RFID Tag Workflow Management for Offline Printing Processes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing management systems for commercial printing processes, particularly those involving offline post-processing machines, struggle to collect and visualize information about job status and process locations due to the machines' offline operation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing RFID tags that can be read in a noncontact state is implemented to track products through each process in a workflow. The RFID tags are associated with specific apparatuses, allowing for the detection and tracking of jobs across different processes, and displaying relevant information on a management system interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If offline post-processing machines are used, then operational flexibility and independence are improved, but real-time information collection and visualization capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidjob status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

An RFID tag is introduced as an intermediary carrier that moves with the product between online and offline processes. The tag enables information tracking without requiring the offline machine to be network-connected, thus preserving operational independence while enabling information collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces network-based information collection (electronic system) with RFID-based detection (electromagnetic field system). This substitution allows offline machines to be tracked without requiring network connectivity, maintaining their operational flexibility while enabling information visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If network connectivity is required for information collection, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but operational independence and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob status informationVSAvoidoperational independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag serves as a mediator that carries product information independently of network connectivity. Detection devices can read the tag without requiring the product or offline machine to be network-connected, thus maintaining operational independence while enabling information collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the information collection function from the network system and places it in the RFID detection system. This separation allows offline machines to operate independently without network connectivity while still enabling real-time information tracking through RFID readers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If manual tracking methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but information accuracy and real-time tracking capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidjob location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag automatically provides identification and location information as the product moves through processes. The detection devices automatically read the tag without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining simple system operation while achieving accurate real-time tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual tracking (human operation) with automated RFID detection (electromagnetic field-based system). This substitution achieves accurate real-time location tracking while keeping the system relatively simple in terms of operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances the convenience of managing jobs across processes by enabling real-time tracking and visualization of job status and locations, even for offline post-processing machines, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a tag from which information can be read in a noncontact state is provided to be movable together with a product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250080672A1Management system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 CANON KK

AI summary

In a management system, a tag from which information can be read in a noncontact state is provided to be movable together with a product obtained by an apparatus corresponding to each process forming a workflow, and the system includes a detection unit that detects the tag arranged in association with the apparatus. The system includes: a specifying unit that specifies, based on a result of the detection of the tag by the detection unit, a job located in each process forming the workflow; and a display unit that displays information of the job specified by the specifying unit in association with each process forming the workflow.