What is RFID, why use it in Museums and Galleries, evaluation of different RFID technology.

1. RFID
Technology for
the Cultural
Sector
22 Sept 2016 Axiell Conference, Canberra

2. What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification
An RFID system uses an RFID tag
(transponder) to communicate with an
RFID reader (receiver)

3. Basic RFID system

4. Types of RFID
Active (100m or more) e.g. Security solutions
Semi-Active (ca 10-20m) e.g. e-way tags
Passive (<6 m) e.g. asset tracking
Low Frequency (LF) e.g. Stock control
High Frequency (HF) e.g. Libraries
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) e.g. Assets

5. Types of RFID
 Active
Extended read range (up to
100m or further)
Can incorporate sensors
Relatively large tags
Can be expensive
Life limited by battery (<10
years)
Ideal for security/monitoring
situations
 Passive
Small form factor
Cheap
‘unlimited’ life
limited read range (<5 m or
less)
Ideal for item level tracking

6. Why use RFID in
Museums/Galleries?
No line of sight required
Can be read through most materials
Hundreds of tags can be read per second
Vastly increased efficiencies
Can automate many collection activities
Hardwearing

7. Two Systems
 Fortecho:
Active RFID system used to provide security and
environmental monitoring for high value artworks,
display cases, and objects
 Smarttrack RFID:
Passive UHF RFID system for tracking collections of
artworks and objects.

8. Fortecho System

9. Fortecho RFID Readers
433 MHz
Cell phone size (84mm x 40mm x 19mm) – 45g
Receives encoded transmissions
Range adjusted from software
System detects radio jamming

10. Fortecho “Active” RFID Tags
 433 MHz
 Ultra-long range – up to 100m
 25 billion unique IDs per customer
 Ultrasonically sealed
 Low power consumption
 Encoded transmissions
 Environmental (temp. rH) monitoring

11. The Fortecho System
 Real-time alarm information
 Security for individual art objects, display cases & guards
 Ca 6000 ‘audits’ per day
 Monitor “knock” damage to artworks
 Wireless solution at the artwork/display case
 24/7 security
 CCTV and SMS integration
 Heritage Buildings
 minimal impact on building fabric; walls
 covert: no impact on viewing experience

12. Fortecho system – Laser ‘Curtain’

13. Fortecho – Volumetric Monitoring

14. Smarttrack RFID
 Passive UHF RFID system for tracking collections of
artworks and objects.
Range of UHF tag types for different applications
Handheld readers – Android app-based
Portal/track-point fixed readers
Browser-based software interface

15. Smarttrack RFID – Key Benefits
 Fast-track collection audits and stock-takes
 Improve collection preservation through reduced object
handling
 Quickly and easily find misplaced objects
 Automatically track the movement of objects and
artworks
 Alert when artworks moved by unauthorized personnel

16. Smarttrack RFID Tags
SmARTtrack self-adhesive tags
Self-adhesive tag which can be attached to an object directly
(acid-free, reversible self-adhesive), to swing tags, or on to a
layer of Paraloid B72. Tags come in a range of sizes
Other tags
A wide range of other tags are also available for specialised
purposes, incl:
 Works on paper - tags encapsulated in Japanese tissue for
direct attachment to the back of a paper-based artwork
 Metal tags – for direct attachment to metal objects

17. Tag Size and Functionality
Larger tags = Longer Read Range
Small tags = Short Read Range
BUT, highly dependant on antennae design, chip quality/generation,
environmental factors.
0.46mm square, 2mm read range
Larger tags can be read up to 10m away.
Metallic Surfaces and mesh – operate like an RF shield but can also
operate like a mirror, reflecting and enhancing the RF signal

18. RFID Hardware – Handheld
Reader
Key Features
 Read range up to 6 metres
 Reads up to 200 tags per second
 Wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB, 3/4G connectivity
 Barcode reader incorporated
 Android operating system
 Used for reading tags to identify objects, inventory, record
locations, search for misplaced objects
 Uses Locafi app.

19. Smarttrack Fixed Portal
1, 3: Infra-Red or Microwave
Sensors
2: RFID Reader
4. LED Light
5. Antennas (7, 8 also)
6. Tagged objects
7, 8: Alternate antenna
location
With UHF RFID portal can be up to
5 m wide x 3 m high (loading
dock size)
Using Personnel tags, the system
can generate alerts when items
are moved without authorized
personnel.
Most hardware can be hidden within
ceilings/walls.

20. Smarttrack Portal

21. Smarttrack Portal

23. Smarttrack RFID
Process
Diagram

24. Collection Management Systems
Shared
Database
Communication using Web
Services, HTTP requests, API,
.csv or text files.

25. Smarttrack RFID – Preserve
Collections
Risk minimisation - assurance that collections are where
they’re meant to be
Reduced handling and OH&S issues (eg large objects in
storage)
Reduces need to ‘leaf’ through other objects to find one
object (eg plan drawers)
Reduces error from data-entry

29. Smarttrack RFID
Secure collections by reducing risk of loss
Track collections automatically through high-
traffic areas
Audit collections quickly, easily and
comprehensively
Preserve collections through significantly
reduced need for handling

30. Other RFID Applications
 LoRA – Long Range Radio for external assets.

31. Other RFID Applications
 NFC – tapit.com.au for Visitor Interaction / Tours

32. Other Applications
 Beacon Technology
 WiFi tags and WiFi triangulation
 Data dots
 And more