Asset (RFID) Tags for Intelligent Buildings

The concept of intelligent buildings has been here for quite some time. So I’m not sure where what I’m thinking has been already implemented or not. I was trying to find a project using ‘RFID’ tags, when stumbled upon the idea that “…if I can get a real time data of people inside a building, I can very well build an Intelligent building…”

I searched the MIGHTY ‘internet’ (which is still controlled by the US)…to find if I can find the range, properties and current extent of RFID technology. Then ‘bingo’…I came to know about asset tags…but yes they are active tags (with battery life of 10 years)…

I came across the web site http://www.aeroscout.com ...its a company which produces Wi-Fi enabled active tags that can be read from a distance of 60 mts inside a building and to about 100 mts outside.

With this kind of technology if I can get a real time data of how many people and where they are inside, then this is what can be done:

Energy Conservation

• Lighting
• Lighting controlled by number of inhabitants and their movement.
• Switch on light where ever needed.
• Control the Lux of light needed based on work and people.
• Switch off lights where not needed.
• Not only lights but other equipments can also be switched off/on based on the need.
• Air conditioning/Heating
• Switch off or on system depending on people.
• A personal cabin can be automatically controlled by his/her preference.
• The blowers and vents can be controlled depending on where the people are.
• Auto start by entry into a building. When an employee parks his/her car his/her cabin’s A/C can start so that by the time he/she comes in its cool enough with his/her preference.
• Backup
• Backup system for electricity can be provided to specific area , again based on the requirement and number of people.
  

Security

• Building access
• Building access can be provided by authenticating by RFID tag.
• Public Address System
• In case of emergency/fire portions which have inhabitants can be specifically/effectively addressed.
• Fire fighting / Rescue
• During rescue operation RFID tags can track the number of people traped up in the building.
• Monitor Assets
• Assets like machines or equipments can be tagged and monitored.
• Track personal cars in building parking lots.
• Even track individuals in huge building premises (though privacy issues are there but there could be a design solution to tackle the problem)
• Even the tag can be used as a digital key to secure computers, almirahs, shelves, storages, intra-payments etc.

The RFID tag ‘holder’ itself can be designed to perform multiple tasks like it can work like a ‘pen drive’.

But no doubt there will be privacy issues…but I hope we can find a solution to that...

You can ignore...because its just 'an idea'...

cheers :)