FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to management tags. More particularly, the invention relates to asset or article management tags that allow tracking of various aspects of an asset or article over its lifetime.

BACKGROUND ART

Mere reference to background art herein should not be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relation to the invention.

Management tags, in particular asset tags, are often utilised to track and manage various aspects of an asset. For example, location, condition, service history, testing history, depreciation, and the like. Such assets may include computers, phones, furniture, and other assets typically owned by a business. The tags typically have some form of unique identification means, such as a serial number, that corresponds to an entry on a datasheet or in a database. When the serial number of an asset is looked up the relevant information relating to that asset can be retrieved, such as when it was last serviced.

In order to further automate asset management systems, asset tags with a scannable element, such as a bar code, have been developed. A user with a hand held scanner can then scan the asset tag to retrieve a serial number which can be entered into a database system. A disadvantage of such a system is that the tag provides only a single data element that can be used to interface with the database, and no means to provide access to different types of information are provided on the tag. There is also no integrated means to provide different access levels for different people and/or tasks. For example, a person servicing or testing assets only needs to access service/test history records and not financial data which may only need to be accessed by a finance department and vice versa.

Furthermore, such tags are passive, and require a person, and/or a device, to read the contents of the tag. Although RPID elements may be utilised to wirelessly convey information, they typically only do so in the presence of an external power source. Active RFID elements which can transmit information autonomously may be used instead to avoid the need for an external power source, but active RFID elements require a battery to power them. Once the battery runs flat it is necessary to replace it, not only increasing maintenance requirements, but also possibly providing a period where the active RFID element is not functioning because there is insufficient power. Furthermore, RPID devices can only wireless convey predetermined data (e.g. an identification number or string) and do not convey variable (e.g. recorded) data.

It is an aim of this invention to provide an improved management tag which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tag for applying to an article or asset, comprising: a plurality of electronically readable elements containing data, wherein at least a portion of the electronically readable elements contain different data and are adapted to be read separately, and wherein said data of at least one of the electronically readable elements provides a link to a database containing information that relates to the article or asset.

The article/asset may be a fixed or working asset. For example, the article/asset may be a computer, a piece of furniture, a vehicle, a document, plant machinery, or the like, and no limitation is meant thereby. The article could even be associated with a person, such as a patient, and the tag could store or link to information about the patient (e.g. medical records). For example, the tag could let someone preparing or serving food to a patient know what the patient is allergic to, or store information on the patient's condition so that when the patient is discharged certain procedures can be followed, such as a specific cleaning procedure.

Preferably at least two of the electronically readable elements are 2D barcodes that are adapted to be read separately, and wherein said data of the at least two barcodes each provides a link to either different entries in a database or to entries in different databases.

Electronically readable elements may include standard barcodes, 2D barcodes, holographic identifiers, magnetic strips, RFID elements/tags, memory (e.g. RAM, ROM, FLASH), or any other suitable elements that are readable electronically. The electronically readable elements may be passive, and either require no power, or require no localised power to store the data and/or be read.

In a preferred embodiment, there are at least three electronically readable elements and at least two of the electronically readable elements are 2D barcodes. Even more preferably, there are four 2D barcodes. The 2D barcodes may take any form, such as a

'Quick Response' (QR) code developed by Denso Wave Incorporated (Japan), a

DataMatrix developed by RVSI Acuity CiMatrix (USA) ₅ or Maxi Code developed by UPS

(USA). Preferably, the 2D barcodes are arranged in a generally square matrix. For example, if there are four barcodes, they are preferably arranged in a 2x2 matrix. There may be other elements around or in between the barcodes which may, at least, provide a region that separates the barcodes from each other to improve the scanning/readability of each barcode individually.

The electronically readable elements may also include design elements. For example, a 2D barcode could be coloured or shaded such that a human recognisable design is visible without affecting the data stored and/or retrieved from the 2D barcode.

