Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for identification and tracking. The apparatus includes a receiver guide and an applicator. The receiver guide receives a selected portion, such as a fingernail, of a target subject. The target subject may be a human or an animal. The applicator semi-permanently disposes an identification code on an application surface of the target subject. The identification code includes an encoded identifier of identification information corresponding to the target subject. The described apparatus, system, and method advantageously provide better identification and tracking of identification information for the target subject.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/501,797 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Identification and Tracking” and filed on Sep. 10, 2003 for C. Martin Hinckley, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/913,825 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Identification and Tracking” and filed on Aug. 6, 2004 for C. Martin Hinckley, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Technological Field  
         [0003]     Embodiments of the invention relate to labeling and identification and, more particularly, relate to using an identification code to identify a target subject, such as a human or animal.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Various types of identification methods are currently employed in all different industries to identify and track individuals, animals, packages, inventory, and so forth. Among the conventional technologies directed at identifying and tracking individuals and animals are several practical methods and systems, as well as many impractical methods and systems.  
         [0006]     Some of the more common identification techniques include tagging humans or animals with a visual identifier. In the case of animals, this may mean branding an animal, fastening a color-coded identifier to the animal&#39;s ear, or placing a band around the animals neck or leg. In the case of humans, identification techniques vary depending on the desired permanency of the identification system. Among the practical and accepted identification techniques are stamping the back of a person&#39;s hand, placing a wristband or ankle-band around an arm or leg, attaching a badge to the person&#39;s clothing or to a lanyard around the person&#39;s neck. More permanent methods also may be employed, but may be considered outside the technological field of the present invention.  
         [0007]     One of the disadvantages of conventional identification techniques is the limited capability of identifying a person with substantial amounts of information. For example, at amusement parks an individual patron may be identified with only a colored hand stamp. In another example, a hospital patient may be identified by a plasticized wristband on which the patient&#39;s name and other limited information may be printed. While other methods exist to identify an individual with larger amounts of data, the detachability of such devices usually becomes greater allowing the identification devices to be lost or otherwise misplaced. In another extreme, some identification devices are more permanently placed on or even within the person, e.g., sub-epidermal capsules containing electronic transmitters, which may lead to obvious health risks and difficult market acceptance.  
         [0008]     Another disadvantage with conventional identification techniques is the permanency of the devices and mechanisms used to dispose the identification information on a human or animal. In most instances, stamps may be washed off, bands may be cut or torn, badges may be unclipped, stickers may fail to adhere, and so forth. In fact, in some instances, such as during medical procedures, such identification bands may be cut off to aid in accessing a particular area or appendage, despite the need for continued identification. Likewise, identification devices that are attached to a person&#39;s clothing is likely to be lost or removed during a medical procedure in which the medical staff must access an area of the body underneath the person&#39;s clothing. Furthermore, in the case of electronic devices, such devices may fail to operate due to failures in the electronics or power supply. Additionally, the effects of extraneous radio waves on the operational integrity of such electronic devices may be unknown or even detrimental.  
         [0009]     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method to identify and track a target subject that overcomes these and other disadvantages of convention identification and tracking technologies. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be free from many forms of unwanted removal, would not rely on a power source within the portable identifier, and would be capable of storing a relatively large amount of data compared to conventional devices.  
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
       [0010]     Embodiments of the present invention have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available identification and tracking systems. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention have been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for identification and tracking that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a receiver guide and an applicator. The receiver guide receives a selected portion, such as a fingernail, of a target subject. The target subject may be a human or an animal. The applicator semi-permanently disposes an identification code on an application surface of the target subject. The identification code includes an encoded identifier of identification information corresponding to the target subject. The described apparatus, system, and method advantageously provide better identification and tracking of identification information for the target subject.  
         [0012]     More detailed embodiments, features, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method are described below and evident from the claims. Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0013]     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the various embodiments of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.  
         [0014]     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an identification system;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an identification code;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of a carrier medium with an identification code;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of one embodiment of the carrier medium with the identification code of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating another side view of one embodiment of the carrier medium with the identification code of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of an application medium with an identification code;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of one embodiment of the application medium with the identification code of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating another side view of one embodiment of the application medium with the identification code of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded side view of one embodiment of an application system;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded front view of the application system of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of an identification code and a transparent carrier medium applied to a fingernail;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded side view of another embodiment of an application system;  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded front view of the application system of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of an identification code and a non-transparent carrier medium applied to a fingernail;  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a modified identification code;  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of one embodiment of an application system using the modified identification code of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an application system;  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram illustrating another perspective view of an application system;  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an identification system;  
         [0035]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of one embodiment of a kiss cut of an identification code;  
         [0036]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram illustrating a sectional side view of one embodiment of a kiss cut of an identification code;  
         [0037]      FIGS. 22   a  through  22   d  are a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of an identification method;  
         [0038]      FIG. 23  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an identification code applicator;  
         [0039]      FIG. 24  is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an identification code applicator;  
         [0040]      FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of another embodiment of an application system;  
         [0041]      FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of another embodiment of an application system; and  
         [0042]      FIG. 27  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of another embodiment of an application system.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0043]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0044]     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as materials, structures, processes, and so forth, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 1  depicts an identification system  20  for identifying and tracking a target subject such as a person or an animal. In particular, in one embodiment, the identification system  20  may be employed to identify and track patients in a hospital or other medical environment. Alternatively, the identification system  20  may be employed to identify and track animals within a designated area, such as cattle on a ranch or in a zoo. In further embodiments, the illustrated identification system  20  may be employed in other industries and applications where tracking humans or animals may be convenient or necessary, including amusement parks, convention centers, airline ticketing, and so forth.  
         [0046]     The illustrated identification system  20  includes a computer system  22 , an identification code applicator  24 , an identification code  26 , and an identification code scanner  28 . Additionally, the identification system  20  includes software (not shown) that may be stored on individual system components, such as the computer system  22 , identification code applicator  24  and/or identification code scanner  28 , and configured to carry out one or more processes associated with the identification system  20 .  
