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KDDI Announces Mobile Handsets with Electronic Tag Readers
KDDI Corporation
2005/03/02
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KDDI Corporation announced today that the company has become the first company in the industry to develop prototype mobile handsets with electronic tag reading capability. Two types of prototype handsets have been developed, including a passive type capable of reading passive tags [1], and an active type capable of reading active tags [2]. Both types can use software to control electric tag reading. Coupling this feature with a mobile communication network or GPS capability can make a variety of services possible.
The passive type handset is capable of reading a tag ID without contact by placing the handset next to the product or item with the electronic tag. For example, a customer will be able to easily reference traceability information such as the production location or distribution record of a product while in the store or at home. The handset can be used for industrial purposes in the distribution industry to manage tracking information such as receipt, delivery, and delivery completion.
The active type handset is capable of remotely reading ID information sent from active tags fixed on walls indoors or in underground malls. For example, by receiving position information from a received ID signal, a more detailed indoor navigation service is made possible. In addition, by automatically receiving ID information from tags placed on posters and billboards, applications to improve everyday convenience and provide lifeline support become possible, such as advertisements for surrounding businesses, barrier free information for the handicapped, and emergency information.
KDDI plans to cooperate with manufacturers, industry, and research organizations to conduct testing on a variety of services for businesses and consumers using electronic tags and the current prototype electronic tag reader mobile phones. KDDI will examine its business model and accumulate expertise with the goal of bringing these services to market.
| [1] |
Passive tag: a type of battery-free electronic tag that is capable of being read within a short distance (several centimeters to several meters). Because the tag does not have its own power source, the tag creates operating power by means such as electromagnetic induction from electromagnetic waves received when the tag is read. This limits the reading range from several millimeters to up to several meters. Passive tags can be less expensive to manufacture than active tags that contain a battery, and there is no concern about battery life. The short reading range can be used to limit which devices can read the tag. |
| [2] |
Active tag: a type of battery-powered electronic tag that is capable of being read at relatively long distances of up to tens of meters. This type of tag is known as an active tag because it contains a battery and uses its own power source to generate electromagnetic waves. While active tags offer the advantage of long reading ranges, there is the element of limited battery life, making them generally more expensive than passive tags. |
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