The electronically readable elements may be read by any suitable means or apparatus. For example, in the case of a 2D barcode, the electronically readable elements may be read by a dedicated barcode scanner, or even a mobile/portable communications device with a reading means, such as a camera equipped cell phone or PDA.

The electronically readable elements may include a portion that is readable by a smartpen, such as the pulse smartpen made by Livescribe. Such a smartpen could record audio associated with a tag, or with a portion of a tag. The tag may include an electronically readable element that contains a portion with digital paper such as 'dot paper', or similar, within which the smartpen can read information and/or locate positions. Preferably the smartpen utilises an infrared camera to locate and read the information on the digital paper. The digital paper may be able to store information (e.g. like the Hyperlabel made by Hyperlabel Technologies, Inc.) or may be utilised to input information (e.g. handwriting using a system like that made by Anoto Group AB).

Each of the electronically readable elements preferably either stores data about the article/asset, or a link to a database containing information that relates to the article. The link may be a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the internet, pointing to a web site. The website may contain information directly or may be a web interface to a database, and preferably provides the data about the article/asset seamlessly.

Where an electronically readable element stores a link, the means for reading the element preferably automatically follows the link and displays the content of the link. Preferably, the data associated with the electronically readable element can then be edited or updated. In some circumstances, only certain fields may be editable or updatable. This may be due to data limitations, or user/authorisation limitations. For example, some data fields may not be editable at all, such as a unique serial number. Also, some data fields may only be editable with authorisation or approved credentials, such as, for example, financial data may only be edited or modified by someone from a financial department.

One or more of the electronically readable elements may relate to a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The GTIN may be used to identify an item and/or used to retrieve pre-defined information relating to that item, such as pricing, ordering, or invoice at any point in time. Furthermore, one or more of the electronically readable elements may be compliant with standards developed by GSl such as GSl data structures for trade item identification (products or services).

The electronically readable elements may either contain data about an asset locally

(e.g. directly, the data is stored in the electronically readable element) or remotely (e.g. provide a link to an entry in at least one database system containing information on the asset). A combination of both may also be implemented either on a single electronically readable element, or across more than one electronically readable elements.

The data may contain an SMS number, an email address, a web address (e.g. HTML), or a direct link to a database entry. Particularly when linking to an address or entry, the authenticity of the reader may be determined prior to providing access (e.g. by using a MAC address, a user ID number, or a password). Where the data contains an SMS number or an email address an electronic reading device may automatically contact the SMS number or email address and, preferably, further data relating to the tag is sent (preferably to the user of the electronic reading device) in a return message (e.g. to the electronic reading device, or to another device).

The tag may have a human readable barcode number or 2d generated barcode number for verifying the authenticity of the tag; for example, the number/barcode may be sent by SMS (or other suitable means) to a database and a reply of verification may be returned. The tag may be utilised on existing products as an authentication means. For example, pharmaceuticals may have the tag applied to their containers which allow the purchaser to verify that their product is a legitimate/authorised product by scanning (e.g. with a camera phone) a 2D barcode on the container. Preferably the 2D barcode stores data including a unique identifier or 'key' and/or a link to a database with has a unique identifier or key. Once the purchaser has scanned the 2D barcode, a notification (e.g. an SMS message) may then be sent to the purchaser and/or a webpage may be loaded on their personal device advising them of the authenticity of the product.

Each of electronically readable elements may relate to a specific aspect of the article/asset, such as life cycle, service history, financial, carbon offset of the article/asset, etc. In an embodiment, the tag will follow an asset from first use through to disposal, and there will be an electronically readable element relating to each of the following:

• an asset number and link to a database that are GTIN & GSl compliant;

• a link to a database for management of the asset by financial and/or auditing departments;

• a link to a database for other individual departments to monitor, store, track, information regarding the asset; and

• a link to a database for management of the asset including waste stream process and/or information relating to carbon offset of the asset.

