ISO/DTR 22251-1

FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Report
ISO/TC 122
Packaging — Measurement results
Secretariat: JISC
for the use of RFID on returnable
Voting begins on:
transport items —
2026-05-22
Part 1:
Voting terminates on:
2026-07-17
Metal returnable transport items
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
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MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
Technical
Report
ISO/TC 122
Packaging — Measurement results
Secretariat: JISC
for the use of RFID on returnable
Voting begins on:
transport items —
Part 1:
Voting terminates on:
Metal returnable transport items
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
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BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 1
3.1 Terms and definitions .1
3.2 Abbreviated terms .2
4 Characteristics of RFID for metal RTIs . 2
4.1 General .2
4.2 RF tag .2
4.3 Communication distance .3
4.4 Communication time .3
4.5 Durability test .5
5 Evaluation of RFID for Metal RTIs . 6
5.1 Reading RF tags on metal RTIs .6
5.2 Example of using RF tags on metal RTIs at a manufacturing facility .10
5.2.1 Basic conditions .10
5.2.2 Trial 1 .17
5.2.3 Trial 2 .18
Annex A (informative) Examples of metal RTIs for the supply chain .23
Annex B (informative) Communication distance of different types of RF tags for metal RTIs .26
Annex C (informative) Communication distance of RF tags for metal RTIs with different
attaching conditions .31
Annex D (informative) Communication time of RF tags for metal RTIs . 41
Annex E (informative) Durability of RF tags for metal RTIs .49
Annex F (informative) Communication-enabled transport length of RF tags on metal RTIs .51
Annex G (informative) Reading an RF tag on a metal RTI at a manufacturing facility .56
Bibliography .57

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22251 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
In recent years, the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the supply chain has been seen as an
ideal solution to the increasing demand for higher traceability and reduction of logistics costs and materials
in supply chains around the world. In actual logistics and material handling, the introduction of returnable
transport item (RTI) management with RFID makes it easy to establish remote bulk reading systems, which
can significantly reduce management costs compared to management with conventional barcode systems.
Various RTIs, such as plate pallets and box pallets, are subject to RFID systems, but when RF tags are
attached to metal RTIs, the RF tags can fail to operate because the reading distance becomes very short
due to the inherent properties of the metal. Various RF tags can be used on metal, but the performance,
durability and other properties of RF tags, the conditions for attachment and the conditions for using metal
RTIs are not clear.
This technical report verifies the characteristics of RF tags attached to metal RTIs through experiments,
and the results of these experiments will be useful for the actual use of RF tags on metal RTIs.

v
FINAL DRAFT Technical Report ISO/DTR 22251-1:2026(en)
Packaging — Measurement results for the use of RFID on
returnable transport items —
Part 1:
Metal returnable transport items
1 Scope
This document summarizes measurement results for the use of RFID on metal returnable transport items
(RTIs).
This document describes the following:
— types of metal RTIs,
— features, reliability of RFID used for metal RTIs, and
— measurement results for the use of RFID on metal RTIs.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 19762, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Vocabulary
ISO 445, Pallets for materials handling — Vocabulary
ISO 21067-1, Packaging — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762, ISO 445, ISO 21067-1
and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1.1
serial number
SN
codes, such as sequential numbers, used for uniqueness
Note 1 to entry: The structure of the serial number can be decided by the company that is under the control of the
issuing agency. This is normally composed of an item number and its production number (serial number).

