Printing consumable detection

Abstract

A printing consumable may include a rotatable core, a roll of dispensable printing substrate, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The roll of dispensable print substrate may be dispensable secured to the core. The RFID tag may be secured to the core and configured to rotate about the core axis. The RFID tag includes an RFID antenna coupled to an RFID chip. The RFID chip may include a print counter, an inventory unit (SKU) code, and a consumable authentication code. A printing system may include a housing, a holder to hold the printing consumables, a printhead, a transceiver, a tracking antenna to read RFID tags of the printing consumables, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the transceiver indicative of one or more of the print counter, the SKU code, and the consumable authentication code received from the RFID antenna.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202210841903.7, filed on July 18, 2022, entitled "Detection of Printing Consumables".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 223,443, filed July 19, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to label printers and printing consumables for label printers. Background Technology

[0005] Consumables (such as substrate rolls or ink cartridges) can be used in the printer. For example, the substrate roll may include a tape supply, and such a substrate roll can be received within a label printer for sequential printing and dispensing of printed labels. For example, the tape may include an image receiving layer and a backing layer, which are held together by an adhesive layer. Such a label printer may include a cutting mechanism for cutting off a portion of the tape after the image has been printed onto the image receiving layer, such that the image-bearing portion of the tape can be used as a label. After the tape has been cut, the cut portion of the tape is pulled out of the printer through a slit in the printer housing. The backing layer can then be removed, allowing the image receiving layer to be attached to an object using the adhesive layer.

[0006] The tape can be directly heated, with printing achieved by applying heat directly to the printing elements on the printhead. Alternatively, an ink tape can be provided, thereby transferring ink from the ink tape to the image receiving tape by applying heat to the ink tape via the printing elements on the printhead. The box may include a die-cut label roll instead of a continuous tape.

[0007] Conventional printing systems can use mechanical features to secure consumables and only allow certified consumables to be received at the interface portion of the consumable, such as holes, tags, etc. However, such features can be copied by unauthorized parties. Electronic features, such as the detection of a complete circuit when conductive pins or areas match, can also be used for authentication. However, such systems provide only a limited amount of information and may not provide accurate tag counts.

[0008] It is still necessary to prevent counterfeiters from introducing counterfeit substrate rolls, to authenticate the origin of consumables placed in the printer, and to provide users with indications of the authenticity of consumables. It is also desirable to detect the type of consumables and use appropriate print settings. Furthermore, it is still necessary to provide users with an indication of the remaining capacity of the consumables.

[0009] The printers and consumables described in this article are intended to address one or more of the aforementioned difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure describes RFID-detectable printing consumables, as well as systems and methods for detecting printing consumables.

[0011] In one embodiment, the printing consumable includes a rotatable core, a roll of dispensable printing substrate, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The core extends along a core axis. The roll of dispensable printing substrate is dispensably secured to the core about the core axis. The RFID tag is secured to the core and configured to rotate about the core axis. The RFID tag includes an RFID antenna coupled to an RFID chip. The RFID chip includes a print counter, an inventory unit (SKU) code, and a consumable authentication code.

[0012] In one embodiment, a printing system includes a housing, a holder for holding printing consumables, a printhead, a transceiver, a tracking antenna, and a controller. The housing defines a compartment sized to receive the printing consumables. The holder is configured to secure the printing consumables about a rotation axis aligned with the core axis. The printhead is configured to print a pattern on a printing substrate. The tracking antenna is configured to read the RFID tag. The tracking antenna extends laterally to the rotation axis. The transceiver is coupled to the tracking antenna. The controller is coupled to the transceiver and configured to receive signals from the transceiver indicating one or more of the print counter, the SKU code, and the consumable authentication code received from the RFID antenna.

[0013] In one embodiment, a method for authenticating the origin of printing consumables includes receiving a signal from a transceiver by a controller indicating a consumable authentication code from an RFID tag. The method further includes the controller authenticating the origin of the printing consumables based on the consumable authentication code. The method also includes, in response to the origin of the printing consumables, the controller allowing or blocking operation of the printing system. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Detailed description is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals may be used to indicate similar, identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] Figure 1It is a perspective view of a printing consumable including a rotatable core, a roll of dispensable printing substrate, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A conceptual block diagram of an RFID tag.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of the component, showing the RFID dead zone in the parallel orientation of the tracking antenna relative to the RFID tag on the cylindrical core.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of the component, showing that there is no RFID dead zone in the lateral orientation of the tracking antenna relative to the RFID tag on the cylindrical core.

[0019] Figure 5A It is a perspective view of a printing system with an open compartment configuration, including a housing for holding printing consumables and a tracking antenna for reading RFID tags on the printing consumables.

[0020] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A partial top view of the printing system.

[0021] Figure 5C It is configured with enclosed compartments. Figure 5A A partially exposed cross-sectional perspective view of the printing system, showing the lateral orientation of the tracking antenna relative to the RFID tag of the printing consumable in the housing compartment.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figures 5A to 5C A conceptual block diagram of the control components of a printing system, including the printhead, transceiver, and controllers for controlling various parts of the printing system.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the certification of printing consumables that use RFID components. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure includes non-limiting embodiments of RFID-detectable printing consumables, as well as systems and methods for detecting printing consumables. Embodiments are described in detail herein to enable those skilled in the art to practice printing using printing consumables and associated systems and methods for authenticating printing consumables, detecting consumable types and setting printing settings, and counting the remaining shelf life of printing consumables. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0025] The RFID tag that rotates with the core of the printed consumable roll provides several features, such as counting the remaining shelf life of the consumables during printing, detecting the type of consumables and setting appropriate printing settings, and authenticating the origin of the printed consumables.

[0026] For example, in one embodiment, the printing consumable includes a rotatable core, a roll of dispensable printing substrate, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The core extends along a core axis. The roll of dispensable printing substrate is dispensably secured to the core about the core axis. The RFID tag is secured to the core and configured to rotate about the core axis. The RFID tag includes an RFID antenna coupled to an RFID chip. The RFID chip includes a print counter, an inventory unit (SKU) code, and a consumable authentication code.

[0027] The printing system may include a tracking antenna for reading or writing information from an RFID tag by receiving and transmitting signals from the RFID tag's RFID antenna. Providing lateral orientation between the tracking antenna and the RFID tag can improve readability and reduce or prevent RFID dead zones. For example, in one embodiment, the printing system includes a housing, a holder for holding printing consumables, a printhead, a transceiver, a tracking antenna, and a controller. The housing defines a compartment sized to receive printing consumables. The holder is configured to hold the printing consumables about a rotation axis aligned with the core axis. The printhead is configured to print a pattern on a printing substrate. The tracking antenna is configured to read RFID tags. The tracking antenna extends laterally to the rotation axis. The transceiver is coupled to the tracking antenna. The controller is coupled to the transceiver and configured to receive signals from the transceiver indicating one or more of a print counter, SKU code, and consumable authentication code received from the RFID antenna.

[0028] This disclosure describes methods and systems for using printing consumables. For example, in one embodiment, a method for authenticating the origin of printing consumables includes receiving a signal from a transceiver by a controller indicating a consumable authentication code from an RFID tag. The method also includes authenticating the origin of the printing consumables by the controller based on the consumable authentication code. Furthermore, the method includes allowing or blocking operation of the printing system by the controller in response to the origin of the printing consumables.

[0029] Therefore, the same RFID tags can be used to provide a variety of functions, such as detecting the type (or SKU) of the consumable, counting the units of the printing media, and authenticating the source of the consumable, according to the present disclosure. Various embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a printing consumable 10, which includes a rotatable core 12, a roll of dispensable printing substrate 14, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 20. The core 12 extends along a core axis A. For example, the core 12 may extend between a first core end 16 and a second core end 18. In one embodiment, the core 12 has a hollow cylindrical shape defining an outer and inner surface. In other embodiments, the core 12 may have any suitable hollow or solid cross-section, for example, a curved or polygonal cross-section suitable for rotatably dispensing the printing substrate 14 around the core 12. The core 12 may be made of plastic, paper, cardboard, or any suitable medium. In one embodiment, the portion of the core 12 carrying the RFID tag does not include materials that may interfere with RF (radio frequency) signals. For example, such a portion of the core 12 may be free of metal or alloy, or the entire core 12 may be free of metal or alloy.

[0031] A roll of dispensable printing substrate 14 is dispensably fixed to core 12 around core axis A. For example, printing substrate 14 may initially be wound around core 12, and as printing proceeds, portions of printing substrate 14 may be unwound by rotating core 12.

[0032] The dispensable printing substrate 14 may include a print layer 22 and a backing layer 24. For example, the print head of the printing system may print on the print layer 22, and the printed portion may be dispensed from the printer. In some embodiments, a user may retrieve the print layer 22 with the backing layer 24 and peel the backing layer off the print layer. In other embodiments, the printing system may separate the backing layer 24 from the already patterned portion of the print layer 22, and a user may retrieve the separated portion of the print layer 22. The print layer 22 may have an adhesive to facilitate the application of the printed portion to the substrate.

[0033] The printing substrate 14 may include a substantially continuous printing layer 22, which has perforations, channels, or other features that allow for the removal of portions of the printing layer. In some embodiments, such features may be absent, and the printed portions may be separated from the substrate roll using a cutting tool (e.g., a blade). The printing layer 22 may include any suitable printing medium, such as paper, nonwoven substrate, polymer substrate, composite material, etc. In an embodiment, the printing layer 22 includes a thermal coating on which an inkless pattern can be printed by a thermal printhead. In an embodiment, the printing layer may receive a pattern of ink, pigment, or colorant from the printhead.

[0034] In some embodiments, the printing substrate 14 includes a plurality of labels (parts or areas of the printing layer 22) attached to a backing layer. The labels 22 may have a permanent, adhesive, removable, or repositionable adhesive layer for securing the label to the desired substrate. The edges of adjacent and sequential labels 22 may contact each other or may be spaced apart. Each label 22 may include or define features indicating a single label. For example, each label 22 may be associated with a single hole in the printing substrate 14, and detection of the hole by the printing system may instruct the printing system to advance or print a single label.

[0035] As the printed layer 22 of the printing substrate 14 is distributed by the rotation of the core 12 (or the entire substrate roll), the RFID tag 20 rotates together with the core 12 about the core axis A. The RFID tag can be read by, for example, the tracking antenna 26 of a printing system that uses printing consumables.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a conceptual block diagram of RFID tag 20. RFID tag 20 includes an RFID antenna 32 coupled to an RFID chip 34. RFID chip 34 may include one or more of a print counter 36, a Stock Unit (SKU) code 38, and a consumable authentication code 40. In an embodiment, RFID tag 20 may include an ICODE® SLIX2 RFD tag (NXP Semiconductors, Eindhoven, Netherlands). RFID tag 20 may communicate with tracking antenna 26 (and ultimately with a controller coupled to tracking antenna 26) via any suitable communication protocol. In an embodiment, RFID tag 20 uses an NFC (Near Field Communication) wireless communication protocol, such as one conforming to standard ISO 15693, to communicate with an RFID reader.

[0037] Although Figure 2 The diagram shows a single RFID chip 34, but the RFID tag 20 may include more than one chip, and one or more of the print counter 36, stock unit (SKU) code 38, and consumable authentication code 40 may be stored in different chips. Furthermore, one or more of the print counter 36, stock unit (SKU) code 38, and consumable authentication code 40 may be stored in the same storage unit of the RFID chip 34 or in different storage units. For example, one or more may be password protected, read-only, or otherwise protected, such that only the print counter 36 can be updated during operation, while the SKU code 38 and authentication code 40 cannot be modified or accessed by the user.

[0038] The RFID chip 34 can be configured to update the print counter 36 in response to a counter update signal. For example, the RFID chip 34 can update the print counter 36 in response to the completion of a print job associated with the distribution of a single tag or a predetermined number of tags. In some embodiments, the RFID chip 34 can update the print counter 36 in response to a signal indicating that a single tag has been detected by the printing system. For example, each tag may be associated with a detectable hole or other feature of the printing substrate 14. In some embodiments, the RFID chip 34 can update the print counter 36 in response to a signal indicating that a print job has been completed. The RFID chip 34 itself can receive external signals, such as from a controller, via the tracking antenna 26. For example, the controller can send a counter update signal received by the RFID antenna 32 to the RFID chip 34 via the tracking antenna 26, causing the RFID chip 34 to update the print counter 36.

[0039] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of the print counter 36 on the RFID tag 20, another print counter may appear and be updated in the controller or in another chip or component.

[0040] The RFID tag 20 is attached to the core 12 such that it rotates about the core axis A. For example, the RFID tag 20 can be attached to the surface of the core 12 by adhesive or fasteners. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 20 is attached to the outer surface of the core 12. In some other embodiments, the RFID tag is attached to the inner surface of the core 12. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 20 can be folded such that it extends between the inner and outer surfaces of the core 12. For example, the RFID antenna 32 can extend along one of the inner and outer surfaces, and the RFID chip 34 can extend along the other.

[0041] The RFID tag 20 can be placed at any suitable location along the core 12 that facilitates reading of the RFID tag 20, for example, based on the expected position of the tracking antenna 26 relative to the printed consumable 10. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 20 is attached to the core 12 adjacent to either the first core end 16 or the second core end 18. For example, if the tracking antenna 26 is placed near either the first core end 16 or the second core end 18 of the core 12, such a configuration can facilitate sufficient proximity for detecting the RFID tag via the tracking antenna 26. Furthermore, such a configuration can help provide the tracking antenna 26 in a lateral orientation relative to the RFID tag 20, which can prevent or reduce dead zones, or otherwise improve the readability of the RFID tag 20, as referenced. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As stated above.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of component 50, illustrating the RFID dead zone in the parallel orientation of the tracking antenna 26 relative to the RFID tag 20 on the cylindrical core 12. For example, the field 28 generated by the tracking antenna 26 may reach the RFID tag 20 at the left position, but may not reach the RFID tag 20 at the right position. In particular, this difference in the reach and range of the field 28 may exist if the tracking antenna 26 is placed along the surface of the core 12, for example, parallel to or along the core axis A. However, such a configuration is conventionally used due to better radio frequency connectivity (power transfer).

[0043] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of component 60, showing that there is no RFID dead zone in the lateral orientation of the tracking antenna 26 relative to the RFID tag 20 on the cylindrical core 12. Figure 4 In this configuration, the tracking antenna 26 is transverse to the core axis A of the core 12, and therefore transverse to the plane of the RFID tag 20 (or at least transverse to the plane of the RFID antenna 32 of the RFID tag 20) at any rotational position of the RFID tag. While RF connection and power transfer are not optimal in lateral orientation, such a lateral configuration provides uniform readability of the RFID tag 20 regardless of its position (or rotation of the core 12). Furthermore, this configuration eliminates the need to place multiple tracking antennas at different angles due to dead zones. In this embodiment, the RFID tracking antenna 26 can read the RFID tag 20 at any rotational orientation of the printing consumable 10.

[0044] Therefore, printing consumable 10 can help calculate remaining shelf life, set appropriate printing settings according to consumable type or SKU, and allow for certification in the printing system. While printing consumable 10 can be in the form of a roll or cylindrical structure, it can have any suitable shape or geometry. Furthermore, although printing consumable 10 may include a substrate roll of printing substrate 14, in some embodiments, printing consumable 10 may include a housing that holds, surrounds, or covers a portion or the entire substrate roll. In embodiments, printing consumable 10 may include a cartridge or box that houses a substrate roll similar to that of printing consumable 10.

[0045] Any suitable printing system can be used to print predetermined patterns on printing consumable 10. For example, refer to Figures 5A to 5C The described printing system can use printing consumables according to this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5AThis is a perspective view of a printing system 70 configured with open compartments. The printing system 70 includes a housing 72 for holding printing consumables 10 and a tracking antenna 26 for reading RFID tags 20 of the printing consumables 10. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A partial top view of the printing system 70. Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A partially exposed cross-sectional perspective view of the printing system 70 in a closed compartment configuration shows the lateral orientation of the tracking antenna 26 relative to the RFID tag 20 of the printing consumable 10 within the housing compartment. While the operation of the printing system 70 is described with respect to the printing consumable 10, the printing system 70 can be used with any suitable printing consumable.

[0047] Housing 72 defines a compartment 76, which is sized to receive printing consumables 10. Compartment 76 may be defined by one or more components of housing 72. In one embodiment, at least a portion of compartment 76 may be defined by a base of housing 72. In another embodiment, at least a portion of compartment 76 may be defined by a cover 78 of housing 72. For example, compartment 76 may be defined between the base of housing 72 and cover 78. Compartment 76 is sized to receive and accommodate printing consumables 10 and allows printing consumables 10 to be dispensed with printing substrate.

[0048] The housing 72 may include a retainer 80 configured to hold the printing consumable 10 about a rotation axis B aligned with the core axis 12. For example, the retainer 80 may include two retainer portions located on the side of the housing 72, and the core 12 (and the substrate roll of the final printing substrate 14) may be held between the retainer portions of the retainer 80. Although in Figure 5A Two retainer portions are shown, but in other embodiments, housing 72 may include a single retainer portion. RFID tracking antenna 26 is adjacent to retainer 80 such that RFID tag 20 is adjacent to RFID tracking antenna 26 when printing consumable 10 is attached to retainer 80. One or more portions of the retainer may extend partially through the hollow interior of core 12, or may be securely engaged with end faces of core 12. In some embodiments, retainer 80 may include a motor for rotating core 12, or may include gears or other rotating components mechanically rotatably coupled to a motor.

[0049] The printing system 70 includes a print head configured to print a pattern on a printing substrate 14. Figure 5A(Not visible in the image). For example, the printhead may be adjacent to the dispensing slot 82 of the housing 72, through which the printed portion of the printing substrate is dispensed. The printhead may include an inkjet head, a laser head, a thermal printhead, or any suitable printing mechanism. The printing system 70 may include a reservoir for storing ink, pigment, or toner, or receiving ink, pigment, or toner through an ink cartridge or box inside the printing system 70, or from a container outside the printing system 70.

[0050] The printing system 70 also includes a tracking antenna 26 configured to read the RFID tag 20. In some embodiments, the tracking antenna 26 is parallel to a portion of the retainer 80 or extends within the retainer 80. In one embodiment, the tracking antenna 26 extends in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation B (and therefore also transverse to the core axis A). While the tracking antenna 26 can be precisely perpendicular to the axis of rotation B, defining a relative angle of 90°, in other examples, the tracking antenna can be angled within a range close to 90°, such as 90°±20°, 90°±15°, 90°±10°, 90°±5°, 90°±3°, 90°±2°, or 90°±1°. Furthermore, it should be understood that manufacturing and measurement tolerances may result in slight deviations from a 90° angle or any other predetermined angle or dimension.

[0051] The printing system 70 may include a transceiver coupled to the tracking antenna 26. Figure 5A (not shown in the image), and a controller connected to the transceiver ( Figure 5A (Not shown in the image). Figure 6 yes Figures 5A to 5C The diagram shows a conceptual block diagram of the control component 90 of the printing system 70. The control component 90 includes a printhead 92, a transceiver 94, and a controller 100 for controlling various components of the printing system 70. The control component may also include additional components such as a power regulator 96 and a motor driver 98.

[0052] The controller 100 is configured to receive from the transceiver 94 a signal indicating one or more of a print counter 36, an SKU code 38, and a consumable authentication code 40 received from the RFID antenna 32. The controller 100 can also transmit signals to the RFID chip 34 via the transceiver 94 and the RFID antenna 32. The RFID chip 34 can update the print counter 36 in response to a signal transmitted by the controller 100 via the transceiver and received by the RFID tag 20 via the RFID antenna 32. For example, the controller 100 can also be configured to send a counter update signal to the transceiver 94 for transmission to the RFID tag 20, wherein the RFID chip 34 is configured to update the print counter 36 in response to the counter update signal.

[0053] In this embodiment, the controller 100 is also configured to modify the printing settings of the printhead 92 in response to the SKU code 38. For example, the SKU code 38 may be associated with the dimensions of the printing substrate 14 (such as label size) and the substrate material, and with the number of labels or the printing capacity of the printing consumables. Therefore, based on the SKU code 38, the controller 100 can set appropriate printing settings, such as print area, margins, label template, dots per inch (DPI), print quality, etc. The controller 100 can also determine the remaining capacity of the printing consumables 10 based on the initial capacity and the current capacity associated with the value of the print counter 36.

[0054] In this embodiment, the controller 100 is also configured to allow or block operation of the printing system 70 in response to the consumable authentication code 40. For example, if the controller detects an authentication code associated with an authorized manufacturer of a genuine and compatible printing consumable 10, the controller 100 may set printing settings and signal the printhead 92 to initiate printing. The controller 100 may also signal the motor driver 98, which ultimately drives the stepper motor 102 to cause a predetermined rotation of the printing consumable 10, thereby dispensing a printed portion of the printing substrate 14. The stepper motor 102 is configured to rotate the printing consumable 10, which is fixed to the retainer 80, about the rotation axis B. Conversely, if the authentication code is not associated with an authorized party or manufacturer, the controller 100 will not signal the printhead 92 and / or the motor driver 98, thereby blocking operation of the printing system 70.

[0055] The control component 90 may include additional components that connect to or control other components of the printing system 70. For example, the printing system 70 may include one or more switches 104, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 108, or network connections 110 (e.g., a USB hub), and the controller 100 or other components of the control component may receive or send signals to operate these components.

[0056] The pattern to be printed by printing system 70 can be received via network connection 110. Although Figure 6 Wired (USB) network connection 110 is shown, but in other embodiments, printing system 70 may include one or both of a wireless or wired network controller to receive printing modes, user printing settings, or firmware updates.

[0057] Printing consumables and systems according to this disclosure, such as printing consumable 10 and printing system 70, can be used together to provide the functionality and features described throughout this disclosure. Embodiments of the methods are described with reference to printing consumable 10, printing system 70, and control component 90. However, these methods can be implemented using any suitable consumables, systems, and components according to this disclosure.

[0058] For example, a method for authenticating the origin of a printing consumable 10 fixed in a printing system 70 may include receiving a signal from a transceiver 94 by a controller 100 indicating a consumable authentication code 40 from an RFID tag 20. The method may include the controller 100 authenticating the origin of the printing consumable 10 based on the consumable authentication code 40. The method may also include the controller 100 enabling or blocking operation of the printing system in response to the origin of the printing consumable 10.

[0059] In one embodiment, a method for setting printing settings for a printing consumable 10 fixed in a printing system 70 includes a controller 100 receiving a signal from a transceiver 94 indicating a SKU code 38 from an RFID tag 20, and the controller 100 setting printing settings suitable for the printing consumable 10 based on the SKU code 38. For example, the controller 100 can set printing settings for a printhead 92, such as printing area, margins, substrate type, etc.

[0060] In one embodiment, a method for updating a print counter 36 of a print consumable 10 fixed in a printing system 70 includes receiving a signal from a transceiver 94 indicating the print counter 36 from an RFID tag 20 before a print job, and sending a counter update signal to the RFID tag 20 after a print job.

[0061] In one embodiment, the controller 100 may detect features such as holes associated with a single tag and send a counter update signal to the RFID tag 20 in response to the detection of the tag. In such an embodiment, the RFID chip 34 of the RFID tag 20 updates the print counter 36 in response to the counter update signal.

[0062] In one embodiment, the controller 100 can detect the advance or printing of a label by detecting the displacement of the stepper motor and based on a predetermined length of the label. For example, the SKU code 38 can be associated with a predetermined label size, such as with the label length. In some embodiments, the label length can be associated with a predetermined number of stepper motor pulses. In some embodiments, the number of measured stepper pulses divided by a predetermined expected number of stepper pulses per label can be used to detect a label count associated with the measured stepper pulses.

[0063] When the consumable stock is nearing its capacity, the print counter 36 can be used to alert the user. In an embodiment, the method further includes generating an alarm by the controller 100 in response to determining that the print counter 36 is within a predetermined threshold of the maximum print count associated with the print consumable 10. The maximum print count can be determined based on the SKU code 38. For example, an embedded counter in an ICODE SLIX2 chip can be used to store the count of print units or tags. In an embodiment, the counter has a monotonic function, counts only upwards, and increments by only one unit per access. For example, the counter increments by one unit each time an RFID tag 20 is read. In some embodiments, the RFID chip increments the print counter 36 by one unit each time the controller 100 sends a counter update signal to the RFID chip 34. The initial counter value can be set to the maximum counter value minus the sum of the full roll's tag count and the margin, where the margin provides a threshold to alert the user to replace the consumable stock when the capacity is nearing its end. The counter can be set during production using other SKU parameters.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the use of RFID components to authenticate printed consumables. A signature algorithm can be used to provide a private key-based signature, and each RFID tag can have a unique ID. For example, the signature can be initially set using ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) computation (ECDSA-128 bits) based on the unique ID and a private and public key pair. A verification algorithm can use the public key and the associated unique ID to verify the signature and authenticate the origin of RFID tag 20 (and thus the origin of consumable 10). Once the signature is assigned to the RFID tag, it cannot be altered by the end user. In this embodiment, authentication code 40 includes the signature.

