Integrated RFID Printer Encoder Near-Field Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for printing and encoding information on smart media require separate operations for printing and encoding, leading to increased time and expense, as well as the risk of operator errors due to the need for distinct software and electrical connections for each operation.
Innovation Solution
A printer/encoder system that integrates a transceiver and near-field antenna-coupler to simultaneously print indicia and encode data on smart media, using a single controller and communication port to communicate with transponders, allowing for concurrent printing and encoding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate printing and encoding operations are used, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the manufacturing time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate printing and encoding operations into a single integrated printer/encoder system. The housing contains both a print device for printing indicia and an electronic communication device for encoding data on the same media, allowing simultaneous operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate operations, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining dedicated functionality for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions within a single device: printing indicia on media, encoding data on electronic storage devices, and controlling both operations through a unified controller. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both printing and encoding tasks that previously required separate dedicated equipment, improving productivity without sacrificing operational capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate printing and encoding operations are used, then each operation has dedicated control software, but operator complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate control software for printing and encoding into a single unified controller. The controller receives signals from a host device and coordinates both the print device and electronic communication device, allowing operators to control both operations through one interface rather than switching between multiple software programs, thereby reducing complexity and error risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified controller performs multiple control functions: it manages printing operations, encoding operations, and coordinates between the print device and electronic communication device. This multi-functional controller simplifies the operator's role by providing a single point of control for tasks that previously required managing separate dedicated control software.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate printing and encoding operations are used, then each device has separate electrical connections, but system complexity and connection errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate electrical connections for printing and encoding devices into a single integrated system with unified electrical connectivity. The integrated housing and controller consolidate multiple connection points into a coordinated system, reducing the number of separate connections required while maintaining dedicated electrical pathways for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides universal electrical connectivity that handles both printing and encoding operations through a unified interface. Rather than requiring separate dedicated connections for each device, the system uses a multi-functional electrical architecture that coordinates both operations, reducing connection complexity while preserving functional independence.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate printing and encoding operations are used, then cards can be processed through different devices, but the risk of mismatched information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges printing and encoding operations into a single integrated system that processes cards sequentially through both functions without removal. The media remains in the device throughout the process, and the controller coordinates both operations to ensure that printed indicia and encoded data correspond to the same card, eliminating the risk of mismatched information while maintaining processing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary coordination of printing and encoding operations through a unified controller that manages the sequence and timing of both functions. By controlling both operations within the same system and coordinating their execution, the device ensures that information correspondence is maintained throughout the process, preventing mismatches before they can occur.
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 integrated system reduces manufacturing time and costs by enabling simultaneous printing and encoding, minimizing the risk of operator errors through a unified software interface and single communication port, ensuring accurate correspondence of printed and encoded information.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit one or more electro-magnetic fields concentrated in a near-field region of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical signals for communicating with the targeted transponder
Data Source
AI summary
A RFID system and an associated antenna-coupler are provided. The system may be for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is provided. The system may include a transponder conveyance, a transceiver, and an antenna-coupler. The transponder conveyance is adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder operating region. The transceiver is configured to generate one or more electrical signals. The antenna-coupler has first and second microstrips in a cross-like arrangement relative to each other. Each of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit one or more electro-magnetic fields concentrated in a near-field region of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical signals for communicating with the targeted transponder.