aidclong.ppt
TRANSCRIPT
National AIDC Centre for Wales
Faculty of Advanced Technology
AIDC Centre for Wales
Automatic Identification and Data Capture
(AIDC)
Hywel Williams
*
AIDC Centre for Wales
What is the biggest single barrier to advancement in IT?
Slow, (QWERTY) inaccurate, subject to human frailty
We need a way of getting rid of the keyboard, either
Reduce the volume of information we collect OR
Automate the capture of as much data as possible
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Background
1. AIDC is a huge topic encompassing many technologies, and used in thousands of different applications.
2. AIDC is never an end in itself, but a means to an end. Both the identification and the data capture have to be done for a reason.
3. Direct data capture is the lubricant within IT systems. Modern IT systems use so much data that it would be impossible to run them as keyboard operations, both from a volume and accuracy point of view.
4. My personal preferred term is Intelligent Data Capture
5. Intelligent Data Capture is now all around us, and forms an increasing part of our lives
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Think of something as routine as a supermarket visit
1. All the products (except some weighable items) are bar coded
2. The shelf edge labels are bar coded
3. Expensive items have RFID tags which have to be removed
4. The Anti-Theft gates at the exit are based on RFID
5. The Credit card you pay with has RFID chip and/or magnetic data
6. Loyalty cards have magnetic identification or sometimes bar codes
7. Has the potential for beneficial use
8. Has the potential for intrusive use
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Some form of Identity which “stays with” or is “part of” the entity it aims to identify and the ability to read and process that identity
Wide range of technologies and application areas, but all exhibit certain characteristics.
1. Accuracy – the technology has extremely low error rates on reading or transmitting codes (virtually nil) .
Keying errors 1:300
OCR errors 1:30,000
Bar Code errors 1:3,000,000 (3 Million)
RFID errors 1:10,000,000 (10 Million)
What is Automatic Identification and Data Capture?
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2. Speed of data availability – faster than any manual input, thousands of characters can be read every second. Also very often data can be captured while either the goods or the reader are moving.
3. Economics – the speed and accuracy of data collection over manual methods result in greater customer satisfaction, and rapid payback.
4. Versatility – Almost every type of situation requiring recording or measuring will have an answer somewhere within the technology
Characteristics (Continued)
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There are dozens of differing technologies and a myriad of devices which fall within the scope of Automatic Identification & Data Capture but there only two basic classifications:
Data Carrier :- Sometimes known as “item attendant identification” a device or tag which belongs with or is attached to in some way to the object to be identified.
Advantages:- cost, often relatively simple technology
Disadvantages:- some carriers can become detached
Feature Extraction:- An inherent unique feature of the article maybe isolated and used as an identifier.
Advantages:- integral part of the object – can’t be detached
Disadvantages:- can be expensive and highly technical
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Take a moment to think of some:-
Technologies
Applications
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Technologies…. Applications….
Linear Bar Codes F M Consumer Goods
2D (Matrix) Bar Codes Total Traceability
Optical Character Reading Process Automation
Optical Mark Reading Asset/Animal Tracking
Digital Pen & Paper Document Processing
Smart (Swipe) Card Fraud Prevention
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Inventory ControlCar Keys
Biometrics Security & Access Control
Vision Systems Road Tolling
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Industry Sectors
1. Retail – bar codes, anti-theft (RFID), payment methods (swipe cards)
2. Manufacturing – bar codes, RFID process control
3. Logistics & Transport – bar codes, RFID
4. Healthcare – bar codes, 2D bar codes, RFID
5. Social Care – Digital Pen & Paper, RFID
6. Warehouse Management Systems – bar codes, RFID
7. Security – RFID Biometrics Swipe Cards
8. Pharmaceuticals – bar codes, 2D barcodes, RFID
9. Agriculture – Animal Tagging
Wherehouse
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Historical Milestones1. 1949 -- the first barcode is invented (patent 1952)2. 1959 -- first wildlife radio tags 3. 1967 -- first retail barcode scanning system (little used at first)4. 1975 -- anti-theft material tags appear in libraries and stores 5. 1984 – 1989 10 fold increase in retail bar code use6. 1980 -- RFID is invented 7. 1990 -- Automobile toll-collection tags appear 8. 1997 -- first all-polymer IC tag demonstrated 9. 1997 to present day -- Increasing use as tag prices fall and
application areas grow10.Estimated growth from $300M in 2004 to $3Billion in 2009
“AIDC is without doubt a source to be exploited by those intent on winning, and a competitive threat to those who choose to ignore it or are unaware of its potential”. (Patricia Hewitt when Secretary of State for the DTI)
Booh!!
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Common Excuses in the Supply Chain
I can assure you your shipment is on the water Your shipment is waiting to be released
Your order is being put onboard as we speak Your goods have just left the loading dock
Traditional Data Flow in Primary Activities
GRN Data
Despatch Note POD &Invoicing
Based on Michael Porters Value chain – Primary Activities only
Imagine therefore the permutations and the amount of keying necessary when secondary activities such as HR, Development, Procurement, Accounting etc. are added
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Integrated View Using Automatic Identification and Data Capture
Data Pool
GRN Data
Despatch Note POD &Invoicing
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This integrated view owes much to an Enterprise Resource Planning approach to IT, but would still be impractical with manual collection methods.
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Data Carrier Technology
Three Basic Types
Optical
Magnetic
Electronic
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Data Carrier:- Three basic types
1. Optical:- A range of technologies all of which are read by some form of reflected light source, often some form of laser beam.
2. Magnetic :- Various technologies, the most common being the “brown bar” on credit cards and hotel keys etc.
3. Electronic :- Most common are RFID tags. These can have a whole range of formats, and technologies, ranging from simple read only tags which may be little more than bar code replacement, to sophisticated rewriteable tags which can be used as decision flags within automated production lines.
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Optical Data Carriers
Two Main Types of Optical Carrier – all need line of sight to read them
1 Linear Bar Code (Licence Plate Technology – have to be read uni-directional)
Retail Codes
General Codes
Multi Row Bar Code
2 Two Dimensional Codes (Can be self contained can be Omni-directional)
Matrix Code
PDF417
GS1 Data Bar Composites
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Optical Data Carriers
Linear Bar Codes
1. In use since the 1970’s especially in retailing. Very simple to print either on to special labels or direct on to product or immediate packaging.
2. Need to be read by a line of sight reader which may be fixed, semi-fixed or portable. Supermarkets use X lasers to compensate for angular presentation.
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Global Trade Identity Number (GTIN) numbering system this replaces what was known as EAN (European Article Number) and UPC (American equivalent Universal Product Code)
In retailing every product sold to the public which carries a bar code is unique and centrally registered worldwide with a group of organisations under the GS1 umbrella. Each country has its own organisation but they work to a common standard.
It is a 14 digit number the format of which varies a bit but basically, the first part of the number identifies the manufacturer, and the second identifies the product within that manufacturer. The final digit is always a check digit.
Companies with a large product range have a short company identifier leaving room for lots of products, whilst companies with smaller product ranges may have longer company id’s but shorter product codes. Codes with 50 as first 2 digits are registered in UK.
Retail Numbering Systems
General Linear Bar Codes
Wide range of symbologies in existence the most common being 3 of 9 and 128.
Optical Data Carriers
Low capacity up to about 50 characters. Some symbologies can accommodate alpha, numeric, and special characters. Wide range of affordable hardware available, some specialised, some can be general purpose, e.g. print bar codes direct on documents using laser printer
Used extensively in document tracking through production areas, in warehouse management systems and also in logistics for “pallet labelling”
1234567 1234567
Very easy to use most systems you just install a special font
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Example of 3 of 9 Bar Codes on a Dye House Route Card, 1 per operation
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1. Multi-row bar codes:- series of linear barcodes stacked one on top of the other. Label must “pass” under reader for each line to be read. Data can be appended (like word wrap) to carry more data. Often found on “outers”.
