Method and apparatus for associating on demand certain selected media and value-adding elements

Abstract

A media printer such as, for example, a thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer selectively programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows value-adding elements such as RFID transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A media printer, comprising in combination: 
 means for moving a plurality of media samples from a supply of media samples;    means for printing information on at least selected ones of said media samples; and    means for attaching a value-adding device to only selected ones, but not all, of said media samples.    
     
     
         2 . The media printer of  claim 1  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         3 . The media printer of  claim 2  further comprising means for determining whether said radio frequency identification transponders are defective or misprogrammed.  
     
     
         4 . The media printer of  claim 3  further comprising means for causing a failure indicia to be printed on a surface of each one of said media samples to which a defective or misprogrammed radio frequency identification transponder is attached.  
     
     
         5 . The media printer of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of value-adding devices are attached to at least one of said plurality of media samples.  
     
     
         6 . The media printer of  claim 1  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         7 . A media printer, comprising in combination: 
 a media supply and a media exit;    a generally continuous web that operably interconnects said media supply and said media exit so that a plurality of media samples are moved from said media supply to said media exit during operation;    a printhead that is mounted in operative relation to said generally continuous web to print information on selected portions of a first surface of each one of said media samples; and    an applicator mechanism that is mounted in operative relation to said generally continuous web to attach a value-adding device to a second surface of selected ones of said media samples after information has been printed on the first surface of said selected ones of said media samples by said printhead.    
     
     
         8 . The media printer of  claim 7  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification integrated circuits adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media samples to form radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         9 . The media printer of  claim 7  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         10 . The media printer of  claim 9  further comprising a verification mechanism that is operably disposed with respect to said generally continuous web to verify the operability of at least some of said radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         11 . The media printer of  claim 10  wherein said verification mechanism causes failure indicia to be printed on the first surface of each one of said media samples to which an inoperable radio frequency identification transponder is attached.  
     
     
         12 . The media printer of  claim 7  wherein a value-adding device is attached to less than all of said plurality of said media samples.  
     
     
         13 . The media printer of  claim 7  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         14 . A method for manufacturing a printed media, comprising the steps of: 
 moving a plurality of media samples from a media supply to a media exit;    printing information on selected media samples; and    attaching a value-adding device to said selected ones of said media samples after information has been printed on the first surface of said selected ones of said media samples.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification integrated circuits adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media samples to form radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising the step of verifying that at least some of said radio frequency identification transponders are operable.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising the step of causing failure indicia to be printed on the first surface of each one of said media samples to which an inoperable, or misprogrammed radio frequency identification transponder is attached.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  wherein a value-adding device is attached to less than all of said plurality of said media samples.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         21 . A device for use in connection with a thermal transfer printer that includes first web means for moving a plurality of media samples from a supply of media samples as well as a printhead that prints information on a first surface of said plurality of media samples, said device comprising: 
 a second web means for temporarily removing the plurality of media samples from said first web means; and    means for attaching a value-adding device to a second surface of selected ones of said media samples after information has been printed on the first surface of said selected ones of said media samples.    
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification integrated circuits adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media samples to form radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23  further comprising means for verifying that at least some of said radio frequency identification transponders are operable.  
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24  further comprising means for causing a failure indicia to be printed on the first surface of each one of said media samples to which an inoperable radio frequency identification transponder is attached.  
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21  wherein a value-adding device is attached to less than all of said plurality of media samples.  
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         28 . A device for use in connection with a thermal transfer printer that includes a first web that allows a plurality of media samples to be moved from a supply of media samples as well as a printhead that prints information on a first surface of said plurality of media samples, said device comprising: 
 a second web that temporarily removes the plurality of media samples from said first web; and    an attachment mechanism that attaches a value-adding device to a second surface of selected ones of said media samples after information has been printed on the first surface of said selected ones of said media samples.    
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification integrated circuits adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media samples to form radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 28  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30  further comprising means for verifying that at least some of said radio frequency identification transponders are operable.  
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 31  further comprising means for causing a failure indicia to be printed on the first surface of each one of said media samples to which an inoperable radio frequency identification transponder is attached.  
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 28  wherein a value-adding device is attached to less than all of said plurality of media samples.  
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 28  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         35 . A method, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a series of media samples which have a non-existent or predetermined capability of responding wirelessly to a wireless interrogation signal or electromagnetic field; and    introducing a capability, or modifying an existing predetermined capability, of only selected ones, but not all, said series of media samples of responding to a wireless interrogation signal or electromagnetic field.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein said value-adding devices comprise radio frequency identification integrated circuits adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media samples to form radio frequency identification transponders.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35  wherein said introducing or modifying step comprises inserting, applying, forming or otherwise associating an RFID transponder with only said selected ones of said series of media samples.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein said RFID transponder is selected from a group consisting of a chipless transponder, a passive transponder, and an active transponder.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36  wherein said media samples are selected from a group consisting of labels, tickets, tags, and cards.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35  including introducing or modifying an electrical characteristic of only said selected ones of said series of media samples.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein said selected ones of said series of media samples have a preformed characteristic impedance, and wherein said introducing or modifying step comprises altering said preformed characteristic impedance.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein said preformed characteristic impedance becomes a resonant structure by attachment of a value-adding device to form a passive transponder.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41  wherein said preformed characteristic impedance becomes a resonant structure by attachment of a value-adding device to form a chipless transponder.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41  wherein said preformed characteristic impedance becomes a resonant structure by attachment of a value-adding device to form an active transponder.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 35  wherein said introducing or modifying step comprises forming or changing a resonant structure on the selected media.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45  wherein said forming or changing step comprises depositing or altering a pattern of electrically conductive lines or patterns on the media.  
     
     
         47 . A method of configuring on demand a series of labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media, comprising: 
 moving a series of like or unlike media; and    on demand, selectively applying, inserting, or otherwise associating with selected ones of said series of like or unlike media, a discrete, value-adding element.    
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said value-adding element comprises an RFID transponder or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48  wherein said element is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media to form a radio frequency identification transponder.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48  further comprising the step of communicating with said transponder before said associating step.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50  wherein said RFID transponder is programmed with process control instructions.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50  wherein said step of communicating includes the steps of testing, (i) identifying, or discerning a characteristic of the transponder, and (ii) reading information stored in said transponder or writing information into said transponder.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of processing said media before said associating.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53  wherein said step of processing includes printing on said media.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54  wherein said step of printing exhibits a result of said communication with said transponder.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55  wherein said printing indicates a defect or another characteristic or attribute of said transponder.  
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 55  wherein said printing exhibits information read from or stored in said transponder.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 47  including processing said media after said associating.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58  wherein said processing includes printing on said media.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59  wherein said step of printing comprises direct thermal printing, laser printing, ink jet printing or thermal transfer printing.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said value-adding element has an adhesive on a surface and is laminated on a carrier, and wherein said step of associating includes removing said carrier to expose said adhesive surface.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 61  wherein said value-adding element is pressed against said media after said step of removing to cause adherence therebetween.  
     
