CN102483692A

CN102483692A - Barcoded indicators for quality management

Info

Publication number: CN102483692A
Application number: CN2009801603874A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚龙·内梅特; 埃菲莱姆·布兰德
Original assignee: Varcode Ltd
Current assignee: Varcode Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2009-12-09
Publication date: 2012-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-09
Also published as: CA2762894A1; JP5856250B2; CA2762891A1; CN102483770B; JP2012527635A; JP6039627B2; WO2010134062A1; CN102483692B; IL216397A0; JP2015018251A; WO2010134061A1; EP2433236A1; EP2433236A4; CA2762894C; IL216396A; IL216397A; EP2433211A4; EP2433211A1; CA2762891C; JP5640080B2

Abstract

Providing an indication of threshold exceedance, including a first barcode including a first set of areas including an uncolored area, positioned between bars of the first barcode when the first barcode is in a first readable state prior to exceedance of the threshold, and a second barcode including a second set of areas including an uncolored area, positioned at locations of bars of the second barcode which appear only when the second barcode is in a second readable state following exceedance of the threshold, the second barcode in a second unreadable state prior to exceedance of the threshold. As the second set being uncolored, more than a single narrow barcode bar is missing from the at least a second barcode. Upon exceedance the first barcode becoming unreadable and the second barcode becoming readable as the result of coloring of the second set of areas.

Description

The bar code indicator that is used for quality management

The reference of related application

Be referred to the U.S. Patent number US 7,562,811 that the name of submitting to September 10 in 2007 is called " System And Method For Improved Quality Management In A Product Logistic Chain "; The name of submitting on May 6th, 2007 is called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL07/000547 of " A System And Method For Improved Quality Management In A Product Logistic Chain "; The name of submitting on November 14th, 2007 is called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL07/01411 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "; The name of submitting on November 13rd, 2008 is called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL2008/001495 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "; The name of submitting on November 13rd, 2008 is called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL2008/001494 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "; The name of submitting on May 20th, 2009 is called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL2009/000503 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "; The name of submitting on May 20th, 2009 is called the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/469,309 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "; And be called the U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number 61/231,799 of " Barcoded Indicators For Quality Management " in the name that on August 6th, 2009 submitted to, their disclosure is incorporated into this paper with way of reference.

Thus (i) according to 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (1) and (2); Require to be called the PCT number of patent application PCT/IL2009/000503 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators " and to be called the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/469 of " A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators " in the name that on May 20th, 2009 submitted in the name that on May 20th, 2009 submitted to; 309 right of priority; And (i) according to 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (4) and (5); Require to be called the right of priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application sequence number 61/231,799 of " Barcoded Indicators For Quality Management " in the name that on August 6th, 2009 submitted to.

Technical field

The present invention relates to quality management and relate to the indicator (indicator) that can be used for quality management (quality management).

Background technology

Following United States Patent (USP) relates in general to the application's theme: 6,758,397,6,009,400,6,685,094,7,157,048,7,156,597 with RE 39,226.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to provide the improved indicator that can be used for quality control system and method.

Therefore; A preferred embodiment of the invention; A kind of bar code indicator (barcoded indicator) is provided; This bar code indicator can be used for (exercisable; Operative) provide and exceed and (exceed standard or surpass; Exceedance) machine readable of at least a threshold value indication (influence parameter (product quality affecting parameter)) through at least a product quality, this bar code indicator comprises: comprise at least the first group uncoloured at first (colourless, uncolored), the font code of article one at least of pigmentable regional (colorable area); Uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of this at least the first group, (this pigmentable zone) position between the bar of article one font code when article one font code is in article one font code readable state before exceeding at least a threshold value; And uncoloured at first, the font code of second at least that pigmentable is regional that comprise at least the second group; This uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of second group; (this pigmentable zone) only is positioned at the position that is in the bar of the second font code that just occurs when exceeding the later second font code readable state of at least a threshold value when the second font code; The above-mentioned font code of second at least was in not readable state of second font code before exceeding at least a threshold value; Wherein because above-mentioned at least the second group is uncoloured (or be uncoloured result as above-mentioned at least the second group); More than one the single fillet font code bar of (or more than) from this at least the second font code lose and (disappear, missing), and after exceeding at least a threshold value; Owing to form at least a portion painted (coloring) at least one pigmentable zone of the regional part of the pigmentable of at least the first group; This at least article one font code become unreadablely, and usually side by side because the pigmentable area coloring of at least the second group, the second font code becomes readable at least.

Preferably; The bar code indicator comprises the colorant (coloring agent) at the primary importance place that is positioned at indicator; And colorant path (colorant path; Coloring agent pathway), it can be used for allowing colorant to move to the pigmentable zone of first group and second group as the speed of the function of time from this primary importance at least in part, with painted to them.

In addition, the colorant path can be used for allowing colorant to move to the pigmentable zone of first group and second group from primary importance through diffusion.

Preferably, after exceeding at least a threshold value, continue by painted in first group pigmentable zone.

Preferably, at least a threshold value comprises at least a time threshold (time threshold).

Preferably, at least a threshold value comprises at least one time and temperature threshold.

Preferably, mass indicator can be used for providing the indication that exceeds of some different threshold values.

Preferably, at least one the pigmentable zone that forms a part of one in first group the pigmentable zone of pigmentable zone and second group has the width of single fillet font code bar.

Preferably, form in first group pigmentable zone and second group the pigmentable zone at least one a part the pigmentable zone sequence by painted.

Preferably, at least one in the pigmentable zone of first group pigmentable zone and second group comprises at least two pigmentable zones.In addition, each in the pigmentable zone of first group pigmentable zone and second group comprises at least two pigmentable zones.

Preferably; The bar code indicator further comprises at least the three bar code; The 3rd bar code comprise at least the three group uncoloured at first, pigmentable is regional; Uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of the 3rd group; (this pigmentable zone) only is positioned at the position that is in the bar of the 3rd bar code that occurs when exceeding later the 3rd bar code readable state of at least a other threshold value when the 3rd bar code; This at least the three bar code was in not readable state of the 3rd bar code before exceeding at least a other threshold value; Wherein, because the 3rd group pigmentable zone is uncoloured, more than one single fillet font code bar is lost from above-mentioned 1 three bar code at least; The above-mentioned font code of second at least comprise at least the four group uncoloured at first, pigmentable is regional; Regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of the 4th group uncoloured at first, pigmentable, (this pigmentable zone) position between the bar of second font code at least when the above-mentioned font code of second at least is in the second font code readable state before exceeding this at least a other threshold value, and after exceeding this at least a other threshold value; Because at least a portion at least one pigmentable zone of the part that the pigmentable that forms at least the four group is regional is painted; The above-mentioned font code of second at least becomes unreadable, and usually side by side owing to above-mentioned at least the three group pigmentable area coloring, at least the three bar code becomes readable.

Description of drawings

According to following detailed description and with reference to accompanying drawing, invention will be more fully understood, wherein:

Figure 1A-1K is that a preferred embodiment of the invention makes up and the structure and the sketch of operation of an instance of the mass indicator of operation together, is used in reference to and is shown in the middle elapsed time of thermal history (temperature history);

Fig. 2 A-2K is according to the structure of another instance of the mass indicator of another kind of preferred implementation structure according to the present invention and operation and the sketch of operation together, is used in reference to and is shown in elapsed time in the thermal history.

