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.

Description

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 signif...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Images