AIDClong.ppt

National AIDC Centre for Wales

Faculty of Advanced Technology

AIDC Centre for Wales

Automatic Identification and Data Capture

(AIDC)

Hywel Williams

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What is the biggest single barrier to advancement in IT?

Slow, (QWERTY) inaccurate, subject to human frailty

We need a way of getting rid of the keyboard, either

Reduce the volume of information we collect OR

Automate the capture of as much data as possible


Background

1. AIDC is a huge topic encompassing many technologies, and used in thousands of different applications.

2. AIDC is never an end in itself, but a means to an end. Both the identification and the data capture have to be done for a reason.

3. Direct data capture is the lubricant within IT systems. Modern IT systems use so much data that it would be impossible to run them as keyboard operations, both from a volume and accuracy point of view.

4. My personal preferred term is Intelligent Data Capture

5. Intelligent Data Capture is now all around us, and forms an increasing part of our lives


Think of something as routine as a supermarket visit

1. All the products (except some weighable items) are bar coded

2. The shelf edge labels are bar coded

3. Expensive items have RFID tags which have to be removed

4. The Anti-Theft gates at the exit are based on RFID

5. The Credit card you pay with has RFID chip and/or magnetic data

6. Loyalty cards have magnetic identification or sometimes bar codes

7. Has the potential for beneficial use

8. Has the potential for intrusive use


Some form of Identity which “stays with” or is “part of” the entity it aims to identify and the ability to read and process that identity

Wide range of technologies and application areas, but all exhibit certain characteristics.

1. Accuracy – the technology has extremely low error rates on reading or transmitting codes (virtually nil) .

Keying errors 1:300

OCR errors 1:30,000

Bar Code errors 1:3,000,000 (3 Million)

RFID errors 1:10,000,000 (10 Million)

What is Automatic Identification and Data Capture?


2. Speed of data availability – faster than any manual input, thousands of characters can be read every second. Also very often data can be captured while either the goods or the reader are moving.

3. Economics – the speed and accuracy of data collection over manual methods result in greater customer satisfaction, and rapid payback.

4. Versatility – Almost every type of situation requiring recording or measuring will have an answer somewhere within the technology

Characteristics (Continued)


There are dozens of differing technologies and a myriad of devices which fall within the scope of Automatic Identification & Data Capture but there only two basic classifications:

Data Carrier :- Sometimes known as “item attendant identification” a device or tag which belongs with or is attached to in some way to the object to be identified.

Advantages:- cost, often relatively simple technology

Disadvantages:- some carriers can become detached

Feature Extraction:- An inherent unique feature of the article maybe isolated and used as an identifier.

Advantages:- integral part of the object – can’t be detached

Disadvantages:- can be expensive and highly technical


Take a moment to think of some:-

Technologies

Applications


Technologies…. Applications….

Linear Bar Codes F M Consumer Goods

2D (Matrix) Bar Codes Total Traceability

Optical Character Reading Process Automation

Optical Mark Reading Asset/Animal Tracking

Digital Pen & Paper Document Processing

Smart (Swipe) Card Fraud Prevention

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Inventory ControlCar Keys

Biometrics Security & Access Control

Vision Systems Road Tolling


Industry Sectors

1. Retail – bar codes, anti-theft (RFID), payment methods (swipe cards)

2. Manufacturing – bar codes, RFID process control

3. Logistics & Transport – bar codes, RFID

4. Healthcare – bar codes, 2D bar codes, RFID

5. Social Care – Digital Pen & Paper, RFID

6. Warehouse Management Systems – bar codes, RFID

7. Security – RFID Biometrics Swipe Cards

8. Pharmaceuticals – bar codes, 2D barcodes, RFID

9. Agriculture – Animal Tagging

Wherehouse


Historical Milestones1. 1949 -- the first barcode is invented (patent 1952)2. 1959 -- first wildlife radio tags 3. 1967 -- first retail barcode scanning system (little used at first)4. 1975 -- anti-theft material tags appear in libraries and stores 5. 1984 – 1989 10 fold increase in retail bar code use6. 1980 -- RFID is invented 7. 1990 -- Automobile toll-collection tags appear 8. 1997 -- first all-polymer IC tag demonstrated 9. 1997 to present day -- Increasing use as tag prices fall and

application areas grow10.Estimated growth from $300M in 2004 to $3Billion in 2009

