Patent Description:
RFID tags (also referred to as RFID labels) can be implemented as parts of tracking systems by utilizing radio frequency and electromagnetic fields to search, identify, and/or track objects, items, and people. For example, digital data and/or information may be encoded in RFID tags that are attached to objects, items, and people. In such an example, when these objects, items, and people move, an RFID reader may capture digital data and/or information from these RFID tags via radio frequency (RF) signals.

<CIT> relates to a travelling wave conductor antenna including a ground plane. The antenna consists of meander-structure conductors made of a conductive material, zigzagging at right angles or at almost right angles. The conductors are placed above an even or deformed ground plane, and they alternately comprise portions parallel with the longitudinal axis of the antenna and portions perpendicular or almost perpendicular. to said longitudinal axis so that tile number of the conductors is even. The conductors are at their ends connected to an antenna feed point by means of electrically equally long or almost equally long conductors.

Applicant has identified many deficiencies and problems associated with existing methods, apparatus, and systems related to manufacturing RFID tags.

The invention is set out in claim <NUM>. Various embodiments described herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems that provide technical advantages and benefits on improving the performance of RFID printers. In particular, various embodiments provide example RFID printer antennae that can be implemented in example RFID printers.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example RFID printer antenna for an example RFID printer is provided. The example RFID printer antenna comprises a plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments and a plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments. The plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another. Each of the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments is connected to two of the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles.

The plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments comprises: a plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments, a plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and a plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments. The plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another. The plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another and positioned on an upper side of the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments. The plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another and positioned on a lower side of the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments.

In some embodiments, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments comprises a first axial RFID printer antenna segment and a second axial RFID printer antenna segment.

In some embodiments, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments comprises a first oblique RFID printer antenna segment connecting the first axial RFID printer antenna segment and the second axial RFID printer antenna segment.

In some embodiments, a first antenna segment connection angle between the first axial RFID printer antenna segment and the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment is not <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>°.

In some embodiments, the first antenna segment connection angle is between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive). In some embodiments, the first antenna segment connection angle is <NUM>°.

In some embodiments, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments comprises a third axial RFID printer antenna segment. In some embodiments, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments comprises a second oblique RFID printer antenna segment connecting the second axial RFID printer antenna segment and the third axial RFID printer antenna segment.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example RFID printer is provided. In some embodiments, the example RFID printer comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna.

In some embodiments, the PCB antenna comprises a top PCB antenna layer and a bottom PCB antenna layer. In some embodiments, the top PCB antenna layer is disposed on top of the bottom PCB antenna layer and comprises an RFID printer antenna. In some embodiments, the RFID printer antenna comprises a plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments and a plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments. In some embodiments, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments is connected to two of the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," "in some embodiments," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

If the specification states a component or feature "may," "can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

As described above, RFID tags may be utilized to search, identify, and/or track objects, items, and people. In some embodiments, examples of RFID tags may be in the form of passive tags that are powered by energy from one or more RF interrogation signals that are transmitted by an example RFID printer or an example RFID reader. In some embodiments, examples of RFID tags may be in the form of active tags that are powered by a power source (such as, but not limited to, a battery).

In some embodiments, an example RFID tag may comprise an example RFID inlay. In some embodiments, the example RFID inlay comprises an RFID tag integrated circuit and an RFID tag antenna. In some embodiments, both the RFID tag integrated circuit and the RFID tag antenna are disposed on an RFID tag substrate.

In some examples, the RFID tag integrated circuit may include a memory circuitry that stores digital data (such as, but not limited to, an electronic product code (EPC), a unique tag identification (ID) number). For example, an example RFID printer may encode a unique tag ID number to the RFID tag integrated circuit of the example RFID tag. When the example RFID tag is attached to an object, the unique tag ID number can be associated with the object for searching and tracking purposes.

In the present disclosure, an RFID printer refers to an apparatus that can encode digital information and/or data (such as, but not limited to, an unique tag ID number) into an example RFID inlay of an example RFID tag, and/or decode digital information and/or data (such as, but not limited to, an unique tag ID number) from an example RFID inlay of an example RFID tag.

For example, the RFID printer may comprise an RFID printer antenna. In some embodiments, the RFID printer antenna may be secured to a printed circuit board (PCB), forming a PCB antenna. In such an example, the RFID printer antenna functions as a transducer. In particular, when an electric current flows through the RFID printer antenna, a magnetic field is formed around the RFID printer antenna. When an alternating current flows through the RFID printer antenna, an electromagnetic field is formed around the RFID printer antenna and propagates from the RFID printer antenna in the form of electromagnetic waves. When the frequency of the electromagnetic waves is above a threshold (for example, <NUM>), such electromagnetic waves are also referred to as RF signals because they can propagate in the air without being absorbed by the surface of the earth.

