Engineering in Action - Systems
At Ohio University, we say we do it better – and here’s how we can prove it. This collection of case studies supports how we’re creating better teams, better processes, better systems – all leading to better results and better engineers.
Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID) is a complex innovation that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify objects. In this case study Vic Matta and David Koonce examine the functionality of RFID, discuss how to process and store collected data, and analyze the RFID system. Read more about this topic and examine a variety of other engineering management related case studies.
A Hierarchical Cost Estimation Tool
By David Koonce, Robert Judd, Dusan Sormaz, Dale Masel
Abstract
The estimation of the manufacturing cost of a part in all phases of the design stage is crucial to concurrent engineering. To better estimate the cost for a product, data must be available from both engineering systems and business systems. This paper presents a cost estimation system being developed to support design time cost estimation using the Federated Intelligent Product EnviRonment (FIPER), which is being developed as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Technology Program (ATP). The FIPER research team is developing an architecture that interconnects design and analysis software tools in a peer level architecture to support multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO), design for six sigma (DFSS), and robust design. Click here to read more about a Hierarchical Cost Estimation Tool.
Semantic Breakdown of RFID Functionality to Support Application Development
By David Koonce
Abstract
In this concept paper, we study the complex innovation of Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID) in context of their functional value. The purpose of this research is to provide an interpretation of functionality as presented by contemporary RFID systems and organized in the form of a functional matrix that demonstrates RFID mainstream applications. The fundamental functions are broken down into three core areas of Identification, Location and State. Identification is shown to be paramount — especially because of the serial number uniqueness carried by contemporary ‘Gen2’ RFID tags. Location is an inherent function with several sub-classifications depending on whether it is based on proximity or proxy. Finally, the function of state (such as temperature) is shown to be a specialized application of RFID. Applications that use these functions are discussed and plotted in the form of a simple matrix. The expectation is that the functional model may better guide design and development of the RFID applications by its use as an instrument for definition of requirements. Click here to read more about Semantic Breakdown of RFID Functionality to Support Application Development.