“AIDC is without doubt a source to be exploited by those intent on winning, and a competitive threat to those who choose to ignore it or are unaware of its potential”. (Patricia Hewitt when Secretary of State for the DTI)

Booh!!


Common Excuses in the Supply Chain

I can assure you your shipment is on the water Your shipment is waiting to be released

Your order is being put onboard as we speak Your goods have just left the loading dock

Traditional Data Flow in Primary Activities

GRN Data

Despatch Note POD &Invoicing

Based on Michael Porters Value chain – Primary Activities only

Imagine therefore the permutations and the amount of keying necessary when secondary activities such as HR, Development, Procurement, Accounting etc. are added


Integrated View Using Automatic Identification and Data Capture

Data Pool

GRN Data

Despatch Note POD &Invoicing


This integrated view owes much to an Enterprise Resource Planning approach to IT, but would still be impractical with manual collection methods.


Data Carrier Technology

Three Basic Types

Optical

Magnetic

Electronic


Data Carrier:- Three basic types

1. Optical:- A range of technologies all of which are read by some form of reflected light source, often some form of laser beam.

2. Magnetic :- Various technologies, the most common being the “brown bar” on credit cards and hotel keys etc.

3. Electronic :- Most common are RFID tags. These can have a whole range of formats, and technologies, ranging from simple read only tags which may be little more than bar code replacement, to sophisticated rewriteable tags which can be used as decision flags within automated production lines.


Optical Data Carriers

Two Main Types of Optical Carrier – all need line of sight to read them

1 Linear Bar Code (Licence Plate Technology – have to be read uni-directional)

Retail Codes

General Codes

Multi Row Bar Code

2 Two Dimensional Codes (Can be self contained can be Omni-directional)

Matrix Code

PDF417

GS1 Data Bar Composites



Linear Bar Codes

1. In use since the 1970’s especially in retailing. Very simple to print either on to special labels or direct on to product or immediate packaging.

2. Need to be read by a line of sight reader which may be fixed, semi-fixed or portable. Supermarkets use X lasers to compensate for angular presentation.


Global Trade Identity Number (GTIN) numbering system this replaces what was known as EAN (European Article Number) and UPC (American equivalent Universal Product Code)

In retailing every product sold to the public which carries a bar code is unique and centrally registered worldwide with a group of organisations under the GS1 umbrella. Each country has its own organisation but they work to a common standard.

It is a 14 digit number the format of which varies a bit but basically, the first part of the number identifies the manufacturer, and the second identifies the product within that manufacturer. The final digit is always a check digit.

Companies with a large product range have a short company identifier leaving room for lots of products, whilst companies with smaller product ranges may have longer company id’s but shorter product codes. Codes with 50 as first 2 digits are registered in UK.

Retail Numbering Systems

General Linear Bar Codes

Wide range of symbologies in existence the most common being 3 of 9 and 128.


Low capacity up to about 50 characters. Some symbologies can accommodate alpha, numeric, and special characters. Wide range of affordable hardware available, some specialised, some can be general purpose, e.g. print bar codes direct on documents using laser printer

Used extensively in document tracking through production areas, in warehouse management systems and also in logistics for “pallet labelling”

1234567 1234567

Very easy to use most systems you just install a special font


Example of 3 of 9 Bar Codes on a Dye House Route Card, 1 per operation


1. Multi-row bar codes:- series of linear barcodes stacked one on top of the other. Label must “pass” under reader for each line to be read. Data can be appended (like word wrap) to carry more data. Often found on “outers”.