         [0047]     The computer system  22  is configured to store data corresponding to a target subject. In one embodiment, the computer system  22  may store medical records and patient records that correspond to the identification code  26 . In further embodiments, the computer system  22  may store schedules, financial records, or other records that may correspond to a target subject. The computer system  22  communicates with the identification code applicator  24  to apply the identification code  26  to a carrier medium (refer to  FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, the identification code applicator  24  may be configured to encode the data in a particular identification code format, as discussed below. Alternatively, the computer system  22  may encode the data.  
         [0048]     In one embodiment, the identification code scanner  28  is configured to read and decode the identification code  26  and convert the identification code  26  into intelligible information that may be conveyed to a person. The identification code scanner  28  may convey information to a user in the form of printed text or graphics, audible codes or voice, or any other intelligible format. In a further embodiment, the identification code scanner  28  is configured to communicate digital signals to the computer system  22  in order to transfer a digital representation of the identification code  26  to the computer system  22  or to receive data corresponding to the identification code  26  from the computer system  22 . For example, the identification code scanner  28  may communicate with the computer system  22  via wireless or hardwired communications channels, including Ethernet, wireless, peer-to-peer, ad-hoc, fiber, and so forth.  
         [0049]     The identification code scanner  28  or computer system  22  may be further configured to require an authorization code, such as a patient or health provider code, in order to scan or otherwise access the information encoded in the identification code  26 . Additionally, the identification code scanner  28  may be configured to initiate an alarm or lock out certain functions if, for example, blood or medicine, which also may be scanned and identified, does not correspond to an identified patient. Similarly, the computer system  22  or identification code scanner  28  may track which patients have been visited at certain times and sound an alert if a specific patient has not been visited within a specified time frame.  
         [0050]      FIG. 1  also illustrates additional components of the identification system  20 . Namely, the identification system  20  may include a portable electronic device  22   a , such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable printer  24   a . The portable electronic device  22   a  may be configured to communicate with the identification code scanner  28 , the computer system  22 , and the portable printer  24   a . In further embodiments, the portable electronic device  22   a  may also communicate bi-directionally with these and other system components. The portable printer  24   a  may be configured to print identification codes  26 , as described herein, as well as other codes that may or may not be scannable by the identification code scanner  28 . For example, the portable printer may print conventional bar codes on identification tags that may also include identification codes  26 . In a further embodiment of the system  20 , the functionality of the several components may be combined in one or more devices, for example, a PDA/scanner, a PDA/printer, a scanner/printer, or a PDA/scanner/printer.  
         [0051]      FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of an identification code  30  that is substantially similar to the identification code  26  of  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the identification code  30  is configured to store patient information, including some or all of the con following: name, age, birth date, patient visit record number, patient medical record number, blood type, current medications, allergic reactions, and so forth. The illustrated identification code  30  is a matrix identification code that is a visual representation of data that employs Reed-Solomon error correction and data redundancy. The data represented in any identification code, barcode, or other data code format may be encrypted and employ data compression. A matrix identification code is currently scalable between approximately 1 millimeter square to 35.5 centimeters square. The scalability of the matrix identification code is dependent on the fidelity of the marking device, such as a printer, and the optics of the scanning device, such as the identification code scanner  28 .  
         [0052]     In other embodiments, the identification code may be integrated or concealed in a picture or image. Alternatively, the identification code may be incorporated into a generally recognizable shape. For example, the identification code may be in the form of or integrated into the shape of a cartoon character. In a further example, the identification code may be integrated into or in the shape of a phone, a ship, a plane, a corporate logo, or another recognizable picture or image.  
         [0053]     In one embodiment, the identification code scanner  28  is a charge coupled device (CCD) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), similar to a digital video camera, that can read the matrix identification code  30  from various distances. Some identification code scanners  28  may be configured to read the identification code  30  at virtually zero distance when the identification code scanner  28  is in physical contact with the identification code  30 . Other identification code scanners  28  may be configured to read the identification code  30  from a range of distance such as 3 to 20 inches, or another distance that is closer to or farther from the identification code  30 . Additionally, the identification code  30  may be one dimensional, such as a conventional UPC bar code, or two dimensional, such as the Data Matrix, MaxiCode, PDF, or QR Code bar codes, or three dimensional barcodes. In one embodiment, the matrix identification code  30  is employed to take advantage of its scalability, insensitivity to damage, error correction, compactness, low error rates, and other desirable attributes.  
         [0054]      FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment of a carrier medium  32  with an identification code  34  applied to the carrier medium  32 . The identification code  34  of  FIG. 3  is substantially similar to the identification code  30  of  FIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the carrier medium  32  is an abrasion resistant laminate, such as polyethelene (PET). The identification code  34  is applied to the carrier medium  32  within an area that may be defined by one or more separation guidelines  36 . The separation guideline  36  also may be used in removing the section of the carrier medium  32  to which the identification code  34  is applied from the rest of the carrier medium  32 . The section may be removed by cutting, die cutting, punching, or other known removal means. In one embodiment, kiss-cutting may be employed to cut through only a given number of the layers disposed on or near the carrier medium  32 . One example of kiss-cutting is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 20 . The carrier medium  32  may be composed of one or more layers, including paper, plastic, metal foil, adhesives, and so forth.  
