Tracking system and label for use in conjunction therewith

US7698179B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Andy Leung · Calgary, CA
• Ali Ho Clemens · Lexington, US
• Sanjay Balu · Walpole, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 2006
• Grant date: Apr 13, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/0833
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A hybrid label is provided with a unique product identification code which can be retrieved using multiple independent processes. In one embodiment, the hybrid label includes an RFID inlay and a printable face sheet which are secured together by a layer of adhesive material. The RFID inlay includes an integrated circuit chip which is programmed with the unique product identification code. The printable face sheet includes a bar code and an alphanumeric character string, each of which is configured to represent the same identification code. A product tracking system designed in accordance with the hybrid label is able to extract the unique identification code from the label and, in turn, associate the identification code with a designated bundle of data records which is located in an external database. The product tracking system can retrieve the identification code through the use of either RFID technology, bar code technology or manual data entry. The ability to monitor an individual article of commerce throughout the retail supply chain provides the system with, among other things, item-level tracking, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, security and article return applications.