INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF THE TIRIS GROUP ISSUE NO. 19, 1999

™

Airline Industry Poisedto Adopt Smart Labels

for BaggageTexas Instruments Tag-it TM is Clear Front Runner

Based on Trial Scores

Tag-it™ is showing excellentscores in the live trials that BritishAirways is conducting in Europe.225,000 pieces of luggage carryingthese smart labels are travelingbetween airport hubs fromManchester and Munich toLondon’s HeathrowTerminal 1. "We areseeing as near to100% accuracy asyou can get, saidBob Hornby, Tag-itprogram managerfor airlines.

Participating withTexas Instruments inthis field trial are anumber of companiesincluding the main con-tractor for these RFID trials,

Ultra Electronics, an internationalleader in airport passenger andbaggage tracking systems. Otherparticipating companies includeIER and Genicom, manufacturersof ticket printer systems; and Sihl,

enture DevelopmentCorporation, in theirrecent RFID MarketStudy dated Feb. 1999,listed Texas Instruments

as the leadingsupplier ofRFID productswith the mostmarket share intranspondersales.

According tothis researchfirm, RFIDgrowth is fore-casted at 24%annually through 2002. Growthfrom 2000 to 2002 averages 27%.Hardware remains the key compo-nent, with software and servicescomprising only 15%. Not sur-prisingly, the highest growth

markets are North America andEurope.

Frost & Sullivan Presents MarketEngineering Leadership Award

Last fall, TIRIS was presentedwith Frost & Sullivan’s MarketEngineering Leadership Awardthat is "given each year to thecompany that has exhibited world-

Speedpass Goes Global

ince 1997, more thanthree millionAmericans have discovered the speedand convenience of

Mobil’s Speedpass automated payment system based on TexasInstruments TIRIS technology.

Singapore motorists also gainhands-free convenience and fasterpurchasing times with the roll-outof Speedpass at all of Mobil’s fill-ing stations in Singapore. Billedas "the fastest way to fill up,"Speedpass allows Mobil’s customers in Singapore the convenience of automated

payment using TIRIS vehicle-mounted tags.

"Even before Mobil SpeedpassSingaporeans were already quiteacquainted with RFID as they areusing a RFID-based toll collectionsystem named Electronic RoadPricing (ERP)," reports JimBucklar, marketing strategy man-ager.

The global launch of Speedpass,together with the widespreadacceptance of RFID by Americanconsumers is catching the atten-tion of other retailers in the U.S.and around the world," addsBucklar. "Customers greatly pre-

fer the faster, hassle-free automat-ed transactions provided by RFID-based payment systems."

"Mobil is the first company inAsia to adopt RFID technology

for retailing," reportsAnthony Lim, fuels manager forMobil Oil Singapore. "This isconsistent with Mobil’s drive todeliver customer convenience andfirst-in-industry products and ser-vices."

Other RFID applications inretailing are just around the cor-

ner," hints Bucklar. "From speed-ing drive-through purchases, tohelping hotel & restaurant man-agers tailor personalized service totheir customers, RFID is entering

the retail mainstream. Even

major banks in the UK haveshown positive interest. We thinkthe technology could eventuallyreach the point where RFID tagsare welcomed throughout anentire merchant network."

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Mobil Singapore Rolls Out Asia’s First RFID-Based Pay-At-The-Pump System

S

Continued on page 3.

Major Market ResearchCompanies Proclaim TIRIS

RFID Leader

Continued on page 3.

Texas Instruments Builds Infrastructure of ADC Channel Companiesfor Seamless Integration by End Users

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TI has entered into developeragreements with systems integra-tors and printer, label, and scannermanufacturers such as AveryDennison, ID Systems, IER,Intermec, Meto, Moore, PSC,Sihl, Symbol Technologies, ZebraTechnologies and other automaticidentification industry leaders toset the stage for the successfuldeployment of Tag-it™ smartlabels.

These manufacturers will incor-porate smart label technology into

their product lines, and supportnew platform developments toallow large end users to easily addthis approach to their current datacapture systems.

By lowering transponder costs,Tag-it has opened up a host ofnew identification and trackingapplications to RFID. With costof entry such a concern with cus-tomers, it was very important thatthe smart label platforms easilyintegrate into the existingAutomatic Data Collection(ADC) infrastructure with little orno retrofit costs.

For example, Zebra Technologieshas incorporated Tag-itreader/writer hardware into itsbarcode printer product family.Blank or pre-printed labels,embedded with Tag-it transpon-ders are fed through the bar code

printer. The reader/writer unitinside the printer then programsthe label’s transponder with up to256 bits of data, prints the equiva-lent identification information inthe form of a bar code, and anyhuman readable information allsimultaneously. The tag pops outand is ready to be stuck to a pack-age, box, or other item. Thisprocess, called source tagging, addslittle time to the printing process.

TIRIS and PhilipsSemiconductors have reached anagreement to support a com-mon communications protocolstandard for RFID smart labels.

