JP5640080B2 - Barcode indicator for quality control - Google Patents

Description

Reference to Related Application US Pat. No. 7,562,811 (filed on Sep. 10, 2007, entitled “System And Method For Improved Quality Management In A Product Logistic Chain”), International Application No. PCT / IL07 / 000547 (2007) Filed May 6, 2007, entitled “A System And Method For Improved Quality Management In A Product Logistic Chain”), International Application PCT / IL07 / 01411 (filed November 14, 2007, titled “A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "), international application PCT / IL2008 / 001495 (filed November 13, 2008, titled" A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "), international application PCT / IL 2008/001494 (filed on November 13, 2008, titled “A System And Method For Quality Management U tilizing Barcode Indicators "), international application PCT / IL2009 / 000503 (filed May 20, 2009, titled" A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "), US Patent Application No. 12/469309 (Filed on May 20, 2009, titled “A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators”), US Provisional Application No. 61/231799 (filed on August 6, 2009, titled “Barcoded” Indicators For Quality Management ") and International Application PCT / IL2009 / 001167 (filed December 9, 2009, titled" Barcode Indicators For Quality Management "). The disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  Based on 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (1) and (2) (i), international application PCT / IL2009 / 000503 (filed on May 20, 2009, entitled “A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators”). "), U.S. Patent Application No. 12/469309 (filed May 20, 2009, titled" A System And Method For Quality Management Utilizing Barcode Indicators "), and International Application PCT / IL2009 / 001167 (December 2009). Claiming priority from the 9-day application entitled “Barcode Indicators For Quality Management”) and based on 37 CFR 1.78 (a) (4) and (5) (i) No. 231799 (filed Aug. 6, 2009, entitled “Barcoded Indicators For Quality Management”) claims priority here.

  The present invention relates to quality control and indicators useful in quality control.

  The following U.S. patent specifications, namely 6758397, 6009400, 6667594, 7157048, 7156597, and RE39226, are generally related to the subject matter of the present invention.

  The present invention seeks to provide an improved indicator useful in quality control systems and methods.

  Accordingly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bar-coded indicator that serves to machine-readablely indicate that at least one threshold has been exceeded by at least one parameter that affects product quality. A first bar code including a plurality of bar code bars and at least one first colorable area; a second bar code bar; and at least a second bar code including at least a second colorable area. And at least one interposition line extending between the first bar code and at least the second bar code, wherein the at least one interposition line includes a bar code reader, a portion of the first bar code, and at least a second bar code. An indicator with a bar code that prevents the bar code part from being read as a single bar code part It is provided.

  Preferably, the first barcode is readable before at least one threshold is exceeded, the second barcode is unreadable before at least one threshold is exceeded, and at least one threshold is set. Beyond that, the first barcode becomes unreadable as a result of the coloration of at least a portion of the at least one first colorable area, and at about the same time at least the second barcode is at least one of the at least second colorable area. It becomes readable as a result of the coloring of the part.

  Preferably, the at least one first colorable area is initially uncolored and forms part of a first set of a plurality of colorable areas that are initially uncolored, said part of the first set Is located at a location between the bars of the first barcode when the first barcode is in the first barcode readable state before at least one threshold is exceeded, and at least the second colorable area is Initially uncolored, and initially forming a second set of colorable areas that are uncolored, wherein the second set of parts exceeds the second barcode by at least one threshold Located at the location of the bar of the second bar code that only appears when it is in a later second bar code readable state, at least the second bar code is in the second bar code before at least one threshold is exceeded Is in disabled state takes viewed, and, as a result the second set is uncolored, bar code bar above the single narrow bar code bars, lacking at least a second bar code.

  Preferably, the first set of colorable areas continues to be colored after at least one threshold is exceeded. Additionally or alternatively, the colorable areas forming at least one portion of the first set of colorable areas and the second set of colorable areas are colored sequentially.

  Preferably, the at least one intervening line appears in the same color as at least one of the first and second plurality of barcode bars.

  Preferably, the at least one interposed line extends along the entire length of the first and second barcodes.

  Preferably, the bar code quality indicator further comprises a colorant disposed at a first location on the indicator and at least partially from the first location to the first and second colorable areas for coloring. A colorant path that serves to allow the colorant to move at a rate that is a function of time.

  In addition, the colorant path serves to allow the colorant to move by diffusing from the first location to the first colorable area and the second colorable area.

  Preferably, the at least one threshold includes at least one time threshold. Preferably, the at least one threshold includes at least one time and temperature threshold.

  Preferably, the quality indicator serves to indicate that several different thresholds have been exceeded.

  Preferably, the bar code indicator serves to machine-readablely indicate that at least one additional threshold has been exceeded by at least one parameter affecting product quality, the third plurality of bar code bars , And at least a third barcode including at least a third colorable area, and at least one additional intervening line extending between at least the second barcode and at least the third barcode. The intervening line can prevent the barcode reader from reading at least the second barcode portion and at least the third barcode portion as a single barcode portion.

  Preferably, at least the third barcode is unreadable before at least one additional threshold is exceeded, at least the second barcode includes at least a fourth colorable area, and at least one When the additional threshold is exceeded, at least the second barcode becomes unreadable as a result of the coloring of at least a portion of at least the fourth colorable area, and at least the third barcode is at least third colorable at about the same time It becomes readable as a result of the coloring of at least part of the area.

  Preferably, at least the third colorable area is initially uncolored and forms a part of a third set of a plurality of colorable areas that are initially uncolored, said part of the third set being At least a third barcode is located at a bar location of at least a third barcode that appears only when the third barcode is ready to be read after exceeding at least one additional threshold; A barcode bar that exceeds a single narrow barcode bar as a result of the third barcode being unreadable prior to exceeding at least one additional threshold, and the third set being uncolored. A fourth set of a plurality of colorable areas that are missing from at least the third barcode and at least the fourth colorable area are initially uncolored and initially uncolored. A portion of the fourth set of bars of at least a second barcode when the second barcode is in a second barcode readable state prior to exceeding at least one additional threshold. Located between the places.

  The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of an example quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history. FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of another example of a quality indicator constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention for indicating elapsed time in a temperature history.

  The present invention provides a variable bar-coded indicator that serves to indicate machine readable, preferably bar code readable, at least one threshold exceeded by at least one parameter affecting product quality. provide.

  A barcode reader that serves to read the barcode indicator and provide an output indication, and an instruction interpreter corresponding to the type of product that serves to receive the output indication and provide a human-perceivable product quality status output , US Pat. No. 7,562,811, and pamphlets of International Publication Nos. 2007/129316, 2008/135962, 2009/063464, and 2009/063465.

  The term “bar code” is used herein to refer to a machine readable optical code. In the examples herein, linear or one-dimensional barcodes are shown. It will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to two-dimensional barcodes.