3.2 Abbreviated terms
EIRP effective isotropic radiated power
ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute
FCC Federal Communications Commission
MB memory bank
RF radio frequency
RSSI receiver signal strength indicator
SUS stainless steel
UII unique item identifier memory bank
USER user memory bank
4 Characteristics of RFID for metal RTIs
4.1 General
In the automotive industry and other manufacturing industries, there is a need for metal RTI, and actual
management systems using RFID have already been introduced in some manufacturing industries. However,
insufficient results have been achieved due to a lack of experience and knowledge about the capabilities and
performance of RFID and the effects of metals. In addition, many tests and examinations have been carried
out toward the practical application of RFID. Annex B to Annex F present measurement results useful for the
introduction of RFID, especially RF tags designed for metal RTIs. The concepts and data described in this
document can be applied to other objects and materials.
The characteristic of RF tags attached on the “metal” and “durability test” has been confirmed in four
validation studies in particular.
— communication distance: measurement of the RF tag’s communication performance (possible
communication distance)
— communication time: measurement of the time it takes to write data to the RF tag
— durability test: verification of the durability of the RF tag
— field-application test: indication of the RFID implementation test points.
4.2 RF tag
The types of RF tags supported by the UHF band include passive tags, active tags and semi-active tags. This
document covers inexpensive passive tags that do not need special maintenance such as battery replacement.
When a RF tag is attached to a metal RTI as defined in this document, the communication performance of
the RF tag is significantly degraded due to the following unfavourable effects:
— Radio interference is generated by reflected waves from the metal.
— Interfering with the magnetic field around the RF tag.
— Impedance at the IC’s connection is changed by the metal and the energy loss increases.
In these operating environments, standard RF tags such as general-purpose RF tags are completely unable
to communicate.
To address this problem, RF tag manufacturers are currently developing RF tags that work on metal objects
while keeping a high communication capability by using dedicated antennas. This document takes into
account the usage operating conditions of metal RTIs and supports not only metal but also RF tags that can
withstand a long-term use in outdoor environment.
In the evaluation, the position in Figure 2 and the vanning process of metal RTI in Figure 3 are assumed.
4.3 Communication distance
In the communication distance tests, the change in performance of the RF tag was examined by measuring
the RF tag’s reading and writing distances to see how the RF tag’s performance changes according to the
material or shape of the metal on which the RF tag is attached and the operating environment. Refer to
Annex B and Annex C for the results of these tests.
The communication distance was evaluated using Tag A, Tag B, Tag C, Tag D, and Tag E, which are outdoor-
resistant and are intended for use on metal. See Annex B and Annex C for the evaluation method and results.
From the above results, the communication distance can be summarized as follows:
a) Factors that largely change communication distance
1) Writing distance in comparison to reading distance
2) Difference in the operating frequency range
3) Effects of the presence of metal objects
4) Adhered reflecting tape
5) Applications other than metal objects (resin, wood, cardboard, etc., including free air)
6) Shielding with a metal plate or fine wire mesh panel
b) Factors that scarcely affect communication distance
1) Metal type (ion, aluminium, stainless steel)
2) Metal shape (large/medium/small size plate, square pipe)
3) Installation method (double-sided adhesive tape, bolt, banding band)
4) Changes in temperature and humidity
5) Extraneous matters (water drops, glass, packing tape)
6) Shielding with a loose wire mesh panel
4.4 Communication time
The time to read the UII and the USER data and to write data were measured regarding communication
between the RF tag and the interrogator. Changes in the communication time as a result of fluctuations
in the data volume were also examined for a single RF tag and multiple RF tags. Four different types of
ISO/IEC 18000-63 RF tags (inlays) were tested. Refer to Table 1 for the details on these RF tags.

Table 1 — RF tags (inlays) subject to the test
Sample tag name Tag X Tag Y Tag Z Tag Y’
UII size
96/256 256 128 448
bits
USER size
512/352 512 512 1 024
bits
Antenna size
70 × 17 70 × 14 86 × 24 70 × 17
mm
The communication time was evaluated using the RF tags Tag X, Tag Y, Tag Z and Tag Y’, each having the USER
memory (see Table 1). Refer to Annex D for the evaluation method and the results. Tag X, tag Y, and tag Z are
products from different manufacturers, while tag Y and tag Y' are products from the same manufacturer.
Figure D.5 to Figure D.7 show the results of reading the three different types of RF tags by using four antennas.
The results indicate that reading the UII is much faster than reading the USER for the ISO/IEC 18000-63 tags.
In the reading of the USER, no particular difference by the bit count is observed up to 15 RF tags. The time
taken for reading remains almost the same for 32 bits and 128 bits. However, as the number of RF tags is
increased to 30 RF tags, it takes more than 1 s longer if the number of bits is increased to 512 bits compared
to 32 bits. It takes more time to write than to read, particularly for writing the Tag Y.
Figure D.8 to Figure D.10 show the results of writing three different types of RF tags by using four
antennas. The results indicate that writing the UII is much faster than writing the USER regarding the
ISO/IEC 18000-63 tags. It is assumed that writing to the USER is not intended for the Tag Y. For any other RF
tags, a proportional relationship is observed between the number of bits to be written and the writing time.
This also applies to the number of RF tags to be written and the writing time.
Figure D.11 and Figure D.12 show the results of measured time to read and write a 512-bit USER memory
of the Tag X by using one antenna and four antennas. A proportional relationship is observed with the
number of RF tags. As an interrogator is configured to establish communication by switching the antennas,
the communication time is extended in proportion to the number of implemented RF tags. The number of
antennas to be used depends on the actual operating conditions, including the direction and height of the
antennas.
Figure D.13 and Figure D.14 show the results of comparing the time for reading and writing the Tag Y’ whose
memory capacity is larger than that of the other RF tags. This was done under the condition of USER 512 bits
for comparison. The results show that the reading speed of the Tag Y’ lies in the middle of the ranking and
its writing speed is the fastest. It is presumed that the writing speed is the highest because the RF tag uses
a new IC.
Based on the above results, the communication time can be summarized as follows:
a) Reading
1) UII reading is done at a much higher speed (inventory).
2) With an increase in the memory capacity and/or the number of RF tags, reading takes longer with a
larger time variation.
3) In one case, reading five RF tags was faster than reading a single tag.
4) Speed of reading is in the order of Tag Z > Tag X > Tag Y’ > Tag Y from the fastest.
b) Writing
1) With an increase in the memory capacity and/or the number of RF tags, writing takes longer.
2) In one case, writing five RF tags was faster than writing a single RF tag.
3) Writing the RF tag Y was not completed under certain conditions.
4) Speed of writing is in the order of Tag Y’ > Tag Z > Tag X > Tag Y from the fastest.