Unanimously approved by thetechnical task force, the pro-posal was promoted toCommittee Draft (CD) andsubsequently promoted to thestatus of Final CommitteeDraft (FCD) ISO 15693-2.This emerging standard pro-vides the first multi-vendorplatform for vicinity card andsmart label technology, andallows products from bothcompanies to communicate atthe same time with suitablereader/writer units.

Dick Dane, general manag-er of the TIRIS RFID busi-ness unit, said "This agreementrepresents the catalyst that busi-ness and industry have beenwaiting for. A common proto-

ISO Standards Proposal Acts as Catalyst to Wide Spread Adoption

Bob Grabau, manager oflabel marketing programsfor Moore, reports "with TItechnology, we can offerour customers a range oflower cost labels that incor-porate all the benefits ofRFID. Labels manufac-tured with magneticstripes, bar codes, or otherprinted information, aremade easily compatiblewith existing systems."

"When we evaluated the state ofthe market, we wanted to workwith a company that was experi-enced with RFID and had an inte-grated production capability,"adds Peter Kuzma, director of newbusiness ventures for AveryDennison’s VIP ConvertedProducts. "RFID equipped labelsare a logical extension of ourbroad line of label products andthey can be easily produced at ourproprietary electronics label manu-facturing operations."

col now guarantees completeinteroperability of each of ourproducts and is a huge step in thedeployment of smart labels."

"Key industry players haveapplauded our move to combine

the best of the existing proprietarysolutions into a new compatibleplatform," said Christop Kauer,product line manager for RFID of

Philips Semiconductors. "Wefeel confident that the smartlabel market will dramaticallyexpand as a result of thestrengthened confidence in thetwo market leaders."

With industry estimates fore-casting the smart label mar-ket to reach 1 billion piecesin 2003, smart labels are oneof the largest growth areas inthe automatic identificationmarket."With such internationalapplications, such as airlinebaggage, it is very importantto our customers that a stan-dard exists," said TonySabetti, TIRIS marketingdirector. "This proposal isan important step in theroadmap of smart labels."

his agreementrepresents the cata-lyst that businessand industry havebeen waiting for.

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Many prominent label makers have integrated Tag-it inlays.

T A G - I T T M S M A R T L A B E L S

companies like Intermec, Brady,FlexCon, Datamax, Accusort,and Moore. The audience heardpresentations and saw demos byRandy Roebuck, of TI, SimonHowell of id Systems, Mats

Fredrikson, of Syneco (parentcompany to i2R), Mike Lauria ofTelelynx, and Craig Swanson ofZebra Technologies.

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TI Technical Seminar on“Smart Labels”

Explains Design-in Issues for Auto IDEquipment Suppliers

At the Tag, Ticket, and LabelConference in Orlando inFebruary, TIRIS held the secondin a series of technical seminarsfor label converters and equip-ment suppliers to discuss many

technical topics surroundinghow to integrate Tag-it inlaysinto barcode printers, scanners,and stationary readers.

The seminar was attended byabout 25 representatives of

From Left to Right:Randy Roebuck, Craig Swanson, Mats Fredrikson, Matt Banach, Mike Lauria

he world of overnightand express parcel ship-ping took one giantstep into the futurewith the successful

completion of Deutscher PaketDienst’s (DPD, English trans-lation, Direct ParcelDistribution), field trialsof Tag-it smart labels.

The field trials, heldat DPD’s depot inKesseldorf,Germany, con-sisted ofsome 5,000Tag-it par-cel labels.The parcelswere accu-rately readwhile passingthrough a 1 meter x 1meter tunnel mounted arounda conveyor belt traveling at speedsup to 2.8 meters per second,which is the normal speed usedfor barcode scanning.

"Since smart labels can be readin random orientation, as well asin groups, they do not need spe-cial handling, like a barcode labelwould," states Horst Mollik,

Pilot Testing of Tag-it withParcel Shipping Company Shows

Excellent Results

G E R M A N Y

Texas Instruments sales managerin Germany. "Cutting down onthe manual handling required of

the parcel will

dramati-cally cut

operatingcosts and

reduce dataentry errors."

"We know whatcan be achieved with

this technology and how it canbenefit DPD and our customers,"adds Peter Hoffmann, spokesmanfor DPD management. "As soonas some hurdles are overcome,such as standardization, we willbe able to deploy smart labels ona large scale."

a major producer of airline luggagetags.

Smart labels are ultra-thin RFidentification chips that are lami-nated between paper to make one-time use labels, tickets or tags.These labels carry a unique IDcode that is used to automaticallytag, sort and route bags, far fasterand more reliably than manual orbar code systems that require aclear line of sight. Smart labelscan also be updated on the fly,adding new data such as revisedflight or routing information.

"The combined efforts of thesetechnology companies, all withextensive airline management andlogistics systems experience, con-firms the potential for the use ofRFID in this new application,"added Hornby.

