RFID-U -- RFID Communication Server

RFID-U RFID Communications Server

Main purpose

RFID message processing server — is the central component of the automatic identification system, which provides: reception, processing and transmission of data from RFID readers; filtering, registration and publication of events in the database or other systems; integration with corporate information systems.

Software structure

1. CommunicationServer.exe — main service (Windows service), which is automatically started when the system starts. 
2. Reader modules — adapters for various types of RFID readers (Motorola, Impinj, etc., via LLRP).
3. Event processing filters — software modules for signal analysis and filtering (InOutFilter, InventoryFilter, GeneralFilter).
4. ERFID Admin Console — graphical administrator console for configuring the server, readers, logical devices and database. 

Main functions

• Configuring IP addresses, exchange ports and communication parameters.
• Managing physical devices (adding, removing, changing antenna parameters, power, sensitivity).
• Creating logical readers — antennas grouping by zones or functions (e.g. gate, weighing, warehouse zone).
• Linking sensors and passage sensors to control the direction of movement of objects (IN/OUT).
• Registration of events in the MS-SQL database, creation and administration of the database directly from the console.
• Event log with color coding: normal, alarm and error events.
• Mechanism for importing/exporting XML file configurations.
• Automatic start and stop of services, monitoring of equipment status.

Data filtering capabilities

• InOutFilter — registration of entry/exit of tags from the reading zone.
• InventoryFilter — accounting only for inputs (inventory mode).
• GeneralFilter — working with direction sensors (IN/OUT), tracking the movement of tags, excluding “noise” events.
• Filtering parameters:
  • Timeout, MinRSSI, Min/Max DopplerFreq (motion or static tags),
  • PubOnlyFromDB (allow publishing only registered tags),
  • SleepTime, MinObservationTime, IgnoreGPITime, etc.

Integration capabilities

• Application server (App Server) for interaction with ERP/EAM systems via WCF services.
• Import/export configurations in XML format.
• Work with any SQL infrastructure (MS-SQL, Express version).
• Ability to extend filters and drivers for non-standard equipment.

Typical scenarios use

• Automatic identification of vehicles or containers in transit areas.
• Inventory of objects in warehouses and production sites.
• Control of the movement of cars, pallets, containers, tools.
• Registration of entry/exit events of objects in controlled areas.
• Transfer of data to corporate asset accounting systems or EAM platforms.