Censor Barcodes When Sharing Pictures of Your Mail

In the rare event that you need to take a picture of some piece of mail, it's common practice to censor your address. If you do, though, be sure to block out the barcode as well. Often printed envelopes with your address on them will include a barcode similar to the one in the photo above. These codes typically include your address in its entirety. What's more, in some cases, they can be read easily. mailScan is an app for Android that reads these IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode) codes and returns the information stored. It doesn't work on all codes, but it works on enough for it to be a concern.

No more RFID for Northside ISD

Nortside ISD in San Antonio has quit using RFID trackers in student IDs to keep tabs on them, and has embraced an alternate technological solution to the problem of ensuring an accurate headcount instead. Northside Independent School District spokesman Pascual Gonzalez told me that the microchip-ID program turned out not to be worth the trouble. Its main goal was to increase attendance by allowing staff to locate students who were on campus but didn’t show up for roll call. That was supposed to lead to increased revenue. But attendance at the two schools in question—a middle school and a high school—barely budged in the year that the policy was in place. And school staff found themselves wasting a lot of time trying to physically track down the missing students based on their RFID locators.

Microsoft working on barcode-like ID tags

The list of materials you can 3D print grows everyday. As the technology improves, researchers are working toward printing ever-more complex objects that have abilities beyond a normal hunk of plastic. Now, Microsoft has revealed a technique for creating coded “tags” within 3D printed objects. The tags can be scanned from the outside to identify the object or gather other encoded information. In a Microsoft Research release, principal researcher Andy Wilson revealed the tags, known as InfraStructs, are printed as disruptions within the object. These could be holes or extra material. Like a barcode, different shapes communicate different information.

RFID: Music to your brand’s ears?

This weekend, one of the most successful outfits on the festival circuit, Splendour In The Grass, will be debuting the use of RFID wristbands for their punters. Intellitix, a Canadian-based company is responsible for their creation, having already deployed them successfully at major sporting, technology and music events across the world.  And they may present a brand new social opportunity for brands that fans actually want to engage in.

Trimble Expands Rugged Handheld Series

Trimble introduced new functionality and configuration options for the Juno T41 rugged handheld computer. In addition to a handheld computer and smartphone configuration, the series now includes high-speed 1D/2D barcode imaging technology and enhanced, real-time 1-2 meter GPS accuracy.
The new configurations are in addition to the capabilities already available in Trimble's Juno T41 handheld computer. All models are built to meet military-grade standards of ruggedness for drops, temperature, altitude, humidity extremes, vibration, chemical exposure and shock with either an IP65 or IP68 rating for water and dust.
All Juno T41 handheld computers feature a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM with either Android 4.1 or Microsoft WEHH 6.5 operating systems. Other standard features include an 8 MP integrated camera, multi-touch capacitive 4.3" sunlight-readable display and 9 PIN Serial and USB ports, all-day battery life and 2-4 meter GPS accuracy capability.
The Juno T41 X configuration is designed to replace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) smartphones with SMS text and 3.75 cellular data transfer capabilities on GSM networks worldwide. 
Trimble Scan technology in the Juno T41 S reads a variety of traditional 1D barcodes as well as 2D matrix codes, plus captures signatures and images. These features are customizable using the Trimble "Scan Agent" application. Enterprises can also use the Software Development Kit (SDK) to optimize applications to meet specific customer needs. Omni-directional reading capabilities along with high-motion tolerance allow for rapid, accurate scanning from virtually any angle or orientation from the handheld to the barcodes.

RFID be gone: Why you might soon be 3D printing the Internet of Things

Fundamental to the Internet of Things is the idea that objects must be uniquely identifiable. RFID chips are perfect for assigning objects a digital fingerprint, at least so far as traditional manufacturing goes. But with the rise of 3D printing, incorporating an RFID chip into your object means interrupting the printing process. Now, scientists have come up with a way to 3D print a unique tag, called an InfraStruct, inside the object as it's being printed, and it's made possible by the slowly emerging field of terahertz imaging.

