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WO2025054420A1 - Étiquette rfid à fil cousu - Google Patents

Étiquette rfid à fil cousu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025054420A1
WO2025054420A1 PCT/US2024/045538 US2024045538W WO2025054420A1 WO 2025054420 A1 WO2025054420 A1 WO 2025054420A1 US 2024045538 W US2024045538 W US 2024045538W WO 2025054420 A1 WO2025054420 A1 WO 2025054420A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
conductive wire
textile sheet
end portion
wire pattern
middle portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2024/045538
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Lauri Johannes Huhtasalo
George West
Thomas P. Solaski
Olivier Bruno Sommer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sensormatic Electronics LLC
Original Assignee
Sensormatic Electronics LLC
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 Sensormatic Electronics LLC filed Critical Sensormatic Electronics LLC
Publication of WO2025054420A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025054420A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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
    • G06K19/02—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine
    • G06K19/027—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the selection of materials, e.g. to avoid wear during transport through the machine the material being suitable for use as a textile, e.g. woven-based RFID-like labels designed for attachment to laundry items
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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
    • G06K19/0775—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 connecting the integrated circuit to the antenna
    • G06K19/07756—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 connecting the integrated circuit to the antenna the connection being non-galvanic, e.g. capacitive
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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
    • G06K19/07766—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 comprising at least a second communication arrangement in addition to a first non-contact communication arrangement
    • G06K19/07767—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 comprising at least a second communication arrangement in addition to a first non-contact communication arrangement the first and second communication means being two different antennas types, e.g. dipole and coil type, or two antennas of the same kind but operating at different frequencies

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to tags (or labels) associated with garments.
  • the present disclosure relates to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) label with stitched wire, and methods for making the RFID label.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • RFID tags may be more difficult for shoplifters to remove quickly in the store.
  • the retailer can use the garment integrated RFID tags to provide a frictionless experience for the consumer.
  • the frictionless experience can include Self-Checkout stations (SCO) and Mobile Checkout (MCO) possibilities.
  • SCO Self-Checkout stations
  • MCO Mobile Checkout
  • the RFID label includes a textile sheet, a conductive wire pattern, and a RF chip.
  • the textile sheet includes a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a middle portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion.
  • the conductive wire pattern includes a first part affixed to the first end portion of the textile sheet, a second part affixed to the second end portion of the textile sheet, and a third part affixed to the middle portion of the textile sheet and coupled to the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern.
  • the RF chip is attached on the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip is further positioned on a first face of the textile sheet and coupled to the third part of the conductive wire pattern.
  • the first end portion and the second end portion of the textile sheet are foldable toward the first face of the textile sheet such that the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern are covered by the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the first part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first end portion by a first distance.
  • the second part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the second end portion by the first distance.
  • the third part of the conductive wire pattern is arranged to extend through the middle portion of the textile sheet and positioned adjacent to a first edge of the middle portion by a second distance. The second distance is less than the first distance.
  • the third part of the conductive wire pattern is arranged along a first edge of the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip is arranged adjacent to the first edge of the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the first part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first end portion by a first distance and adjacent to a second edge of the first end portion by a second distance.
  • the second part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the second end portion by the first distance and adjacent to a second edge of the second end portion by the second distance.
  • the third part of the conductive wire pattern is arranged to extend through the middle portion of the textile sheet and positioned adjacent to a first edge of the middle portion by the first distance.
  • the first part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a third edge of the middle portion of the textile sheet by a third distance.
  • the first end portion and the middle portion of the textile sheet are connected to each other through the third edge of the middle portion.
  • the second part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a fourth edge of the middle portion of the textile sheet by the third distance.
  • the 39636.07720 second end portion and the middle portion of the textile sheet are connected to each other through the fourth edge of the middle portion.
  • the RFID label includes a dielectric layer positioned between (i) the middle portion of the textile sheet and (ii) the first end portion and the second end portion of the textile sheet when the first end portion and the second end portion of the textile sheet are folded toward the first face of the textile sheet.
  • the conductive wire pattern includes a conductive wire that extends through the middle portion of the textile sheet and is arranged in the first end portion and the second end portion of the textile sheet in a meandering pattern.
  • the RF chip includes a substrate, a conductive wire loop, and a chip.
  • the substrate is transparent.
  • the substrate has a white color.
  • the conductive wire loop is positioned on the substrate, where the conductive wire loop is an open loop that includes a gap.
  • the chip is positioned on the conductive wire loop and arranged across the gap of the conductive wire loop.
  • a width of the first end portion of the textile sheet is larger than a width of the second end portion of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip includes a protective layer arranged over the conductive wire loop and the chip of the RF chip, where the protective layer has one of a white color and a clear color.
  • visual information is printed on a second face of the textile sheet and arranged in the middle portion of the textile sheet, where the second face is opposite to the first face.
  • conductive wires included in the conductive wire pattern go through the textile sheet from the first face to the second face of the textile sheet.
