CN101553405A - Multi-layer, light markable media and method and apparatus for using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including a substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye. The light absorbent layer is preferably a low cost absorber such as carbon black. An alternate form of the invention is a two layer laminate media including a substrate and a thermochromic layer. The invention is usable in conjunction with labeling produce items. The invention includes a method and apparatus for using media in conjunction with labeling produce items.

Description

Multilayer, light markable medium and the method and apparatus that uses this medium

The cross reference of related application

The application is the U. S. application No.11/069 that submitted on March 1st, 2005,330 continuation application.The application requires the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/712 of submission on August 29th, 2005, the No.60/789 that on April 4th, 640 and 2006 submitted to, 505 interests and preceence.

Technical field

The present invention relates in general to laser (perhaps other high-strength lights) but the mark medium, as labeller for example and/or be used to encapsulate or other print application comprise the label of film printing, facsimile apparatus and lamination card (for example cermet of identification) chopping machine of point of sale.

Background technology

Label and encapsulate quicker, the cost actv. Mk system more of the continuous demand in market, can be for having the non-flat surface seal mark of longer life, and can " by leaps and bounds " stamp label or encapsulating film.

As is known in the art, the direct projection laser array mark of high power capacity label media has many advantages: no printing ink or China ink band, no touch (making that the head life-span is longer) and allow non-flat medium or be printed on the non-flat substrate; Published February 6 referring to published PCT patent application WO 05/049332-2005.

Be well known that equally in the prior art that diode laser array can provide is low-cost, compact, tell, the scheme of high-reliability, to produce label roller to be applied.

The major defect of the direct projection laser marking system of prior art is that they need the medium of NIR (near infrared) wavelength sensitive of diode laser.Orthodox method need have NIR (near infrared) resorber of narrow absorption band, because any residual absorption in visible wavelength region will cause the as seen painted of medium.In most of the cases, white or colourless medium is preferred, and therefore painted is N/R.In addition, arrowband NIR resorber cost is higher, has increased the cost of medium significantly, and when using under the situation that is being similar to encapsulation/product labelling, cost needs very low.

Summary of the invention

The present invention overcomes the foregoing problems in the prior art systems.

The present invention includes a kind of production and be used for the laser marking medium of NIR laser, avoid needs simultaneously arrowband NIR resorber.

More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention comprise novel " non-direct projection " but light mark, multilayered medium, wherein laser output light (perhaps other high-strength light) is by one deck dielectric absorption and convert heat to, heat conduction is gone into the selected part of proximity thermal photochromic layer immediately, and forms desirable image." non-direct projection " but the mark medium preferably utilizes three layers of mark lamination (except any bonding coat), comprise one deck light absorbing material (being preferably carbon black) in the front surface that covers or embed the translucent plastic substrate.This medium can " rear indicia " or " front mark ".Under the situation of " rear indicia ", in an embodiment, by after the translucent label substrate, preferred carbon black absorbs the light energy output of laser (perhaps other high-strength lights) output beam at laser output beam, and is heat with the transform light energy that is absorbed; This heat is conducted into thermochromic layer front portion or visible layer, make the thermochromic layer of required part change color (perhaps visual appearance) thus form desirable image.

In " anterior mark " pattern, in an embodiment, output beam promptly at first passes through thermochromic layer by " front portion " of medium, enters light absorbing zone then.

The present invention includes other features of the whole efficiency of optimizing this system, be included in the oxidation tint coating or on the front surface of oxidation tint coating and use reflex-reflective material, use masking technique, to cover carbon black (perhaps other) light absorbing zone, as hereinafter describing in detail.

Laser marking label prior art comprises (except above-mentioned WO 05/049332), use carbon black as peelable layer and as donor [referring to US 6,001,530 (seeing that the 4th hurdle 53-58 is capable); US6,140,008 (seeing that the 2nd hurdle 57-59 is capable); US 6,207,344 (seeing that the 2nd hurdle 47-50 is capable); US2005/0115920A1 (seeing the 2nd page [0016] section) and US 7,021,549 (seeing that the 3rd hurdle 39-43 is capable)].But, the prior art does not have instruction or hint use carbon black to be converted to heat as the light that will be absorbed and imports the light absorbing material of proximity thermal photochromic layer, and the prior art does not have instruction or hint to have three layers of label lamination of light absorption central core, thermochromic layer and substrate.

The present invention can be applied to the automatic seal label of fruits and vegetables.More particularly, the invention provides a kind of stacked label construction of improvement, use in the system that variable information " apace " is added into the label of single product.The present invention has greatly reduced the required labeller of automatic production label, label design and label stock's quantity.The present invention has simplified encapsulation operation and by reducing work hours and automatically producing the required label stock of label and reduced cost.

Main purpose of the present invention provides a kind of laser (perhaps other high-intensity light sources) but mark, multilayered medium, print as label or in conjunction with the film of the low cost optical absorbed layer that is used for NIR laser, avoid expensive arrowband NIR absorption machine simultaneously and remove the needs that remaining media dyes.

Other purposes of the present invention provide a kind of front or rear surface of passing medium carry out mark " non-direct projection " laser (perhaps other high-intensity light sources) but mark, multilayered medium.

Other purposes of the present invention provide a kind of laser marking, multilayered medium, wherein low-cost, broadband light-absorption layer, such as carbon black, absorb laser output light and the light that is absorbed is converted to heat, institute's absorbed heat is imported into and closes on thermochromic layer to form required image.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of laser (perhaps other high-intensity light sources) but mark, multilayered medium comprises aforesaid light-absorption layer and is used to prevent that naked eyes from seeing the fuzzy device of described light-absorption layer.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of multilayered medium that label is added into the automatic labeler on the single products that is used in, and wherein, before just label will being added into product code-change information is added into each label.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of stacked label design, can afterwards variable coded message be added into label at the bellows end that label has been transferred in the rotation bellows adder, only need rotation bellows label adding machine is made tiny improvement.

Another object of the present invention provides and a kind ofly under the situation of the operating speed that does not need to reduce to rotate the bellows adder code-change information is added into label with the stacked label as rotation bellows adder.

