Laser-Marked 2D Codes With Shorter Etching Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for laser etching machine-readable codes on bottles are inefficient, taking significant time due to the large number of bottles that need to be marked and the intervals involved in the marking process, leading to hours or days of processing time.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sub-optimal 2D code representation that reduces the distance a laser must travel by selecting inferior mark locations, employing elongated markings, clustering marks, and using multiple lasers to etch different regions simultaneously, along with optimizing laser paths through techniques like the Lin-Kernighan algorithm and swath-based mark selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ideal 2D code pattern is used, then decoding reliability is improved, but laser etching time increases due to longer travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the 2D code by selecting sub-optimal mark locations that reduce the laser travel distance. This involves modifying the geometric arrangement of marks while maintaining sufficient decoding reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between optimal code patterns and efficient laser path traversal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial optimization by accepting sub-optimal code patterns that provide sufficient but not maximum decoding reliability. This allows the laser to traverse shorter paths without completely sacrificing code readability, balancing reliability requirements with etching speed requirements
2Device complexity
If a single laser is used for etching, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to sequential marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources to operate simultaneously on different regions of the same bottle or on multiple bottles. This merging of parallel laser operations increases marking throughput without requiring complex sequential coordination, directly resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and production speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point sequential marking to multi-point parallel marking by introducing additional spatial dimensions for laser beam distribution. Multiple lasers etch different areas simultaneously, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the marking process and increasing overall productivity
3Reliability
If marks are distributed evenly across the code area, then code robustness is improved, but laser path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by concentrating marks in specific regions rather than distributing them uniformly. This creates localized mark clusters that reduce overall laser travel distance while maintaining sufficient code robustness through strategic placement in areas that preserve decoding capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the etching time by shortening the laser path length, allowing for faster marking of bottles and other items with machine-readable codes, while maintaining decoding reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Laser etching can be used to mark a bottle with such an identifier. This typically involves a 9.3 μm carbon dioxide laser whose beam is steered by a pair of mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
A surface is laser-etched to convey a 2D machine-readable code pattern. Various strategies are detailed to minimize the etching time. Some strategies include modifying the code pattern to reduce a path length traveled by the laser. Some strategies include modifying the code pattern to make it sub-optimal, i.e., making the code pattern a less-faithful approximation of an ideal code pattern. In some embodiments the etched surface is the surface of a plastic container, and the code pattern conveys information indicating the type of plastic of which the container is manufactured. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.