Preferably, only those authorised to view data associated with an electronically readable element will be able to access the relevant electronically readable element. This could be effected in a variety of ways, such as having a password, requiring some form of access credentials to access database entries, biometrics, hardware encoded readers, or the like.

Additionally, one of the electronically readable elements may contain one or more

RFID components, such as an RFID tag, that may be integrated with or affixed to the tag. The RFID component can be used to track an article/asset (e.g. tracking of portable assets at a point of entry/exit etc.), and/or to provide data in relation to the article/asset. An RFID tag may be utilised to record and update the location of an article/asset in a database. For example, when an article/asset is scanned by an RFID reader the known location of the asset could be entered into a database. The RFID reader may have a fixed position, or may be mobile. In the event that the RFID is mobile, it may know its position by any suitable means such as by entry of an operator, or through GPS.

RFID components may facilitate accurate and efficient data collection, location based tracking of assets/articles automatically integrated with databases. Use of an RFID component also reduces the amount of direct labour required to perform many tasks thereby improving record management and quality control. For example, prior to disposal/recycling of an asset an electronically readable element, such as an RFID tag, may be utilised to read information relating to the asset that may affect the disposal/recycling process. Such information may include details pertinent to the asset's life cycle, in particular to the end of the asset's life. For example, the information may include materials the asset is made from (e.g. different types of plastics for recycling) and/or possible contaminating elements (e.g. lead) thereby improving conformity of assets to waste management systems, or programmes, or policies, while also providing reporting of the same.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the management tag may further comprise a power source. Preferably the power source is one or more of a solar panel, kinetic (e.g. power generated by movement), induction (e.g. wirelessly transmitted from a source), and RF harvesting (e.g. using intentional RF sources, anticipated ambient RF sources, and/or unknown ambient RF sources). The power source is preferably integrated into the tag. Preferably the power source charges an energy storage element such as a battery (e.g. rechargeable battery such as lithium ion battery) and/or capacitor (e.g. high capacity capacitor, double layer capacitor, or supercapacitor). With a solar panel, the solar panel may be printed on the tag, integrated with the tag, or may be a discrete component affixed to the tag. The solar panel may trickle charge an active RFID tag using available light sources such as, for example, light from internal light (e.g. fluorescent bulbs) and ambient sources (e.g. the sun). A dedicated light source may be provided to ensure the solar panel receives sufficient light to charge the tag, for example by trickle charging the tag.

The tag may further comprise a locating element, such as a GPS chip. The GPS chip may be a SiRFstarIV family chip such as the GSD4e which also has motion sensing capabilities. Preferably the GPS chip is powered by the power source (e.g. solar panel).

The GPS chip may determine the location of the tag and memory (e.g. RAM, ROM, FLASH) associated with the tag may store the information (either periodically, intermittently, or on request) and/or an active or passive transmitter can send the information to a receiver. To perform these tasks the tag may further comprise a microcontroller. Preferably the microcontroller is a lower power microcontroller. The microcontroller may be turned on and off (or woken from sleep mode and put to sleep) by an external signal, or the microcontroller may be self governing.

Data stored in one or more of the electronically readable elements may be encrypted.

This allows the data to be read by only authorised electronic readers. The electronically readable element itself may be encoded and require a decoding algorithm to decode the electronically readable element before the data can be read. For example, an algorithm to decode the electronically readable element may be provided in an electronic reading device.

One of the electronically readable elements may be an authentication element (e.g. a 'trust seal'). Preferably the authentication element can be read electronically to verify the authenticity of the tag. The data stored in the authentication element may be generated based on data stored in one or more of the other electronically readable elements. The data in the authentication element may be generated using an encryption key, asymmetric keys (e.g. public/private keys), or a password/passphrase, to generate unique but identifiable (e.g. verifiable) data. For example, the data in the authentication element may be based on data in another electronically readable element on the tag, and encrypted using a private key. The data in the authentication element may then be read later using an electronic reading device, decrypted using a known public key (preferably stored within the reading device), and compared with the data of the other electronically readable element to confirm that the authentication element is legitimate, therefore verifying the tag as being authentic. As the private key is required to generate the verifiable authentication element in this case, only those with the private key may make tags that are verifiable as being authentic.

