Abstract:
A system of tracking tool information includes affixing a machine readable label, such as a barcode, such that the label doesn&#39;t interfere with tool functionality. This allows tool manufacturers to provide information about the tool, such as specifications, recalls, recommended hours of usage, liens and so forth, with that information “following” the tool. Authorized users can scan the barcode, log into a website, upload the scanned barcode, and view or edit the associated information.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/605,366, filed Mar. 1, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to systems using machine readable labels on tools. More specifically it is a system of using machine readable labels, such as barcodes, that are integrated with, or affixed to, molds and dies, or other assets used in the manufacturing of product, thereby permitting a user to access critical information related to that specific tool. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Tools such as molds and dies are used to manufacture products such as plastic parts formed by injection molding. In order to use a given tool properly, the operator must possess certain information about the tool. Such critical information might include the tool manufacturer, process parameters, construction drawings, dimensional information and useful life of the tool. Often times these tools are sent from one plant to another, but critical information related to the tool is not provided, is incomplete, or is lost. This can be very problematic in a manufacturing setting where multiple tools are used, as it is not necessarily easy to distinguish one tool from another by mere inspection. It can be time consuming to perform the investigative work required to determine the identity of a specific tool, or even wasteful or dangerous if a misidentified tool is inadvertently used. 
         [0004]    As can be seen, there is a need for a system that allows a tool manufacturer to provide critical tool information that is essentially inseparable from the tool itself. It is desirable that this information does not affect the performance of the tool, and that it is easily readable by the tool operator. It is also desirable that this information be dynamic insofar as it can be updated by the tool operator or agent thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A system of using machine readable labels affixed to tools for managing information related to those tools uses components such as barcodes, processors, and barcode readers. A specially created and unique barcode is created when a user creates a profile for a specific tool. This barcode is affixed to a tool in such a manner that the barcode does not interfere with using the tool. The barcode preferably has additional human-readable printing which directs a user to a website. By accessing the website and scanning the barcode on the specific tool, a user is able to access pertinent information related to that tool. Optionally, authorized users may also be able to update information related to that tool. In this manner, manuals, specifications and so forth that are associated with the tool can&#39;t be lost or misplaced. Examples of pertinent information includes specifications, recalls, recommended hours of usage, liens and so forth. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  represents a tool with a QR-type barcode affixed, with various embodiment depicted in exploded view in  FIGS. 1A-1D ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  depicts a UPC-type barcode inscribed directly on a tool, with the barcode shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  schematically represents some components of an embodiment; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  schematically represents some features of an embodiment, with  FIG. 4A  representing a user interface for inputting information,  FIG. 4B  representing a plaque on a tool, and  FIG. 4C  representing a user interface for querying information. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0011]    The following structures are found among the various FIGS.: 
         [0012]      10 —System 
         [0013]      12 —Barcode 
         [0014]      13 —Barcode plate 
         [0015]      15 —Tool 
         [0016]      20 —Plaque 
         [0017]      25 —Barcode reader 
         [0018]      30 —Processor 
         [0019]      35 —Output display 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , information management system  10  includes barcode  12  attached to tool  15 . As used herein, a “tool” is a device, machine or apparatus that is portable and used in the manufacture of goods and products. Examples of “tools” include tool and dies, molds, controllers, machines, fixtures, hot runner systems, and secondary equipment. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , barcode  12  may be situated on barcode plate  13 , which is affixed to plaque  20 , with plaque  20  attached to tool  15 . In this manner barcode plate  13  is not directly attached to tool  15 , as plaque  20  is sandwiched between. 
         [0022]    In this embodiment it is desirable that barcode plate  13  substrate is aluminum, steel, with barcode  12  markings effectuated by printing, etching, laser imprinting, and inscribing. It is desirable that surface of barcode plate  13  has approximate dimensions of 2.75″ by 3.5″ to 8″ by 10″ with approximately 2.75″×3.5″ being more desirable, and approximately 3″×5″ being most desirable. Thickness of barcode plate  13  is desirably approximately 1 mm to 3 mm with approximately 1 mm being more desirable. 
