Two sided thermal rfid

BACKGROUND

p-0002Two, or dual-sided direct thermal printing of documents such as transaction documents and receipts is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,784,906 and 6,759,366, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In dual-sided direct thermal printing, a two-sided thermal printer is configured to allow concurrent printing on both sides of thermal media moving along a feed path through the printer. In such a printer a direct thermal print head is disposed on each side of the media along the feed path. In operation each thermal print head faces an opposing platen across the media from the respective print head.

p-0003In direct thermal printing, a print head selectively applies heat to paper or other media comprising a substrate with a thermally sensitive coating. The coating changes color when heat is applied, by which “printing” is provided on the coated substrate. For dual-sided direct thermal printing, the media substrate may be coated on both sides.

p-0004Today, components for radio frequency identification (‘RFID”) devices are being integrated into many types of media, such as labels, tickets, and cards. This RFID enabled media is typically pre-printed on one or both sides, and if thermal or thermal transfer printing occurs, it is printed on one side only. This limits the ability to “print on demand” useful or required information on RFID enabled media.

SUMMARY

p-0005RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal media for dual-sided direct thermal printing and encoding and a printer therefor are described.

p-0006Generally the RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal media comprises a RFID device embedded with a substrate having two printable sides, each with a thermally sensitive coating. In one embodiment, RFID enabled dual-sided two-ply direct thermal media is provided, comprising a first substrate having a first side and a second side, a RFID device attached to the second side of the first substrate, and a second substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein both the first substrate and the second substrate include a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and wherein the second side of the first substrate is attached to the second side of the second substrate, such that the RFID device is positioned between the first and second substrates.

p-0007A RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal printer is configured to allow dual-sided printing and encoding of RFID enabled thermal media moving along a media feed path through the printer. In one embodiment, a dual-sided direct thermal printer comprises a function switch controlling operation of a first thermal print head, a second thermal print head and a RFID encoder.

p-0008Alternative features, advantages and variations of the invention will be illustrated by example by the description to follow and the appended drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0009<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A through 1D</figref> show a schematic of an example dual-sided imaging direct thermal printer useable for dual-sided, single pass printing of RFID enabled media.

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A through 2H</figref> illustrate various embodiments of RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal media.

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A through 3C</figref> show an example of a RFID enabled ticket with customized information printed thereon.

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a schematic of an example RFID device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0013By way of example, various embodiments of the invention are described in the material to follow with reference to the included drawings. Variations may be adopted.

p-0014Background material applicable to direct thermal printing and related media production and common features generally is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,344, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows a schematic of a dual-sided imaging direct thermal printer <b>10</b> useable for dual-sided, single pass printing and encoding of RFID enabled media such as, inter alia, transaction receipts, tickets, labels, membership cards, passports and combination shipping labels/packing slips, equipped with a RFID device. The printer <b>10</b> operates on RFID thermal print media <b>20</b>, or simply media <b>20</b>, which is dual-sided thermal media with a RFID device embedded therein. The media <b>20</b> may be single or multi-ply, i.e. it may have one or more layers. Each ply of media may comprise a cellulose-based or polymer substrate sheet and at least the two outer sides of the media <b>20</b> are coated with heat sensitive dyes as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,784,906 and 6,759,366.

p-0016Multi-color printing capability can be provided on both sides of the RFID thermal print media <b>20</b> by using two or more dyes with sensitivity to different temperatures on a side where multi-color printing is desired. Substrates and heat sensitive color changing coatings for direct thermal printing media are generally well known in the art. Dual-sided direct thermal printing can be facilitated by the media <b>20</b> which includes dyes sensitive to different temperatures on opposite sides of the media <b>20</b>, or by use of thermally resistant substrates to inhibit thermal printing on one side of the media <b>20</b> from affecting the coloration on the opposite side of the media <b>20</b>. A more inclusive discussion of two-sided thermal media is included in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/682,497 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

p-0017It will be appreciated that “RFID device” typically, but not always, refers to various forms of an integrated circuit <b>460</b> electrically attached to an antenna <b>480</b>, such as a RFID tag or RFID inlay <b>402</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The integrated circuit, typically a silicon based microchip <b>460</b>, may be operable to store and process information, modulate and demodulate radio frequency signals and various other specialized functions. The antenna <b>480</b> is operable to receive and transmit the radio frequency signals. As show in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, RFID device <b>402</b> further includes a substrate <b>490</b>. Various other components may be included in the RFID device <b>402</b> as needed to enable these operations. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an alternative RFID inlay <b>302</b>, which includes microchip <b>360</b> and antenna <b>380</b>.

