US20070222556A1 - Tracking system for distributable objects which are marked in single laser shot events with dynamically variable images - Google Patents

Abstract

A supply chain monitoring system having a laser-based image system usable within an object processing facility to form images in objects, a reader operable to read the images on the objects, and an object tracking system coupled to the reader over a data network. The laser-based image system includes an image forming device operable to form an array of laser-treated regions in the objects in single shot events, where the arrays of laser-treated regions are associated with images.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/681,396, filed May 17, 2005 and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/683,271, filed May 20, 2005, the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein.
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: “LASER-BASED IMAGE FORMER OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS,” Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-004; “OBJECT PROCESSING ASSEMBLY OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS”, Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-007; and “IMAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OPERABLE TO FORM DYNAMICALLY VARIABLE IMAGES IN OBJECTS IN SINGLE SHOT EVENTS”, Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket No. 116968-008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The counterfeiting of products poses a significant threat to the safety and integrity of supply chains. Counterfeiting also jeopardizes the good will in well-established product brand names. Companies have taken different approaches in an attempt to deter counterfeiting. One approach includes printing ink-printed bar codes and identifiers on products. Another approach is inscribing the company's brand name or logo on the product. Despite these efforts, many counterfeiters have introduced counterfeits of these products into the supply chain through the use of commercially available printers and other machinery, and in many cases, the counterfeits have reached the end-user without being detected. For these and other reasons, there is a need to provide advancements related to the marking of products and objects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A supply chain monitoring system is provided to assist in the monitoring and tracking of objects and products in the supply chain. In one embodiment, the monitoring system includes a laser marking system used in a facility where objects or products are manufactured, packaged or processed. The laser marking system outputs an array of separate laser beams or laser beam pulses. For example, the array of beam pulses can form a matrix of ten by ten beam pulses, or the array of beam pulses can form a pattern of fifty bars. Accordingly, the laser marking system can burn or cut a machine-readable matrix code, bar code or other suitable image in the body of a product. In accordance with a user-configurable computer program, the laser marking system can produce a unique image or code on each product in a batch, or the laser system can produce serial images or codes on a batch of products.
• The laser marking system is operable to burn or cut codes in products in a relatively small amount of time. In one embodiment, the laser marking system produces a snap-shot of beam pulses. The snap-shot of beam pulses strike the product at the same time or substantially at the same time. In this fashion, an entire image or code is burn or cut in each product in an instant or single event. In one embodiment, this high speed coding process enables the products to be imaged or coded while in motion on the conveyor line with no or substantially no smearing or blurring effect.
• In one embodiment, the supply chain monitoring system also includes an image or code management system, an image or code reader and an object tracking or validation system, each of which is linked to a network, such as the Internet. In one example, the code management system controls the codes formed in the products and also transfers the code data to the validation system. When a user, such as a retailer, warehouser or consumer, scans the codes on the products, the validation system alerts the user of any instances where a product does not have the proper code. The user can then remove this product from the supply chain and contact the appropriate authorities for counterfeit investigation. This type of supply chain monitoring system functions as a deterrent against counterfeiting and helps enhance the security and safety of supply chains.
• Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the supply chain monitoring system.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the object processing assembly, illustrating the image former forming an image in one of the objects in motion on the conveyor.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the image former or image forming device.
• FIG. 4 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating an example of the image former outputting three separate energy pulses toward the conveyor.
• FIG. 5 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating one of the energy pulses ofFIG. 4 having formed an image in one of the moving objects.
• FIG. 6 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating another one of the energy pulses ofFIG. 4 having formed an image in another one of the moving objects.
• FIG. 7 is a top or plan view of one embodiment of the image former and the conveyor, illustrating yet another one of the energy pulses ofFIG. 4 having formed an image in yet another one of the moving objects.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the image former illustrating the flow of coherent energy from the laser generator to the object to be marked.
• FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the image former.
• FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the image former ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the image former including one embodiment of the image control device.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the image control device ofFIG. 11, illustrating a beam pulse striking the image control device resulting in an array of beam pulses striking an object to be marked.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevation enlarged view of the image control device ofFIG. 12, taken substantially along line13-13 ofFIG. 12, illustrating the inner walls, cavities and movable reflectors positioned therein.
• FIG. 14 is a partially perspective and partially schematic view of one embodiment of the image control device coupled to one embodiment of the actuator assembly.
• FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the image control device ofFIG. 14, taken substantially along line15-19 ofFIG. 14, illustrating an example of one of the reflectors in the non-reflect position.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the image control device ofFIG. 14, taken substantially along line15-19 ofFIG. 14, illustrating the flow of laser energy into one of the cavities when one of the reflectors is in the non-reflect position.
• FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the image control device ofFIG. 14, taken substantially along line15-19 ofFIG. 14, illustrating the flow of laser energy from one of the reflectors when such reflector is in the non-reflect position.
• FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the image control device ofFIG. 14, taken substantially along line15-19 ofFIG. 14, illustrating an example of one of the reflectors in the reflect position.
• FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of one embodiment of the image control device ofFIG. 14, taken substantially along line15-19 ofFIG. 14, illustrating the flow of laser energy from one of the reflectors when such reflector is in the reflect position.
• FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the image former including another embodiment of the image control device.