The article may be a registration or licence tag, such as a vehicle registration tag or drivers licence with one of the electronically readable elements storing data and/or a link to information relating to a vehicle or driver. For example, one of the electronically readable elements in a vehicle registration tag may store date relating to the vehicle and/or a link to a database containing information that relates to the vehicle (e.g. vehicular information/specifications, owner information, past offences/infringements, restrictions, insurance provider, or the like). One or more electronically readable elements of the registration tag may be utilised to identify the vehicle when passing through areas of interest such as toll booths, congestion localities, restricted zones, car parks, when committing offences/infringements (e.g. when caught exceeding a speed limit), after a crash, or the like.

Preferably the registration tag as a GPS chip which can determine location data relating to the location of the tag which can be read from one of the electronically readable elements by an electronic reading device. Preferably such an electronic readable element is encrypted. The location data may be utilised to confirm the whereabouts of a vehicle and/or to track stolen vehicles. The location data may also be recorded at times of interest. For example, when a parking ticket is issued in relation to a vehicle, the location of the vehicle can be read from the GPS chip and stored with the ticket.

Tracking and/or logging of a vehicle may also be implemented which allows time movements of a vehicle over a trip to be monitored. This may be utilised to alert authorities to speeders (e.g. when a vehicle has not been caught speeding at predetermined speed detection locations, but is known to have a higher than allowed average speed) or to vehicles which may suffer driver fatigue (e.g. it may be determined that the vehicle has been moving/travelling for a long period of time). The driving hours of a driver/vehicle may be logged, which, for example, may be utilised for learner drivers to track and accrue driving hours, or to verify log books for trucks and/or truck drivers.

The registration tag (or another type of tag) may be utilised to track a vehicle within a car park and identify where the vehicle has parked. The entry/exit times of the vehicle may also be recorded so that the length of time in the car park may be determined.

References herein to vehicle are not to be regarded as limiting, and are intended to include all variations and manners of vehicles including road vehicles, water vehicles, and air vehicles. For example, cars, four wheel drives, utes or utility vehicles, vans, caravans, campervans, trailers, trucks, busses, boats, planes, trains, and the like.

The article may be a shopping trolley, with a tag applied to the handle of the trolley or, more preferably, the tag is a portion of the handle itself. In a preferred form, the tag is a handle having a 2D barcode thereon and an electronically readable element such as a passive or active RFID element contained therein. Particularly for 2D barcodes, the electronically readable element may be distorted when it is applied to a curved surface such as a curved portion of the handle as the barcode is skewed. This may make it difficult for an electronic reading device to read the barcode. Accordingly, the 2D barcode may be altered to appear flat to an electronically readable element, or the electronically readable element may be programmed to read the barcode from the curved surface.

Electronic reading devices may be placed at exits from the shopping area that the trolley is typically utilised, so that trolleys, with an RPID element in the handle, can be tracked and identified when leaving the shopping area. As shopping trolley theft is a large problem for retailers, particularly supermarket retails, one of the electronically readable elements, preferably a 2D barcode, may be a link to a database and/or notification service for a retailer which enables users to use an electronic reading device, in this case preferably a cellular phone with a camera, and notify the retailer of the missing trolley. The retailer may offer an incentive, such as a reward, for notifying them of the trolley and/or for returning it. The tag on the trolley may have a GPS chip, or the like, such that the location of the trolley can also be conveyed to the retailer for tracking, or even for pickup. Electronic reading devices may also be provided at cash registers of retailers to link a trolley with a particular purchase and/or purchaser.