         [0023]    It is desirable plaque  20  substrate is aluminum and/or steel with surface dimensions of approximately 2.75″ by 3.5″ to 9″ by 11″ with approximately 3″×3.75″ being more desirable, and approximately 3.5″×5.5″ being most desirable. Thickness of plaque  20  is desirably approximately 1 mm to 3 mm with 1 mm being preferred. It is desirable that plaque  20  is slightly larger than barcode plate  13 . 
         [0024]    Attachment of the various components, including barcode plate  13  and plaque  20  to tool  15 , should be substantially permanent, yet not interfere with the operation of the tool. For example, in the case of a tool and die, barcode plate  13  and plaque  20  should be attached to the fixed (non-moving) portion of tool  15 . Attachment of barcode plate  13  and plaque  20  to tool  15  can be effectuated by a variety of methods including adhesion, welding, bolting 
         [0025]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1B , barcode  12  is situated on barcode plate  13 , which is attached directly to tool  15 . In other words there is no plaque  20 . In yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1C , plaque  20  is inscribed with barcode  12 , which is attached to tool  15 . In other words, there is no barcode plate  13 . 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , it is also within the scope of this invention to situate the barcode directly onto tool  15 . In this embodiment there is no plaque  20  and no barcode plate  13 . Such inscription can be by etching, engraving, laser engraving or the like. 
         [0027]    A variety of barcode symbologies can be used, for example matrix (2D) such as QR, or linear (1D) such as UPC, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively. 
         [0028]    An overview of the system is schematically depicted in  FIG. 3 , wherein system  10  generally includes tool  15  having barcode  12 ; a barcode reader  25 ; an output display  35 ; and a processor  30 . A user wanting critical information related to tool  15  would use barcode reader  25  to scan barcode  12 . Reader  25  can be a variety of devices including a designated scanner, such as a conventional fixed light and photosensor device (not shown), or a so called “smart phone” with the appropriate application such as “Scan” or “mbarcode”, as shown. Reader  25  transmits a query to processor  30  for information linked to barcode  12 , and processor  30  transmits critical information to reader  25 , for user&#39;s viewing through output display  35 . Output display  35  may be included with barcode reader  25 , for example a smart phone. This embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 3 . Processor  30  may be a web server, cloud computing server, tablets, smartphones, wireless devices, or other data processing and/or storage device. 
         [0029]    An embodiment and method of using the system is depicted in greater detail in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4A  is a sample user interface that a user would enter information into so as to register a tool which has not yet been registered. Other relevant information that could be useful in registering a tool includes date of manufacture, warranty information, authenticity of tool, tool set up, design information, and tool maintenance. Upon successfully entering information into the system, as set forth in  FIG. 4A , a user receives, preferably by mail, a plaque including the associated barcode. This is depicted in  FIG. 4B . The plaque is preferably printed or otherwise marked so as to direct future tool users to a website to query or update information linked to the tool. A subsequent tool user could obtain or update information about the tool by scanning the barcode and accessing the website which is identified on the plaque of  FIG. 4B , which would take them to a user interface such as that set forth in  FIG. 4C . From there the user could obtain or update a variety of information. 
         [0030]    One advantage of system  10  is that critical information related to tool  15  can be updated as necessary, including corrections to specifications, additional safety warnings, messages that a tool is subject to a lien, or that the useful life of a tool is coming to an end. Such an update would be entered into processor  30 , so subsequent barcode reader  25  queries would yield this additional information on output display  35 . It should be noted that a variety of information can be associated with each tool, and should not be construed to be limited to that which is specifically set forth herein. 
         [0031]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. By way of example, modifications considered include setting up for maintenance intervals creating alarms to wireless devices announcing time for tool maintenance, changes, or tear down reviews. It should also be understood that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between.