DE102006050373B4 - RFID tag for marking articles and methods for tagging an article by means of an RFID tag - Google Patents

Abstract

An RFID tag (2) for tagging articles, comprising a control unit (4), a memory (6) for storing tag data on the item, and a power unit (10), wherein a display (12) is provided based on a digital paper and the control unit (4) is arranged to display the identification data stored on the memory (6) on the display (12), characterized by an actuating key (16) which is designed in the manner of a piezo key and is referred to as the energy unit (10 ) is used.

Description

The The invention relates to an RFID tag for marking articles comprising a control unit, a memory for storing identification data on the Object as well as an energy unit.

The RFID technology is penetrating more and more logistics processes and will more frequently used for marking products and objects. she offers the possibility, information about an object to be marked electronically on an RFID chip store and contact this information at a later date with the help of an active reader to read. In the logistics chain, however, the conversion of conventional worldwide standardized technology (barcode recognition) towards a innovative technology such as RFID technology takes its time. while this transitional period it is necessary the information for both To place techniques on the logistics goods.

From the US 2002/0105424 A1 is a system for product identification refer to, comprising an RFID tag that can be assigned to a product. Among other things, barcode information relating to the product is stored in this RFID tag. The system further includes a tag remover for removing the RFID tag when the product is sold, an RFID reader for calling the bar code information when the tag is inserted in the tag remover, and a display positioned on the tag remover to display the barcode information so that it can be read by a conventional barcode scanner. According to the US document, therefore, a tag remover is provided which is adapted to read the bar code information when removing an RFID tag and to display it on a display. Disadvantageously, the barcode information stored in the RFID tag can only be read or visualized with the help of the separate tag remover.

Usually is used when labeling an item or product by means of an RFID chip in addition to the RFID chip Label printed with barcode (dash or matrix), with disadvantageous changes the content of the RFID chip during the logistics process can be displayed on the label.

From the WO 2005/101351 A2 , of the DE 10 2004 037 365 A1 , of the US 2003/0132924 A1 and the EP 1 645 997 A2 It is known to use displays based on digital paper in labels.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a simple and fast Presentation of identification data stored in an RFID tag are to enable.

The The object is achieved by an RFID tag for marking articles, comprising a control unit, a memory for storing identification data about the Object and an energy unit, wherein a display based is provided on a digital paper and wherein the control unit set up for it is the identification data stored in the memory on the Display, with an operation button provided, which is designed in the manner of a piezo button and as the energy unit is used.

thanks The use of digital paper, also called e-paper, is one inexpensive Realization of an RFID label possible, in which the in one RFID chip stored identification data easily and quickly be visualized in real time on the display. Under digital Paper will generally become energy-efficient ads with foil-like Character understood, in which, unlike LCD displays no Liquid crystals used become. An overview of different Technologies for the digital paper is the article "Digital Paper" from the Magazine "c't - Magazine for computers Technology", 21/2006, p. 228ff. Displays are based on a digital paper extremely energy efficient - you need a very small amount of energy to change and retain their image content the image content without power supply for a long time after switching off. Compared to LCD displays they have the advantage that they have neither backlighting nor Polarizers require and are therefore easier to read, especially in bright daylight. Under digital paper can be used in particular the following categories, which are based on different principles, identify: electronic Ink based on the principle of electrophoresis and in which Particles are moved in the electric field; electrochromic displays, in which a current-controlled electron migration between two Control electrodes is present, which is a chemical process in one Triggers pixel cell with dye; and reflective e-paper displays that enhance their image content through mechanical Change operations, eg. B. by a mirror modulation of incident light rays.

An e-paper display is also characterized by the fact that it is thin, flexible, lightweight and relatively inexpensive to produce by printing technology. In addition, a display based on a digital paper in all sizes and shapes can be produced and is characterized by a high contrast. Furthermore, such a display offers the advantage that the displayed information and identification data over a relatively long period of energy or with only very low power consumption can be maintained, whereby the energy consumption of the RFID tag is extremely low. On the display, both alphanumeric and geometric shapes can be displayed in black-and-white or color, allowing for visual and machine identification of the identification data.

