IMB files for RFID Patent:Identification and tracking of persons using RFID-tagged items

http://www.spychips.com/ ^ | 08/11/2006 | graced

[graced]

FROM IBM PATENT: A method and system for identifying and tracking persons using RFID-tagged items carried on the persons. Previous purchase records for each person who shops at a retail store are collected by POS terminals and stored in a transaction database. When a person carrying or wearing items having RFID tags enters the store or other designated area, a RFID tag scanner located therein scans the RFID tags on that person and reads the RFID tag information. The RFID tag information collected from the person is correlated with transaction records stored in the transaction database according to known correlation algorithms. Based on the results of the correlation, the exact identity of the person or certain characteristics about the person can be determined. This information is used to monitor the movement of the person through the store or other areas.

Table of contents for The Spychips Threat : by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre.

1. Tracking Everything and Everyone The RFID threat
2. Spychips 101 The basics of RFID
3. The Master Plan What the RFID industry has in store for us
4. The Spy in Your Shoe How everyday objects could report on their owners
5. There's a Target on Your Back How marketers plan to use RFID to manipulate and spy on customers
7. Bringing It Home How RFID could invade your private spaces
8. Talking Trash The tags you throw away say as much as the ones you keep
9. Yes, That's Your Medicine Cabinet Talking How your doctor, pharmacy, and hospital plan to use RFID
11. Downshifting into Surveillance Mode Tracking people through their travels
12. The Chips that Won't Die Technical fixes to the RFID problem
13. Adapt or Die The PR tactics they'll use to get you on board-and why they're wrong

[graced]

hoped we could strangle this baby in the cradle but the IBM patant was filed for in 2002. is it too late?

[austinaero]

I'm not sure they can get a patent on this. It's pretty open technology.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

Previous purchase records for each person who shops at a retail store are collected by POS terminals

That's a bit harsh. Oh wait, Point of Sale.

[sinkspur]

When a person carrying or wearing items having RFID tags enters the store or other designated area, a RFID tag scanner located therein scans the RFID tags on that person and reads the RFID tag information. The RFID tag information collected from the person is correlated with transaction records stored in the transaction database according to known correlation algorithms. Based on the results of the correlation, the exact identity of the person or certain characteristics about the person can be determined. This information is used to monitor the movement of the person through the store or other areas.

This sounds like a hoax, to me.

First, RFID tags are used to track items in a supply chain; at the present time, that's done at the pallet level.

Now, as prices for RFID tags come down, they could be placed on individual items, but they have to be in a location where they can be read. If they're buried in a pocket or on the inside of an article, there are problems reading the tag.

Second, I'm only in the database if the particular item I'm wearing or carrying was purchased in this store. If I'm wearing a Nordstrom shirt in an Old Navy, Old Navy's database won't know who I am.

Third, why would Old Navy want to track my movements through their store?

Finally, what the hell is a "correlation algorithm"? There is no "algorithm" needed to match a name or key on the tag to a name or key in a database.

This "patent" is an invention of that nutcase Katherine Albrecht to stir up her "mark of the beast" paranoids.

[yhwhsman]

This "patent" is an invention of that nutcase Katherine Albrecht to stir up her "mark of the beast" paranoids.

Well, when the UPC codes failed to usher in the end of the world, they needed something new to bring the donations in.

[COEXERJ145]

This "patent" is an invention of that nutcase Katherine Albrecht to stir up her "mark of the beast" paranoids.

Well, when the UPC codes failed to usher in the end of the world, they needed something new to bring the donations in.

When I was little I remember watching some late 70's movie about the end of the world and the mark of the beast. Everything in the stores had these gigantic bar codes, sometimes covering the whole package. I could never understand this and why some people had a problem with bar codes was.

Then when I got older I realized that some people see a conspiracy behind everything.

[sinkspur]

Albrecht hates anything that identifies: grocery store discount cards, airline reward credit cards, bar codes, RFID tags. She's built a following scaring the ignorant into believing that Wal-Mart wants to peek into their medicine cabinets.

And she, herself, is pretty brain-dead when it comes to technology.

I'm going to have to figure a way to throw "correlation algorithm" into my next data warehouse presentation.

[COEXERJ145]

I'm going to have to figure a way to throw "correlation algorithm" into my next data warehouse presentation.

LOL!

[sphinctor6969]

well when RFID becomes a reality and you have given up your freedom to the government to control everything you buy or do.

plus she didnt specify which store. and old navy can read that you have shopped at Nordstrom and see that you like polos so old navy would aim the purchase of polos towards you.

and whats the reason for anyone to track you and to know your every movement, for safety and security come on.