Embodiment

The invention provides changeable bar code indicator, the indication (influencing parameter) that its (the preferred stripe bar code reader is readable) that can be used for providing readable exceeds at least a threshold value through at least a product quality.

At U.S. Patent number US 7; 562; 811 and in open WO/2007/129316, WO/2008/135962, WO/2009/063464 and WO/2009/063465, describing bar code reader (reader); It can be used for reading (reading) bar code indicator and the output indication is provided, and product type response indication interpreter, and it can be used for receiving the output indication and to the people appreciable product quality state output is provided.

Term " bar code (barcode) " is used to refer to machine readable light code in this article.In the instance of this instructions, for example clear linear or one-dimensional bar code.Should understand, the present invention also can be applied to two-dimensional bar.

Every kind of bar code standards comprises the rule that correctly reads of control strip font code.Typical bar code comprises end mark (stop flag, stop indicia) and the figure notation of the numeral of expression between them of the end of beginning label (start indicia) that the expression bar code begins, expression bar code.Each numeral of bar code by a series of and space (blank or at interval, space) (have preset width separately) and show.For example, in 52 staggered scanning bar code standards (the 2 of 5 Interleaved barcode standard), each numeral is through two wide (wide bar) and three fillets (narrow bar) demonstration.UPC and EAN128 bar code standards comprise central marker (middle indicia), have different rules, are used in reference to the numeral of any side that is shown in this central marker.In addition, some bar code standards adopt inspection and numeral (checksum digit), and it is to calculate according to the mathematical formulae based on the bar code symbol numeral, and is used as the control of the validity of bar code.

Therefore, can (multiple, several) that bar code readable is become be unreadable for different approaches with some.For example, can be through adding or deletion bar or space or change the series of the bar that forms beginning label or end mark through the width that changes them.Such change can cause the beginning or the end of bar code reader nonrecognition bar code symbol, and it is not readable causing this bar code.

Another kind possibly be the bar or the space of interpolation or deletion figure notation or the width that changes them, so that designation number is no longer come according to institute's accepted standard in the bar and the space of a series of designation number.Another possibly be to form above change to one or more of a series of designation numbers with the space; So that the different numeral of indication and the inspection of calculating the numeral that comprises this change cause producing with numeral and are different from the inspection and digital inspection and numeral of in bar code, indicating after this changes, and it is invalid to cause that thus this bar code becomes.Can also form the bar of indication inspection and numeral itself and cause the similar change that this bar code is invalid.

Similarly, can be through adding or deletion bar or space or change their width, making not, bar code readable becomes readable.For example, the bar that forms beginning or end mark in the bar code that begins therein or finish correctly to indicate can be changed as described above, begins or end mark correctly to form.

Similarly, through adding or deletion bar or space or change their width, can make the not readable serial designation number of bar.For example, 2 staggered scanning bar code standards according to 5, each numeral is by two wide and three fillet indications.For example, if that bar code readable is become is unreadable through changing into fillet with wide, then fillet being changed into wide, that bar code is become is readable.Similarly, if because inspection and numeral match other bar code number and bar code is not unreadable, then a kind of bar in designation number or inspection and the numeral can be like top being changed and recovering bar code validity of explaining.

Mass indicator can integrated product code such as EAN (European Article Number (EAN)) or UPC code (Universial Product Code).The instance that illustrates in the following description is the application of clear EAN code for example.Replacedly, mass indicator can be integrated 2 staggered scanning bar codes or any other suitable bar code or readable method of 5.Should understand; The bar of one-dimensional bar code is corresponding to the unit in the data matrix two-dimensional bar; " beginning " with " stops that " mark, two adjacent boundaries that define " search pattern (finder pattern) " are used for the data matrix two-dimensional bar to locate and phasing signal and to replace one-dimensional bar code.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, mass indicator comprise the bar code of observing GSl (general requirements) standard, and it is summarized in www.gsl.org.According to the GSl standard, three leftmost numerals are distributed to a country usually.In Israel, 7,9 or 10 leftmost numerals (comprising country code) expressions vendor code and remaining rightmost numeral is used by each supplier.For example, like what in the illustrational embodiment of the application, see, three leftmost numerals are 729, as the GSl country code of distributing to Israel.10 leftmost numerals (comprising country code) expression vendor code, and three rightmost numerals can be changed by supplier, and their combination is used to indicate exceeding of threshold value in this application.

Applicant's the U. S. application sequence number of submitting on May 20th, 2,009 12/469,309 (it is incorporated into this paper with way of reference) has disclosed a kind of mass indicator, and this mass indicator is used for generally in any given time single bar code readable being provided.

As defined in this application, phrase " general in any given time " is meant that the institute except possible interval in short-term is free.

As defined in this application, phrase " generally side by side " was meant in interval in short-term.

Preferably, in normal running, in short-term interval be meant less than 15 minutes the time interval.

The mass indicator of USSN 12/469,309 comprises at least two transformable bar codes, like article one font code and second font code, preferably arranges with the stacked arrangement mode.Above-mentioned at least two transformable bar codes comprise at least one pigmentable zone separately and have at least two visible states.In the pigmentable zone in article one font code one is used in the pigmentable zone with the second font code one to be become painted or uncoloured simultaneously.For example, after the time in temperature threshold exceeds standard, take place painted or not painted.

In USSN 12/469,309, can be used for becoming simultaneously painted or uncoloured one group of pigmentable zone is known as the pigmentable common region.

According at USSN 12/469; The 14th page of [0051] section a kind of embodiment that is disclosed of 309; The painted visible state (it is readable at first) of article one font code that causes of pigmentable common region (it forms the part of first and second bar codes in the mass indicator) becomes unreadable; And simultaneously, cause that the visible state (it is unreadable at first) of second font code becomes readable.Therefore, the mass indicator of USSN 12/469,309 all provides single bar code readable before and after exceeding threshold value.

The pigmentable common region that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses preferably includes the single pigmentable zone of each bar code and preferably has the width of single bar code bar.Therefore, at USSN12/469, the readable state and the difference between the non-readable state of the bar code that discloses in 309 are preferably the single bar code bar.

When bar code is in not readable state,, then may go wrong if read bar code through bar code reader.Not readable state and its readable state of bar code are similar more, and it is high more then to read the probability of bar code readable not by the bar code reader mistake.If mistake read in first or second font code in the mass indicator of USSN 12/469,309 when bar code reader was in readable state not at this bar code, then bar code reader can read the bar code that incorrect information is provided.This problem can take place under the situation that is described below, with reference to the 14th page [0051] section embodiment that discloses at USSN 12/469,309.

Under first kind of situation, painted although the pigmentable common region does not become as yet, second font code (it was not readable before exceeding threshold value) is read by the bar code reader mistake.Simultaneously, article one font code remains readable, and this is that article one font code just becomes and can not read because only after the pigmentable common region is painted.Therefore, through reading second bar code readable not, bar code reader can read the bar code that incorrect information is provided.

Under second kind of situation, article one font code (its exceed before the threshold value be readable) is still being read by the bar code reader mistake later on surpassing threshold value, although the pigmentable common region becomes painted and it is not readable that article one font code is become.Simultaneously, painted by means of the pigmentable common region, the second font code becomes readable.Therefore, through reading first bar code readable not, bar code reader can read the bar code that incorrect information is provided.

Corresponding to the pigmentable common region that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses and can be used for becoming simultaneously one group of pigmentable zone painted or non-staining and be called common pigmentable district (public pigmentable district, common colorable region) hereinafter.