         [0055]     The identification code  34  may be applied to the carrier medium  32  using a variety of methods, including printing, laser marking, adhesion, engraving, or another similar marking technique or combination of marking techniques. In one embodiment, the identification code applicator  24  may be configured to apply the identification code  34  to the carrier medium  32  by printing the identification code  34  on the carrier medium  32 . For example, the identification code applicator  24  may be a conventional inkjet, laser, or thermal printer, such as a Brothers™ label printer. In a further embodiment, the identification code applicator  24  may be configured to punch or cut the appropriate section from the carrier medium  32  as delineated by the separation guidelines  36 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of an identification code  34  applied to a carrier medium  38 . The illustrated carrier medium  38  defines an exposed face  40  and a bond face  42 . In one embodiment, the carrier medium  38  is transparent and the identification code is applied in reverse to the bond face  42  of the transparent carrier medium  38 . In this way, when the identification code  34  is adhered to a target subject, such as a medical patient, the identification code  34  may be protected from wear by the carrier medium  38 . Alternately, the identification code  34  may be applied to the exposed face  40  of the transparent carrier medium  38 . When applied to the exposed face  40  in this manner, the identification code  34  is not applied in reverse.  
         [0057]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of a further embodiment of an identification code  34  applied to a transparent or non-transparent carrier medium  44 . In the illustrated embodiment, the identification code  34  is applied to the exposed face  46  of the carrier medium  44  rather than to the bond face  48 . If the identification code  34  were applied to the bond face  48  of a non-transparent carrier medium  44 , the identification code  34  would likely be difficult or impossible to scan and/or see.  
         [0058]      FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of an application medium  52  with an identification code  34 . The application medium  52 , in one embodiment, is configured to assist a user in applying the identification code  34  to an intended surface, such as a fingernail or another durable and smooth surface. The carrier medium  50 , including the applied identification code  34 , is temporarily applied to the application medium  52 , such as with a mild adhesive or substantially non-stick application medium  52 . In one embodiment, the application medium  52  may be a piece of tape having one sticky face. The application medium  52  may comprise a transparent or semi-transparent material that is flexible to allow a user to see the placement of the identification code  34  as well as facilitate application of the identification code  34  to a flat or non-flat surface. In one embodiment, the identification code applicator  24  may be configured to apply carrier medium  50  to the application layer  52 . Furthermore, the identification code application  24  may be configured to punch or cut the carrier medium  50  while applied to the application medium  52 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of one embodiment of a transparent carrier medium  38  applied to the application medium  52 . As discussed with reference to  FIG. 4 , the identification code  34  may be applied to the bond face  42  of the transparent carrier medium  38 . By applying the exposed face  40  of the transparent carrier medium  38  to the bond face  54  of the application medium  52 , the identification code  34  may be visible and protected by the transparent carrier medium  38  once it is applied to, for example, a fingernail.  
         [0060]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of one embodiment a non-transparent carrier medium  44  applied to the application medium  52 . As discussed with reference to  FIG. 5 , the identification code  34  may be applied to the exposed face  46  of the non-transparent carrier medium  44 . By applying the exposed face  46  of the non-transparent carrier medium  44  to the bond face  54  of the application medium  52 , the identification code  34  may be visible once it is applied to the intended surface, such as a fingernail or toenail.  
         [0061]     Alternatively, the carrier medium  50  may be disposed on the application medium  52  to facilitate a “peel-and-stick” process where the carrier medium  50  may be peeled from the application medium  52 . Once removed, a user may stick the carrier medium  50  on a target subject.  
         [0062]      FIG. 9  depicts an exploded view of an identification code  34  applied to a human finger  56 . Specifically, the identification code  34  is applied to the exposed surface of the fingernail  58 . As discussed above, the identification code  34  may alternately be applied to another durable and smooth surface of a human or animal, such as a toenail, shell, horn, and so forth. In one embodiment, the identification code  34  is applied to a fingernail  58  or toenail of sufficient surface area to accommodate the identification code  34 . Alternately, an identification code  34  may be produced, such as through scaling, according to the size constraints of a particular application surface.  
         [0063]     In  FIG. 9 , the illustrated identification code  34  is applied to a transparent carrier medium  38 , as discussed with reference to  FIG. 4 . Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , the application medium  52  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  may be used to facilitate application of the identification code  34  to the illustrated fingernail  58 . Once the identification code  34  is disposed on the fingernail  58 , the application medium  52  may be removed and discarded. Alternatively, the identification code  34  may be removed from the application medium  52  prior to disposal on the application surface.  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, the application surface, such as the fingernail  58 , is cleaned prior to applying the identification code  34 . To clean the fingernail  58 , a user may wipe the fingernail  58  with water, alcohol, or another suitable nail cleaner (not shown) to remove oils or other contaminants that may impede proper application. Additionally, the user may fill any discontinuities in the surface of the fingernail  58 , such as with a fingernail polish (not shown), to ensure a substantially smooth application surface. Alternately, the user may file the face of the fingernail  58  to prepare a smooth surface for application of the identification code  34 . The cleaning may be performed independent of application by a label or by direct marking, as will be subsequently described.  
         [0065]     Once the fingernail  58  is prepared, in one embodiment allowing the surface of the fingernail  58  to dry, the user may apply a layer of bonding adhesive  60  to the fingernail  58 . The bonding adhesive  60 , in one embodiment, may comprise a cyanoacrylate based composition, such as a glue, resin, or gel. Alternately, the bonding adhesive  60  may comprise another semi-permanent or substantially permanent adhesive. Furthermore, the bonding adhesive  60  may be applied to the bond face  42  of the transparent carrier medium  38  in addition to, or instead of, being applied to the fingernail  58 . In one embodiment, the identification code applicator  24  applies the bonding adhesive  60  to the bond face of the transparent carrier medium  38 .  
         [0066]     The carrier medium  38  is subsequently adhered to the fingernail  58  by the bonding adhesive  60 . The transparent carrier medium  38  may be temporarily disposed on the application medium  52  as shown in  FIG. 7  prior to application of the carrier medium  38  to the fingernail  58 . The application medium  52  may facilitate application of the carrier medium  38  to the fingernail  58  by allowing a user to properly position and orient the identification code  34  on the fingernail  58 . As discussed above, the application medium  52  may be transparent or otherwise non-opaque so that the user may see the spatial relation between the identification code  34  and the fingernail  58  during the application process. In one embodiment, the application medium  52  is of a shape and size that is conducive to single-handed operation, such as a small, semi-rigid, yet flexible piece of plastic. Alternatively, the application medium  52  is of a shape and size that facilitates a peel-and-stick operation.  
