Summary
Radio Frequency Identification Unit (RFID) of the type used in Baton Runner's thumb rings (see HT 12953). These devices, which emit a unique, passive electrical signal, are used to identify many kinds of objects in many contexts, from cars on tollways, to products in shops and warehouses. In the Queen's Baton Relay, each runner had a thumb ring into which a RFID unit was inserted. The ring announced the identity of the runner to the Baton, which responded with a programmed lighting effect, which varied depending on the type of runner. For example, the Baton was programmed to respond differently to community runners, or to the arrival of the Baton in a new country, or to its presentation to Her Majesty the Queen at the beginning and end of the relay.
Designer Paul Charlwood said that he felt that the inclusion of RFID technology in the Baton was one of the two aspects that made the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton a 'technology Baton', as it was, in 2005 when the Baton was created, a coming technology whose effect had yet to be felt in the broader community.
Physical Description
Clear cylindrical unit. Very small with inner workings visible. Excellent condition.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
Information & Communication, Leisure, Public Life & Institutions
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Charlwood Design Pty Ltd, Mr Paul Charlwood - Charlwood Design, Mar 2006
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Creator
Charlwood Design Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 2005
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Commissioned By
Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 2005
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Classification
Public events, Commonwealth games - melbourne 2006, Ceremonial objects
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
3 cm (Length), 0.3 cm (Outside Diameter)
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Keywords
