Abstract:
An identification system for an object includes a radio frequency identification tag formed as a label. The tag is encoded so as to contain information regarding the object. The label has indicia printed thereon corresponding to the encoded information. The information encoded on the radio frequency identification tag corresponds to the indicia printed on the label so as to provide multiple forms of identification for the object. A method for providing identification to an object is also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification (RFID) label printer applicator system and method. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a label printer applicator system that is capable of encoding, applying and printing RFID labels to objects.  
         [0002]     Automated RFID encoding label printer applicators are known in the art. Such a machine encodes an RFID tag or label, prints a bar code on that label and applies that label to an object such as a package. The RFID encoding and bar code printing is carried out in a serial, side-by-side manner so as ensure that the bar codes and the RFID information are consistent (that is, to ensure that the information printed on a tag or label is the same as that which is reflected in the RFID information). In such known applicators the bar code printing is provided by thermal print engines.  
         [0003]     These known automated systems can process about 80 package per minute (ppm). While such a system functions well, it does not meet the processing requirements of today&#39;s industries. Accordingly, there is a need for a system that encodes, prints and applies tags (or labels) to packages. Desirably, such a system can operate a speeds grater than known package processing operations.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     An identification system for an object includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag formed as a label. The tag is encoded so as to contain information regarding the object. The label has indicia, preferably a barcode, printed thereon corresponding to the encoded information. The information encoded on the radio frequency identification tag corresponds to the indicia printed on the label so as to provide multiple forms of identification for the object. The printed indicia can also contain non-barcode information.  
         [0005]     In a present system, the indicia is printed by an inkjet printer. The printing can be carried out after the RFID tag is encoded and applied to the object (e.g., package). That is, the label is encoded and applied to the package and is then printed (as it is applied to the package).  
         [0006]     The barcode information can correspond to the tag encoding. The barcode information can be printed based upon information received from the encoded tag.  
         [0007]     The indicia can be variable data (e.g., changeable from one label or package to the next). In such an application, the label can also include fixed data printed thereon prior to encoding.  
         [0008]     A system for encoding a label having a radio frequency identification tag, applying the label to an object and printing on the label includes an encoder for encoding information on the radio frequency identification tag, a label applicator to apply the label to the object and a printer to print information on the label. In a preferred system, the printer is an inkjet printer. Preferably, the encoder precedes the applicator and the applicator precedes the printer.  
         [0009]     A method for providing identification to an object includes the steps of encoding identification information on a radio frequency identification tag formed as a label, applying the label to an object and inkjet printing indicia on the label corresponding to the encoded information.  
         [0010]     In a presently contemplated method, the indicia is printed on the label after the label is applied to the object and the indicia is printed, at least in part, as a barcode. In a present system, reading the encoded information from the radio frequency identification tag and printing indicia on the label can be based, at least in part, from the information read from the tag.  
         [0011]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of the encoding-applying-printing process in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary package having multiple RFID encoded inkjet labels affixed thereto. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.  
         [0016]     It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.  
         [0017]     The present invention pertains to an improved label printer applicator system  10  and method. According to the present printer and method, radio frequency identification tags, formed as labels  12 , are encoded, applied to packages P and printed with identifying information  14  such as bar code  16  or other  18  product information.  
         [0018]     The system  10  includes an encoder  20 , such as an RFID engine to encode the individual tags or labels  12  with the desired product information. The system  10  further includes an applicator  22  to apply the individual tags or labels  12  to the packages P. The system  10  also includes a printer  24 , specifically an ink jet printer, to print the desired information  14  or indicia (such as a bar code) on the label  12 .  
         [0019]     The labels  12  can be preprinted with fixed indicia  26  or information, for example, a company name, trademark or logo. The present system  10  printer, though, provides the ability to print variable data  14  on the individual labels  12 . That is, in an in-line process, the present system  10  includes a controller  28  that provides the ability to change the information  14  printed from one label  12  to the next. For example, if the barcode information changes from one label (or package) to the next to identify a product serial number or to provide specific package information, the controller  28  of the present system  10  can identify and designate to such a change and print the desired information.  
         [0020]     The labels  12  are applied to the packages or objects P by an applicator  22 . Such applicators  22  are well known in the art. In a present system  10 , subsequent to the application of the label  12 , specific (and perhaps variable data) print  14  is applied to the label  12 . A present print  14  application (or indicia) is a bar code. It will be appreciated that the bar code includes any of a variety of desired information regarding the product, package or the like.  
         [0021]     Unlike known systems, the present system  10  employs an ink jet printer  24  (known system use thermal printers). It has been found that the ink jet printer  24  provides the necessary speed and flexibility required to meet processing demands.  
         [0022]     In the present system  10 , unlike known labeling (or tagging) systems, the printed indicia or bar code  14  is applied after the RFID label  12  is applied to the package P. In this manner, the bar code information  14  can be printed based upon information (a signal) that is received from the RFID tag  12 .  
         [0023]     It has been found that the present system  10  permits package P throughput rates that are significantly higher than known encode-print-apply machines. In fact, throughput (measured in packages per minute (ppm)) has been found to increase by about 50 percent from about 80 ppm to about 120 ppm.  
         [0024]     Moreover, the present system  10  not only increases throughput, but also provides flexibility not previously known. There are numerous contemplated operating schemes by which the present system  10  can be operated. For example, it is anticipated that the labels  12  can be encoded and applied to a package P and then subsequently (immediately or at a later time) printed with the desired data  14 . The data for printing can be derived from stored (e.g., machine stored) information or from information read from the encoded label  12 .  
         [0025]     It is also anticipated that the label  12  can be applied to the package P and at a later time the label can be encoded and printed. Again, the information for printing  14  can be gleaned from the encoded label  12  or from machine stored information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of different encoding-applying-printing scenarios can be carried out using the present system.  
         [0026]     All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically do so within the text of this disclosure.  
         [0027]     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.  
         [0028]     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or to be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.