  • the RFID label includes a conductive element attached to the middle portion of the textile sheet, where the conductive element is disposed on the first face of the textile sheet and coupled to the third part of the conductive wire pattern.
  • the RFID label includes a near field communication chip and coil loop electrically connected to the conductive wire pattern. 39636.07720
  • a method for producing a RFID label for use in a garment or other object is provided.
  • a conductive wire pattern is affixed in a textile sheet.
  • the textile sheet includes a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a middle portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion.
  • the folded textile sheet is attached to the garment such that (i) the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern and (ii) the RF chip are covered by the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the first part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first end portion by a first distance.
  • the second part of the conductive wire pattern is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the second end portion by the first distance.
  • the third part of the conductive wire pattern is arranged to extend through the middle portion of the textile sheet and positioned adjacent to a first edge of the middle portion by a second distance, where the second distance is less than the first distance.
  • the RF chip includes a substrate, a conductive wire loop, and a chip.
  • the substrate is transparent.
  • the substrate has a white color.
  • the conductive wire loop is positioned on the substrate, where the conductive wire loop is an open loop that includes a gap.
  • the chip is positioned on the conductive wire loop and arranged across the gap of the conductive wire loop.
  • visual information is printed on a second face of the textile sheet and arranged in the middle portion of the textile sheet, where the second face is opposite to the first face.
  • a gap between (i) an edge of the first part of the conductive wire pattern that is adjacent to a first edge of the first end portion of the textile sheet and (ii) the third part of the conductive wire pattern is in an range between 0.1mm and 5mm.
  • FIG.1A is a front perspective view of an exemplary RFID label.
  • FIG.1B is a rear perspective view of the RFID label of FIG.1A.
  • FIG.1C is a front perspective view of the unfolded RFID label of FIG.1A.
  • FIG.1D is a rear perspective view of the unfolded RFID label of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG.1E is a rear perspective view of the folded RFID label of FIG.1A.
  • FIG.1F is a top-down view of the folded RFID label of FIG.1A.
  • FIG.2A is a front perspective view of an exemplary RFID label.
  • FIG.2B is a rear perspective view of the RFID label of FIG.2A.
  • FIG.2C is a front perspective view of the unfolded RFID label of FIG.2A.
  • FIG.2D is a rear perspective view of the unfolded RFID label of FIG.2A.
  • FIG.2E is a rear perspective view of the folded RFID label of FIG.2A.
  • FIG.2F is a top-down view of the folded RFID label of FIG.2A.
  • FIG.3 includes perspective views of a portion of the RFID label of FIGS.2A to 2F, namely the conductive wire pattern and RFID chip, for examples of different gaps or spaced apart positions of portions of the conductive wire pattern in the folded portion of the RFID label, according to some aspects of the disclosure.
  • FIG.4A is a rear perspective view of a folded RFID label.
  • FIG.4B is a rear perspective view of the unfolded RFID label of FIG.4A.
  • FIG .5 shows an example of a RF chip according to some aspects of the disclosure.
  • FIG.6 shows an example of a RFID label with a dielectric layer according to an aspect of the disclosure.
  • FIG.7 is a front perspective view of the RFID label of FIG.1A additionally including an example of information of a front face and brand label fabric. 39636.07720
  • FIG.8 is a front view an example of an RFID label attached to a garment.
  • FIG.9 is a flow chart of a method of producing an RFID label according to some aspects of the disclosure.
  • FIG.10 is a summary table to illustrate a RFID use-case ladder.
  • FIG.11 is a summary table to illustrate a use-case fit of different RFID tag types.
  • the disclosure includes an RFID tag integrated into a product label, such as a brand label, to form a product type called an RFID label.
  • the RFID label includes a brand label (or a textile label in the form of a textile sheet) formed from a fabric material with a conductive wire stitched into the brand label.
  • the fabric material may include a natural fiber and/or a synthetic fiber, including fiber materials such as but not limited to polyester, nylon, silk, cotton, wool, linen, hemp, rayon, acrylic, and/or polyurethane (e.g., spandex, elastane).
  • the stitching of the conductive wire on the non-folded portion of the brand label is minimized and/or located in a relatively small part of the area of the non-folded portion, while the stitching on the folded ends may be over a relatively larger part of the area of the folded portions.
  • a length of the conductive wire in the folded portions is greater than a length of the wire in the front or exposed portion of the brand label.
  • the conductive wire can have a sufficient length to form at least a portion of an antenna, while minimizing an effect of the conductive wire stitching on an appearance of the brand label.
  • An RFID loop (or RFID chip) is then attached next to the conductive wire to form an RFID transponder.
  • the RFID loop (or RFID chip) can be separated from the conductive wire, such as in a position on a back side of the brand label to reduce exposure.
  • the RFID label may include visual information, such as retail information and/or a bar code or QR code.
  • the RFID label may include a RFID transponder (or RFID tag) integrated into a brand label.
  • the RFID label can be a visible tag in an intuitive position in a garment.
