Labels for extracting identifying data

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label for enabling the acquisition of identification data, the label comprising an optical coding area and a transponder, one arranged around the other, and data obtained from reading the optical coding area, the transponder, or both, is used to retrieve the identification data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to labels having features that can be used to retrieve identification data. [Background technology]

[0002] Steel materials such as sheet piles, beams, and plates are often reused for 5 to 8 years before being discarded. The grade markings on these steel materials tend to fade or disappear during use, making it difficult to determine their grade for compliance and designated future use. If a material is deemed unsuitable for grading, it is classified as the lowest strength grade to prevent misuse that could lead to structural defects or poor quality.

[0003] Thus, traceability of used steel is problematic. In-house techniques for archiving historical records include having construction companies keep manual records, such as printed documents. Users and owners cannot easily verify or verify whether these documents are authentic or whether inventory control systems are properly maintained.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to address the above shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label for enabling retrieval of identification data, the label comprising an optical coding area and a transponder, one arranged around the other, and wherein data obtained by reading the optical coding area, the transponder, or both, is used to obtain the identification data.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a database configured to, when interrogated with data obtained by reading from an optically encoded region of a label, a transponder, or both, according to the first aspect of the present invention, retrieve identification data in response to a match, locate stored content associated with the retrieved identification data, and return the stored content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] Representative embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a label according to a first implementation of the present invention for providing background information about an article. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a top view and a front view of the label of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a table in which each entry stores details assigned to each registered label. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the dot coding underlying the optically encoded area of ​​the label of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows one possible coding arrangement for the optical coding region of the label of FIG. 1A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows the dot array created in FIG. 4 divided into four zones. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows the four zones of FIG. 5A after rotation. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a dummy dot permutation when only part of the optical code area is active. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a dummy dot array when only part of the optical code area is active. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the information that can be extracted during data reading of the transponder of the label of FIG. 1A. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for retrieving background content for the labeled product of FIG. 1A. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a label according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the following description, various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various views.

[0010] This application provides a means for ensuring the quality of construction materials used, such as steel sheet piles, beams, and plates. Such construction materials are typically made from steel graded according to the construction material's mechanical strength (tensile strength, yield strength, and impact strength). These steel grades determine the material's chemical composition and ensure proper design and application for its intended use. After such steel is manufactured in the factory, this information is recorded in a Mill Test Certificate (MTC). The MTC can also be used to store test records. Thus, information recorded in the MTC includes, but is not limited to, test data, user-defined data, subsequent retest data, welding data, coatings, repairs, damage, or value-added work performed.

[0011] Each MTC includes a heat number or serial number. In known approaches, the heat number or serial number is placed on a sticker that is glued or affixed to the construction material. Alternatively, the heat number or serial number is stenciled or spray-painted onto the construction material. The heat number or identification number is then verified against the number on the MTC. Steel, being a ferrous material, corrodes in the presence of oxygen, and rust prevents the sticker from adhering properly, causing the sticker to peel or deteriorate over time. Stenciled or spray-painted heat numbers or serial numbers identifying the steel similarly become illegible over time. Additionally, stickers can be lost during transportation, making it difficult to trace the construction material to the MTC.

[0012] The present application seeks to address the above shortcomings by providing a label that can be attached to a building structure to retrieve identification data that can be used to retrieve Mill Certificate information. The label can also be used in fields outside of the construction field, such as to authenticate the origin of the equipment or product to which the label is attached. For such alternative uses, the identification data is then linked to other types of content related to the device, such as the device's manufacturing history or background information. This content is stored in a remote database and retrieved using the identification data. The identification data is unique to each label, and the remote database stores the identification data of all labels registered in the remote database and the respective linked content to which each unique identification data is mapped.

