Introduction
When it comes to identification technology, there are numerous options available in the market. Two popular options are RFID and Optical Identification Technology. While both of them have unique features and advantages, let's compare them based on various factors to determine which one is ultimately the better option.
Range
When it comes to range, optical identification technology cannot beat RFID. RFID has a significant advantage as it can read tags from as far as 100 meters away, whereas optical identification technology can only work within 5 meters.
Reliability
RFID tags are more reliable than optical identification tags. RFID tags can easily scan through materials like paper or plastic, whereas optical tags may not work through those materials. Additionally, RFID tags can work well in environments with dust or moisture, reducing the chances of the tag not being read.
Compatibility
Optical identification technology requires a line-of-sight approach to read tags, which makes it difficult for tags hidden behind opaque surfaces. RFID tags do not require line-of-sight, and thus it's easier to read tags that are hidden.
Cost
While both technologies are relatively affordable, RFID tags are slightly more expensive than Optical Identification tags. RFID tags are usually in the range of $0.15 to $0.75, whereas Optical Identification tags are typically under $0.50.
Conclusion
Both RFID and Optical Identification technologies have unique features that can be useful for different purposes. While RFID may be the better option for certain applications, optical identification technology could be preferable for others. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to your specific needs and circumstances.
References
- Kaisler, S. H., Armour, F., & Espinosa, J. A. (2005). Adoption factors for mobile RFID: a review. Proceedings of the 38th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
- Lou, X., Bai, Y., & Huang, X. (2015). Research on Optical Identification Technology Applied in E-commerce. IJACT.
- RFID Journal. "RFID FAQs." RFID Journal, https://www.rfidjournal.com/faqs.