i backscatter...

RFID Sensor System Promoted for Highway Safety

2007-04-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's always "for safety"...

So this is how the highway surveillance begins...

RFID is routinely used to collect highway tolls. Now an Australian firm is planning to use the technology to prevent highways from taking their toll on drivers. Telepathx has developed a system that integrates RFID tags, crash sensors, and wireless mesh networks to automatically detect crashes, assess the severity, and report the incident to public safety forces.

Speed limit detection will also be employed, as surpassing the limit is unsafe. This will be interesting.

RFID Webinar

2007-03-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be listening in next Thursday on Intermec's Webinar entitled "RFID Compliance: Where's the Implementation Sweet Spot?" I'm interested in seeing what's going on from the industry perspective lately.

How we are being watched

2007-02-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

This is a few months old, but a great overview of all the methods of surveillance on any given day. RFID is one of the methods mentioned.

Everything from shopping tags to mobile phones has the potential to be watching us.

World's Tiniest RFID Tag Revealed

2007-02-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

This is a bit misleading. The chips can be as small as you want, but they need to be connected to an antenna, which is where the bulk of the tag footprint comes in. And there's no way these things can be read up to "100 metres away." Try three to four inches... Active RFID tags that contain a battery and act more like a beacon can be read at much greater distances, like 100 metres, but miniature passive tags like this really depend on the antenna size and being in a close proximity to an antenna/reader setup. Here it is:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6389581.stm

Phidget RFID Kit (EM4102) purchase

2007-02-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

I just ordered this kit and I'll post my progress of using for my yet-unannounced project.

I, Beast in SecondLife Exhibition

2007-02-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

I showed I, Beast in the NMConnect Exhibition in SecondLife and it seems to have gone well. I used a few tags as "sculptural" elements to create a small viewing space.

Uh Oh, They Might Discover I'm Getting in Shape

2006-11-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

Nike+ IPod = Surveillance

If you enhance your workout with the new Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, you may be making yourself a surveillance target.

A report from four University of Washington researchers to be released Thursday reveals that security flaws in the new RFID-powered device from Nike and Apple make it easy for tech-savvy stalkers, thieves and corporations to track your movements. With just a few hundred dollars and a little know-how, someone could even plot your running routes on a Google map without your knowledge.

America: Freedom to Fascism

2006-10-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

This movie deals with RFID and the erosion of civil liberties.

One Giant Leap for Big Brother

2006-10-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

New RFID tech would track airport passengers
The inventors of a new monitoring system that uses RFID tags claim it could improve airport security by tracking passengers as they mingle in the departure lounge.
Read the story here.

Champion Chips

2006-10-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing we'll be using the "black" chip:

Black chips are issued by the event for one time use. These chips are not for sale. The participants must return these chips after crossing the finish line. If the chip is not returned, some events will charge participants for the costs involved.

Chips (and Salsa) at the Race

2006-10-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm looking into running the 10K "Chile Pepper Festival" here in Fayetteville. Interestingly, all runners will be "chipped," followed by a Mexican food meal after the race...

This year's event will be chip timed and scored by ChampionChip. Chips will be issued on race day only. Each runner will be required to wear an electronic chip which will be zip tied to his or her shoelace. At the conclusion of each race, the chips will be collected. Each participant is responsible for returning the chip to the timekeeper. There will be a $30.00 charge per chip for any that are not returned.

Here is the story

33 Ways RFID Has Invaded Your Life

2006-09-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sound like science fiction to you? Maybe not; RFID has already settled comfortably in our midst, and is creeping onward every day...

Read the story

RFID Flipbook test

2006-09-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Out at the RFID Research Center today was able to do some great, albeit simple, testing. Dave, Justin, Colby and the others were extremely helpful in allowing me to use the readers, antennas, tags and even the computer and projection system. The books are from a class project in my Elements of Animation course. The students were required to buy and old paperback novel and create a simple flipbook animation inside of it. Ideally, I would have liked to have had the tagged book today trigger the .mov video file of the book being flipped, but we were using the Alien Technology's default demo software for the testing. All in all, a good initial test. Here is some video footage of the test.

Passports

2006-09-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Passports and Privacy: Here Come the RFID Chips
The two main concerns with putting RFID chips in passports seem to be that people with readers will be able to "steal your identity" and "discover your citizenship." The latter is funny to me. Americans insisting on wearing their white tennis shoes at all hours of the day is enough of a declaration of citizenship as anything.

Brainstorm session

2006-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Had a great brainstorm session with Justin Patton and Dave Cromhout out at the RFID Research Center. I'm preparing to purchase some RFID equipment and they've agreed to allow some testing out there. Things are moving forward once again.

Keep track of car keys, remote controls, shoes

2006-06-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Now we're getting somewhere - if I can chip my remote control or my car keys so I never lose them... that's the stuff.

Two years ago, for example, every one of the 6,000 paper files in the offices of the Ontario Motor Vehicles Claims Fund joined Mr. Smith's list of "things." Each folder now carries an RFID chip that makes the file traceable.

A good overview of how we're watched these days

2006-06-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

It's your choice: Learn to use the new surveillance technology to your advantage, or kiss your privacy goodbye.

A discussion of forced implantation ... it begins!

2006-06-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

"Your industry is sick." This was the opening line of an email received last week by RFID Update in reference to a televised interview on the Fox News Channel with VeriChip chairman Scott Silverman, who argues that implanting microchips in immigrants to the United States could be a viable solution to the immigration issue.

Also:
Are there really plans to insert RFID chips under your skin if you get a work permit for the US? And if there are, will they work?

Silverman claims the idea is more than just a pipe dream, and said, "We have talked to many people in Washington about using it." Read more at Networking Pipeline

The Boss wants to see you...

2006-05-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

RFID MEETS GEORGE ORWELL'S TELESCREEN

Not too difficult to see where this is going. I've had bosses who would have had no problem using technology like this. "Where's Tom?! He's not at his station?!"

RFID Research Center

2006-04-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Met with Justin Patton at the RFID Research Center, which is nestled in the giant Hannah's Candles warehouse in south Fayetteville. It was a good meeting and he has pledged support for some of my project ideas using RFID for "artistic purposes." Looking forward to working with them out there.

I, Beast Exhibit at IDMAA

2006-04-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

I, Beast Exhibit
Originally uploaded by thapgood.

I showed "I, Beast" last week at the International Digital Media and Arts Association at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The exhibit was titled "IDEAS: Emerging Codes of the Digital." During the gallery talk, we had a good discussion of the work and of RFID. Every time I show it, more people are thinking about RFID and that's a good thing.

University of Arkansas RFID Research Center's Bill Hardgrave

2006-04-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

I met today with Bill Hardgrave, the executive director of the RFID Research Center here on campus. He, too, was very accessible and friendly. I found it important to talk to him, representing the main "opposing viewpoint" of Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre and the privacy advocates and concerned Christians. He brought out an amazing array of gen 1 and gen 2 tags, as well as a vial of liquid containing many RFID chips about the size of a grain of sand, literally (made by Alien Technology). He seems very genuine and passionate about the potential of RFID and the changes he believes it will bring to the world. It was a good meeting and I look forward to further meetings with him and his lab staff.

Cigarette age verification with RFID. This is good, right?

2006-04-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect example of the confusing mass introduction of RFID.
Japan to roll out age-verifying cigarette machines
It's not actually based on some type of payment method using RFID, but on an age verification through some type of official RFID-enabled card. This is a good example of the classic "wait, this is good, right?" Then again, in 20 years, when I'm at the store checkout line with my bacon and eggs, and I get red-flagged by my health or life insurance provider, I'll regret thinking this was a good idea.

Barnes & Noble Flash 8 Tag

2006-04-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

A funny note about the purchasing of Spychips Friday at Barnes & Noble. I only looked at one other book, Macromedia Flash 8 Advanced for Windows and Macintosh : Visual QuickPro Guide, and as soon as I opened it up, a tag dropped out. I'm pretty sure it was RFID, with the telltale little black dot of the chip surrounded by the antenna. It was so ironic I had to tell someone, so I showed the BN worker who happened to be stocking in that aisle and she appreciated the irony.
UPDATE: It was actually an EAS tag, not the typical RFID tag. This tag doesn't probably include individualized data, but probably a 1-bit anti-theft tag, an identical tag that any other book in the store might have. Oh, well, still some "irony" value there somewhere...

Spychips' Katherine Albrecht

2006-04-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

I had a great conversation with Katherine Albrecht, founder of Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering (CASPIAN) and co-author of The Spychips Threat: Why Christians Should Resist RFID and Electronic Surveillance. I found her very accessible and friendly. She seems to be genuine and definitely has done her homework. I have finished half of the book and it's a great read. I'll post more about our conversation later. Here's her Spychips Web site.

Presenting I, Beast at iDMAa, U Arizona

2006-03-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

I'll be presenting I, Beast in the Hiestand Galleries at Miami University in Oxford, OH, and will be engaged in a discussion with two other digital artists, LiQin Tan and Mat Rappaport. The discussion will take place Friday, April 7th from 9:00 - 10:15, and the work will be viewable from April 6 - 8 in the gallery.

In mid May I'll be discussing the project with students at the University of Arizona's Art Department and be teaching a workshop on AfterEffects with RFID as a topic.

Yikes. Good idea, but is it time yet?

2006-01-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

When you start talking about administering drugs and drug dosage to patients in a hospital, based on their RFID bracelet, it sounds like just the right step. But is the technology ready yet? One misread, of which it sounds like there are still many according to people in the industry I've spoken with, can translate to incorrect drugs being administered. That's dangerous.

When it comes to taking care of patients, what is more important than their safety? Bangkok Hospital, one of the biggest hospitals in Thailand providing tertiary healthcare, has been studying a plan to implement RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to enhance the level of safety for its patients.

It is expected that an RFID-based wristband will be issued to patients. The band will carry basic information about the patient, such as name, sex, age, and probably information about drugs to be used and the correct dosages to be administered.

Is the technology ready for this? If so, great.

Here's the story, in The Nation.

RFID: Where will it not go?

2006-01-31T07:50:00.001-08:00

An interesting article about all the possible uses for RFID that are forecast (RFID everywhere, or "ubiquitous RFID.") The supply industry will change drastically with the technology, but it's still a little "boring" to most people. Here are some interesting things coming, according to Physorg.com:

RFID pops up in Philips' Next Simplicity concepts in contexts you might never have dreamt of: the 'Herbarium', a miniature solar-powered greenhouse, for instance. You simply place biodegradable pads - holding soil, seeds and an RFID tag - under an arch that provides light, heating and irrigation. The tag plays two roles. It communicates with LEDs on the pot to display the plant's name, so even the most inexperienced plant grower will know which plant is which. It also ensures each plant receives the light, water and nutrients it needs, and informs the owner when it's harvesting time.

"Let's say a young boy is going for a CAT scan," says John Anastos, Chairman of Radiology at the Lutheran General Hospital. "First, he gets to preview various animation themes. He chooses his favorite and takes a holographic RFID badge with a Philips ICODE chip. When he goes into the examination room, he waves the badge at the scanning equipment, and the walls and ceiling come to life with animations, accompanied by music and other sounds. It keeps him relaxed and it's a great way to give him instructions. When it's time for him to hold his breath, he sees a cartoon character holding his own breath!"

Prices on I, Beast pieces in faculty show

2006-01-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

The University of Arkansas gallery director just asked me what the price on my I, Beast pieces in the faculty show would be. The answer is that each of the three is $222 and you have to buy all three.

When you really want privacy...

2006-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

If I were buying Viagra (and I don't... really!), I would be a little wary.