Other purposes and advantage will become cheer and bright from subsequently specification sheets and accompanying drawing, wherein:

Description of drawings

Figure 1A and 1B are the scheme drawings that " the back mark " of of the present invention three folded layer by layer media is shown;

Fig. 2 A and 2B are the scheme drawings that is used for " anterior mark " technology of mark three layers of medium of the present invention;

Fig. 3 A and 3B use the multilayered medium 60 of Figure 1A and 1B, comprise optionally fuzzy device;

Fig. 4 is the scheme drawing of the medium 60 shown in Figure 1A and 1B, and wherein light-absorption layer embeds in the substrate, with relative on the surface that is carried on substrate layer;

Fig. 5 A is the scheme drawing of the medium of Figure 1A and 1B, also has the optional reflective coating that is added into the medium front surface;

Fig. 5 B is the scheme drawing of the medium of Figure 1A and 1B, uses optional protective coating;

Fig. 6 and 7 is transparents view of the each several part of automatic production labeller, wherein, has advantageously used label of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is the scheme drawing that use " back mark " technology mark three layer laminate of the present invention in the product labeller that Fig. 6 and 7 totally illustrates are shown;

Fig. 9 A and 9B illustrate selected part that how luminous energy absorbed, be converted into heat and imported into thermochromic layer by the middle part light absorbing zone to produce the scheme drawing of required mark;

Figure 10 A-10F is illustrated in and uses reflective material so that thereby the output beam that is reflected passes the whole efficiency that light-absorption layer increases this technology once more in the thermochromic layer;

Figure 11 A and 11B illustrate the outward appearance of the typical marks of being produced by the present invention; Figure 11 A illustrates typical dimensions, and Figure 11 B illustrates the actual size of typical marks; And

Figure 12 is the scheme drawing of double-deck form of the present invention, comprises substrate layer and thermochromic layer.

The specific embodiment

" dorsal part " mark of three layers of medium

Figure 1A and 1B illustrate the global concept of " the back mark " of novel multilayer laminated label 60.Label 60 comprises the translucent plastic substrate 61 with the surperficial 61a of the back of the body and front surface 61b.Light absorbent layer 62 (preferably carbon black) by be applied to by the film of the front surface 61b of substrate 61 carrying or by embedding the position of closing on front surface 61b in the substrate 61 by the front surface 61b carrying of substrate 60.Thermochromic layer 63 is preferably carried and thermal contact with it by the front surface 62b of light-absorption layer 62.Thermochromic layer 63 has surperficial 63a of the back of the body and front surface 63b.Front surface 63b forms the anterior visible surface of label 60.The output 41 of laser code device (perhaps high-intensity light source) 40 is absorbed partly by light-absorption layer 62 and is converted to heat.Light source 40 can be one or more CO ₂Laser, one or more diode laser, addressable laser array or one or more LED.Known as prior art, by handling light source or forming required image by the output 41 that makes light source 40 that laser array is programmed.Thereby absorbed heat is conducted into thermochromic layer 63 at once and makes the selected part change color or the change visual appearance of layer 63 form required image in layer 62.Phrase " change visual appearance " but mean the detected change of other visions that changes color, shading value or outward appearance.

Figure 1A and 1B illustrate " back mark " of the present invention embodiment, the back or the rear portion (not shown) surface 61a of medium 60 passed in laser wherein (perhaps other light sources) radiation 41.Medium 60 comprises three layers: anterior layer 63, back layer 61 and middle cheaply light-absorption layer 62.Figure 1B illustrates the viewer's who observes final mark 68 eyes 65.Light is by light-absorption layer 62 absorptions cheaply, and this light-absorption layer absorbs the light of wide spectrum, comprises NIR, and this layer also absorbs visible light.This material can adopt ink more easily, is carbon black than-example of arrowband NIR resorber more cheap (about cheap 80%).And this layer can comprise that the light source of visible light activates by wideer range of wavelength.What close on light-absorption layer 62 is the thermochromic layer 63 of carrying out two functions: the light radiation that this layer applies in response to working as is absorbed by light-absorption layer 62 and the heat that produces when importing thermochromic layer 63 into changes color or changes visual appearance, this layer the fuzzy visiblity that makes light-absorption layer 62 of light-absorption layer 62 is reduced or when shown in Figure 1B when front surface is watched medium naked eyes can't see.Color (perhaps visual appearance) changes function and can realize by any oxidation tint chemistry, such as (coating that for example comprises leuko dyeing and color catalyst) used in standard direct projection thermal medium.Other examples are the coatings that comprise color catalyst, developer and sensitizer.Therefore, this has been a big market product cheaply.Fuzzy function can be added to oxidation tint anterior layer 63 and strengthened by dispersing material.For example, the TiO of appropriate size ₂Particle is for realize fuzzy it being unusual actv. in thin layer.Other benefits of diffusion material in the color change anterior layer 63 are that the unabsorbed light of one shot light-absorption layer is reflected by the diffusion material in the anterior layer or disperses (shown in Fig. 9 A-9B and 10A-10F and as described below) backward, pass light-absorption layer 62 thus once more to be absorbed once more.

Restriction of this design-calculated is that any substrate of layer 61 must be a semi-translucent after being used as, and arrives light-absorption layer 62 to allow light.Term " semi-translucent ", as used herein and employed in the claims, mean pellucidly or be enough to transmit output beam to form required image.This can be a poly-mer, for example still is not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

In order to realize best photo sensitivity, should maximize peak temperature corresponding to the photochromic layer 63 of given laser energy.This can realize by following step:

-use thin height to conduct heat and light-absorption layer 62 (alternatives of carbon black is to have graphite or the carbon microtubule that improves heat transmissibility).

-reusing thin variable color (oxidation tint) layer 63, it also has good heat transfer and arrives the top of this layer or the anterior visible surface of this layer to guarantee heat, and the mark visiblity is maximum.

-use the light-absorption layer 62 that has less than 100% trap, make the absorption of passing light-absorption layer distribute towards the surface displacement of closing on variable color (oxidation tint) layer 63.

If-outer coating (not shown) is used in the top (for example realizing antilysis) of photochromic layer 63, this layer should approach as much as possible.

" dorsal part " laser labelling that it is pointed out that the medium 60 shown in Figure 1A and the 1B can be used on various printings, label and package application in.

" front side " mark of three layers of medium

Fig. 2 A and 2B illustrate the direct projection laser labelling that passes the front side of three folded layer by layer media 160 according to of the present invention.This embodiment can be used on such as label, encapsulate or the application of other print application in.As described in Fig. 2 A and 2B, laser beam (perhaps other high-strength beams are such as diode laser matrix) 341 penetrate and be applied to from light source 140 have front surface 163b, rear surface 161a and have three separating layers be anterior layer 163, back layer 161 and low-cost in the middle of or the medium 160 of middle part heat-sink shell 162.At this moment, use anterior mark that anterior layer 163 is carried out mark, but keep the low-cost advantage of wide band absorption agent 162 (for example carbon black).At this moment, the viewer 165 (shown in Fig. 2 B) of the final mark 168 on the light-absorption layer 162 viewed front surface 163b sees, the oxidation tint anterior layer 163 that covers forms opaque in visual scope, but still allowing to be in activates the light that wavelength is generally 700nm-1600nm and pass.This can by combined refractive index and oxidation tint anterior layer 163 do not match and in activating wavelength less but particle bigger insulating material in visible wavelength region realize.

