Radiofrequency Identification for movable heritage management

CentralInternationalArchive of Art Objects

Member ofAlbert Canals – General Director AICOA

7th European Conference ‘SAUVEUR’Prague JUNE 1st, 2006

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Introduction

• Nowadays several conditions are affecting movable heritage management:– High mobility (transportation, warehouses,

exhibitions,...)– No accessible information concerning the

heritage object

• The result is a growing environment of insecurity arising in this sector (museums, investors, artists,...)

• Traceability is the best way to warranty full security to cultural objects

• RFID helps us to assure this traceability

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About RFID

• Step ahead for Automatic Data Collection (ADC) technologies

• Based on wirelessly exchange of data• Clear alternative to barcode systems in many applications• Basic elements:

– Tag: smart label with a chip and an antenna– Reader / writer: device that extract / record the information

on the tag

RFID = Radiofrequency Identification

ERP READER ANTENNA TAGS

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• Each RFID tag has a unique serial number which allows individual, unrepeatable identification worldwide

• Additional data store area that permits to register higher volume of information

• No line-of-sight is required to read the chip, so the tag can be embedded, and hence be able to work in harsh environments (high temperatures,…)

• Security elements and encryption possibilities

• Availability of sensor devices (temperature, humidity,…)

• Compatibility: common devices such as mobile phones or PDA’s can be used as readers with minimum adaptation

RFID features

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Artworks Traceability

• Ability to track an artwork through the different steps of its life, from the creation onwards

• Be able to identify, register and transmit the information anytime and anywhere

• RFID is an excellent technology to assure traceability due to its intrinsic features

• But some problems arise when trying to mark directly the art object:– Broad casuistic, difficult standardization– Troubles in the manipulation of the object– Preserve requirements– Existing copyrights

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Artworks documentation

• To solve this, our proposal is to mark the documents that serve to identify, register and follow-up the artwork

• To create a standard documentation process suitable for all types of heritage objects

• Anyway, Saident keeps on working in the development of different RFID seals (with embedded tags) to be attached to the artworks

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Artworks documentation and AICOA

• AICOA (Central International Archive of Artworks) is specialized in documenting and register all kinds of artworks

• AICOA offers the following services based on RFID to authors and collectors:– Identification and description of the artwork

– Register and archive

– On-line information availability

CentralInternationalArchive of Art Objects

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AICOA’s procedures

1. Identification and description– Description of Artwork Document (DOA)

• Standard code for artworks (GS1)• Authorship declaration• Experts certifications• Technical features and pictures

A RFID tag is attached to the document• Standard ISO 15693:2004• Frequency: 13,56 MHz• Information registered

– Serial unique number

– GS1 artwork code

– Author’s name

– Title of the artwork

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AICOA’s procedures

1. Identification and description– Passport Guide: track the artwork life, containing

its basic information and additional data regarding exhibitions, registers, movements (transport, customs control,…)

– RFID tag attached, ISO 15693– Implementation of ISO 14443 (e-passport) is

being studied

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AICOA’s procedures

2. Registering and archive

– AICOA is adopting a RFID-based security system to protect and preserve all the documents

– Access control through RFID doors and smart shelves with embedded antennas

– Benefits:• Automatic search and

localization of the documents• Permanent inventory• Alarms available• Confidentiality

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AICOA’s procedures

3. Information transmission– AICOA’s central server and Intranet provide all

the information regarding the registered objects: public and private information, on-line reports, certifications (RFID tag attached)

– Remote consultation available– Use of EPCglobal network is being studied

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EPCglobal networkTM

3. Information transmission– The EPCglobal network

connects different servers worldwide containing information related to items identified by EPC numbers

– The servers are called EPC Information Systems (EPCIS)

– The ONS (Objects Name Services) will allow to locate the information of any tagged object

– Authorization and access control will provide privacy and data protection

Firewall

Autorization Access Control

Artist Transportation Logistics

CollectorMuseum

General Public

Gallery

Register AgencyExperts

ExhibitionTrade Fairs

SERVICES(Including ONS)

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Thank you very much

Questions ?