The use of RFID in forensic applications.
Presented at the 2014 Forensic Europe meeting in London on April 30th, 2014
The use of RFID, Radio Frequency Identification tags in forensic and toxicology sectors.
Duncan Carmichael presented this on behalf of Agriyork400 Ltd. a UK based supplier of consumables and paraphernalia used in the forensic science marketplace.
The PPT shows the advantages of RFID over bar code labels and how smartphones can be used for NFC (Near Field Communications) to replace traditional asset tracking applications.
2. RFID in Forensics
How does it work?
Where can it be used in the forensic sector?
What are the benefits?
What is the future?
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3. RFID vs BAR CODE
Is possible to attach a tag on
many surfaces
No line-of-sight requirements
Can be reprogrammed in the
field to reflect current
information, i.e. sample status
and location.
Low Cost: £0.25
Now everything has a bar code
Requires line-of-sight
Only ID information
Data is fixed at the moment the
label is printed
Cost free - relatively
RFID BAR CODE
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Near Field Communications = Your Phone !!
4. RFID vs BAR CODE
Tags have read/write capability
Real Time Location
Unique ID (global standards)
Tamperproof/Tamper Evident
Ubiquitous
Can be damaged
easily/Unreadable
Not unique
RFID BAR CODE
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RFID has costs and benefits
5. What is RFID?
RFID = Radio Frequency Identification
An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or
incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the
purpose of identification using radiowaves. Some tags can be
read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight of
the reader.
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Wikipedia
definition of
RFID
6. RFID Technology Basics
RFID Tag
RFID reader
Illumination field
•Reader transmits an EM field
through the antenna
•Tag receives energy from field
•Tag antenna converts energy to RF voltage
and current
•Current powers silicon chip on tag
•Reader receives modulated
signal converts to tag data
•Silicon chip together with antenna reflects
modulated data back to reader
0101000111001
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7. Factors Affecting Performance
RFID Tag
RFID reader
0101000111001
Illumination field
•RF Frequency
•Output power of reader
•Quality of antenna on tag
•Interference
•Absorption
•Reflection
•Ruggedness of tag
•Range
•RF protocol
•Communication protocol
•Collision avoidance
•Speed of data
•Amount of data
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8. Components and types of RFID tag
Antenna: for receiving and transmitting the signal
Integrated Chip
Plastic Inlay
TYPES
Passive: no battery, the electrical current induced in the
antenna by the incoming radio frequency signal provides
just enough power in the tag to power up and transmit a
response
Active: internal power source, which is used to power the
integrated circuits and broadcast the signal to the reader
Semipassive: similar to active tags in that they have their
own power source, but the battery only powers the
microchip and does not broadcast a signal.
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125/134 kHz
13,56 MHz
868/915 MHz
>2,4 GHz
international standard for
RFID: Epc Gen2
Electronic Product Code
Generation 2:
From Wikipedia
9. TAGS: Different Types
Active RFID Tags.
These tags are battery powered in order to transmit a signal to a
reader, and are generally used for high-value goods that need to be
tracked over long ranges.
Passive RFID Tags.
These tags are not battery powered, and instead draw power from
electromagnetic waves given off by an RFID reader. The read
range for passive tags is usually under three meters.