In order to maximize actinism in this case, need high absorption coefficient in the absorbed layer 162 with the heat that produced of maximization and the adjacency of thermochromic layer 163.The thickness that minimizes thermochromic layer 163 and any overplate (not shown) also can maximize actinism by minimizing heat radiation.

Mk system shown in Figure 1A, 1B, 2A and the 2B is " non-direct projection " signal system or technology, its output light at first by light-absorption layer (62,162) absorb, by light-absorption layer (62,162) be converted into heat then heat conduction to thermochromic layer (63,163) to produce required mark.

Fig. 3 A and 3B illustrate the multilayered medium 60 that comprises optional fuzzy device 80, shown in Figure 1A and 1B.As shown in Figure 3A, substrate 61 has the surperficial 61a of the aforesaid back of the body.Light-absorption layer 62 is illustrated among Fig. 3 A, is carried on the surface of substrate 61.As shown in Figure 3A, fuzzy device 180 is the material layers 181 between light-absorption layer 62 and thermochromic layer 63.The purpose of fuzzy device 80 is to reduce the visiblity that light-absorption layer 62 is exposed to naked eyes.Layer 181 can be by selecting in the following material: TiO ₂Particle, calcium carbonate granule, wax powder and wherein form the polymer nature of bubble.Obscuring layer 181 is one of them microcosmic compounds of at least a trnaslucent materials and above-mentioned material group, and the ratio of refraction of trnaslucent materials wherein is different from the material in described group.Obscuring layer 181 is should be preferably thin and have high thermal conductivity and contact with optimal heat between the thermochromic layer 63 to realize light-absorption layer 62.

Selectively, fuzzy device 80 can comprise variable obscuring layer 181, and oxidation tint effect wherein realizes (that is, not using white fuel) by changing fog-level.For example, layer 181 can be semi-translucent when not being heated, and passing the heat of coming from light-absorption layer 62, that it is become is opaque, for example, by the formation of the bubble in the polymeric matrix, makes the absorbed layer obfuscation thus.Selectively, obscuring layer 181 can have opaque state when not being heated, the heat of coming from light-absorption layer 62 conduction makes that obscuring layer 181 is translucent, for example by the wax powder is melted in gas/wax mixture, allows the absorbed layer 62 of black can be seen in exposed region thus.

Fig. 3 B illustrates alternative of the present invention, and wherein, fuzzy device 185 is not to form the layer that separates, but embeds in the thermochromic layer 163.This alternative fuzzy device 185 is carried out basically and fuzzy device 180 identical functions shown in Fig. 3 A.Fuzzy device 185 is preferably as far as possible near light-absorption layer 62 location, still under any circumstance between the anterior visible surface 63b of light-absorption layer 62 and thermochromic layer 63.

Fuzzy device 80 and/or 85 also can adopt the mode identical with being added into medium 60 shown in Fig. 3 A and the 3B to be added into the medium 160 shown in Fig. 2 A and the 2B.As employed in " anterior mark " technology of Fig. 2 A, 2B, fuzzy device 80 and/or 85 wavelength for the light source output beam are semi-translucents.

Fig. 4 is the scheme drawing of the medium 60 shown in Figure 1A and the 1B, and wherein, light-absorption layer 62m embeds substrate layer 61.Light-absorption layer 62m is preferably the carbon black that is pressed into plastic base 61.This preferred silica aerogel layer must approach as much as possible and be thick as much as possible to guarantee that enough light energy outputs are converted to heat and are transmitted to efficiently in the thermochromic layer 63.Thermochromic layer preferably is added into substrate 61 by aniline printing.

As the alternatives that light-absorption layer is embedded substrate 61, as shown in Figure 4, light-absorption layer 62 or 162 (Figure 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B) can be added into described substrate by aniline printing, by aniline printing thermochromic layer 63 or 163 is added into described light- absorption layer 62 or 162 to obtain shown in Figure 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B three layers independently layer then.

Fig. 5 A is the scheme drawing of the medium 60 shown in Figure 1A and the 1B, wherein, optional reflectance coating 64 has been added into the front surface 63b of thermochromic layer 63.Coating 64 or by the front surface 63b of layer 63 carrying or adjacent layer 63.The purpose in reflecting horizon 64 is that the light reflected back light-absorption layer 62 that will do not absorbed by light-absorption layer 62 is as the output beam that passes light-absorption layer 62 first.

Fig. 5 B is the scheme drawing that the medium 60 of the Figure 1A of optional protective coat 65 and 1B is shown, and this coating is preferably the pure protective coating of the japanning of for example protecting thermochromic layer 63.

Use and multilayer laminated product is labelled

Labeller that prior art generally need be separated and label design are used for each and seek valency (price lookup) or " PLU " numeral.Fast processing when the retailer needs the PLU number with the promotion payment and accurate valuation.For example, for micro-or " in " or the label of " greatly " symbol for dimensioning be added into apple, prior art generally needs the labeller of three kinds of separation, label design and three kinds of label stocks of three kinds of separation.If package plant's packing surpasses a kind of trade mark, device structure will become complicated so.This label interpolation equipment is expensive and needs to safeguard, and needs separator to have a large amount of physical spaces, thereby limits further packaging product of position that packaging operation places its product thus.The present invention helps only to adopt a kind of labeller and a kind of label design to carry out the identical operation of labelling in above-mentioned example.

The product labeller that is extensive use of type uses rotation bellows adder.Advantageously, when creating the system of " by leaps and bounds " interpolation code-change, need minimize any improvement that the existing product labeller is made.The operating speed that must keep similarly, existing labeller.

The present invention solves the problem of " by leaps and bounds " interpolation code-change information.Do not need existing rotation bellows adder is significantly improved.Do not need to reduce labelled speed.In a preferred embodiment, the present invention uses one or more laser output beams to pass the back of the body surface or the reverse side (carrying adhesive phase on it) of this label, passes label substrate, makes image be formed on the front portion or the visible surface of label.

Prior art adopts various trials to satisfy the ever-increasing demand to more kinds of labels and variable information.A kind of scheme of prior art (US Patent 6,179,030) is the downstream that the product labeller is positioned at the equipment with certain size, makes all labels all represent the product of same size.Certainly, this scheme need be improved the cost of transmission apparatus and be subject to the application with certain size information.

The another kind trial scheme of prior art is for to be sent to label the bellows end Before(referring to US Patent 6,257,294) be added into variable coded message preceding or visual tag surperficial.Adopt the difficulty of this trial scheme to be along with label is sent to the end of bellows and carries out label printing when label reversed and bend from label carrying band.The complex array that windstream is provided is to attempt this label of control and to make the ink mummification.Here, the applicant had studied this equipment, and the applicant thinks that this scheme also is not accepted commercial.

