In February 2022, the RAIN Alliance Tyres Workgroup reviewed a draft Project Data Sheet (PDS) for a proposed project around “read points” and “tyres.”  The expressed need for the proposed project was there had been well-established terminology within the RFID community and terminology related to tyres; however, where these two technologies intersect was still a challenge to discuss across all interested stakeholders.  For example, when describing a “conveyor” or a “drive over” for tagged tyres, do all participants in the discussion have a similar idea of what the other is considering?  It is challenging enough to tag and read a tyre… so could starting with shared understanding of the terminology help?  The Tyres Workgroup agreed on the need and a project team of volunteers committed to the project.  The mission for the project team was captured in the PDS with a Description, Objectives, and Benefits/Value, as follows:

Proposed Project Description: Publish a RAIN Document to clarify, educate, and define the terminology associated with RAIN reader configurations within various use cases in the tyre industry.  The target audience includes RAIN Alliance, tyres, and vehicles ecosystems.

Project Objectives:

  • Define vocabulary (definition of what is a “read point configuration”, naming of each read point configuration, propose “visual identity” of configurations, etc.)
  • Describe various configurations (key parameters and attributes, no requirements, high-level types of specifications, etc.)
  • Link to possible applications (use cases, tyres life cycle, etc.)
  • Assess global maturity and remaining challenges (what must happen for dream to be market ready?… but not necessary to solve in the document)

What are the benefits/value expected from this project?

  • Bring clarity, educate, define what the Tyre Working Group is talking about
  • Support standards activity (ISO, future requirements, …)
  • Allow system/solution providers to supply configurations where possible
  • Encourage the RAIN Alliance ecosystem to solve market readiness challenges for remaining configurations
  • Refer to resources where one might go for additional details

After more than two years of work, including more than 70 working sessions, the project team is pleased to publish the “Defining Read Point Configuration Terminology for RAIN in Tyre Applications” document.

In addition to the project team’s commitment and passion for this project, we are thankful for the support and input from the full Tyres Workgroup, from other RAIN Alliance Workgroups and staff, as well from liaison organizations and associations, such as GDSO, GS1, ISO, AIM, etc.