Project team membersProject team membersInternal resources: USM RFID Team - Dr. Widad Internal resources: USM RFID Team - Dr. Widad Ismail, Prof. Syed Idris Syed Hasan, Dr. Ismail, Prof. Syed Idris Syed Hasan, Dr. Mandeep Singh Jit Singh, Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Mandeep Singh Jit Singh, Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli, Dr. NorAshidi Mat Isa, Dr. Zamli, Dr. NorAshidi Mat Isa, Dr. Zaini Abd HalimZaini Abd HalimExternal resources (collaborators): Aliya External resources (collaborators): Aliya Technologies Sdn. Bhd.Technologies Sdn. Bhd.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL SMART HOSPITAL USING RFID SMART HOSPITAL USING RFID

(RADIO FREQUENCY (RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION) IDENTIFICATION)

USM RFID GROUPUSM RFID GROUP

GrantsGrants

Internal grants (USM)Internal grants (USM) MOSTI grantsMOSTI grants External grants (Agilents, JICA, etc)External grants (Agilents, JICA, etc) Technofund (RM1.83 million) by MOSTI - Technofund (RM1.83 million) by MOSTI -

20072007

AgendaAgenda1- Introduction to RFID Technologies.1- Introduction to RFID Technologies.

2- Terminology and Standards.2- Terminology and Standards.

3- The infrastructure of RFID enhanced hospital “Smart 3- The infrastructure of RFID enhanced hospital “Smart Hospital”Hospital”

4- RFID benefits in healthcare & Smart Hospitals.4- RFID benefits in healthcare & Smart Hospitals.

5- RFID Device Selection criteria: Analysis/feasibility Study.5- RFID Device Selection criteria: Analysis/feasibility Study.

6- Current research & commerciallization work6- Current research & commerciallization work

6- Challenges & Problems.6- Challenges & Problems.

7- Q & A.7- Q & A.

IntroductionIntroduction

Radio-frequency identificationRadio-frequency identification ( (RFIDRFID) is an automatic identification ) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.called RFID tags or transponders.

RFID is proving to be one of the best solutions for tracking and identifying RFID is proving to be one of the best solutions for tracking and identifying assets around the world.assets around the world.

It can be used to locate items, monitor animals, provide quick It can be used to locate items, monitor animals, provide quick identification and tracking medicines in the hospitals, it also can be identification and tracking medicines in the hospitals, it also can be deployed in various spheres for tracking and managing movable assets.deployed in various spheres for tracking and managing movable assets.

An RFID tag used for electronic Toll collection.

RFID tags used in libraries: square book tag, round CD/DVD tag and rectangular VHS tag.

An RFID tag used for electronic Toll collection.

Just after the operation to insert the RFID tag was completed

RFID Business BenefitsRFID Business Benefits1.1. Improved productivity and cost Avoidance.Improved productivity and cost Avoidance.

2.2. Decreased cycle time and tracking costs out.Decreased cycle time and tracking costs out.

3.3. Reduced Rework.Reduced Rework.

4.4. Reduced business risk & control of assests.Reduced business risk & control of assests.

5.5. Improved security and services.Improved security and services.

6.6. Improved utilization of resources.Improved utilization of resources.

7.7. Increased revenues.Increased revenues.

8.8. Better Management.Better Management.

Example of a Digital Community:Example of a Digital Community: Transformation StoryTransformation StoryBumrungrad Hospital, ThailandBumrungrad Hospital, Thailand

554-bed facility554-bed facility Over 960,000 outpatients/year (2003)Over 960,000 outpatients/year (2003)

Optimize workflowOptimize workflow Patient data, administrative records Patient data, administrative records All documents electronically inputAll documents electronically input Digitized medical images -- available promptly in Digitized medical images -- available promptly in

doctor’s officesdoctor’s offices All HIS integrated on one Application Platform and All HIS integrated on one Application Platform and

DatabaseDatabaseResults:Results:

40% growth in outpatient volume without adding IT 40% growth in outpatient volume without adding IT overhead (3k patients/day)overhead (3k patients/day)

Patients processed in 45 minutes from registration to Patients processed in 45 minutes from registration to prescription pick-upprescription pick-up

33% gross profit margin33% gross profit margin All medical images archived on one All medical images archived on one sserver erver file file

storage room converted to profitable children’s clinicstorage room converted to profitable children’s clinic

Terminology and Terminology and Standards.Standards.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method for remotely Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method for remotely storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID Tags or storing and retrieving data using devices called RFID Tags or Transponders.Transponders.

RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker that can RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive sticker that can be attached to a product, these tags are composed of and be attached to a product, these tags are composed of and antenna connected to an electronic chip, these chips transform antenna connected to an electronic chip, these chips transform the energy of radio frequency queries from an RFID reader or the energy of radio frequency queries from an RFID reader or transceiver to respond by sending back information they enclose.transceiver to respond by sending back information they enclose.

Finally, a computer hosting a specific RFID application or Finally, a computer hosting a specific RFID application or middleware pilots the reader and processes the data.middleware pilots the reader and processes the data.

The Electronic Product Code ( EPC) uniquely identify objects and The Electronic Product Code ( EPC) uniquely identify objects and facilitates tracking through out the product’s life cycle.facilitates tracking through out the product’s life cycle.

The infrastructure of RFID enhanced hospital The infrastructure of RFID enhanced hospital “Smart Hospital”“Smart Hospital”First :- Many assets and actors of the facilities have to be “ tagged”.First :- Many assets and actors of the facilities have to be “ tagged”. Medical equipments ( must embed RFID tags by the manufacturer).Medical equipments ( must embed RFID tags by the manufacturer). Hospital’s staff members wear “ smart badge” storing their employee ID Hospital’s staff members wear “ smart badge” storing their employee ID

numbers.numbers. Each patient wearing a waistband with embedded RFID tag storing some Each patient wearing a waistband with embedded RFID tag storing some

information about him ( e.g. digital picture, unique patient code,… etc).information about him ( e.g. digital picture, unique patient code,… etc). All patients medical histories and other important documents are tagged All patients medical histories and other important documents are tagged

with self-adhesive RFID labels containing a unique number.with self-adhesive RFID labels containing a unique number. All drugs’ packages and bags of blood contains RFID labels, holding unique All drugs’ packages and bags of blood contains RFID labels, holding unique

identifier and important information about the type of the blood.identifier and important information about the type of the blood.Second :- RFID readers are placed at strategic places within the hospital.Second :- RFID readers are placed at strategic places within the hospital. At the entrance and exits of the hospital.At the entrance and exits of the hospital. Each operating theater contain at least one RFID reader.Each operating theater contain at least one RFID reader. RFID Sensors are placed in strategic galleries and important offices.RFID Sensors are placed in strategic galleries and important offices. The Staff member, each have a handheld ( PDA, mobile phone, etc.) The Staff member, each have a handheld ( PDA, mobile phone, etc.)

equipped with an RFID reader and possibly with a wireless (e.g. WiFi) equipped with an RFID reader and possibly with a wireless (e.g. WiFi) connection to the web.connection to the web.

RFID benefits in healthcare & Smart RFID benefits in healthcare & Smart Hospitals.Hospitals.

1.1. Patient Identification.Patient Identification.

2.2. Blood Tracking.Blood Tracking.

3.3. Smart Operating Theaters.Smart Operating Theaters.

4.4. Anti-Counterfeiting.Anti-Counterfeiting.

5.5. Tracking Equipments, Patients, Staff and Documents.Tracking Equipments, Patients, Staff and Documents.

6.6. Avoiding thefts of Medical Equipments.Avoiding thefts of Medical Equipments.

RFID Device Selection criteria: RFID Device Selection criteria: Analysis/feasibility Study.Analysis/feasibility Study.