• FIG. 21 is a partially perspective view and schematic view of another embodiment of the image control device coupled to another embodiment of the actuator assembly.
• FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the image control device ofFIG. 21, illustrating the flow of a beam pulse toward the face of the image control device.
• FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the image control device ofFIG. 21, illustrating the flow of sub-beams from the reflectors.
• FIG. 24 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the image former.
• FIG. 25 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the image former, illustrating an example of the output of multiple laser beams toward an object to be marked.
• FIG. 26 is a perspective fragmentary view of one example of an object of a single pigmentation which has been modified by one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 27 is a perspective fragmentary view of one example of an object of different pigmentations which has been modified by one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an example of a pharmaceutical capsule which has been laser-marked with a matrix code through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an example of a pharmaceutical tablet which has been laser-marked with a matrix code through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an example of a mission critical helicopter part which has been laser-marked with a bar code through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an example of a mission critical military or soldier helmet which has been laser-marked with a bar code through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an example of a consumer lotion product bottle which has been laser-marked with a graphical image of a coconut tree through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example of a pharmaceutical capsule which has been laser-marked with human-readable text through use of one embodiment of the image system.
• FIG. 34 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the image management system.
• FIG. 35 is a table of example control variables used in one embodiment of the image management system.
• FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the hand-held scanner or reader, illustrating the reading of a matrix code.
• FIG. 37 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the image reader.
• FIG. 38 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the object tracking system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Supply Chain Monitoring System
• Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 38, the supplychain monitoring system10, in one embodiment, includes: (a) a laser-basedimage system12 which may be fully or partially housed or located within a manufacturing facility or object processingfacility14 and which is used to form images on products or objects16; (b) areader18 which is operable to read the images on theobjects16; and (c) a product or anobject tracking system20 which is coupled to thereader18 over adata network22, such as the Internet or any other suitable network. Theobject processing facility14 can include any building, facility or plant used to manufacture, package, process or otherwise treat objects. It should be appreciated that theimage system12 can form an image or marking on a relatively broad range ofobjects16. Theobjects16 can include, without limitation, products, goods and devices, such as: (a) pharmaceutical-related products and devices, such as capsules and tablets and other forms of ingestible medication; (b) police, warfare and military-related products, devices, equipment and supplies, such as munitions, weapon parts and other mission-critical equipment and devices; (c) medical products, devices, equipment and supplies; (d) security-related products, devices and equipment; (e) hazard response-related products, devices and equipment, such as firefighting equipment; (f) air, land and water vehicular replacement parts; and (g) edible products, produce and other foods. Depending upon the embodiment, the image formed on theobject16 can be machine readable, human readable or readable by machine and human.
• In operation of one example, theobjects16 are distributed from thefacility14 through a supply chain ordistribution channel15 to one or more distribution points24. Adistribution point24 can include any location, facility, building, truck, carrier, retail outlet or consumption site where theobjects16 are temporarily or permanently stationed. Whether thedistribution point24 is a store or a home, the user can scan the image of a code on theobject16 using areader18 which is coupled to a server orcomputer26. Theobject tracking system20, in communication with thecomputer26, receives the code data, and thetracking system20 validates the authenticity of the scannedobject16, as further described below.
• 2. Object Processing Assembly
• In one embodiment, the laser-basedimage system12 includes anobject processing assembly100, as illustrated inFIG. 2. Theobject processing assembly100, in one embodiment, includes: (a) at least one image forming device or image former102; (b) at least one object transporter orconveyor104 having a designated position relative to the image former102; (c) an object dispenser orhopper150 which distributesobjects16 onto theconveyor104; (d) a plurality of high-speed cameras orvision devices152 which sense visual characteristics of theassembly100, such as the proper placement of theobjects16 and the quality of the images formed in theobjects16 by the image former102; (e) a plurality of processors orcontrollers154 which control the operation of thevision devices152; (f) a packaging device orpackager156 which packages theobjects16 and places them inpackages158; and (g) a plurality of computers or computerized workstations160 used to operate theobject processing assembly100. Theconveyor104 supports a plurality of theobjects16, and theconveyor104 transports or moves thoseobjects16 from one point to another within theprocessing facility14. In one embodiment, the image former102 outputs a sequence ofbeam pulses106, and each of thebeam pulses106 strikes one of theobjects16, as further described below. In one embodiment, one or more of the workstations160 can include thecomputer711 of theimage management system700 described below with respect toFIG. 34.
• 2.1. Image Forming Device with Single Energy Generator
• 2.1.1 General
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the image forming device or image former102 is an image former200 which has a single energy generator or laser generator. The image former200, in one embodiment, includes: (a) anenergy device202 which generates a laser form of energy; and (b) anoutput assembly206 which receives the laser form of energy and directs that energy toward theobjects16. Theenergy device202 can include any suitable laser, including, without limitation, a solid-state laser (including, without limitation, a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG) neodymium laser), a gas laser, an excimer laser, a dye laser or a semiconductor laser, sometimes referred to as a diode laser. In one embodiment, theenergy device202 includes a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser which emits laser energy in the far-infrared range, generating an energy having a wave length of approximately ten thousand six hundred nanometers.
• In one embodiment, theenergy device202 includes alaser generator208 operatively coupled to a carbon dioxidegas supply unit210 which, in turn, is operatively coupled to acontrol unit212. Thegas supply unit210 includes a holder for a gas container which contains a supply of carbon dioxide gas. Thelaser generator208 is a carbon dioxide laser which includes a carbon dioxide lasingmedium container214 and anatom exciter216. Theatom exciter216 can include any suitable light or energy source. Thegas supply unit210 is fluidly connected to the lasingmedium container214 through one or more hoses, tubes or channels, such as thetube215 illustrated inFIG. 8. In operation, theatom exciter216 energizes the carbon dioxide gas atoms, causing the atoms to move to an excited energy state. When returning from their excited states to lower states, these atoms emit light energy or photons, and thelaser generator208 directs a plurality of these photons toward an outlet. An energy stream or laser beam flows from this outlet. The laser beam, in one embodiment, is monochromatic, coherent and directional.
