RFID coupler and associated RFID enabled device

Abstract

A coupler for a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled system is provided, the coupler adapted to couple a transceiver of the RFID enabled system with a target transponder from a group of a plurality of adjacent transponders. Such an RFID coupler may be adapted to transmit a controlled power that may be used to locate the target transponder. Such an RFID coupler may have limited location and placement to facilitate near field communication in the direction of focus. For example, a coupler may include a first ground plane and a second ground plane on opposite sides of the coupler and a conductive strip for propagating a plurality of electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip has a bottom edge having a first tapered edge portion, a second tapered edge portion, and a central portion between the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion. The first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion are mirrored to each other and each include two or more steps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to radio frequency identification (RFID) couplers, and more specifically to RFID couplers for printer encoders. Background Technology

[0002] RFID-enabled printer encoders are used to print markings (typically using a thermal printhead) on slips, labels, tickets, cards, or other types of media (generally referred to herein as media units). These media units can be fed through the printer encoder and pass over the printhead onto a web (also called a pad or carrier); however, in alternative embodiments, such a pad or carrier may not be required. These markings can include text, numbers, barcodes, graphics, etc.

[0003] Each of these media units typically includes a corresponding RFID transponder and an integrated circuit (IC) for storing data written and / or read via the RFID transponder. In addition to printing marks on these media units, the RFID printer encoder can also encode data on the IC via the corresponding RFID transponder.

[0004] An RFID near-field coupler (hereinafter referred to as the coupler) is used to excite the RFID transponder. This coupler needs to be carefully positioned within the printer encoder to enable communication with the desired RFID transponder. As the spacing (i.e., the distance from one media cell to the next) decreases, coupler placement becomes more challenging to ensure that the coupler communicates with only one RFID transponder at a time.

[0005] Such RFID couplers are plagued by technical challenges and limitations. Through effort, ingenuity, and innovation, solutions developed, including those described in the embodiments of this disclosure, have addressed many of the problems associated with these identifiers, and numerous examples of these solutions are detailed herein. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The various embodiments described herein relate to couplers for RFID-enabled systems and associated RFID-enabled systems such as RFID printer encoders. Various embodiments of this disclosure provide an RFID coupler that can be used in an RFID-enabled device to communicate with selected transponders from a group of multiple adjacent transponders. Various embodiments of this disclosure provide an RFID coupler adapted to transmit controlled power that can be used to locate a target transponder. Various embodiments of this disclosure provide an RFID coupler with a restricted location and placement to facilitate near-field communication in a specific focusing direction.

[0007] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a coupler for an RFID-enabled system is provided, the coupler being adapted to couple a transceiver of the RFID-enabled system to a target transceiver from a group of multiple adjacent transceivers. In some embodiments, the coupler may include a first ground plane and a second ground plane located on opposite sides of the coupler, and a conductive strip for propagating multiple electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip is at least partially positioned between the first ground plane and the second ground plane. The conductive strip has a bottom edge having a first tapered edge portion, a second tapered edge portion, and a central portion located between the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion. The second tapered edge portion is a mirror image of the first tapered edge portion. Each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion includes two or more steps.

[0008] In some embodiments, the coupler further includes a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board being sandwiched between the first ground plane and the conductive strip, and the second printed circuit board being sandwiched between the second ground plane and the conductive strip.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the two or more steps in each of the first and second tapered edge portions is square.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the two or more steps in each of the first and second tapered edge portions is convex.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the two or more steps in each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion is concave.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the two or more steps in each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion is angled.

[0013] In some implementations, the central portion of the bottom edge is straight.

[0014] In some implementations, the central portion of the bottom edge is convex.

[0015] In some implementations, the central portion of the bottom edge is concave.

[0016] In some implementations, the RFID-enabled system is a printer.