Optical Data Carriers
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2-D Dimensional Bar Codes – (Matrix)1. Matrix Codes:- Consist of a block of cells, which are filled with “mini bar
codes”, can be interpreted and translated into blocks of up to 2000 characters. The borders act as “registration” so that code can be read in any orientation
UID – DoD Identity on everything supplied to US Armed Forces
Many product marking methods:Printing Laser Punching, drilling Embossing, dot peen
2. Up to 2 Kb of information – often enough to carry all data (no need for lookup)
3. Data redundancy and error correction mean code can survive a certain degree of damage
4. Low contrast patterns can be read5. Omni directional in that border provides registration
Example is 8 x 8 i.e. 6 x 6 useable. Factorial 6 = 720 x 6 rows
Full Code
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2- Dimensional Bar Codes (Matrix Codes)
The technique is widely used in Direct Part Marking. Useable in hostile environments
Shows a 2D bar code dot peened on a brake calliper of a car. Can also be used on pistons laser etched on piston top and dot peened on the side
Marks can be very small, the example shows a 2D matrix on a pin head
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2-D Dimensional Bar Codes (Others)
PDF 417 - An alternative 2D system which can be considered as multiple rows of linear bar codes (between 3 and 90). Has much the same advantages as 2D Matrix, can be read from bottom up or top down.
Sound Carrier – Dolby films carry all the sound for each frame as a dot matrix block held between the sprocket holes of the film
GS1 Data Bar Composite Code – Combines 1D and 2D elements in a single code. Not very widely used, partly because as it’s not universal not all scanners can read this symbology.
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2-D Dimensional Bar Codes (Others)
1. Maxi Code – used by United Parcel Service (UPS) Standard size 1.1inches square. Registers around 3 concentric circles in the middle of the code. Holds up to 128 characters
2. Code 1 – Alternative little used code. Various standards and sizes of code exist
3. Aztec Code – Identified by Registration around 3 concentric squares in middle of the code. Can hold up to 4,000 text
4. QR Code- Can hold 4000 text, 7,000 digits or almost 2000 Japanese and Chinese codes as well as English text and digits
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Other Optical Methods
1. Optical Character Readers – Originally special stylised fonts either OCR-A or OCR-B Best known on bank cheques.
2. Can now read text from a scanned document (Omnipage etc) but not accurately enough to collect data for decision making.
3. Optical Mark Readers – extension of punch cards – best known example is Lotto. The lottery till has to be capable of reading five different “masks”, for the different games
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Digital Pen & Paper – a unique combination of technologies
The camera photographs the handwriting at 100 fps, either the image is sent to the phone via bluetooth or the pen is plugged into the cradle, in either case the image is passed on to the server, where it “overlays” the master. It can then be stored as an image, and also translated to text using very sophisticated context sensitive handwriting recognition. This is far more accurate than conventional OCR text recognition
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Digital Pen & Paper – Typical Applications
Remote Service Engineers – Well designed forms can be little more than tick boxes, but can a) record details of the call, and b) be used to trigger despatch of replacement parts c)T&A
Delivery Drivers – No need for multi part sets of POD. The customer can sign and keep the original, electronic copy retained on line – no need for expensive PDA’s etc.
Exhibitions – Can record all enquiries and book them straight in to CRM system
Major User - Leeds City Council have 1500 workers on home visits, social workers, carers etc. each with their own pen. System allows mileage, time sheets etc to be kept. Savings identified of £1.2M per year. Cheaper and less risky than PDA’s or laptops.
