RFID, GPS Technology and Electronic Surveillance

Are There Any Student-tracking Systems That Use RFID and Text-messaging?

July 8, 2010

Question Posted to RFID Journal - A private school in Mumbai is seeking a solution for its students. The school will stick an ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tag on the back of every student ID card. As each student enters the school gate, the UHF reader should read his or her tag and send that child's identification data to a main server. The server should then automatically send an SMS text message to the mobile phone of that student's designated parent, stating that his or her child has entered the building at that particular time. When the child leaves school, the system should again send an SMS message notifying the parent that the student has departed, along with the specific time. My question is this: Do you know of any company that sells such a solution?

—Name withheld

Response from Mark Roberti, Editor, RFID Journal:

We've written about a number of schools that employ UHF EPC Gen 2 RFID to track students (see Tagged High School IDs Improve Student Flow, Enforce Rules) and other types of passive or active tags (see Northern Arizona University to Use Existing RFID Student Cards for Attendance Tracking and Missouri School District Puts RFID on Buses). None of these applications, however, exactly match the one you are considering.

That said, we have covered a similar application that utilizes AeroScout active tags to do what you are trying to accomplish see RFID Watches Over School Kids in Japan). I would bet that the integrator wrote the application that sends the text message, and that this is not an out-of-the-box solution. So the answer really is that no company, to my knowledge, sells a solution that does exactly what you are looking for.

If any of our readers are aware of such a solution, please post information below.

READERS' COMMENT, Posted By: M. Sys 7/08/2010

In reference to this article, I would like to present system created by MpicoSys company. We designed system allowing for personal localization and identification of ID. The system enables secure communication between the system operator and card-holders at any given time. A fingerprint sensor allows for biometric authorisation, and flexible electrophoretic display provides enhanced resistance of an ID external mechanical factors and allows for reading graphic messages even in direct sunlight. For more information, pleas contact with us: info@mpicosys.com

RFideaWorks Unveils Updated Middleware With New Pricing

July 8, 2010

RFID Journal - RFideaWorks, a privately held company headquartered in Longwood, Fla., has unveiled a new version of its middleware solution that handles data not just from active and passive RFID systems, but also from other automatic-identification technologies, such as contact memory buttons, sensors, actuators, biometrics and GPS.

The middleware solution, known as RFIdirector, features a newly patented architecture designed to expand the functionality and capability of an RFID or auto-ID system. The middleware is standards-agnostic and supports Electronic Product Code (EPC) and other commercial and military coding schemes.

The middleware also offers out-of-the-box support for most popular fixed RFID readers, the company says. Additionally, the solution supports a heterogeneous data environment, in that information may be normalized to permit customer applications to view all inputs as though the data streams were operating in the same environment (the so-called "data fusion" capability).

The middleware is available now; a one-year annual subscription license costs $495 (renewal rates are the same price). A subscription includes free support and upgrades. The company also offers a perpetual, or "regular," license for $995, which includes free support and upgrades as well. A 10-PC enterprise license is available for $7,995. A 30-day trial, consisting of fully functional software, is available now as an instant download, with no registration required. RFideaWorks first launched its RFIdirector middleware in 2004 (see Striving for Total Interoperability), charging $9,995 per server for use of its technology.