In some embodiments, digital data and/or information can be embedded into RF signals so that these digital data and/or information can travel through air. For example, digital data and/or information (such as, but not limited to, the unique tag ID number) that is to be written to the RFID inlay of the RFID tag may be embedded in the RF signals, and the RFID printer antenna of the RFID printer can emit such RF signals to the RFID tag.

As described above, the example RFID tag may comprise an RFID tag antenna. In some embodiments, the RFID printer antenna of the RFID printer causes the RF signals to propagate to the RFID tag antenna, conveying digital data and/or information to the RFID tag antenna (and/or inducing energy in the RFID tag antenna). In some embodiments, the RFID tag integrated circuit of the RFID tag is connected to the RFID tag antenna, and the digital data and/or information embedded in the RF signals can be conveyed to the RFID tag integrated circuit and stored in the RFID tag integrated circuit.

In some embodiments, the RFID tag integrated circuit of the RFID tag may cause the RFID tag antenna to transmit an RF signal back to the RFID printer antenna of the RFID printer. In some embodiments, the RF signal is an acknowledgment signal that confirms the receipt of digital data and/or information (such as, but not limited to, the unique tag ID number) and/or to confirm that the digital data and/or information (such as, but not limited to, the unique tag ID number) has been encoded in the RFID tag integrated circuit of the RFID tag. In some embodiments, an RFID printer may print images (such as, but not limited to, barcodes) on the RFID tag in addition to encoding the RFID inlay of the RFID tag.

There are many technical challenges, difficulties, and limitations in manufacturing RFID tags and labels, including, but not limited to, encoding data to and/or decoding data from the RFID tags and labels.

As described above, an example RFID printer antenna in an example RFID printer (such as, but not limited to, an example industrial RFID printer) is positioned adjacent to an example RFID tag to encode digital data and/or information to the RFID tag and/or decode digital data and/or information from the RFID tag. Referring now to <FIG>, an example schematic diagram <NUM> illustrating an RFID printer antenna <NUM> for an example RFID printer is provided.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is in the form of a straight line antenna. In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is a conductor. For example, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises conductive materials such as, but not limited not, aluminum, copper, conductive ink, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may receive an electric current. In the example shown in <FIG>, the flow direction <NUM> of the electric current in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is shown.

In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may produce an electromagnetic field when the electric current passes through the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> propagates RF signals with embedded digital data and/or information, similar to those described above.

In some embodiments, the propagating direction of the RF signals is determined by the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by an electric current can be determined by the right-hand screw rule.

In particular, the right-hand screw rule associates the flow direction of an electric current in a conductor with the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current. In the example shown in <FIG>, the example magnetic force direction <NUM> of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current along the flow direction <NUM> in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is shown. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field surrounding the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is similar to concentric circles, where the center of the concentric circles is at the axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic force direction <NUM> of the electromagnetic field produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is dependent upon the flow direction <NUM> of the electric current in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

Because the electric current flows in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, the shape/layout and the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> define the flow direction <NUM> of the electric current, which in turn impacts the example magnetic force direction <NUM> of the electromagnetic field and the propagating direction of the RF signals from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

While <FIG> illustrates an example RFID printer antenna <NUM> that can be implemented in an example RFID printer to encode digital information and/or data to (and/or decode digital information and/or data from) an example RFID tag, it is noted that the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is faced with many technical limitations and disadvantages.

For example, the relative positional relationship between the direction of the example RFID printer antenna in the RFID printer and the direction of the RFID tag antenna in the RFID tag can impact the amount of electromagnetic energy/radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna. As described above, the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> affects the flow direction of the electric current in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, which in turn affects the example magnetic force direction <NUM> of the electromagnetic field and the propagating direction of the RF signals from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. When the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is parallel to the direction of RFID tag antenna in the RFID tag, the RF signals are propagated to the RFID tag antenna at an optimal angle, such that the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is the strongest and the efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the RFID tag antenna is the highest. When the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is not parallel to the direction of RFID tag antenna in the RFID tag, the RF signals are propagated to the RFID tag antenna at suboptimal angles, where the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is the reduced and the efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the RFID tag antenna is the reduced.

As such, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> (including, but not limited to, the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>) can cause technical effects such as, but not limited to, impacting the amount of energy induced in the RFID tag antenna in the RFID tag (and/or the amount of digital data and/or information encoded and/or decoded with the example RFID tag).