  Each barcode standard includes rules that govern the proper reading of the barcode. A typical barcode includes a start indicia that represents the beginning of the barcode, a stop indicia that represents the end of the barcode, and a digital indicia that represents the digits located between them. It is out. Each digit of the bar code is represented by a series of bars and spaces, each having a predetermined width. For example, in the interleaved 2 of 5 barcode standard, each digit is represented by two wide bars and three narrow bars. The UPC and EAN 128 barcode standards include a central indicia and have different rules for indicating digits on both sides of the central indicia. In addition, some bar code standards employ checksum digits. The checksum digit is calculated according to a mathematical formula based on the bar code symbol digit and is used as a control for the validity of the bar code.

  Thus, a readable bar code can be made unreadable in several different ways. For example, the series of bars forming the start or stop indicia can be changed by adding or deleting bars or spaces, or by changing their width. Such a change can prevent the bar code reader from recognizing the beginning or end of the bar code symbol so that the bar code is unreadable.

  Another possibility is that by adding or removing digital indicia, or by changing its width, a series of bars and spaces that represent a single digit no longer replace the digit according to the adopted standard. It is not shown. Yet another possibility is to make the above changes to a series of one or more bars and spaces that represent a single digit, so that different digits are shown after the change, and a checksum that includes the modified digit. The calculation of the digit results in a checksum digit that is different from the checksum digit indicated in the barcode, thereby making the barcode invalid. Similar changes can be made to the bar indicating the checksum digit itself, resulting in an invalid bar code.

  Similarly, unreadable barcodes can be made readable by adding or removing bars or spaces, or by changing their width. For example, in order to properly form a start or stop indicia, the bar forming the start or stop indicia in a barcode that is not properly marked with a start or end may be modified as described above.

  Similarly, a series of unreadable bars can be made to indicate digits by adding or removing bars or spaces, or by changing their width. For example, according to the interleaved 2 of 5 barcode standard, each digit is represented by two wide bars and three narrow bars. For example, when a readable bar code is made unreadable by changing a wide bar to a narrow bar, the bar code can be made readable by changing the narrow bar to a wide bar. Similarly, if the checksum digit is unreadable because it does not match another bar code digit, the bar code can be changed by changing one of the digits or the bar indicating the checksum digit as described above. Effectiveness can be restored.

  The quality indicator may incorporate a product code, such as an EAN (European Article Number) or UPC code (Universal product Code). The examples shown in the following description illustrate the use of EAN codes. Alternatively, the quality indicator may incorporate an interleaved 2 of 5 barcode, or any other suitable barcode or readable method. A bar of a one-dimensional barcode corresponds to a cell of a data matrix two-dimensional barcode, and instead of the “start” and “stop” indicia of the one-dimensional barcode, two adjacent ones that define a “finder pattern” It will be appreciated that boundaries are used within the data matrix two-dimensional barcode to place and position symbols.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the quality indicator includes a bar code that conforms to the GS1 (General Specifications) standard outlined at www.gs1.org. According to the GS1 standard, the three leftmost digits are usually assigned to a country. In Israel, the leftmost seven, nine, or ten digits, including the country code, represent the supplier's code, and the remaining rightmost digit is used by the respective supplier. For example, as seen in the illustrated embodiment of the present application, the leftmost three digits are 729, and the GS1 country code is assigned to Israel. The 10 leftmost digits, including the country code, represent the supplier's code, the 3 rightmost digits can be changed by the supplier, and their combination is used in this application to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded. Used in.

  The quality indicator of the present invention preferably includes at least two barcodes arranged in a stacked configuration, each barcode suitably having at least two visible states.

  Preferably, at almost any time, the visible state of only one of the barcodes that form part of the indicator is machine readable, so the indicator has a single barcode that is machine readable. Present almost anytime. Alternatively, in one or more of the indicators, all of the bar codes that form part of the indicator may be in a visible state that cannot be read by the machine, and the quality indicator may be one of these or In more than one state, no machine-readable bar code is presented.

  The term “almost anytime” as defined in this application means all times except the shortest possible time. Preferably, in normal operation, a short time means a time of less than 15 minutes.

  The bar codes forming part of the indicator of the present invention are preferably aligned so that their axes are generally parallel to each other. According to the embodiment shown in the description and the drawings of the present application, the bars of one bar code are not aligned with the corresponding bars of the other bar code, but are slightly offset from each other. Alternatively, the bar of one barcode may be aligned with the corresponding bar of the other barcode.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the barcodes are juxtaposed with each other such that there is no space between the bar of one barcode and the bar of the other barcode.

  According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the description and drawings of the present invention, the indicator includes intervening lines formed between the bar codes, which bar code reader is provided with a plurality of bar codes. Prevent misreading parts as a single barcode.

  Preferably, the interstitial lines appear in the same color as the barcode bar that forms part of the barcode. Alternatively, the intervening lines appear in a color that prevents a plurality of barcode portions from being misread as a single barcode by the barcode reader. It will be appreciated that interstitial lines do not necessarily have to appear dark and can appear light.

  According to the embodiment illustrated in the description and drawings of the present application, the interposition line extends along the entire length of the variable barcode. The intervening line need not extend along the entire length of the variable barcode, but along the length necessary to prevent the barcode reader from misreading multiple barcode portions as a single barcode. It will be understood that it is sufficient.

  The indicator of the present invention preferably comprises at least one group of colorable areas which serve to be colored or uncolored at the same time, this group being referred to hereinafter as a common colorable area. The common colorable region preferably includes a colorable area that forms a portion above a single barcode.

  The common colorable area preferably has the width of a single narrow barcode bar. Alternatively, the common colorable area is wider than a single narrow barcode bar.

  According to the embodiments illustrated in the description and drawings of the present application, each barcode includes at least one additional set of colorable areas. Each additional colorable area set, hereinafter referred to as an additional colorable area, preferably includes at least one colorable area and forms part of a single barcode and the barcode is unreadable. When in a state, this set is formed to reduce the bar code readability level of the bar code that forms the part. Preferably, the additional colorable area includes two or more colorable areas. Alternatively, the additional colorable area includes a single colorable area.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one barcode does not include additional colorable areas.

  The phrase “barcode readability level” or “BCR level” for an unreadable barcode reflects the likelihood that the barcode reader will misread the barcode when the barcode is in an unreadable state. Therefore, an unreadable barcode with a low BCR level is less likely to be misread by the barcode reader.

  Reference is now made to FIGS. Both of these figures are simplified illustrations of the structure and operation of one embodiment of a quality indicator for indicating a combination of elapsed time and temperature. The quality indicator described in FIGS. 1A-1K serves to separately indicate that at two temperatures of at least 7 ° C., two different durations have been exceeded, namely 1 hour and 3 and a half hours.

  In each of FIGS. 1A-1K, the quality indicator 100 is shown in both an exploded view in the center of the drawing and a plan view of the lower portion of the drawing.