Another kind of possible scheme is at the upstream end that label is sent to the point that rotates bellows variable information to be added into label.The difficulty of this scheme is to need to use sensor and timer device, can obviously increase cost thus.For example, in order to detect the variable information of 24 products, and the label of newly printing can be added into one with 24 " grooves " away from labelled product, need to use more internal memory and complicated timing and synchronized circuit to guarantee correct information is added into correct product; These cost can be controlled.

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned difficult point in the trial of prior art.The present invention has avoided re-constructing by US Patent 6,179,030 required sizing and transmission apparatus.The present invention and US Patent 6,257,294 are being sent to this label the end that rotates bellows directly more as can be known AfterwardsCode-change information is added into this label, and avoids the problem that in the prior art scheme, exists.In addition, the present invention further with US Patent 6,179,030 directly compares, and has avoided using ink-jet and required drying time with one or more laser beams of novel label lamination reaction of the present invention by using at once.The present invention also avoids using expensive detection and timing circuit by added code-change information at once before label is added into suitable product.

The stacked invention of this label especially with U.S. Patent application No.11/069,330 (submissions on March 1st, 2005, name is called " Method Apparatus for Applying Variable Coded Labels to Items ofProduce ") disclosed system uses this application (' 330 applications together) complete content quote and be incorporated into this.The related fields content of ' 330 application is included in hereinafter so that the present invention is described.Be included in the application of ' 330 and quote for the more complete explanation of labeller and be incorporated into this.Shown in ' 330 applications, use rotation bellows adder to become the label standard of industry of product.If do not use rotation bellows adder head will need novel labeling apparatus is carried out a large amount of investments.

The present invention only needs standard rotation bellows adder is carried out small improvement.The present invention do not use need longer drying time ink.The present invention adds information when each label moves, but in metastable position, after label has been transferred into the bellows end, the maximization image definition.The speed that the present invention can be complementary with the maximum speed with existing rotation bellows label adder forms image.

Fig. 6 here and 7 is duplicating from ' 330 application.Shown in Fig. 6 and 7, label box 10 once with a label supply to the end of the bellows 21-24 that rotates bellows adder 20, as is known in the art.Before label is added into product, uses laser code device 40 (can be laser, laser array, LED or other high strength sources) on pressure sensitivity film product label 160, to form variable people or machine readable and get coding (as shown in Figure 6).Obtain these codings corresponding to detecting, as ' 330 application is described more fully such as the detecting device 90 of the variable of size or color.This coding is preferably by coming label 60 to form from dorsal part via adhesives and thin layer, shown in Figure 1A and 1B integral body and as hereinafter described in detail.

The actual environment of the schematically illustrated mark of Fig. 8 multilayer laminated label 160 of the present invention.The label 160 of Fig. 8,9A and 9B is identical with the label 60 of Figure 1A and 1B, except label 160 comprises the 4th layer of translucent adhesives 169 and from the orientation Rotate 180 of Figure 1A and 1B °.Anterior and visible surface 163b is in the right-hand side of the medium 160 among Fig. 9 A and the 9B, and front portion or visible surface 63b are in the left-hand side of the medium 60 of Figure 1A and 1B.Multilayer labels 160 is carried on the terminal 123a of bellows 123 as shown in Figure 8.Label 160 is formed with curved surface as shown in the figure, because the surface of the terminal 123a of bellows has bending or arcuate in shape.Bellows 123 rotates around S. A. 129 along the direction of arrow 128.Shown in Fig. 6-8 but the best as shown in Figure 8, label 160 comprises translucent plastic substrate 161, low-cost light-absorption layer (being preferably carbon black) 162 and thermochromic layer 163.Adhesives 169 is carried by the surperficial 161a of the back of the body of plastic base 161 and is used for label 160 is bonded to the product that add label.Laser code device (perhaps other high-intensity light sources) 140 schematically sends output beam 141 as shown in the figure.Should be appreciated that laser code device 140 can be preferably codified solid-state semiconductor diode laser array or can be mono-CO ₂Laser, its output beam can be moved by amperemeter or other devices well known in the art.Shown in Fig. 6-8, bellows 123 adds between instantaneous two the indication stations that stop of speed mobile at ripple with low label; Under higher label interpolation speed, ripple can not stop.According to the present invention and as described below, advantageously along with bellows 123 moves label 160 with metastable speed between two indicating positions.

Fig. 9 A and 9B are the scheme drawings of the method used in the label shown in Figure 8.Shown in Fig. 9 A, outgoing laser beam 141 has passed translucent adhesive phase 169 and translucent substrate 161 and will enter extinction silica aerogel layer 162.The arrow thickness of expression laser output beam 141 is represented along with output beam begins to enter light-absorption layer 162 and the energy that comprises in output beam.

Shown in Fig. 9 B, laser beam 141 has passed through light-absorption layer 162, and the major part of its energy is conveyed into light-absorption layer 162, and residue light beam 141 has been fractured into reflection fragment 141a, by substrate 161 and adhesive phase 169 retroeflections.The second fragment 141b is merely by thermochromic layer 163 and loss.General 70% the energy that width illustrates light beam 141 of reducing of the arrow 141a of expression light beam fragment and 141b is absorbed by light-absorption layer 162 and is conveyed into thermochromic layer 163 immediately, shown in the part 163m of thermochromic layer 163, it has changed color (perhaps changing its visual appearance) with a part of mark formed according to the present invention.

Figure 10 A to 10F illustrates another aspect of the present invention, and wherein laser output beam 241 enters multilayer laminated label 260 as shown in the figure.Shown in Figure 10 B, output beam is by translucent adhesive phase 269 and translucent plastic substrate 261 and will enter light-absorption layer 262.

Shown in Figure 10 C, laser beam 241 loses the most of of its energy and keep general 30% of its energy when it enters thermochromic layer 263 as shown in the figure by light-absorption layer 262 in light-absorption layer.

Figure 10 D illustrates laser beam 241 by reflective particles 267 retroeflections that embed thermochromic layer 263.Institute's laser light reflected bundle begins to pass for the second time light-absorption layer 262 shown in Figure 10 D.

Figure 10 E illustrates laser beam 241 for the second time by light-absorption layer 262 and lost the major part of its dump energy, but extra luminous energy is contributed to light-absorption layer 262.Laser beam 241 secondaries are converted into heat energy immediately and are imported into thermochromic layer 263 by the luminous energy of light-absorption layer, itself and light-absorption layer 262 thermal contacts, and make a part of 263m of thermochromic layer 263 change color (perhaps changing its visual appearance).

As the alternative that dispersion is embedded thermochromic layer 263, shown in Figure 10 A-10F, reflective coating can be added into the front surface 263b of thermochromic layer 263, this will make the remainder of laser beam pass through light-absorption layer 262 retroeflections, wherein, the major part of the dump energy of outgoing laser beam is conveyed into light-absorption layer 262.

