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Using RFID Tags Around the House?

Posted by timothy on from the who-moved-all-my-rfid-tags dept.

Attacked-by-gremlins writes "I have a larger family and various items in the house (some tools, some pieces of clothing) 'travel' unexpectedly. We joke about gremlins doing that, but it's tiring never to be sure that I'll find an object where I left it two days ago. For the sheer hacking fun of it, I'm thinking of sticking RFID tags on some and trying to triangulate a position with several tranceivers placed in the house. Has anyone have any suggestions for this amateur 'Google Home'? Thanks."

5 of 254 comments (clear)

  1. Now, where dd I put that RFID scanner? by MessyBlob · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now, where dd I put that RFID scanner?

    1. Re:Now, where dd I put that RFID scanner? by eln · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well obviously you'd put an RFID chip on the scanner as well. Christ, do I have to think of everything around here?

    2. Re:Now, where dd I put that RFID scanner? by jblake · · Score: 5, Funny

      Me too!

      --
      I just found a new sig.
  2. The RFIDHouse by CopaceticOpus · · Score: 5, Funny

    For this to be really useful, I think you need an RFID tag on every item in the home. First, construct a new home with a single entry point (you can add emergency exits for fire safety.) The front entry room will contain a computer and an RFID tagging device. Every single object that comes through the door gets tagged, named, photographed, and described in the computer system before it is allowed into the house.

    It's a little work upfront, but think of the advantages. No time wasted organizing your possessions. No time wasted "tidying up." Nothing can ever be out of place, because nothing BELONGS anywhere. The mixing bowl might not be in the kitchen, but it's no trouble. Just search for it using any of the dozens of wall terminals installed around the house, and a series of flashing arrows will direct you right to your desired object.

  3. Re:Range by isleshocky77 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I would have to agree. I just had to do a project for a senior class on tracking people on RFID. It's so bad that decided to use another technology. RFID is just too expensive for anything over centimeter ranges. We ended up going with Zigbee devices from Texas Instruments. If you want to read about our setup it's all here. http://peopletrackerinc.com/ Their really cheap and small, accurate up to 1-2 meters with about 100 yard range. It uses something similar to 802.11 for wireless transmission. It's extremely cool if you want to look into. We have the entire setup up and running to track people within a building.