     
         63 . The method of claim  62  wherein said value-adding element is tamped against said media pressing.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63  wherein said tamping comprises: 
 providing a fast-acting solenoid;  
 providing a gas spring that is driven by said solenoid; and  
 utilizing a pressure-applying mechanism that is coupled to said gas spring and that defines a surface to press together said media and said element, said gas spring damping the fast action of said solenoid.  
 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of placing said media on a carrier after said value-adding element is associated, creating a carrier-element-media laminate.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65  wherein said carrier is the same carrier employed to carry said media before said associating step.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 65  further comprising the step of passing said carrier-element-media laminate through pinch rollers.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 65  further comprising the step of affixing said carrier-element-media laminate to an object, or removing the carrier and affixing the resulting element-media laminate to an object.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said media is moved in a first direction and wherein said value-adding element is moved into position for application in a second direction that is different from said first direction.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69  wherein said second direction is transverse to said first direction.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of applying multiple value-adding elements to a single discrete media.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71  wherein at least one of said multiple value-adding elements is an RFID transponder or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 72  wherein at least one of said elements is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media to form a radio frequency identification transponder.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 71  wherein each of said multiple value-adding elements comprises an RFID transponder or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 71  further comprising the step of selectively printing said single discrete media.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 71  wherein said multiple value-adding elements are applied in sequence.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 71  wherein said multiple value-adding elements are applied successively at a single station or at multiple stations.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said moving and said otherwise associating steps are performed under computer program control.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said media are intermittently moved, and are stopped during said applying step.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of moving said value-adding elements into a position on a dispensing device which is retracted after a value-adding element is applied to a media.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said value-adding element comprises a promotional device or peel-off label.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said media includes printed information on a surface thereof.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82  wherein said printed information indicates whether said value-adding element is defective, inoperative, or has another characteristic or attribute.  
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 82  wherein said printed information indicates whether the media or element has failed a test.  
     
     
         85 . The article of  claim 84  wherein said printed information includes test results or a date or time stamp.  
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of printing said media after the step of associating a value-adding element with the selected media.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said step of associating is performed under computer program control.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of associating a plurality of value-adding elements with a single selected media.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 47  further comprising the step of associating value-adding elements with different characteristics or data with selected different media.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said media are moved on an adhesive-backed carrier, and wherein said step of associating includes delaminating said carrier from a selected media, and attaching a selected value-adding element to the exposed adhesive surface of said media.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 78  wherein said steps of associating includes supporting a peeled media with vacuum, bringing said selected value-adding element into position adjacent the supported media, and pressing the media and element together.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91  wherein said selected value-adding element is tamped into position.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 91  wherein the selected media and said selected value-adding element are relaminated after being pressed together.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 90  wherein said selected media is relaminated after said selected value-adding element is attached.  
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said like or unlike media have different characteristics.  
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said associated value-adding elements have different characteristics.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 47  wherein, under computer program control and on demand, individual media having selected characteristics are custom configured by causing one or more value-adding elements having chosen characteristics to be associated with said individual media.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 97  wherein said individual media is further customized on demand by processing said individual media under said computer program control.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 98  wherein said processing step includes printing on said individual media.  
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 99  wherein said step of printing on said individual media is related to a value-added element associated with each one of said individual media.  
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 97  wherein said individual media is further customized on demand by processing of the selected value-adding element.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 101  wherein said element is an RFID transponder, and wherein said processing of said element includes programming or reprogramming the transponder.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said selected element is adhesive backed and carried on a carrier, and wherein said associating step includes the steps of delaminating a selected element from its carrier, supporting said delaminated element with vacuum, bringing said selected element into position adjacent a media sample, and tamping said media sample and element together.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103  wherein said pressing is performed by tamping.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104  wherein said tamping comprises: 
 providing a fast-acting solenoid;  
 providing a gas spring that is driven by said solenoid; and  
 utilizing a pressure-applying mechanism that is coupled to said gas spring and that defines a surface to press together said media and said element, said gas spring damping the fast action of said solenoid.  
 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 104  wherein the selected media and said selected value-adding element are laminated after being pressed together.  
     