[0065] In contrast, the print counter 36 and SKU code 38 reside in accessible but password-protected memory. Therefore, the manufacturer of consumable 10 can apply any RFID tag 20 to consumable 10 and assign the SKU code 38 to the tag.

[0066] While this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. Instead, modifications can be made to this disclosure to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein but commensurate with the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in the context of use, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, or capabilities that are not included in other embodiments. Furthermore, while various embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may include only some embodiments of the described embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered limited to the foregoing description but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printing consumable, comprising: A rotatable core extending between a first core end and a second core end; A roll of dispensable printing substrate, the roll of dispensable printing substrate being dispensably coupled to the core; and A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the RFID tag being coupled to the core adjacent to the first core end or the second core, wherein the RFID tag includes an RFID chip associated with a stock unit (SKU) code, and wherein the RFID chip is associated with an unmodifiable consumable authentication code. The SKU code is password protected.

2. The printing consumable according to claim 1, wherein, The dispensable printing substrate includes multiple labels fixed to the backing layer.

3. The printing consumable according to claim 1, wherein, The rotatable core has a hollow cylinder that defines an outer surface and an inner surface.

4. The printing consumable according to claim 1, wherein, The RFID tag is fixed to the outer surface of the core.

5. The printing consumable according to claim 1, wherein, The RFID tag is fixed to the inner surface of the core.

6. The printing consumable according to claim 1, wherein, The RFID chip is associated with a print counter, and the RFID chip is configured to update the print counter in response to a signal indicating that a print job is complete.

7. A method for authenticating the source of the printing consumable of claim 1 in a printing system, the method comprising: The controller receives a signal from the transceiver indicating the consumable authentication code from the RFID tag; The controller authenticates the origin of the printing consumables based on the consumable authentication code; as well as The controller allows or prevents the operation of the printing system in response to the source of the printing consumables.

8. A method for setting printing settings for a printing consumable of claim 1 fixed in a printing system, the method comprising: The controller receives a signal from the transceiver indicating the SKU code from the RFID tag; as well as The controller sets printing settings suitable for the printing consumables based on the SKU code.

9. A method for updating a print counter of a printing consumable as claimed in claim 1, fixed in a printing system, the method comprising: Before a print job, the controller receives a signal from the transceiver indicating the print counter from the RFID tag; as well as After the printing job, the controller sends a counter update signal to the RFID tag.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising generating an alarm by the controller in response to determining that the value of the print counter is within a predetermined threshold of a maximum print count associated with the print consumable.

11. A printing system, comprising: A housing defining a compartment sized for receiving printing consumables, the printing consumables comprising; A rotatable core extending along a core axis between a first core end and a second core end; A roll of dispensable printing substrate, the roll of dispensable printing substrate being dispensably fixed to the core around the core axis; and A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the RFID tag being coupled to the core adjacent to the first core end or the second core, wherein the RFID tag includes an RFID chip associated with a stock unit (SKU) code, and wherein the RFID chip is associated with an unmodifiable consumable authentication code; The SKU code is password protected. A retainer configured to secure the printing consumable about a rotation axis aligned with the core axis; A printhead configured to print a pattern on the printing substrate; A tracking antenna configured to read the RFID tag, wherein the tracking antenna extends in the transverse direction of the rotation axis; A transceiver connected to the tracking antenna; and A controller connected to the transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal indicating the SKU code from the transceiver.

12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein, The RFID chip is associated with a print counter, wherein the controller is further configured to send a counter update signal to the transceiver for transmission to the RFID tag, and wherein the RFID chip is configured to update the print counter in response to the counter update signal.

13. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein, The controller is also configured to modify the print settings of the printhead in response to the SKU code.

14. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein, The controller is also configured to allow or block the operation of the printing system in response to the SKU code.

15. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein, The RFID tracking antenna is adjacent to the holder, such that when the printed consumable is attached to the holder, the RFID tag is adjacent to the RFID tracking antenna.

16. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein, The RFID tracking antenna is capable of reading the RFID tag in any rotational orientation of the printed consumable.

17. The printing system of claim 11, further comprising a printhead configured to print a predetermined pattern on the print surface of the printing consumable.

18. The printing system of claim 11, further comprising a stepper motor configured to rotate the printing consumable fixed to the holder about the rotation axis, wherein, The axis of rotation is aligned with the axis of the core.

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