Related link: http://www.trnmag.com/Stories/2004/081104/Projector_lights_radio_tags_081104.htm…

Using a portable projector combined with an RFID reader, researchers at Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs have invented a way to project labels directly onto objects identified by RFID tags.
This is more than a new user interface, it also includes a completely new idea for tag singulation.

To find an object, a user aims a radio frequency reader in the general direction of a collection of tagged objects. Each tag that is in range is activated by the radio frequency signal, prompting its photosensor to take a reading of the existing light. Once this is done, the projector embedded in the reader turns on, and each tag that detects an increase in illumination sends a response indicating that it is in the projector beam and is ready for interaction.

Imagine using a single device to interact with mobile robots on a large construction project, directing them like a conductor directs a symphony. Then again, this is just what I need for an all-in-one remote control for my Evil Villain’s Lair.

What uses can you think of for this technology?

Related link: http://www.gamblingmagazine.com/managearticle.asp?C=290&A=13186

File this one under, “ideas I should have patented myself.” Can you think of a better place for RFID?

“Casino owners may become the newest members of the RFID bandwagon. They show a keen interest in the technology as a way to track customers from the moment they hit the gaming tables. And the purchase of two patents by a large manufacturer shows they will not miss out on the 21st century technology.”

Now, you all know that I really meant “ideas I should have patented myself and then donated said patent to the EFF.” Right? Well, ok then. BoingBoing has also picked this up.

Do you want chips in in your chips?

Related link: http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1269/1/1/

The latest edition of RFID Journal includes an article on the much anticipated Generation 2 standard of the Electronic Product Code specification. This specification may influence the way we build applications as diverse as tracking pallets for Wal*Mart, and how we monitor the location of Alzheimer’s patients in the hospital.

One of the things driving interest in RFID in recent months is the reduction in cost of tags. RFID has been around since World War II, but, until recently, the cost of the tags was too great to use for anything much less expensive than a train car or automobile (think express toll tags). Recent advances have produced tags for as little as $0.08 USD each and has opened up a huge number of applications. Now, an organization which represents the same partners who manage barcode standards has proposed a new Electronic Product Code standard which may possibly be encumbered by patent licensing fees. Will this drive up the cost of tags? Could this delay or even stall adoption of RFID in the field?

What do you think?