For a local Operation of the RFID tag, the RFID tag comprises an actuating button, in particular to dial is provided by different menus. It can still be a Number of operation buttons be provided with the help of which calling data or the Navigation on the display possible is. By pressing a button, the information of the RFID chip on the Display shown. Since the display information after an active Control can continue to maintain energy-free, requires one Presentation of the RFID content one minimal energy requirement.

The actuating button is designed in the manner of a piezo button and as the energy unit used. This variant is particularly energy-saving. The piezo button based on the direct piezo effect, where by deformation the material generates an electrical voltage so that from the Keystroke energy can be gained.

Conveniently, the display is an electrochromic display. Under an electrochromic display Here are any types of displays to understand, the one have plate or foil-like carrier. The carrier consists of electrically conductive plastic and small beads with dye particles that chemically react to electrical voltage (electrochromic effect) and by applying a DC voltage change their color.

According to one preferred embodiment, the control unit is adapted to at least part of the identification data as a barcode on the display display. The proposed RFID label thus bridges the gap between standardized technology (Barcode recognition) and future Technology (RFID). The RFID tag is compatible with the conventional devices Reading barcodes compatible, so the barcode output with the help of a usual Barcode reader can be read. This allows the transport of a Article or product the entire logistics chain, with the identification data of this Products both conventional through barcode recognition as well as with the help of RFID technology can be read.

According to one Another preferred embodiment, the control unit is set up for to control the display for displaying several menus. in this connection can be a big one Amount of data to be classified and in the form of different Menus are displayed after calling.

alternative or in combination with a piezo key includes the energy unit preferably a foil battery and / or a solar cell and / or a capacitor bank. A foil battery and the solar cell are characterized by their flat structure and are particularly suitable easily integrate in the label. A photovoltaic solar cell also points a big Power spectrum and can also efficiently light inside of buildings to power the label. On the other hand Capacitor batteries are characterized by a high amperage and a very fast release of stored energy. Depending on Energy needs and requirements related to the size of the RFID tag can be one or more of these variants can be used as an energy unit.

The Volume of the RFID tag can be kept particularly effective small be by the control unit preferably a polymer electronics includes. In a polymer electronics are electrically conductive Polymers for the construction of polystronic applications (eg RFID tags, UV images, actuators, sensors, solar cells, etc.) are used. By a polymer electronics can inexpensive integrated circuits in the lower power range flexible substrates are produced. A polymer electronics is characterized by its low production costs and its high flexibility out.

Preferably For example, the RFID tag includes a sensor, with the control unit configured therefor is to display a measurement signal of the sensor on the display. Of the Sensor can example, a temperature, pressure or humidity sensor be that of the physical environmental parameters necessary for the transport or storage of the object are of importance. The Measuring signal of the sensor can then be visualized directly on the display be, or it will be saved and can at a later date be retrieved and displayed. This can during transport or the Storage of the item at any time a visual inspection of the environmental parameters respectively. For example, a measurement signal or value by means of Sensors read at regular intervals and saved and verified for review Ambient conditions output when needed. In particular, is through the specification of a minimum value and a maximum value a permissible range for the Sensor measured value defined. Thus, the control unit can read the Sensor reading check whether this within the permissible Range and in case of exceeding the minimum or maximum value display a message on the display.

Labeling labels are often attached to un applied to different objects, with a loss-proof connection between the label and the object is required. Therefore, the RFID tag is preferably formed in the manner of a sticker and can be quickly and easily stick to the items to be labeled, in particular on their packaging.

The The object is also according to the invention by a method for marking an article by means of an RFID tag according to one of the preceding versions solved. The advantages listed with regard to the RFID tag and preferred embodiments can be applied to the Transfer procedure.

advantageously, The tag data stored on the RFID tag will be updated and the updated tagging data is particularly useful as Barcode displayed. When necessary, the identification data updated and over the display accessible made. So it's possible always the current contents of the RFID label in the form of both alphanumeric characters as well as in the form of a barcode display.

One embodiment The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Here in each show in schematic, highly simplified representations:

1 the electronic components of an RFID tag and

2 an RFID label with visualized identification data.

Same Reference numerals have the same meaning in the various figures.

In 1 is the electronic structure of an RFID label 2 shown. The RFID label 2 essentially comprises a control unit 4 , a store 6 for storing identification data about a product to be labeled, a transceiver unit 8th for communication with external devices, one energy unit 10 and a display based on a digital paper, in particular an electrochromic display 12 , The control unit 4 , the memory 6 and the transceiver unit 8th form in this embodiment, a so-called RFID chip 14 , In addition, the RFID tag includes 2 a sensor 15 , in this embodiment, a temperature sensor, with the aid of which monitoring the ambient temperature during transport and storage of a product, the RFID tag 2 is assigned takes place.

The control unit 4 , which in particular comprises a polymer electronics, is for controlling the individual components of the RFID label 2 trained and is, among other things, set up on the memory 6 filed identification data and possibly a measurement signal of the sensor 15 on the electrochromic display 12 display. The energy unit 10 is formed in this embodiment in the manner of a photovoltaic solar cell, but may also be a foil battery or a capacitor bank.

Furthermore, the RFID tag comprises an actuating button 16 , which is formed in this embodiment in the manner of a piezo button, ie when pressing the button, a voltage and thereby electrical current is generated. The operation button 16 in particular serves to supplement the energy unit 10 ,

In 2 is a schematic front view of an RFID tag 2 shown. On the electrochromic display 12 There is a menu showing both alphanumeric characters in the upper part of the electrochromic display 12 in a data block 18 are positioned as well as a barcode 20 in the lower part of the electrochromic display. Both the alphanumeric characters and the barcode contain product-specific information, such as: B. Product name, item number, price, etc. For a better overview, the product identification data are grouped into different menus, which menus by pressing the button 16 be selected. Regardless of the menu invoked, the barcode remains displayed at any time, so that it can always be read and processed by a commercially available barcode reader.

For easier application of the RFID label 2 on the product or packaging of the product is not shown back of the RFID label 2 equipped with a self-adhesive surface, leaving the RFID tag 2 can be quickly and easily glued to the product. The RFID label 2 has a total of a film-like character, ie all components are mounted on a carrier foil.

In the present embodiment, the RFID chip 14 designed as a rewritable chip, so that in memory 6 can be updated. After updating the content of the RFID chip 14 be on the electrochromic display 12 the updated data is displayed, with both the data block 18 as well as the barcode 20 be tracked. Thus, the RFID tag becomes 2 especially as a reusable label used after removing the RFID tag 2 from a product in the store 6 stored data will be overwritten by new identification data and the same RFID tag 2 used to identify another product.

Claims (10)

RFID label ( 2 ) for marking objects, comprising a control unit ( 4 ), a memory ( 6 ) for storing identification data about the object and an energy unit ( 10 ), whereby a display ( 12 ) is provided based on a digital paper and the control unit ( 4 ) is set up on the memory ( 6 ) stored identification data on the display ( 12 ), characterized by an actuating button ( 16 ), which is designed in the manner of a piezo button and as the energy unit ( 10 ) is used. RFID label ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the display ( 12 ) is an electrochromic display. RFID label ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) is set up to use at least part of the identification data as a barcode ( 20 ) on the display ( 12 ). RFID label ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) is set up to display ( 12 ) to display several menus. RFID label ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy unit ( 10 ) comprises a foil battery and / or a solar cell and / or a capacitor. RFID label ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 4 ) comprises polymer electronics. RFID label ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sensor ( 15 ), the control unit ( 4 ) is adapted to a measurement signal of the sensor ( 15 ) on the display ( 12 ). RFID label ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed in the manner of a sticker. Method for identifying an object by means of an RFID tag ( 2 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the identification data is updated and the updated identification data, in particular as a barcode ( 20 ) are displayed.