HK1074425B - Consumable items and radio frequency identification tags used thereon - Google Patents

Description

Consumable article and radio frequency identification tag for use thereon

This application was filed as PCT international patent application on 2002, 12/18 in the name of counsel card limited, designating all countries except the united states.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to consumable items in printers and related devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for tagging consumable supply items used in devices, such as printers, to produce data bearing identity documents, including cards such as identity cards, driver licenses, credit cards, and the like, and booklets such as passports and the like, and methods of using tagged consumable items.

Background

It is known in the art to use Radio Frequency (RF) identification tags on consumable items of printers. Us patent 5455617; 6099178, respectively; 6227643 and WO 00/43932 are examples. Each of these documents discloses the use of a read/write memory fixed to a consumable of a printer, from which data is read and/or written by radio frequency circuits.

However, there is still a need for improvements in the use of memory tags on consumable items used in the production of data bearing identity documents.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention provides improvements in the use of identification tags on consumable supply items for use in identity document manufacturing equipment. The use of identification tags on consumable supply items allows the document manufacturing equipment to identify the consumable supply items loaded into each piece of equipment. Subsequently, the device may begin to perform various actions based on the loaded supply item. These activities may be designed to enhance the operation of the device for the device operator and provide added value to those consumers who use consumable supply items approved by the device.

In one aspect of the invention, a consumable supply item for a piece of data-bearing document manufacturing equipment is provided. The supply item includes a core, a ribbon material wound around the core, and a memory element attached to the core.

In another aspect of the present invention, a printer is provided that includes a supply roll of tape material disposed on a rotatable shaft, a read/write memory element secured to the supply roll, and a read/write unit for reading data from and writing data to the read/write memory element.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a piece of data bearing file manufacturing equipment is provided. The method comprises the following steps: loading a consumable supply item comprising a memory element storing data into the piece of equipment; reading data from the memory cell using the piece of equipment; determining from the data read from the memory unit whether the loaded consumable item is an approved supply item; and when the loaded consumable item is an approved supply item, initiating an activity in the piece of equipment that is different from a normal operating activity of the piece of equipment.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the read/write memory element is fixed to the take-up core around which the print ribbon being used is wound, rather than to the supply core. In this embodiment, the tape amount data stored in the memory element regarding how much tape remains on the supply roll is preferably decremented in accordance with the print job being performed by the printer. Print job information may be obtained from a printer controller that controls the operation of the printer in which the take-up core is used.

For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a print ribbon supply roll and spindle configuration for a printer incorporating a radio frequency identification tag according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a core and spindle arrangement.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the radio frequency identification tag of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows an identification code that can be stored on a memory element.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention that employs memory elements on the cinch core.

FIG. 6 illustrates a printer in which the tape supply and tape take-up assembly of FIG. 5 may be used.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to the use of a storage label on a consumable item, preferably in the form of a roll, which is used in the manufacture of data bearing identity documents, including cards such as identity cards, driver licences, credit cards and the like, and booklets such as passports and the like. Examples of consumable items to which the present invention is applied include, but are not limited to, print tapes, cleaning tapes, order foils (indent foils), labels, top foils, holographic coatings, polyester laminates, ink cartridges for ink jet printers, and ink jet cartridges. The print ribbons may have multiple colors, or they may be a single color. Types of equipment that use these consumable items include printers and laminators, as well as peripheral equipment used with printers and laminators. Furthermore, the memory tag of the present invention may be used on equipment forming part of a large document production unit or a desktop unit.

The present invention includes a memory element that is disposed on a consumable item so that data about the consumable item and other data can be stored thereon. The memory element is preferably a read/write memory element that allows data to be read from and written to the memory element. Furthermore, a suitable read/write unit may be provided which cooperates with the memory element for reading data from the memory element or writing data therein.

For purposes of describing the concepts of the present invention, the invention is described herein with respect to a print ribbon roll in a printer used in the manufacture of data bearing identity documents. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to other types of consumable items in other types of identity document manufacturing equipment.

