基于SOA与资源即插即用的RFID中间件

融合各种通信网络异构性的无线泛在网将成为网络发展的必然趋势。为实现无线业务的泛在化,提出一种基于SOA与资源即插即用功能的泛在网RFID中间件架构,使其能在未来的基于Web的无线泛在业务环境体系架构中完成智能感知设备资源的即插即用特性。介绍了该架构逻辑框架中各部分的功能与实现方法,并通过具体应用系统验证了该架构不仅可以解决RFID设备与应用系统之间的紧耦合问题,而且能够实现单一物理设备服务多种业务应用的需求。     

An adaptive RFID middleware for supporting metaphysical data independence

Sensor devices produce data that are unreliable, low-level, and seldom able to be used directly by applications. In this paper, we propose metaphysical data independence (MDI), a layer of independence that shields applications from the challenges that arise when interacting directly with sensor devices. The key philosophy behind MDI is that applications do not deal with any aspect of physical device data, but rather interface with a high-level reconstruction of the physical world created by a sensor infrastructure. As a concrete instantiation of MDI in such a sensor infrastructure, we detail MDI-SMURF, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) middleware system that alleviates issues associated with using RFID data through adaptive techniques based on a novel statistical framework. Met·a·phys·ics: A division of philosophy that is concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being [2].     

Ultra-low-power components for an RFID Tag with physical and chemical sensors

In this work the development and optimization of the main components for a multisensing flexible Tag with RFID communication capabilities and integrated physical and chemical sensors for logistic datalogging applications will be reported. For this specific scenario, several constraints must be considered: power consumption must be limited for long-term operation, reliable ISO compliant RFID communication must be implemented, and special encapsulation issues must be faced for reliable sensor integration. In this work, the developments on application specific electronic interfaces and on ultra-low-power Metal OXdide semiconductor (MOX) gas sensors will be reported. The electronics for sensor control and readout as well as for RFID communication are based on an ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontroller from Texas Instruments together with a custom RFID front-end based on analog circuitry and a CPLD digital device, and are designed to guarantee a passive ISO15693 compliant RFID communication in a range up to 6 cm. A thin film battery for sensor operation is included, thus data acquisition and storage can be accomplished when no reader field is present. This design allows the user to access both the traceability and sensor information even when the on-board battery is exhausted. The physical sensors for light, temperature and humidity are commercially available devices, while for chemical gas sensing innovative MOX sensors are developed, based on ultra-low-power micromachined hotplate arrays specifically designed for flexible Tag integration purposes. A single MOX sensor requires only 8.9 mW for continuous operation, while temperature modulation and discontinuous sensor operation modes are implemented to further reduce the overall power consumption. The development of the custom control and RFID front-end electronics, together with innovative ultra-low-power MOX sensor arrays with flexible circuit encapsulation techniques will be described.     

Complex RFID event processing

Advances of sensor and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provide significant new power for humans to sense, understand and manage the world. RFID provides fast data collection with precise identification of objects with unique IDs without line of sight, thus it can be used for identifying, locating, tracking and monitoring physical objects. Despite these benefits, RFID poses many challenges for data processing and management: (i) RFID observations have implicit meanings, which have to be transformed and aggregated into semantic data represented in their data models; and (ii) RFID data are temporal, streaming, and in high volume, and have to be processed on the fly. Thus, a general RFID data processing framework is needed to automate the transformation of physical RFID observations into the virtual counterparts in the virtual world linked to business applications. In this paper, we take an event-oriented approach to process RFID data, by devising RFID application logic into complex events. We then formalize the specification and semantics of RFID events and rules. We discover that RFID events are highly temporal constrained, and include non-spontaneous events, and develop an RFID event detection engine that can effectively process complex RFID events. The declarative event-based approach greatly simplifies the work of RFID data processing, and can significantly reduce the cost of RFID data integration. This work was done by F. Wang while working at Siemens Corporate Research. This work was done by S. Liu while visiting Siemens Corporate Research.     

Guest editorial: Advances in RFID technology

After over a half century of development, radio-frequency identification (RFID) is beginning to move into mainstream applications for automatic identification. RFID is widely seen today as one of the key enabling technologies of the “Internet of Things”. However, many challenges still need to be addressed before we can fully benefit from this nascent and ubiquitous technology. In this paper, we present the state of the art of RFID technology and discuss the challenges and open issues in developing next generation RFID applications.     

基于语义分析的嵌入式RFID中间件研究

本文在嵌入式射频识别(RFID)中间件中提出一种基于语义分析的方法,动态的支持不同业务需求,使RFID原始事件与后端应用软件得到很好的转化。这样企业应用软件开发人员可以专注于业务逻辑的开发,无需过多地关注底层RFID原始事件,对RFID应用软件开发具有重要意义。     

An indoor location tracking based on mobile RFID for smart exhibition service

Recently, various smart application services have been developed using GPS (Global Positioning System), RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) and sensor networks. The GPS has been successfully applied for outdoor location tracking by many applications, but it might still be insufficient in an indoor environment where GPS signals are often severely obstructed. The RFID technology has been utilized to play an important role in location tracking for indoor smart applications. Therefore, in this paper, we present the scenario and architecture of an indoor location tracking service for things or space in an exhibition environment based on mobile RFID. The RFID tags of things or spaces are identified as the locations of point being passed and we obtain the spatial data from the tags using mobile RFID readers, Web server and Database server. We have designed and implemented the prototype of location tracking system for exhibition scenario using Microsoft .NET framework. Additionally, we have verified the functionality of this system so various other indoor smart services may be provided using the proposed system.     

A temporal RFID data model for querying physical objects

Radio frequency identification (RFID) holds the promise of real-time identifying, locating, tracking and monitoring physical objects without line of sight, and it can be used for a wide range of pervasive computing applications. To achieve these goals, RFID data have to be collected, transformed and expressively modeled as their virtual counterparts in the virtual world. RFID data, however, have their own unique characteristics–including aggregation, location, temporal and history oriented–which have to be fully considered and integrated into the data model. The diversity of RFID applications poses further challenges to a generalized framework for RFID data modeling. In this paper, we explore the fundamental characteristics of RFID applications, and classify applications into a set of basic scenarios based on these characteristics. We then develop constructs for modeling each scenario, which then can be integrated to model most complex RFID applications in the real world. We further demonstrate that our model provides powerful support on querying physical objects in RFID-based applications.     

Ubiquitous RFID: Where are we?

After over a half century of development, radio-frequency identification (RFID) is beginning to move into mainstream applications for automatic identification. RFID is widely seen today as one of the key enabling technologies of the “Internet of Things”. However, many challenges still need to be addressed before we can fully benefit from this nascent and ubiquitous technology. In this paper, we present the state of the art of RFID technology and discuss the challenges and open issues in developing next generation RFID applications.     

RFID localization algorithms and applications—a review

Object localization based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has promising potentials. By combining localization with its identification capability, existing applications can be enhanced and new applications can be developed for this technology. This paper starts with an overview introducing the available technologies for localization with a focus on radio frequency based technologies. The existing and potential applications of RFID localization in various industries are then summarized. Moreover, RFID localization algorithms are reviewed, which can be categorized into multilateration, Bayesian inference, nearest-neighbor, proximity, and kernel-based learning methods. Also, we present a localization case study using passive RFID technology, and it shows that objects can be successfully localized using either multilateration or Bayesian inference methods. The survey also discusses the challenges and future research on RFID localization.     

MD-SIR: a methodology for developing sensor—guided industry robots

In this paper, we present a generic methodology for the synthesis of industrial robot applications with sensory feedback at the end-effector level. The presented methodology assumes an open controller architecture and leads to the creation of a library of modular and reusable entities, which can be used to build new systems based on the proposed architectural framework. The library facilitates the integration of new algorithms and it evolves as new modular applications are built. The library components belong to the control objects layer of the open controller architecture and implement functionality for sensor interfacing, sensor modeling, pattern recognition, state estimation and state regulation. The validity of the approach is verified by composing real industrial applications. The experimental results indicate the high quality of the developed systems.     

A SCADA oriented middleware for RFID technology

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) has emerged as the new technology paradigm for acquisition and information management. RFID can be used to improve significantly the efficiency of business processes by providing the capability of automatic identification and data capture. This technology introduces new challenges on data and process information management in current systems. RFID data are time-dependent and dynamically changing. In addition, data carry implicit semantics. The homogeneous data processing of such implicit semantics allows us to propose RFID middleware as a WHO–WHEN–WHERE data problem. This paper presents DEPCAS, a new middleware for RFID information based on the SCADA architecture for control systems. An application of DEPCAS is the resolution of heterogeneous situations, which solves the WHAT or context-aware to apply the auto identification data received from RFID systems in business applications.     

基于RFID和Android的林木调查系统

以林木调查为例,介绍了将RFID技术应用于林业调查比传统工作模式的优势,列举了其在林业调查中的部分业务应用。同时基于RFID技术和Android技术,介绍了林木调查系统的总体设计,并以资源清查中的一类调查为例,重点介绍了Android终端数据采集软件的设计及功能实现方法,文章最后总结了林木调查系统在林业上的应用范围以及RFID技术与Android技术在林业上的应用发展前景。     

Combining heterogeneous service technologies for building an Internet of Things middleware