         [0067]     A protective coating  62  may be applied on top of the carrier medium  38  to further protect the identification code  34  from unnecessary exposure, wear, and damage. In certain embodiments, the protective coating  62  may be a cross-linked polymer activated by mixing two parts, such as an epoxy, a one part coating activated by evaporation, such as nail polish, or a one part coating activated by light, such as UV activated gels, spray-on nail glue, brush-on nail glue, or adhesives. In certain embodiments, the protective coating  62  may include one or more of the following compositions: ethyl cyanoacralate, cyanoacralate esters, poly methyl methacrylate, and so forth.  
         [0068]      FIG. 10  depicts another exploded view of the identification code  34  applied to a fingernail  58 , as discussed with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the finger  56 , fingernail  58 , bonding adhesive  60 , transparent carrier medium  38 , identification code  34 , and protective coating  62 .  FIG. 11  depicts a top view of the identification code  34  and transparent carrier medium  38 , in one embodiment, applied to the fingernail  58 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 12  depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of an identification code  34  applied to a human finger  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, the identification code  34  is applied to the exposed face  46  of a transparent or non-transparent carrier medium  44 . The bond face  48  of the carrier medium  44  is then adhered to the fingernail  58  by the bonding adhesive  60 , allowing the identification code  34  to be visibly exposed. A protective coating  62  may be applied to protect the identification code  34 , as described with reference to  FIG. 9 . The application medium  52  of  FIGS. 6 and 8  may be employed to facilitate application of the identification code  34  and non-transparent carrier medium  44  to the fingernail  44 .  
         [0070]      FIG. 13  depicts a another exploded view of the identification code  34  applied to a fingernail  58 , as discussed with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the finger  56 , fingernail  58 , bonding adhesive  60 , non-transparent carrier medium  44 , identification code  34 , and protective coating  62 .  FIG. 14  depicts a top view of the identification code  34  and transparent or non-transparent carrier medium  44 , in one embodiment, applied to the fingernail  58 .  
         [0071]     The identification code  34  and carrier medium  32  may be disposed on the application surface (e.g., fingernail  58  or other surface) for a substantial amount of time, depending on the wear and handling of the identification code  34 , as well as the type of bonding adhesive  60  or other application method used. In fact, the length of time that the identification code  34  is intended to remain adhered to a fingernail  58 , for example, may determine the type of bonding adhesive  60  or other application method employed. In order to remove the identification code  34  from the fingernail  58  prior to the useful life of the carrier medium  32  and bonding adhesive  60 , a user may employ one of a variety of means. For example, a user may use a solvent or other chemical agent to destroy the adhesion between the carrier medium  32  and the bonding adhesive  60 . Alternately, a user may file or otherwise grind the protective coating  62 , if any, carrier medium  32 , identification code  34 , and bonding adhesive  60  off of the surface of the fingernail  58 . In a further embodiment, the identification code  34  may remain on the fingernail  58  until the fingernail  58  grows out and is cut by a user. Other equivalent means and methods may also be employed to remove the various foreign substances and mediums applied to the fingernail  58 . The methods used for removing the identification code  34  may be essentially the same whether or not the identification code  35  is applied as a label, as shown, or as a direct marking, as subsequently described.  
         [0072]      FIG. 15  depicts one embodiment of a modified identification code  64  that may be employed on a non-flat surface. The illustrated modified identification code  64  is distorted in a non-linear fashion in the direction of the arrows  66 ,  68 . In particular, the modified identification code  64  is the same as the identification code  30  of  FIG. 2 , except that the horizontal width of each pixel varies depending on the location within the modified identification code  64 . In other words, the pixels toward either vertical edge of the matrix are stretched horizontally, which may account for the curvature or other distortion of a potential application surface. In a further embodiment, a modified identification code  64  may be applied to a carrier medium  32  that is also distorted, such as a piece of foil having a natural or manufactured curvature.  
         [0073]     In another embodiment, when printing or marking an identification code directly on a target subject, the applicator may apply the identification code to the application surface as though the application surface were planar. However, if the actual application surface receiving the identification code is not planar, the identification code will be distorted on the application surface of the target. Nevertheless, the identification code may appear as an undistorted image when viewed by a scanner from substantially the same direction as marked or printed. This approach may compensate for some or all of the potential distortions in the application surface without requiring a material modification of the identification code.  
         [0074]      FIG. 16  depicts one embodiment of a modified identification code  64  in relation to a fingernail  58 . For clarity,  FIG. 16  does not illustrate any adhesive bonding  60 , protective coating  62 , or other layers, although each may be used independently or jointly to apply and protect the modified identification code  64  to the fingernail  58 . The modified identification code  64  is applied to the curved surface of the fingernail  58 , but is configured to be read by a scanner that also may read a non-distorted identification code. In the depicted embodiment, the modified identification code  64  is designed to compensate for the curvature of the application surface so that, when projected through a substantially flat scanning plane  70 , the modified identification code  34  appears to be unmodified.  
         [0075]     Although the illustrated fingernail  58  is depicted to portray the curvature in only one direction, the modified identification code  64  may be designed to compensate for multi-dimensional curvatures, bends, aberrations, or other discontinuities in the application surface. Alternatively, the optics of the identification code scanner  28  may be altered to compensate for application surface distortions. In a further embodiment, the software that processes the scanned images from the identification code scanner  28  may recognize and account for identification code or application surface distortions affecting an otherwise unmodified identification code  34 .  
