Overview of RFID and its applications and integration with AI technology

RFID Technologies Overview

One of the previously mentioned applications of wireless communication technology is RFID. RFID is an abbreviation for “Radio Frequency Identification,” a technology that uses wireless communication to read the identification information of goods and animals.

Barcodes and QR codes are similar to RFID in that they can be used to identify goods. Barcodes and QR codes can be preloaded with information ranging from a few dozen to 4,000 characters, but identification information cannot be changed or added during the process. In addition, they cannot be used to read a basket full of products at once.

In contrast, RFID tags can change or add information to the tag and can be read in batches (see “How well can UHF-band RFID tags be used for batch reading? (Introduction to Application Examples)” it is possible to read 300 pieces of randomly packed clothes in 3 seconds using UHF RFID), which is advantageous in cases where information that changes over time is required or where a large amount of goods are handled.

This RFID system consists of the following three main parts.

• RFID tag: An RFID tag consists of an RDID antenna and a chip.

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The antenna receives radio waves from the reader and generates the power needed to transmit the information on the chip. The antenna of the trowel will vary in size and shape, depending on the corresponding radio frequency band, as described in “The Basic Operation of the Physical Level of Wireless Communication.

The chip contains a unique ID number to identify the tag. The chip may also contain additional information about the tag and may contain memory for reading and writing data.

There are two types of RFID tags: active tags and passive tags. Active tags have a built-in battery and can receive radio waves from a reader and transmit their own radio waves. Passive tags, on the other hand, do not contain a battery and must receive radio waves from a reader to generate and transmit their own power.

RFID tags are made in various shapes and sizes. For example, small RFID tags may be shaped like cards or stickers, while large RFID tags may be large and robust, such as in aircraft or transportation equipment parts.

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RFID tags have the following functions

1. 1. Retention of identification information: Identifiers and other information are recorded on the RFID tag. This allows items with RFID tags to be tracked. For example, when items with RFID tags are shipped from a warehouse, the identifier recorded on the RFID tag can be used to accurately identify the item.
   2. Wireless communication: RFID tags can transmit and receive information via wireless communication; RFID tags can communicate with RFID readers to transmit identifiers and other information.
   3. Contactless: RFID tags can be read contactlessly. This allows for fast and rapid identification without the need to scan the item.
   4. Long life: RFID tags typically have a long life and can be used for many years. This allows RFID tags to be used for long-term tracking.
   5. Various shapes and sizes: RFID tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Small RFID tags are used on small items such as clothing and food, while large RFID tags are used on larger items such as automobiles and ships.

• RFID readers: RFID readers have the ability to receive information from tags, decode the information, and transmit it to a central database as needed.

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The RFID reader consists of an antenna and a control unit. The antenna serves as a device for receiving radio waves transmitted from the tag. Antennas vary from reader to reader and vary in shape and size. Typically, RFID readers have a single antenna or multiple antennas, and when multiple antennas are used, they may point in different directions. The control unit receives signals from the antennas and processes the information. The control unit contains different functions for different types of RFID readers.

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Typically, the control unit decodes the information transmitted from the tag, extracts identifiers and additional information, and transmits it to a central database as needed. The control unit may also have a measurement function to obtain location information of the tag. RFID readers are made in different shapes and sizes for various applications. For example, RFID readers may be portable, fixed, or built into equipment. RFID readers can also read a single tag or multiple tags simultaneously.

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RFID readers have the following functions

1. 1. Read RFID tags: RFID readers supply power to RFID tags via an antenna and read the identifiers and other information the tags have; RFID readers can use the tag identifiers to identify which items the tags are associated with.
   2. Adjusting the read range: The RFID reader can adjust the read range. By adjusting the output strength of the antenna, the RFID reader can adjust the range it can detect.
   3. Simultaneous reading of multiple tags: The RFID reader can read multiple tags simultaneously. This feature allows for rapid identification of large numbers of items.
   4. Data analysis: The RFID reader can analyze the data it reads. For example, the RFID reader can track the current location of an item and how the item has moved.
   5. Triggering of events: The RFID reader can trigger programmed actions when certain events occur. For example, the RFID reader can automatically update the inventory count when a particular item is shipped.
   6. Database update: The RFID reader can send data to a central database. For example, an RFID reader can track which stores an item is sold in when the tag is read.