Figure 11 A and 11B are the diagrams of the outward appearance of the typical marks 68 that formed by the present invention; Figure 11 A illustrates typical sizes, and Figure 11 B illustrates the actual size of typical marks 68.

The direct projection laser labelling of two layer medium

Except the foregoing description, the present invention also comprises the direct projection laser labelling that uses the two-layered medium with plastic base flaggy and thermochromic layer.

Schematically illustrated as Figure 12, two layer medium 260 comprises substrate 361 and thermochromic layer 363.The back side of medium 360 or reverse side are the dorsal part of substrate 361 or the 361a that tosses about.The preceding visible surface of medium 360 shown in Figure 12 is the front surface 363b as thermochromic layer 363.

Stacked label material requirement corresponding to two-layered medium

It hereinafter is general description to the stacked labeling requirement of the double-layer label of the fruits and vegetables label that is used to realize to accept quality.

Multilayer board 361 is preferably thick low density polyethylene (LDPE) (LDPE) film of general 40 μ m.

This medium and its parts must meet the food about the use of management similar products of government, the regulation of health and safety aspect.

Substrate 361 must be able to not have any slip reagent or other additives, stop up reagent and polymer treatment auxiliary (in the superficial layer of finishing film, not existing) except the natural silicon of minimum is anti-, under the situation of white film product, carry out white masterbatch equally.

Label film or substrate 361 are the extrusion films with white masterbatch.White masterbatch generally comprises TiO ₂, lithopone (Lithopone), china clay (Kaolin Clay) or other suitable albefaction agent.

Case method

Can't use a kind of method on the PE label, to realize up-to-standard mark.But, thereby must coordinate or handle some major parts to obtain needed result.Table 1 illustrates five kinds of case methods and the relative major part of realizing proof mark on the PE label.Follow following table, with the detailed description of explanation corresponding to the various parts of each example.

The following table of table 1. provides develops Several Methods, is used to adopt given lasing light emitter to obtain the mark that can read.Express some down and obtain the required important feature of mark.

	Laser	Wavelength	Density	NIR	Film
						Method	The source	nm	J/cm 2	Abs or ber	The w/ filter
1	CO 2	10,600	0.69	N	LDPE w/TiO 2
						2	Diode	980	2.10	Y	LDPE w/ does not have filter
3	Diode	830	1.75	Y	LDPE w/ does not have filter
						4	Diode	980	0.83	Y	LDPE w/ does not have filter
5	Diode	980	1.67	Y	LDPE w/ carbon black filter

1. realize the major part of laser labelling

1.1 laser energy density: energy density (ε) is to form the observed reading of the required energy of mark and calculate according to following equation in the specified time amount on the given area

$\mathrm{\ϵ}=\frac{P\·t}{A}=\frac{P}{v\·d_1}$

Wherein P-forms the required laser energy (W) of mark,

T-forms the required time (s) of mark,

Area (the cm that A-is labeled ²),

The v-sample move through speed (cm/s) that the speed of fixed laser or laser moves on sample and

d ₁The diameter of-laser-light spot size (cm).

For example, adopt CO ₂Laser and amperemeter can read mark with black and are formed up to energy density required on the LDPE label, and the LDPE label is coated with the hot tinting material by dorsal part, and is as described below:

$\mathrm{\ϵ}=\frac{P}{v\·d_1}=\frac{8W}{500\mathrm{cm}/s\·0.023\mathrm{cm}}=0.69J/{\mathrm{cm}}^2$

1.2 optical maser wavelength: wavelength depends on selected lasing light emitter.Selected two sources are CO ₂And diode laser.Representative type laser supplier is Synrad, Inc., Universal Laser Systems, Inc., JDS Uniphase Corp., Coherent, Inc., Sacher Lasertechnik GmbH etc.

CO ₂Wavelength of Laser is general 9,200 and 10, and (laser is general specific to be 10,600nm) between the 900nm.Diode laser has multi-wavelength (300 to 2300nm); But, for this application, optimal range of wavelength be in 800 and 1600nm between.This scope is just in time through visual range and be in the scope of low-cost diode laser of common supply.

1.3 label substrate packing material: the packing material that will be used for substrate 361 is chosen as realizes two basic function: have suitable background to realize and the high-contrast of laser labelling and the high transmission of the selected optical maser wavelength of permission (perhaps low trap).In other words, lamination must for laser be sightless and for human eye be white (if mark is a black).

The packing material (referring to form 1) that is used for method 1 and 2 is to comprise general 7.5% TiO ₂White masterbatch.TiO ₂Has general 200 to 220nm particle size.

For method 3 to 4, masterbatch is not blown into label substrate material 361 (generally being polyethylene).Therefore, this material is clearly to human eye, and is semi-translucent for the wavelength that is produced by diode laser.

For method 5, adopt the NIR resorber of carbon black to be blown into the lip-deep thin layer of label substrate.

1.4 coating: using coating 363 in this embodiment is the films that generally are used in the coating on the paper and/or are used for the direct projection hot print.These coatings generally comprise filter, and similar china clay is with the surface that provides printhead to be placed; But, be N/R for this application.Usually, thermosphere must comprise three major parts-color formation device, chromogenic device and photoreceptor.The heat energy of laser or laser and resorber interaction makes and the photoreceptor fusing allows color to form device and the common marking image of chromogenic device.The company that supplies with such product is Appleton (www.appletonideas.com), Ciba SpecialtyChemicals (www.cibasc.com), Smith and McLaurin LTD (www.smcl.co.uk) etc.

1.5 laser induced resorber: use as the holder that absorbs laser energy thereby the NIR resorber is main and the diode laser source is common.This allows medium to be heated to and produces the required temperature of change color.Can from following source, obtain representative type resorber: Exciton (IRA 980B), H.W.Sands (SDA 9811) etc.

2. other label material specifications

Exist the system of two kinds of different specifications to be used for laser induced dose is integrated into or is integrated on the base portion label material and comprise:

A. reagent is incorporated into the doping in the poly-mer thereon, and

B. comprise and can be used as the finish coat that liquid is added into the reagent of film surface.

The key issue of developing this material is as described below:

2.1 safety: this material must can not cause pinprick as liquid.Apply and the film of laser printing comprises that the requirement that direct food contacts must be satisfied in the zone of laser active and must be nonhazardous when digesting considerably less amount.

2.2 environmental consideration: thus this material and the mark that finally obtains must be stable and the splashproof type and stand lastingly representative type packing warehouse environment (that is, and 0 to 45 ℃ of ambient temperature, relative humidity to 98% is non-to be concentrated.) it also must stand corrosive atmosphere 7-11.5pH.