Referring back to the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is in the shape of a straight line. In this example, the direction of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be in a parallel arrangement with an RFID tag antenna that is also in the shape of a straight line. In such an arrangement, the RF signals are propagated to the RFID tag antenna at an optimal angle, providing the strongest radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and the highest efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the RFID tag antenna. However, there are many RFID tags with RFID antennae that are not in the form of a straight line.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example RFID tag inlay <NUM> of an example RFID tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the example shown in <FIG>, the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> comprises RFID tag antenna segments that include, but not limited to, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> are in a perpendicular arrangement with one another. When the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> is implemented to encode digital data and/or information to the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> cannot be in parallel arrangement with both the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> because of the straight line shape of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As such, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna (including the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>) is weakened and suboptimal, providing lower efficiency in energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example schematic diagram <NUM> illustrating an RFID printer antenna <NUM> is provided.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is in the form of a looped antenna comprising a plurality of antenna segments that are connected to one another. In particular, each of the antenna segments is either in a parallel arrangement with another antenna segment or in a perpendicular arrangement with another antenna segment. For example, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises an RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, an RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, and an RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> is in a parallel arrangement with the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> and is in a perpendicular arrangement with the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>.

Similar to the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises conductive materials such as, but not limited not, aluminum, copper, conductive ink, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may receive an electric current. For example, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may be connected to a power source such as, but not limited to, a battery and/or a power outlet. <FIG> also illustrates the flow direction <NUM> of the electric current. In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may produce an electromagnetic field when the electric current passes through the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, propagating RF signals with embedded digital data and/or information to the RFID tag antenna of RFID tags, similar to those described above.

Comparing the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises antenna segments that are in perpendicular arrangements with one another. The shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> enable the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to provide technical benefits and improvements over the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

For example, when encoding the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> causes stronger radiation to be induced in the RFID tag antenna and higher efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the RFID tag antenna of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>. As described above, when the direction of the example RFID printer antenna is parallel to the direction of RFID tag antenna in the RFID tag, the RF signals are propagated to the RFID tag antenna at an optimal angle, such that the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is the strongest and the efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna to the RFID tag antenna is the highest. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the perpendicular arrangements among the antenna segments in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> correspond to the perpendicular arrangements among the RFID tag antenna segments in the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>. For example, when the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is implemented to encode the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>, the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be in a parallel arrangement with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>, and the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be in a parallel arrangement with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>.

As such, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> (including, but not limited to, the perpendicular arrangements between RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>) enable the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to provide technical advantages and improvements over the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, including, but not limited to, stronger radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and higher efficiency of the energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna to the RFID tag antenna.

While the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can provide technical improvements over the RFID printer antenna <NUM>, it is noted that compatibilities of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> among different types of RFID tags can still be limited. For example, while the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can overcome technical challenges associated with encoding digital data and/or information to the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> shown in <FIG>, it is noted that shapes and layouts of other types of RFID tag antennae can differ from those shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example RFID tag inlay <NUM> of an example RFID tag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the example shown in <FIG>, the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> comprises RFID tag antenna segments that include, but not limited to, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> are in a perpendicular arrangement with one another. However, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> are at oblique angles with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>. For example, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> may be at <NUM> degrees angle with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>.

When the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> is implemented to encode digital data and/or information to the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> cannot be in parallel arrangement with all of the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>, and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>.

For example, while the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be in a parallel arrangement with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>, and the RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be in a parallel arrangement with the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>, the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> are not in any parallel arrangement with any of the RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As such, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna (including the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM> and the RFID tag antenna segment <NUM>) of the example RFID tag inlay <NUM> shown in <FIG> is weakened and suboptimal, providing lower efficiency in energy transfer from the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the example RFID tag inlay <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, example diagrams illustrating an example RFID printer antenna <NUM> are provided. In particular, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can overcome technical challenges and limitations faced by RFID printer antennae such as, but not limited to, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises a plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments and a plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments.

In the present disclosure, axial RFID printer antenna segments refer to segments of the example RFID printer antenna that are aligned with an axis (or multiple axes that are in parallel arrangements with one another). In other words, the axial RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the axial RFID printer antenna segments include the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501E, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501F, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503E, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503F, the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505E, and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505F.

Providing axial RFID printer antenna segments in an RFID printer is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprises axial RFID printer antenna segments, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide.

For example, each of the axial RFID printer antenna segments can produce an electromagnetic field. Because the axial RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another, electromagnetic fields produced by different axial RFID printer antenna segments may superpose upon one another, enhancing the strengths of the magnetic forces and the RF signals. When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising axial RFID printer antenna segments, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise axial RFID printer antenna segments. In other words, axial RFID printer antenna segments provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

As illustrated further in connection with <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may receive an electric current. In such an example, one of the axial RFID printer antenna segments is the first / initial segment of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> that receives the electric current, which is also referred to as a current input antenna segment of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503A is the current input antenna segment.