[0017] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an RFID printer encoder suitable for printing and encoding a plurality of media units, at least some of which include RFID transponders. In some embodiments, the printer encoder includes: a printhead for printing markings onto the media units; a media transport system adapted to transport the plurality of media units in a feed direction along a feed path to the printhead and a transponder encoding area; a transceiver configured to provide a communication signal corresponding to information to be encoded on the RFID transponder; and a coupler electrically connected to the transceiver and adapted to encode a target transponder in the transponder encoding area. The coupler includes a first ground plane and a second ground plane located on opposite sides of the coupler, and a conductive strip for propagating a plurality of electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip is at least partially positioned between the first ground plane and the second ground plane. The conductive strip has a bottom edge having a first tapered edge portion, a second tapered edge portion, and a central portion located between the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion. The second tapered edge portion is a mirror image of the first tapered edge portion. Each of the first and second conical edge portions includes two or more steps.

[0018] The foregoing illustrative description of the invention, as well as other exemplary objects and / or advantages of this disclosure, and the ways in which these objects and / or advantages are achieved, are further explained in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The description of the exemplary embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise described. For example, unless otherwise described, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to others. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure are shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a simplified internal diagram of an example printer encoder according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an example RFID coupler according to an example embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 It is an example implementation based on this disclosure. Figure 2 A top view of an example RFID coupler;

[0023] Figure 4 It is an example implementation based on this disclosure. Figure 2A side cross-section diagram of an example RFID coupler taken along line 4-4; and

[0024] Figures 5A to 5D This is a side view of an example conductive strip of an example RFID coupler according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals consistently refer to the same elements.

[0026] As used herein, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” etc., in the examples provided below, are used for illustrative purposes to describe the relative positions of certain parts or portions of parts. Furthermore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” indicate that the referenced element or associated description is accurate within applicable engineering tolerances.

[0027] As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner typically used in the patent context. The use of broader terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “substantially composed of,” and “substantially constituted by.”

[0028] The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally mean that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0029] The phrases “in one example,” “according to one example,” “in some examples,” etc., generally refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that follows the phrase and may include at least one example of this disclosure, and may include more than one example of this disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same example).

[0030] If the specification states that a component or feature “may,” “can,” “should,” “will,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “usually,” “optionally,” “for example,” “as an example,” “in some examples,” “often,” or “may” (or other such language) be included or have that characteristic, then the specific component or feature is not necessarily required to include or have that characteristic. Such components or features may be optionally included in some examples or excluded.

[0031] The terms “example” or “exemplary” as used herein mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any specific implementation described herein as an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other specific implementations.

[0032] In this disclosure, the terms “electrically coupled,” “electrically coupled,” “communicating with,” “electronically communicating with,” or “connection” refer to two or more elements or components connected by wired and / or wireless means such that signals, voltages / currents, data, and / or information can be transmitted to and / or received from these elements or components.

[0033] The term "component" can refer to an article of writing, apparatus, or device that may include one or more surfaces, portions, layers, and / or elements. For example, an example component may include one or more substrates that may provide one or more underlying layers for the component, and may include one or more elements that form a portion on top of the substrate and / or one or more elements that may be disposed on top of the substrate. In this disclosure, the term "element" can refer to an article of writing, apparatus, or device that can provide one or more functions.

[0034] To address the challenges and limitations associated with conventional RFID couplers, various examples of this disclosure are provided. For example, various examples of this disclosure may provide example couplers for RFID-enabled systems, as well as example RFID-enabled systems such as RFID printer encoders.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 1 A simplified internal diagram of an example printer encoder according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A printer encoder 100 is shown, which has a housing 102 containing various internal components for providing the desired printing and encoding functions. For simplicity, not all internal components are shown. Figure 1 As shown or described in this article. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, roller 108 is mounted on supply roller 104. Roller 108 includes web 110 (i.e., elongated strips of paper, etc.) to which a large number (e.g., several thousand) of media units 112 are removably attached. In an example embodiment, the media units 112 are product labels having printable areas on which markings can be printed, and these product labels have RFID transponders and ICs for receiving and storing coded data (e.g., product identification information). In various embodiments, the web 110 and media units 112 are unwound from roller 108 and conveyed by a transport system in the feed direction (by... Figure 1 The material is conveyed along the feed path (indicated by the arrow in the diagram). In various embodiments, such a conveying system includes one or more feed rollers (such as feed roller 106) and one or more motors (not shown) for driving the feed rollers. In various embodiments, the conveying system conveys the web 110 and media units 112 through a printhead 114 (e.g., a thermal printhead) and through a transponder encoding area 118, where media units 112 can be printed one at a time, and where an RFID coupler 120 electrically connected to a transceiver 116 is able to encode the desired media units in the media units 112.