[0013] Making the background content (e.g., MTC information) remotely accessible protects the background content from device degradation. The identification data used to retrieve the background content is also not apparent from the label but is stored in a remote database, in contrast to the aforementioned approach in which a melting or serial number is applied to the product. Obtaining the identification data first requires reading one or both of two parts on the label (i.e., the optically coded region and the transponder). The optically coded region refers to an area in which data is represented as an array of machine-readable visual symbols, such as squares or dots. The transponder refers to a wireless device that receives radio signals and automatically transmits a different signal, such as an RFID tag. Being able to read either the optically coded region or the transponder is advantageous because even if one cannot be read, the other can be used to retrieve the identification data. Reading both parts is done in situations where additional security may be needed, such as when the security of the data coded in one of the two parts is suspected to have been compromised due to discovery by an unauthorized third party. Second, the data obtained by reading the optically encoded area, the transponder, or both, is used to search for matching data against a mapping table maintained in a remote database, which records the identification data of labels registered in the remote database. The identification data belonging to the matching data is extracted.

[0014] The label has a body or substrate on which such an optical coding area and such a "transponder" are provided, one arranged around the other, i.e. in a first implementation the optical coding area is arranged around the transponder, while in a second implementation the transponder is arranged around the optical coding area.

[0015] Neither the optical coding area nor the transponder necessarily completely surrounds (or encloses) the other. For example, if the optical coding area is disposed around the transponder, the optical coding area may be implemented as a collection of multiple zones (i.e., multiple zones), with each zone disposed on the surface of the label body and adjacent to one side of the transponder. These multiple zones may be discontinuous or discrete, in that gaps exist between the zones. As a result, the optical coding area may not completely surround the transponder. Similarly, if the transponder is disposed around the optical coding area, the transponder may not extend across the entire optical coding area. In one implementation, only certain components of the transponder, such as the antenna, surround the optical coding area.

[0016] Data obtained by reading the optically encoded area, data obtained by reading the transponder, or a combination of both, is used to retrieve identification data linked to content associated with the device to which the label is affixed. Therefore, the present application splits the data required to perform identification data retrieval for communication via two media formats: a visual medium (optically encoded area) for communicating data via optical recognition, and a wireless medium (transponder) for communicating data stored in electronic form. In implementations where identification data is retrieved by combining data read from the optically encoded area and data read from the transponder, the proximity of the arrangement, one surrounding the other, allows for retrieval of the identification data in a single pass. This results in a compact label, limiting the portion responsible for retrieving the identification data to a specific segment. This maximizes the use of the limited available space (surface area).

[0017] Labels are described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a label 100 according to a first implementation of the present invention. The label 100 is intended to provide background information for the article (not shown) to which it is attached. This background information is stored in a remote database, so the content is not limited by the amount of space available on the label 100. Thus, the label 100 can be used to track the history of the article or for authentication purposes (such as verifying the authenticity of the article). When attached to building structures such as steel sheet piles, beams, and planks, the label 100 can be used to retrieve Material Test Certificate (MTC) information, along with test data, user-defined data, subsequent retest data, welding data, coatings, repairs, damage, or value-added work performed. When attached to other articles, the label 100 can be used to retrieve other information, such as manufacturing and supply chain details.

[0019] The label 100 has a body 102 that provides a substrate for carrying the features needed to retrieve content hosted in a remote database. These features are an optical coding area 104 and a transponder 106 that are positioned in close proximity to one another. In the implementation shown in Figure 1A, this proximity is achieved by the optical coding area 104 being positioned around the transponder 106. In another embodiment (see Figure 9), this proximity is achieved by the transponder being positioned around the optical coding area. Thus, the optical coding area, or the portion of the label that holds the transponder, is positioned around the other.

[0020] The optically encoded region 104 may be encoded by representing its data through machine-readable symbols arranged according to a protocol specification. FIG. 1A illustrates the use of the DotCode standard, described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, which encodes data with an array of dots. Similarly, the transponder 106 may encode its data by storing it, for example, as an alphanumeric sequence. Reading the optically encoded region 104, the transponder 106, or both and extracting the data may be performed by a scanner. Examples of scanners include a dedicated handheld device that includes both an optical scanner and a transponder, or a smartphone running an app that can extract optical data from a captured image of the optically encoded region 104 and wirelessly communicate with the transponder 106 to extract the data. The process of obtaining identification data from the scanned data and using the identification data to further retrieve stored content is described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0021] 2 shows a table 200 in which each entry 220, 222, 224 stores detailed information assigned to each label registered in a cloud remote database 250. The table 200 may be maintained in the cloud remote database 250.

[0022] The detailed information that can be assigned to each entry 220, 222, 224 includes optically encoded region data 204, transponder data 206, label identifier 210, asset identifier 214, and information 208 about the content stored in the cloud remote database 250 to which the entry 220, 222, 224 is linked. As described above, the optically encoded region data 204 and transponder data 206 are encoded in the optically encoded region 104 of the label and the transponder 106, respectively. For simplicity, table 200 shows only three entries 220, 222, 224 that are part of the records maintained on the cloud remote database 250.

[0023] The transponder data 206 includes two components: Electronic Product Code (EPC) data 226, which is programmable to adapt the transponder 106 to application requirements, and RFID data 228, which is RFID standard data that cannot be changed. The EPC data 226 is typically 16 characters long, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0024] The label identifier 210 is an identifier unique to each label 100, distinguishing the labels from one another. Multiple products, each with its own label 100, may be segments separated from a bulk item, and the bulk item may have its own material identifier 214. Thus, each of the multiple products shares the same background as the bulk item. For example, a steel plate may have multiple labels 100 attached to it. If the steel plate is separated into segments each with a label 100, each of these segments should be traceable to the material identifier 214 used on the steel plate. That is, one or more unique identification data 210 may be associated with the same material identifier 214, where both the unique identification data 210 and the material identifier 214 point to the same background content stored in the cloud remote database 250. See entries 220 and 222. In the implementation shown in Figure 2, the material identifier 214 serves as identification data for retrieving the background content of the product to which the label 100 is affixed.

[0025] Once either the optically encoded region data 204 or the transponder data 206 is acquired by the scanner, the table 200 is then queried with the read data to determine whether there is a match, i.e., an entry 220, 222, 224 containing the same optically encoded region data 204 or transponder data 206. In implementations where both the optically encoded region data 204 and the transponder data 206 are required (i.e., where the optically encoded region 104 and the transponder 106 each hold a portion of the data used to perform the query of the table 200), the table 200 is queried with the combination of the optically encoded region data 204 and the transponder data 206 to determine whether there is a match, i.e., an entry 212 containing the same combination of data. If a match exists, querying the table 200 with the optically encoded region data 204, the transponder data 206, or both, returns a material identifier 214 from the cloud remote database 250 to use as identification data to retrieve the content. This identification data 214 is then used to access 252 content stored in a cloud remote database 250 that provides background information about the product to which the label 100 is affixed.

[0026] As described above, the identification data 214 can be used to retrieve mill certificate data when the label 100 is installed on a steel structure. The identification data 214 provides an Material Identifier (AID) for the steel, allowing it to reference all relevant traceability information documented in the mill certificate, factory production certificate, and any other inspection reports or certificates stored in the cloud remote database 250 so that they can be easily retrieved and verified. The AID is unique to any product, including but not limited to a steel structure.

[0027] When steel is stored in bundles or stacks, the AIDs are grouped together in the form of a bundle tag, which serves to easily identify the AIDs belonging to the bundle tag and can later be regrouped according to customer preference. This bundle tag has a wider read range than the transponder 106 in the label 100, e.g., 5 m.

[0028] The identification data 214 can also be used to update content stored in the cloud remote database 250 for later retrieval or reference. For example, any length changes, cutting, or manufacturing operations performed on an item to which the label 100 is attached can be recorded accordingly. Ownership data about the item can be recorded and tracked throughout its lifecycle, allowing the data to be passed on to the next owner if the item is sold, so that the next owner has a record of the item's complete history. The cloud remote database 250 used to store and update content can also have restricted access to ensure security. For example, the original supplier of the item can provide a database separate from the database belonging to the party that acquired the item, providing an independent and reliable record of the item's history.

[0029] The identification data 214 can also be used for on-site inspection of construction materials that have labels 100 attached. As construction materials are shipped from a customer's premises to a construction site, the labels 100 attached to the construction materials can be scanned on-site to facilitate tracking of project requirements. Once the project is completed and the tagged construction materials are returned to a storage yard, the labels 100 can be individually scanned so that storage yard personnel know what construction materials have been returned and ensure the correct construction materials are returned.

