Multi-Coloured Laser Marking for High-Speed Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating machine-readable codes are time-consuming as they require separate steps for creating and applying indicia to articles, and traditional printing methods struggle to produce high-quality multi-colored codes quickly.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled laser marking system is used for selective irradiation to create multi-colored, machine-readable codes directly on articles in a single step, allowing for rapid marking in a moving production line while maintaining quality, utilizing light-activated color change systems and specific laser-markable compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional printing methods (inkjet printers) are used to create multi-coloured codes, then colour variety is improved, but production speed and quality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing systems (inkjet printers) with a light-based system using laser irradiation. The laser marking system activates color formers through photopolymerisation or photo-oxidation, enabling rapid multi-colour code creation without the speed limitations of conventional printing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of code creation from material deposition (inkjet printing) to light-induced chemical transformation (laser marking). By using color formers that undergo irreversible color change upon light exposure, the system achieves both multi-colour capability and high-speed production
2Manufacturing precision
If separate steps are used for creating and applying indicia to articles, then precision is improved, but processing time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the code creation and application steps into a single integrated process. The laser marking system directly creates the code indicia on the article surface by activating color formers, eliminating the need for separate indicia creation and application steps while maintaining precision through computer-controlled laser positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The article surface itself serves as the substrate for code creation. The color formers are applied to the article, and the laser irradiation directly transforms them into the final code indicia on the article surface, eliminating the need for separate transfer or application steps
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 enables the efficient creation of high-capacity, multi-colored codes that can store more information, facilitating 'track and trace' systems and applications such as biometric data, transactional information, and medical information, with improved speed and quality compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
using selective irradiation, typically a computer-controlled laser marking system which has the capability to predetermine an image and attribute specific indicia prior to application to an article
Implementation Method 2
The article can be irradiated rapidly, allowing the articles to be marked in a moving production line without sacrificing quality
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of storing information in or on an article, wherein the article comprises a colour former which is selectively irradiated to produce a multi-coloured code comprising at least three different colours. Also provided by the invention is an article comprising a multi-coloured code comprising at least three different colours, obtainable by the method of the invention.