Patent Description:
Bar codes are used on product packaging for purposes such as, inventory management, tracking, and point of sale management. Bar codes are encoded data using a machine readable symbology, such as Universal Product Code (UPC), Interleaved Two of Five (ITF), European Article Number (EAN), and other standards.

To ensure that bar codes are reliably readable by scanning equipment, various associations and groups have formed grading standards, such as the GS-<NUM> Bar Code Verification For Linear Symbols, for a scannable printed bar code. Failure to meet these standards can render a printed bar code unreadable, which can result in the imposition of monetary penalties on the products manufacturer or packaging company by retailers. For example, retailers may refuse to stock product from a consumer products company that repeatedly provides packaging that has erroneous bar codes or bar codes that are not able to be scanned.

Printing bar codes on corrugated material has particular challenges. For example, variability in color and/or reflectance of corrugated material can negatively affect the ability of an inkjet or direct print system to produce a bar code that meets the grading standards. Corrugated material, such as containerboard, liner, cardboard and fiberboard, is primarily produced in a brown color with low reflectance commonly known as kraft. Typically, manufacturers of the corrugated material do not use brightness or reflection as a measured attribute of the corrugated material, so the color and/or reflectance of the printed surface is highly variable between paper mills and manufacturing runs. The fibers of the paper also produce a surface texture that can alternate between dark and light. The generally darker color and low reflectance of corrugated material generally results in relatively low symbol contrast (SC), which reduces the quality of the bar code and makes the bar code more difficult for scanners to read spaces within the bar code.

<CIT> describes a method of UV curable inkjet printing on a cuboid shaped objects such as intermodal freight containers, crates, trucks, trailers, semitrailers and boxcars.

<CIT> describes an inkjet-recording system to print on recording media, such as corrugated-cardboard, on the optimal conditions according to the content of the image to record.

<CIT> describes an inkjet recording device which comprises several the recording heads for black inks and the recording heads for color ink.

<CIT> describes an inkjet recording device which carries out discharge of the ink for the recording head of an inkjet system to a recording medium from multiple preparations and this recording head. The device comprising the recoding head arranged along the conveyance direction of said recording medium, wherein the distance between adjacent recording heads may increase, as it goes to the conveyance direction.

In one embodiment, a printing system includes one or more print heads configured to print different colors onto a target object to form a machine-readable data representation on the target object having a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%. The printing system also includes a controller configured to direct the one or more print heads to print the different colors by directing the one or more print heads to one or more of print the machine-readable data representation as a multi-layer data representation by printing a base layer of a first color of the different colors on the target object and printing an upper layer of a different, second color of the different colors on top of the base layer of the first color, or print the machine-readable data representation as an interdigitated data representation by printing the different colors onto the target object so that none of the different colors is printed on top of another color of the different colors.

In one embodiment, a printing method includes aligning a target object along or parallel to a travel direction, moving one or more of a printing assembly or the target object along the travel direction, and printing a machine-readable data representation with two or more inks of different colors onto the target object to form the machine-readable data representation on the one or more target objects as having a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%.

In one embodiment, a printing system includes a printing assembly having one or more print heads configured to print two or more inks onto a target object having a porous surface, and a conveyance system configured to move one or more of the printing assembly or the target object in a travel direction. The conveyance system is configured to move the one or more of the printing assembly or the target object in the travel direction so that the one or more print heads complete printing of a machine-readable data representation formed by the two or more inks onto the target object during one or more of a single pass of the printing assembly over the target object or a single pass of the target object below the printing assembly. The machine-readable data representation is printed to have a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%.

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein relate to systems and methods for printing a machine-readable data representation on one or more target objects that meets a grading standard. In one embodiment, a printing system can include one or more print heads for printing different layers or colors of ink (or other printing material) to form a bar code. The print heads can print a base or background layer of a first color on the target object and an upper or foreground layer of a second color on top of the base color. Alternatively, the printing system can include one or more print heads for printing different colors of ink in an interdigitated pattern onto the target object so that none of the colors is printed on top of another color. The print heads may be ink jet print heads that dispense ink via nozzles, or another type of ink dispenser, such as pads having ink disposed thereon, rollers having ink disposed thereon, or the like.

One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein relate to systems and methods for single pass printing on one or more various objects. Single pass printing refers to a printing system setup where target objects pass one or more print heads a single time for printing one or more images onto the target objects. The target objects may not move in another direction during printing or between printing different portions of a bar code (or other indicia) on the target objects. The target object may pass below the print head(s) a single time during printing, or the print head(s) may pass over the target object a single time during printing. In one embodiment, the printing system includes a conveyance system to move one or more target objects in a travel direction through a print zone of the print heads for printing the image. Alternatively, the print heads can move in a travel direction while the target objects remain stationary or substantially stationary (e.g., the location of the target objects changes no more than <NUM>%, or more than <NUM>%).

In one or more embodiments, the printing system can include a single print head that applies different layers or colors of ink or other printing material. For example, the print head can include a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles, with the first set of nozzles positioned ahead of the second set of nozzles relative to the travel direction. As the target object travels through the print zone of the print head, the first set of nozzles applies a base or background layer of ink (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object. The print zone can be the area or volume of space where the ink ejected by the print head contacts and prints indicia on the target object. The base layer of ink can at least partially or completely cure, or dry by either evaporation or absorption before the second set of nozzles applies an upper or foreground layer of ink (e.g. black ink or ink of another color) on top of the base layer of ink. For example, the base layer of ink can cure or dry to change a state of the ink so that the additional layer of ink has a printable surface on which to also cure or dry. The base layer of ink may not be completely cured or dried when the subsequent layer is applied, but may be cured or dried to a state that allows for the upper or foreground layer of ink to be printed thereon without mixing of the two layers of ink, without smudging or smearing either layer of ink, or the like. The layers of ink may not be completely coextensive with each other. For example, the upper layer of ink may extend over less than the entire surface area of the base layer of ink.

Alternatively, as the target object travels through the print zone of the print head, the first set of nozzles applies a first color of the interdigitated pattern (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object. The second set of nozzles applies a second color of the interdigitated pattern onto the target object so that none of the colors are printed on top of another color, thereby forming a bar code. The interdigitated pattern is formed by different portions of the printed area of the target object receiving different inks, with no portion of the printed area receiving both inks or a lower layer of one ink with an upper layer of another ink.

In one or more embodiments, the printing system can include curing or drying devices to cure or dry the ink applied to the target objects. This curing can improve the quality of the final image that is printed on the target object. For example, curing devices can apply energy (e.g., plasma, heat, moving air, or the like) to one or more printed layers of ink after the layers are printed. The curing devices can be disposed after the print heads along the travel direction. After a print head that leads a curing device along the travel direction prints layers onto the target object, the curing device can then cure the layers printed on the target object. Additional curing devices and/or print heads can subsequently print and cure more layers.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printing system <NUM>. The printing system <NUM> includes a printing assembly <NUM>, a conveyance system <NUM> for moving one or more target objects <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> operatively connected (e.g., by one or more wired and/or wireless connections) to the printing assembly <NUM> and conveyance system <NUM>. The target objects <NUM> may made from a porous corrugated material, such as containerboard, liner, cardboard, fiberboard and the like. Optionally, the target objects <NUM> be made from non-porous material, such as plastic film, shrink-wrap, coated cardboard, and the like.

The printing assembly <NUM> includes one or more print heads <NUM> configured to print an optical, machine-readable data representation <NUM> onto the target object <NUM> as the conveyance system <NUM> moves the target object <NUM> in a travel direction <NUM> through a print zone <NUM> of the print head <NUM>. The representation <NUM> can be referred to herein as a bar code, but not all embodiments of the inventive subject matter are limited to bar codes. For example, the representation <NUM> can be a one-dimensional bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, a matrix barcode (e.g., a QR CODE), machine-readable text, machine-readable numbers, other machine-readable images or indicia, or the like. The depicted embodiment shows two print heads <NUM> configured to print the machine-readable data representation <NUM> at different locations on the target object <NUM>. Optionally, the printing system <NUM> may include any number of print heads <NUM>, including one, to print the machine-readable data representation <NUM> on the target object <NUM> at respective locations. The printing system may also include a print head to print a material to coat the target object with a film-forming, non-porous material (e.g., clear UV curable ink) to keep the colored material (e.g. pigments or dyes) near the surface when printed by subsequent print heads. For example, the print head can apply a clear coating layer onto the target object, with the other inks forming the machine-readable data representation printed onto the clear coating layer. The clear coating layer may only extend over the portion of the target object where the machine-readable data representation is to be printed, or may extend over a larger or smaller portion of the target object.

The machine-readable data representation <NUM> can be printed according to a set of parameters associated with a grading standard. For example, the machine-readable data representation <NUM> may be formed from one or more different colors in a multilayer or interdigitated pattern that have a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>% and/or meet at least a Grade C of a GS-<NUM>2d bar code verification standard. However, the machine-readable data representation <NUM> may be formed according the parameters of any machine readable symbology, including, but not limited to Universal Product Code (UPC), Interleaved Two of Five (ITF), European Article Number (EAN), and other standards. The parameters associated with the grading standard may include, but are not limited to symbol contrast, reflectance, edge contrast, modulation, defects, decodability, bar width deviation, and the like. Altematively, the printing system <NUM> may operate as described herein to print one or more indicia, text, numbers, images, etc., other than a bar code.

The controller <NUM> may include processing circuitry configured to perform one or more tasks, functions, or steps discussed herein. The controller <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM>, such as a computer, touchscreen, display device, stylus, keyboard, electronic mouse, microphone, speaker, or the like, for communication with an operator to control operations of the printing system <NUM>. It may be noted that "controller" as used herein is not intended to necessarily be limited to a single processor or computer. For example, the controller <NUM> may include multiple processors and/or computers, which may be integrated in a common housing or unit, or which may be distributed among various units or housings. Instructions to perform one or more aspects of the methods, steps, or processes discussed herein may be stored on a local storage medium or memory <NUM>, which may include a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium on which the instructions are saved and can be used by one or more processors to store and retrieve data. The data stored by the memory <NUM> can include, but need not be limited to, operating systems, applications, and informational data. Each operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the controller <NUM>, such as interaction among the various components, communication with the printing system <NUM> and the conveyance system <NUM> via the user interface <NUM>, and storage and retrieval of applications and data to and from the memory <NUM>.