The article may be a boarding pass, or passport. Tracking of a passenger in an airport may be implemented with, for example, RPID readers at points of interest. For example, once a passenger checks in a database entry is updated to reflect this, then once the passenger passes customs and/or security an RPID reader detects the tag and updates the passenger location as being having passed these steps. RPID readers may be located on entrances to shops, cafeterias, bars, club lounges, boarding lounges, air bridges, or the like, allowing the approximately location of the tag (and hopefully the passenger therewith) to be known. For example, when a passenger is missing from boarding a plane, their last known location may be determined from a database entry which can assist airport personnel in locating the passenger.

The article may be an envelope, parcel, or package. Preferably a tag in this embodiment comprises two electronically readable elements, namely a 2D barcode with an

RPID tag underneath. Preferably the 2D barcode stores a link to a database with relevant information about the envelope, parcel, or package such as the destination, weight, size, contents, sender, and/or location; and the RFID tag is utilised for tracking the envelope, parcel, or package along its journey from sender to recipient. For example, the RFID tag may be tracked from when the tag is applied to the envelope, parcel, or package, to when it leaves the post office (or courier depot, or the like), to when it enters/exits vehicles, etc. Information on the tracking/status of the envelope, parcel, or package may then be stored in a database entry to which the 2D barcode links to. Similarly, the article may be larger sized freight such as, for example, a shipping container.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for managing a plurality of articles or assets comprising: at least one database system containing information on the articles or assets; and a tag applied to each article or asset having more than one electronically readable element containing data, wherein said data of at least a portion of the electronically readable elements each provides a link to either different entries in a single database system, or to entries in different database systems.

Preferably, there are at least three electronically readable elements and the data of each electronically readable element either relates to a specific aspect of the asset or links to a database entry relating to a specific aspect of the asset.

The tag is preferably made of a durable material, and may come in the form of a self adhesive label. The tag may be made of any suitable material, such as paper and/or plastic based with a sticky self adhesive on one side. The tag may also be an embossed, engraved, indented tag made from plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. An advantage of such a tag is that it is far more durable, autoclavable, and able to be read if painted over.

The tag may be provided with an adhesive to allow easy and efficient fastening to the asset/article it relates to, or the tag could be affixed by other means such as glue, staples, tape, string, magnetism, rivets, or any other suitable means. The tag may even be made integral to the article/asset, or with a portion of the article/asset.

The tag preferably also has human readable components (e.g. text) for quick and easy scanning and identification of the tags by a human. The tag may also include branding such as a trade mark or device which is preferably visible on the tag in use.

Preferably, the system can provide data/information and reports on the assets. This may be information for each individual asset, or information relating to all of, or a portion of, the assets. Preferably, the reports provide statistics or analysis of various aspects of the assets, and may also be used for recording and/or auditing purposes. Such data may be useful in determining progress on whether certain goals or levels are being attained and/or when they are obtained.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates four electronically readable elements arranged in 2x2 matrix.

Figure 2 illustrates a tag with writing and four visible electronically readable elements arranged in 2x2 matrix.

Figure 3 illustrates a tag with four visible electronically readable elements arranged in 2x2 matrix combined with other visually distinguishable elements.

Figure 4 illustrates a vehicle registration tag with two visible electronically readable elements.

Figure 5 illustrates an active tag with four visible electronically readable elements and a solar panel.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 illustrates four electronically readable 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 arranged in 2x2 matrix. (The 2D barcodes in the figures have been blurred as the exact information contained therein is not relevant in describing the embodiment(s) of the invention and the information contained in the actual 2D barcodes of the figures is not to be regarded as limiting). The 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 are electronically readable by a variety of means (not shown), including hand held scanners and other apparatus with a sufficient resolution, such as a phone with a camera. Each 2D barcode 10, 11, 12, and 13 contains data therein. There are a variety of different 2D barcode types, and the blurred 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 illustrated in figures 1 to 3 are QR code matrix barcodes developed by Denso Wave Incorporated (Japan). A typical QR code has a capacity of approximately 7,100 numeric characters, or 4,300 alphanumeric characters. However, the actual data capacity is largely determined by the size and density/resolution of the QR code.

