KR20170058086A - RFID Label Encoder for Writing User Code on RFID Tag Attached to RFID Label, Label Printing System and User Code Writing Method - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are an RFID label encoder, a label printing system thereof, and a user code encoding method. The label encoder of the present invention uses a selection writing for recording a user code on an RFID tag of an RFID label paper, and obtains a unique identification number of the RFID tag for the selection writing from an identification code printed in the label paper. Therefore, according to the RFID label encoder of the present invention, since the RFID tag in which the user code is to be encoded is individually called by using the unique identification number recorded in the tag to perform encoding, a problem that the user code is encoded in an RFID tag which is not a subject can be prevented and accordingly RFID label papers can be manufactured at high speed without delay.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an RFID label encoder, a label printing system, and a user code encoding method for recording a user code in an RFID tag attached to an RFID label sheet. Writing Method}

The present invention relates to an RFID label encoder, a label printing system, and a user code encoding method for receiving an RFID label sheet having an RFID tag and inputting a user code to the RFID tag.

Traditionally, barcodes have been widely used in inventory management, warehouse management, and property management. The manager performs the article management by printing the user code for managing the article in the form of a barcode on the label, attaching it to the individual article, and registering it in the management book or the computer system corresponding thereto.

The 'user code' used in the inventory management of goods is mainly used as an EPC (Elctronic Product Code) which assigns a unique number to an individual substance or an object, and a control number designated by an EPC according to a separate algorithm is used as needed. EPC is usually allocated 128 bits, and some 128 bits can be designated as a separate user area (UID).

The manager assigns the EPC to the managed item and manages the EPC by printing the barcode printed label on the item. However, since the bar code recognition is possible only in a state in which the bar code reader is in contact with the bar codeer directly, there is a considerable inconvenience in the management after the label is attached to the individual article. Also, for that reason, it is a reality that the process of attaching the label to each item is not performed accurately.

Recently, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag (hereinafter simply referred to as "RFID") is used as a solution to this problem. RFID is a technology for reading information embedded in an electronic tag using an antenna and a reader in a noncontact wireless manner so that it is possible to read a user code stored in a tag even if the RFID reader is not close enough to be in direct contact with the RFID reader It is very useful for logistics management, warehouse management and wealth management.

According to the standard, RFID tags have four memory banks: TID (Transponder ID) memory, EPC memory, USER memory and Reserved memory. Among them, the TID bank is a ROM in which a unique identification number given by the tag manufacturer is recorded, and the user can not change the ROM. However, the remaining EPC memory, USER memory and spare memory can be arbitrarily recorded by the user. For example, a user can separately write an EPC-like user code to an EPC memory using an encoder according to a self management processor. Therefore, the RFID tag can be attached to each individual item, and the bar code management system can be substituted for the property investigation and the property management.

According to this method, a so-called RFID printer in which an RFID encoder is combined with a conventional label printer is used, and a label paper (hereinafter referred to as RFID label paper) into which an RFID tag is inserted is used instead of a conventional general label paper. A user code such as an article name or an EPC is printed on the front surface of the RFID label paper, and the user code is encoded in the RFID tag in the RFID label paper. Since an adhesive is applied to the back side of the RFID label paper and is supplied in a state that the label is easily detached and attached to a separate background paper, it can be directly attached to the article.

<RFID printer>

Fig. 1 shows an example of a conventional RFID printer system composed of an RFID printer 101 and a computer device 103. Fig.

The label printer 1 is supplied with a plurality of RFID label sheets 1a, 1b and 1c in the RFID printer 101. The computer device 103 is connected to the individual RFID label sheets 1a, 1b and 1c by a user code And provides the EPC to be recorded to the RFID printer 101 sequentially. The RFID printer 101 includes a label printer and an RFID encoder, and performs label printing and EPC encoding to output the RFID label band 1. Depending on the RFID printer 101, label printing may be performed first, and EPC encoding may be performed first.

