Usb Nfc Reader: What is RFID Technology and what are its Uses?
1. Usb Nfc Reader: What is RFID Technology and what are its
Uses?
Radio Frequency Identification Device Strategies
Current mobile phones are equipped with another technology that would allow owners to
communicate, share information, and even pay bills using their smart phones. Talking to our
friends, family members, and co-workers is now the most basic function of smart phones.
Some brands would now allow users to pay for their bills, read information, and even
socialize with other people. This is happening because today?s phones and tablets are now
equipped with NFC technology so owners can use their devices other than sending SMS or
calls.
What is NFC and how it Works
NFC which stands for Near Field Communication is a type of communication or exchange of
data that relies on electromagnetic radio fields. The technology is akin to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
since NFC also allows a user to acquire or transfer data wirelessly. It is also similar to RFID
but with the exception that NFC devices has to be within close proximity to each other to
work.
Sharing or acquiring of data in NFC is possible in two ways. Exchange can either be passive
or active.
Passive devices like an NFC tag contain data which other devices can read. For example, a
magazine with a tag may contain additional information which you may read if you scan the
code using your NFC enabled device.
The other type is active which are electronic devices which can extract information from a
passive NFC. In the scenario presented above, the active device with NFC is the smart
phone used to scan the barcode in the magazine. What phones and tablets with active NFC
system can do is interpret information from passive tags while you can also alter the
information if it is included in the program.
verifinc.com
NFC Technology on Android Devices
Android has confirmed that it will be embracing the NFC technology because it sees the
technology as something useful especially in commerce and security.
Currently, there are brands equipped with NFC system. Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony have
fitted their phones with NFC technology so users can simply gather and share data through
electromagnetic radio field. Right now, it is possible for users to get discounts and avail
promos by reading the passive tag using their android phones. You can also download a
third party app that would turn your android phone into a barcode scanner so you can get
additional data and even pair your device with other phones.
2. At present, you can now identify or track a person, animal, or object using a wireless non-
contact system. The state of the art system is known as radio frequency identification or
RFID. The system relies on the radio frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data
needed for identification or tracking. An object fitted with RFID tag for example can be
identified what it is or where it is currently located using the data stored in the tag which will
be read by the RFID reader.
Uses of RFID
Currently, RFID system is widely used in different industries. Industries that rely on
identification and tracking use RFID to manage their assets and inventories properly. For
example, RFID tags are used in mobile phone production. Workers can easily follow the
progress of the devices by simply scanning the items. Meanwhile farmers can now easily
identify their farm animals individually because each tag can be written or stored with specific
information. For instance, if a farmer maintains hundreds of cows he can immediately identify
his prized bull by simply using the RFID scanner to scan the animalÕs location.
RFID system is also applied in transfer of payment electronically. Mobile phones equipped
with RFID chip can be used to pay for items electronically while the device can also be used
as an RFID reader. The chip is wired directly to your bank information so you can use your
phone to pay for stuff so you wonÕt have to carry money or credit card anymore. Of course,
since the RFID chip contains your sensitive information, security features are added to the
system for safe transactions.
RFID Technology Today
These days, it is possible to tag assets and inventories without having to shell out a large
portion of your funds. You can even purchase a RFID tag and a scanner for a couple of
dollars in electronic shops. This technology is even available for personal use such as in
tagging your pets so you can easily track your cat or dog. This is ideal for pets which have
the tendency to stray because a RFID tag and a reader such as a RFID USB reader can
trace and identify the animal with ease.