U.S. patent application number 11/850489 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-27 for rfid system and associated antenna-coupler.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZIH Corp.. Invention is credited to Anthony Brown, Robert Gawelczyk, Steven Kovanko, Mao Tian, Karl Torchalski, Boris Y. Tsirline, Tom Zwier.
Application Number | 20080074269 11/850489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39201316 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080074269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torchalski; Karl ; et
al. |
March 27, 2008 |
RFID SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED ANTENNA-COUPLER
Abstract
A RFID system and an associated antenna-coupler are provided.
The system may be for selectively communicating with a targeted
transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is
provided. The system may include a transponder conveyance, a
transceiver, and an antenna-coupler. The transponder conveyance is
adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group
of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder operating
region. The transceiver is configured to generate one or more
electrical signals. The antenna-coupler has first and second
microstrips in a cross-like arrangement relative to each other.
Each of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit
one or more electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near-field
region of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical
signals for communicating with the targeted transponder.
Inventors: |
Torchalski; Karl; (Arlington
Heights, IL) ; Tian; Mao; (Vernon Hills, IL) ;
Gawelczyk; Robert; (Chicago, IL) ; Kovanko;
Steven; (Downers Grove, IL) ; Tsirline; Boris Y.;
(Glenview, IL) ; Brown; Anthony; (Spring Grove,
IL) ; Zwier; Tom; (Lake Zurich, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
ZIH Corp.
|
Family ID: |
39201316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/850489 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60826489 |
Sep 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.4 ;
343/700MS; 347/174 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 29/38 20130101;
H01Q 9/0421 20130101; G06K 17/0025 20130101; B41J 3/44 20130101;
H01Q 21/29 20130101; H01Q 9/04 20130101; G06K 17/0003 20130101;
G06K 7/10376 20130101; H01Q 1/2216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.4 ;
343/700.MS; 347/174 |
International
Class: |
B41J 29/00 20060101
B41J029/00; G08B 1/08 20060101 G08B001/08; H01Q 1/38 20060101
H01Q001/38 |
Claims
1. A system for selectively communicating with a randomly oriented
targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent
transponders, the system comprising: a transponder conveyance
adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group
of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder operating
region; a transceiver configured to generate one or more electrical
signals; an antenna-coupler having first and second microstrips in
a cross-like arrangement relative to each other and wherein, each
of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit one
or more electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near-field region
of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical signals
for communicating with the randomly oriented targeted
transponder.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna-coupler includes a
first port in communication with both of the first and second
microstrips such that both of the first and second microstrips
receive the one or more electrical signals concurrently.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a switch for sending
the one or more electrical signals from the transceiver to either
one of the first and second microstrips or both.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second microstrips
are spaced apart and separated by at least one substrate.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second microstrips
are substantially co-planer and the first microstrip further
includes a first section, a second section, and a bridge; wherein
the first section extends from a first end of the first microstrip
to approximately the second microstrip, the second section extends
from approximately the second microstrip to a second end of the
first microstrip, and the first and second sections are linked
through the bridge that extends around the second microstrip such
that the first and second microstrips do not intersect.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna-coupler further
includes a first resistive load for terminating the first
microstrip and a second resistive load for terminating the second
microstrip, and wherein the first microstrip defines a
characteristic impedance less than the first resistive load and the
second microstrip defines a characteristic impedance less than the
second resistive load.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
microstrips has a tapered profile.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
microstrips defines a length substantially equal to a multiple of
one half a wavelength of an operational frequency of the
antenna-coupler.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operational frequency of the
antenna-coupler is selected from a range of frequencies from 300
MHz to 3 GHz.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the operational frequency of the
antenna-coupler is selected from a range of frequencies from 860
MHz to 960 GHz.
11. An antenna-coupler for a system having a transceiver and being
configured to process one or more smart media and associated
transponders of the smart media, the antenna-coupler comprising: a
first microstrip extending from a first end to a second end,
wherein the second end is terminated by a first resistive load and
the first end is in communication with the transceiver for
receiving and sending one or more electrical signals; a second
microstrip extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the
second end is terminated by a second resistive load and the first
end is in communication with the transceiver for receiving and
sending one or more electrical signal; wherein the first microstrip
and the second microstrip are generally orthogonal to each other
forming a cross-like arrangement; a ground plane spaced apart from
the first and second microstrip; and at least one substrate
extending at least partially between the ground plane and the first
and second microstrips.
12. The antenna-coupler according to claim 11, wherein the first
and second microstrips are spaced apart and separated by the at
least one substrate.
13. The antenna-coupler according to claim 12, wherein the first
and second microstrips are substantially co-planer and the first
microstrip further includes a first section, a second section, and
a bridge; wherein the first section extends from the first end of
the first microstrip to approximately the second microstrip, the
second section extends from approximately the second microstrip to
the second end of the first microstrip, and the first and second
sections are linked through the bridge that extends around the
second microstrip such that the first and second microstrips do not
intersect.
14. The antenna-coupler according to claim 13, wherein the jumper
includes at least a jumper wire.
15. The antenna-coupler according to claim 13, further comprising
an input port for connecting both the first end of the first
microstrip and the first end of the second microstrip to the
transceiver.
16. The antenna-coupler according to claim 11, further comprising a
first input port for connecting the first end of the first
microstrip to the transceiver and a second input port for
connecting the first end of the second microstrip to the
transceiver.
17. The antenna-coupler according to claim 11, wherein each of the
first and second microstrips define a characteristic impedance and
wherein the first resistive load is greater than the characteristic
impedance of the first microstrip and the second resistive load is
greater than the characteristic impedance of the second
microstrip.
18. The antenna-coupler according to claim 17, wherein each of the
first and second microstrips define a length and the length of the
each of the first and second microstrips is substantially equal to
a multiple of one half a wavelength of an operational frequency of
the antenna-coupler.
19. The antenna-coupler according to claim 18, wherein each of the
first and second microstrips has a tapered profile.
20. An antenna-coupler for communicating with a card having a
transponder, the antenna-coupler comprising: a first microstrip and
a second microstrip in a cross-like arrangement relative to each
other and, wherein each of the first and second microstrips is
configured to transmit one or more electromagnetic fields
concentrated in a near-field region of the antenna-coupler based on
the one or more received electrical signals for communicating with
the transponder, and wherein each of the first and second
microstrips defines a length substantially equal to one half a
wavelength of an operational frequency of the antenna-coupler
selected from a range of frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz.
21. An apparatus for printing and communicating with one or more
media cards, each media card includes a transponder configured to
operate within a range of frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, the
apparatus comprising: a printhead for printing indicia on the one
or more media cards; and a communication device for communicating
with the one or more media cards; wherein the communication device
is positioned approximate to the printhead such that the printing
and the communicating of the printhead and the communication device
occur substantially simultaneously.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/826,489 filed Sep. 21, 2006, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to systems
configured to print indicia on a surface of a smart media and
communicate data to and from an associated transponder of the smart
media and, in particularly, to spatially selective antenna-couplers
of such systems capable of selectively communicating with a
targeted transponder from among a group of adjacent
transponders.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Printers are used to print text, graphics, and other indicia
on a variety of media, including media having data storage devices
such as magnetic strips, memory components, radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags, barcodes, optical devices, and the
like. For purposes of the present invention and appended claims the
term "information card" shall refer to a printable media that is
adapted to convey and/or contain information. A credit card is an
exemplary information card that conveys information in the form of
printed indicia and contains information that is stored as data on
a magnetic strip. This data is retrieved simply by swiping the
card's magnetic strip in front of a reader as will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0006] Smart cards are information cards having a memory for
storing data and a device for accessing the memory. Contactless
smart cards use an antenna or other similar devices to communicate
wirelessly with a reader. Other types of smart cards communicate
with a reader based on direct electrical contact between conductors
or "contacts" defined on the card (e.g., copper or gold plated
contacts) and similar conductors disposed on the reader.
[0007] The printed information conveyed by an information card is
typically created during printing operations that are distinct from
the encoding operations used to write data to the information
card's memory. For example, a blank information card may be fed
through a printer to print text, graphics, barcodes, etc., to
either side or both sides of the information card. Data is
conventionally written to the card memory before or after such
printing operations. In this regard, the same printer can be used
for printing various cards, regardless of the type of encoding to
be performed. Similarly, a single electronic communication device
or reader can be used to encode various cards, regardless of the
type of printing to be performed. However, separate operations for
printing and encoding can increase the time and expense necessary
to manufacture information cards. Further, care must be taken to
ensure that the printed and electronically encoded information for
each card correspond to one another. Said differently, if the cards
are taken out of order between the printing and encoding
operations, such cards may inadvertently receive printed
information that was intended for a first card type and electronic
data that was intended for a different card type. In addition,
different printing and encoding devices typically require separate
electrical connections to one or more host computers that generally
control such devices through multiple communication ports.
[0008] Separate printing and encoding operations are typically
controlled by a host computer using separate software for
controlling each of the different operations. For example, if a
change in the printing operation is to be effected, an operator
typically accesses a first software program on the host computer.
To make a change to the encoding operation, the operator instead
accesses a second software program on the computer. This can
complicate the operator's role, possibly increasing the time
required for making changes or verifying an operation and also
increasing the risk of operator error.
[0009] Thus, there exists a need for a printer/encoder that
addresses the deficiencies noted above and achieves multiple other
benefits as will be described in greater detail below.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention may address some of the deficiencies
discussed above by providing a system that may be configured to
print and encode media, such as cards with associated transponders.
More specifically, the system may include a transceiver and a near
field antenna-coupler for communicating with the associated
transponders.