Peter Stanton, senior manager,customer service delivery at British

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Airways said that he was delightedto have Texas Instruments and itspartners join with his company inthe development of a "smart bagtag" technology. This technologywill enable the speeding up andprocessing of transfer baggage andhelp eliminate "lost luggage," thusproviding British Airways with a21st century system.

Texas Instruments has beenworking with BA since last yearon preliminary testing and evalua-tion of RFID technology for bag-gage handling and sorting applica-tions.

In the earlier Stage 1 trials heldat Crisplant’s airline baggagecarousel manufacturing plant inDenmark, Tag-it scored highest ofany of the RFID technologies test-ed on a wide variety of very rigor-ous tests.

British Airways is openly sharing

Smart Labels for Baggage TIRIS RFID Leader

this test data with other airlinesand standards groups world-widein an effort to accelerate the stan-dardization and adoption ofRFID-based handling and passen-ger matching systems internation-ally.

RFID systems may eventually beextended to positive passengerbaggage matching (PPBM) sys-tems that reliably match passen-gers to their bags during boarding.PPBM systems help to match re-routed bags onto correct flights,and insure a higher degree of air-line security.

class leadership in the RFIDindustry," reported PatriciaO’Shea, senior industry analyst forF&S.

"TIRIS has led the industry inproduct innovation with the intro-duction of its smart label product,Tag-it, and focus on emergingapplications, such as Mobil’sSpeedpass," she added.

The award is based on F&S’sAutomatic Identification Groupresearch and consulting for theRFID industry and is given inconjunction with the release oftheir annual report, World RadioFrequency Identification (RFID)Markets.

To order the report, callKathleen Cooney at +1 650 237-4385.

Continued from page 1. Continued from page 1.

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i2R (ideas to Reality)offers several multi-proto-col handheld communica-tor boards that program(both read and write) dif-ferent brand tags (incl.Tag-it). They come in two ver-sions: Pico Smart LabelCommunicator and Micro SmartLabel Communicator. The Picocompact single board moduleoffers basic functionality includingasynchronous serial communica-tions, and the ability to work withstandard antennas. The Micro hassome added features such as onboard configurable memory, andthe ability to vary power output to

i2R OEM Boards for HandheldCommunicators

Third Party Companies Offer Multi-Protocol Productsthat Support Tag-it

idSystems markets a range ofproducts that can read/write13.56MHz tags from differentsuppliers.

Flexiscan handheld readers arehoused in rugged, splash-proofcasings and have a 27-keyalphanumeric keypad and graph-ics LCD. Data transfer can be

be able to interface with differentantennas and achieve optimal per-formance.

For more information, contacti2R, Dave Evans,Tele: +44 (0)1509 213 141,Fax: +44 (0) 1509 213 191,e-mail: DREvans@i2r.co.uk

done via an infrared link. Otherproducts include OEM boards,antennas and software develop-ment tools.

For more information, contactidSystems, Dr. Simon Howell,Tele: +44 (0)161 232 1000, Fax: +44 (0) 161 232 1010,e-mail: sales@idsys.demon.co.uk

idSystems Multi-Protocol Readers

Baltech – ID Enginefor Smart Labels

Fieg Electronic – OBIDProducts

Top to Bottom:Micro SLC and Pico SLC

The ID-engine is a miniatur-ized reader module that canread and write smart labelsfrom several suppliers, includ-ing Tag-it. It is a completereader with serial interface andantenna (RS232, RS422,RS485 CMOS), small andsuited for integration intoprinters and handheld devices,

offering proximity and medi-um read distances, with 8 digi-tal I/O’s, and it includes anti-collision capability.

For more information, con-tact Baltech AG, Mr. JuergenRoesch, Tele: +49 (0)811 99881-0,Fax: +49 (0) 811 99881-11,e-mail: info@baltech.de

Feig has developed an RFIDmulti-protocol reader forsmart labels that reads Tag-ittransponders along with oth-ers. The first target for the

I-Scan reader is for integrationinto printers, and applicationsneeding a proximity readrange of up to 10cm.

For more information, con-tact Feig, Mr. Frithjof Walk,Tele: +49 (0)6471 3109-33, Fax: +49 (0) 6471 3109-99, e-mail: frithjof.walk@feig.de

i2R Demo Kit

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Super Security Access ControlRFID Combined with Keypad – Economical and Easy

gence where it is needed. Thisalso allows the LonWorks networkto use a relatively simple and inex-pensive twisted pair cable for allcommunications. It can controlor monitor from 2 to 32,000devices.

"Cost per node is a very sensitiveissue in the security business. Thelow cost of TIRIS transpondersand the Microreader has allowedus to attractively offer this solu-tion," said Martin Peake, directorof MST Chrontec. The companyis also targeting markets like petro-chemical plants, bank offices, hos-pitals, and any areas requiringextra levels of security.

The TIRIS products were pur-chased through the TI UK distrib-utor, RFID Components.