Common pigmentable district preferably has the width of single fillet font code bar.Replacedly, common pigmentable district is wideer than single fillet font code bar.

The application provides the improvement for the mass indicator described in the USSN 12/469,309.Except common pigmentable district, through preferably also comprising the part of one group of other at least pigmentable zone as bar code, this improvement can be alleviated the problems referred to above.

Each other pigmentable zone group below is called other pigmentable district, preferably includes at least one pigmentable zone, forms the part of single bar code, and is configured to reduce the readable level of bar code of bar code (forming its part).Preferably, other pigmentable district comprises more than one pigmentable zone.Replacedly, other pigmentable district comprises single pigmentable zone.

" the readable level of bar code " or " BCR level " that phrase is in the bar code of readable state have not reflected following possibility: when it is in this not during readable state, bar code reader will read bar code by error.Therefore, the not bar code readable that has low BCR level is unlikely read by bar code reader by error.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, under first kind of above-mentioned situation, other pigmentable district forms the part of initial not readable second font code, and comprise initial not the pigmentable zone of colour cell.Initial not the pigmentable zone of colour cell be preferably placed at the position that appears at the bar code strip in the second font code that is in readable state.Therefore, more than one single fillet font code bar is lost from the second font code.Should understand, because more than one single fillet font code bar lost, so the BCR level of not readable second font code can reduce and become and is lower than the BCR level of the not readable second font code among the USSN 12/469,309, wherein only loses the single bar code bar.

Preferably, " more than one single fillet font code bar " is meant more than one bar code strip, and this bar code strip is narrow or wide.Replacedly, " more than one single fillet font code bar " is meant the part more than wide bar code strip, and this part has the same widths like fillet font code bar.

Should understand, because pigmentable zone group is not by painted, so can lose these parts of bar code strip.

According to another kind of preferred implementation of the present invention, under second kind of above-mentioned situation, other pigmentable district form the part of initial readable article one font code and comprise initial not the pigmentable zone of colour cell.The pigmentable zone that is being initially colour cell is preferably placed in the space between the bar code strip, and its formation is in the part of article one font code of its readable state, and does not disturb the readability of article one font code when not painted.

Preferably, after exceeding threshold value, the pigmentable zone that forms the part in common pigmentable district and other pigmentable district becomes painted, and it is not readable to cause that thus article one font code becomes.The painted of other pigmentable district causes a plurality of spaces between the bar of article one font code to be filled; Thereby reduce the BCR level of article one font code and cause that it is lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not readable state of article one font code of describing in 309; With respect to its readable state, it only has such space, and this space has the width of the single bar code bar that is filled.

Should understand, replace being filled, can be filled than the wideer space of single fillet font code bar by a plurality of spaces between the bar of article one font code.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A-2K, the pigmentable zone sequence ground that forms the other pigmentable district and the part in common pigmentable district is by painted.Replacedly, the pigmentable zone that forms the other pigmentable district and the part in common pigmentable district generally side by side becomes painted.

Should understand, a plurality of spaces between the bar code strip that is filled (because pigmentable zone group is painted) can comprise by partially filled space.

Should understand, replace initial uncoloured with become painted, the pigmentable zone can be at first by painted and become uncoloured.

Preferably, along with the pigmentable zone become painted, bar code strip or its part can appearance and bar code or its part between the space be filled.Replacedly, along with the pigmentable zone become painted, bar code strip or its part can disappearance and space or its part be formed between the bar code strip.

Further should understand, mass indicator can be used for only after it starts, providing the indication that exceeds standard.Replacedly, as in the application's instructions and illustrated, mass indicator is used in the indication that exceeds is provided under the situation about being not activated.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, the bar code that forms the part of mass indicator can be indicated any numeral or alphanumeric order separately.In addition or replacedly, the bar code that forms the part of mass indicator can be observed any suitable bar code standards separately, includes but not limited to EAN, UPC; 52 staggered scannings, code 39, the code 39 of expansion; Code 93, the code 93 of expansion, code 128; Code 128A, B and C, ISBN, code bar and data matrix.Therefore, the different bar codes that form the part of equal in quality indicator can be observed different bar code standards.For example, the mass indicator second font code that can comprise article one font code of observing EAN 13 standards and observe 52 staggered scanning standards.Therefore, if the bar code reader of inspection scanner can be used for only reading EAN 13 bar code standards, so, in case that article one font code becomes is not readable, then indicator no longer provides bar code readable to the inspection scanner.Yet through can be used for reading the bar code reader of 52 staggered scanning standards, above-mentioned indicator remains readable.

Existing with reference to Figure 1A-1K, it is a kind of structure and the sketch of operation of embodiment of mass indicator that is used to indicate the combination of elapsed time and temperature together.The mass indicator of in Figure 1A-1K, describing can be used for being provided at the independent indication that exceeds two various durations (one hour and three and a half hours) under at least 21 degrees centigrade the temperature.

In each of Figure 1A-1K, so that the planimetric map of part shows mass indicator 100 at the exploded view of the upper left quarter of accompanying drawing with in the lower right corner of accompanying drawing.

Like what in the exploded view of Figure 1A-1K, seen, the mass indicator of being indicated by label 100 here preferably includes bar code and defines layer (a barcode defining layer) 102, and it preferably is printed on the transparent substrates.Printing on transparent substrates preferably limits: background area 103, and it is preferably with the black ink printing and use the white ink chromatography; A plurality of 104, it forms preferably the part with bar code I, II and the III of black ink printing; And a plurality of transparent regions 105, preferably with light blue printing ink such as Pantone No.645 printing, it has the visual appearance that is similar to the black ink of white ink chromatography for it.Replacedly, with such color printing background area 103 with a plurality of 104, to limit high-contrast betwixt.

Concerning the purpose of this instructions and claim, definition phrase " transparent region " is transparent or semitransparent zone in its scope, to comprise.

Preferably arrange that with the stacked arrangement mode bar code I, II and III and transparent region 105 are preferably formed the part in following 6 districts: common pigmentable district 110, it forms the part of bar code I and II; Other pigmentable district 111, it forms the part of bar code I; Other pigmentable district 112, it forms the part of bar code II; Common pigmentable district 113, it forms the part of bar code II and III; Other pigmentable district 114, it forms the part of bar code II; And other pigmentable district 115, it forms the part of bar code III.

Should understand, bar code I, II and III need not to locate on indicator with any particular order.

Also should understand, can eliminate that to appear at Figure 1A-1K last and between bar code I and the bar code II and the space between bar code II and bar code III.

Preferably, common pigmentable district 110 comprises two transparent regions: the transparent region 116 of the part of formation bar code I and the transparent region 117 of a part that forms bar code II.

Preferably, common pigmentable district 113 comprises two transparent regions: the transparent region 118 of the part of formation bar code II and the transparent region 119 of a part that forms bar code III.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A-1K, other pigmentable district 111 (forming the part of bar code I) appears at the right of transparent region 116.Transparent region 116 and transparent region 105 (forming the part in other pigmentable district 111) are preferably placed in the space between the bar code strip of a part that forms bar code I (being in its readable state), and it is by label 140 indications in Figure 1A.

