Patent Publication Number: US-8992105-B2

Title: Printing system ribbon including print transferable circuitry and elements

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/166,783, filed Jun. 24, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/643,851, filed Jan. 14, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for printing indicia. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for generating customized labels that include indicia such as radio frequency identification (RFID) technology or other electronic circuitry. 
     RFID technology, which is sometimes referred to in the industry as an RFID chip, RFID device, RFID tag, RFID circuitry, or RFID transponder, is known and used in many different applications. For example, RFID technology can be used in identification, authentication, or tracking applications. As another example, RFID technology can be used in place of, or in addition to, machine readable indicia such as bar codes and other printed media. 
     RFID technology may include circuitry (e.g., micro-circuitry) that provides a signal including predetermined data. This predetermined data may, for example, identify an item on which the RFID technology is affixed. In other approaches, the data may represent a code, such as electronic product code, that may specify a product manufacturer, a product name, and a serial number. Furthermore, the data may be written in a product markup language (e.g., an extensible markup language). 
     RFID technology may provide the predetermined data actively or passively. In active applications, the RFID circuitry may independently provide the predetermined data. That is, a power source (e.g., battery) powers the RFID circuitry and enables the RFID circuitry to transmit the data. Actively operating RFID circuitry may continuously transmit its data until its power source is drained or it may transmit its data for a predetermined period of time in response to receiving an activation signal. In passive applications, the RFID circuitry may receive and be powered by an activation signal or an interrogation signal. The activation or interrogation signal may excite or power the RFID circuitry, causing it to provide its data while it is receiving the activation signal. Thus, in passive applications, there is no need for the RFID circuitry to be powered by a power source such as a battery. 
     RFID technology offers advantages over known bar coding or other printed identification techniques. For example, RFID may allow manufacturers, packagers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, or any other person or entity that contributes to a supply or distribution chain of products for the marketplace to more accurately maintain records of their inventory to a degree that was previously not possible. For example, assume that a distributor ships a pallet of 1000 widgets, each of which are labeled with RFID technology, to a retailer. When the retailer receives the pallet, he can verify that all 1000 widgets are received using his RFID sensing circuitry. 
     Although RFID offers many advantages, RFID technology is subject to several drawbacks. One drawback is that RFID is more expensive than bar coding and printed identification techniques. That is, RFID, unlike bar coding, may require circuitry to (actively or passively) provide a radio frequency signal, which carries predetermined data (that may be used to identify an item). In addition, in order for the RFID technology to provide predetermined data in a radio frequency signal, the circuitry may require customization or programming. Thus, the cost associated with RFID technology includes production cost of the circuitry, the programming cost, and affixing cost. While production costs may be expected to decrease as volumes increase, the programming and affixing costs are not as elastic. That is, such costs may remain relatively fixed or may depend on the distribution process (e.g., processes used by distributors to affix RFID tags to items), the supply and demand of, for example, items being tagged with RFID technology, and other factors. 
     Unlike bar codes and other printed codes, known systems cannot create customizable label having RFID technology on demand. For example, a distributor or retailer is not able to locally create and program the RFID technology at the point of sale or use. This limitation hampers the flexibility and use of RFID, thereby contributing to its higher costs. 
     Another drawback often experienced with RFID technology is that the operational range may be limited unless an antenna is used. An antenna may extend the transmission range of an RF signal transmitted by the RFID or it may extend the range in which the RFID can receive signals (similar to how an antenna improves or extends the operating range of a transistor radio). Moreover, the antennas may require customization to meet the requirements of the RFID technology. 
     Further still, another drawback with conventional systems that produce RFID technology is that there may be no mechanism for testing whether the RFID technology is functioning properly. 
     Therefore, in view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods to produce customizable tags or labels including RFID technology that alleviate the above and other problems with existing RFID technology and methods and systems for making the same. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing systems and methods that generate customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. The printing system according to the invention generates labels according to the invention by selectively transfer printing indicia from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). Indicia, as defined herein, refers to anything that can be transfer printed from a ribbon to form part of a label. For example, indicia may include elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.). In addition, the printing system can program and test various indicia, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly. 
     The ribbon may include the indicia (e.g., elements and donor layers) that are used to produce lables according to the present invention. The indicia (e.g., elements and donor layers) may be arranged in predetermined positions on the ribbon such that the printing system can control the feed of the ribbon and selectively transfer print indicia (e.g., elements and donor layers) to a receiver. The ribbon may include guide elements that enable the printing system to monitor the feed of the ribbon to ensure that the indicia are accurately transfer printed to the receiver. Print transferring may include thermal transfer printing, which uses application of heat to effect transfer of a portion of the ribbon to the receiver, or pressure transfer printing, which uses application of pressure to transfer a portion of the ribbon to the receiver. 
     An advantage of using a ribbon according to the invention is that it greatly improves flexibility in generating customized labels and minimizes costs over prior art systems. For example, by combining elements (e.g., RFID circuitry, power sources, etc.) with donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, etc.), the printing system can selectively transfer print elements and interconnect those transferred elements by transfer printing, for example, a conductive donor layer. If desired, a custom made antenna may be produced by selectively transfer printing one or more donor layers. Moreover, if the ribbon includes an optical donor layer, that layer may be transfer printed onto the receiver or on top of elements or other donor layers to provide a machine readable or human readable markings. 
     Costs are further reduced and label customization is further enhanced by providing “on-the-fly” or on-demand programming and testing of the electronic circuitry (e.g., RFID circuitry) that forms part of the label produced by the printing system. Programming and testing of the electronic circuitry may be performed before the electronic circuitry is transfer printed (e.g., residing on the ribbon), during transfer printing, or after the electronic circuitry is transfer printed. Programming may cause the electronic circuitry to store and transmit predetermined data (e.g., product name, manufacturer name, serial number, etc.) that may be specific to each label. Testing may be performed to test whether the electronic circuitry (e.g., transmits the correct data) and whether the label, itself, is functioning properly (e.g., all electrical connections have been properly transfer printed). 