     
         107 . A method of manufacturing a plurality of adhesive-backed labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media that is laminated on a carrier, comprising the steps of: 
 moving a series of media samples;    delaminating at least selected ones of said media samples from said carrier leaving, in each instance, an exposed adhesive media back surface; and    applying a discrete, value-adding element to said back surface of the selected media, whereby only the selected ones, but not all, of said media samples in said series are caused to have said value-adding element.    
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said element is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media to form a radio frequency identification transponder.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said value-adding element is an RFID transponder or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 109  wherein said RFID transponder is programmed with process control instructions.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110  wherein said instructions control a process of applying a second value-adding element to the media to which said value-adding element is applied.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 109  including the step of communicating with said transponder before said applying step.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 112  wherein said communicating includes testing, identifying, or discerning a characteristic of the transponder, or reading information stored in the transponder, or writing information into the transponder.  
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 107  including processing said media before said applying.  
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114  wherein said processing includes printing on said media.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said element has a non-adhesive front surface and an adhesive back surface, and wherein said front surface of said element is applied to back surface of said media.  
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 116  wherein said element and said media are pressed together after applying to improve the adherence thereto.  
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117  wherein said pressing comprises tamping.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 107  including placing said media on a carrier after said element is applied, creating a carrier-element-media laminate.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 119  wherein the final carrier is the same as or different from the initial carrier.  
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 119  including passing said carrier-element-media laminate through pinch rollers.  
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 107  wherein an element is applied under computer program control selectively only to certain of said media and not to others.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said carrier is intermittently fed, and is paused or stopped during said applying step.  
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 107  including moving said element into position for said applying step on a dispensing device which is retracted after an element is applied to a media.  
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said media are fed in a first direction, and wherein said elements are fed into said position in a direction transverse to said first direction.  
     
     
         126 . An article of manufacture comprising a web, cassette, or other carrier carrying a series of labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media, said carrier being characterized by selected ones, but not all, of said media having associated therewith at least one value-adding element.  
     
     
         127 . An article of  claim 126  wherein said element is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media to form a radio frequency identification transponder.  
     
     
         128 . The article of  claim 126  wherein said element comprises an RFID transponder or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         129 . The article of  claim 128  wherein said media having an associated value-adding element exhibits visible indicia which indicates whether the transponder is defective, inoperative, misprogrammed, or has another characteristic or attribute.  
     
     
         130 . The article of  claim 128  wherein said media having an associated element exhibits information read from or stored in said transponder.  
     
     
         131 . The article of  claim 126  wherein said value-adding element comprises a second media.  
     
     
         132 . The article of  claim 131  wherein the second media is a promotional device.  
     
     
         133 . The article of  claim 126  wherein said media having an associated value-adding element exhibits text or other indicia indicating whether the media or element has failed a test.  
     
     
         134 . The article of  claim 133  wherein said indicia exhibits test results or a date or time stamp.  
     
     
         135 . The article of  claim 126  wherein the carrier carries a plurality of media having different characteristics.  
     
     
         136 . The article of  claim 135  wherein the different characteristics include size, material composition, type, stock, or other specifications.  
     
     
         137 . The article of  claim 126  wherein the carrier carries a plurality of elements having different characteristics.  
     
     
         138 . The article of  claim 126  wherein the carrier supports selected media having plural elements.  
     
     
         139 . The article of  claim 126  wherein the carrier supports selected media having selectively different preprocessing or postprocessing.  
     
     
         140 . The article of  claim 126  wherein the carrier carries selected media adapted to be applied in groups.  
     
     
         141 . An on-demand printer for printing information on a series of labels, tickets, tags, cards or other media, comprising: 
 a media feeder; and    means for associating a discrete value-adding element with certain media, but not with other media, in a series of said media.    
     
     
         142 . The printer of  claim 141  wherein said element is a radio frequency identification integrated circuit adopted to make contact with an antenna structure on said media to form a radio frequency identification transponder.  
     
     
         143 . The printer of  claim 141  wherein said value-adding element is an RFID transponder or other wireless or other wireless transponder.  
     
     
         144 . The printer of  claim 143  further comprising means for communicating with said transponder.  
     
     
         145 . The printer of  claim 144  wherein said communicating step comprises (i) testing, identifying, or discerning a characteristic of the transponder, (ii) reading information stored in the transponder, or (iii) writing information into the transponder.  
     
     
         146 . The printer of  claim 141  further comprising means for processing said media before said value-adding element is associated with said selected media.  
     
     
         147 . The printer of  claim 146  wherein said means for processing includes a printing apparatus.  
     
     
         148 . The printer of  claim 147  wherein said value-adding element is an RFID transponder or other wireless or other wireless transponder, and wherein said printer or printer accessory includes means for communicating with said transponder.  
     
     
         149 . The printer of  claim 148  wherein said printing apparatus is responsive to said means for communicating and prints a result of said communicating with said transponder.  
     