HF Tags work at 13.56 MHz and are « passive »
They have no built in power source
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Combine RFID tags with
NFC capabilities in smartphones
11. Communication in passive tags
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Reader transmits
a wave signal
The tag’s
antenna receives
the power
This power is
sufficient to read
the data saved in
the chip
And transmit the
data to the
reader
ID and Memory
Reader to Tag,
Tag to Reader
22. Follow a tag anywhere
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Yorkshire
Manchester
Hamburg
Consett
Yorkshire
23. High Frequency tags
Frequency: 13.56 MHz
Reading distance: 0 to 1 meter
Used in low cost mass markets
Laundry
Access control
Library
Logistics - warehousing
Sensitive to metal
Fast reading / writing rate
ISO Standards
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46. Core Platform is Based on the p-Chip
• Silicon-based microtransponder
• Light-activated electronic circuit
• Integrated antenna
• 64-bit architecture of current p-Chips, >1 billion IDs
• Virtually impossible to copy as requires silicon foundry and
proprietary coding
p-Chips transmit a fixed and unique serial number
via digital signal when activated by laser light from ID reader
100 microns*
500 microns
Memory
Photocell
Digital Signal Out
Antenna
*Range: 10-100 microns
47. • Class 3R laser (FDA registered)
• Operates in a low power standby mode
• Automatically detects p-Chip
• Read distance is 0-10 mm
• Nominal read time of 2 msec
• Powered by the USB interface on a PC
• Upgrades easily
ID Reader for Decoding p-Chips
Amp
Signal Processor
RF
p-Chip
Pickup Coil
Lens
Laser & Optic mounting
Laser Diode Driver
Power Conversion
47
48. Problem
• Different forms of barcode and
printed labels present a difficulty
in routine operations at times
• Finding stored microscope slides
in drawers presents a major issue
Storage and location of histology slides
49. Reading Slides in Storage Drawers
Current storage
methods
Future storage
methods
62. Consent form
relationship with the deceased immediately before they died. See Guidance note 6 for more information.
The consent form is important as a record of consent given. The completion of the form is just one part of the consent process. Full explanation of the PM
examination procedure along with discussion and time for reflection by those consenting, are equally important. Individuals and relatives should be able to
discuss this process fully and ask any questions. Staff seeking consent for PM examination must be trained in how to obtain valid consent.
Consent is only valid if proper communication has taken place. Consideration should be given to the needs of individuals and families whose first language
is not English.
The consent form covers consent for the PM examination itself as well as for the retention and use of organs and tissue following the PM examination.
*If you modify this form, please remove the HTA logo.
Format of the form
Please note that there are three sections to this form.
This form is produced as a Word file. You can edit the yellow shaded sections to make them appropriate for your Trust. Guidance notes, available at the
end of this form, are also indicated by yellow shaded sections. They offer extra guidance and some suggest text that you might like to consider inserting,
according to local practices.
If you are having the form printed professionally, you may wish to consider producing it as a three-page booklet with duplicate copies.
Consent for post-mortem examination of an adult
Name of deceased:
Date of birth: Date of death:
Consultant / GP in charge of the patient:
Hospital number for deceased:
This form enables you to consent to a post-mortem examination of the body of the person named above. Please read it carefully with the person obtaining consent
from you. For each section tick the relevant box to indicate your decisions and sign beneath each section.
! I confirm that I have had the opportunity to read and understand the [insert name of information leaflet].
! I confirm that my questions about the post-mortem examination have been answered to my satisfaction and understanding.
Signed by……………………………………..Name………………………………………………
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64. Track the movement of a single tag
15/02/2013
08:23:59 18929b2b379040 7587631320
2 Station Road,
Selby, North
Yorkshire YO8,
UK 53.782038
-
1.064631
Selby
Platform
15/02/2013
08:38:47 18929b2b379040 7587631320
East Common
Lane, Selby,
North Yorkshire
YO8, UK 53.776736
-
1.049074
15/02/2013
08:51:24 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Heck and
Pollington Lane,
Goole DN14,
UK 53.680833
-
1.098372
Doncaster
5 Minutes
north
15/02/2013
08:53:12 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Heck and
Pollington Lane,
Goole DN14,
UK 53.680833
-
1.098372
Doncaster
Station
15/02/2013
08:57:27 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Doncaster
Centre, X2,
Doncaster,
South Yorkshire
DN1, UK 53.522082
-
1.138374
Doncaster
South
15/02/2013
09:25:50 18929b2b379040 7587631320
64, Newark,
Nottinghamshire
NG23, UK 53.136383
-
0.780355
Newark
Northgate
15/02/2013
10:54:00 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Stagg Hill, EN6,
UK 51.679504
-
0.171186 Emirates
15/02/2013
11:03:10 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Goods Way,
London
Borough of
Camden, N1C,
UK 51.534978 -0.12351
Kings
Cross
15/02/2013
11:30:15 18929b2b379040 7587631320
187-199 Grays
Inn Road,
London, Greater
London WC1X
8UL, UK 51.52606
-
0.117672 Grays Inn
15/02/2013
11:30:33 18929b2b379040 7587631320
187-199 Grays
Inn Road,
London, Greater
London WC1X
8UL, UK 51.52606
-
0.117672 Grays Inn
139 Grays Inn28/04/2014
Forensic Expo 2014
65. 26/02/2014
13:34:07 0436b6ca0e2081 7587631320
A43, Towcester,
Northamptonshire
NN12, UK 52.084387
-
1.022776
26/02/2014
13:36:37 0436b6ca0e2081 7914765773
3 Kennel Road,
Towcester,
Northamptonshire
NN12, UK 52.08039
-
0.997961 belinda
26/02/2014
13:39:59 0436b6ca0e2081 7914765773
3 Kennel Road,
Towcester,
Northamptonshire
NN12, UK 52.08039
-
0.997961 belinda
26/02/2014
13:59:13 04734c614e2380 7914765773
3 Kennel Road,
Towcester,
Northamptonshire
NN12, UK 52.080414
-
0.997953 Jerry
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Sample is transferred to
another “owner”
BELINDA
RECEIVES
SAMPLE
67. Electronic Chain of Custody
0330 1000 747
Atkinson Lewis have taken Hair, Blood , Oral and Urine samples for use in Childcare
cases involving drug or alcohol misuse for over 20 years. One of the key issues in
any legal case is ensuring that the Chain of Custody is maintained.
Using a 3G enabled tablet PC, our collectors are sent the location and details of the
sample collection . Tablets are GPS enabled and linked to Google Maps.
This means collector can find the site,
and we also know where they are!
We are also able to use the camera to
verify identity .
68. 0330 1000 747
The USB RFID reader, eliminates the
„finger trouble‟ of entering the unique
serial number of the sample taken.
Tamperproof security seals are then
attached
The Donor confirms the RFID number
on the tag is the same one
automatically read
Using the touch screen, the donor
„signs‟
the tablet and the sample envelopes.
The Electronic CoC is then sent to
both receiving lab and our office
69. Track the movement of a single tag
15/02/2013
08:23:59 18929b2b379040 7587631320
2 Station Road,
Selby, North
Yorkshire YO8,
UK 53.782038
-
1.064631
Selby
Platform
15/02/2013
08:38:47 18929b2b379040 7587631320
East Common
Lane, Selby,
North Yorkshire
YO8, UK 53.776736
-
1.049074
15/02/2013
08:51:24 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Heck and
Pollington Lane,
Goole DN14,
UK 53.680833
-
1.098372
Doncaster
5 Minutes
north
15/02/2013
08:53:12 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Heck and
Pollington Lane,
Goole DN14,
UK 53.680833
-
1.098372
Doncaster
Station
15/02/2013
08:57:27 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Doncaster
Centre, X2,
Doncaster,
South Yorkshire
DN1, UK 53.522082
-
1.138374
Doncaster
South
15/02/2013
09:25:50 18929b2b379040 7587631320
64, Newark,
Nottinghamshire
NG23, UK 53.136383
-
0.780355
Newark
Northgate
15/02/2013
10:54:00 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Stagg Hill, EN6,
UK 51.679504
-
0.171186 Emirates
15/02/2013
11:03:10 18929b2b379040 7587631320
Goods Way,
London
Borough of
Camden, N1C,
UK 51.534978 -0.12351
Kings
Cross
15/02/2013
11:30:15 18929b2b379040 7587631320
187-199 Grays
Inn Road,
London, Greater
London WC1X
8UL, UK 51.52606
-
0.117672 Grays Inn
15/02/2013
11:30:33 18929b2b379040 7587631320
187-199 Grays
Inn Road,
London, Greater
London WC1X
8UL, UK 51.52606
-
0.117672 Grays Inn
139 Grays Inn28/04/2014
Forensic Expo 2014
77. What are the limitations of barcode?
Label size. Not suitable for extremely small items or tag dimensions.
