RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification
Uses Within the Human Body
Serves same purpose as a bar code or a magnetic strip on the back of a credit card
Must be scanned to retrieve the information
Consists of 3 parts:
1. Scanning antenna
2. Transceiver with a decoder to interpret the data
3. Transponder (RFID tag) that has been programmed with information
Can work up to 20 feet of the scanner
Used in cows, dogs, and humans
VeriChip: RFID tag implemented in humans
Intended for hospital and forensic use
Hospital Uses
Provides vital information in patients who can’t speak, remember, or lack consciousness
Cannot be lost, stolen, misplaced, or counterfeited, unlike traditional forms of identification
Forensic Uses
Tracks evidentiary items associated with crime scenes
Manages remains and evidentiary items without opening body bags
Prevents identification switching or detachment, unlike “toe tags”
Other Uses
Helps identify people in mass disasters
Common problems with RFID use:
Reader collision: Occurs when the signals from two or more readers overlap
Tag collision: Occurs when many tags are present in a small area
Other problems with RFIDs:
· RFID tags are difficult to remove since they are very small and well hidden.
· RFID devices are never meant to leave their network. Therefore, there are no global standards for implementation between RFID manufacturers.
Privacy issues:
The contents of an RFID tag can be read by any and all scanners, even when the item leaves the supply chain. These tags can be read from socially long distances. Even more, tags can be read without the carrier’s knowledge.
RFID, Radio-Frequency Identification, is a technology that has been around for nearly fifty years but has recently increased in popularity for a multitude of resources. RFID devices consist of the “tag” and the “scanner.” The tag consists of an antenna attached to a small chip that is capable of carrying up to 2,000 bytes of data. Like at the grocery store, the RFID scanner is able to “scan” the tag in order to retrieve the data. Because RFID technology can store more data than the bar code, many companies, like Gillette, provide RFID tags with their product.
Besides consumer products, RFID technology has been increasingly popular with identifying living bodies. For example, people can opt to place a tag within their pets. If they get lost, veterinarians are able to scan the pet for an address and return them to their rightful owners. However, recently, RFID technology has been approved to be used within humans. Though there are other uses, RFID devices are mostly intended for medical reasons. RFID tags quickly show healthcare professionals necessary and vital information about their patient, preventing unforeseen medical error. This is ideal for patients who have chronic illnesses, cannot speak, cannot remember, or lose consciousness. Since the tag is invisible to the naked eye, data cannot be stolen, misplaced, or counterfeited.
Like most emerging technologies, RFID devices for human identification still show a multitude of problems. Two common issues include reader collision, occurrence when signals from two or more readers overlap, and tag collision, occurrence when many tags are present within a small area. There are several potential issues. Because RFID tags are very small and unnoticeable, they are hard to remove. Since tags can be read at a distance, tags can be read without the person’s knowledge. On that note, tags can be read by any scanner that reads RFID tags because the tag itself cannot specialize or distinguish between readers.
In conclusion, RFID technology within the human body has many uses that are more ideal in certain cases more than others. As a plus, RFID tags provide fast, detailed data in emergency situations. However, there still is much concern over the regulation of these devices.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Microfost Office Web - Tech Briefing
Microsoft Office Web is a new, online version of microsoft office. The program is still in development stage but it is expected to make its debut some time at the end of 2009 or early 2010, coinciding with the release of Microsoft Office 14. Microsoft has decided to take advantage of the new surge in cloud computing across the globe, making Office applications available to any computer with an internet connection. Along with the release of Office web, Microsoft is promoting the use of their Silverlight plugin, designed to improve performance of their web-based applications.
Office Web will feature:
- Online availability of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Onenote.
- Customers have the option to pay for the application suite, or use it free of charge with advertisements to support the costs.
- The ability to not only create, but edit and collaborate with other users.
The applications offered by Microsoft online will be 'lighter' versions of their original counterparts, in order to ensure functionality across different platforms (mac and PC) and keeping the use of system resources low.