The problem is in the process of encoding the user code. The RFID label sheets 1a, 1b and 1c are not individually fed individually but are formed in the form of a band in which a plurality of RFID label sheets 1a, 1b and 1c are connected as shown in FIG. 1 or in the form of a fanfold sheet The interval between the RFID tags is very narrow. Accordingly, the same encoding process can be simultaneously performed on all the RFID label sheets located within the range in which the wireless output reaches the wireless output depending on the size of the writing power used for communication with the target RFID tag in the user code encoding process. For example, the RFID tag of the first sheet 1a is encoded by EPC aaa and the RFID tag of the second sheet 1b is encoded by EPC of bbb. However, in the encoding process of the first sheet 1a, 1a, as well as the second and third sheets 1b, 1c, can also be encoded with an EPC called aaa. Since the interval between the RFID tags in the label band is very narrow, if the intensity of the lighting power is lowered so that encoding is not performed on the surrounding RFID label paper, there arises a problem that the user code is not encoded well on the desired RFID label paper. It is not a good idea to simply lower the output power.

One of the conventional solutions to this problem is to shield all the path of the label strip 1 from the RFID radio output inside the RFID printer 101 and instead to encode the encoding area of one RFID label paper size Only the wireless output is exposed. In this method, since the encoding process is performed only on the RFID label sheet located in the encoding region, the necessary encoding can be performed for each RFID label sheet. However, the structure becomes complicated due to radio shielding, etc., and the entire process speed is inevitably slowed down in order to accurately locate the target RFID label paper in the encoding area.

In order to change the management system based on the existing barcode printer to the RFID tag based on the RFID printer, it is necessary to change the barcode printer to the RFID printer, as well as the overall management system including dedicated management software . Therefore, the existing management system is totally discarded and the RFID tag system is fully introduced, which is not only costly, but also requires a considerable amount of time and effort. Instead, it is possible to consider combining the RFID tag method with the existing bar code system scheme.

FIG. 2 shows an example of combining an RFID encoder with a conventional bar code system. The system 200 of FIG. 2 is configured by adding a barcode reader 205 and an RFID encoder 207 to a conventional barcode system including a barcode printer 201 and a computer device 203 as separate devices. The barcode reader 205 and the RFID encoder 207 may be implemented as a single device. Because RFID tags are required, the paper used is RFID label paper.

When the computer device 203 continuously provides the code (EPC) to be printed by the barcode printer 201, the barcode printer 201 prints the EPC on the RFID label paper in the form of a barcode and outputs it. Thereafter, the separately disposed barcode reader 205 reads the corresponding EPC again, and the RFID encoder 207 encodes the EPC read by the barcode reader 205 into the RFID label sheet 1. According to the configuration of FIG. 2, the same result as the RFID printer 101 of FIG. 1 can be obtained while using the conventional bar code system.

However, since the system of FIG. 2 does not use a separate label sheet but uses a label strip 1 to which a plurality of label sheets are connected, the problem that the RFID encoding is performed simultaneously on a plurality of RFID label sheets still exists. Moreover, since the printing speed of the barcode printer 201 is relatively fast compared with the RFID printer 101, it can not be solved by the method of lowering the processing speed in the system of Fig.

An object of the present invention is to provide an RFID label encoder, a label printing system, and a user code encoding method for encoding a user code in an RFID tag attached to an RFID label sheet.

In particular, the present invention selectively performs a user code encoding process on a target RFID tag that is a target of user code encoding based on a first identification code and / or a second identification code printed on an RFID label sheet, And an RFID label encoder, a label printing system, and a user code encoding method.

The problem with the method of FIG. 2 is that the RFID encoder 207 can not perform selective encoding for a specific RFID tag because it does not have information on the RFID tag to be subjected to RFID encoding, and if selective encoding is performed Speed problems can be solved.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a method of providing a unique identification number, for example, a TID (Transponder ID) or an EPC, which can selectively call a target RFID tag to be encoded, to an RFID label encoder performing RFID encoding A method of printing and providing a unique identification number of the embedded RFID tag on the RFID label sheet is used.

