tim's journal

RFID bracelets for kids

I'm interested in an RFID check-in and check-out system for kids. I guess it really doesn't have to be RFID in the digital sense of the word. It would work much like a library. Bar-code bracelets might work too, but it would be nice to do the transaction remotely. There's an interesting article on RFID at Kindercity in Switzerland. This system is used to charge the kids' debit account when visiting particular attractions.

Synometrix sells some "low cost disposable RFID bracelets" which have a reading distance of 8 cm. An article in June 2004 describes RFID at Legoland.

Children entering the parks will be fitted with an RFID bracelet that can be tracked anywhere within its boundaries - meaning that should they run off and find themselves lost, the parks' staff will easily be able to track them down and alert parents via SMS.

I wonder if the kids are tracked at each location or if the range is large enough that they can have some large towers handling the detection process. The company which does this is called kidspotter. Ahh, here it is. Sounds expensive!

KidSpotter T2 tags. These sturdy, waterproof tags measure just 62mm x 40mm and include a variety of functional mounting options such as wristband attachment and a badge clip. Each tag unit has a unique identifier that is the MAC address of the 802.11b radio, allowing the software to recognize an individual tag. The tag is the only long-life Wi-Fi tag on the market, with a battery life of 3 years and a weight of just 35 grams.

More details are available in Jonathan Collins' in-depth article on the whole system. In fact, the core system was developed by Bluesoft. Cost? List price is $85 per tag. Legoland has 500 and plans to buy thousands more. Receivers cost between $3000 and $4000 each. There are 38 in Legoland covering approximately 2.5 million square feet. Not bad. Tags last for about 3 years and are rented by parents for 3 euros per day. Still, a bit expensive for the church nursery.

Posted by torque at November 23, 2004 4:15 PM | TrackBack