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that allows ordinary objects to be uniquely identified by “smart tags” which are also capable of storing small quantities of data. The term Internet of Things was originated from a vision strongly coupled with supply-chain concerns and RFID tagged objects. However the idea of such Internet of Things has evolved in a wider sense, referring now to a ubiquitous object society combining RFID, sensor networks and pervasive computing technologies. This scenario involves different requirements such as heterogeneity and dynamicity of objects, sensors, applications and protocols as well as the need for allowing the dynamic evolution of such applications. These issues seemed to be easily addressed if the principles of service-oriented computing (SOC), like loose coupling and heterogeneity, are used for constructing such architectures and applications. In this paper we underline what benefits SOC can offer to constructing a middleware for the Internet of Things. These concepts have been applied in a service-oriented middleware that tries to leverage the existing Internet of Things architectural concepts by using SOC principles in order to bring more flexibility and dynamicity. We describe the approaches used in that middleware and the lessons learned from that experience. This middleware was initially tested on an application for tracking and monitoring supply-chain objects, and later extended to target wider application domains that are also described in this paper. The project described here has become part of the OW2 AspireRFID open-source project.     

A near field communication-driven home automation framework

Rapid advances in the field of consumer electronic devices have made home automation a research issue of increasing importance. In recent years, one of the most popular and widely used devices in certain consumer electronic applications has been RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and of particular interest here is Near Field Communication (NFC), a two-way communication technology based on RFID. A setup that has a NFC device embedded in a cellular phone has attracted growing attention for various business applications, among them payments and ticketing. In this paper, we propose a novel application and framework that uses a NFC phone to create a personalized digital home environment. With this proposed setup, by one touch the NFC phone is used to send a request that carries predefined personal preferences to control various home appliances. We present the system architecture and implement the prototype, employing such well-known standards as NFC, OSGi, and UPnP to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework. We then evaluate the performance for efficiency and discuss the merits of the approach.     

ID-Services: an RFID middleware architecture for mobile applications

The use of RFID middleware to support application development for and integration of RFID hardware into information systems has become quite common in RFID applications where reader devices remain stationary, which currently represents the largest part of all RFID applications in use. Another field for applying RFID technology which is offering a huge set of novel possibilities and applications are mobile applications, where readers are no longer fixed. In order to address the specific issues of mobile RFID-enabled applications and to support developers in rapid application development, we present ID-Services, an architecture for an RFID middleware that is designed to support mobile applications. The ID-Services approach has been used to implement MoVIS (Mobile Visitor Information System), a mobile application which allows museum visitors to request individually adapted multimedia information about exhibits in an intuitive way.     

RFID技术及其在物流企业的应用

无线射频识别技术(RFID)已成为现代物流的热点技术,对物流管理的信息化发展具有十分重要的作用。文中说明了RFID的基本工作原理及其系统组成;讨论了RFID在国民经济各个领域的广泛应用尤其是物流领域的具体应用,物流业广泛使用RFID技术,可以实现产品的生产、存储、运输、销售整个供应链过程的智能化;随后提出了一种通用的基于RFID的物流应用框架;并阐明了RFID应用于物流企业的优势所在;最后从标准、成本和安全可靠性三个方面讨论了目前阻碍RFID应用于物流领域的现实因素。     

Bayesian modeling of uncertainty in low-level vision

The need for error modeling, multisensor fusion, and robust algorithms is becoming increasingly recognized in computer vision. Bayesian modeling is a powerful, practical, and general framework for meeting these requirements. This article develops a Bayesian model for describing and manipulating the dense fields, such as depth maps, associated with low-level computer vision. Our model consists of three components: a prior model, a sensor model, and a posterior model. The prior model captures a priori information about the structure of the field. We construct this model using the smoothness constraints from regularization to define a Markov Random Field. The sensor model describes the behavior and noise characteristics of our measurement system. We develop a number of sensor models for both sparse and dense measurements. The posterior model combines the information from the prior and sensor models using Bayes' rule. We show how to compute optimal estimates from the posterior model and also how to compute the uncertainty (variance) in these estimates. To demonstrate the utility of our Bayesian framework, we present three examples of its application to real vision problems. The first application is the on-line extraction of depth from motion. Using a two-dimensional generalization of the Kalman filter, we develop an incremental algorithm that provides a dense on-line estimate of depth whose accuracy improves over time. In the second application, we use a Bayesian model to determine observer motion from sparse depth (range) measurements. In the third application, we use the Bayesian interpretation of regularization to choose the optimal smoothing parameter for interpolation. The uncertainty modeling techniques that we develop, and the utility of these techniques in various applications, support our claim that Bayesian modeling is a powerful and practical framework for low-level vision.     

基于SOA的RFID中间件集成应用

RFID 中间件的出现有助于实现RFID设备与企业应用系统之间的集成。该文提出一种基于面向服务体系架构的RFID集成应用方案,使企业应用系统能够通过服务接口层调用RFID中间件提供的服务,实现应用系统与RFID系统的松耦合集成。应用实例验证了该项方案的可行性。