Fig. 1 shows a print ribbon supply roll 10 and a spindle 12 used in a printer. The ribbon supply roll 10 includes a ribbon core 14 and a print ribbon 16 wound around the ribbon core 14. The print ribbon 16, shown in dashed lines in fig. 1, preferably comprises a series of different colored stripes, such as cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. Alternatively, the print ribbon 16 comprises a single color, i.e., monochromatic. The shaft 12 is arranged to be rotatably driven by a shaft 18 via a motor, such as a stepper motor of known form (not shown). The tape core 14 and tape 16 are designed to be placed on the spindle 12 so that the tape core 14 is driven by the spindle 12 to unwind the tape 16 during use of the printer. The tape 16 is taken up on a take-up core (fig. 5) within the printer.

Attached to the core 14 is an identification tag 20 (see fig. 2 and 3). The tag 20 includes an antenna 22 and a write/read memory element 24. In a preferred embodiment, the tag 20 is secured to the end 26 of the core 14. A radio frequency write/read unit 28 is also disposed on the structure 30 near the end 26 of the core 14 for reading data from or writing data to the tag 20 and for supplying power thereto (providing power). The present invention uses radio frequency signals to read data from and write data to the memory unit 24, as well as to power the tag 20. Reading and writing data with radio frequency signals, and powering identification tags are known in the art, such as disclosed in WO 00/43932 and u.s.6099178. Since the use of radio frequency identification tags is known, a description of how to read and write data to the tags, and how to power the tags with radio frequency signals, is not provided herein.

The identification tag 20, shown in detail in fig. 3, is generally circular in shape and is designed to fit within the end 26 of the core 14. The core 14 is slightly recessed near the end 26 to allow the tag 20 to fit completely inside the core 14. The tag 20 is preferably secured to the core 14, such as by using an adhesive material. Thus, the tag 20 is secured to the core 14 to prevent its easy removal. Other securing mechanisms may also be used to secure the tag 20 to the core 14, such as a snap-in securing system where the tag 20 snaps into the core 14. If desired, the tag 20 may be mounted on the core 14 to allow non-destructive removal of the tag 20. The inner diameter d1 of the tag 20 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 12 to allow the tag 20 to slide on the shaft 12 as the core 14 is guided onto the shaft 12. The outer diameter d2 of tag 20 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of core 14 to allow tag 20 to mate within recessed end 26 of core 14. The antenna 22 is circular and is formed on the tag 20 between an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A tab 32 projects from the outer edge of the tag 20 and the memory unit 24 is placed on the tab 32. In use, the tabs 32 are preferably bent upwardly towards the middle of the core 14 when the tag 20 is loaded into the core 14. The fins 32 may also be bent down towards the open end of the core 14, wherein the size of the fins 32 must be selected so that the ends of the fins do not protrude beyond the ends of the core 14.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the read/write unit 28 includes an antenna 34 that is housed within a plastic housing 36 that forms a part of the structure 30. The antenna 34 is generally circular and has a diameter greater than the shaft 12. Other known components of the read/write unit 28 are also housed within the plastic housing 36, which components cooperate with the antenna 34 for reading and writing data to the tag 20.

The structure 30 also includes a metal plate 38. The metal plate 38 may be steel or aluminum and may be of any thickness. However, to provide optimum performance, it has been found that the metal plate 38 must cover a diameter of at least about 2.375 inches about the shaft 18. By using a metal plate 38 of at least this size, it has been found that the inductance of the antenna can be made constant, which makes the radio frequency signal constant, thereby improving performance. The diameter of the shaft 18 should also not exceed 0.375 inches. It will be appreciated that both the plastic housing 36 and the metal plate 38 have small holes to allow passage of the shaft 18. The bearings allow the shaft 18 to rotate relative to the plastic housing 36 and the metal plate 38.