4.5 Durability test
Table 2 lists the test standards applicable to Tag A intended for metal RTI applications. A durability test was
performed according to ISO 18185-3, referring to the results of an evaluation test equivalent to a 10-year
outdoor durability test.
Table 2 — RF tags (inlays) subject to the test
Item Test condition Standard used for testing
Low temperature −40 °C IEC 60068-2–1
High temperature +85 °C IEC 60068-2–2
Mechanical shock 30 G (11 ms) IEC 60068-2–27
Random vibration 3 G (2 h, −40 °C and +85 °C) IEC 60068-2–53
Humidity Up to 95 % IEC 60068-2–38
Rain/snow 1 m of salt water IEC 60068-2–18
Salt fog Salt fog IEC 60068-2–11
IEC 60068-2–31 and IEC
Drop shock 3,3 m concrete
60068-2–32
Sand and dust Sand and dust IEC 60068-2–68
Two types of operating environment tests as shown in Table 3 and Table 4 were conducted. In the basic
operating environment tests in Table 3, Tag A assessed with a high-temperature/high-humidity storage
test, a low-temperature storage test, a high-temperature storage test, a heat cycle test, a heat shock test
and a weatherproof test. The test results indicate that, in the high-temperature/high-humidity storage,
high-temperature storage and heat cycle tests, Tag A failed to keep above the initial 90 % communication
distance for the specified test time equivalent to 10 years.
Annex E shows the results of the high-temperature/high-humidity storage test. Annex E describes the
reading ability of RF tags. Figure E.1 is a graphical representation of the RF tag’s readability rate against
its serviceable lifetime. In the high-temperature/high-humidity storage test, good results were achieved as
shown in Figure E.2, while the RF tag’s performance was degraded as shown in Figure E.3. It is assumed that
the RF tag’s reading distance becomes shorter as the contact resistance between the semiconductor and the
antenna increases over time. As seen in Figure E.1, the test samples keeping more than 90 % of their initial
functional ability end at 0 % after a test period equivalent to 32,5 years. In contrast, at an equivalent test
time of 19,5 years, more than 80 % of the test samples keep more than 90 % of their initial functional ability.
Table 3 — Basic operating environment tests
No. Test item Test conditions Result
High-temperature +85 °C and 85 % for 1 000 h
01 Passable
high-humidity storage
02 Low-temperature storage −80 °C for 60 days OK
03 High-temperature storage 100 °C for 3 500 h Passable
Heat cycle −40 °C to 100 °C, retained for 20 min. at each tempera-
04 Passable
ture for 630 cycles (1 cycle approx. 2 h)
Heat shock −40 °C to 125 °C, retained for 20 min. at each tempera-
05 OK
ture for 730 cycles
Weatherproof 120 min., optical irradiation (incl. 18 min. shower) cycle
06 Unknown
for 3 000 h
Key
OK         No problem
Passable   Unable to keep 90 % of the initial communication distance at a 10-year equivalent test time (communication
enabled)
The test items for the operating environment tests are listed in Table 4. Good results were achieved in most
of these tests, except the block shock test in which the resin housing was broken and the chemical-resistance
test in which the inside of the RF tag’s resin case was eroded by liquid.
Table 4 — Operating environment tests
No. Test item Test conditions Result
07 Block shock test ISO 8611-1:2011 block shock test was applied to the RF Fail
tags
08 Vibration test 3 G, single axis rebound random vibration for 3 h OK
09 Shock test 100 G, sine half-wave for 6 ms OK
Sample attached on a pallet was dropped
10 Salt spray test 35 °C for 96 h OK
11 Immunity test 50 V/m (electromagnetic field), 25 kV (static electricity) OK
12 Chemical-resistance test Sample was submerged in assumed chemical for 2 h Passable
Key
OK        No problem
Passable  Can be partly eroded by chemicals
Fail       Resin housing broke (communication enabled)
These test results suggest allowing enough time for the usage period of the RF tag to cover the degradation
in communication distance observed in some of the tests. As the RF tags covered in this document are
intended to be used with metal RTIs, the durability test was also conducted on the RF tags attached on
metal objects. Note that a load stress caused by a difference in the heat expansion rate between the RF tag’s
resin housing and the metal is not applied to the RF tag in a single-unit RF tag test.
5 Evaluation of RFID for Metal RTIs
5.1 Reading RF tags on metal RTIs
A typical metal RTI as shown in Annex A is normally made in a box shape and carried in a shipping container
in the global supply chain flow. Many metal RTIs are usually made in the size of one-eighth or one-tenth of
the container in consideration of the loading efficiency of the container. Products or parts are put in the RTI
at shipping (vanning) and the RTI is folded down into a smaller form to improve the loading efficiency at
returning (devanning). The following points have been checked when selecting which type of RF tag to use
for metal RTIs:
a) Shape of the metal to which the RF tag is attached
b) Conditions surrounding the metal
c) Power frequency and output of each home region
d) Need for USER
e) Need for writing
f) Orientation of RF tag
g) Weatherproof performance (product life of metal RTI)
When attaching RF tags to metal RTIs, an appropriate place and method have been chosen that will not
largely affect the RF tag’s communication performance, or a place and method where external impact force is
minimized. As for the system structure, consideration is given to how to secure the time for communication
(communication-enabled distance and communication time), in addition to the maximum number of RF tags,
the number of antennas and the antenna angle.

