i3World Express incorporating HighTechAIDCourier

June 2003

www.i3world.org 

www.hightechaid.com

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the i3World Express.

Another month has flown by and here we are again. This month has been full of news and as usual we will try to get you up to speed on the events. E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free newsletter at
www.hightechaid.com.   

Big news this month includes the name change for EAN and the creation of a new company, AutoID Inc. to oversee the work of the AutoID lab at MIT and other universities (see From the Professors and various other pieces). Standards are moving. Wal-Mart has made a statement, and the world seems to be picking itself up and getting back on track.

If you have news to share or info you need, let me know at steve@hightechaid.com. 

For more information on basic technology details you can visit www.hightechaid.com where you will find descriptions of the basic technologies. For more details on the i3World, you are invited to visit www.i3world.org and learn about the various programs that will help you achieve your goals. If you are particularly interested in RFID, you can join the new discussion group that has been setup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rfid/

This issue covers a lot of areas and we hope that you will find the time to comment on any that hit home.

From the Professors!

A new day; a new dawn?

The 21 May 2003 could mark a turning point for the Electronic Product Code (EPC^TM). Besides a slight change in abbreviation from ePC, the significant event of the day was the announcement that EAN International and the Uniform Code Council will be establishing AutoID Inc that will oversee the commercialisation and technical standards required to bring EPC^TM to market.

Those of us working in tic on the integrated item intelligent world (i3W) concept have had our concerns that the ePC, as conceived by the Auto-ID Center, was narrowly focused.

We took greater heart when we saw a presentation made by Chris Hook (Director RF Programs, Uniform Code Council) at the U Connect conference in Florida and then repeated in London (both in May). The "new approach" recognises both the legacy code structure of the GTIN (EAN-UCC product code) and opens the door to others to share the use of EPC. Back in June last year, we expressed our concern to EAN.UCC and to the Auto-ID Center that the plans, as then formulated, to incorporate GTIN into ePC would not work. We now detect a new dawn, but that is only the beginning.

 There are still challenges; for example:

• Recognition that certain applications require data carrying capability that extends beyond the sole use of EPC.

• Accommodating the legacy of existing numbering and identification systems including extant and developing licence plate code structures other than EPC.

• Acceptance that technology-based data carriers, other than those used to date by the Auto-ID Center, have a valuable role to play in providing efficient and cost-effective solutions.

• Recognising the many years of development of formal international standards, by JTC1 SC31 not just for RFID, but all AIDC applications. Furthermore, recognising that other ISO/IEC standards have potential features to be considered.

• Understanding the need for local data caching, the use of other item-attendant features and data structuring formats and operators such as masking and mapping.

There are other aspects of the i3W concept, embodied within the driver imperatives declared for i3W within the framework document that could beneficially be adopted by the EPC initiate through appropriate collaboration.

The task AutoID Inc now faces would have been made somewhat easier had the Auto-ID Center considered these imperatives earlier. It is strange that the basic tenet of research seems to have been missed in developing a concept that is not particularly far removed from existing identification and coding systems. Moreover, the need to address the legacy, migration and change imperatives becomes increasingly important where developments are likely to have implications of international cross-industry applications that also call for integration with the multi-billion Dollar/Euro investments made in AIDC technologies to date.

There is also a significant education initiative that needs to be undertaken to underpin the developments we are all seeking to achieve in respect of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). It is nothing short of positioning the principles and technologies within mainstream information and communications technology (ICT) and it needs to be undertaken on a global basis. There is a strong requirement for a harmonised approach to satisfying the future needs for item identification and management.

The i3W concept exists to address these issues. We await developments and perhaps a call or two from those interested in practical research.

Profs P Chartier and A Furness

Technology News Briefs

Biometrics

Can iris scanning solve the borders problem?

News in the UK that iris scanning should be used for border crossings has led to skeptical comments from experts in the UK and USA. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3003571.stm

Biometrics aid security

With many problems in fraud, privacy and identification of people, biometrics are being used more in an attempt to secure the data. http://www.simplifying-travel.org/public/news.php?information
[id_information]=2106

Iris-based biometrics for UK?

As the UK continues to look at an ID card, the government is winning the approval of the G8 for an iris based system for international travelers. But will it work? http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/technology/3003571.stm

Watch how you walk!

The Pentagon is developing a radar-based device that can identify people by the way they walk, for use in a new antiterrorist surveillance system. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,
-2694090,00.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/21/opinion/21DOWD.html
?pagewanted=print&position=

Laptop gets fingerprint identification

STMicro have announced that they will be putting their TouchChip fingerprint BIOS on notebook computers http://www.eetasia.com/alert_click.php?1000001819&8800306460

Face recognition – does it work?

One US newspapers viewpoint. http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/28/Opinion/A_waste_of_face.s
html

Finger pressure is new biometric?

Scientists in the UK have developed a new device that can detect finger pressure, that can be used to monitor typing or other keyboarding activity. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/pcworld/
20030509/tc_pcworld/110643

Interested in Biometric trends

Maybe this white paper can help you. http://www.epolymath.com/sightings.html

Is an electronic, biometric passport on its way?

Some countries may start to use such a device as early as next year. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030609S0062

Radio Frequency Identification

RFID not taking off?

The poor economy could be preventing many companies from spending money on technologies like RFID. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/
2003-05-15-rfid_x.htm

RFID tracks wounded in Iraq

The U.S. Navy is using RFID tags to track wounded personnel as they arrive at a hospital in southern Iraq. http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20030523S0029

http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/eNews/enewsvol19.htm

RFID money!

Hitachi has announced that it is investigating putting RFID tags in the Euro currency notes at the request of the European Central Bank. http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003May/
gee20030523020112.htm

http://news.com.com/2100-1019_3-1009155.html?tag=fd_top

Is RFID for you?