     An advantage of the present invention is that the generation, including transfer printing, programming, and testing, of the label may be performed at various points during the manufacture, distribution, or sale of an item. For example, a parts manufacturer may tag parts using the printing machine according to the invention with RFID technology and send those parts to a distributor. The distributor may ship the parts to a retailer (e.g., a retail store) and use the printing machine to label the pallet or boxes containing those parts. The retailer, upon receipt of the parts, may use the printing machine to individually label the parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an illustrative arrangement in which customized labels including electronic circuitry according to the invention can be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram illustrating various elements and materials that may be included on a label in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show different views of a more detailed illustration of a label that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  is the same as the label shown  FIGS. 3A and 3B , but includes an additional optical layer that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show different views of another detailed illustrations of a label that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows an illustrative block diagram of a section of ribbon that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show different views of a more detailed illustration of a ribbon in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows an illustration of a ribbon assembly that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a printing system that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a more detailed block diagram of the printing system shown in  FIG. 9  in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a diagrammatic illustration of a printing system that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a flowchart for printing indicia in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating with more detail a ribbon feeding step shown in  FIG. 12  in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating with more detail a transfer printing step shown in  FIG. 12  in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  shows an alternative flowchart for printing indicia in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 16  shows a flowchart for performing tests in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative arrangement in which a customized label according to the invention can be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example,  FIG. 1  may represent a point in a distribution chain (e.g., manufacturer site, distributor site, or retailer site) in which labels can be affixed to a receiver. As shown in  FIG. 1 , printing machine  5  may be used to print label  20  (e.g., such as labels  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500  shown in  FIGS. 2-5  and described in more detail below) onto receiver  10 . Printing system  5  is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention to generate label  20  on demand and customize it to meet a predetermined set of criteria. Printing system  5  may include an input source (not shown) that permits, for example, a user to input the parameters or specifications of the label to be printed, electronic circuitry (not shown) for executing processes to generate the label, and a display device (not shown) for displaying information. The methods and apparatus or system for printing labels is described in more detail below in connection with  FIGS. 6-15 . 
     Receiver  10  represents a black box abstraction of any item capable of receiving and retaining label  20  that is printed onto the item by printing system  5 . Examples of receives may include, but are not limited to, items with surfaces such as paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, metal, fabric, textiles, or a TYVEC™ (sheet of high-density polyethylene fibers). Other examples of receivers may include drivers licenses, passports, postmarks, postage meter indicia, postage stamps, labels, authenticity seals or labels, certificates of authenticity, visas, price tags, inventory control tags, access control cards, personal identification badges, product packaging, pallet tags, anti-counterfeiting labels, currency, patient identification cards, labels and tags and similar items. 
     Label  20  represents a customized label that may be produced by printing system  5 . Label  20  may be produced to fulfill many different design criteria, ranging from relatively simple to relatively complex. For example, in one embodiment, label  20  includes an electronic device such as RFID circuitry. In another embodiment, label  20  may include RFID circuitry, a battery, an antenna, conductors, and printed indicia. A more detailed explanation of label  20  according to the invention is discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     It is understood that the depictions of printing system  5  and receiver  10  are merely illustrative. Thus, although printing system  5  is depicted as a handheld device, it is not limited as such. For example, printing system  5  may be an industrial printing system that prints labels at a high capacity 
       FIG. 2  shows a block diagram illustrating various elements and materials that may be included on label  200  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown, label  200  may include elements  210 , donor layers  220 , and substrate  230 . Note that elements  210 , donor layers  220 , and substrate  230  may be collectively referred to as indicia. Elements  210 , donor layers  220 , and substrate  230  may be transfer printed from a source (e.g., ribbon) to receiver  10  using transfer printing according to the present invention. For example, a ribbon such as ribbon  600  and  700  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  may include elements  210  and donor layers  220 . During printing, elements  210  and donor layers  220  are selectively transfer printed from the ribbon to the receiver to produce the desired label. Note that although ribbon  600  (of  FIG. 6 ) does not include substrate  230 , per se, it will be understood that substrate  230 , as it resides on label  200 , may be formed from a combination of elements  210  and/or donor layers  220  that are transfer printed from the ribbon to receiver  10 . In an alternative embodiment, certain elements  210  may reside on receiver  10  prior to printing, and donor layers and other elements  210  may reside on the ribbon. 
     Elements  210  may include any element having a predefined or tangible existence (e.g., physical structure and/or functional existence) prior to being involved with any transfer printing in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thus, elements  210  that are transfer printed onto receiver  10  are substantially the same both before and after printing. Examples of such elements may include electronic circuitry  212  and tangible elements  214 . Electronic circuitry  212  may include RFID circuitry, such as model number MCRF452 available from Microchip Technology, Inc., of Chandler, Ariz., transponder circuitry, nanotechnology circuitry, discrete electronic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, processor circuitry, or any other circuitry. Tangible elements  214  may include batteries, antennas, conductors, holograms, tokens, or any other physical elements. 
     Donor layers  220  may include one or more suitable materials (e.g., conductive and non-conductive materials) that are transfer printed onto the receiver  10  in one or more predetermined patterns. Donor layers  220  may reside in a field or region of donor layers on, for example, a ribbon (such as ribbon  700  of  FIG. 7 ) before being transfer printed on to receiver  10 . During printing, the transfer printing process according to the invention precisely transfer prints a predetermined pattern of the donor layer residing on the ribbon to the receiver  10 . Thus, any predetermined pattern of donor materials (or combination of donor material) may reside on receiver  10 . This ability to transfer print a predetermined pattern is somewhat akin to the operation of a typewriter. In a typewriter, a key strike causes a mechanical arm, having a key member, to strike a ribbon, which contains ink, thereby causing a pattern of ink corresponding to the key member to be transferred to a piece of paper. The ink on the paper is analogous to the donor layer residing on receiver  10 . 
     Donor layers  220  may include different types of material having different properties. For example, conductive materials, non-conductive materials, and materials having optical properties may be used. If desired, materials having both conductive and optical properties may be used or materials having both non-conductive and optical properties may be used. An example of a donor layer  220  that can be used with label  200  may include waxes such as paraffin, montan, bees wax, vegetable wax, candeilla wax, polyolefins, polar emulsive polyethylene waxes or other materials. Examples of polyethylene waxes are the PED waxes by Hoechst AG of Frankfurt, Germany. 