The followings are the basic information for implementing RF tags on metal RTIs.
a) Metal RTI: maximum number of folded RTIs stacked up on one another (15 tiers in this example; see
Figure 1 and Figure 3)
b) Operating frequency: 860 MHz to 960 MHz (920 MHz in this example)
c) Reading/writing: USER bank supported by ISO/IEC 18000-63 tag
d) Radio wave output: 4 W EIRP
e) Antenna type: linear polarized wave (oriented in RF tag’s longer direction in this example), circular
polarized wave
f) Antenna distance: antenna-to-RF tag distance (0,5 m and 1,8 m in this example)
g) Carrying speed: speed of moving forklift (1 km/h to 5 km/h in this example)
Key
1 metal RTI (folded form)
2 RF tag
Figure 1 — Metal RTI and RF tag
Annex G shows images of the verification tests. Since the write distance of RF tags is obviously shorter than
the read distance, this clause focuses on the write capability. The write distance is calculated from the ratio
of the distances for the mounting conditions. In Annex G, the layout of the antenna is adjusted to target the
RF tag on the bottom layer because the RF tag mounted on the bottom layer had a significant decrease in
communication distance due to the influence of the floor.
Figure 1 shows an RF tag attached on a folded metal RTI. Here, the RF tag is attached on a square-shaped
pipe object. This position is disadvantageous in terms of the RF tag’s communication distance, but potential
effects from the external environment of the metal RTI can be avoided. Table 5 lists the distances selected
from the verified data approximate to these conditions.
Table 5 — Reading distance supporting metal RTIs
Comparison with base dis-
Writable distance
tance
RF tag position
(m)
(%)
Attached on a stainless-steel plate (base) 6,247 100,0
Attached on a square pipe 40 sq. 5,569 89,1
In contact with metal at top side 3,958 63,4
50 mm in parallel from a wall (to be applied at the lowest tier) 4,163 66,6