RFID Tracks Chemical Inventory at Oak Ridge National Laboratoryf

Four years after an initial installation of radio frequency identification technology, and following several years of improving on that deployment, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is monitoring its inventory of chemicals within 1,200 individual storage areas. The solution, consisting of passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags, handheld readers, printers and software provided by Open Wave RFID, allows laboratory managers and technicians to accomplish inventory checks within a matter of hours, as opposed to the days required to track the same materials via bar-code labels and scanners. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?10850#sthash.AVBepdT7.dpuf

Advaced Card Solutions Launches Trial Program Using NFC In Singapore

Advanced Card Solutions, a subsidiary of Digistore Solutions (S) Pte. Ltd., an internationally known supplier for data and information management products and solutions, introduced today Near Field Communication (NFC)-based Mobile Loyalty and Rewards Trial Program in Singapore. The application, ACS mCard Wallet, allows brick and mortar businesses, small and medium sized enterprises to online retailers to create real-time offers to reward customers for their patronage. ACS mCard Wallet customers can also search for deals they want, by location or merchant; save the deal; and, present these virtual coupons for redemption. No laptop or printer is needed – just their mobile phone.
Using ACS mCard Wallet, businesses can create virtual loyalty and rewards card, offers or discount coupons for online savings – dictating all of the terms of their offer. ACS mCard Wallet customers simply tapped their mobile phone near a contactless reader available at the merchant’s Point-of-Sale (POS) system or during Checkout to earn loyalty points or rewards for their purchases. The goal of the trial program, which will complete by 2014, is to get feedback from merchants, retailers and customers using the NFC smartphones for a variety of services.
ACS mCard Wallet will be officially launch during 15th Annual SME Conference and 16th Infocomm Commerce Conference, organize by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) from 14th – 15th August 2013 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Exhibition Halls 404 – 406, Booth Number E14. Interested merchants and retailers can sign up for ACS mCard Wallet for their business during the conferences; or visit our booth to understand more about ACS mCard Wallet.

RFID wristbands vs NFC apps

The future of live events is digital, and soon, your ticket, the way you pay for drinks and even your ability to share the experience on social networks, could all be done with a tap of the wrist. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) wristbands are set to feature at many festivals and events this summer as an alternative to the NFC smartphone. Most RFID wristbands contain short-range - typically 3-5cm - passive tags and don't require batteries, but instead, are powered when placed near or 'tapped' against an RFID reader.

3.5M French users now have Cityzi NFC handsets

A total of 3.5 million mobile subscribers in France now have smartphones compatible with the country’s Cityzi NFC service, according to figures released by L’Association Française du Sans Contact Mobile (AFSCM). The number has increased from 2.5 million NFC subscribers in February

Mobile Developers Holding Their Ground on NFC

Despite the slower-than-anticipated global adoption of NFC technology among leading mobile devices, developers are holding their ground and remaining committed to the inevitable bright future of near field communications technology in mobile. According to the findings of a recent Evans Data survey, 31 percent of developers currently support NFC in some capacity. More importantly, however, 45 percent intend to support NFC within the next twelve months.

Using RFID for fiber composites

It is barely visible to the naked eye: the work pieces in the production hall look normal. But the first impression is deceiving. The airplane components are “intelligent” and can communicate with the skilled workers in their vicinity. Not only can they tell them what they are, they can also provide information on who has worked on them as well as on the next work step. A radio frequency identification chip (RFID) transmits the information. It measures just a few square millimeters and transmits details about the component quickly, efficiently, and consistently to a receiver via radio waves. Until now, only a handful of companies use the technology for documentation purposes in production processes. Most often, RFID is used for access control purposes, or to record time, for instance on employee smart cards.