[0030] 1B shows a front view 160 and a top view 162 of the label 100, with the front view 160 being taken from line AA of the top view 162. The optical coding area 104 is provided on the surface of the body 102 of the label 100, such as by being etched into the top surface 154, bottom surface 156, or both surfaces of the label 100. Thus, when the label 100 is attached to an article via either its top surface 154 or bottom surface 156, the optical coding area 104 remains visible and readable by a scanner. Because the optical coding area 104 can be provided on both the top surface 154 and bottom surface 156 of the label 100, the etching need only be a few millimeters deep and need not extend through the entire thickness 158 of the body 102. Although not shown, in implementations in which a transponder is disposed around the optical coding area, the optical coding area may be provided on the top surface, bottom surface, or both surfaces of the label.

[0031] The optical coding area 104 spans multiple zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D arranged around the transponder 106, dividing the optical coding area 104 into multiple portions on the surface of the label 100. This allows the optical coding area 104 to occupy a larger surface area, providing greater flexibility in the selection of protocols for encoding the data and allowing for longer data lengths. At least one of the zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D may be discontinuous, for example, by the presence of a gap between it and another zone, as shown in FIG. 1A. This discontinuity facilitates segmenting or separating one zone 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D from the other zones.

[0032] 9, where the transponder is arranged around the optical coding area, the optical coding area can also be divided in the same way (i.e., into multiple zones, each of which is optionally discontinuous from the other zones). In contrast to Figures 1A and 1B, the multiple zones are not arranged around the transponder.

[0033] One or more of zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D may be combined during data reading of the optically encoded area 104. Therefore, it is not necessary to read all of zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D; only selected portions need to be read during data reading of the optically encoded area 104. The designation and selection of which zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D are active is performed according to a programmed protocol. This provides an additional layer of security to the data already optically encoded according to the protocol. This protocol may be different from the protocol that designates which zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D are active. An additional advantage of dividing the optically encoded area 104 into multiple zones is that it makes it more difficult for an unauthorized party performing a read operation on the optically encoded area 104 to decipher the correct code stored in table 200 (see FIG. 2 ). If the active area of ​​the optically encoded area 104 needs to be changed, more arrangement options exist for reading the optically encoded area 104 to generate different data. Only authorized parties with access to the protocol used to encode the optically encoded area 104 can easily perform data reading of the optically encoded area 104. Yet another arrangement option requires that only a portion of one of the zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D be active. For example, during data reading of the optically encoded area 104, only a portion of zone 104A is read, and not the entire zone 104A.

[0034] QR Codes, which encode data in blocks or squares, have proven difficult to consistently inscribe on label 100. In a data-encoding configuration, such as the 2D array 300 shown in FIG. 3, dots were easier to consistently laser machine as holes on the surface of label 100. The length of the code is determined by the number of rows and columns of dots. To achieve a code five characters long (the first character is alphabetic or symbolic, and the last four characters are numeric, providing sufficient sequence), the 2D array 300 may require, for example, a height 302 of 11 dots and a width 304 of 16 dots.

[0035] The five-character code can be randomly generated, and then a dot arrangement can be created within the 11x16 dot array to encode the generated five-character code. Figure 4 shows a created dot array configuration 400 used to realize the optical encoding area 104. In Figure 4, the creation of the dot array configuration 400 assumes that the surface of the label 100 has enough space to accommodate the 11x16 dot dimensions, with dummy dots 402 to fill the excess space.

[0036] The fabricated dot array 400 is divided into four zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D, as shown in FIG. 5. Zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D can be rotated 90 degrees or 180 degrees. For example, zone 104A is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and zone 104C is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Zone 104D is rotated 180 degrees clockwise. Zone 104A remains stationary. This combination of rotations increases the number of different sequences that can be used to encode the optical coding region 104. The resulting array 500 is then laser-illuminated onto the label 100, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0037] 6A and 6B show other arrangements of dummy dots, in which only the active areas 602 and 604 of the generated dot array arrangement 400 are used during data reading of the optically encoded area 104.

