U.S. patent application number 10/772646 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for sheet media system having radio-frequency identification transponder.
Invention is credited to Donaldson, Eric J., Featherstone, Leah C., Jensen, Douglas D., Joyce, Terrance C., Spurr, Robert W., Tanamachi, Steven W., Vraa, Timothy S..
Application Number | 20040156063 10/772646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24666215 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040156063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vraa, Timothy S. ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Sheet media system having radio-frequency identification
transponder
Abstract
A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet
media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated
with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated
with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.
Inventors: |
Vraa, Timothy S.;
(Rosemount, MN) ; Tanamachi, Steven W.;
(Lauderdale, MN) ; Jensen, Douglas D.; (Woodbury,
MN) ; Featherstone, Leah C.; (Oakdale, MN) ;
Joyce, Terrance C.; (Lakeville, MN) ; Spurr, Robert
W.; (Rochester, NY) ; Donaldson, Eric J.;
(Saint Paul, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pamela R. Crocker
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Family ID: |
24666215 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772646 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10772646 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
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09664498 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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6710891 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.12 ;
340/10.4; 340/10.5; 378/162; 378/167; 396/207; 455/41.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/4494 20130101;
G03B 42/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.12 ;
396/207; 378/162; 455/041.1; 340/010.5; 378/167; 340/010.4 |
International
Class: |
G06K 015/02; G03C
005/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sheet media system comprising: an apparatus for utilizing
sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver
associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder
associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a printer for
printing images on sheet media contained in packaging and wherein
said transponder is associated with said packaging.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said apparatus includes a base for
receiving sheet media contained in packaging, and wherein said
transceiver is located relative to said base, such that when
packaging containing said sheet media is received by said base,
said transponder associated with said packaging is in proximity to
said transceiver.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein said packaging includes a
resealable, removable cartridge containing sheet media, and wherein
said apparatus includes a mechanism for opening and resealing said
cartridge, so that said cartridge can be removed and replaced in
said apparatus when less than all of the sheet media are removed
from said cartridge.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said transponder stores relevant
digital data that is communicable to said transceiver and some of
which can be used to control the sheet media utilization process of
said apparatus.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said transponder includes digital
read/write memory and wherein said memory store digital data
representing one or more of the following; media size, initial
number of media sheets, media type, media lot number, media
manufacturing history, media parameters, media expiration date.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said transponder includes digital
read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital data
representing one or more of the following; unique transponder ID
number, messages for customers, sales or service personnel, upgrade
software for sheet media utilization apparatus.
8. The system of claim 2 wherein said transponder includes a
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital
data representing one or more of the following; packaging
manufacturing history, packaging recycling data, packaging error
codes.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said transponder includes a
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital
data representing one or more of the following; number of sheets
remaining; any measured system parameter, any information relating
to recycling of media packaging, any information relating to system
failures, codes to facilitate auditing of media, packaging,
customer, media system.
10. A sheet media system comprising: printer apparatus for printing
images on sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification
transceiver associated with said printer apparatus for
communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media
utilized by said apparatus.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said printer apparatus prints
images on sheet media contained in packaging and wherein said
transponder is associated with said packaging.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said printer apparatus includes
a base for receiving sheet media contained in packaging, and
wherein said transceiver is located relative to said base, such
that when packaging containing said sheet media is received by said
base, said transponder associated with said packaging is in
proximity to said transceiver.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein said packaging includes a
resealable, removable cartridge containing printable sheet media,
and wherein said apparatus includes a mechanism for opening and
resealing said cartridge, so that said cartridge can be removed and
replaced in said apparatus when less than all of the sheet media
are removed from said cartridge.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein said transponder stores relevant
digital data that is communicable to said transceiver and some of
which can be used to control the sheet media printing process of
said printer apparatus.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein said transponder includes
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory store digital
data representing one or more of the following, media size, initial
number of media sheets, media type, media lot number, media
manufacturing history, media parameters, media expiration date.
16. The system of claim 10 wherein said transponder includes
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital
data representing one or more of the following, unique transponder
ID number, messages for customers, sales or service personnel,
upgrade software for sheet media utilization apparatus.