[0011] For example, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, a system for selectively communicating with a targeted
transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is
provided. The system may include a transponder conveyance, a
transceiver, and an antenna-coupler. The transponder conveyance is
adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group
of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder operating
region. The transceiver is configured to generate one or more
electrical signals. The antenna-coupler has first and second
microstrips in a cross-like arrangement relative to each other.
Each of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit
one or more electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near-field
region of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical
signals for communicating with the targeted transponder.
[0012] The antenna-coupler may further include a first port in
communication with both of the first and second microstrips such
that both of the first and second microstrips receive the one or
more electrical signals concurrently. Or the system may further
include a switch for sending the one or more electrical signals
from the transceiver to either one of the first and second
microstrips. In other words, the switch may be used to activate
only one of the microstrips such that only one is transmitting the
electromagnetic fields or both microstrips may be activated such
that both are transmitting electromagnetic fields.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the first and second microstrips
are spaced apart and separated by the at least one substrate. In
another embodiment, the first and second microstrips are
substantially co-planer and the first microstrip further includes a
first section, a second section, and a bridge. The first section
extends from a first end of the first microstrip to approximately
the second microstrip. The second section extends from
approximately the second microstrip to a second end of the first
microstrip. And the first and second sections are linked through
the bridge that extends around the second microstrip such that the
first and second microstrips do not intersect.
[0014] The antenna-coupler may further include a first resistive
load for terminating the first microstrip and a second resistive
load for terminating the second microstrip. The first microstrip
defines a characteristic impedance which may be less than the first
resistive load. Similarly, the second microstrip defines a
characteristic impedance which may be less than the second
resistive load.
[0015] Each of the first and second microstrips has a tapered
profile. For example, the tapered profile may be a modified
bow-tie. Each of the first and second microstrips defines a length.
According to an embodiment, the length is substantially equal to a
multiple of one half a wavelength of an operational frequency of
the antenna-coupler. The operational frequency of the
antenna-coupler may be selected from a range of frequencies from
300 MHz to 3 GHz or from a range of frequencies from 860 MHz to 960
GHz.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0016] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a section view schematically illustrating a
printer according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary media
card that can be processed with a printing and reading/writing
operation of the printer of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a printer having a
reject tray according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a
printer according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a graphical user
interface for use in conjunction with controlling a printer
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a section view schematically illustrating a
printer according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a process of
simultaneously communicating with and printing to a card or other
media and validating the printed or communicated information
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a different process
of communicating with and printing to a card and validating the
printed or communicated information according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating yet another process
of communicating with and printing to a card and validating the
printed or communicated information according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the
printer having a an integrated interface and configured to print a
card and communicate with a card in parallel according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of an antenna-coupler
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11b is a side section view of the antenna-coupler of
FIG. 11a;
[0029] FIGS. 12a-e illustrate various types of RFID transponders in
landscape and portrait orientations relative to the feed direction
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 13a illustrates crosswise transponder movement over the
antenna-coupler of FIG. 11a;
[0031] FIG. 13b illustrates lateral transponder movement over the
antenna-coupler of FIG. 11a;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a high-level system block diagram of a XML system
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a section view schematically illustrating a
printer according to another particular embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of an antenna-coupler
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 16b is a side section view of the antenna-coupler of
FIG. 16a;
[0036] FIG. 17a illustrates crosswise transponder movement over the
antenna-coupler of FIG. 16a; and
[0037] FIG. 17b illustrates lateral transponder movement over the
antenna-coupler of FIG. 16a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
Smart Media Printer and Encoder
[0039] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to
a printer that is configured to communicate with a host device for
receiving a signal and, in response to the signal, printing indicia
on a media and/or electronically storing data on an electronic
storage device associated with the media. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, the printer includes a print
device for printing human or machine-readable indicia, such as
graphics, text, barcodes, or the like on one or more surfaces of
the media. A controller can be configured to control the print
device. The printer also includes at least one communication device
for communicating with the media according to a select protocol.
For purposes of this application, "communicating" with the media
may include writing information to or reading information from the
media. In other words, a communication device communicating with
the media may include such reading and writing operations as
encoding an electronic storage device or magnetic strip on the
media, writing information on the media in the form of a barcode or
hologram, reading information from an electronic storage device,
barcode, hologram, or magnetic strip, etc.
[0040] Each electronic communication device (also referred to
herein simply as "a communication device") can be configured to
store data on the media and/or read data therefrom using different
communication protocols. For example, each of the electronic
communication devices can be adapted for various types of
communication with various types of electronic storage devices that
may be provided on the media. In particular, the media can include
a magnetic strip, a contactless (i.e., non-contact) device such as
an RFID tag or other contactless memory circuitry, a contact device
such as an integrated circuit with contact terminals, and the like.
Alternatively, one or more of the electronic communication devices
can be configured to store or read data by disposing or detecting
material on the media, e.g., fluorescent text, a hologram, encoded
pixilated images, or the like. In any case, the printer can include
multiple types of electronic communication devices, each of which
can communicate using a different communication protocol, so that
the printer can read and/or write to various types of media.
[0041] Each electronic communication device of the printer can be
integral to the printer so that the printer can perform each of the
printing and electronic communication operations. Further, the
printer can perform both operations as part of a combined process,
i.e., while the media is being fed through the printer in one or
more pass along a feed or conveyance path thereof. The printing and
electronic communication can be controlled by a single controller,
such as a microprocessor or the like that communicates with each of
the electronic communication devices. In addition, the electronic
communication devices can communicate with an external controller,
such as a host computer, which can be the same host computer that
controls the operation of the printer functions of the printer. In
fact, the printer can communicate with the host computer or other
controller via a single, integrated communication port, for example
single wireless communication port, and/or a single communication
cable. For example, the cable can include conductive elements
configured for communication using one or more protocols such as
parallel, serial, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, and the
like for controlling each of the different printing and
reading/writing operations.
[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the host computer,
the cable, and the communication port of the printer are configured
for communicating signals for printing as well as communicating
with the media via the different electronic communication devices
so that different types of communication can be performed. That is,
the host device can communicate a signal to the printer via the
integrated communication port, and the signal can be representative
of the indicia and data to be encoded on the media. The electronic
communication devices can also be configured to read data from the
media according to the respective protocols, and any data read from
the media or related to the printing or encoding of the media can
be communicated to the host via the same integrated communication
port.
[0043] In addition, the host computer can be programmed to control
each of the operations of the printer using an integral software
program. For example, the host computer can be configured to
perform a plurality of operations of an integral software program,
which is configured to control the printing of the indicia by the
print device and the communication of the data by the communication
device(s). The integral software program can provide a single user
interface for controlling the printing of the indicia by the print
device and the communication of the data by the first and second
electronic communication devices. Thus, an operator can control the
printing and reading/writing communication operations of the
printer using one software program, and the software program can
have a single user interface therefor.
[0044] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides
a method of printing on a media in a printer and selectively
electronically storing data on the media according to one of
multiple communication protocols in response to a signal received
from a host device. A signal that is representative of an indicia
and data is received from the host device via an integrated
communication port. The indicia is printed on a surface of the
media according to the signal. One of multiple communication
protocols is selected for storing the data, and, in some cases, one
of multiple electronic communication devices is selected according
to the select communication protocol. Each electronic communication
device can be configured to store the data on the media using a
different communication protocol. The communication devices and/or
communication protocols can also be used for reading data from the
media. Thus, the data can be stored on the media according to the
signal using the select communication protocol and/or the select
communication device. The printing, selecting, and storing
operations can be controlled and/or performed by a controller, and
these operations can be performed during a combined operation,
e.g., while the media is fed in one or more passes through the
printer. The printing and storing operations can be controlled by a
single, i.e., integral, software program that includes a plurality
of operations. Further, a single user interface can be provided for
controlling the printing of the indicia and the storing of the
data.
[0045] According to another embodiment, the present invention also
provides a computer program product for communicating between a
host device and a printer. The computer program product includes a
computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program
code portions stored therein. The computer-readable program code
portions can include a first executable portion for communicating a
signal representative of an indicia and data to the printer so that
the signal controls the printer to print the indicia on a surface
of a media and store the data on the media according to a select
one of multiple communication protocols. The first executable
portion can be configured to select one of multiple electronic
communication devices of the printer according to the select
communication protocol and thereby control the select communication
device to store the data on the media. For example, the data can be
stored on a magnetic strip, an RFID tag, or an integrated circuit,
or the data can be stored using fluorescent text, a barcode, a
hologram, or encoded pixilated images. The first executable portion
can be configured to communicate with the printer via the
integrated communication port using a parallel port, a serial port,
a universal serial bus (USB) port, or an Ethernet port, and
communication by each type of port can be performed using a
communication protocol that corresponds to the particular type of
port that is used, e.g., a USB protocol can be used when
communicating via a USB port. For example, the first executable
portion can communicate the signal to a controller of the printer
via an integrated communication port so that the controller is
configured to receive the signal and print the indicia and store
the data according to the signal. A second executable portion of
the computer program product can provide an integral user interface
for controlling the printing of the indicia and the storing of the
data. A third executable portion can also be provided to read data
from the media according to the select communication protocol.
[0046] Referring now to the figures and, in particular, to FIG. 1,
there is shown a printer 10 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The printer 10 is electrically connected to a
host computer 12 via an input/output (I/O) port 14 and a data
communication cable 16. The printer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is
adapted for printing cards 18, such as information cards. As shown
in FIG. 2, the card 18 can include one or more magnetic strips 18a,
contactless devices such as RFID tags 18b, contact devices such as
an integrated circuit 18c with a memory and contact terminals 18d,
fluorescent text 18e, holograms 18f, a barcode 18g or otherwise
encoded pixilated image, or the like.
