 0), the Electronic Product Code (EPC) numbering scheme and a network architecture for looking up data associated on an RFID tag on the Internet. The technology was licensed to the Uniform Code Council in 2003, and the Uniform Code Council created EPC global, as a joint venture with EAN International, to commercialize EPC technology. The Auto-ID Center closed its doors in October 2003, and its research responsibilities were passed on to Auto-ID Labs.

Introduction

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have been in use in libraries for five years for book identification, for self checkout, for antitheft control, for inventory control, and for the sorting and conveying of library books and AV materials. These applications can lead to significant savings in staff costs, enhance service, lower book theft and provide a constant update of media collections. The technical features of a modern RFID system are described to provide a guideline for the evaluation of different systems. The most important issue is that non proprietary systems can be used by libraries today because the new generation of RFID chips with the ISO standard 15693 is available. RFID system is stand for Radio Frequency Identification which is a wireless communication technology that is uniquely identify tagged objects. RFID is a combination of radio-frequency-based technology and microchip technology. The information contained on microchips in the tags affix to library materials is read using radio frequency technology regardless of item orientation or alignment and distance from the item is not a critical factor except in the case of extra-wide exit gates. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID system is small electronic devices that consist of a small chip and an antenna.

Why using RFID system in library? Many libraries has implemented this technology because through this technology, stock taking at any level becomes very easy and can be performed is short time without disturbance of any kind of library services. This is because to enhancing the self service production. Besides that, with using this technology it can be checked in easy and convenient manner through inventory reader so that staff can check books are shelved in correct area. In addition, the items can be returned by the users themselves without any help from library staff and users can issue the items that they want by own self. According to Boss (2004), RFID can be used library circulation operations and theft detection systems. Radio Frequency Identification system move beyond security to become tracking systems that combine security with more efficient tracking of materials throughout

the library, including easier and faster charge and discharge inventorying and materials handling. Radio Frequency Identification is a combination of radio-frequency based technology and microchip technology. With this, the information contained on microchips in the tags fixed to the library materials is read and scan using radio frequency technology. According to Boss (2004), the readers powers an antenna to generate an RFID field when a tag passes through the field the information stored on the chip in the tag is interpreted by the reader and sent to the server and communicates with the library system when the RFID system is interfaced with it. While, RFID exit gate sensors at exits are technically two types. One type reads the information on the tags and communicates that information to a server. After checking the circulation database, it turns on an alarm if the item is not properly checked out. Besides that, it used to check in and check-out library material without staff assistance. RFID readers also used to verify that all material leaving the library has been checked out and used to automatically discharge library materials and reactive security. It eases and speeds material handling, librarians daily tasks and also enables readers to use convenient self service stations.

The diagram show the flow of RFID

Vendors companies background Vendor: 3M History 3M was founded in 1902 at the Lake Superior town of Two Harbors , Minn. Five businessmen set out to mine a mineral deposit for grinding-wheel abrasives. But the deposits proved to be of little value, and the new Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. quickly moved to nearby Duluth to focus on sandpaper products. Five industrious and tenacious northern Minnesota businessmen with diverse occupations founded 3M. They financed the company to mine mineral for grinding wheel abrasives. Like many others in the early 1900s, 3M's founders incorporated first and investigated later. In the face of failure, they persevered and turned their investment into a lucrative venture. The world's first waterproof sandpaper, which reduced airborne dusts during automobile manufacturing, was developed in the early 1920s.A second major milestone occurred in 1925 when Richard G. Drew, a young lab assistant, invented masking tape an innovative step toward diversification and the first of many Scotch Pressure-Sensitive Tapes. In the following years, technical progress resulted in Scotch Cellophane Tape for box sealing and soon hundreds of practical uses were discovered. In the early 1940s, 3M was diverted into defences materials for World War II, which was followed by new ventures, such as Scotchlite Reflective Sheeting for highway markings, magnetic sound recording tape, filament adhesive tape and the start of 3M's involvement in the graphic arts field with offset printing plates. In the 1950s, 3M introduced the Thermo-Fax copying process, Scotchgard Fabric Protector, videotape, Scotch-Brite Cleaning Pads and several new electro-mechanical products. Dry-silver microfilm was introduced in the 1960s, along with photographic products, carbonless papers, overhead projection systems, and a rapidly growing health care business of medical and dental products. Markets further expanded in the 1970s and 1980s into pharmaceuticals, radiology and energy control.

