Agnostic In-Line Inspection System for RFID-Enabled Tags in Binding

Abstract

An agnostic in-line inspection system for producing RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.) that are paginated and bound. It includes an RFID inspection base unit with an RFID verifier, which is used to check whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected. A paper feed module is located upstream of the RFID inspection base, and the module receives a stream of RFID-enabled labels that need to be paginated and bound through RFID inspection. A collector module is located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, and the module receives RFID inspection labels from the RFID inspection base unit. In a system that feeds a continuous stream of uncut labels, the paper cutter module is located between the inspection base unit and the collector module.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 783,586 filed on December 21, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in this application and becomes a part of this application. Background Art Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the binding of RFID-enabled labels. More particularly, the present invention relates to an agnostic in-line inspection system for producing bound RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.).

[0004] Description of related fields

[0005] Printing devices such as thermal printers and inkjet printers are used to generate printed materials, which may include RFID-enabled labels. Typical RFID-enabled labels include tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc., sometimes referred to as "RFID-enabled labels" in this article. RFID-enabled labels can be provided in the form of single sheets of printed paper, rolls, or otherwise divided into discrete units or fragments (such as individual labels or tags), and then the printed materials must be cut to size. Some printing devices include a built-in paper cutter that cuts the bottom layer into size after applying the print on the bottom layer. Although the built-in paper cutter can provide sufficient functionality, it may also have various disadvantages when maintenance is required. For example, if the bottom layer is rolled into the paper cutter or stuck in the paper cutter while passing through the printing device, or if the paper cutter does not work, the paper cutter must be accessed to correct the error. Therefore, some printing devices used in the production and manufacturing of RFID-enabled labels have prepared uncut label rolls.

[0006] According to the encoder program of the RFID-enabled tag inlay, with the aid of the software application, the RFID-enabled tags may include markings to assist in tracking each tag. In these instances, an RFID verifier may be used to check the program data of each RFID-enabled tag, such as using a separate antenna and reader module. Each RFID-enabled tag may be read, checked and verified. If the verification program fails to confirm the program data (e.g., EPC-electronic product code) of the tag, the tag may be designated as a non-compliant tag, such as by a defective tag marking machine. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention requires consideration of several aspects, which may be embodied individually or in combination in the devices and systems claimed below. As described in the attached claims, these aspects may be used alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects is not intended to exclude the use of these aspects alone, or to exclude the claiming of such aspects alone, or to exclude the claiming of such aspects in different combinations.

[0008] When preparing printed materials with RFID-enabled labels, global compliance initiatives require that the RFID-enabled labels be processed by means that can be considered as pagination binding of the RFID-enabled labels. In this type of operation, the present invention accomplishes pagination binding through an agnostic in-line inspection system and a method including a base unit and a module to produce paginated RFID-enabled labels and RFID inspection labels, which can be tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc. The base unit and the module can be used in various combinations to achieve pagination binding of various RFID-enabled labels.

[0009] On the one hand, an agnostic in-line inspection system and method for producing paged and bound RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.) is provided, the system comprising: an RFID inspection base unit, the RFID inspection base unit comprising an RFID verifier, the RFID verifier reads and checks whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected; a paper feed module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receives a RFID-enabled label stream from an RFID-enabled label source, which may be in a unified format or a continuous format, and the format needs to be paged and bound through RFID inspection; and a collector module located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, the module receives RFID inspection labels from the RFID inspection base unit.

[0010] On the other hand, an agnostic in-line inspection system and method for producing RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.) that have been paged and bound is provided, the system comprising: an RFID inspection base unit, the RFID inspection base unit including an RFID verifier, the RFID verifier reads the label and checks whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected; a paper feed module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receives a stream of RFID-enabled labels from an RFID-enabled label source, the RFID-enabled label stream needs to be paged and bound by RFID inspection; and a paper cutter module located in-line downstream of the RFID inspection base unit and upstream of a collector module, the collector module is located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, and the paper cutter module receives RFID inspection labels from the RFID inspection base unit. The collection unit can also receive defective labels that have been marked to indicate that the labels are inoperable.

[0011] On the other hand, an agnostic in-line inspection system and method for producing paged and bound RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.) is provided, the system comprising: an RFID inspection base unit, the RFID inspection base unit comprising an RFID verifier, the RFID verifier reads and checks whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected; a paper feeding module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receiving an RFID-enabled label stream from an RFID-enabled label source, the RFID-enabled label stream being required to be paged and bound through RFID inspection; and a paper cutter module, i.e., a rotary paper cutter, a linear paper cutter, a die-cutter or a compound paper cutter, the paper cutter module being located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit and upstream of a collector module, the collector module being located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, the paper cutter module receiving RFID inspection labels from the RFID inspection base unit.

[0012] On the other hand, an agnostic in-line inspection system and method for producing paged and bound RFID-enabled labels (including tags, labels, tickets, stickers, etc.) is provided, the system including an RFID inspection base unit, the RFID inspection base unit including: a reader for reading an identification mark of an RFID-enabled label, combined with an RFID inspector, to check whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected; a bad label marking machine; a paper feeding module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receiving an RFID-enabled label stream from an RFID-enabled label source, the RFID-enabled label stream requiring RFID inspection for page binding; and a paper cutter module located in-line downstream of the RFID inspection base unit and upstream of a collector module, the collector module being located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, the paper cutter module receiving RFID inspection labels from the RFID inspection base unit.

[0013] On the other hand, in a case where a user uses a personal computer or other computing device to download information to a printer and the printer transmits the label to the agnostic in-line inspection system, an agnostic in-line inspection system and method for producing paged and bound RFID-enabled labels is provided, the agnostic system comprising: an RFID inspection base unit, the RFID inspection base unit comprising an RFID verifier, the RFID verifier reads and checks whether the program data of the RFID-enabled label has been inspected; a paper feeding module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receiving an RFID-enabled label stream from an RFID-enabled label source, the RFID-enabled label stream being required to be paged and bound through RFID inspection; and a collector module, the collector module located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, receiving an RFID verification label from the RFID inspection base unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an RFID inspection base unit or machine of the agnostic in-line inspection system;

[0015] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing certain features of an RFID verification base unit and its association with a roll-to-roll or service loop type feed module for receiving roll media from a printer;

[0016] Figure 2B The RFID test base unit and its Figure 2A Certain features of the feed module and printer associated therewith are shown and further schematic diagrams of linear and compound cutters and stacker options are shown;

[0017] Figure 2C The RFID test base unit and its Figure 2A A schematic diagram showing certain features of the feed module associated with the printer and further showing a rotary cutter and stacker option;

[0018] Figure 3A A schematic diagram showing certain features of an RFID verification base unit and its association with a paper feed module of a paper feed or automatic paper feed type for receiving a single printed label or multiple pages of labels from a printer;

[0019] Figure 3B The RFID test base unit and its Figure 3A Certain features of the feed module and printer associated therewith are shown, and further schematically illustrating a stacker option;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2B and 2C Elevation conceptual drawing of an agnostic in-line inspection system arrangement of the type shown;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 2B A front left perspective view of the illustrated unit, with the stacker unit neglected, showing an embodiment of a linear cutter unit;

[0022] Figure 5A For general Figure 5 A perspective detail view of an embodiment of a linear guillotine cutter unit as shown;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 2B a front right perspective view of the unit shown;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 2C A front left perspective view of the units shown; the stacker unit is neglected and the rotary cutter unit embodiment is shown;

[0025] Fig. 7A is an exploded perspective detail view of an embodiment of a rotary guillotine cutter unit;

[0026] Figure 7B is an exploded perspective detail view of a rotating blade assembly of an embodiment of a paper cutter unit;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 2C a front right perspective view of the unit shown;

[0028] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a roll-to-roll or service loop type feed module for receiving roll media from a printer;

[0029] Fig.10 for Figure 3BElevation conceptual drawing of an agnostic in-line inspection system arrangement of the type shown;

[0030] Fig.11 for Figure 3B A right perspective view of the agnostic inline inspection system shown;

[0031] Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a feed module of a feed or auto-feed type for receiving a single printed label or multiple pages of labels from a printer;

[0032] Fig.13 for Figure 3B A left perspective view of the agnostic in-line inspection system showing a single sheet printing option embodiment;

[0033] Fig.13A for Fig.12 A perspective detail view of a single print transport clamp module embodiment is shown;

[0034] Fig.14 is an exploded perspective view of a transfer clamp module;

[0035] Fig.15 A perspective view of an embodiment of a registration sensor, such as a registration sensor located at an RFID inspection base unit or at the paper feed end of a machine;

[0036] Fig.16 An electrical block diagram of an agnostic inline inspection system illustrates an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] As required, specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described and shown herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments that can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting details, but only as a basis for the scope of the invention and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in various ways and in almost any appropriate way.

