Saturday, February 26, 2011

Performance and Reliability of RFID Informative Security Service-A Brief study

Performance and Reliability of RFID Informative Security Service-A Brief study
P. JEEVANANDAM. M.A,M.L.I.S,M.Phil P. JEYARAJ
Librarian Research scholar
Vel Tech Dr.RR & Dr.SR Technical University, Chennai Anna University of Technology,Coimbatore
Introduction
RFID is a modern and emerging technology being used in libraries for easy retrieval of information and microchip technology. The information contained on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials is read using radio frequency technology. A reader (aka sensor, scanner or interrogator) looks for antennae on the tags and retrieves information from the microchips automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number and the antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it.
What is RFID
In the simplest terms, an RFID system has two parts: a tag and a reader. Information is encoded on the tag; the reader accesses that information and passes it along to the person or system that needs it.
Within the tag, there is a microchip (which holds the information) and an antenna. This assembly is usually covered with a protective overlay. (The durability of the overlay is determined by the application. If your tag is being placed inside a book, paper provides adequate protection; if the tag is affixed to a jet engine part, you’ll want something more resilient.) The back of the overlay has an adhesive so the assembly can be permanently installed. In a book, the final assembly is unobtrusive, usually a couple of inches square and very thin. Book RFID tags are passive: they have no batteries or other power source. The energy needed to power and read the tag comes from the reader.
An RFID-equipped library usually has readers at the circulation desk and at a self-service kiosk. Another reader is installed in the security "gate"—this device detects books or other media that haven’t been checked out. Many libraries also use RFID technology in an automated check-in and materials handling system. Productivity can be further enhanced with a hand-held reader, which is used to pull holds and transits after check-in or to scan shelves for misplaced books.
Components of an RFID System A comprehensive RFID system has four components:
1. RFID tags that are electronically programmed with unique information;
2. Readers or sensors to query the tags;
3. Antenna; and
4. Server on which the software that interfaces with the integrated library software is loaded.
1.Tags
The heart of the system is the RFID tag, which can be fixed inside a book's back cover or directly onto CDs and videos. This tag is equipped with a programmable chip and an antenna. Each paper-thin tag contains an engraved antenna and a microchip with a capacity of at least 64 bits. There are three types of tags: "read only", "WORM," and "read/write.
"Tags are "read only" if the identification is encoded at the time of manufacture and not rewritable.
"WORM" (Write-Once-Read-Many)" tags are programmed by the using organization, but without the ability of rewriting them later.
"Read/write tags," which are chosen by most libraries, can have information changed or added. In RFID library, it is common to have part of the read/write tag secured against rewriting, e.g., the identification number of the item.
2.Readers The reader powers an antenna to generate an RFID field. When a tag passes through the field, the information stored on the chip in the tag is interpreted by the reader and sent to the server, which, in turn, communicates with the integrated library system when the RFID system is interfaced with it .RFID exit gate sensors (readers) at exits are basically two types. One type reads the information on the tag(s) going by and communicates that information to a server. The server, after checking against the circulation database, turn on an alarm if the material is not properly checked-out. Another type relies on a "theft" byte in the tag that is turned on or off to show that the item has been charged or not. It is then not necessary to communicate with the circulation database.
Readers in RFID library are used in the following ways:
Conversion station-where library data is written to the tag;
Staff workstation at circulation- used to charge and discharge library materials;
Self check-out station-used to check-out library materials without staff assistance;
Self check-in station-used to check in books etc. without staff assistance;
Exit sensors- to verify that all the books etc. leaving the library have been checked-out;
Book-drop reader- used to automatically discharge library materials and reactivate security.
Sorter and conveyor-automated system for returning books etc. to proper area of library;
Hand-held reader-used for inventorying and verifying that books etc. are shelved correctly.
3.Antenna The antenna produces radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it. Antennas are the channels between the tag and the reader, which controls the system’s data acquisitions and communication. The electromagnetic field produced by an antenna can be constantly present when multiple tags are expected continually. Antennas can be built into a doorframe to receive tag data from person’s things passing through the door.
4.Server
The server is the heart of some comprehensive RFID systems. It is the communications gateway among the various components. It receives the information from one or more of the readers and exchanges information with the circulation database. Its software includes the SIP/SIP2 (Session Initiation Protocol), APIs (Applications Programming Interface) NCIP or SLNP necessary to interface it with the integrated library software. The server typically includes a transaction database so that reports can be produced.
Optional Components
Optional RFID system includes the following three components:
1. RFID Label Printer
2. Handheld Reader
3. External Book Return
1. RFID label Printer
An RFID-printer is used to print the labels with an individual barcode, library logo etc. When the print is applied, it simultaneously programmed the data in to the chip. After this process, the RFID label is taken from the printer and self-adhered to the book. It also checks each RFID label for function.
2. Handheld Reader/Inventory Wand
The portable Handheld Reader or inventory wand can be moved along the items on the shelves without touching them. The data goes to a storage unit, which can be downloaded at a server later on, or it can go to a unit, which will transmit it to the server using wireless technology. The inventory wand will cover three requirements:
· Screen the complete book collection on the shelves for inventory control.
· Search for books, which are miss-shelved.
· Search for individual book requested.
Other applications can be written for the inventory wand, since the system utilizes a personal data terminal (PDT).
3. External Book Return
Libraries can offer a distinct service, which is very useful for users like ability to return books during off hours. External book return is a machine with a slot with a chip RFID reader integrated into the wall. It works the same way as the Self Check –Out Station. The user identifies himself/herself (if required by the library), and then puts the book(s) in to the slot. Upon completing his/her return, the user will receive a receipt showing how many and which books were returned. Since they have already been checked-in, they can go directly back onto the shelves. These units can also be used with sorter and conveyor systems..

