Wireless Tag Issuing Apparatus for Unique ID Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-rewritable RFID tags with fixed tag IDs can result in non-unique identification due to bit errors or failures, leading to difficulties in managing articles to which these labels are attached, as multiple articles may be assigned the same tag ID.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag-containing medium issuing apparatus that includes a conveying roller, an antenna for communicating with the RFID tag, and a control unit to compare read tag IDs with previously stored IDs, executing different operations based on ID uniqueness, such as differential printing or tag voiding, to prevent issuance of labels with non-unique identification information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-rewritable RFID tags with fixed tag IDs are used, then manufacturing cost and process simplicity are improved, but identification reliability deteriorates due to bit errors causing non-unique tag IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of tag ID uniqueness before issuing the label. The control unit reads the tag ID from the RFID tag and checks whether it has been previously assigned to another article. This preliminary check prevents non-unique tag IDs from being issued, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the use of non-rewritable tags for manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit stores previously read tag IDs and compares new tag IDs against this stored data. When a duplicate tag ID is detected, the system provides feedback by identifying the label as non-unique and preventing its issuance. This feedback loop ensures identification reliability without requiring changes to the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If tag ID uniqueness verification is implemented, then identification reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional reading and comparison operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit itself performs the tag ID verification function, utilizing its existing data processing capabilities. The control unit reads the tag ID, compares it with stored IDs, and determines uniqueness without requiring a separate verification device. This self-service approach improves tag ID reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag ID verification function is merged with the existing label issuance control functions. The control unit integrates the reading, comparison, and uniqueness determination operations into its existing workflow, combining multiple functions into a single control mechanism. This merging reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable tag ID verification.
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
The apparatus effectively distinguishes and prevents the issuance of labels with non-unique RFID tags, ensuring unique identification for each article by changing the print aspect or rendering non-unique tags unusable, thus enabling effective management of tagged articles.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for communicating with the wireless tag
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a wireless-tagged label issuing apparatus includes a conveying roller to convey the label that has a wireless tag, an antenna for communicating with the wireless tag of the label, a tag reader to read a tag identification from the wireless tag via the antenna, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to compare the read tag identification to previously read tag identifications, and execute a first operation on the label if the read tag identification matches a previously read tag identification and a second operation on the label if the read tag identification does not match a previously read tag identification. For example, the first operation may be physically disabling the wireless tag, printing a voiding image on the label, or routing the label to a particular destination for invalid labels or the like.