[0047] The printer 10 can include features of the P310i, P330i,
P430i, and P530i Printers available from Zebra Technologies Corp.,
which are generally configured for printing cards. However, it is
appreciated that the printer 10 can alternatively be adapted to
receive other types of media such as labels, paper or cardboard
sheets or strips, envelopes, tickets, and the like. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the printer 10 defines a feed or conveyance path 20 that
extends through a housing 22 of the printer 10 from an entrance 24
to an exit 26. The conveyance path 20 generally defines the path of
travel of the media, such as the cards 18, through the printer 10.
Rotatable rollers 28 or other media support and transport devices,
such as one or more belts, may be provided along the conveyance
path 20 to feed or convey the media therethrough. The rollers 28
are typically rotated by one or more electric motors 30, which are
controlled by a motor driver 32, to feed the cards 18 or other
media along the conveyance path 20 through the printer 10 during
operation. Thus, during a typical printing operation of the printer
10, a stack of the cards 18 can be provided in a hopper 34
proximate to the entrance 24 of the conveyance path 20, and the
cards 18 can be individually fed from one side of the stack and
then fed along the conveyance path 20 to the exit 26. The printer
10 can include an output hopper 35 proximate the exit 26 of the
conveyance path 20 for collecting the cards 18 after they are fed
along the conveyance path 20.
[0048] In one embodiment, such as in the embodiment depicted by
FIG. 3, the printer 10 can include a reject tray 37 into which
rejected cards are deposited. For example, the printer 10 may
include a method and/or a device for checking whether the cards 18
or other media have been printed, encoded, or otherwise
communicated with effectively. If the printer 10 determines that
the cards 18 have not been effectively communicated with, the
printer 10 may be configured to send the cards 18 into the reject
tray 37 instead of sending the cards to the output hopper 35. The
printer may have a second conveyance path 21 configured to feed a
rejected card from the conveyance path 20 to the reject tray
37.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1, a head 36 of the printer 10 can
be a device for disposing a dye onto stock media. For example, a
thermal dye ribbon 38 can extend from a supply spool 40 to a
take-up spool 42 with the ribbon 38 disposed between the head 36
and one of the cards 18 in the conveyance path 20. Dyes of one or
more colors may be carried on the ribbon 38, and the head(s) 36 is
configured to press the ribbon 38 against the card 18 and/or heat
the ribbon 38 at particular locations so that the dye in the
particular locations of the ribbon 38 is transferred to the card
18. Such a thermal printing operation is described, e.g., in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,151,037 to Kaufman, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,004 to
Ehrhardt; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,066 to Adams, et al., each of
which is assigned to the assignee of the present application, and
the contents of each of which are incorporated herein in their
entirety by reference. In other embodiments of the present
invention, the printer can be alternatively configured to print,
e.g., using a retransfer printing mechanism, direct thermal
printing mechanism, or other printing mechanisms.
[0050] As each card 18 is fed along the conveyance path 20 of the
printer 10, the head 36 can dispose one or more colors onto the
card 18 in a predetermined pattern. In some cases, the ribbon 38
can define repeating frames of panels, each panel having a dye of a
different color than the other panels of the same frame. For
example, each frame can include panels that are yellow, magenta,
and cyan, respectively. The cards 18 can be alternately advanced
and retracted in opposite directions along the conveyance path 20
so that each card 18 is fed under the head 36 multiple times,
during which the head 36 can print different colors from the
different panels of a frame.
[0051] The printer 10 is also configured to communicate data to
and/or from the media using one or more electronic communication
devices 44. The devices 44 can generally be used to read data from
the media and/or write data to the media. For example, one or more
of the devices 44 can be adapted to communicate with a particular
type of electronic storage device provided on the media, i.e., on a
surface of the media, embedded within the media, or otherwise
associated with the media. Thus, the printer 10 can be used to
selectively communicate with the media according to the type of
media and the desired form of data storage. In fact, the printer 10
can be used to process various types of media and can communicate
accordingly using one or more protocols for each media. The
electronic communication devices 44 can be disposed on either or
both sides of the conveyance path 20, and, as illustrated in FIG.
1, the devices 44 can be located at various positions throughout
the printer 10. In one embodiment, the printer 10 includes two or
more electronic communication devices 44 that are disposed internal
to the housing 22 of the printer 10 and configured to communicate
using at least two different protocols. Any number of the
electronic communication devices 44 can be activated during
processing of the media.
[0052] In one embodiment, one or more of the electronic
communication devices 44 may be a modular component that is easily
replaced without significant interruption of printing operations.
For example, each of the electronic communication devices 44
disposed within the housing 22 of the printer 10 can be configured
to be interchangeable with each other and/or with other
communication devices. That is, the electronic communication
devices 44 can be similar in size, shape, structure, or other
physical configuration. In some cases, the electronic communication
devices 44 can also be configured to connect to the printer 10
using similar electrical connections. Thus, the communication
devices 44 can be quickly and easily replaced, e.g., if it is
desired to communicate with the media using an electronic
communication device that is not presently provided in the printer
10, to adjust one of the electronic communication devices 44 in a
particular position or orientation to correspond to a particular
type of media being processed, or if any of the electronic
communication devices 44 require maintenance or repair.
[0053] The printer 10 includes a controller 46 for communicating
with the host 12 and controlling the operations of the printer 10.
As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 46 can be a single integral
device that controls the feeding, printing, reading, writing, and
other operations of the printer 10. However, it is also appreciated
that the functions of the controller 46 can be shared by multiple
devices, such as a separate print controller, communication
controller, motor driver controller, and the like.
[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates a controller 46 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The controller 46 is
configured to communicate with the host computer 12 via the cable
16 and I/O port 14. The controller 46 is also configured to
communicate via an internal electrical connection 48 with the print
mechanism 50, i.e., the roller motor(s) 30 and/or motor driver 32,
one or more print heads 36, a printer display, and other equipment
of the printer 10. The controller 46 includes a microprocessor 52
or other electrical control device capable of receiving a signal
from the host computer 12 and responding by controlling the print
and communication operations accordingly. A memory 54 can also be
provided, e.g., for buffering signals from the host computer 12,
for storing operating instructions, and the like. Thus, the host
computer 12 can perform a print operation by sending a signal to
the controller 46 instructing the controller 46 to control the
print mechanism 50 accordingly to feed, i.e., convey, the media and
print text, graphics, or other indicia on one or both sides of the
media.
[0055] The microprocessor 52, or alternatively another device of
the controller 46, is also configured to communicate with the
electronic communication devices 44, designated by reference
numerals 44a-44g and referred to collectively by numeral 44. As
shown in FIG. 4, the controller 46 is electrically connected to a
Wi-Fi receiver/transmitter 44a, a magnetic card reader/writer 44b,
a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 44c, a contact smart card
encoder/de-coder 44d, a contactless smart card encoder/de-coder
44e, a barcode printer/scanner 44f, and a holographic
printer/reader 44g.
[0056] The electronic communication devices 44 are generally
configured to communicate using different protocols. For example,
the Wi-Fi receiver/transmitter 44a is configured to detect and/or
generate Wi-Fi signals for communicating with another Wi-Fi device,
such as a Wi-Fi receiver disposed on the card 18 or other media.
Similarly, the Bluetooth receiver/transmitter 44c is configured to
detect and/or generate a Bluetooth wireless signal.
[0057] The first smart card encoder/de-coder 44d is a "contact"
device configured to transmit and/or receive a signal for writing
to and/or reading from a smart card via electrical contacts that
touch corresponding contacts of the smart card. For example, the
encoder/decoder 44d can communicate data to and/or from an
integrated circuit with a memory that is disposed on the card 18
via contacts 18d.
[0058] The second smart card encoder/de-coder 44e is a contactless,
i.e., non-contact, device that is configured to transmit and/or
receive a radio frequency (RF) signal to communicate data to and/or
from an electronic data storage device on the media, such as an
RFID tag or an electronic article surveillance (EAS) RF resonant
security element. In one embodiment, the smart card
encoder/de-coder 44d is configured to communicate in the
ultra-high-frequency (UHF) electromagnetic energy band. In another
embodiment, the encoder is configured to communicate in the
high-frequency (HF) band. UHF encoders generally transmit and
receive signals in the 300 MHz-3 GHz range, and preferably in the
860-960 MHz range, while HF encoders generally transmit and receive
signals in the 13.56 MHz range.
[0059] The magnetic card reader/writer 44b includes a magnetic head
that is configured to read and/or write to a magnetic strip on a
media. The barcode printer/scanner 44f is configured to print
and/or scan a barcode or other printed indicia on the media. For
example, the barcode can be scanned by directing a laser or other
optical radiation at the barcode and detecting reflectance
therefrom. In some cases, the printing mechanism 50 can be used to
print the barcode on the media, and the barcode communication
device 44f can be a scanner that is configured to read but not
write the bar code. Similarly, the holographic printer/reader 44g
can be configured to dispose material for forming a holographic
image and/or to detect such material for decoding the image, e.g.,
a hologram formed as an overlay on the media. However, in some
embodiments, the hologram communication device 44g can be
configured to detect the hologram, which can be printed by the
printing mechanism 50 or otherwise. Further, each of the barcode
and hologram communication devices 44f, 44g can alternatively be
configured for printing or detecting other indicia such as
alphanumeric symbols, text, graphics, colored markings, or the
like. It is appreciated that the printer 10 can include any of
these or other communication devices.