p-0018RFID tags typically come in three general varieties: passive, active, or semi-passive (also known as battery-assisted). Passive tags require no internal power source, whereas semi-passive and active tags require a power source, usually a small battery.

p-0019Due to there simplicity of design, i.e. they have no internal power supply, passive RFID tags are best suited for use in the present invention, though in some embodiments other types of tags may be used. Similarly, due to their size, passive UHF and HF tags are typically chosen for use in most embodiments of the present invention. A passive tag is only active when a reader (also known as an interrogator) interrogates the tag by transmitting a radio frequency signal which induces a minute electrical current in the antenna providing enough power for the integrated circuit in the tag to power up and transmit a response back to the reader via the antenna. Most passive tags signal by backscattering the carrier wave from the reader. This means that the antenna has to be designed to both collect power from the incoming signal and also to transmit the outbound backscatter signal. The response of a passive RFID tag may be just an ID number or if the chip contains non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, the response may contain other data. Due to their simplicity in design passive tags may utilize a printed antenna. Similarly, some RFID tags may include non-silicon chips, such as polymer semiconductors, which may be printed directly onto a substrate.

p-0020“RFID inlay” (also referred to as inlet) generally refers to a form of RFID device where the integrated circuit and antenna are mounted on a substrate. Typically, an inlay is ready to be converted into a RFID enabled label, such as a smart label. Similarly, “RFID tag” (also referred to as a transponder) generally refers to a microchip attached to an antenna that is packaged in a way that it can be applied to an object. For the purposes of this discussion both of these terms will be considered within the meaning of RFID device.

p-0021It will further be appreciated that for the purposes of this discussion the meaning of “RFID device” will encompass similar devices, such as, chipless RFID tags and electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tags. Typically, these devices are preprogrammed, as they generally can not be encoded or programmed by a printer at the time media <b>20</b> is being printed. EAS tags include acousto-magnetic, electromagnetic, radio frequency tags.

p-0022It will be appreciated that there are many variations of RFID devices, and related systems used to read, detect, encode, program, manufacture, and process the information obtained therefrom.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows printer <b>10</b> in a closed operation position. As shown printer <b>10</b> has thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>, one disposed on each side of a media feed path <b>25</b>. On opposite sides of the media feed path across from the thermal print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> are opposing rotating platens <b>30</b> and <b>40</b>, respectively. Printer <b>10</b> may also include one or more sensors <b>80</b> and a RFID encoder <b>70</b> positioned along the media feed path <b>25</b>. Typically, sensor <b>80</b> is in the form of an optical sensor, though various other types of sensors, or combinations thereof, may be used.

p-0024As shown, thermal print head <b>60</b>, platen <b>30</b>, RFID encoder <b>70</b> and sensor <b>80</b> are coupled to a supporting arm or base structure <b>55</b>. Similarly, thermal print head <b>50</b> and platen <b>30</b> are coupled to a pivotable supporting arm or cover <b>45</b>, which is operable to pivot about a hinge point <b>31</b> allowing the support arms <b>55</b> and <b>45</b> to pivot relative to each other between a closed position (as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>) and an open position, which allows paper replacement and servicing.

p-0025Typically, printer <b>10</b> may further include control electronics for controlling and/or facilitating the operation of the printer <b>10</b>. The control electronics may include a motherboard <b>85</b>, a controller (or simply processor <b>90</b>), a communications controller (or simply communications module <b>95</b>), a function switch <b>97</b> and a memory <b>99</b> (including one or more DRAM and/or NVRAM print buffer memory elements). While these components are shown coupled to the base structure <b>55</b>, in other embodiments they can be located anywhere on the printer or associated host computer.

p-0026It will be appreciated that the configuration of printer <b>10</b>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, is by way of example and that various other printer configurations are within the scope of the present invention, a few of which are shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1B through 1D</figref>. For example, the location of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and platens <b>30</b>, <b>40</b> may vary as needed as disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/678,216 entitled “Two-Sided Thermal Print Configurations” and filed on Feb. 23, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. One such configuration is show in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>, where thermal print head <b>50</b> opposes thermal print head <b>60</b> and platen <b>30</b> opposes platen <b>40</b>.