The spindle 12 is preferably molded from a plastic material. As shown in fig. 2, the ferrite core 40 is molded into the spindle 12 during the formation of the spindle, and the core 40 and spindle 12 are molded around the shaft 18. Now, RF identification tag technology is such that the tag 20 should be as close as possible to the read/write unit to provide optimal performance. Typically, the core 14 is placed on the spindle 12 such that the tag 20 is placed on the lower portion of the core 14 near the antenna 34 of the read/write unit 28. However, if the core 14 is inverted and placed on the spindle 12 such that the tag 20 is at the upper end of the core 14, the tag 20 is away from the antenna 34. The ferrite core 40 molded into the spindle helps to guide the flux lines of the RF signal to the upper end of the core 14. Thus, if the tag 20 is placed on the upper end of the core 14, the RF signal from the read/write unit 28 is still effectively transmitted to the upper end of the core and the tag 20 for effective reading and writing of data. This also reduces interference with other tags that are close to the tag 20. For top foils, which are usually placed in a horizontal direction, the label is usually provided at one end only.

An important aspect of the RF identification tag system of the present invention is the data stored on the memory element 24 and how that data is utilized. Preferably, the data identifies the type of supply material on the core 14. In addition, the data should include a unique identifier that identifies the particular drum. Preferably, the reading of the data on the label 20 is performed automatically each time the tape is loaded into the printer, and each time the printer is restarted.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary identification code 50, which is stored in the memory element 24. The code 50 is preferably an 11-digit ID code. However, the code 50 may be composed of letters, alphanumerics, symbols, and combinations thereof.

The first three digits of the code 50 represent a special supply item identifier number 52. Using three numbers allows up to 999 identified supply items. For example, one type of print ribbon roll from a particular manufacturer may be assigned an identifier number 123, while a second, different type of print ribbon roll from the same manufacturer may be assigned an identifier number 423. A look-up table in the operating system of the device stores information for each supply item supported by the device, such as a supply item identifier number 52. By reading the supply item identifier number 52, information relating to the supply item can be accessed. The supply item identifier number 52 may be comprised of more or fewer numbers depending on the number of supply items that need to be identified.

The code 50 also includes a date identifier portion 54 that identifies the year of production of the supply item. The last number of years the supply item was produced is preferably used. For example, if the supply item was produced in 2001, the number employed in the date identifier 54 is "1". The date identifier 54 may take on a greater number of digits, if desired. It is understood that code 50 may be employed without date identifier 54.

The last part of the code 50 is a single supply item identification number 56, which is unique to a single supply item. Using 7 numbers allows up to 9999999 individual supply item ID numbers. The identification number 56 allows the operating system of the device to store information for each individual supply item so that each individual supply item can be tracked and monitored. The supply item identification number 56 may be represented by a greater or lesser number of numbers, depending on how many individual supply items need to be tracked and monitored.

In addition to the identification code 50, additional data may be stored on the memory element 24 of the tag 20, including, but not limited to:

1) data indicating how much tape is still available on the roll, i.e., tape amount data. The data can be continuously updated in a known manner during use of the device by tracking the use of the tape and decrementing the tape amount data according to the use. An alternative is to decrement the tape amount data based on the print job, as described below, where this information is provided by the printer controller.

2) Data relating to compensation applied to the device according to the particular band; i.e. system compensation data.

3) Data relating to the usage history of the tape, i.e. usage history data.

This data may include information on the type of equipment (if any) in which the drum was previously used; the time and/or date of previous use and the drum load/unload event in the previous apparatus and in the apparatus currently loading the drum; an operator of the apparatus; how many data-bearing identity documents are produced with the cylinder for each use and/or in total; and information as to whether any problems arise with the drum or the device during use of the drum.

4) Manufacturer data.

5) Promotional/marketing data.

Some of this data may be stored in a look-up table in the system memory of the device, rather than in the memory element 24, the data being accessed by reading the supply item identifier number 52 and/or the individual supply item identifier number 56 from the code 50. This will minimize the storage requirements of the storage element 24. However, in some cases it is preferable to store as much of this data in the memory element as possible, which will allow the tape roll to be used in devices that do not have or have access to a look-up table containing the desired data.

