Kirti Chawla

An RFID-based object localisation framework

Numerous ubiquitous computing applications depend on the ability to locate objects as a key functionality. We show that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be leveraged to achieve object localisation in an inexpensive, reliable, flexible, and scalable manner. We outline the challenges that can adversely affect RFID-based localisation techniques, and propose practical mitigating solutions. We present several new algorithms for RFID-based object localisation that compare favourably with previous methods in terms of accuracy, speed, reliability, scalability, and cost.

Real-time RFID localization using RSS

New computing paradigms have underscored the need to locate objects in an environment, motivating several object localization approaches targeting competing technologies and specific applications. While RFID technology recently emerged as a viable platform for locating objects, several unresolved key challenges precluded higher performance and wider applicability. We present an RFID-based real-time location system that uses Received Signal Strength (RSS) to better model the distance-decaying behavior of radio signals in an orientation-agnostic manner.We experimentally leverage the proposed robust models to simultaneously locate several stationary and mobile objects tagged with passive tags in a realistically noisy indoor environment, with an average accuracy of 0.6 meters. A more general conclusion of this work is that contrary to common belief, RSS can indeed serve as reliable metric for a variety of select applications, including localization.

Efficient RFID-based mobile object localization

Location-awareness of mobile objects is the key to numerous emerging ubiquitous computing applications. We show that RFID technology can be leveraged to achieve mobile object localization in an inexpensive, power efficient, scalable, widely applicable, flexible, and user-friendly manner. We outline the challenges that can adversely affect RFID-based localization techniques, and propose solutions to mitigate them. We present several algorithms for RFID-based mobile object localization that compare favorably or exceed previous methods in terms of accuracy, speed, reliability, scalability, and cost.

Towards Quasi-Realtime Theft-Evident Mechanism for Portable Artifacts using Near-Field RFID

Portable artifacts (with or without intelligence) have come to play an important role in our daily lives. We regularly use them for storing, manipulating and exchanging information, which is critical to us. This unprecedented reliance makes them vulnerable to theft. While anti-theft mechanisms have been around for quite some time, they cannot be directly applied to portable artifacts. Moreover, many of the contemporary anti-theft mechanisms fail to provide the user with immediate evidence of occurrence of theft. This inability increases the user reaction time and makes it difficult to trace the portable artifact. In this paper, we present a model to protect portable artifacts using RFID, which provides quasi-realtime and credible evidence of occurrence of theft. We present a detailed design of the model, demonstrate proof-of-concept experimental tool and evaluate it against alternatives and threats.