Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to
automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The tags contain
electronically stored information. Passive tags collect energy from a nearby
RFID reader's interrogating radio waves.
Active tags have a local power source (such as a battery) and may operate
hundreds of meters from the RFID reader. Unlike a barcode,
the tag need not be within the line of sight of the reader, so it may be
embedded in the tracked object. RFID is one method of automatic identification and data
capture (AIDC). RFID
tags are used in many industries.
For example, an RFID tag attached to an
automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the
assembly line; RFID-tagged pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses;
and implanting RFID microchips in
livestock and pets enables positive identification of animals. Since RFID tags
can be attached to cash, clothing, and possessions, or implanted in animals and
people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without
consent has raised serious privacy concerns. These concerns resulted in
standard specifications development addressing privacy and security
issues. ISO/IEC 18000 and ISO/IEC 29167 use on
chip cryptography methods for untraceability,
tag and reader authentication, and over-the-air privacy.
ISO/IEC 20248 specifies
a digital signature data structure for RFID
and barcodes providing
data, source and read method authenticity. This work is done within ISO/IEC JTC
1/SC 31 Automatic identification and data capture techniques. Tags
can also be used in shops to expedite checkout, and to prevent theft by
customers and employees. In 2014, the world RFID market was worth US$8.89
billion, up from US$7.77 billion in 2013 and US$6.96 billion in 2012. This
figure includes tags, readers, and software/services for RFID cards, labels,
fobs, and all other form factors. The market value is expected to rise to
US$18.68 billion by 2026.
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