Combining the technologies of mobile telephone networks (GSM) and RFID tags will allow the cost-effective tracking of business and personal assets across huge geographical areas, according experts at UK-based Intelligent Tracking Systems.
     Continuous development in the mobile telephone network are making these small but powerful devices popular with users in all sorts of industries, from plant hire (where theft of construction equipment is booming) to the protection of goods in transit and personal assets (such as caravans, vintage vehicles and even boats). Furthermore, people for whom the threat of abduction is a real possibility - celebrities and their children, for example - could also employ the use of RFID tracking devices because they can be easily concealed.

116.30.151.81 This article is copyright 2005 UsingRFID.com.

     According to Intelligent Tracking Systems'' technology expert, Brian Martyr, another contributing factor to the increasing use of these devices is the development in smaller and more powerful batteries, allowing mobile devices to be made smaller and work for longer periods. GSM/RFID tracking devices, unlike their pure-GPS counterparts, are self-powered and can sometimes have a single battery that powers the device for up to 4 years in standby mode.

Size and power
     Martyr pointed out that in some situations size plays a more important role and presents a trade-off against power requirements. Some RFID-only devices are only 75mm long and 3mm thick. Others with GSM and RFID capabilities are matchbox sized, having sufficient power to last for about one week. At the other end of the scale are devices that would fit into the palm of your hand and will last years on a single battery. According to Martyr, "GSM/RFID offers a true ''blue sky'' option for many security situations."

     Already, many GSM/RFID tracking devices are available with on-board features such as movement alarms, tamper alarms even photo-electric sensors. In the case of the products offered by Intelligent Tracking Systems, they can be remotely controlled by text messages (SMS) and can even be used to trigger alarms to warn the user of a potential threat.

Covert uses
     Perhaps on a slightly more sinister note, there are also some devices available with a microphone that can be activated by text message, allowing the remote user to eavesdrop using a mobile phone. Of course, it should be remembered that such a covert threat is no different to that posed by the use of more traditional recording technologies such as dictaphones and record-enabled personal stereos and MP3 players.

Tracking accuracy
     In terms of tracking capabilities, though, by employing GSM and using detailed street level mapping system it would be possible to obtain geographical location accuracy within about 300 metres. Ongoing development within the mobile telephone networks is expected to reduce this to 50 metres soon. In the case of the theft of a valuable item or a kidnapping, for example, the radio beacon contained within the tracking device can be activated by SMS and tracking can begin.

     Of course the distance at which the radio signal may be picked up by the receiver depends on topographical conditions. Under normal conditions the signal may be received 2 - 3 kilometres away from the tracking device. But if height can be gained (using a tall building or a helicopter, for example) the distance can be increased greatly. Using radio detection methods the accuracy of such devices are very accurate, generally within 1 metre or less.

Costs not excessive
     Martyr points out that GSM/RFID tracking devices are not as expensive as one might imagine: a single RFID device may be purchased for around UK￡70.00 (approx. US$120) whilst a GSM/RFID unit with environmental protection rated to IP67 (waterproof) may be purchased for around UK￡400.00 (approx. US$700).

Some devices can be controlled and tracked by the end user using a web browser on any standard internet connection, whilst other devices are monitored 24-hours a day by a dedicated Alarm Receiving Centre.

 

 

 

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