  • the RFID label can be Variable Information Printed (VIP) with retail information (e.g., brand information, size information, gender information, etc.), and, in some aspects, may additionally include a bar code, such as but not limited to a QR code. Through the bar code, consumers can interact with the garment.
  • VIP Variable Information Printed
  • the RFID label described herein can be useful as it can be attached to an item, such as clothing, instead of non-RFID labels and therefore provide desired RFID functionality. Further, the RFID label does not add new attachment processes. For instance, the RFID label can be attached with a standard sewing process. The described RFID label can enable RFID use-cases in supply chain and in store, including loss prevention. Therefore, the present RFID label can potentially replace traditional EAS tags.
  • the described RFID label substantially looks and feels like a non-RFID version of a brand label.
  • a surface of the RFID label may be printable with the retail information and/or a bar code, and related inks used in such printing may be wash resistant.
  • the ink and brand label material may be selected such that any printing on the RFID label, such as brand information and/or a bar code, can survive tens of washing cycles during a life cycle of the garment.
  • One non-limiting example printing method used to apply ink to the brand label can include digital printing methods, such as a thermal transfer printing or an ink-jet printing.
  • an electrical functionality of the RFID transponder integrated into the RFID label may need to survive the entire lifetime of the garment.
  • the RFID transponder may need to have resistance against mechanical handling, hot temperatures (e.g., ironing, steam finishing), washing and time.
  • Prior solutions find it difficult to meet these requirements simultaneously.
  • a soft-like and/or a textile-like touch and feel does not go well with having a durable product because durability is normally achieved by packaging (or encapsulating) electronic components of the RFID transponder within protective layers.
  • the RFID label as described herein is configured to solve such a dilemma, however, by separating a large radiator (or antenna) part of the transponder and a microchip 39636.07720 part containing a sensitive microchip of the transponder.
  • the antenna part and the microchip part of the transponder can further be communicated through an inductive coupling technology.
  • the microchip can be attached to a relatively small loop antenna (as compared to a size of the part of the antenna formed by the conductive wire).
  • This loop inlay e.g., the microchip plus the tiny loop antenna
  • the radiator antenna e.g., the stitched-in conductive wire. Therefore, the relatively small loop inlay (e.g., the microchip plus the small loop antenna) can be stiffer and better protected.
  • the loop inlay may not make the entire brand label stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
  • the relatively large radiator part (or large antenna part) of the RFID transponder e.g., the stitched-in conductive wire
  • the RFID label can be produced by implementing a conductive wire pattern into the brand label material by stitching (or embroidery).
  • An RFID loop e.g., a microchip plus a tiny loop antenna
  • the conductive wire pattern can function as an antenna of the RFID transponder.
  • the brand label (or RFID brand label) can have end-folds. For example, both ends of the brand label can be folded before the brand label is attached onto the garment.
  • an exposed portion of the stitched conductive wire forming a part of the antenna can be located at an edge of the brand label for the part of the brand label which remains unfoldeG ⁇ For instance, by locating the exposed portion of the stitched conductive wire at the edge of the brand label, the antenna may not be visually disturbing as the edge of the brand label in many cases already includes some contour, and the brand label can be eventually sewn onto the garment from the edges. Accordingly, the conductive wire pattern can be relatively hidden.
  • the stitched conductive wire antenna can create a pattern, such as a meandering pattern, at both ends (e.g., the folded ends) of the brand label.
  • a dipole can be formed based on the antenna positioned at the two folded ends.
  • the two ends are folded back, and thus the stitched conductive wire pattern can be covered by the unfolded 39636.07720 portion of the brand label, and not be visible.
  • the meandering pattern of the stitched conductive wire antenna can enable RF designs for the RFID transponder.
  • the length of the dipole can be optimized for best RF functionality, and the inlay (or RFID loop) can be tuned according to the use-case and used RF frequency.
  • the RFID loop e.g., microchip attached on a small conductive loop, such as on an etched loop antenna
  • the RFID loop can be produced on transparent materials.
  • the RFID loop can be formed on transparent fiber layers.
  • the transparent materials can minimize a visual impact of the RFID loop to the front side of the brand label.
  • the RFID label with inductive coupling concept is provided.
  • the conductive wire is stitched (embroidered) into the fabric of the brand label, and a visually pleasing product is achieved by the wire travelling at the edge of the brand label for the unfolded part of the brand label, and more complex antenna shapes can be located to the end-folds (or folded parts) of the brand label.
  • the RFID loop can be located on the brand label to inductively couple with the stitched conductive wire.
  • wire patterns may not be arranged at the end-folds.
  • the backside of the brand label can include other metallic patterns (e.g., solid aluminum foil and/or conductive paint) and the RFID loop.
  • the metallic patterns can function as an antenna part of the RFID transponder.
  • the wire travelling at the edge of the brand label can connect with these conductive elements.
  • wire patterns can be arranged at the end-folds and function as the antenna part of the RFID transponder.
  • the backside of the unfolded portion of the brand label can include other metallic patterns (e.g., solid aluminum foil and/or conductive paint) and the RFID loop.