In some embodiments, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments comprises a plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments, a plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and a plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments.

In some embodiments, the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another. In particular, the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments are aligned with a central axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the center axial RFID printer antenna segments include the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503E, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503F, the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another and positioned on an upper side of the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments. In other words, the plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments are aligned with an axis that is positioned on an upper side of the central axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments include the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501E, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501F.

In some embodiments, the plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments are coaxial with one another and positioned on a lower side of the plurality of center axial RFID printer antenna segments. In other words, the plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments are aligned with an axis that is positioned on a lower side of the central axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lower side of the central axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> is opposite to the upper side of the central axis of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In other words, the plurality of lower axial RFID printer antenna segments and the plurality of upper axial RFID printer antenna segments are positioned on opposite sides of the plurality of center RFID printer antenna segments.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments include the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505B, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505C, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505D, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505E, and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505F.

As described above, axial RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprise three different types of antenna segments (i.e. the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments) that are aligned with three parallel axes. The arrangements of the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments shown in <FIG> are not merely design choices. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprises the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments that are arranged as shown in <FIG>, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide.

For example, because the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments are aligned to three parallel axes, the electromagnetic fields produced by the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments are spread across a wider range along the width of the RFID printer antenna (as compared to, for example, the electromagnetic field generated by the RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>). When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments that are arranged as shown in <FIG>, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>. In other words, the arrangements of the center axial RFID printer antenna segments, the upper axial RFID printer antenna segments, and the lower axial RFID printer antenna segments as shown in <FIG> provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

While the description above provides an example where the axial RFID printer antenna segments include three types of antenna segments that are aligned with three different parallel axes, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description above. In some examples, example RFID printer antenna segments may include more than three types of antenna segments that are aligned with more than three parallel axes, or less than three types of antenna segments that are aligned with less than three parallel axes.

In the present disclosure, oblique RFID printer antenna segments refer to segments of the example RFID printer antenna that are at oblique angles with one or more axial RFID printer antenna segments. In some embodiments, the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segments include the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507A, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507E, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507F, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507I, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507J, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507N, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507O, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507P, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507Q, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507R, and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments connects two of the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles. In the present disclosure, the term "oblique angle" refers to an angle that is not a right angle or any integer multiple of a right angle (e.g. not <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, etc.).

For example, an example oblique RFID printer antenna connects a center axial RFID printer antenna segment with an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment. In some embodiments, an example oblique RFID printer antenna connects a center axial RFID printer antenna segment with a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment. In some embodiments, an example oblique RFID printer antenna connects an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment with a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507A connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503A (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501A (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501A (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507E connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503C (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507F connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503C (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505B (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505B (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501C (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501C (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503D (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507I connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503D (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501D (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507J connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501D (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505C (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505C (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503E (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503E (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505D (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505D (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503F (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507N connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503F (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505E (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507O connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505E (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501E (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507P connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501E (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507Q connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501F (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507R connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501F (which is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505F (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> connects the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505F (which is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment) and the axial RFID printer antenna segment <NUM> (which is a center RFID printer antenna segment) at oblique angles.

Providing oblique RFID printer antenna segments that connect axial RFID printer antenna segments is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprises oblique RFID printer antenna segments connecting axial RFID printer antenna segments, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide.

For example, each of the oblique RFID printer antenna segments and the axial RFID printer antenna segments can produce an electromagnetic field. Because the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are connected to the axial RFID printer antenna segments, the electromagnetic fields produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segments and the axial RFID printer antenna segments can be connected, creating alternating electromagnetic fields that propagate RF signals in multiple directions. When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments connecting axial RFID printer antenna segments, radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segments connecting axial RFID printer antenna segments. In other words, connecting oblique RFID printer antenna segments and axial RFID printer antenna segments can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

As described above, an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure may be embedded as a part of a PCB antenna that can be used in an example RFID printer. Referring now to <FIG>, an example PCB antenna <NUM> is illustrated.

In particular, <FIG> provide example exploded views of the example PCB antenna <NUM>. As shown, the example PCB antenna <NUM> comprises an example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> and an example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> is stacked on top of the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM>. For example, the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> is attached to the bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM> through fastening mechanisms such as, but not limited to, chemical glues.