p-0027Similarly, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> shows the RFID encoder <b>70</b> located between the rotating platen <b>30</b> and thermal print head <b>60</b>, however, this device can be located anywhere, in or out of printer <b>10</b>, so long as the encoder antenna <b>75</b> is located within close proximity to the media <b>20</b>, i.e. along the media feed path <b>25</b>. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> shows encoder <b>70</b> positioned along the media feed path before either of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. Similarly, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref> shows encoder <b>70</b> mounted on supporting arm <b>45</b> and positioned along the media feed path before either of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. In another embodiment, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1D</figref> shows encoder <b>70</b> positioned along the media feed path <b>25</b> before either of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and an additional RFID reader <b>71</b> positioned along the media feed path <b>25</b> after the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>.

p-0028In some embodiments the sensor <b>80</b> may be positioned on the other side of the media feed path, and in others one or more sensors <b>80</b> may be positioned on both sides of the media feed path. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1D</figref> shows sensor <b>80</b>_apositioned on one side of the media feed path <b>25</b> and sensor <b>80</b>_bon the other.

p-0029In still other embodiments alternative mechanisms may be used to move media <b>20</b> along the media feed path <b>25</b>. The printer <b>10</b> may also be equipped with additional components, such as a cutting module (not shown) for cutting or severing the media <b>20</b>.

p-0030In will be appreciated that there is a possibility that the RFID device may be damaged during the printing process. This is often due to the fact the media is substantially thicker at the location of the RFID chip. Typically, the force exerted on the media <b>20</b> by the print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and the rotating patens <b>30</b>, <b>40</b> is spread out over the entire width of the media <b>20</b>, or a substantial portion thereof, however, when the print heads or the platens reach the location of the RFID chip the force exerted by the them is focused on the RFID chip. Sometimes this will damage the RFID device. In some embodiments this risk is lessened by placing a notch in one or both of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> and/or one or both of the platens <b>30</b>, <b>40</b>. The notches are oriented so that the RFID chip passes through them, thereby lessening the force exerted on the RFID chip by them. Other embodiments may lessen the force exerted on the RFID chip by including platens that include a softer material with less durometr then a typical platen. Similarly, one or both of the print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b> may be pull away from the media <b>20</b> at the location of the RFID device.

p-0031Some embodiments may lack one or more of the motherboard <b>85</b>, the processor <b>90</b>, the communications module <b>95</b>, the function switch <b>97</b> and/or the memory <b>99</b>, and the functions they carry out may be handled by an associated host computer.

p-0032In operation the media <b>20</b> may be supplied to the printer <b>10</b> in the form of a paper roll, fan-fold stack, individual sheet and the like. Dual-sided direct thermal printing and encoding of the media <b>20</b> typically occurs in a single pass through the printer <b>10</b>. The rotating platens <b>30</b> and <b>40</b> operate to advance the media <b>20</b> along the media feed path <b>25</b> past the senor <b>80</b>, the encoder <b>70</b> and thermal print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b>.

p-0033The sensor <b>80</b> may be used to detect various attributes of the media <b>20</b>, such as regions or locations of preprinted information, boundaries of individual documents, and/or regions or locations demarked by one or more sense marks. Alternately or additionally, one or more sensors <b>80</b> may be used to identify a location of a RFID device (or a microchip associated therewith) included with the media <b>20</b> by virtue of one or more physical (e.g., size, thickness, protrusion, and the like) and/or electrical (e.g., read and/or write response, conductivity, signal, power consumption, and the like) characteristics thereof.

p-0034Typically, the printer <b>10</b> utilizes the information obtained from the sensor <b>80</b> to facilitate processing of the media <b>20</b>. Based on the detected attribute and/or the location of the attribute, the printer <b>10</b> determines a region or location on the dual-sided direct thermal image element on which to perform a printer function, such as directing the print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> to each print the appropriate regions of the media <b>20</b>, directing the encoder <b>70</b> to encode the RFID device once it has been moved in registration with the encoder antenna <b>75</b>, and/or directing a cutting module (if the printer is so equipped) to cut the media <b>20</b> in the appropriate location. Typically, the encoder <b>70</b> first reads the RFID device both prior to and after encoding of an RFID device. The first read is performed to determine if the RFID device is properly functioning, and the second read is performed to determine if the RFID device has been properly encoded.

p-0035In most embodiments the media is printed in a single pass, though in alternative embodiments, dual-sided direct thermal printing may occur in a two or more pass process where, for example, the media <b>20</b> is imaged by one or both thermal print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> when moving in a first direction, and then retracted in a second direction for further imaging by one or both thermal print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> with the media moving in either the first or a second direction.

p-0036In some embodiments, sensor <b>80</b> may be operable to detect the location of the RFID device, as opposed to first detecting the location of a sense mark. Similarly, in other embodiments a single module may be used to both detect and encode the RFID device. In some embodiments the encoder <b>70</b> is operable to detect the location of the RFID device, in which case the printer may not be equipped with a sensor, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref>.

p-0037The encoder <b>70</b> is typically operable to read the RFID device embedded within the media <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, printer <b>10</b> may be equipped with a separate RFID reader <b>71</b>, which may, depending on the embodiment, be positioned along the media feed path before and/or after either or both of the thermal print heads <b>50</b>, <b>60</b>. It will be appreciated that an encoder <b>70</b> and/or reader <b>71</b> can be used to detect defective RFID device embedded in media <b>20</b>. In some embodiments, upon detection of a defective RFID device the printer <b>10</b> is operable to print indicia indicating the defect (e.g., “VOID”, “Failed”, and the like) on the portion of the media (e.g., a particular defective RFID label) containing it. This allows the defective media to be easily located and separated from the non-defective media, so it is not deployed.

p-0038In some embodiments the encoder <b>70</b> is operable to detect a defective RFID device prior to printing and the reader <b>71</b> is operable to detect a defective RFID device after printing. It will be appreciated that the use of reader <b>71</b> allows RFID devices damaged during the printing process to be identified. In such embodiments an additional print head may be used to print indicia indicative of its defective status. Similarly a cutting module may be used to cut the media in such a way as to indicate the defect.

p-0039In embodiments equipped with a cutting module, once printing is completed the media <b>20</b> may, depending on its format (e.g., roll, fan fold, individual sheets, and the like), be manually or automatically cut or severed to provide an individual document. Similarly, perforations or break lines may be made on the media <b>20</b>, so that it can easily be separated into individual documents at a later time.

p-0040The operations carried out by the various components of the printer <b>10</b> may be controlled, directed, managed, assisted and/or facilitated by the motherboard <b>85</b>, the processor <b>90</b>, the communications module <b>95</b>, the function switch <b>97</b> and/or the memory <b>99</b>.

p-0041For example, the communications module <b>95</b> communicates with one or more host or auxiliary systems, such as a POS terminal (not shown), for input of data to, and output of data from, the printer <b>10</b>. Communication module <b>95</b> may support USB, Ethernet and/or wireless communications (e.g., 802.11, 802.15, and IR), among others. Data for printing and encoding would typically be supplied by a host terminal (not shown) communicating with the printer <b>10</b> via the communication module <b>95</b>. Supplemental data for printing, such as product and or discount coupon information can also be supplied by, for example, a network server (not shown) providing data directly to the printer <b>10</b> using the communication module <b>95</b>, or indirectly through the host terminal.

p-0042The memory <b>99</b> of the dual-sided direct thermal printer <b>10</b> may have a predefined data storage area to store one or more blocks of predefined data to be repetitively printed on one or both sides of the print media or encoded on the RFID device embedded therein. The blocks of predefined data may comprise, for example, a store identifier, a logo, a coupon, an advertisement, a unique number, product information, information to facilitate the tracking of an article, and the like. The predefined data may be printed and/or encoded along with data submitted by application software associated with the host terminal (not shown). Where multiple data blocks are stored in the predefined data storage area, the blocks may be alternatively selected for printing and/or encoding through use of the hardware or software function switch <b>97</b>.

p-0043The function switch <b>97</b> may be operable to enable activation and deactivation of one or more dual-sided printing and encoding modes, functions, or operations. The function switch <b>97</b> can be a mechanically operated function switch on the printer <b>10</b>, or an electronically operated function switch operated by a printer driver on an associated host computer or by firmware or software resident on the printer <b>10</b>, and the like. The function switch <b>97</b> may, for example, be electronically operated in response to a command message or escape sequence transmitted to the printer <b>10</b>, via the communications modules <b>95</b>. Printer control language or printer job language (“PCL/PJL”), or escape commands, and the like, may be used. A printer setup configuration program setting, e.g., a setting made through a software controlled utility page implemented on an associated host computer, could also electronically operate the function switch <b>97</b> for the RFID enabled dual-sided printer <b>10</b>.

