Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the use of an object (typically referred to as an RFID tag) applied to or incorporated into a product for the purpose of identification and tracking using radio waves.
RFID can be used in a variety of applications, such as:
- Access control
- Tracking of goods
- Public transport ticketing
- Toll collection and contactless payment
- Transportation and logistics
- Libraries
- Passports and travel documents
- Identification of patients and hospital staff
- Airport baggage tracking
- Loyalty systems
- Race timing
- Ski resorts and ski-lift ticketing
There are many types of RFID tags, from contactless NFC smart cards used for ticketing applications, with a range of less than a couple of centimetres, all the way to windscreen mounted eTags used on toll roads, able to read a car travelling at 100kph with a range of up to 10 metres.
Library Applications
Within the walls of a modern library, there can be thousands of books, periodicals, CD’s and DVD’s. Managing this inventory can be very time consuming and costly to the library administrator. Even just one misplaced book can result in hours of wasted time and manpower to locate the lost item, because the book to actually needs to be seen in order to identify it.
Using RFID, a library is able to easily identify and locate out of place items. RFID helps to speed inventory processes, and enhances the customer experience by increasing product availability and delivering faster checkouts. This allows the library to improve its customer service, and maintain inventory accuracies that deliver rewarding experiences to library patrons.
“There are particular challenges in the use of RFID in self-service installations and ASP developed a robust system precisely meeting our requirements”
Stephen Due, Chief Librarian, Barwon Health Library Service
RF-IDeal™
RF-Ideal™ is the ideal solution for integrating non-contact RFID item identification to your library.
- Self borrowing, return and renewal of loans with or without barcodes
- Handle up to five items at a time (just place on a pad) INSTANTLY
- Integrated anti-theft facilities
- Optional touch screen customer terminals
ASP Microcomputers’ RF-IDeal™ offers turnkey integration of SIP2 capable terminals with RFID technology, bringing RFID power to applications such as Inmagic, DB/Text, and Web Publisher Pro.
RF-IDeal™ takes your library into the 21st century, simplifying borrower transactions, improving security, and freeing library staff for more important duties.
What is NFC?
NFC (or Near Field Communication), is a very short-range wireless RFID technology. NFC is meant for applications where a physical touch, or close to it, is required in order to maintain security, such as payment and ticketing applications.
All models of our new Casio IT-800 PDA have an integrated NFC smart card reader/writer compliant with ISO14443 Type A/Type B cards and compatible with FeliCa technology.
