Optical tags to replace barcodes

Researchers from MIT's Media Lab have created an optical tag that can store a million times more data than a similarly-sized barcode, without the privacy risks of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, states InformationWeek.

The tag, called a Bokode, is only 3mm, much smaller than a typical barcode. It relies on a new way of encoding data by measuring the brightness and angle of light rays coming from a Bokode tag.

The prototypes aren't yet cost competitive with RFID tags as they cost $5 each, but according to MIT, the cost can be brought down to $0.05 each when produced in volume.

The Lexmark RFID device has been released and can be attached to Lexmark's T654 monochrome laser printer, reports PC World.

When equipped with the device, the printer can produce RFID tags that can be attached to individual files, hardware, or other items for easy tracking and access.

The accessory attaches to the T654 and enables the printer to output up to 20 RFID radio tagged pages per minute.

CheckPoint Systems is expanding Metro Group's RFID Tag It Easy programme, says Taiwan News.

Now in its third phase of the programme, CheckPoint and Metro will involve more than 75 Chinese and Indian consumer goods suppliers, in addition to the 100 manufacturers already in the programme from Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.

Dr Gerd Wolfram, head of CIO-Office, Metro Group, says: "Our ultimate goal is to optimise both the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain management. The key to achieving this lies in maximising transparency in the flow of products and information upstream and downstream throughout the supply chain.”