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Computer Graphics Firm Adds 3-D to RFID
However, the megabytes or gigabytes of 3-D data stored on the tags would far exceed the capacity of current RFID technology. A fully operative 3DFORM-ID tag would have to contain several different levels of data (LOD)—that is, different levels of 3-D model resolution, according to how near the tagged object is to an interrogator.
"Current RFID tags don't suit our needs, not only for the huge memory requirements, but because an ideal 3DFORM-ID system would be multifrequency-capable for communication at different distances, and in different situations," says De Esponsa. Enabling such large data downloads from tag to reader would also require a new generation of RFID interrogators operating with multiple frequencies and protocols, and with software management to enable different degrees of tridimensional data about a tagged object to be accessed.
"RFID interrogators or readers must be capable of using a 'cascade' solution to manage huge amounts of information coming from tridimensionally identified objects," De Esponsa explains. "According to different interrogator requests, the interrogation protocol must start downloading the lowest-resolution LOD model from the ID, then—and only after loading a previous lower-resolution LOD—proceeding with a higher-resolution LOD download, and so on until arriving at a critical distance, interaction or amount of data. And then, maybe, the interrogator must jump to another more direct, higher-capacity technology, such as 3G, Wi-Fi or WiMAX or a wired conection."
Some simple 3DFORM-ID systems, however, may be possible using RFID tags and readers available today. "Current RFID tags are in the 64-kilobyte memory capability range, and this allows very crude 3-D form definitions of the real objects—practically only their maximum bounding volume," says De Esponsa. "Therefore, their 3DFORM-ID usage is limited to such applications as managing containers."
De Esponsa is seeking partners to develop and promote the use of 3DFORM-ID. He is also working to establish a 3-D standard format for the device, as well as the creation of a central database of 3-D objects concerning real objects using this technology. "The full implementation of 3DFORM-IDs in RFID will require a huge and expensive effort to develop a new generation of RFID," he says, "with megabyte or gigabyte memories and multifrequency capabilities."
"Current RFID tags don't suit our needs, not only for the huge memory requirements, but because an ideal 3DFORM-ID system would be multifrequency-capable for communication at different distances, and in different situations," says De Esponsa. Enabling such large data downloads from tag to reader would also require a new generation of RFID interrogators operating with multiple frequencies and protocols, and with software management to enable different degrees of tridimensional data about a tagged object to be accessed.
"RFID interrogators or readers must be capable of using a 'cascade' solution to manage huge amounts of information coming from tridimensionally identified objects," De Esponsa explains. "According to different interrogator requests, the interrogation protocol must start downloading the lowest-resolution LOD model from the ID, then—and only after loading a previous lower-resolution LOD—proceeding with a higher-resolution LOD download, and so on until arriving at a critical distance, interaction or amount of data. And then, maybe, the interrogator must jump to another more direct, higher-capacity technology, such as 3G, Wi-Fi or WiMAX or a wired conection."
Some simple 3DFORM-ID systems, however, may be possible using RFID tags and readers available today. "Current RFID tags are in the 64-kilobyte memory capability range, and this allows very crude 3-D form definitions of the real objects—practically only their maximum bounding volume," says De Esponsa. "Therefore, their 3DFORM-ID usage is limited to such applications as managing containers."
De Esponsa is seeking partners to develop and promote the use of 3DFORM-ID. He is also working to establish a 3-D standard format for the device, as well as the creation of a central database of 3-D objects concerning real objects using this technology. "The full implementation of 3DFORM-IDs in RFID will require a huge and expensive effort to develop a new generation of RFID," he says, "with megabyte or gigabyte memories and multifrequency capabilities."
