WO2010122322A2 - Label and inventory identification, tracking and locating system - Google Patents

Label and inventory identification, tracking and locating system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010122322A2
WO2010122322A2 PCT/GB2010/050611 GB2010050611W WO2010122322A2 WO 2010122322 A2 WO2010122322 A2 WO 2010122322A2 GB 2010050611 W GB2010050611 W GB 2010050611W WO 2010122322 A2 WO2010122322 A2 WO 2010122322A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
item
label
identification means
label according
identification
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/050611
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010122322A3 (en
Inventor
Michael Edward Beese
John Paul Kerin
Original Assignee
Michael Edward Beese
John Paul Kerin
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michael Edward Beese, John Paul Kerin filed Critical Michael Edward Beese
Priority to EP10725830A priority Critical patent/EP2422292A2/en
Publication of WO2010122322A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010122322A2/en
Publication of WO2010122322A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010122322A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0008—General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07758—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/08—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10019—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers.
    • G06K7/10079—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers. the collision being resolved in the spatial domain, e.g. temporary shields for blindfolding the interrogator in specific directions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a label and particularly, but not exclusively to a label for identifying, tracking and locating and item.
  • the present invention further relates to an inventory identification, tracking and locating system for identifying, tracking and locating items of inventory.
  • Barcodes provide an encoded identification of an item upon which they are placed.
  • a 1- dimensional barcode consists of a plurality of parallel black lines separated by a plurality of white spaces. The width of the lines and spaces are specific to the item and thus provide a unique identification code for the particular item. Moreover, the large number of permutations of line widths and space widths offers a large number of unique codes for different items.
  • Barcodes are interrogated or read with a scanner which measures the amount of light reflected from the series of lines and spaces to determine the identity of the item.
  • the speed and accuracy with which the barcode can be read has lead to their popular use in distinguishing one item from another.
  • barcodes require the scanner to be positioned in close proximity thereto and along a line of sight of the barcode, to enable the barcode to be read. Accordingly, it can be difficult to read barcodes and thus identify items that are covered or hidden from view, for example amongst a stack of items.
  • Radio frequency identification tags offer a remote sensing facility, whereby circuitry within the tag can respond to an interrogation signal from a transmitter and generate a location signal that can be detected at a receiver unit.
  • the location signal provides an indication of the location of the tag and thus an item to which it is secured.
  • the location signal is typically insensitive to the type of item and so it can be difficult to remotely locate a particular item amongst a plurality of similar items, for example.
  • a label for identifying, tracking and locating an item comprising first and second identification means for identifying said item, at least one of said identification means comprising means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located, wherein at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
  • the separate identification means provides an independent and separate verification of the identity and position of the label and thus the item to which it is secured.
  • the programmable nature of at least one of the first and second identification means enables the item specific data associated with the first identification means to be arranged to correspond with the item specific data associated with the second identification means.
  • At least one of the first and second identification means comprises programming means for programming the item specific data.
  • At least one of the first and second identification means is preferably re-programmable with item specific data. The re-programmable nature of the at least one identification means enables item specific data to be up-dated or changed to reflect the history and/or treatment and/or position, for example, of the label and thus the item to which it is secured.
  • the first identification means comprises first item specific data and the second identification means comprises second item specific data.
  • the first item specific data is arranged to substantially correspond with the second item specific data. More preferably, the first item specific data is arranged to uniquely correspond with the second item specific data.
  • the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
  • the second identification means comprises a passive radio frequency identification tag.
  • the first and second identification means are interrogable by interrogation means.
  • the interrogation means comprises a scanner for interrogating the barcode and a radio frequency transmitter-receiver for interrogating the radio frequency identification tag.
  • the first and second identification means are preferably substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
  • a label for identifying an item comprising identification means for identifying said item, wherein said identification means is substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
  • the encapsulation material offers a bespoke shape and size to the label to enable the label to be secured or otherwise fixed to a particular shaped body.
  • the encapsulation material further enables other advertising and/or human readable information to be written onto the label, while protecting the label and the component parts thereof.
  • the label comprises first and second identification means for identifying, tracking and locating an item.
  • At least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
  • At least one of the identification means preferably comprises means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located.
  • the first and second identification means are substantially encapsulated in the encapsulation material.
  • the encapsulation material comprises a resin material and more preferably a polyurethane resin.
  • the encapsulation material is flexible.
  • the encapsulation material is scratch-proof.
  • the encapsulation material is stable with respect to ultra-violet light and thus suffers minimal discolouration under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
  • the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
  • the label according to the first and second aspect preferably comprises means for securing the label to the item.
  • the label according to the first and second aspects preferably further comprises a spacer for spacing the identification means from the item to which the label is secured. If the label is bonded directly to a metal region of an item for example, the metal will affect the radio frequency signal that is received/transmitted by the label.
  • the spacer serves to minimise so-called de-tuning effects associated with metal items, by spacing the radio frequency tag from the metal item.
  • an inventory identification, tracking and locating system for identifying, tracking and locating items of inventory, the system comprising at least one label according to the first, second or third aspect mountable to an item of inventory and interrogation means for interrogating the label.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded view of the label according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the label according to an embodiment of the present invention, from a first side;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the label of figure 2, from a second side; and,
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the label according to figure 2 or 3 encapsulated within a resin.
  • the label 10 comprises a composite of laminar sheets 11 a-11 c that are mounted upon each other and encapsulated within an encapsulation material 12 to form a substantially planar label 10.
  • the label 10 may be formed integrally with an item, such as a suitcase (not shown) or secured to a suitcase (not shown) using fastening means to track and identify the suitcase (not shown) as it passes through various locations in an airport, for example.
  • the composite label structure comprises an intermediate sheet 11 b of resin material that is sandwiched between a first and second outer sheet 1 1a, 1 1 b, respectively.
  • the first outer sheet comprises an outer surface that comprises a barcode 13 which provides a unique identification of the item to which the label 10 is secured, and which can be read using a barcode scanner 14.
  • the second outer sheet comprises an outer surface that comprises human readable information, such as branding 15 or general user information 16. Alternatively, the human readable information may be formed on the same surface as the barcode 13.
  • the intermediate layer 11 b comprises a passive radio frequency (rf) identification tag 17 that is mounted thereto.
  • the tag 17 comprises a coiled antenna (not shown) that is responsive to an rf interrogation signal from a transmitter-receiver unit 18.
  • a magnetic field is set up within the antenna (not shown).
  • an electrical impulse is created which is used to power circuitry (not shown) within the tag 17.
  • the circuitry (not shown) is arranged to generate a signal that is indicative of the position and identity of the item (not shown) to which it is secured, which becomes received by the transmitter-receiver unit 18.
  • the tag 17 further comprises a programmable unit (not shown), whereby a unique reference code is programmed to correspond with the barcode 13 to provide a separate and independent verification of the identity of the label 10 and thus the item (not shown) to which the label 10 is secured.
  • the label 10 further comprises a memory unit (not shown) upon which item specific data can be recorded using the programmable unit (not shown). This may include the transient history of the item, such as past locations in recording the route of a suitcase in an airport for example, or item treatment, such as a component on a factory production line or in the preparation of medication, for example.
  • the programming function is controlled using the rf transmitter-receiver unit 18.
  • the unit 18 may be hand-held or a stand-alone unit. Several units 18 may be suitably positioned around a factory production line or luggage conveyor system within an airport, for example. Alternatively, the item specific data may be pre-programmed during label 10 manufacture.
  • the label 10 is encapsulated within a resin 12 of polyurethane to provide a protective coating for the label 10.
  • the resin 12 is a flexible, scratch-resistant material that suffers minimal discoloration on exposure to sunlight.
  • the flexible nature of the resin 12 and the layers 11 of the label 10, enable a bespoke shape to be formed to match a particular curvature and contour of an item for which the label 10 is intended.
  • the label 10 further comprises fastening means such as split ring (not shown) that is coupled to the label 10 via an aperture 19 which extends through the encapsulation resin and the separate layers 1 1 of the label 10.
  • the split ring may be used to secure the label 10 to a suitcase (not shown), for example.
  • the label 10 may comprise an adhesive region (not shown) for bonding the label 10 to an item, such as a suitcase for example.
  • the adhesive region is disposed on an exterior surface of a spacer 20 that may be formed as part of the encapsulation material or secured to it.
  • the spacer 20 comprises an injection moulded plate, for example, that spaces the rf identification tag 17 from the surface to which the label 10 is bonded.
  • the label 10 is bonded directly to a metal region of an item for example, the metal will affect the radio frequency signal that is received/transmitted by the label 10.
  • the spacer 20 thus serves to minimise so-called de-tuning effects associated with metal items, by spacing the rf tag 17 from the item.
  • a label 10 comprising a barcode 13 and rf identification tag 17, both encoded with item specific data, is secured to an item to be tracked or formed integrally therewith.
  • the transmitter-receiver unit 18 is activated to interrogate the rf identification tag 17 thereby causing the tag 17 to generate a location signal which is received by the unit 18 to reveal the location of the specific item (not shown).
  • the barcode 13 can then be read using a scanner 14 to further verify the identity of the item (not shown).
  • the programmable unit (not shown) within the label 10 is arranged to up-date and/or re-program the tag with new item specific data in response to the interrogation signal from the transmitter-receiver unit 18.
  • Transmitter-receiver units 18 may be positioned at various locations along a conveyor system in an airport or factory line, for example, or at door ways, to record the history of the item, namely the route the item travelled and/or any treatment given to the item, for example.
  • the transmitter- receiver unit 18 may be hand-held and used to track a lost item (not shown), for example.
  • the label and inventory identification and tracking system of the present invention provides a simple yet effective means of identifying and tracking items.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Discharge Of Articles From Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

A label for identifying, tracking and locating an item is disclosed. The label is encapsulated with a resin material to protect the label and comprises first and second identification means for identifying, tracking and locating said item. At least one of said identification means comprises means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located and at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.

Description

Label and Inventory Identification, Tracking and Locating System
The present invention relates to a label and particularly, but not exclusively to a label for identifying, tracking and locating and item. The present invention further relates to an inventory identification, tracking and locating system for identifying, tracking and locating items of inventory.
Barcodes provide an encoded identification of an item upon which they are placed. A 1- dimensional barcode consists of a plurality of parallel black lines separated by a plurality of white spaces. The width of the lines and spaces are specific to the item and thus provide a unique identification code for the particular item. Moreover, the large number of permutations of line widths and space widths offers a large number of unique codes for different items.
Barcodes are interrogated or read with a scanner which measures the amount of light reflected from the series of lines and spaces to determine the identity of the item. The speed and accuracy with which the barcode can be read has lead to their popular use in distinguishing one item from another. However, barcodes require the scanner to be positioned in close proximity thereto and along a line of sight of the barcode, to enable the barcode to be read. Accordingly, it can be difficult to read barcodes and thus identify items that are covered or hidden from view, for example amongst a stack of items.
Radio frequency identification tags offer a remote sensing facility, whereby circuitry within the tag can respond to an interrogation signal from a transmitter and generate a location signal that can be detected at a receiver unit. The location signal provides an indication of the location of the tag and thus an item to which it is secured. However, the location signal is typically insensitive to the type of item and so it can be difficult to remotely locate a particular item amongst a plurality of similar items, for example.
We have now devised a label which overcomes the above mentioned problem.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label for identifying, tracking and locating an item, the label comprising first and second identification means for identifying said item, at least one of said identification means comprising means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located, wherein at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
Accordingly, by securing a label to an item on a production line or a luggage item in an airport for example, it is possible to track and trace the label and thus the item. The separate identification means provides an independent and separate verification of the identity and position of the label and thus the item to which it is secured. In addition, the programmable nature of at least one of the first and second identification means enables the item specific data associated with the first identification means to be arranged to correspond with the item specific data associated with the second identification means.
Preferably, at least one of the first and second identification means comprises programming means for programming the item specific data. At least one of the first and second identification means is preferably re-programmable with item specific data. The re-programmable nature of the at least one identification means enables item specific data to be up-dated or changed to reflect the history and/or treatment and/or position, for example, of the label and thus the item to which it is secured.
Preferably, the first identification means comprises first item specific data and the second identification means comprises second item specific data. Preferably, the first item specific data is arranged to substantially correspond with the second item specific data. More preferably, the first item specific data is arranged to uniquely correspond with the second item specific data.
Preferably, the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
Preferably, the second identification means comprises a passive radio frequency identification tag. Preferably, the first and second identification means are interrogable by interrogation means.
Preferably, the interrogation means comprises a scanner for interrogating the barcode and a radio frequency transmitter-receiver for interrogating the radio frequency identification tag.
The first and second identification means are preferably substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label for identifying an item, the label comprising identification means for identifying said item, wherein said identification means is substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
The encapsulation material offers a bespoke shape and size to the label to enable the label to be secured or otherwise fixed to a particular shaped body. The encapsulation material further enables other advertising and/or human readable information to be written onto the label, while protecting the label and the component parts thereof.
Preferably, the label comprises first and second identification means for identifying, tracking and locating an item.
Preferably, at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
At least one of the identification means preferably comprises means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located.
Preferably, the first and second identification means are substantially encapsulated in the encapsulation material.
Preferably, the encapsulation material comprises a resin material and more preferably a polyurethane resin. Preferably, the encapsulation material is flexible.
Preferably, the encapsulation material is scratch-proof.
Preferably, the encapsulation material is stable with respect to ultra-violet light and thus suffers minimal discolouration under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Preferably, the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
The label according to the first and second aspect preferably comprises means for securing the label to the item.
