RFID Tag Composition Engine for Print Shop Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current print shop systems face inefficiencies and errors in verifying the integrity of print products due to the need for multiple print runs with varying specifications, leading to potential damage and errors in assembly and quality control, particularly with conventional methods relying on optical scanning for special marks which require page separation and reassembly, resulting in excessive cycle time and risk of page loss.
Innovation Solution
A composition engine with an RFID data store and schema element system that associates unique identifiers with print jobs and attaches RFID tags to pages, allowing for efficient data management and quality control without the need for page separation, using radio frequency identification for data storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical scanning devices are used to read special marks on document portions, then quality control verification can be performed, but the cycle time becomes excessive due to the need to scan each page individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical scanning devices with RFID reader devices that use radio frequency electromagnetic fields to read unique identifiers on RFID tags. This substitution eliminates the need for line-of-sight scanning and allows simultaneous reading of multiple pages, dramatically reducing cycle time while maintaining quality control verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions: they provide unique identification for quality control verification, enable tracking of document portions through the printing and assembly process, and allow for non-contact data retrieval. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate optical scanning operations into a single RFID reading operation
2Reliability
If document portions are provided with special marks for quality control, then verification can be performed, but additional space must be reserved on pages which complicates layout coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical special marks (glyphs or barcodes) with RFID tags that are attached to or embedded in document portions. These RFID tags contain unique identifiers that can be read by RFID readers without requiring any space on the printed page, thereby eliminating the need to coordinate layout space for quality control marks
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the document portion and the quality control system. Instead of placing readable marks directly on the document pages, the RFID tag provides a separate data storage medium that can be read wirelessly, decoupling the quality control function from the document layout
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print runs are performed with different specifications, then various document requirements can be met, but the risk of errors in assembly and page matching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system assigns unique RFID tags to document portions before they are printed or assembled. This preliminary tagging allows each document portion to be identified and tracked throughout the printing and assembly process, ensuring that portions from different print runs are correctly matched and assembled according to their specific requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reading devices provide feedback about the unique identifiers on document portions at various stages of the printing and assembly process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify that the correct document portions are being assembled together, reducing errors even when multiple print runs with different specifications are involved
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
Streamlines print shop workflows by enabling efficient data management and quality control through contactless and line-of-sight-independent RFID tag reading, reducing cycle time and minimizing page loss, while ensuring accurate assembly and delivery of print products.
Implementation Method 1
using radio frequency identification for data storage and retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A composition engine for a print shop includes a database having a unique identifier for each electronic data storage device associated with the print shop and print shop data. The composition engine also includes a schema element that associates a set of the data stored in the database with each print job and assigns the set of data to at least one electronic data storage device. The composition engine generates the print job and transmits the print job and the set of data to a printing device of the print shop as page description language. The set of data is stored on the electronic data storage device with a programming device associated with the printing device, the set of data including a unique identifier associated with the electronic data storage device on which the set of data is stored. The print job is printed and the electronic data storage device is attached to or printed on a page of the print job.