[0038] When the optically encoded area 104 is read, the following steps are performed: All four zones 104A, 104B, 104C, and 104D are captured as an image, for example, by a mobile phone. The image is then uploaded to a cloud remote database 250 (see FIG. 2) for processing by a protocol used to generate a dot array sequence (used to encode the optically encoded area 104). This protocol identifies active areas within the optically encoded area 104 from which the optically encoded area data is extracted. Table 200 is then queried for a match, and identification data 214 is retrieved.

[0039] 1B, the body 102 has a tunnel 114 (i.e., a through-hole) through the thickness 158 of the body 102 for receiving the transponder 106 (see FIG. 1A), with the optical encoding region 104 disposed around the tunnel 114. In another embodiment (not shown), the transponder 106 is received in a depression that does not pass through the entire thickness of the body 102. The transponder 106 is held in place within the tunnel 114 or depression (not shown), for example, with a sealant.

[0040] The transponder 106 may have components including a microchip and an antenna coupled to the microchip. An RFID tag can be used for the transponder 106, with the microchip containing the RFID tag's unique identification number. The transponder 106 can be passive, in that it does not have a power source but receives power from a radio signal transmitted by a scanner used to read it. A passive transponder 106 is advantageous in that the label 100 can be used with flammable products. The transponder 106 activates when a scanner is brought into proximity. The antenna coil serves as a power source and a medium for transmitting data to the scanner. In implementations in which the transponder is positioned around the optically encoded area, only a portion of the transponder, such as the antenna, may be positioned around the optically encoded area. The antenna may be positioned along the periphery of the label, as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

[0041] The label 100 has attachment holes 112 at each end for attaching the label 100 to an article on which it is to be used to provide background information. The attachment holes 112 extend through the thickness of the label 100. Each attachment hole 112 is spaced a distance 116 from the nearest adjacent zone of the optically encoded region 104 (zones 104B and 104D in the implementation shown in FIG. 1A ). This space 116 protects the optically encoded region 104 from damage (e.g., burning) when the label 100 is attached to the article, for example, by a welding operation.

[0042] Sample dimensions for the body 102 of the label 100 are approximately 60 mm in length (measured from both ends adjacent the mounting holes 112) and approximately 20 mm in width (measured across the tunnel 114 of the transponder 106). The body 102 may have a thickness of approximately 7 mm. The diameter of the tunnel 114 is approximately 10 mm. A diameter of approximately 8 mm is used for the mounting holes 112 to facilitate welding.

[0043] 7 illustrates information that can be extracted during a data read of the transponder 106. The data read can obtain EPC data stored in the transponder 106, which may be programmed with, for example, basic information 700 about the item to which the label 100 is attached.

[0044] The basic information 700 has a segmented layout and is represented using 16 alphanumeric characters of data, with each segment having a dedicated function. The first segment 302 may be used for branding purposes, such as indicating the supplier of the item. The second segment 304 may be used to represent the country in which the item was manufactured. The third segment 306 may be used to provide a code for the supplier of the item. The fourth segment 308 may be used to provide the batch number to which the item belongs. The fifth segment 310 is reserved for assigning a serial number to the transponder 106. Any one or more of these five segments is programmable to meet the requirements of the application.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for retrieving background content of a product to which label 100 is attached.

[0046] In step 802, a user logs into an application running on a mobile phone that is used to scan the label 100 and retrieve background information for the product to which the label 100 is affixed. In steps 804 and 806, sensors in the mobile phone that are needed to communicate with the label 100 are activated, such as Bluetooth functionality, location detection, and an NFC (near field communication) sensor. Then, in steps 808 and 810, the mobile phone reads the optically encoded area 104, the transponder 106, or both, on the label 100 via its camera and its NFC sensor, respectively.

[0047] In step 812, the mobile phone connects to the cloud remote database 250 and transmits the data retrieved in steps 808 and 810. In step 814, the cloud remote database 250 is queried as described with reference to Figure 2. In step 816, retrieved background information and documentation about the product is downloaded from the cloud remote database 250 and may be printed in step 818. The user logs off from the application and the process ends in step 820.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a label 900 according to a second implementation of the present invention to provide background information regarding the article (not shown) to which the label is attached.

[0049] The label 900 has a body 902 that provides a substrate for carrying the features needed to retrieve content hosted in a remote database. These features are an optically encoded area 904 and a transponder 906 (antenna 950 is also visible) positioned in close proximity to one another. In the implementation shown in Figure 9, this proximity is achieved by the transponder being positioned around the optically encoded area 904.

[0050] Similar to the label 100 of FIG. 1, the optically encoded region 904 of the label 900 of FIG. 9 may be encoded by representing its data through machine-readable symbols arranged according to a protocol specification, such as the dot array arrangements described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B. The transponder 906 may encode its data by storing it, for example, as an alphanumeric sequence. Reading the optically encoded region 904, the transponder 906, or both to extract the data may be performed by a scanner. Obtaining identification data from the read data and using the identification data to further retrieve the stored content uses the approach described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0051] Similar to the label 100 of FIG. 1, the transponder 906 may have components including a microchip and an antenna 950 coupled to the microchip. An RFID tag can be used for the transponder 906, with the microchip containing the RFID tag's unique identification number. The transponder 906 can be passive, in that it does not have a power source but receives power from a radio signal transmitted by a scanner used to read it. A passive transponder 906 is advantageous in that the label 900 can be used with flammable products. The transponder 906 is activated when a scanner is brought into proximity. The antenna 950 serves as both a power source and a medium for transmitting data to the scanner. The implementation of FIG. 9 has the antenna 950 positioned around the perimeter of the label 900, around the optical coding area 904.

[0052] The label 900 is provided with attachment holes 912 at each end for attaching the label 900 to an article on which it is to be used to provide background information. The attachment holes 912 extend through the thickness of the label 900. Each attachment hole 912 is spaced a distance 916 from the nearest adjacent zone of the optical coding region 904. This space 916 protects the optical coding region 904 from damage (e.g., burning) when the label 900 is attached to the article, for example, by a welding operation.

[0053] From the above, the labels 100, 900 therefore facilitate the following: Inventory and location tracking ·Materials management ·Financial evaluation of materials Accreditation and assurance Providing unique identification information for tagged materials ·Detection and monitoring of tagged materials

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising," "comprise," and grammatical variations thereof are intended to represent "open" or "inclusive" language, meaning that they not only include the recited elements, but also additional elements not expressly recited.

[0055] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the invention to a particular situation and material without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed herein, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A label for enabling retrieval of identification data, The label comprises: an optical coding region; a transponder; one of the optical coding area and the transponder is disposed around the other, and data obtained from reading the optical coding area, the transponder, or both is used to derive identification data. label.

2. 10. The label of claim 1, wherein the optical coding region is etched on either the top surface or the bottom surface, or both.

3. 3. The label of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the optical coding region spans multiple zones.

4. The label of claim 3 , wherein at least one zone is discontinuous from the other zones.

5. 5. A label according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein reading the data in the optically encoded region comprises combining selected data from one or more zones.

6. 6. The label of claim 5, wherein the selection of the one or more zones is made according to a programmed protocol.

7. 7. The label of claim 1, wherein the transponder comprises a microchip and an antenna coupled to the microchip.

8. The label of claim 7 , wherein the antenna is disposed around the optical coding area.

9. The label of claim 8 , wherein the antenna is positioned along a periphery of the label.

10. 8. The label of claim 1, further comprising a tunnel through the thickness of the label for accommodating the transponder, the optical coding region being disposed around the tunnel.

11. 11. The label of claim 10, wherein the transponder is held in place by a sealant.

12. 12. The label of claim 1, wherein the optical coding region comprises an array of holes.

13. 13. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the transponder is passive.

14. The label of claim 1 , further comprising mounting holes on either end of the label.

15. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the identification data is used to retrieve context information for a product to which the label is affixed.

16. retrieving the identification data in response to a match when queried with data obtained from reading either the optically encoded area of ​​a label of any one of claims 1 to 15, the transponder, or both; Identifying stored content associated with the retrieved identification data; a database configured to return the stored content; system.

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