2.3 operability: the material of coating or filling can not influence the ability that completed label adhered to, fits or met normal labelled fruit surface by any way.

2.4 working-laser material: reactive explosive is necessary not send harmful smog or other residues, also is not left any harmful residuum on substrate.Therefore, preferably, laser induced reagent is put into film add as filler (doping) rather than as coating.

2.4.1 packing property-be necessary to make the induction filler to be mixed into base film material.Final structure must comprise all core features, and the attribute of current label material reacts on particular energy density and is applied to its surperficial laser energy.

2.4.2 coating characteristic-following is about the formation of laser active coating and the subject matter that applies:

2.4.2.1 aniline printing is preferred coating process in the formation-line.If can't adopt aniline printing, can consider other processes, such as Rotary Screen, Gravure etc.Preferred coating should be based on water.Its life-span should be 6 months.

2.4.2.2 if off-line coatings-line internal coating is infeasible, should consider so the conversion before off-line coatings as alternative.

2.4.2.3 white, mark Hei-Bai, mark is black, produces enough contrast ratios to provide good scan capability when printing coding.

2.4.2.4 flexibility-coating must keep flexible after solidifying.

2.4.2.5 can print up-coating must be able to adopt the Flexo ink of standard to print thereon, do not lose gloss simultaneously.

2.4.2.6 firm-coating should be firm, is firmly held in very much substrate substrate ﹠amp; Reasonably friction resistant/scraping.

2.4.2.7 shelf stability-when leaving under the situation that is suitable for pressure sensitive adhesive rolling product usually, coating must be stable as the parts of rolling product.

2.4.2.8 print stability-on the printer paper label surface and be exposed to UV Guang ﹠amp; When moist, coating must be stable.

2.4.2.9 the flue gas in remnants-coating or remaining must be considerably less even do not have, all these remnants must be harmless.

2.5 Mk system feature

Mk system must print with 12 label/seconds (720 labels/minute), and this is equivalent to the linear velocity of 1.27m/sec at the label adder.This label is carried on the bellows, and (that is, the laser binder side that must pass label is carried out mark to binder side facing to laser system.) along with label the station between mark, ripple is to move near unmodified speed.

Therefore, this material must react on laser energy and with less than this example of specific time mark.

Be used for CO ₂List in following part with the typical laser system specification of diode laser system.

2.5.1 CO with biaxial scanner head ₂ Laser system-following table is the tabulation of laser system specification:

Parameter	Value
		Type of laser	CO 2
Wavelength	10.6μm
		Energy output	～10 watts or more
Spot size	230μm
		A typical scan speed	5,000mm/sec
Exemplary energy density	0.69J/cm 2

Most important characteristic be can be in laser focusing the example shown in signature 11A and the 11B.Typical case CO ₂The degree of depth of the field of laser is general 2mm.The degree of depth of field parameter can be limited.This mainly be because use laser bellows during around the axis rotation on bellows target-marking.By improving the degree of depth of field, can make scan mirror follow the tracks of this label, allow laser in more time, to concentrate on the target thus.

2.5.2 diode laser system-following table is the exemplary list of laser system specification:

Parameter	Value
		Type of laser	Diode
Wavelength	808nm, 830nm, 980nm etc.
		Energy output	24 watts/cm (300dpi)
Spot size	80μm
		Projector at interval	80μm(300dpi)
Exemplary energy density	0.20J/cm 2(300dpi)

Most important characteristic is can be at labeling system with the example shown in 720 fruit/per minute running tense marker Figure 11 A and the 11B.For another important consideration of this laser system is that energy density corresponding to the said system parameter is general 0.20J/cm ²

Use has the reflex components of direct projection hot coating

How following method explanation uses reflective coating, surface or particle to optimize available laser energy, corresponding to the stacked label of code-change, uses the present invention's " by leaps and bounds " to be applied to fresh products.With Fig. 5 A and 10A-10F reactive explosive is described partly in combination.This can adopt various types of laser to realize, specifically CO ₂With laser based on diode.

The coating of the material by optimally selecting material and bearing stack label, laser energy can be guided into label backward to increase the exposure time effectively.Therefore, the integral energy density that label exposed is improved and the final mark that produces by laser is dark or can bigger speed realize similar mark.

Mutual along with light and given material, it will be reflected, transmit or be absorbed.The thermochromatic material that is added into this label surface has been chosen as the energy that absorbs laser.Even so, 50% or more laser energy can lose (that is, transmitting or reflection).Therefore, preferably the surface of tag design carrier laser energy as much as possible is back to the surface of label.Owing to can select the difference compensation of laser, thus this material must be carefully selected with corresponding to required laser.

Example 1:

Be provided with 1

Laser: 10 watts of CO ₂Has the 2D scanner head

Coating: direct projection heat (typically appearing at the paper label that is used for the direct projection thermal printer)

Lamination: white LDPE

Writing speed: 5000mm/s

Energy: 55%

Label loading material: black rubber

Energy increases with 5% increment, up to the final complete mark of mark quilt.

For this setting, energy level is 55%.

Be provided with 2

Laser: 10 watts of CO2 have the 2D scanner head

Coating: direct projection heat (typically appearing at the paper label that is used for the direct projection thermal printer)

Lamination: white LDPE

Writing speed: 5000mm/s

Energy: 45%

Label loading material: the aluminium that brushes

Once more, energy increases with 5% increment, up to the final complete mark of mark quilt.For this setting, energy level is 45%.This is 18% reduction or overall performance increase on the contrary in energy.

Example 2:

Be provided with 1

Laser: 0.20 watt of single laser beam of 980nm

Coating: direct projection heat (typically appearing at the paper label that is used for the direct projection thermal printer) has the NIR resorber that is mixed into the direct projection thermosphere

Lamination: transparency LDPE

Writing speed: 40cm/s

Energy: watt

Label loading material: black rubber

Writing speed increases with 5% increment, up to final mark by (that is, the width of line equals complete width half maximum laser parameter-80um) on the mark fully.Writing speed corresponding to this setting is 40cm/s.

Be provided with 2

Laser: 0.20 watt of single laser beam of 980nm

Coating: direct projection heat (typically appearing at the paper label that is used for the direct projection thermal printer)

Lamination: transparency LDPE

Writing speed: 40cm/s

Energy: watt

Label loading material: the aluminium that brushes

Writing speed increases with 5% increment, up to final mark by (that is, the width of line equals complete width half maximum laser parameter-80um) on the mark fully.Writing speed corresponding to this setting is 50cm/s.This is that 18% of writing speed increases, and promptly the integral body of performance increases.