Specifically, the RFID label encoder according to the present invention includes a code recognition unit, an RFID encoding unit, and an encoding control unit. The code recognition unit reads the first identification code and the second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet. The encoding control unit provides the RFID encoding unit with a first identification code and a second identification code to control the TID to call the tag, which is the second identification code, according to the selective recording method, and the RFID encoding unit, The TID tags the same tag as the first identification code and records the first identification code in the user code to complete the user code encoding.

According to an embodiment, the code recognition unit may be a barcode reader that recognizes a barcode printed on the RFID label sheet, and the first identification code and the second identification code may be printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet with a barcode. For example, the code recognition unit may further include a first barcode reader for recognizing the first identification code and a second barcode reader for recognizing the second identification code.

According to another embodiment, the first identification number may be printed on the front side of the RFID label sheet, and the second identification number may be printed on the back side of the background sheet to which the RFID label sheet is attached. In this case, the code recognition unit may include: a first bar code reader arranged to face the front side of the RFID label sheet and recognizing the first identification number; and a second bar code reader arranged to face the back side of the background paper, It may be a second bar code reader.

In another embodiment, the code recognition unit may include: a camera that photographs a first identification code and a second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet; and a display unit that displays the first identification code and the second identification code It is also possible to implement the image processing unit.

According to another embodiment, the first identification code may be recorded in an RFID tag as an EPC (Elctronic Product Code) as a user code.

Further, when the first identification code is not a user code, such as when the first identification code is a management number mapped to the user code, the RFID label encoder of the present invention converts the first identification code into the user code And a user code conversion unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an RFID label encoder, wherein when a plurality of the RFID label sheets are supplied in a form of a label band or a folded sheet, the RFID label sheet is passed through the code recognition unit and the RFID encoding unit And a conveying means for conveying the sheet to be conveyed.

The present invention is also applicable to a label printing system provided with a label printer in addition to the RFID label encoder described above. Here, the label printer receives only the second identification number and the first identification number is not printed, and prints the first identification number to generate the RFID label sheet to be used in the RFID label encoder.

The present invention also relates to a method of encoding an RFID label encoder. A method for encoding a user code of an RFID label encoder according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving the RFID label sheet; reading a first identification code and a second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet, Wherein the RFID encoder provides the RFID encoder with the first identification code and the second identification code when the TID (Transponder ID) is the second identification code, And encoding the first identification code with the user code by calling from among the supplied RFID label sheets.

According to the present invention, an RFID label encoder uses a Selection Writing technique that calls a target RFID tag to record a user code using a unique identification number. Therefore, even if a plurality of RFID label sheets are located within the range of the wireless channel of the encoding process as in the prior art, there is no problem that the same user code is recorded in several RFID tags.

Since the selective recording method is used, there is no need for a shielding structure or the like for limiting the RFID radio channel to a specific area, and the structure is simplified, and the elements for reducing the speed are removed, for example, It is possible.

In addition, since the RFID label encoder of the present invention receives the identification code used for selective recording from the RFID label sheet to be labeled, it is not necessarily required that the RFID label encoder of the present invention is connected to a separate external computer device, The user code encoding process can be performed by itself.

In addition, the identification number unique to a tag received through the RFID label paper may be a value recorded in any one of the banks of the internal memory of the tag, and may not necessarily be the entire value thereof.

In particular, the RFID label encoder of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it can be used in connection with a bar code printer of a user who has used a bar code system. In other words, when the user prints the first identification code on the RFID label paper using the existing barcode system, the RFID label encoder of the present invention can automatically combine the label paper with the RFID system. Therefore, the user can easily adopt the RFID system while maintaining the logistics and inventory management system constructed using the existing barcode system.

1 is a configuration diagram of a conventional RFID printer system,
2 is a block diagram of a conventional system incorporating an RFID encoder in a bar code system,
3 is a block diagram of an RFID label encoder of the present invention,
4 is a view showing an example of an RFID label sheet according to the present invention,
Fig. 5 is a view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the first bar code reader and the second bar code reader in Fig. 3,
Figure 6 is a flow chart provided in the description of the user code encoding method of the present invention, and
FIG. 7 is a flowchart provided in the description of the entire process of generating the RFID label sheet of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 3, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) label encoder 300 of the present invention can encode (i.e., record) a user code in an RFID tag of an RFID label sheet. In particular, the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention can perform a 'user code' encoding process on a plurality of RFID label sheets at a very high speed.

In the present invention, the encoding means recording the user code in the RFID tag. When the RFID label paper having been subjected to the encoding process of the present invention is read by a separate RFID reader (not shown), the RFID reader reads the user code from the RFID tag.

The user code may be any code as long as it is a code designated by the user and may be of a size that can be recorded in one of the internal memory banks of the RFID tag included in the RFID label sheet. For example, an EPC (Elctronic Product Code) used for logistics, inventory management, etc. is an example of the user code, and another one may be used.

In order to encode a user code at a high speed, the present invention uses a Selection Writing method for only calling a target RFID tag to be encoded in a user code encoding process. To this end, the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention And obtain the TID (Transponder ID) of the target RFID tag to perform the user code encoding. RFID label paper is used as a means of transmitting the TID.

The RFID label sheet is a sheet having an RFID tag, and a front portion is provided for printing a bar code or the like. After the label is printed by the RFID label printer () of the present invention, the user can remove the background paper and directly attach the label to the article by applying the adhesive to the back side of the RFID label paper and supplying it temporarily bonded to the background paper .

The RFID label sheet may be supplied in a sheet form, but it is generally preferable that the RFID label sheet is mounted in the RFID label printer of the present invention in a state where a plurality of RFID label sheets are interconnected. For example, a label strip in which a plurality of RFID label sheets are successively supplied may be supplied in the form of a roll or a folded sheet (Fanfold Sheet).

A first identification code and a second identification code, which will be described below, are printed on a side of the RFID label sheet by numerals, characters, etc., which can be directly recognized by the user, or a bar code or a two-dimensional bar code (or QR code) It must be printed with the promised code separately. Here, the first identification code is assigned by the user, and the second identification code is a TID unique to the RFID tag.

The first identification code may be a user code to be recorded in the RFID tag itself, or may be a control number mapped to the user code. For example, when the first identification code is the control number and the user code to be recorded in the RFID tag is the EPC code, the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention converts the first identification code into the EPC, which is the user code, . The first identification code is printed on the front side of the RFID label sheet.

The second identification code is a TID of the RFID tag included in the RFID label sheet, and can search for a target RFID tag to which a user code is to be encoded, thereby encoding by a selective recording method. According to the selective recording method, the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention can perform user code encoding on the RFID label paper 11 at a high speed.

In the present invention, the RFID label encoder 300 is provided with information on the RFID tag to perform RFID encoding by printing the second identification code on the RFID label paper. Since the TID uses a considerably long number, it is preferable to use a two-dimensional bar code when printing the second identification code with a bar code. The second identification code is printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet or on the back surface of the back sheet to which the RFID label sheet is attached.

4 shows an example in which a plurality of RFID label sheets 11a, 11b and 11c (simply denoted by 11) have the form of a label strip 10, wherein (a) is a front view of the label strip 10 (B) is a rear view of the label strip 10. As shown in Fig. RFID tags 13a, 13b and 13c (indicated by 13 in the drawing) are built in or attached to one side of each of the label sheets 11a, 11b and 11c, and are adhered to the back sheet 15 by adhesive . 4 shows an example in which the first identification code A11 is printed on the front side of the label sheet 11 and the second identification code A12 is printed on the rear side of the background paper 15. [

Hereinafter, the configuration of the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The RFID label encoder 300 includes a code recognition unit 301, an RFID encoding unit 303, a transfer means 305, a network interface unit 307, and a control unit 310.

The code recognition unit 301 reads the first identification code and the second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet 11 and provides the first identification code and the second identification code to the control unit 310.

The code recognition unit 301 may be implemented in various ways according to the printed first and second identification codes.

For example, when the first identification code and the second identification code are printed in the form of a barcode as shown in FIG. 4, the code recognition unit 301 may be one or two barcode readers. 3 is an example in which the first bar code reader 301a and the second bar code reader 301b are provided.

