UHF RFID Based Library Management System

Kurzfassung

One of the leading Turkish R&D companies in IT market, dealing mainly in RFID technologies, has developed a novel UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to be used in libraries and bookstores for tracing and counting reasons as well as for security purpose. The Turkish SME is looking for possible partners for this patented technology for licensing and technical cooperation agreements. Joint Venture agreement proposals are also negotiable.

Details

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an advanced technology that uses radio waves to identify and communicate data. This technology can also be identified as a method of remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID tags -a small object, such as an adhesive sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product.

In contrary to barcodes, RFID tags can carry loads and different types of information and its readers can actually “communicate” with the tags, which allows this technology to be used in tracking services. Library applications can be counted as another area for utilization such technology.

A Turkish company has developed a UHF RFID system to be used in libraries or in bookstores as a turnkey solution with full of benefits to libraries in counting, traceability and security of all materials in libraries. The offered technology can enhance existing barcode and HF RFID systems by providing additional features such as automatic check-in, checkout and adding security against theft. UHF RFID reduces lost books and creates savings in time spent searching for books on the shelves in incorrect locations. Stock takes can be reduced to a simple walk down an isle as the UHF RFID tags are read whilst they are still on the shelf.

When it is compared with HF RFID technology, the offered UHF RFID technology has a long read range, high speed reading capacity and reduced cost. With EPC C1Gen2 standard running at top speed, more than 10 tags can be read per second with handheld RFID terminal in adjusted covered area. The solution created for libraries based on the idea reducing cost of time to collect the data read from books on the shelves. The inventory of a library which has more than 100K materials can be gathered twice in a week with no extra man power requirements.

The solution includes;
* Handheld UHF RFID reader
* UHF RFID security gate which consists of UHF RFID fixed reader, antennas and motion detectors.
* Number of UHF RFID tags with Higgs3 ICs
* UHF RFID printer
* UHF RFID desktop readers

Innovative Aspects:
The innovational aspects and the advantages of the offered technology can be counted as follows:

* Long read ranges in hand held devices:
2-3 meter is achieved reading more than 10 books at a time allowing quick effective stock takes. Greater read ranges are also achieved dependant on the application, such as searching for an individual item.

* Advanced UHF RFID Security Gate:
UHF RFID reader supported with 4 pcs of high gain antennas. The gate recognizes the books and sends alerts if the books are not allowed to be borrowed. RFID brings an added feature of security. Gateways of 1.8 meters can be achieved reducing the incidence of stolen books.

* High Speed Inventory Control:
More books can be read per second

* Lower outlay:
Quicker ROI due to lower outlay and ease of UHF RFID tag installation.

* Software adjustable readers:
Allows fine-tuning of the distance of reads

* Reliable data:
EPC C1G2 standardized Alien Higgs3 Tags

* Fast and Self Check out:
Allowing faster check out as more books can be read at the same time.

* Stock Takes:
Due to the long read ranges of UHF readers, stock takes can achieved by walking down the aisle, the RFID reader reads the tags on the books without being taken off the shelf.

* Book Search:
If a book is not found in its correct location, a hand held RFID reader can be used to search for the book.