2-D Dimensional Bar Codes – (Matrix)1. Matrix Codes:- Consist of a block of cells, which are filled with “mini bar

codes”, can be interpreted and translated into blocks of up to 2000 characters. The borders act as “registration” so that code can be read in any orientation

UID – DoD Identity on everything supplied to US Armed Forces

Many product marking methods:Printing Laser Punching, drilling Embossing, dot peen

2. Up to 2 Kb of information – often enough to carry all data (no need for lookup)

3. Data redundancy and error correction mean code can survive a certain degree of damage

4. Low contrast patterns can be read5. Omni directional in that border provides registration

Example is 8 x 8 i.e. 6 x 6 useable. Factorial 6 = 720 x 6 rows

Full Code


2- Dimensional Bar Codes (Matrix Codes)

The technique is widely used in Direct Part Marking. Useable in hostile environments

Shows a 2D bar code dot peened on a brake calliper of a car. Can also be used on pistons laser etched on piston top and dot peened on the side

Marks can be very small, the example shows a 2D matrix on a pin head


2-D Dimensional Bar Codes (Others)

PDF 417 - An alternative 2D system which can be considered as multiple rows of linear bar codes (between 3 and 90). Has much the same advantages as 2D Matrix, can be read from bottom up or top down.

Sound Carrier – Dolby films carry all the sound for each frame as a dot matrix block held between the sprocket holes of the film

GS1 Data Bar Composite Code – Combines 1D and 2D elements in a single code. Not very widely used, partly because as it’s not universal not all scanners can read this symbology.


2-D Dimensional Bar Codes (Others)

1. Maxi Code – used by United Parcel Service (UPS) Standard size 1.1inches square. Registers around 3 concentric circles in the middle of the code. Holds up to 128 characters

2. Code 1 – Alternative little used code. Various standards and sizes of code exist

3. Aztec Code – Identified by Registration around 3 concentric squares in middle of the code. Can hold up to 4,000 text

4. QR Code- Can hold 4000 text, 7,000 digits or almost 2000 Japanese and Chinese codes as well as English text and digits


Other Optical Methods

1. Optical Character Readers – Originally special stylised fonts either OCR-A or OCR-B Best known on bank cheques.

2. Can now read text from a scanned document (Omnipage etc) but not accurately enough to collect data for decision making.

3. Optical Mark Readers – extension of punch cards – best known example is Lotto. The lottery till has to be capable of reading five different “masks”, for the different games


Digital Pen & Paper – a unique combination of technologies

The camera photographs the handwriting at 100 fps, either the image is sent to the phone via bluetooth or the pen is plugged into the cradle, in either case the image is passed on to the server, where it “overlays” the master. It can then be stored as an image, and also translated to text using very sophisticated context sensitive handwriting recognition. This is far more accurate than conventional OCR text recognition


Digital Pen & Paper – Typical Applications

Remote Service Engineers – Well designed forms can be little more than tick boxes, but can a) record details of the call, and b) be used to trigger despatch of replacement parts c)T&A

Delivery Drivers – No need for multi part sets of POD. The customer can sign and keep the original, electronic copy retained on line – no need for expensive PDA’s etc.

Exhibitions – Can record all enquiries and book them straight in to CRM system

Major User - Leeds City Council have 1500 workers on home visits, social workers, carers etc. each with their own pen. System allows mileage, time sheets etc to be kept. Savings identified of £1.2M per year. Cheaper and less risky than PDA’s or laptops.


Magnetic Data Carriers

Magnetic Stripe:-

1. Widely used on credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, hotel door keys etc. Durable and fairly cheap. Low storage capacity. Chip and Pin uses RFID instead of the magnetic strip

2. Also widely used as access control devices.

3. Form the basis of many Time & Attendance systems including Job Time Logs

4. Smart Cards are an extension of this technology, which are chip based, and have read/write properties and larger storage potential. Cashless Systems, like the Oyster Card is an example which is capable of top up, and balance retention. These systems hold data on the card rather than in a remote database.

