Patent Application
20050194442
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to smart labels. More specifically it relates to a label applicator with an integrated RFID antenna for reading and/or writing to a smart label containing an RFID transponder.
2. Description of Related Art
RFID labels provide a good reliable labeling solution where a line of site to a bar code label is unavailable. RFID smart labels also provide fast, reliable, accurate data collection without human error or replication.
No smart label applicator exists today in the Automatic Identification Industry that is designed to read/write to smart labels during label application.
There is a need for a labeling system that can read/write to smart labels as they are applied to an article.
There is a need for a system which reduces the complexity of the process and the cycle time. Writing to tag during application of smart label can reduce cycle time on the conveyor line (one step rather than two).
There is a need for a system that allows for writing to an RFID tag where a separate antenna is not feasible due to space limitations, RF interference or other environmental interference.
Radio frequency transponders (also known as “RFID tags”) generally include an antenna and integrated memory circuit with read/write capability used to store digital information, such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or similar electronic device. Active RFID tags include their own radio transceiver and power source (battery) and are generally sealed within a molded plastic housing or “button”. Passive RFID tags are energized to transmit and receive data by an electromagnetic field and do not include a radio transceiver or power source. As a result they are small and inexpensive with limited range, resolution, and data storage capacity.
Passive RFID tag “inserts” used in the Automatic Identification Industry are typically laminated or inserted into a paper or plastic label stock backed with pressure sensitive adhesive for applying the printed label to a carton, pallet, airline baggage, parcel, or the other article to be tracked. These labels are commonly referred to as “smart labels”.
This applicator design incorporates a patch antenna into the label applicator head for reading/writing to the embedded RFID insert as the smart label is applied to an article. The antenna can be mounted, attached or built into the applicator platen head, or it can be mounted anywhere on the applicator unit in proximity to the smart label. For example, the antenna could be in the frame of the unit so when the label passes the antenna it reads/writes. The applicator can be designed to read the embedded RFID insert and discard the bad smart label prior to applying it on an article. It is important that the writing of the smart label occur just before applicator so that the most current data can be written to the RFID tag. If the RFID tag is written to before it reaches the applicator head, there might be a problem on the manufacturing line (product gets out of queuing order) that would result in the wrong information being written to the smart label before application. This invention can apply to automated label applicators or print and apply devices, as well as manual (hand held) label applicators or print and apply devices. The label applicator can be for pressure sensitive labels (self adhesive), wet activated labels, heat seal activated labels, or sonic weld methods of attachment.
The inventive applicator head allows RFID smart label attachment and writing/programming in one single step. Integration of a patch antenna into an existing label applicator can save time and labor to read/write to the smart label at a later station. With the antenna in the label applicator head the RF tag can be written to in the same step as it is applied to an article.
Integrating the antenna in the label applicator eliminates the need for an additional write antenna station.
This invention can also provide a means to write to the RFID tag in situations where using an antenna array is not feasible due to space limitations or RF/environmental interference.
Radio frequency transponders (also known as “RFID tags”) generally include an antenna and integrated memory circuit with read/write capability used to store digital information, such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or similar electronic device. Active RFID tags include their own radio transceiver and power source (battery) and are generally sealed within a molded plastic housing or “button”. Passive RFID tags are energized to transmit and receive data by an electromagnetic field and do not include a radio transceiver or power source. As a result they are small and inexpensive with limited range, resolution, and data storage capacity.
Passive RFID tag “inserts” used in the Automatic Identification Industry are typically laminated or inserted into a paper or plastic label stock backed with pressure sensitive adhesive for applying the printed label to a carton, pallet, airline baggage, parcel, or the other article to be tracked. These labels are commonly referred to as “smart labels”.
The inventive applicator incorporates a patch antenna into the label applicator head for reading/writing to the embedded RFID insert as the smart label is applied to an article. The antenna can be mounted, attached or built into the applicator platen head, or it can be mounted anywhere on the applicator unit in proximity to the smart label. In one embodiment, the antenna is in the frame of the unit so when the label passes the antenna it reads/writes. The applicator may also designed to read the embedded RFID insert and discard the bad smart label prior to applying it on an article. It is important that the writing of the smart label occur just before or just after application so that the most current data can be written to the RFID tag. If the RFID tag is written to before it reaches the applicator head, there might be a problem on the manufacturing line (product gets out of queuing order) that would result in the wrong information being written to the smart label before application. The RFID antenna can be used with automated label applicators or print and apply devices, as well as manual (hand held) label applicators or print and apply devices. It may be used with the label applicators for pressure sensitive labels (self adhesive), wet activated labels, heat seal activated labels, or sonic weld methods of attachment.
Referring to
An alternative embodiment could include the antenna 18 within the rubber portion of the applicator head 14. In doing so the proper read/write distance can be obtained.
The inventive applicator head allows RFID smart label attachment and writing/programming in one single step. Integration of a patch antenna into an existing label applicator can save time and labor to read/write to the smart label at a later station. With the antenna in the label applicator head the RF tag can be written to in the same step as it is applied to an article.
Integrating the antenna in the label applicator eliminates the need for an additional write antenna station.
This invention can also provide a means to write to the RFID tag in situations where using an antenna array is not feasible due to space limitations or RF/environmental interference.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 60/504,780 entitled Label Applicator with RFID Antenna copy filed Sep. 18, 2003.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60504780 | Sep 2003 | US |
