Hyperlabel Tags

Compact Hyperlabel tags are digitally or offset printed using infrared ink over an entire product label or package.

Each tag consists of a unique 2D identification pattern, less than 4mm square. Each tag contains an 96-bit Electronic Product Code, a digital signature, an x-y coordinate, plus additional data for error detection and correction.

Most information in a tag is repeated across a package or label, but each tag, in each x-y position, contains unique x-y coordinates. Any part of the product can be scanned to get the item ID, in any direction or orientation. This enables fast, semi-automatic scanning.

Offset-printed tags can support consumer interactivity applications. Variable printing is necessary for serialization and security applications.

Hyperlabel tags use technologies sourced from Silverbrook Research Pty. Ltd., a supplier of inkjet printing and interactive paper technologies.

Hyperlabel Readers

A Hyperlabel reader is a device incorporating a miniature infrared camera together with software to decode Hyperlabel tags. Readers include a handheld scanner, checkout scanner, and an enabled mobile phone. A mobile phone handset can be manufactured to include a Hyperlabel reader for an incremental cost of less than $5. A Hyperlabel pen can also be used as a reader, combined with a companion device such as a mobile phone, PDA or computer. Readers are expected to become available from multiple sources.

Hyperlabel Servers

Just like RFID, Hyperlabel infrastructure employs common Electronic Product Code (EPC) infrastructure, with additional, incremental support for interactivity. In the EPC infrastructure, compliant servers process EPC scan events independent of tag reader type.

Supply chain participants such as retailers and manufacturers are deploying EPC-compliant servers. These facilitate the serialization and track & trace aspects of Hyperlabel. Internet-based Hyperlabel servers process interaction data from Hyperlabel readers and mediate access to web applications. These facilitate the interactive aspects of Hyperlabel.