The label according to the first and second aspects preferably further comprises a spacer for spacing the identification means from the item to which the label is secured. If the label is bonded directly to a metal region of an item for example, the metal will affect the radio frequency signal that is received/transmitted by the label. The spacer serves to minimise so-called de-tuning effects associated with metal items, by spacing the radio frequency tag from the metal item.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inventory identification, tracking and locating system for identifying, tracking and locating items of inventory, the system comprising at least one label according to the first, second or third aspect mountable to an item of inventory and interrogation means for interrogating the label.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded view of the label according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the label according to an embodiment of the present invention, from a first side; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the label of figure 2, from a second side; and,
Figure 4 is a side view of the label according to figure 2 or 3 encapsulated within a resin.
Referring to figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown an exploded view of a label 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The label 10 comprises a composite of laminar sheets 11 a-11 c that are mounted upon each other and encapsulated within an encapsulation material 12 to form a substantially planar label 10. The label 10 may be formed integrally with an item, such as a suitcase (not shown) or secured to a suitcase (not shown) using fastening means to track and identify the suitcase (not shown) as it passes through various locations in an airport, for example.
The composite label structure comprises an intermediate sheet 11 b of resin material that is sandwiched between a first and second outer sheet 1 1a, 1 1 b, respectively. The first outer sheet comprises an outer surface that comprises a barcode 13 which provides a unique identification of the item to which the label 10 is secured, and which can be read using a barcode scanner 14. The second outer sheet comprises an outer surface that comprises human readable information, such as branding 15 or general user information 16. Alternatively, the human readable information may be formed on the same surface as the barcode 13.
The intermediate layer 11 b comprises a passive radio frequency (rf) identification tag 17 that is mounted thereto. The tag 17 comprises a coiled antenna (not shown) that is responsive to an rf interrogation signal from a transmitter-receiver unit 18. When the antenna (not shown) is subject to an alternating rf signal, a magnetic field is set up within the antenna (not shown). When the magnetic field collapses under the alternating nature of the rf signal, an electrical impulse is created which is used to power circuitry (not shown) within the tag 17. The circuitry (not shown) is arranged to generate a signal that is indicative of the position and identity of the item (not shown) to which it is secured, which becomes received by the transmitter-receiver unit 18.
The tag 17 further comprises a programmable unit (not shown), whereby a unique reference code is programmed to correspond with the barcode 13 to provide a separate and independent verification of the identity of the label 10 and thus the item (not shown) to which the label 10 is secured. The label 10 further comprises a memory unit (not shown) upon which item specific data can be recorded using the programmable unit (not shown). This may include the transient history of the item, such as past locations in recording the route of a suitcase in an airport for example, or item treatment, such as a component on a factory production line or in the preparation of medication, for example. The programming function is controlled using the rf transmitter-receiver unit 18. The unit 18 may be hand-held or a stand-alone unit. Several units 18 may be suitably positioned around a factory production line or luggage conveyor system within an airport, for example. Alternatively, the item specific data may be pre-programmed during label 10 manufacture.
The label 10 is encapsulated within a resin 12 of polyurethane to provide a protective coating for the label 10. The resin 12 is a flexible, scratch-resistant material that suffers minimal discoloration on exposure to sunlight. The flexible nature of the resin 12 and the layers 11 of the label 10, enable a bespoke shape to be formed to match a particular curvature and contour of an item for which the label 10 is intended.
The label 10 further comprises fastening means such as split ring (not shown) that is coupled to the label 10 via an aperture 19 which extends through the encapsulation resin and the separate layers 1 1 of the label 10. The split ring (not shown) may be used to secure the label 10 to a suitcase (not shown), for example. Alternatively, the label 10 may comprise an adhesive region (not shown) for bonding the label 10 to an item, such as a suitcase for example. In the latter case, the adhesive region is disposed on an exterior surface of a spacer 20 that may be formed as part of the encapsulation material or secured to it. The spacer 20 comprises an injection moulded plate, for example, that spaces the rf identification tag 17 from the surface to which the label 10 is bonded. If the label 10 is bonded directly to a metal region of an item for example, the metal will affect the radio frequency signal that is received/transmitted by the label 10. The spacer 20 thus serves to minimise so-called de-tuning effects associated with metal items, by spacing the rf tag 17 from the item.
In use, a label 10 comprising a barcode 13 and rf identification tag 17, both encoded with item specific data, is secured to an item to be tracked or formed integrally therewith. To remotely locate the label 10 and thus the item (not shown) the transmitter-receiver unit 18 is activated to interrogate the rf identification tag 17 thereby causing the tag 17 to generate a location signal which is received by the unit 18 to reveal the location of the specific item (not shown). Once located, the barcode 13 can then be read using a scanner 14 to further verify the identity of the item (not shown).
The programmable unit (not shown) within the label 10 is arranged to up-date and/or re-program the tag with new item specific data in response to the interrogation signal from the transmitter-receiver unit 18. Transmitter-receiver units 18 may be positioned at various locations along a conveyor system in an airport or factory line, for example, or at door ways, to record the history of the item, namely the route the item travelled and/or any treatment given to the item, for example. Alternatively, the transmitter- receiver unit 18 may be hand-held and used to track a lost item (not shown), for example.
From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the label and inventory identification and tracking system of the present invention provides a simple yet effective means of identifying and tracking items.

