RFID Tag Ticket Order Processing for Unique Item Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retail industry faces challenges in uniquely identifying individual articles of commerce and communicating order information associated with these items, as traditional barcodes are limited in their ability to provide unique identification and current RFID technology primarily focuses on article information rather than order details.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to process ticket orders that include associating unique identification codes with identification tags, which can be used to retrieve order information, such as purchase order details, and store these in a database, utilizing RFID technology for automatic data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional barcodes are used for identification, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to provide unique identification and communicate order information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID tag technology with traditional barcode identification systems. The RFID tag contains both a unique identification code and order information, merging the functions of identification and information communication into a single system. This allows the system to maintain the simplicity of traditional barcodes while adding the capability to store and transmit detailed order information electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system performs multiple functions: it provides unique identification of individual articles, stores order information (such as purchase order details), enables automatic data capture, and facilitates supply chain tracking. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate identification and information communication systems.
2Loss of information
If RFID technology is used to provide unique identification and order information, then information communication capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-associates order information with unique identification codes during the ticket production phase. By preparing and storing the relationship between RFID tags and order information in advance (creating a database mapping), the system enables rapid retrieval without requiring complex real-time processing, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the RFID tags and the information retrieval system. The database stores the associations between unique identification codes and order information, acting as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of direct RFID-to-system communication. This intermediary layer reduces the burden on both the RFID tags and the retrieval system, making the overall solution more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If individual article identification with order information is implemented, then supply chain tracking is enhanced, but system complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags are designed to be self-identifying, containing both unique identification codes and associated order information. When scanned or read, the tags automatically provide their identification data without requiring manual data entry or complex external verification systems. This self-service capability reduces labor requirements and simplifies the data management process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where RFID tags provide real-time identification and order information to the database, which then updates supply chain tracking records automatically. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures data accuracy and reliability while reducing manual intervention, as the system self-corrects and updates information automatically throughout the supply chain.
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 enables the unique identification of individual articles, facilitates the retrieval of order information, and provides benefits like anti-counterfeit measures, improved inventory management, and enhanced supply chain tracking, reducing human error and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
which can be automatically captured by a computer using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing a ticket order requesting the production of an identification tag for an article of commerce can be accomplished in the following manner. In the first step, a ticketing services provider receives the ticket order placed by the client, the ticket order including, inter alia, order information (e.g., purchase order information) with respect to the article to which the tag is to be affixed. Having received the order, the ticketing services provider associates a unique identification code, such as an automatically-retrievable electronic product code (EPC), with the identification tag (e.g., by programming the IC chip of an RFID tag with the unique identification code). In turn, a file is stored in an electronically-accessible database which links the unique identification code for the ID tag with the order information for the article to which the tag is to be affixed. In this manner, the client can retrieve the order information relating to each individual article of commerce that it produces. The ability to track order information for individual articles of commerce is useful in, among other things, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, inventory management and article return applications.