[0036] In various embodiments, as shown in the figure, the transponder encoding region 118 is downstream of the printhead 114. In various embodiments, this downstream arrangement within the printer encoder provides efficient space utilization and eliminates the need to retract the media unit after printing for encoding.

[0037] In various implementations, as shown in the figure and further described below, the coupler 120 is mounted in a manner that can be described as a vertical arrangement. This allows for a more compact arrangement of components, a closer mounting of the coupler to the printhead (which enables simultaneous printing and encoding of the same media unit), and a narrower, more concentrated transponder encoding area to ensure that only one media unit is coupled at a time, even with very small spacing.

[0038] Now for reference Figures 2 to 4 An example RFID coupler is shown according to an example embodiment of this disclosure. In various embodiments, the RFID coupler 120 has a generally rectangular prism or cubic shape, and the RFID coupler has two opposing principal planes (one of which is in…) Figure 2 (visible in the middle), two opposite long edges (in) Figure 2 In the orientation shown, these long edges (which can be referred to as the top and bottom edges) and two opposing short edges (in) Figure 2 In the orientation shown, these short edges can be referred to as the left edge and the right edge.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown in the top view, the example RFID coupler 120 includes a first ground plane 122 and a second ground plane 124 located on opposite outer sides of the coupler. In various embodiments, the first ground plane 122 and the second ground plane 124 comprise copper. The example RFID coupler 120 also includes a conductive strip 140 (or simply "conductor") at least partially positioned between the first ground plane 122 and the second ground plane 124. The conductive strip 140 is configured according to the conditions of the transceiver (such as...) Figure 1 The transceiver 116 receives signals that propagate an electromagnetic or radio frequency (RF) field to couple with the RFID transponder. The example RFID coupler 120 also includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) 126 and a second PCB 128, the first PCB being sandwiched between a first ground plane 122 and a conductive strip 140, and the second PCB being sandwiched between a second ground plane 124 and the conductive strip 140. In various embodiments, the first and second PCBs comprise FR4 or any other suitable printed circuit board material. In the illustrated embodiment, the example RFID coupler 120 receives signals from the transceiver via an input port 132, and the conductive strip 140 receives those signals via an input lead 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive strip 140 is connected to a termination load 136 (e.g., 50 ohms) via a termination lead 134. In various embodiments, the example conductive strip can be formed by etching the copper layer between the first and second PCBs.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the example RFID coupler 120 also includes a plurality of conductive vias 138 along its left, right, and bottom edges. The vias 138 extend from a first ground plane 122 to a second ground plane 124. The vias 138 form electromagnetic boundary walls that prevent the electromagnetic field generated by the conductive strips 140 from exiting the side or bottom edges of the RFID coupler 120, such that the electromagnetic field generated by the conductive strips 140 exits only from the top edge of the RFID coupler 120.