[0038] The agnostic in-line inspection system and method is intended to bind RFID-enabled labels, such as labels with pressure-sensitive adhesives, to consumer products, packaging, etc., including reading each individual label, encoding the RFID inlay, inspecting the RFID inlay, and designating (e.g., marking (e.g., ink dots) or adding a mark) any RFID label that does not meet the inspection criteria, thereby indicating that the particular label cannot be read and is therefore defective and cannot be used for its intended purpose.

[0039] Labels of this type are typically printed or otherwise imaged, and the agnostic in-line inspection system and method are advantageously used in conjunction with an external printer and / or external unwinder to feed material into the inspection unit, which material may be a roll, web or stream of labels that have been pre-cut or otherwise prepared after inspection by the subject inspection system and / or method. The system is suitable for use in conjunction with a personal computer or other data processing method, which can be connected locally or to a remote data center to download information to the printer, which information will contain instructions for transmitting the label to the in-line RFID inspection system if necessary. This type of agnostic in-line RFID-enabled label inspection system should be sized and designed for desktop use. A. RFID inspection base unit or machine

[0040] The base unit or machine component implementation of the agnostic in-line inspection system and method is, for example, Figure 1 21. This embodiment may be viewed as a flexible binder for RFID tags and may be purchased from Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, Inc., Printer Systems Division, 170 Monarch Lane, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, USA. The diagram associated with the base unit is a schematic representation of the agnostic options of an upstream feeder module (generally designated at 22), a downstream collector module 23, and (when applicable to a particular agnostic system) a cutter module (generally designated at 24, located between the base unit 21 and the collector module 23). The cutter module and collector module are designed and programmed to be quickly mechanically secured to adjacent units and inserted into the base unit or machine 21, facilitating the establishment of the correct registry and functions based on the in-line programming and operating parameters of the entire agnostic in-line inspection system.

[0041] Also shown is a label applicator assembly, as shown, of a known type, generally designated at 25, which holds a roll of pre-cut pressure sensitive labels or stickers that are to be applied to labels that have been processed by an agnostic system and found by the system to be non-compliant labels, which labels may be referred to as "bad labels." When a bar code scanner or other reader or RFID verifier detects or "sees" a non-compliant label, the label applicator is triggered to place a sticker or other indicator on the particular non-compliant label. Other marking systems may be used; for example, an inkjet printing station or other inkjet device, which will be particularly suitable for label media compatible with inkjet marking. Essentially, when a label is marked as a "bad" label by any mechanism, the user will know that any label so marked needs to be discarded. The marking should be clear and legible so that the operator can easily see and discard the defective product.

[0042] Figure 1Further generally shown is a conveyor at 26 which may be referred to as the main conveyor along which labels flow for handling and processing along the base unit. In a typical arrangement, the main conveyor operates at a continuous speed determined by the particular purpose to be performed by the system. The diagram shows a sensor generally designated at 27 which is positioned to sense the registration of labels flowing onto the conveyor. The registration sensor may sense holes in the label or label substrate or support, or may sense color information, for example, for use in assessing proper registration of the labels as they flow. Actuation of the knob 29 of the registration sensor assembly causes the sensor sensing head to traverse the web stream along the main conveyor 26. Further details of the registration sensor 27 are shown in the accompanying drawings. Fig.15 , including an upper sensor adjustment axis 78, a lower sensor adjustment axis 79 and upper and lower registration sensor units.

[0043] A scanner or reader, generally designated at 28, is located above the conveyor; in an embodiment, this is a bar code type scanner used to read indicia on the labels as they flow over the conveyor. The scanner or reader captures and "reads" the bar code or other indicia or system and sends the content to the RFID encoder to be encoded onto that particular label. If it is not read correctly, the label will not be encoded correctly and the labeler or other system will mark the label as a defective label or a "bad" label. Reader systems other than bar code based systems need to be considered, including camera recognition software. When installed, the scanner or reader 28 shown traverses a path that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main conveyor 26. The installation also allows the scanner or reader to be tilted.

