WO2008050155A2

WO2008050155A2 - Detectable label and method of labelling an article

Info

Publication number: WO2008050155A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/050651
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zahir Ahmed
Original assignee: Zahir Ahmed
Priority date: 2006-10-23
Filing date: 2007-10-23
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: WO2008050155A3; GB2443211A; GB0621032D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to detectable labels. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to detectable labels for use in distinguishing genuine articles from counterfeit articles. Embodiments of the invention provide a label comprising a fabric; and a length of magnetic material coupled to the fabric, the magnetic material being arranged to store data.

Description

DETECTABLE LABEL AND METHOD OF LABELLING AN ARTICLE

The present invention relates to detectable labels. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to detectable labels for use in distinguishing genuine articles from counterfeit articles.

It is known to attach identification tags or labels to articles in order to assist in determining the authenticity of an article. For example, an identification label may be used to determine whether an article is genuine or counterfeit, at the point of sale of the article. Identification tags known in the art include bar codes, alpha-numeric characters, RFID tags and holographic images.

The problem exists that organisations or individuals involved in the production of counterfeit articles can readily copy conventional barcode and alpha-numeric character identification labels. RFID tags are less easy to copy, however they are relatively expensive to produce, and are therefore less attractive for use in high volume low margin articles. Furthermore, RFID tags are also potentially vulnerable to damage.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a label comprising: a fabric; and a length of magnetic material coupled to the fabric, the magnetic material being arranged to store data.

The invention has the advantage that the label may be produced at a relatively low cost compared to an RFID tag. This is because writing of data to the label may be performed by storing a digital or analogue signal along a length of the magnetic material. The label is not required to have any electrical or electronic elements, nor is a power supply required by the label. Furthermore, the magnetic material may be made sufficiently resilient to survive storage and shipping over wide ranges of temperature and humidity, and to remain stable for extended periods of time. This is at least in part due to the fact that no power supply or electronic circuitry is required in order to maintain the data stored by the magnetic material.

Preferably, the magnetic material comprises magnetic tape.

This feature has the advantage that the magnetic material may be supplied in a convenient form for incorporation into a garment. Magnetic tape may be made so as to exhibit uniform magnetic properties along a length of the tape. Furthermore, the tape may be provided in a form convenient for use in mass production of labels. For example, the tape may be provided on a drum.

Furthermore, the use of tape is compatible with the fabrication of labels comprising a fabric since tape may be woven into the fabric or woven to form part of the fabric.

Preferably, at least a portion of the magnetic tape is provided within the fabric.

This feature has the advantage that detection of the presence of magnetic tape by visual inspection may be impeded. This feature is of particular value in the detection of counterfeit goods, since manufacturers of counterfeit goods and associated labels are less likely to be aware of the presence of magnetic tape in labels associated with non- counterfeit goods.

Preferably, a warp thread of the label is provided by the magnetic tape.

This feature has the advantage of facilitating incorporation of the tape into the label.

Preferably, the magnetic tape is enclosed by thread along its entire length.

This feature has the advantage that the magnetic tape is concealed along its entire length making visual detection of the presence of the magnetic tape difficult.

The label may further comprise magnetic data stored on the magnetic tape. The data may comprise an identification code.

This feature has the advantage that data associated with an article may be read from a label. For example, the data may enable determination of a history of movement of the article, such as a date and location of manufacture. Alternatively or in addition the label may comprise data corresponding to an intended destination of an article, such as a country, a city or a business entity.

Preferably, the label comprises a plurality of magnetic tapes. This feature has the advantage that the amount of magnetic data that may be stored on a label is increased.

Preferably at least one of the magnetic tapes may be a reference tape and at least one of the magnetic tapes comprises identification data.

This feature has the advantage that the reference tape may be used to calibrate an instrument used to read data from the label (i.e. a reader).

Preferably the reference tape is provided with a magnetic signal thereon, the reference tape being configured to allow a reader to determine a rate of movement of the reader relative to the label.

This feature has the advantage that the reference tape may be used to ensure that identification data stored on a magnetic tape of the label is correctly read by the reader.

A label may be provided in combination with apparatus comprising a magnetic write head, the magnetic write head being arranged to write magnetic data to the magnetic tape.

The apparatus may further comprise a magnetic read head, the magnetic read head being arranged to read magnetic data from the magnetic tape.

This feature has the advantage that the apparatus may be used to both read and write data.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of read heads, each read head being configured to read each of a corresponding plurality of tapes of a label.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided writer apparatus comprising a magnetic write head, the magnetic write head being arranged to write magnetic data to a label according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided reader apparatus comprising a magnetic read head, the apparatus being configured to read magnetic data from a label according to the first aspect of the invention. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of read heads arranged to read a corresponding plurality of magnetic tapes of a label according to the first aspect of the invention.