  As can be seen in the exploded views shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, the quality indicator shown here by reference numeral 100 preferably includes a barcode forming layer 102. The barcode forming layer 102 is preferably printed on a transparent substrate. Printing on the transparent substrate is preferably a plurality of background areas 103 printed with black ink and overprinted with white ink, and a plurality of barcode portions I, II, and III, preferably printed with black ink. No. 104 and, for example, Pantone No. A plurality of transparent areas 105 printed with light blue ink, such as 645, having a visual appearance similar to black ink overprinted with white ink. In the alternative, the background area 103 and the plurality of bars 104 are printed in a color that creates a high contrast between them.

  Bar codes I, II and III are preferably arranged in a stacked form. Bar codes I and II are preferably separated by intervening lines 106, which are preferably printed on a transparent substrate. The interposition line 106 is preferably substantially parallel to the barcode axis. Barcodes II and III are preferably separated by intervening lines 107, which are preferably printed on a transparent substrate. The interposition line 107 is preferably substantially parallel to the barcode axis.

  The intervening lines 106 and 107 are preferably printed with black ink and extend in the illustrated embodiment over the entire length of the bar code. In the alternative, the intervening lines 106, 107 extend as much as necessary to prevent the barcode reader from reading portions of the barcodes I, II and III as a single barcode.

  It will be appreciated that the barcodes I, II and III need not be positioned on the indicator in any particular order.

  For purposes of this specification and the claims, the phrase “transparent area” is defined to include within its scope an area that is transparent or translucent.

  The transparent area 105 is preferably part of six regions, namely a common colorable region 110 forming part of barcodes I and II, an additional colorable region 111 forming part of barcode I, and barcode II. An additional colorable region 112 forming part of the barcode II, a common colorable region 113 forming part of the barcode II and III, an additional colorable region 114 forming part of the barcode II, and a barcode III The six regions of the additional colorable region 115 forming the portion are formed.

  Preferably, the common colorable region 110 includes two transparent areas, a transparent area 116 that forms part of the barcode I and a transparent area 117 that forms part of the barcode II.

  Preferably, the common colorable region 113 includes two transparent areas, a transparent area 118 that forms part of the barcode II and a transparent area 119 that forms part of the barcode III.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, an additional colorable region 111 forming part of the barcode I appears on the right side of the transparent area 116. The transparent area 116 and the transparent area 105 forming part of the additional colorable area 111 are preferably positioned in the space between the barcode bars forming the part of the barcode I in a readable state. Bar code I in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 140 in the plan view of FIG. 1A.

  For purposes of the following description, the transparent area 105 that forms part of the additional colorable region 111 is classified into two multiple transparent areas, namely 121 and 122, as shown in FIGS. .

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, the additional colorable region 112 forming part of the barcode II appears on the left side of the transparent area 117. The transparent area 117 and the transparent area 105 forming part of the additional colorable area 112 are positioned at the bar location that appears when the barcode II is in its readable state. Barcode II in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 163 in the plan view of FIG. 1E.

  For the purposes of the following description, the transparent area 105 that forms part of the additional colorable region 112 is classified into two transparent areas 124 and 125 as shown in FIGS.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, an additional colorable area 114 forming part of the barcode II appears on the right side of the transparent area 118. The transparent area 118 and the transparent area 105 forming part of the additional colorable area 114 are preferably positioned in the space between the barcode bars forming part of the barcode II in the readable state. Barcode II in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 163 in the plan view of FIG. 1E.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, an additional colorable region 115 forming part of the bar code III appears on the left side of the transparent area 119. The transparent area 119 and the transparent area 105 forming part of the additional colorable area 115 are positioned at the bar location that appears when the bar code III is in its readable state. The bar code III in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 175 in the plan view of FIG. 1J.

  Behind the barcode forming layer 102 is a colorable element 130, such as Whatman No., commercially available from Whatman International. Three filter papers [CAT #: 1003917] are placed and preferably attached to the barcode forming layer 102. The element is usually white until colored. The colorable element 130 preferably extends behind the common colorable regions 110 and 113 and the additional colorable regions 111, 112, 114 and 115.

  A back layer 135 is provided behind the barcode forming layer 102 and behind the colorable element 130. Preferably, the back layer 135 behind the colorable element 130 includes a temperature responsive coloring element 136 such as a pad, eg blotting paper GB003, 0.8 mm thick commercially available from Whatman International. (Cat # 426890) is attached and the blotter paper is 0.3% in 80% oleic acid [CAS: 112-80-1] and 20% lauric alcohol [CAS: 112-53-8]. It is impregnated with a colorant such as Sudan Black black pigment [CAS: 4197-25-5] dissolved to a concentration. It freezes at 5 ° C and melts at 7 ° C.

  Referring now to FIG. 1A, as is apparent from the plan view, barcode I is initially in a readable state indicated by reference numeral 140. Barcode I can be read as 7290003804115 by a barcode reader, and barcodes II and III are in an unreadable state indicated by reference numerals 141 and 142, respectively.

  As is apparent from the exploded view of FIG. 1A, the transparent area 117 and the transparent area 105 that forms part of the additional colorable region 112 that forms part of the barcode II are initially uncolored. As a result, as seen in the plan view, the plurality of bars that appear when barcode II is in its readable state are missing from barcode II. Missing bar code bars result in bar code II in an initial unreadable state 141 with a low BCR level.

  As is apparent from the exploded view of FIG. 1A, the transparent area 119 and the additional colorable region 115 forming part of the barcode III are initially uncolored. As a result, as seen in the plan view, the plurality of bars that appear when the barcode III is in its readable state are missing from the barcode III. Missing bar code bars result in bar code III in an initial unreadable state 142 with a low BCR level.

  A reference that extends along a line that extends across two or more barcodes, eg, along a line indicated by reference numeral 144 that extends across barcodes I and II, or along barcodes II and III. When read by a bar code reader that scans along the line indicated by reference numeral 145, a part of at least one of the intervening lines 106, 107, eg, a part of the intervening line 106 indicated by reference numeral 146, or a reference A part of the intervening line 107 indicated by reference numeral 147 is detected by a bar code reader, and a plurality of bar code parts, in the illustrated example, bar code I and II parts, or bar code II and III part, It will be understood that it prevents reading as part of a bar code.

  Referring to FIG. 1B, as is apparent from the exploded view, when the temperature in the quality indicator exceeds 7 ° C., for example, reaches 8 ° C., the colorant indicated by reference numeral 150 begins to melt, and from the coloring element 136 It begins to be released and begins to diffuse through the colorable element 130. The colored portion of the colorable element 130 is not visible through the plurality of transparent areas 105 and, as is apparent from the plan view, the barcodes I, II and III remain unchanged.

  Referring to FIG. 1C, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130 after a predetermined amount of time at 8 ° C., for example after 30 minutes. As a result, the portion of the colorable element 130 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas indicated by reference numeral 124, so that, as is apparent from the plan view, by reference numeral 152 forming part of the barcode II. The indicated bars appear. Barcode I remains in readable state 140, barcode III remains in unreadable state 142, and the changed unreadable state of barcode II is indicated by reference numeral 153.

