| Tracking system for distributable objects which are marked in single laser shot events with dynamically variable images -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Tracking system for distributable objects which are marked in single laser shot events with dynamically variable imagesUSPTO Application #: 20070222556Title: Tracking system for distributable objects which are marked in single laser shot events with dynamically variable images Abstract: A supply chain monitoring system having a laser-based image system usable within an object processing facility to form images in objects, a reader operable to read the images on the objects, and an object tracking system coupled to the reader over a data network. The laser-based image system includes an image forming device operable to form an array of laser-treated regions in the objects in single shot events, where the arrays of laser-treated regions are associated with images. (end of abstract) Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP - Chicago, IL, US Inventor: Gene A. Robbins USPTO Applicaton #: 20070222556 - Class: 340005900 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070222556. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/681,396, filed May 17, 2005 and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/683,271, filed May 20, 2005, the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein. CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: "LASER-BASED IMAGE FORMER OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS," Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-004; "OBJECT PROCESSING ASSEMBLY OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS", Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-007; and "IMAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS", Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-008. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The counterfeiting of products poses a significant threat to the safety and integrity of supply chains. Counterfeiting also jeopardizes the good will in well-established product brand names. Companies have taken different approaches in an attempt to deter counterfeiting. One approach includes printing ink-printed bar codes and identifiers on products. Another approach is inscribing the company's brand name or logo on the product. Despite these efforts, many counterfeiters have introduced counterfeits of these products into the supply chain through the use of commercially available printers and other machinery, and in many cases, the counterfeits have reached the end-user without being detected. For these and other reasons, there is a need to provide advancements related to the marking of products and objects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] A supply chain monitoring system is provided to assist in the monitoring and tracking of objects and products in the supply chain. In one embodiment, the monitoring system includes a laser marking system used in a facility where objects or products are manufactured, packaged or processed. The laser marking system outputs an array of separate laser beams or laser beam pulses. For example, the array of beam pulses can form a matrix of ten by ten beam pulses, or the array of beam pulses can form a pattern of fifty bars. Accordingly, the laser marking system can burn or cut a machine-readable matrix code, bar code or other suitable image in the body of a product. In accordance with a user-configurable computer program, the laser marking system can produce a unique image or code on each product in a batch, or the laser system can produce serial images or codes on a batch of products. [0005] The laser marking system is operable to burn or cut codes in products in a relatively small amount of time. In one embodiment, the laser marking system produces a snap-shot of beam pulses. The snap-shot of beam pulses strike the product at the same time or substantially at the same time. In this fashion, an entire image or code is burn or cut in each product in an instant or single event. In one embodiment, this high speed coding process enables the products to be imaged or coded while in motion on the conveyor line with no or substantially no smearing or blurring effect. [0006] In one embodiment, the supply chain monitoring system also includes an image or code management system, an image or code reader and an object tracking or validation system, each of which is linked to a network, such as the Internet. In one example, the code management system controls the codes formed in the products and also transfers the code data to the validation system. When a user, such as a retailer, warehouser or consumer, scans the codes on the products, the validation system alerts the user of any instances where a product does not have the proper code. The user can then remove this product from the supply chain and contact the appropriate authorities for counterfeit investigation. This type of supply chain monitoring system functions as a deterrent against counterfeiting and helps enhance the security and safety of supply chains. [0007] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the supply chain monitoring system. [0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the object processing assembly, illustrating the image former forming an image in one of the objects in motion on the conveyor. [0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the image former or image forming device. [0011] FIG. 4 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating an example of the image former outputting three separate energy pulses toward the conveyor. [0012] FIG. 5 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating one of the energy pulses of FIG. 4 having formed an image in one of the moving objects. [0013] FIG. 6 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating another one of the energy pulses of FIG. 4 having formed an image in another one of the moving objects. [0014] FIG. 7 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating yet another one of the energy pulses of FIG. 4 having formed an image in yet another one of the moving objects. [0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the image former illustrating the flow of coherent energy from the laser generator to the object to be marked. [0016] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the image former. [0017] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the image former of FIG. 9. [0018] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the image former including one embodiment of the image control device. [0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the image control device of FIG. 11, illustrating a beam pulse striking the image control device resulting in an array of beam pulses striking an object to be marked. Continue reading... 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