  • the wire travelling at the edge of the brand label can connect with these conductive elements.
  • the described RFID label provides RFID functionality in a brand label.
  • an example of an RFID label (or label) 100 includes an antenna (or conductive wire pattern) 104 formed by a conductive wire stitched into a sheet of material 101, such as a fabric, forming the label 100, and inductively coupled with an RF chip (or RFID loop) 102 that is positioned on a back face 100B of the label 100.
  • the antenna 104 includes an exposed part (or a third part) 105 of the stitched conductive wire on a front face 100A of the label 100, and respective first and second non-exposed parts (or first part and second part) 110 and 112 on folded-back ends (or folded ends) 114 and 116 of 39636.07720 the label 100.
  • the exposed part 105 of the conductive wire forming the antenna 104 can be stitched across the front face 100A of the label 100, such as adjacent to a first edge 106 of the label 100, where the first edge 106 is opposite to a second edge 108. It should be understood, however, that the exposed part 105 of the antenna 104 stitched on the front face of the label 100 may be stitched across any portion or any area of the front face. In some cases, the first edge 106 of the label 100 can have a different texture such that the stitched conductive wire of the exposed part 105 of the antenna 104 may be less visible compared to being stitched across other areas of the front face.
  • the label 100 can be stitched around the edges (e.g., 106 and 108) such that the stitched conductive wire of the exposed part 105 of the antenna 104 can blend into the stitching at the edges.
  • the non-exposed parts 110 and 112 of the antenna 104 can include a first pattern 111 and a second pattern 113, which may be matching patterns or non-matching patterns, across an area of the folded ends 114 and 116 of the label 100.
  • the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 can have a shape covering or extending across a majority of the area of the folded ends 114 and 116, for example, to provide a configurable antenna length.
  • FIG.1B shows that the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 have a meandering profile.
  • the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 can have any other suitable profile such that the antenna 104 can be tuned to receive and/or transmit a signal at a configurable frequency or frequency range. Further, the configuration of the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 may be designed to provide the antenna 104 with sufficient characteristics for RF communications, when coupled with the RFID loop 102.
  • the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 can be located behind folded flaps (or folded ends) 114 and 116 of the label 100 respectively. Thus, the first pattern 111 and the second pattern 113 may not be visible when the label 100 is attached to an item, such as a garment.
  • the RFID loop 102 can be made with transparent base material so the RFID loop 102 may be less visible when attached to the label 100.
  • the RFID loop 102 is attached on the back face 100B of the label 100 such that the RFID loop 102 is less visible when the label 100 is attached to an item, such as a garment.
  • the antenna 104 can be a continuous stitching of conductive wire, or separate stitching of conductive wires, wherein the exposed part 105 is connected to the non-exposed parts 110 and 112 of the antenna 104.
  • the antenna 104 can be coupled to the RFID loop 102.
  • the third part 105 of the antenna 104 can be spaced apart but inductively coupled to the RFID loop 102.
  • the third part 105 of the antenna 104 can be connected to the RFID loop 102 to form connected circuitry.
  • An RFID transponder can be 39636.07720 formed based on the coupling of the antenna 104 and the RFID loop 102.
  • the RFID transponder can wirelessly communicate with an RFID reader (not shown).
  • the RFID reader can retrieve information stored in the RFID transponder and further provide the obtained information to a computer database.
  • the obtained information can further be verified/analyzed based on the computer database.
  • the RFID label 100 can be applied for (i) inventory management and loss prevention with ease of e-commerce deliveries and (ii) self-checkout and mobile checkout.
  • the RFID transponder may also provide a privacy mode and authentication functionality. For example, by retrieving the product information stored in the RFID transponder, a customer can find out when and where the garment was produced and/or purchased.
  • the RFID transponder may only be read from a very short distance (e.g., a few centimeters of tens of centimeters) by an RFID reader or may only be read by a person who knows a password.
  • the RFID label 100 may additionally include a near field communication (NFC) chip and coil loop electrically connected to the antenna 104, thereby providing NFC communication capabilities to the RFID label 100.
  • NFC near field communication
  • the RFID label 100 can include an unfolded portion 118 and two folded ends (or first and second end portions) 114 and 116. The unfolded portion 118 is arranged between the two folded ends 114 and 116.
  • the unfolded portion 118 can be, but is not limited to, a rectangle shape, a triangle shape, a square shape, an oval shape, or a circular shape. In the example of FIGS.1A and 1B, the unfolded portion 118 has a rectangle shape.
  • FIGS.1A and 1B are merely an example.
  • the conductive wire that forms the third part 105 of the antenna 104 may be stitched and extend along another portion, such as but not limited to a center, of the unfolded portion 118 of the label 100.
  • the RFID loop 102 can be positioned at any suitable position of the unfolded portion (or middle portion) 118 of the label 100.
  • visual information such as brand information (e.g., brand logo) and/or a bar code, such as but not limited to a QR code, is not shown in FIG.1A, but examples are provided in FIGS.7 and 8.