     Donor layers  220  may include printed elements  222 , which are elements generated using the transfer printing process according to the principles of the present invention. Printed elements  222 , as defined herein, are any elements having a predefined or tangible existence (e.g., physical structure and/or functional existence) that are derived as a product of transfer printing in accordance with the principles of the present invention. That is, printed elements  222  do not have the predefined or tangible existence until after selective portions of a donor layer are transfer printed to receiver  10 . For example, printed elements  222  may exist in a first state before the printing process, but exist in a second, desired, state on label  200  after the printing process. More particularly, the composition of printed elements  222  may exist as a particular layer of ink on the ribbon, but after the printing process, a predetermined pattern of the ink layer is transferred from the ribbon to receiver  10 , thereby rendering printed elements  222  in their desired, second state. This transition in states is somewhat akin to the transition of ink during operation of a typewriter. That is, the ink on the ribbon is in a first state (e.g., a continuous layer of ink) prior to a key strike, but after the key strike, the ink from the ribbon is in a second state (e.g., a letter on the paper). Printed elements  222 , as they exist on label  200 , may include conductors, antennas, insulators, printed paraphernalia, contact nodes (e.g., to enable programming and testing of the label or indicia residing thereon), and any other suitable structure. 
     Substrate  230  may be ubiquitous as to its presence on label  200 . That is, substrate  230  may include a mixture of materials and components and may provide a medium through which elements  210  and donor layers  220  may be fixed to receiver  10 . Thus, substrate  230  may function as the “backbone” of label  200 , supporting elements  210  and donor layers  220 . For example, elements  210  and donor layers  220  may reside on top of substrate  230 . Alternatively, substrate  230  may include, for example, adhesive materials for fixing elements  210  to receiver  10 , elements  210 , donor layers  220 , or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, donor layers  220  (e.g., conductive donor layers and a non-conductive donor layers) may be transferred to receiver  10  to form substrate  230 . In this embodiment, it will be understood that such a substrate may electrically interconnect elements  210  via printed elements  222  that form the substrate. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a top view of an embodiment of label  300  that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of label  300  taken along lines A-A in  FIG. 3A  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The following discussion of label  300  is made with reference to both  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As shown in the top view, label  300  is disposed on top of receiver  10  and includes electronic circuitry  304  (e.g., RFID circuitry), battery  306  (e.g., a tangible element), conductor  308 , antenna  310 , contacts points  312 , conductors  313 , and substrate  314 . Conductor  308 , antenna  310 , contacts points  312 , and conductors  313  are printed elements (e.g., printed elements  222 ) that are printed from a donor layer of a source (e.g., a ribbon) and may form part of substrate  314 , as shown in the cross-sectional view. 
     Conductor  308  electrically couples battery  306  to electronic circuitry  304 . This coupling enables power to be supplied to electronic circuitry  304 . Conductors  313  electrically couple contact points  312  to electronic circuitry  304 . Antenna  310  is also electrically coupled to electronic circuitry  304  printed onto receiver  10  in a predetermined pattern such that it is electrically coupled to electronic circuitry  304 . Antenna  310  may be printed in such a way that it is directly coupled to electronic circuitry  304 , thereby avoiding the need to print conductors to electrically couple electronic circuitry  304  to antenna  310 . However, it will be understood that, if desired, conductors may be printed to couple antenna  310  to electronic circuitry  304 . Contact points  312  are printed at a desired location on receiver  10  and conductors  313  may be printed to electrically couple contact points  312  to electronic circuitry  304 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , substrate  314  generally represents the portion of label  300  that includes conductors  308  and  313 , antenna  310 , and contact points  312 . Substrate  314  may also include adhesive layer  320 , which may be used to affix electronic circuitry  304  to receiver  10 . Another adhesive layer (not shown) may be used to affix battery  306  to receiver  10 . Although substrate  314  includes several different elements (e.g., the conductors, antennas, and contact points), not all of the printed elements are shown to avoid overcrowding the figure. The detail section of a portion of  FIG. 3B  taken from circle B, however, does show different regions of substrate  314 . For example, regions  322  may represent conductive regions of substrate  314 , which includes antenna  310 , and region  324  may represent a non-conductive region of substrate  314 . Note the portion of region  322  extending beneath electronic circuitry  304  may represent an electrical coupling between antenna  310  and electronic circuitry  304 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows a top view of an embodiment of label  400  that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Label  400  is substantially similar to label  300  of  FIG. 3A . That is, it may include electronic circuitry  404 , battery  406 , conductors  408  and  413 , antenna  410 , contact points  412 , and substrate  414 . In addition, label  400  includes optical readable media. Optical layer  430  may be printed on receiver  10  and over circuitry, tangible elements, and printed elements already affixed to receiver  10 . This is shown, for example, in  FIG. 4B , which shows a cross-sectional view of label  400  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a top view of an embodiment of label  500  and  FIG. 5B  shows a cross-sectional view of label  500  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 5A  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The discussion of label  500  will be made with reference to both  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Label  500  includes electronic circuitry  504 , conductors  506 , antenna  510 , contact points  512 , substrate  514  (which includes adhesive regions and conductive and non-conductive regions), and optical layer  530 . In this embodiment, antenna  510  may be a tangible element and not a printed element as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Thus, antenna  510  may reside on top of substrate  514 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     The cross-sectional view shows substrate  514  including conductor  506  (e.g., a conductive region) and adhesive regions  520 . The other regions of substrate  514  not specifically referred to (e.g., regions other than regions  506  and adhesive region  520 ) may include non-conductive regions. Conductor  506  electrically couples antenna  510  to electronic circuitry  504  and adhesive regions  520  may affix antenna  510  to receiver  10 . Optical layer  530  is shown to be disposed on top of any element upon which it resides. 
     It will be understood that the foregoing discussion of  FIGS. 2-5  are merely illustrative of a few of many different labels that may be constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, indicia having varying spectral emissivity values may reside on the labels. Such indicia may be read or monitored by detecting transitions of differential emissivity on the surface of the label. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,195 issued Aug. 5, 2008 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,651,031 issued Jan. 26, 2010, for more information regarding indicia having varying spectral emissivity values and methods and systems for detecting such indicia. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-16 , embodiments of the present invention that enable labels according to the invention to be produced are now described. Generally, ribbons according to the principles of the present invention may include elements (e.g., tangible elements) and donor layers (e.g., printed elements) that are printed onto a receiver. Thus, when a ribbon is placed into, for example, printing machine  5  (of  FIG. 1 ), the elements and donor layers retained thereon can be selectively printed on a receiver to provide a desired label. 