  The barcode bar that appears at the location of the transparent area 117 and the plurality of transparent areas 125 when the barcode II is in a readable state indicated by reference numeral 163 in FIG. 1E is still missing from the barcode II. As a result of this lack of multiple barcode bars, the BCR level of barcode II in the unreadable state 153 is still low.

  As can be seen from the top views of FIGS. 1B and 1C, fewer barcode bars are missing when the barcode II is in the unreadable state 153 than when it is in the unreadable state 141. Therefore, it can be seen that the BCR level of the barcode II in the unreadable state 153 is higher than the BCR level of the barcode II in the unreadable state 141.

  Referring to FIG. 1D, as is apparent from the exploded view, after an additional amount of time at 8 ° C., for example after an additional 25 minutes, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130. As a result, the portion of the colorable element 130 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas indicated by reference numeral 125, so that, as is apparent from the plan view, a further plurality of bars forming part of the barcode II. 154 appears. Barcode I remains in readable state 140, barcode III remains in unreadable state 142, and the changed unreadable state of barcode II is indicated by reference numeral 155. Only a single narrow barcode bar that appears at the location of transparent area 117 when barcode II is in the readable state indicated by reference numeral 163 in FIG. 1E is still missing from barcode II and The bar code bar that is present makes bar code II in state 155 unreadable.

  Since only a single narrow barcode bar is missing in the unreadable state 155, the BCR level of barcode II in the unreadable state 155 is the bar in the unreadable states 141 and 153 described in FIGS. It will be appreciated that it is higher than Code II.

  Referring to FIG. 1E, as is apparent from the exploded view, when the threshold is exceeded by the temperature in the indicator being at least 7 ° C. for at least a predetermined amount of accumulation time, eg, 8 ° C. for a total of at least 1 hour, The agent 150 diffuses through the colorable element 130 so that a portion of the colorable element 130 is visible through the common colorable region 110 including the transparent areas indicated by reference numerals 116 and 117.

  As a result of the visible portion of the colorable element 130 being visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 116, the space indicated by reference numeral 160 located between the bars of bar code I in a readable state is filled, thereby As apparent from the plan view, the barcode I is caused to exhibit an unreadable state 161.

  As a result of the visible portion of the colorable element 130 being visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 117, a single narrow barcode bar indicated by reference numeral 162 appears in barcode II, thereby creating a top view. As can be seen from the above, the bar code II is brought to a readable state 163. Barcode II can typically be read as 72938044139 by a barcode reader.

  Since the space preferably having the width of a single narrow barcode bar located between the barcode I bars in the readable state is filled, the BCR level of barcode I in the unreadable state 161 is It will be appreciated that the barcode II BCR level in the unreadable state 155 described in 1D is as high.

  Referring to FIG. 1F, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, eg, 8 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, A portion of the possible element 130 is visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 121. As a result, a plurality of spaces indicated by reference numeral 165 located between the bars of barcode I in the readable state are filled as seen in the plan view. Barcode II remains in readable state 163, barcode III remains in unreadable state 142, and barcode I exhibits a further unreadable state indicated by reference numeral 166. As a result of the coloring of the plurality of spaces 165, the BCR level of the barcode I in the unreadable state 166 is lowered.

  As is apparent from the plan views of FIGS. 1E and 1F, more space is filled between the bars of barcode I in the unreadable state 166 than in the unreadable state 161. Accordingly, it can be seen that the BCR level of the barcode I is lower in the unreadable state 166 than in the unreadable state 161.

  Referring to FIG. 1G, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, eg, 8 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, A portion of the possible element 130 is visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 122. As a result, the additional spaces indicated by reference numeral 167 located between the bars of bar code I in the readable state appear colored as seen in the plan view. Barcode II remains in readable state 163, barcode III remains in unreadable state 142, and barcode I exhibits a further unreadable state 168. As a result of the coloring of the additional spaces 167, the BCR level of barcode I in the unreadable state 168 is further reduced.

  As is apparent from the plan views of FIGS. 1F and 1G, more space is filled between the barcode I barcode bars in the unreadable state 166 than in the unreadable state 166. Accordingly, the BCR level of barcode I is lower in the unreadable state 168 than in the unreadable state 166.

  Referring to FIG. 1H, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, such as 8 ° C. for an additional hour. Further colored portions of the colorable element 130 are not visible through the plurality of transparent areas 105, and the barcodes I, II and III remain unchanged as is apparent from the plan view.

  As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 1H, the transparent area 119 and the additional colorable regions 115 forming part of the bar code III remain uncolored. As a result, as can be seen from the plan view, the bars that appear when barcode III is in the readable state indicated by reference numeral 175 in FIG. 1J are still missing from barcode III. The lack of a bar code bar results in bar code III in an unreadable state 142 with a low BCR level.

  Referring to FIG. 1I, as is apparent from the exploded view, after an additional amount of time has elapsed at 8 ° C., for example after an additional 8 hours, colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130. As a result, a portion of the colorable element 130 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas 105 that form part of an additional colorable region indicated by reference numeral 115, so that, as is apparent from the plan view, A plurality of bars 170 appear forming the bar code III portion. Barcode I remains in the unreadable state 168, barcode II remains in the readable state 163, and the changed unreadable state of barcode III is indicated by reference numeral 171. The portion of the barcode bar that appears at the location of the transparent area 119 when the barcode III is readable, only a portion having the width of a single narrow barcode bar is still from barcode III. The missing and part of the missing barcode bar renders barcode III in state 171 unreadable.

  Since only a portion of the barcode bar having the width of a single narrow barcode bar is missing in the unreadable state 171, the BCR level of barcode III in the unreadable state 171 is shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that it is higher than the Barcode III BCR level in the unreadable state 142 described in ~ 1H.

  Referring to FIG. 1J, as is apparent from the exploded view, the threshold is exceeded by the temperature at the indicator being at least 7 ° C. over at least a second predetermined accumulation time amount, eg, 8 ° C. over a total of at least 3 and a half hours. The colorant 150 diffuses through the colorable element 130 such that a portion of the colorable element 130 is visible through the common colorable region 113 including the transparent areas indicated by reference numerals 118 and 119.

  The portion of the colorable element 130 visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 118 results in the filling of the space indicated by reference numeral 172 disposed between the bars of bar code II in a readable state. Thus, as is apparent from the plan view, the barcode II is brought into the unreadable state 173.

  The portion of the colorable element 130 visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 119 results in a portion of the bar code indicated by reference numeral 174 having a single narrow bar code bar width being bar code III. Appears within. As a result, the bar code III exhibits a readable state 175, as is apparent from the plan view. Barcode III is typically readable by a barcode reader as 7290003804122.

  Since the space preferably having the width of a single narrow barcode bar located between the barcode II bars in the readable state is filled, the BCR level of barcode II in the unreadable state 173 is It will be appreciated that the barcode III BCR level in the unreadable state 171 described in 1I is as high.

