Modified two-dimensional codes, and laser systems and methods for producing such codes
AssigneeElectro Scientific Industries, Inc.
InventorJustin D. Redd
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Each black square within a two-dimensional code can be represented by a distribution of spots. Each spot can be made small enough to be invisible to the human eye so that the two-dimensional code can be invisible on or within transparent or nontransparent materials. The spots can be spaced at a large distance to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for an optical code reader. A laser can be used to produce the spots.
Claims36
A method for marking a substrate with a two-dimensional identification code represented by an array of designated and undesignated geometric areas, comprising:
- generating laser pulses;
- and
- directing the laser pulses at the substrate to form a distribution of spots on or within the substrate, wherein the distribution of spots represents the two-dimensional code and comprises multiple groups of spots, including first and second groups that each include multiple spaced-apart spots, wherein each of the first and second groups of spots is representative of a designated geometric shape, such that the distribution of spots forms an array of multiple rows and columns of geometric areas, wherein some of the geometric areas include one group of spots and some of the geometric areas are devoid of spots such that the geometric areas that include one group of spots represent the designated geometric areas and such that the geometric areas that are devoid of spots represent the undesignated geometric areas.
A laser micromachining system for marking a substrate with a two-dimensional identification code on or within a substrate of a workpiece, wherein the two-dimensional code includes an array of geometrically-shaped areas, wherein some the geometrically-shaped areas are designated and some of the geometrically-shaped areas are undesignated, the laser micromachining system comprising:
- a laser for generating laser pulses along a beam axis;
- a workpiece support system for moving the workpiece;
- a beam-positioning system for directing the beam axis toward the workpiece, such that one or more laser pulses are operable to mark a spot on the substrate;
- and
- a controller for coordinating relative movement of the workpiece support system and the beam-positioning system, and for implementing conversion of each designated geometrically-shaped area of the two-dimensional code into prospective locations on the substrate for laser pulses to form a pattern of multiple spaced-apart spots representative of the designated geometrically-shaped area.
A two-dimensional identification code represented by an array of designated and undesignated geometric areas, comprising:
- a distribution of spots on or within a substrate having a contrasting background, wherein the distribution of spots comprises multiple groups of spots, including first and second groups that each include multiple spaced-apart spots arranged in a discernable pattern, wherein each of the first and second groups of spots is representative of a designated geometric shape, such that the distribution of spots forms an array of multiple rows and columns of geometric areas, wherein some of the geometric areas include one group of spots and some of the geometric areas are devoid of spots such that the geometric areas that include one group of spots represent the designated geometric areas and such that the geometric areas that are devoid of spots represent the undesignated geometric areas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.