Checkpoint has recently introduced an intelligent, radio frequency-based communication system for tracking of library books and other materials. The system uses tags on library materials which replace both conventional barcodes and security strips. Combining the functions of barcodes and security strips makes it possible to provide for an "attendantless" library material check system. Three libraries in the New York City area are in the process of implementing the system. General sales are expected to begin after Checkpoint has an opportunity to evaluate the initial implementations.
In addition to the materials tags, the system includes several different kinds of interrogators or readers, an intelligent patron ID card, and a communication system for a circulation database look-up through an Application Programming Interface (API) that is flexible and allows for customization by each user library.
The materials tags are permanently affixed to books, CDs, videotapes, etc. Each tag has a read-only memory capacity of 96 bits. The memory allows for enough information storage to uniquely identify a specific item in the circulation database. Once within the circulation database, additional information can be accessed such as title, classification designator, as well as the current patron/user, due date and other related material information. The tag can be embedded in the item by the library, a book jobber, or by the publisher at time of manufacture.
The interrogators or readers are RF devices designed to detect and read intelligent tags. Communication occurs by directing and interrogating an IC chip for its unique item-specific information. Each interrogator includes a transmitter and receiver antenna and an API (Applications Programming Interface) for bi-directional communications. The transmitter antenna generates a field of power to read the tag(s) within range. Each tag generates its own signal to transmit its unique data to the nearby receiver antenna. This data is accepted and compared to the circulation database in order to quickly and automatically identify the status of the item.
There are five general types of interrogators. The operation of each should have no adverse effect on that of other nearby interrogators.
- Patron Self Check Out-These interrogators employ a reader system to enable a patron to scan his or her library card tag for identification and then the library material tag to create a linkage of the library material to the patron. These readers will identify the materials being checked out and mark (flag) it in the circulation file.
- Book Return Check-In-These interrogators employ a reader system to enable a patron to discharge a library item. A reader can even be integrated into the return slot in which case, the return slot reader will identify the incoming materials and remove the items CHK'D OUT flag from the circulation database.
- Circulation Desk Check-Out-These manually operated interrogators 'can be used by a desk attendant to both check out and check-in library materials.
- Long Range Readers (Exit/Entry Interrogator or EAS) These are walk-through antenna/readers that detect and interrogate an RFID tag for purposes of determining whether the library material in which the tag is embedded is checked out (authorized/no alarm) or unchecked (unauthorized/alarm).
- Portable Range Readers (mobile)- These employ a scanning gun attachment with laser pointer to read a group of items for purposes of locating missing and misplaced items. This operation reads in tag data to a third party terminal for processing. Automated shelf reading would be one application for these interrogators.
[Contact: Checkpoint Systems, Inc., 101 Wolf Drive, Thorofare, NJ 08086; telephone 800-257-5540; FAX 609-848-0937]