         [0076]      FIG. 17  depicts another embodiment of an application system  80  that may be employed. The illustrated application system  80  includes an application medium  82 , a bonding adhesive  84 , a colorant  86 , a base film  88 , a base film adhesive  90 , an identification code  92 , and a protective layer  94 . In one embodiment, each of these layers is substantially similar to the corresponding layers described in detail above. Furthermore, the colorant  86  may be disposed on or integrated within the base film  88 . The protective layer  94 , in one embodiment, may be transparent. The bonding adhesive  84  and base film adhesive  90  may be the same or different compositions. In one embodiment, the bonding adhesive  84  and the base film adhesive  90  may be acrylic based compositions. Alternatively, the colorant  86  may be omitted and the base film  88  may be transparent.  
         [0077]      FIG. 18  depicts one embodiment of an assembled application system  80 . In one embodiment, the application medium  82  may be peeled away from the other layers within the application system  80  and the bonding adhesive  84  may facilitate disposal on the application surface, such as a fingernail  58 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 19  depicts another embodiment of an identification system  100  that is similar to the identification system  20  shown in  FIG. 1 . The illustrated identification system  100  includes a server  102 , a printer  104 , a matrix identification code  106 , and a scanner  106 , which are specific examples of possible components within the identification system  100 .  
         [0079]     The server  102  includes a data access module  112  and a database  114 . The data access module is configured, in one embodiment, to access data, such as target data, stored on the database  114 . For example, the data access module  112  may read data from the database that corresponds to a given identification code  106 . The database  114  is representative of any electronic storage device or data structure that is capable of storing electronic data.  
         [0080]     The printer  104  is configured to print the identification code  106  on a carrier medium  32 , as described above. In one embodiment, the printer  104  may include an encoder  122  that encodes the identification code  106  in a matrix, barcode, or other identification code format. Alternatively, the encoder  122  may reside in the server  102 .  
         [0081]     The scanner  108  is configured, in one embodiment, to read and decode the identification code  106 . The illustrated scanner  108  includes a decoder  122  and a user interface  124 . The decoder  122  is configured to decode the identification code upon scanning, for example. Alternatively, the decoder may be located in the server  102 . The user interface may include one or more user input or output devices, including, but not limited to, a button, a microphone, a speaker, a light emitting diode (LED) indicator, a display screen, and so forth. In one embodiment, the scanner  108  may particularly include separate LED indicators and beep sequences to notify a user of one type of identification code  106  versus another type of identification code  106 .  
         [0082]      FIG. 20  depicts on embodiment of an identification code  202  disposed on a carrier medium  204  that, in turn, is disposed on an application medium  206  (behind the carrier medium  204 ). The carrier medium  204  is kiss-cut at a first location  208  (shown dashed) near the identification medium. The application medium  208  is kiss-cut at a second location  210  (shown dashed) that is slightly offset from the first location  208 . Although the offset may allow for easier removal of the carrier medium  204  from the application medium  206 , the application medium  206  may be kiss-cut at a second location  210  that corresponds to, is greater than, or is less than the first location  208 .  
         [0083]      FIG. 21  depicts a side sectional view of the carrier medium  204  and application medium  206 . In particular,  FIG. 21  illustrates the first and second kiss-cut locations  208 ,  210 , showing that the each kiss-cut only cuts through a specified number of layers, but not through the other layers. For example, the kiss-cut at the first location  208  only cuts through the carrier medium  204  and not through the application medium  206 . Likewise the kiss-cut at the second location  210  only cuts through the application medium  206  and not through the carrier medium  204 . In one embodiment, both the first and second kiss-cuts terminate at approximately the interface between the carrier medium  204  and the application medium  206 .  
         [0084]     In a further embodiment, the identification code  30  of  FIG. 2  may be applied directly to a smooth and durable surface, such as a fingernail, by printing, etching, or otherwise marking the surface. For example, an identification code  30  may be etched onto the fingernail of a patient using an appropriate laser etching applicator  24 . One example of such a laser etching applicator  24  may employ a carbon dioxide laser. Likewise, the etched identification code  30  may be scanned using an appropriate etching scanner  28  that is configured to scan an etched identification code  30  instead of, or in addition to, a printed identification code  30 . Further embodiments may be configured to employ other direct marking techniques.  
         [0085]     With further reference to the direct application of the identification code  30 , the identification code  30  may be directly applied to the application surface through one of a variety of marking methods. In addition to etching the identification code  30  into a fingernail, for example, with a laser etching applicator  24 , the identification code  30  may be etched using a chemical agent. Alternatively, the identification code  30  may be etched using micro-sand blasting. Once formed, the etched grooves of the identification code  30  may or may not be filled with a visible ink or other detectable substance.  
         [0086]     Another potential way to directly mark the identification code  30  on the application surface includes printing the identification code  30  on the surface. Some exemplary technologies that may be used to print the identification code  30  on the application surface include offset printing, ink transfer, modified dot matrix printing, particulate transfer to an ionized pattern, and inkjet printing. In another embodiment, the identification code may be applied using a spot-cured material.  
         [0087]     With a light-cured material, a sprayed application of material which is “black” at the frequency of the scanner  28  is applied to the application surface. The applicator  24  then prints and cures with light the identification code  30  on the nail. The uncured portion may be wiped away to reveal the identification code  30 . Some exemplary light-curing materials are materials that cure at the near the ultraviolet (UV) frequency range. This may avoid the health hazards of true UV exposure, but there are a wide range of materials that cure at these light frequencies. In certain embodiments, the scanner light sensitivity frequency and color absorption frequency of the identification code  30  may be in the UV range or another non-visible frequency range so that the identification code  30  appears to be completely transparent when printed on the fingernail.  
         [0088]     In other embodiments, the identification code  30  may be printed on a receptor layer applied to the application surface. The use of a receptor layer, on certain surfaces, may enhance the durability of the identification code  30  so that it does not rub off or smear on the application surface. In one embodiment, the receptor coating may include one or more photosensitive materials so that the identification code  30  may be written to the receptor coating with a light source. Some exemplary light sources include laser, light emitting diode (LED), vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), fluorescent, Flash, incandescent, and so forth. In another embodiment, the receptor material may absorb droplets of ink or dye sprayed to create the identification code  30 . An inkjet or other controlled method of applying the droplets may be used.  