As a result of the tag 20, the operation of the device using the supply item may be enhanced based on the particular supply item loaded into the device. A particular implementation of this concept will be described in connection with the use of print ribbon rolls in a printer. When it is determined by the operating system of the printer that the print ribbon roll loaded into the printer is from a first predetermined set of print ribbon rolls, as determined by either a failure to read the supply item identifier number 52 from the code 50 or a failure to read the data (e.g., the print ribbon roll has no label), the printer operates in the usual manner, which will be referred to hereinafter as the "normal mode" of the printer. However, when it is determined by the operating system of the printer that the print ribbon roll loaded into the printer is from the second predetermined group of print ribbon rolls, as determined by reading the supply item identifier number 52 from the code 50, the operation of the printer may be enhanced by the operating system of the printer initiating various system actions based on the loaded print ribbon roll. This enhanced operation will be referred to as "enhanced mode" of the printer hereinafter. The supply item identifier numbers belonging to the first and second predetermined groups are stored in a look-up table of the printer operating system. The print ribbon roll without a label will default to the normal mode operation of the printer.

Many enhancements can be achieved in the printer enhancement mode. These enhancements include enhanced printer operation, data tracking and reporting, error verification, and inventory management.

Printer operation

In current print tape rolls without an RF ID tag, to determine the type of print tape on the roll, the operator must manually identify the type of tape by entering the type of tape into the printer using the printer user interface unit. This process is time consuming and inconvenient. This also requires an operator with sufficient skill to input the type of belt. Alternatively, it is known to automatically identify the print ribbon by advancing the print ribbon a certain distance for the printer to determine the print ribbon type. This process wastes tape that is available for printing because the print tape is advanced for identification.

Due to the label 20, the printer knows the type of tape on the roll by reading the code 50. Thus, the printer can automatically optimize its operation according to the type of loading belt. Furthermore, this also reduces the use of the tape as it is not advanced for identification purposes. This minimal advance feature is applicable in the printer normal mode because the bands belong to the first predetermined group. As an additional benefit in the enhanced mode, when for those rolls determined to be in the second predetermined group, the use of the tape can be maximized by backing up the tape, thereby reusing previously used portions of the tape.

Further, printer service operations may be optimized for those cylinders determined to be in the second predetermined group. For example, if the loaded roll is determined to be from the second predetermined group, when the printer is shut down due to a sensed problem and the operator completes all validation checks due to the shut down, the printer may be configured to automatically resume operation without the operator sending a confirmation to the printer. For a loaded roll determined to be from the first predetermined group, the printer will require the operator to enter confirmation before continuing operation. Further, for imminent service needs, such as low print swaths, the printer may be configured to provide an indication to the operator of the imminent service needs and indicate to the operator the location of the service needs.

An additional benefit provided to the second predetermined group is that the printer may be configured to display an icon that provides a graphical display of the amount of tape remaining in the roll. For example, the icon may be a thermometer bar, odometer, or the like. Text may accompany the icon to indicate the percentage of tape remaining. Further, the icons may be colored to match the color of the tape. Conversely, for the first predetermined group, the printer may be configured to simply provide an indication as to whether the print ribbon is loaded.

Data tracking and reporting

For determining cylinders from the second predetermined group, the printer may be configured to perform a variety of data tracking, data analysis, and data reporting functions. For example, when loading a print ribbon, data from a memory unit or from a look-up table, such as the compensation required for the ribbon, may be read and applied to the printer, and data such as the time and date may be written to the memory element or look-up table.

During use of the tape, data such as the number of production files and operating time that allows for determining production rate may be stored in a memory element or look-up table. Subsequently, the production rate may be displayed and/or analyzed.

Also, when the tape roll is detached from the printer, data pertaining to the detached tape is stored in the storage unit or the look-up table.

Error verification

A particular false authentication feature will be caused for a cylinder determined to be from the second predetermined group. For example, the printer is configured to perform a check of the tape to determine the compatibility of the tape with the printer by checking a material compatibility look-up table stored in the printer operating system. The printer determines if there are any compatibility issues and displays a recommendation to the operator. The operator may also be provided with a choice whether to proceed or not. Further, if the tape type is not appropriate (e.g., a cleaning tape is loaded instead of a print tape), a warning message and/or indication may be displayed.

