U.S. patent application number 12/123376 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for radio frequency identification tags for digital storage discs.
Invention is credited to Gary Andrechak, Martin Weilmeier.
Application Number | 20080252463 12/123376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36144677 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080252463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrechak; Gary ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAGS FOR DIGITAL STORAGE DISCS
Abstract
A universal low cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tag
for use with data storage discs includes an RFID chip, e.g., 2.45
GHz mu-RFID chip, coupled to a linear dipole antenna. The antenna
length is reduced in length from the expected length for an
optimally tuned antenna corresponding to the operating radio
frequency of the RFID chip in a free space environment. The antenna
is placed in the tag such as to substantially overlap disc hub area
and not extend into data area. The combination of the shortened
linear dipole antenna and metallization on the disc to which the
tag is applied effectively form a complex antenna operational in
the RFID chip's frequency range. The RFID tag works on CDs and DVDs
with and without substantially metallized hub areas. The RFID tag
is less 0.3 mm thick and may include: ring shape, adhesive
material, spacing material achieving uniform thickness, a
counterbalance provision.
Inventors: |
Andrechak; Gary; (South San
Francisco, CA) ; Weilmeier; Martin; (Westbank,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRAUB & POKOTYLO
788 Shrewsbury Avenue
TINTON FALLS
NJ
07724
US
|
Family ID: |
36144677 |
Appl. No.: |
12/123376 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11240202 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
7378971 |
|
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12123376 |
|
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60615491 |
Oct 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.7 ;
340/10.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/04 20130101;
G06K 19/045 20130101; G08B 13/2445 20130101; H01Q 9/20 20130101;
G11B 23/0042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.7 ;
340/10.1 |
International
Class: |
G11B 5/84 20060101
G11B005/84; G08B 13/14 20060101 G08B013/14; G11B 3/70 20060101
G11B003/70 |
Claims
1. A disc for storing information comprising: a disc structure
including a metallized area, said metallized area including an
outer metallized data storage area for storing information; a
non-metal inner rim area located inside said metallized area; a
radio frequency linear dipole antenna placed over a portion of said
metallized area and over a portion of said non-metal inner ring
area, said radio frequency antenna being separated from said
metallized area by a non-conductive material located between said
antenna and said metallized area; and a radio frequency
identification chip electrically coupled to said linear dipole
antenna.
2. The disc of claim 1, wherein the combination of said linear
dipole antenna and said portion of the metallized area overlapped
by said linear dipole antenna creates an effective antenna tuned to
a predetermined frequency range wherein information from said chip
can be transmitted through said effective antenna within said
predetermined frequency range associated with said radio frequency
identification chip.
3. The disc of claim 2, wherein said predetermined frequency range
is greater than 2 GHz.
4. The disc of claim 3, wherein said predetermined frequency range
is centered on 2.45 GHz.
5. The disc of claim 2, wherein said predetermined frequency range
is within the range of 2.25 to 2.75 GHz.
6. The disc of claim 2, wherein said linear dipole antenna has a
length that is shorter than the length that would be required to
tune the linear dipole antenna to said predetermined frequency
range in the absence of the interaction with said metallized
area.
7. The disc of claim 6, wherein said of said linear dipole antenna
is at least 25 percent shorter than would be required to tune the
dipole antenna to said predetermined frequency range in the absence
of the interaction with said metallized area.
8. The disc of claim 6, wherein said of said dipole antenna is at
least 30 percent shorter than would be required to tune the dipole
antenna to said predetermined frequency range in the absence of the
interaction with said metallized area.
9. The disc of claim 1, wherein said non-conductive material
positioned between said antenna and said metallized area includes:
at least one non-conductive layer secured to the surface of said
metallized area.
10. The disc of claim 1, further comprising: balancing material
used to balance said disc, said balancing material adding weight to
a portion of the disc where the identification chip is not located
to counterbalance the weight of said identification chip.
11. The disc of claim 10, wherein a label covers said radio
identification chip and said radio frequency antenna.
12. The disc of claim 11, wherein a portion of said label is used
as said balancing material.
13. The disc of claim 9, wherein said disc is one of a DVD, a CD, a
Blu-Ray disc, and a HD DVD.
14. A radio frequency identification device for use on a disc which
includes an annular disc structure including a metallized area,
wherein said metallized area includes an outer metallized data
storage area for storing information and a non-metal inner rim area
located inside said metallized area the radio frequency
identification device comprising: a radio frequency linear dipole
antenna placed over a portion of said metallized area and over a
portion of said non-metal inner ring area, said radio frequency
antenna being separated from said metallized area by a
non-conductive material positioned between said antenna and said
metallized area; and a radio frequency identification chip
electrically coupled to said linear dipole antenna.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the combination of said linear
dipole antenna and said metallized area overlapped by said antenna
creates an effective antenna tuned to a predetermined frequency
range wherein information from said chip can be transmitted through
said effective antenna within said predetermined frequency range
associated with said radio frequency identification chip.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein said predetermined frequency
range is greater than 2 GHz.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein said linear dipole antenna has
a length that is shorter than the length that would be required to
tune the linear dipole antenna to said predetermined frequency
range in the absence of the interaction with said metallization
layer.
18. A disc for storing information comprising: a disc structure
including a metallized area, said metallized area including an
outer metallized data storage area for storing information; a
non-metal inner rim area located inside said metallized area; a
radio frequency dipole antenna placed over a portion of said
metallized area and over a portion of said non-metal inner ring
area, said radio frequency antenna being separated from said
metallized area by a non-conductive material located between said
antenna and said metallized area; and a radio frequency
identification chip electrically coupled to said dipole antenna;
and wherein the combination of said dipole antenna and said portion
of the metallized area overlapped by said dipole antenna creates an
effective antenna tuned to a predetermined frequency range wherein
information from said chip can be transmitted through said
effective antenna within said predetermined frequency range
associated with said radio frequency identification chip, said
dipole antenna being shorter than an antenna length that would be
required for the antenna to be tuned to said predetermined
frequency range without the interaction with said overlapped
metallized area.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/240,202, filed on Sep. 30, 2005 which
claims benefit to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/615,491 filed Oct. 1, 2004. Each one of the above
listed provisional and utility applications is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
identification tags and, more particularly, to the field of radio
frequency identification tags for data digital storage discs such
as, e.g., digital video discs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Radio Frequency identification (RFID) tags are increasingly
being used to track multiple objects throughout a specified system.
For example, RFID tags are being used on warehouse pallets to track
the location of goods in a warehouse or verify the authenticity of
tickets at a venue.