The arrangement of the first barcode reader 301a and the second barcode reader 301b in the RFID label encoder 300 can be determined according to the arrangement form of the first identification code and the second identification code of the RFID label sheet 11 have. If the first identification code A11 and the second identification code A12 are separately printed on the front and back sides of the RFID label sheet 11 as shown in FIG. 4, the first bar code reader 301a, as shown in FIG. 5A, The second bar code reader 301b is disposed toward the front of the paper 11 and the second bar code reader 301b is disposed toward the rear side of the label paper 11. [ If both the first identification code and the second identification code are printed on the front side of the RFID label sheet 11 as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the first bar code reader 301a and the second bar code reader 301b Will be arranged in parallel to the front surface of the label sheet 11 to be transported.

In a case where the first identification code and the second identification code are printed in the form of a number, a letter or a combination of numbers / letters, the code recognition unit 301 recognizes the first identification code printed on the RFID label sheet and the second identification code printed on the second label A camera for photographing the identification code, and an image processing unit for recognizing the first identification code and the second identification code from the image taken by the camera.

The RFID encoding unit 303 outputs a radio signal for RFID communication to form a wireless channel so that the RFID tag 13 can be connected to the RFID tag 13 of each RFID label sheet 11 via an RFID communication protocol, It is a means of reading / writing. The RFID encoding unit 303 may be connected to any RFID tag within a range in which the radio output reaches, that is, a wireless channel is formed. The RFID encoding unit 303 calls a specific RFID tag under control of the control unit 310 to record a specific user code Selection Writing can be performed. Select () is used for the optional call:

[Command code] select (Bank, offset, length)

Here, Bank represents a bank in which an identification code called as one of the memory banks in the tag is recorded, offset is the start time of the identifier to be called, and length is the length of the called identifier.

The transporting unit 305 transports the fed RFID label paper along the code recognition unit 301 and the RFID encoding unit 303 in the RFID label encoder 300 so that a series of encoding processes are repeatedly performed.

According to the type and function of the code recognition unit 301, it is possible to set an area where the RFID label sheet 11 is to be positioned or passed for recognition of the first identification code and the second identification code, The RFID label sheet conveying path by the conveying means 305 must pass through these two areas because the RFID label sheet 11 can be set in an area where the RFID label sheet 11 is to be located or passed for the RFID encoding according to the range of the channel.

The network interface unit 307 is connected to an external computer device (not shown, an ERP device, or the like), and is not an essential configuration of the present invention. For example, if the first identification code is a separate management number and the user code to be written to the RFID tag is an EPC code, (1) it is necessary to convert the first identification code back to the EPC, (2) If the external computer device (not shown) has the authority to perform the conversion without performing the conversion, the control unit 310 controls the network interface unit 307 to read the first identification The code can be provided to an external computer device (not shown) to receive the EPC. Otherwise, if the control unit 310 has an algorithm or means for performing the conversion, the network interface unit 307 is not an essential configuration, and an external computer device may be unnecessary.

The control unit 310 controls the RFID encoding unit 303 based on the first identification code and the second identification code read by the code recognition unit 301 while controlling the overall operation of the present invention to perform RFID encoding . For this, the control unit 310 includes a user code conversion unit 311 and an encoding control unit 313.

The detailed operation of the user code conversion unit 311 and the encoding control unit 313 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and the RFID encoding process of the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an RFID encoding process of the RFID label encoder 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, focusing on the operation of the control unit 310 and the RFID encoding unit 303. FIG. For convenience of explanation, the code recognition unit 301 includes a first barcode reader 301a and a second barcode reader 301b, and the RFID label sheet 11, which is illustratively shown in Fig. 4, (10). &Lt; / RTI &gt;

<Feeding of RFID label paper: S601>

When a plurality of RFID label sheets 11 on which the first identification code and the second identification code are respectively printed are supplied to the transfer means 305 in the form of a label strip 10, the transfer means 305 transfers the RFID label sheet 11 To the code recognition unit 301. [

&Lt; Recognizing the first identification code and the second identification code: S603 and S605 >

The recognition of the first identification code and the second identification code may be performed simultaneously or may be performed at a time interval. Further, in the case of setting the time interval, the first identification code may be recognized first or the second identification code may be recognized first. 3 and 4, the code recognition unit 301 may include a single bar code reader to recognize both the first identification number and the second identification number, The first identification number and the second identification number can be recognized.

Since the time required for subsequent steps S607 to S611 is very short, steps S603 and S605 provide the first identification code and the second identification code, which have been recognized, to the controller 310, And the feeding means 305 can continuously feed the RFID label sheet 11 at a constant speed.

&Lt; Convert first identification code to user code: S607 >

The user code conversion unit 311 of the control unit 310 receives the first identification code from the first barcode reader 301a and receives the second identification code from the second barcode reader 301b, Into a user code according to a predetermined conversion algorithm. As described above, the process of S607 is applied when the first identification code is a separate control number rather than a user code. For example, the user uses a separate management number mapped to the corresponding EPC while using the user code as the EPC. In this case, since the first identification code is printed with the control number, the user code converter 311 must convert the first identification code into a user code.

The user code conversion unit 311 may automatically convert according to a predetermined algorithm or may include a matching table to extract a user code matched with the first identification code.

According to the embodiment, the user code conversion unit 311 may provide the first identification code to the external computer device (not shown) and request the user code without directly converting the first identification code into the user code.

On the other hand, when the first identification code is directly used as the user code, the control unit 310 does not need to include the user code conversion unit 311, so the user code conversion unit 311 is not an essential configuration of the present invention.

<User code encoding: S609, S611>

When the user code conversion unit 311 converts the first identification code into a user code, the encoding control unit 313 causes the RFID encoding unit 303 to call the RFID tag such as the second identification code, So as to encode the user code.

Under the control of the encoding control unit 313, the RFID encoding unit 303 forms a radio channel for encoding, and a value recorded in the TID bank calls an RFID tag which is a second identification code. At this time, the RFID encoding unit 303 calls a tag recorded in the TID bank with the same second identification number. As shown in FIG. 4, when a plurality of RFID labels 11a, 11b, and 11c are supplied and wireless channels for RFID communication are formed, all of the RFID tags 13a, 13b, And receives the call of the unit 303. [ Of the RFID tags 13a, 13b, and 13c in the wireless channel range, only one RFID tag having the same value as the second identification number is recorded in the TID bank. Therefore, the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention does not need to have a separate shielding means for limiting the range of the wireless channel, and the RFID label paper 11 or the label band 10 is provided to the RFID encoding unit 303 ) And thus the factor that slows down the speed at which the user code is encoded is eliminated.

The RFID encoding unit 303 encodes the user code by providing the user code to the RFID tag responding to the call and writing it in the EPC bank. At this time, the first identification code may be stored in either the USER bank or the spare bank, rather than the EPC bank (S611).

&Lt; Output of RFID label sheet: S613 >

When the user encoding of the RFID encoding unit 303 is completed, the RFID label sheet 11 is finally output by the conveying means 305. [

The steps of S601 to S613 proceed continuously and repeatedly as long as the RFID label sheet 11 is supplied. Since the stop interval is necessary or the position adjustment is not necessary during the process of S601 and S613, the feeding of the label strip 10 of the feeding unit 305 can be continuously performed at a constant speed.

&Lt; Embodiment: Another example of the second identification code >

In the above example, an example of using the TID as the second identification code for selectively calling the RFID tag has been described. However, the present invention can use any identification number unique to the tag.

(1) When the second identification code is used as the EPC bank value

This method uses the value already recorded in the EPC bank of the target tag to be called as the second identification code. In step S609, the RFID encoding unit 303 selectively calls a tag such as the second identification code, which is recorded in the EPC bank of the RFID tag.

In this case, the first identification code may be an EPC or a user control number, and the encoding process may be performed in any one of an EPC bank, a USER bank, and a spare bank. If the first identification code is a control number, step S607 may be performed or the control number may be simply encoded.

If the encoding process is to record in the EPC bank, the EPC already recorded in the EPC bank of the target tag is rewritten (the EPC bank value of the tag is changed).