The resolution of each of the 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 may be different. This is illustrated in the figures as 2D barcode 10 is a higher resolution barcode than 11, 12, and 13. The appropriate resolution barcode will be determined by factors such as the final size of the tag, the quantity of data required to be stored, the quality of the scanner, and other factors generally known in the art.

The four 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 in figure 1 could be used as a tag, or on a tag. Examples of four 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 being used in tags can be seen in the tag 20 illustrated in figure 2 and the tag 30 illustrated in figure 3. Each of the 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 store different data. The data in each of the 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 relates to a different aspect of an article or asset (not shown) that the tag is affixed to and is electronically read separately. The data stored in each 2D barcode could either be direct text data, such as a unique asset number, or a link to a database containing information, or a combination of both. An RFID tag (not shown) may be integrated into, or placed underneath, the tag 20, 30, to provide a further electronically readable component. The tags 20, 30 are preferably self adhesive printed labels made of a durable material that may be easily applied to an asset/article.

The tags 20, 30 may have either or both human readable components, such as writing 14 illustrated in figure 2, and visual elements, such as the house and cross outlines 15 illustrated in figure 3. The writing 14 and/or visual elements 15 can be used to orient the 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 in a preferred manner. Although 2D barcodes can usually be read from any angle/orientation, the order of barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 in a 2x2 matrix changes with orientation (e.g. if rotated 90° clockwise, the top left barcode becomes the top right barcode). Such a change in a orientation would not affect the functionality of the tag (as 2D barcodes can be read from any orientation), but an operator would become familiar with the location of certain barcode locations and therefore, if a means of determining the orientation of a tag is present, when intending to scan a particular barcode the operator will know where it is located (e.g. top left, bottom right, etc).

The tag 30 illustrated in figure 3 may either be an individual label itself, or may be combined with other elements and be part of a label. For instance, the tag 30 may be combined with human readable text and printed on a single label. The visual elements 15 are not only considered to aide with determining the orientation of the tag 30, but are also able to make the tag easily recognisable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first of the four 2D barcodes 10 stores a GTIN & GSl compliant asset number and link to a database. This is the information first applied to an asset. The second of the barcodes 11 is for internal management of an asset by finance and audit departments. The third of the barcodes 13 is an electronically readable element that a department may require for their own facility or management process. Finally, the fourth of the four barcodes 14 is for an asset management system including waste stream processing and the ability to measure a potential carbon offset for the asset. Where the 2D barcode stores a link, the link is preferably a URL to a page with an interface to a database that stores the actual information.

The 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13 use systems standard in the asset management industry such as:

• Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) used to identify any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information, and that may be priced, or ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.

• GSl General Specifications that define the system data and application standards related to the marking and automatic identification of trade items, locations, logistic units, assets, and more using bar code, RFID, and GS 1 Identification Keys.

• The Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) which identifies a particular physical entity as an asset. It must not be used for other purposes and must be unique for a period well beyond the lifetime of the relevant asset records. A GIAI is typically used for items that need to have information stored such as service history, life- cycle history of parts and tracking from acquisition until retirement. Whether or not the assigned GIAI may remain with the physical item when changing hands depends on the particular business application. If it remains with the physical item, then it should never be re-used.

• Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI), is a number that is formed with an allocated GSl company prefix, the document type reference which is assigned by the document user, and the check digit. The optional serial component is assigned to a single document for its lifetime.

• Global Location Number (GLN) that identifies legal functional or physical entities and aids in implementation and routing of electronic messages. GLN is a prerequisite for GSl eCom, or to access info from a Global Data Synchronisation

Network (GDSN).