Further, for tapes from the second predetermined group, the printer is preferably configured to automatically apply the system compensation data. For bands from the first predetermined group, compensation information for a particular band must be manually entered by an operator after the compensation information is prompted.

For the second predetermined group, the printer is further configured to verify that the loaded print ribbon is suitable for the production job of the current document. If not, a warning message is provided and the printer will pause until the error is corrected. Once corrected, the printer will automatically resume operation.

Also for the second predetermined group, the printer will detect if the loaded roll is from a re-called batch (re-called lot) (determined from code 50) and provide a warning message on a suitable display and an indication of how to handle the problem. The indication may be updated as needed by updating the recall information stored in the printer operating system.

Catalog management

A further enhancement is that a data report can be generated for the printer detailing the information loaded onto the tape of the printer at each time interval. The enhancement is available for the second predetermined group. In addition, the printer preferably tracks and counts each time a roll from the second predetermined group is loaded into the printer. In still further applications, the printer may track the detailed usage of the tape roll from the second predetermined set and generate a report detailing the tape consumed over a predetermined time interval.

In each of the enhancements described herein, it should be noted that the operating system of the printer may access and communicate with a remote or host controller via a modem, network, or other suitable communication technique. Thus, the look-up tables and other data storage capacity necessary to achieve the enhancement can be provided by the remote controller rather than the printer.

Up to now, labels have been described as being attached to tape supply cores. However, other tag locations are possible. Fig. 5 shows a print ribbon supply item 60 that includes a print ribbon 62, preferably a multi-color print ribbon, that provides dye or ink during printing. The tape 62 is wound around a cylindrical supply core or drum 64. The strap 62 includes a cinch end attached to a cylindrical cinch core or cylinder 66, around which cylinder 66 the strap is used. In FIG. 5, the tape 62 is shown as being unused, wound substantially entirely around a supply cylinder 64, and the end of the tape 62 is attached to a take-up cylinder (take-up cyl inder)66 to facilitate tightening of the used tape.

The supply item 60 is intended to be mounted on a conveyor 68 that includes a rotatable supply spindle 70 that receives the supply cylinder 64 and a rotatable take-up spindle 72 that receives the take-up cylinder 66. A cap 74 is attached to the end of the take-up cylinder 66 and an RF identification tag 76 is secured to the cap 74 in a suitable manner. In this embodiment, a suitable RF read/write unit for reading and writing data from the tag 76 is positioned near the end of the take-up cylinder 66.

Fig. 6 shows the supply item 60 positioned in a desktop thermal printer 80. The printer 80 is related to the printer disclosed in U.S. patent 5762431, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The printer 80 is used to print data and/or graphics onto plastic cards, such as financial (e.g., credit and debit) cards, drivers' licenses, national identification cards, and other cards. The printer 80 may also feature additional processing operations performed on the card, including laminating the card, printing bar codes, reading and/or writing magnetic tape on the card, and reading and/or writing integrated circuit chips on the card. After the supply item 60 is placed on the conveyor 68, the conveyor 68 is then inserted into a printer 80, which places the print ribbon 62 for subsequent printing.

The tag 76 may store the same or different data as stored in the tag 20. Preferably, the label 76 allows the printer 80 to operate with the same enhancements as described above.

Preferably, the label 76 stores data at least regarding the amount of tape remaining on the supply cylinder 64. Preferably, this data is decremented during printer use so that the label 76 contains information on how much tape remains. Preferably, the tape remaining data on the label 76 is decremented based on the print jobs performed by the printer 80 using information provided by the printer controller.

For most print jobs, the printer controller may determine how many bands are needed to complete each print job. Thus, the tape remaining data can be decremented by the amount of tape expected to be used for each print job. Additional margins (margin) may be counted in the expected band usage decrements to compensate for deviations and errors, if desired. Thus, the tape remaining data on the label 76 is updated by information provided by the printer controller at the completion of each print job, or at some point thereafter.