         [0089]     With further reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the carrier medium  204  may include a water soluble or non water soluble material similar to a temporary tattoo, in one embodiment. For example, the identification code  202  may be disposed on a non-bonding surface of the carrier medium  204  by an inkjet printer. The carrier medium  204  may be semi-transparent and may be removably disposed on the application medium  206 , such as a paper backing. In one embodiment, the carrier medium  204  and application medium  206  may be kiss-cut as described above. In certain embodiment, the kiss-cutting may occur at the point of use or beforehand, such as during production. Furthermore, the kiss-cutting may occur either before or after the identification code  202  is disposed on the carrier medium  204 . After the identification code  202  is disposed on the target subject, the identification code  202  may be protected by a protective coating, as described above.  
         [0090]      FIG. 22  depicts one embodiment of an identification method  2200  that may be implemented in conjunction with the identification system  20  of  FIG. 1 . Because an identification code scanner  28  may be used to scan different types of identification codes, it may be advantageous to distinguish between a patient identification code  30  disposed on a patient compared to another type of identification code, for example, in the medical records of the patient or on a medicine container. The illustrated identification method  2200  allows positive distinction between patient identification codes  30  and other types of identification codes. Such a positive distinction between codes may allow enhanced patient care by requiring positive identification of patients for medical procedures or administration of medications. Although the identification method  2200  is discussed in terms of hospitals and patient identification, the identification method  2200  is also applicable to many other types of identification environments where it may be advantageous to distinguish among various types of identification codes.  
         [0091]     Two distinguishing features of a patient identification code  30  may be its format and/or content. In one embodiment, the format of the patient identification code  30  may be unique. In a further embodiment, the content or information represented by the patient identification code  30  may be unique. In one embodiment, the identification method  2200  may use “flags,” such as bits within a memory device, to indicate the status of an input. Although the identification method employs flags, other types of status indicators may be con employed to compliment or replace the use of flags. One flag is referred to as an authorization flag (“Flag”), which indicates if an authorization code is scanned. For example, a healthcare worker may scan a healthcare worker identification code to indicate which healthcare worker is administering a medicine, for example. Another flag is referred to as an anti-circumvention flag (“FLAG”), which prevents circumvention of the authorization flag, as described below.  
         [0092]     The illustrated identification method  2200  begins by setting  2202  the authorization Flag and anti-circumvention FLAG to null (zero). Setting a flag to null also may be referred to as clearing the flag. The identification code scanner  28  is then used to scan  2204  any identification code. If the scanner  28  determines  2206  that no data was acquired during the scan  2204 , then the scanner  28  may proceed to scan  2204  another identification code. Alternatively, the scanner  28  may enter a ready or standby status from which the scanner  28  may be readily activated to scan  2204  another identification code.  
         [0093]     If the scanner  28  determines  2206  that data was acquired, the scanner  28  then determines  2208  if the data includes an authorization code. The authorization code may be characterized by a particular code format and/or content. In one embodiment, the authorization code may be a healthcare worker&#39;s identification code, as opposed to a patient identification code  30 . If the acquired data includes an authorization code, the scanner  28  sets  2210  the authorization Flag to one and sets  2212  the anti-circumvention FLAG to zero. The scanner  28  then may indicate  2214  to the user that the scan was “good,” or successful, and transmit  2216  any data necessary to another component within the identification system  20 . The scanner  28  may then scan  2204  another identification code.  
         [0094]     If the scanner  28  determines  2208  that the data acquired does not include an authorization code, the scanner may determine  2218  if the scanned identification code has the same format as a patient identification code  30 . As described above, the patient identification code  30  may have a unique format from other types of identification codes.  FIG. 22   b  depicts various operations of the identification method  2200  that may occur if the scanned identification code has the same format.  FIG. 22   c  depicts various operations of the identification method  2200  that may occur if the scanned identification code does not have the same format as a patient identification code  30 .  
         [0095]     If the format is the same, the scanner  28  then determines  2220  if the acquired data includes patient information and, if so, determines  2222  if the authorization Flag is set to one. If the authorization Flag is not set to one, then the scanner  28  indicates  2224  a “warning,” or invalid scan, to the user. However, if the authorization Flag is set to one, the scanner clears  2226  the authorization Flag, clears  2228  the anti-circumvention FLAG, indicates  2230  a “good” scan to the user, and may transmit  2232  within the identification system  20 . If the scanner  28  determines  2220  that the acquired data does not include patient information, the identification method  2200  proceeds with operations shown in  FIG. 22   d.    
         [0096]     If the format of the scanned identification code is not the same as the unique patient identification code, the scanner  28  determines  2240  if the acquired data includes patient information, similar to the determination  2220 . If the scanner  28  determines  2240  that the identification code includes patient information, then the scanner  28  determines  2242  if the authorization Flag is set to one and, if so, indicates  2244  a “warning” to the user. Otherwise, if the authorization Flag is not set to one, the scanner  28  may determine  2246  if the anti-circumvention FLAG is set to one. If the anti-circumvention FLAG is set to one, the scanner  28  clears  2248  the authorization Flag and clears  2250  the anti-circumvention FLAG. If the anti-circumvention FLAG is not set to one, the scanner  28  indicates  2252  a “good” scan and may transmit  2254  data within the identification system  20 . If the scanner  28  determines  2220  that the acquired data does not include patient information, the identification method  2200  proceeds with operations shown in  FIG. 22   d.    
         [0097]      FIG. 22   d  depicts operations of the identification method  2200  that may be implemented when the scanned identification code does not include patient identification, regardless of the format of the scanned identification code. Once the scanner determines  2220 ,  2240  that the scanned identification code does not include patient identification, the scanner  28  determines  2260  if the authorization Flag is set to one. If the authorization Flag is not set to one, the scanner  28  sets  2262  the anti-circumvention FLAG to zero, indicates  2264  a “good” scan, and may transmit  2266  any data. Otherwise, if the authorization Flag is set to one, the scanner  28  clears  2268  the authorization Flag and sets  2270  the anti-circumvention FLAG to one. The scanner  28  may then indicate  2264  a “good” scan and transmit  2266  data, as described above. After any successful (“good”) or unsuccessful (“warning”) scan, the scanner  28  may return to scan  2204  another identification code, as described above.  
