Semantic Breakdown of Rfid Functionality to Support Application Development

In this concept paper, we study the complex innovation of Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID) in context of their functional value. The purpose of this research is to provide an interpretation of functionality as presented by contemporary RFID systems and organized in the form of a functional matrix that demonstrates RFID mainstream applications. The fundamental functions are broken down into three core areas of Identification, Location and State. Identification is shown to be paramount — especially because of the serial number uniqueness carried by contemporary ‘Gen2’ RFID tags. Location is an inherent function with several sub-classifications depending on whether it is based on proximity or proxy. Finally, the function of state (such as temperature) is shown to be a specialized application of RFID. Applications that use these functions are discussed and plotted in the form of a simple matrix. The expectation is that the functional model may better guide design and development of the RFID applications by its use as an instrument for definition of requirements.