The writable distance of an RF tag placed on a metal RTI at the lowest tier can be calculated as follows:
6,247(basedistance)0,,,8910 6340 6662,350 (1)
Considering that the RF tag’s communication range to be a circle whose diameter is equal to the
communication distance, the writable distance of the RF tag at the antenna position (1,8 m in distance) is
calculated as below from the Pythagorean Theorem:
2,350  2,350
18, 21,99 (2)
   
2 2
   
Since the actually confirmed distance 1,64 m is close to the value 1,99 m calculated from a single-unit test,
the result of the single-unit test is confirmed to be practical as an objective guide.
The communication time was also evaluated. The time to write 15 tiers was calculated based on the results
of a single-unit test. Refer to Table 6.
Table 6 — Communication time for writing
Communication time
Item Contents Remarks
(seconds)
RTI’s ID reading UII read (inventory) 0,558 1
USER data identification USER 32 bits read 0,159 2
All USER data reading USER 512 bits read 0,196 2
Data rewriting USER 512 bits write 3,664 2
Rewrite confirmation USER 512 bits read 0,196 2
Total 4,773 3
NOTE 1 The number of antennas is adjusted to be equivalent to six antennas by increasing the test results on
four antennas by half.
NOTE 2 In reading/writing the USER bank, communication was evaluated only on the specific antennas. The
figures in this list indicate the test results for a single antenna.
NOTE 3 The actual communication time is “4,773 seconds + upper PC processing time x ‘n’ times”
Measurement was done by installing the gates in a distribution warehouse as illustrated in Annex F.
With the functionality of the RF tags used for the test, writing was enabled if the received signal strength
indicator (RSSI) value was not less than −60 dBm, and therefore the communication distance that achieves
the RSSI value of higher than −60 dBm was measured and taken as the writable distance. Figure F.1
lists the communication distances at the lane near the antenna. The vertical line indicates 15 RTIs. The
communication distances at the lane far from the antenna are given in Figure F.2.
The values calculated from a single-unit test are compared with the actual values as follows:
a) Communication distance at the lane near (0,5 m) the antenna
Single unit equivalent value 1,92 m
Actual measurement value 1,80 m (90 cm × 2)
b) Communication distance at the lane far from (1,8 m) the antenna
Single unit equivalent value 1,99 m
Actual measurement value 1,64 m (82 cm × 2)
For the communication time, a cycle of the time to rewrite the USER data on 15 tiers was measured using a
metal RTI fixed within the range in which communication with all RF tags was enabled. The result was as
follows.
Single unit equivalent value 4,8 seconds
Actual measurement value 6 to 7 seconds

From the above results, it is confirmed that the value calculated from a single-unit test are key for
establishing the gates and applications. Table 7 and Table 8 list the respective times when the RF tag is
passing through the gate at a speed of 5 km/h, 3 km/h and 1 km/h. Of the time range less than 6 seconds
shown in grey, which is the cycle duration for rewriting the data on the 15 tiers, the interrogator fails in
writing at a speed of 5 km/h and 3 km/h without exception. Even at the lane far from the antennas, the RF
tag moving at a speed of 1 km/h failed to achieve twice the rewrite time and can end up failing to be written
successfully depending on the timing of the communication cycle. With the existing RF tags, too much time
is spent on rewriting RF tag data. This problem is a future challenge. A high level of traceability that covers
the supply chain is possible at a lower cost just by writing a pass certificate in every RF tag without a need
for networking in the supply chain. Faster writing speeds facilitate practical applications.
Table 7 — Pass-by time of communication-enabled distance (lane near the antenna)
No. of RTI tiers from Writable distance Pass-by time
the bottom
(cm) (seconds)
5 km/h 3 km/h 1 km/h
a a a
15 142 1,02 1,70 5,11
a a
14 172 1,24 2,06 6,19
a a a
13 142 1,02 1,70 5,11
a a a
12 142 1,02 1,70 5,11
a a
11 192 1,38 2,30 6,91
a a
10 172 1,24 2,06 6,19
a a
09 181 1,30 2,17 6,52
a a
08 181 1,30 2,17 6,52
a a
07 217 1,56 2,60 7,81
a a
06 217 1,56 2,60 7,81
a a
05 244 1,76 2,93 8,78
a a
04 204 1,47 2,45 7,34
a a
03 234 1,68 2,81 8,42
a a
02 180 1,30 2,16 6,48
a a
01 180 1,30 2,16 6,48
Maximum 244 1,76 2,93 8,78
Minimum 142 1,02 1,70 5,11
a
Grey cells are the result for less than 6 seconds.
Table 8 — Pass-by time of communication-enabled distance (lane far from the antenna)
No. of RTI tiers from Writable distance Pass-by time
the bottom
(cm) (seconds)
5 km/h 3 km/h 1 km/h
a a
15 310 2,23 3,72 11,16
a a
14 374 2,69 4,49 13,46
a a
13 288 2,07 3,46 10,37
a a
12 258 1,86 3,10 9,28
a a
11 494 3,56 5,93 17,78
a
10 542 3,90 6,50 19,51
a a
09 498 3,59 5,98 17,93
a
08 504 3,63 6,05 18,14
a
07 542 3,90 6,50 19,51
a
Grey cells are the result for less than 6 seconds.