Above stated specification of the present invention illustrative purposes illustrates, but be not be limit or limit the invention to accurate open form.Can under the situation of above-mentioned instruction, carry out various improvement and variation.Select and each embodiment is described, make those skilled in the art in various embodiments and be suitable for optimally using in the various improvement projects of application-specific thus so that principle of the present invention and its practical application optimally to be described.Scope of the present invention is limited by following claim.

Claims (66)

1, a kind of multilayer laminated medium adds information on the viewable front of described medium to machine or human readable mode by the output of high-intensity light source, comprising:

Medium substrate, described substrate have back of the body surface and front surface,

Light-absorption layer, described light-absorption layer are suitable for absorbing light and described absorption light being converted to heat from the described output of described high-intensity light source, and

Thermochromic layer with described light-absorption layer thermal contact, described thermochromic layer forms the described viewable front of described medium, wherein, the each several part of described thermochromic layer is exerted into described light-absorption layer and will be conducted into described thermochromic layer by the heat that the light that described light-absorption layer absorbs is changed in response to the described output with described high-intensity light source and changes visual appearance.

2, device according to claim 1 also comprises the fuzzy device between the described viewable front of described light-absorption layer and described thermochromic layer, and this fuzzy device reduces the visiblity of described light-absorption layer with respect to naked eyes.

3, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device is the layer between described light-absorption layer and described thermochromic layer.

4, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device embeds described thermochromic layer.

5, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device comprises the particle that makes light disperse and described light-absorption layer is blured.

6, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device is formed by one or more materials of selecting from following group, and this group comprises TiO ₂Particle, calcium carbonate granule, wax powder and wherein form alveolate polymeric matrix.

7, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device is included in the opaque variable obscuring layer that becomes when it absorbs heat in selected part.

8, device according to claim 2, wherein, described fuzzy device is included in the variable obscuring layer that becomes transparent when it absorbs heat in selected part.

9, according to each described device of claim 1-8, wherein, described light-absorption layer absorbs the light that is in visible and NIR (near infrared) optical wavelength range.

10, according to each described device of claim 1-9, wherein, described light-absorption layer is selected from the group that comprises carbon black, graphite and carbon microtubule.

11, according to each described device of claim 1-10, wherein, described light-absorption layer is the NIR resorber.

12, according to each described device of claim 1-11, wherein, described substrate is a translucent plastic, and before described high-intensity light source entered described light-absorption layer, the described output of described high-intensity light source was by the described back of the body surface of described translucent substrate.

13, according to each described device of claim 1-11, wherein, the described visible front surface and the described thermochromic layer of described medium passed through in the described output of described high-intensity light source before entering described light-absorption layer.

14, device according to claim 13 has described fuzzy device, and wherein said fuzzy device is a semi-translucent for the output wavelength of described light source.

15, according to each described device of claim 1-14, wherein, described high-intensity light source comprises addressable solid-state semiconductor diode array.

16, device according to claim 1, wherein, described high-intensity light source is one or more LED.

17, device according to claim 1, wherein, described high-intensity light source comprises single CO ₂Laser.

18, device according to claim 1, wherein, described plastic base is selected from the group that comprises polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

19, device according to claim 1, wherein, described thermochromic layer comprises the coating of white fuel and color activator appliance.

20, device according to claim 1, wherein, described thermochromic layer comprises that color forms device, chromogenic device and photoreceptor.

21, device according to claim 1, wherein, described light-absorption layer has the trap less than 100%, and described thermochromic layer is shifted in feasible distribution of passing the absorption of described light-absorption layer.

22, device according to claim 1 also comprises being used for the reflective coating device of the front surface of contiguous described thermochromic layer light is reflected back into described light-absorption layer from described high-intensity light source.

23, device according to claim 1 also comprises the reflective material that is used for light is back into from described high-intensity light source described light-absorption layer.

24, device according to claim 1 also comprises the semitransparent layer by the adhesives of the described back of the body surface bears of described plastic base.

25, device according to claim 1 also comprises transparent, the protective coating of the anterior visible surface that is added into described thermochromic layer.

26, device according to claim 1, wherein, described light-absorption layer embeds in the described substrate.

27, device according to claim 26, wherein, described thermochromic layer is added into described substrate by aniline printing.

28, device according to claim 1, wherein, described light-absorption layer is added into described substrate by aniline printing.

29, device according to claim 28, wherein, described thermochromic layer is added into described light-absorption layer by aniline printing.

30, a kind of multilayer labels that is used for automatically label being added into the device of single product, wherein, each label has viewable front and back of the body surface, the mode that code-change information is got with the mankind or machine readable is added into described label, wherein rotate the end that the bellows adder is used for single label is sent to from label carrying band single bellows, arrive afterwards on the single product, wherein, detecting device detects the alterable features of described product, wherein, the output of high-intensity light source is used for the alterable features of described detection is added to the back of the body surface of each described label, and each label is in the end of described bellows simultaneously, it is characterized in that:

Plastic label substrate, described substrate have the back of the body and front surface and are semi-translucents for the described output of described high-intensity light source,

By the described front surface carrying or the embedding light-absorption layer wherein of described plastic label substrate, described layer is suitable for absorbing light and the described light that absorbs being converted to heat from the described output of described high-intensity light source, and

Thermochromic layer with described light-absorption layer thermal contact, described thermochromic layer forms the visible front surface of described label, and the each several part of wherein said thermochromic layer is in response to the described output of described high-intensity light source being passed described substrate is exerted into described light-absorption layer and the heat of the light conversion that will be absorbed by described light-absorption layer be conducted into described thermochromic layer and change visual appearance.

31, device according to claim 30 also comprises the semitransparent layer by the adhesives of the described back of the body surface bears of described plastic base.

32, device according to claim 30, wherein, described high-intensity light source comprises addressable solid-state semiconductor diode array.

33, device according to claim 30, wherein, described light-absorption layer is selected from the group that comprises carbon black, graphite and carbon microtubule.

34, device according to claim 30, wherein, described plastic base is selected from the group that comprises polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

35, device according to claim 30, wherein, described thermochromic layer comprises having the coating that color forms device, chromogenic device and photoreceptor.

36, device according to claim 30, wherein, described thermochromic layer also comprises disperse light and makes the fuzzy particle of described light-absorption layer.

37, device according to claim 30, wherein, described light-absorption layer has the trap less than 100%, and described thermochromic layer is shifted in feasible distribution of passing the absorption of described light-absorption layer.

38, device according to claim 30, wherein, described light-absorption layer is the near infrared absorption device.

39, device according to claim 30 also comprises the fuzzy device between the described visible front surface of described light-absorption layer and described thermochromic layer, is used to reduce the visiblity of described light-absorption layer with respect to naked eyes.

40, device according to claim 30 also comprises transparent, the protective coating of the anterior visible surface that is added into described thermochromic layer.

41, device according to claim 30, wherein, described light-absorption layer embeds in the described substrate, and described thermochromic layer is added into described substrate by aniline printing.