While in 1980, 3M introduced Post-it Notes, which created a whole new category in the marketplace and changed peoples communication and organization behaviour forever. In the 1990s, sales reached the $15 billion mark. 3M continued to develop an array of innovative products, including immune response modifier pharmaceuticals; brightness enhancement films for electronic displays; and flexible circuits used in inkjet printers, cell phones and other electronic devices. In 2004, sales topped $20 billion for the first time, with innovative new products contributing significantly to growth. Recent innovations include Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Scotch Transparent Duct Tape, optical films for LCD televisions and a new family of Scotch-Brite Cleaning Products that give consumers the right scrubbing power for a host of cleaning jobs. The products Products 3M provides complete RFID solutions for libraries, including RFID tags, self-check stations (including the Self Check System R-Series, pictured), security gates, automated check-in via smart book drops and more complex automated materials sorting systems, mobile and desktop staff workstations, and a handheld digital library assistant for collection management; centralized management software, the 3M Command Center, can track equipment status and statistics. Libraries using RFID see a self-check rate of up to 100 percent,3M RFID libraries use the RFID tags' built-in security functionality in tandem with security gates, which are also smart portals, allowing patron gate counts to be viewed remotely. This feature can help libraries plan staffing based on patron traffic. The digital library assistant, a handheld device, is designed to help inventory collections, find missing materials, and locate books on hold easily, among other uses. Libraries using RFID technology are especially focused on the durability and reliability of the tags. 3M Library Systems offers the latest in RFID, self-service, automated materials handling, security and PC management solutions that help create a more human library and a more fulfilling and enjoyable patron experience. 3M also collaborates with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs.

Library

The library that use their services is the public library system of San Antonio, United States. The installation will include 3M Self check Systems that enable customers to perform most check out, return and renewal transactions, including fines and fee payments, without the aid of library staff. Other RFID components will facilitate faster and more efficient circulation and inventory procedures. 3M RFID tags are designed to satisfy todays demanding library applications, and we warranty that they will last as long as the items to which they are fixed. According to Aubrey George, the librarys assistant director for support services the new technology will help increase staff productivity, as the library system expands its services in tandem with a remodelling and construction program now taking place. Thus, with the RFID system, each item in the librarys collection is fixed with an RFID tag that contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about the items identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. Unlike barcode systems, radio frequency identification does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check-out materials. A global leader in library innovation for more than 35 years, 3M Library Systems provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to enable a more human library, freeing librarians to spend more time doing what they do best. 3M also partners with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs.

Need of System/Technologies 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. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is an innovative automated library system for automatic identification and tracking of library materials. The application of RFID system in the library management updates the traditional bar code technology and the security mechanism of magnetic stripe; accelerates the process of automated library management, as well as provides a hardware platform to the construction of digital libraries. This is because : Customer satisfaction

Books and other materials move out of the library faster with RFID. Using a selfservice system and RFID customers can checkout multiple items at once. This means they spend less time waiting in line at circulation desk. Thus, when RFID technology is combined with automated materials, handling systems, it can also spend the process for getting CD, DVDs, videotapes and books including frequently checkout best sellers, back on the shelves where customers can use them, and those items shelved accurately which increases customers convenience and reduces frustration. Staff productivity and satisfaction

With using RFID in library, librarians can do more work in less time. Some of the most time-consuming tasks, check-ins, checkouts, searching for holds or lost items and shelf management are fully or partially automated. These will improving current services and for enhancing the mission of the library. The installation of RFID system allowed librarians to provide language training to create new programming for children and seniors and to address other evolving community needs. Besides that, it will boost in productivity isnt an opportunity for enhancement and its a chance to return to the level of service customers enjoyed before circulation increased.

Circulation

RFID systems provide efficient operation processing. Library circulation staffs do not need to scan barcodes one by one. Patrons can simultaneously process check-in or checkout, verification, and entrance guard control with RFID reader equipment.

Self check out

According to Koneru (2004), RFID check-out system is user friendly and reduces queuing times. At this station, the books to be checked out are placed on the desk and both user card and stack of books can be read simultaneously that is recording the users identification, the borrowed items and deactivating the anti-theft. All this updating of the library databases happen automatically even for multiple items checked out by the same borrowed materials and due date is printed out.

Check in

Books can be placed on desk station one by one without any help by staff. The returned items are instantaneously updated in the integrated library software and antitheft device is activated. This automated book return gives enhanced benefits to patrons as well as librarians. But for patrons, it offers great flexibility in returning their material when they want and gives better availability of books as updating the library database is done in real time.

Inventory

With using RFID technology, the ability to scan books on the shelves without tipping the out or removing them to access the barcodes. A hand-held inventory reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books at a distance of approximately six inches to read all of the unique identification information. Using wireless technology, it is possible not only to update the inventory, but also to identify items which are out proper order.

Functionality/Efficiency An automated library with the support of RFID technology would be a self service station that demands least intervention by the library personnel. Efforts are being made to introduce self-service check-in and check-out that avoid long delay in the delivery of library materials and also achieving better efficiency in operations. 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 smart 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 or 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. RFID is a technology that is sparking interest in the library community because of its applications that promise to increase efficiency, productivity and enhance user satisfaction. This is because, librarians have to supervise many activities within their library which is the important functions must to be focus is : Check-in/check-out of items Shelves the items Check inventory.