Here are some links to addictional information:
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2008/oct08/10-28PDCOffice.mspx
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10216625-2.html?tag=mncol
-Juan Fabrega
Thursday, April 2, 2009
OtherInbox is a Web service used to categorize e-mails based on their source. For example, all e-mails from Amazon are automatically placed in one folder and all e-mails from Facebook are placed in another folder. This provides a convenient way of organizing legitimate, automated communications from trusted companies. Users can get an e-mail address through the service itself or can connect OtherInbox to an existing Gmail account.
Key Features:
-Daily summary of new unread messages delivered in the previous 24 hours sent to your main inbox
-Automatic grouping of mailing list messages
-Optimized mobile app for iPhone or iPod touch
-Get your OtherInbox messages delivered by RSS
Find out more information about OtherInbox by following the link below:
(An informative video about OtherInbox can be found under the "Press" tab)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday Morning 10:30 Team's Quest Relived
After a chaotic introduction to geocaching the teams were assembled and sent out on the hunt for the hidden treasure. We received our first sign of communication through text message and the teams were onto something at 10:45. Our next message came swiftly as team two headed towards state street while they were ft away from their first clue. Team three went on a wild goose chase under the WTHR building at 10:46.
Minutes later we received our first real clues from team 6.
"I cover many things. and had a picture of the Bell Tower."
The second team, Team 2, responded with their clue and told us:
"I am independent. Metal letter C." found near the engineering fountain, in the bushes that spelled out Purdue.
As things heated up in the investigating central unit headquarters teams started overwhelming us with clues. The teams were very persistent and clear with presenting information, besides a confusion between the central reporting unit and team 2, when an extraneous clue surfaced. We quickly discovered the miscommunication and got back on track.
"I am the largest of my kind in the state. Nearly Naked Mile." Quickly coming in to the headquarters at 10:53 located outside Haas Hall wall closest to BRNG. Underneath an evergreen bush.
"If I disappear, Purdue students would be furious."
Team one relentlessly reported back to their field reporter, Ashley Scott, and provided imminent details on their clues. Below is the original transcript of Team 1 progress on Twitter.
Team 1 is on the way. We have decided to work through twitter....I had to warn my followers this was a class activity. Hopefully I don't lose any because of this randomness...
www.twitter.com/ashleygscott
Update #1: Heading to ee building
Update #2: Toward engineering mall and halfway there
Update #3: Compass is not clear so not using that option
Update #4: almost there and crossing northwestern now
Update #5: Seems like we are right location but no box
Update #6: found it
Clue #1 My boss is livingston,
Clue #2 - 1111
As the puzzle was solved we were frantically worrying about Team 3, who lost contact with us, and ultimately got back to class with their clue, but the puzzle had been solved. Our epic journey had come to an end, a mere sixteen minutes after the fun started.
As the clues rolled in we quickly deliberated and came to the conclusion that the "cache" was The Exponent.
10:59 am - The Exponent (16 minutes)
Time when teams reported to central unit:
Team 1 @ 10:56 "My boss is livingston & 1111
Team 2 @ 10:52 I am Independent & Metal letter C
Team 3 @ 11:03 Letter J made of wood & I will be at PU longer than any of you
Team 4 @ 10:56 If I disappear PU students would be furious & 743
Team 5 @ 10:55 I am the largest of my kind in the state & nearly naked mile
Team 6 @ 10:48 I cover many things & picture of the bell tower.
After a chaotic introduction to geocaching the teams were assembled and sent out on the hunt for the hidden treasure. We received our first sign of communication through text message and the teams were onto something at 10:45. Our next message came swiftly as team two headed towards state street while they were ft away from their first clue. Team three went on a wild goose chase under the WTHR building at 10:46.
Minutes later we received our first real clues from team 6.
"I cover many things. and had a picture of the Bell Tower."
The second team, Team 2, responded with their clue and told us:
"I am independent. Metal letter C." found near the engineering fountain, in the bushes that spelled out Purdue.
