INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY

RESEARCH AND STUDIES VOLUME02 ISSUE12

Smart Label: A New Paradigm For The Apparel Industry

Authors
1
Noorul Muqaddim, 2Tarique Mahmood, 3Reashad Bin Kabir*

https://doi.org/10.33826/ijmras/v02i12-01

1,2,3
Assistant Professor, Department Of Apparel Manufacturing Management & Technology,

Shanto-Mariam University Of Creative Technology , Bangladesh

Abstract

Modern era is encircled by technological development. Conventional label which is a common

item in apparel industry need to be replaced by smart one. In this paper several types of smart

label is introduced, that are adapted in recent time. Some of the labels that are conferred here

still are in emerging phase and their use are still limited to apparel or clothing items.

Keywords: Label, Smart Label, RFID, NFC, Augmented Reality, QR Code, Apparel Industry

Introduction

A label (as distinct from signage) is a piece of paper, polymer, cloth, metal, or other material

affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about

the product or item. Information printed directly on a container or article can also be

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considered labeling. Labels have many uses, including providing information on a product's

origin, manufacturer (e.g., brand name), use, shelf-life and disposal, some or all of which may

be governed by legislation such as that for food in the UK[1] or USA[2].

Figure 1. Traditional Label

Smart Labels are the new generation of labels which embeds technologies and features. Four

types of smart label are available in recent days. They are: RFID, NFC, QR Code, and Augmented

Reality.

Figure 2. NFC, RFID, QR Code, Augmented Reality

(Clockwise)

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Figure 3. Invention & Innovation in Label

Literature Appraisal & Description

1. RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless technology capable of automatic and

unambiguous identification without line of sight by extracting a unique identifier from

microelectronic tags attached to objects [3]. The RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to

transfer data from an electronic tag, called RFID tag attached to an object, through a reader for

the purpose of identifying and tracking the object. The RFID is already used to track and trace

the victims in a disaster situation. Data can be collected in real time and be immediately

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available to emergency personnel and saves time by the RFID. Crisis management teams,

hospitals and emergency personnel, have access to data through a computer database [4]. The

RFID was the first explored in the 1940s as a method to identify allied airplanes [5].

1.1 Work process of RFID

The most RFID systems consist of tags that are attached to the objects to be identified. Each tag

has its own “read only” or “rewrite” internal memory depending on the type and application. A

typical configuration of this memory is to store product information, such as an object's unique

ID manufactured date, etc. The RFID reader generates magnetic fields that enable the RFID

system to locate objects (via the tags) that are within its range. The high-frequency

electromagnetic energy and query signal generated by the reader triggers the tags to reply to

the query; the query frequency could be up to 50 times per second. As a result communication

between the main components of the system i.e. tags and reader are established. As a result

large quantities of data are generated. Supply chain industries control this problem by using

filters that are routed to the backend information systems. In other words, in order to control

this problem, software such as Savant is used. This software acts as a buffer between the IT and

the RFID reader [6].

1.2 Construction of RFID

The RFID system consists of various components which are integrated in a manner defined in

the above section. This allows the RFID system to deduct the objects (tag) and perform various

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operations on it. The integration of the RFID components enables the implementation of an

RFID solution [13]. The RFID system consists of following five components:

 Tag (attached to an object, unique identification).

 Antenna (tag detector, creates magnetic field).

 Reader (receiver of tag information, manipulator).

 Communication infrastructure (enable reader/RFID to work through IT infrastructure).

 Application software (user database/application/interface).

In this study the role of the RFID technology in improving patient safety and increase the impact

of this technology in the health care industry has been discussed.

Figure 4.Construction of RFID

2. NFC

Among the different hi-tech content domains, Near Field Communication (NFC) represents an

example of innovative production and a technological introduction in the clothing or apparel

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context. It has a threefold function: card emulator, peer-to-peer communication and digital

content access, and it could be pervasively integrated in many different domains. The

increasing attention on NFC technology from the academic community has improved an

analysis on the changes and the development perspective. This study starts from an analysis of

the scientific contributions to Near Field Communication and how the main researches on this

topic were conceived [7].

Figure 5. Near Field Communication stakeholder ecosystem (source: authors’ elaboration

based on [11].

The NFC standard was issued in 2003 [8]. It is a data transmission technology that uses short-

range radio waves at the specific frequency of 13.56 MHz, by which it is possible to read tags

that are a kind of passive circuit [9]. This technology, among the different sectors in which it is

applied, is also integrated in smartphones. It originates from the evolution of studies and

researches in the RFID field, or Radio Frequency Identification [10].