In some embodiments, the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> and the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM> comprise different materials. In some embodiments, the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> comprises conductive materials such as, but not limited to, copper. In some embodiments, the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM> comprises dielectric materials such as, but not limited to, plastics.

In some embodiments, the RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG> can be embedded / formed on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> through one or more patterning processes such as, but not limited to, chemical etching.

For example, the shape and the layout of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> can be replicated on a protective mask (such as, but not limited to, glossy paper). In this example, the protective mask may be attached to the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> of the example PCB antenna <NUM>, covering a portion of the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> that has the same shape and layout of the RFID printer antenna <NUM>. Subsequently, the example PCB antenna <NUM> may be bathed in a copper solvent solution, which can remove exposed copper from the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> that is not covered by the protective mask. After the exposed copper is removed, the example PCB antenna <NUM> may be taken out of the copper solvent solution, and the protective mask may be removed from the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM>. The remaining copper on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> has the same shape and layout as the RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As such, the RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG> is embedded / formed on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> of the example PCB antenna <NUM>.

While the description above provides an example of embedding / forming the RFID printer antenna as a part of an example PCB antenna, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description above. Additionally, or alternatively, an example RFID printer antenna may be formed or embedded on a PCB through other methods. Additionally, or alternatively, an example RFID printer may comprise an example RFID printer antenna that is not in the form of a PCB antenna.

In some embodiments, the RFID printer antenna <NUM> on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> of the example PCB antenna <NUM> receives electric current.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM> of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> comprises an electric current inlet <NUM> and an electric current outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, an inlet end <NUM> of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> is connected to the electric current inlet <NUM> on the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM>, and an outlet end <NUM> of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> on the example top PCB antenna layer <NUM> is connected to the electric current outlet <NUM> on the example bottom PCB antenna layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the electric current flows from the electric current inlet <NUM> to the electric current outlet <NUM>. In such embodiments, the electric current flows from the inlet end <NUM> of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> to the outlet end <NUM> of the RFID printer antenna <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the flow direction <NUM> of electric current in the RFID printer antenna <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may produce an electromagnetic field when the electric current passes through the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As described above, the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current can be determined by the right-hand screw rule. In particular, the right-hand screw rule associates the flow direction <NUM> of the electric current in the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> with the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current. <FIG> further illustrate example magnetic force directions of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> along the flow direction <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the plus signs ("+") are positioned above the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, and the minus signs ("-") are positioned under the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In this example, the plus signs ("+") indicate locations where the magnetic force rotates out of an imaginary plane that is orthogonal to the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, and the minus signs ("-") indicate locations where the magnetic force rotates into the imaginary plane that is orthogonal to the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As such, <FIG> illustrates that the magnetic force of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> rotates from above the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> to below the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, and propagates along the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> (for example, along the various axial RFID printer antenna segments and the various oblique RFID printer antenna segments as described above).

In <FIG>, the rotational direction 519A illustrates the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C. The rotational direction 519B illustrates the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B. The rotational direction 519C illustrates the direction of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D. The rotational direction 519D illustrates the direction of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic field produced by the electric current flowing through the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A.

As described above, the electromagnetic field produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> propagates RF signals that can be used to embed digital data and/or information. In some embodiments, the propagating direction of the RF signals is determined by the magnetic force direction of the electromagnetic field produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>, which is in turn determined by the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. As such, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can provide technical advantages and benefits that improve the propagation of the RF signals.

As described above, each of the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments connects two of the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments. In the present disclosure, the term "antenna segment connection angle" refers to an angle between an axial RFID printer antenna segment and an oblique RFID printer antenna segment that are connected to one another. In some embodiments, the antenna segment connection angles of an example RFID printer antenna are oblique angles.

As an example, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprise a first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B and a second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B. In some embodiments, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprise a first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C. As shown in <FIG>, the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C connects the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B and the second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B.

In some embodiments, a first antenna segment connection angle 541A between the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B and the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C is an oblique angle. In other words, the first antenna segment connection angle 541A is not <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>°.

In such embodiments, the antenna segment connection angle being an oblique angle (i.e. not <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprises oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, when the antenna segment connection angles between the axial RFID printer antenna segments and the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are oblique angles, the electromagnetic field produced by the axial RFID printer antenna segments and the electromagnetic field produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are alternating at oblique angles. As illustrated above in connection with at least <FIG>, an example RFID tag antenna may comprise antenna segments that are at oblique angles with one another. When such an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles. In other words, an RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at oblique angles can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

In some embodiments, the first antenna segment connection angle 541A is between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive).