17. The system of claim 11 wherein said transponder includes
read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital data
representing one or more of the following, packaging manufacturing
history, packaging recycling data, packaging error codes.
18. The system of claim 10 wherein said transponder includes a
read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital data
representing one or more of the following, number of sheets
remaining, any measured system parameter, any information relating
to recycling of media packaging, any information relating to system
failures, codes to facilitate auditing of media, packaging,
customer, media system.
19. A sheet media system comprising: a printer apparatus for
printing images on sheet media, said printer apparatus having a
source of digital images, a supply for receiving printable sheet
media, and an image printer for printing a representation of a
digital image from said source on a printable sheet media from said
supply; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated
with said printer apparatus for communicating with a transponder
associated with said printable sheet media placed in said
supply.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein said printer apparatus prints
images on sheet media contained in packaging and wherein said
transponder is associated with said packaging.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said supply receives sheet media
contained in packaging, and wherein said transceiver is located
relative to said supply, such that when packaging containing said
sheet media is received by said supply, said transponder associated
with said packaging is in proximity to said transceiver.
22. The system of claim 20 wherein said packaging includes a
resealable, removable cartridge containing printable sheet media,
and wherein said printer apparatus includes a mechanism for opening
and resealing said cartridge, so that said cartridge can be removed
and replaced in said apparatus when less than all of the sheet
media are removed from said cartridge.
23. The system of claim 19 wherein said transponder stores relevant
digital data that is communicable to said transceiver and some of
which can be used to control the sheet media printing process of
said printer apparatus.
24. The system of claim 19 wherein said transponder includes
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital
data representing one or more of the following, media size, initial
number of media sheets, media type, media lot number, media
manufacturing history, media parameters, media expiration date.
25. The system of claim 19 wherein said transponder includes
digital read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital
data representing one or more of the following, unique transponder
ID number, messages for customers, sales or service personnel,
upgrade software for sheet media utilization apparatus.
26. The system of claim 20 wherein said transponder includes
read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital data
representing one or more of the following, packaging manufacturing
history, packaging recycling data, packaging error codes.
27. The system of claim 19 wherein said transponder includes a
read/write memory and wherein said memory stores digital data
representing one or more of the following, numbers of sheets
remaining, any measured system parameter, any information relating
to recycling of media packaging, any information relating to system
failures, codes to facilitate auditing of media, packaging,
customer, media system.
28. The system of claim 19 wherein said sheet media is heat
processible photosensitive media and wherein said printer apparatus
includes a processor for heat processing said media.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] "This application claims the benefit under 35 USC .sctn.119
of the earlier filing date of copending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/372,628, (Docket 79758), filed Aug. 11, 1999, entitled
Camera Having Radio-Frequency Identification Transponder, by Manico
et al. and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/372,287 (Docket
79759), filed Aug. 11, 1999, entitled Film Unit Having
Radio-Frequency Identification Transponder, by Manico et al., also
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/218,595, (Docket 78365), filed
on Dec. 22, 1998, entitled A Printer with Donor and Receiver Media
Supply Trays Each Adapted to Allow a Printer to Sense Type of Media
Therein, and Method of Assembling the Printer and Trays, by Spurr
et al. disclosure(s) of which are incorporated herein".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to sheet media systems and
more particularly to a cartridge or other packaging containing
sheet media for use in such sheet media imaging systems, the
cartridge or other packaging having a radio-frequency
identification transponder associated with it.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Sheet media imaging systems include laser imaging systems
which produce medical images on photosensitive sheet film from
digital medical images generated by diagnostic imaging systems
(MRI, CT, US, PET), computed radiography systems, medical image
digitizers, digital or analog medical image archives, direct
digital radiography or the like. The sheet film can be packaged in
optically opaque packaging which is removed under dark room
conditions and loaded into a film supply of a laser imager. Dark
room film loading is eliminated by the resealable film cartridge
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,400, issued Dec. 5, 1995,
inventors Lemberger et al. The disclosed cartridge allows for
daylight loading and can be reused and removed from the laser
imager. U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,585, issued Jul. 20, 1993, inventors
Lemberger et al., discloses a bar code system which uses this
resealable cartridge to control a laser imaging system. The
cartridge has attached to it an optical bar code with a unique
cartridge ID, film size, film type information and film
sensitometric information. The laser imager has a bar code scanner
which reads information from the bar code as the cartridge is
opened. An imager management system controls the laser imager as a
function of the input data and the information read from the bar
code. A film processor develops the film as a function of film type
information read from the bar code. The laser imager stores
information relating to film usage of the cartridge.
[0004] Although the optical bar code system disclosed in the latter
two patents is useful for the purposes for which they were
intended, certain limitations are inherent in this technology as
follows.
[0005] 1. The optical bar code has a limited data storage
capability.
[0006] 2. There are a limited number of unique bar codes.
[0007] 3. The data is fixed and cannot be changed.
[0008] 4. The bar code must be located on the outside of the
cartridge to allow scanning, exposing the bar code to wear and dirt
which result in bar code read failures.
[0009] 5. Film usage information is stored in the image management
system of the laser imaging system.
[0010] Other technologies for encoding data on a cartridge are also
limited. Thus, magnetic encodement allows data to be changed but
requires precise contact between a magnetic layer on the cartridge
and a magnetic head. Electrical contact with a memory chip mounted
on a cartridge also requires precise positioning of the cartridge
relative to the read/write device. Both technologies are complex
and expensive and are susceptible to wear and degradation.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,659, issued Jun. 27, 1995, inventors
Renner et al. discloses a device for transferring electrical
signals and electric energy to the memory device of a cassette by
radio frequency signals by means of a capacitive coupling device.
Although the disclosed device is useful for the purpose for which
it was intended, it requires precise positioning of the cassette
for transfer of data and direct contact between the cartridge and
the cartridge receiver.
[0012] There is thus a need for a sheet media system which uses
sheet media packaging having encoded data which has a large data
storage, which allows reading of and writing to the data storage,
which is resistant to degradation due to dirt, wear and tear, and
which is simple and economical to implement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a
solution to the needs discussed above.
[0014] A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing
sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver
associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder
associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The invention has the following advantages.
[0016] 1. Sheet media packaging is provided having large encoded
data storage.
[0017] 2. The encoded data storage can be read and written to.
[0018] 3. Encoded data can be read or written too quickly.
[0019] 4. The RFID system is resistant to degradation due to dirt,
wear and tear.
[0020] 5. The RFID system is simple and economical to
implement.
[0021] 6. The RFID system encodes film usage as well as initial
film count.
[0022] 7. The RFID system can encode information on recycling of
the cartridge such as number of times cartridge is recycled, time
from last recycling, quality of cartridge to prevent bad cartridge
from being reused.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser imager which uses
the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively plan and side elevational
views of a resealable cartridge incorporating the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a transponder, which can be
used in the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 6-8 are diagrammatic views of other embodiments of the
present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of a cartridge receiving
base with transceiver according to an aspect of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a cartridge/film manufacturing
process.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a general block diagram of a radiographic laser
imager.
[0031] FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic views of other embodiments
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a sheet media imaging system such as digital
imager 10 which is configured to operate with a resealable
photographic film cartridge 12. In the embodiment shown, laser
imager 10 includes a cartridge-receiving base 16 into which film
cartridge 12 with film sheets 14 is loaded. A cartridge
opening/closing mechanism 18 is mounted to base 16. Film cartridge
12 is loaded into base 16, and sealed within a light-tight
compartment. Opening/closing mechanism 18 then opens cartridge 12
to permit access to film sheets 14 in cartridge 12. Sheets 14 are
removed from the opened cartridge 12 and transported to other
subsystems of imager 10 (as described below).
[0033] Opening/closing mechanism 18 is also actuated to close
cartridge 12 before the cartridge is removed from imager 10. Since
cartridge 12 is resealable, it can be removed from imager 10 before
all the film within the cartridge has been exposed. Cartridges 12
with different sizes or types of film media can therefore be
conveniently loaded into and removed from laser imager 10 as
needed, without wasting and unused film remaining within the
cartridge.