       FIG. 6  shows an illustrative block diagram of a section of ribbon  600  according to the principles of the present invention. More particularly,  FIG. 6  shows several boxes, which represent different elements and layers, that may be arranged in predetermined locations on ribbon  600 . The elements and layers may or may not overlap each other. The boxes are shown not to overlap to avoid cluttering  FIG. 6 , but it will be understood that one or more of such layers or elements may overlap. 
     Ribbon  600  may include, but is not limited to, a carrier (not shown), a retaining layer  601 , elements  602  (e.g., electronic circuitry and tangible elements), conductive layer  604 , non-conductive layer  606 , guide elements  608 , optical layer  610  (or a machine readable or human readable medium), and ribbon elements  612 . Elements  602  may be elements from which elements  210  ( FIG. 2 ) are derived and layers  604 ,  606 , and  610  may be the layers from which donor layers  202  (of  FIG. 2 ) are derived. The carrier provides structural support for ribbon  600 , providing a platform for the layers and elements of the ribbon to reside. An appropriate carrier is selected that maintains the layers and elements in their desired locations during printing. The ability to maintain these desired locations may be necessary to ensure proper alignment of the layers and elements as they are printed onto the receiver. An example of a carrier is MYLAR™ film (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate polyester film) having a predetermined thickness (e.g., 0.010″). Examples of such carriers are films of Vitel Polyester PE222 by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, or MYLAR™ 49000 polyester film by Dupont Corporation of Wilmington, Del. 
     The carrier may include guide elements  608  that assure proper identification or registration of the layers and elements during printing. Guide elements  608  may include holes or punches, magnetic or electrically conductive materials, or marks that identify or register particular regions or fields, layers, and elements of ribbon  600 . Guide elements  608  may be “built into” the carrier itself without requiring anything to hold elements  608  in place. For example, if guide elements  608  are holes, such holes may be punched directly out of the carrier. Magnetic or electrically conductive materials may form part (e.g., the outer perimeter) of the carrier and may be programmed to indicate which sections of the ribbon contains particular fields or regions, layers, or elements. Such programming may be akin to writing data on a magnetic tape. 
     Guide elements  608  may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, ribbon  600  may be fed (forward or backward or both) to ensure that the layers and elements are accurately printed. If desired, guide elements  608  may be used to identify regions or fields of ribbon  600 . As will be described in more detail below, a particular region may include a particular layer (e.g., a conductive layer or an optical layer). For example, if a printed element such as a conductor requires printing, ribbon  600  may be fed such that a conductive region  604  is in an appropriate position so that the conductor can be printed onto a receiver. 
     The retaining layer (not shown) retains elements  602  (which may include the same elements  210  described above in connection with  FIG. 2 ) on ribbon  600  until they are affixed to a receiver during printing. The retaining layer may be, for example, a thermal ink composition or other suitable material. An example of a retaining layer is Monarch 9446 Thermal Transfer manufactured by Monarch Marking Systems of Dayton, Ohio. A thermal material may prevent elements  602  from being removed from the ribbon until the temperature of the material rises above a predetermined temperature. When at temperature, the material “loosens” its grip on element  602 , thereby allowing transfer from the ribbon to the receiver. 
     Alternatively, the retaining layer may be an adhesive material that retains element  602  until pressure is applied to cause element  602  to be transferred from the ribbon to the receiver. The adhesive material may be a wax such as PED waxes by Hoechst AG of Frankfurt, Germany. 
     Elements  602  may include any element having a predefined or tangible existence (e.g., physical structure and/or functional existence) prior to being included on ribbon  600 . For example, elements  602  may include circuitry, batteries, antennas, conductors, holograms, tokens, and other physical elements. An adhesive may reside on elements  602  such that when the element is printed, the adhesive affixes the element to, for example, the receiver. 
     Conductive layer  604  includes a material that is electrically conductive and has the ability to conduct, for example, electrical signals when printed. Conductive layer  604  may be used for printing printed elements (e.g., printed elements  222  discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2 ). For example, conductors that interconnect elements  602  (on the label) may be derived from conductive layer  604 . In another example, an antenna may be derived from conductive layer  604 . 
     Conductive layer  604  may be a conductive ink. An example of a conductive ink includes a suspension of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper) in a carnauba wax. See, for example, U.S. patent application No. US2004/0175515 for an more detailed explanation of a conductive ink composition, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Non-conductive layer  606  includes a material that is not electrically conductive. Non-conductive layer  606  may be printed in strategic locations to prevent, for example, short-circuiting of elements (e.g., conductive elements and circuitry) on the label. Non-conductive layer  606  may include a non-conductive ink composition such as carnauba wax. 
     Optical layer  610  includes a material for printing conventional or invisible indicia or marks. For example, optical layer  610  may provide a basis for printing labels. Optical layer  610  may include a conventional ink, such as a carnauba ink, for printing conventional indicia, invisible ink, such as transparent inks that include UV fluorescent materials (e.g., zinc cadmium sulfide or gadolinium oxi-sulfide), for printing invisible indicia, or a combination thereof. 
     Conductive layer  604 , non-conductive layer  606 , and optical layer  610  may each reside on the ribbon as a region or a field. That is, the respective layers may each occupy a predetermined section of the ribbon. By arranging layers  604 ,  606 , and  610  in regions, the ribbon can be positioned so that a particular region is properly aligned within the printing machine, thereby enabling the printing machine to print the contents of that region. 
     Ribbon elements  612  include elements known to those skilled in the art to facilitate printing and transfer of layers  604 ,  606 , and  610  to a substrate (e.g., the receiver). For example, lubricants (e.g., silicone oil), plasticizers (e.g., di-octyl thalate), and release agents (e.g., talc) may be incorporated into layers  604 ,  606 , and  610  as ribbon elements  612 . 
     It is understood that while  FIG. 6  shows conductive layer  604 , non-conductive layer  606 , and optical layer  610  as separate layers, the present invention is not limited as such. In fact, two or more such layers may be combined into the same layer—yielding a multi-purpose layer. Multi-purpose layers may each include materials that can perform the functions of two or more different layers (e.g., a conductive layer and an optical layer). This advantageously provides an economy for use on ribbon  600  (e.g., less space may be required for a multi-purpose layer in contrast to space required for two independent layers). 