For more information, contact Martin Peake , MST Chrontec,Tele: +44 (0)1684 560614,Fax: +44 (0)1684 560624,e-mail martin@mst-group.demon.co.uk, orGraham Lane, RFID ComponentsTele: +44 (0)1234 840102,Fax +44 (0)1234 840707.

MST Chrontec of Malvern,England integrated a TIRISreader into their compact key-pad module to create a moresecure access control system.The system is tested andproven in a South Africanprison where it controls accessto around 100 cells in onewing of the facility.

Staff members carry a TIRISkeyring tag or card whoseunique ID number is regis-tered to that employee. Toprevent the wrong personstealing and using the tag, theemployee must also enter a 4-digit personal PIN numberinto the keypad.

Operators can download listsof authorized ID codes via theindustry-standard LonWorkssystem directly to each unit soaccess authorizations can beeasily updated for changingshifts or special visits. TheLonWorks microprocessor,providing networking capabili-ty, is built right into the key-pad module which simplifiesoverall system design, and pro-vides local distributed intelli-

MST Chrontec keypad module with integrated TIRIS reader.

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bonded warehouse inthe UK stores expen-sive single maltwhiskies which are sub-ject to theft even by the

warehouse employees. Palletscarrying these goods betweentransport trucks and storehouselocations are also subject tobeing misplaced by accident,thus delaying on time deliveriesand costing manpower to findthem.

To prevent these problems,the warehouse managersemployed TIRIS tags toensure that forklift trucksmoving pallets would pass cor-rectly along pre-set routes.Deviations might mean thatemployees were taking thisvaluable inventory off to ahiding location for later theft,

PROTECTING INVENTORY IN A BONDED WAREHOUSE

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Aor were just misplacing pallets inerror.

To create this security system,the system integrator, Davis Derbyof the UK, built a grid oftransponders suspended from theceiling. The unique ID of eachtransponder signals a specific loca-tion. The forklift trucks areequipped with RFID readers and aRFDC reader. Routing details aredownloaded to the forklift truck

from a central computer via aradio frequency communicationlink (RFDC). This includes cor-rect loading location, exactsequence of transponders alongthe route, and the delivery baylocation. Trucks pick up loadsfrom any of 9 conveyors. At thepickup point, the trucks are auto-matically weighed as well to makesure they were actually loaded.

As the truck moves towards its

destination, if the on-board readerdetects deviations, the truck isimmobilized and a supervisor isneeded to reset the vehicle.

Once it reaches its destinationand unloads, the truck is againweighed.

Said John Leverton, a DavisDerby director, "Using RFID hasgiven the warehouse managementteam the certainty, for the firsttime, that high value loads are notmis-routed for any reason.Warehouse efficiency is improved,errors and fraud are virtually elim-inated and far less managementtime is spent investigating mis-routed or lost loads."

For more information, contactJohn Leverton, Davis Derby Ltd.,Tele: +44 (0)1332 341671,Fax: +44 (0)1332 372190.

security code each time thepush button is used to gainaccess to the vehicle. Forimmobilization, the transpon-der in the ignition keyencrypts the challenge receivedfrom the reader based on asecurity algorithm and a hiddenencryption key. The result ofthis “challenge-response” is thentransmitted to the engine con-trol unit for evaluation. Beforethe CET transponder, vehicleswith both RKE and immobilizersystems required two indepen-dent designs to handle the differ-ent frequencies and security fea-tures each system required.

"By combining the two ele-ments of automotive securityinto one design, automotivemanufacturers stand to signifi-cantly reduce system cost," saidMichael Knebelkamp, automo-tive strategy manager for TexasInstruments TIRIS.

he recently intro-duced CET orCryptographic EntryTransponder is thenext generation of

immobilizer technology fromTIRIS. It adds the flexibilityof Remote Keyless Entry(RKE) to TI’s current familyof automotive immobilizers.This system is the first of itskind to combine two previ-ously separate elements(immobilizer and RKE)into one compact package.

A typical immobilizersystem consists of theengine control unit, areader unit, and an anten-na. The reader providesan energizing signal to thebatteryfree transponder embed-ded in the vehicle’s ignition key,generates and transmits a randomcode to the transponder (key),verifies the response receivedfrom the transponder and reports

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RKE in addition to an immobi-lizer, the RKE controller in thekey generates a new Ultra HighFrequency (UHF) “rolling code”

Europe in August, 1999. The sys-tem will also be fitted to the

6

Nissan Steps Up Security W ith Adoption of DST T ransponders

issan will advance thesecurity level of its vehi-cle protection systems byintroducing a newimmobilizer, supplied by

TIRIS, worldwide in 1999. Theimmobilizer uses the TIRISDigital Signature Transponder(DST) as the unique identifier inthe system, and it is embedded inthe plastic head of each key.

Most transponder-based immo-bilizer systems, to date, are basedaround fixed unique codetransponders. While these facto-ry-programmed transponders havebeen very successful, leading man-ufacturers such as Nissan havebeen increasingly adopting fullchallenge and response encryption,due to the higher level of securityit provides.