[0034] As shown, imager 10 includes an optical scanning module 208,
electronics module 210, and integrated thermal processor 310
enclosed in enclosure 201.
[0035] Film sheet 14 is transported out of cartridge by suction
feed mechanism 228, fed into staging area 230 where sheet 14 is
transported by bidirectional film staging mechanism 232 into
optical scanning module 208.
[0036] Module 208 is mounted onto optical frame 240, for aligning
and holding film sheet 14 during the image scanning process.
Optical frame 240 is constructed from a rolled sheet metal which is
welded to a box-shaped housing. Film sheet 14 transported onto
cylindrical film platen 244 where it is scanned.
[0037] Film alignment devices 248, align film sheet 14 on platen
244. Once the scanning of the image is complete then exposed film
sheet 14 is transported out of film platen 244 toward bidirectional
film staging mechanism 232 for transportation of exposed film sheet
14 to thermal processor 310. Bidirectional film staging mechanism
232 includes a set of three rollers 238, 234, and 236 where center
roller 234 is driven and rollers 238, 236 are idlers. Film staging
mechanism 232 is designed such that exposed film sheet 14 can be
transported out of film platen 244 between rollers 234 and 236
while simultaneously transporting unexposed film sheet 14 onto film
platen 244 between rollers 234 and 238, if desired.
[0038] Electronics module 210 includes imager control systems. The
operator can interface with the electronics through either a keypad
mounted on a console, a portable keypad or a modem.
[0039] The imager control system receives information from
densitometer 264 reads and compares optical density information
from an optical density patch generated during the scanning process
having a predetermined target optical density on the trailing edge
of developed film sheet 14. If necessary, the exposure is adjusted
to compensate for any minor differences in optical density.
[0040] Enclosure 201 is divided into two primary chambers, upper
chamber 202 and lower chamber 204, with a passage for transporting
film sheet 14 between the two chambers. Thermal processor 310 is
preferably located in upper chamber 202. Lower chamber 204
containing optical scanning module 208, electronics module 210, and
power supply 211 and is kept at a positive pressure with respect to
upper chamber 202 to prevent damage of the optics due to volatile
materials outgassed from film sheet 14 during thermal processing
and to protect optical scanning module 208 from detrimental
temperature increases. Thermal processor 310 includes rotatable
heated member 314 and guiding members 316 for heat development of
exposed film sheet 14.
[0041] Enclosure 201 can include an openable cover 266. For
example, openable cover 266 can be pivotally connected to the
remainder of enclosure 201. Guiding members 316 can be attached to
cover 266 so that when cover 266 is opened, guiding members 316 are
lifted away from heated member 314 providing easier access to
heated member 314. After processing, developed film sheet 14 is
cooled and deposited in output tray 280.
[0042] Resealable cartridge 12 can be described in greater detail
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown, cartridge 12 includes a
optically opaque polymer film-receiving tray 20 and flexible,
optically opaque polymer cover 22. Cover 22 is resealably mounted
to tray 20 by adhesive coating 24A-24D. Other resealing techniques
can be used such as magnetic strips. Tray 20 is preferably molded
in one piece from a polymeric material.
[0043] Tray 20 is a relatively shallow member and includes a
generally planar bottom wall 26, front wall 28A, rear wall 28B and
side walls 28C and 28D. Lips 30A-30D extend outwardly from the
upper edges of respective walls 28A-28D, and circumscribe a film
access opening of tray 20. Inwardly projecting guides 32 are formed
on walls 28A-28D to properly position sheets of film (not shown)
within tray 20. Feet 34A-34D are formed into and extend downwardly
from bottom wall 26 to support cartridge 12 within base 16 of laser
imager 10. Bottom wall 26 also includes positioning recesses 36
which are tapered and extend into tray 20 from the bottom wall.
Positioning recesses 36 are configured to receive positioning lugs
extending from base 16. The positioning lugs secure and properly
orient cartridge 12 within laser imager 10. In the embodiment
shown, positioning recesses 36 are molded into feet 34A and 34B
adjacent to front wall 28A. A media presence monitoring well 35 is
also formed in bottom wall 26. Media presence monitoring sensors of
imager 10 (not shown) extend into well 35 below the surface of
bottom wall 26 when all film has been removed from tray 20.