As things heated up in the investigating central unit headquarters teams started overwhelming us with clues. The teams were very persistent and clear with presenting information, besides a confusion between the central reporting unit and team 2, when an extraneous clue surfaced. We quickly discovered the miscommunication and got back on track.
"I am the largest of my kind in the state. Nearly Naked Mile." Quickly coming in to the headquarters at 10:53 located outside Haas Hall wall closest to BRNG. Underneath an evergreen bush.
"If I disappear, Purdue students would be furious."
Team one relentlessly reported back to their field reporter, Ashley Scott, and provided imminent details on their clues. Below is the original transcript of Team 1 progress on Twitter.
Team 1 is on the way. We have decided to work through twitter....I had to warn my followers this was a class activity. Hopefully I don't lose any because of this randomness...
www.twitter.com/ashleygscott
Update #1: Heading to ee building
Update #2: Toward engineering mall and halfway there
Update #3: Compass is not clear so not using that option
Update #4: almost there and crossing northwestern now
Update #5: Seems like we are right location but no box
Update #6: found it
Clue #1 My boss is livingston,
Clue #2 - 1111
As the puzzle was solved we were frantically worrying about Team 3,
10:59 - The Exponent
Team 1 @ 10:56 "My boss is livingston & 1111
Team 2 @ 10:52 I am Independent & Metal letter C
Team 3 @ 11:03 Letter J made of wood & I will be at PU longer than any of you
Team 4 @ 10:56 If I disappear PU students would be furious & 743
Team 5 @ 10:55 I am the largest of my kind in the state & nearly nakes mile
Team 6 @ 10:48 I cover many things & picture of the bell tower.
Minutes later we received our first real clues from team 6.
"I cover many things. and had a picture of the Bell Tower."
The second team, Team 2, responded with their clue and told us:
"I am independent. Metal letter C." found near the engineering fountain, in the bushes that spelled out Purdue.
As things heated up in the investigating central unit headquarters teams started overwhelming us with clues. The teams were very persistent and clear with presenting information, besides a confusion between the central reporting unit and team 2, when an extraneous clue surfaced. We quickly discovered the miscommunication and got back on track.
"I am the largest of my kind in the state. Nearly Naked Mile." Quickly coming in to the headquarters at 10:53 located outside Haas Hall wall closest to BRNG. Underneath an evergreen bush.
"If I disappear, Purdue students would be furious."
Team one relentlessly reported back to their field reporter, Ashley Scott, and provided imminent details on their clues. Below is the original transcript of Team 1 progress on Twitter.
Team 1 is on the way. We have decided to work through twitter....I had to warn my followers this was a class activity. Hopefully I don't lose any because of this randomness...
www.twitter.com/ashleygscott
Update #1: Heading to ee building
Update #2: Toward engineering mall and halfway there
Update #3: Compass is not clear so not using that option
Update #4: almost there and crossing northwestern now
Update #5: Seems like we are right location but no box
Update #6: found it
Clue #1 My boss is livingston,
Clue #2 - 1111
As the puzzle was solved we were frantically worrying about Team 3,
As the clues rolled in we quickly deliberated and came to the conclusion that the "cache" was The Exponent.
10:59 - The Exponent
Team 1 @ 10:56 "My boss is livingston & 1111
Team 2 @ 10:52 I am Independent & Metal letter C
Team 3 @ 11:03 Letter J made of wood & I will be at PU longer than any of you
Team 4 @ 10:56 If I disappear PU students would be furious & 743
Team 5 @ 10:55 I am the largest of my kind in the state & nearly nakes mile
Team 6 @ 10:48 I cover many things & picture of the bell tower.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Microchips in Humans
Microchips in Humans
In 2004, the FDA approved microchips in humans. According to the Washington Times, A microchip that can be implanted under the skin to give doctors instant access to a patient's records won government approval, a step that could revolutionize medical care but is raising alarm among privacy advocates.
The tiny electronic capsule, the first such device to receive Food and Drug Administration approval, transmits a unique code to a special scanner that allows doctors to confirm a patient's identity and obtain detailed medical information from an accompanying database. Implantation takes about 20 minutes and leaves no stitches.