[0044] The base unit and its associated agnostic in-line components can produce RFID-enabled RFID inspection labels that have been bound and paginated. The base unit is part of a modular agnostic system that is structured and dimensioned to accommodate multiple modules, particularly options and embodiments including a feed module 22, a collector module 23, a cutter module 24 (when required), and a transport clamp assembly (when required), generally as Fig.12 As shown. The feed module receives labels from a suitable type of printing device, including a thermal printer type, a laser type, an inkjet type, or other printing device suitable for printing RFID-enabled labels. A data processing device or controller (e.g., a microprocessor) associated with the system or printer, such as a user's personal computer or other data processing device at a local or remote location, may have the ability to control the operation of the system. It should also be understood that the various units, modules, and devices shown herein are merely exemplary units, modules, and devices, and their respective details and configurations may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The illustrated printing device 10 includes a housing or casing 12, which may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., generally rigid metallic materials and / or rigid plastic materials). The casing 12 contains various components, which may include a supply of substrate material, a mechanism for applying a print to the substrate material, and a mechanism for moving the substrate material through the interior of the casing 12 and out of the casing 12 via an opening 14, where the substrate material exits the printing device 10 as a print material. In addition, Figure 2A The base unit or machine shown may have RFID inspection and RFID encoding capabilities.

[0046] B.Paper feed module

[0047] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The addition of a roll-to-roll or service loop type feed module is schematically shown, generally designated at 31, for receiving roll media or label rolls from a printing device, which is generally designated directly or indirectly at 32. The feed module can be configured to receive printed RFID-enabled labels directly fed by the printing device for inspection and processing along the base unit or machine 21. In this feed module embodiment, the RFID-enabled labels can be in roll, web or continuous form, such as longitudinally spaced (and in some embodiments laterally spaced) along a single roll or web, so that intact rolls or rolls can deliver RFID-enabled labels to the analysis and action components of the base unit or machine. The paper press arm can be a component of the feed module 31, and the label media can be automatically fed through the system, such as at a constant speed slightly faster than that of a direct feed printer. When the paper press arm is lowered, the paper feed is operated until the paper press arm reaches a predetermined height and waits for the printer to catch up through feedback from the service loop system. This method allows the printer to be backed up as needed, even to the point where the media will be removed.

[0048] If desired, the RFID-enabled tags can be separated from one another before exiting the agnostic system of the present disclosure, such as by incorporating a mechanical shredder, sonic blade, or other technology appropriate to the particular type of tag and system. In this regard, reference is made to e.g. Figure 2B , wherein a linear cutter module generally designated at 33, or a compound cutter module generally designated at 34 is added, and reference is made to Figure 2C , wherein a rotary cutter module 35 is added, located downstream of the base unit or machine. A stacker module, generally designated at 36, may be provided downstream of the cutter module.

[0049] Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe schematic diagram shows the positioning of a paper feed or automatic paper feed type paper feed module generally designated at 37 for directly or indirectly receiving a single printed label or multiple pages of labels from the printer input 32. Since the RFID-enabled labels of this version are pre-cut before entering the base unit or machine 21, the downstream paper cutter module can be ignored. The stacker module 36 embodiment of the collector module 23 can be arranged downstream of the RFID inspection base unit or machine of the agnostic in-line inspection system, and can adopt a vertical stacker device or a horizontal stacker device.

[0050] Generally speaking, for any feed module, or for other modules of these systems, each module may have a bolt-on mounting structure and be coupled to a plug-in interface connection. Some feed modules (such as roll-to-roll version feed modules) and the main conveyor 26 may be driven by a web guide assembly, such as the web guide assembly embodiment shown at 39.

[0051] C. Handling RFID-enabled label rolls or web media

[0052] To some extent, Figure 4 The arrangement of the agnostic inline inspection system is presented conceptually, e.g. Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, a roll-to-roll or service loop type feed module is included, generally designated at 31, for receiving a roll of media or a label roll from a printing device, generally designated at 32, directly or indirectly using a press arm. A registration sensor embodiment 41 of the sensor 27 is placed along the initial portion of the base unit or machine, such as the feed end of the base unit or machine, the feed end of the main conveyor 26, or otherwise disposed downstream of the feed module 31 in this embodiment. The registration sensor 41 can determine whether a particular label is in proper relationship with the remaining agnostic in-line inspection system.

[0053] According to this embodiment, a roll-to-roll or service loop assembly module 31 (with or without a paper press arm) is provided at the base unit or paper feed end of the machine for handling roll media or rolls of RFID-enabled tags, each roll or roll having a plurality of RFID-enabled tags. An exemplary embodiment of the roll-to-roll or service loop assembly module 31 (with or without a paper press arm) shown in this in-line inspection system embodiment is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The illustration includes two flattener assemblies 61 , a linear guide shaft 62 , a service loop paper press frame 63 , and a service loop paper press stop spring 64 .

[0054] Figure 4The embodiment includes a stacker module 36 for collecting the printed / encoded labels that have been paginated. The stacker module can be adjusted to accommodate various label types and short or long labels or tags. In this embodiment, the stacker platform 42 moves downward as the labels accumulate. If necessary, when the stacker is full, the sensor is triggered to send a signal to the unknown in-line inspection system to stop providing an opportunity to remove a stack of labels or tags from the stacker module.

[0055] Examples of different cutter modules for this type of system include the following embodiments. Figure 5 and Figure 5A A linear cutter embodiment is disclosed, generally designated at 43 and 44, respectively. It includes a fixed blade assembly and a linear blade guard, a blade motor and spring extension, a rotary transfer clamp motor, a linear cutter assembly, a pivot rod, and an encoder. In one embodiment of the in-line cutter assembly, the cutting function is achieved without leaving a "white line" or unwanted mark on the cut edge. This embodiment is particularly suitable for dark flood labels where coating cracking can produce unwanted marks.

[0056] Another embodiment of the linear cutter assembly is a linear compound cutter module embodiment that implements compound cutting to remove material, such as "blanks," or additional blank material or backing material between labels printed on a roll or web. For example, this embodiment is particularly suitable for forming "rounded corner" labels, and for edge-to-edge color printing. The illustrated embodiment of the linear compound cutter module is generally as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, it includes a fixed blade 64, a linear blade, a linear blade motor, a page binder transport clamp, a rotating transport clamp motor 65, a linear paper cutter, a pivot rod, a sliding bracket and shaft, and a paper cutter pull rod. Figure 6 An agnostic system is shown that includes a linear cutter embodiment 45 that is designed for single or multiple cut modules.

[0057] Figure 7 , Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 The rotary paper cutter embodiment of the cutting module is shown. Figure 7 As shown, no stacker module is added downstream, for example, the rotary cutter has been mounted to the frame of the base unit or machine by pins and fixing elements (such as screws, bolts, clips), usually combined with plug-in into the base unit or machine to coordinate its function in the in-line system. As with the other plug-in details mentioned in this article, this plug-in function can be replaced with a wireless arrangement. Figure 8This embodiment is shown in which the stacker module 36 is used to receive cut paper labels from the rotary guillotine module 46. The rotary guillotine module embodiment shown includes a separate rotating blade assembly 51, a blade drive shaft 52, a guillotine motor 53, a finisher transport clamp assembly 54, a transport clamp idler wheel 55, and a blade home position sensor 56. The illustrated rotating blade assembly 51 includes a fixed blade assembly 57, a rotating blade 58, a blade bridge blade 59, and a bearing 60. These detailed drawings show the components found in this embodiment, and other components can be found in other rotary guillotine embodiments.

[0058] Figure 8 Embodiments of agnostic in-line inspection systems and methods are shown for producing paged and bound inspected RFID-enabled labels, tags, tickets, stickers, and other RFID-enabled items that require accurate, convenient, and rapid inspection of criteria and parameters, while rejecting items that fail the inspection analysis of the system and method.

[0059] D. Processing of single label flow supporting RFID

[0060] To some extent, Fig.10 The arrangement of the agnostic inline inspection system is presented conceptually, e.g. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A registration sensor embodiment 41 of the sensor 27 is positioned along an initial portion of the base unit or machine, such as the feed end of the base unit or machine 21, the feed end of the main conveyor 26, or otherwise downstream of the feed module in this embodiment, generally designated at 71. The registration sensor 41 can determine whether a particular label flowing along the feed module 71 is in proper relationship with the rest of the agnostic in-line inspection system or other labels being advanced by the page finishing device.

[0061] Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment, the paper feeding module 71 shown in the present invention includes an auxiliary conveyor 72 having Fig.12 Parts shown. Fig.12 The components in the drawings include a plurality of rollers 73 of the auxiliary conveyor, a driving gear 74, an idler roller 75, a drive roller 76 and a plurality of bearings 77. These components illustrate a specific embodiment of the paper feed module, and other details and parts are contemplated.

[0062] Fig.10The embodiment of the present invention generally includes a stacker module 36 that collects the printed / encoded labels that have been paginated. The stacker module can be adjusted to accommodate various label types and short or long labels or tags. In this embodiment, the stacker platform 42 moves downward as the labels accumulate. If necessary, when the stacker is full, a sensor is triggered to send a signal to the unknown in-line inspection system to stop providing an opportunity to remove a stack of labels or tags from the stacker module.

[0063] In order to accommodate the orderly transfer from the base unit or main conveyor of the machine of this embodiment, a transfer clamp module generally designated at 81 may be provided, i.e. Fig.13 , Fig.13A and Fig.14 . The embodiment of the transport clamp module is shown in FIG. This embodiment includes an embodiment of the finisher transport clamp assembly 82, which in this example includes a transport clamp roller, an electrostatic brush, a transport clamp drive roller, a transport clamp peeler, and a paper jam sensor. Fig.14 Also shown are a transport clamp feed motor 83, a transport clamp gear 84 and a transport clamp signal assembly 85.

[0064] E. Overall system operation

[0065] Fig.16 An embodiment in the form of a block diagram schematic or electrical block diagram is provided, showing the entire system of an agnostic in-line inspection system for producing paginated, inspected, RFID-enabled tags. The figure shows a paginator main printed circuit board (PCB) 91 (such as the printed circuit board used by Thinkify or Impinj readers) and its operational interactive communication with various components of the entire system. Various versions and options are shown, including communication with an external processor or computer 92, which can be a user's personal computer or other remote data system, which can be located in a central location serving the hub-and-spoke configuration. As an example of a paper cutter module selection, the figure also shows an interface 93 for a linear paper cutter module 94 or a rotary paper cutter module 94 option.

[0066] It should be understood that the above embodiments illustrate some applications of the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter for which protection is requested, those skilled in the art may make multiple modifications, including feature combinations disclosed or requested separately herein. For these reasons, the scope of this document is not limited to the above description, but is as described in the following invention claims, and it should be understood that the invention claims may be directed to the features of this document, including feature combinations disclosed or requested separately herein.

Claims

1. An agnostic in-line inspection system for producing RFID-enabled labels for paged binding, the system comprising: An RFID verification base unit, including an RFID verifier, which checks whether the program data of the RFID-enabled tag has been verified; a paper feed module located upstream of the RFID inspection base, the module receiving a stream of RFID-enabled labels from an RFID-enabled label source, the stream of labels to be paged and bound after RFID inspection; as well as a collector module located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit, the module receiving the RFID inspection tags from the RFID inspection base unit, wherein the collector module can be mechanically fixed to an adjacent unit and inserted into the RFID inspection base unit or the machine; and A paper cutter module located downstream of the RFID inspection base unit and upstream of the collector module, the paper cutter module separates the RFID inspection tag from the RFID inspection base unit; Wherein, the paper cutter module comprises a rotary paper cutter; Wherein, the paper cutter module includes a linear paper cutter; Wherein, the paper cutter module includes a compound paper cutter, which serves two RFID tags thereon; Among them, after design and programming, the paper cutter module and the collector module are mechanically fixed to adjacent units and inserted into the base unit or machine, and the correct registration table and function are established according to the in-line programming and operating parameters of the entire agnostic in-line inspection system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The feed module includes a roll-to-roll service loop that presents the RFID enabled tags to the RFID verification base unit while taking into account the accumulation of the RFID enabled tags so as to accommodate the movement of the RFID enabled tags through the RFID verification base unit.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The paper feed module includes a leading pre-feed conveyor that presents RFID enabled tags to an RFID inspection base unit.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The single feed transport clamp is located between the RFID verification base unit and the collector module.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The RFID inspection base unit includes a scanner for reading an RFID tag identification mark, an RFID inspector, and a bad tag marker.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The identification mark is a barcode type mark.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The RFID verification base further includes a registration sensor located at the interface between the paper feed module and the RFID verification base unit.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The RFID-enabled labels are pre-printed using a printer located upstream of and in-line with the feed module.

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