• Theenergy device202 outputs the energy stream in the form of a continuous sequence of pulses of energy. Each beam pulse is separated in time from one another, and each beam pulse includes a separate packet of energy or laser light. Put another way, each pulse includes a relatively short stream of energy or a relatively short laser beam.
• In one embodiment, thecontrol unit212 of theenergy device202 includes circuitry or a processor which causes thelaser generator208 to output laser beams in a continuous sequence of pulses. This type ofenergy generator208, sometimes referred to as a pulsed laser, periodically excites the carbon dioxide gas to generate strobe light or periodic pulses of laser packets. In one example, this type ofenergy generator208 is a pulsed Transverse Electrical excitation at Atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO₂laser operable to generate laser energy of approximately two-tenths to three-tenths Joules at an approximate ten and six-tenths Micron wavelength and an approximate twelve by twelve millimeter profile. In another embodiment, theenergy device202 includes a pulse assembly positioned adjacent to the outlet of theenergy generator208. The pulse assembly includes a blocker or chopper which is driven by a motor. The chopper rotates to periodically block a continuous energy stream output by theenergy generator208. As a result, the chopper causes theenergy device202 to output energy beams or laser beams in a continuous sequence of pulses. It should be appreciated that other methods and mechanisms can be used to form a series of energy pulses or beam pulses.
• With continued reference toFIG. 3, theoutput assembly206, in one embodiment, includes: (a) abeam expander218 which receives each of the beam pulses from theenergy device202 and which also expands the profile of the beam within the beam pulse; (b) animage control device220 which receives the expanded beam and manipulates that beam to define an image; and (c) a turning mirror orbeam director222 which receives one or more beams from theimage control device220 and directs the received beam pulses toward a focus lens, focus mirror orbeam focuser224 which, in turn, directs the focused beams toward theobject16. Thebeam expander218, in one example, expands the cross section profile of the laser pulse by approximately five times producing a beam with a cross section of an approximate sixty by sixty millimeter profile.
• In one example illustrated inFIGS. 4 through 7, theimage forming device200 generates a plurality oflaser pulses226,228 and230. Each of thelaser pulses226,228,230 is generated at a different period in time and consequently, as illustrated inFIG. 4, thesepulses226,228 and230 travel separately toward theconveyor104. At the same time, theconveyor104 moves theobjects16 along thepath232 at a designated rate or velocity. The frequency of thepulses226,228 and230 is set so that a pulse reaches theobject path232 at the time when anobject16 reaches the image path orbeam path234. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, pulse230 struck object236 while the object236 was traveling forward throughbeam path234, and pulse230 formed an image Z on the object236. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6,pulse228 struck object238 while object238 was traveling and passing throughbeam path234, andpulse228 formed an image Y on object238. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7,pulse226 struck object240 while the object240 was traveling through thebeam path234, and thepulse226 formed image X on object240. In this embodiment, theimage system12 includes aconveyor104 that continuously moves theobjects13 for increased processing efficiency. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, theconveyor104 can stop eachobject13 for a designated amount of time while a beam pulse forms on image on thenon-moving object13.
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, thelaser generator208 generates abeam pulse209 which is received by thebeam expander218. Thebeam expander218 expands thebeam pulse209, and the expandedbeam pulse211 is directed or otherwise travels toward the image controller orimage control device220. Theimage control device220, described in greater detail below, selectively directs certain portions of the expandedbeam pulse211 toward thebeam director222. In the illustrated example, theimage control device220 absorbs or otherwise dissipates a certain portion of the expandedbeam pulse211 and reflectsseparate beams242,244 and246 to thebeam director222. Thebeam director222 directsbeams242,244 and246 toward thebeam focuser224. Thebeam focuser224 receives thebeams242,244 and246 and further redirects these beams, bringing them closer to one another. Thefocused beams242,244 and246 then strike theobject16. In the illustrated example, each of thesebeams242,244 and246 forms a separate cavity, crevice or mark247 in theobject16 at the same time or substantially the same time. Simultaneously striking theobject16 withseparate beams242,244 and246 enables theimage system12 to form an image in theobject16 with a relatively quick snap-shot process.
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, the image forming device or image former200 includes: (a) ahousing248 which houses or otherwise supports theenergy device202; (b) a support structure, leg assembly, securing device or mount250 which can be used to mount the image former200 to a floor or support structure; (c) a laser shield, laser guard, barrel orarm252 connected to thehousing248; (d) a plurality ofcontrol devices254 used to operate and monitor the image former200; (e) a plurality offans256 which cool thelaser generator208 during operation; and (f) a filteredvent257 which outputs air forced through thevent257 by thefans256. Thearm252 has an extended or elongated tube with thebeam focuser224 connected to theend253 of thearm252. Thearm252 has a designated, permanent or adjustable, length. This length is a associated with a desired formation of the laser pulse that exits thebeam focuser224.
• 2.1.2 Image Control Device
• Referring back toFIG. 8, theimage control device220 of the image former200 can include any mechanical, electromechanical, electronic or computerized device (including, without limitation, a suitable beam splitter) operable to: (a) receive a beam or beam pulse; (b) selectively modify portions of that beam or beam pulse; and (c) output a modified version of that beam or beam pulse which defines or is otherwise associated with a designated image.
• 2.1.2.1 Dot Former
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 11 through 19, the image former201 includes theenergy device202,beam expander218, image control device221 andbeam director222. Theenergy device202,beam expander218, image control device221 andbeam director222 are positioned within thehousing248. Thebeam focuser224 is positioned within theend253 of thearm252. Theenergy device202 providesbeam pulses255 which strike theimage control device220. As best illustrated inFIGS. 12 through 14, the image control device221 includes: (a) a body orhousing258 having aface260 which is oriented at a suitable angle, such as a forty-five degree (45°) angle, relative to the lasergenerator beam axis262; (b) a plurality ofinner walls264 which define an array of openings, channels orcavities266; (c) an energy absorber, absorption plate orabsorption surface268 located at the exterior of theface260; (d) a reflective mask ortemplate267 which is attached to theface260 on top of theabsorption surface268; (e) a plurality of movable members, mirror segments, pistons, slugs orreflectors270, each of which is slidably or otherwise movably lodged within one of thecavities266; (f) a plurality of biasing members or springs272, each of which is lodged within one of thecavities266 near therear end273 of thehousing258; and (g) anactuator assembly275 operable to independently actuate thereflectors270.
