Dual-Mode Barcode RFID Writer for Automated Tag Programming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for programming RFID tags rely heavily on manual data entry, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when transitioning from bar code technology to radio frequency identification systems.

Innovation Solution

A dual-function bar code reader RFID reader/writer device is used to read bar code labels and automatically program RFID tags by converting the information into a radio frequency signal for storage in the tag's memory, reducing the need for manual input and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data entry is used to program RFID tags, then flexibility in data input is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata input speedVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning using bar code readers. The system captures data optically from bar code labels already present on products and automatically transfers it to RFID tags, eliminating manual typing and significantly reducing both time consumption and human error while maintaining data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses bar code labels that already exist on products as the data source. The system reads the bar code information (a copy of the product identification) and uses it to program the RFID tag, eliminating the need for manual data entry and ensuring accuracy by copying from the existing authoritative source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If automated bar code reading is implemented, then data input speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dual-function device that combines bar code reading and RFID programming capabilities in a single system. This multi-functional approach increases productivity by automating the data transfer process while managing system complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary that manages the data transfer process between the bar code reader and RFID writer. This intermediary coordinates the automated process, handling data capture, processing, and transmission, which simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual programming methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but transition efficiency from bar code to RFID decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementation easeVSAvoidtransition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages bar code labels that are already present on products before RFID tagging is implemented. By using these pre-existing labels as the data source for RFID programming, the system eliminates the need for separate data collection and entry steps, significantly reducing transition time while maintaining ease of implementation through familiar technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method enables efficient and accurate automated programming of RFID tags, reducing human error and increasing data transfer speed by using machine-readable data codes to directly write information to the tags, facilitating a seamless transition from bar code to RFID technology.

Implementation Method 1

reading a bar code label with a bar code reader

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection and decoding:

Implementation Method 2

transmitting a radio frequency signal including the information to an RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

storing the information contained in the radio frequency signal in a memory device in the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal storage:

Data Source

PatentUS7772964B2Systems and methods for automated programming of RFID tags using machine readable indicia

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for automatically programming an RFID tag using machine readable indicia. A dual mode device performs a bar code scan of a bar coded label. Information obtained from the bar code scan is stored. This information may be used to query a database indexed by the bar code information that contains detailed product information. The bar code information as well as the detailed information may be transmitted in an RF signal by the dual mode device to an RFID tag to be stored in a memory structure in the tag. The dual mode device may perform a read operation on the tag after the write operation to confirm that the data was successfully stored and provide an indication thereof. The indication may be a visual indication, a textual indication, an audible indication or combinations of these.