p-0044In one embodiment, the dual-sided printing function switch <b>97</b> may be configured, programmed or otherwise setup to select or otherwise identify (1) data for printing and encoding (e.g., internally stored macros, externally received data, and the like), (2) which of the two thermal print heads <b>50</b> and <b>60</b> will be used to print and/or be used to print particular data, (3) whether selected data is to be printed, or the RFID device is to be encoded, when the media is moving in a first (e.g., forward) or second (e.g., backward) direction, (4) in which relative and/or absolute media location, including on which media side, particular data will be printed, (5) in which orientation (e.g., rightside-up, upside-down, angled, and the like) particular data will be printed on the media <b>20</b>, (6) whether selected data is to be printed prior to, in conjunction with, or following encoding of the RFID device in the media <b>20</b>, and the like.

p-0045In one embodiment, a function switch <b>97</b> may select a first portion of data for printing on a first side of thermal media <b>20</b>, a second portion of data for printing on a second side of the thermal media <b>20</b>, and a third portion of data for encoding the RFID device embedded in media <b>20</b>. Such data may comprise data contemporaneously received by the printer <b>10</b> from a host computer or data stored in one or more memory locations <b>99</b> in the printer <b>10</b>. It should be noted that data may be (1) processed for printing and encoding before receipt by or storage in the printer <b>10</b> by, for example, a host computer, (2) processed for printing and encoding after receipt by or storage in the printer <b>10</b> by, for example, the function switch <b>97</b>, or a processor <b>90</b> associated with the printer <b>10</b>, or (3) a combination of (1) and (2), among others. Likewise, such processing may occur before or after selection, identification and/or apportionment of the data for printing and encoding of thermal media <b>20</b> by the function switch <b>97</b>.

p-0046Function switch <b>97</b> may facilitate printer <b>10</b> to be operated with legacy or other application program software developed for use with, for example, a single-sided direct thermal printer with no RFID encoding capability. In such case, the function switch <b>97</b> may be adapted to enable and/or disable dual-sided thermal media printing and/or encoding depending on, for example, whether print data is provided from a suitable dual-sided and/or RFID encoding application, or from single-sided application program software.

p-0047Depending on the embodiment, single-sided application software may conventionally submit and/or control printing of data on one media side, while a function switch <b>97</b> may enable printing of information on the opposite media side and/or encoding of an associated RFID device. This functioning would allow realization of RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal printer benefits with legacy software, before or without having to invest in custom printing mode applications or other new application program or interface software. For example, in one embodiment, a printer <b>10</b> may receive data for printing from a single sided application program, which data may be apportioned by a function switch <b>97</b> associated with the printer <b>10</b> such that a first portion (e.g., a first half) of the data is printed on a first media side, and a second portion (e.g., a second half) of the data is printed on a second media side. An associated RFID device may similarly be encoded using information stored in one or more memories <b>99</b> associated with the printer <b>10</b>, which information may further be selected based on the received print data.

p-0048In another example, printer <b>10</b> may be operated to print and encode data provided by legacy or other application program software that is not programmed with RFID encoding capability. In such case, the function switch <b>97</b> is used to enable the printer <b>10</b> to select a portion of the data received from the legacy software and encode the RFID device with the selected portion of data. Typically the selected portion of data will be a unique number, such as a transaction number associated with a retail transaction or a tracking number associated with a shipment. In another example, printer <b>10</b> may be operated to print data provided by legacy or other application program software and encode data provided by a separate program.

p-0049A more inclusive discussion of two-sided thermal printing and a printer used therefor is included in U.S. Application No. 60/779,781 entitled “Two-Sided Thermal Printing” and filed on Mar. 7, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/779,782 entitled “Dual-Sided Thermal Printer” and filed on Mar. 7, 2006, and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/675,649 entitled “Two-Sided Thermal Print Switch” and filed on Feb. 16, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

p-0050<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A through 2G</figref> show various embodiments of RFID thermal print media <b>20</b> that may be printed and encoded by printer <b>10</b> or similarly equipped printer.

p-0051<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> shows media <b>20</b>, in the form of single-ply dual-sided direct thermal image element, which may comprise a radio frequency identification device <b>202</b> embedded within a substrate <b>210</b>. The substrate <b>210</b> has a first side <b>212</b> and a second side <b>214</b>, between which the RFID device <b>202</b> is disposed. As further shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, the substrate <b>210</b> includes thermally sensitive coatings <b>216</b> and <b>226</b> on each of the first side <b>212</b> and the second side <b>214</b>, respectively. Each thermally sensitive coating <b>216</b>, <b>226</b> may comprise a full, spot or pattern coating, and may provide for single or multi-color thermal printing. Additionally, the substrate <b>210</b> may further include one or more base and/or top coats (not shown) associated with the first side <b>212</b> and the second side <b>214</b>. Where included, the one or more base and/or top coats may be provided under and/or on top of one or more included thermally sensitive coatings <b>216</b>, <b>226</b>.

p-0052<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> shows an embodiment of RFID print media <b>20</b>, in the form of a multi-ply dual-sided direct thermal image element, which may comprise a RFID device, in the form of inlay <b>202</b>, laminated between a first substrate <b>210</b> and a second substrate <b>220</b>. The first substrate <b>210</b> has an exterior side, or simply first side <b>212</b>, and an interior side, or simply second side <b>214</b>, and the second substrate <b>220</b> has an exterior side, or simply first side <b>222</b>, and an interior side, or simply second side <b>224</b>. Similarly the RFID inlay <b>202</b> has a first side <b>204</b> and a second side <b>206</b>. The RFID inlay <b>202</b> is positioned between the first substrate <b>210</b> and the second substrate <b>220</b> such that the second side <b>214</b> of the first substrate <b>210</b> is attached to the first side <b>204</b> of the inlay <b>202</b> and the second side <b>224</b> of the second substrate <b>220</b> is attached to the second side <b>206</b> of the inlay <b>202</b>. The attachment of the inlay to the substrate may be accomplished by adhesive or various other means.

p-0053As further shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, both the first substrate and the second substrate may include one or more thermally sensitive coatings <b>216</b>, <b>226</b> on the first side thereof. Each thermally sensitive coating <b>216</b>, <b>226</b> may comprise a full, spot or pattern coating, and may provide for single or multi-color thermal printing. Additionally, each of the first and/or second substrates <b>210</b>, <b>220</b> may further include one or more base and/or top coats (not shown) associated with their respective first sides <b>212</b>, <b>222</b>. Where included, the one or more base and/or top coats may be provided under and/or on top of one or more included thermally sensitive coatings <b>216</b>, <b>226</b>.

p-0054As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref>, the dual-sided multi-ply direct thermal image element <b>20</b> may further comprise adhesive layers <b>208</b> and <b>209</b> for attaching, inter alia, the inlay <b>202</b> to the first substrate <b>210</b> and the second substrate <b>220</b>, such that the second side <b>214</b> of the first substrate <b>210</b> is attached to the first side <b>204</b> of the inlay <b>202</b> by adhesive layer <b>208</b> and the second side <b>224</b> of the second substrate <b>220</b> is attached to the second side <b>206</b> of the inlay <b>202</b> by adhesive layer <b>218</b>. In some embodiments the inlay <b>202</b> is releasably attached to one or both of the substrates. Typically, it is desirable to have the inlay <b>202</b> releasably attached to one substrate and more aggressively or permanently attached to the other. Suitable adhesives for releasably attaching a substrate include low tack adhesives which provide a low degree of residual tackiness or stickiness upon separation of the substrate from the inlay <b>202</b>, and/or no residual tack adhesives which leave no residual tackiness or stickiness upon separation of the substrate, and the like. Conversely, it is desirable to utilize more aggressive or high tack adhesives for more aggressive or permanent attachment of a substrate to the inlay.

p-0055In some embodiment the RFID thermal print media <b>20</b>, may be provided in the form of RFID label media. Similar, multi-ply dual-sided thermal labels that are not equipped with RFID devices are described in, inter alia, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/682,497 entitled “Dual-Sided Two-Ply Direct Thermal Image Element” and filed on Mar. 6, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. It will be appreciated that RFID devices may be incorporated into any of the various embodiments of the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element disclosed therein.

p-0056For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> shows media <b>20</b> in the form of a multi-ply dual-sided direct thermal label, which may further comprise a release layer <b>240</b> applied to the second side <b>214</b> of a first substrate <b>210</b>, such that it is positioned between the first substrate <b>210</b> and the adhesive layer <b>208</b>. Generally, the release layer <b>240</b> includes silicone in some form, though various other materials may be used to create the release layer. The combination of the first substrate <b>210</b> and release layer <b>240</b> form a liner <b>245</b> which is releasably attached to the combination of the RFID inlay <b>202</b> and the second substrate <b>220</b>, or simply RFID label <b>260</b>, which are typically more aggressively or permanently adhered together. Likewise, use of a release layer <b>240</b> affords an ability to utilize high tack adhesives, as opposed to low and/or no tack adhesives, for the adhesive layer <b>208</b>. It will be appreciated that this use of high tack adhesives facilitates the maintenance of residual tackiness or stickiness of the first side <b>204</b> of the inlay <b>202</b> upon removal of the RFID label <b>260</b>, so that it can be adhered to a desired object, such as an article of commerce.

p-0057<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2E</figref> shows an additional variation, where an additional adhesives layer <b>209</b> is provided between substrate <b>210</b> and release layer <b>240</b>. This configuration allows removal of both the substrate <b>210</b> and the RFID label <b>260</b> from the release layer <b>240</b>, such that, when removed they act as an adhesive label <b>255</b> and an adhesive RFID label <b>260</b>, respectively.

p-0058As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2F</figref>, a dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element may further comprise one or more thermally sensitive coatings <b>217</b> on a second side <b>214</b> of a first substrate <b>210</b> for imaging before, during and/or after imaging of one or both of the thermally sensitive coatings <b>216</b>, <b>226</b> on the first sides of the first and second substrates <b>210</b>, <b>220</b>. As further shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2F</figref>, adhesive layer <b>208</b>, in the form of a low tack adhesive, may also be provided for releasably attaching substrate <b>210</b> to the RFID label <b>260</b>.

p-0059In some embodiments, the media <b>20</b>, in the form of a dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element, may further be equipped with two or more RFID devices. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2G</figref> shows two RFID inlays <b>202</b> and <b>203</b>, one associated with each substrate <b>210</b> and <b>220</b>. Inlay <b>202</b> is attached to a width <b>280</b> of the second side <b>224</b> and inlay <b>203</b> is attached to a width <b>290</b> of the second side <b>214</b>, such that with <b>280</b> and <b>290</b> do not overlap. A release layer <b>240</b> and adhesive layer <b>208</b> are positioned between the two inlays <b>202</b>, <b>203</b>. This configuration allows a RFID label <b>260</b> to be separated from the substrate <b>210</b> and inlay <b>203</b>, or simply RFID thermal print document <b>265</b>.

p-0060Typically, each of the substrates <b>210</b>, <b>220</b> or at least necessary portions thereof are sufficiently thermally resistance to prevent heat damage to the RFID device and/or to prevent imaging of a second side of media <b>20</b> when heat is applied to the first side of media <b>20</b>.

p-0061It will be appreciated that the embodiments of RFID thermal print media <b>20</b>, discussed above, are merely examples and that various other embodiments fall with in the scope of the present invention. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2H</figref> shows media <b>20</b> in the form of a multi-ply dual-sided direct thermal image element, where a separate inlay is not provide between the substrate <b>210</b> and <b>220</b>, rather an integrated circuit <b>230</b> and antenna <b>232</b> are mounted on and/or applied to the second side <b>224</b> of substrate <b>220</b>. In such an embodiment the first substrate <b>210</b> of the RFID thermal print media may be in a proximate relation to the second substrate <b>220</b> such that the second side <b>214</b> of the first substrate <b>210</b> is attached to the second side <b>224</b> of the second substrate. The substrates <b>210</b>, <b>220</b> may be releasably attached or permanently affixed to each other. Similarly, to facilitate easy separation of the substrates, a release layer or liner may be applied to the second side <b>214</b> of the first substrate <b>210</b> and a layer of adhesive may be provided between the release layer and the substrate <b>220</b>.

p-0062Typically, the thermal print heads used to print media <b>20</b> will not raise the temperature of the RFID device enough to damage any of the components, such as the RFID chip. However, in some embodiments an insulating resin and/or clay are utilized to insulate portions of the RFID device that may be sensitive to heat. Generally, such an insulating material will be placed one or more sides of the RFID chip, as it tends to be the most heat sensitive part of the RFID device.

p-0063In still other embodiments of the thermal RFID media <b>20</b>, the RFID device may be an EAS tag and/or a chipless RFID device. Similarly in some embodiments both plies are equipped with a RFID device.

p-0064It should be noted that a RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal image element, such as the various embodiments discussed above, may be provided in roll, fan-fold, and/or cut sheet stock form, a finished length of which may be set through one or more manual and/or automatic cut or severing means such as, inter alia, an automatic or manual (e.g., serrated edge) knife associated with a dual-sided direct thermal printer.

p-0065It should also be noted that a RFID enabled dual-sided direct thermal image element, such as the various embodiments of media <b>20</b> discussed above, may be used for a plethora of different applications such as, inter alia, labels (e.g. for tracking, monitoring, and/or providing information on items, such as baggage checked at the airport, mail, merchandise, library books, etc.), tickets (e.g. airline and train tickets, buss passes, ski lift passes, etc.), temporary ID badges, transaction receipts, passports, combination shipping labels/packing slips, and cards (e.g. membership cards, loyalty program cards, library cards, etc.). Similarly, a RFID device may be incorporated into any of the various applications for the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/682,497, which are herein incorporated by reference.

p-0066<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A</figref>, <b>3</b>B and <b>3</b>C show an exemplary application of media <b>20</b>, in the form of dual-sided thermal RFID enabled tickets <b>300</b> that have been printed and encoded by a printer, such as printer <b>10</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the ticket is a dining services voucher ticket that may be issued to a university student.

p-0067Each of the tickets <b>300</b> include an RFID device <b>302</b> laminated between a front layer <b>310</b> and a back layer <b>320</b> of thermal sensitive paper. The RFID device <b>302</b> will typically be encoded with information related to a student to which a ticket <b>300</b> has been issued. Typically this information will be a unique code that identifies an account of a specific student. This code may be read by a RFID reader maintained by the dining services operator, the code is then used to properly record the meal to the student's account. In some embodiments the meals allotted to a student may be stored on the RFID device and each time the student receives a meal the ticket is debited, i.e. the memory of the RFID device is altered to reflect the number of meals remaining.

p-0068The front layer <b>310</b> and back layer <b>320</b> of the ticket <b>300</b> include printable surfaces <b>312</b> and <b>322</b>, respectively, at least partially covered with a thermally sensitive coating <b>316</b> and <b>326</b>. The printable surface <b>312</b> of the front layer <b>310</b> includes a preprinted area <b>355</b> and a thermal printing area <b>350</b> printed with customized information unique to each ticket. The preprinted area <b>355</b> has indicia which indicates both the identity of the institution issuing the ticket and the purpose for which the ticket is used. As this information is identical for each ticket issued, it will typically be preprinted on each of the tickets <b>300</b>. In alternate embodiments, the preprinted area <b>355</b> may be thermally printed with repetitive, static information, which information may be prestored in and retrieved from one or more memories <b>99</b> associated with the printer <b>10</b>. Conversely, the thermal print area <b>350</b> is typically printed with customized information specific to the person when it is issued. As shown, the customized information includes a student's name and the type of meal plan selected by the named student. Such information will typically be provided by an application program executing on host computer associated with the printer <b>10</b>.

p-0069The printable surface <b>322</b> of the back layer <b>320</b> includes a thermal printing area <b>344</b> and sense marks <b>346</b>, which enable a printer to sense where a ticket begins and/or ends for appropriate registration of printing as well as correct encoding of the RFID inlay <b>302</b>. It will also be appreciated that throughout this specification “sense mark” shall be read broadly and may include any mark, indicia, depression, hole, protrusion, bulge, convexity, protrusion, protuberance, bump, ridge, substance, and/or material on or contained within media <b>20</b> used to indicate the proper location for the encoding, programming, printing, and/or cutting of media <b>20</b>. In one embodiment, a sense mark in the form of a protrusion of a chip associated with an RFID device is provided.

p-0070The thermal printing area <b>344</b> may be printed with the terms of use of the selected meal plan, and or any other additional information which the issuing institution wants to convey. It will be appreciated that while this embodiment utilizes sense marks on the back layer, in other embodiments they may be provided on the front layer. Similarly, in certain other embodiments there may be no sense marks.

p-0071In some applications, where the plies of media <b>20</b> are releasably attached, the media may be used to create two or more documents. For example, on a first ply of media <b>20</b>, in the form of an RFID label, information for a shipping label may be printed, and on a second ply, in the form of a liner, information for a packing slip may be printed.

p-0072It will be appreciated that, such dual-sided thermal RFID labels have many advantages over the prior art RFID labels. For example, to retain a record of what has been printed an encoded on a prior art RFID label, many prior art applications print such a record on a small portion of the face of the label for later removal. Typically, removal of the small record portion is facilitated by an additional die-cut to the face of the label. The die-cutting and removal of this record limits the label size and often damages the inlay. By allowing the record to be printed on the liner, the present invention over comes problems presented by the prior art RFID labels.

p-0073In the foregoing description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Likewise, various features are described only with respect to a single embodiment in order to avoid undue repetition. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments should have more or less features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in more or less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the description of the embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate exemplary embodiment.