Excess Baggage Company Wins New Contract at Heathrow’s Terminal 2

When Heathrow’s Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal opens in summer 2014, two new outlets from Excess Baggage Company will be among the offers at the new development. In the departures area on Level 3 a bright and contemporary new store will retail a range of travel goods, alongside providing essential travel services such as bag wrap and bag shipping. Brands featured will include Rimowa, Eagle Creek, Delsey, Victorinox and Travelpro among others.
In the arrivals hall at Level 0, there will be a left luggage service, incorporating baggage shipping and parcel delivery. It will utilise the latest systems such as QR code technology, on-line pre-booking and on-line product selection. The facility has a co-ordinated modern look and feel, and its contemporary design features a 9 foot video display screen. This striking new design is being featured across Heathrow where possible.
David Elliott, MD of Excess Baggage Company said; ‘Since we began operating at Heathrow, we have constantly sought to improve our offer, and we firmly believe our new outlets are taking travel goods retail and luggage management services at the airport to a new level. We have a strong track record in key passenger services such as bag wrap and left luggage, and these services are now being augmented with the use of new technologies such as online pre-booking, product selection and QR code technology. This latest contract continues a very successful 21 year relationship with Heathrow, and we are confident that our new offer will do much to enhance the passenger experience as well as delivering sound commercial returns.’
Muriel Zingraff-Shariff, Heathrow’s retail director said: ‘The digitalisation of retail is key to our plans for Terminal 2 and I am delighted that Excess Baggage have embraced this with online booking and QR code technologies. We are looking forward to introducing this brand new concept across the rest of Heathrow’s terminals.’
Built and designed with passengers at its heart, Terminal 2 will be a spacious, open terminal with multi-lingual ambassadors and personal shoppers on hand to help customers make the most of their journey. Heathrow is home to some of the world’s most successful retail space with annual net sales of over £1.7 billion serving passengers from around 180 worldwide destinations.

3 Ways to Keep Your RFID Card Safe From ID Thieves

RFID stands for radio frequency identification, and it is becoming a popular addition to modern day credit cards. These "smart cards" are supposed to be more convenient than traditional credit cards because you do not have to swipe the cards to use them. All you do is brush them up next to a credit card reader, and it processes your payment request. While these cards may seem convenient, they can also be easily compromised. A significant percentage of the high-tech credit card fraud taking place has something to do with smart cards and RFID. So it is important to protect yourself if you decide to use a card that has RFID.

While these cards may seem convenient, they can also be easily compromised. A significant percentage of the high-tech credit card fraud taking place has something to do with smart cards and RFID. So it is important to protect yourself if you decide to use a card that has RFID.

How these health entrepreneurs are using RFID tags to save lives

When Kevin MacDonald saw how much time his wife, a physician, devoted to checking expiration dates on pharmacy kits, he decided to do something about it. The former technical architect at Sun Microsystems spent the next several years devising a solution. He recruited engineer Tim Kress-Spatz to help him invent a new system to track and process pharmacy kits in hospitals. The pair believe they are ready to turn their invention into a commercial product and sell it to hospitals. Investors agree; their company, Kit Check, today closed a $10.4 million first round of funding, which is sizable for a health care startup. The trick is a smart use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

RFID School Tracking Badges Scrapped In Texas

After much ballyhoo over its supposed ability to improve student safety and attendance, a controversial program to electronically track children in a Texas school district is now being deemed a failure. A spokesman for San Antonio’s Northside Independent School District confirmed with IBTimes Tuesday that the district is scrapping its much-maligned program, which uses RFID-enabled identification badges to track students and monitor attendance. Pascual Gonzalez, the district’s executive director of communications, said the program will not proceed past the one-year pilot stage, not so much because of legal or privacy concerns, but because it had virtually no effect on student attendance.