[0044] Feet 34A and 34B (i.e., those adjacent to front wall 28A)
also include ramp surfaces 38 which slope downwardly from the lower
edge of the front wall to the bottom of the feet.
[0045] Ramp surfaces 38 guide feet 34A and 34B over the positioning
lugs in imager base 16 as cartridge 12 is being loaded into the
base. The embodiment of tray 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 also
includes a recess 40 in bottom wall 26 which forms a platform on
the bottom exterior of tray 20. A pair of feet 41 are formed as
releases in bottom wall 26 adjacent recess 40. Reinforcing ribs
(not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) can also be molded into bottom wall 26
and/or side walls 28A-28D to increase the rigidity of tray 20.
[0046] The forwardmost or leading edge of front lip 30A also
includes a series of spaced cut-out sections 42. Cut-out sections
42 form a series of spaced projections 44 on the leading edge of
lip 30A. Cut-out sections 42 and projections 44 cooperate with yet
to be described aspects of cover 22 and opening/closing mechanism
18 to facilitate the opening and subsequent closing of cartridge
12.
[0047] Cover 22 is a flexible, photo-inert and optically opaque
sheet of material sized to extend over the access opening of tray
20. Cover 22 has edges 23A-23D (only edges 23A and 23D are shown in
FIG. 2) which extend between and mate with tray lips 30A-30D,
respectively.
[0048] The front edge 23A of cover 22 extends over the tray cut-out
sections 42, and includes elongated apertures 46 which are
positioned over the cut-out sections when the cover is sealed onto
tray 20. Apertures 46 facilitate the engagement of opening/closing
mechanism 18 with cover 22 in a manner described below.
[0049] Cartridge 12 is provided with a stack of photosensitive
sheet media, such as unexposed radiographic film used in laser
imagers. The film may be processable by conventional wet processing
techniques or by thermographic dry processing techniques. According
to the present invention cartridge 12 has a radio frequency
identification (RFID) transponder associated with it. As shown in
FIG. 4, an inlay transponder 50 is mounted on the bottom of liner
52 facing the bottom wall of cartridge 12.
[0050] Radio-frequency identification transponders are widely
available in a variety of forms. Inlay transponders have a
substantially flat shape. FIG. 5 shows an inlay transponder 50
having a flexible support sheet 54 carrying a planar flat coil
antenna 56 and integrated circuit chip 58 having a non-volatile
digital memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory). Stored in non-volatile memory are
relevant encoded digital data. Sheet 54 is electrically insulating
plastic and antenna 56 is a layer of conductive material deposited
on sheet 54. Connectors 59 and necessary insulation are provided as
deposited layers. Inlay transponders of this type are marketed by
Texas Instrument Inc., Dallas, Texas as Tag-it.TM. inlays.
Transponders supplied from other sources may also be used. The
transponder is interrogated by an RF signal from an external
transceiver which is not in contact with the transponder and may be
some distance from it. The transponder has a unique ID code which
is transmitted to the transceiver upon interrogation. Data can be
both written to and read from the non-volatile memory. In this
embodiment other transponder configurations can be used in place
thereof. For example, the transponder can be cylindrical.
[0051] The transponder associated with cartridge 12 can be mounted
in other areas thereof. FIG. 6 shows transponder 50 mounted on
upper sheet 22. FIG. 7 shows transponder 50 mounted on the side of
cartridge 12. FIG. 8 shows transponder 50 mounted on the outside
surface of cartridge 12 can also be mounted on the inside surface
of the bottom of the cartridge 12. It will be understood that
transponder 50 can be mounted on cartridge 12 in any convenient
area on the inside or outside thereof. Alternatively, the
transponder can be molded as part of the cartridge.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, there is shown cartridge
receiving base 16 and opening and closing mechanism 18. Base 16 is
mounted in imager 10 (FIG. 1). Base 16 has a bottom member 70 side
members 72, 74, rear member 76, and front member 78. Lugs 80, 82
engage recess 36 of cartridge 12 to position cartridge 12 in base
16. Opening/closing mechanism 18 has a unit 84 which engages the
apertures 46 of cover 22 to roll it back for removal of film sheets
from cartridge 12. Mechanism 18 rides in tracks 86, 88. The
operation of mechanism 18 is described in greater detail in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,132,724, issued Jul. 21, 1992, inventors Lemberger et
al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and
will not be repeated here.