[0060] The electronic communication devices 44 can be provided at
various locations throughout the printer 10 and can be positioned
adjacent the conveyance path 20 or remotely from the conveyance
path 20. For example, in one embodiment, one or more communication
devices 44 are provided at a position that is spaced from the
conveyance path 20 and configured to communicate wirelessly with a
contactless device, such as an RFID tag 18b, supported on the card
18. Exemplary positions for the electronic communications devices
44 that are remote from the conveyance path 20 are illustrated in
FIG. 1 and indicated by reference numerals 44', 44'', 44'''. The
remotely positioned communication devices 44', 44'', 44''' are also
referred to collectively with the other communication devices by
reference numeral 44.
[0061] In addition, the electronic communication devices 44 can be
configured to communicate with the card 18 at various times
throughout the processing of the card 18 in the printer 10. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, one of the electronic
communication devices 44' is provided generally below the print
head 36 such that the electronic communication device 44' is in
sufficient proximity with (though not adjacent to) the card 18 for
communicating with the card 18 when the card is substantially
positioned below the head 36 and available to the head 36 for
printing. In particular, the electronic communication device 44'
can be a contactless device, such as a contactless smart card
encoder/de-coder, and the communication device 44' can be
configured to read from and/or write to the card 18, such as to an
RFID tag 18b on the card 18, while the head 36 is printing on the
card 18 or while the card is otherwise positioned and ready for
printing by the head 36. Thus, in some cases, the printer 10 can
print on the card 18 while simultaneously or substantially
simultaneously communicating with one or more data storage devices
on the card 18, such as a magnetic strip 18a, RFID tag 18b,
integrated circuit 18c, fluorescent text 18e, hologram 18f, barcode
18g, or the like.
Single Integrated Interface with the Host Device
[0062] As noted above, the host computer 12 and the controller 46
can communicate via the I/O port 14 and the cable 16. In
particular, the host computer 12 can transmit signals to the
controller 46 via the cable 16 and I/O port 14 for controlling the
operation of the printer 10. Typically, the signal transmitted by
the host computer 12 includes information for controlling an
operation for printing the media by the printer 10, as well as
information for controlling the communication with the media using
the communication devices 44.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
host computer 12 issues a signal having communication data
corresponding, at least in part, to the particular communication
device 44 that is to be used in a reading/writing operation of data
storage devices supported by the media. For example, if it is
desired for the controller 46 to encode data to data storage
devices on the media using a select one of the electronic
communication devices 44, information identifying or otherwise
describing the particular communication device (or the type of
communication or media) can be communicated to the host computer 12
by the controller 46, the operator, or otherwise. Thereafter, the
host computer 12 can issue a signal using an appropriate protocol.
That is, the data transmitted to the controller 46 can be in a
format for use by the select communication device 44. For example,
if a magnetic strip on the media is to be encoded with binary data,
the data can be communicated to the controller 46 in a binary
format. Alternatively, if graphical information is to be stored on
the media, the data can be communicated to the controller 46 in any
of various graphical formats. In other embodiments of the present
invention, the controller 46 can be configured to format or
otherwise process the data before the data is delivered to the
appropriate communication device 44. Thus, in some cases, the host
computer 12 can provide a signal that is received by the controller
46 and thereafter used by the controller 46 for communicating with
any of various types of media.
[0064] In some cases, the controller 46 can also transmit
information to the host computer 12 via the cable 16 and I/O port
14. For example, if any of the communication devices 44 are used
for reading data from the media, that data can be communicated by
the controller 46 to the host computer 12. In addition, the
controller 46 can communicate other information to the host
computer 12, such as the operational status of the printer 10, the
progress or success of the printer 10 in a printing and/or
reading/writing operation, the type of media in the printer 10, and
the like.
[0065] Thus, the cable 16 and I/O port 14 can provide an integrated
connection by which the printer 10 can receive data for printing to
the media and can receive and/or transmit data that is being
written to and/or read from the media, even if the data is provided
in different protocols. In some cases, the controller 46 can
include a multiplexer that transmits portions of the signal from
the host computer 12 to a respective one of the devices 44, 50.
Thus, a serial type communication between the host computer 12 and
the controller 46 can be used to communicate data for simultaneous
or generally contemporaneous printing and reading/writing
operations.
[0066] In addition, the printer 10 can be controlled by a single
driver software program that is capable of controlling each of the
printing and reading/writing operations of the printer 10. In this
regard, FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a display 60, such as a
cathode ray tube or liquid crystal display in communication with
the host computer 12. The display 60 can be used to graphically
output information to the operator (and request input from the
operator) regarding the host computer 12, the printer 10, and
operations thereof. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
driver software program for controlling the printer 10 can provide
a graphical user interface on the display 60. The graphical user
interface can be used to communicate information relating to both
the printing and reading/writing operations of the printer 10. For
example, the graphical user interface can provide a first submenu
62 for controlling the printing operation and a second submenu 64
for controlling the reading/writing operations. Each submenu 62, 64
can provide features for accessing information relating to the
status of the respective operation and for entering information for
changing the operation, e.g., for changing the text, graphics,
colors, or the like that are to be printed on the media, or for
indicating to the host computer 12 a change to the media type being
used, the data to be communicated to/from the media, and the like.
In this regard, the software can include instructions for inputting
information from the operation, e.g., using typical input devices
such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, trackball, microphone, or the
like. A third submenu 64 can also be provided for accessing options
relating to both of the printing and reading/writing operations,
e.g., for verifying or changing the status or configuration of the
printer 10 with the host computer 12, such as by adjusting aspects
of the connection therebetween.
[0067] Other embodiments of the printer having an integrated
interface are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2006/0049253, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
application and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
Location of Communication Device(s) and Timing of Communication
Operations
[0068] In one embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6, one or more
electronic communication devices 44 are positioned proximate to the
print head's printline 39. The printline 39 is the area where the
print head 36 prints indicia onto the card 18 or other media. In
the illustrated embodiment, an electronic communication device 44
is positioned close enough to the printline 39 so that the
electronic communication device 44 is capable of communicating with
the media before or at the same time that the print head 36 is
printing on the media. By performing the communication operation
before or simultaneously with the printing operation, the
throughput of the printer may be increased.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
communication device 44 is placed directly opposite the print head
36. However, in some embodiments it is not necessary for the
communication device 44 to be placed directly opposite the print
head 36 in order for the printer 10 to allow for before or
simultaneous printing and reading/writing operations. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, where the communication device 44 is a
contactless device, such as an RF coupler, the communication device
44 may create a communication field 45 that extends beyond the
immediate proximity of the communication device 44. Preferably, the
communication device 44 is configured so that it can communicate
with a card 18 disposed within a communication field 45 that has an
approximate diameter of two times the card length (i.e., one card
length on each side of the print line 39).
[0070] As described above, the printer 10 may move the card 18 back
and forth under the print head 36 and along the conveyance path 20
in order to print different colors on various areas of the card 18.
Furthermore, different cards may have the contactless device, such
as an RFID tag, located at different places on the card 18. A
communication field 45 that covers an area of the conveyance path
20 approximating two card lengths (i.e., an area from about one
card length before the printline 39 to about one card length beyond
the printline 39) would generally allow the communication device 44
to communicate with an RFID tag (or other contactless data storage
device) supported by the card 18 regardless of where the tag was
placed on the card 18 and regardless of where the printer 10 moves
the card 18 beneath the printline 39 during printing
operations.
[0071] In another embodiment, it may also be preferred that the
communication field 45 does not extend much beyond a card length on
either side of the print line as a communication field 45 that is
too large risks mistaken communication with upstream and downstream
cards (e.g., the cards located in the input hopper 34 or the output
hopper 35). In one exemplary embodiment, the card 18 has dimensions
of two inches by four inches and the communication field 45 has
dimensions of approximately four inches by six inches. In another
embodiment, card(s) that are awaiting subsequent
printing/reading/writing may be staged or held approximately four
inches upstream of the communication field 45. Similarly, card(s)
that have recently been printed/read/written may be staged or held
approximately four inches downstream of the communication field
45.
[0072] FIG. 7 is a flow chart 100 illustrating various steps that a
printer 10 structured according to various embodiments of the
present invention may perform when simultaneously communicating
with and printing to a card 18 or other media. As represented by
block 110, the printer 10 moves the card 18 from the input hopper
34 along the conveyance path and toward a print position. As soon
as the contactless device on the card 18 enters the communication
field 45, the at least one of the contactless communication devices
44 may begin wirelessly communicating with (e.g., encoding, writing
to, or reading from, etc.) the card 18, as represented by block
130. This communication may continue as the card 18 is printed, as
represented by block 120. Once the card communication 130 and
printing 120 steps are completed, the card 18 can be sent along the
conveyance path 20 to exit 26 and deposited into the output hopper
35.
[0073] In one embodiment, the printer is configured to confirm
whether the card communication step 130 (e.g., whether the card was
properly encoded, etc.) and printing steps 120 were effective, as
represented by block 140. If the printer determines that such steps
were effective, the card 18 can then be sent to the output hopper
35. If the printer determines that these steps were not effective,
then the card 18 may be sent to the reject tray 37, assuming that
the selected printer model is equipped with a reject tray, as
represented by block 150. In other embodiments, the printer may use
other methods or devices (e.g., error messages, etc.) to notify a
user that the printing and/or communication steps were ineffective
for a given card 18. The printer may also employ other methods or
devices to distinguish between cards in which the printing and
communication steps properly occurred and cards in which such steps
did not properly occur.
[0074] In other embodiments, the printer 10 may use a communication
device 44 to check whether a card has undergone effective printing
and communication processes. For example, a communication device 44
may be configured to read data from an encoded RFID tag or a
printed barcode on the card 18 and compare such data to data that
was expected to be associated with the card 18. Such verification
steps may occur at any position along the conveyance path. In one
embodiment, the printer 10 is configured to use the same
communication device 44 referenced above for communicating with the
card at block 130 to check the effectiveness of such communication
at block 140. Although FIG. 7 depicts the verification steps 140,
145 as occurring after the printing step 120, in another
embodiment, the printer may be structured to perform such
verification during printing operations.