Microscan to Showcase Barcode & Machine Vision Solutions

Microscan announces it will showcase its range of auto ID and machine vision technologies in Booth #5751 at the upcoming 2013 AACC Clinical Lab Expo, July 30 - August 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. As the premier global provider of embedded barcode scanners and imagers for clinical diagnostics and lab automation, Microscan products are specifically engineered to meet the performance, flexibility, and longevity required of the clinical industry.
Microscan offers a broad range of products including laser scanners, 2D imagers, 1D/2D scan engines, handheld readers, and vision smart cameras excelling in applications from basic barcode reading to complex machine vision inspection, identification and measurement. With more than 30 years of proven performance in the life science industry, Microscan remains committed to continuous innovation and development to meet our customers’ stringent needs for automated data collection in regulated manufacturing environments.
On display at the Clinical Lab Expo will be Microscan’s Vision MINI smart camera, designed to simplify the setup and deployment of machine vision applications. Today’s instrument manufacturers require 100% data integrity and extremely reliable components that are small enough fit into their machines. Whether reading test tube carousels or microtiter plates, or any automated drug discovery or laboratory task, manufacturers depend on the highest levels of performance and reading flexibility, with minimal integration effort. The Vision MINI is designed to provide reliable performance in embedded identification and inspection applications. Designed for OEMs, its small form factor (1.80 x 2.10 x 1.00”) allows for flexible positioning in tight spaces. The Vision MINI smart camera features a complete vision toolset and integrated lens and lighting, backed Microscan’s 30+ years of experience in the clinical diagnostics industry and the assurance of long-term availability and support.

The internet of things may drive you nuts before it makes things better

The scariest thing anyone has ever said to me about the internet of things wasn’t about the NSA spying on my gadgets or that someone might hack my connected door locks. Instead, it came from Bob Dahlberg, VP business development at Arrayent, who told me last week, “Right now big appliance makers only have contact with a buyer once every ten years or so, but with connected devices they could make that three to four times a week.”

Seamless RFID and Barcode Integration Using Samsung Devices

Techs4Biz Corporation, a provider of software products for managing field activities, announces the release of version 6.0 of Pervidi, including seamless integration of RFID, Barcodes and camera functions using Samsung devices. “Integrating RFID, barcodes and Camera functions within Pervidi is the next step in the evolution of the mobile workforce. Field staff no longer need to carry bulky or expensive hardware in order to read RFID tags or scan barcodes. This enhancement represents a significant shift in commercial applications in which the use of Samsung smartphones is expanded into a variety of business processes,” says Eitan Shibi, Techs4Biz CTO.
Pervidi supports an "offline" mode, in which the Pervidi mobile application is used without any need for internet connectivity. Data is subsequently wirelessly "synched" with the server after field staff has concluded their inspections and data collection, which is significantly faster and more efficient than connecting ‘live’ with the server.
“In addition to enabling our customers to use their own checklists or to select checklists from our extensive checklists and standards library, Pervidi includes unique features such as decision-based inspections, deficiency-tracking and corrective actions – which delivers a complete solution for managing inspections and field activities,” says Mr. Shibi.

Microwave Hack Downloads Cooking Instructions From Barcodes

Inspired by a Reddit post suggesting food products carry QR codes that would allow a microwave to automatically follow cooking instructions specific to that food, developer Nathan Broadbent decided he could hack a better microwave, one that could download and carry out different instructions on power levels, cook times and stirring intervals.

DENSO ADC Barcode Scanners and Terminals Featured on New BlueStar Microsite

DENSO ADC announced that its entire line of 1-D and 2-D barcode scanners and terminals, as well as QR Code software, is now featured on a new BlueStar microsite at http://us.bluestarinc.com/denso. BlueStar is a principal distributor of DENSO ADC’s products throughout the Americas. DENSO ADC offers a wide range of 1-D and 2-D barcode scanners and terminals featuring lightweight, ergonomic designs; rugged, durable construction; superior resistance to water and dust exposure; power-saving advantages that enable longer operating time; high-speed communication via Bluetooth, USB, 802.11a/b/g/n, serial or keyboard interfaces; and lower cost of ownership. The company also offers the industry’s only QR Code-generating software that ensures ISO-compliant, optimally readable codes.

RFID and Cashless Payment: Intellitix Founder Not Interested In Ticketing

Sitting down in Quebec City with Serge Grimaux, founder of Intellitix, I intended to discuss ticketing and the social media integration potential of RFID. Knowing about the success of last year's Ford sponsorship at Bonnaroo (See Video) and having heard that the company had migrated into my list. "We're doing cashless payment at an event tomorrow… they forgot to print one of the two codes on the single day wristbands. We have 24 hours to build a system that will allow people to select a pin code." He explained his silent greeting with his phone still in his hand.

