Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Logistics, Tagging and EPC

New technology fights signal collision

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology say they have developed a new technology that increases read rates, reduces read errors, and improves system coverage in RFID systems used in a variety of applications. According to the scientists, the patent-pending technology helps eliminate RFID signal collision by employing two different schemes to adjust RFID reader power in response to interference levels.


The technology uses distributed adaptive power control and probabilistic power control schemes to adjust RFID reader power output in response to signal collision, the interference which occurs when multiple RFID readers try to read RFID tags or when RFID antennae are in close proximity to each other. The new technique was developed by a research team led by Dr. Jagannathan Sarangapani.

Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla, is a part of the University of Missouri system. The school’s Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development, which serves as the focal point for entrepreneurship, economic development, technology transfer, and technology commercialization, is currently looking for a commercial partner to bring the technology to market. [end] 

Oracle has released a new version of Oracle Retail Point-of-Service that aims to increase security, operational efficiency and functionality in part by integrating biometrics.

Oracle partnered with DigitalPersonal to add integrated biometrics to the POS package. Users of the software will login using their fingerprint, which will replace the need for PINs or passwords. This feature intends to reduce fraud by eliminating the possibility of unauthorized employees using a manager ID or swipe card to access the POS and approve overrides.

read more »

Zebra and Checkpoint Systems have entered into a cooperative relationship and licensing agreement. While the exact terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the relationship does bring together Zebra’s active location solutions with Checkpoint division OATSystems’ passive RFID, auto-ID and sensor capabilities.

read more »

Proclaiming its entrance into the RFID space, Honeywell introduced part of a new product portfolio designed to bring efficiency to the retail industry, the Optimus 5900 RFID mobile computer.

read more »

SML Group Ltd announced the launch of its new “ViziT” RFID item visibility solutions for the retail apparel and item tracking applications.

The ViziT solutions include a range of RFID/EAS enabled paper and woven labels, as well as tickets and sticker that can be attached to garments and stacked items. Using the SML ViziT IT cloud based data management software also provides for semi automated inventory control, as well as improved loss prevention by triggering alarms and item identification at the store exit.

read more »

Neology has filed a lawsuit against Federal Signal and Sirit for patent infringement in six Neology patents.

Filed in U.S. District Court, the lawsuit demands that Federal Signal and related companies immediately and permanently stop directly or indirectly making, using, selling or offering for sale, importing or exporting, all infringing RFID tags, readers, and systems or sub-systems.

read more »

Leo InnoTech (LIT) and UPM RFID have carried out a large-scale item-level RFID implementation for a Chinese apparel company focusing primarily on warehouse logistics optimization.

read more »