[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates a second process 200 whereby the printer
10 simultaneously prints and communicates with a card 18 or other
media, according to another embodiment of the invention. As
represented by block 210, the printer 10 moves a card 18 from the
input hopper 34 along the conveyance path and toward a print
position or region. Once the contactless device on the card 18
enters the communication field 45, the contactless communication
device 44 may begin communicating with the card 18, as represented
by block 230. Such communication may continue as the printer 10
prints the card 18, as represented by block 220.
[0076] As described above, card printers generally print in
multiple passes for each of at least three colors (e.g., yellow,
cyan, and magenta). However, in the process illustrated by FIG. 8,
before the print assembly begins the last color pass (which is
usually a dark color) the printer checks whether the communication
step 230 (e.g., encoding, reading, etc.) was effective, as
represented by blocks 240 and 245. As described above with respect
to FIG. 7, such a validation operation may be performed as the
printer is printing the first color passes or after the printer has
completed the first color passes. If the printer finishes printing
before the communication and validation steps are complete, the
printer will pause before printing the last color and wait for the
validation step to indicate that the communication step was
effective. If the printer determines that the communication step
was effective, the printer finishes printing the card, as
illustrated by block 260, and then transmits the card 18 along the
conveyance path 20 to the exit 26 where the card 18 is deposited
into an output hopper 35. However, if the printer determines
through the validation step that the communication step was
ineffective, the printer will use the last (usually dark) color
pass to print "void" or some other reject indicia, on the card 18,
as represented by block 250. The printer 10 will then transmit the
"voided" card to an exit of the printer, which may be an output
hopper 35 or, in some embodiments, a reject tray 37.
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a third process 300 whereby the printer
10 communicates with the card 18 prior to printing in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention. As represented by block
310, the printer 10 moves a card 18 from the input hopper 34 along
the conveyance path into the communication field 45. As soon as the
contactless storage device on the card 18 enters the communication
field 45, the contactless communication device 44 may begin
communicating with the card 18, as represented by block 320. After
this communication step, the printer confirms whether the
communication step was effective, as represented by blocks 330 and
335. As described above with respect to FIG. 7, such a validation
process may be performed by the communication device 44 that was
responsible for the communication step or by another communication
device.
[0078] If the printer determines that the communication step was
effective, the printer prints the card, as illustrated by block
350, and then sends the card 18 to the exit 26 of the printer,
which may include an output hopper 35, as illustrated by block 360.
However, if the printer determines that the communication step was
ineffective, the printer 10 may not print the card 18 and could
instead send the card 18 directly to an exit of the printer, which
in some embodiments could include a reject tray 37. If the printer
does not have a reject tray 37, the printer could send the rejected
card 18 to the output hopper 35 leaving a user to interpret that
card's lack of printed indicia as an indication that the
communication step was ineffective. In another embodiment, as noted
above, the printer may print "void" or other appropriate indicia to
the card indicating that the card was rejected.
[0079] A printer configured to operate as illustrated in FIG. 9 can
save ink (and relatively expensive print ribbon) as compared to
printers configured to simultaneously print and communicate with
cards. For example, when the printing and communication steps are
performed simultaneously, cards that are rejected for failure of
the communication step are still printed and any ink or ribbon used
is wasted. Alternatively, the process illustrated by FIG. 9 allows
the communication and validation steps to occur before printing.
Therefore, rejected cards may be diverted before printing, while
cards undergoing an effective communication step may proceed
normally to the printing step.
[0080] In embodiments whereby the printer is configured to perform
communication and validation steps before printing, the
communication device 44 may be physically located upstream from the
printline 39 so that a card 18 moving along the conveyance path 20
from the entrance 24 to the exit 26 encounters the communication
device 44 prior to the printline 39. In another embodiment, the
communication device 44 may be located proximate the printline 39,
as described above with respect to FIG. 6. In such embodiments, the
printer controller may be logically configured to perform the
communication and validation steps prior to beginning print
operations. Alternatively, the printer controller may be logically
configured, perhaps through the host, to prompt a user to select
whether the printer 10 should operate in (1) a high-throughput
mode, where the printing and communication/validation steps are
conducted simultaneously (e.g., FIG. 7), or (2) an ink-saving mode,
where the communication and validation steps are conducted prior to
printing operations (e.g., FIG. 9). The host 12 may provide the
printer controller with the user's selection or in other
embodiments this selection may be provided through a user input
device associated with the printer. In other embodiments, the
printer may be configured to perform the communication step (e.g.,
encoding and/or validating the card) without stopping the movement
of the card through the printer, which increasing the output of the
printer regardless on whether the printing operation occurs
simultaneously or after such operations.
[0081] Although the above Figures and the descriptions describe
printer configurations whereby the printing and the contactless
communication steps can be conducted simultaneously, other types of
communication may also be conducted simultaneously according to
embodiments of the present invention. For example, if a card 18 has
a contact electronic storage device and a contactless electronic
storage device, the printer 10 may be configured such that the
contact communication device is located within the communication
field 45 of a contactless communication device. In this way, the
printer can simultaneously communicate with any contact and
contactless storage devices supported by the card 18.
[0082] Therefore, as described above, in one embodiment the printer
10 can be configured so that at least one communication step is
conducted by the printer 10 in parallel with at least one other
communication or printing step. As also described above, according
to one embodiment, the printer 10 may be configured to have a
single interface with a host device 12. FIG. 10 illustrates a
particular embodiment of the present invention whereby a printer
420 is configured to include a single interface 430 with a host
device 12 and is also configured to perform a communication step in
parallel with at least one printing or second communication step.
In particular, the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10 shows an RFID
encoding operation conducted in parallel with a printing operation
as described in greater detail below.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 10, host 12 communicates with the printer
420 through communication interface 410 and printer interface 430.
As described above, the printer interface 430 is a single
integrated I/O interface for allowing communication between the
host 12 and the various print devices and communication devices
that may be present in the printer 420. The communication interface
410 may comprise a single wire or data communication cable. In one
embodiment, the communication interface 410 is wireless and permits
wireless communication between the host 12 and the printer
interface 430 using wireless transmitter/receiver devices that will
be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this
disclosure.
[0084] In one embodiment, the host 12 communicates to the printer
420 through the printer interface 430 to instruct the printer 420
to move the card 18 into proper position for a contact programmer
440 to program or otherwise communicate with a contact electronic
storage device supported by the card or other media. The host 12
communicates with the contact programmer 440 via the printer
interface 430 and instructs the contact programmer 440 to program
the card with the data provided by the host 400 (the data also
being provided via the printer interface 430).
[0085] The printer 420 may then move the card 18 into position for
simultaneous printing by the print assembly 450 and communication
by the RFID programmer 460. The information that is printed to the
card 18 and the information that is written to or read from the
RFID tag (or other data storage device) on the card 18 may be
derived from data received from the host 12 via the integrated
printer interface 430.
[0086] The printer may then move the card 18 into position for
magnetic communication by the magnetic encoder 470. The information
written to a magnetic strip on the card 18 may be derived from data
provided to the magnetic encoder 470 from the host 12 via the
integrated printer interface 430. Finally, the completed card 18 or
other media may be ejected by the printer 420.
[0087] Throughout the process, the printer 420 and/or the
individual components of the printer 420 may communicate back to
the host 400 via the printer interface 430 and the communication
interface 410 in order to provide feedback related to the printing
or communication processes.
Post-Encoding Validation of Smart Card Data
[0088] As described in some detail above in relation to FIGS. 7-9,
various embodiments of the present invention provide a process
whereby data written to or otherwise included on a card or in a
data storage device supported by a smart card or other media is
validated. For example, after the print head prints data to a card
or after a communication device 44 communicates data to or from a
card or other media (e.g., after a communication device 44 encodes
a card 18 with data) the printer may check the data in order to
determine whether the data was effectively printed and/or
communicated. The communication device 44 may be configured to
validate the printed or communicated data immediately after the
printer or the communication device 44 prints to or communicates
with the card 18. For example, where the communication device 44 is
an RFID transceiver, the RFID communication device 44 may be
configured to encode data to the card 18 when the card 18 is in the
communication field 45. In one embodiment, after the RFID
communication device 44 encodes data to the RFID tag on the card 18
and before the card 18 leaves the communication field 45, the same
RFID communication device 44 reads the encoded data from the card's
RFID tag and compares it to stored data that was intended for
encoding. If the read data matches the data that was supposed to be
encoded, the printer 10 permits the card 18 to proceed to the next
station in the printer 10 (e.g., send the card to the output hopper
35 if there are no other stations). The printer 10 may also
communicate a signal to the host 12 indicating that the
print/communication step was effective or that a card 18 was
effectively printed or communicated with. If the read data does not
match the data that was supposed to be encoded, the printer may
reject the card. In one embodiment, if the data has not been
communicated effectively, the printer instructs the communication
device to try to communicate with the card again, if such is
possible. In some embodiments, the printer sends the rejected card
to a reject tray 37 and/or prints "void" or some other rejection
indication on the card 18, as described above. If a card 18 is
rejected, the printer 10 may send a signal to the host device 12
indicating that a card 18 was rejected and/or may send data
pertaining to why the card was rejected. Alternatively, in one
embodiment, the printer may simply not communicate anything to the
host device and may try to print on and communicate with the next
card in place of the rejected card. If the next card also is not
printed or communicated with effectively, the printer may then send
an error signal to the host 12.