The first Nissan model to fea-ture the new DST immobilizerwill be the Primera, available in

Transponder-based immobilizers have cut auto theft by 90% in Europe.

CET: THE NEXT GENERATION IN IMMOBILIZER TECHNOLOGY

the results to the engine controlunit, which approves or deniesengine ignition.

If the vehicle is equipped with

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“Vehicle immobilizer systems are fast becoming a standard feature since proving their

effectiveness against auto theft. TIRIS has been driving the market from its early days in 1993.

As with all security systems, there is no room for complacency. We are committed to continuous

improvement in design sophistication while continuing to strive for cost reduction."

A U T O M O T I V E

– Michael Knebelkamp, Automotive Strategy Manager

Almera replacement in January2000, followed by the Micra laterthe same year.

"While our current immobilizershave been very effective, Nissan isalways enhancing its products, andincreasing the security that theyprovide. The DST transponderallows us to take another signifi-cant step forward," said GaryKirby, electrical engineering man-ager at Nissan’s EuropeanTechnology Centre.

Bus ID Provides Information for Passengers

uses in Brasilia,Brazil are trackedwith TIRIS tags toprovide a sophisti-cated passenger

information system for the400,000 people who passthrough the bus station.

Displays are located at the 69 different platforms where busesarrive and depart. These electronic signs are triggered by the transponders on the buses to provide real time information about arrival and departure times.

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Bus Priority System Reduces Congestion andSpeeds Up T raffic

A new bus IDsystem came online last year inEdinburgh,Scotland to givepublic transporttraffic light priority.JMW Systems, aTIRIS integrator,began by installingread points at 57approaches to thewest side of the city.They mounted TIRIStransponders on 800vehicles. A secondphase expanded thesystem as part ofEdinburgh’s GreennessProject, adding readpoints at major high-ways into the city, andat 23 additional junc-tions.

As a bus approaches atraffic light, it passes overan in-ground antenna thattriggers the light to changedepending upon the priorityof the vehicle. The system cantrigger green light wave-throughs for buses and otherpublic transport as well as

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emergency vehicles such aspolice, ambulance and firetrucks.

Claims Vince McCann,the city of Edinburgh’stransport engineer, “Wehave already seen signifi-cant positive benefits inreduced congestion andincreased bus use.” Thesystem also reduces con-gestion and reduces roadaccidents.

For more informationcontact, Texas Instruments, Dave Hylsop at Tele: +44 (0)1604 663399.

AutomaticWeighing

Around theClock

The Alcan plant in Ouro Preto,Brazil produces raw aluminum,and other related products.Systems integrator, Unidata, hasinstalled a TIRIS-based automat-ic weigh system that hasincreased the productivity of thisstep in the manufacturing processby 20% because it allows trucksto be weighed on a 24-hour a daybasis without the need for humanoperators.

Before the system was installed,the fully manned weigh stationwas only open from 6:00 a.m. to12 p.m. Trucks arriving anddeparting during the night wouldhave to wait until the stationagain opened.

A transponder is mounted onthe windshield of the each of the43 trucks transporting raw prod-uct from the mine. When atruck drives onto the weigh sta-tion, the ID is read and com-bined with the weight of the loadin a host computer.

For more information, contactUnidata, Tele: +55 31 292 9799.

B R A Z I L

B R A Z I L

VeriFone RF250 payment terminal for in-store Speedpass purchases.

From Pay-at-the-Pump to the Checkout CounterU S A

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TIRIS technology has certainlycaptured the petroleum industry’sattention. First rolled out byMobil Oil Corporation as part of

its Speedpass™ pay-at-the-pumpsystem, RFID is now in use byapproximately three million con-sumers at over 3,500 service sta-tions across North America.

With the commercial accep-tance of RFID by consumers,petroleum and other retailerswill be expanding their use of

TIRIS as a pay-ment option. Infact, Mobil hasalready startedpilot testing theVeriFone RF250customer unit – anin-store paymentterminal based onthe VeriFoneEverest customerterminal. It isequipped withRFID for in-storetransactions, aswell as a magnetic

card reader for credit anddebit transactions. RFID-ready carwashes, ATM’s, fastfood counters, and vendingmachines are sure to follow.

C O N S U M E R R E C O G N I T I O N

obil customers experience speed and

convenience when theybuy items inside the c-store

with their keyring tag.

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uelman, based inMetairie, Louisiana sup-plies fuel for 600 busesowned by the City ofNew Orleans. The com-

pany manages its refueling datawith a Fuel Manager RFID systemdeveloped by Austin, Texas-basedNational Business ControlSystems (NBCS). Using TIRIStechnology, the system tracks morethan 80,000 gallons of fuel usedby the buses each week.