• Theabsorptive surface268 can include a coating, such as paint, a fluoropolymer resin or any suitable polymer material. Alternatively, theabsorptive surface268 can include a separate plate having absorptive properties. In another alternative, theabsorptive surface268 can be the outer surface of thehousing258, where the outer surface is constructed of a material associated with an absorptive property.
• In one embodiment, eachreflector270 is approximately six millimeters in diameter and eighteen millimeters in length. In the illustrated example, the image control device221 includes twelvereflectors270. It should be appreciated, however, that the image control device221 can include any suitable number ofreflectors270. For example, the image control device221 can include a ten by ten grid of one hundredreflectors270, where eachsuch reflector270 is associated with a grid point or pixel for the formation of an image on theobject16.
• Theactuator assembly275 includes: (a) atubing assembly274 attached to therear end273 of thehousing258; and (b) apressure device276 coupled to thetubing assembly274. In one embodiment, thetubing assembly274 includes, for each one of the cavities266: (a) aconnector278 which fluidly connects one of thecavities266 to oneend279 of atube280; and (b) a multi-branch connector or T-connector284 connected to theother end286 of the hose ortube280. Each T-connector284 has apositive pressure branch287 and anegative pressure branch288. Thetubing assembly274 also includes, for each one of the T-connectors284: (a) apositive pressure tube290 connected to thepositive branch287 and anegative pressure tube292 connected to thenegative pressure branch288.
• Thepressure device276 of theactuator assembly275 includes apositive pressurizer294 and a vacuum ornegative pressurizer296. Thepositive pressurizer294 has a plurality of solenoid-controlledcontrol valves298, each of which is connected to one of thepositive pressure tubes290. Likewise, thenegative pressurizer296 has a plurality of solenoid-controlledcontrol valves300, each of which is connected to one of thenegative pressure tubes292. As illustrated inFIGS. 12, 1516 and18, when thebeam pulse262 strikes theface260 of theimage control device220,different portions302 of thebeam pulse262 strikedifferent areas305 adjacent to thedifferent cavities266.
• By default, thepressure device276 applies a vacuum or negative pressure to thecavities266. The negative pressure applies a rearward force to thereflectors270, maintaining thereflectors270 in anon-reflect position303 at or adjacent to therear end273 of thehousing258. In one example, the negative pressure is approximately eight to ten ounces. When thebeam portion302 strikes theface260,certain energy308 is absorbed or otherwise dissipated at theabsorption surface268 of theface260.Other beam portions310 of thebeam portion302 travel into thecavity266. Once inside thecavity266, thesebeam portions310 strike thereflector270. As illustrated inFIG. 17, thereflector270 reflects thesebeam portions310 back toward thefront end307 of the image control device221. As a result of the geometry and dimensions of thecavities266, these beam portions orlight particles310 exit thecavity266 in a relativelyincoherent form312. Having a relatively incoherent characteristic or property, this light energy is relatively weak and diffuse, and, as a result, does not reach theobject16 with sufficient strength to form a significant or detectable cavity, image or mark on theobject16. Therefore, in default mode, the image control device221 does not output any laser beams.
• When the image control device221 is switched to image mode, the image control device221 causesselect reflectors270 to move to areflect position314 in accordance with designated programming instructions, as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19. Thepressure device276 applies a positive pressure to thecavity266. This positive pressure moves thereflector270 forward and maintains it at thereflect position314 at or adjacent to theface260. In one example, the positive pressure is approximately four ounces. In thisreflect position314, as illustrated inFIG. 19,certain energy308 is dissipated or otherwise absorbed by theabsorption surface268 of theface260. At about the same time, a beam portion orsub-beam306 is reflected from thereflector270. This sub-beam306 is relatively coherent, and, accordingly, has sufficient strength to reach theobject16 and form acavity mark309 on theobject16, as illustrated inFIG. 12. In this example, the sub-beams306 form a partially dot matrix pattern of holes, cavities or marks309 on theobject16.
• If all of thereflectors270 were to have thereflect position314, theimage control device220 would form an entire grid, array or matrix of dots on theobject16. To form different images on thedifferent objects16, theimage control device220 varies the positions of thereflectors270. In operation, theactuator assembly275 cycles thereflectors270 at a relatively high cycle rate, for example, seventy-five to one hundred cycles per second. Referring back toFIG. 14, an image or code may, for example, be associated with a reflector arrangement where reflector271 has the reflect position, and a different image or code may be associated with a reflector arrangement where reflector271 has the non-reflect position.
• Regardless of the position of thereflectors270, thereflective template267, in one embodiment, constantly reflects abeam portion281 of thebeam pulse262, and thebeam portion281 strikes theobject16. The shape of thereflective template267 determines the shape of thebeam portion281 which, in turn, determines the shape of theimage283 formed on the object by thetemplate267. In one embodiment, thetemplate267 has a designated shape associated with an identifier or signature of the particular image forming device201 being used. In one example not illustrated, thereflective template267 is configured to form an additional row of reflective symbols. These symbols cause an alpha-numeric serial code to be formed in theobject16. This code corresponds to the serial code of the particular image forming device201 being used.
• In another embodiment, thetemplate267 has a designated degradation property associated with the reflectiveness of thetemplate267. For example, with each reflection event, the reflectiveness of thetemplate267 decreases. After a certain number of reflection events, thetemplate267 will absorb all or substantially all of the laser beam received. As a result, the authenticity identifier or signature of the image forming device201 will be excluded from theobjects16. This will indicate to facility operators, the need to replace the image control device221 of the image former201.
• In one example, where a batch of products are serially marked with unique matrix codes, the image control device221 causes the positions of thereflectors270 to have a different orientation each time a different product is being marked. During this process, thesprings272 assist in absorbing at least part of the shock or impact generated by the backward motion of thereflectors270. Thesprings272 can decrease vibrations and damage to the integrity of thereflectors270 and thehousing258.
• 2.1.2.2 Bar Former
• In another embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 20 through 23, the image former401 includes the same components as the image former201 except for theimage control device403. As best illustrated inFIG. 21, theimage control device400 includes: (a) a body orhousing402; (b) an array ofreflector holders406 connected to thehousing402 adjacent to theface408; (c) an absorption plate orabsorption surface409 attached to or incorporated into theface408; (d) an array of rotatable mirror segments, rotatable members orrotatable reflectors403 rotatably supported by thereflector holders406; and (e) anactuator assembly407 operable to independently actuate and rotate thereflectors403.