Authentication of Media and Automatic Printer Configuration
[0089] In one embodiment, the printer 10 may include a system for
authenticating a consumable and/or a system for automatically
configuring the printer 10. The authentication system may be used
to determine whether a printer consumable, such as a resin thermal
transfer ribbon or a roll of smart media, is an "allowed"
consumable that is supported by the printer 10. Similar
descriptions of such authentication systems are further disclosed
in U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0191022, which is assigned to
the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0090] In one embodiment, a RFID transponder (also referred to as a
RFID "tag") is provided on or otherwise associated with a printer
consumable. Although an RFID transponder is described, the
transponder need not be limited to radio frequency signals, and may
utilize any form of suitable electromagnetic radiation, such as
visible, ultraviolet and infra-red light, as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the RFID transponder contains a unique,
factory-programmed serial number. Certain commercially available
RFID transponders each contain a unique 32 to 64-bit transponder
serial identification number used in the "anti-collision" protocol.
This protocol enables separation and unique identification of
several transponders simultaneously appearing in the field of the
RFID reader, which may be caused by multiple host devices being
located in relatively close proximity.
[0091] In one embodiment, an authentication number is calculated
from the unique serial number using an encryption function selected
by and confidential to the manufacturer of the printer consumable.
The authentication number is permanently stored on the RFID
transponder. The encryption function is made available to the
printer 10 and/or host 12 during operation thereof. For example, in
one embodiment, the confidential encryption function can be
programmed into the printer 10 during manufacture. In another
embodiment, the confidential encryption function is made available
to the host 12 over a network. When the printer consumable is
loaded into the printer 10, an RF transceiver in the printer reads
the values of the serial number and the authentication number from
the RFID transponder attached to or on the consumable. It then
determines whether the authentication number matches the serial
number as transformed by the confidential encryption function. If
the values agree, then the ribbon cartridge consumable article is
deemed to be an authentic media product that is useable on that
printer.
[0092] Similarly, an RFID transponder on the media can be used to
automatically configure some aspect of the printer 10 or to send
data pertaining to the media to the host 12. For example, if a web
of smart labels intended for printing and encoding is loaded into
the printer, a transponder on the roll of smart labels may indicate
to the printer 10 and/or to the host 12 information related to the
media, such as the type of label, the type of electronic media
attached to the label, the size of the labels, the number of labels
on the roll, the distance between the labels on the web, etc. The
printer 10 may use such information to automatically configure
itself to print and/or communicate with the media. Such information
may be stored as data on the RFID transponder or may be
communicated indirectly through a serial number unique to the type
of media roll. The printer 10 and/or the host 12 may be configured
to recognize this serial number and, thus, access files related to
the media that are stored within or otherwise available to the
printer 10 or host 12.
[0093] In one embodiment, the transponder for authenticating the
consumable and/or configuring the printer is located on a portion
of the consumable packaging. In other embodiments, the transponder
is located on the consumable itself. For example, in one
embodiment, where the consumable is, for example, a roll of ink
ribbon or a roll of labels, the transponder may be attached to the
core of the roll. In such an embodiment, the transceiver for
reading the transponder may be located in the spindle that holds
the core of the roll in the printer.
[0094] In another embodiment, where the consumable is, for example,
a roll of smart labels or a stack of smart cards, the information
for authenticating the media and/or configuring the printer may be
stored in the transponder memory of one of more of the smart labels
or cards. This transponder memory may be that which is intended to
receive additional information (e.g., through encoding) from the
printer or the smart media may comprise two or more transponders,
with one transponder memory dedicated to carrying authentication
data and/or printer set-up or configuration information.
[0095] In another embodiment, only the first label on a roll of
labels or the first card in a stack of cards 18 may contain a
transponder (or other data storage device) having authentication
data and/or printer set-up or configuration information stored
therein. In such an embodiment, the communication device 44 used to
encode or otherwise communicate with a transponder (or other
storage device) associated with the media may also be used to read
the authentication, printer set-up, or configuration data stored in
one or more of the transponders. Such embodiments may require only
one communication device 44 for reading authentication, set-up, or
configuration data from a transponder and for writing data to such
a device. As described above, a printer may also be structured so
that the same communication device is also used for verifying
effective communication between the printer and the transponder or
other data storage device.
[0096] In another embodiment, the printer 10 may include a separate
communication device 44 that is dedicated exclusively to reading
authentication, set-up or configuration information from the
transponder or other data storage device. Such a communication
device 44 may be located along the conveyance path 20 generally
before a print position.
[0097] Contactless communication devices (whether for
authentication, printer set-up retrieval or otherwise) structured
in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may
use UHF RFID transceivers and transponders or HF RFID transceivers
and transponders. Other wireless communication devices may also be
used as noted above.
Antenna-Coupler for UHF RFID Communication Devices
[0098] As described above, in some embodiments one or more of the
communication devices 44 may comprise an RFID transceiver for
communicating with RFID transponders supported by smart cards 18 or
other media. In various embodiments, the RFID transceiver may be
configured to generate and transmit RF communication signals via an
antenna-coupler, for example a UHF antenna-coupler 1000, (shown in
FIG. 11) that is located proximate the conveyance path 20, for
example as illustrated in FIG. 6. For purposes of the present
specification, the transceiver and the antenna-coupler 1000 may be
referred to collectively as forming at least part of an RFID
communication device 44. As will be explained in more detail below,
the RFID communication device 44 transmits an electromagnetic
signal for establishing, at predetermined transceiver power levels,
a mutual coupling between the transceiver and a targeted
transponder of a media unit (e.g., a card 18) located in the
communication field, such that data may be read from and written to
the transponder.
[0099] In general, the transceiver is a device configured to
generate, transmit, process, and receive electrical communication
signals and generally share the same hardware for transmitting and
receiving purposes. It is understood that similar devices such as
readers, transmitters, receivers, or transmitter-receivers may be
used within this invention. "Transceiver" as used in the present
application refers to the devices noted above and to any device
capable of generating, processing, or receiving electrical and/or
electromagnetic signals.
[0100] In general, the antenna-coupler receives and transmits
electromagnetic fields based on the electrical signals generated by
the transceiver or the transponder. To transmit signals, the
antenna-coupler converts the electrical signals generated by the
transceiver or the transponder to electromagnetic signals and, to
receive signals, the antenna-coupler converts electromagnetic
signals to electrical signals. The electromagnetic fields serve to
couple the transceiver and the transponder. Moreover in the case of
a passive transponder, the electromagnetic fields of the
antenna-coupler energizes the transponder and thereby prompts the
transponder to respond to the transceiver by re-radiating the
received signal back and modulating the fields in a well-known
technique called backscattering. In the case of an active
transponder, the transponder may respond to the electro-magnetic
fields by transmitting an independently powered reply signal to the
transceiver through the coupler.
[0101] Problems can occur when communicating with multiple adjacent
transponders regardless on whether the transponders are passively
or actively powered. For example, the electro-magnetic fields
propagating from the coupler, also referred to as an interrogating
electromagnetic signal, may activate more than one transponder at a
given time. This simultaneous activation of multiple transponders
may lead to collision or communication (i.e. read and write) errors
because each of the multiple transponders may transmit reply
signals to the transceiver at the same time.
[0102] The printer 10 may employ an RF-shielded housing or anechoic
chamber for shielding the adjacent and non-targeted transponders
from the electromagnetic field. In various embodiments,
transponders individually pass though a shielded housing that
defines a transponder encoding region for individualized exposure
to an interrogating electromagnetic field.
[0103] However, in other embodiments the antenna-coupler may be
adapted to have a controlled transmission range that can be limited
to minimize the inadvertent activation of transponders outside a
transponder encoding region. As such, the antenna-coupler may
operate with little to no anti-collision management techniques or
shielding components. The structure and shape of the
antenna-coupler may vary and, in one embodiment, the
antenna-coupler is generally configured to propagate an
electromagnetic signal having a weak far field component and a
strong near field component, wherein the far field component is too
weak to activate or communicate with any of the transponders and
the near field component is concentrated mostly in the transponder
encoding region such that it only activates or communicates with
the transponders in the transponder encoding region.
[0104] Examples of such antenna-couplers are further disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0045723 and
2005/0045724, and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/263,093 and
11/371,785, each of which is assigned to the assignee of the
present application, and the contents of each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0105] FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate yet another antenna-coupler
1000 employable within embodiments of the present invention.
According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the
antenna-coupler 1000 includes a first microstrip 1002 and a second
microstrip 1004. The microstrip 1002, 1004 are generally orthogonal
to each other and generally centered relative to one another
forming a cross-like shape. More specifically, as used herein
"cross-like shape" defines a spatial relationship between the two
microstrips 1002, 1004 in which the first microstrip 1002 traverses
the second microstrip 1004. The angle and point at which the first
microstrip 1002 traverses the second microstrip 1004 may vary. In
the illustrated embodiments, the first microstrip 1002 traverses
the second microstrip 1004 at approximately ninety degrees and at
approximately the center of the second microstrip 1004. Moreover,
in the illustrated embodiments, approximately the center of the
first microstrip 1002 traverses the second microstrip 1004. In
other embodiments, the angle of traverse may vary between
forty-five degrees and one hundred and thirty five degrees. And any
point of the first microstrip 1002 between a first end and a second
end of the first microstrip 1002 may traverse the second microstrip
1004 at any point between the first and second ends of the second
microstrip 1004. Also, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 11a and
11b, the microstrips 1002, 1004 are disposed on separate but
parallel planes and separated from one another by a substrate
material 1006.
[0106] The first microstrip 1002 extends from a first end to a
second end and defines a length. The first end is connected to a
first port 1008 (also referred to herein as port-1) of the
antenna-coupler and the second end is terminated by a first
resistive load 1010. Similarly, the second microstrip 1004 extends
from a first end to a second end and defines a length. The first
end is connected to a second port 1012 (also referred to herein as
port-2) of the antenna-coupler and the second end is terminated by
a second resistive load 1014. Each of the resistive loads 1010,
1014 is connected to a ground layer 1016 that is generally parallel
to the microstrips 1002, 1004 and spaced apart from the microstrip
1002, 1004 by the substrate material 1006.