For the purpose of following explanation, the transparent region 105 that forms the part in other pigmentable district 111 is divided into two kinds of a plurality of transparent regions: 121 and 122, and shown in Figure 1A-1K.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A-1K, the other pigmentable district 112 that forms the part of bar code II appears at the left side of transparent region 117.Transparent region 117 and transparent region 105 (forming the part in other pigmentable district 112) are positioned at the position of the bar that when bar code II is in its readable state, occurs, and it is by label 163 indications in Fig. 1 E.

For the purpose of following explanation, the transparent region 105 that forms the part in other pigmentable district 112 is divided into two kinds of a plurality of transparent regions: 124 and 125, and shown in Figure 1A-1K.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A-1K, the other pigmentable district 114 that forms the part of bar code II appears at the right of transparent region 118.Transparent region 118 and transparent region 105 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 114) are preferably placed in formation and are in the space between its bar code strip of a part of bar code II of readable state, and it is by label 163 indications in Fig. 1 E.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A-1K, the other pigmentable district 115 that forms the part of bar code III is presented on the left side of transparent region 119.Transparent region 119 and transparent region 105 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 115) are positioned at the position of the bar that when bar code III is in its readable state, occurs, and it is by label 175 indications in Fig. 1 J.

Be arranged on that bar code defines layer 102 back and what preferably adhere to it is pigmentable element (colorable element) 130; As commercial can be available from the Whatman No.3 filter paper [CAT#:1003917] of Whatman International; It is white normally, up to by painted.Pigmentable element 130 is preferably in

common pigmentable district

110 and 113 and other pigmentable district 111,112,114 and 115 back extension.

Be arranged on bar code define layer 102 back and pigmentable element 130 the back be bottom (backing layer, back layer) 135.The preferred bottom 135 that adheres to pigmentable element 130 backward be that temperature-responsive color component 136, like liner, for example, K-R; 210/34/28, commercial can be available from Noam-Urim of Kibbutz Urim, Israel is impregnated with colorant, like sudan black, a kind of black dyes [CAS:4197-25-5], its ratio with 1 gram/1kg is dissolved in the coconut oil [CAS:8001-31-8].

Forward Figure 1A at present; Like what in plan view, can see; Bar code I is in the readable state by label 140 indication at first, and it can be read by bar code reader usually is 7290003804115, and bar code II is in the not readable state of being indicated by

label

141 and 142 respectively with III.

Like what in the exploded view of Figure 1A, can see, the transparent region 117 that forms the part in other pigmentable district 112 (it forms the part of bar code II) is uncoloured with transparent region 105 at first.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, when bar code II is in its readable state, occur a plurality of lose from bar code II.Losing a plurality of bar code strip can cause being in the initial not BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 141 and be lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example at USSN 12/469; Bar code II, III and IV among Fig. 4 A of 309 wherein only lose single fillet font code bar.

Like what in the exploded view of Figure 1A, can also see, transparent region 119 is uncoloured with other pigmentable district 115 (part of its formation bar code III) at first.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, when bar code III is in its readable state, occur a plurality of lose from bar code III.Losing a plurality of bar code strip can cause being in the initial not BCR level of the bar code III of readable state 142 and be lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example at USSN 12/469; Bar code II, III and IV among Fig. 4 A of 309 wherein only lose single fillet font code bar.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads not bar code readable II or the III that is in their current states.

Forward Figure 1B to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When the temperature at mass indicator place surpasses 21 degrees centigrade, when reaching 25 degrees centigrade, begin fusing and from color component 136 releases and begin to diffuse through pigmentable element 130 by the colorant of label 150 indications when temperature.Through a plurality of transparent regions 105, can not see the coloured part of pigmentable element 130, and like what in plan view, can see, bar code I, II and III keep not changing.

Forward Fig. 1 C to, like what in exploded view, can see, through after a while for example after 30 minutes, colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130 under 25 degree.Therefore,, can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130, thereby cause a plurality of (forming the part of bar code II) occurring, like what in plan view, can see by label 152 indications through a plurality of transparent regions by label 124 indications.Bar code I still is in readable state 140, and bar code III still is in not readable state 142, and the not readable state of the change of bar code II is by label 153 indications.

The bar code strip that when bar code II is in its readable state (by 163 indications of the label among Fig. 1 E), appears at the position of transparent region 117 and a plurality of transparent regions 125 is still lost from bar code II.Thisly lose a plurality of bar code strip and cause being in the BCR level that the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 153 not still is lower than the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader still unlikely reads not bar code readable II or the III that is in their current states.

Like what can see from the plan view of Figure 1B and 1C, compare when being in not readable state 141, when bar code II is in not readable state 153, lose bar code strip still less.Therefore, should understand, be in not the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 153 and be higher than it and be in the not BCR level of readable state 141.

Forward Fig. 1 D to, like what in exploded view, can see, through after for example other 25 minutes other of a period of time, colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130 under 25 degree.Therefore, through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by a plurality of transparent regions of label 125 indications, cause other a plurality of 154 (forming the part of bar code II) occurring, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code I still is in readable state 140, and bar code III still is in not readable state 142, and the not readable state of the change of bar code II is by label 155 indications.Still only single fillet font code bar; It appears at the position of transparent region 117 when bar code II is in its readable state (in Fig. 1 E, being indicated by label 163); II loses from bar code, and loses bar code strip and make the bar code II of the state of being in 155 not readable.

Should understand, owing to only lose single fillet font code bar for 155 times, so the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 155 not of being in is higher than the BCR level of the bar code II that is in readable state 141 not and 153 that in above Figure 1A-1C, describes in readable state not.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 155 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing, for example bar code II, III and the IV in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 A.

Forward Fig. 1 E to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When being scheduled to accumulated time at least above threshold value by the temperature that is at least 21 degrees centigrade indicator place; As 25 degrees centigrade through at least one hour altogether, colorant 150 diffuses through pigmentable element 130, so that can see (comprising the transparent region of being indicated by label 116 and 117) several portions of pigmentable element 130 through common pigmentable district 110.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 116 indications; So space by label 160 indications; It is between the bar of the bar code I of the readable state that is in it; Be filled, thereby cause that bar code I presents not readable state 161, like what in plan view, can see.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 117 indications; So the single fillet font code bar by label 162 indications appears among the bar code II; Thereby cause that bar code II presents readable state 163; Like what in plan view, can see, it is 7290003804139 through being read by bar code reader usually.

Should understand; Because preferably having the space of the width of single fillet font code bar (it is between the bar of the bar code I of the readable state that is in it) is filled; So it is higher to be in the BCR level of the bar code I of readable state 161 not, is similar to the not BCR level of in above Fig. 1 D, describing of the bar code II of readable state 155 that is in.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code I of readable state 161 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing, for example bar code I, II and the III in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 E.

Forward Fig. 1 F to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature reaches other a period of time at least 21 degrees centigrade; For example 25 degrees centigrade reach other 30 minutes, and then colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130, so that through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 121 indications.Therefore, be filled by a plurality of spaces between the bar of the bar code I of the readable state that is in it of label 165 indication, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code II still is in readable state 163, and bar code III still is in not readable state 142, and bar code I presents the further readable state not by label 166 indication.Because a plurality of spaces 165 painted, be in not the BCR level of the bar code I of readable state 166 and can reduce and become and be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads not bar code readable I or the III that is in their current states.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 1 E and 1F, and be in not readable state 161 and compare, be between the bar of the bar code I of readable state 166 not, more spaces are filled.Therefore, should understand, and be in not readable state 161 and compare, when being in not readable state 166, the BCR level of bar code I is lower.

Forward Fig. 1 G to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature reaches other a period of time at least 21 degrees centigrade; For example 25 degrees centigrade reach other 30 minutes, and then colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130, so that through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 122 indications.Therefore, appear as by other a plurality of spaces label 167 indication, between the bar of the bar code I of the readable state that is in it painted, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code II still is in readable state 163, and bar code III still is in not readable state 142 and bar code I presents further not readable state 168.Because other a plurality of spaces 167 is painted, so the BCR level of the bar code I of readable state 168 not of being in further reduces and continue to be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads and is in their the not bar code readable I or III of readable state at present.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 1 F and 1G, and be in not readable state 166 and compare, be between the bar code strip of the bar code I of readable state 168 not, more spaces are filled.Therefore, and be in not readable state 166 and compare, when being in not readable state 168, the BCR level of bar code I is lower.

Forward Fig. 1 H to, like what in exploded view, can see, if temperature reaches other a period of time at least 21 degrees centigrade, for example 25 degrees centigrade reach other one hour, and then colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130.Can't see the other coloured part of pigmentable element 130 through a plurality of transparent regions 105, and like what in plan view, can see, bar code I, II and III keep not changing.

Like what in the exploded view of Fig. 1 H, can see, transparent region 119 remains uncoloured with other pigmentable district 115 (it forms the part of bar code III).Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, a plurality of (in Fig. 1 J, being indicated by label 175) when bar code III is in its readable state, occurring still lose from bar code III.Lose bar code strip and can cause being in not that the BCR level of the bar code III of readable state 142 is lower than at USSN12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example at USSN 12/469; Bar code II, III and IV among Fig. 4 A of 309 wherein only lose single fillet font code bar.

Forward Fig. 1 I to, like what in exploded view, can see, after 25 degree were issued to other a period of time, for example other 25 minutes, colorant 150 continued to diffuse through pigmentable element 130.Therefore; Can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 through a plurality of transparent regions 105 (it forms the part by the other pigmentable district of label 115 indications); Cause occurring forming a plurality of 170 an of part of bar code III, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code I still is in not readable state 168, and bar code II still is in the not readable state of the change of readable state 163 and bar code III and is indicated by label 171.The part (this part has the width of single fillet font code bar) of bar code strip that only when bar code III is in its readable state, appears at the position of transparent region 119 is still lost from bar code III, and loses the bar code III that bar code strip partly makes the state of being in 171 and become not readable.

Should understand; Because only the part of bar code strip is lost at 171 times quilts of readable state not; This part has the width of single fillet font code bar, and the BCR level of the bar code III of readable state 171 is higher than the not BCR level of in above Figure 1A-1H, describing of the bar code III of readable state 142 that is in so be in not.Should further understand; Be in not that the bar code III of readable state 171 has high BCR level, it is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing; Bar code II, III and the IV in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 A for example.

Forward 1J to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When surpassing second threshold value by at least 21 degrees centigrade temperature of indicator and reach at least the second predetermined accumulated time; Reach at least three and a half hours altogether as 25 degrees centigrade, then colorant 150 diffuses through pigmentable element 130, so that can see (comprising the transparent region of being indicated by label 118 and 119) several portions of pigmentable element 130 through common pigmentable district 113.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 118 indications; So the space (it is between the bar of the bar code II that is in readable state) by label 172 indications is filled; Thereby cause that bar code II presents not readable state 173, like what in plan view, can see.

Because through can be seen the several portions of pigmentable element 130 by the transparent region of label 119 indications, so the part of bar code appears among the bar code III, this part is indicated and is had the width of single fillet font code bar by label 174.Therefore, bar code III presents readable state 175, and like what in plan view, can see, it can be read by bar code reader usually is 7290003804122.

Should understand; Because preferably having the width and the space between the bar of the bar code II of the readable state that is in it of single fillet font code bar is filled; So it is higher to be in the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 173 not, is similar to the not BCR level of in above Fig. 1 I, describing of the bar code III of readable state 171 that is in.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 173 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing, for example bar code I, II and the III in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 E.

Forward Fig. 1 K to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature reaches other a period of time at least 21 degrees centigrade; For example 25 degrees centigrade reach other 30 minutes, and then colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130, so that can see the several portions of pigmentable element 130 through transparent region 105 (it forms the part by the other pigmentable district of label 114 indications).Therefore, a plurality of spaces 176 (it is between the bar of the bar code II that is in readable state) is filled, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code I still is in not readable state 168, and bar code III still is in readable state 175 and bar code II and presents the further readable state not by label 177 indications.A plurality of spaces 176 are filled and cause that the BCR level that is in the bar code II of readable state 177 not reduces and be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads and is in their the not bar code readable I or II of readable state at present.

Like what can see from the plan view of 1J and 1K, and be in not readable state 173 and compare, more spaces are filled between the bar code strip that is in the bar code II of readable state 177 not.Therefore, should understand, and be in not readable state 173 and compare, the BCR level that is in the bar code II of readable state 177 not is lower.

Should understand, be lower than 21 degrees centigrade if temperature drops to, then colorant 150 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 130.If, reaching after 21 degrees centigrade in temperature, temperature drops to and is lower than 17 degrees centigrade, and the toner 150 of doing that becomes solid and suspends its diffusion through pigmentable element 130 and reaches 21 degrees centigrade once more up to temperature.

Existing with reference to Fig. 2 A-2K, it is a kind of structure and the sketch of operation of embodiment of mass indicator that is used to indicate the combination of elapsed time and temperature together.The mass indicator of in Fig. 2 A-2K, describing can be used for providing the independent indication that exceeds of two different temperatures (12 degrees centigrade and 21 degrees centigrade), is at least one hour in each following duration of temperature.

In each Fig. 2 A-2K, mass indicator 200 appears at the upper left corner cross-sectional view taken of accompanying drawing and in the plan view of the lower right corner of accompanying drawing part.

Like what in the exploded view of Fig. 2 A-2K, seen, mass indicator by label 200 indications, preferably includes bar code and defines layer 202 here, and it preferably is printed on the transparent substrates.Printing on transparent substrates preferably limits: background area 203, and it is preferably with the black ink printing and use the white ink chromatography; Form a plurality of 204 an of part of bar code IV, V and VI, it preferably prints with black ink; And a plurality of transparent regions 205, preferably with light blue printing ink such as Pantone No.645 printing, it has the visual appearance that is similar to the black ink of white ink chromatography for it.Replacedly, with such color printing background area 203 with a plurality of 204, to limit high-contrast betwixt.

Preferably arrange bar code IV, V and VI, and transparent region 205 is preferably formed the part in following six districts with the stacked arrangement mode: common pigmentable district 210, it forms the part of bar code IV and V; Other pigmentable district 211, it forms the part of bar code IV; Other pigmentable district 212, it forms the part of bar code V; Common pigmentable district 213, it forms the part of bar code V and VI; Other pigmentable district 214, it forms the part of bar code V; And other pigmentable district 215, it forms the part of bar code VI.

Should understand, bar code IV, V and VI need not to be positioned on the indicator with any particular order.

Also should understand, can eliminate appearing among Fig. 2 A-2K and between bar code IV and the bar code V and the space between bar code V and bar code VI.

Preferably, common pigmentable district 210 comprises two transparent regions: the transparent region 216 of the part of formation bar code IV and the transparent region 217 of a part that forms bar code V.

Preferably, common pigmentable district 213 comprises two transparent regions: the transparent region 218 of the part of formation bar code V and the transparent region 219 of a part that forms bar code VI.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the other pigmentable district 211 that forms the part of bar code IV appears at the right of transparent region 216.Transparent region 216 and transparent region 205 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 211) are preferably placed in formation and are in the space between the bar code strip of a part of bar code IV of readable state, and it is by label 240 indications in Fig. 2 A.

For the purpose of following explanation, shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the transparent region 205 that forms the part in other pigmentable district 211 is divided into two kinds of a plurality of transparent regions: 221 and 222.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the other pigmentable district 212 that forms the part of bar code V appears at the left side of transparent region 217.Transparent region 217 and transparent region 205 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 212) are positioned at the position of the bar that when bar code V is in its readable state, occurs, and it is by label 263 indications in Fig. 2 E.

For the purpose of following explanation, shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the transparent region 205 that forms the part in other pigmentable district 212 is divided into two kinds of a plurality of transparent regions: 224 and 225.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the other pigmentable district 214 that forms the part of bar code V appears at the left side of transparent region 218.Transparent region 218 and transparent region 205 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 214) are preferably placed in the space between the bar code strip of a part of the bar code V that forms the readable state that is in it, and it is by label 263 indications in Fig. 2 E.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2K, the other pigmentable district 215 that forms the part of bar code VI appears at the right of transparent region 219.Transparent region 219 and transparent region 205 (it forms the part in other pigmentable district 215) are positioned at the position of the bar that when bar code VI is in its readable state, occurs, and it is by label 273 indications in Fig. 2 J.

Be arranged on that bar code defines layer 202 back and what preferably adhere to it is pigmentable element 230,, commercially can it typically is white, up to by painted available from Whatman International [CAT#:1003917] like Whatman No.3 filter paper.Pigmentable element 230 is preferably in common pigmentable district 210 and other

pigmentable district

211 and 212 back extension.

Be arranged on bar code define layer 202 back and preferably adhere to it also have other pigmentable element 232; Like Whatman No.3 filter paper; Commercially can it typically is white, up to by painted available from Whatman International [CAT#:1003917].Pigmentable element 232 is preferably in abutting connection with pigmentable element 230 and preferably in common pigmentable district 213 and other

pigmentable district

214 and 215 back extension.

Should understand, replace comprising two independent pigmentable elements, a kind of indicator according to the present invention can comprise single pigmentable element, by means of by the separator of processing for the impermeable material of printing ink such as varnish it being divided into two parts.

Be arranged in that bar code defines layer 202 back and be bottoms 235 in the back of

pigmentable element

230 and 232.

The preferred bottom 235 that adheres to pigmentable element 230 backward be that temperature-responsive color component 236, like liner, for example, K-R; 210/34/28; Commercial can be available from Noam-Urim of Kibbutz Urim; Israel is impregnated with colorant, like sudan black; A kind of black dyes [CAS:4197-25-5], its ratio with 1 gram/1kg are dissolved in the solution of 74.25% coconut oil [CAS:8001-31-8], 24.75% oleic acid [CAS:112-80-1] and 1% caproic acid [CAS:142-62-1].

In addition, preferably adhere to backward pigmentable element 232 bottom 235 be that temperature-responsive color component 238, like liner, for example, K-R; 210/34/28, commercial can be available from Noam-Urim of Kibbutz Urim, Israel is impregnated with colorant, like sudan black, a kind of black dyes [CAS:4197-25-5], its ratio with 1 gram/1kg is dissolved in coconut oil [CAS:8001-31-8].

Forward Fig. 2 A at present; Like what in plan view, can see; Bar code IV is in the readable state by label 240 indication at first, its usually can by bar code reader read be 7290003804115 and bar code V be in the not readable state of indicating respectively with V1 by

label

241 and 242.

Like what in the exploded view of Fig. 2 A, can see, transparent region 217 and transparent region 205, the part of the other pigmentable district 212 of its formation (it forms the part of bar code V) is uncoloured at first.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, when bar code V is in its readable state, occur a plurality of lose from bar code V.Losing a plurality of bar code strip causes being in the initial not BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 241 and is lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example at USSN 12/469; Bar code II, III and IV among Fig. 4 A of 309 wherein only lose the single bar code bar.

Like what in the exploded view of Fig. 2 A, can also see, transparent region 219 is uncoloured with other pigmentable district 215 (it forms the part of bar code VI) at first.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, when bar code VI is in its readable state, occur a plurality of lose from bar code VI.Losing a plurality of bar code strip causes being in the initial not BCR level of the bar code VI of readable state 242 and is lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example at USSN 12/469; Bar code II, III and IV among Fig. 4 A of 309 wherein only lose single fillet font code bar.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads and is in their the not bar code readable V or VI of readable state at present.

Forward Fig. 2 B to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When the temperature of mass indicator surpasses 12 degrees centigrade, when reaching 15 degrees centigrade, begin fusing and from color component 236 releases and begin to diffuse through pigmentable element 230 by the colorant of label 250 indications when temperature.Can not see the coloured part of pigmentable element 230 through a plurality of transparent regions 205, and like what in plan view, can see, bar code IV, V and VI keep not changing.

Forward Fig. 2 C to, like what in exploded view, can see, after after a while, for example 30 minutes, colorant 250 continued to diffuse through pigmentable element 230 under 15 degree.Therefore, through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 230 by a plurality of transparent regions of label 224 indication, cause occurring a plurality of by the part that forms bar code V of label 252 indications, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code IV still is in readable state 240, and bar code VI still is in not readable state 242, and the not readable state of the change of bar code V is by label 253 indications.

When bar code V is in its readable state, appear at the bar code strip of the position of transparent region 217 and a plurality of transparent regions 225, it is still lost from bar code V by label 263 indications in Fig. 2 E.Thisly lose a plurality of bar code strip and can cause being in the BCR level that the BCR level of the bar code II of readable state 253 not still is lower than the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 2 B and 2C, and when being in not readable state 241, compare, when bar code V is in not readable state 253, lose bar code strip still less.Therefore, should understand, be in not the BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 253 and be higher than it and be in the not BCR level of readable state 241.

Forward Fig. 2 D to, like what in exploded view, can see, through after other a period of time, for example other 25 minutes, colorant 250 continued to diffuse through pigmentable element 230 under 15 degree.Therefore, through seeing pigmentable element 230, cause occurring forming other a plurality of 254 an of part of bar code V, like what in plan view, can see by a plurality of transparent regions of label 225 indication.Bar code IV still is in readable state 240, and bar code VI still is in not readable state 242, and the not readable state of the change of bar code V is by label 255 indications.Only single fillet font code bar; It appears at the position of transparent region 217 when bar code V is in its readable state; And in Fig. 2 E by label 263 indication, still lose, and lose the bar code V that bar code strip makes the state of being in 255 and become not readable from bar code V.

Should understand, owing to only do not losing the single bar code bar in the readable state 255, so the BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 255 not of being in is higher than the BCR level of the bar code V that is in readable state 241 not and 253 that in above Fig. 2 A-2C, describes.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 255 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses, for example bar code II, III and the IV in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 A.

Forward Fig. 2 E to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When surpassing threshold value by at least 12 degrees centigrade the temperature at indicator place and reach predetermined at least accumulated time; Reach at least one hour altogether as 15 degrees centigrade, then colorant 250 diffuses through pigmentable element 230, so that can see (comprising the transparent region of being indicated by label 216 and 217) several portions of pigmentable element 230 through common pigmentable district 210.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 230 by the transparent region of label 216 indications; So the space (it is between the bar of the bar code IV that is in readable state) by label 260 indications is filled; Thereby cause bar code IV to present not readable state 261, like what in plan view, can see.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 230 by the transparent region of label 217 indications; So the single bar code bar by label 262 indications appears among the bar code V; Thereby cause bar code V to present readable state 263; Like what in plan view, can see, it can be read by bar code reader usually is 7290003804139.

Should understand; Because preferably having the space of the width of the single fillet font code bar between the bar of the bar code IV that is in readable state is filled; So be in the not BCR level height of the bar code IV of readable state 261, be similar to the not BCR level of in above Fig. 2 D, describing of the bar code V of readable state 255 that is in.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code IV of readable state 261 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing, for example bar code I, II and the III in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 E.

Forward Fig. 2 F to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature reaches other a period of time at least 12 degrees centigrade; For example 15 degrees centigrade reach other 30 minutes, and then colorant 250 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 230, so that through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 230 by the transparent region of label 221 indications.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, a plurality of spaces between the bar of the bar code IV that is in readable state of being indicated by label 265 are filled.Bar code V still is in readable state 263, and bar code VI still is in not readable state 242, and bar code IV presents the further readable state not by label 266 indication.Because a plurality of spaces 265 are filled, can reduce and become and be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses so be in not the BCR level of the bar code IV of readable state 266.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads and is in their the not bar code readable IV or VI of readable state at present.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 2 E and 2F, compare when being in not readable state 261, when being in not readable state 266, more spaces are filled between the bar code strip of bar code IV.Therefore, should understand, and be in not readable state 261 and compare, readable state not 266 times, the BCR level of bar code IV is lower.

Forward Fig. 2 G to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature at least 12 degrees centigrade said be a period of time in addition; For example 15 degrees centigrade said be 30 minutes in addition, then colorant 250 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 230, so that through can be seen the several portions of pigmentable element 230 by the transparent region of label 222 indication.Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, be filled by other a plurality of spaces label 267 indication, between the bar of the bar code IV of the readable state that is in it.Bar code V still is in readable state 263, and bar code VI still is in not readable state 242, and bar code IV presents further not readable state 268.Because other a plurality of spaces 267 are filled, so the BCR level of the bar code IV of readable state 268 not of being in further reduces and continue to be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 2 F and 2G, compare when being in not readable state 266, when being in not readable state 268, more spaces are filled between the bar code strip of bar code IV.Therefore, and be in not readable state 266 and compare, when being in not readable state 268, the BCR level of bar code IV is lower.

Should understand, be lower than 12 degrees centigrade if temperature drops to, then colorant 250 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 230.If, temperature reach 12 degrees centigrade whenever later, temperature drops to and is lower than 7 degrees centigrade, the toner 250 of doing that becomes solid and suspends its diffusion through pigmentable element 230, reaches 12 degrees centigrade once more up to temperature.

Forward Fig. 2 H to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When the temperature of mass indicator surpasses 21 degrees centigrade, when reaching 25 degrees centigrade, begin fusing and from color component 238 releases and begin to diffuse through pigmentable element 232 by the colorant of label 269 indications when temperature.Can not see the coloured part of pigmentable element 232 through a plurality of transparent regions 205, and like what in plan view, can see, bar code IV, V and VI remain unchanged.

Like what in the exploded view of Fig. 2 H, can see, transparent region 219 remains uncoloured with other pigmentable district 215 (it forms the part of bar code VI).Therefore, like what in plan view, can see, what when bar code VI is in its readable state, occur is still lost from bar code VI by a plurality of of the label among Fig. 2 J 275 indication.Lose bar code strip and cause being in not that the BCR level of the bar code VI of readable state 242 is lower than at USSN 12/469; The BCR level of the not bar code readable that discloses in 309; For example bar code II, III and the IV in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 A wherein only loses single fillet font code bar.

Forward Fig. 2 I to, like what in exploded view, can see, pass through down certain hour for example after 55 minutes at 25 degree, colorant 269 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 232.Therefore; Can see the several portions of pigmentable element 232 through a plurality of transparent regions 205 (it forms the part by the other pigmentable district of label 215 indications); Cause occurring forming a plurality of 270 an of part of bar code VI, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code IV still is in not readable state 268, and bar code V still is in readable state 263, and the not readable state of the change of bar code VI is by label 271 indications.Only single fillet font code bar, it appears at the position of transparent region 219 when bar code VI is in its readable state, still lose from bar code VI, and lose the bar code VI that bar code strip makes the state of being in 271 and become not readable.

Should understand, owing to only do not losing single fillet font code bar in the readable state 271, the BCR level of the bar code VI of readable state 271 is higher than the not BCR level of in above Fig. 2 A-2H, describing of the bar code VI of readable state 242 that is in so be in not.Should further understand; Be in not that the bar code VI of readable state 271 has higher BCR level, it is similar at USSN12/469, the BCR level of the not bar code readable of describing in 309; Bar code II, III and the IV in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 A for example.

Forward Fig. 2 J to; Like what in exploded view, can see; When at least 21 degrees centigrade the temperature at indicator place surpasses second threshold value and reaches predetermined at least accumulated time; Reach at least one hour altogether as 25 degrees centigrade, then colorant 269 diffuses through pigmentable element 232, so that can see (comprising the transparent region of being indicated by label 218 and 219) several portions of pigmentable element 232 through common pigmentable district 213.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 232 by the transparent region of label 218 indications; So the space (it is between the bar of the bar code V that is in readable state) by label 272 indications is filled; Thereby cause bar code V to present not readable state 273, like what in plan view, can see.

Because through can see the several portions of pigmentable element 232 by the transparent region of label 219 indications; So the single fillet font code bar by label 274 indications appears among the bar code VI; Thereby cause bar code VI to present readable state 275; Like what in plan view, can see, it is 7290003804122 through being read by bar code reader.

Should understand; Because preferably having the space of the width of the single fillet font code bar between the bar of the bar code V that is in readable state is filled; So be in the not BCR level height of the bar code V of readable state 273, be similar to the not BCR level of in above Fig. 2 I, describing of the bar code VI of readable state 271 that is in.Should further understand, the BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 273 not of being in is similar to the BCR level of the not bar code readable of in USSN 12/469,309, describing, for example bar code I, II and the III in Fig. 4 of USSN 12/469,309 E.

Should understand; Because common pigmentable district 213 and the distance between the color component 238 equal at least common pigmentable district 210 and the distance between the color component 236, so common pigmentable district 213 will can not become painted before common pigmentable district 210 painted.Replacedly,

pigmentable element

230 and 232 is processed by different materials, compares along the diffusion of pigmentable element 230 to make peace, and is slower along the diffusion of pigmentable element 232.

According to one embodiment of the present invention; If second threshold value can be exceeded above first threshold in the past; For example, through comprising temperature that is higher than first threshold and second threshold value that is shorter than the duration of first threshold, then in bar code IV, add other pigmentable zone; So that in response to exceeding of second threshold value, bar code IV and V all become not readable.According to this embodiment, if only after second threshold value exceeds first threshold be exceeded, then will can not indicate exceeding of first threshold.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pigmentable element is not divided into two parts, and the indication that exceeds of second threshold value also can owing to or be higher than exceeding of second duration under the predetermined temperature of first threshold.

Forward Fig. 2 K to; Like what in exploded view, can see; If temperature reaches other a period of time at least 21 degrees centigrade; For example 25 degrees centigrade reach other 30 minutes, and then colorant 269 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 232, so that can see the several portions of pigmentable element 232 through transparent region 205 (it forms the part by the other pigmentable district of label 214 indications).Therefore, a plurality of spaces 276 (it is between the bar of the bar code V of the readable state that is in it) is filled, like what in plan view, can see.Bar code IV still is in not readable state 268, and bar code VI still is in readable state 275, and bar code V presents the further readable state not by label 277 indication.Because a plurality of spaces 276 are filled, can reduce and become and be lower than the BCR level of the not bar code readable that in USSN 12/469,309, discloses so be in not the BCR level of the bar code V of readable state 277.

Therefore and the not bar code readable that reads USSN 12/469,309 compare, bar code reader unlikely reads and is in their the not bar code readable IV or V of readable state at present.

Like what can see from the plan view of Fig. 2 J and 2K, and be in not readable state 273 and compare, readable state not 277 times, more spaces are filled between the bar code strip of bar code V.Therefore, should understand, and be in not readable state 273 and compare, be in not readable state 277 times, the BCR level of bar code V is lower.

Should understand, be lower than 21 degrees centigrade if temperature drops to, then colorant 269 continues to diffuse through pigmentable element 232.If, reaching after 21 degrees centigrade in temperature, temperature drops to and is lower than 17 degrees centigrade, and the toner 269 of doing that becomes solid and suspends its diffusion through pigmentable element 232, reaches 21 degrees centigrade once more up to temperature.

In the embodiment of in above Fig. 2 A-2K, describing; Colorant 269 moves along color component 232 from right to left, and therefore other pigmentable district 214 (forming the part of bar code V) appears at the right that the left side of transparent region 218 and other pigmentable district 215 (forming the part of bar code VI) appear at transparent region 219.Replacedly, colorant 269 can from left to right move along color component 232, so other pigmentable district 214 will appear at the right of transparent region 218 and the left side that other pigmentable district 215 will appear at transparent region 219, shown in Figure 1A-1K.

Should understand; If temperature is higher than second predetermined temperature before exceeding first threshold (it is included in first predetermined lasting time under first predetermined temperature); Then in response to this second predetermined temperature; Colorant can melt and before common pigmentable district painted, begin from corresponding color component release, and it can be used for indicating exceeding of first threshold.For example; In the embodiment of above Fig. 2 A-2K illustrated; If temperature surpasses 21 degrees centigrade before exceeding one hour under at least 12 degrees centigrade the temperature, then before common pigmentable district 210 painted, colorant 269 fusings also begin to discharge from color component 232.

Should understand; Can comprise bar code according to indicator of the present invention more than three; Wherein only bar code generally any given time be readable with and because the exceeding of threshold value, bar code readable become not readable and not in the bar code readable become readable.

Should understand, can define the background of layer with the bar code that dark color is printed indicator, and can come the bar of printed bar code with light color.

Should understand; The variation of environmental parameter that can be through being different from temperature; Like the existence of pH value, humidity or some chemical substance, and cause the fusing of colorant, thereby the indicator that makes the present invention describe can be used to indicate exceeding of the threshold value relevant with above-mentioned parameter.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the content that preceding text have specifically illustrated and described.On the contrary, scope of the present invention comprise various combination of features of the present invention and son combination with and improve, it can be read above description those skilled in the art and occur and do not belong to prior art later on.

Claims

1. a bar code indicator can be used for influencing the machine readable indication that parameter provides at least a threshold value to exceed through at least a product quality, and said bar code indicator comprises:

Uncoloured at first, the font code of article one at least that pigmentable is regional that comprise at least the first group; Uncoloured at first, regional at least one initial uncoloured pigmentable zone, the position when said article one font code is in article one font code readable state before exceeding said at least a threshold value between the bar of said article one font code of comprising of pigmentable of said at least the first group; And

Uncoloured at first, the font code of second at least that pigmentable is regional that comprise at least the second group; Uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of said at least the second group; Only be positioned at the position that is in the bar of the said second font code that occurs when exceeding the later second font code readable state of said at least a threshold value when said second font code

The said font code of second at least was in not readable state of second font code before exceeding said at least a threshold value, wherein because said at least the second group is uncoloured, and more than one single fillet font code bar is lost from the said font code of second at least, and

After exceeding said at least a threshold value; Because it is painted to form the regional at least a portion of at least one pigmentable of the regional part of the pigmentable of said at least the first group; The said font code of article one at least becomes unreadable; And usually side by side owing to the pigmentable area coloring of said at least the second group, the said font code of second at least becomes readable.

2. bar code mass indicator according to claim 1 further comprises:

Be positioned at the colorant at the primary importance place of said indicator; And

The colorant path, can be used for allowing said colorant with at least in part as the speed of the function of time from pigmentable zone that said primary importance moves to said first group and second group with painted to them.

3. bar code mass indicator according to claim 2, wherein, said colorant path can be used for allowing said colorant to move to said first group and said second group pigmentable zone through diffusion from said primary importance.

4. according to each described bar code mass indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, said first group pigmentable zone exceed said at least a threshold value with continued by painted.

5. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, said at least a threshold value comprises at least one time threshold.

6. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, said at least a threshold value comprises at least one time and temperature threshold.

7. according to each described bar code mass indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, said mass indicator can be used for providing the indication that exceeds a plurality of different threshold values.

8. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim; Wherein, at least one the pigmentable zone that forms a part of one in said first group pigmentable zone and the said second group pigmentable zone has the width of single fillet font code bar.

9. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, form in said first group pigmentable zone and the said second group pigmentable zone at least one a part the pigmentable zone sequence by painted.

10. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim, wherein, at least one in said first group pigmentable zone and the said second group pigmentable zone comprises at least two pigmentable zones.

11. bar code indicator according to claim 10, wherein, each in said first group pigmentable zone and the said second group pigmentable zone comprises at least two pigmentable zones.

12. according to each described bar code indicator in the aforementioned claim, can be used for influencing parameter through at least a product quality provides the machine readable that exceeds at least a other threshold value indication, said bar code indicator further comprises:

Comprise at least the three group uncoloured at first, at least the three bar code that pigmentable is regional; Uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of said at least the three group; Only be positioned at the position that is in the bar of said the 3rd bar code that occurs when exceeding later the 3rd bar code readable state of said at least one other threshold value when said the 3rd bar code

Said at least the three bar code was in not readable state of the 3rd bar code before exceeding said at least one other threshold value; Wherein because said the 3rd group pigmentable zone is uncoloured; More than one single fillet font code bar is lost from said 1 three bar code at least

Comprise at least the four group uncoloured at first, the said font code of second at least that pigmentable is regional; Uncoloured at first, regional at least one the initial uncoloured pigmentable zone that comprises of pigmentable of said at least the four group; Position when the said font code of second at least is in the said second font code readable state that exceeds before said at least one other threshold value between the bar of the said font code of second at least, and

After exceeding said at least one other threshold value; Because at least a portion at least one pigmentable zone of the part that the pigmentable that forms said at least the four group is regional is painted; The said font code of second at least becomes unreadable; And side by side owing to said at least the three group pigmentable area coloring, said at least the three bar code becomes readable usually.