• In one embodiment, theactuator assembly407 includes: (a) a gear, drive shaft ortransmission device412 coupled to each one of thereflectors403; (b) at least one drive assembly414 operatively coupled to thetransmission devices412; and (c) adrive control unit416 operatively coupled to the drive assembly414. In one embodiment, thedrive control unit416 has amotor418 which powers the drive assembly414.
• In one embodiment, each one of thereflectors403 has a bar-shape and a plurality of substantially flat sides. At least one of thereflectors403 has a geometry which is different than the geometry of at least one of theother reflectors403. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 21 through 23:reflector420 is oriented so thatside422 is adjacent to theface408;reflector424 is oriented so thatside426 is adjacent to theface408;reflector428 is oriented so thatside430 is adjacent to theface408; andreflector432 is oriented so thatside434 is adjacent to theface408. Thesides422,426,430 and434 are each different in length, width or shape. In the illustrated example,side422 has width one (W1),side426 has a different width two (W2),side430 has yet a different width three (W3) andside434 has yet a different width four (W4).
• Referring toFIG. 23, when thebeam pulse436 strikes theabsorption surface409 of theface408, theabsorption surface409 absorbscertain portions438 of thebeam pulse436. At about the same time, thesides422,426,430 and434 reflect sub-beams440,442,444 and446, respectively, toward theobject16. Each of the sub-beams440,442,444 and446 has a different size or profile. Referring back toFIG. 21, thesedifferent beams440,442,444 and446 strike theobject16 and form bar shaped-images448,450,452 and454 of different widths in theobject16. The bar-shapedimages448,450,452 and454 collectively form abar code image448.
• In one embodiment not illustrated, the reflectors of theimage control device400 are identical in geometry and shape. However, the substantially bar-shaped sides of these reflectors have different percentages of reflective properties. For example, one side may have a relatively low reflective property and another side may have a relatively high reflective property. As the reflectors are independently rotated, the beam reflection varies to form variable images and codes in theobjects16.
• In one embodiment, regardless of the position of thereflectors403, thereflective template455 constantly reflects abeam portion457 of thebeam pulse436, and thebeam portion457 strikes theobject16. The shape of thereflective template455 determines the shape of thebeam portion457 which, in turn, determines the shape of theimage459 formed on the object by thetemplate455. In one embodiment, thetemplate455 has a designated shape associated with an identifier or signature of the particular image forming device401 being used. In one example not illustrated, thereflective template455 is configured to form an additional row of reflective symbols. These symbols cause an alpha-numeric serial code to be formed in theobject16. This code corresponds to the serial code of the particular image forming device401 being used.
• In another embodiment, thetemplate455 has a designated degradation property associated with the reflectiveness of thetemplate455. For example, with each reflection event, the reflectiveness of thetemplate455 decreases. After a certain number of reflection events, thetemplate455 will absorb all or substantially all of the laser beam received. As a result, the authenticity identifier or signature of the image forming device401 will be excluded from theobjects16. This can indicate a need to replace theimage control device400 of the image forming device401.
• 2.1.3 Electronic Configuration
• In one embodiment, the image former200 has anelectronic configuration500, as illustrated inFIG. 24. In this embodiment, the image former200 includes: (a) one ormore processors502; (b) one or more energydevice input apparatuses504 which are electronically connected to theprocessors502; (c) one or more energydevice output apparatuses506 which are electronically connected to theprocessors502; (d) theimage control device220 electronically connected to theprocessors502; and (e) amemory device508 which is coupled, directly or over a data network, to theprocessors502.
• In one embodiment, thememory device508 includes animage command reader510, anidentifier command reader512 and an energydevice control module514. Theimage command reader510 includes a plurality of computer-readable instructions which enable theprocessors502 to read image commands. The image commands specify which type of images are to be formed on each of theobjects16. For example, theimage command reader510 may include: animage X command516 associated with an X-shape image; animage Y command518 associated with a Y-shaped image; and animage Z command520 associated with a Z-shaped image. In operation, one of theprocessors502 uses these commands to control the different images produced by theimage control device220 on the different objects522,524 and526.
• Theidentifier command reader512 includes a plurality of computer readable instructions which one of theprocessors502 uses to read the identifier commands. The identifier commands specify which type of identifier image is to be formed on theobject16. In one embodiment, the identifier image includes a designated image associated with the authenticity of the imagery on theobjects16. For example, the identifier image can include a trade name associated with aparticular processing facility14 or a serial number associated with a particularimage forming device200.
• The energydevice control module514 includes a plurality of computer readable instructions associated with the general control and functionality of theenergy device202. Thecontrol module514 direct one of theprocessors502 to control the energy level, pulsation and other operational settings of theenergy device202.
• 2.1.4 Image Forming Device with Multiple Energy Generators
• Referring back toFIG. 3, in one embodiment, theimage forming device200 includes a plurality of laser generators orlasers208. Eachlaser208 generates a laser beam resulting in a stream of beam pulses. The multiple streams of beam pulses are directed so as to form images in one or more objects16.
• In another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 25, theimage forming device568 includes: (a) alaser generator assembly570 which houses or holds a plurality of relatively small laser generators orlasers572; (b) acontrol unit574 which controls the operation of thelasers572; and (c) a focus lens orfocuser575. Thecontrol unit574 includes aprocessor576 and amemory device578 which stores a plurality of computer-readable instructions. Theprocessor576, as directed by thememory device578, controls the operation of thelasers572. Thecontrol unit574 causes thelasers572 to independently output laser beams in continuous or pulse form, and thefocuser575 redirects the beams, bringing them in closer proximity to one another By independently controlling which ones of thelasers572 will output a beam, thecontrol unit574 determines the image that is formed on theobject16. For example, theassembly570 may be configured to hold one hundredlasers572 in a grid or matrix-shaped array. By selectively turningcertain lasers572 on and off, thecontrol unit574 can form designated images (and associated codes) in theobjects16.
• In one embodiment, thelasers572 include suitable electronic lasers such as semiconductor lasers or diode lasers. In one embodiment, each of thelasers572 includes a fiber optic cable or device which outputs a laser beam. It should be appreciated that thelasers572 can include any suitably sized computer-controlled energy generators.
• 2.1.5 Marked Objects
• Theimage forming device200 produces a mark, code or image through the application of one or more energy streams or laser beams to anobject16. The process of applying such an energy stream or laser beam to theobject16 can include a plurality of different physical effects, including, without limitation, a burn in theobject16, a melting of a spot on theobject16, a vaporization of a spot on theobject16, a cut in theobject16, an etch in theobject16, an engraved effect in theobject16, an inscription in theobject16, an abatement of a portion of theobject16, a modification of or change in the physical or molecular structure of a portion of theobject16 or a change in the reflective or refractive properties of a portion of theobject16.
• In one embodiment, each laser beam forms a dot in theobject16. Each dot can have a square shape as illustrated inFIGS. 26-29,32 and33. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments each dot can have a circular shape or any other suitable shape.
• In one example illustrated inFIG. 26, each laser beam output by the image former200 cuts, burns or otherwise forms acavity600 in anobject602. Theobject602 has a relatively consistent pigmentation, exemplified as pigment A. The cavity or hole pattern in theobject602 provides theobject602 with an reflective or refractive characteristic or property associated with a designated code or image, such asimage616 or618 ofFIGS. 28 and 29. In one example, a human eye or an optical reader can detect an image or code in theobject602 defined by an array ofcavities600. Here, eachcavity600 is visually distinct from the body of theobject602 due to the depth of thecavity600.
• In another example illustrated inFIG. 27, anobject604 includes alower layer608 having pigment A and anupper layer606 have pigment B. Each of the laser beams output by the image former200 forms an opening orcavity610 in theobject604. Thesecavities610 define an image or code, such asimage616 or618 ofFIGS. 28 and 29, and the image can be readable by human eye or an optical reader. The image is enhanced by the contrast between the color of pigment A and pigment B. Put another way, each of the laser beams removes thetop layer606, exposing a differentcolored layer608. If pigment A were blue and pigment B were yellow, the laser beams would remove spots of theyellow layer606, exposing spots of theblue layer608 below. The result would be an image defined by a plurality or array of blue dots.
• In one embodiment, the laser beams either do not form cavities in theobject16, or the cavities formed are small enough so that the cavities are undetectable by human vision or an image reader. Here, each laser beam applies a level of heat to theobject16 and, as a result, the reflective or refractive properties of theobject16 are changed at certain spots. Depending upon the embodiment, the visual effect of these properties can be detectable by the human eye, an optical reader or any suitable electromechanical device. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the image former200 can form images and codes on objects without cutting or otherwise forming cavities in the surface or body of the object.
• In another embodiment, the energy generator of the image forming device produces laser beams which pass through the surface of the object and form dots or marks below the surface of the object. In one example, the image forming device includes a YAG laser, and the objects to be marked are constructed of a glass or clear plastic material. When marking one of these objects, the laser beams of the YAG laser pass through the object's exterior surface. Each laser beam strikes an inner portion of the object. At this point, the laser beam produces a dot, mark or structural or chemical change to that inner portion of the object. Accordingly, the laser beams collectively form a machine-readable or human-readable mark or code embedded within the body of the object. This embodiment provides additional protection against the attempts of counterfeiters to modify or reproduce the codes in the objects. Also, this embodiment provides a safeguard against the damage of the codes caused by abrasion or chemicals.
• 2.1.5.1 Example of Coding Pharmaceutical Products
• In one example, theobject16 that is marked by the image former200 includes a pharmaceutical capsule612 as illustrated inFIG. 28. Here, each laser beam forms a cavity or hole in the outer gelatin layer or covering of the capsule612. These cavities expose a different colored layer, forming an image of amatrix code616 which is readable by an optical reader or scanner.
• In another example, theobject16 includes a pharmaceutical tablet614, as illustrated inFIG. 29. Here, each laser beam forms a cavity or hole in the body of the tablet614. These cavities expose a different colored layer, forming an image of amatrix code618 which is readable by an optical reader or scanner.
• 2.1.5.2 Example of Coding Mission Critical Products
• In one example illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31, the image former200forms bar codes628 in mission critical products, such as amilitary helicopter part630 and a soldier'shelmet632. Here, the laser beams output by the image former200 form bar-shaped cavities in the outer surfaces ofparts630 and632. The depth of the cavities forms an optical contrast associated with a bar code that is readable by a scanner.
• 2.1.5.3 Example of Forming Graphics on Consumer Products
• In another example illustrated inFIG. 32, the image former200 forms a graphic orgraphical representation618 in thelabel620 of a product622. In the illustrated example, the image former200 forms an image or graphic618 of a coconut tree on the bottle of a Sunny Island Cocoa Lotion™ consumer product. In another example illustrated inFIG. 33, human-readable text624 can be formed in the surface of anobject16 such as a pharmaceutical capsule626. Through these examples, it should be understood that human-readable and comprehensible images of various types can be formed by theimage forming device200. These images can include, without limitation, text, numbers, symbols, drawings, artistic works and graphics which convey messages, information, product information, manufacturers' identifies and other information to consumers and end users.
• 3. Image Management System
• Theimage system12 includes animage management system700 as illustrated inFIG. 34. In one embodiment, theimage management system700 includes: (a) one or more servers or processors, such asmanagement server702 connected to one or moreimage forming devices200 over adata network704; (b) an image-type database706 coupled to theserver702; (c) animaging database708 coupled to themanagement server702; (d) animage control module710 coupled to themanagement server702; and (e) a network access device, such as acomputer711, which enables a manager to send commands to themanagement server702 and provide inputs which are readable by themanagement server702. Thedata network704 can include a local area network in theobject processing facility14, a private wide area network or a public wide area network, such as the Internet. The image-type database706 stores data associated with a plurality of different types of images which can be formed on theobjects16.
• Theimaging history database708 stores data associated with the images that have already been formed onobjects16 in the supply chain. For example, if a processing facility marks ten thousand products with an image corresponding to code 10011011, thedatabase708 would store the data which relates such products to such code.
• Theimage control module710 includes a plurality of computer-readable instructions which direct themanagement server702 to change the images formed on theobjects16 in accordance with a designated parameter or condition. In one embodiment, thecontrol module710 includes a plurality ofcontrol variables712. In one example illustrated inFIG. 35, thecontrol variables712 include afacility variable716, an image formingdevice variable718, aproduct variable720, avolume variable722, an image orcode variable724, adate variable726 and atime variable728. In the example illustrated in the first row ofFIG. 35, the manager enters his/her user name and password at thecomputer711, and then the manager uses thecomputer711 to set: (a) thefacility variable716 tofacility number22; (b) the image forming device variable718 to image formingdevice number03; (c) theproduct variable720 toproduct number4331; (d) thevolume variable722 to one thousand; (e) the image variable724 to image number fifty-two which corresponds to code 10101111; (f) thedate variable726 to March 2, 2008; and (g) thetime variable728 to thirteen hundred hours. In this example, themanagement server702 uses theimage control module710 to cause image formingdevice number03 offacility number22 to form image Y in one thousand of the product units beginning at thirteen hundred hours on March 2, 2008.
• In another embodiment, theimage control module710 includes aserializer module714. Theserializer module714 includes a plurality of instructions associated with generating a series of unique or serial codes and associated images to be formed in a series ofobjects16. In one embodiment, theimage control module710 includes apseudo randomizer716 which, when activated by the manager, randomly selects different images (and associated codes) that are formed on the objects in a designated batch.
• 4. Image Reader
• Referring toFIG. 36, in one embodiment, the reader or hand-heldscanner18 includes a plurality ofinput devices850, adisplay device803, a laser (not shown), a light source (not shown), an optical sensor or eye (not shown) and anobject holder805. In the illustrated example, thereader18 is scanning and reading a matrix code (not shown) of anobject16. Theobject holder805 removably holds theobject16 so that the matrix code on theobject16 is oriented toward the eye housed within thescanner18.
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 37, the optical reader orimage reader18 has anelectronic configuration800. Here, theimage reader18 includes at least one central processing unit orprocessor802. Theprocessor802 is electronically connected to adisplay device803, a plurality ofinput devices850, ascanning laser809, alight source807, aphoto eye806 and amemory device808. Thelight source807 enhances the readability of the code on the object. Depending upon the embodiment and the type of code being read, thelight source807 can include a polarized light source, an ultraviolet light source or any other suitable light source operable to illuminate or distinguish the code on the object.
• Thememory device808 includescontrast enhancement code810 and readingmode code812. Thecontrast enhancement code810 include a plurality of computer-readable instructions associated with enhancing the readability or detectability of codes (such as dot matrix code and bar code) and images formed in theobjects16 by the image former200. The readingmode code812 includes a plurality of instructions associated with different types of reading modes. For example, one reading mode enables theprocessor802 to read matrix code, and another reading mode enables theprocessor802 to read bar code. Users can use theimage reader18 in conjunction with theobject tracking system20 as described below.
• 5. Object Tracking System
• In one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 37, theobject tracking system20 includes: (a) one or more processes or servers, such as trackingserver900 operating on a data network901, such as the Internet; (b) areader database902 connected to thetracking server900 which stores thereader code data903 received from theimage readers904,906 and908 coupled to thedistribution point computers910,912 and914, respectively; (c) avalidation database910 connected to thetracking server900; (d) a server, processor orcomputer system918 of a monitoring entity connected to thetracking server900 over the network901; and (e) avalidation module919 operatively coupled to and accessible by the trackingserver900.
• Thevalidation database910 includesvalidation code data920 associated with the objects or products that have been coded and sent into the supply chain. In one embodiment, the image management system700 (illustrated inFIG. 34) is coupled to thetracking server900 over network901. Accordingly, theimage management system700 automatically transfers thevalidation code data920 to thevalidation database910 asobjects16 are coded and sent into the supply chain.
• Thevalidation module919 stores: (a) a plurality of computer-readable instructions or search commands920 associated with the searching of thevalidation database910 for a match with a code stored in thereader database902; and (b) output instructions or commands922 associated with producing an output, such as a graphical flag or audio alert, if there is an unsuccessful validation or trouble event.
• In one example, the trackingserver900 conducts the following steps under the direction of the validation module919:
• • (a) detects a new code received from one of the readers or scanners924 coupled to distribution point computer926;
  • (b) searches thevalidation database910 for a code that matches the newly received code;
  • (c) sends a signal or data to themonitoring entity computer918, causing themonitoring entity computer918 to produce an audio or visual output or alarm if there is an unsuccessful validation; and
  • (d) sends a signal or data to the distribution point computer926 and (if network enabled) the scanner924 itself, causing the distribution point computer926 and network enabled scanner924 to produce:
    • (i) an audio or visual output or alarm indicating a successful validation if the trackingserver900 located a matching code in thevalidation database910; and
    • (ii) an audio or visual output or alarm indicating an unsuccessful validation if the trackingserver900 did not locate a matching code in thevalidation database910 after a designated period of time elapses.
• In operation of one example, the Pharma Zone company manufactures a batch of ten thousand drug capsules on a Monday, using an image forming device to form: (a) an image of the text “Pharma Zone 2000” in each of the capsules; and (b) an image of a designated machine-readable matrix code in each of the capsules. On Tuesday, Pharma Zone ships the batch of capsules to a drug store. On that same Tuesday, a counterfeiting supplier ships one thousand drug capsules to the same drug store under an invoice which appears to be an authentic invoice of Pharma Zone. The one thousand drug capsules also bear the text “Pharma Zone 2000.” The pharmacist's assistant uses a scanner to scan the drug capsules received that day. When the assistant scans one of the counterfeit drug capsules, the drug store's computer indicates “WARNING: COUNTERFEIT DETECTED!” The drug store then removes all detected counterfeits from the capsule supply and contacts the appropriate authorities.
• In review, the supply chain monitoring system, in one embodiment, includes an image system located in a manufacturing facility, and the imaging system is coupled to a plurality of scanners and an object tracking system over a wide area network, such as the Internet. The image system includes one or more image forming devices which are operable to form images and codes in objects while the objects are in motion on a conveyor. In one embodiment, each image forming device includes a pulsed laser and an image controller which receives the laser pulses in increments. The image controller receives each laser pulse and generates a laser output which includes: (a) a different laser pulse associated with a designated image or code; or (b) a plurality of simultaneously traveling laser beams which are collectively associated with a designated image or code. Each of the laser outputs is directed toward an object on the conveyor, and the laser output forms an image or code in the object in a single shot. The image or code can be machine readable, human readable or a combination thereof. When the marked objects are shipped to a distribution point, inspectors or quality control personnel can scan the objects to verify their authenticity. The system checks the scanned images against a validation database, and the system notifies the scanning personnel and monitoring entities of any detected counterfeits. This type of system increases the security of supply chains and distribution channels to enhance safety and help protect businesses against counterfeit practices.
• It should be appreciated that any and all of the various components of the image forming devices described herein, including, without limitation, theimage forming devices200,201 and401, can be combined or interchanged, thereby constituting additional embodiments of the present invention.
• It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A tracking system comprising:

at least one processor operable over a network;

at least one image-reading device operatively coupled to the processor over the network, the image-reading device operable to read a plurality of different images on a plurality of distributable objects; and

a memory device accessible by the processor, the memory device storing:

(a) data associated with a plurality of distributable objects;

(b) data associated with an assignment of different images to different ones of the distributable objects;

(c) data associated with the images that have been read by the image-reading device; and

(d) a plurality of instructions which direct an image forming device to form the assigned images in the distributable objects, the image forming device having:

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy device operable to output a plurality of pulses of energy along a path, each of the pulses including a primary energy stream;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device; and

an image control device supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the image control device operable to:

(x) receive the pulses of energy at different times; and

(y) output a pulse of energy for each one of the received pulses of energy, each one of the output pulses of energy including an array of secondary energy streams which are directable toward an object, the secondary energy streams operable to form a plurality of separate laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with an image.

2. The tracking system ofclaim 1, wherein the image control device includes a processor which is operable to cause the image control device to vary a plurality of the output pulses after different events occur, each one of the output pulses producing different arrays of secondary energy streams associated with different images.

3. The tracking system ofclaim 1, wherein the image control device includes at least one processor having access to a memory device, the memory device storing data associated with a plurality of different images, each one of the different images associated with a different array of secondary energy streams, the processor operable to: (a) determine an event associated with a designated one of the images; and (b) cause the image control device to produce the array of secondary energy streams associated with the designated image.

4. The tracking system ofclaim 1, wherein the image control device includes an energy stream receiver having an array of elements, each of the elements being movable between: (a) a first position resulting in one of the secondary energy streams; and (b) a second position resulting in incoherent light.

5. The tracking system ofclaim 4, wherein: (a) each one of the elements has a substantially circular shape; and (b) the secondary energy streams that reach the object are operable to form a matrix code image on the object.

6. The tracking system ofclaim 4, wherein: (a) the elements are arranged in a pattern of rows and columns; and (b) the array that reaches the object forms a partially or fully grid-shaped code image on the object.

7. The tracking system ofclaim 4, wherein: (a) each one of the elements has a substantially rectangular shape; and (b) the secondary energy streams that reach the object are operable to form a barcode image on the object.

8. The tracking system ofclaim 1, wherein the energy stream includes a flow of light energy or atomic particles.

9. A tracking system comprising:

at least one processor operable over a network;

at least one image-reading device operatively coupled to the processor over the network, the image-reading device operable to read a plurality of different images on a plurality of distributed objects; and

a memory device accessible by the processor, the memory device storing:

(a) data associated with a plurality of distributable objects;

(b) data associated with an assignment of different images to different ones of the distributable objects;

(c) data associated with the images that have been read by the image-reading device; and

(d) a plurality of instructions which direct an image forming device to form the assigned images in the distributable objects, the image forming device having:

(i) an energy device including an energy source, the energy source operable to output a series of energy beam spurts along a path;

(ii) a support which supports the energy device;

(iii) a beam modifier supported by the support and positioned to intersect the path, the beam modifier operable to: (x) receive the energy beams spurts at different times; and (y) convert each one of the energy beam spurts to a designated one of a plurality of arrays of energy beams which are directable toward an object, the energy beams operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart laser-treated regions in the object, the laser-treated regions being associated with the determined image.

10. The tracking system ofclaim 9, which includes at least one instruction executable by the processor, the instruction operable to cause the beam modifier to control which portions of each of the energy beam spurts will be directed toward the object and which portions of said energy beam spurt will be directed away from the object.

11. The tracking system ofclaim 9, wherein the beam modifier includes a plurality of beam regulators which are movable between a plurality of positions, wherein the beam regulators, under control of the processor, determine the designated array of energy beams which flow toward the object.

12. The tracking system ofclaim 9, wherein the image includes an image selected from the group consisting of a barcode image, a partial grid-shape image, a full grid shape image, a matrix image, a symbol image, a letter image, a numeral image, text image and an identifier image.

13. The tracking system ofclaim 12, wherein each one of the energy beam spurts includes a packet of energy selected from the group consisting of a packet of light particles, a packet of photons, a packet of emitted energy, a packet including a laser beam, a packet of magnetic radiation, a packet of atomic particles and a packet of sub-atomic particles.

14. A tracking system comprising:

at least one processor operable over a network;

at least one image-reading device operatively coupled to the processor, the image-reading device operable to read a plurality of different images on a plurality of distributable objects, each of the images associated with a plurality of spaced-apart laser beam marks; and

a memory device accessible by the processor, the memory device storing:

(a) data associated with a plurality of distributable objects;

(b) data associated with an assignment of different images to different ones of the distributable objects;

(c) data associated with the images that have been read by the image-reading device; and

(d) a plurality of instructions which direct an image forming device to form the assigned images in the distributable objects, the image forming device having:

(i) a pulse laser operable to output a series of laser beam pulses;

(ii) a frame which supports the pulse laser;

a beam expander supported by the frame and positioned to receive the laser beam pulses;

(iii) an image control device supported by the frame, the image control device including:

(x) a beam absorber which defines an array of openings;

(y) a plurality of beam reflectors, each one of the beam reflectors movably positioned within or adjacent to one of the openings;

(z) at least one position control device operable, for each one of the laser beam pulses, to move each one of the beam reflectors between: (i) one position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and travels along a path leading to an object in a form of a laser beam; and (ii) another position wherein a portion of the laser beam pulse enters the opening and is substantially absorbed or substantially directed away from the object, the image control device operable to cause the image control device to output a set of the laser beams at one time, wherein the laser beams in the set are operable to form a plurality of spaced-apart cavities in the object, the cavities being associated with the designated image for the object; and

a beam focuser supported by the frame and positioned in the path.

15. The tracking system ofclaim 14, wherein: (a) each of the openings of the beam absorber includes a cavity; and (b) each one of the reflectors is movably positioned within one of said cavities between an outward position and an inward position.

16. The tracking system ofclaim 14, which includes a plurality of pivotal couplers which pivotally couple the reflectors to the laser beam absorber.

17. The tracking system ofclaim 14, wherein the position control device includes at least one air pressurization assembly.

18. The tracking system ofclaim 14, wherein the position control device includes at least one actuator.

19. The tracking system ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of the different images includes an image selected from the group consisting of a machine-readable code image, a machine-scannable code image, a barcode image, a matrix code image, a dot matrix code image, a symbol image, a numeral image, text image, a drawing image and an art image.

Images