RFID Manufacturing Workshop at University of Arkansas

2006-01-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

The RFID Manufacturing Workshop will be held January 25-26 at the University of Arkansas Center for Continuing Education on the downtown Fayetteville square. The purpose of this workshop is:

To solicit input from interested organizations on the key issues and barriers to the manufacture of low-cost RFID tags with reliable performance

To prioritize and begin to define the pre-competitive research programs to be supported by the Consortium to address these issues

To solicit membership in the Consortium by interested organizations

To begin to define the mechanisms of interaction between the Consortium and its membership

I, Beast piece in Faculty Exhibition

2006-01-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

I, Beast
Originally uploaded by thapgood.

The first piece in my RFID series goes into the University of Arkansas faculty exhibition next week. It's entitled "I, Beast" and is a poster series triptych. For the opening, I'll replace the three completed posters with three incomplete posters and project some animated elements onto the posters. There's a little jpg representation of the posters here.

Do you value privacy?

2005-12-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

Many friends and acquaintances I've spoken with lately have no real problem with being tracked by corporations or the government through RFID (or any other) methods. For instance, some of my friends don't mind if Wal-Mart knows what they buy or when they shop, since they're "not doing anything wrong" and since we're really *already* trackable by our credit card or grocery store card purchases.

Some don't mind if the government tracks them, for similar reasons that they're innocent of crimes and acts of terrorism.

Did it ever occur to you that if you're using a highway "SpeedPass" that you're leaving a breadcrumb trail and publishing your movements? Does that bother you in any way? For most people, probably not.

Thoughts?

Driving with RFID

2005-12-27T19:36:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me, as I drove from Arkansas to Utah last week, that if my car or something in my car (like me) was outfitted with an RFID tag with a good enough range, my progress across the country could be tracked for varying reasons. For instance, my family waiting for us in Utah as we plod through the midwest snowstorms could log into a Web site and track our progress, much like tracking a package with UPS or FedEx. A series of highway overpasses would just need RFID readers on them and we would just pass under or through these "portals" and our progress would be logged into a Department of Transportation database.

Then I wondered why the computer wouldn't also say "It appears that your average speed between underpass exits 301 and 304 was 87.3 miles per hour. Expect a traffic ticket in the mail for exceeding the posted speed limit."

My del.icio.us list of RFID sites

2005-12-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

I'm keeping a list of interesting sites dealing with RFID and its development. It's here on my del.icio.us web space.

It's an RFID World... or will soon be

2005-12-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

Why am I doing this? I'm really just an interested citizen and consumer watching the world of RFID and the RFID-ification of the world. I'm simply fascinated at the implications and look forward (with some trepidation) to watching the technology be deployed across all aspects of life.

Even though there is a massive and rapid Radio Frequency Identification deployment going on as I type, most people wandering into stores and driving down the street aren't aware of the situation. We're all going to be interacting more and more with business and government, thanks to RFID, as the months of 2006 go on, unlike any other time in history.

I believe it's a technology that easily could have as profound an effect on the world as did the internet. In fact, I believe that RFID will help propel the idea of the internet into complete maturity, for better or worse.

It's not a brand-new technology by any means. RFID has been used by the military for awhile in keeping track of its important "assets." We're also most familiar with it's functionality when we drive into a parking garage with our parking pass stuck to the dashboard or circumventing the toll booths with our "SpeedPass," whether we know that it's RFID enabling this or not.

But RFID is going to be expanding it's tentacles out into every aspect of life over the next few years as Wal-Mart and other massive companies embrace the incredible possibilities it promises in the supply chain. It'll be in our clothes, our shoes, our vehicles, our credit cards, our passports, our driver's licenses and under our skin, to name a mere few.

I'm keeping up to date on the developments by setting up a Google News Alert that shows me everything in the RFID world that Google finds. I'm also keeping a list of bookmarks on my del.icio.us area that deal with RFID.

There's a lot of good stuff happening from all sides, like Katherine Albrecht and the people over at Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering (CASPIAN/Spychips) as they keep an eye on the technology and it's major players from the privacy and biblical realms.

Stay tuned and hopefully we can get some good discussions going.