• Central database: The central database in RFID is a database that is used to store information about RFID tags when they are identified. The central database may contain additional information about the RFID tag. For example, when RFID tags are used in logistics, the central database may contain information about the product, the shipping source, the shipping destination, and the delivery status. If RFID tags are used in the medical field, the central database may contain patient information, treatment plans, drug information, etc.The central database is used to ensure that when an RFID tag is read, information about that tag is quickly accessible. The central database is also used to manage the entire RFID system. For example, RFID tags can be added or deleted, or system settings can be changed in the central database. The central database is an important component of the RFID system and needs to be properly designed and managed. It also requires appropriate access control and data encryption to protect data security and privacy.RFID databases often require real-time performance and may use a high-speed NoSQL database as described in “About Redis” rather than a generic RDB as described in “RDBMS and SQL“. It may also be used in combination with AI techniques such as stream data processing techniques as described in “Machine Learning and System Architecture for Data Streams (Time-Series Data)” or parallel distributed machine learning techniques as described in “Parallel Distributed Processing in Machine Learning“.

By combining these three elements, RFID systems can automatically collect and track identification information on goods and animals, and are widely used in various fields such as logistics, inventory control, warehouse management, retail industry, agriculture, medicine, and animal tracking. In addition to simple tracking, RFID systems are also used for security and access control applications and other solutions that QR codes and barcodes cannot provide.

RFID Application Examples

RFID is used in various fields such as logistics, agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing. Examples are described below.

<Application to logistics>

RFID is being applied to logistics mainly for the purpose of automating the logistics process, making it faster, more efficient, improving quality control, and preventing theft. The following are some specific examples of them.

• Inventory Management Inventory management can be automated using RFID tags. Items arriving in the warehouse are tagged with RFID tags, which are read by RFID readers. By linking the system to an inventory management system, the inventory status of items can be monitored in real time. The RFID tags can also be read when items are shipped to keep the inventory status up-to-date.
• Transportation management RFID tags can be used to streamline transportation management. By attaching RFID tags to goods in transit and reading them with an RFID reader, the status of goods in transit can be monitored in real time. For example, by installing an RFID reader on the back of a truck and reading the RFID tags attached to the cargo, the transportation status of the cargo can be constantly monitored.
• Quality control RFID tags can be used to streamline quality control. For example, in the case of food products, by incorporating a temperature sensor in the RFID tag, the temperature of the product can be monitored in real time. It is also possible to record information such as the date of manufacture and expiration date on the RFID tag attached to the product. This can enhance product quality control.
• Theft prevention RFID tags can be used to prevent theft. By attaching RFID tags to products and installing an RFID reader at the exit, an anti-theft system can be constructed by reading the RFID tags of the products with the RFID reader.

<Application to the agricultural field>

RFIDs are also being used in the agricultural sector. They are intended to automate agricultural processes, making them faster, more efficient, and improving quality control. Some specific examples are described below.

• Animal Management RFID tags can be used to streamline animal management in the livestock industry. By attaching RFID tags to animals and reading them with an RFID reader, individual animal identification and health management can be performed. For example, by installing an RFID reader at the entrance of a barn and reading the RFID tags of cattle entering and leaving the barn, individual identification and health status can be monitored. Health information can also be recorded on the RFID tags. This can enhance animal health management.
• Asset Management Attaching RFID tags to agricultural products can streamline asset management of agricultural products. For example, by attaching RFID tags to fruits, the quantity and quality of harvested fruits can be monitored in real time. The RFID tag can also record information such as variety and cultivation management information, thereby enhancing production management of agricultural products.
• Logistics management RFID tags can be used to streamline logistics management. For example, by using pallets with RFID tags when shipping agricultural products, the logistics process can be automated and a traceable system can be established. Furthermore, RFID readers can be installed at the shipping destination to read the RFID tags of the products to manage inventory.
• Environmental monitoring RFID tags can also incorporate sensors. For example, by installing sensors with RFID tags in farmland, soil humidity, temperature, and fertilizer application conditions can be monitored in real time. This can improve crop productivity.

