An Investigative Analysis of RFID Read Range Under Human Proximity with Different Body Mass Index

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), application technology is implemented to enhance the efficiency of service through the integration of data automatically. RFID is a data transmission technology comprising interconnected tags and readers designed to facilitate the exchange of information. The human tissue layer appears to have an influence on the RFID read range performance. The aim of this study is to examine and analyse the read range performance under two conditions: in a free-space setting and when placed on a human body model. Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a requirement for studying its effect of fat layer thickness. The results reveal that the commercial RFID read range may be maximized up to 5.3 meters in open space as per specification and decreases depending on the human body model and varied fat layer thickness. The collected information evaluated using the CST studio Suites 2021 Student Version Software and an open-field experiment with participants with varying BMIs.