  Referring to FIG. 1K, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, for example 8 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, A portion of the possible element 130 is visible through the transparent area 105 forming a portion of the additional colorable region indicated by reference numeral 114. As a result, a plurality of spaces 176 located between the bars of bar code II in a readable state are filled as seen in the plan view. Barcode I remains in an unreadable state 168, barcode III remains in a readable state 175, and barcode II exhibits a further unreadable state indicated by reference numeral 177. As the plurality of spaces 176 are filled, the BCR level of the barcode II in the unreadable state 177 is lowered.

  As can be seen from the plan views of FIGS. 1J and 1K, more space is filled between the barcode bars of the barcode II in the unreadable state 173 than in the unreadable state 173. Accordingly, the BCR level of barcode II is lower in the unreadable state 177 than in the unreadable state 173.

  It will be appreciated that when the temperature drops below 7 ° C., the colorant 150 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 130. If the temperature drops below 5 ° C after the temperature reaches 7 ° C, the colorant 150 becomes solid and diffusion through the colorable element 130 is suspended until the temperature reaches 7 ° C again. The

  Reference is now made to FIGS. Both of these figures are simplified illustrations of the structure and operation of one embodiment of a quality indicator for indicating a combination of elapsed time and temperature. The quality indicators described in FIGS. 2A-2K serve to indicate separately that two different temperatures have been exceeded, ie, temperatures of 7 ° C. and 10 ° C., for a duration of at least 1 hour at each temperature.

  In each of FIGS. 2A-2K, the quality indicator 200 is shown in both an exploded view in the center of the drawing and a plan view of the lower portion of the drawing.

  As can be seen in the exploded views shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, the quality indicator indicated here by reference numeral 200 preferably includes a barcode forming layer 202. The barcode forming layer 202 is preferably printed on a transparent substrate. The printing on the transparent substrate is preferably a background area 203 printed with black ink and overprinted with white ink, and a plurality of barcode portions IV, V, and VI preferably printed with black ink. Bar 204, and preferably Pantone No. A plurality of transparent areas 205 printed with light blue ink, such as 645, having a visual appearance similar to, for example, black ink overprinted with white ink. In the alternative, the background area 203 and the bars 204 are printed in a color that creates a high contrast between them.

  The barcodes IV, V and VI are preferably arranged in a stacked form. Bar codes IV and V are preferably separated by an intervening wire 206. The interposition line 206 is preferably printed on a transparent substrate, and the interposition line 206 is preferably substantially parallel to the axis of the barcode. The barcodes V and VI are preferably separated by intervening lines 207, which are preferably printed on a transparent substrate. The interposition line 207 is preferably substantially parallel to the barcode axis.

  The interposition lines 206, 207 are preferably printed with black ink and extend the entire length of the barcode in the illustrated embodiment. In the alternative, the interposition lines 206, 207 extend as much as necessary to prevent the barcode reader from reading the portions of barcodes IV, V and VI as a single barcode.

  It will be appreciated that the barcodes IV, V and VI need not be positioned on the indicator in any particular order.

  The transparent area 205 is preferably part of six regions, namely a common colorable region 210 forming part of the barcodes IV and V, an additional colorable region 211 forming part of the barcode IV, and a barcode V An additional colorable region 212 forming part of the barcode V and VI, a common colorable region 213 forming part of the barcode V and VI, an additional colorable region 214 forming part of the barcode V, and a barcode VI Form part of the six regions of the additional colorable region 215 forming part.

  Preferably, the common colorable region 210 includes two transparent areas, a transparent area 216 that forms part of the barcode IV and a transparent area 217 that forms part of the barcode V.

  Preferably, the common colorable region 213 includes two transparent areas, a transparent area 218 that forms part of the bar code V and a transparent area 219 that forms part of the bar code VI.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, an additional colorable region 211 forming part of the barcode IV appears on the right side of the transparent area 216. The transparent area 216 and the transparent area 205 forming part of the additional colorable area 211 are preferably positioned in the space between the barcode bars forming the part of the bar code IV in a readable state. The bar code IV in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 240 in the plan view of FIG. 2A.

  For the purposes of the following description, the transparent area 205 that forms part of the additional colorable region 211 is classified into two transparent areas 221 and 222 as shown in FIGS.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, an additional colorable region 212 forming part of the barcode V appears on the left side of the transparent area 217. The transparent area 217 and the transparent area 205 forming part of the additional colorable area 212 are positioned at the bar location that appears when the barcode V is in its readable state. The bar code V in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 263 in the plan view of FIG. 2E.

  For the purposes of the following description, the transparent area 205 that forms part of the additional colorable region 212 is classified into two transparent areas 224 and 225 as shown in FIGS.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, an additional colorable region 214 forming part of the barcode V appears on the left side of the transparent area 218. The transparent area 218 and the transparent area 205 forming part of the additional colorable area 214 are preferably positioned in the space between the barcode bars forming the part of the barcode V in the readable state. The bar code V in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 263 in the plan view of FIG. 2E.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, an additional colorable area 215 forming part of the barcode VI appears on the right side of the transparent area 219. The transparent area 219 and the transparent area 205 that forms part of the additional colorable area 215 are positioned at the location of the bar that appears when the barcode VI is in its readable state. The bar code VI in the readable state is indicated by reference numeral 275 in the plan view of FIG. 2J.

  Behind the barcode forming layer 202 is a colorable element 230, such as Whatman No., commercially available from Whatman International. Three filter papers [CAT #: 100003917] are placed and preferably attached to the barcode forming layer 202. This colorable element 230 is usually white until colored. The colorable element 230 preferably extends behind the common colorable region 210 and the additional colorable regions 211 and 212.

  Also behind the barcode forming layer 202 is an additional colorable element 232, such as Whatman No., commercially available from Whatman International. Three filter papers [CAT #: 100003917] are also disposed and preferably attached to the barcode forming layer 202. This colorable element 232 is usually white until colored. The colorable element 232 is preferably adjacent to the colorable element 230 and preferably extends behind the common colorable area 213 and the additional colorable areas 214 and 215.

  Instead of including two separate colorable elements, the indicator according to the invention may also include a single colorable element separated into two parts by a separator formed from an ink impermeable material, for example varnish. It will be understood that it can be done.

  A back layer 235 is disposed behind the barcode forming layer 202 and behind the colorable elements 230 and 232.

  Preferably, the back layer 235 behind the colorable element 230 includes a temperature responsive coloring element 236, such as a pad, for example blotting paper GB003, 0.8 mm thick commercially available from Whatman International. (Cat # 426890) is attached and the blotter paper is 0.3% in 80% oleic acid [CAS: 112-80-1] and 20% lauric alcohol [CAS: 112-53-8]. It is impregnated with a colorant such as Sudan Black black pigment [CAS: 4197-25-5] dissolved to a concentration. It freezes at 5 ° C and melts at 7 ° C.

  Preferably, the backing layer 235 also has a temperature-responsive coloring element 238, such as a pad, such as a pad, commercially available from Whatman International, GB003, 0. 8 mm thick (cat # 426890) is attached, and the blotter paper is dissolved in 100% decyl decanoate [CAS: 1654-86-0] to a concentration of 0.3%, for example Sudan Black ) Of a black pigment [CAS: 4197-25-5]. It freezes at 9 ° C and melts at 10 ° C.

  Referring now to FIG. 2A, as is apparent from the plan view, barcode IV is initially in a readable state indicated by reference numeral 240. Barcode IV can be read by a barcode reader as 7290003804115, and barcodes V and VI are in an unreadable state indicated by reference numerals 241 and 242, respectively.

  As is apparent from the exploded view of FIG. 2A, the transparent area 217 and the transparent area 205 forming the portion of the additional colorable region 212 forming the portion of the barcode V are initially uncolored. As a result, as seen in the plan view, the plurality of bars that appear when the barcode V is in its readable state are missing from the barcode V. Missing bar code bars result in bar code V in an initial unreadable state 241 with a low BCR level.

  As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 2A, the transparent area 219 and the additional colorable region 215 forming part of the barcode VI are initially uncolored. As a result, as seen in the plan view, the plurality of bars that appear when the barcode VI is in its readable state are missing from the barcode VI. Missing bar code bars result in a bar code VI that is in an initial unreadable state 242 with a low BCR level.

  Reference signs that the indicator extends along a line extending across two or more barcodes, for example along the line indicated by reference numeral 244 extending across barcodes IV and V, or along barcodes V and VI When read by a bar code reader that scans along the line indicated by H.245, a part of at least one of the intervening lines 206 and 207, e.g. A portion of the intervening line 207 indicated by 247 is detected by the barcode reader, and a plurality of barcode portions, in the example shown, portions of barcodes IV and V, or portions of barcodes V and VI are single-ended. It will be understood that it prevents reading as part of a bar code.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, as is apparent from the exploded view, when the temperature in the quality indicator exceeds 7 ° C., for example when the temperature reaches 8 ° C., the colorant indicated by reference numeral 250 begins to melt and the coloring element It begins to be released from 236 and begins to diffuse through the colorable element 230. The colored portion of the colorable element 230 is not visible through the plurality of transparent areas 205 and, as is apparent from the plan view, the barcodes IV, V and VI remain unchanged.

  Referring to FIG. 2C, as is apparent from the exploded view, after a predetermined amount of time at 8 ° C., for example after 30 minutes, the colorant 250 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 230. As a result, the portion of the colorable element 230 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas indicated by reference numeral 224, so that, as is apparent from the plan view, by reference numeral 252 forming the portion of barcode V The indicated bars appear. Barcode IV remains in readable state 240, barcode VI remains in unreadable state 242, and a changed unreadable state of barcode V is indicated by reference numeral 253.

  When the barcode V is in the readable state indicated by reference numeral 263 in FIG. 2E, the barcode bar appearing at the transparent area 217 and the plurality of transparent areas 225 is still missing from the barcode V. As a result of this lack of multiple barcode bars, the BCR level of barcode V in the unreadable state 253 is still low.

  As can be seen from the plan views of FIGS. 2B and 2C, fewer barcode bars are missing when the barcode V is in the unreadable state 253 than when it is in the unreadable state 241. Therefore, it can be seen that the BCR level of the barcode II in the unreadable state 253 is higher than the BCR level of the barcode V in the unreadable state 241.

  Referring to FIG. 2D, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 250 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 230 after a further amount of time at 8 ° C., for example after an additional 25 minutes. As a result, the portion of the colorable element 230 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas indicated by reference numeral 225, so that a further plurality of bars forming a portion of the bar code V, as is apparent from the plan view. 254 appears. Barcode IV remains in readable state 240, barcode VI remains in unreadable state 242, and a changed unreadable state of barcode V is indicated by reference numeral 255. Only a single narrow barcode bar that appears at the location of the transparent area 217 when the barcode V is in the readable state indicated by reference numeral 263 in FIG. The bar code bar that is present makes bar code V in state 255 unreadable.

  Since only a single narrow barcode bar is missing in the unreadable state 255, the BCR level of barcode V in the unreadable state 255 is the bar in the unreadable states 241 and 253 described in FIGS. It will be appreciated that it is higher than code V.

  Referring to FIG. 2E, as is apparent from the exploded view, when the threshold is exceeded by the temperature in the indicator being at least 7 ° C. for at least a predetermined amount of accumulation time, eg, 8 ° C. for a total of at least 1 hour, The agent 250 diffuses through the colorable element 230 so that a portion of the colorable element 230 is visible through the common colorable region 210 including the transparent areas indicated by reference numerals 216 and 217.

  As a result of the portion of the colorable element 230 being visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 216, the space indicated by reference numeral 260 located between the bars of bar code IV in a readable state is filled, As can be seen from the plan view, the bar code IV is caused to exhibit an unreadable state 261.

  As a result of the visible portion of the colorable element 230 being visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 217, a single narrow barcode bar indicated by reference numeral 262 appears in the barcode V, thereby providing a plan view. As can be seen from the above, the bar code V has a readable state 263. Barcode V can typically be read as 73000804139 by a barcode reader.

  The BCR level of barcode IV in the unreadable state 261 is shown in the figure because a space preferably having the width of a single narrow barcode bar located between the barcode IV bars in the readable state is filled. It will be appreciated that the BCR level of barcode V in the unreadable state 255 described in 2D is as high.

  Referring to FIG. 2F, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 250 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 230 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, eg, 8 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, A portion of the possible element 230 is visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 221. As a result, a plurality of spaces indicated by reference numeral 265 located between the bars of bar code IV in a readable state are filled as seen in the plan view. Barcode V remains in readable state 263, barcode VI remains in unreadable state 242, and barcode IV exhibits a further unreadable state indicated by reference numeral 266. As a result of the plurality of spaces 265 being filled, the BCR level of barcode IV in the unreadable state 266 is lowered.

  As is apparent from the plan views of FIGS. 2E and 2F, more space is filled between the barcode bar of the barcode IV in the unreadable state 266 than in the unreadable state 261. Accordingly, the BCR level of barcode IV is lower in the unreadable state 266 than in the unreadable state 261.

  Referring to FIG. 2G, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 250 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 230 if the temperature is at least 7 ° C. for an additional amount of time, eg, 8 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, A portion of the possible element 230 is visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 222. As a result, additional spaces indicated by reference numeral 267 located between the bars of bar code IV in a readable state are filled as seen in the plan view. Barcode V remains in readable state 263, barcode VI remains in unreadable state 242, and barcode IV exhibits a further unreadable state 268. As a result of the additional spaces 267 being filled, the BCR level of barcode IV in the unreadable state 268 is further reduced.

