Did you know that new technology exists which can track your vehicle’s location and speed without the need for GPS?
What? Location tracking without GPS. How is it possible?
Yes, you have read it right. This technology is called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and it’s already being used in many states across America. One of the most common applications of RFID is in windshield labels, which are now becoming mandatory in some states. You might have come across this technology when you use E-ZPass or SunPass. These are electronic toll collection systems that make use of RFID windshield labels to calculate the toll fee.
In this blog post, I will tell you all about RFID windshield labels, What are they, how they work, their benefits, and what are their applications.
What are RFID windshield labels?
RFID windshield labels are a type of radio frequency tags that are designed to be attached to a vehicle’s windshield. They are used to identify and track the vehicle. Another common use of these windshield labels is electronic tolling.
RFID windshield labels are generally made from paper or plastic and can be printed with barcodes, text, or graphics. Besides these, the following are some other features of these labels:
- These are Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tags.
- They are passive in nature, which means that they don’t have a battery and they derive their power from the RFID reader.
- They have a read range of up to 25 feet.
- Once installed on the vehicle, It is really difficult to remove them.
- Location tracking of vehicles without GPS.
How do RFID windshield labels work?
You might have heard of electromagnetic induction. This is how RFID windshield labels work.
The label has a coiled antenna made up of a conductor such as copper. When this antenna comes in the range of an RFID reader, it inductively couples with it and draws power from it. This power is used to energize the tag so that it can transmit its data.
The data that is stored in these windshield labels can be anything from the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the toll account number.
When the tag is read by the RFID reader, this data is transmitted to a computer which then uses it to give access or calculate the toll fee.
You have come a long way reading about Radio Frequency windshield labels. You might also be interested in the common application of these labels.
What are the applications of RFID windshield labels?
As I have mentioned before, the most common application of RFID windshield labels is electronic tolling. But that’s not all. These labels can be used for a variety of other purposes as well such as:
- Location tracking without GPS
- Law enforcement
- Automated parking management
- Access control
- Car washes
Let’s discuss each of these applications in detail.
Location tracking without GPS
At the beginning of the blog post, I mentioned that RFID windshield labels can be used for location tracking of vehicles without the need for GPS. This technology is already being used by many states in America such as Virginia, Illinois, and Florida.
The working principle behind this is very simple. The state highway authority installs RFID readers at different locations on the highways as well as on the streets of the city at strategic locations.
As the vehicles pass through these points, the RFID reader reads the data stored in the windshield label and records it. This data is then transmitted to a central server which uses it to track the location of the vehicle.
This system is very helpful in managing the traffic flow as well as tracking down stolen vehicles.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement is another application of RFID windshield labels. In most crimes, the first thing that the police look for is the vehicle. Because it is the vehicle that can lead them to the criminal.
But sometimes, the criminals might change the license plate of the vehicle to avoid detection or use stolen cars. In such cases, RFID windshield labels are very helpful.
The police can install RFID readers at strategic locations and if a vehicle with a stolen label is detected, the police can be notified automatically. This would help the police to catch the criminals red-handed and also recover the stolen vehicle.
Automated parking management
Parking areas are often congested and it becomes very difficult to find a vacant space. In such cases, automated parking management systems come in very handy. These systems use RFID windshield labels to keep track of the vehicles that are parked in a particular area.
When a vehicle enters the parking area, the label is read by an RFID reader, and the data is transmitted to a central server. This system then looks for an empty space and guides the driver to it.
Similarly, when the vehicle leaves the parking area, the label is read again and the data is transmitted to the server. This helps in keeping track of the vehicles that are parked as well as those that have left.
Access control
Access control is one of the popular applications of RFID technology. RFID windshield labels are used in gated communities, office buildings, and even residential societies to give or deny access to cars.
The working principle is very simple. The residents or employees are given an RFID tag which they have to place on the windshields of their vehicles. When their vehicle reaches the gate, the tag is read by an RFID reader, and the data is transmitted to a central server. If the person is authorized, the gate is opened and they are allowed to enter. Otherwise, the gate remains closed and they are not allowed to enter.
This system helps in keeping track of the vehicles that are coming in and going out as well as prevents unauthorized entry.
Car washes
Car washes are also one of the most common applications of RFID technology. In this case, the RFID windshield label is used to keep track of the vehicles that have been washed and those that have not.
The working mechanism is the same as described earlier in the automated parking management.