When a driver pulls up at one ofthe Fuelman refueling facilities, anoverhead sensor detects when thebus is in position and signals a redlight. The driver waves his ID tagover the reader box, and is identi-fied. Buses are identified by aVehicle Data Module (VDM, asophisticated transponder)attached to the undercarriage ofthe bus. The VDM provides infor-mation such as the odometer read-

Car dealers have tried everythingfrom hidden switches to secretpasswords to provide an effectivesolution to auto theft.Unfortunately, problems with reli-ability, cars that would not start,and more kept com-ing back to hauntthem.

That all changedwhen Dealer SecuritySolutions Inc. (DSS)a more convenient,foolproof option withthe introduction oftheir TIRIS-basedTRIAD™ aftermar-ket immobilizer in1998.

"Automotive dealerships acrossthe country have really respondedto offering their customers aneffective security option," reportsMark Milligan, president of DSS."Since TRIAD’s launch last year,we have expanded our operationsthroughout North America.TRIAD has taken us from aregional supplier in NorthernCalifornia to serving dealerships in17 states and into Canada."

The TRIAD family of productsprovides the dealer the flexibility tooffer their customers a customizedsystem to meet their own specificneeds. The original product, animmobilizer-only version, offerscost-effective security, and anupgraded version adds the addi-

TIRIS Stops Car Thieves inTheir T racks –

Aftermarket Immobiliz er Becoming Industr y Standar d

tional features of intrusion moni-toring, anti-carjacking activationwith visuals, and an audible alert.A unique new version greatlyexpands the security features ofmost major automotive models

equipped with factory immobiliz-ers.

The TRIAD system is sold to thedealer to protect their inventorywhile the cars remain on the lot,and is then offered as a pass-through option to their customers."Since we installed the TRIAD sys-tem, our inventory losses havebeen cut dramatically," reportsMarshall Crossan, owner ofFolsom Chevrolet. "Now, we havethe added bonus of passing thisinnovative security option on toour customers."

For information contact, Mark Milligan, DSS, Tele: +1 916 851 9073, www.transponder-security.com

TIRIS Keeps New Orleans MassTransit Running

ing, engine hours and tank level,and is read by an in-ground reader.All fueling data is exported to acentral computer for processing bythe city.

Fuelman’s operations managerMike Felix says the RFID system

saves the com-pany at least anhour’s workeach night."Tracking 600buses that use80,000 gallonsof fuel a weekcan be time-consuming and

result in inaccurate records," Felixsays. "The odometer readingshelp the city meet strict mainte-nance schedules, and the fuelingdata allows us to generate invoicesquickly, which we post to an elec-tronic bulletin board."

For information contact, Mike Felix, Fuelman, Tele: +1 504 835 7171, www.fuelman.com.

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N E W P R O D U C T S

Integrators Have a Choice ofTwo New Radio Frequency

Modules

Digital Receiver Board OffersImproved Performance

TIRIS recently introduced theDigital Receiver Board (DRB) asan addition to theSeries 2000 ReaderSystem to achievefurther perfor-mance improve-ments. The DRB(RI-CTL-010A)is an add-onmodule thatincludes thepower of a TexasInstrumentsDSP (DigitalSignalProcessor). Itcan be used together with theHigh PerformanceTransmitter/Receiver Modules(RI-RFM-007B or RI-RFM-008B) in situations where electri-cal noise has a detrimental effecton the system's performance.

An algorithm is applied to "filterout" the periodic noise compo-nents of the signal and then theremaining data signal is enhancedand made available for furtherprocessing.

The effect is maintaining superi-or read range in noisy environ-

ments. In addition to this

filter function the DRBcan act as a basic controller. Thus,a module made up by one of theRFM's and the DRB form a com-plete reader which can be integrat-ed through a serial communica-tion interface (TTL level) innumerous application systemswith minimal adaptation of usersoftware.

RFM’s are the core of a TIRISreader system; providing the inter-face between low frequencytransponders and a data processingunit.

TIRIS now offers two new ver-sions of RFM’s: a RFM (RI-RFM-007B) that supports antennalengths up to 5 meters, and aRemote Antenna RFM (RI-RFM-008B) that supports antenna cablelengths up to 120 meters. Bothmodules offer high field strengthto enable maximum performancein readout distances. They also

offer variable power supply range,and synchronization control inmulti-reader arrays.

The Remote Antenna RFMrequires an additional module,called an Antenna Tuning Module(RI-ACC-008B) that can beinstalled inside a readout antennaor nearby to allow for tuning atthe readout point.

Both RFM’s can be combinedwith the new Digital Reader Boardto greatly increase noise immunityof the reader.

"TIRIS continues to invest

in a full portfolio of low frequency products

to support the many systems integrators

who have successfully created solutions

around our technology. We are expanding

and improving our Series 2000 Reader System

family with the new boards described here.

We are also moving in the direction

of consolidating features, and modularizing our

products, so that integrators have various options in

combining boards in different ways to more

directly meet their needs."

