The Skinny on RFID
RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is a method used to store and retrieve data using RFID transponders or tags. RFID tags have antennas that allow them to accept and respond to queries from the RFID transceiver. There are passive and active RFID tags. The difference between the two is that passive tags do not need an internal power source, but active tags do.
RFID technology is already used in many technologies today. The future of RFID technology seems limitless as new ways to utilize its effectiveness are discovered frequently.Passive and Active TagsAs stated before, passive RFID tags do not have an internal power supply. There is a minute electrical current induced in the antenna by the radio signal it receives. This small current is enough to power the tag to respond to the signal. Passive RFID tags have a very brief response because of their limited power.
They are very small, and may be used in the future for medical purposes or, as some fear, tracking devices. Passive RFID tags can be embedded within the skin because of their small size. The smallest RFID tag in existence in 2005 was 0.4 mm by 0.4 mm. Passive tags have a read distance that ranges from 10mm to almost 6 meters.
Passive tags are cheaper than active RFID tags and as a result are more commercially available.
Active RFID tags have a longer range and larger memory capacity than passive RFID tags and may therefore be able to store a significantly higher amount of information. Active RFID tags may have a battery life of up to 10 years.How it WorksIn order to understand the uses, and potential uses, of RFID technology, one must understand the RFID system. RFID systems consist of tag readers, tags, edge servers, middleware, and application software. Having an RFID system will allow data to be transmitted by a tag, which is then read by the RFID reader and processed in accordance with the application's specifications. Data transmitted can have information about the location of the tag, or specifics concerning the product tagged.
Typical RFID systems have a small and inexpensive tag on a product. There is then an "interrogator" which has a certain range in which to detect the RFID tag, activate it, and receive the response. Current and Potential UsesRFID technology is used in every day life. RFID tags are found in CD stores and in library books. When an alarm goes off because an item was not purchased or checked out, that is the RFID tag responding.
Wal-Mart has even used RFID tags on shipments to improve supply chain management. Other RFID tags are used to track trucks in shipping yards. More recently, RFID tags have been used in automated tool booth systems like the E-ZPass system on the east coast. Mobile gas also implemented RFID technology to allow customers to simply pull up to the pump, pump gas, and then leave without having to scan a credit card or pay a cashier. RFID technology has great potential and is constantly being improved.
RFID workers are constantly trying to improve the current usage in systems like E-ZPass. It was recently announced that the eastern states will be improving E-ZPass so that cars can move faster through the tool-booth (35mph rather than 5mph). RFID technology may also be used to monitor inmates, and potentially parolees. Some consumers worry as to citizen privacy invasions by the government. RFID technology is always growing, and the government may be able to use RFID to inspect citizens, or keep track of them.
Currently, however, RFID technology seems to be limited to the innovation sphere. RFID technology has been utilized to make the lives of consumers easier and more efficient. Despite the qualms of some citizens, RFID has a very bright future..
John Hanson enjoys writing about new technologies, especially RFID technology.johnhanson31@yahoo.comLittle ipod wonders
It is no wonder that ipods are getting fun poked at them by movies this year. It seems as if the ipod is taking over the world. Everywhere you go you see them, they are attached to adults and children alike and they are all over the television and in the movies, it is getting a little insane. But it is not as if there is not good reason for such devotion to this wonderful little device. It might just be the coolest thing ever created!
Not only is an ipod functional and practical, it is cute too.
There are basically three different shapes and sizes of ipod to choose from. You have the skinny little ipod shuffle, then the slightly larger but even thinner nano and the ever popular regular ipod that can actually play all of your favorite TV shows as well as your favorite songs. How is it possible?
It is all possible due to Macintosh technology, they obviously have the greatest engineers and inventors in the world working for them. I mean seriously, none...
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Internet Survey Finds Strong Interest in French "Air Car"
As oil prices spike and then plunge between $40-50 a barrel, and gasoline prices in the United States continue to hover near the $2 a gallon mark, consumers are taking a serious look at alternatives that range from buying gasoline-electric hybrid cars at a production-straining pace to relocating closer to urban centers.
One of those options that may someday soon become available in North America is the MDI "Air Car", a six passenger, multi-use commuter vehicle being developed in France that runs entirely on compressed air (www.theaircar.com). Designed for use as a family car, mini-delivery van and taxi, the Air Car has an estimated range of 200-300 km (124-186 miles) on a charge of compressed air. It has a top speed of 110k/hr (68 mph) and takes approximately 4 hours for the compressed air tank to be recharged. Offering range and performance comparable to the current generation of battery electric cars powered...
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CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Boston, MA (ContentDesk) January 11, 2006 -- First introduced for the 2005 Emmys Ultimate Nominee TV Gift Bag, this featured frame was covered in Swarovski crystals and set at a price of over $25,000.
Among the nominees who received gift certificates toward the frame were Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher.