If of these functions is done manually, it will take time and lead to inefficiencies and unsatisfactory services to the users. Before using RFID systems, mostly library use barcodes. Barcodes system has six step process which is:

Scan user card Return materials

receive materials due date receipt

locate/scan barcode

deactivate security

Barcodes system is very slow but using RFID system this process is made for time efficient. RFID system provides a greater amount of efficiency and it will ensure of: Quick check-in/check-out of items Quick shelving of items Preventing of thefts Quick inventory check

RFID-based systems have been implemented for efficient document tracking purpose throughout the libraries that combine, easier and faster charging and discharging of documents, security of materials, inventorying, stock verification and shelf handling. RFID tags transponder 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. The main aim for todays libraries in adopting RFID is to improve library operations by increasing the efficiency of library transaction, reducing workplace injuries and improving services for library users. Library manpower can be utilized to provide more value added services. RFID helps the librarian in providing the users with optimum utilization of available resources.

Advantages of using RFID system There are many benefits of using RFID system in library which is it make easy to library to access it. The advantages to the library and staff: Stock management. In stock management, the operations such as managing material on shelves, identifying items and taking stock regularly will be practicable. Besides that, less time for staff in circulation operations because with RFID system will reduce the amount of time required to issues, receives, sorts and shelves library materials. Moreover, with RFID system will increases productivity of staff and enhances the customers experience. This is because, RFID can track the location of each book on the shelf and items can be classified by genre, author, subject or others. User Information The user information is stored in a smart card which contains the user ID, details of the books issued and fines if any. The same smart card can also be used for auto fine debit or collection Statistics and Reporting. The system provides various reports which are helpful for librarians and users.

Lower Manpower Utilization in Library The use of RFID also reduces the man power utilization in check-in, check-out, shelf management and inventory management of library. The use of self service desk and book drops reduces the interaction of library readers with library staff making them free to do other work.

Rapid Check-In/Check-Out The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. The most significant time savings. For library patrons using self-checkout, there is a marked improvement because they do not have to carefully place materials within a designated template and they can check-out multiple items simultaneously.

Faster Inventory Check Faster inventory check, Shelf management and searching of materials can be done through a portable hand held reader. It can also be used for stock erification and finding of misplaced items.

Automated materials handling Another application of RFID technology is automated materials handling. This includes conveyer and sorting systems that can move library materials and sort them by category into separate bins or onto separate carts. This significantly reduces the amount of staff time required to ready materials for re-shelving.

Long tag life Finally, RFID tags last longer than barcodes because nothing comes into contact with them. Most RFID vendors claim a minimum of 100,000 transactions before a tag may need to be replaced.

Improvement in sorting. An RFID wand can be used to easily and quickly distinguish books that are out of sequence. These RFID wands can even be configured to show where the misplaced book actually belongs right on the spot.

High reliability The readers are highly reliable. RFID library systems claim an almost 100 percent detection rate using RFID tags.

No queues or greatly reduced queues at the checkout counter . Less repetitive work and repetitive strain injuries for staff and an increase in interaction with the users. An RFID system increases the security function in a library. Reduced material costs and handling, only one label instead of two or three. A regular inventory control and update of the database is possible. Automation of sorting and conveying functions. The easy search for miss shelved books.

Disadvantages of using RFID Difficult to remove exposed tags. This is because RFID tags are typically fixed to the inside back cover and are exposed for removal. This means that there would be problems when users become more familiar with the role of the tags. High cost The hardware required is costly which is difficult for the small library to implement. The components and tags are expensive compared to barcode.

Exit Sensor Problems While the short-range readers used for circulation charge and discharge and inventorying appear to read the tags 100 percent of the time, the performance of the exit sensors is more problematic. They must read tags at up to twice the distance of the other readers.

Unread tags When reading multiple tags at the same time, it is possible that some tags will not be read and there is no sure method of determining this when the objects are not in sight. This problem does not occur with barcodes, because when the barcode is scanned, it is instantly verified when read by a beep from the scanner and the data can then be entered manually if it does not scan.

Vulnerability to compromise It is possible to compromise an RFID system by wrapping the protected material in two to three layers of ordinary 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 substantially overlays another. That may cancel out the signals. This requires knowledge of the technology and care in substantially aligning the tags.

REFERECES

Falken Secure Network (n.d). Home page. Retrieved August 10th, 2012 http://www.falkensecurenetworks.com/PDFs/0826_RFID_Applications_For_Librarie s.pdf

M. Dhanalakshmi. (2009). RFID Based Library Management System. Proceedings of ASCNT , 227-234.

Roberti, Mark. (n.d.) The History of RFID Technology. Retrieved 10th August 2012, from http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/1338/1

The History of RFID Technology. (2008). Retrieved August 10th , 2012, from http://www.fontysmediatheek.nl/w/images/1/12/History_rfid.pdf