An RFID based technique for handling object distribution and recalls in pervasive transaction environments

A completely visible pervasive transaction environment where it is possible to link all related distributions of physical objects and trace their mobility through their entire life process, has been elusive. With the emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) based object tags, it is now practicable to automatically collect information pertaining to the object's place, time, transaction, etc. We propose an architecture for pervasive real-time tracking of object distribution and subsequently present an efficient mechanism for performing recall of RFID tagged objects that were previously distributed but turned out defective. Applying the concepts of scale free networks and epidemic theory, we mathematically model the distribution and recall process and get a stochastic estimate of the average spread of object distributions and the number of recall messages required. Our simulation results validate the analysis and the small average number of recall messages obtained proves the efficacy of the scheme.