[0107] In order to increase the energy transfer efficiency between
the antenna-coupler 1000 and a transponder, the resistive load
1010, 1014 for each microstrip may be higher than the
characteristic impedance defined by each of the microstrips 1002,
1004. This may in turn generate a standing wave and increase the
electrical field strength along each of the microstrips 1002, 1004.
Also, in order to avoid an impedance mismatch between the
microstrips 1002, 1004 and the transceiver, the length of each of
the microstrips 1002, 1004 may be substantially equal to a multiple
of one half the wavelength of the operational frequency (i.e., the
length may substantially equal N*.lamda./2, wherein N may equal 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ). In other words, by setting the length of a
microstrip to a multiple of one half the wavelength of the
operational frequency, the load impedance of the antenna-coupler is
substantially matched to the port impedance regardless of the
characteristic impedance of the microstrip.
[0108] In general, the lower the characteristic impedance of the
microstrips 1002, 1004, the wider the microstrips 1002, 1004 and
the narrower the bandwidth of the antenna-coupler 1000. To enlarge
the bandwidth and decrease the length (i.e., the distance from the
first end to the second end) of the microstrips 1002, 1004, a
non-uniform or a varying width profile for the microstrips may be
used, as further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/371,785, which is owned by the present assignee and is
incorporated herein in its entirety. For example, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b, each of the
microstrips 1002, 1004 may have a bow-tie profile. Other examples
include exponential, Klopfenstein, triangular, Hecken, or other
tapered profiles. Among other things, the tapered profiles allow
for the miniaturization of the antenna-coupler. In addition to or
instead of tapered profiles, the antenna-coupler may be further
miniaturized by using a substrate material with a relatively high
permittivity, for example, Rogers R3006: .epsilon.=6, or R3010:
.epsilon.=10, or other material substrates with
.epsilon.>20.
[0109] The transponder in the smart card may have various
orientations relative to the feed direction such as landscape, as
shown in FIGS. 12a , c, e, and g, and portrait, as shown in FIGS.
12b, d, f, and h. A landscape orientation is generally when the
length of the transponder is parallel to the media or card feed
direction. A portrait is generally when the length of the
transponder is perpendicular to the feed direction.
[0110] In addition to the orientation between the transponder and
the feed direction, the orientation of the transponder to the
antenna-coupler may vary as the transponder moves across the
antenna-coupler. For example, the transponder may move across the
antenna-coupler such that the length of the transponder travels
along the length of a conductive strip of the coupler in a parallel
manner, referred to as "lateral movement." As another example, the
transponder may move across the antenna-coupler such that the
length of the transponder travels across the length of the
conductive strip at a generally perpendicular angle in a parallel
manner, referred to as a "cross-wise movement."
[0111] Many transponders include a dipole antenna structure,
referred to as a dipole type transponder. In some embodiments, for
optimum coupling with a dipole type transponder, the
antenna-coupler should be arranged for a mutual lateral movement,
i.e. the opposite ends of the dipole should be exposed to a phase
differential as the dipole passes through the electromagnetic
fields.
[0112] The two microstrips conductors 1002, 1004 forming a general
cross-shape allows for the antenna-coupler 1000 to accommodate
various transponder orientations to the feed direction and
transponder orientations to the antenna-coupler as illustrate in
FIGS. 13a and 13b. For example, both microstrips can be fed by the
transceiver's signal in phase simultaneously and one port at a time
can be activated by a switch depending on the transponder
orientation to the antenna-coupler such as lateral movement or
cross-wise movement. As another example, for transponder
orientations to the antenna-coupler between the lateral and
cross-wise movements, port-1 and port-2 can be fed using a phase
shifter depending on the orientation of the transponder such that
the two microstrips create a phase differential between the two
microstrips for coupling with the transponder. As yet another
example and as illustrated in FIGS. 16a, 16b, 17a, and 17b, both of
the microstrips 2002, 2004 may be activated simultaneously through
one port 2008. In other words, both microstrips may be receiving or
directing an electrical signal from or to the transceiver.
[0113] Referring again to the embodiment in FIGS. 16a, 16b, 17a,
and 17b, rather than the two microstrips being in separate and
parallel planes as discussed above, the two microstrips 2002, 2004
may be substantially co-planar. As illustrated, one of the
microstrips 2002 may include a bridge 2020 to avoid the two
microstrips 2002, 2004 from physically intersecting at the center.
For example, the first microstrip 2002 may have two sections 2012,
2014. The first section 2012 may extend from the first end of the
first microstrip 2002 to approximately the second microstrip 2004.
The second section 2014 may extend from approximately the second
microstrip 2004 to the second end of the first microstrip 2008. The
two sections 2012, 2014 may be linked through a bridge 2020 that
extends around the second microstrip 2004 such that the first and
second microstrips 2002, 2004 do not intersect (i.e., the first and
second microstrips 2002, 2004 do not have a common point) even
though the two microstrips 2002, 2004 are in a cross-like
configuration. The bridge 2020 may include a jumper wire and/or one
or more traces. Also, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the
antenna-coupler 2000 may have one port that leads to both the first
and second microstrip such that both the first and second
microstrips may be activated simultaneously or concurrently. Each
of the microstrips 2002, 2004 may be terminated by a resistive load
2010, 2014 and be spaced apart from a ground plane 2016 separated
by a substrate 2006.
[0114] The antenna-coupler herein is described in context with a
printer-encoder configured to process UHF RFID smart cards.
However, the application of the antenna-coupler described herein is
not limited to printer-encoder for UHF RFID smart cards and may be
applied to other RFID enabled encoders or systems that may benefit
from the ability to selectively communicate with a randomly
oriented targeted transponder disposed among multiple adjacent
transponders.
XML Communication Between the Host and the Printer
[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the printer 10
is configured to print and/or encode the media based on an
extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. In one
embodiment, the printer 10 is configured to communicate with the
host 12 using XML. Examples of printer systems configured with XML
systems are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos. 2006/0138227, 2005/0150953, 2004/0149826,
2004/0094632 and 2003/0136841, each of which is assigned to the
assignee of the present application, and the contents of each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0116] FIG. 14 illustrates a specific embodiment of a high-level
system block diagram. The system illustrated in the figure and
described below may be executed by the processor of the host 12.
Again, the processor of the host 12 may perform functions common to
both the host computer 12 and the printer 10. There may be one or
more processors, which may function in concert or which may
function separately. It is not material to the scope of this
invention whether the processing or processing functions are
performed by or in the host 12 or by or in the printer 10.
[0117] The XML system includes an XML processor 1170 (also referred
to as the "XML parser"), an XSLT 1174 (extensible stylesheet
language transformation) processor, an XSLFO 1178 (extensible
stylesheet language formatting object) processor, a bit
map/barcode/RFID rendering engine 1180, an RFID transceiver 1161,
and the printer driver 1154. Note that although the figure and the
following description describe the XML system with relation to
printing a barcode or encoding an RFID transponder, the same system
can be used for encoding other types of storage devices and for
printing other human-readable or machine-readable indicia.
[0118] Also note that the printer driver 1154 is an example of a
component whose function may be performed by either the processing
device in the computer system 12 or the processing device in the
printer system 10, depending upon the physical location of the
associated processing device. A single processing device, if
sufficiently powerful, may handle all functions for the XML
system.
[0119] An XML schema repository 1182 (schema repository) may
provide input to the XML processor 1170 while an XSLT stylesheet
repository 1184 (stylesheet repository) may provide input to the
XSLT processor 1174. The system may also include an enterprise
resource planning (ERP) system 1188, which may be, for example, a
warehouse management system that transmits an XML input data stream
1144 to the XML processor 1170. The ERP system 1188 may initiate
the request to print the barcode label or encode the RFID data into
the RFID transponder 1162, and may provide the XML data that forms
the bar code, RFID encoded data, and other variable label or
element fields to be printed or encoded. Such variable label fields
may include, for example, any or all of the human-readable text
and/or characters printed on the label.
[0120] When referring to the XML data, two basic types shall be
referred to herein, namely, the XML value data and the XML element
name. The XML value data is the changeable data or the data that is
desired to be printed on the barcode label or encoded into the RFID
transponder, such as the data "1122 Green Street," which may be
part of the XML value data corresponding to, for example, a
shipping address. The XML element names are part of the XML
language semantics where an arbitrary label or element name may be
selected to represent the XML value data, the use of which is
defined by the XML language. Typically, the element names appear
between angled bracket ("<element name>").
[0121] Known barcode label and other automatic identification
systems often use proprietary software encoding schemes.
Additionally, such schemes are often prone to errors, and the
underlying value data is usually unreadable by a non-technical
individual. In known systems, if an error exists in the underlying
value data sent from the enterprise system, or if the data is
missing or otherwise incorrect, the barcode system will print or
encode what it is instructed to do, which of course, produces an
error in the barcode label or RFID transponder, rendering it
inaccurate or useless.
[0122] Moreover, when dealing with compliance labeling, known
systems require non-trivial changes in the data encoding when the
form or content of the label changes in accordance with the
compliance label demands. Such changes in the form or content of
the barcode or RFID transponder, again, are susceptible to errors.
Business relationships may also be damaged by continued problems in
the barcode labeling system or the RFID encoding system.
[0123] Embodiments of the present XML system utilize an open
format. In particular, the formatting requirements and the form of
the barcode label or RFID transceiver are all defined in the XML
language. Moreover, not only is XML well defined and available for
all to use, but non-programmers can understand the data and
commands in an XML data stream or file (or hard copy) with minimal
training.
[0124] Various XML system components are commercially available.
Several different commercially available XML processors 1170 may be
used interchangeably or with little modification. For example, the
following commercially available XML processors may be used: "XML
for C++" available from IBM Corporation, "MSXML3" available from
Microsoft Corporation, "Oracle XML Developers Kit for C" available
from Oracle Corporation, "Expat" available from Thai Open Source
Software Center, Ltd., or "Xerces-C++" available from the Apache
Software Foundation. However, any suitable XML processor may be
used.
[0125] Similarly, several different commercially available XSLT
processors 1174 may be used interchangeably or with little
modification. For example, the following XSLT processors may be
used: "iXSLT" available from Infoteria Corporation, "MSXML3"
available from Microsoft Corporation, and "Libxslt" available from
Gnome. However, any suitable XSLT processor may be used.
[0126] Again, several different commercially available XSLFO
processors 1178 may be used interchangeably or with little
modification. For example, the following XSLFO processors may be
used: "XEP" available from RenderX Corporation, "XSL Formatter"
available from Antenna House Corporation, and "FOP" available from
the Apache Software Foundation. However, any suitable XSLFO
processor may be used.
[0127] The XML processor 1170 receives the XML input data stream
1144 from an external source. For example, as described above, the
external source may be the ERP system 1188, such as the warehouse
management system. The XML processor 1170 essentially parses and
processes the XML input data stream 1144 and generates a set of
nodes, which may be in a "tree" structure, as is known in the art.
Each of the system processors acts on the nodes of the "tree" to
perform their required function. The underlying value data
contained in the XML input data stream from the ERP system is
processed and entered into a "label values node tree," which holds
the data.
[0128] The following is a brief overview of the operation of the
various system components. First, note that the XML input data
stream 1144 includes text that identifies the name and location of
other required XML documents or files. One such document is
referred to as "XML schema" or "schema" 1182. The schema 1182 is
used to validate the XML input data stream 1144, including the
underlying value data. If validation is successful, a stylesheet
1184 is applied, as will be described below. The name and location
of the stylesheet 1184 is also specified in the XML input data
stream 1144. Application of the stylesheet is handled by the XSLT
processor 1174, which under the direction of the stylesheet 1184,
may transform the underlying XML element names and/or underlying
value data. Next, the data is processed by the XSLFO processor
1178, which handles formatting and "layout" of the underlying value
data, which may include, for example, formatting the underlying
value data in accordance with, for example, font type, font size,
color, and the like. Next, the underlying value data is processed
by the bitmap/barcode/RFID rendering engine 1180, which creates a
bitmap of the barcode label or the programming code sequence for
the RFID transponder corresponding to the transformed and formatted
data. The rendering engine 1180 may utilize an "instream foreign
object" residing in the stylesheet to direct creation of the
bitmap. The bitmap is then sent to the printer driver 1154 for
subsequent printing of the barcode label by the barcode printer or
to the RFID transceiver 1161 for encoding into the RFID transponder
1162.
[0129] As described above, the schema 1182 functions to validate
the entire input data stream, in particular, the underlying value
data, where errors may be typically found. In practice, errors are
often inadvertently introduced when changes are made to the form or
content of the bar code label.
[0130] The name and location of the schema document 1182 is
contained in the XML input data stream 1144, which XML input data
stream corresponds to the request to print and/or encode a barcode
label. The XML processor 1170 in conjunction with a schema
validation module 1179 validates the underlying value data. The use
of schema 1182 is cost effective because it prevents errors and
omissions with respect to the final output, namely, the bar code
label, or "shipping label," or RFID tag or transponder.
[0131] If the XML input data stream 1144 is rejected or flagged as
having an error, an error message may be transmitted back to the
source. This may flag or trigger human intervention to correct the
error. For example, in one specific example, the source is an ERP
system 1188. In this way, the data is initially checked prior to
processing to insure that it complies with all required label and
barcode rules.
[0132] This may be particularly beneficial when dealing with
compliance labeling. In known systems, the compliance demander
would merely notify the supplier as to the changes in the
compliance labeling requirements. If the supplier then makes an
error in interpreting or implementing these changes or
instructions, the labels produced or RFID transponders encoded and
applied to products shipped to the compliance demander may have
errors, which could jeopardize future business or cause monetary
fines to be applied.
[0133] In the present invention, the compliance demander preferably
makes the changes directly to the schema 1182 and/or the XSLT
stylesheet 1184. For example, if the physical layout of the label
has been changed or if element names have been changed, the
compliance demander will modify the XSLT stylesheet 1184.
Similarly, if the underlying value data has been added or deleted
or otherwise qualified (i.e., a new acceptable numerical range for
a zip code), the compliance demander may modify the schema 1182. In
this way, the supplier need only modify the output of its ERP
system 1188 to ensure that it matches the modified XML input data
stream 1144. If only the physical layout of the label has changed,
the supplier does not need to make any modifications at all.
[0134] For example, the compliance demander may now require that a
nine digit zip code be used rather than the original five digit zip
code. Accordingly, the compliance demander may modify the schema
1182 to require both a first and second zip code field, and the
second field will also be limited to numerical digits within a
certain range, perhaps 0000-9999. The compliance demander may also
modify the stylesheet 1184 to accommodate that change. In response
thereto, the supplier must insert the added zip code field in its
ERP system 1188 so that it appears in the XML input data stream
1144 sent to the XML system. If such modification of the XML input
data stream 1144 is not performed correctly, the schema 1182 will
cause an error to be reported back to the ERP system 1188, and the
label will not be printed or the RFID transponder 1162 will not be
encoded.
[0135] Thus, the supplier need only access the modified schema 1182
and/or stylesheet 1184 from the repository, which is automatically
applied to the underlying value data when received. Essentially,
minor changes, and significantly, major changes, to the form and
content of the barcode label or RFID transponder are transparent to
the supplier, and such changes to the content of the barcode label
or RFID transponder are validated in accordance with the schema
1182. Accordingly, the supplier need not incur costs to change the
form or content of the barcode label or RFID transponder dictated
by the compliance demander, and cannot make any errors in
implementing such changes.
[0136] The schema documents 1182 are preferably obtained from a XML
schema repository. In one specific embodiment, the schema
repository may be external to the XML system and the host 12, and
may be accessed via the network, the Internet, or via any suitable
network to which the host computer 12 is coupled. The schema
repository may contain a plurality of schema documents. Thus, the
XML input data streams 1144 representing the various requests to
create a barcode label or RFID transponder may each specify the
name and location of the corresponding schema 1182 in the
repository. When the request is received by the XML processor 1170,
the corresponding schema 1182 may be retrieved from the schema
repository.
[0137] In another embodiment, the schema 1182 obtained from the
schema repository via the network may be kept locally, and thus may
temporarily reside in a memory subsystem of the host 12 or printer
10, such as a hard disk or a database. In this way, if the same
schema 1182 is used for multiple XML input data streams 1144 or for
subsequent barcode label or RFID tag requests, the XML processor
1170 need not retrieve the same schema 1182 externally via the
network, but rather, may retrieve that schema 1182 from the memory
subsystem, which may be more efficient. According to this
embodiment, the compliance demander may change or modify the schema
1182 in an external repository at only certain times. For example,
the compliance demander may change the schema 1182 only at 1:00 AM
each day. Thus, the supplier need only update the schema 1182 from
the repository into the memory subsystem only once per day, for
example, after the compliance demander has performed the schema
update. The supplier would then know that the schema saved
temporarily in the memory subsystem is the most recent schema
document, at least up until the time that the updating is scheduled
to occur. Regardless of the location from where the schema 1182 is
obtained, the schema validation module performs the checking and
validation of the underlying data.
[0138] Of course, the stylesheet 1184 is also an XML document, and
thus it is also processed by the XML processor 1174. Accordingly,
the result of the processing of the stylesheet is an XSLT
stylesheet node tree, which is the "memory representation" or
working model of the stylesheet that was processed. The XSLT
stylesheet node tree may be in the form of a "document object
model" (DOM), as is known in the art. Further, the XSLT stylesheet
node tree may reside in cache memory for efficiency. The XSLT
processor operates on the data in the XSLT stylesheet node tree to
perform its function of transforming the underlying value data or
underlying element names in accordance with the stylesheet.
[0139] The XSLT processor 1174 may modify, reposition, and
rearrange the underlying value data or may add to the underlying
value data or delete some of the underlying value data. For
example, under direction of the stylesheet 1184, the underlying
value data may be rearranged into table format or into columns. In
particular, the stylesheet 1184 may add XSLFO formatting elements
and attributes.
[0140] After the underlying value data in the label value node tree
has been processed in accordance with the corresponding stylesheet
1184, an XSLFO instance node tree is produced. Again, the XSLFO
instance node tree may be in the form of a document object module,
as is known in the art. The XSLFO instance node tree contains XSLFO
commands (layout instructions) that directs the XSLFO processor
1178 with respect to formatting and layout. The XSLFO processor
1178 then interprets the XSLFO commands and applies such commands
to the underlying value data so as to properly format and layout
the underlying value data. The XSLFO processor 1178 produces the
XSLFO area node tree, which represents the final output of
formatting before rendering.
[0141] The XSFLO area node tree is then passed to the
bitmap/barcode/RFID rendering block 1180 where it is interpreted to
direct creation of the bitmap 1192 of the barcode label or the
programming code sequence for the RFID transponder corresponding to
the transformed and formatted data from the XML input data stream
1144. This bitmap or programming code sequence is then sent to
either the printer driver 1154 or the RFID transceiver 1161 as the
case may be.
[0142] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *