Integrated Printer RFID System for Document Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document management systems using RFID tags are inefficient as they require separate devices for printing documents and writing data, leading to potential attachment errors and limited functionality, with RFID tags only used for identification purposes.
Innovation Solution
A document management system comprising a management server and a digital multi-functional peripheral that integrates a printer and an RFID reader-writer, allowing simultaneous printing and data writing on a medium with an RFID tag, enabling comprehensive document management and job tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate devices are used for printing documents and writing data to RFID tags, then device functionality is specialized, but attachment accuracy deteriorates and potential for errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing device and RFID data writing device into a single integrated system. The printing unit and RFID communication unit are merged into one device that can simultaneously print documents and write data to RFID tags attached to the same document, eliminating attachment errors and improving coordination between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it can print documents, write data to RFID tags, and manage document workflows. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining the benefits of both printing and RFID data writing in a unified system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are used only for identification purposes, then system simplicity is maintained, but functionality and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags in the system serve multiple purposes beyond simple identification. They store document metadata, track document location and status, and enable workflow management. The system leverages the RFID tags' data storage and communication capabilities to provide comprehensive document management functions including tracking, routing, and status monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags automatically provide information about document status and location to the management system without requiring manual input. The tags enable self-tracking of documents through various stages of the workflow process, reducing the need for manual documentation and tracking efforts.
3Productivity
If separate devices are used for printing and RFID writing, then device specialization is achieved, but operational efficiency and coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the printing and RFID writing functions into a single device, the system eliminates the need for coordination between separate devices. The integrated device can perform both operations in sequence or simultaneously on the same document, improving operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of inter-device coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A management server includes a communication interface, a memory, and a processor. The communication interface communicates with an image forming device including a printer that prints an image on a medium and a reader-writer that writes data to an electronic device provided on the medium, and a reader device that reads the data from the electronic device. The memory stores document management information including job information that represents a job executed using a document whose data is written by the reader-writer to the electronic device provided on the medium on which the image is printed by the printer in the image forming device. The processor updates information that represents a work status of the job represented by the job information in the document management information, based on reading information of the electronic device provided on the document by the reader device.