     An example of multi-purpose layer may include a conductive material and an optical material. Thus, when this layer is printed, both conductive and optical materials may be simultaneously transferred to, for example, a receiver. It will be understood that such a multi-purpose layer can be strategically printed solely for its optical properties. That is, the layer may be printed in a location or locations to provide a predetermined mark. In some instances, if such a mark is printed, the conductive properties of the multipurpose layer may “unintentionally” electrically couple, for example, tangible elements  602  (e.g., a battery to an antenna). This unintentional coupling may be avoided by printing a layer, which includes a non-conductive optical material, in place of the portion of the mark where the electrical coupling is undesired, thereby enabling the desired mark to be printed while at the same time preventing the undesired electrical coupling. 
     An advantage of the ribbon according to the present invention is that it provides substantial flexibility in the design, layout, and composition of the elements and layers provided thereon. Thus, ribbon  600 , for example, may be constructed to fulfill any predetermined criteria. For example, ribbon  600  may be constructed to promote the ease in which a printing machine may print selected elements and layers onto, for example, a receiver to provide a predetermined label. In fact, as will be described in more detail in connection with the text accompanying  FIGS. 7-11 , there is a relationship between the layout of the ribbon and its interaction with a printing machine. 
     It is understood that  FIG. 6  is merely illustrative and that additional elements or layers may be added to ribbon  600 , and that elements or layers may be omitted. For example, in  FIG. 6 , optical layer  610  may be omitted. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a top view of an embodiment of ribbon  700  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. More particularly,  FIG. 7A  shows a section of ribbon  700  that includes elements and layers for printing three separate labels. For brevity and clarity, and to avoid overcrowding  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  (discussed below), the elements and layers of only one sub-section (i.e., the center sub-section) of ribbon  700  are labeled. As shown in  FIG. 7A , ribbon  700  includes guide elements  704 , RFID circuitry  710 , conductive layer  712 , non-conductive layer  714 , and optical layer  716 . RFID circuitry  710 , may reside in region  720  of ribbon  700 , layer  712  in region  722 , and layers  714  and in region  724 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a cross-sectional view of ribbon  700  taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 7A  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The cross-sectional view shows that ribbon  700  includes carrier  702  and adhesive layer  711 , in addition to RFID circuitry  710 , layer  712 , and layer  714 . As shown, adhesive layer  711  may reside on top of RFID circuitry  710 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a ribbon assembly  800  that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Ribbon assembly  800  may serve as a “cartridge” that can be inserted into a printing machine for printing indicia according to the present invention. As shown, assembly  800  includes feeder roll  802 , for supplying a ribbon including predetermined elements and layers, and take-up roll  804 , for retrieving the ribbon after printing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the ribbon includes carrier  812 , guide elements  814 , RFID circuitry  816 , battery  818 , antenna  820 , and regions  822  and  824 . In this embodiment, guide elements  814  are shown as punched holes and circuitry  816 , battery  818 , and antenna  820  are shown as physical elements (e.g., tangible elements) that can be transferred from the ribbon to a substrate (e.g., receiver). Region  822  may include one or more predetermined thermal transfer materials. For example, region  822  may include a conductive ink, an optical ink, or a mixture of both optical and conductive ink. Region  824  illustrates that a region may include elements, such as antenna  820 , and a layer of thermal transfer material. Though not shown in  FIG. 8 , another region may include circuitry  816  and battery  818 . 
     If ribbon assembly  800  or ribbon  700  (of  FIG. 7 ) is used for generating labels according to the present invention, the elements and layers may be placed face down so that application of a printing means (e.g., a heat transfer element) results in a substantially direct transfer of the element or layer from the ribbon to, for example, a receiver. For reference, in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the elements and layers are shown face up. 
       FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a printing system  900 , such as printing system  5  (of  FIG. 1 ), that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Printing system  900  may include an input source  902 , display device  904 , storage device  906 , control circuitry  908 , and printing machine  910 . Control circuitry  908  may include a processor and other circuitry (e.g., circuitry for controlling specific functions of printing machine  910 ) based on data received from input source  902 , storage device  906  (e.g., memory or a database), and printing machine  910  (e.g., sensors). In addition, control circuitry  908  is operable to control the flow of data between control circuitry  908  and printing machine  910 , and control circuitry  908  and storage device  906 , as evidenced by bi-directional communications path  909 . Further, control circuitry  908  may provide data to display device so that information pertaining to, for example, the operation of system  900  can be displayed. 
     Input source  902  may include any source from which data can be provided to control the operation of control circuitry  908  to generate predetermined labels. For example, source  902  may include a local input source (e.g., a keypad, keyboard, or computer attached to system  900 ) that enables a user or computer (operating according to programmed protocols) to specify desired parameters for labels being produced by system  900 . Local source  902  may reside within or on the body of the system  900 . As another example, source  902  may include a remote source (e.g., a control center that is interfaced with system  900  via a network) that enables a user or computer to remotely specify desired parameters for labels being produced by system  900 . The remote source may transmit data to control circuitry  908  via a hard-wired connection (e.g., a cable), a wireless connection (e.g., infrared, Bluetooth™, broadband wireless connection, etc.) or other remote source technology. It is understood that while the foregoing mentions a couple examples of input sources, the present invention may be practiced using any conventional device (e.g., keyboard or mouse) or system (e.g., computer or control center) may be used, therefore a detailed discussion of such input sources is not necessary. 
     Storage device  906  may include one or more devices capable of storing data. For example, storage device may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM, SDRAM, flash memory, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM), digital storage devices (e.g., a hard-drive, a tape backup drive, or an optical drive for reading data from and writing data to disks). Storage device  906  may be controlled by control circuitry  908 . For example, control circuitry  908  may cause data to be stored on storage device  906  and may retrieve data from storage device  906 . Data stored in storage device  906  may include programs that are implemented by control circuitry  908  to instruct printing machine  910  to print labels and performing other operations (e.g., testing and programming the labels or indicia residing thereon) in connection with printing machine  910 . 