. What are the objects to be tagged?. What are the objects to be tagged?· · What are the objects made of and how do they affect reading What are the objects made of and how do they affect reading

ranges?ranges?· · What are chip antenna types?What are chip antenna types?· · What readers can read both passive and active tags?What readers can read both passive and active tags?· · What readers can read both RFID tags and bar code labels for What readers can read both RFID tags and bar code labels for

easy transitioning?easy transitioning?· · What are other considerations that could affect externally the What are other considerations that could affect externally the

optimal location of tags?optimal location of tags?· · How do various entities organize frequency types or ranges?How do various entities organize frequency types or ranges?· · What other standards are the vendors using for their RFID What other standards are the vendors using for their RFID

products?products?

Current Project Work Package (WP)Current Project Work Package (WP)

WP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive RFIDWP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive RFID WP2 – Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active RFID WP2 – Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active RFID

readerreader WP3 – Smart Antenna System for Real Time WP3 – Smart Antenna System for Real Time

Location System (RTLS) in Active Location System (RTLS) in Active RFIDRFID WP4 – RFID Data Acquisition System WP4 – RFID Data Acquisition System WP5 – Internet Based RFID System WP5 – Internet Based RFID System

Incorporated to RFID Data Management Incorporated to RFID Data Management SystemSystem

WP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive RFIDWP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive RFIDTCP/IP Ethernet Passive RFID READER (USM & Aliya Tech. Collaboration TCP/IP Ethernet Passive RFID READER (USM & Aliya Tech. Collaboration Works)Works) Aliya Technologies (Aliya) has been tasked to develop the Gen2 RFID Reader for USM’s Aliya Technologies (Aliya) has been tasked to develop the Gen2 RFID Reader for USM’s

Technofund Project. The product’s technical specifications are as follows :Technofund Project. The product’s technical specifications are as follows : Multi-ProtocolMulti-Protocol EPC Class 1 Gen 1/Gen 2, Read/Write EPC Class 1 Gen 1/Gen 2, Read/Write Operating FrequencyOperating Frequency UHF 902-928 MHzUHF 902-928 MHz UHF 865-868 MHzUHF 865-868 MHz ArchitectureArchitecture 8051 core processor, 32 KByte RAM, 32 KByte Flash8051 core processor, 32 KByte RAM, 32 KByte Flash Power ConsumptionPower Consumption 9-12V DC 500mA9-12V DC 500mA LCD DisplayLCD Display 16 x 2 character LCD display to show operation message and Key-in.16 x 2 character LCD display to show operation message and Key-in. KeypadKeypad 3 x 4 matrix keypad3 x 4 matrix keypad CommunicationCommunication RS-232 (DB9), LAN TCP/IP (RJ-45)RS-232 (DB9), LAN TCP/IP (RJ-45) Network ProtocolsNetwork Protocols TCP/IPTCP/IP

WP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive WP1 – Up scaling of Gen 2 Passive RFIDRFID

Picture of the Gen2 Reader Picture of the Gen2 Reader prototype with tags prototype with tags

Picture of the Gen2 Reader Picture of the Gen2 Reader prototype prototype

WP 2: Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active WP 2: Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active RFID readerRFID reader 2.45GHz Active RFID reader & tags with temperature sensor application (USM 2.45GHz Active RFID reader & tags with temperature sensor application (USM team)team)Technical specifications of the 2.45GHz reader are as follows:Technical specifications of the 2.45GHz reader are as follows: Operating frequency Operating frequency ISM 2.4 GHzISM 2.4 GHz RangeRange Up to 30 metersUp to 30 meters ArchitectureArchitecture Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) MicrocontrollerProgrammable Integrated Circuit (PIC) Microcontroller 368 x 8 bytes of Data Memory (RAM)368 x 8 bytes of Data Memory (RAM) 256 x 8 bytes of EEPROM Data Memory256 x 8 bytes of EEPROM Data Memory 8K x 14 words of Flash Program Memory8K x 14 words of Flash Program Memory Xbee Module tranceiverXbee Module tranceiver Power Consumption (Xbee)Power Consumption (Xbee) < 10µA (@3.0 Vcc)< 10µA (@3.0 Vcc) CommunicationCommunication RS 232 (DB9), LAN TCP/IP (RJ45)RS 232 (DB9), LAN TCP/IP (RJ45) Network ProtocolNetwork Protocol TCP/IPTCP/IP

WP 2: Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active WP 2: Up scaling of 2.45GHz Active RFID readerRFID reader

Tag circuitTag circuit Reader circuitReader circuit

WP3: Smart Antenna System for Real Time WP3: Smart Antenna System for Real Time Location System (RTLS) in Active RFIDLocation System (RTLS) in Active RFID

OFDMData sequence

RTLS tag

OFDM

RTLS reader

Fig. 1 Schamatic Diagram of Proposed RTLS.

A switched beam smart antenna

Aperture-coupled microstrip patch antennas

RF transceiver

RF transceiverTOA estimation(MUSIC)

Positioning & tracking(Particle Filter)

WP3: Smart Antenna System for Real Time WP3: Smart Antenna System for Real Time Location System (RTLS) in Active RFIDLocation System (RTLS) in Active RFID

Upper layer of fabricated patch substrate for RFID tag Bottom layer of fabricated

patch substrate for RFID tag

Fabricated planar microstrip antenna array with Butler matrix for Active RFID reader with RTLS capability

WP 4: RFID Data Acquisition SystemWP 4: RFID Data Acquisition System

WP5: Internet Based RFID System Incorporated to RFID WP5: Internet Based RFID System Incorporated to RFID Data Management SystemData Management System

• UTP Connection Mode

Publications and papers (Publications and papers (International, national, International, national, books, citations etcbooks, citations etc))

1) Widad Ismail, JS Mandeep, Saeed Jawad, "Secure 1) Widad Ismail, JS Mandeep, Saeed Jawad, "Secure Multi-access Channel Using UWB for next generation Multi-access Channel Using UWB for next generation RFID system, RF & Microwave Journal, Vol. 51, No. 9, RFID system, RF & Microwave Journal, Vol. 51, No. 9, September 2008 September 2008

2) Widad Ismail, JS Mandeep, Raed Abdulla, “ Wireless 2) Widad Ismail, JS Mandeep, Raed Abdulla, “ Wireless Zigbee transponder with temperature sensor capability Zigbee transponder with temperature sensor capability for RFID application” RFID Journal, July 2008, for RFID application” RFID Journal, July 2008, http://http://www.rfidjournal.comwww.rfidjournal.com/whitepapers/whitepapers

3) Mohammed Elhefnawy, Widad Ismail, “A Circularly 3) Mohammed Elhefnawy, Widad Ismail, “A Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna Array with Butler Matrix”, Polarized Microstrip Antenna Array with Butler Matrix”, Proceedings of Asia Pacific Symposium on EMC & 19th Proceedings of Asia Pacific Symposium on EMC & 19th International Zurich Symposium On Electromagnetic International Zurich Symposium On Electromagnetic CompatibilityCompatibility, 19-22 Mei 2008, paper id: 54., 19-22 Mei 2008, paper id: 54.

Prototypes (Prototypes (prototype name, type eg, lab scale, prototype name, type eg, lab scale, engineering scale, commercial scale etcengineering scale, commercial scale etc))

1) Gen 2 Passive RFID (up scaling for commercialization)1) Gen 2 Passive RFID (up scaling for commercialization)2) 2.4 GHz Active RFID System (up scaling for 2) 2.4 GHz Active RFID System (up scaling for

commercialization)commercialization)3) Circular Polarization Diversity with Small Size Microstrip 3) Circular Polarization Diversity with Small Size Microstrip

Antenna for RFID tags (filed for patent to USM Antenna for RFID tags (filed for patent to USM innovation office) innovation office)

4) Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna Array with Butler 4) Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna Array with Butler Matrix for Smart Antenna Application in RTLS (filed for Matrix for Smart Antenna Application in RTLS (filed for patent to USM innovation office)patent to USM innovation office)

5) Networked Based RFID Tracking and Monitoring Module 5) Networked Based RFID Tracking and Monitoring Module (RFIDTM) - filed for patent to USM innovation office(RFIDTM) - filed for patent to USM innovation office