In such embodiments, the antenna segment connection angle being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna has antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, when the antenna segment connection angles between the axial RFID printer antenna segments and the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the electromagnetic fields produced by the axial RFID printer antenna segments and the electromagnetic fields produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are arranged between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive). As illustrated above in connection with at least <FIG>, an example RFID tag antenna may comprise antenna segments that are positioned at angles between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) with one another. When such an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive). In other words, an RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

In some embodiments, the first antenna segment connection angle 541A is <NUM>°.

In such embodiments, the antenna segment connection angle being <NUM>° is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna has antenna segment connection angles being <NUM>°, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, when the antenna segment connection angles between an axial RFID printer antenna segment and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment is <NUM>°, the electromagnetic field produced by the axial RFID printer antenna segment and the electromagnetic field produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segment are positioned relatively to one another at <NUM>°. As illustrated above in connection with at least <FIG>, an example RFID tag antenna may comprise antenna segments that are positioned at an angle of <NUM>°. When such an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>°, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>°. In other words, an RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>° can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

While the description above provides examples of antenna segment connection angles, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the description above.

In some embodiments, an example RFID printer antenna may comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segment(s) connected to axial RFID printer antenna segment(s) at an example antenna segment connection angle between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) in addition to or in alternative of the examples illustrated above.

In such embodiments, the antenna segment connection angle being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna has antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, when an antenna segment connection angle between the axial RFID printer antenna segment and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment is between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the electromagnetic field produced by the axial RFID printer antenna segment and the electromagnetic field produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segment are arranged between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive). As illustrated above in connection with at least <FIG>, an example RFID tag antenna may comprise antenna segments that are positioned at angles between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) with one another. When such an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive), the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive). In other words, an RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at antenna segment connection angles being between <NUM>° (exclusive) and <NUM>° (exclusive) can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

In some embodiments, an example RFID printer antenna may comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segment(s) connected to axial RFID printer antenna segment(s) at an example antenna segment connection angle of <NUM>° in addition to or in alternative of the examples illustrated above.

In such embodiments, the antenna segment connection angle being <NUM>° is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna has antenna segment connection angles at <NUM>°, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, when the antenna segment connection angles between the axial RFID printer antenna segments and the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are <NUM>°, the electromagnetic field produced by the axial RFID printer antenna segment and the electromagnetic field produced by the oblique RFID printer antenna segment are positioned relatively to one another at <NUM>°. As illustrated above in connection with at least <FIG>, an example RFID tag antenna may comprise antenna segments that are positioned at an angle of <NUM>°. When such an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>°, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>°. In other words, an RFID printer antenna comprising oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to axial RFID printer antenna segments at <NUM>° can provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

As described above, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may receive an electric current, and the RFID printer antenna segments that is the first / initial segment to receive the electric current is referred to as the current input antenna segment. In the present disclosure, the term "input antenna segment angle" refers to an angle between the input antenna segment angle and another antenna segment of the RFID printer antenna (such as another axial RFID printer antenna segment or another oblique RFID printer antenna segment). In some embodiments, an example RFID printer antenna comprises a plurality of varying input antenna segment angle to obtain maximum coverage of RF signals.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503A is the current input antenna segment. The example RFID printer antenna <NUM> also comprises antenna segments that are at different input antenna segment angles relative to the current input antenna segment. For example, the axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B is aligned with the current input antenna segment at a <NUM> degree angle. The axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B and the axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A are parallel to the current input antenna segment. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C is at an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the current input antenna segment. The oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D is at an angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the current input antenna segment.

In such embodiments, having input antenna segment angles being at varying degrees is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprise RFID printer antenna segments associated with varying, different input antenna segment angles, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, because different RFID tags can comprise RFID tag antenna segments that are arranged at different angles, an example RFID printer antenna with varying, different input antenna segment angles can provide technical advantages and benefits such as, but not limited to, providing uniform electric current distribution across space, which in turn creates uniform electromagnetic field distribution and better RF signal coverage, improving power induction for and compatibility with different types of RFID tags.

In some embodiments, an example RFID printer antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna segments that are associated with different input antenna segment angles between a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

In such embodiments, providing different input antenna segment angles between a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees for the example RFID printer antenna is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna comprises antenna segments that are associated with different input antenna segment angles between a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide. For example, many RFID tags comprise RFID tag antenna segments that are positioned at angles varying between a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. An example RFID printer antenna comprises antenna segments associated with different input antenna segment angles between a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees can provide technical benefits and advantages such as, but not limited to, maximizing coverage of RF signals detected by the RFID tag and improving power induction for and compatibility with different types of RFID tags.

As described above, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> can provide technical advantages and benefits. In some embodiments, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> include not only angles between antenna segments, but also antenna segment lengths of antenna segments and antenna segment distances between antenna segments, which can improve the propagation of the RF signals.