  • printed information such as a bar code
  • the bar code can provide functionality associated with mobile checkout, consumer engagement, or function as a digital product passport.
  • the conductive wire pattern (or antenna) 104 includes a conductive wire that extends through the middle portion 108 of 39636.07720 the RF label 100 and is arranged in the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116 of the RF label 100 in a meandering pattern.
  • the wire of the conductive wire pattern 104 is arranged along a first edge 106 of the middle portion 118 of the RFID label 100.
  • the RF chip (or RF loop) 102 is arranged adjacent to the first edge 106 of the middle portion 118 of the RFID label 100.
  • the RFID label 100 includes a folding line 120, which is an imaginary line along which the ends (e.g., the first and second end portions) of the RFID label 100 are folded before the RFID label 100 is affixed to an object, such as a garment. [0076] Referring more specifically to FIGS.1E and 1F, the first end portion 114 and the second portion 116 are folded toward the middle portion 118 of the label 100 along the folding lines 120.
  • an RFID label 200 includes conductive wire pattern 204 having a step, indicated as ⁇ S (see FIGS.2C to 2E), between the third part 205 and the edges 210A and 212A of the first part 210 and the second part 212 respectively in the folded over first and second end portions 214 and 216, which allows for improved wireless signal transmission and reception capabilities. Additionally, in some aspects, the conductive wire pattern 204 may be spaced apart from the edges of the RFID label 200, which can provide an area for a fixation mechanism (such as but not limited to stitching, adhesive, ultra-sonic welding) to attach the RFID label 200 to an object without potentially damaging the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • a fixation mechanism such as but not limited to stitching, adhesive, ultra-sonic welding
  • the RFID label 200 includes a sheet of material 201, a conductive wire pattern 204, and a RF chip 202.
  • the sheet of material 201, or textile sheet may be made of a fabric material.
  • the fabric material may include a natural fiber and/or a synthetic fiber, including fiber materials such as but not limited to polyester, nylon, silk, cotton, wool, linen, hemp, rayon, acrylic, and/or polyurethane (e.g., spandex, elastane).
  • the textile sheet 201 includes a first end portion 214, a second end portion 216 opposite to the first end portion 214, and a middle portion 218 arranged between the first end portion 214 and the second end portion 216.
  • the conductive wire pattern 204 includes a first part 210 affixed to the first end portion 214 of the textile sheet, a second part 212 affixed to the second end portion 216 of the textile sheet, and a third part 205 affixed to the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet and coupled to (e.g., connected to) the first part 210 and the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • the RF chip 202 is attached on the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip 202 is further 39636.07720 positioned on a first face (or back face) 200B of the textile sheet and coupled to the third part 205 of the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • the first end portion 214 and the second end portion 216 of the textile sheet are foldable toward the first face 200B of the textile sheet such that the first part 210 and the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204 are covered by the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet.
  • the first part 210 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to a first edge 206 of the RFID label 100 by a first distance T1.
  • the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to the first edge 206 of the RFID label 100 by the first distance T1.
  • the third part 205 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is arranged to extend through the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet and positioned adjacent to the first edge 206 of the RFID label 100 by a second distance T2.
  • the second distance T2 is less than the first distance T1, thereby defining a gap ⁇ S that serves to separate the adjacent portions of the conductive wire pattern 204 when the first and second end portions 214 and 216 are folded over the middle portion 218.
  • the gap ⁇ S helps to isolate each adjacent, overlapping portion of the conductive wire pattern 204, thereby increasing an effective length of the wire, and hence improving radio signal transmission and reception.
  • the first part 210 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to a second edge 208 of the RFID label 200 by a third distance T3.
  • the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to the second edge 208 of the RFID label 200 by the third distance T3.
  • the first part 210 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to a folding line 220 by a fourth distance T4 and the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is positioned adjacent to a folding line 222 by the fourth distance T4.
  • the folding lines 220 and 222 function as edges of the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet such that a width of the middle portion 218 of the textile sheet is defined by the folding lines 220 and 222.
  • the second distance T2 is less than the first distance T1.
  • the distances T1, T2, T3, and T4 are configured to provide spaces for fixation mechanisms, as mentioned above, that affix the RFID label 200 to a garment or other object in a manner that avoids interfering with the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • a gap ⁇ S between (i) an edge 210A of the first part 210 of the 39636.07720 conductive wire pattern 204 that is adjacent to the first edge 206 of the textile sheet and (ii) the third part 205 of the conductive wire pattern 204 is in an range, for example, between 0.05 mm and 5 mm.
  • the difference between T1 and T2 is in the range between 0.05 mm and 5mm.
  • various examples include different sized gaps ⁇ S between the edge 210A of the first part 210 of the conductive wire pattern 204 and the third part 205 of the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • the gap ⁇ S is 0.1 mm in a folding condition of 302, 1mm in a folding condition of 304, and 4mm in a folding condition of 306.