A thought provoking article on whether you should be using RFID and what you need to consider. http://www.developer.net.au/features/articles/
rfid+for+the+supply+chain1.asp

Contactless payments

Philips and Visa have joined forces to promote contactless chip technology in the payment arena. http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/news/content/
file_956.html

RFID the ePC way

Get caught up on the Auto-ID Center's project according to the Boston Globe. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc
&p_docid=0FB9228A9C34F914&p_docnum=1

Smart shopping store

RFID is a key part of a new store opened recently by the Metro Group in Berlin, Germany. The store uses RFID for many of the tracking functions of the store. http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticle
ID=121850&liFlavourID=1&sp=1

Wal-Mart releases mandate for RFID

We all knew it was coming, and here is the statement from Wal-Mart requiring the use of RFID by January 2005. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=4710&ml=2

Prada and RFID

Need some new clothes? Want to see RFID in action? Just hop on over to the Prada Epicenter in Soho NY and see it all. http://retailtrafficmag.com/ar/retail_telltale_tags/index.htm

Woolworth likes RFID

The store has been in a pilot using RFID for a while and they like the results of the test so far and have extended the pilot for another six months. http://www.piranet.com/pira/piranet.asp?
page=piraitem.htm&newsitemid=4481

Microsoft and RFID

Microsoft has announced that it will work on RFID software and services to help the implementation of RFID. http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-1015058.html

Is there an ROI for RFID?

With all the hype and controversy caused by announcements from Gillette and Benetton and others, is there really a business case for RFID? http://www.commsdesign.com/story/OEG20030512S0057

Intermec is ready

On the heels of the announcements from Wal-Mart, Intermec announced a Ready-To-Go Retail RFID solution consisting of hardware, software, and services. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?
ArticleID=4721

RFID in Iraq -2

Learn how the logistics chain for the armed forces in Irag is being supported by the use of RFID. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/05/30/22FEbattle
upply_1.html

RFID Standards

Standards are moving! On the Air Interface front:

This week we have news that the official FDIS ballot for 18000 parts 1, 3 and 4 is at last about to start. We heard presentations about a new low frequency (<135kHz) candidate for standardization, a proposal for the standardization of SAW devices for low cost RFID, and more discussions about the "elementary Tag" and the need for a standard.

In other areas: 18046-3 will be sent to PDTR ballot in late June/early July, 18046 will be sent to PDTR in November/December 2003. The titles of 15691 and 15692 have been changed to bring them into line with their content. Ballot Resolution for 15693, Unique ID, has been scheduled for October 2003. Ballot resolution for the API work is scheduled for July 2003. 

Details of the ISO process and the current state of the SC31 standards can be found at http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/how_does_iso_work.htm and http://www.hightechaid.com/standards/
RFID_Standards_SC31.htm

If you want more information on ISO standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com. 

If you are interested in taking part in an on-line conference to get an update on standards, then check the link on http://www.hightechaid.com for details as soon as they are posted. The session is scheduled to be on June 26, 2003.

Identification & Security

Open the box and see the people hiding?

Siemens have developed a new technology, called Pandora, that is able to see inside vehicles as they pass by, helping immigration officials check for illegal immigrants. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2992329.stm

Who's watching us now?

Infineon have created the ability to build semiconductors into carpets, allowing them to become "intelligent". http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=9308

UK ID cards?

After what seemed to be a vote against an ID card, the UK government is moving forward with the idea. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/31057.html

Combat Fraud?

Designed to combat fraud, the Chip and PIN Programme will see the magnetic stripes on credit and debit cards replaced with more secure smart chips. http://www.chipandpin.co.uk/index.html

Is the new UK ID card system reliable?

Take a look for one persons viewpoint. http://www.silicon.com/news/500022/1/4326.html

Interested in identification?

Look for a new trade show/conference coming to Washington DC this December. Run by Ben Miller, the person who started CardTech/SecureTech, this should be a hit. http://www.insideid.com/default2.asp

Bar Code

FDA proposes bar codes

A new ruling that will mandate bar codes is currently in the 90 day comment period. http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/barcode-sadr/default.htm

Homeland Security

Technology for Homeland Defense

The US Army has identified many technologies to help the nations defense. http://www.fcw.com/geb/articles/2003/0505/
web-kern-05-06-03.asp

TIA name changes

DARPA have changed the name from Total to Terrorism Information Awareness. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0519/
web-darpa-05-20-03.asp

DARPA issues report on TIA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued its report to Congress on the controversial "Total Information Awareness" program.  http://www.darpa.mil/body/tia/tia_report_page.htm

For more information on the TIA project, http://www.darpa.mil/iao/TIASystems.htm

U.S. border security increases

The Homeland Security Department's new U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indication Technology, or U.S. VISIT, will mean that foreign visitors arriving with visas at U.S. airports or seaports next year will have their travel documents scanned, their fingerprints and photos taken and their identification checked against terrorist watch lists. http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,58903,00.html

Going to VISIT the USA?

The new VISIT scheme for border security in the USA is garnering support. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0602/
web-usvisit-06-04-03.asp

Report from GAO on Homeland Security

A report from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) focuses on the lack of defined objectives and methods for security in the Entry Exit System called U.S. VISIT. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-563

http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0609/
web-gao-06-09-03.asp

Safe and Secure Tradelanes

An editorial in the Journal of Commerce magazine highlights the progress of SST and the need for more efforts. http://www.joc.com/news/docview.asp?QueryText=%28%28%
28peter+%3CIN%3E+HEADLINE%29+%3COR%3E+%28peter
+%3CIN%3E+STORYBODY%29%29+%3CAND%3E+%28%28
tirschwell+%3CIN%3E+HEADLINE%29+%3COR%3E+%28+
tirschwell+%3CIN%3E+STORYBODY%29%29%29+%3CAND
%3E++%28%28DocDate+%3E%3D+%222003%2F5%2F12%
22%29+%3CAND%3E++%28DocDate+%3C%3D+%222003%
2F6%2F11%22%29%29+%3CAND%3E+%28%28joc+online+
%3CIN%3E+Pub%29++%3COR%3E+%28joc+week+%3CIN
%3E+Pub%29+%29&SortBy=newest&DocOffset=1&View
Template=docview.asp

Wireless Computing

High speed air-interface

The IEEE has established a new working group (P802.20) which will allow wireless communications similar to cable and DSL broadband connections at speeds of up to 250 km/hr. http://standards.ieee.org/announcements/p80220app.html

FCC to support more wireless services

The new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein gave details in his first public address of his new plan which "combines industry with a light regulatory touch to provide maximum support for wireless services." http://www.wirelessweek.com/index.asp?layout=document
Print&doc_id=117040

FCC proposes new spectrum

Marked for wireless broadband the FCC is proposing new rules to allow more use of wireless technologies. http://www.80211-planet.com/news/article.php/2218291

http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/magazine/news.asp?
news=1894

http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-1003909.html?
tag=cd_mh

Radio spectrum management

At last, President Bush has announced an initiative to review the use of spectrum in the USA and look at ways to improve the use. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0602/
web-spectrum-06-05-03.asp

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/06/
20030605-4.html

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/press/2003/Initiative060503.h
tm

Are wireless hot spots the future or the past?

Will we see a resurgence of dot coms as the wireless hot spot providers vie for business or is it all a waste of time? http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/64/30533.html

Wireless what?

Wireless technologies are beyond the fad stage and have become part of our business fabric. But how do you use them and where?

• Introduction: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80860,00.html
• Case studies: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80864,00.html
• Wireless applications: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80856,00.html
• Analysts weigh in: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80857,00.html
• Vendors evaluate: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80915,00.html
• Wireless LAN considerations: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80914,00.html
• Status report on early adopters: http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/
  story/0,10801,80863,00.html

 Faster wireless network

Building on the Firewire specifications, the 802.15.3 standard will provide a means for high speed wireless video transmission over short distances. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/30614.html

Wi-Fi à la Francé

Paris is looking to use its Metro system to provide Wi-Fi in the city. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/30874.html

Looking to hide your wireless devices?

Maybe this will help? But why? http://www.mobilecloak.com/medcloak/index.html

Wi-Fi the sky!

Sky way plan to use Wi-Fi as a means to capture video, but the good news is, that consumer access to the internet may be a bonus. http://www.80211-planet.com/columns/article.php/2212781

802.11g at last

Today (Thursday 12 June) should see the final ratification of the 802.11g standard. The technical committees have all signed off. Just the IEEE Standards Board of Review to go today. http://www.80211-planet.com/news/article.php/2220701

http://www.adtmag.com/article.asp?id=7747

and see press release on this page for final information.

Privacy

Concerned about Privacy?

Aren't we all? Without adding to the over-reaction that seems to be happening regarding RFID and privacy, we note that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission will, as of this summer, use the FasTrak system, used for toll payments on San Francisco Bay area bridges, to gather real-time traffic data. http://www.511.org

Privacy 2

Continuing along with the theme, here is CRN's viewpoint. http://www.crn.com/Sections/Features/features.asp?
ArticleID=41962

Privacy 3

Hear some of the issues regarding RFID and privacy at the 13th Annual Conference on Computers, Freedom & Privacy. From the web page scroll down to "Plenary Session #12 Auto ID: Tracking Everywhere" http://www.cfp2003.org/cfp2003/program.html

General Technology

Nanotechnology research approved

The Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (H.R. 766) is U.S. legislation which authorizes $2.36 billion over three years for nanotechnology R&D programs at the Departments of Energy and Commerce, the National Science Foundation, NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.ieeeusa.org/releases/2003/050203pr.html

also the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S.189) provides a one year funding authorization of over $519 million. http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=745

while a panel of witnesses testifying before the House Science Committee on April 9 urged more research into the societal and ethical implications of this emerging field of technology in order to ensure that it "develops responsibly and with strong public support." http://www.house.gov/science/press/108/108-049.htm and http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/full03/index.htm

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is holding a visionary planning workshop on May 8-9 to explore how nanotechnology research can be used to protect, inform, manage and improve the environment and how potential harm from nanotechnology can be studied and prevented. http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/03/ma0322.htm

Electronic paper (again)

More news that electronic paper is coming. E Ink have made an electronic display that can be rolled, twisted and bent. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=528&ncid
=528&e=1&u=/ap/20030507/ap_on_hi_te/electronic_ink

http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/Gateway.taf?g=3&file=/mater
ials/news/articles/030505-6.html&filetype=&_UserReference=

Time travel is now easier!

We all know that you need a worm hole for easy time travel (Star Trek, Babylon 5 and others have taught us that). Well now scientists say that the amount of exotic matter you need to do it is infinitesimally small. The only problem is that no one knows how to make even a tiny amount of the stuff. http://www.nature.com/nsu/030527/030527-12.html

Spiderman look out

Scientists have developed a new sticky tape based on the way gecko's cling to walls. http://www.nature.com/nsu/030527/030527-11.html

First smart labels, now we have smart dust

Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS can be equipped with sensors that can detect when metal objects, like tanks, move and disrupt the Earth's magnetic field. http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.06/start.html?pg=10

i3World Issues and Features

Vulnerability of Aircraft Equipment to Mobile Phone Transmissions

Recent research by the Civil Aviation Authority has shown that some aircraft instrumentation is sensitive to transmissions from mobile telephones, and the resulting malfunctions can endanger the aircraft. This startling revelation comes from tests into the effects of simulated cellular phone transmissions upon navigational and communications equipment.

The effects of transmissions from mobile phones operating at maximum power were experienced when in use up to 30cm from the equipment, meaning that phones carried by crew, some passengers and those contained in luggage in the hold can all affect susceptible equipment within their proximity.

Types of malfunctions that were recorded included false warnings of unsafe conditions such as incorrect baggage-compartment smoke alarm warnings, interference in transmissions between crew communication headsets, course deviation indication errors, navigation bearing display errors and compass errors. The majority of the anomalies occurred at 1719 MHz (CAA Safety Regulation Group, 2003).

The effects of malfunctioning equipment also give rise to safety concerns – distracted crew members, communication difficulties and reduced crew confidence in electronic warning systems (IEE Review, 2003).

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made recommendations related to the findings of this study to prevent mobiles being switched on during flights. Mobile phone use by passengers will remain banned from the moment the doors of the aircraft are shut and procedures should be introduced to ensure crew telephones are switched off. Airport check-in staff must seek confirmation from passengers that mobile phones carried in luggage are switched off and reminder notices will be placed in airport lounges and boarding areas (CAA, 2003).