42, at a kind of automatic labeler that is used for label is added into product, wherein, having a plurality of label adders that are carried on the bellows of rotation adder head is used for single label is with the end that is sent to single bellows from the label carrying, arrive afterwards on the single product, each label has preceding visible surface and back of the body surface, and its improvement comprises:

A plurality of plastic labels by described carrying band carrying, wherein, each of described plastic label comprises a plurality of layers, comprise the translucent plastic substrate, by the front surface of the light-absorption layer of the front surface of the semitransparent layer of the adhesives of the back of the body of described substrate or anti-surface bears, contiguous described substrate and contiguous described heat-sink shell and with the thermochromic layer of described heat-sink shell thermal contact

Be used to detect each the detecting device of at least one alterable features of described single product,

The laser code device of operating in response to described detecting device, be used for when described label is carried on the bellows end and described single label is added into before the detected specific products of its alterable features, on each single label, form the variable mankind of the described alterable features of expression or the coding that machine readable is got

Wherein said laser code device is located such that its output points to the back of the body surface of the label of the described end be transferred into single bellows,

Wherein along with described laser is exported the described plastic base that passes through described adhesive phase and pass through each label, and partially absorbed by described light-absorption layer, the each several part of wherein said thermochromic layer is in response to the described output of described high-intensity light source being passed described substrate is exerted into described light-absorption layer and the heat of the light conversion that will be absorbed by described light-absorption layer be conducted into described thermochromic layer and change visual appearance.

43, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described laser code device comprises addressable solid-state semiconductor array.

44, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described heat-sink shell is selected from the group that comprises carbon black, graphite and carbon microtubule.

45, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described plastic base is selected from the group that comprises polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

46, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described thermochromic layer comprises having the coating that color forms device, chromogenic device and photoreceptor.

47, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described thermochromic layer also comprises disperse light and makes the fuzzy particle of described light-absorption layer.

48, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described light-absorption layer has the trap less than 100%, and described thermochromic layer is shifted in feasible distribution of passing the absorption of described light-absorption layer.

49, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described thermochromic layer has the front surface as the visible surface of described label, comprises that also reflective coating by the described front surface carrying of described thermochromic layer is so that the described output reflection of described laser code device returns described light-absorption layer.

50, according to the described device of claim 42, wherein, described laser code device is single CO ₂Laser.

51, a kind of method that automatically label is added into independent product, wherein, each label comprises the code-change information that adopts the mankind or machine readable to get form, wherein, rotation bellows adder is used for independent label is sent to single bellows end from label carrier band, arrive afterwards on the single product, wherein, detecting device detects the alterable features of described product, wherein, each described label comprises the translucent plastic substrate with front surface and back of the body surface, the light-absorption layer of the described front surface of contiguous described substrate and vicinity and with the thermochromic layer of described light-absorption layer thermal contact, wherein, the output of laser code device is used to adopt its output beam that described detected alterable features is added into described label, it is characterized in that:

The output of described laser code device is added into the back of the body surface of described translucent label substrate, and described label is in the described end of described bellows simultaneously,

Make the output of described laser code device form described alterable features after testing,

Each several part at described light-absorption layer is converted to heat from the output absorption luminous energy of described laser code device and with the described light that absorbs,

Heat is conducted into described thermochromic layer from described light-absorption layer, thus so that the code-change information that the each several part of the described thermochromic layer change color generation mankind or machine readable are got form.

52, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described light-absorption layer is selected from the group that comprises carbon black, graphite and carbon microtubule.

53, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described light-absorption layer embeds described substrate.

54, according to the described method of claim 53, wherein, described thermochromic layer is printed by aniline and is added into described substrate.

55, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described laser code device comprises addressable solid-state semiconductor array.

56, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described thermochromic layer has the front surface of output that is coated with the described laser code device of reflection, also comprises the steps: from the described front surface of described thermochromic layer the output reflection of described laser code device to be returned described light-absorption layer.

57, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described thermochromic layer has embedding reflective particles wherein, and its described output reflection with described laser code device returns described light-absorption layer.

58, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described thermochromic layer also comprises disperse light and makes the fuzzy particle of described light-absorption layer.

59, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described thermochromic layer comprises having the coating that color forms device, chromogenic device and photoreceptor.

60, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described plastic base is selected from the group that comprises polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester.

61, according to the described method of claim 51, wherein, described bellows rotates between a plurality of index location, also comprises the steps: along with described bellows rotates between two index location, and the described output of described laser code device is added into described label.

62, a kind of multilayer labels that is used in the device that automatically label is added into independent product, wherein, each label has viewable front and back of the body surface, the form that code-change information is got with the mankind or machine readable is added into described label, wherein, rotation bellows adder is used for independent label is sent to single bellows end from label carrier band, arrive afterwards on the single product, wherein, detecting device detects the alterable features of described product, wherein, the output of high-intensity light source is used for described alterable features after testing is added into each described label, it is characterized in that:

Plastic label substrate, described substrate have back of the body surface and front surface,

By the described front surface carrying of described plastic label substrate or be formed on light-absorption layer in the described front surface, described light-absorption layer is suitable for absorbing light and the described light that has absorbed being converted to heat from the described output of described high-intensity light source, and

Thermochromic layer with described light-absorption layer thermal contact, described thermochromic layer forms the described visible front surface of described label, and the each several part of wherein said thermochromic layer is exerted into described light-absorption layer and will be conducted into described thermochromic layer by the heat that the light that described light-absorption layer absorbs is changed in response to the described output with described high-intensity light source and changes visual appearance.

63, according to the described device of claim 62, wherein, described high-intensity light source comprises addressable solid-state semiconductor diode array.

64, according to the described device of claim 62, wherein, described light-absorption layer is selected from the group that comprises carbon black, graphite and carbon microtubule.

65, a kind of multilayer labels that is used in the device that automatically label is added into independent product, wherein, each label has viewable front and back of the body surface, the form that code-change information is got with the mankind or machine readable is added into described label, wherein, rotation bellows adder is used for independent label is sent to single bellows end from label carrier band, arrive afterwards on the single product, wherein, detecting device detects the alterable features of described product, and wherein, the output of high-intensity light source is used to pass the described alterable features after testing of back of the body surface interpolation of each described label, each label is in the end of described bellows simultaneously, it is characterized in that:

Plastic label substrate, described substrate have the back of the body surface and front surface, and are semi-translucents for the described output of described high-intensity light source,

Described thermochromic layer forms the described visible front surface of described label, and the each several part of wherein said thermochromic layer is added into described thermochromic layer and changes visual appearance in response to passing the described output of described substrate with described high-intensity light source.

66, according to the described device of claim 65, wherein, described high-intensity light source is single CO ₂Laser.

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