[0053] The transceiver for communicating with transponder 50
includes an antenna 90 and read/write electronics 92 electrically
connected to antenna 90. Antenna 90 is located in proximity to
transponder 50 when cartridge 12 is positioned in base.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary manufacturing
process for making film cartridge 12. As shown, process A produces
a wide web film base which is coated in process B to produce
unexposed film. A large roll of wide film is then slit into
narrower strips which are cut into sheets (process C). A five sided
cartridge with an open top is molded in process D and adhesive
added to the upper edges of the cartridge. A liner with transponder
is inserted into the bottom of the cartridge and a resealable cover
is applied in process E. In process F, the cartridge is opened and
a stack of film sheets is inserted into the cartridge on top of the
insert. In process G, the resealable cover is closed. In process H,
one or more film or cartridge processes or other relevant digital
data are stored in the transponder.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a block diagram of
imager 10. A film cartridge 400 containing unexposed radiographic
film and having a transponder 402 is loaded into a cartridge
receiver station 100. RFID transponder 402 is interrogated by RFID
transceiver 404 under the control of control system 406.
Cartridge/Film Handling system 408, opens the film cartridge,
removes a sheet of film, and transports it to Film Exposure Station
410. Image Source 412, such as a digital radiographic image
storage, transmits an image to be reproduced to Image Processor
414, where the image can be processed for various parameters
including ones which have been derived from data supplied by RFID
transponder 402. Such data can include film size, film
sensitometry, film age, etc. The processed image is reproduced by
Laser Scanner 416 on a film sheet located at Film Exposure Station
410. The exposed film is then processed by Film Processor 418 which
can be a wet process film processor or a dry film processor. An
exemplary laser imager for use with heat processable dry film is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,971, issued Dec. 28, 1999,
inventors Star et al.
[0056] According to the invention the cartridge transponder can
store one or more of the following types of relevant digital data,
among others.
[0057] 1. Unique transponder ID number
[0058] 2. Cartridge ID number
[0059] 3. Film type, lot number, all manufacturing machines or
processes that film saw (e.g., those associated with processes A,
B, and C of FIG. 12).
[0060] 4. Film expiration date
[0061] 5. Film size and initial number of film sheets in
cartridge
[0062] 6. All manufacturing machines or processes that cartridge
saw (e.g., those associated with processes D, E, F, G of FIG.
12)
[0063] 7. Messages for customers, sales or service
[0064] 8. Upgrade software for the laser imager
[0065] According to a further feature of the invention, the laser
imager transceiver can transmit one or more of the following types
of data to the film cartridge transponder after installation in the
laser imager.
[0066] 1. Number of film sheets remaining in the cartridge.
[0067] 2. Any measured laser imager parameter such as film
calibration, image processing look up tables, motor speeds,
temperature, errors, transfer functions, laser imager ID number,
imager film usage, density patch tracking for Automatic Image
Quality Control.
[0068] 3. Any information relating to recycling of the cartridge
such as: number of times recycled, date of recycling, time from
last recycle, error codes that can prevent cartridge from being
reused.
[0069] 4. Laser imager failures, such as: sheet film jams, optic
failure, communication problems, recalibration.
[0070] 5. Times to scheduled service, preventive maintenance, error
fix, film supply.
[0071] 6. Codes to facilitate auditing of film, cartridge,
customer, imager.
[0072] Although the present invention is described as associated
with a cartridge containing sheet media, it will be understood that
the RFID transponder can be used with other types of sheet media
packaging, such as the flexible packaging disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,973,768, issued Oct. 26, 1999, inventors Mazion et al., the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 14, flexible packaging 4000 includes a
light tight enclosure for a stack of light sensitive media sheets
4020. Packaging 4000 is made of a bag having sides 4040, 4060,
rolled up end 4080 secured by tape 4100 and tapered end 4120.