     Control circuitry  908  generally operates to coordinate the interaction and operation of the components of system  900 . For example, control circuitry  908  may be responsive to inputs received from input source  902  and storage device  906  to control the operation of printing machine  910 . Control circuitry  908  may run software that is loaded onto, for example, storage device  906 , transmit signals to various components of printing machine  910 , and utilize any technology available for operating system  900  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     In addition, control circuitry  908  may provide signals to display device  904  for displaying information. For example, information indicating the number of labels that have been printed (e.g., batch count), the available quantities of material (e.g., ribbon) available for printing labels, the characteristics of the labels being printed, operational status (e.g., fault error), or any other information. If desired, information may be displayed in response to commands received from input source  902 , storage device  906 , or a combination thereof. 
     Printing machine  910  may be any machine capable of printing labels in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thus, printing machine  910 , operating under the direction of control circuitry  908 , may print labels on demand. That is, printing machine  910  may print a first label according to a first predetermined set of parameters and subsequently print a second label according to a second set of parameters without requiring any retooling or reconfiguring of the machine. Advantageously, rather than retooling or reconfiguring the machine, control circuitry  908  can provide the appropriate signals (in response to received inputs from input source  902  or storage device  906 ) to cause printing machine  910  to print a predetermined label. 
     In addition to printing predetermined labels, printing machine  910  may also be able to program and test the label, or indicia thereof. For example, printing machine  910  may program electronic circuitry (e.g., RFID circuitry) before, after, or while it is being printed onto a receiver. This programming ability further adds to the on demand label production capabilities of printing system  900 . Moreover, the testing capabilities enables printing system  900  to verify whether a particular label operates properly, thereby providing a means for preventing defective labels from being used. The programming and testing may be performed under the direction of control circuitry  908 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another block diagram of a printing system  1000  that is in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Printing system  1000  includes components discussed above in connection with printing system  900 , but printing system  1000  illustrates a more detailed embodiment of system  900 . For example, printing system  1000  includes input source  1002 , display device  1004 , storage devices  1006 , control circuitry  1008 , printing machine  1010 , and network  1011 . Note that components  10 XX in  FIG. 10  are similar to and may perform the same functions as components  9 XX of  FIG. 9 . Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, in various embodiments of the present invention, similar or identical components may be utilized to perform similar or identical functions. Therefore, the foregoing discussion with respect to components  9 XX also applies to components  10 XX. 
     A difference between  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  is that  FIG. 10  illustrates examples of components or subsystems that may be included in storage devices  1006 , control circuitry  1008 , and printing machine  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , storage device  1006  includes database  1006 A and memory  1006 B, control circuitry  1008  includes a processor  1020 , test/program controller  1030 , print controller  1040 , ribbon controller  1050 , and receiver controller  1060 , and printing machine  1010  includes test/program device  1032 , thermal transfer device  1042 , pressure transfer device  1044 , guide element sensors  1052 , ribbon drive unit  1054 , and receiver drive unit  1062 . 
     Storage device  1006 , control circuitry  1008 , are shown to be contained in dashed-line boxes to indicate that the arrangement of the components and subsystems contained therein are merely illustrative. For example, as an alternative arrangement, memory  1006 B may be included within control circuitry  1008 , instead of being included as part of storage device  1006 . As a further alternative embodiment, test/program controller  1030 , print controller  1040 , ribbon controller  1050 , receiver controller  1060 , or a combination thereof may be included as part of printing machine  1010 , rather than part of control circuitry  1008 . 
     Processor  1020  may be any conventional processor capable of performing data processing functions of control circuitry  1008 . Processor  1020  may receive data from and transmit data to storage device  1006 , network  1011 , test/program controller  1030 , print controller  1040 , ribbon controller  1050 , and receiver controller  1060 . Bi-directional communication lines  1022  may be provided to enable such bi-directional transfer of data. In addition, processor  1020  may transmit data to display device  1004  and receive data from input source  1002 . 
     During operation of printing system  1000 , processor communicates with controllers  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 , and  1060  to generate labels on demand. Controllers  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 , and  1060  may each include circuitry to perform specific control functions. For example, test/program controller  1030  may be operative to control test/program device  1032 . Similarly, print controller  1040  may be operative to control thermal transfer device  1042  and pressure transfer device  1044 ; ribbon controller may be operative to control guide element sensors  1052  and ribbon drive unit  1054 ; and receiver controller  1060  may be operative to control receiver drive unit  1062 . Thus, it is understood that the operation of the components in printing machine  1010  (e.g., thermal transfer device  1042 ) are controlled by processor  1020  by via the appropriate controller (e.g., print controller  1040 ), and, that by virtue of this control, data provided to processor (from input source  1002 , storage device  1006 , and network  1011 ) can instruct processor to generate a predetermined label on demand. 
     Referring now to both  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a method of using printing system  10  is described to illustrate how labels may be generated according to the invention.  FIG. 11  shows a diagrammatic view of sections of printing system  1000  and other components not shown in  FIG. 10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Ribbon  1070  (e.g., ribbon  600  of  FIG. 6 ) is supplied by a ribbon supply roll  1055  and taken up by take-up roll  1056 . The combination of ribbon  1070 , supply roll  1055 , and take-up roll  1056  may constitute an assembly similar to ribbon assembly  800  discussed above in connection with  FIG. 8 . Tension elements  1072  may assist supply roll  1055  and take-up roll  1056  in holding ribbon  1070  taut as it passes from supply roll  1055  to take-up roll  1056 . Other elements (not shown) may be provided to prevent torsion or twisting of ribbon  1070 . A taut ribbon  1070  may promote printing accuracy of elements (e.g., circuitry, antennas, batteries, etc.) and layers (e.g., conductive ink, optical ink, etc.) onto receiver  1080 . 
     Ribbon drive unit  1054  which may include one or more conventional motors (e.g., DC motor, AC motor, induction motor, etc.), may control the rate and directions in which ribbon  1070  is transported through printing machine  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , drive unit  1054  is coupled to take-up roll  1056  and operates the rotate roll  1056  at a predetermined speed or range of speeds to draw ribbons from supply roll  1055 . Because drive unit is shown being coupled to first take-up roll  1056 , the ribbon may travel in one direction (e.g., right-to-left). As an alternative, drive unit  1054  may, also be coupled to supply roll  1056 , thereby enabling ribbon  1070  to move in both directions (e.g., left-to-right and right-to-left). Regardless of which embodiment is implemented, ribbon driver unit  1054  may operate in connection with guide element sensors  1052 . That is, guide element sensors  1052  may transmit data indicative of the position of ribbons  1070  to control circuits  1008 , (more particularly, ribbon controls  1050 ), which may then transmit the appropriate signals to control the operation of drive unit  1054 . To position ribbon  1070  in a predetermined position with respect to thermal transfers device  1042  or pressure transfer device  1044 . When ribbon  1070  is positioned in a predetermined position, signals may be transmitted from control circuitry  1008  to thermal transfer device  1042  or pressure transfer device  1044  to cause selected portions of ribbon  1070  to be transferred to receiver  1080 . 