(2) When the second identification code is used as a USER bank or a reserve bank value

If the identification number is already recorded in the USER bank or the spare bank of each tag of the RFID label sheet and the identification number is a unique number that is not duplicated, the second identification code is stored in the USER bank or the spare bank Can be used. For example, it may be the case that the supplier of the RFID label sheet records a unique identification number in the USER bank or the spare bank of each tag.

In this case, in step S609, the RFID encoding unit 303 selectively calls a tag having the identification number recorded in the USER bank of the RFID tag as the second identification code.

The first identification code may be an EPC or a user control number, and the encoding process may be performed in any one of an EPC bank, a USER bank, and a spare bank. If the first identification code is a control number, step S607 may be performed or the control number may be encoded.

(3) When the second identification code uses some of the TID bank, EPC bank, or USER bank

It is not necessary to use the entire value recorded in the TID bank, the EPC bank, or the USER bank, and only a part of them may suffice. For example, some of the values recorded in the TID bank are used as the second identification code.

This can be done by setting offset and length in the above command code.

&Lt; Example: Generation of RFID label paper >

Production of RFID label paper: Printing of first identification code and second identification code

The user code encoding process based on the operation of the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention has been described above. For this process, an RFID label sheet on which a first identification code and a second identification code are printed is required. The RFIF label paper 11 is completed by printing a first identification code and a second identification code on a label sheet on which an RFID tag is embedded. However, printing of the first identification code and the second identification code may be performed by different subjects.

Since the first identification code is a user code designated by a user who uses the RFID label sheet 11 or a management number matched with the user code, there is a high possibility that the user of the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention prints the first identification code. The second identification code is an already recorded unique identification code of the RFID tag 13 attached to the RFID label sheet 11 so that the manufacturer of the RFID label sheet 11 or the RFID label sheet 11 can be informed to the user of the RFID label sheet 11, It is advantageous to be printed by the supplier supplying the printing paper.

Hereinafter, a series of processes including the manufacture of the RFID label sheet will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 7, focusing on an example in which the value recorded in the TID bank is used as the second identification number.

&Lt; Preparation of Label Paper with RFID Tag and Printing of Second Identification Code: S701 and S703 >

The second identification number is first printed on the label sheet having the RFID tag. Reads the TID bank value of the RFID label sheet 11 by using an RFID reader (not shown), and then prints the second identification code on the RFID label sheet 11 using the bar code printer. Unlike the user encoding process, the TID can be sequentially read from the tag and printed immediately after reading.

When the above process is performed by the supplier of the RFID label paper 11, the supplier supplies the RFID label paper 11 printed with the second identification code to the user having the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention.

As described above, the second identification number may be a value recorded in the EPC bank and a value (or a part thereof) recorded in the USER bank or the spare bank, in addition to the value recorded in the TID bank. The RFID reader (not shown) may determine which value to read and read the value.

&Lt; Printing of first identification code and user code encoding: S705, S707 >

The process after step S705 is performed in the area of the user who performs the logistics management and the inventory management using the RFID label paper and the RFID label encoder 300. [ The user maintains a logistics management or inventory management system based on the conventional bar code printer 201 as in the prior art FIG. 2, and uses the RFID label encoder 300 to obtain the usefulness of management by the RFID.

The user can print his or her own user code directly on the RFID label sheet 11 with the first identification code or separately print the user code on the RFID label sheet 11 using the barcode printer 201 shown in Fig. On the RFID label sheet 11 with the first identification code. The second identification code need not be considered at all in the process of printing the first identification code. It is sufficient that the user manages only the user code managed by himself / herself or manages the user code and the control number, and it is not necessary to consider whether the first identification code is printed on the sheet on which the TID or the second identification code is printed (S705) .

The RFID label paper 11 printed up to the first identification code is provided to the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention, and the user code encoding process is performed in the method shown in FIG. 6 (S707).

As described above, the user who used the barcode system conventionally can use the RFID label encoder 300 of the present invention while using his / her own barcode printer, and can introduce the RFID system into the existing logistics and inventory management system have.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

An RFID label encoder for receiving an RFID label sheet having an RFID tag and encoding a user code in an RFID tag of the RFID label sheet,
A code recognition unit for reading a first identification code and a second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet;
An RFID encoding unit connected to the RFID tag and capable of reading and writing information; And
The RFID encoding section may cause all or part of the value recorded in one of the internal memory banks to be called from the RFID label sheet continuously supplied with the same tag as the second identification code to encode the first identification code into the user code And an encoding control unit for controlling the encoding control unit.
The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a user code conversion unit for converting the first identification code into the management number when the first identification code is a management number mapped to the user code,
Wherein the RFID encoding encodes the management number converted by the user code conversion unit into the user code instead of the first identification code.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the RFID encoding unit encodes the user code into a selected one of the EPC bank, the USER bank, and the spare bank among the internal memory banks.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the code recognition unit is a barcode reader for recognizing a barcode printed on the RFID label sheet,
Wherein the first identification code and the second identification code are printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet with a bar code.
5. The method of claim 4,
The code recognition unit,
A first bar code reader for recognizing the first identification code; And
And a second bar code reader for recognizing the second identification code.
The method according to claim 1,
The first identification number is printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet and the second identification number is printed on the back surface of the background paper on which the RFID label sheet is attached,
The code recognition unit,
A first bar code reader disposed to face the front side of the RFID label sheet and recognizing the first identification number; And
And a second bar code reader arranged to face the rear side of the background paper and recognizing the second identification number.
The method according to claim 1,
The code recognition unit,
A camera for photographing a first identification code and a second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet; And
And an image processing unit for recognizing the first identification code and the second identification code from the image photographed by the camera.
The method according to claim 1,
And a feeding means for feeding the RFID label sheet at a constant speed to pass through the code recognition unit and the RFID encoding unit when a plurality of the RFID label sheets are supplied in the form of a label band or a folded sheet, Label encoder.
An RFID label encoder according to claim 1,
And a label printer having an RFID tag, receiving the paper on which the second identification number is printed, and printing the first identification number to generate RFID label paper to be used in the RFID label encoder.
A method of encoding an RFID label encoder that receives an RFID label sheet having an RFID tag and encodes a user code in an RFID tag of the RFID label sheet,
Receiving the RFID label paper;
A code recognition step of the label encoder reading a first identification code and a second identification code printed on the RFID label sheet;
The encoding control section of the label encoder providing the first identification code and the second identification code to the RFID encoding section; And
Wherein the RFID encoding unit is configured to encode all or a portion of values recorded in one of the internal memory banks from the RFID label sheet continuously supplied with the same tag as the second identification code to encode the first identification code into the user code The method comprising the steps of:
11. The method of claim 10,
When the first identification code is a management number mapped to the user code,
The user code conversion unit may convert the first identification code into the management number and the encoding control unit may provide the management number as the user code to the RFID encoding unit instead of the first identification code And a user code encoding method of the RFID label encoder.
The method according to claim 10 or 11,
Wherein the RFID encoding unit encodes the user code into a selected one of the EPC bank, the USER bank, and the spare bank among the internal memory banks in the encoding step.
11. The method of claim 10,
The first identification code and the second identification code are printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet with a bar code,
Wherein the code recognition step recognizes the first identification code and the second identification code using a bar code reader.
14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the code recognition step comprises:
Wherein the first identification code is recognized by the first bar code reader and the second identification code is recognized by the second bar code reader.
11. The method of claim 10,
The first identification number is printed on the front surface of the RFID label sheet and the second identification number is printed on the back surface of the background paper on which the RFID label sheet is attached,
Wherein the code recognition step comprises:
A first bar code reader arranged to face the front side of the RFID label sheet recognizes the first identification number and a second bar code reader arranged to face the rear side of the background paper recognizes the second identification number A method of encoding a user code of an RFID label encoder.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the code recognition step comprises:
Capturing the RFID label paper using a camera, and recognizing the first identification code and the second identification code from the photographed image.
11. The method of claim 10,
When the plurality of RFID label sheets are supplied in the form of a label strip or a folded sheet, the transporting unit transports the RFID label sheet at a constant speed via the code recognizing unit and the RFID encoding unit, Wherein the RFID label encoder is repeatedly performed.

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