Only current 2G phone transmissions were investigated in this study, although the CAA recommends that ongoing research is carried out as technology is developing all the time. 3G phones require more processing power than 2G and operate at a higher frequency; hence are anticipated by the CAA to cause further problems (IEE Review, 2003).

CAA Safety Regulation Group. Effects of Interference from Cellular Telephones on Aircraft Avionic Equipment. 2003.
CAA. Research Confirms Mobile Phones Are Still A Threat To Aircraft. 2003. CAA.co.uk.
IEE Review. Phones In Flight Can Be Fatal. 2003. IEE Review.

Biometrics in Aviation Security

A new advance in aviation security uses biometric identification as its foundation and is likely to be implemented in the near future around the world. Biometric identification encompasses a range of technologies that verify or recognise a person's identity based upon personal characteristics. It uses an anatomical or biodynamic feature set, digitally encoded and stored, to accomplish that identification. Biometric systems may simply identify the individual or allow a system to tap into a whole range of rules regarding that person. This data may be stored in a variety of formats including smart cards, or in the form of a two-dimensional multi-row barcode or matrix symbol. Fingerprint and iris scanning identification are examples of biometric technology.

Vital to aviation security is this confirmation of a person’s true identity. Also important is the identification of those who should be prevented from boarding an aircraft, detained or denied entry to a country, known as a ‘lookout check’. The United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have concluded that face recognition is the most appropriate technology to meet these needs (Shaw, 2002).

Machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) will hold a microchip containing the face biometric obtained from live image capture or a photograph and other identification information. Additional biometric information such as fingerprints or iris scans may be included by countries or states as necessary (Learmount, 2003).

When applying for a travel document a person’s facial image will first be compared to images in a ‘lookout list’ of people who should be denied such documents, contained in a large database, and also to images of people who already have travel documents to ensure that they have not obtained a document using a different identity (Shaw, 2002).

At an airport, port or border control, the MRTD must be presented and a series of checks made using facial recognition camera technology. The first is that the traveler's facial image matches the image contained in the chip on the travel document and that this has not been tampered with. The facial image of the traveler will then be compared to a lookout list to ensure that they may travel (Shaw, 2002).

In order for this system to be effective in increasing security internationally, global standards must be established and adhered to. ISO is to develop a global interchange standard for facial biometrics. This will enable different software packages to function together and establish performance standards for image capture and compression. Authorities issuing travel documents will be required to ensure the highest quality images are captured and stored, and inspection authorities will start integrating face capture and recognition technologies into border control systems (Shaw, 2002).

Shaw, J. F. Biometrics Becomes Key Weapon In Fight Against Global Terrorism. Biometrics 2002 Conference.
Flight International. 2003. Know Your Enemy.
Learmount, D. ICAO Details Identity-Check System. 2003. Flight International.

i3W @ tic News

New Visiting Professor in support of i3W - Paul Chartier

The University of Central England has recently awarded Paul Chartier a Visiting Professorship in recognition of considerable services already provided for the Centre for Automatic Identification and Intelligent Systems, now resident within tic, and the on-going support that Prof Chartier intends to provide in this role.

Paul is an Internationally recognised consultant in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) with many years experience and influence within the AIDC industry. His Consultancy Firm, Praxis Consultants, has been established since 1981 and throughout its existence, has specialised in leading edge AIDC technology.  In the early days, the focus was on bar code, optical character recognition, numbering and coding systems.  The focus has evolved:  first with electronic data interchange (EDI), progressing, with growing emphasis being placed upon standardisation issues and, more recently, on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and its integration into open systems.  The consultancy also advises organisations planning to use AIDC technologies on strategic issues of implementation.

Praxis Consultants, for which Mr Chartier is its Principal, was a founder member company of AIM-UK. Mr Chartier participated in various technical committees of AIM-UK and AIM-Europe and, through this, on various formal standards committees. His committee activities include:

• Member of AIM Europe Bar Code Council

• Member of AIM Europe Bar Code Technical Committee

• Project Editor for AIM Extended Channel Interpretation project

• Member of CEN TC225 Bar Coding, representing AIM Europe

• Member of CEN TC225 WG1 Symbologies as a technical expert

• Member of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC31 Automatic Data Capture Techniques, representing CEN TC225

• Member of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC31 WG1 Data Carriers as a technical expert

• Member of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC31 WG4 Radio Frequency for Item Management as a technical expert

• Member of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC31 WG4 SG1 Data Syntax as a technical expert and Project Editor of ISO/IEC 15961 and 15962

• Member of ISO TC122 Packaging Labelling as a technical expert (complete)

• Member of AIM project team to establish a symbology specification for UCC/EAN Composite Symbols (project complete)
  

• Over more than twenty five years involvement with the AIDC industry Mr Chartier has accrued a wealth of knowledge and experience in with ranging AIDC technologies and associated developments, standardisation and application procedures, education and training.

In 1993, on the recommendation of Prof Furness (then Director of the AIM UK Centre for Automatic Identification and Data Capture), Mr Chartier was appointed an Honorary Lecturer at Keele University and participated in many of the Centre's education and training activities, including an academic forum for AIDC. Mr Chartier continued in this honorary appointment until the Centre's transfer to UCE in 1998.

As a result of Mr Chartier's consultancy experience and specialism he has become particularly experienced in the drafting of AIDC standards, together with the development and promotion of standards, many of which have required an exacting knowledge of specialist techniques and developments, such as error control and symbology design. He provides a very valuable input into the tic AIDC Centre's developments and has been instrumental in helping to develop and promote the Integrated Item-Intelligent World (i3W) concept stemming from tic. His deep and extensive knowledge of AIDC, his rigorous approach to developmental matters and attention to detail provide an academically credible contribution to the fundamental foundational developments we are making in the AIDC and i3W arena.

A four stage i3W Item-assisted Robotics development programme has been proposed that will provide an on-going platform for research and development in specific areas of application. The four stage programme comprises:

1. Practical development and theoretical underpinning of mobility and navigational structures for item-assisted robotics exploiting passive and active radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless communications technologies. Initially this work will use tic’s ‘micro-mouse’ technology as the mobility and sensory platform for this aspect of the research providing both a practical and a simulation facility for development.