         [0098]     Table 1 below summarizes the operations that may be implemented, given certain inputs to the scanner  28 , as described in the identification method  2200 . Advantageously, the use of multiple flags (i.e. Flag and FLAG) prevents circumvention in the identification method  2200 . In the described embodiment, the anti-circumvention FLAG may be cleared by scanning an identification code that includes an authorization code. In alternative embodiments, other operations may be implemented to clear the anti-circumvention FLAG, such as a manual “clear” button that may be depressed by the user. Furthermore, additional flags may be used to provide additional layers of protection against circumvention. The indicating schemes to indicate “good” scans and “warnings” to the user may be achieved through one or more conventional means, including indicating lights, audible beeps, prerecorded textual messages, and so forth.  
                                                               TABLE 1                           Inputs and Operations of Identification Method            INPUTS   OPERATIONS            Auth. Code   Auth. Flag   Anti-C. FLAG   Format   Info   Auth. Flag   Anti-C. FLAG   Indication   Transmit               Yes   X   X   X   X   1   0   Good   Yes       No   0   X   X   No   (same)   0   Good   Yes       No   0   0   No   Yes   (same)   (same)   Good   Yes       No   0   X   Yes   Yes   (same)   (same)   Warning   No       No   0   1   No   Yes   0   0   Warning   No       No   1   X   X   No   0   1   Good   Yes       No   1   X   No   Yes   (same)   (same)   Warning   No       No   1   X   Yes   Yes   0   0   Good   Yes                  
 
         [0099]     Additionally, the need for multiple flags may be eliminated in an identification system  20  in which two-way communication exists between the identification scanner  28  and the computer system  22 . For example, in one embodiment, the authorization Flag may be reset only in response to a determination by the computer system  22  that the code format is correct, the data content is correct, and the data is accepted by the user. In another embodiment, the computer system  22  may specify to the scanner  28  the unique format of the identification code  30  and all other scanned codes are rejected until the scanned code matches the specified format.  
         [0100]     In one embodiment, all of the operations described above for the identification method  2200  may occur within the identification code scanner  28 , through the use of electronic data memory, a processor, and so forth. Alternatively, embodiments of the identification method  2200  may occur within the identification system  20 , generally, wherein different operations may be performed by one or more system components, especially the computer system  22 .  
         [0101]     The schematic flow chart diagrams described above are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.  
         [0102]     In a further embodiment, the identification code  30  may be used in combination with one or more other identification techniques, including conventional barcodes, written or printed text, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and so forth. For example, an RFID tag could be disposed within layers of the application system  80  of  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In one embodiment, the identification code scanner  28  may be configured to communicate with the RFID tag in order to read information from the RFID tag or to write information to the RFID tag. Alternatively, another read/write device may be used with the RFID tag.  
         [0103]     As mentioned above, the identification code  30  and systems described above may be well-suited for use in the medical industry. However, there are many other industries which may benefit from this identification technology. For example, embodiments of this identification technology may be used in them parks, zoos, aquariums, cruise ships, and other locations where individuals may gather for repetitive and/or distributed purchasing. Repetitive purchasing refers, generally, to the repeated purchases of a one or more people within a single location. For example, a patron on a cruise ship may purchase souvenirs, food, drinks, personal items, and pay for activities all while on the cruise ship. Distributed purchasing refers, generally, to purchases made by one or more people at a distributed number of locations within a general location. For example, a parent and two children may separate from one another within a theme park and make a variety of independent purchases through the day.  
         [0104]     In these situations of repetitive and/or distributed purchasing, a single person may authorize each related party to make additional purchases on a single account. The account may be related to the authorizing party&#39;s credit card, for example, or other monetary funds. By relating certain identification codes  30 , applied to the related parties, to the authorized account, each person may independently charge to that account for purchases throughout the duration of the ticket (e.g., a three-day pass to an amusement park). Additionally, the account may be limited to a certain amount for each corresponding identification code  30 . In another embodiment, the account may be limited to certain types of purchases (e.g., food and activities, but not alcoholic beverages).  
         [0105]     In this way, children could make secure purchases throughout a visit while separated from parents without having to carry cash, credit cards, or other monetary equivalents. Furthermore, the identification code  30  applied to the children&#39;s fingernails, for example, would not likely be lost or stolen. Unauthorized replication of such identification codes  30  would also be very difficult and recognizable where identification codes  30  are not funded or related to an authorized account.  
         [0106]     In one embodiment, authorization for the account may expire with the expiration of the ticket. Certain implementations of this identification and authorization technology would likely enable service providers to increase revenue because all purchases can be authorized at the time of the initial purchase by the authorized credit holder. Alternatively, an account or sub-account may be modified throughout the duration of the ticket. Subsequent authorized purchases are automatically linked through a database on a site network or computer to the original authorization. In some embodiments, cashiers would not need to see the user&#39;s credit card information because the unique nature of the identification code  30  and software verification would allow cashiers to rely solely on the identification code  30 . Alternatively, the identification code  30  and monetary account may be linked to an identification photo that may be presented to the cashier at the point of purchase. Such an identification and authorization technology provides parents, guardians, and other purchasers with increased security.  
         [0107]      FIG. 23  depicts one embodiment of an identification code applicator  2300  to apply an ultraviolet (UV) identification code  30  directly to an application surface on a target subject. As mentioned above, direct application includes directly marking the application surface with or without a receptor layer. Although the depicted applicator  2300  includes certain components, other embodiments of the applicator  2300  may include fewer or more components or may be adapted for other marking technologies.  