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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

1. The term covers a range of devices from simple licence plate systems, up to complex tags capable of integration to GPS systems for satellite tracking. Also often used to maintain information “on-board” rather than just link to other computer records.

2. Advantages over bar codes:- Do not need line of sight, Can hold far more data, Data more secure (smudging) Data can be read/write and added to, Can be read much faster. Can be used in harsh environments e.g. smoke, snow, or heat

3. System consists of two parts, a transponder and a transceiver. The transceiver emits a signal to which the transponder responds, which in turn is picked up by the transceiver. The system was first invented 1939 to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft.

4. High growth area as costs of tags and readers reduce, and as software becomes more available.

5. RFID can be classified as:- chipped or chip-less, active or passive, and frequency in which they operate.

Bar Codes have changed our lives over the past 20 years, the next 20 will be changed even more by the uptake of RFID

Electronic Data Carriers


Outline Principles of RFID

Handheld Option

Static Option

Wake up call

Response

RF signal converted to power (Faradays Law)

Key


RFID V Bar Code

Technology

CapabilityBar Code RFID RFID Benefit

Line of sight requirement

Required Not RequiredNo need to orientate item

Number of items that can be scanned

One ManyVery fast inventory count

Automation and Accuracy

Problematic in terms of automated presentation

Can be fully automated, and very accurate

Error free inventory count

IdentificationGenerally only to type or group

Can be to unique item level

Targeted recall

Data StorageLimited to about 50 Characters

Up to several Kbytes

Real Time data access

Read Write WORM Can be RWCan modify tag during its life


Chipped Tags

Passive Tags

1. No internal power supply. The “chip” needs to become excited, which it does by means of a radio signal sent out from the reader. The internal Arial is designed to generate enough power from the signal to activate the chip and then to transmit a signal back to the reader. The tag can contain information other than just its number. The read only memory can have data added to it (usually only once at creation). Read distances only a metre or so.

2. They come in all shapes and sizes dependant upon the application to which they will be put

3. Can be VERY small 0.4mm X 0.4mm and thinner than paper (about a grain of sand)


Active Tags – (Beacons)

1. They use an internal power supply to generate an outgoing signal, sometimes continuously sometimes at fixed intervals.

2. Transmission range up to 100 metres and battery life up to 10 years.

Chipped TagsSemi Passive –

Have a small battery to reduce the need of the Antennae to act as power source, but still only respond when tag reader “wakes them up”


Tags come in all shapes and sizes depending on the use to which they will be put


Storage Capabilities

There are 3 basic types of chip

1. Read Only – these have their identity number “hard wired” in during manufacture, no other data can ever be added, but they can be read many times. Can only be used as licence plates

2. Write Once Read Many (WORM) – these have an identity hard wired during manufacture, but are capable of having more data added once only at the first application. For example maybe a batch number or a product code

3. Read/Write – these are fully accessible to readers and writers. They have a unique id at manufacture, but also areas on the chip which can be added to and/or overwritten. For example in process control the chip could be modified after each process to indicate success, and then once all process are completed it can be totally overwritten for its next use.


RFID Frequencies

RFID Tags are available in a range of frequencies, each of which have their particular advantages and disadvantages, and it is CRITICAL the right one is chosen to match the application, e.g. read distance, cost, read/write ability

Low Frequency (125 – 134 KHz)

High Frequency (13.56MHz)

Ultra High Frequency (850-950MHz)

Microwave (2.45 – 5.8GHz)

Speed Distance CostThrow Away

Re-use


Attribute Low Frequency <135KHz

High Frequency 13.56MHz

U H F 433, 860 or 928 MHz

Microwave 2.45 – 5.8GHz

Data Capacity 64bit RO up to 2Kb RW

512bit up to 8Kb

Similar to HF 128bit up to 32Kb

Transfer Rate 200bits/sec up to 1Kb/sec

25Kb up to 100Kb

Similar to HF 100Kb up to 1Mb

Read Time 0.1 sec – 0.5 sec

2Msec can read 400/sec

Similar to HF Depends on volume of data

Range Near contact for passive 2M for Active

1.2M for R/W slightly more for RO

Up to 100M usually lower

Up to 30M for active tags

Robustness Op temp -40C to +85C

Op temp -25C to +70C

Usually specifically designed

Op Temp -25C to +70C

Cost Depends on complexity but pence

As little as 40 pence

Similar to HF, target set for bulk at 5C US

Dependant on capacity of chip

Typical Applications

Access Control Animal Identification

Tracking Systems baggage handling

Asset Tracking Supply chain logistics

Fast moving objects, road tolls, high speed automation


Chip-less Tags (Polymer Integrated Circuits)

A development area currently

A tag will be developed with just enough “intelligence” built in to a circuit that can be printed using special conductive inks that a separate silicon IC will not be required.

Low cost, Low data capacity Low range (often near contact), but more rugged than silicon based equivalents.

To replace chipped tags as a carrier for the Electronic Product Code (EPC) which would be a bit like current GS1 bar codes in that a world wide universal code is developed for all products. Instead of details being replicated on every “back office system” the EPC tag can pick up detail from the internet as it carries a url.


Contact (or Button) Memory:-

1. Robust data carriers up to 64K of memory. Basically the device is an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. They can contain up to 40 A4 pages of text for up to 100 Years. Used a lot by the military. Need a “probe” to read them externally, but can be integrated into bigger systems.

Other Electronic Systems (1)


GPS/GPRS systems – used extensively for vehicle tracking

1. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a receiver, which picks up signals from 3 satellites and triangulates position.

2. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) modem transmits data via a mobile phone provider to a computer in real time, including the latitude and longitude derived from GPS.

3. The computer system can superimpose the data onto a Geographical Information System (GIS) to locate the vehicle

4. Simple systems are used to track “stolen” vehicles – car is constantly outputting signal, but only listened for when reported stolen.

5. More sophisticated systems can be used to monitor petrol consumption, route optimisation etc.

6. Potential in future as the basis for mileage based insurance

Other Electronic Systems (2)*


Vision Systems

Camera systems can be used in a variety of ways for example:-

Monitoring product conformity – product on a line can be continually checked against a “standard” and corrective action taken when deviation occurs.

As part of a biometric system e.g. facial recognition or Iris recognition

Traffic Identification – recognise number plates for City congestion charges and possibly road tolls in the future.


Feature Extraction Technology

These systems depend on a property of the item itself, rather than data about the item


Person Based Systems (Biometrics) Facial Recognition – key co-ordinates of faces are

recorded and compared

Handwriting Recognition – used forensically, but now in use on PDA’s and tablet PC’s.

Speech Recognition – Record and compare sound as wave patterns.

Physical Patterns – e.g. iris recognition, finger print recognition, hand geometry and vasculature – can be used in conjunction with other means, e.g. smartcards*

Gait – Step length, walking speed, joint rotation are combined to a pattern for comparison.

DNA – Who goes on the database?

*


Substance Based recognition

Physical or Chemical properties of substances can be used to identify “batches”

1. Inert trace elements may be added to chemicals in varying strengths to identify the source and batch. Classic example being detection taggants and post explosive taggants which allow tracking of plastic explosives via chromatography

2. Inherent unique properties may be used for example the use of a “chemical nose”. Substance specific sensors are used to measure ammonia, SO2 etc.

