Object Identification
Objects in the Internet of Things will require ways to identify themselves. The key technology for this is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This technology is an embedded chip that can transmit data to an RFID reader. Already in use RFID offers the next step in product identification after UPC. Each RFID can transmit any piece of data about the object. This can include date of manufacture, place of manufacture; order of manufacture and unlike the UPC code it identifies each product as being unique. It does this by using something called an EPC code (Electronic Product Code). Each RFID tag is unique and requires no power to operate. To read one, the reader points to the tag and send an electric signal to the RFID that then broadcasts its EPC to the reader. The small size and low cost make it ideal for the transmission of this data. Currently these tags are being used by larger corporations to track inventory in their warehouses or stores.
Another method of product Identification already in use is QR Codes. These graphic codes allow users to identify objects by taking a picture of the code through their phone which will then connect them to the products web page. There are currently many varieties of this technology, which is a low tech and inexpensive alternate to RFIDs.
However truly “smart” objects would be able to tell you about them selves without pre-programmed information. This is achieved using MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems). These are essential miniature sensors that are special developed to understand data. They can sense movement, air quality, temperature, humidity and any number of things. They are a good example of how nanotechnology and miniaturization can be used in object identification. Their main use in objects is to collect data and in conjunction with an RFID tag, transmit this data to a reader. In addition new systems of machine learning (eg. Intel’s SHARP system) will allow MEMS to make more informed decisions on how to operate. They offer “intelligence” to objects allowing them to work autonomously.
In a network of things it is necessary to identify each individual object uniquely. Although an EPC code is unique it cannot be used as a communication tool on a network. For this each object would need a unique IP address to connect to this network. Currently IP addresses identify each node on the Internet uniquely, however the number of unique IP addresses is limited because of the numbering system. To allow every object in the world to be connected more IP addresses are required. One solution is IPv6, a new numbering system that would allow for an almost infinite amount of addresses.
The implementation of this system is necessary for the progression of both the virtual Internet and the Internet of things. This system would give each EPC code its own IP address and allow it to also obtain an Object Name the same way each web IP address has an assigned Domain Name.
In addition to its own IP address, Global Positioning Systems can be used to position objects in space. Newer systems such as Galileo, will allow objects to be located precisely in all areas. This will give objects even more intelligence facilitating a greater range of functionality.
The combination of MEMS, RFIDs and IP addresses allows every object to act independently while also maintaining its ability to be controlled via a network. The proximity and amount of these objects will allow for a mesh network so intricately knit that signals and communications can be effortlessly processed to obtain seamless autonomy.
Objects in the Internet of Things will require ways to identify themselves. The key technology for this is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This technology is an embedded chip that can transmit data to an RFID reader. Already in use RFID offers the next step in product identification after UPC. Each RFID can transmit any piece of data about the object. This can include date of manufacture, place of manufacture; order of manufacture and unlike the UPC code it identifies each product as being unique. It does this by using something called an EPC code (Electronic Product Code). Each RFID tag is unique and requires no power to operate. To read one, the reader points to the tag and send an electric signal to the RFID that then broadcasts its EPC to the reader. The small size and low cost make it ideal for the transmission of this data. Currently these tags are being used by larger corporations to track inventory in their warehouses or stores.
Another method of product Identification already in use is QR Codes. These graphic codes allow users to identify objects by taking a picture of the code through their phone which will then connect them to the products web page. There are currently many varieties of this technology, which is a low tech and inexpensive alternate to RFIDs.
However truly “smart” objects would be able to tell you about them selves without pre-programmed information. This is achieved using MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems). These are essential miniature sensors that are special developed to understand data. They can sense movement, air quality, temperature, humidity and any number of things. They are a good example of how nanotechnology and miniaturization can be used in object identification. Their main use in objects is to collect data and in conjunction with an RFID tag, transmit this data to a reader. In addition new systems of machine learning (eg. Intel’s SHARP system) will allow MEMS to make more informed decisions on how to operate. They offer “intelligence” to objects allowing them to work autonomously.
In a network of things it is necessary to identify each individual object uniquely. Although an EPC code is unique it cannot be used as a communication tool on a network. For this each object would need a unique IP address to connect to this network. Currently IP addresses identify each node on the Internet uniquely, however the number of unique IP addresses is limited because of the numbering system. To allow every object in the world to be connected more IP addresses are required. One solution is IPv6, a new numbering system that would allow for an almost infinite amount of addresses.
The implementation of this system is necessary for the progression of both the virtual Internet and the Internet of things. This system would give each EPC code its own IP address and allow it to also obtain an Object Name the same way each web IP address has an assigned Domain Name.
In addition to its own IP address, Global Positioning Systems can be used to position objects in space. Newer systems such as Galileo, will allow objects to be located precisely in all areas. This will give objects even more intelligence facilitating a greater range of functionality.
The combination of MEMS, RFIDs and IP addresses allows every object to act independently while also maintaining its ability to be controlled via a network. The proximity and amount of these objects will allow for a mesh network so intricately knit that signals and communications can be effortlessly processed to obtain seamless autonomy.
posted by Nate A at 9:22 a.m.
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