A Low - Cost Electromagnetic Tagging Technology for Wireless

A technical overview of near-field electromagnetic tagging is presented and described in the context of adding functionality, efficiency, and convenience to the spaces in which we live and work. A survey of all common forms of electromagnetic tagging is given, including shoplifting tags and RF-ID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags. Focus is given to low-cost electromagnetic tags based solely on electromagnetic material structures. A unifying description of these materials tags is introduced which defines four main functions: identification, sensing, data read/write, and tracking of position/orientation. Encoding information into the material properties of an object is introduced as a means of making new connections between the digital world of electronic appliances and the physical world. Several commercial applications are given. A general theoretical framework to model near-field electromagnetic tagging systems is outlined, and a few new types of tags are presented along with experimental data. Thesis Supervisor: Neil Gershenfeld, Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences A Low-Cost Electromagnetic Tagging Technology for Wireless Identification, Sensing, and Tracking of Objects