3. Emission sensors – e.g. thermal images can be compared against stored patterns to detect some substances


Application & Integration of AIDCAll the technologies require some form of reader and or writer,

and some form of interpretation

1. Bar Codes – need printers (special or general) need readers, handheld or permanent even matrix codes are relatively simple

2. RFID – need more electronics, including software level to unscramble messages

3. Feature systems – require cameras or other sensors

4. ALL require IT systems to both provide them with data and to accept the received data and sensibly process it into meaningful information – AIDC is nothing without IT.


Some Practical Examples


Reader

Bay 1 O

ut

Bay 2 O

ut

Bay 3 O

ut

Bay 4 O

ut

From Bay1 In

From B

ay2 In

From

Bay3 In

From Bay4 In

Bay 1 – Potatoes

Bay 2 – Sandwiches

Bay 3 – Cauliflowers

Bay 4 - Onions

Bay 1 – Newport

Bay 2 - Cribbs Causeway

Bay 3 - Bristol Centre

Bay 4 - Cardiff

Bulk Deliveries of one product

Single drop loads or small groups of shops of mixed products

Advance Notification

from supplier

Orders from Store

Allocation Program

Verify Delivery & pick up allocation

details

Amend Allocations if Necessary

Count Trays into output

bays

Modify roller path when

count is met

Automated Cross Dock Warehouse


Some Other Examples:-

1. Airport security and baggage handling – bar codes, RFID and biometrics are all either in use or shortly to be put into use

2. London (and other ) Marathon – all runners have microchips to record their time

3. Ticketing Systems – All 2006 World Cup tickets had RFID tags which eliminated forged tickets. Also allowed traceability if touting of genuine tickets was reported.


Healthcare *Unique identification of all surgical instruments with 2D bar codes makes tracking and recording of which instruments were used in which operations, which can be sterilised and which have to be discarded (CJD etc)

All blood is identified by donor as well as blood type. Records need to be kept especially when blood is turned into other products like plasma etc when several bloods may be merged

Which leg, right or left? Coded tags can eliminate notes mix up, and reduce the effect of poor handwriting and consequent mistakes


The Power of ID in HealthcareConference in Cardiff on Tuesday 30th October jointly organised by ourselves and Informing Healthcare

Morning will be split into:-

1. Background – i.e. putting AIDC in Context within Wales and Europe.

2. Technical Advances – smart cards RFID and other technologies

Afternoon session

1. Specific applications in Health Care sector including Community care

2. Discussion led by Informing Healthcare as to the future adoption of these technologies into the Welsh NHS


Myths – a lot of myths exist around RFID tags in particular, about the loss of anonymity

1. You can be located anywhere by any random tag you may have.

2. Most retail tags are removed at the till, they have performed their function by then

3. Tags are usually part of the packaging rather than the item

4. You must be within 4 feet of a reader, the reader must be able to identify the tag, it then needs a link back to a database to tie your details up to the tag. A bit tenuous to say the least.

5. Cash – tagged Euro’s help counting avoid counterfeiting – traceable? No there is no link from you to the cash when you hand it over – unless of course you have to provide personal id for every transaction – then we would have to worry

1. If you ever visit an organisation that claims that they are making maximum use of AIDC technologies

2. Tell me I’d love to use them as a case study

3. Look out of the window


1. Some people within organisations pretend that they have no applications which AIDC could streamline. That position is

2. Uncomfortable

3. Unsustainable

4. Its dangerous if anyone is looking for somewhere to park their bike

If you are a Welsh organisation, let us at the National AIDC Centre for Wales help you to see the future. Initial consultations are FOC to all Welsh organisations be they private or public, large or small, North or South

If you are outside Wales

Why not relocate – it’s good down here

If you can’t relocate, we should still be able to re-direct you


Thank You very much for your attention, I hope that the chat has been somewhat informative.

Website www.aidcwales.co.uk (English)

www.aidccymru.co.uk (Cymraeg)

Telephone 01443-654542

Email [email protected]

http://www.aidcwales.co.uk/

http://www.aidccymru.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

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