A number of research papers mention printable, chipless RFID tags with specific reference to Australian Polymer banknotes. I wonder if this is something we could realistically see in some future generation of notes? For example, from one paper:
Why bother. It looks like they'll abolish cash before this gets off the ground. Even if it was implemented. How many would get destroyed by placing in the microwave for 5 seconds?
Better check the new $5 note when it's released: http://forums.silverstackers.com/topic-71873-new-5-on-the-way.html
What if the legitimacy (and value) of the note is dependent on accurately reading the RFID and anything else considered a potential forgery? Check this out:
"...devaluates banknotes remotely that are illegal or have been stolen." "...observes suspicious activities"
So if the fragile rfid circuitry is damaged for any reason it instantly becomes a forgery? I can't see that working out too well. At least with current bank notes you can get replacements, even when badly damaged.
They won't abolish cash in the foreseeable future. Post all the data of declining cash transaction you want, it's not going to happen.
Who says it's fragile in normal use? (barring zapping it with a microwave) You'd assume it would only be utilized if it was resilient to damage, otherwise it would be a nightmare of angry citizens returning notes.
I've used and seen many damaged notes (torn) still in circulation. I doubt a RFID circuit could survive being torn in half. Damage could occur from: Static electricity Physical damage Electromagnetic Moisture Sunlight ...
Very good environmental robustness is a supposed feature of chipless RFID. They are large and encode relatively few bits of information so would have significant redundancy for error correction.
Survivability and usability in adverse environmental conditions are certainly a focus. For example, from a patent on a chipless RFID:
So they're stuffed after they've been through the washing machine and dryer. Too bad if you microwave your clothes or put them in the oven. :lol: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ4S_uVLPCs[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMimygVTgbU[/youtube]
I was at a bank today getting a largish sum of cash out. the lady at the counter seemed insulted when I counted it in front of her as the "machine" that dispensed the cash said it was the right amount. I told her I don't trust machines with my money and ensured I had the right amount. With this tech workers at banks will get more and more reliant on tech to do their jobs and consequently more bank errors will be made when tech malfunctions. Now who do you think will benefit most from this?
Ok, sure, people who microwave their clothes and put them in the oven may have an issue. But I think they may have bigger issues to worry about in that case. Washing machines are fine however: "...the presented tag can be used in water contained environment without evident degradation in the reading performance. " http://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:700169/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Anyway, the debate of the feasibility of this tech is just academic and, as willrocks said, we'll very likely go cashless anyway making this a pointless exercise.
FYI, the banknotes the dealer holds are now devalued, so the dealers could get stiffed with this tech.