Scan angle. Barcodes require line-of-sight scanning, without obstructions.
Tag orientation. Barcodes require line-of-sight scanning. You cannot read
them through objects, paint, mud or dirt.
Harsh environments. Barcodes can be scratched, scuffed, or corroded.
Abrasion and direct impacts deface barcodes.
Bright sunlight and reflective surfaces.
Ice and Water droplets.
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78. TAGS: Different Types of chips
The microchips contained within RFID tags can be identified as read-write or read-only.
Read-Write RFID
New information can be added to these chips, or existing information on these chips can be
written over when the chip is within range of a reader.
Laboratory test results and sample status can be frequently updated. Sample location
included, chain of custody, evidence rooms etc.
Read-Only RFID
Generally less expensive than read-write tags, but still contain a UID.
The Unique Identification is the most important feature of the tag.
(Source: RFID-Handbook, BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.)
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79. TAGS: Different Types (and Costs)
Active RFID Tags.
These tags are battery powered in order to transmit a signal to a reader, and are
generally used for high-value goods that need to be tracked over long ranges.
Passive RFID Tags.
These tags are not battery powered, and instead draw power from
electromagnetic waves given off by an RFID reader. The read range for passive
tags is usually under three meters.
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89. Track users and drug movements
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90. The bottom line…….
Prior to the new system, 765 errors occurred out of 8,231
specimen bottles sent to the pathology laboratory for
evaluation.
The error total plummeted, to 47 out of 8,539 bottles,
after the RFID plan was instituted.
9.3% error rate fell to 0.5%
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Agriyork are a long term supplier of forms, containers, labels and chain of custody materials in the forensic sector.
Tags have a cost.The tags we use have 1.3k of memory, and cost about 25 pence.
Tags have a cost.The tags we use have 1.3k of memory, and cost about 25 pence.
The tags used are described as passive.They only receive their “energy” by converting the radio waves in an inductive coil. This energy is then used to power the tiny integrated circuit which is part of the RFID tag.
Our tags are about the same size as a 1 pence coin.They have an adhesive backing, and the tag and adhesive both work at -25 degrees C.
RFID is now being used in contactless payments.
Nokia, ( and Samsung Galaxy ) phones are already using RFID tags in what is know as Near Field Communications (NFC)
Here is one of the tags from PharmaSeq fixed to the back of an ant.The ant movements can then be recorded. This was a BBC news article in August 2012.
The tiny black dots on the slides are tags. These tags are light activated rather than radio waves. So a tool like a laser pointer shines on the tag to energise it, and allow the tag ID to be read.
Very small tags are fixed onto the histology slides.
So, slide storage is easy, and tags can be quickly read and identified. Simply point the laser and read the tag to the database.
We are in a bar code world. Agriyork and all of their customers use bar codes.However bar codes are static, in that their information and location can not be updated or changed.Bar Codes can be easily duplicated, and their low cost means that they are not rugged enough for all applications.It is very difficult to read bar code labels when they are in a freezer. Direct line of sight is required, and ice build up most often makes the bar code unreadable without the operator physically clearing the label.
Turning to our use of RFID.Here is a picture of a sample vial with RFID in use.The RFID tag is crimped into the bottom of the vial, and is read from below by the reader.In this example, the vial is used to present a sample to a test instrument and the tag has all the current information from the samples.
The Mayo Clinic implemented RFID to better track and identify biopsy samples for potential cancer treatment and diagnosis.With RFID the error rate to 1 in 200, from an alarming 9.3%.