The reader apparatus may comprise a computing device, the computing device being configured to provide a display of the magnetic data.

This feature has the advantage that a person inspecting an article, for example at a point of sale of an article in a retail establishment, may read the data stored by the label whilst the person is still at the point of sale.

The computing device may be configured to read data from a database comprising data associated with the magnetic data stored on the label.

This feature has the advantage that data associated with the label may be provided to the person at the point of sale, without having to move to a further location in order to access the data.

The database may comprise data corresponding to at least one selected from amongst trade origin of an article; place of fabrication of an article; date of fabrication of an article; intended destination of an article; geographical location where sale of an article is permitted; and geographical location where sale of an article is prohibited.

This feature has the advantage that the person reading the label can determine whether an article to which a label is attached is being legitimately marketed. Furthermore, in the event that an article is not being legitimately marketed, the person may determine a location where the article may be legitimately marketed.

The apparatus may further comprise a magnetic write head.

In a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a weaving loom having a warp thread comprising magnetic tape.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of labelling an article to enable determination of trade origin of the article comprising the steps of: providing a label comprising a fabric, the label having a magnetic material coupled to the fabric; and attaching the label to the article.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a label according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 2 shows a label according to the first embodiment of the invention during a process of fabricating the label.

According to a first embodiment of the invention a label 10 comprises a length of a woven fabric material 12 having a corresponding length of magnetic tape 14 provided along a longitudinal edge 15 of the label 10. The magnetic tape 14 is concealed by stitching 16 along the edge 15 of the label 10.

The label may be made of any suitable size corresponding to the article to which the label is to be attached. Typically, labels are fabricated having a width of between 10 and 20mm, and a length of between 30 and 80mm. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, however, that the size of a label is not limited to these dimensions.

The label 10 is manufactured by conventional weaving techniques using a weaving loom such as a Jacquard loom whereby warp threads 20 of the label run parallel to the edge 15 of the label. The magnetic tape 14 is introduced into the label by replacing one of the warp threads 20 with the tape 14. As the tape 14 is fed through the loom, it passes through one of several warp thread guide apertures 30, the apertures having a size smaller than a width of the tape 14. The tape 14 is folded and compacted as it passes through the aperture 30, before being incorporated into the label 10 (see Figure

2).

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the width of the tape need not be greater than a dimension of the warp thread guide aperture.

Label weaving apparatus typically produces a series of labels in the form of a continuous strip, the strip being wound onto a drum for transportation. When the labels are ready to be incorporated into an article such as a garment, labels are sequentially cut from the drum and attached to the article. For example, the labels may be attached to a garment by sewing, by using an adhesive, or by any other suitable means.

An identification code may be stored to a label by passing a magnetic write-head over the label, and writing magnetic data to the tape. A traditional audio cassette tape head such as those used in magnetic recording of analogue or digital audio signals may be used. In embodiments of the invention, a GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) or Hall sensor may be used. A magnetic flux concentrator may be incorporated into the sensor head.

The magnetic write head may be provided as a portable module that may be used to write magnetic data manually to a label, for example by swiping the module along a length of the label. In embodiments of the invention the magnetic write head is mounted at a location whereby the magnetic data is written to the label before it is attached to the article. For example, the write head may be mounted on the loom to write the magnetic data to the tape before or after it is incorporated into the label. Alternatively the write head may be mounted at a location between a storage drum of the labels and the point at which the label is incorporated into an article.

Similarly, a magnetic read head may be provided in a portable module that may be used to read labels attached to articles stored in warehouses, on a shop floor, or at a point of sale of the article.

In embodiments of the invention a computing device is associated with the portable module. The computing device is configured to provide an indication of whether the magnetic data read from a label is likely to correspond to a counterfeit article. The computing device may also be configured to provide an indication of when and/or where an article was manufactured.

For example, the computing device may be configured to determine whether, based on data stored on the label, the article bearing the label is permitted to be sold at a particular location, such as the location at which the article is found at that moment in time.

In some embodiments of the invention two or more magnetic tapes 14 are provided in a label 10. In some embodiments, one of the two or more tapes 14 is used as a reference tape to assist a magnetic tape reader in reading magnetic data from a tape 14 on which magnetic data associated with the label is stored.

The reference tape is used to assist a magnetic read or write device to read or write data to a tape 14 by determining a speed at which the device is moving with respect to the label 10. The reference tape may also be referred to as a 'servo' tape.

