Certified ucode Tags (ucode tags) are a medium that stores a ucode and has it automatically read. Ubiquitous ID Center certifies ucode tags in order to establish the infrastructure for using ucodes. The certification of ucode tags is a procedure to confirm there are no problems with using a certain tag as a ucode tag. As of May 2011, there are 49 types of certified ucode tags. Using these ucode tags, you can build an application using a ucode.
Tag Anostic Operation
A ucode can be stored in various types of tags such as print tags, passive RFID tags, active RF tags, active infrared tags, etc. This results from the fact that the optimal tag for storing a ucode differs depending on the applications and usage environment.
- Price/Cost consideration
- Readability near metal surface
- Readability near water-rich objects
- Readability over long (or short) distance
- Required security level
Tag Classification
Ubiquitous ID Center classifies various types of tags from two viewpoints. One is the communication method and the other is security levels. Tags classified by communication method is called “Interface Category” and by security levels is called “Security Class.” Currently, there are four types of interface category shown in Table 1, and seven types of security class shown in Table 2.
Table 1: Interface category of ucode tags
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| 0 | Print tag |
| 1 | Passive RFID Tag/Smart Card |
| 2 | Active RF Tag (built-in battery type) |
| 3 | Active Infrared Tag (built-in battery type) |
Table 2: Security class of ucode tags
| Class | Content |
|---|---|
| 0 | Function to detect missing or lost data |
| 1 | Anti physical duplication/forgery |
| 2 | Identification prevention function |
| 3 | Tamper-resistant function/function to control access for each resource |
| 4 | Function to construct secure communication channels with hitherto unfamiliar nodes |
| 5 | Resource management function using a timer |
| 6 | Update function of internal programs/security information |
The higher security classes include all security elements that are included in lower security classes. For example, the ucode tags in Class 2 include the security elements of the following three classes.
- Function to detect missing or lost data （class 0）
- Anti physical duplication/forgery （class 1）
- Identification prevention function （class 2）
Tag Certification Criteria
Ubiquitous ID Center has established certification criteria to handle these various ucode tags comprehensively and certifies the tags that meet the criteria as “certified ucode tags.” Certification criteria have been set for each interface category of ucode tags. The criteria are released as a set of specification. The respective criteria are derived from the following seven basic policies.
- Tag type
A tag must fit in one of the categories in Table 1. - To guarantee the uniqueness of ucodes
The ucode values assigned to targets must be unique. Therefore, ucode tags must guarantee the uniqueness of the ucode. - Distinction from non-ucode tags
ucode tags should be distinguishable from non-ucode tags based on the same standard. If this is not possible, tag readers will misidentify and obtain IDs of non-ucode tags as ucode IDs. This is not good for the applications in general. - Principle of no response
In an environment where many tags of different protocols and methods exist together, it is preferable that a tag should produce no response to reading attempts in non-compatible methods. If we assume a ubiquitous computing environment where various tags exist as ucode tags and where tags are embedded everywhere, this point is important. - Guarantee of the ucode acquisition function
The ability to read ucodes from tags correctly must be guaranteed. - Guarantee for the interoperability of the interface
This means that Ubiquitous ID Center can disclose information if interface information is necessary for the development of multi protocol readers that can read different certified ucode tags to assure interoperability. - To clearly display the existence of ucode tags
Clearly displaying the ucode mark is one of the conditions for certification so the existence of the ucode tag can be visibly identified easily.
ucode Tag Certification Application
If you need to distribute your manufactured tags as ucode tags, certification application needs to be submitted to Ubiquitous ID Center. The application procedures are as follows;
- ucode tag certification application
An applicant submits the application form to TRON Forum. The application form is included as an appendix in the Certification Standard Specification for each category．If there are any technical confidential matters involved for the application, a nondisclosure agreement shall be signed between the applicant and TRON Forum. - Preliminary examination
After the tag certification application is received, Ubiquitous ID Center will conduct a preliminary examination. In this examination, (1) Guaranteeing the uniqueness of ucodes，(2) Distinction between ucode tags and non-ucode tags，(3) Not disturbing other types of ucode tags are mainly examined. In some cases, an applicant may be interviewed. - Approval by Committee and Executive Committee
If the application meets the above conditions, it will be deliberated in the Committee and Executive Committee of TRON Forum. - Sending certification
After ucode tag certification is approved by Executive Committee, a certification will be sent to the applicants by TRON Forum. The certified ucode tags will be added to the Certified ucode Tag List.
