Image management system operable to manage the formation of dynamically variable images in objects in single shot events

• US 7,375,739 B2
• Filed: 09/14/2005
• Issued: 05/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vardex Laser Corporation
• Original Assignee: Vardex Laser Corporation
• Inventors: Robbins, Gene A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pham; Hai
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wright; Kainoa B
• Application Number:
  US11/226,482
• Publication Number:
  US 20060262182A1
• Time in Patent Office: 979 Days
• Field of Search: 359/298, 347/239, 347/255, 347/233, 347/224
• US Class Current: 347/239
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/01 for special character, e.g. for Chinese characters or barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/4073 Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects B41J3/283, B41J3/286 take precedence; building up a 3D object using individual droplets from jetting heads B29C64/112
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 2035/14 Dot or raster patterns
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/41 using electromagnetic radiation B42D25/435 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B42D 25/43 by removal of material
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/228 by laser radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/00 Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means medals or badges A44C3/00; making labels B31D1/02; sheets temporarily attached together B42F; labelling B65C; labels on record carriers G11B23/38, G11B23/40; Seals; Postage or like stamps

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.

Claims

1. An image management system comprising;

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce an array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form laser-treated regions associated with a determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy device operable to output a plurality of pulses of energy along a path, each of the pulses including a primary energy stream;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device; and

(iii) an image control device supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the image control device having a face which defines a plurality of cavities, the image control device having a plurality of elements, each one of the elements being movably positioned within one of the cavities between an outward position and an inward position, the image control device operable to;

(x) receive the pulses of energy at different times; and

(y) for each one of the received pulses of energy;

(1) output an output pulse of energy, the output pulses of energy forming the array of secondary energy streams which are reflectable away from the face of the image control device toward an object, each one of the secondary energy streams being caused, at least in part, by one of the elements having the outward position, the secondary energy streams operable to form the laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined and image;

(2) substantially absorb a portion of the received pulse due, at least in part, to a least one of the elements having the inward position;

or substantially direct the portion of the received pulse away from the object due, at least in part, to the at least one element having the inward position.

2. The image management system of claim 1, wherein the image control device includes a processor which is operable to cause the image control device to vary a plurality of the output pulses after different events occur, each one of the output pulses producing different arrays of secondary energy streams associated with different images.

3. The image management system of claim 1, wherein the memory device stores data associated with a plurality of different images, each one of the different images associated with a different array of secondary energy streams, the processor operable to:

(a) determine an event associated with a designated one of the images; and

(b) cause the image control device to produce the array of secondary energy streams associated with the designated image.

4. The image management system of claim 1, wherein:

outward position results in one of the secondary energy streams; and

(b) the inward position results in incoherent light.

5. The image management system of claim 4, wherein:

(a) each one of the elements has a substantially circular shape; and

(b) the secondary energy streams that reach the object are operable to form a matrix code image on the object.

6. The image management system of claim 4, wherein:

(a) the elements are arranged in a pattern of rows and columns; and

(b) the array of secondary energy streams that reaches the object forms a partially or fully grid-shaped code image on the object.

7. The image management system of claim 4, wherein:

(a) each one of the elements has a substantially rectangular shape; and

(b) the secondary energy streams that reach the object are operable to form a barcode image on the object.

8. The image management system of claim 1, wherein the energy stream includes a flow of light energy or atomic particles.

9. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce an array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form laser-treated regions associated with a determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy source operable to output a series of energy beam spurts along a path;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device;

(iii) a beam modifier supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the beam modifier having a face which defines a plurality of cavities, the beam modifier having a plurality of beam regulators, each one of the beam regulators being movably positioned within one of the cavities between an outward position and an inward position, the beam modifier operable to;

(x) receive the energy beams spurts at different times; and

(y) for each one of the received energy beam spurts;

(1) convert the received energy beam spurts to a designated one of a plurality of arrays of energy beams which are reflectable away from the face of the beam modifier toward an object, each one of the energy beams being caused, at least in part, by one of the beam regulators having the outward position, the energy beams operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined image; and

(2) substantially absorb a portion of the received energy beam spurt due, at least in part, to at least one of the beam regulators having the inward position;

or substantially direct the portion of the received energy beam spurt away from the object due, at least in part, to the at least one beam regulator having the inward position.

10. The image management system of claim 9, which includes at least one instruction executable by the processor, the instruction operable to cause the beam modifier to control which portions of each of the energy beam spurts will be directed toward the object and which portions of said energy beam spurt will be directed away from the object.