  • the gap ⁇ S between an edge of the second part 212 of the conductive wire pattern 204 and the third part 205 of the conductive wire pattern 204 may also be in a range between 0.05 mm and 5 mm.
  • a RF performance of the RFID label is characterized by a power on tag forward (POTF) metric.
  • POTF power on tag forward
  • the POTF metric characterizes a sensitivity of an RFID tag and indicates a minimum RF power required to successfully activate the RFID tag.
  • a minimum output RF power of -15 dBm is used for the RFID label.
  • the POTF may degrade when the RFID label is folded. For example, 3 dBm POTF degradation of the output power may be observed when the RFID label is folded comparing to when the RFID label is unfolded.
  • the POTF performance at RFID frequency bands depends on a gap distance (e.g., the gap ⁇ S shown in FIG.3) between the adjacent and/or overlapping portions of the conductive wire pattern in the top layer (e.g., the middle portion) and the folded wings (first and second end portions) of the RFID label.
  • a gap distance e.g., the gap ⁇ S shown in FIG.3
  • the folded antenna performances tend to be similar to the performance in the unfolded condition.
  • the conductive wire pattern 404 may be spaced apart from all of the edges of the RFID label 200, which can provide multiple different areas for a fixation mechanism (such as but not limited to stitching, adhesive, ultra-sonic welding) to attach the RFID label 400 to an object without potentially damaging the conductive wire pattern 204.
  • RFID label 400 and its components may be similar to RFID label 100 and/or RFID label 200 and their components. More specifically, in FIGS.4A and 4B, the label 400 includes a textile sheet 401, a conductive wire pattern 404, and a RF chip 402.
  • the textile sheet 401 includes a first end portion 414, a second end portion 416 opposite to the first end portion 414, and a middle portion 418 arranged between the first end portion 414 and the second end portion 39636.07720 416.
  • the conductive wire pattern 404 includes a first part 410 affixed to the first end portion 414 of the textile sheet, a second part 412 affixed to the second end portion 416 of the textile sheet, and a third part 405 affixed to the middle portion 418 of the textile sheet.
  • the third part 405 of the conductive wire pattern 404 extends through the middle portion of 418 of the textile sheet and connects to the first part 410 and the second part 412 of the conductive wire pattern 404.
  • the RF chip 402 is attached on (or affixed to) the middle portion 418 of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip 418 is further positioned on a first face (or back face) 400B of the textile sheet and coupled to the third part 405 of the conductive wire pattern 404.
  • the first end portion 414 and the second end portion 416 of the textile sheet are foldable toward the first face 400B of the textile sheet such that the first part 410 and the second part 412 of the conductive wire pattern 404 are covered by the middle portion 418 of the textile sheet.
  • the first end portion 414 has a width of W1
  • the middle portion 418 has a width of W2
  • the second end portion 416 has a width of W3.
  • W1 is equal to W3.
  • W1 is different from W3.
  • W1, W2, and W3 may be any suitable numbers.
  • W1 is equal to 14 mm
  • W2 is equal to 55 mm
  • W3 is equal to 11 mm.
  • the first part 410 of the conductive wire pattern 404 has a distance of W4 to a first folding line 420 (or a first edge of the middle portion 418).
  • the second part 412 of the conductive wire pattern 404 has a distance of W5 to a second folding line 422 (or a second edge of the middle portion 418) of the conductive wire pattern 404.
  • W4 is equal to W5.
  • W4 is different from W5.
  • W4 and W5 may be any suitable numbers.
  • W4 and W5 are equal to 3 mm.
  • the first part 410, the second part 412, and the third part 405 of the conducive wire pattern 404 have a distance of W7 to a first edge 406 of the textile sheet.
  • the first part 410, the third part 405, and the second part 412 of the conducive wire pattern 404 have a distance of W6 to a second edge 408 of the textile sheet.
  • W6 is equal to W7.
  • W6 is different from W7.
  • W6 and W7 may be any suitable numbers.
  • W6 and W7 are equal to 3mm.
  • an example of an RF chip (or RF loop) 500 may have the same or similar configurations as the RF chip/loop 102 or RF chip/loop 202.
  • the RF chip/loop 500 includes a substrate 502 that includes one of a white color and a clear color, a conductive wire loop 504 positioned on the substrate 502, and an RFID microchip 506.
  • the conductive wire loop 504 is an open loop that includes a gap ⁇ W.
  • the RFID microchip 506 is positioned on the conductive wire loop 504 and arranged across the gap ⁇ W of the conductive wire loop 504. In an example.
  • the conductive wire loop 504 is configured to function as a tiny loop antenna and interact with (or coupled to) the conductive wire pattern (e.g., 104, 204, or 404).
  • the RFID microchip 506 is configured to store information, such as brand information or retail information of a garment or object, as well as other unique information that identifies the RFID microchip 506.
  • the substrate 502 may include an adhesive layer configured to form a mechanical bonding between the RF chip/loop 500 and a back face (e.g., 100B or 200B) of a textile sheet.
  • the RF chip/loop 500 may include a protection layer (not shown) positioned over the RFID microchip 506 and the conductive wire loop 504.
  • the protection layer may have a clear color or a white color.
  • another example of an RFID label (or label) 600 includes a dielectric layer 602 to improve one or more wireless signal transmit and/or receive characteristics of the RFID label 600. It should be understood that RFID label 600 and its components may be similar to RFID label 100 and/or RFID label 200 and/or RFID label 400 and their components.
  • the dielectric layer 602 is positioned between (i) a middle portion 618 of the label 600 and (ii) a first end portion 614 and a second end portion 616 of the label 600 when the first end portion 614 and the second end portion 616 of the label 600 are folded toward a first face (or back face) 600B of the label 600 that is opposite to a second face (or front face) 600A of the label 600.
  • the POTF of the RFID label may degrade when the RFID label is folded.
  • the dielectric layer 602 has a thickness, t, such that being positioned between the first/second end portions and the middle portion of the RFID label 600 spaces apart the folded-over layers, which may reduce the POTF degradation.
  • the dielectric layer 602 may be made of any suitable dielectric materials and have any suitable thickness configured to provide the RFID label 600 with one or more predetermined performance characteristics.
  • a label 702 which may be the same as or similar to label 100 and/or RFID label 200 and/or RFID label 400 and/or RFID label 400, and their components, includes visual information, such as retail information.
  • the label 702 can have an unfolded portion 710 positioned between two end-folds 706 and 708.
  • the label 702 can be made of different materials or in different colors.
  • the label 702 can have 39636.07720 visual information 712 printed, stitched, or otherwise positioned on a front side of the label 702.
  • the visual information 712 may include, but not limited to, retail information and/or a bar code.
  • the retail information may be any information associated with the corresponding garment to which the label 702 is attached, such as a brand name (or brand logo) (e.g., DENIM), a gender-type for the garment (e.g., WOMAN), and a size (e.g., XS and/or 24).
  • the bar code such as a QR code (not shown), can be printed on the front side of the brand label.
  • an RFID label (or label) 800 is attached to a garment 802, such as but not limited to the inside of a collar of the garment.
  • the RFID label 800 may be the same as or similar to any of RFID labels 100, 200, 400, 600, and/or 700.
  • the RFID label 800 can be attached at source (e.g., the manufacturing site) via attachment mechanism 804.
  • the attachment mechanism 804 includes sewing (e.g., a stitch line), adhesion, ultra-sonic welding, or the like.
  • the RFID label 800 can be wash resistant.
  • the RFID label 800 can have two wash resistance levels: until point of sale, e.g., 1 cycle, and garment lifetime, e.g., about 80 cycles. [0095] Still referring to FIG.8, retail information 806 of the garment is printed on a front side of the brand label 800.
  • a RFID transponder can be arranged on a backside of the label 800.
  • the RFID label can be applied for (i) inventory management and loss prevention with ease of e-commerce deliveries and (i) self-checkout and mobile checkout.
  • the label 800 can provide consumer engagement via a printed QR code (not shown).
  • Privacy mode and authentication functionality can also be provided by the RFID transponder. For example, by retrieving the product information (e.g., ID information) stored in the RFID transponder, a customer finds out when and the where the garment was produced and purchased.
  • the RFID label can provide product information compliance with future digital product passport regulations.
  • the product information provided by the RFID label can enable for circular use- cases (e.g., buyback, rental, and repair).
  • the RFID label can be attached at source (e.g., the manufacturing site).
  • the RFID label can have textile touch and feel.
  • the RFID label can eliminate need for additional RFID tags and replace brand label.
  • the RFID label can be a “All- in-on” of RFID tags, which enables use-cases from source tagging through supply chain to store and until end of the garment’s lifecycle.
  • QR code can be printed onto the RFID label.
  • the permanent QR code can help mobile checkout and consumer engagement, and function as a digital product passport. 39636.07720 [0096] Referring to FIG.9, a method 900 to produce an RFID label in a garment may be implemented, according to an aspect of the disclosure.
  • a conductive wire pattern is affixed in a textile sheet.
  • the textile sheet includes a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a middle portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion.
  • the conductive wire pattern includes a first part affixed to the first end portion of the textile sheet, a second part affixed to the second end portion of the textile sheet, and a third part affixed to the middle portion of the textile sheet and coupled to the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern.
  • the conductive wire pattern stitched into the textile sheet includes the exposed part 105 stitched into the middle portion (or unfolded portion) 118 of the label 100, and non-exposed parts 110, 112 stitched respectively into the first end portion (or first folded end) 114 and the second end portion (or second folded end) 116 of the label 100.
  • a radio frequency (RF) chip is attached on the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip is positioned on a first face of the textile sheet and coupled to the third part of the conductive wire pattern.
  • the RFID chip includes the RFID loop (or RF chip) 102 attached to the label 100.
  • the first end portion and the second end portion of the textile sheet are folded toward the first face of the textile sheet such that the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern are covered by the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • An exemplary aspect can be shown in FIGS.1A and 1B, where the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116 are folded toward the backside of the label 100.
