Ac 2007-2700: Application of Rfid Technology in a Senior Design Course

This paper describes the design and implementation of a senior project based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. The objective of the project, titled “Real Space Physical Object Tracking System (RSPOTS), was to design a complete RFID system that can physically locate an individual object from anywhere in the world via a secured Internet connection. By incorporating two or more customized RFID readers with location tracking capabilities (with an optional motorized camera system), any tagged object can be traced in a given location with the help of a network connection. The project uses a secured web site to display a 3-D (three dimensional) model of a given location, where a representation of the object is placed to represent its actual location. The paper also discusses the advantages and applications of RSPOTS. The major advantage of RSPOTS is that it can record and keep track of valuable products and visualize their movement over time with a motion-trail like display. A potential application of this system is efficient inventory control. Combined with a standard inventory system, RSPOTS can serve as an efficient tool to minimize yearly inventory variations and required adjustments for corporations, thus helping increase profits by curbing inventory losses. Furthermore, the paper explores the characteristics of “constructivist” and “deep learning” teaching/learning methodologies, inherent in teamwork, that allow students to gain new insights and competencies for enhancing their problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.