<Applications in the Medical Field>

RFID is being used for a variety of applications in the medical field. These applications are intended to automate, speed up, and improve the efficiency of medical processes and quality control. Typical examples are described below.

• Patient Identification RFID tags can be used to identify patients and track their treatment. For example, by attaching an RFID tag to a patient, it is possible to easily and accurately confirm the identity of the patient at the time of hospitalization and the surgical site during surgery. The RFID tag can also record the patient’s medical information. This allows medical staff to quickly ascertain the patient’s condition and provide accurate treatment.
• Pharmaceutical management RFID tags can be used to streamline the management of pharmaceuticals within medical institutions. For example, RFID tags can be attached to pharmaceutical packaging to automate inventory management and dispensing operations. It can also help prevent counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
• Management of medical tools RFID tags can be used to streamline the management of medical tools. For example, RFID tags can be attached to surgical instruments to confirm which instruments are needed during surgery and to track the status of cleaning and sterilization. This can prevent the loss of medical instruments and the occurrence of infections.
• Patient Monitoring RFID tags can be used to monitor patient status in real time. For example, by attaching an RFID tag to a cardiac pacemaker, the patient’s heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, etc. can be automatically measured, providing information for the physician to provide appropriate treatment.

<Application to the Manufacturing Industry>

RFID is also being used in the manufacturing industry for a variety of applications. These are intended to automate, speed up, and improve the efficiency of production processes, as well as to improve quality control. Typical examples are shown below.

• Product Management RFID tags can be used to streamline product production status and inventory management. For example, RFID readers can be installed on the production line to automatically collect information on products each time they pass through the production line. This allows for real-time monitoring of the progress of the production line and product inventory status.
• Quality control RFID tags can be used to streamline product quality control. For example, RFID tags can be attached to products to centrally manage product and quality information. RFID tags can also be used to prevent counterfeit products and track quality information.
• Asset management RFID tags can be used to streamline the management of manufacturing equipment and facilities. For example, RFID tags can be attached to equipment and facilities to automatically collect operating status and maintenance history. This enables efficient operation and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Logistics management RFID tags can be used to streamline product transportation and warehouse management. For example, RFID tags can be attached to pallets and cargo to provide real-time information on the location and estimated arrival time of cargo in transit. Also, RFID tags can be attached to products in a warehouse to obtain real-time information on the location and inventory status of products.>

Applied technology of RFID technology (combined with AI technology)

In addition to the general applications mentioned above, the combination of RFID and AI technologies is expected to optimize and streamline business processes and provide the following benefits

• Automated data processing: Data acquired from RFID tags is both voluminous and complex, making it extremely difficult to process manually. AI is expected to make it possible to process the data automatically, thereby enabling efficient business processing.
• Data analysis: Data acquired from RFID tags can be analyzed by AI to extract a variety of information. For example, this will provide important business information such as product availability and purchase history. This enables effective business strategy planning and customer service.
• Prediction of next actions: Data acquired from RFID tags can be analyzed by AI to predict future actions. This can provide important business information, for example, which products are in demand at what time of the year, which products are in demand by which customers, and so on.
• Optimize performance: Data from RFID tags can be analyzed by AI to achieve efficient business processes. This can lead to business efficiencies, for example, by optimizing the manufacturing process of goods or improving inventory management.
• Automation: Business processes can be automated by using AI to automatically process data acquired from RFID tags. This can lead to business automation, for example, automated control of manufacturing lines and inventory management.

