Concurrent Digital Printing of RFID Circuits with Personalized Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital printing, there is no effective method to verify the accuracy of data extracted from a database and entered into personalized images before printing, especially for critical information, and existing methods for discrete identification on printed materials, such as RFID tags, are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for variable data printing that allows user input and verification of personalized images through a user interface, with automatic data entry, scanning, and filtering of data tags, and concurrent digital printing/marking of a circuit with discrete identification information, eliminating the need for separate RFID tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate RFID tags are attached to printed materials for discrete identification, then identification functionality is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification circuit directly into the printed material itself, merging the function of discrete identification with the printing process. This eliminates the need for separate RFID tags and their associated attachment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it既能 print images and text,又能 simultaneously print functional identification circuits. This multi-functionality allows a single printing process to replace what previously required separate tagging operations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate RFID tags are attached to printed materials for discrete identification, then identification functionality is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the identification circuit printing with the main printing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate RFID tag components and their attachment operations. This integration reduces material costs and manufacturing expenses associated with separate tagging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification information is printed directly as a circuit pattern on the material, creating a functional copy of the identification capability that previously required physical RFID tags. This printed circuit copy achieves the same identification function at lower cost.
3Productivity
If data is automatically entered into personalized images from a database, then productivity increases, but accuracy of data verification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a verification mechanism that allows users to review and verify the accuracy of automatically entered data before final printing. This feedback loop enables correction of any data extraction errors while maintaining the productivity benefits of automated data entry from databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of extracted data against the original database records before committing to final printing. This preliminary action catches and corrects potential errors early in the process, ensuring data accuracy is maintained despite automated entry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate pre-proofing of personalized images and cost-effective discrete identification on printed materials by allowing user verification and correction of data before printing, and integrating identification circuits directly into the printed images, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit, when energized by an electromagnetic wave, such as a radio frequency wave
Data Source
AI summary
In one version, variable data digital printing where certain record images are selected from a database and user designated variable data is entered into the selected record images creating personalized images. Data tags are inserted into the personalized images which are stored. The stored personalized images are scanned for specified tags; and, the results of the scan identified to the user for verification of accuracy. Provision is made for image display and correction, and inputs may be entered from a user interface prior to printing. Another version provides for supplying heated individual colorant resin to printheads for printing on print media. Heated conductive resin is supplied to a separate printhead for concurrently printing continuously conductive resin as a circuit having discrete information therein with the printed image thus forming a concurrently printed RFID tag. In another version, heated electrolyte substrate is printed with the image and separately conductive resin is printed on the substrate as a pair of electrodes to form a battery circuit.