– Jakob Strobl, TIRIS strategy manager

EEvveennttss CCaalleennddaarr

June 7 - 9

Retail Systems 99

Chicago

June

October

Visit TIRIS at the following events:

Nov. 16 - 18

SCAN-TECH Europe

Koln, Germany

Oct. 5 - 7

SCAN-TECH

Chicago

November

10

A Blackroc handheld stores and updates a complete file for each tree.

ree surgeons are taggingtrees along Paris boule-vards, the Royal Parks ofLondon and in theBotanic Gardens of New

York. Several different companieshave put together systems basedon TIRIS glass capsule transpon-ders that allow caretakers touniquely ID each tree and estab-lish a comprehensive file to trackits health, plan its treatment, andprotect it from epidemics.

Adage, a leading French compa-ny in auto ID, created a systemthat is being used to track 90,000alignment trees in Paris. These arethe very fragile trees, costingaround $3,000 each, that areplanted along 1,400 differentstreets. "Life for these trees is verydifficult, what with car exhaust,street salt, and other pollution,and this system allows us a way tomonitor them carefully and accu-rately," said Jean-Pol Neme of thecity council.

UK-based company FujikuraEurope has also developed a sys-tem they call FTRS, Fujikura TotalRecognition System. Using a spe-cial hammer, a hollow nail isembedded in the tree that contains

TIRIS Goes Green T o Save TreesTransponders are Injected into T rees in Major Cities W orldwide

a transponder. Caretakers use acustom-developed handheld com-puter from Blackroc, who have re-engineered a Psion Workabout.The Blackroc T100F has 2 MB of

flash memory and the FTRSapplication software. Data can beeasily down and up-loaded intothe unit.

Tree care tasks include: creating

a unique record for each tree – itsgrowth statistics, obvious visualeffects such as bare branches andaphid infestation, results of ultra-sound and micro-drilling tests,and maintenance work that isrequired immediately.

The handheld computer can alsocontain simple look-up tables cov-ering the common and botanicalnames of 250 tree species. Newlook-up tables can be user defined,such as size class, age class, envi-ronment, conditions, actions, pri-ority and next action. Fields canbe selectively turned on or off tolimit the information collected atany one time.

According to Phil Wade,Product Manager at FujikkuraEurope, "This unique solution isperfect. Global PositioningSystems are not accurate enoughto pinpoint each tree, especiallywhen they are grouped together.Other forms of ID, like bar-cod-ing are prone to vandalism andwear."

For more information, contactGraham Lane, RFID ComponentsLtd. Tele: +44 (0)1234 840102,Fax: +44 (0)1234 84007.

T

TIRIS is Preferred Solution in IDEA Projecthe EuropeanCommission recentlylaunched a large scaleelectronic identifica-tion of livestock pro-

ject called I.D.E.A.(Identification Electronique desAnimaux) in which TIRISemerged as a central player.

The project includes the par-ticipation by France, Germany,the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy,Portugal, and Spain all of whomplay a unique role in the overalleffort to test every facet of atotal system for tracking andmanaging animals from birth toslaughter. The project includeshundreds of thousands ofinjectable transponders, elec-tronic eartags and electronicbolus’ – most of which areTIRIS-based, and a total of amillion cows, sheep and goats.

Lasting a total of three years,the project will result in a deci-sion about the feasibility toimplement an ISO-compatibleRFID registration system acrossEurope. Inputs to IDEA beganin 1993 with the FEOGAresearch project that includedtagging thousands of sheep,cows, and goats that proved outbasic assumptions about itsreadiness to be used under field

conditions. Following FEOGA,Project AIR 2304 took off in 1995and ran until 1998 focusing onaspects like slaughterhouse track-ing, system reliability under farmconditions, and cost/benefit.

The European Union has about300 million livestock animals. Anelectronic tagging system can go along way to improving qualitycontrol, cost-effectiveness of farmmanagement, control of subsidiespayments, disease transmission,and intra-EU animal transport.

Not only does this projectinclude all factors of electronictagging, it also addresses evalua-tion of all the equipment neededfor the solution, i.e., static and

portable readers andcomputers in the field,on farm, and at slaugh-ter. It also includes thedetails of an overalldatabase and uploading

and downloading of information.TIRIS technology is involved in

the projects of all 6 participatingcountries where value addedresellers have offered complete,integrated packages that addressthe local conditions and animalspecies of the area. Two outstand-ing companies involved areGesimpex of Spain (main supplierof the Bolus transponder,(Rumitag), and portable and sta-tionary reader installations), andAllflex, the leading supplier ofelectronic eartags.

The IDEA project is launchedby the General Direction VI(Agriculture) with the technicalsupport of the Joint ResearchCentre of Ispra.

For more information, contactJRC Ispra, Dr. C. Korn, Tele: +39 332 789515,Fax: +39 332 785145or TIRIS Netherlands, JeroenBolscherTele: +31 566 849609,Fax: +31 596 871683e-mail: j.bolscher@ti.com

Worker takes inventory with handheld

tag reader.