[0041] In a particular example embodiment, the example RFID coupler of this disclosure has a length L1 of about 80 mm, a height H1 of about 20 mm, and a thickness or width W1 of about 3.2 mm. In this particular example embodiment, the conductive strip has a length L2 of about 42 mm, a height H2 of about 8 mm, and a thickness or width W2 of about 0.35 mm. In various embodiments, the length L2 of the conductive strip is based on the desired RFID frequency band. In this particular example embodiment, the RFID frequency band is 860 MHz to 960 MHz. In various embodiments, the conductive strip is centered along the length of the RFID coupler, such that there is uniform space on either side of the conductive strip and space below the conductive strip. In various embodiments, the space on either side of the conductive strip and the space below the conductive strip contribute to the functionality of the example RFID coupler of this disclosure.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 5A The conductive strip 140 is shown as being from... Figures 2 to 4 Example of RFID coupler removal. (e.g.) Figure 5A As shown, the conductive strip 140 includes a left tapered portion 142, a right tapered portion 144, and a central portion 146 located between the left and right tapered portions. In various embodiments, the left and right tapered portions have opposing ends toward the central portion and converge at the opposing ends of the central portion in an overall upward slope. The conductive strip 140 has a top edge 148 and a bottom edge 150. In various embodiments, the top edge 148 is flush with the top edges of the first ground plane 122 and the second ground plane 124, as well as the first PCB 126 and the second PCB 128. Figure 5A As shown, the left conical portion 142 has a left stepped edge 152, and the right conical portion 144 has a right stepped edge 154. Each of the left stepped edge 152 and the right stepped edge 154 includes two or more steps 156, rather than including, for example, straight edges or uniformly curved edges. In various embodiments, the steps are discrete because each step has an easily identifiable start and end. In various embodiments, the steps on each side of the conductive strip are uniform and evenly spaced, i.e., the steps on each side are periodic. In various embodiments, the periodicity can vary depending on the operating frequency. In this example, the period is 4. In various embodiments, the step on the right side is a mirror image of the step on the left side. In fact, in various embodiments, the conductive strip is symmetrical about a vertical midline passing through the central portion. In various embodiments, the steps of the conical edges provide higher magnetic field strength and improved magnetic field spread. Figure 5AIn the illustrated embodiment, the steps 156 of the left stepped edge 152 and the right stepped edge 154 are square (i.e., each step includes a generally horizontal portion and a generally vertical portion that are perpendicular to each other). Figure 5A In the embodiment shown, the bottom edge of the central portion 146 is straight.

[0043] In various implementation schemes, other suitable tapered edge / step shapes may be used. Figures 5B to 5D Three examples of conductive strips with alternative tapered edge shapes are shown. Figure 5B In this embodiment, the conductive strip 160 includes a left conical portion 162, a right conical portion 164, and a central portion 166 located between the left and right conical portions. The conductive strip 160 has a top edge 168 and a bottom edge 170. Figure 5B As shown, the left conical portion 162 has a left stepped edge 172, and the right conical portion 164 has a right stepped edge 174. Each of the left stepped edge 172 and the right stepped edge 174 includes two or more steps 176. Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the steps 176 of the left stepped edge 172 and the right stepped edge 174 are convex. Figure 5B In the embodiment shown, the bottom edge of the central portion 166 is convex.

[0044] exist Figure 5C In this embodiment, the conductive strip 180 includes a left conical portion 182, a right conical portion 184, and a central portion 186 located between the left and right conical portions. The conductive strip 180 has a top edge 188 and a bottom edge 190. Figure 5C As shown, the left conical portion 182 has a left stepped edge 192, and the right conical portion 184 has a right stepped edge 194. Each of the left stepped edge 192 and the right stepped edge 194 includes two or more steps 196. Figure 5C In the illustrated embodiment, the steps 196 of the left stepped edge 192 and the right stepped edge 194 are concave. Figure 5C In the embodiment shown, the bottom edge of the central portion 186 is concave.

[0045] exist Figure 5D In this embodiment, the conductive strip 200 includes a left conical portion 202, a right conical portion 204, and a central portion 206 located between the left and right conical portions. The conductive strip 200 has a top edge 208 and a bottom edge 210. Figure 5DAs shown, the left conical portion 202 has a left stepped edge 212, and the right conical portion 204 has a right stepped edge 214. Each of the left stepped edge 212 and the right stepped edge 214 includes two or more steps 216. Figure 5D In the illustrated embodiment, the steps 216 of the left stepped edge 212 and the right stepped edge 214 are angled (i.e., in this example, each angled step includes a substantially horizontal portion and an angled portion). Figure 5D In the embodiment shown, the bottom edge of the central portion 206 is straight.

[0046] In other example embodiments of the conductive strip, such square, convex, concave, angled, or other shaped steps can be used in any suitable combination with the bottom edge of such straight, convex, concave, or other shaped intermediate portions.

[0047] Although various embodiments based on the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications can be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Alternative embodiments resulting from the merging, integration, and / or omission of features of the embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited by the description given above, but is defined by the following claims, which include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each claim is incorporated into the specification as further disclosure, and the claims are embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, any of the foregoing advantages and features may relate to a particular embodiment, but the application of such published claims should not be limited to methods and structures that achieve any or all of the above advantages or have any or all of the above features.