For example, apparatus may be provided that is configured to read data stored on the reference tape and data stored on one or more other tapes substantially simultaneously. The reference tape may for example have a magnetic code provided thereon of a predetermined type, that is recognisable by a read head of the apparatus thereby to assist the apparatus to determine the speed at which the apparatus is being moved relative to the label. The apparatus is configured to vary a rate at which magnetic data is written to or read from tape other than the reference tape. This feature assists in improving a reliability with which magnetic data is written to or read from a label.

For example, in some embodiments of the invention the reference tape bears a series of magnetic stripes or other signals corresponding to the number T, the signals being of a predetermined spatial separation. The reader is configured to recognise the signals, and to calibrate the read head reading data from the one or more other tapes accordingly thereby to ensure correct reading of magnetic data stored on the one or more other tapes.

In some embodiments of the invention, two magnetic tapes 14 are provided. In some embodiments of the invention two magnetic tapes are provided substantially adjacent to one another. In some embodiments of the invention two substantially parallel magnetic tapes are provided, one along each of a pair of opposed edges of a label. In some embodiments, one of the tapes is configured to be a reference tape, whilst the other tape is configured to store magnetic data associated with the label 10. In some embodiments, two or more tapes are provided arranged to store magnetic data thereby to increase the amount of data that may be stored on a label.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A label comprising: a fabric; and a length of magnetic material coupled to the fabric, the magnetic material being arranged to store data.

2. A label as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnetic material comprises magnetic tape.

3. A label as claimed in claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the magnetic tape is provided within the fabric.

4. A label as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein a warp thread of the label is provided by the magnetic tape.

5. A label as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the magnetic tape is enclosed by thread substantially along its entire length.

6. A label as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising magnetic data stored on the magnetic tape.

7. A label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the magnetic data comprises identification data.

8. A label as claimed in claim 7 wherein the identification data comprises an identification code.

9. A label as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a plurality of magnetic tapes.

10. A label as claimed in claim 9 wherein at least one of the magnetic tapes is a reference tape and at least one of the magnetic tapes comprises identification data.

1 1. A label as claimed in claim 10 wherein the reference tape is provided with a magnetic signal thereon, the reference tape being configured to allow a reader to determine a rate of movement of the reader relative to the label.

12. A label as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with apparatus comprising a magnetic write head, the magnetic write head being arranged to write magnetic data to the magnetic tape.

13. A label as claimed in claim 12 wherein the apparatus further comprises a magnetic read head, the magnetic read head being arranged to read magnetic data from the magnetic tape.

14. A label as claimed in claim 13 wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of read heads, each read head being configured to read each of a corresponding plurality of tapes of a label.

15. Writer apparatus comprising a magnetic write head, the apparatus being configured to write magnetic data to a label as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1.

16. Reader apparatus comprising a magnetic read head, the apparatus being configured to read magnetic data from a label as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1.

17. Reader apparatus as claimed in claim 16 comprising a plurality of read heads arranged to read a corresponding plurality of magnetic tapes of a label as claimed in claim 9 or any one of claims 10 or 1 1 as dependent on claim 9.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a computing device, the computing device being configured to provide a display of the magnetic data.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a database comprising data associated with the magnetic data stored on a label.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherever the database comprises data corresponding to at least one selected from amongst trade origin of an article; place of fabrication of an article; date of fabrication of an article; intended destination of an article; geographical location where sale of an article is permitted; and geographical location where sale of an article is prohibited.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20 further comprising a magnetic write head.

22. A weaving loom having a warp thread comprising magnetic tape.

23 A method of labelling an article to enable determination of trade origin of the article comprising the steps of: providing a label comprising a fabric, the label having a magnetic material coupled to the fabric; and attaching the label to the article.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23 further comprising the steps of applying a magnetic signal to the magnetic material thereby to store data in the magnetic material.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24 wherein the magnetic material comprises magnetic tape.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the label comprises a plurality of lengths of magnetic tape.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein at least a portion of the magnetic tape is provided within the fabric.

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein a warp thread of the label is provided by the magnetic tape.

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28 wherein the magnetic tape is enclosed by thread substantially along its entire length.

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29 wherein the label further comprises magnetic data stored on the magnetic tape.

31. A method as claimed in claim 26 or any one of claims 27 to 30 as dependent on claim 26 comprising the step of providing a predetermined magnetic reference signal on one of the plurality of threads, the reference signal being configured to allow a reader to determine a rate of movement of the reader relative to the label.

32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 31 further comprising the step of reading a magnetic signal stored in the magnetic material.

33. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A magnetic write head substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35. A magnetic read head substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36 A weaving loom substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of labelling an article substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.