Ad hoc Networked Tags (ANT) for Active RFID

The US MRMC needs a new Automated Identification system to track and monitor the condition of medical supply items from point of origin to end user. To meet this need, InfinID Technologies, Inc. proposes a new system for item tagging called Ad hoc Networked Tags (ANT), based on the use of active RFID tags that self-organize to create a reliable communications network for interrogation of many closely packed medical items. In the ANT system, the RFID tags not only periodically transmit their ID and sensor readings at low duty cycle, but are also capable of relaying the IDs and sensor readings of other tags within range. Required infrastructure to implement the ANT system is minimal. In Phase I, we developed a demonstration system consisting of 1 gateway unit and 5 ANT tags. We also developed simulations that showed our system to be 2.4 times more reliable than the tags currently on the market today. In Phase II we propose continued development to create a compact, secure, robust and durable $40 ANT tag with open sensor bus and $99 ANT gateway unit. The Phase II ANT tags will meet the requirements of US MRMC and many other Army supply tracking applications.