Date of Award

12-2007

Type

Thesis

Major

Computer Science - Applied Computing Track

Department

TSYS School of Computer Science

First Advisor

Lydia Ray

Abstract

In recent years, radio frequency identification (RFID) has been proposed and implemented in a variety of applications where tracking objects, animals or people is desirable. This paper proposes a novel approach to the application of RFID tech- nology in those applications where it is possible to validate a person or an object's passive contact with a given or arbitrary set of fixed points along a predefined route. The notable departure from the typical application of RFID technology is that in this scheme, the transponders are permanently installed while the interrogator is affixed to a person or object that travels the course. Data are collected by the inter- rogator and can be examined later to derive path taken, distance, and time. The technology can also be adapted for use in a loosely-connected sensor network in which the whereabouts of the interrogator can be transmitted between nodes. The benefit of this design is the capability to detect and report locations of persons between endpoints in both reasonably remote or local conditions. In a hiking trail applica- tion, for example, park authorities can use the information gathered to more quickly locate a missing hiker, reducing safety risks to the person as well as saving time and money associated with search and rescue. We will also illustrate that industrial and security applications are also feasible with this implementation.

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