As interest in Radio Frequency Identification grows, new features and capabilities are added. Some are influenced by advances in computer networks and others by the need for both cost reduction and extra performance. New chips are being developed, memory capacity  is being increased, and new powering devices are being offered, especially to enable the combination of environmental sensors and RFID.

 

Integration is producing other new AIDC or "item-attendant ICT products" (where technologies are intrinsic to, embedded in, attached to or accompany tangible physical objects or items) , including, for example, more sophisticated global positioning tracking sensors just 10cm across -  developed by Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, USA, for earth science sensing.

 

Nanotechnology and microelectronics are providing platforms for a range of sophisticated chemicalprocessing and sensing capability for medical and food safety support. The University of Michigan has developed a 1.5 x 1.6cm chip for testing for influenza. Other organisations are developing chips for HIV testing, MRSA testing and cancer screening.

 

More prominent examples of integration can be found in mobile phone-camera technology and two dimensional coding. Existing and new colour-based codes that can be read using mobile phone cameras, are being used to carry up to 2,000 characters each. This technology is currently being used in promotional, information gathering and safety applications - and has the ability to go much further.

 

A "four dimensional" code is being developed for extra data transmission. The coloured 2D spatial code changes sequentially  in time.

 

Taking the integration further, the Ricoh Company of Japan has developed two types of thermal rewritable paper to enable codes to be written, erased and new codes added as information on or about the document changes. The company believes that reusing paper in this way would have a major impact on Co2 emissions.

 

On the truly revolutionary side of emerging technology for AIDC is laser surface authentication (LSA). Invented by Prof Russell Cowburn, Imperial College, London, it is a low cost laser technique that captures micro-features in the surface of items. This scan profile is recorded as a unique digital signature that can be stored and authenticated later. LSA can uniquely identify documents, paper currency, passports, licences, works of art  - almost anything with a flat surface.  It also provides a

powerful approach to dealing with counterfeiting problems associated with such items in products as diverse as pharmaceuticals, DVDs, currency and casino chips.

 

It is part of the Centre's role to encourage and assist in the development of new technologies and applications.