     Guide element sensors  1052  may be any device capable of detecting guide elements such as guide elements  704  of  FIG. 7 and 814  of  FIG. 8 . It is understood that sensors  1052  may be selected to detect the specific guide elements contained on ribbons  1070 . For example, if the guide elements are magnetic devices, sensors  1052  preferably are able to detect magnetic signals. As another example, if guide elements are holes, sensors  1052  may be optical sensors for detecting the presence of such holes. 
     Thermal transfer device  1042  may be any device responsive to commands provided by control circuitry  1008  or, more particularly, print controller  1040 , to thermally transfer selective portions of ribbon  1070  to receiver  1080 . Thermal transfer device  1042  preferably thermal transfers, for example, layers residing on ribbon  1070  (e.g., a conductive link layer) to receiver  1080  without chemically altering the layer (like the way conventional ink jet technology chemically alters ink). This is accomplished by thermally transferring the layer to receiver  1080 . That is, a plurality of elements (not shown) in device  1042  may be selectively heated to effect transfer of a predetermined pattern of a donor layer to receiver  1080 . The heating elements may include, for example, resistors, transistors such as thin-film transistors, or other heat-bearing elements. Thermal transfer device  1042  may be sufficiently sized such that it can transfer any portion of the donor layer. For example, considering ribbon  700  of  FIG. 7  as an example, device  1042  may be constructed such that it can transfer any portion across the entire width of layer  712  to receive  1080 . This approach enables transfer device  1042  to quickly and accurately transfer donor layer without requiring device  1042  to be positioned in an appropriate position to effect desired heat transfer. 
     In an alternative approach, thermal transfer device  1042  may be moved horizontally with respect to ribbon  1070  in order to position it properly to effect desired heat transfer. For example, referring again to ribbon  700  of  FIG. 7 , when region  724  is positioned under device  1042 , device  1042  may be moved horizontally across width of ribbon  700  such that in a first position, it may be positioned over layer  714 , and in a second position, it may be positioned over layer  716 . 
     As a further alternative embodiment, two or more thermal transfer devices may be used to effect thermal transfer in accordance with the invention. For example, multiple thermal transfer devices may be arrayed in parallel or may be arranged in a staggered parallel fashion. 
     Pressure transfer device  1044  may be any device responsive to commands provided by control circuitry  1008  or, more particularly, print controller  1040  to transfer through applications of a predetermined pressure selective portions of ribbon  1070  to receiver  1080 . Pressure transfer device  1044  may transfer elements (e.g., circuitry, batteries, antennas, etc.) by selectively lowering roller  1045  onto ribbon  1070 . Roller  1045  preferably contacts ribbon with sufficient (e.g., whether it is an element or an adhesive layer) force to cause whichever portion of ribbon  1070  it contacts to be transferred to receiver  1080 . Roller control device  1046 , which may be a solenoid, may lower and raise roller  1045  as needed to effect pressure transfer. In particular, roller  1045  may contact the carrier (e.g., carrier  702  of ribbon  700 ) portion of ribbon  1070 . 
     If desired, two or more rollers may be used to selectively apply pressure to ribbon  1070 . For example, the plurality of rollers may be arrayed in parallel or staggered according to predetermined design criteria. 
     Although  FIG. 11  shows thermal transfer device  1042  and pressure transfer device  1044  as two independent units, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the functionality of both devices may be combined into a single device in the case where contact pressure of and heat from the thermal transfer device is sufficient to release components from the carrier and bond them on the substrate. Receiver  1080  is selectively fed through printing machine  1010  by receiver drive unit  1062 , which is responsive to signals provided by control circuitry  1008 . Receiver drive unit  1062  feeds receiver  1080  over support  1064  and support rollers  1066  to support  1038 . Control circuitry  1008  may coordinate the advance of receiver  1080  in connection with the advance of ribbon  1070  to ensure concomitant printing. 
     As ribbon  1070  is initially fed from supply roll  1055 , the carrier end of the ribbon is faced towards guide element sensors  1052 , pressure transfer device  1044  and thermal transfer device  1042 , and the donor layers and elements are faced towards receiver  1080 . Under the control of signals provided by control circuitry  1008 , transfer devices  1042  and  1044  may transfer donor layers and elements to receiver  1080 . The printed portion of ribbon  1070  is then taken up by take-up roll  1056 . 
     Test/program device  1032  is responsive to control signals to test and/or program labels being generated in printing machine  1010 . For example, test/program device  1032  may cause an RFID device to transmit its predetermined data, whether printed conductors have properly electrically coupled various elements, or whether the printed mark conforms with predetermined specifications. To perform testing and/or programming, probe  1033  may be lowered and raised as necessary by mechanism  1034  to make contact with test probe points on the label residing on support  1038 . 
     Although  FIG. 11  shows test/program device  1032  positioned to test and program labels or indicia thereof after it has been generated, it is understood that testing and programming may be performed in any stage (e.g., before, during, or after printing) of the printing process. For example, elements such as electronic circuitry (e.g., RFID circuitry) may be programmed on ribbon  1070  prior to being transferred to receiver  1080 . After such element has been transferred to receiver  1080 , it may be tested. 
