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Philips
Semiconductors, Inc.'s web-linking technology is an advanced, innovative RFID
platform for business
customers to link consumer products and loyalty cards to relevant, dynamic Internet services.
Web-linking System Architecture and Platform Implementation
In August 2001, the team at Big Chief Partners began working with Philips Semiconductors
Identification Business Unit to design and implement a system for Web-enabling products
and services with Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags and tag readers. Recent advances in
technology allow the tags to be very lightweight, almost paper-thin and incorporate an antenna
so the card can be read from longer distances. As a result, it is now possible to use RFID tags
in a much wider variety of environments where portability, security and read-write access are critical.
The Philips RFID-specific platform developed by Big Chief includes:
- A general interface to make RFID solutions simpler, easier and faster to develop.
- A universal client that works with inexpensive, lightweight tags such as
I-Code and
Mifare Ultralight
from Philips Semiconductors, security and authentication features found in mid-range tags such as
Mifare Classic, and
JavaCard OS and
Mifare ProX
tags that include Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
- Server infrastructure that collects and routes collected information, interfacing with applications developed by
Philips Semiconductors business partners.
The Philips web-linking system
enables development of Web-based and Windows-based applications that track
objects and deliver innovative products and services. These applications include
access control, digital rights management, secure home shopping and product
support. The specific applications of the Philips web-linking technology system
are varied and the options for embedding tags in everyday objects are numerous.
With the system we designed and implemented, users place an RFID tag near a reader that
is attached to a desktop personal computer. Once the reader recognizes the tag, a Web site or
application is accessed providing access to related products and services. With a sophisticated
combination of client-side and server-side technology, the user interaction is very simple.
Applications can provide secure access to secure transactions, product tracking and enhanced
support.
On the client side, we implemented a platform for interfacing between the tag reader
and a desktop personal computer. In addition, we implemented components that allow independent
software developers to incorporate the tag interface into Web-based applications, native
client-server applications and XML-based Web Services.
On the server side, we implemented a system for managing relationships between Philips and their web-linking business partners. This system also serves as a clearinghouse for smart tag information and a secure transactional server that is used for authenticating all tag access to the system.
Applications and Developer Tools
Using this complete Web-based system, we have developed
a series of applications that build on the capabilities of web-linking. These applications have
been used in numerous customer and partner demonstrations starting with the 2002 Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first commercial applications of web-linking are
currently under development for Philips.
The applications also demonstrate
the Philips web-linking Partner Development Kit
(PDK), also developed by Big Chief Partners. The PDK
includes documentation, interfaces and components for building web-linking applications. We
also developed extensive architecture documentation for communicating the capabilities of
the web-linking system.
To learn more about our work with Philips Semiconductors:
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