Other methods of determining the amount of tape used may be used. For example, an encoder associated with the supply cylinder 64 or located on the supply side of the supply item 60 may be used to directly track tape usage. Alternatively, the encoder may be positioned on the tape surface on the supply cylinder to rotate in proportion to the amount of tape unwound from the supply cylinder 64. A capstan encoder or its encoder spindle downstream of the supply cylinder 64 and engaging the print ribbon may also be used to directly track ribbon usage.

In one implementation, the tag 76 also preferably stores an encryption line to make the tag 76 difficult to copy. The tag 76 may also store one or more of the following elements: part number, information on tape type, date code, manufacturer lot code, manufacturer code, and copyright information. The label 76 may also store a count that is decremented, for example, after each print job, so that the label 76 expires when the count reaches 0 or other selected value.

In addition, a tag may be provided so as to overhang the end of the supply or take-up drum and not rotate with the drum during use. In such an embodiment, the label may be fixed in position relative to the drum during operation of the printer by cooperation of the label with the printer slot when the conveyor is inserted into the printer. The label may also be separated from the supply and take-up drums and placed into the printer by the user when the supply item is replaced.

The above specification, examples and most recent information provide a complete description of the invention. Numerous embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. A consumable supply for use in an apparatus with a rotatable spindle, comprising:

a cylinder having first and second open ends and a spindle passage extending along a rotational axis between the first and second open ends such that the cylinder is disposed on a rotatable spindle of the device;

a consumable mesh fabric material connected to the cylinder;

a label body attached to said cylinder proximate said first or second open end, said label body having an aperture formed therethrough configured to allow the aperture to pass through at least a portion of the label body or a portion of an element attached to the spindle when said cylinder is disposed on said spindle;

the tag body has an antenna; and is

The tag body has a memory element.

2. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the memory element is a read/write memory element.

3. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the orifice is circular.

4. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is a supply cylinder that provides a consumable mesh fabric material for use by the manufacturing equipment or tightens the cylinder to tighten the consumable mesh fabric material that has been used by the manufacturing equipment.

5. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the consumable web material comprises a print tape, a cleaning tape, a staple foil, a label, a top foil, a holographic coating, or a polyester laminate.

6. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the antenna is circular and surrounds the aperture.

7. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the consumable supply is configured for use in a printer or laminator.

8. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the antenna has an outer diameter greater than an outer dimension of the aperture and less than an outer diameter of the cylinder.

9. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the consumable mesh fabric material is a color printed tape.

10. The consumable supply of claim 9, wherein the color print ribbon comprises a series of color stripes comprising cyan, yellow and magenta stripes.

11. The consumable supply of claim 10, wherein the series of colored stripes further comprises black stripes.

12. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the label body is mounted on the cylinder to allow non-destructive removal of the label body from the cylinder.

13. The consumable supply of claim 1, wherein the tab body is recessed into the first open end or the second open end of the cylinder.

14. A radio frequency identification tag for use over a consumable supply item in an apparatus having a rotatable spindle, the supply item having a cylinder configured to be disposed over the rotatable spindle of the apparatus for rotating the cylinder, the radio frequency identification tag comprising:

a label body attachable to said barrel, the label body having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture being configured to allow the aperture to pass through at least a portion of the label body or a portion of an element attached to the spindle when said label body is attached to said barrel and said barrel is disposed on said spindle;

the tag body has an antenna; and is

The tag body has a memory element.

15. The radio frequency identification tag of claim 14, wherein said memory element is a read/write memory element.

16. The radio frequency identification tag of claim 14, wherein said aperture is circular.

17. The radio frequency identification tag of claim 14, wherein the antenna is circular and surrounds the aperture.

18. The radio frequency identification tag of claim 14, wherein an outer diameter of the antenna is greater than an outer dimension of the aperture and less than an outer diameter of the cylinder.

19. The radio frequency identification tag of claim 14, wherein said tag body is mounted on said cylinder to allow non-destructive removal of said tag body from said cylinder.