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Magnetic Data Carriers
Magnetic Stripe:-
1. Widely used on credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, hotel door keys etc. Durable and fairly cheap. Low storage capacity. Chip and Pin uses RFID instead of the magnetic strip
2. Also widely used as access control devices.
3. Form the basis of many Time & Attendance systems including Job Time Logs
4. Smart Cards are an extension of this technology, which are chip based, and have read/write properties and larger storage potential. Cashless Systems, like the Oyster Card is an example which is capable of top up, and balance retention. These systems hold data on the card rather than in a remote database.
*
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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
1. The term covers a range of devices from simple licence plate systems, up to complex tags capable of integration to GPS systems for satellite tracking. Also often used to maintain information “on-board” rather than just link to other computer records.
2. Advantages over bar codes:- Do not need line of sight, Can hold far more data, Data more secure (smudging) Data can be read/write and added to, Can be read much faster. Can be used in harsh environments e.g. smoke, snow, or heat
3. System consists of two parts, a transponder and a transceiver. The transceiver emits a signal to which the transponder responds, which in turn is picked up by the transceiver. The system was first invented 1939 to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft.
4. High growth area as costs of tags and readers reduce, and as software becomes more available.
5. RFID can be classified as:- chipped or chip-less, active or passive, and frequency in which they operate.
Bar Codes have changed our lives over the past 20 years, the next 20 will be changed even more by the uptake of RFID
Electronic Data Carriers
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Outline Principles of RFID
Handheld Option
Static Option
Wake up call
Response
RF signal converted to power (Faradays Law)
Key
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RFID V Bar Code
Technology
CapabilityBar Code RFID RFID Benefit
Line of sight requirement
Required Not RequiredNo need to orientate item
Number of items that can be scanned
One ManyVery fast inventory count
Automation and Accuracy
Problematic in terms of automated presentation
Can be fully automated, and very accurate
Error free inventory count
IdentificationGenerally only to type or group
Can be to unique item level
Targeted recall
Data StorageLimited to about 50 Characters
Up to several Kbytes
Real Time data access
Read Write WORM Can be RWCan modify tag during its life
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Chipped Tags
Passive Tags
1. No internal power supply. The “chip” needs to become excited, which it does by means of a radio signal sent out from the reader. The internal Arial is designed to generate enough power from the signal to activate the chip and then to transmit a signal back to the reader. The tag can contain information other than just its number. The read only memory can have data added to it (usually only once at creation). Read distances only a metre or so.
2. They come in all shapes and sizes dependant upon the application to which they will be put
3. Can be VERY small 0.4mm X 0.4mm and thinner than paper (about a grain of sand)
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Active Tags – (Beacons)
1. They use an internal power supply to generate an outgoing signal, sometimes continuously sometimes at fixed intervals.
2. Transmission range up to 100 metres and battery life up to 10 years.
Chipped TagsSemi Passive –
Have a small battery to reduce the need of the Antennae to act as power source, but still only respond when tag reader “wakes them up”
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Tags come in all shapes and sizes depending on the use to which they will be put
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Storage Capabilities
There are 3 basic types of chip
1. Read Only – these have their identity number “hard wired” in during manufacture, no other data can ever be added, but they can be read many times. Can only be used as licence plates
2. Write Once Read Many (WORM) – these have an identity hard wired during manufacture, but are capable of having more data added once only at the first application. For example maybe a batch number or a product code
3. Read/Write – these are fully accessible to readers and writers. They have a unique id at manufacture, but also areas on the chip which can be added to and/or overwritten. For example in process control the chip could be modified after each process to indicate success, and then once all process are completed it can be totally overwritten for its next use.
