Methods and apparatus employing multi-spectral imaging for the remote identification and sorting of objects

A method for encoding information onto an article comprised of a linen, textile or garment, comprising steps of:

• expressing the information as a multi-digit number;
• encoding the number as a plurality of regions that are disposed in a predetermined linear sequence, wherein each region emits one of a plurality of predetermined wavelengths comprising a set of wavelengths;
• and
• applying the plurality of regions to the article by printing the plurality of regions onto a label using a plurality of different fluorescent inks, and then affixing the label to the article.

A system for controlling the handling of articles based on encoded information placed on the articles, comprising:

• a source of excitation light for illuminating an area on individual ones of the articles as the articles pass by the source, the area comprising a plurality of regions arranged in a linear sequence, each region emitting, when exposed to the excitation light, one of a plurality of predetermined wavelengths, wherein information that is descriptive of at least one aspect of said article is encoded as a combination of only said emitted wavelengths and a spatial ordering of the emitted wavelengths;
• an imager that is responsive to the emitted wavelengths for outputting color image data of the area;
• and
• a controller, having an input coupled to an output of said imager, for processing the color image data to decode the information and for directing the handling of the article based on the encoded information.

A method for reading information based on emissions from an information encoded region on a substrate, comprising steps of:

• illuminating the substrate;
• obtaining an image of at least a portion of the substrate;
• locating and orienting the encoded region in the image, the encoded region being comprised of a plurality of sub-regions;
• locating and separating individual ones of the sub-regions in the image;
• determining an emission wavelength of each separated sub-region;
• and
• in accordance with a list of possible emission wavelengths and a spatial ordering of the sub-regions, decoding the encoded information.