System for processing mass-fabricated items with three-dimensional codes

A method for the automated processing of items, each of which incorporates information encoded in a three-dimensional data matrix formed on the surface of the item, the method comprising:

• applying an ink medium to the three-dimensional data matrix to render the three-dimensional data matrix into an optically readable code on the surface of the item;
• optically scanning the optically readable code to create an electronic signal indicative of the optically-readable code;
• and
• transmitting the signal to a computer database.

A system for the automated processing of items, each of which incorporates information encoded in a three-dimensional data matrix formed on the surface of the item, the system comprising:

• a plurality of movable pallets;
• a loading mechanism operable to load at least one item on each of the pallets as each pallet is moved to the loading mechanism;
• a printing mechanism operable to apply an ink medium to the three-dimensional data matrix of each item on each pallet to render the three-dimensional data matrix into an optically-readable code on the surface of each item on a pallet when each pallet is moved to the printing mechanism;
• a code-reading mechanism operable to read the optically readable code on the items on each pallet and to transmit a signal indicative of the optically-readable code to a database when each pallet is moved to the code-reading mechanism;
• and
• a transport mechanism operable to move each pallet from the loading mechanism to the printing mechanism, and from the printing mechanism to the code-reading mechanism.