In some embodiments, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths associated with the oblique RFID printer antenna segments are not all the same. In other words, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> are associated with a plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths.

As an example, the plurality of axial RFID printer antenna segments comprises a third axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A, in addition to the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B and the second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B described above. In some embodiments, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments comprises a second oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D, in addition to the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C described above.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C connects the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B and the second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B, and the second oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D connects the second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B and the third axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A.

In some embodiments, the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment length associated with the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C is different from the second oblique RFID printer antenna segment length associated with the second oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D. As shown in <FIG>, the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B is a center axial RFID printer antenna segment. The second axial RFID printer antenna segment 501B is an upper axial RFID printer antenna segment that is positioned at the upper side of the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B. The third axial RFID printer antenna segment 505A is a lower axial RFID printer antenna segment that is positioned at the lower side of the first axial RFID printer antenna segment 503B. As such, the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment length associated with the first oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C is shorter than the second oblique RFID printer antenna segment length associated with the second oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507D.

Having different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths associated with different oblique RFID printer antenna segments is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna is associated with different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide.

As described above, each oblique RFID printer antenna segment is connected to two axial RFID printer antenna segments that are in a parallel arrangement with one another. When different oblique RFID printer antenna segments have different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths, the axial RFID printer antenna segments are disturbed at different locations along the width of the RFID printer antenna. As a result, the electromagnetic fields generated by the axial RFID printer antenna segments can be distributed along the width of the RFID printer antenna, which in turn expands the propagation range of the RF signals. When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna associated with different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise oblique RFID printer antenna segments associated with different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths. In other words, having different oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths provides technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

In some embodiments, the distances between neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments are different. In other words, the plurality of oblique RFID printer antenna segments of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> are distributed unevenly along the length of the RFID printer antenna.

In the present disclosure, the term "neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments" refers to two oblique RFID printer antenna segments that are connected to the same axial oblique RFID printer antenna segment. As described above, the neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments are in parallel arrangements with one another. In such embodiments, the distance between neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments refer to the shortest distance (i.e., the perpendicular distance) between neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507A and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B are neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments, and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C are neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments. In some embodiments, the distance between the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507A and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B is different from the distance between the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507B and the oblique RFID printer antenna segment 507C.

In such embodiments, having different distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments is not merely a design choice. In example embodiments where an example RFID printer antenna provides different distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments, the example RFID printer antenna (as well as the example RFID printer that implements the example RFID printer antenna) can provide various technical improvements and advantages, as well as various technical functions that many RFID printer antennae and RFID printers cannot provide.

For example, each oblique RFID printer antenna segment generates a corresponding electromagnetic field. When distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments vary, the electromagnetic fields produced by such oblique RFID printer antenna segments become alternating in nature (instead of fixed in nature), increasing the propagation range of the RF signals. When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna associated with different distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that do not comprise different distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments. In other words, having different distances between different neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments provides technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

As illustrated in the examples above, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> (including, but not limited to, the varying antenna segment connection angles, the varying input antenna segment angles, the varying oblique RFID printer antenna segment lengths, and the varying distances between neighboring oblique RFID printer antenna segments) can provide technical benefits and advantages. Referring now to <FIG>, example magnetic force directions <NUM> of example electromagnetic fields produced by the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> are illustrated.

In particular, the example magnetic force directions <NUM> shown in <FIG> are directions of continuous magnetic force connecting electromagnetic fields generated by different antenna segments that are connected to one another (e.g. oblique RFID printer antenna segments connecting axial RFID printer antenna segments described above). As shown in <FIG>, the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> enable the example magnetic forces to provide uniform electromagnetic field distributions and better RF signal coverages. When an example RFID tag is encoded by an example RFID printer antenna based on the shape and the layout as shown in <FIG>, the radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna is stronger and the efficiency of energy transfer is higher compared to those of RFID printer antennae that are not based on the shape and the layout as shown in <FIG>. In other words, the shape and the layout of the RFID printer antenna <NUM> provide technical contributions in solving technical issues that are plagued by many RFID printers (including, but not limited to, limited compatibility with only certain types of RFID tags, low radiation induced in the RFID tag antenna and low energy transfer efficiency).

Referring now to <FIG>, an example view of at least a portion of an example RFID printer <NUM> in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the RFID printer <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> for enclosing an interior thereof. The RFID printer <NUM> further comprises a power source and a moveable cover for accessing the interior and any components therein.