         [0108]     The illustrated applicator  2300  includes a frame  2302  having a mount  2304  and a mechanical drive  2306 . Certain components may be mounted to the mount  2304  and driven by the mechanical drive  2306 . In one embodiment, the mount  2304  and the mechanical drive  2306  are each protected from overspray or other contaminants. For example, the mount  2304  may be protected by bellows  2308  on the interior of the frame  2302  and the mechanical drive  2306  may be mounted on the exterior of the frame  2302 .  
         [0109]     In one embodiment, a nozzle  2310  is mounted to the mount  2304  and configured to apply an ultraviolet (UV) coating to the application surface of a target subject. The nozzle may include a nozzle housing (upper) and a coating nozzle (lower). A stationary camera or scanner  2312  may be mounted above (attachment not shown) the nozzle  2310 . In one embodiment, the nozzle  2310  protects the camera/scanner  2312  from overspray when the nozzle  2310  is in the spray position. The camera/scanner  2312  may image the applied identification code  30  when the nozzle  2310  moves (as indicated by the arrows  2313 ) out of the spray and print position. In one embodiment, the nozzle  2310  and spray material may be packaged in a replaceable cartridge and held in a nozzle carrier (not shown), similar to contemporary inkjet printers.  
         [0110]     The finger guide  2314  is mounted to the frame  2302  and aligned with the nozzle  2310  so that when a target subject inserts a finger in the finger guide  2314 , the fingernail (application surface) is properly aligned with the coating nozzle. In one embodiment, the finger guide  2314  may include one or more limit switches or other position sensors (not shown) that detect the finger and indicate to a user or the applicator  2300  when the finger is properly inserted and/or oriented within the finger guide  2314 . In one embodiment, printing may be automatically initiated when the finger is in the proper position.  
         [0111]     The applicator  2300  also includes a print head  2316  that is configured to print the identification code  30  on the ultraviolet (UV) coating after it has been applied to the application surface. The print head  2316  may be coupled to the nozzle  2310  or may move independently from the nozzle  2310 . In various embodiments, the print head  2316  may apply laser, LED, VCSEL, flash lamp, fluorescent lamp, or another technology to print the identification code  30  on the coating. If other marking technologies are employed, the applicator  2300  may include other types of print heads  2316  and corresponding components.  
         [0112]     The illustrated applicator  2300  also may include a blower  2320  to generate a laminar or approximately laminar airflow  2322 . The orientation of the laminar airflow  2322  may be vertical, as shown, or horizontal or another direction according to the configuration of the applicator  2300 . The laminar airflow  2322  may help protect system components from overspray, as well as limit the escape of overspray from the applicator  2300 .  
         [0113]      FIG. 24  depicts one embodiment of an identification code applicator  2400 . The applicator  2400  is also configured to apply an ultraviolet (UV) identification code  30  to a target subject. Although the depicted applicator  2400  includes certain components, other embodiments of the applicator  2400  may include fewer or more components or may be adapted for other marking technologies.  
         [0114]     Like the applicator  2300  of  FIG. 14 , the applicator  2400  includes a frame  2402 , a mount  2404 , a mechanical drive  2406 , and bellows  2408 . Each of these components may perform substantially similar functions as described above. The illustrated applicator  2400  also includes a finger guide  2410  to position a target subject&#39;s finger and may include a blower  2412  to create a laminar or approximately laminar airflow  2414 , as described above.  
         [0115]     The applicator  2400  also includes a nozzle  2416  and a print head  2418  mounted to the nozzle  2416 . In one embodiment, the print head  2418  may be a laser or VCSEL print head. Alternatively, the print head  2418  may employ another print technology. In one embodiment, the print head  2418  may be stationary and employ beam steering to print the identification code  30 . Alternatively, the print head  2418  may move along the mount  2404  or along another path to print the identification code  30 . For example, the print head  2418  may move along the mount  2404  to print in a first horizontal direction and tilt to print along a substantially perpendicular direction compared to the first direction.  
         [0116]     Subsequent to coating and printing an identification code  30  on the application surface (fingernail), one or more curing lights  2420  may cure the printed identification code  30  so that the excess coating may be removed. In one embodiment, the curing lights  2420  may be stationary or mounted on transports (not shown).  
         [0117]     As one example, an identification code  30  may be applied to a target subject by cleaning the application surface, applying the UV coating, printing the identification code  30 , curing the coating, and removing the excess, uncured coating. In one embodiment, the application surface may be cleaned by wiping the fingernail with an alcohol wipe. Similarly, the excess coating may be removed by wiping the fingernail with an alcohol wipe.  
         [0118]     As described, at least in part, above, the print head  2418  may use a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser. Additionally, the coating may include a polymer that heats when exposed to a particular wavelength from the print head  2418  and a thermal material that changes color or becomes visible at a particular printing temperature. In this way, the coating may be sensitive to two different temperatures—a printing temperature and a curing temperature. In another embodiment, the coating may be a clear UV material with photosensitive additives.  
         [0119]      FIG. 25  depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of an identification code  220  etched into the fingernail  58  of a human finger  56 . The identification code  220  may be etched in the fingernail  58  using one of the etching or other application methods described above. In one embodiment, a protective coating  222  may be applied on top of the identification code  220 , as described above. Additionally, the etched identification code  220  may or may not be filled with a substance, as described above.  
         [0120]      FIG. 26  depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of an identification code  224  applied directly to the fingernail  58  of a human finger  56 . As described above, a protective coating  222  may be applied on top of the identification code  224 .  
         [0121]      FIG. 27  depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of an identification code  224  applied directly to the fingernail  58  of a human finger  56 . In contrast to the application shown in  FIG. 26 , the identification code  224  of  FIG. 27  may be applied to a receptor material  226 , as described above. As used herein, applying an identification code  224  directly to an application surface includes applying an identification code  224  to the receptor material  226  applied to a fingernail  58 . As described above, a protective coating  222  may be applied on top of the identification code  224 .  
         [0122]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.