RFID tag reader/writer
What are 'RFID Tags'?
RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) refers to an automatic recognition system that uses wireless communication to read and write (recall, store, delete, change, etc.) individual data regarding people and objects onto recordable media called IC tags. A familiar example is the Suica system used by JR East. Even if the card does not pass through the ticket gate, ticket information can be transferred by wireless communication simply by swiping the card across the scanner unit. Information from the tag (such as the year and month of manufacturing, retail processing, inspection information, etc.) can be displayed on a display unit and new information can be written to the tag (rewriting) simply by swiping the IC tag across a scanner in this way, thus enabling uniform management of things such as the movements of products and people entering and leaving a security room.
Case Studies
In the process of retailing products and services, product information is still primarily managed using barcodes. Although barcodes are certainly inexpensive and versatile, the amount of information they contain is small, they offer poor resistance against exposure to dirt and water, and they are vulnerable to forgery and other problems. At present, the cost difference between IC tags and barcodes is an undeniably negative factor affecting the spread of IC cards. However, if the cost difference between IC tags and barcodes can be reduced through mass production, the prevalence of IC tags is expected to approach that of barcodes. The question then becomes one of which kinds of places RFID is expected to be successful. We will look at some primary examples.
Interview with a developer
The moment you set foot inside a room, the air-conditioner is automatically set to your preferred temperature, and the lighting also changes to a comfortable brightness. At the supermarket, details of the products you put in your basket are displayed, and your total bill is calculated simply by moving past the register. If RFID tag systems that offer automatic recognition by wireless communication become widespread, there will be radical structural changes throughout the world in areas ranging from logistics to services, retail, produce and livestock management, security room management, and medicine.
Effect of Introduction
The objects to be managed and administration methods for achieving this vary depending on the industry and company. When selecting IC tags and reader/writers, the characteristics of the frequency band and the features of the reader/writer therefore need to be thoroughly considered. The first step towards the smooth introduction of IC tags is to envision the operational state and perform a detailed investigation into the way to achieve this at the time the equipment is selected. We will take a look at the actual kinds of product flows.
These products are sold in Japan only.