Low visual impact labeling method and system
First Claim
1. A labeling system comprising:
- a plurality of labels including a machine readable indicia representing a unique code, each of the labels further comprising a reflective layer and a substrate, and wherein the machine readable indicia comprises a light polarizing material;
a labeler for applying the labels to each of a plurality of articles whereby articles are uniquely identified with one of the codes; and
a computer including a database representing the plurality of articles, and wherein the unique code for each of the labeled articles is stored.
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Abstract
A method of forming symbols, characters, and other images from a light polarizing material including machine readable indicia enabling automated identification of articles is disclosed. A light polarizing material is applied over a reflective layer in a machine readable pattern. The material may be an image imprinted on a label with a light polarizing material on a substrate such as a transparent oriented film. In one aspect, a mail processing system includes a computer including a database of destination codes corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces for delivery to at least some of the destination codes. A media applicator utilizes the database for generating and applying a light polarizing material to a label or article to form a machine readable indicia, including the destination code for each of the plurality of mail pieces. A mail sorting system utilizing the label includes a camera with polarized lenses for filtering light reflected from indicia formed from a light polarizing material on the label. A detector associated with each of the lenses for detecting reflected light and generating a signal in response thereto. Signals from the detector are compared by a computer that produces an electronic image or pattern corresponding to the machine readable indicia and generates a sorting signal based upon the indicia which is transmitted to a mail sorter where the mail pieces are sorted.
27 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A labeling system comprising:
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a plurality of labels including a machine readable indicia representing a unique code, each of the labels further comprising a reflective layer and a substrate, and wherein the machine readable indicia comprises a light polarizing material;
a labeler for applying the labels to each of a plurality of articles whereby articles are uniquely identified with one of the codes; and
a computer including a database representing the plurality of articles, and wherein the unique code for each of the labeled articles is stored. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A labeling system for applying a machine readable code to a plurality of mail pieces comprising:
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means for storing data corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces, the data comprising destination information for each of the mail pieces;
means for imprinting a code corresponding to the destination information for the plurality of mail pieces on a plurality of labels, the code comprising a light polarizing material; and
means for applying the labels to the mail pieces. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 15)
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14. The system of claim 14 further comprising means for stacking the mail pieces.
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16. The system of claim 16 wherein the bar code comprises a post net code.
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17. A system for applying a machine readable destination information to a plurality of mail pieces comprising:
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means for storing data corresponding to each of a plurality of mail pieces;
means for applying a reflective layer to each of the mail pieces in a selected location on the mail piece; and
means for printing a code corresponding to the data stored for each of the plurality of mail pieces on the reflective layer after the layer has been applied to the mail piece, the code comprising a light polarizing material. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification