Trial e-Tag		Trial Antenna
Click on the image to see a larger picture.		Installation of the same antenna at a different airport and very similar set-up. Click on the image to see a larger picture.

Tag Specification ・ Manufactured by Symbol Technologies ・ Frequency Band ： 902 MHz – 928 MHz （manufacturer guaranteed） 　 ・ RF Air Protocol : EPCglobal Class 0, Version 1 ( Class 0 + ) 　 ・ Memory ： 96 bits 　 ・ Electronic Product Code ( EPC ) ™ Compliant 　 ・ Read/Write

Antenna Specification 　 ・ Manufactured by Symbol Technology Model AR-400J 　 ・ Kansai : Compliant with the revised Japan regulations Hong Kong : Compliant with Hong Kong regulations 　 ・ Output 1 W 　 ・ Frequency Band Kansai ： 952 MHz – 954 MHz Hong Kong ： 920 MHz – 925 MHz 　 ・ RF Air Protocol: EPCglobal Class 0, Version 1 ( Class 0+ )

RFID antennas installed on BHS conveyor line at Kansai International Airport. No.5-6 conveyor line.(Arrival).
Click on the image to see a larger picture.

Duration

November 28, 2005 (Monday) ～ December 16, 2005 (Friday) 15 days

What is a baggage tag？
Currently, when a checked baggage is handed over to the airline at the check-in counter, a bar coded tag is affixed, which is called the baggage tag. Generally, bar code readers installed in the BHS (Baggage Handling System) which transports bags at large sized airports, optically reads the bar codes on the baggage tag, then sorts the baggage within the BHS and then is loaded on to the respective aircraft.

Issues with Bar Code
There is a need to be within the line-of-sight from the bar code readers. Further, errors in the reading process can be caused through smudges on the tags, resulting as a major cause for mishandled baggage. The airlines need to conduct traces on mishandled baggage and moreover, mishandled baggage results in a very unpleasant experience to the passenger.

Efforts by IATA International Air Transport Association (IATA) is striving to resolve the problems in mishandled baggage and has decided to introduce RFID in the baggage handling process. IATA is currently promoting RFID trials and at the same time is researching the technical aspects.

and in Japan? ASTREC was an early starter in introducing RFID technology for airline baggage handling management and is taking a leading role by validating technical aspects and performing various trials. Many domestic companies including airport operators, airlines, delivery companies, and tag manufacturers are participants of ASTREC.