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RFID Frequencies
RFID Tags are available in a range of frequencies, each of which have their particular advantages and disadvantages, and it is CRITICAL the right one is chosen to match the application, e.g. read distance, cost, read/write ability
Low Frequency (125 – 134 KHz)
High Frequency (13.56MHz)
Ultra High Frequency (850-950MHz)
Microwave (2.45 – 5.8GHz)
Speed Distance CostThrow Away
Re-use
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Attribute Low Frequency <135KHz
High Frequency 13.56MHz
U H F 433, 860 or 928 MHz
Microwave 2.45 – 5.8GHz
Data Capacity 64bit RO up to 2Kb RW
512bit up to 8Kb
Similar to HF 128bit up to 32Kb
Transfer Rate 200bits/sec up to 1Kb/sec
25Kb up to 100Kb
Similar to HF 100Kb up to 1Mb
Read Time 0.1 sec – 0.5 sec
2Msec can read 400/sec
Similar to HF Depends on volume of data
Range Near contact for passive 2M for Active
1.2M for R/W slightly more for RO
Up to 100M usually lower
Up to 30M for active tags
Robustness Op temp -40C to +85C
Op temp -25C to +70C
Usually specifically designed
Op Temp -25C to +70C
Cost Depends on complexity but pence
As little as 40 pence
Similar to HF, target set for bulk at 5C US
Dependant on capacity of chip
Typical Applications
Access Control Animal Identification
Tracking Systems baggage handling
Asset Tracking Supply chain logistics
Fast moving objects, road tolls, high speed automation
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Chip-less Tags (Polymer Integrated Circuits)
A development area currently
A tag will be developed with just enough “intelligence” built in to a circuit that can be printed using special conductive inks that a separate silicon IC will not be required.
Low cost, Low data capacity Low range (often near contact), but more rugged than silicon based equivalents.
To replace chipped tags as a carrier for the Electronic Product Code (EPC) which would be a bit like current GS1 bar codes in that a world wide universal code is developed for all products. Instead of details being replicated on every “back office system” the EPC tag can pick up detail from the internet as it carries a url.
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Contact (or Button) Memory:-
1. Robust data carriers up to 64K of memory. Basically the device is an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. They can contain up to 40 A4 pages of text for up to 100 Years. Used a lot by the military. Need a “probe” to read them externally, but can be integrated into bigger systems.
Other Electronic Systems (1)
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GPS/GPRS systems – used extensively for vehicle tracking
1. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a receiver, which picks up signals from 3 satellites and triangulates position.
2. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) modem transmits data via a mobile phone provider to a computer in real time, including the latitude and longitude derived from GPS.
3. The computer system can superimpose the data onto a Geographical Information System (GIS) to locate the vehicle
4. Simple systems are used to track “stolen” vehicles – car is constantly outputting signal, but only listened for when reported stolen.
5. More sophisticated systems can be used to monitor petrol consumption, route optimisation etc.
6. Potential in future as the basis for mileage based insurance
Other Electronic Systems (2)*
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Vision Systems
Camera systems can be used in a variety of ways for example:-
Monitoring product conformity – product on a line can be continually checked against a “standard” and corrective action taken when deviation occurs.
As part of a biometric system e.g. facial recognition or Iris recognition
Traffic Identification – recognise number plates for City congestion charges and possibly road tolls in the future.
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Feature Extraction Technology
These systems depend on a property of the item itself, rather than data about the item
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Person Based Systems (Biometrics) Facial Recognition – key co-ordinates of faces are
recorded and compared
Handwriting Recognition – used forensically, but now in use on PDA’s and tablet PC’s.
Speech Recognition – Record and compare sound as wave patterns.
Physical Patterns – e.g. iris recognition, finger print recognition, hand geometry and vasculature – can be used in conjunction with other means, e.g. smartcards*
Gait – Step length, walking speed, joint rotation are combined to a pattern for comparison.
DNA – Who goes on the database?
*
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Substance Based recognition
Physical or Chemical properties of substances can be used to identify “batches”
1. Inert trace elements may be added to chemicals in varying strengths to identify the source and batch. Classic example being detection taggants and post explosive taggants which allow tracking of plastic explosives via chromatography
2. Inherent unique properties may be used for example the use of a “chemical nose”. Substance specific sensors are used to measure ammonia, SO2 etc.