An advantage of the tag is that information about an asset is captured in detail and can be linked to databases and/or web browsers/the internet, providing secure access levels. One operator may be able to read and interact with information from one or more of the 2D barcodes but not others, providing information security for areas in which the operator is not authorised to work. A further advantage of the invention is that there is a direct link to information on an asset without necessarily needing computer, e.g. via a telephone or mobile handset. The tags may be used on a variety of different articles/assets, and it is envisaged they could be used for insurance compliance, leasing facilities, maintenance, workcover, any detailed information that a user may wish to link to an asset, e.g. testing history, or registration of plant machinery.

Many companies and government departments are introducing waste management systems or plans to reduce waste. Such systems are required to provide information on various aspects of products, such as how much waste is generated, how much waste is recycled, and how much purchased material contains recycled content. Collecting such data can be costly and time consuming. However, if integrated into the asset tag of the present invention, the data collection can largely become automated, and such information can be easily produced by preparing reports based on asset information.

The tag has many uses including being utilised in relation to: article/asset management, medical records, vehicle registration, drivers licences, shopping trolleys, boarding passes, and the like. Illustrated in figure 4 is a vehicle registration sticker 40 that is typically placed in a windscreen of a vehicle. Two visible electronically readable 2D barcode elements 10 and 11 are provided, as well as preferably an RFID element (not shown) within (or underneath) the sticker. Writing 14 is also provided to allow a human, such as a traffic inspector, to read pertinent information about the registration tag 40 at a glance (e.g. the date of expiry of the vehicle registration). Digital/interactive paper such as

Anoto 'dot paper' is provided at 16, which provides functionality with digital pens. The three electronically readable elements can store relevant information about the vehicle and/or a link to a database containing information relating to the vehicle. One of the 2D barcodes 10 or 11 may be an authentication element (e.g. a 'trust seal') which is read electronically to verify the authenticity of the registration tag 40. The RFID element (not shown) is preferably readable from a distance, and can be utilised to track the vehicle as it passes points of interest such as, for example, toll booths, speed cameras, car park entrances, and the like. Although not illustrated, the registration tag 40 may further comprise a solar panel as a power source and an active RFID element. Furthermore, the registration tag 40 may comprise a GPS location processor.

Illustrated in figure 5 is a tag comprising four 2D barcodes 10, 11, 12, and 13, and a solar panel 51. Although the solar panel 51 is illustrated as being relatively small, it is envisaged that larger panels could be utilised and/or panels which are shaped similarly to aspects of the tag (e.g. the cross element 15 in the middle of the tag may comprise a solar panel). The solar panel may be a discrete solar panel or may be printed, and may be silicon based and/or a silver cell. Underneath the visible surface of the tag 50 is a GPS location processor. This enables the tag to be location aware and/or report the location of the tag to a receiver and/or an electronic reading device. In the middle of the tag is a LED indicator light 52. This can be used to visually illustrate the status of the tag 50 either continually, periodically, or on request. Preferably the LED indicator 52 will only illuminate on request (e.g. when an electronically readable element has read data from one or more of the electronically readable elements) to conserve power stored within the tag.

An alternative to a solar panel for a power supply is to harvest radio frequency (RF) energy. RF energy harvesting converts radio waves into DC power which can be utilised by active components of the tag. The RF harvesting is typically implemented by receiving radio waves (intentional sources, anticipated ambient sources, and unknown ambient sources) with an antenna, converting the signal to DC, and then (optionally) conditioning the output. Intentional sources of RF energy are typically dedicated power transmitters placed at or near the location to be harvested (e.g. near a location where the tags will predominantly reside, if applicable) and can provide continual power. Anticipated and unknown ambient sources, on the other hand, cannot have guaranteed continual power as they typically rely upon uncontrollable sources of RF energy such as mobile phone networks, radio and television transmitters, and the like. It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described and illustrated, but only by the following claims which are intended, where the applicable law permits, to include all suitable modifications and equivalents within the spirit and concept of the invention.

Throughout this specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprise" and variants thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.