Integrated Smart Label Merging Barcodes and RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current material identification systems in manufacturing facilities rely on separate printed labels with machine-readable indicia and RFID tags, which increase costs and complexity, as well as the challenge of placing multiple labels on items, while also requiring line-of-sight scanning for bar codes and lacking efficient tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An integrated smart label that combines machine-readable indicia, such as bar codes, with RFID technology, using printed electronics and functional inks to create a single label that can be read by both bar code and RFID systems, allowing for tracking without line-of-sight requirements and supporting a larger set of unique identification codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate printed labels with machine-readable indicia and RFID tags are used, then tracking capabilities are provided, but costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines machine-readable indicia and RFID tag components into a single integrated smart label. The label includes both visual machine-readable patterns (barcodes or QR codes) and embedded RFID electronic components (antenna, circuitry, memory) on one substrate, eliminating the need for separate labels while maintaining both optical and radio-frequency tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The smart label serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual machine-readable identification for optical scanners, contains RFID components for radio-frequency identification, and stores data in both visual and electronic formats. This multi-functionality allows a single label to replace multiple separate identification systems
2Reliability
If multiple separate labels are placed on items, then identification and tracking are enabled, but placement complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates machine-readable indicia and RFID tag components into a single label structure, eliminating the need to place multiple separate labels on items. The unified label simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of placement steps required while maintaining comprehensive identification and tracking capabilities
3Measurement precision
If bar code scanning is used, then machine-readable identification is achieved, but line-of-sight requirements limit tracking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The smart label provides both visual machine-readable indicia for optical scanning and RFID electronic components for wireless radio-frequency identification. This dual functionality allows the system to use bar code scanning when line-of-sight is available and RFID scanning when it is not, maintaining identification accuracy while improving overall tracking efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure provide an integrated smart label, comprising a plurality of electronic components, each of the electronic components including a profile defining at least a portion of a machine-readable indicia, at least one of the electronic components storing first data, and the machine-readable indicia being a visual representation of second data. Implementations of the present disclosure also provide a method of producing an integrated smart label, and a system employing an integrated smart label.