[0004] An RFID tag is often implemented as a tiny integrated chip
(IC) (hereinafter "mu-chip") attached to an antenna. The IC stores
a small amount of data, such as an ID number, and the antenna is
used to communicate with a reader. For example, one particular
existing Hitachi mu-chip stores 128 bits of read-only data and
communicates using a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Tags can be either
active, which means they contain a battery, or passive. In the case
of passive tags an external source, e.g., the tag reader, provides
the power needed for communication. In many applications, direct
line of sight is not necessary to read a tag; tag reading can be
accomplished provided the RF signal is strong enough to go between
the tag and reader. With some readers and tags it is also possible
to read multiple tags simultaneously. RFID tags are designed to
work at specific radio frequencies depending upon the physical
characteristics of the antenna. Higher frequencies enable faster
communication and typically larger read ranges. Lower frequencies
often work better in the vicinity of metals or liquids. In general,
the most suitable tag design depends on the specific
application.
[0005] RFID tags can be very small which enables a number of
different applications. For example, a Hitachi mu-chip can be
applied to paper currency to combat counterfeit bills. This is
possible because of the small size of the mu-chip; some embodiments
of a mu-chip transponder measure 0.4 mm square and 0.15 mm
thick.
[0006] One example of an existing RFID tag is a Hitachi mu-chip
coupled to an antenna. Hitachi's mu-chip aids upwards communication
from real-world objects to virtual ones. The RFID mu-chip 100, as
shown in functional circuit blocks in FIG. 1, is 0.06-mm thick and
0.4-mm long on each side. The RFID mu-chip 100 includes an analog
circuit 102 and a digital circuit 104. The analog circuit 102
includes a power rectifier module 106, a power-on reset module 108,
and a clock extraction module 110. The digital circuit 104 includes
a 10-bit counter 112, a decoder 114, and a 128-bit ROM 116. The
analog circuit 102 is coupled to the digital circuit 104. The
analog circuit 102 is also coupled to antenna terminals 118 and
120. By applying suitable packaging techniques, manufacturers can
embed mu-chips in micro-objects. The 2.45 GHz band frequency, used
for radio communication signaling between the mu-chip and a sensor,
similar to that used by Bluetooth technology, enables use of a
small sensor device.
[0007] The current mu-chip function is to return the 128-bit
identification data stored in 128 bit ROM 116 upon receiving the
radio wave from an external sensor. This data is the same length as
IPv6 addresses. The mu-chip's characteristics give it an advantage
in certain applications over other approaches to identifying and
tracking products.
[0008] The mu-chip is similar to the bar code in that both give
identification numbers to objects. One major difference is that
mu-chips can be attached to smaller objects than a bar code can be
attached to, because a bar code has a larger surface area than a
mu-chip. Therefore, the mu-chip enables handling of objects
efficiently in a wider range of applications than the bar code.
Furthermore, copying mu-chips is much more difficult than copying
bar codes. Thus, mu-chips can handle objects more securely than bar
codes, preventing the forgery of security papers and providing
counterfeit protection for branded products.
[0009] Current mu-chips retain 128-bit ID information in ROM 116,
which is written only once at manufacturing time. The 128-bit ID
information in ROM 116 cannot be modified after shipment.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an example of the basic structure of mu-chip
operations in a block diagram 200. Diagram 200 illustrates mu-chip
202 embedded in product 204. Mu-chip 202 may be mu-chip 100 of FIG.
1. The mu-chip 202 includes an amplifier 206 and a ROM 208
including system/application data and an ID code. An antenna 210 is
also embedded in the product 204, and the antenna 210 is coupled to
the mu-chip 202.
[0011] One counter-measure is to embed a mu-chip into security
papers or brand name products and verify authenticity with a sensor
reading. In this case, a tag reader including a transmitter and a
read sensor 212, transmits signals to the mu-chip 202, e.g., using
a 2.45 GHz microwave carrier, which is used to power on and
activate the mu-chip 202. This results in the mu-chip 202
transmitting its stored 128-bit ID information via antenna 210. The
sensor 212 receives and reads the return data, recovering the
128-bit ID information which has been sent via microwaves 214. With
the antenna 210, the mu-chip is readable by the sensor 212 within a
30-cm range, instead of proximate range for reading a mu-chip 202
that is applicable when antenna 210 is not used. The output from
the sensor 212 is sent to terminal 216. The output from terminal
216 is then sent to a server 218 which processes the data. The
server 218 is part of a control center 220. In both cases, the
security audit mechanism implemented in a server 218 checks for any
abnormality by analyzing network-transmitted records. The system
signals an alarm when it detects an alleged counterfeit chip,
identification numbers transmitted at the same time from different
locations, or any other predefined abnormality.
[0012] One design uses a built-in 100-pf capacitor formed by the
gate oxide of the MOS transistor as a power supply, eliminating the
need for batteries. The minimum operating voltage of the chip's
digital chips is 0.5V. This chip has attached to it a thin-film
external antenna. The chip terminals (118, 120) are connected to
the antenna by an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). This type of
structure results in a 0.15 mm thin transponder. The maximum
communication distance between the mu-chip and a reader is expected
to be 300 mm at a reader power of 300 mW. The RFID tag includes the
mu-chip circuit and antenna.
[0013] The mu-chip 100 is one example of a RFID circuit, and other
types of chip circuits and antennas are also available.
[0014] One potential application for RFID tags is for use with
discs including Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) and/or Compact Discs
(CDs). Previously, attaching RFID tags to Digital Versatile Discs
(DVDs) and Compact Discs (CDs) has been attempted. The term disc is
intended to be used here interchangeably with the term disk which
is also used sometimes. The physical characteristics of DVDs and
CDs have precluded previous attempts to find a solution which works
with a wide variety of such discs in a cost effective manner. The
area of the disc which could be used to contain a RFID tag is
limited because most of the disc surface needs to be accessible to
the disc reader mechanism in order for the disc to function. In
fact, the only consistently available space on almost all disc
designs on which to put an RFID tag is the hub area, e.g., the 40
mm diameter hub present in many disc designs. Since the hub area is
reserved for the clamping mechanism, it is universally available
regardless of the specific disc type and whether the data surface
is only on one side or is on two sides.
[0015] The data area of DVD's and CD's comprises a thin sputtered
metallization film to permit reading by the laser mechanism.
Historically, this metallization covered the entire data area, but
did not extend beyond it. Specifically, the hub area at the center
of the disc, that contains no data, had typically not been
metallized. The metallization formed an annulus from the outside of
the hub to the outside of the disc, even though the printing on
single-sided discs may have extended across the entire surface.