TTabablele 8 8 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
No. of RTI tiers from Writable distance Pass-by time
the bottom
(cm) (seconds)
5 km/h 3 km/h 1 km/h
a
06 558 4,02 6,70 20,09
a
05 572 4,12 6,86 20,59
a a
04 468 3,37 5,62 16,85
a
03 518 3,73 6,22 18,65
a a
02 400 2,88 4,80 14,40
a a
01 400 2,88 4,80 14,40
Maximum 572 4,12 6,86 20,59
Minimum 258 1,86 3,10 9,29
a
Grey cells are the result for less than 6 seconds.
5.2 Example of using RF tags on metal RTIs at a manufacturing facility
5.2.1 Basic conditions
A trial operation was carried out with respect to a metal RTI using the system implemented at a
manufacturing facility with a global supply chain structure. In this trial operation, parts and components
domestically manufactured in the region was put in a metal RTI and shipped overseas. After those parts
were removed, the metal RTI was folded down and returned to the original manufacturer. With this
operating procedure, an advanced management mechanism for replenishment and ordering is created by
identifying the exact inventory quantity and turnover ratio, which is closely linked to the control of metal
RTIs from shipping, returning and production planning. In this management structure, an efficient system
designed to automatically read and write RF tags is necessary at the time when the RTI is shipped abroad
and then returned to the initial place. In the logistics cycle, shipping is called “vanning” and returning is
called “devanning”. Annex F and Annex G show examples of RF tag reading of metal RTIs at manufacturing
sites, but reading metal RTIs in motion, as shown in Annex F, is a challenge.
a) Vanning process
Metal RTIs filled with contents are loaded into a shipping container in the vanning process. Metal RTIs
stacked into two or three tiers are loaded and moved to in front of the container by a forklift for temporary
placement. At this time, the forklift operator gives instructions on the loading and conducts a visual
inspection. Several antennas are installed at both sides of the area where the metal RTIs are temporarily
placed and the RF tags on the metal RTIs are automatically read and written. As the width of a single metal
RTI is almost half that of the container, the area where the metal RTIs are temporarily placed is divided
in two, one on the right side of the container and the other on the left side. This means that there are four
different patterns of distance relationship between the antennas and the RF tags.
b) Devanning process
Empty metal RTIs returned from the shipped-to destination are taken out from the shipping container in
the devanning process. The metal RTIs stacked into one to three tiers are removed at a time if they are in
the assembled form, or up to 15 tiers if they are in the folded form. The unloaded metal RTIs are temporarily
placed in the center between the antennas installed at both sides in front of the container for approximately
five seconds.
Figure 2 shows the state of a metal RTI. An RF tag is attached with double-sided adhesive tape on the metal
RTI at 32 cm from its edge.
Key
1 metal RTI (assembled form)
2 metal RTI (folded form)
3 center panel
4 side panel
5 RF tag
6 RF tag
d dimension from edge (for example, 32 cm)
Figure 2 — Positions of metal RTI and RF tag
Figure 3 shows the vanning process and the devanning process. In actual applications, a total of six antennas,
each consisting of two sets of antennas (three antennas counted as one set), are installed at either side of the
area. The open side of the container faces the other side of the shutter. In Figure 3, the metal RTIs are stacked
into 15 tiers. Refer to Annex F for the overall system structure of the vanning and devanning processes. In
the vanning process with two gates, the RF tags were read using six linear polarized antennas installed on
the right and left sides. In the devanning process with five gates, RF tags were read using six antennas on the
right and left sides, but two of the linear polarized antennas, one on either side, were replaced with circular
polarized antennas this time.
Key
1 antenna
2 metal RTI (folded form)
3 shutter
4 container
Figure 3 — Vanning process of metal RTI
Figure 4 illustrates various forms of loaded RTIs in the vanning and devanning processes. In Figure 4,
items 1 to 4 indicate the forms of loaded RTIs used for the vanning process and items 5 and 6 indicate those
for the devanning process. Item 1 is placed in the left lane while item 2 is placed in the right lane. Items 3
and 4 respectively show combinations with different types of metal RTIs other than those covered in this
document. The RF tags are expected to be used with all types of metal RTIs in the future. There are two
metal RTIs in items 3 and one RTI in item 4. When returned, the RTIs are directly stacked up as shown in
item 5 or they are folded down and then stacked up in item 6. The number of RTIs is limited to three if they
are not folded down.
Key
1 Loaded RTIs for the vanning process (placed in the left lane)
2 Loaded RTIs for the vanning process (placed in the right lane)
3 Loaded RTI for vanning process stacked with RTI not covered by this document
4 Loaded RTI for vanning process stacked with RTI not covered by this document
5 RTIs for the devanning process (unfolded RTIs)
6 RTIs for the devanning process (folded and stacked RTIs)
Figure 4 — Forms of RTIs loaded by a forklift
In the vanning process employed in Japan, the interrogator collectively reads a number of RF tags currently
passing in front of the antennas in a batch and accumulates the data. At this time, information on the vanning
time (time stamp) is written in the RF tags. Similarly, in the devanning process, all the data on multiple RF
tags passing in front of the antennas is collectively acquired in a batch reading and accumulated. Here again,
information on the devanning time (time stamp) is also written in the RF tags.
The data identifier (DI) that begins with “25B” as defined in ISO/IEC 17360 is stored in the UII storage data.
The USER memory bank stores information on the time stamp, rotation number, destination and shipping
order for the purpose of metal RTI management. Up to 210 bits of data can be stored in the UII and up to
380 bits in the USER.
The six antennas shown in Figure 3, three on the right side and three on the left side, are arranged according
to the size of the vanning and devanning areas. Figure 5 shows a layout of the antennas in the vanning
process and Figure 6 shows that in the devanning process. Radio wave power of 30 dBm is used for both the
vanning process and the devanning process. A significant difference is observed in these two processes, as
the size “ l ” is enlarged in the devanning where the metal RTIs are stacked into a 15-tier form.
Key
1 left antenna
2 right antenna
A dimensions in centimeters
B dimensions in radians
Figure 5 — Antenna arrangement in the vanning process
Key
1 left antenna
2 right antenna
A dimensions in centimeters
B dimensions in radians
Figure 6 — Antenna arrangement in the devanning process
Table 9 describes the procedure for writing data into an RF tag. In this table, inventory only is activated
when reading is limited solely to the data written in the RF tag’s UII.