This system is very helpful for car wash operators as they can keep track of their customers as well as ensure that all the vehicles are washed properly.
Apart from the above applications, RFID windshield labels are also used in tolling, fleet management, and even public transportation. This technology has made our lives much easier and has helped to improve the efficiency of various systems.
So, these were some of the most popular applications of RFID windshield labels. Let’s move on to the benefits of using these labels in different applications.
What are the benefits of using RFID windshield labels?
Now that we know the various applications of RFID windshield labels, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using them.
Convenience
The biggest benefit of using RFID windshield labels is convenience. For instance, in the case of automated parking management, you don’t have to waste your time looking for an empty space. The system will guide you to available space.
Similarly, in the case of access control, you don’t have to stop at the gate and wait for the guard to open it. The RFID reader will read your tag and automatically open the gate. This saves a lot of time as well as hassle.
Efficiency
Efficiency is another benefit that you can enjoy by implementing RFID technology. As you can notice, in the case of car washes, all the vehicles can be washed properly and in a timely manner. This ensures that the customers are satisfied and there is no loss of business.
Similarly, in the case of tolling, all the vehicles can be properly accounted for and the toll can be collected efficiently. This helps in reducing congestion as well as improving the overall flow of traffic.
Security
Security is the need of the hour and RFID windshield labels can help to improve the security of various systems. Take the example of access control, in this case, only authorized vehicles are allowed to enter the premises. This helps in preventing any untoward incident due to the presence of unauthorized people.
Furthermore, in the case of fleet management, RFID tags can be used to keep track of the vehicles as well as the drivers. This helps in ensuring that the vehicles are being used properly and there is no misuse.
Crime control
Crimes are a menace to society and it is very important to take measures to prevent them. The use of RFID windshield labels can help in reducing crime as the data collected by the RFID readers can be used to track down criminals and recover stolen vehicles. Once the criminals are behind the bars, it will act as a strong deterrent for others.
Cost Effective in the long run
Though the cost may seem high in the initial stages, it is very cost-effective in the long run. This is because, once the system is implemented, it requires very little maintenance and can be used for a long period of time.
Moreover, the benefits that you enjoy by implementing RFID technology far outweigh the costs. This makes it a very viable option for businesses as well as individuals.
Besides these benefits, RFID windshield labels are also very easy to install and can be done without any hassle. So, if you are looking for a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective solution, then RFID windshield labels are the way to go.
Where to buy RFID windshield labels?
Now that we know the various benefits of RFID windshield labels, you must be wondering where to buy them. Well, there are many companies that offer these labels at very reasonable prices.
You can either buy them online or offline from the store. However, it is always better to buy them from a reputed company such as Nexqo so that you get a good quality product. When buying RFID windshield labels, make sure to check the specifications and see if it is compatible with your system. Nexqo offers a wide range of RFID windshield labels that are compatible with different types of systems. So, you can be sure to find the right label for your needs.
FAQS
Are there any specific industries that would benefit from RFID windshield labels more than others?
Yes, there are certain industries that would benefit more from RFID windshield labels. These include parking lots, tolling systems, car washes, and access control systems.
How to install an RFID windshield label?
The installation of RFID windshield tags is super easy. These tags are like stickers and can be stuck on the windshields of vehicles. All you need to do is to clean the windshield properly and then peel off the back of the label and stick it on the windshield. That’s it! The whole process takes less than a minute and does not require any special skills or tools.
Are RFID windshield labels waterproof?
RFID windshield labels are stuck inside the vehicles’ windshields. So, you don’t have to worry about them coming off in the rain or getting damaged due to sunlight.
What is the working or read range of RFID windshield labels?
The working or read range of these RFID windshield labels depends upon frequency. Most of the windshield labels have Ultra High Frequency. So their read range is up to 7 meters or 25 feet.
Can I get custom RFID windshield labels made?
Yes, you can get custom RFID windshield labels made according to your specific requirements. For instance, you can get them printed in your company’s logo or name. For more information contact us. Our experts will guide you accordingly.
What is the average lifespan of RFID windshield labels?
The average lifespan of RFID windshield labels is around 5 to 7 years. However, this may vary depending on the quality of the label and the conditions under which it is used.
Why are most of the states in the USA, making it mandatory for vehicle owners to install RFID windshield labels?
Most of the states in the USA are making it mandatory for vehicle owners to install RFID windshield labels as it helps in reducing traffic congestion, effective collection of tolls on highways, and also acts as a strong deterrent against crime.