1. RFID- Arduino Rat Tracking

2. Introduction
Objective: Develop method of position-tracking that allows for cost- effect behavioral analysis of subjects undergoing testing-stage treatment.
Goal: set-up position tracking system using RFID technology
Constraints:
cage of 70x70cm
accuracy: minimal error ± 2cm
low cost
Possible animal/device orientation
Ideal Solution: Inject rat with RFID tag, of which is readable at cm with an Arduino reader, and track its position through a cost effective and accurate method.

3. RFID Position Tracking
Method
Triangulation
Bayesian Network
Apparatus
Reader
RFID Tag

4. Methods Note: Method is dependent on environment and cost
Triangulation
Complex
Calculations using RSS (Received Signal Strength)
Requires sufficient reading range (70x70cm)
Estimate 8 antennas and 4 readers for full cage coverage
Unsure of accuracy
Case Study done with UHF passive tags achieved read range of 1m
Bayesian Network
Simple
Calculations use checkpoints/gates
Requires numerous antennas and readers
Accuracy: location can be known within 1cm
Read range is not an issue
Passive tags can be used
Note: Method is dependent on environment and cost
Tradeoff: Triangulation uses fewer devices but we need a reading-range solution
Checkpoints guarantee accuracy but is more costly with more equipment

5. Battery Assisted Passive
Tag-Types
Passive
Active
Battery Assisted Passive
Size
Very small
Typically large/bulky
Small
Frequency
125kHz-960 MHz
UHF and SHF
UHF
Read Range
1mm – 3m
2m - 300m +
Depends on size of battery
Cost (€)
1 - 5 -
Notes
Read range depends on the reader’s signal strength and sensitivity
The smaller they are the more they cost
Read range may be too large
* These are difficult to search for and are typically made for very long ranges
•LF : 125 kHz - 134,2 kHz
•HF : MHz
•UHF : 860 MHz MHz
•SHF : 2.45 GHz
Note: the read ranges vary dramatically. Passive is able to be read up to a few meters, but it depends on the reader – most readers cannot achieve this because of government standards. It also depends on the frequency. UHF has been shown to get up to 300 ft

6. More on Tags
Implantable tags are commonly LF passive; max range around 35cm; about €1
Orientation: passive external accelerometer tag available
Passive is most commonly used with Arduino
Other forms of tags: chip, printable adhesives, key fobs, cards
Cards appear to get best read range
Battery Assisted tend to have sensors
The sizes, ranges, prices, and forms of tags and readers vary greatly

7. Documented Experiments and Studies
RFID Cat door
Tutorial for Arduino
125 kHz
Passive external tags
Bought Arduino kit with external antenna ($11+)
made custom antenna (10”x10”)
Achieved 4” range
Alien Technology
Case Study for localization using passive RFID
Method: Triangulation using RSS
External RFID tags
UHF
Read range of 1m
Not using Arduino
Expensive Equipment
1 reader ($900 with 4 antennas ($194 each)
Trovan Technology
Used in mouse tracking study
Method: checkpoints
27 Antennas
1 reader ?
LF implantable tag
Unknown cost
Not Arduino

8. Prices Item Price (€) Note Arduino Uno 20 Have one Arduino ProMini
7.30
Use with reader modules
Magnet wire 18
125kHz module 10
13.56 MHz Module
14.58
Alien reader
650
4-port
Alien antenna
142
MHz
Alien UHF adhesive tag
9.96
Roll of 50
Alien Developer Kit
1714
Alien Tech uses Linux
LF Reader from atlas RFID shop
136
Up to 45cm

9. Questions to Answer
How much info on tag? How much space is needed? What exactly is the environment/cage like? Cost per cage? Accuracy of position? Orientation priority? What is the problem with the current cages?

10. Possible Testing
Buy 125kHz Arduino kit and modify antenna to see what the max range is for possible use in RSS Triangulation
Make grid of antennas of floor of cage (PCB). Use RSS or checkpoints with the short range. 1 antenna = 1 reader or find way to cycle through each antenna and use fewer readers
Assume max range is 35cm; put two antennas with one reader per wall (8 antennas, 4 readers). 4 virtual sections of cage and use RSS for location