Applied Digital Solutions of Delray Beach, Fla., plans to market the VeriChip systems — the chips, scanners and the computerized database — to hospitals, doctors and patients as a way to improve care and avoid errors by ensuring that doctors know whom they are treating and their personal health details.
Doctors would scan patients like cans at a grocery store. The patient's medical record would pop up on a computer screen. Emergency-room doctors could scan unconscious car-accident victims to check their blood type, medications and make sure they have no drug allergies. Surgeons could scan patients in the operating room to guard against cutting into the wrong person. Chips, about the size of a grain of rice, could be implanted in Alzheimer's patients in case they get lost.
"In hospitals today, many deaths occur because people aren't able to communicate timely enough their medical information or because of wrong information," said Scott Silverman, the company's chief executive. "With VeriChip, you'll be able to have accurate information even if a patient can't talk."
Discussion:
· Latest use in hospitals for medical information
· Microchipping in humans create ethical issues
· Big Brother?
In 2004, the FDA approved microchips in humans. According to the Washington Times, A microchip that can be implanted under the skin to give doctors instant access to a patient's records won government approval, a step that could revolutionize medical care but is raising alarm among privacy advocates.
The tiny electronic capsule, the first such device to receive Food and Drug Administration approval, transmits a unique code to a special scanner that allows doctors to confirm a patient's identity and obtain detailed medical information from an accompanying database. Implantation takes about 20 minutes and leaves no stitches.
Applied Digital Solutions of Delray Beach, Fla., plans to market the VeriChip systems — the chips, scanners and the computerized database — to hospitals, doctors and patients as a way to improve care and avoid errors by ensuring that doctors know whom they are treating and their personal health details.
Doctors would scan patients like cans at a grocery store. The patient's medical record would pop up on a computer screen. Emergency-room doctors could scan unconscious car-accident victims to check their blood type, medications and make sure they have no drug allergies. Surgeons could scan patients in the operating room to guard against cutting into the wrong person. Chips, about the size of a grain of rice, could be implanted in Alzheimer's patients in case they get lost.
"In hospitals today, many deaths occur because people aren't able to communicate timely enough their medical information or because of wrong information," said Scott Silverman, the company's chief executive. "With VeriChip, you'll be able to have accurate information even if a patient can't talk."
Discussion:
· Latest use in hospitals for medical information
· Microchipping in humans create ethical issues
· Big Brother?
Friday, March 6, 2009
mStage Tech Briefing
Steven George
COM 435, Technology Briefing
Ditech’s mStage for Mobile Web Users
What is it and Who makes it?
· mStage is a mobile phone platform that is designed to save users time and hassle searching for information online without having to hang up on a current phone call.
· It operates through the human voice with a verbal command (keyword mode) followed by an item, place, or event that activates an online search. Example: “Find: Pizza Hut”
· The voice activated search engine then pulls up the information while during a phone call. The user can continue the verbal process if he or she wishes. Example: “Find: Prices for Large Pizza (Pizza Hut)”
· mStage is not just for looking up information. It can also involve other activities like checking email and communicating with social networks.
· A good example of this is the “whisper message.” This allows users to communicate by sending verbal reminders to each other within a phone call.
· mStage will tell you if the person you sent a “whisper message” to received it during a phone call. Through social network sites like Facebook or instant messengers like AIM, mStage will let you know if they are online via mobile device and in the middle of a call.
· Ditech Networks has been testing this platform within the month of February 2009 and believe that it will be made available for users in Fall 2009.
Who is the Target Audience?
· Ditech has originally created the mStage platform for those who are business oriented.
· This platform also applies to those who are very social and would like to communicate with two or more people at once.
Why is it Important?
· The service keeps people updated on what’s going on in both business and social settings. If people need to get a hold of multiple people at the same time to update them on plans rather than just the person they are currently talking to, this service takes care of that.