These types of discs, with no metallization in the hub area,
provide less obstacles to RFID tagging than discs with
metallization on the hub.
[0016] Recently DVD manufacturers have begun creating discs where
the metallization extends into the hub area, almost to the center
hole. Essentially the metallization is an annulus with a smaller
inner diameter and the same outer diameter as regular DVD's. One
reason for the increased metallization is for aesthetic purposes.
These classes of discs can be described as metallized hub discs,
and an increasing number of movie studio titles are delivered on
these discs. Some CDs may also use a metallized hub.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an example of a metallized hub disc 300. Disc
300 may be a DVD or CD Disc. Disc 300 includes a metallized
sputtering data area 302 forming an outer ring, a metallized
sputtering hub area 304 forming an intermediate ring, and a clear
inner rim 306 forming an inner ring. FIG. 4 shows an example of a
disc 400 with a non-metallized hub. Disc 400 may be a DVD or CD
Disc. Disc 400 includes a metallized sputtering data area 402
forming an outer ring, a hub area 404 with no metallized sputtering
forming an intermediate ring, and a clear inner rim 406 forming an
inner ring.
[0018] A technical problem with metallized hub discs for RFID
tagging is that the metallization extends into the hub area where
if the RFID label is attached, the metallization effectively
prevents the tag from operating. Tags that might work well, from a
communications standpoint, on non-metallized hub discs do not
function on the metallized hub disc variety, making universal
application very difficult.
[0019] It would be advantageous if RFID tags could be developed
that can inexpensively and/or reliably overcome the functional
inoperability associated with radio frequency identification (RFID)
tags when attached to discs that have metallization sputtering in
the disc hub area, e.g., to within 4 mm of the center hole of the
disc. It would also be beneficial to have RFID tags that could be
universally used on a wide range of disc types, e.g., CDs, DVDs,
one sided, two sided, with and without metallized hub area and
future formats.
[0020] RFID tag use and problems pertinent to disc applications
will be further discussed. DVD and CD item level disc inventory
applications abound. Public and private libraries and disc rental
enterprises could benefit from RFID tags. A potential benefit over
other inventory and tracking methods such as bar codes is that RFID
tags facilitate non-line of site tag reading capability, e.g.,
speeding processing of a disc. In addition by tagging individual
discs with RFID tags, rather than tagging disc carriers such as
jewel cases, as is typically the practice with bar codes applied to
disc carriers, the reliability of the tracking is improved. These
benefits of RFID disc tagging can also provide cost reductions,
e.g., as manual labor operations are reduced and time associated
with correcting errors such as a mismatched bar coded sleeve with a
disc is reduced. Most current applications of RFID to optical discs
involve tagging the disc carrier. Discrepancies can be expected
when the carrier and the disc title inside the carrier are
inconsistent, either by accident or fraud. Tagging the disc itself
is the one solution to passively and positively identify a
disc.
[0021] Thus, it should be appreciated that there is a need to be
able to universally and reliably tag and read most or all DVDs and
CDs that have both metallized and non-metallized hub areas at a
price point that is generally valuable to the end user community
from both the tag and the tag tracking application deployment
perspectives. Typically, large scale inventories of discs will
include discs of both hub types. It is also possible that clear and
metallized hub discs may be used interchangeably on an identical
disc title during different manufacturing batches. A key market
driver to the adoption of an RFID tag to discs is likely to be that
the RFID tag be capable of universal application to most or all
possible existing and future discs and the universal RFID tag
function acceptably on most or all possible existing discs.
[0022] A universal tag design would afford production scale
efficiencies that tend to bring large volume tag unit manufacturing
costs down. The universal tag design facilitates ease of deployment
of the tags on discs because one design fits most or all disc
types. In such a design implementation of a RFID tag, no special
segregation of discs or special processing by type of disc would
required during the application of tags to the discs since such an
RFID tag would be functionally operational with discs containing
either metallized or non-metallized hubs.
[0023] Some prior technology issues and problems will now be
discussed. CDs and DVDs are typically made of polycarbonate plastic
with a layer of aluminum sputtering. This metallic layer
electromagnetically couples to the RFID antenna and affects radio
frequency transmissions, often reducing and sometimes completely
impairing tag interrogation effectiveness and read reliability.
Prior technologies at lower radio frequencies are not effective at
overcoming read reliability difficulties associated with discs
possessing a metallized hub.
[0024] 13.56 MHz RFID tags are less susceptible to the interference
interaction of the metal in the disc than are lower radio frequency
RFID tags, but these tags are not immune to this interference
problem. One known example is a specialized booster antenna label
that works in conjunction with a circular coil 13.56 MHz RFID tag
placed in the disc's clear hub. The booster label amplifies the RF
signal of the hub tag by means of an auxiliary RF antenna that is
placed over the disc's outer edge. The clear plastic overlay
therefore covers the entire surface of the disc adding weight and
cost. The booster disc labeling system may not work with metallized
hub tags and is priced at a high level relative to the disc price.
This price point is only effective in tracking the most valuable of
disc inventories, and this technology is not usable with
double-sided discs.
[0025] 915 MHz RFID tags can be designed to effectively function on
clear hub discs. However, this tag's functioning would be impaired
on metallized hub discs. The hub metallization will interfere with
the tag's performance by adversely interacting with the RFID
antenna. If 915 MHz tags are used with metallized hub discs,
additional design solutions will likely be needed adding cost,
weight and/or thickness to the resulting tag design. Therefore,
designing a single 915 MHz tag that is readable with both a
metallized hub and clear hub disc is expected to be extremely
difficult, if not impossible.
[0026] Various prior technologies utilizing tags designed for the
2.45 GHz frequency are rather costly. In addition, many 2.45 GHz
tags are produced on heavy chip board stock and are too thick and
heavy to apply to discs.
[0027] The existing solutions use rather large and thick-sized
integrated chip (IC) chips which negatively affect the production
cost of the RFID tag. The thicker IC chip may fail or disconnect
from its antenna if positioned under or close to a disc drive
internal clamping mechanism. Discs need to spin at very high
speeds. Additional unbalanced weight on a disc can negatively
affect the viability of a tag's use on a disc. Unbalanced weight
will induce wobble on the spinning disc. Accordingly, any
appreciable additional weight could affect the functioning of a
disc drive. Standards for disc characteristics are very specific.