Implementation issues & Project plan for Implementation issues & Project plan for Smart HospitalSmart Hospital

In order to complete the project of Smart Hospital, we need;In order to complete the project of Smart Hospital, we need;

1- Software engineering team:- To develop a middleware program application, to 1- Software engineering team:- To develop a middleware program application, to integrate data in a common format with enterprise system, this middleware integrate data in a common format with enterprise system, this middleware should be a scalable and robust distributed application, also a web based should be a scalable and robust distributed application, also a web based application connecting all the information gathered by RFID reader with a application connecting all the information gathered by RFID reader with a database server.database server.

2- Network Engineering Team:- Since the Smart Hospital RFID architecture having 2- Network Engineering Team:- Since the Smart Hospital RFID architecture having wireless network connection, to integrate and store all data and information wireless network connection, to integrate and store all data and information gathered from different RFID readers in database application servers and web-gathered from different RFID readers in database application servers and web-servers, so we need team of network engineer, for the purpose of wireless servers, so we need team of network engineer, for the purpose of wireless connection troubleshooting and installations.connection troubleshooting and installations.

3- Electrical engineering Team:- To specify the best RFIDs’ tags and readers 3- Electrical engineering Team:- To specify the best RFIDs’ tags and readers specifications for this project and installing them in a way to maximize the specifications for this project and installing them in a way to maximize the benefits of applying this project with the minimum costs.benefits of applying this project with the minimum costs.

Market Survey of Active RFID Products Market Survey of Active RFID Products

1.1. A list of RFID Middleware Providers are as follows :-A list of RFID Middleware Providers are as follows :-

- Acsis, Blue Vector Systems, Conne Terra, EPC global, ….. Etc.Acsis, Blue Vector Systems, Conne Terra, EPC global, ….. Etc.

- 2- Main suppliers for Active RFID products including RFID tags and 2- Main suppliers for Active RFID products including RFID tags and readers are:-readers are:-

- Lien Technology, Axcess, Escort Memory System, Microtec, Samsys, …… - Lien Technology, Axcess, Escort Memory System, Microtec, Samsys, …… Etc.Etc.

Challenges & ProblemsChallenges & Problems

There are still open problems to be solved before the healthcare There are still open problems to be solved before the healthcare community fully embraces the RFID technology:-community fully embraces the RFID technology:-

1- The Radio Frequencies interferences between the medical electronic 1- The Radio Frequencies interferences between the medical electronic devices in the hospital, we suggest here to use radio-frequencies anti-devices in the hospital, we suggest here to use radio-frequencies anti-collision algorithm.collision algorithm.

2- The Privacy & Security issues are also open problem here, since there is a 2- The Privacy & Security issues are also open problem here, since there is a possibility of unintended wireless transmission of healthcare-related possibility of unintended wireless transmission of healthcare-related information, the suggestion here is to use a challenging cryptographic information, the suggestion here is to use a challenging cryptographic algorithm for secure wireless transmission of the important healthcare algorithm for secure wireless transmission of the important healthcare information.information.

ReferencesReferences

Radio-frequency identification,Radio-frequency identification, Web site:- Web site:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification, , accessed 5/8/2007.accessed 5/8/2007.

Patrik Fuhrer, Dominique Guinard, Patrik Fuhrer, Dominique Guinard, Building a Smart Hospital using RFID technologies, Building a Smart Hospital using RFID technologies, University of Fribourg University of Fribourg, University of Fribourg University of Fribourg, Department of Informatics, Department of Informatics, patrik.fuhrer@unifr.ch patrik.fuhrer@unifr.ch

dominique.guinard@unifr.chdominique.guinard@unifr.ch, , http://www.gi-ev.de/service/publikationen/lni/http://www.gi-ev.de/service/publikationen/lni/ ..

Sanjay Chatterjee, Sanjay Chatterjee, Deploying a RFID Solution Practical Case Study and business Plan, Deploying a RFID Solution Practical Case Study and business Plan, June, 2007June, 2007

,,