$Header: /cvsroot/rfid/rfid/README,v 1.1.1.6 2003/07/29 12:11:38 loic Exp $

What is it ?
------------

The rfid library is a set of C functions to dialog with RFID devices.
A RFID transponder is a wireless memory area made of a chip and an
antenna. A RFID reader creates a magnetic field that is used as a
power source by RFID transponders and as a carrier for communication.
A program can use the rfid library to be notified when a RFID
transponder enters or leaves the range of a RFID reader. When a RFID
transponder is in range, data can be read from its memory or written
into it.

RFID may be a serious threat to the privacy of individuals. Any
physical object can be turned into a tracking device by including a
RFID transponder into it. Because communication with the RFID
transponder is wireless, the individual being tracked cannot control
when, how and by whom it is used. Reducing the privacy threats of RFID
requires an appropriate legislation, international standards imposing
privacy protection features an technologies that are available to
every individual.

Supported Hardware
------------------

  RFID readers:

    Series 6000- HF-I RFID Evaluation Kit (RI-K10-001A) product
      http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/products/evalKits/RI-K10-001A-00.shtml

    Inside Contactless product range
      http://www.insidecontactless.com/products/couplers_m210.htm
      http://www.insidecontactless.com/products/couplers_m220.htm

  RFID transponders (tags):

    All ISO-15693-3 conformant RFID transponders.

How to test it ?
----------------

The rfid_commander(1) command lets you record a command line (such as
"xmms myfavoritesong.ogg") on a RFID transponder and will run it when
the tag is read by the RFID reader. Here is a simple example:

$ rfid_commander --add echo my message
$ rfid_commander --count 1 --run
my message

If something goes wrong, adding --verbose will help figuring out
the problem if the error messages are not self explanatory.

How to install it ?
-------------------

./configure

make all

make check

make install

Where is the documentation ?
----------------------------

rfid library documentation
    man rfid_commander
    man rfid

Generic RFID documentation
    http://www.rfidwizards.com/

Series 6000- HF-I RFID Evaluation Kit (RI-K10-001A) product
    http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/products/evalKits/RI-K10-001A-00.shtml

HF Reader System Series 6000 (S6350 Midrange Reader Module)
    http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/manuals/refmanuals/RI-STU-TRDCrefGuide.pdf

Inside Contactless product range
    http://www.insidecontactless.com/products/couplers.htm
    http://www.insidecontactless.com/products/couplers_m210.htm
    http://www.insidecontactless.com/products/couplers_m220.htm

How to link with rfid ?
-------------------------

Assuming you've installed rfid in the /usr/local directory use something 
similar to the following:

In the sources:
...
#include <rfid.h>
...

On the command line:

cc -I/usr/local/include/rfid -o prog prog.cc -L/usr/local/lib -lrfid

Where can I download it ?
-------------------------
The main distribution site is http://nongnu.org/projects/rfid/

What is the license ?
---------------------
rfid is distributed under the GNU GPL, as found at 
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.txt. 

Copyright holder:

	INRIA
	Domaine de Voluceau
	Rocquencourt - B.P. 105
	78153 Le Chesnay Cedex - France

Author: Loic Dachary loic@gnu.org