The Swarovski frame and the home theater package then showcased on the second season of the Gastineau Girls featuring Lisa and Brittny Gastineau.
During the show, the Swarovski-framed TV was placed in Brittny Gastineaus bedroom in her Battery Park, New York.
With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals the TV frame represents a true combination of luxury and technology.
Custom designed and hand-crafted, it took over 100 hours to design, build, and affix each individual crystal.
It was specifically made to fit the Panasonic professional line 42 inch plasma TV, setting the TV apart from ordinary technology as a work...
Battery > CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Boston, MA (ContentDesk) January 11, 2006 -- First introduced for the 2005 Emmys Ultimate Nominee TV Gift Bag, this featured frame was covered in Swarovski crystals and set at a price of over $25,000.
Among the nominees who received gift certificates toward the frame were Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher.
The Swarovski frame and the home theater package then showcased on the second season of the Gastineau Girls featuring Lisa and Brittny Gastineau.
During the show, the Swarovski-framed TV was placed in Brittny Gastineaus bedroom in her Battery Park, New York.
With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals the TV frame represents a true combination of luxury and technology.
Custom designed and hand-crafted, it took over 100 hours to design, build, and affix each individual crystal.
It was specifically made to fit the Panasonic professional line 42 inch plasma TV, setting the TV apart from ordinary technology as a work...
Battery > CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Petaluma, CA (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) December 9, 2005 -- GM PhotoStore welcomes the holiday season with customized GM PhotoGifts.
All of the images on the GM PhotoStore web site can now be printed on seven great gift and novelty items.
From coffee cups to a wall clock, each one is custom printed with the auto enthusiasts favorite car.Customers can choose from practical and fun gift ideas, then customize them by selecting their favorite GM photo from over thousands of high-quality digitally printed images available at the GM PhotoStore website, www.gmphotostore.com. The image will then be custom printed on the item and shipped directly to the customer.
These unique and personalized gifts allow car collectors and enthusiasts to show off their favorite automobiles around their home, office or while traveling.
These are truly one-of-a...
Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Battery > Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Talking Rugged Notebook
Copyright 2005 Richard Keir
A rugged notebook offers mobile professionals the ability to work in any environment and in any location. Versatile and powerful, rugged notebook computers are designed specifically for both in-plant and outdoor industrial (and military) applications. Built to handle the toughest environments, fully ruggedized notebooks should have IP54 environmental protection, meet MIL-STD 810F and have heavy duty - generally magnesium alloy - cases. Rugged notebook computers enable professionals to work smoothly in adverse environments and are adequately equipped to face almost any tough situation with ease. Naturally, these rugged notebook computers are heavier than non-rugged models but offer substantially more protection than standard laptops.
RuggedNotebooks.com offer a variety of semi-rugged and rugged notebooks, wireless tablets and even rugged PDAs in their Recon series. They also offer custom solutions.
Arguably the most rugged and...
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The Advantages of Using Disposable Hearing Aids
Disposable hearing aids are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These are often ideal for people who have only just begun to lose their hearing. Disposable hearing aids offer the same quality and features as traditional hearing aids with the possibility to save money in the process.
Disposable hearing aids function like other hearing enhancement products. They have a small, soft mushroom-like cap that fits inside of the ear canal.
They are usually worn for anywhere between thirty and forty days until the battery expires and they are discarded. Disposable hearing aids are only available by prescription and you should speak with your audiologist to see if they would be right for you.
Consumers who have used disposable hearing aids often comment on the many benefits that you cannot get with traditional models. Firstly, the disposable models are available immediately after the hearing examination that eliminates the traditional waiting...
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Arlo Guthrie's 40th Anniversary Celebration Tour of "The Alice's Restaurant Massacree" will be Presented this Year with Abe Guthrie and Gordon Titcomb and The Mammals
(ContentDesk) May 27, 2005 -- Arlo Guthrie's 40th anniversary of "The Alice's Restaurant Massacree" will be celebrated this year with a tour including Abe Guthrie and Gordon Titcomb and The Mammals."Alice" Everywhere: Though Arlo Guthrie tours extensively every year and has a large fanbase that appreciates his humor, music and insights, not for ten years has Arlo performed those 18 minutes and 20 seconds.You might think "Hey! I hear it," and yes across the nation many stations play "Alice's Restaurant" on Thanksgiving ? it has become a part of our culture.
But it's really a song about the triumph of the little guy against corporate culture. Hear it again, all over the states.06-15-2005
Battery Park, NewYork City, NY06-18-2005
Big Top Chautauqua, Washburn, WI06-19-2005
The Minneapolis Zoo, Minneapolis, MN07-01-2005
The Church, Housatonic, MA07-02-2005
The Church, Housatonic, MA07-03-2005
The Church, Housatonic, MA07...
Battery > Arlo Guthrie's 40th Anniversary Celebration Tour of "The Alice's Restaurant Massacree" will be Presented this Year with Abe Guthrie and Gordon Titcomb and The Mammals
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