A system performs a method for processing an image of a machine-readable code. The method includes receiving an image of a machine-readable code comprising coded information, where the machine-readable code is at least partially obscured by a substance that has a predominant color; generating an adjusted image by adjusting a color space of the image based on the predominant color; binarizing at least a machine-readable code region of the image, wherein the machine-readable code region of the image depicts the machine-readable code; and decoding the binarized machine-readable code region to determine the coded information. Other apparatus and methods are also described.

Systems and methods of using ultrasonic welding to form labels with RFID tags are disclosed. The methods can be useful for the production of a large volume of labels such as production with roll-to-roll processing. The labels can be useful for consumer products such as garments. The present invention discloses in one embodiment, a label having a first and second printed fabric label layer such that a radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay is disposed between the two printed fabric layers.

An ultra-high frequency (UHF) wireless sensor includes an agent activated non-metal antenna formed of a conductive stimuli-responsive hydrogel material. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in electronic communication with the non-metal antenna includes a wireless data communication integrated circuit (IC). The non-metal antenna is configured to be inactive prior to an interaction with an activating agent and active upon the interaction with the activating agent.

An RFID tag includes a booster antenna, a feeding loop, an RFID module, and a sheet-like insulating base. The insulating base includes first and second sides that are opposite to each other. The booster antenna is comprised by one metal wire having one end on the first side of the insulating base and the other end on the second side of the insulating base and includes a first curved portion that reverses a direction of the metal wire extending from the one end and a second curved portion that reverses a direction of the metal wire, which is reversed by the first curved portion, to connect to the other end. Moreover, the RFID module is disposed in a region surrounded by the metal wire including the first curved portion and the second curved portion.

Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna, along with a relatively high conductance piece or portion of the conductor sheet, are positioned within the upper portion of the label, while a relatively low conductance piece or portion of the conductor sheet is positioned within the lower portion of the label.

A method includes providing a machine-readable identifier attached to an article of clothing, each of the plurality of identifying ciphers is disposed in a predetermined discrete area; receiving a scanned image of the machine-readable identifier to detect the identifying ciphers of each of the predetermined discrete areas; retrieving a predetermined stored cipher for each of the predetermined discrete areas; comparing the identifying ciphers of each of the predetermined discrete areas with the predetermined stored ciphers for each of the predetermined discrete areas to determine if each identifying cipher in each predetermined discrete area matches a corresponding stored cipher for each of the respective predetermined discrete areas; and determining that the article of clothing is authentic in response to determining that each identifying cipher in each of the predetermined discrete areas matches the corresponding stored cipher for each of the respective predetermined discrete areas.

A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.

A method for configuring a sensor tag includes placing the sensor tag in a location on a garment or fabric to be affixed. The method may further include applying a heat source at a temperature to the sensor tag for a time period. The method may further include removing the heat source after the time period has elapsed. The method may further include removing a paper layer between an adhesive layer and the garment of fabric prior to placing the sensor taking in the location. The method may further include removing a top protective layer after removing the heat source.

A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.

The present invention refers to the field of electronic devices, with reference to the radio transmission and reception field operating in radiofrequency and, more particularly, to the TAG field operating in RFID technology. In particular, the present invention deals with RFID communication devices preferably applied or realized on rigid or semi-rigid supports, with particular reference to textile supports. Even more particularly, the present invention intends to improve and enhance an invention described by the same applicant in a previous application mentioned in the description. Similar to at least some of the objects described in the invention mentioned above, also the present invention has, among others, the purpose of describing a method and a relative innovative electronic system, suitable for being made, or solidarily fixed to a rigid or semi-rigid support, in particular with reference to certain types of textile supports suitable for the purpose, which will be the object of some preferred embodiments described hereinbelow.