Motors and other parts inside disc drives are built around these
standards. The addition of an RFID tag on a disc changes the
physical characteristics of the disc which may negatively affect
some makes of drives, particularly if the tag is heavy. Lastly,
overall tag thickness can adversely affect performance of the disc
drive clamping mechanisms if the thick tag is placed in the disc
hub area. Insecurely clamping a disc could result in an inability
to read the disc or damage to the clamping mechanism, the disc, the
RFID tag or the optical drive.
[0028] In view of the above, there is a need for new RFID tag
designs which could be used to tag discs. It would be advantageous
if such a new RFID disc tag was universally applicable to both CDs
and DVDs, one and two sided, with and without metallized hub. It
would also be beneficial if such a new RFID disc tag could be read
from either side of the disc. Since physical characteristics of an
RFID tag to be applied to a disc are a significant consideration,
it would be useful if a new RFID disc tag incorporated features
directed at addressing at least some these design goals:
minimalization of tag weight, minimalization of tag thickness,
minimalization of tag size, control of weight imbalance, damage
resistance to hub clamping pressure.
[0029] Since cost is also a significant consideration in a
deployment system, it would be beneficial if a new RFID disc tag
could be usable with existing tag reader system equipment currently
available. To benefit from the cost advantages of large scale
production, it would be beneficial if a new RFID disc tag, or at
least a portion of the tag, was similar to a currently produced
widely used RFID tag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention is directed to radio frequency
identification (RFID) tags suitable for use on digital data storage
discs, e.g., CDs and DVDs. Various RFID tags, in accordance with
the present invention, include a RFID micro-chip coupled to a
linear dipole antenna, with the linear dipole antenna being shorter
in length than the optimal dipole antenna length associated with
the RFID chip operating frequency, e.g., 2.45 GHz, in a free space
environment. By using this shortened linear dipole antenna length,
the shortened dipole antenna does not extend into the data region
of the disc and does not interfere with normal disc data
operations. In some embodiments, the ends of the linear dipole
antenna are tapered to account for curvature of the edge of the hub
area/data area interface. In addition by using a shortened linear
dipole antenna, one can benefit from the advantages of scale, e.g.,
by adapting widely used mass produced currently available RFID tags
using linear dipole antenna, such as the Hitachi mu-chip tag, e.g.,
by clipping the ends of the antenna and repackaging. Some RFID tags
in accordance with the present invention utilize the metallization
areas of the disc, e.g., a metallized hub area, to couple, e.g.,
through capacitance coupling, to the short length dipole antenna
thus providing a complex antenna suitable for the operating
frequency range of the RFID chip.
[0031] RFID disc tags, in accordance with the invention, are
installed on a disc in the hub area, and are universally applicable
to a wide range of disc applications including CDs, DVDs, HD DVD
and Blu-Ray discs, with and without metallized hub areas. This
universality of the RFID tag of the present invention, in addition
to its low cost, makes the RFID tag of the present invention
advantageous over other known custom RFID tag designs directed to a
particular type of disc. For example, many of these known RFID tag
designs tend to be higher in cost, e.g., due to a complex antenna
design and/or due to low production, and work with one type of
disc, e.g., a non-metallized hub disc, but do not typically work
with metallized hub discs.
[0032] Most digital data storage discs include a clear inner rim of
the disc, and at least a portion of the linear dipole antenna of
the RFID tag, implemented in accordance with the present invention,
is situated such as to be located within that portion of the disc,
thus facilitating tag reader capability from both sides of the
disc. On discs, wherein the disc metallization is approximately
equidistance from each disc surface, the RFID is applied on either
side. On discs, where the metallization is situated near one of the
surfaces, the tag is typically applied to the opposite side, e.g.,
such as in the case of a metallized hub area CD. In various
embodiments, the RFID tag in accordance with the present invention
is applied to the disc such that the antenna is at least 0.4 mm
away from the metallization layer.
[0033] In various embodiments, an RFID tag in accordance with the
present invention, includes adhesive material allowing the tag to
be affixed to the disc. In some embodiments, the RFID tag includes
a ring, e.g., a paper ring, for affixing the tag to the hub area of
a disc. Some embodiments incorporate a peel off label into the RFID
tag. In some embodiments, structural filler is included as part of
the RFID tag so as to achieve substantially uniform thickness of
the RFID tag and/or to prevent damage from crushing via clamping
the RFID tag. In various embodiments, the RFID tag includes a
circular overlay body which fits over the RFID chip. In some
embodiments, the RFID chip/antenna in accordance with the
invention, being very lightweight, adds insignificant weight to the
disc from the perspective of disc imbalance at expected disc
operating speeds, and additional counterbalance is not necessary.
In various embodiments, one or more counterbalances is included in
the tag to counterbalance the weight of the RFID microchip and
linear dipole antenna. In some embodiments, one or more notches in
the tag are provided to counterbalance the weight of the RFID
microchip and linear dipole antenna.
[0034] In various embodiments, the RFID tag uses a predefined
frequency range which is greater than 2 GHz, e.g., a frequency
range that is within 2.25 to 2.75 GHz. For example some embodiments
use a frequency range centered on 2.45 GHz. In some embodiments,
the RFID tag is less than 0.3 mm thick, e.g., approximately 0.25 mm
thick. In some embodiments, the RFID tag linear dipole antenna has
a length of approximately 37 mm. In various embodiments, the linear
dipole antenna is straight along its longest axis having a maximum
length along its longest axis within the range of 34 mm to 40 mm.
In other embodiments of the RFID tag of the present invention, the
linear dipole antenna has curved ends along its longest axis, and
the dipole antenna has a minimum length along its longest axis
within the range of 34 mm to 38 mm and a maximum length along its
longest axis less than 50 mm.
[0035] In various embodiments, the RFID tag of the present
invention has a linear dipole antenna length which has been reduced
by at least 25% with respect to the optimal length that would
typically be used with the RFID chip in a free space environment.
In some such embodiments, the RFID tag of the present invention has
a linear dipole antenna length which has been reduced by more than
25%, e.g., at least 30% with respect to the optimal length that
would typically be used with the RFID chip in a free space
environment.
[0036] The percent reduction in antenna size may depend on the
frequency range and can be different for tags designed to work at
different frequency ranges, e.g., 3 GHz, 4 GHz, or 5 GHz tags. In
some embodiments, there is no reduction in antenna size or even an
increase in antenna length at higher frequencies.