  • the folded textile sheet is attached to the garment such that (i) the first part and the second part of the conductive wire pattern and (ii) the RF chip are covered by the middle portion of the textile sheet.
  • the RF chip includes a substrate, a conductive wire loop, and a chip.
  • the substrate has a white color and the conductive wire loop is positioned on the substrate, where the conductive wire loop is an open loop that includes a gap.
  • the chip is positioned on the conductive wire loop and arranged across the gap of the conductive wire loop.
  • visual information is printed on a second face of the textile sheet and arranged in the middle portion of the textile sheet, where the second face is opposite to the first face.
  • a gap between (i) an edge of the first part of the conductive wire pattern that is adjacent to a first edge of the first end portion of the textile sheet and (ii) the third part of the conductive wire pattern is in an range between 0.1mm and 5mm.
  • FIG.11 shows a table 1100 of Use-case Fit of different RFID tag types.
  • the table 1100 presents how different RFID tag types fit with various RFID use-cases.
  • the integrated tags can fit best the new use-cases related to Loss Prevention and simultaneous Frictionless Retail, and the use-cases related to Circular Economy.
  • MCO requires a consumer to connect a garment with a mobile device of the consumer.
  • a convenient way for the consumer to connect with the garment can be a QR code.
  • the QR code can be printed onto a garment integrated tag, which makes the QR code practical to manage the synchronization of the Serialized Global Trade Item Number (SGTIN).
  • the SGTIN can be programmed to a microchip of a UHF RFID inlay within the tag, and the SGTIN can further be printed to the QR code on a surface of the same tag.
  • One advantageous way to combine the QR code and the SGTIN is to integrate the RFID functionality and the QR code into a brand label of the garment.
  • the brand label of the garment can be created as an RFID label.
  • extra labels may not be needed to be attached to the garment, and corresponding extra label attachment processes can be avoided during the garment production.
  • RFID label can in fact deliver a long list of RFID use-cases, including supply chain management, inventory management, Point-of-sale (POS), Loss Prevention, SCO, MCO, returns management, consumer engagement, digital product passport (DPP), and various Circular Economy use- cases such as rental, Re-commerce, and recycling.
  • POS Point-of-sale
  • SCO Loss Prevention
  • MCO returns management
  • consumer engagement digital product passport
  • DPP digital product passport
  • Circular Economy use- cases such as rental, Re-commerce, and recycling.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une étiquette d'identification par radiofréquence (RFID) qui comprend une feuille textile sur laquelle est fixé un motif de fil conducteur et une puce RF. La feuille textile comprend une première partie d'extrémité, une seconde partie d'extrémité et une partie centrale disposée entre les première et seconde parties d'extrémité. Le motif de fil conducteur comprend une première partie fixée à la première partie d'extrémité, une deuxième partie fixée à la seconde partie d'extrémité, et une troisième partie fixée à la partie centrale et couplée aux première et deuxième parties du motif de fil conducteur, la puce RF est fixée sur la partie centrale et placée sur une première face de la feuille textile et couplée à la troisième partie du motif de fil conducteur. Les première et seconde parties d'extrémité sont pliées vers la première face de la feuille textile de telle sorte que les première et seconde parties du motif de fil conducteur sont recouvertes par la partie centrale.
PCT/US2024/045538 2023-09-08 2024-09-06 Étiquette rfid à fil cousu Pending WO2025054420A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363581462P 2023-09-08 2023-09-08
US63/581,462 2023-09-08

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090321531A1 (en) * 2006-07-24 2009-12-31 Textilma Ag RFID Tag
EP2066836B1 (fr) * 2006-09-18 2010-06-09 Textilma Ag Étiquettes rfid destinées aux articles textiles
EP2772873A1 (fr) * 2011-10-27 2014-09-03 Sato Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha Etiquette rfid pour produit de matière flexible, antenne rfid d'étiquette rfid pour produit de matière flexible et continuum d'antenne rfid de celle-ci
US20210166100A1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2021-06-03 Textrace Ag Dual band transponder and textile label with dual band transponder
WO2023042159A1 (fr) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-23 Sml Brand Identification Solutions Limited Étiquettes rfid à base de tissu et procédés de fabrication

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090321531A1 (en) * 2006-07-24 2009-12-31 Textilma Ag RFID Tag
EP2066836B1 (fr) * 2006-09-18 2010-06-09 Textilma Ag Étiquettes rfid destinées aux articles textiles
EP2772873A1 (fr) * 2011-10-27 2014-09-03 Sato Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha Etiquette rfid pour produit de matière flexible, antenne rfid d'étiquette rfid pour produit de matière flexible et continuum d'antenne rfid de celle-ci
US20210166100A1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2021-06-03 Textrace Ag Dual band transponder and textile label with dual band transponder
WO2023042159A1 (fr) * 2021-09-16 2023-03-23 Sml Brand Identification Solutions Limited Étiquettes rfid à base de tissu et procédés de fabrication

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