If you want to experiment with radio frequency identification (RFID), This Getting Started with RFID book is the perfect place to start. All you need is some experience with Arduino and Processing and the ability to connect basic circuits on a breadboard with jumper wire and you're good to go. You'll be guided through three hands-on projects that let you experience RFID in action.
RFID is used in various applications, such as identifying store items or accessing a toll road with an E-ZPass system. After you build each of the book's projects in succession, you'll have the knowledge to pursue passive RFID applications of your own.
Use Processing to get a sense of how RFID readers behave
Connect Arduino to an RFID reader and discover how to use RFID tags as keys
Automate your office or home, using RFID to turn on systems when you're present and turn them off when you leave
Get a complete list of materials you need, along with code samples and helpful illustrations
Tackle each project with easy-to-follow explanations of how the code works