In some embodiments, an example RFID media supply roll can be wound on the RFID media supply spindle <NUM>, which is secured to the body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the example RFID media supply roll comprises blank RFID tags that can be encoded by the RFID printer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the blank RFID tags from the example RFID media supply roll may travel within the body <NUM> of the RFID printer <NUM>. For example, a travel guide component <NUM> is secured to the body <NUM> of the RFID printer <NUM>, guiding the travel direction of the example RFID media supply roll from the RFID media supply spindle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the blank RFID tags travel to the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. For example, the travel guide component <NUM> may guide the blank RFID tags so that they are positioned above the example RFID printer antenna <NUM>. In some embodiments, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may encode digital data and/or information to the blank RFID tag. For example, the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> may comprise the example PCB antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG> and/or may comprise the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>.

In some embodiments, a ribbon supply roll may be disposed on the ribbon supply spindle <NUM>. The ribbon supply roll may comprise an ink ribbon that supplies ink for printing on the blank RFID tags. In some embodiments, the ribbon supply roll in unwound from the ribbon supply spindle <NUM> and winded on the ribbon rewind spindle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the RFID printer <NUM> may include a graphical user interface (GUI) <NUM> on the body <NUM> for communication between a user and the RFID printer <NUM>. The GUI <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the other components of the RFID printer <NUM> for displaying visual and/or auditory information and receiving information from the user (e.g., typed, touched, spoken, etc.). As depicted in <FIG>, the GUI <NUM> may comprise a display <NUM> and keys <NUM> that may be configured to perform various functions.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, example diagrams illustrating example testing results of encoding example RFID tags (for example, writing data to example RFID tags) and decoding example RFID tags (for example, reading data from example RFID tags) by RFID printers are provided. In the example testing results, the larger the overlapping area (i.e. the area within dashed-border rectangle in the example testing results), the larger the area of the RFID tag antenna that can receive the RF signals from the RFID printer antenna, and the more compatible the RFID printer antenna is in encoding and deciding different types of RFID tags.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate example testing results of encoding example RFID tags (for example, writing data to example RFID tags) and decoding example RFID tags (for example, reading data from example RFID tags) by an example RFID printer that comprises an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>). In contrast, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate example testing results of encoding example RFID tags (for example, writing data to example RFID tags) and decoding example RFID tags (for example, reading data from example RFID tags) by an example RFID printer with an RFID printer antenna that does not incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the example results of encoding and decoding a first type of ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tag are illustrated. <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer that comprises an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer with an RFID printer antenna that does not incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>).

As shown, the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM> is larger than the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM>, indicating that the shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>) can provide improved performance in encoding and decoding the first type of UHF RFID tag.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the example results of encoding and decoding a second type of UHF RFID tag are illustrated. <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer that comprises an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer with an RFID printer antenna that does not incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>).

As shown, the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM> is larger than the combination of the area <NUM> and the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM>, indicating that shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>) can provide improved performance in encoding and decoding the second type of UHF RFID tag.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the example results of encoding and decoding a third type of UHF RFID tag are illustrated. <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer that comprises an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer with an RFID printer antenna that does not incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>).

As shown, the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM> is larger than the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM>, indicating that shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>) can provide improved performance in encoding and decoding the third type of UHF RFID tag.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the example results of encoding and decoding a fourth type of UHF RFID tag are illustrated. <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer that comprises an example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates example results <NUM> of encoding and decoding the RFID tag by an example RFID printer with an RFID printer antenna that does not incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>).

As shown, the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM> is larger than the area <NUM> in the example results <NUM>, indicating that shape and the layout of the example RFID printer antenna in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure (such as the example RFID printer antenna <NUM> illustrated in connection with <FIG>) can provide improved performance in encoding and decoding the fourth type of UHF RFID tag.

Claim 1:
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) antenna (<NUM>) for an RFID printer comprising:
a plurality of axial RFID antenna segments (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that are in parallel arrangements with one another along the width of the RFID antenna (<NUM>); and
a plurality of oblique RFID antenna segments (<NUM>) that are in parallel arrangements with one another, wherein each of the plurality of oblique RFID antenna segments (<NUM>) is connected to two of the plurality of axial RFID antenna segments (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) at oblique angles,
characterized in that
the plurality of axial RFID antenna segments (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a plurality of central RFID antenna (<NUM>) segments that are coaxial with one another;
a plurality of upper RFID antenna segments (<NUM>) that are coaxial with one another and positioned on an upper side of the plurality of central RFID antenna segments (<NUM>); and
a plurality of lower RFID antenna segments (<NUM>) that are coaxial with one another and positioned on a lower side of the plurality of central RFID antenna segments (<NUM>).