RFID patent promises future of cheaper tags
wideband RFID, a technology that promises more accurate tracking of
products and the possibility of cheaper tags in the future.
The patent permits the rapid acquisition of RFID (radio frequency identification) tag transmissions enabling the monitoring and precise localisation of large numbers of tags, even in severe multipath environments.
This newly patented technology has been incorporated into MSSI's ultra wideband (UWB) Precision Asset Location System products, including its latest "Sapphire" line of RFID/tracking solutions.
"This latest patent issued to MSSI further validates our technology vision and innovation," said Dr. Robert J. Fontana, MSSI President and CEO. "MSSI will continue to address the challenges of providing affordable, high accuracy, high reliability, RFID and precision tracking solutions to our customers."
RFID technology, which hooks miniature antennas up to tiny computer chips smaller than a grain of sand to track items at a distance, is being seen as the best means of ensuring traceability of goods throughout the supply chain. But affordability has become a key concern for manufacturers otherwise eager to benefit from it.
Many suppliers, obliged to install RFID technology because of regulatory pressure and retail mandates, are worried that the cost the technology is still prohibitive. Indeed, at a recent Softworld Supply Chain event, experts argued that worries over cost implications are still hindering the adoption of RFID technology amongst many organisations.
According to the panel, press hype and high profile RFID implementation projects have resulted in businesses dismissing the technology due to preconceptions, when there could be a legitimate business case.
MSSI's developments in ultra wideband RFID might go some way to convincing manufacturers that cheaper tags are indeed on the way, enabling them to get the full benefit of the technology. Prices are reducing, and all technical standards published by AIM Global, the trade association recognised as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, undergo a rigorous review process by experts around the world.
In any case, RIFD would appear to be here to stay. New mandatory requirements within the EU require the complete traceability of the food chain from processing to transport, storage and distribution. A guidance document lays down detailed implementing rules for operators.
Information on the name, address of producer, nature of products and date of transaction must be systematically registered within each operator's traceability system.
The US Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent, entitled "Object Location System and Method" to MSSI for its unique technology advancements in UWB-based precision localisation.
The patent, filed back in October 2001, is based upon low power, transmit-only UWB tag technology and compliments previous MSSI patents for precision localisation utilising dual function transmit/receive tags.
