Control of packaged modules

• US 7,196,627 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2004
• Issued: 03/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Bell, Scott J., Rommelmann, Heiko, Rodriguez, Alberto
• Primary Examiner(s): La; Anh V.
• Application Number:
  US10/849,973
• Publication Number:
  US 20050258931A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.1, 340/572.8, 340/541, 340/572.1, 235/375, 700/225
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0863 provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. an electronic memory
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/0697 being an electronically readable memory
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07798 part of the antenna or the integrated circuit being adapted for rupturing or breaking, e.g. record carriers functioning as sealing devices for detecting not-authenticated opening of containers electronic seals G09F3/03

Abstract

Processing a module packaged within a container involves securely affixing a tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element to the container. While the module is enclosed in the container, information pertaining to the module is selectively stored in the tag memory for later readout and processing. A container for enclosing a module includes an electronic tag having a tag memory and a tag communication element. The tag communication element is adapted to receive information from a source, and the tag memory stores that information. While the module is packaged in the container, either first module information or second module information is stored in the tag memory. The module information pertains to the subsequent use of the module. The electronic tag is embedded in the container material, or securely affixed to the container. The electronic tag may span a container opening so that the tag is damaged upon opening the container, providing security against improper re-use.

Claims

1. A method of processing a module, the method comprising:

enclosing the module within a container;

securely affixing to the container an electronic tag comprising a tag memory;

electronically reading tag identification information from the tag memory of the electronic tag securely affixed to the container;

electronically verifying that the read tag identification information matches predetermined identification criteria; and

if the read tag identification information matches the predetermined identification criteria, selectively storing in the tag memory either first module information or second module information, which module information pertains to a subsequent use of the module.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein electronically reading the tag identification information comprises:

transmitting an identification read request signal to the electronic tag; and

electronically receiving an identification response from the electronic tag.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively storing in the memory comprises selectively communicating over a wireless communication link to a tag communication element on the electronic tag either the first module information or the second module information.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein securely affixing the electronic tag to the container comprises embedding the electronic tag in the material forming the container.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein securely affixing the electronic tag to the container comprises securing the electronic tag to the container with adhesive.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein securing the electronic tag to the container with adhesive comprises securing the electronic tag over a container opening separation adapted to expand upon opening the container.

7. A container for enclosing a module, the container comprising:

an enclosure; and

an electronic tag securely affixed to the enclosure;

wherein the electronic tag includes a tag memory, a tag identification segment for producing a tag identification response, and a tag communication element in communication with the tag memory and the tag identification segment;

wherein the tag communication element is adapted to receive information from a source and to transmit tag identification responses generated by the tag identification segment;

wherein the tag memory is adapted to store the information received by the tag communication element;

wherein the tag memory is adapted to store at least first and second module information pertaining to the module to be enclosed in the container; and

wherein the tag identification segment calculates the tag identification response in response to a request received at the communication element.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the tag identification segment is a portion of the tag memory.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein the electronic tag is embedded in material forming the container enclosure.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the electronic tag is embedded in a label secured to the container enclosure.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein:

the container enclosure includes an opening separation adapted to expand upon opening the container; and

the electronic tag spans the opening separation.