2. Practical development and theoretical underpinning of the item-assisted identification and data exchange facilities for supporting item-assisted robotic functions.

3. Practical development and theoretical underpinning of the item-manipulation based upon item-assisted identification and data exchange to support item-assisted robotic functions.

4. Practical development and theoretical underpinning of intelligent wireless communication support networks to facilitate more intelligent item handling using item-assisted robots.

The practical aspects of the programme will be linked to specific areas of application with prospects identified in retail stores, warehousing, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance and a range of other sector and application arenas.

The i3W Item-assisted Robotics programme will be pursued, in part, through the i3W Research Forum, details of which may be obtained from research.forum@i3W.info .

An inaugural meeting of the i3W Research Forum is scheduled for the 19^th June, tic, Millennium Point, Birmingham, England.

• Welcome – Tic, i3W & Research– Prof K A Osman

• Structure and Function of the Research Forum – Prof A Furness

• Research Forum Prospectus & Selection Process – Prof P Chartier.

• Research Forum Target Research programme – member input into formulating research activities.

• European Sixth Framework Integrated Project – i3W proposals – Prof A Furness.

• i3Watch – Function and deliverables – Prof P Chartier.

• Close the meeting to non-members, but invitation to apply immediately for membership of the Research Forum.

• Research Forum Target Research programme - Each member organisation invited to talk for 3 to 5 minutes on the objectives they would like to see addressed - ie their burning issues for AIDC technology and other related features of the i3W Concept.

• Discussion of the projects and identification of priorities.

• Discussion Forum - ePC Review – Introduced by Prof P Chartier.

Once the i3W Research Forum members have identified their priorities for the next quarter, research will be undertaken by academic staff of the Technology Innovation Centre and by other members of the Academic Network that we are establishing.

To register interest in the i3W Research Forum, simply e-mail to:

research.forum@i3W.info with the title i3W JUNE REGISTER

You will then be e-mailed with details of the meeting, including some background papers.

We appreciate that although you may not be able to attend the launch meeting, you might still be interested in the Research Forum programme. We plan to have a conference call within two weeks of the June meeting for those unable to attend personally. If you are interested in participating in this conference call, e-mail to:

research.forum@i3w.info with the title RF CONFERENCE CALL

In case you have missed the earlier information that we sent out and you are interested in the Research Forum, e-mail to:

research.forum@i3w.info with the title RESEARCH FORUM INTEREST

You will then be sent background information about the programme that is increasingly relevant to vendors and users involved with AIDC technologies.

A cross-divisional team is being assembled within tic to identify and pursue research that offer the prospects both for generating new knowledge and the realisation of a research infrastructure committed to i3W. Within tic the opportunities are provided for establishing:

• i3W Cross-divisional research collaboration.

• i3W tic staff development through research degrees

• i3W Research Forum support

• i3W Masters and Doctoral research projects

• i3W Undergraduate projects with a view to encouraging capable students to enter research

The item-centric nature of the i3W concept provides a platform for both applied and purer research in which three fundamental categories of activity can be distinguished:

1. Foundation studies on data structures, encoding and error control techniques data carrier integration and principles of item-management – offering opportunities for information-theoretic research and business-oriented item identification and data management principles.

2. Foundation studies supporting technological developments and new technologies – offering opportunities for research in niche areas of radio frequency identification and technological integration, including antenna studies for broadband frequency agile systems and energy harvesting, radio frequency environmental interaction studies and item-assisted robotics (potentially new area for robotics development).

3. Foundation studies and support methodology for supply chain and environmental logistics – offering opportunities for the development of an item-interface reference model that has significance to developments in supply chain logistics, traceability and environmental item management.

At an applied research level the opportunities for tic collaborative activity is significantly higher.

A comprehensive range of ICT related technical specialisms are to be found within the tic, together with other specialisms that have relevance with respect to i3W. The latter include manufacturing, supply chain and environmental disciplines where opportunities may be seen for innovative applications and associated research. Discussions in these areas have already yielded prospects for thematic, item-centric research with strong short term prospects for consultancy-based deliverables.

Press Releases

A regular feature of i3World Express will be a summary of interesting press releases from around the world. Please send your press releases to news@hightechaid.com, but do not forget to include a URL to the full release on your web site. Here are this month’s selections.

Magellan Technology announces new RFID products and capabilities

New Readers provide dramatic increase in speed of read, reduced spacing of tags, and new application areas.

Sydney, Australia, 21 May 2003. Today, Magellan Technology announced to its manufacturing licensees, new and even more advanced versions of its Tunnel Reader Programmers (TRP), a new StackTag Tunnel Reader Programmer (STRP) and the development of a new Plan View Reader Programmer (PVRP) for reading and writing to closely stacked documents.

Magellan's TRP are designed for operation with multiple, randomly positioned tags on high speed conveyor belt systems. The same high level of functionality is also applied to static applications. Magellan's readers and tags provide today, true orientation insensitive, high speed read and write to multiple tagged articles in industrial environments including baggage and postal sorters. Smaller Batch readers are also now available that can read large quantities of tags with zero separation between tags. 
http://www.magtech.com.au/
Magellan_Technology/Latest_
News/latest_news.html

EAN will be GS1

EAN International, the global supply chain information management standards body has agreed to change the name of EAN International to GS1. This will take effect as soon as the legal processes can be concluded and a target date of January 2004 is foreseen. http://www.ean-int.org/Doc/NR
%208-03%20New%20Beginnin
gs%20010603.pdf

Zebra Technologies Welcomes Retail Industry's RFID Initiative

Zebra Helps Streamline Supply Chains and Supports Retail Customers With Integration and Deployment of Electronic Product Code-Compliant Radio Frequency Identification Smart Label Printers

Vernon Hills, Ill., June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business improvement, today announces its support for the retail industry's new radio frequency identification (RFID) initiative backed by Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT), the Uniform Code Council (UCC), and the Auto-ID Center. Zebra's electronic product code (ePC)-compliant RFID solutions are available for new supply chain and business efficiency improvement programs that consumer goods manufacturers and logistics providers are implementing. Zebra is playing a leading role in the development of RFID smart label technology, standards and applications. It understands the importance of this new industry compliance program and the positive impact it can make to the bottom lines of major retailers and their suppliers. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Inves
torRelations/PubNewsStory.as
px?partner=Mzg0TkRZd01EQT
1QJFkEQUALSTO&product=Mz
gwU1ZJPVAkWQEQUALSTOEQ
UALSTO&storyId=89368