  As is apparent from the plan views of FIGS. 2F and 2G, more space is filled between the barcode bars of the barcode IV in the unreadable state 268 than in the unreadable state 266. Accordingly, the BCR level of barcode IV is lower in the unreadable state 268 than in the unreadable state 266.

  It will be appreciated that if the temperature drops below 7 ° C., the colorant 250 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 230. If the temperature drops below 5 ° C after the temperature reaches 7 ° C, the colorant 250 becomes solid and diffusion through the colorable element 230 is suspended until the temperature reaches 7 ° C again. The

  Referring to FIG. 2H, as apparent from the exploded view, when the temperature in the quality indicator exceeds 10 ° C., for example when the temperature reaches 12 ° C., the colorant indicated by reference numeral 269 begins to melt and the coloration It begins to be emitted from element 238 and begins to diffuse through the colorable element 232. The colored portion of the colorable element 232 is not visible through the plurality of transparent areas 205 and, as is apparent from the plan view, the barcodes IV, V and VI remain unchanged.

  As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 2H, the transparent area 219 and the additional colorable regions 215 that form part of the barcode VI remain uncolored. As a result, as can be seen from the plan view, the bars that appear when the barcode VI is in the readable state indicated by reference numeral 275 in FIG. 2J are still missing from the barcode VI. The lack of a bar code bar results in an unreadable bar code VI with a low BCR level.

  If the temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature before exceeding the first threshold including the first predetermined duration at the first predetermined temperature, the colorant reactive to the second threshold temperature exceeds the first threshold. It will be appreciated that the common colorable areas that serve to indicate the color begin to melt and become released from the corresponding coloring elements before being colored. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, if the temperature exceeds 10 ° C. before exceeding 1 hour at a temperature of at least 7 ° C., before the common colorable region 210 is colored by the colorant 250. The colorant 269 begins to melt and be released from the coloring element 238.

  Referring to FIG. 2I, as is apparent from the exploded view, after a predetermined amount of time at 12 ° C., for example 55 minutes, colorant 269 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 232. As a result, a portion of the colorable element 232 can be seen through a plurality of transparent areas 205 that form part of an additional colorable region indicated by reference numeral 215, so that, as is apparent from the plan view, A plurality of bars 270 appearing forming the barcode VI portion. Barcode IV remains in an unreadable state 268, barcode V remains in a readable state 263, and the changed unreadable state of barcode VI is indicated by reference numeral 271. Only a single narrow barcode bar that appears at the location of the transparent area 219 when the barcode VI is readable is still missing from the barcode VI, and the missing barcode bar is in the state 271. The bar code VI on the screen is made unreadable.

  Since only a single narrow barcode bar is missing in the unreadable state 271, the BCR level of the barcode VI in the unreadable state 271 is the barcode VI in the unreadable state 242 described in FIGS. It will be understood that it is higher.

  Referring to FIG. 2J, as is apparent from the exploded view, the second threshold was exceeded by the temperature at the indicator being at least 10 ° C. for at least a predetermined amount of accumulation time, eg, 12 ° C. for a total of at least 1 hour. Sometimes the colorant 269 diffuses through the colorable element 232 so that a portion of the colorable element 232 is visible through the common colorable region 213 including the transparent areas indicated by reference numerals 218 and 219.

  The portion of the colorable element 232 visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 218 results in the filling of the space indicated by reference numeral 272 disposed between the bars of the bar code V in a readable state. Thus, as apparent from the plan view, the bar code V exhibits the unreadable state 273.

  As a result of the visible portion of the colorable element 232 being visible through the transparent area indicated by reference numeral 219, a single narrow bar code bar indicated by reference numeral 274 appears in the bar code VI, thereby causing the As can be seen, the bar code VI exhibits a readable state 275. Barcode VI can typically be read as 7290003804122 by a barcode reader.

  Since the space preferably having the width of a single narrow barcode bar located between the barcode V bars in the readable state is filled, the BCR level of barcode V in the unreadable state 273 is It will be appreciated that the BVI level of the barcode VI in the unreadable state 271 described in 2I is as high.

  Since the distance between the common colorable region 213 and the coloring element 238 is at least equal to the distance between the common colorable region 210 and the coloring element 236, the common colorable region 213 is not colored before the common colorable region 210. It will be understood that it will not become colored. In the alternative, the colorable elements 230 and 232 are formed from different materials so that diffusion along the colorable element 232 is slower than diffusion along the colorable element 230.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the indicator of the present invention may be useful to indicate that a threshold has been exceeded that is not always exceeded in the same order. For example, use to indicate exceeding the first threshold and the second threshold such that the first threshold includes a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the second threshold, but includes a duration that is longer than the duration of the second threshold. Can do.

  According to this embodiment, in the indicators shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, the barcodes IV and V both have a threshold that is more likely to be indicated second, eg, the second threshold that includes a higher temperature. An additional colorable area is added to the bar code IV so that it becomes unreadable in response to exceeding.

  According to this embodiment, if the first threshold is exceeded before the second threshold is exceeded, the first threshold is exceeded by the barcode IV becoming unreadable and the barcode V being readable. To be directed. Exceeding the second threshold is indicated by the barcode V becoming unreadable and the barcode VI being readable. Barcodes IV that are unreadable after exceeding the first threshold are still unreadable regardless of the additional colorable area.

  However, if the first threshold value is exceeded after the second threshold value is exceeded, the first threshold value is not instructed to exceed. This is because both barcodes IV and V become unreadable following the second threshold being exceeded.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the colorable element is not separated into two parts, and the indication of exceeding the second threshold is a temperature at or above the predetermined temperature of the first threshold. Can result from exceeding the second duration.

  Referring to FIG. 2K, as is apparent from the exploded view, the colorant 269 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 232 if the temperature is at least 10 ° C. for an additional amount of time, eg, 12 ° C. for an additional 30 minutes, so that the coloration A portion of the possible element 232 is visible through the transparent area 205 that forms part of the additional colorable region indicated by reference numeral 214. As a result, a plurality of spaces 276 located between the bars of the barcode V in the readable state are filled as seen in the plan view. Barcode IV remains in the unreadable state 268, barcode VI remains in the readable state 275, and barcode V exhibits a further unreadable state indicated by reference numeral 277. As a result of the multiple spaces 276 being filled, the BCR level of the barcode V in the unreadable state 277 is lowered.

  As can be seen from the plan views of FIGS. 2J and 2K, more space is filled between the barcode bars of barcode V in the unreadable state 273 than in the unreadable state 273. Therefore, it can be seen that the BCR level of the bar code V is lower in the unreadable state 277 than in the unreadable state 273.

  It is understood that the colorant 269 continues to diffuse through the colorable element 232 if the temperature drops below 10 ° C. If the temperature drops below 9 ° C. after the temperature reaches 10 ° C., the colorant 269 becomes solid and its diffusion through the colorable element 232 pauses until the temperature reaches 10 ° C. again. Is done.

  In the embodiment described in FIGS. 2A-2K, the colorant 269 moves from right to left along the coloring element 232, so that the additional colorable region 214 forming part of the barcode V is the transparent area 218. An additional colorable area 215 that appears on the left side of, and forms part of the barcode VI appears on the right side of the transparent area 219. In the alternative, the colorant 269 moves from left to right along the coloring element 232, then the additional colorable region 214 appears to the right of the transparent area 218, and the additional colorable region 215 corresponds to the transparent area 219. Appears on the left.

  The phrase “barcode bar above a single narrow barcode bar” means above one barcode bar, the barcode bar being narrow or wide, or wide Part of a bar code bar, said part being the same width as a narrow bar code bar.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2K, the colorable areas that form part of the additional colorable area and the common colorable area are colored sequentially. In the alternative, the colorable areas forming part of the additional colorable area and the common colorable area are colored substantially simultaneously.

  The term “substantially simultaneously” as defined in this application means within a short time.

  It will be appreciated that instead of being initially uncolored and becoming colored, the colorable area can be initially colored and uncolored.

  Preferably, as the colorable area becomes colored, a bar code bar or part thereof will appear and the space between the bar code or part of the bar code will be filled. In the alternative, as the colorable area becomes colored, the bar code bar or portion thereof disappears, and a space or portion of space appears between the bar code bars.

  It is further clear that the quality indicator may only serve to indicate an excess after its activation. In the alternative, as shown in the description and drawings of the present application, the quality indicator may serve to indicate an overrun without activation.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the barcodes forming part of the quality indicator can each indicate an arbitrary number or alphanumeric string. In addition or in the alternative, the bar codes forming part of the quality indicator may be, for example, EAN, UPC, interleaved 2 of 5, code 39, code 39 extended, code 93, code 93 extended, code 128 Any suitable bar code standard can be followed, including codes 128A, B and C, ISBN, Code bar and Data Matrix. Thus, different barcodes that form part of the same quality indicator can follow different barcode standards. For example, the quality indicator may include a first barcode according to the EAN 13 standard and a second barcode according to the interleaved 2 of 5 standard. As a result, if the checkout scanner's bar code reader only works to read the EAN13 bar code standard and then the first bar code becomes unreadable, the indicator will no longer present the readable bar code to the checkout scanner. There is no. However, the indicator can still be read by a bar code reader that serves to read the interleaved 2 of 5 standard.

  An indicator according to the present invention can include more than four barcodes, in which case only one barcode is readable at almost any time, and a readable barcode becomes unreadable as a result of exceeding a threshold; It will be appreciated that one of the unreadable bar codes can be read.

  It will be appreciated that the background of the bar code forming layer of the indicator may be printed in a dark color and the bar of the bar code may be printed in a light color.

  Melting of the colorant may be caused by changes in ambient parameters other than temperature, such as changes in pH, humidity, or the presence of certain chemicals, thereby indicating an over-threshold associated with such parameters. It will be appreciated that it allows the use of the indicators described in the present invention to do so.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention covers both the various features of the present invention, and variations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art after reading the above description, as well as combinations and subcombinations of variations not found in the prior art. including.

Claims (10)

A bar-coded indicator that serves to indicate in a machine-readable manner that at least one threshold has been exceeded by at least one parameter affecting product quality;
A first bar code including a first plurality of bar codes and at least one first colorable area , wherein the first bar is in a first bar code readable state before the at least one threshold is exceeded. Code ,
A second plurality of barcode bars and at least a second barcode including at least a second colorable area , wherein the second barcode is in a second barcode readable state after the at least one threshold is exceeded ; ,
At least one intervening line extending between the first barcode and the at least second barcode, wherein the barcode reader includes a portion of the first barcode and a portion of the at least second barcode. At least one intervening line that can be prevented from being read as part of a single barcode ,
The at least one first colorable area and the at least second colorable area comprise at least one common colorable area;
The at least one first colorable area also includes at least one additional first colorable area;
The at least second colorable area also includes at least one additional second colorable area;
If the at least one threshold is exceeded, the first barcode becomes unreadable as a result of the coloring of the at least one common colorable area forming part of the at least one first colorable area. At the same time, the at least second barcode becomes readable as a result of the coloring of the at least one common colorable area forming part of the at least second colorable area;
Indicator with bar code. The first barcode is readable before the at least one threshold is exceeded;
The second barcode is unreadable before the at least one threshold is exceeded;
When the at least one threshold is exceeded, the first barcode becomes unreadable as a result of coloring of at least a portion of the at least one first colorable area, and at about the same time the at least second barcode is: The barcoded quality indicator of claim 1, wherein the quality indicator is readable as a result of coloration of at least a portion of the at least second colorable area. The at least one first colorable area is initially uncolored and initially forms a first set of colorable areas, wherein the first set of parts is The first barcode is located in a location between the bars of the first barcode when the first barcode is ready to be read before the at least one threshold is exceeded;
The at least second colorable area is initially uncolored and initially forms a second set of portions of a plurality of uncolorable areas, the second set of parts being Located at the bar location of the second barcode that appears only when the second barcode is ready to read a second barcode after exceeding the at least one threshold;
The at least second barcode is in a second barcode unreadable state before the at least one threshold is exceeded,
The barcoded quality of claim 2, wherein a barcode bar that exceeds a single narrow barcode bar is missing from the at least second barcode as a result of the second set being uncolored. indicator.   The barcoded quality indicator of claim 3, wherein the colorable areas forming at least one portion of the first set of colorable areas and the second set of colorable areas are sequentially colored.   5. The bar code according to claim 1, wherein the at least one intervening line appears in the same color as at least one of the first and second bar code bars. Quality indicator.   The quality indicator with a barcode according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one intervening line extends along the entire length of the first and second barcodes. A colorant disposed in a first location on the indicator;
A colorant pathway that serves to allow the colorant to move at a rate that is at least partially a function of time from the first location to the first and second colorable areas for coloring. The quality indicator with a bar code according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   The colorant pathway serves to allow the colorant to move by diffusing from the first location to the first colorable area and the second colorable area. Quality indicator with barcode as stated. 9. Barcoded indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, which serves to indicate in a machine-readable manner that at least one additional threshold is exceeded by at least one parameter affecting product quality. Because
A third plurality of bar codes and at least a third bar code comprising at least a third colorable area;
And at least one additional intervening line extending between the at least second barcode and the at least third barcode,
The additional intervening line may prevent the barcode reader from reading the at least second barcode portion and the at least third barcode portion as a single barcode portion. Corded indicator. The at least third barcode is unreadable before the at least one additional threshold is exceeded;
The at least second barcode includes at least a fourth colorable area;
When the at least one additional threshold is exceeded, the at least second barcode becomes unreadable as a result of coloring at least a portion of the at least fourth colorable area, and at about the same time the at least third bar. 10. The bar code indicator according to claim 9, wherein the code becomes readable as a result of coloring at least a part of the at least third colorable area.

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