11. The image management system of claim 9, wherein the processor is programmed to control movement of the beam regulators to determine the designated array of energy beams which flow toward the object.

12. The image management system of claim 9, wherein the image includes an image selected from the group consisting of a barcode image, a partial grid-shape image, a full grid shape image, a matrix image, a symbol image, a letter image, a numeral image, text image and an identifier image.

13. The image management system of claim 12, wherein each one of the energy beam spurts includes a packet of energy selected from the group consisting of a packet of light particles, a packet of photons, a packet of emitted energy, a packet including a laser beam, a packet of magnetic radiation, a packet of atomic particles and a packet of sub-atomic particles.

14. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, each of the images associated with a plurality of spaced-apart laser beam marks, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce the array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form the laser-treated regions associated with the determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) a pulse laser operable to output a series of laser beam pulses;

(ii) a frame which supports the pulse laser;

(iii) a beam expander supported by the frame and positioned to receive the laser beam pulses;

(iv) an image control device supported by the frame, the image control device including;

(x) a beam absorber which defines an array of openings, each one of the openings of the beam absorber defining a cavity;

(y) a plurality of beam reflectors, each one of the beam reflectors movably positioned within one of the cavities between an outward position and an inward position; and

(z) at least one position control device operable, for each one of the laser beam pulses, to move each one of the beam reflectors between;

(i) one position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and travels along a path leading to an object in a form of a laser beam; and

(ii) another position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and is substantially absorbed or substantially directed away from the object, the position control device operable to cause the image control device to output a set of the laser beams at one time, wherein the laser beams in the set are operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart cavities in the object, the cavities being associated with the designated image for the object; and

(v) a beam focuser supported by the frame and positioned in the path.

15. The image management system of claim 14, wherein the image control device has a face, and the beam absorber is an outer portion of the face.

16. The image management system of claim 14, wherein the position control device includes at least one actuator.

17. The image management system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the different images includes an image selected from the group consisting of a machine-readable code image, a machine-scannable code image, a barcode image, a matrix code image, a dot matrix code image, a symbol image, a numeral image, text image, a drawing image and an art image.

18. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, each of the images associated with a plurality of spaced-apart laser beam marks, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce the array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form the laser-treated regions associated with the determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) a pulse laser operable to output a series of laser beam pulses;

(ii) a frame which supports the pulse laser;

(iii) a beam expander supported by the frame and positioned to receive the laser beam pulses;

(iv) an image control device supported by the frame, the image control device including;

(x) a beam absorber which defines an array of openings;

(y) a plurality of beam reflectors, each one of the beam reflectors movably positioned within or adjacent to one of the openings;

(z) at least one position control device operable, for each one of the laser beam pulses, to move each one of the beam reflectors between;

(i) one position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and travels along a path leading to an object in a form of a laser beam; and

(ii) another position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and is substantially absorbed or substantially directed away from the object, the image control device operable to cause the image control device to output a set of the laser beams at one time, wherein the laser beams in the set are operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart cavities in the object, the cavities being associated with the designated image for the object;

(v) a beam focuser supported by the frame and positioned in the path; and

(vi) a plurality of pivotal couplers which pivotally couple the reflectors to the laser beam absorber.

19. The image management system of claim 18, wherein the position control device includes at least one actuator.

20. The image management system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the different images includes an image selected from the group consisting of a machine-readable code image, a machine-scannable code image, a barcode image, a matrix code image, a dot matrix code image, a symbol image, a numeral image, text image, a drawing image and an art image.

21. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, each of the images associated with a plurality of spaced-apart laser beam marks, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce the array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form the laser-treated regions associated with the determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) a pulse laser operable to output a series of laser beam pulses;

(ii) a frame which supports the pulse laser;

(iii) a beam expander supported by the frame and positioned to receive the laser beam pulses;

(iv) an image control device supported by the frame, the image control device including;

(x) a beam absorber which defines an array of openings;

(y) a plurality of beam reflectors, each one of the beam reflectors movably positioned within or adjacent to one of the openings;

(z) at least one position control device operable, for each one of the laser beam pulses, to move each one of the beam reflectors between;

(i) one position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and travels along a path leading to an object in a form of a laser beam; and

(ii) another position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and is substantially absorbed or substantially directed away from the object, the image control device operable to cause the image control device to output a set of the laser beams at one time, wherein the laser beams in the set are operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart cavities in the object, the cavities being associated with the designated image for the object, the position control device having at least one air pressurization assembly; and

(v) a beam focuser supported by the frame and positioned in the path.