Claims

Claims
1. A label for identifying, tracking and locating an item, the label comprising first and second identification means for identifying said item, at least one of said identification means comprising means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located, wherein at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
2. A label according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second identification means comprises programming means for programming the item specific data.
3. A label according to according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first and second identification means is re-programmable with item specific data.
4. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the first identification means comprises first item specific data and the second identification means comprises second item specific data.
5. A label according to claim 4, wherein the first item specific data is arranged to substantially correspond with the second item specific data.
6. A label according to claim 4, wherein the first item specific data is arranged to uniquely correspond with the second item specific data.
7. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
8. A label according to claim 7, wherein the second identification means comprises a passive radio frequency identification tag.
9. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second identification means are interrogable by interrogation means.
10. A label according to claim 9 as appended to claim 8, wherein the interrogation means comprises a scanner for interrogating the barcode and a radio frequency transmitter-receiver for interrogating the radio frequency identification tag.
1 1. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second identification means are substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
12. A label for identifying an item, the label comprising identification means for identifying said item, wherein said identification means is substantially encapsulated in an encapsulation material.
13. A label according to claim 12, wherein said identification means comprises first and second identification means for identifying, tracking and locating an item.
14. A label according to claim 13 wherein the first identification means comprises a barcode and the second identification means comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
15. A label according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the first and second identification means is programmable with item specific data.
16. A label according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one of the identification means comprises means for transmitting a locating signal to enable the item to be tracked and located.
17. A label according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first and second identification means are substantially encapsulated in the encapsulation material.
18. A label according to claim 17, wherein the encapsulation material comprises a resin material.
19. A label according to claim 18, wherein the resin material comprises a polyurethane resin.
20. A label according to claim any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the encapsulation material is flexible.
21. A label according to any of claims 12 to 20, wherein the encapsulation material is scratch-proof.
22. A label according to any of claims 12 to 21 , wherein the encapsulation material is stable with respect to ultra-violet light.
23. A label according to any preceding claim, further comprising a spacer for spacing the identification means from the item to which the label is secured.
24. A label according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for securing the label to the item.
25. An inventory identification, tracking and locating system for identifying, tracking and locating items of inventory, the system comprising at least one label according to any preceding claim, mountable to an item of inventory and interrogation means for interrogating the label.
26. A label substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
27. An inventory identification, tracking and locating system substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2010/050611 2009-04-20 2010-04-13 Label and inventory identification, tracking and locating system WO2010122322A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10725830A EP2422292A2 (en) 2009-04-20 2010-04-13 Label and inventory identification, tracking and locating system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0906725.7 2009-04-20
GB0906725A GB2469628A (en) 2009-04-20 2009-04-20 Two Part Identification Label

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010122322A2 true WO2010122322A2 (en) 2010-10-28
WO2010122322A3 WO2010122322A3 (en) 2011-03-24

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PCT/GB2010/050611 WO2010122322A2 (en) 2009-04-20 2010-04-13 Label and inventory identification, tracking and locating system

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US9204920B2 (en) * 2012-05-02 2015-12-08 Covidien Lp External reader for device management

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US20030145945A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2003-08-07 Kennedy Patrick R. Labeling assembly
US7212127B2 (en) * 2004-12-20 2007-05-01 Avery Dennison Corp. RFID tag and label
US7425898B2 (en) * 2006-06-01 2008-09-16 Ccl Label, Inc. Label with removable RFID portion
AU2007262658A1 (en) * 2006-06-19 2007-12-27 Express Promotions Australia Pty Ltd Library label and a storage system
KR100794274B1 (en) * 2006-10-17 2008-01-11 (주)케이피씨 Rfid system control distance range and there of distance range control method
EP1976000A3 (en) * 2007-03-26 2009-05-13 Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. Method for manufacturing semiconductor device

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WO2010122322A3 (en) 2011-03-24
GB2469628A (en) 2010-10-27
GB0906725D0 (en) 2009-06-03
EP2422292A2 (en) 2012-02-29

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