T

Australia T ags Cattle

The Agriculture and ResourcesDepartment of Victoria, Australiaannounced that they would dis-tribute one million tags free tobegin a wide-scale cattle monitor-ing program. These electroniceartags, manufactured by AllflexAustralia Pty Ltd. and containingTIRIS inlays, are available to beefproducers and dairy farmers. Thisrepresents the first stage imple-mentation of the NationalLivestock Identification Scheme(NLIS).

Mr. Patrick McNamara, deputypremier, said, "Improved cattleidentification is needed to protectand enhance consumer confidencein Australia’s beef." "The earlyintroduction of NLIS in Victoriawill be important in enabling thisState to implement consumergrading of beef using the MeatStandards Australia System," headded.

For more information contact,Allflex, Greg Delbridge, Tele: +61 (0)7 3899 9055, website:www.nre.vic.gov.au/farming/nlis

11

R E S E L L E R S A D D V A L U E

German Company, GIS, Markets Dual Barcode/RFID ReadersIS offers three differentproducts that read andwrite TIRIS tags andhavebar

code (Code 39)emulation all inone. A leadingmanufacturer ofkitchen furni-ture uses GISsystems becausethis allows work-ers to identifyfurniture partswithout handlingthem, which is abenefit when theparts are freshlypainted. But, thecompany can alsouse the same GISdevices to scan barcode labels that maybe on other compo-nents that go intothe finished goods.

Dual RFID/bar code scanner that mounts alongside a conveyor system.

GIS handheld dual RFID/barcode scanner.

IVAG is a softwareproduct that generatesS/W applications forhandheld terminalsthat read and store

data from TIRIS tags.Typically, these applications

are developed by way of atedious and time-consumingprocess. Experts have to set upa "duty book", and specialistprogrammers build the applica-tion. MIVAG has been devel-oped to offer more flexibilityfor the terminal user. The soft-ware tool is in English, but theapplications can be generatedin any language with icons,logos and special signs whenusing a graphic display.

The only requirement forworking with MIVAG isknowledge of Windows 95 orWindows NT. Applications arecompiled in C, and easily

downloaded into the hand-held. You can do real applica-tion tests in terminals to moni-tor development.

This tool can be easilyadapted to work with otherwell-known industry handhelddevices that Mannebeck ishoping to announce soon.

For more information, con-tact, Dr. Hüther, MannebeckMilan Prozessleitsysteme, Tele: +49 (0)5923 9620-0 Fax: +49 (0)5923 5877 e-mail: 106233.2416@compuserve.com,website:www.mannebeck.com

For more information, contactGIS, Konrad Kremer, Tele: +49 (0)7026 606 0, Fax: +49 (0) 7026 606 66, e-mail: gis@gis-net.de

Features:• No limitation in pages or elements.• Complete mapping of the single bits for

multi-page transponders.• No simulation in the PC–real application testing.• Data transfer to the MILAN terminal contactless

via inductivity. • Easy modification or expanding of the application.

G

M

M I VA G( M i l a n V i s u a l A p p l i c a t i o n G e n e r a t o r )

User Interface

12

Editor: Susy d’Hont© Copyright -May, 1999,Texas Instruments

Wr i te or Cal l

TIRIS Sales and Application Centers

The TIRIS and Tag-it logos and the word TIRIS are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. Speedpass is a copyright of Mobil Corporation.Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft corporation.

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and at each of the 21 dischargelocations. Data is communicatedback to a central host via splitRS485 networks through pro-grammable logic controllers.

Besides managing all of the

waste treatment plantthat serves the Greeksector of the island ofCyprus handles up to120 tankers a day who

are delivering over 1000 cubicmeters of waste. The wasteranges from domestic and dairyto strong organics and metals.Each tanker has to be received,verified, and allocated to theright discharge point, plusinvoiced correctly.

Biwater Treatment, of theU.K., was awarded a contract toautomate the facility. They firstlooked for an off-the-shelf sys-tem. Discovering there was noneavailable, Biwater custom-built asystem based on TIRIS that alsoincludes application software andthe user interface for the opera-tors.

A

Island of Cyprus Automates Waste Treatment Processes with RFIDG R E E C E

All the tanker trucks areequipped with a battery free 10cm cylindrical tag mountedunderneath the chassis. Readpoints (in-ground antennas) arelocated at the entrance to the site

Waste plant gains better control over the discharge from 120 tankers per day.

transactions in the operation andpreventing fraud, a significantbenefit is that the system canautomatically insure that a tankeris at the correct location beforedischarge begins, thus avoidingcontamination.

The system is operating suc-cessfully providing site operatorswith improved control andaccountability over discharges.Throughput of trucks isincreased and the bottom line forthe facility is improved throughmore effective recovery of costs asa result of faster and more accu-rate billing.

For more information, contactGraham Lane, RFIDComponents Ltd.,Tele: +44 (0)1234 840102, Fax: +44 (0)1234 840707.