Features of RFID in library
The reliability of the system, its ease of operation, and the flexibility of tagging all kinds of media easily, is important criteria in choosing an RFID system. The main aim for today's libraries to adopt RFID is the need to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Automation and self-service can help libraries of all sizes toward achieving these aims, and RFID has the added advantage that it can also provide security for the range of different media on offer in libraries. The technology can also improve circulation and inventory control, which helps to optimize the allocation of labour and financial resources. This means that libraries can relieve their professional employees of routine work and operational tasks.
All of the tags used in RFID technology for libraries are "passive." The power to read the tags comes from the reader or exit sensor (reader), rather than from a battery within the tag.
A few libraries use "smart" card, which is an RFID card with additional encryption, is an alternative to merely adding an RFID tag on staff and user identification cards. Not only does that identify users for issue and return of library materials, but also for access to restricted areas or services. This would make it possible to make it into a "debit" card, with value added upon pre-payment to the library and value subtracted when a user used a photocopier, printer, or other fee-based device, or wished to pay fines or fees
Speedy and Easy User self-charging/discharging
The use of RFID reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. This technology helps librarians eliminate valuable staff time spent scanning barcodes while checking out and checking in borrowed items. For the users, RFID speeds up the borrowing and returns procedures. The Library professionals, instead of scanning bar codes all day long in front of a queue of users, are released for more productive and interesting duties. Staff is relieved further when readers are installed in book drops.
High-speed inventorying
A unique advantage of RFID systems is their ability to scan books on the shelves without tipping them out or removing them. A hand-held inventory reader can be moved rapidly across a shelf of books to read all of the unique identification information. Using wireless technology, it is possible not only to update the inventory, but also to identify items, which are out of proper order.
Automated materials handling
Another application of RFID technology is automated materials handling. This includes conveyor and sorting systems that can move library materials and sort them by category into separate bins or onto separate carts. This significantly reduces the amount of staff time required to ready materials for re-shelving.
Advantages
Ø An RFID smart card-based fare collection system may reduce operation costs in the long run.
Ø Public transportation authorities will be able to monitor readership in real-time and will minimize delays by committing extra resources (buses or trains) to specific congested routes.
Ø RFID does not require line of sight. The reader can communicate with the tag via radio waves. An individual can potentially be identified and charged the right fare by simply carrying the RFID smart-card in his/her pocket.
Ø RFID equipment damage occurs much less frequently than is the case with magnetic strips or bar codes present on Charlie Tickets.
Ø The combination of all above mentioned advantages will result in improved convenience and boost public transportation readership.
Disadvantages
Ø The major disadvantage of RFID technology is its high cost
Ø In the short run, costs of diffusion and implementation for an RFID smart card-based fare collection system can be rather high.
Ø An RFID-based fare collection system has the potential of seriously invading people's privacy

Ø RFID technology ultimately involves software that allows each user to be identified by a central database. This infrastructure will certainly be under attack by hackers
Ø Poor read rate can occur if the reader and receiver are not properly aligned.
Ø In cases when multiple tags and readers are at work simultaneously, double charges may occur.
Conclusion
RFID system may be a comprehensive system that addresses both the security and materials tracking needs of a library. As far as privacy issue is concerned it is important to educate library staff and library users about the RFID technology in libraries before implementing a program. However, no library RFID products are currently available using the new standard. Apart from that cost of the RFID Tags and equipments is also a major problem for libraries to implement the same in a developing country like India.
References:
Ayre, Lori Bowen, The Galecia Group (August 2004) Position paper: RFID and libraries. Retrived from http://www.galecia.com/weblog/mt/archives/cat_rfidandwireless.php
“RFID for Libraries” as viewed on 01-03-2005 at URL: http://www.biblio-tech.com/html/rfid.html.
Berkeley Public Library (n.d.) Berkeley Public Library: Best Practices for RFID technology. Retrieved from http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/BESTPRAC.pdf.
Koppel, T. (March 2004). Standards in Libraries: What’s Ahead: a guide for Library Professional about the Library Standards of Today and the Future. The Library Corporation. Retrieved from http://www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/pdf/standardswp.pdf.
Sarma, E. S. Weis, S. A., Engels, D.W. (November 2002). White paper: RFID systems, security & privacy implications. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AUTO-ID Center.