· If a person prefers to stay productive, they can definitely do so with this platform. Checking e-mail while talking to your friend on where you should meet up will definitely create some productivity in a less amount of time.
Other Positive and Negative Implications on Society
· Positive: The service can work with the following customers: Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, Orascom Telecom, AT&T, Telus, Global Crossing and West Corporation.
· Positive: Face it, most of us communicate on cell phones while behind the wheel of a car. With mStage, you can activate a search engine to get information that does not require you take your eyes off the road.
· Positive: The service can be activated or deactivated at any time. This can be useful because “whisper messages” have the tendency to interrupt a current conversation. If you know you are about to jump into an important conversation, turn the service off.
· Negative: People you are talking with may lose respect for you if your focus is on the mStage features rather than the current conversation. Make sure that you tell the person you are on the phone with when you are utilizing its features.
· Negative: While it is a voice operated service, mStage needs the click of a button in order to become activate. You can “hot key” the service to any button then press and hold to activate or deactivate the service.
· Negative: The keyword mode is sensitive. If you say something that you did not mean to say, you might have to start the process all over again after clearing what you just started.
Additional Links for Your Convenience
· Press Release: http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=033000KRV9H3&full_skip=1
· Ditech Product Information: http://www.ditechnetworks.com/products/mstage.html
· The Technology Review’s Article: http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/22166/?a=f
COM 435, Technology Briefing
Ditech’s mStage for Mobile Web Users
What is it and Who makes it?
· mStage is a mobile phone platform that is designed to save users time and hassle searching for information online without having to hang up on a current phone call.
· It operates through the human voice with a verbal command (keyword mode) followed by an item, place, or event that activates an online search. Example: “Find: Pizza Hut”
· The voice activated search engine then pulls up the information while during a phone call. The user can continue the verbal process if he or she wishes. Example: “Find: Prices for Large Pizza (Pizza Hut)”
· mStage is not just for looking up information. It can also involve other activities like checking email and communicating with social networks.
· A good example of this is the “whisper message.” This allows users to communicate by sending verbal reminders to each other within a phone call.
· mStage will tell you if the person you sent a “whisper message” to received it during a phone call. Through social network sites like Facebook or instant messengers like AIM, mStage will let you know if they are online via mobile device and in the middle of a call.
· Ditech Networks has been testing this platform within the month of February 2009 and believe that it will be made available for users in Fall 2009.
Who is the Target Audience?
· Ditech has originally created the mStage platform for those who are business oriented.
· This platform also applies to those who are very social and would like to communicate with two or more people at once.
Why is it Important?
· The service keeps people updated on what’s going on in both business and social settings. If people need to get a hold of multiple people at the same time to update them on plans rather than just the person they are currently talking to, this service takes care of that.
· If a person prefers to stay productive, they can definitely do so with this platform. Checking e-mail while talking to your friend on where you should meet up will definitely create some productivity in a less amount of time.
Other Positive and Negative Implications on Society
· Positive: The service can work with the following customers: Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, Orascom Telecom, AT&T, Telus, Global Crossing and West Corporation.
· Positive: Face it, most of us communicate on cell phones while behind the wheel of a car. With mStage, you can activate a search engine to get information that does not require you take your eyes off the road.
· Positive: The service can be activated or deactivated at any time. This can be useful because “whisper messages” have the tendency to interrupt a current conversation. If you know you are about to jump into an important conversation, turn the service off.
· Negative: People you are talking with may lose respect for you if your focus is on the mStage features rather than the current conversation. Make sure that you tell the person you are on the phone with when you are utilizing its features.
· Negative: While it is a voice operated service, mStage needs the click of a button in order to become activate. You can “hot key” the service to any button then press and hold to activate or deactivate the service.
· Negative: The keyword mode is sensitive. If you say something that you did not mean to say, you might have to start the process all over again after clearing what you just started.
Additional Links for Your Convenience
· Press Release: http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=033000KRV9H3&full_skip=1
· Ditech Product Information: http://www.ditechnetworks.com/products/mstage.html
· The Technology Review’s Article: http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/22166/?a=f
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