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2.1 Implementation in Washing Machines

Washing Machines and other peripheral devices can set proper operation program on the basis

of the information from the tag.

Figure 6. Smart Label readable Washing Machine (for RFID/NFC)

3. QR CODES

A machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for

storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone.

QR (quick response) Codes, a type of barcode, are beginning to make inroads in almost every

sectors. They are still largely unknown, but early adopters in higher education and recent urban

promotional campaigns are changing that. As with any new technology, it is important to

understand what they can do and when they can help our users.

A QR code is a matrix barcode readable by mobile phones with cameras.

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They are sometimes referred to as 2d codes, 2d barcodes, or mobile codes. On most phones

purchased now a days, one must download a free app (application) in order to read the QR

code, although some phones have one preinstalled [12].

3. 1 Types of QR Codes

It is worth examining each type of QR code briefly. QR code model 1 is the original QR code,

and it can store up to 1,167 numerals (Fig. 7A). Model 2 was created by improving model 1 so

that the code can be read more smoothly, and it can store up to 7,089 numerals. An ordinary

QR code usually refers to model 2. Next is the micro QR code (Fig. 7B). There is only one

orientation detecting pattern for this code. The advantage of the micro QR code is that it can be

printed in a smaller space than the earlier models. An iQR code can be constituted of either

square modules or rectangular ones (Fig. 7C). It can be printed as a turned-over code, black-

and-white inversion code, or dot pattern code. SQRC has a reading restriction function (Fig. 7D).

It can be used to store private information or manage a company’s internal information. Logo

can incorporate high-level design features such as illustrations, letters, and logos (Fig. 7 E) [13].

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Figure 7. (A) QR code model 1, (B) micro QR code, (C) iQR code, (D) SQRC, and (E) logoQ [14].

3.2 Information Enclose by QR Code

All the Care Information can be stored in a QR code Label easily. A machine can read this

information through QR code and calibrate itself for the optimal caring condition of the textile

product

3.3 Home Automation

A smart phone can read this instruction and send to home automation software for handling

Figure 8. Home Automation of QR Code

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4. Augmented Reality & Aruco Virtual reality immerses your senses completely in a

world that only exists in the digital realm, augmented reality takes the real world of

the present and projects digital imagery and sound into it. Augmented and Virtual

Reality both fall on the continuum of mediated reality. Which is where a computer

system modifies our perception of reality versus the “real” world. As you can

probably deduce this means many things qualify as augmented reality. The heads up

displays we see in some aircraft and cars that may show you things like “distance to

a target”, GPS position or your current speed are a form of augmented reality.

Events with digital avatars of deceased musicians such as Michael Jackson and Tupac

Shakur projected onto a screen using the Pepper’s Ghost illusion would also qualify

under a broad definition of augmented reality. However, when we hear about

augmented reality these days it usually refers to a much more sophisticated,

interactive and spatially aware implementation of the concept. Where digital objects

such as 3D models or video are projected onto our view of reality as if they were

really there [15]

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Figure 9. Augmented Reality

4.1 Aruco Code (Marker)

An ARUCO marker is a synthetic square marker composed by a wide black border and a inner

binary matrix which determines its identifier (id) .The ARUCO Library has been developed by

the Ava group of the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain). It provides real-time marker based 3D

pose estimation using Augmented Reality markers.

Figure 10. Aruco Code (Marker)

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Figure 11. Positioning by Aruco Code

Managerial Implication and Discussion

These Smart Labels can revolutionize the Fashion Marketing. Since advertisement is essential

for product marketing and making advertisement is very pricey and time consuming. However,

casting of performer is also complicated. By using smart label specially Augmented Reality label

no brands need to go for massive commercial rather they can produce advertisement in each

label which will lower the "Cost of Making". On the other hand, by implementing this

circulation of product can be improved as individual product can have separate advertisement

in its label which will attract more customer to buy that product. In addition to this, use of

Augmented Reality containing Label is economical in all aspects. As it requires no Television

Commercial which are costly and in some cases not environmental friendly. Hence, integrated

use of these smart label are just the demand of time.

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Conclusion

A label is an essential part of a garment. As this is age of technology smart or high tech label

and their use should be increased. Although the smart labels are used widely in various sectors

but their integrated use in apparel and clothing item is still few. Since this is new concept and

all the "pros and cons" should be measure before going for bulk use.

Reference

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