       FIGS. 12-15  shows several flowcharts illustrating various processes that may be performed using system  1000 . Accordingly, reference to various components of system  1000  may be made in connection with the discussion corresponding to  FIGS. 12-15 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a flowchart illustrating a process for printing labels in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Starting at step  1210 , printing system  1000  may receive data that defines the label to be produced. Control circuitry  1008  may use this data to generate and provide the appropriate control signals to various components of printing system  1000  to produce the desired label. At step  1220 , a ribbon is provided. The ribbon is fed to a predetermined position, as indicated at step  1230 . For example, the ribbon may be fed in response to control signals provided by control circuitry  1008 . Referring now to  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 13  illustrates steps that may be performed to feed the ribbon to a predetermined position. At step  1232 , the position of the ribbon may be monitored. Such monitoring may be performed by guide element sensors  1052 . At step  1234 , the position of the ribbon may be forward advanced based on the monitored position. Optionally, at step  1236 , the position of the ribbon may be reverse advanced based on the monitored position. Thus, the ribbon may be advanced (e.g., forward or reversed advanced) as needed such that an appropriate region of the ribbon is properly aligned, for example, with respect to a transfer device (e.g., thermal transfer device  1042  or pressure transfer device  1044 ). 
     Referring back to  FIG. 12 , at step  1240 , the process may selectively transfer portions of the ribbon to a receiver at the predetermined position.  FIG. 14  shows illustrative steps that may be performed at step  1240 . For example, at step  1242 , pressure may be applied to the ribbon to transfer a selected portion of the ribbon to the receiver. At step  1244 , a selected portion of the ribbon may be thermally transferred to the ribbon. Returning back to  FIG. 12 , at step  1250 , a determination is made as to whether printing is complete—that is, all indicia forming the label have been transferred to the receiver. Assuming that printing is not complete, the process may loop back to step  1230 . Assuming that printing is complete, the process may end. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14  are merely illustrative and that additional steps may be added or steps may be omitted. For example, steps for feeding the receiver or testing operation of the label or indicia therof may be added. As another example, step  1236  (of  FIG. 13 ) may be omitted. 
       FIG. 15  shows another flowchart illustrating a process for printing indicia in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The process shown in  FIG. 15  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 12 , but shows with more particularity an embodiment that may be practiced by the present invention. Beginning at step  1502 , a receiver is provided. The receiver may be driven by receiver drive unit  1062  according to control signals provided by, for example, control circuitry  1008 . At step  1504 , a ribbon including at least one element (e.g., RFID circuitry, battery, antenna, etc.) and at least one donor layer (e.g., conductive ink layer, optical ink layer, etc.) may be provided. The ribbon may be driven by ribbon drive unit  1054  according to control signals provided by, for example, control circuitry  1008 . In fact, ribbon drive unit  1054  and receiver drive unit  1062  may coordinate the feed of the ribbon and the receiver, respectively, to ensure proper printing. At step  1506 , the ribbon may be fed to a predetermined position and at step  1508 , the receiver may be fed to a predetermined position. Steps  1506  and  1508  are shown side-by-side to illustrate that the ribbon and the receiver may be simultaneously fed. Though, those of skill in the art will appreciate that that the ribbon and the receiver may be fed independent each other. For example, there may be instances where the ribbon is advanced, but not the receiver. This may occur, for example, when multiple layers and/or elements are being printed onto the same location on the receiver. 
     The process may advance to either one or both of steps  1510  and  1512 , depending on which portions of the ribbon require printing at a given predetermined position of the ribbon and/or the receiver. At step  1510 , at least one element (e.g., RFID circuitry or battery) of the ribbon may be transferred to the receiver. At step  1512 , a portion of at least one donor layer may be transferred to the receiver. Any suitable means may be employed to effect transfer of the element or donor layer to the receiver. In a preferred embodiment, however, elements may be transferred by a pressure transfer device (e.g., pressure transfer device  1044 ) and donor layers may be transferred by a thermal transfer device (e.g., thermal transfer device  1042 ). The transfer of elements and donor layers may occur simultaneously or independently of each other. 
     At step  1514 , a determination is made as to whether printing is complete. If printing is not complete, the process loops back to steps  1506  and  1508  to enable further feeding of the ribbon and/or receiver and transferring of elements or donor layers or both. If printing is complete, the process may proceed to step  1516 , where at least one of the elements (e.g., RFID circuitry) may be programmed. For example, an element such as RFID circuitry may be programmed to emit predetermined data fit for the purpose for which the label is used. At step  1518 , testing may be performed. The testing may include determining whether a particular element (e.g., RFID circuitry or battery) operates properly or whether the label operates properly. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in  FIG. 15  are merely illustrative and that the order in which certain steps are executed may be rearranged, that steps may be added, and that steps may be omitted. For example, programming step  1516  may be executed before the programmable element is transferred to the receiver at step  1510 . Moreover, testing of, for example, the programmable element may also be performed prior to being transferred to the receiver. 
       FIG. 16  shows a flowchart illustrating a process for programming a programmable element in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Programming of a programmable element or circuitry (e.g., RFID circuitry) may occur at any point in the process for producing labels in accordance with the invention. For example, programming may occur before, during, or after the element or circuitry is transferred to the receiver. Regardless of when the programmable element is programmed, the process for programming the element may start at step  1602  by electrically coupling a probe to a programmable element. The coupling may be any coupling capable of transmitting signals to the programmable element, as shown in step  1604 . For example, the coupling may be a physical connection or a wireless connection. At step  1606 , the programmable element is programmed with the transmitted signals. 
     Another aspect of the invention is that tests may be performed at any point during the label printing process. For example, testing may occur before, during, or after the element or circuitry is transferred to the receiver. Testing can verify, for example, whether the label operates properly. Such a test may monitor the RF signal emitted by the label and determine whether the RF signal includes data that meets predetermined criteria. If the label actively emits a radio frequency signal (because it may be powered by a battery), testing may be accomplished by monitoring the radio signal. If the label passively emits a radio signal in response to an activation signal, testing of such a label may include the transmission of that activation signal to incite emission of the label&#39;s radio signal and monitoring of the radio signal. 
     Another test may be performed to ensure that physical connections, resulting from the printing of conductive donor layers, between elements are satisfactory. Such tests may determine whether an antenna is connected to the RFID circuitry or whether a battery is connected to the RFID circuitry. Other tests may be performed to verify whether each element is functioning properly. The testing of individual elements may be performed while the element resides on the ribbon or when the element has been transferred to a receiver. 
     Testing may be performed through the use of a probe that may or may not be physically coupled to the label or indicia. For example, a probe such as probe  1033  of  FIG. 11  may be used to perform tests in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     Thus it is seen that customizable labels having electronic circuitry can be produced using the systems and methods according the present invention. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.