Radio frequency identification labels and systems and methods for making the same
First Claim
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1. A method for printing and testing an indicium in conjunction with producing a label, the method comprising:
- selectively transfer printing indicia, at least one of which comprises programmable circuitry and another comprises conductive ink, to a receiver based on predetermined criteria;
using a probe to monitor at least one indicium of the indicia; and
determining whether the at least one indicium meets the predetermined criteria.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.
169 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method for printing and testing an indicium in conjunction with producing a label, the method comprising:
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selectively transfer printing indicia, at least one of which comprises programmable circuitry and another comprises conductive ink, to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; using a probe to monitor at least one indicium of the indicia; and determining whether the at least one indicium meets the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for printing and testing elements in conjunction with producing a label, the method comprising:
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selectively transfer printing an element and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; coupling a probe to the element; and monitoring the element via the probe to determine whether it operates according to the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for printing and programming elements in conjunction with producing a label, the method comprising:
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selectively transfer printing a programmable element and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; coupling a probe to the programmable element; and using the probe to transmit signals that program the programmable element based on the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for printing, programming, and testing the operation of radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry in conjunction with producing a label on demand in a printing system, the method comprising:
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selectively transfer printing RFID circuitry and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; temporarily coupling a probe to the RFID circuitry; applying signals, using the probe, to the RFID circuitry; programming the RFID circuitry with the applied signals based on the predetermine criteria; and monitoring a radio signal emitted by the RFID circuitry to verify whether the RFID circuitry has been programmed successfully. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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22. A system for printing and testing indicium in conjunction with producing a label, the system comprising:
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control circuitry; a printing mechanism, coupled to and controlled by the control circuitry, operative to selectively transfer print indicia, at least one of which comprises programmable circuitry and another comprises conductive ink, to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; and a probe, coupled to and controlled by the control circuitry, operative to monitor at least one indicium of the indicia, wherein the control circuitry determines whether the at least one indicium meets the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for printing and testing elements in conjunction with producing a label, the system comprising:
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control circuitry; a printing mechanism, coupled to and controlled by the control circuitry, operative to selectively transfer print an element and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; and a probe coupled to the control circuitry and operative to test the operation of the element, wherein the control circuitry determines whether the element operates according to the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A printing system for printing and programming elements in conjunction with producing a label, the system comprising:
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control circuitry; a printing mechanism, coupled to and controlled by the control circuitry, operative to selectively transfer print a programmable element and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; and a probe coupled to the control circuitry and selectively coupled to the programmable element, wherein the control circuitry is operative to use the probe to transmit signals that program the programmable element based on the predetermined criteria when the probe is coupled to the programmable element. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A printing system for printing, programming, and testing the operation of radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry in conjunction with producing a label on demand, the system comprising:
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control circuitry; a printing mechanism, coupled to and controlled by the control circuitry, operative to selectively transfer print RFID circuitry and a conductive layer to a receiver based on predetermined criteria; and a probe coupled to the control circuitry, the probe operative under the control of the control circuitry to; apply signals to the RFID circuitry; program the RFID circuitry with the applied signals based on the predetermined criteria; and monitor a radio signal emitted by the RFID circuitry to verify whether the RFID circuitry has been programmed successfully. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42)
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Specification