Table 9 — Communication procedure
Procedure Description
Inventory The RF tags near the antennas are recognized.
Information on the chip manufacturer is acquired assuming that
Read 1: TID reading
various types of RF tags are in use.
From 16 bits to 24 bits of information on the USER is acquired. Bit
Read 2: USER (length) reading
information (length) stored in the USER is also acquired.
Read 3: USER reading All USER data are read based on the length.
Write: USER writing Information such as a time stamp is written.
Read 4: verification Written information is checked.
There are at least three steps to follow when writing data into the USER memory. The inventory is executed
in the first step, the USER data are read in the second step, and new data are written in the third step based
on the USER data that was read in the second step. In this trial, the type of RF tag is identified in read 1 (see
Table 9) even if it is an ISO/IEC 18000-63 tag, on the assumption that the chip or inlay embedded in the RF tag
can be a product of a different manufacturer. In fact, the owner of metal RTIs can be a manufacturer or parts
maker and so the RF tag is not of the same type. Even if the selected RF tag is classified as ISO/IEC 18000-63,
its memory size and processing procedure can differ if the RF tag’s type or manufacturer is not the same.
Read 1 can be omitted when using identical RF tags.
The measurement time for each procedure is given in Table 10 and its rate in percentage in Figure 7. Although
the inventory is not measured
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