[0037] The invention is directed in some embodiments to the
combination of an RFID tag, implemented in accordance with the
present invention, and a disc, e.g., a CD, DVD, Blu-Ray disc, or
HDVD disc. In some such embodiments, an RFID tag of the present
invention is applied to the disc, e.g., by a disc user or user
management facility, e.g., as part of a library disc management
process. In other embodiments, an RFID tag of the present invention
is applied to the disc by a disc manufacturer or a service
provider, e.g., a disc content writing facility or a disc rental
facility. In some embodiments, an RFID tag of the present invention
is embedded in the disc as part of the manufacturing process, e.g.,
with the RFID micro-chip and linear dipole antenna of short length
being embedded in the disc.
[0038] Numerous additional features, benefits and embodiments are
discussed in the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0039] FIG. 1 is a drawing of an exemplary prior art RFID mu-chip
block diagram.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an RFID mu-chip/antenna,
embedded in a product, communicating its ID information to a sensor
in an exemplary RFID system.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a typical DVD or CD disc
including metallized sputtering the in the hub area.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a typical DVD or CD disc
including no metallized sputtering in the hub area.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing and using a universal RFID disc tag in a system in
accordance with the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a DVD or CD disc including
metallized sputtering in the hub area and including an RFID tag in
accordance with the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a DVD or CD disc including
no metallized sputtering in the hub area and including an RFID tag
in accordance with the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a known RFID tag including
a dipole antenna with the antenna length tuned for 2.45 GHz
operation in free space.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary RFID tag,
implemented in accordance with the present invention, the exemplary
RFID tag including a dipole antenna with a shorter length than
would typically be expected to match the micro-chip operating
frequency in free space.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary RFID tag,
implemented in accordance with the present invention, which is a
variation of the FIG. 9 embodiment is which the edges of the
antenna ends have been tapered.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary circular
shaped RFID tag, implemented in accordance with the present
invention, where the circular shaped RFID tag includes an adhesive
label, embedded micro-chip, embedded detuned linear dipole antenna,
and an embedded counterbalance.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary circular
shaped RFID tag, implemented in accordance with the present
invention, which is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in
which the ends of the detuned linear dipole antenna are tapered to
account for hub curvature.
[0051] FIG. 13A is a drawing illustrating a side view cross
sectional area of some embodiments of RFID tag of FIG. 11 or 12,
wherein the cross section slices through the embedded micro-chip
and detuned linear dipole antenna.
[0052] FIG. 13B is a drawing illustrating a side view cross
sectional area of some embodiments of the RFID tag of FIG. 11 or
12, wherein the cross section slices through the embedded
counterbalance.
[0053] FIG. 14A is a drawing illustrating an exploded side view of
a cross sectional area of some embodiments of RFID tag of FIG. 11
or 12, wherein the cross section slices through the embedded
micro-chip and detuned linear dipole antenna, and wherein the RF
tag includes a micro-chip/antenna portion and a circular overlay
body portion.
[0054] FIG. 14B is drawing illustrating the view of FIG. 14A,
except that the micro-chip/antenna portion and a circular overlay
body portion has been fit together, as it would appear when
installed on a disc.
[0055] FIG. 14C is a drawing illustrating a side view of a cross
sectional area of some embodiments of RFID tag of FIG. 11 or 12,
where the cross section slices through the embedded
counterbalance.
[0056] FIG. 15A illustrates typical layers of a DVD and illustrates
that an exemplary universal RFID tag, implemented in accordance
with the present invention, may be applied to either side of the
disc.
[0057] FIG. 15B illustrates typical layers of a CD disc and
illustrates that an exemplary universal RFID tag, implemented in
accordance with the present invention, is applied to the side
furthest away from the metallization layer.
[0058] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary RFID disc tag, implemented
in accordance with the present invention, wherein counterbalance to
the added weight of the micro-chip and detuned linear antenna is
achieved using a notch in a portion of the tag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] In order to overcome one or more of the obstacles of prior
RFID systems, in some embodiments of the present invention, an
existing RFID tag including a linear dipole antenna tuned to the RF
carrier frequency is modified prior to use by preferably trimming
equal lengths of the antenna at both ends so that the tag fits
within the hub area of both a CD or a DVD without extending into
the data area. In some embodiments of the present invention, an
RFID in accordance with the present invention is manufactured such
that the linear dipole antenna has a detuned antenna, with the
manufactured antenna length being shorter than the length that
would be selected to achieve optimal tuning for the operational
frequency when operating in a free space environment, the tag
length being such that the tag fits within the hub area of both a
CD or a DVD without extending into the data area. In some such
configurations, the RFID tag is positioned tangential to the
central hole with the chip centered at the hole and the antenna
extending equal lengths to the edge of the hub. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7
are examples of such embodiments. In some embodiments, a circular
adhesive label the diameter of the hub or smaller holds the RFID
tag in place and provides a consistent surface for the clamping
mechanism. With the clear hub discs this results in the ends of the
antenna coming in close proximity to the metallization, while the
bulk of the antenna and the chip remain in the non-metallized hub
area. With metallized hub discs, there is an increased area of
overlap between the RFID antenna and the hub metallization.
[0060] For example, in the case of an embodiment using a mu-chip,
such as those available by Hitachi, the standard linear tag antenna
is intentionally detuned away from 2.45 GHz by trimming away an
equal length of antenna from both ends of the tag to fit entirely
within the hub area of a DVD and CD. The optimal 53 mm
(milli-meter) mu-chip antenna for working with a 2.45 GHz reader,
in a free space environment, is reduced to a length of preferably
37 mm. This detuned tag antenna electromagnetically couples to the
metallization sputtering on the disc to read effectively. Together,
the detuned antenna and the disc metallization form a new complex
antenna that is readable at 2.45 GHz, even though the individual
detuned tag by itself is unreadable in free space.
[0061] With non-metallized hub discs, the read range of a modified
mu-chip tag on a disc increases (relative to an optimal tag in free
space) in the direction perpendicular to the disc. The shortened
RFID antenna and disc metallization form a combined antenna system
(called an "effective antenna") that has greater read range
perpendicular to the disc surface. The disc metallization favorably
modifies the antenna characteristics of the RFID antenna.
[0062] With metallized hub discs, the hub metallization overlaps
with most of the remaining RFID antenna. This effectively shields
the RFID antenna and reduces read range. With 2.45 GHz mu-chips,
however, the tag is still readable perpendicular to the disc even
though almost the entire length of antenna overlaps with the hub
metallization. Furthermore, the mu-chip tag is readable from both
sides of the disc.
[0063] The mu-chip tag is 0.25 mm thick at its highest point, where
the chip in located on the tag. The addition of an adhesive
substrate will add additional minimal thickness depending on the
substrate. This thickness is much thinner and lighter in weight
than other RFID tag designs commercially available.
[0064] There are at least two elements that help contribute to the
modified tag of the invention working with metallized hub discs: 1)
the gap between the hub metallization and the attached antenna, and
2) the high frequency of the RFID device. DVD's are constructed
with the metallization layer centered in the middle of the 1.2 mm
thickness of the disc. Thus the disc metallization (including hub
metallization, if any) is 0.6 mm from either surface of the disc in
some implementations. In such cases, the RFID antenna will be
separated by at least 0.6 mm from the metallization. For discs
which have been tagged with a modified RFID tag of the present
invention operating at 2.45 GHz, this gap is sufficient to retain
some readability of the modified tag of the invention due to the
relatively high frequency used.
[0065] The usability of the modified tags with discs has been
confirmed by actual testing and implementation. When the RFID
antenna is too close to a metal surface the RFID is not readable.
As the gap distance between the RFID antenna and a metal surface is
increased, the tag becomes readable at some reduced read range. The
read range improves with increasing gap distance, but quite slowly.
Thus there is typically some minimum gap distance that is required
to make the tag readable, but a small increase in the gap does
little to increase read range. In the case of 2.45 GHz tags, the
practical gap distance can be as small as approximately 1 mm to
make a full-length mu-chip tag readable on a metal surface. This
gap would be larger for lower frequency tags and shorter for higher
frequency tags. While the situation is somewhat more complex with
DVD's since the dipole antenna is shorter than optimal and the
metallization is a specific shape, the effect of the gap and the
metal disc surface enables the 2.45 GHz mu-chip tag to function
with metallized hub DVD's where 915 MHz and lower frequency tags
will not. Conversely, higher frequency RFID tags are expected to
work more efficiently in this application of the invention when
they become commercially available.
[0066] CD's are manufactured differently than DVD's in that the
metallization layer is on the label side of the disc rather than in
the center of the disc thickness. Known commercial CD's lack hub
metallization, and the modified RFID disc tags of the present
invention work well with such discs. In addition should metallized
hub discs be used in the future, the modified RFID tags of the
present invention will work well if applied to the data-reading
side of the disc rather than the label side due to the distance
between the metal disc layer and the surface of the disc.
[0067] The tag of the present invention is very lightweight. In
some embodiments, the RFID tag includes a circular adhesive label
overlay in addition to the RFID microchip/linear dipole antenna.
Disc spin wobble can, and in some embodiments is, counterbalanced
with a notch cut and removal of some of the circular adhesive label
overlay, e.g., in the area surrounding the portion where the RFID
microchip/antenna is placed. In some embodiments, the adhesive
label overlay is constructed predominately of paper. However,
polymer labels can also be used. In other embodiments, rather than
notch the label, a weight in the form of additional paper or some
other material is included in the tag and placed to counterbalance
the weight of the RFID microchip/antenna, e.g., the counterbalance
weight is positioned across from the RFID microchip/antenna. In
some embodiments, the tag includes an RFID microchip and linear
dipole antenna which is adhesively secured to the disc. In some
such embodiments, a separate counterbalance weight in the form of
additional paper of some other material is placed and secured on
the disc across from the tag to counterbalance the tag weight. The
modified tag can be used with any DVD or CD including metallized
hub DVDs. The very thin nature of the tag will not adversely affect
the disc drive clamping mechanism or itself be damaged as a result
of the clamping device, and in some embodiments the weight of the
microchip/antenna of the RFID tag of the invention is light enough
to eliminate the need for counterbalancing.
[0068] FIG. 6 shows a figure of an example of a disc 600, e.g., a
CD or DVD, including an RFID tag 608, implemented in accordance
with the present invention. The disc 600 includes a clear inner rim
606, a metallized hub area 604, and a larger metallized outside
data storage area 602. The RFID tag 608 includes a microchip IC
610. The RFID tag 608 is placed on the surface including the clear
inner rim 606 and the metallized hub area. The exemplary RFID tag
608 has the microchip integrated circuit ("IC") located in the
center of the tag.
[0069] FIG. 7 shows a figure of an example of a disc 700, e.g., a
CD or DVD, including an RFID tag 708, implemented in accordance
with the present invention. The disc 700 includes a clear inner rim
706, a non-metallized hub area 704, and a larger metallized outside
data storage area 702. The RFID tag 708 includes a microchip IC
710. The RFID tag 708 is placed on the surface including the clear
inner rim 706 and the non-metallized hub area 704. The exemplary
RFID tag 708 has the microchip integrated circuit ("IC") located in
the center of the tag. The exemplary RFID tag 708 may be the same
type as the exemplary RFID tag 608 of FIG. 6, the type of RFID tag,
being universally applicable to both discs types with and without
metallized sputtering in the hub area.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a drawing of a standard RFID tag 800, e.g.,
produced on a large scale for use in a wide range of applications,
but unsuitable in its present form for tagging DVDs and/or CDs.
Exemplary standard RFID tag 800 includes a RFID microchip IC 802
set to operate at 2.45 GHz and a tuned linear dipole antenna 804
tuned, e.g., via controlling antenna length, to match the operating
frequency of 2.45 GHz. The length of a standard linear RFID tag
800, tuned to 2.45 GHZ is 53 mm 806. Each portion of the linear
dipole antenna 804 (portion A, portion B) is coupled to a different
antenna terminal of the micro-IC chip 802, and the two antenna
portions are physically separated. If a tag of length 53 mm 806 was
applied to a DVD or CD, the ends of the tag would extend into outer
metallized data storage portion of the disc, thus rendering tag 800
unsuitable for universally tagging discs.
[0071] FIG. 9 is a drawing of an exemplary RFID tag 900,
implemented in accordance with the present invention. Exemplary
RFID tag 900 may be implemented by modifying the standard RFID tag
800 of FIG. 8, in accordance with the invention or directly
manufactured to conform with the features, e.g., length, etc., of
the tag embodiment of the invention. Exemplary RFID tag 900
includes a RFID microchip IC 902 set to operate at 2.45 GHz and a
de-tuned linear dipole antenna 904. In some embodiments, microchip
IC 902 is the same as microchip IC 802. The antenna 904 detuning
from the 2.45 GHz frequency is accomplished via shortening the
antenna length from the optimally tuned free space length of 57 mm
used in the standard tag 800. The length of RFID tag 900, de-tuned
from 2.45 GHZ is 37 mm 906, but other lengths less than the 57 mm
length are possible. The preferred length for the exemplary RFID
tag 900 of the present invention for a standard or mini DVD or CD
disc is 37 mm. Therefore, the decrease in the length of the
standard RFID linear tag 800 is approximately 30%. If the modified
tag is substantially shorter than 37 mm, then the operation of tag
will be impaired for clear hub discs. If the tag is substantially
longer than 37 mm, then the operation of a RFID tag on a double
sided disc will impair disc function by covering the data portion
of the disc. In some embodiments, the tag of the invention is at
least 10% shorter than the 57 mm standard length. Tags having a
length 20% to 40% shorter than the 57 mm length are used in some
embodiments. Tags 25% to 35% shorter than the length of 57 mm are
particularly useful. In some embodiments, the antenna of the RFID
tag is a linear dipole antenna which straight along its longest
axis and has a maximum length along its longest axis within the
range of 34 mm to 40 mm.
[0072] FIG. 10 is a drawing of an exemplary RFID tag 1000,
implemented in accordance with the present invention. Exemplary
RFID tag 1000 includes a RFID microchip 1002 set to operate at 2.45
GHz and a de-tuned linear dipole antenna 1004. In some embodiments,
microchip 1002 is the same as microchip 902. The antenna 1004 being
detuning from the 2.45 GHz frequency is accomplished via shortening
the antenna length from the optimally tuned free space length of 57
mm. The length of RFID tag 1000, de-tuned from 2.45 GHZ is 37 mm
1006, along one edge as illustrated in FIG. 10. RFID tag 1000
represents a slight variation to RFID tag 900, as the ends (1008,
1010) of the dipole antenna have been tapered to conform to the
shape of hub, thus providing a slightly larger antenna with the
inner edge portion having a length of approximately 37 mm, and the
outer edge having a length a few mm longer, e.g., 2 to 6 mm longer.
In some embodiments, the antenna of the RFID tag is a linear dipole
antenna and has a minimum length along its longest axis within the
range of 34 mm to 38 mm and a maximum length along its longest axis
less than 50 mm.
[0073] Below is a chart showing the reception results of various
RFID test tags with different length antennas when used with a
conventional DVD. Results were determined using a 200 mW reader and
linearly polarized reader antenna. The results indicate that the
RFID tag 900 with a 37 mm inlet length provided the best results
during the test; however, the other lengths were also usable for
some applications.
TABLE-US-00001 Inlet Length Clear Hub Metallized Hub 37 mm Good
Good 32 mm Good Very Inconsistent 27 mm Good Inconsistent 23 mm
Inconsistent Inconsistent 18 mm Very Inconsistent Very
Inconsistent
[0074] For use on both clear and metallized hubs, a tag with a
length in the range of 33 mm to 41 mm is preferable, with a length
of between 35 and 39 mm having shown better results.
[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the RFID
micro-chip and its de-tuned linear dipole antenna is embedded into
a very lightweight and inexpensive pressure sensitive label to be
applied to optical storage discs as an aftermarket offering for
non-line-of-sight identification purposes. FIG. 11 is a drawing of
an exemplary RFID tag 1100, implemented in accordance with the
present invention. The tag including the label can be placed on a
Disc and secured thereto by adhesive. Exemplary RFID tag 1100
includes a circular adhesive label 1108 with a center cutout 1110,
an embedded 2.45 GHz micro-chip IC 1102 and an embedded de-tuned
linear dipole antenna 1104, and an embedded counterbalance 1106.
Embedded micro-chip 1102 and embedded detuned-linear dipole antenna
1104 may be microchip 900 and detuned linear dipole antenna 904 of
FIG. 9.
[0076] FIG. 12 is a drawing of another exemplary RFID tag 1200,
implemented in accordance with the present invention. Exemplary
RFID tag 1200 includes a circular adhesive label 1208 with a center
cutout 1210, an embedded 2.45 GHz RFID micro-chip IC 1202 and an
embedded de-tuned linear dipole antenna 1204, and an embedded
counterbalance 1206. Embedded micro-chip 1202 and embedded
detuned-linear dipole antenna 1204 may be microchip 1002 and
detuned linear dipole antenna 1004 of FIG. 10.
[0077] FIG. 13A is a drawing illustrating a side view cross
sectional area of exemplary RFID tag 1300, wherein the cross
section slices through the embedded micro-chip and detuned linear
dipole antenna. Exemplary RFID tag 1300 may be the exemplary RFID
tag 1100 of FIG. 11 or exemplary RFID tag 1200 of FIG. 12.
Exemplary RFID tag 1300 includes an embedded 2.45 GHz RFID
micro-chip IC 1302, an embedded detuned linear dipole antenna 1308,
a tag body 1306, and an adhesive layer 1304. Exemplary RFID tag
1300 has a thickness 1310 of 0.25 mm.
[0078] FIG. 13B is a drawing illustrating a side view cross
sectional area of Exemplary RFID tag 1300, wherein the cross
section slices through the embedded counterbalance 1312.
[0079] FIG. 14A is a drawing illustrating an exploded side view of
a cross sectional area of exemplary RFID tag 1400, implemented in
accordance with the present invention, wherein the cross section
slices through the embedded micro-chip and detuned linear dipole
antenna, and wherein the RF tag includes a micro-chip/antenna
portion and a circular overlay body portion. Exemplary RFID tag
1400 may be the exemplary RFID tag 1100 of FIG. 11 or exemplary
RFID tag 1200 of FIG. 12.
[0080] Exemplary RFID tag 1400 includes a embedded RFID micro-chip
IC 1402, dipole antenna 1404, adhesive layer 1406 for securing the
micro-chip IC and dipole antenna 1404 to the disc, a circular
overlay body 1408, and an adhesive layer 1410 for securing the
circular overlay body to the microchip IC 1402, dipole antenna
1404, and disc.
[0081] FIG. 14B is drawing illustrating the view of FIG. 14A,
except that the micro-chip/antenna portion and a circular overlay
body portion has been fit together, as it would appear when
installed on a disc. The width 1411 of the assembled RFID tag is
0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 1400 is supplied to a
user in an assembled form as shown in FIG. 14B, with the adhesion
portions which are to contact the disc (1406, 1410a, 1410b) being
covered, e.g., with a peel off covering such as a wax coated
paper.
[0082] FIG. 14C is a drawing illustrating a side view of a cross
sectional area of RFID tag 1400, where the cross section slices
through the embedded counterbalance 1412.
[0083] FIG. 15A illustrates typical layers of a DVD 1504 and
illustrates that an exemplary universal RFID tag 1502, implemented
in accordance with the present invention, may be applied to either
side of the disc. FIG. 15A includes DVD 1504 including a side 1
non-metalization layer 1506 with a width 1514 of 0.6 mm, a center
metallization layer 1508, and a side 2 non-metalization layer 1510
with a width 1516 of 0.6 mm. The overall width 1518 of DVD 1504 is
1.21 mm. Exemplary RFID tag 1502 has a width 1512 of 0.25 mm.
[0084] FIG. 15B illustrates typical layers of a CD disc 1554 and
illustrates that an exemplary universal RFID tag 1502, implemented
in accordance with the present invention, is applied to the side
furthest away from the metallization layer. FIG. 15B includes CD
1554 including a label side non-metalization layer 1556, a
metallization layer 1558, and a data reading side non-metalization
layer 1560 with a width 1562 of 1.2 mm. The overall width 1564 of
CD 1554 is 1.21 mm. Exemplary RFID tag 1502 has a width 1512 of
0.25 mm.
[0085] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary RFID disc tag 1600,
implemented in accordance with the present invention, wherein
counterbalance to the added weight of the micro-chip and detuned
linear antenna is achieved using a notch 1606 in a portion of the
tag. Exemplary RFID tag 1600 includes adhesive label 1608 with a
center cutout 1610 and a counterbalance notch 1606, an embedded
2.45 GHz RFID micro-chip IC 1602, and an embedded detuned linear
dipole antenna 1604. In some embodiments, multiple counterbalance
notches are used. In some embodiments, a counterbalance notch may
be fully internal to the adhesive label such that the notch does
not alter the outer periphery of the adhesive label from forming a
complete circle. Various embodiments of exemplary RFID tags,
previously described in accordance with the present invention may
use the counterbalance notch feature in place of an added
counterbalance weight. In some embodiments, the added weight of the
micro-chip IC/antenna and rotational speed of the disc are such
that a counterbalance mechanism is not necessary and is omitted
from the RFID tag. In some embodiments, the RFID tag is provided
with a plurality of punch-out counterbalance cutouts and the user
applying the tag selects the best cutout for the particular disc
application.
[0086] RFID tags of the present invention utilize the metallization
in the disc to augment the tag's antenna. The linear RFID antenna,
as shown in various exemplary embodiments, is preferred to other
shapes such a "V" shape or circular antenna due to cost
considerations. The present invention uses a linear dipole antenna
not dependent on being radially inward. Its size and weight are so
small that attaching it on one side of the hub area should not
significantly impact disc operation. Some embodiments of the
present invention include a circular adhesive overlayer designed to
counterbalance the miniscule weight of the RFID tag.
[0087] The present invention can be used with only a very small
area of this hub to be free from conductive material (e.g., 10% or
more). The modified RFID tag uses metallization in the data area to
make the sub-optimal length of dipole antenna readable when placed
on a disc with a metallized hub. The present invention uses a
straight line linear antenna placed tangentially across a clear hub
area that varies in surface area size based on the disc it is
applied to.
[0088] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not
restricted to those embodiments. It is to be appreciated that those
skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary method of implementing
a system using universal Disc RFID Tags implemented in accordance
with the present invention is shown. In step 502 an inventory of
non-RFID tagged optical discs stored in protective carriers is
obtained to be tagged. Operation proceeds to step 504, where, for
each disc to be tagged, the disc is removed from its protective
carrier and a unique RFID tag is applied to the optical disc hub.
In accordance with the present invention, the same type of
universal RFID tag may be applied to CD and DVD discs hubs, and the
discs may include non metallized sputtering hubs and/or metallized
sputtering hubs. For example, the installation may involve,
removing the backing from a self-sticking circular RFID disc tag,
centering the tag around the disc hub, and applying pressure to
secure the tag onto the disc hub. For discs, where the metallized
sputtering is near the center of the disc, e.g., a typical DVD
disc, the tag may be applied to either side. For discs, where the
metallized sputtering is close to one of the outer surfaces of the
disc, e.g., a typical CD disc, the tag is applied to the opposite
side of the disc, e.g., typically the data reading side. Operation
proceeds from step 504 to steps 506, 508, and 512. In step 506, the
unique RFID tag ID is captured and the captured information sent to
a database 510. In some embodiments the capture is performed as
discs pass down a conveyer belt. In other embodiments they are
manually held and scanned. For example, the newly RFID tagged disc
may be placed in the vicinity of a tag reader, which sends a
microwave signal to the RFID tag. In accordance with one feature of
the present invention, the RFID tag reading of discs is
accomplished whether the RFID tag side of the disc faces the reader
or whether other side of the disc faces the reader. In accordance
with one feature of the present invention, at least a portion of
the antenna is located in the clear inner rim of the disc providing
a communicating path in either direction. The RFID tag's antenna
couples with the metallized sputtering of the disc forming a
complex antenna. The received signal powers up the RFID tag. This
results in the RFID tag transmitting its unique identification
signal, which is subsequently received and decoded by the tag
reader; the tag reader forwards identification information to the
database. In step 508, other disc information, e.g., ISBN, UPC,
etc. is captured and forwarded to the database 510, where the
information from step 508 is associated with the information from
step 506. Step 508 may include scanning information, automated
correlation of information, and/or manual entry of information. For
example, a database may already exist, e.g., based on bar codes,
associating each disc with a set of information such as title,
description, rating, release date, playing time length, format,
special features/material included, language options, etc. An
operator may check that the title on the optical disc matches the
title on the protective carrier, and then scan the bar code on the
protective carrier, accessing the set of information associated
with the disc. This accessed information may be forwarded to
database 510 to be linked with the RFID tag information from step
506. Alternately, or in addition, an operator can manually enter
information pertaining to the disc and/or scan information relating
to the disc, e.g., scan the label, to be included in database 510
and to be linked to information received from step 506. This
process creates a record in database 510 for each disc, which may
be accessed in the future based on an RFID read and decode. In step
512, the operator has completed the system initialization
associated with a newly RFID tagged disc and returns the disc to
its storage carrier. This initialization process is performed for
each of the discs to be RFID tagged in the system.
[0090] Operation proceeds from step 512 to step 514, for each disc
for updating and/or checking of the inventory. For example, if the
system is part of library or rental system, when a participating
member wishes to check out or return a disc, the disc, while still
in its protective case may be placed in the vicinity of an RFID
reader, which reads the unique RFID tag on the disc hub through the
disc carrier, correlates the read RFID information with information
stored in the database, and then updates tracking records, e.g.,
storing information identifying that a certain member has
received/returned a specific disc and including time tag
information and optionally sorts discs.
[0091] While described in the context of DVDs, the RFID tag of the
present invention can be used on a wide variety of current and
future discs including HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs.
* * * * *