Library Tracking System Based on Radio Frequency Identification Technology
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This research evaluates the latest algorithms and available hardware that can be used to automate a library system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as an infrastructure. This will allow the library management system (LMS) to track and manage real-life library utilizing the existing library resources. The research provides an overview of the radio frequency identification technology, its history, radio frequency principle and how distance and frequency can affect the signal coverage. Then the radio frequency identification structure and types are explained, along with RFID infrastructure and middleware. The issue of radio signal collision is discussed, and the corresponding anti-collision algorithms are briefly explained. The research then discusses implementing Location-Aware RFID service based on RFID technology as a communication technology. Which shows that automating a library system with passive RFID tag infrastructure is feasible and can be achieved with even distribution of antennas, and a well-designed RFID network. Selecting the appropriate middleware and a library application with an accurate error minimization function that minimizes the detected location error down to 35 cm. The current library system architecture is discussed next, with the effect of using RFID on the upper application and system layers will also be explored. A simulation of random-distributed tags with different antenna range with the feasibility of adding a ‘Location-Aware system layer component’ to identify the availability of each resource, also the physical location of each resource from the main computer. RFID concept was utilized to build a secure implementation in which the library middleware application senses the availability of each resource in the network, locates that resource at runtime, and updates the library system interface with any dislocated items in the library. In order to prove the efficiency of the proposed solution, and the simplified design of the library system, the RFID system was simulated first using Wireless Sensor Network simulation tool, which was not suitable for RFID systems for several reasons. This raised the need to develop a new simulation software that translates the hardware components into java code methods and types, which is then ii executed to deploy the selected antennas and tags. The measured values such as power loss, actual, estimated distance, actual tag location in pixels, which are detected by each antenna in the application are generated in text files, which made it easy for this application to be customized in order to be used in future to integrate with other applications, or middleware. The research investigated aspects involved in automating a library system using RFID technology as a communication protocol for the underlying RFID infrastructure. The library middleware application is a smart location-aware service that is used to identify and track library objects automatically and dynamically at runtime. Initially, various aspects were developed more in an outlined manner rather than a strong focus in one area, using enhanced techniques utilized from the literature review. The second phase of the research is software development, the goal was to build a custom-made software simulator, that locates the RFID tags from fixed, and identified points in the simulation window, which holds the antennas. Data collection and acquisition were carried out alongside the completion of the programs. RFID Simulator was built to provide a user-friendly interface to the user, and customizable simulation parameters that can be updated and deployed at runtime. Developing the RFIDSim from scratch has proven to be more versatile, easy to use application and more importantly the application achieved all the conditions and simulation requirements that the other simulations software could not achieve.