Packaging 4000 can be inserted in a light tight sheet media supply
in a laser printer and removed in the printer by mechanical means
to leave the stack of media sheets 4020 in the printer supply.
(Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,091, issued Jun. 9, 1998,
inventors Kovach et al., for an exemplary apparatus in which the
packaging 4000 may be used).
[0074] According to a feature of the present invention, RFID
transponder 4140 is associated with packaging 4000. Transponder
4140 stores relevant digital data as further explained above. The
apparatus utilizing packaging 4000 includes a transceiver for
communicating with the transponder associated with the packaging as
further explained above.
[0075] Instead of associating the RFID transponder with a sheet
media cartridge of other packaging containing the sheet media,
another feature of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 15,
involves placing a removable transponder in apparatus utilizing
sheet media, in proximity to a transceiver located in the
apparatus. For example, as shown, a removable insert 500 having
transponder 502 associated therewith, is inserted in sheet media
supply drawer 504. Sheet media are stacked on insert 500 in drawer
504. Drawer 504 is inserted into sheet media utilization apparatus
506 through slot 508. Apparatus 506 includes transceiver 510 which
communicates with transponder 502. Other techniques for providing
transponder 502 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0076] It will also be understood that other types of sheet media
can be used in association with the transponder of the present
invention. Thus, sheet media used in other printing systems such as
ink jet, thermal, dye transfer, electrographic, lithographic, ink
contact, or the like are considered within the scope of the present
invention.
[0077] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be
understood that variations and modifications can be effected within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
PARTS LIST
[0078] 10 digital imager
[0079] 12 film cartridge
[0080] 14 sheet film
[0081] 16 cartridge-receiving base
[0082] 18 opening/closing mechanism
[0083] 20 tray
[0084] 22 polymer cover
[0085] 23A-23D edges
[0086] 24A-24D adhesive coating
[0087] 26 planar bottom walls
[0088] 28A-28D walls
[0089] 30A-30D lips
[0090] 32 guides
[0091] 34A-34D feet
[0092] 35 well
[0093] 36 recess
[0094] 38 ramp surface
[0095] 40 recess
[0096] 41 feet
[0097] 42 cut-out sections
[0098] 44 projections
[0099] 46 apertures
[0100] 50 transponder
[0101] 52 liner
[0102] 54 support sheet
[0103] 56 coil antenna
[0104] 58 circuit chip
[0105] 59 connectors
[0106] 70 bottom number
[0107] 72-74 side members
[0108] 76 rear member
[0109] 78 front member
[0110] 80-82 lugs
[0111] 84 unit
[0112] 86-88 tracks
[0113] 90 antenna
[0114] 92 electronics
[0115] 100 receiver station
[0116] 110 exposure station
[0117] 118 film processor
[0118] 201 enclosure
[0119] 202 upper chamber
[0120] 204 lower chamber
[0121] 208 scanning module
[0122] 210 electronic module
[0123] 211 power supply
[0124] 228 suction fed mechanism
[0125] 230 staging area
[0126] 232 film staging mechanism
[0127] 234 center roller
[0128] 236-238 idler rollers
[0129] 244 film platen
[0130] 246 film feed slot
[0131] 248 film alignment device
[0132] 264 densitometer
[0133] 266 openable cover
[0134] 280 output tray
[0135] 310 thermal processor
[0136] 314 heated member
[0137] 316 guide member
[0138] 402 transponder
[0139] 404 transceiver
[0140] 406 control system
[0141] 408 cartridge/film handling system
[0142] 410 film exposure station
[0143] 412 image source
[0144] 414 image processor
[0145] 416 laser scanner
[0146] 500 insert
[0147] 502 transponder
[0148] 504 drawer
[0149] 506 apparatus
[0150] 508 slot
[0151] 510 transceiver
[0152] 4000 flexible packaging
[0153] 402 media sheets
[0154] 4040-4060 sides
[0155] 4080 end
[0156] 4100 tape
[0157] 4120 end
[0158] 4140 transponder
* * * * *