RFID for T3D ?
by Scott Warren · in General Discussion · 12/11/2012 (2:17 pm) · 5 replies
Since purchasing a new XBox 360 with the Skylanders Spyro's Adventure game included, I've been mystified with the simple tech that was used to incorporate an RFID tag into the games action figures.
I've been reading every bit of information I can obtain about RFID in general so as to get a clear understanding of the technology and how it might be used for the next generation of gaming, like Activision has done.
RFID reader / writers are relatively cheap and the tags are even cheaper still. The beauty of it all is the simplicity and low cost. Free software source code can be obtained as well and can be found for both Windows and Linux.
While Activision has been very successful with the use of RFID tags and the Spyro Series, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss this with the community.
My mind is swimming with ideas that can be done with T3D and the RFID technology that was used.
I can't contain the excitement with some possibilities that can be built into T3D and I wanted to get the community interested and inspired.
Please share your thoughts if you've been considering RFID cards or tags as I recently have.
I've been reading every bit of information I can obtain about RFID in general so as to get a clear understanding of the technology and how it might be used for the next generation of gaming, like Activision has done.
RFID reader / writers are relatively cheap and the tags are even cheaper still. The beauty of it all is the simplicity and low cost. Free software source code can be obtained as well and can be found for both Windows and Linux.
While Activision has been very successful with the use of RFID tags and the Spyro Series, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss this with the community.
My mind is swimming with ideas that can be done with T3D and the RFID technology that was used.
I can't contain the excitement with some possibilities that can be built into T3D and I wanted to get the community interested and inspired.
Please share your thoughts if you've been considering RFID cards or tags as I recently have.
#2
The rest of the blocks can be edited with the right software but while this seems like a flaw, it can be exploited to be advantageous.
While I wouldn't consider using RFID for toy models like Activision did, I can see a real purpose for the Tags.
One example would be to encrypt the first block with 128 bit security and make it read only for a players game login. The player could swipe the card and eliminate the need for typing passwords. The ID's are unique, which is why medical fields are looking into them and precisely why Activision uses it for the game characters.
Another example could be for a small multi-player game in which the players would have to actively seek the treasure since the tags can be used in that way as well.. the tag would use a battery to ping it's location while phone Apps would be used for locating it. Great for college D&D sessions I would think.
Or maybe even using the tags as power up items that can be purchased separately in addition to the game.
Since the Tags I have been looking at, lately, come as 1k or 4k sizes, their is plenty of room for innovative Devs here at GG.
I'll look deeper into the Security and see what I can dig up, but thank you for your response. :-)
12/11/2012 (5:12 pm)
Your right DMB, there is the fact that the tags or cards can be edited with the exception of the first block made write-once with encryption. The rest of the blocks can be edited with the right software but while this seems like a flaw, it can be exploited to be advantageous.
While I wouldn't consider using RFID for toy models like Activision did, I can see a real purpose for the Tags.
One example would be to encrypt the first block with 128 bit security and make it read only for a players game login. The player could swipe the card and eliminate the need for typing passwords. The ID's are unique, which is why medical fields are looking into them and precisely why Activision uses it for the game characters.
Another example could be for a small multi-player game in which the players would have to actively seek the treasure since the tags can be used in that way as well.. the tag would use a battery to ping it's location while phone Apps would be used for locating it. Great for college D&D sessions I would think.
Or maybe even using the tags as power up items that can be purchased separately in addition to the game.
Since the Tags I have been looking at, lately, come as 1k or 4k sizes, their is plenty of room for innovative Devs here at GG.
I'll look deeper into the Security and see what I can dig up, but thank you for your response. :-)
#3
I like the login id. That would be cool.
The thing is we are on a verge of an explosion with electronic devices. You can pick up an Arduino for $12 from DX. I have the regular ones and the ones form DX and they work flawlessly. That is significant because that platform is so simple to use it is on par with learning to script T3D with Torque Script.
Sensors, usb devices, are all rapidly coming to be in reach of the average consumer to hack or use. Any game or product that can incorporate hacking gadgets could have a niche in the market place. You can even get hardware for Android phones. If you look at the thousands of webpages for hacking custom controllers you start to get an idea of the potential. I mean just search MAME and you will be amazed. That is mostly retro games. Imagine incorporating that kind of fervor into a game on release! I think sensors like RFID are just the tip of the iceberg here.
12/11/2012 (7:24 pm)
@Scott,I like the login id. That would be cool.
The thing is we are on a verge of an explosion with electronic devices. You can pick up an Arduino for $12 from DX. I have the regular ones and the ones form DX and they work flawlessly. That is significant because that platform is so simple to use it is on par with learning to script T3D with Torque Script.
Sensors, usb devices, are all rapidly coming to be in reach of the average consumer to hack or use. Any game or product that can incorporate hacking gadgets could have a niche in the market place. You can even get hardware for Android phones. If you look at the thousands of webpages for hacking custom controllers you start to get an idea of the potential. I mean just search MAME and you will be amazed. That is mostly retro games. Imagine incorporating that kind of fervor into a game on release! I think sensors like RFID are just the tip of the iceberg here.
#4
I only hope that the thread gets some of you brilliant talents here at GG to consider it as a possible addition to the engine.
For me it's just an addition to a hobby with T3D, but for others, it could be the inspiration they need to make their game stand out. :-)
12/11/2012 (7:49 pm)
Thank you Frank for that Link. I'll be looking to get some hardware in the next week just to toy with. I only hope that the thread gets some of you brilliant talents here at GG to consider it as a possible addition to the engine.
For me it's just an addition to a hobby with T3D, but for others, it could be the inspiration they need to make their game stand out. :-)
#5
www.d-logic.net/index.php
12/12/2012 (12:13 pm)
D Logic for Mifare cards and Tags where I will be persuing my interest to incorporate this into T3D.www.d-logic.net/index.php
Associate David Montgomery-Blake
David MontgomeryBlake