RFID Transponder Programming via Conventional Printer Trigger

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for programming RFID transponders require specialized printers with an RFID transceiver, increasing costs for users who need to create labels with both machine-readable and human-readable information.

Innovation Solution

A transponder apparatus with a transceiver, control logic device, and transponder programming device that can store information based on the presence or absence of printing material, allowing programming using a conventional printer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an RFID transponder label printer with an RFID transceiver is used to program the transponder, then the transponder can be programmed with object information, but the cost for the user increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransponder programming capabilityVSAvoiduser cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A conventional printer serves as an intermediary device between the user and the transponder programming process. The printer applies printing material to the label while a separate RFID transceiver communicates with the transponder, eliminating the need for users to purchase expensive specialized printers while maintaining reliable programming capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the label printing function (conventional printer) with the transponder programming function (RFID transceiver) into a single integrated process. The printing material application and RFID programming occur simultaneously during label creation, allowing users to leverage existing conventional printers rather than investing in specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If a conventional printer is used without an RFID transceiver, then the user cost is reduced, but the transponder cannot be programmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser costVSAvoidtransponder programming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables a conventional printer to perform multiple functions: it both prints the label and triggers the transponder programming process. The printing material application serves as the trigger mechanism for programming, allowing a single conventional printer to accomplish what previously required specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder programming process is triggered automatically by the presence of printing material on the label. The system self-regulates by detecting when printing material is applied and initiating the programming sequence, eliminating the need for users to manage complex specialized printing equipment while ensuring reliable programming occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables cost-effective programming of RFID transponders using conventional printing devices, reducing the need for expensive specialized printers and allowing for both machine-readable and human-readable information on labels.

Implementation Method 1

the information stored is determined by the presence or absence of printing material adjacent the transponder programming device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7479870B2Method and apparatus for programming a transponder

Publication Date: 2009.01.20 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A radio frequency identification transponder apparatus includes a transceiver. A control logic device is coupled to the transceiver. A transponder programming device is coupled to the control logic device and operable to store information, whereby the information stored is determined by the presence or absence of a printing material adjacent the transponder programming device. A conventional printing device may program the transponder programming apparatus and print transponder labels by positioning printing material adjacent the transponder programming device.