Popular Wireless Local Area Networks Gain Large Boost in Speed

New IEEE 802.11g™ Standard Extends Data Rate of IEEE 802.11b™ WLANs to 54 Mbps from 11 Mbps

Piscataway, N.J., USA, 12 June 2003 IEEE 802.11b™, the most widely used wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, has gotten a long-awaited increase in speed through a new amendment to the IEEE 802.11 ™ standard ratified by the Standards Board of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The amendment, IEEE 802.11g™, raises the data rate of IEEE 802.11b networks to 54 Mbps (megabits per second) from 11 Mbps.  http://standards.ieee.org
/announcements/80211g
final.html

SAMSys Announces Availability of 13.56 MHz Conveyor Reader

Toronto, ON - June 11, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, announced today that it has introduced a new 13.56 MHz Conveyor Reader to its comprehensive RFID reader portfolio. This new RFID reader is designed to increase efficiencies and lower the cost of ownership within warehouse and manufacturing work-in-progress environments such as assembly lines. SAMSys has completed an implementation and pilot period of its new conveyor reader system at a multi-national company providing integrated print management and outsourced communications. http://www.samsys.com/def
ault.php?alpha=company&bet
a=news&action=read&section
=pr&release=1055340466

Descartes Systems Group to Participate in Live RFID Field Tests

Evaluating the business impact of RFID technology in the extended retail supply chain

Waterloo, Ontario, May 27, 2003 — The Descartes Systems Group Inc., (Nasdaq:DSGX), (TSX:DSG), a trusted provider of logistics solutions, today announced that it is evaluating the impact and business benefits of applying RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to the retail sector. Providing visibility into the movement of goods across the retail supply chain, Descartes will participate in live RFID field tests with Canadian grocer, Sobeys, and a large consumer goods manufacturer as part of the Supply Chain Network© Project being conducted by the Supply Chain Development Association. http://www.shareholder.com/
descartes/releaseDetail.cfm?
ID=109954

New European Demonstration Site for Magellan RFID

June 2003 Further to the Press Release issued in December 2002, Magellan Technology and Scanology are pleased to announce the establishment of a Magellan reference and demonstration site located within Scanology's premises in Boxmeer, Netherlands.

Scanology already hosts a number of Magellan's tunnel readers, including the MTR1080 and the MTR1310. By the end of June 2003, they will also host a number of small tunnel readers including the Magellan Panel Reader and these will be available for demonstration.
http://www.magtech.com.au
/Magellan_Technology/Latest
_News/latest_news.html

EXE Technologies Prepares for Upcoming Launch of RFID Pilot Program

Dallas, TX – February 24, 2003 – EXE Technologies®, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEE) is preparing for implementation on a project to test the practical applications of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. The global supply chain execution leader is contributing services in conjunction with the Supply Chain Network Project©, being conducted by the Supply Chain Development Association, a non-profit organization created to address the integration of new supply chain technologies and processes. http://www.exe.com/exe/exe
website.nsf/Content/PR141?
OpenDocument

John Smith Says Cost-Saving, Revenue-Enhancing Technology Gives Early Adopters Tremendous Competitive Advantage

Boca Raton, Fla. — Large-scale deployment of integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging solutions will transform retail supply chain management -- and the time for adoption is now, according to John Smith, president of Tyco’s Retail Solutions Group.

Smith said that RFID’s "compelling cost-saving and revenue-enhancing opportunities will give a clear competitive advantage to early adopters." He made his remarks following the opening session of the Global Source Tagging Council meeting in New Orleans. http://www.sensormatic.com/
AnnounceDetail.asp?AnnID=9

World's Largest Intermodal Container Maker (Cimc) And Savi Technology Form Strategic Alliance To Create A New Modular Smart Container System

Shenzhen, China and Sunnyvale, Calif. - May 27, 2003 -- China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd. (CIMC) and Savi Technology (Savi) today announced that they will establish a strategic partnership to co-develop a new class of "smart and secure" shipping containers that capture, sense, and wirelessly transmit real-time intelligence on the container's contents, along with its condition, location and security status. The smart containers developed by CIMC and Savi are a key part of a newly emerging class of in-transit visibility systems for logistics - which will vastly improve operational efficiencies and inventory management, while ensuring the security and integrity of the shipment. These solutions range from external electronic bolt seals to factory-installed intrusion detection, sensing, and tracking systems. http://www.savi.com/news_even
ts/2003releases/may27-03.html

SAMSys Showcases New RFID Reader Supporting Recently Announced Draft High-Frequency EPC Protocol at RFID Journal Live!

Chicago, IL - June 11, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, announced today that its MP9210 short-range high-frequency (HF) reader now supports the draft high-frequency Electronic Product Code (EPC) Class 1 protocol at 13.56MHz. The reader will be demonstrated at RFID Journal Live!, an executive conference designed to provide leaders from Global 1000 companies and midsize enterprises a deeper understanding of the latest advances, benefits and challenges in RFID technology, taking place in Chicago, Illinois from June 11-13, 2003. Specifically, SAMSys’ MP9210 reader will enable retailers and producers to utilize tags in inventory management and smart-shelf applications. http://www.samsys.com/defa
ult.php?alpha=company&beta
=news&action=read&section
=pr&release=1055340661

Marine Terminals Corporation (MTC) Joins Smart And Secure Tradelanes Initiative

Washington, DC and Bellingham, Wash. - May 1, 2003 - Marine Terminals Corporation, the largest stevedoring company on the U.S. West Coast operating in 22 ports from San Diego to Seattle, today co-announced with the Strategic Council on Security Technology (SCST) its participation in Smart and Secure Tradelanes (SST), a rapidly expanding global security network for ocean container shipments. http://www.scst.info/releases/
may01_03.html