     
         150 . The printer of  claim 148  wherein said printing apparatus is responsive to said means for communicating and prints an indication of a defect or another characteristic or attribute of said transponder.  
     
     
         151 . The printer of  claim 148  wherein said printing apparatus is responsive to said means for communicating and prints information based on data read from or stored in said transponder.  
     
     
         152 . The printer of  claim 142  wherein said means for associating is controlled by a computer program.  
     
     
         153 . Apparatus for associating a selected element with a selected label, ticket, tag, card or other media, at least one of which element and media is adhesive-backed and carried on a carrier, comprising: 
 means for delaminating said one element or media from its carrier;    means for supporting said delaminated element or media;    means for bringing said supported element or media into a position contiguous with the other of said element or media; and    means for pressing said element and media together to cause adherence.    
     
     
         154 . The apparatus of  153  wherein said means for pressing comprises a tamper.  
     
     
         155 . The apparatus of  claim 154  wherein said tamper comprises: 
 a fast-acting solenoid;  
 a gas spring that is driven by said solenoid; and  
 a pressure-applying mechanism that is coupled to said gas spring and that defines a surface to press together said media and said element, said gas spring damping the fast action of said solenoid.  
 
     
     
         156 . The apparatus of  136  wherein said means for supporting utilizes a vacuum, wherein said tamper is reciprocable, and wherein said tamper includes a bellows through which the vacuum is delivered to said supported element or media.  
     
     
         157 . The apparatus of  136  wherein said supported media is adhesive backed, and wherein said apparatus includes means for relaminating said supported media.  
     
     
         158 . The apparatus of  153  wherein said value-adding element is an RFID transponder, and wherein said apparatus includes means for programming or reprogramming the transponder.  
     
     
         159 . The apparatus of  153  wherein said means for bringing includes means for reciprocating said selected element into said contiguity and then withdrawing to leave the element.  
     
     
         160 . For use in adhering a label, ticket, tag, card or other media to a value-adding element, one of which media and element have an exposed adhesive surface, a reciprocable tamping applicator mechanism comprising: 
 a fast-acting solenoid;    a gas spring that is driven by said solenoid; and    a pressure-applying mechanism that is coupled to said gas spring and that defines a surface that presses together the media and the element, said gas spring damping the fast action of said solenoid.    
     
     
         161 . The mechanism of  claim 160  including a return spring that returns said pressure-applying mechanism after a stroke by said solenoid.  
     
     
         162 . The mechanism of  claim 161  further comprising a plenum containing said solenoid and said gas spring, as well as a bellows that is disposed between said plenum and said pressure-applying mechanism.  
     
     
         163 . The mechanism of  claim 162  wherein said surface is perforated, and wherein said mechanism includes means coupled to said plenum for developing a vacuum in said plenum.  
     
     
         164 . A promotional label, ticket, tag, card or other media having thereon or associated therewith: 
 one or more RFID transponders programmed with predetermined data representing information about, or of expected interest to, a particular prospect or class of prospects for a given product, service, or appeal; and    one or more printings containing information about, or of expected interest to, said particular prospect or class or prospects,    the printed and programmed information being coordinated and integrated to evoke a predetermined response from said class of prospects.    
     
     
         165 . The media of  claim 164  including a plurality of RFID transponders.  
     
     
         166 . The media of  claim 165  wherein at least one of said one or more RFID transponders is programmed with process control instructions.  
     
     
         167 . The media of  claim 166  wherein said instructions control a process of associating a second value-adding element with the media with which said value-adding element is associated.  
     
     
         168 . The media of  claim 164  including a peelable or repostionable RFID transponder.  
     
     
         169 . The media of  claim 164  including a plurality of separately applied value-adding elements.  
     
     
         170 . The media of  claim 164  including a chipless RFID transponder.  
     
     
         171 . The media of  claim 170  wherein said RFID transponder is programmed with process control instructions.  
     
     
         172 . The media of  claim 171  wherein said instructions control a process of associating a second value-adding element with the media with which said value-adding element is associated.