3. Emission sensors – e.g. thermal images can be compared against stored patterns to detect some substances
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Application & Integration of AIDCAll the technologies require some form of reader and or writer,
and some form of interpretation
1. Bar Codes – need printers (special or general) need readers, handheld or permanent even matrix codes are relatively simple
2. RFID – need more electronics, including software level to unscramble messages
3. Feature systems – require cameras or other sensors
4. ALL require IT systems to both provide them with data and to accept the received data and sensibly process it into meaningful information – AIDC is nothing without IT.
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Some Practical Examples
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Reader
Bay 1 O
ut
Bay 2 O
ut
Bay 3 O
ut
Bay 4 O
ut
From Bay1 In
From B
ay2 In
From
Bay3 In
From Bay4 In
Bay 1 – Potatoes
Bay 2 – Sandwiches
Bay 3 – Cauliflowers
Bay 4 - Onions
Bay 1 – Newport
Bay 2 - Cribbs Causeway
Bay 3 - Bristol Centre
Bay 4 - Cardiff
Bulk Deliveries of one product
Single drop loads or small groups of shops of mixed products
Advance Notification
from supplier
Orders from Store
Allocation Program
Verify Delivery & pick up allocation
details
Amend Allocations if Necessary
Count Trays into output
bays
Modify roller path when
count is met
Automated Cross Dock Warehouse
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Some Other Examples:-
1. Airport security and baggage handling – bar codes, RFID and biometrics are all either in use or shortly to be put into use
2. London (and other ) Marathon – all runners have microchips to record their time
3. Ticketing Systems – All 2006 World Cup tickets had RFID tags which eliminated forged tickets. Also allowed traceability if touting of genuine tickets was reported.
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Healthcare *Unique identification of all surgical instruments with 2D bar codes makes tracking and recording of which instruments were used in which operations, which can be sterilised and which have to be discarded (CJD etc)
All blood is identified by donor as well as blood type. Records need to be kept especially when blood is turned into other products like plasma etc when several bloods may be merged
Which leg, right or left? Coded tags can eliminate notes mix up, and reduce the effect of poor handwriting and consequent mistakes
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The Power of ID in HealthcareConference in Cardiff on Tuesday 30th October jointly organised by ourselves and Informing Healthcare
Morning will be split into:-
1. Background – i.e. putting AIDC in Context within Wales and Europe.
2. Technical Advances – smart cards RFID and other technologies
Afternoon session
1. Specific applications in Health Care sector including Community care
2. Discussion led by Informing Healthcare as to the future adoption of these technologies into the Welsh NHS
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Myths – a lot of myths exist around RFID tags in particular, about the loss of anonymity
1. You can be located anywhere by any random tag you may have.
2. Most retail tags are removed at the till, they have performed their function by then
3. Tags are usually part of the packaging rather than the item
4. You must be within 4 feet of a reader, the reader must be able to identify the tag, it then needs a link back to a database to tie your details up to the tag. A bit tenuous to say the least.
5. Cash – tagged Euro’s help counting avoid counterfeiting – traceable? No there is no link from you to the cash when you hand it over – unless of course you have to provide personal id for every transaction – then we would have to worry
1. If you ever visit an organisation that claims that they are making maximum use of AIDC technologies
2. Tell me I’d love to use them as a case study
3. Look out of the window
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1. Some people within organisations pretend that they have no applications which AIDC could streamline. That position is
2. Uncomfortable
3. Unsustainable
4. Its dangerous if anyone is looking for somewhere to park their bike
If you are a Welsh organisation, let us at the National AIDC Centre for Wales help you to see the future. Initial consultations are FOC to all Welsh organisations be they private or public, large or small, North or South
If you are outside Wales
Why not relocate – it’s good down here
If you can’t relocate, we should still be able to re-direct you
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Thank You very much for your attention, I hope that the chat has been somewhat informative.
Website www.aidcwales.co.uk (English)
www.aidccymru.co.uk (Cymraeg)
Telephone 01443-654542
Email [email protected]