International Organization For Standardization (ISO) And Smart And Secure Tradelanes (SST) Forge Strategic Partnership To Secure The Future Of Global Supply Chains

Geneva, Switzerland, May 14, 2003 - Alan Bryden, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General John Coburn, USA (Ret.), Chairman of the Strategic Council on Security Technology, on 31 March 2003, agreeing that ISO would become a partner with the Strategic Council on Security Technology in their Smart and Secure Tradelanes initiative as a basis for the international pilot programme announced by ISO's technical committee on ships and marine technology (ISO/TC8) in November 2001 at the 22nd Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and updated at the SOLAS Diplomatic Conference of IMO in December 2002. The programme was conceived and launched by ISO/TC 8 and will address the identification of existing security gaps as well as propose solutions to global intermodal supply chain security concerns through the development of standards for implementation by the international trade community which will also be presented to the International Maritime Organization for consideration in their Circulars and Conventions. http://www.scst.info/releases/
may14_03.html

Automated Global Tracking Network Set By Smart And Secure Tradelanes Demonstrates Greater Container Security, Visibility And Efficiency By Leveraging Smart Containers

Rotterdam and Washington DC - May 20, 2003 - Initial results of Smart and Secure Tradelanes, the global initiative to improve cargo container security and efficiency, demonstrate that its baseline automated network can dramatically improve the ability to track, locate and detect the integrity of intermodal shipments in real-time, thereby creating greater levels of security, efficiency, information accuracy and collaboration. http://www.scst.info/releases/
may20_03.html

Jacksonville, FL & San Antonio, TX . (May 1, 2003) . — . ICS, Inc., a business partner of J.D. Edwards® and developer of the RF-SMART® brand of wireless and mobile solutions exclusively for J.D. Edwards, today announced that it has acquired MDLINK from Sirius Computer Solutions. With this acquisition, ICS augments its wireless division’s market share growth and enhances the strategic value of RF-SMART to J.D. Edwards and its worldwide base of customers. http://www.icsfl.com/news_m
dlink.htm

Jevic Transportation Announces It's "Next Generation" Professional Driver ID System - The Jevic SecurID™

Delanco, NJ - Jevic Transportation today announced a revolutionary new driver identification system that allows shippers and receivers to instantly verify the identity of their professional driver. The system was unveiled at the American Chemistry Council's 2003 Responsible Care^® Conference: Above and Beyond, in Miami on May 4-7, 2003. This "instant identification" system using web technology, the first of its kind in the motor carrier industry, significantly enhances Jevic's security initiatives. http://www.jevic.com/news_me
dia/releases/release.php?date=
050203a

SAMSys Launches RFID Consulting Service - Addition Provides Enhanced Support to Supply Chain Management Implementations

Toronto, ON - May 8, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced it has launched an RFID consulting service for North American companies wanting to employ RFID technology solutions within their operations. In close collaboration with its value-added resellers (VARs) and strategic alliance partners, SAMSys will provide RFID system design and implementation guidelines and strategies aimed at optimizing functionality and performance of supply chain management (SCM) applications. http://www.samsys.com/defau
lt.php?alpha=investor&beta=pr
&gamma=&action=read&relea
se=1052399548

UCC Finalizes Agreement with MIT Forms Joint Venture with EAN International to Drive Standards for Electronic Product Code (EPC)™ Network

Orlando, Fla./Brussels, Belgium, May 21, 2003 – The Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC) and EAN International, leaders in facilitating efficient international business, announced today at the UCC's annual U Connect Conference, the intention to establish AutoID, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that will develop and oversee commercial and technical standards for the Electronic Product Code (EPC)™ Network.  The EPC™ Network, based on research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), uses radio frequency in combination with a network system to allow items or products to be identified. This technology will enable companies to have true visibility of their supply chains in real time, in any industry, anywhere in the world.  http://www.uc-council.org/news/
ne_051903.html

Colchester Library select Intellident for major RFID implementation

When Colchester Library were reviewing their requirements to update their library system, they looked at a number of presentations from leading RFID UK and European companies.

Intellident were awarded the contract because they were the only company who could provide a configurable RFID system that met the brief. http://www.intellident.co.uk/Pre
ss/PressReleases/1053350841

Powered By Savi Technology, Woolworths Plc, Wins 'Supply Chain Solution Of The Year' Award At The European Retail Solutions Award Conference

Nashville, TN - June 9, 2003 - One year after deploying a full complement of Savi Technology's real-time asset management and security solutions, Woolworths (LON: WLW.L)has been awarded the "Supply Chain Solution of the Year" accolade at the prestigious European Retail Solutions Awards for their innovative system to improve visibility and reduce theft of product shipments within Woolworth's distribution network. http://www.savi.com/news_even
ts/2003releases/june09-03.html

SAMSys Technologies Signs VAR Agreement with HEI, Inc. to Provide Specialty RFID Solutions in Manufacturing Packaging

Toronto, ON - May 28, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced that it has signed a value-added reseller (VAR) agreement with HEI, Inc. (HEI) (formerly Cross Technology), a U.S.-based company specializing in the custom design and manufacturing of innovative microelectronics packaging, subsystem, connectivity, and software solutions. Under this agreement, SAMSys will provide its RFID reader hardware and consulting services to HEI. http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=investor&beta=pr&g
amma=&action=read&release=
1054127695

RFID Pundits Agree – The Time for RFID is Now

Dallas, TX (June 2, 2003)– Industry analysts squared off in a debate at the recent RFID World conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on the hype versus reality of the low-cost, high-volume RFID tag, but ultimately agreed that the issue is not the cost of the chip but rather the business value and opportunities created by the technology. "My advice is to stop worrying about the penny tag – it’s simply not relevant," implored James Crawford, VP of Retail Forward. "Rather than waiting for tag prices to drop," manufacturers and retailers alike should focus on developing the business rules for collaboration and the use of real-time data in supply chain and inventory management. http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/ne
ws/news_releases/2003/rel6-2-
03a.shtml

Survey Exposes Significant Supply Chain Inefficiencies; 70 Percent Blame Manual Processes For Costly Errors

