Industrial Printer Integrated RFID Encoding Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tag production methods are slow and costly due to multiple steps involved in manufacturing, limiting output and product variation in terms of size, color, and complexity, as they require separate processes for printing and encoding/verifying RFID tags.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed tabletop and industrial printer with integrated RFID encoding and verification capabilities, featuring two individually controlled RFID reader/writers that can encode and verify RFID tags simultaneously, along with a NFC I2C inlay for communication with the printer's processor and a UHF temperature inlay to improve printer performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate processes are used for printing and encoding/verifying RFID tags, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but productivity is reduced and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines printing, encoding, and verification functions into a single integrated RFID printer system. The printer includes both printing mechanisms and RFID reader/writer components that work together in one device, allowing all operations to be performed sequentially on the same tag without requiring separate manufacturing steps or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reader/writer component serves multiple functions: it can encode data onto RFID tags, verify encoded data, and work in conjunction with the printing mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate encoding and verification equipment, streamlining the manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple steps are involved in RFID tag manufacturing, then encoding accuracy can be ensured, but manufacturing time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs printing, encoding, and verification in continuous sequence without stopping the manufacturing process. The RFID reader/writer automatically encodes and verifies tags as they are printed, maintaining continuous production flow and eliminating idle time between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification function checks encoding accuracy immediately after encoding is complete, within the same manufacturing cycle. This preliminary verification ensures encoding precision is maintained while preventing rework or rejection of defective tags later in the process.
3Reliability
If separate encoding and verification devices are used, then verification reliability can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both encoding and verification functions are integrated into the same RFID reader/writer device. The system uses identical hardware components for both operations, ensuring consistent and reliable verification while eliminating the need for separate verification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification process provides immediate feedback on encoding accuracy. The RFID reader/writer reads back the encoded data and compares it with the intended data, automatically identifying and flagging any encoding errors within the same manufacturing cycle.
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 high-speed, cost-effective simultaneous printing, encoding, and verification of RFID labels and tags on a continuous web, increasing productivity and allowing for greater product variation and complexity without the need for multiple manufacturing steps.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are electronic devices that may be affixed to items whose presence is to be detected and/or monitored. The presence of an RFID tag, and therefore the presence of the item to which the RFID tag is affixed, may be checked and monitored by devices known as 'readers' or 'reader panels.' Readers typically transmit radio frequency signals to which the RFID tags respond.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention discloses a high speed tabletop and industrial printer with an integrated NFC I2C connected to the main processor of the printer. This chip enables an NFC transmitter to communicate with the printer's main processor to impact the operation of the printer.
Data Source
AI summary
A high speed tabletop and industrial printer is disclosed with integrated high speed RFID encoding and verification at the same time. The industrial printer simultaneously prints on and electronically encodes/verifies RFID labels, tags, and/or stickers attached to a continuous web. The industrial printer comprises a lighted sensor array for indexing the printing to the RFID tags; and a cutter powered from the industrial printer for cutting the web that the RFID tags are disposed on. The industrial printer comprises two RFID reader/writers that are individually controlled. Specifically, one of the RFID reader/writers comprises the ability to electronically encode the RFID tags while the web is moving; and the second RFID reader/writer uses an additional RFID module and antenna on the printer for verifying the data encoded to the RFID tags.