How to Use Visual QR Codes to Increase Customer Engagement 25%

Visual QR Code Technology enables turning any image or part of an image into a fully functional QR Code that can be scanned using any standard QR Reader in the market. Instead of designing an advertisement and then figuring out where to put the QR Code, Visual QR codes can become an integral part of a design story, bridging the call to action with the ability to actually engage. 

Mobile Developers Target NFC More Than Voice Recognition

Evans Data Corp's newly released Mobile Development Survey claims that over 31% of mobile developers today are supporting Near Field Communications (NFC) in their mobile apps.The survey further claims that an additional 45% plan to support this technology in the next 12 months. Near Field Communication is a set of industry standards that has been developed for smartphones (and also bank credit cards) to allow communication between devices when they are brought together at roughly one inch apart.

Can RFID Be Used on Electronic Automobile License Plates?

In South Africa, RFID tags were affixed to millions of metal license plates in order to automatically identify vehicles and verify that they were properly registered. As far as I am aware, this is the only example of tags being affixed to license plates. It is far more common to affix tamper-evident RFID labels to windshields for the purpose of electronic vehicle identification. In Bermuda, for example, the island nation's cars and trucks have RFID-enabled registration stickers attached to their windshields. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/blogs/experts/entry?10637#sthash.eikPPUnH.dpuf

Hungary’s Mobile Firms to Launch NFC Phone Payment System

Hungary’s three mobile phone operators have joined forces to launch a system that will allow clients to use their phones to pay for goods and services from the start of next year. The move is intended to bring the country closer to global communications trends. The sector is currently battling to deal with a fallout from the economic downturn and various special, sectoral taxes levied on telecommunications companies by the Hungarian government in  its push to improve the country’s finances.

Xbox One Kinect will support QR code scanning for token redemption

Xbox One's next-generation Kinect camera will support scanning of QR codes allowing users to easily redeem lengthy codes and confirm digital game downloads, Microsoft confirmed with Polygon. "As confirmed by Marc Whitten on Twitter, Kinect on Xbox One will allow our customers to redeem QR codes and confirm digital game downloads," a Microsoft spokesperson told Polygon. "The technological advancements of Kinect for Xbox One allows for a much deeper integration on our platform and we're excited to share more about new Kinect capabilities in the coming months."

Cisper Electronics and Kathrein RFID sign Distributor Agreement

RFID distribution specialist CISPER Electronics BV and Kathrein RFID part of the KATHREIN-Group, the world’s largest antenna producer have signed a Distribution Agreement for distribution of Kathrein UHF RFID range of products. The agreement authorizes CISPER Electronics BV to offer Kathrein RFID Readers and Antennas to RFID Solution Providers in Europe. “Finding RFID Partners who are leaders in today’s RFID market is key for our future growth and success. With the Kathrein Readers and Antennas we have added high performance UHF Hardware and solutions to our RFID portfolio. The Kathrein technology and products enable us to offer our System Integrating partners new possibilities to realize RFID solutions at their customers. KATHREIN’s products combined with our extensive experience in RFID will proof to be a driver for success.” says Leon de Ridder one of the owners of CISPER Electronics BV.

Researchers embed RFID in fibre composites

A team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Nuremburg has found a way to embed antennas capable of transmitting radio waves in fibre composites. The technology, which also works with carbon and glass fibres, enables the components to turn into intelligent objects. It is barely visible to the naked eye: the work pieces in the production hall look normal. But the first impression is deceiving. The airplane components are "intelligent" and can communicate with the skilled workers in their vicinity. Not only can they tell them what they are, they can also provide information on who has worked on them as well as on the next work step. A radio frequency identification chip transmits the information

Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom enlists Gemalto for NFC mobile payments project

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) announces that its UpTeq NFC SIM embedded software and product has been selected by Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) to secure its NFC payment program. CHT is Taiwan's largest mobile network operator with 10 million subscribers. The initiative, using the SIM as the secure element to safeguard mobile NFC transactions, was approved by the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, and is supported by leading Taiwanese banks Cathay United, Chinatrust Commercial, E.Sun, Taishin, as well as handset makers HTC Corp, Samsung, Sony(1).

AMI Partners with RF Code to Offer Active RFID to Their Asset Tracking Solutions

Asset Management International (AMI), an industry leader in IT asset management, has announced a partnership with RF Code, the de-facto standard in active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions for data management. The partnership allows AMI to now offer the full gamut of available asset tracking options, thereby ensuring each client enjoys the full benefits of a solution crafted specifically to their individual requirements.
The partnership reflects the benefits associated with the recent dramatic cost reduction in the manufacture and deployment of active RFID technology. Typically, enterprises have utilized a combination of barcode and passive RFID to track assets. Active RFID, while always acknowledged for its exceptional accuracy of tracking hardware even to the rack level, has been prohibitively expensive, its benefits offset by too gradual a return on investment.
AMI’s AssetTrack, which features exceptionally comprehensive and easy-to-use capture and reporting solutions, was designed from inception to integrate seamlessly with any automated data capture technology (barcode, passive and active RFID). However, cost considerations have compelled most users of AssetTrack to limit their use of active RFID. That’s now changing.
AMI’s partnership represents a joint effort by the companies to provide ITAM solutions that use the full range of data capture options. To learn more about the partnership, visit www.amitracks.com or www.rfcode.com.

Creating smart fiber composites by embedding ultrathin RFID tagsF

Researchers have now found a way to embed these antennas in fiber composites. As a result, the technology also works with carbon and glass fibers. o embed RFID tags in fiber composites, ultra-thin antennas are needed To embed RFID tags in fiber composites, ultra-thin antennas are needed (right: UHF, left: HF transponder). It is barely visible to the naked eye: the work pieces in the production hall look normal. But the first impression is deceiving.

You're Likely Using QR Codes Wrong, and Here's Why

It seems that every print and outdoor ad these days has some form of a QR code slapped onto it. It has gotten to the point that giant billboards feature QR codes, which are well out of reach of someone speeding by in a car. Considering that people are meant to interact with QR codes via a mobile device, this tactic makes zero sense. There are so many misuses of QR codes that they now have a bad rap. In order to get it right, let’s take some time to really get to know the inner code, shall we?

Remembering the deceased with QR code

Tompkins and Heels Monuments in Barrie is now offering customers the option to put a quick response (QR) code on a headstone. Starting at $350 for a basic package, a steel plate will display the code indefinitely, and visitors can use their smart phones to scan the code, which links with a specific website to learn more about the deceased.

Battery-free temp sensors based on RFID tags

Nowadays, there is an indisputable and unstoppable trend to use RF identification in a number of applications, such as supply chain management, public transportation, access control and many more. The use of this technology entails a number of advantages over barcode technologies such as tracking people, items and equipment in real time, non-line of sight requirement, long reading range, standing harsh environments, etc. Recently, the combination of RFID with sensory systems has extended the applications of RFID to environmental monitoring or healthcare applications.

New iOS Tweak Adds A QR Code Scanner To Built-In Camera App

There are countless third-party apps that allow you to scan QR codes and Data Matrixes on your iPhone, but wouldn’t it be easier if you could read them inside the built-in Camera app? Well, with a new tweak for jailbroken iOS devices called Decode Camera, you can. From iOS developer iOShack, Decode Camera brings QR code and Data Matrix scanning to Apple’s built-in Camera app on your iPhone. Once installed, all you have to do is flip a toggle inside the Camera app — just like you would to enable the grid or HDR imaging — and your iPhone will immediately begin scanning for codes.

Kingston University Gets Payback by Using RFID to Track Loaned Equipment

London's Kingston University is employing TrackerPoint's TrackCAB solution to automate its after-hours return process, as well as to conduct inventory counts of 2,000 pieces of media equipment, such as cameras, laptops and computers, that it loans out to students and faculty. The solution enables borrowers to return goods outside of business hours, by placing items into RFID-enabled lockers, and also reduces the amount of time required for personnel to take inventory of items stored in the equipment stockroom. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?10796#sthash.JTMpq59l.dpuf