Santa Clara, Calif.--June 10, 2003--WhereNet Corp., the worldwide leader of wireless location and communications solutions for managing mobile resources, today announced survey results that reveal shortcomings of current asset management techniques, associated costs, and desired solutions for managing critical supply chain assets. More than 70 percent of the survey respondents still rely on manual techniques to locate and track physical assets, and 100 percent of the respondents indicated that their asset management data is inaccurate due to this manual process. In addition, 64 percent of the respondents reported that their companies are forced to conduct manual searches at least once a day to locate assets or inventory. http://www.wherenet.com/
homefr.htm

ASSA ABLOY acquires Metget AB

The company develops, manufactures and markets transponders for access control cards

The acquired business sales amounted to SEK 73 M in 2002

ASSA ABLOY has entered into an agreement to acquire Metget AB. The acquisition strengthens ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group’s card operations in the European market and provides considerable synergies. http://www.bit.se/bitonline
/2003/06/10/20030610BIT00410
/06100041.htm

SAMSys Technologies Inc. Reports Financial Results for the First Six Months of Fiscal 2003

Toronto, ON - May 30, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc., ("SAMSys"), (SMY:TSX-VEN), www.samsys.com, of Toronto, a provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader hardware, today reports on the Company’s unaudited fiscal 2003 financial results for the six-month period ended March 31, 2003. http://www.samsys.com/default.
php?alpha=investor&beta=pr&
gamma=&action=read&release=
1054283645

Baltimore – May 20, 2003. Plastic Logic, the leading developer of plastic electronics technology, will be showcasing the latest advances in inkjet printing of active matrix backplanes for flat panel displays. Its technology is compatible with glass and flexible substrates, as well as large area applications. http://www.plasticlogic.com/new
s-detail.php?newsid=84

Nextel, Motorola and Symbol Technologies Offer First Wireless Bar Code Scanner for Mobile Phones

Reston, Va., Plantation, Fla. & Holtsville, N.Y.--June 11, 2003-- Scanning Attachment Works Seamlessly in Conjunction with Nextel's Wireless Packet Data Network

Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL), Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL) today announced the availability of the first bar code scanner attachment for mobile phones. The Symbol PSM20i allows mobile workers to use their phones to collect information wirelessly and in real time. This solution combines the accuracy and reliability in laser-based bar code scanning with the extensive voice, data and application capabilities of Nextel's Java(TM) technology-enabled phones from Motorola. Transformed by Nextel's wireless data network into a robust tool for mobile connectivity, the Symbol PSM20i bar code scanner attachment provides workers with the information and business support systems they need to operate efficiently. http://www.wirelessdevnet.com
/news/2003/162/news7.html

Texas Instruments RFid Provides Perfect Mix of Convenience and Brand Loyalty for IMX Cosmetics

CHICAGO, Ill. (June 10, 2003) - Can't find a lip gloss that complements your skin tone and tastes good enough to eat?  Do you want your lips to match that iridescent pink dress?  Birmingham, MI-based IMX Cosmetics has launched a first-of-its-kind custom cosmetics line that allows patrons to mix their own personalized recipes for lip gloss and other cosmetics and retrieve them at in-store computer kiosks, called Mixing Stations, using their MX (Mix) Stick, a Texas Instruments radio frequency identification (RFID)-based clear keyfob that attaches to the customer's key chain. http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/new
s/news_releases/2003/
rel6-10-03.shtml

Plastic Logic and Gyricon Media showcase world’s first bistable reflective display driven by an inkjet printed active matrix backplane at SID ‘03

Baltimore – May 20, 2003 – Plastic Logic, a leading developer of plastic electronics technology, and Gyricon Media, the provider of SmartPaper™ reusable display material, announced today that they have created the world’s first bistable reflective display driven by an inkjet-printed active matrix backplane. http://www.plasticlogic.com/new
s-detail.php?newsid=85

I3World News

I3W was prominently represented at the two day FoodTracE Conference, which was staged in the Olympia Conference Suite London, March 11th and 12th. 

The programme will be available shortly on CD and a 68 page printed proceedings book of the entire conference is available at a cost of £25 ($40 / 40 Euro's) from neil@i3world.org

The Final Comment

We always try to find something to keep away those boring evenings while you wait to get back to work. This month is no exception, try these:

Explore the earth

Some really great animations about the earth. http://earthsci.terc.edu/navigat
ion/visualization.cfm

The ultimate SIM?

Play the evolution game and try to adapt and survive from 50 million years ago. http://www.bbc.co.uk/beasts/
evolution/evolution_game.shtml

Learn all about everything

Learn everything you ever wanted to know from the abacus, to Watson and Crick's discovery of the structure of DNA. http://www.sciam.com/article.c
fm?chanID=sa004&articleID=00
0D0355-4ADB-1ECA-8E1C809
EC588EF21

Origami anyone?

Star Wars Origami, even has directions http://www.happymagpie.com/
swdiagrm.htm

We are watching you

Look out here is the FBI's new Web use tracking tool http://users.chartertn.net/tony
templin/FBI_eyes/

Linux anyone?

Why you should use Linux: http://www.ubergeek.tv/switch
linux/

Or maybe a Mac?

Maybe you should switch to a Mac? http://www.ubergeek.tv/switch
back/

Is this Toy Story all over again?

Ever wonder what happens when you walk away from the computer? http://www.divstiv
s.plus.com/iconwar/

Did it ever work?

Look at all those things that don't work! http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimane
k/museum/unwork.htm

What did he look like?

King Tut's face reconstructed! http://www.sciencemuseum.or
g.uk/antenna/tutankhamun/

Star gazing

How about home astronomy? http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/
AtHomeAstronomy/

The Fine Print

Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of the Hightechaid.com and i3world.org web sites are not within our control. If you end up with an error message try a search of the site in the link to find the topic. Magazines and newspapers, often move content on their sites, but you can usually find it with a little work. Back issues of the newsletter are available at
http://www.hightechaid
.com/newsletter/aidcou
rier_archive.htm.

Please tell us what extra you want from the newsletter and don’t forget to tell your friends to subscribe. You can forward your ideas to news@hightechaid.com. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced without written permission. No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of the newsletter; readers are advised to seek professional opinion on the use of any products described. Opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers of the newsletter.