However, in applying these technologies, it is also necessary to work on improving data quality, since the quality and quantity of data obtained from RFID technologies affect the accuracy of AI technologies.

One concrete example of application of the above advantages to the fusion of AI and RFID technologies is their application to Web 3.0 as described in “WoT (Web of Things) Technology Overview“. Web 3.0 is expected to realize more transparent, secure, and privacy-conscious data management by utilizing distributed ledger technology, IoT, and other technologies, RFID technology is also attracting attention as one of the fundamental technologies for the realization of Web 3.0.

The following are some examples of how RFID technology can be used in Web 3.0.

• Asset management: RFID tags can be used to manage assets online. For example, information on products and devices with RFID tags attached can be stored on a blockchain using distributed ledger technology. This allows transparent and secure management of ownership, movement history, and maintenance history of products and equipment.
• Supply chain management: RFID tags can be used to streamline supply chain management. For example, information about products and packages with RFID tags can be stored on a blockchain to transparently and securely manage product movement history, quality information, anti-counterfeiting, etc.
• Logistics management: RFID tags can be used to streamline logistics management. For example, the location and estimated time of arrival of packages attached with RFID tags can be stored on the blockchain, enabling transparent and secure tracking of packages and real-time delivery status.
• Smart cities: RFID tags can be used to help realize smart cities. For example, by storing RFID-tagged public transportation user information on a blockchain, users’ travel histories and payment information can be managed transparently and securely. In addition, the availability and usage history of parking lots with RFID tags attached can be efficiently managed.

Challenges of RFID Technology

The following challenges exist with such RFID technology.

• Cost The cost of RFID tags and readers makes their introduction difficult for small companies and sole proprietors.
• Risk of eavesdropping and theft Since RFID tags use radio waves, there is a risk of unauthorized reading. In addition, the RFID tag itself is small, making it easy to remove and possibly stolen.
• Standardization Issues RFID technology has standardization issues. Interoperability of RFID systems provided by different manufacturers is not ensured, which may make it difficult to share information between different systems.
• Distance limitation If the distance between the RFID tag and the reader exceeds a certain distance, the tag cannot be read, which may reduce reading accuracy in the case of large items or when multiple tags are read at once.
• Radio wave interference Radio waves used for RFID tags may be interfered with by surrounding radio waves. Especially in locations where radio wave use is concentrated, malfunctions may occur due to interference.
• Privacy issues RFID tags may record personal information, raising concerns about the risk of personal information leakage and unauthorized access. In addition, RFID tags may trace an individual’s location and activities, raising concerns about privacy violations.

Various technical improvements and tighter regulations are being considered to address these issues. For example, the aforementioned WoT will ensure compatibility at higher layers, and encryption technology will be introduced for RFID tags from the viewpoint of privacy protection. In addition, it is also expected that tighter regulations will protect privacy by establishing rules for the management and handling of personal information.

As for the issue of cost, see “RFID Tags Costing Less Than a Penny! A thorough analysis of the latest RFID tag price trends and case studies“, the latest price trends and case studies of RFID tags are discussed in the article, “RFID Tag Prices Below 1 Yen! The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced the “100 Billion Electronic Tags Declaration” to install RFID tags on all products in convenience stores by 2025, and all companies are working to improve the price of RFID tags to 1 yen per tag by 2025.

As for the issue of cost, some companies are asking, “Is RFID still too expensive? How much does it cost? The current RFID device structure consists of an IC chip and antenna on a plastic film base, called an inlay, which is then processed into a label or inserted into a tag. Considering the material cost of silicon and aluminum, which are the raw materials for this inlay, some people say that the price of an RFID tag (inlay) is limited to 2 yen per tag. However, there is a possibility of cost reduction due to the effect of mass production, and the price will start decreasing from the order size of over 10 million tags, and will approach 5 yen per tag once the number of tags exceeds 100 million, and there is a possibility of further price reduction. The table below provides an overview of current RFID costs for reference.

When actually introducing RFID, it is necessary to consider cost-effectiveness after taking these factors into account.