22. The image management system of claim 21, wherein the position control device includes at least one actuator.

23. The image management system of claim 21, wherein at least one of the different images includes an image selected from the group consisting of a machine-readable code image, a machine-scannable code image, a barcode image, a matrix code image, a dot matrix code image, a symbol image, a numeral image, text image, a drawing image and an art image.

24. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device being operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce an array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form laser-treated regions associated with a determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy device operable to output a plurality of pulses of energy along a path, each of the pulses including a primary energy stream;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device; and

(iii) an image control device supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the image control device having a face which defines a plurality of openings, the image control device having a plurality of movable elements which are pivotable about an axis, the image control device having a plurality of couplers which pivotally couple the elements to the face, each one of the couplers extending at least partially along one of the axes, the image control device operable to;

(x) receive the pulses of energy at different times; and

(y) for each one of the received pulses of energy;

(1) output an output pulse of energy, the output pulses of energy forming an array of secondary energy streams which are reflectable away from the face of the image control device toward an object, each one of the secondary energy streams being caused, at least in part, by one of the elements having a first position, the secondary energy streams operable to form the laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined image; and

(2) substantially absorb a portion of the received pulse due, at least in part, to at least one of the elements having a second position;

or substantially direct the portion of the received pulse away from the object due, at least in part, to the at least one element having the second position.

25. The image management system of claim 24, wherein the image control device includes a processor which is operable to cause the image control device to vary a plurality of the output pulses after different events occur, each one of the output pulses producing different arrays of secondary energy streams associated with different images.

26. The image management system of claim 24, wherein the image control device includes at least one processor having access to a memory device, the memory device storing data associated with a plurality of different images, each one of the different images associated with a different array of secondary energy streams, the processor operable to:

(a) determine an event associated with a designated one of the images; and

(b) cause the image control device to produce the array of secondary energy streams associated with the designated image.

27. The image management system of claim 24, wherein:

(a) the elements are arranged in a pattern of rows and columns; and

(b) the array that reaches the object forms a partially or fully grid-shaped code image on the object.

28. The image management system of claim 24, wherein:

(a) each one of the elements has a substantially rectangular or circular shape; and

(b) the secondary energy streams that reach the object are operable to form a barcode image on the object.

29. An image management system comprising:

a memory device accessible by at least one processor, the memory device configured to be operatively coupled to an input device, the input device operable to produce a plurality of input signals associated with a plurality of different images, the memory device storing a plurality of instructions, the instructions directing the processor to;

(a) receive one of the input signals;

(b) determine which one of the images is associated with the received input signal; and

(c) cause an image forming device to produce an array of secondary energy streams which are operable to form laser-treated regions associated with the determined image, the image forming device being operatively coupled to the processor, the image forming device having;

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy source operable to output a series of energy beam spurts along a path;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device;

(iii) a beam modifier supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the beam modifier having a face which defines a plurality of openings, the image control device having a plurality of beam regulators which are movable about an axis between a first position and a second position, the image control device having a plurality of couplers, each one of the couplers pivotally coupling one of the beam regulators to the face, each one of the couplers extending, at least in part, along one of the axes, the beam modifier operable to;

(x) receive the energy beams spurts at different times; and

(y) for each one of the received energy beam spurts;

(1) convert each one of the energy beam spurts to a designated one of a plurality of arrays of energy beams which are reflectable away from the face of the beam modifier toward an object, the energy beams being caused, at least in part, by the beam regulators having the first positions, the energy beams operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined image; and

(2) substantially absorb a portion of the received energy beam spurt due, at least in part, to at least one of the beam regulators having the second position;

or substantially direct the portion of the received energy beam spurt away from the object due, at least in part, to the at least one beam regulator having the second position.

30. The image management system of claim 29, which includes at least one instruction executable by the processor, the instruction operable to cause the beam modifier to control which portions of each of the energy beam spurts will be directed toward the object and which portions of said energy beam spurt will be directed away from the object.

31. The image management system of claim 29, wherein the processor is programmed to control movement of the beam regulators to determine the designated array of energy beams which flow toward the object.

32. The image management system of claim 29, wherein the image includes an image selected from the group consisting of a barcode image, a partial grid-shape image, a full grid shape image, a matrix image, a symbol image, a letter image, a numeral image, text image and an identifier image.

33. The image management system of claim 32, wherein each one of the energy beam spurts includes a packet of energy selected from the group consisting of a packet of light particles, a packet of photons, a packet of emitted energy, a packet including a laser beam, a packet of magnetic radiation, a packet of atomic particles and a packet of sub-atomic particles.