[0048] Furthermore, the section headings used herein are intended to align with or provide organizational clues for the recommendations of 37 C. FR § 1.77. These headings should not limit or characterize the disclosure set forth in any of the claims published in this disclosure. For example, the description of the technology in the “Background Art” section should not be construed as an admission that a particular technology is prior art to any disclosure in this disclosure. Nor should “Summary of the Invention” be considered a limiting characterization of the disclosure set forth in the published claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to the singular forms of “Disclosure” or “Simplification” should not be used to prove that there is only one novel point in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments of this disclosure may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims published in this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the disclosure protected by them and their equivalents. In all cases, the scope of these claims should be considered in accordance with the advantages of the claims themselves, and should not be limited by the headings set forth herein.

[0049] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the systems, subsystems, devices, technologies, and methods described and illustrated in various embodiments in a discrete or separate manner can be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, technologies, or methods. Other devices or components shown or discussed as coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled through some intermediate means or components, whether such coupling is electrical, mechanical, or otherwise. Other examples of variations, substitutions, and modifications that can be identified by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure are also provided.

[0050] Those skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain will recognize numerous modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein, which benefit from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Although the drawings show only certain components of the devices and systems described herein, various other components may be used in conjunction with the components and structures disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. For example, various elements or components may be combined, rearranged, or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the steps in any of the methods described above may not necessarily occur in the order depicted in the drawings, and in some cases, one or more of the depicted steps may occur substantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be involved. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A coupler for a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled system, the coupler being adapted to couple a transceiver of the RFID enabled system to a target transceiver from a group of a plurality of adjacent transceivers, the coupler comprising: A first grounding plane and a second grounding plane, the first grounding plane and the second grounding plane being located on opposite sides of the coupler; as well as A conductive strip for propagating multiple electromagnetic fields from the edge of the coupler, the conductive strip being at least partially positioned between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, the conductive strip having a bottom edge having a first tapered edge portion, a second tapered edge portion, and a central portion located between the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion, the second tapered edge portion being a mirror image of the first tapered edge portion, each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion including two or more steps.

2. The coupler according to claim 1, further comprising a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board being sandwiched between the first ground plane and the conductive strip, and the second printed circuit board being sandwiched between the second ground plane and the conductive strip.

3. The coupler of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more steps of each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion is square, convex, concave, or angled.

4. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the bottom edge of the coupler is straight, convex, or concave.

5. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the RFID enabling system is a printer.

6. A radio frequency identification (RFID) printer encoder suitable for printing and encoding a plurality of media units, at least some of the plurality of media units including RFID transponders, the printer encoder comprising: A printhead for printing markings onto the media unit; A media delivery system adapted to deliver the plurality of media units to the printhead and transponder coding area along a feed path in the feed direction; A transceiver configured to provide a communication signal corresponding to information to be encoded on the RFID transponder; and A coupler, electrically connected to the transceiver and adapted to encode a target transponder in the transponder coding region, the coupler comprising: A first grounding plane and a second grounding plane, the first grounding plane and the The second grounding plane is located on the opposite side of the coupler; as well as A conductive strip for propagating multiple electromagnetic fields from the edge of the coupler, the conductive strip being at least partially positioned between a first ground plane and a second ground plane, the conductive strip having a bottom edge having a first tapered edge portion, a second tapered edge portion, and a central portion located between the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion, the second tapered edge portion being a mirror image of the first tapered edge portion, each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion including two or more steps.

7. The printer encoder of claim 6, wherein the coupler further comprises a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board being sandwiched between the first ground plane and the conductive strip, and the second printed circuit board being sandwiched between the second ground plane and the conductive strip.

8. The printer encoder of claim 6, wherein each of the two or more steps of each of the first tapered edge portion and the second tapered edge portion of the coupler is square, convex, concave, or angled.

9. The printer encoder of claim 6, wherein the central portion of the bottom edge of the coupler is straight, convex, or concave.

10. The printer encoder of claim 6, wherein the coupler is positioned downstream of the printhead along the feed path.

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