The conveyance system <NUM> is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> to move the target objects <NUM> along the travel direction <NUM> through the print zone <NUM> associated with the print heads <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may control when the conveyance system <NUM> moves the target objects <NUM>, which direction(s) the target objects <NUM> are moved, how fast the target objects <NUM> are moved, and the like. The conveyance system <NUM> can include one or more belts, tracks, rails, or the like, that move or convey the target objects <NUM>. While a conveyor belt system is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it may be noted that other systems, including linear guide systems and/or magnet driven systems, may be utilized as a conveyance system in other embodiments. In various embodiments, the conveyance system <NUM> may include one or more types of conveyor systems, including belt conveyors, roller conveyors (including belt driven roller conveyors and lineshaft roller conveyors), electric track vehicle systems, or the like. The conveyance system <NUM> can also include one or more encoders, sensors, and the like to determine positional information regarding the target objects <NUM> as they move along the conveyance system <NUM>, such as position, velocity, orientation, and the like.

It may be noted that while only two target objects <NUM> are shown in <FIG> for ease and clarity of illustration, any number of target objects <NUM> may be spaced apart on the conveyance system <NUM> as part of a production process. Once each target object <NUM> is printed upon, the target object <NUM> may be removed or unloaded from the conveyance system <NUM>, for example for further processing. Although not shown, the printing system <NUM> may optionally include loading and/or unloading systems (not shown) to load and unload the target objects <NUM> from the conveyance system <NUM>. Optionally, the target objects <NUM> may be manually loaded and/or unloaded by operators. The printing system <NUM> may also include optical scanning or verification systems to scan, de-code, and verify the printed quality of the machine-readable data representation.

The print heads <NUM> are operatively connected to the controller <NUM> to receive control signals that direct the print head <NUM> to print on the target objects <NUM> while moving through the print zone <NUM>, which corresponds to the location or area in which the print head <NUM> prints on target objects <NUM>. For example, an operator may enter print data of the machine-readable data representation <NUM> into the user interface <NUM> of the controller <NUM>. The print data can be rasterized into two colors (e.g. black and white) that can be printed on the target objects <NUM> as a multilayer or interdigitated pattern to render the machine-readable data representation <NUM>. In one embodiment, the representation <NUM> can be printed in accordance with parameters or requirements associated with a verification standard, such as a bar code verification standard. The print heads <NUM> can represent ink jet print heads that dispense ink to print on one or more target objects <NUM>. Optionally, one or more, or all, of the print heads <NUM> may be a different type of device that prints ink onto the target objects <NUM>, such as flexography printing, offset lithography printing, digital printing, and the like. In some embodiments, the print heads <NUM> may also print a clear coat, for example, a protective coat, additionally or alternatively to a predetermined patterned to be printed.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the print head <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. Each print head <NUM> includes a first set of nozzles <NUM> and a second set of nozzles <NUM> configured to eject one or more colors of ink in a single pass. The first set of nozzles <NUM> and the second set of nozzles <NUM> are configured to eject one or more colors as multiple layers or interdigitated pattern to form the machine-readable data representation <NUM>. Optionally, each print head may have more or less sets of nozzles. For example, the print heads <NUM> may include four sets of nozzles to eject four colors, inks, and/or other printing material in a single pass.

<FIG> is an example of the machine-readable data representation <NUM> printed as multiple layers of ink in accordance with an embodiment. The print heads <NUM> can print a machine-readable data representation <NUM> including a base or background layer of ink <NUM> of a first color on the target object <NUM> and an upper or foreground layer of ink <NUM> of a second color on top of the base layer of ink <NUM>. For example, as the target object <NUM> travels through the print zone <NUM>, the first set of nozzles <NUM> applies the base or background layer of ink <NUM> (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object <NUM>. The base layer of ink <NUM> of ink can at least partially or completely cure before the second set of nozzles <NUM> applies the upper or foreground layer of ink <NUM> (e.g. black ink or ink of another color) on top of the base layer of ink <NUM>, thereby forming the machine-readable data representation <NUM>. The printing system <NUM> may also be configured such that each color is printed with a dedicated print head, ink supply system, and curing or drying device to cure, pin or 'fix' the image before the next color ink is printed. This can provide an opportunity to improve the target object surface condition (e.g., surface energy and porosity), and achieve a higher quality image.

<FIG> is an example of the machine-readable data representation <NUM> printed as an interdigitated pattern of ink in accordance with an embodiment. The print heads <NUM> can print a machine-readable data representation <NUM> in an interdigitated pattern of different colors of ink onto the target object <NUM> so that none of the colors are printed on top of another color. For example, as the target object <NUM> travels through the print zone <NUM> the first set of nozzles <NUM> applies a first color <NUM> of the interdigitated pattern (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object <NUM>. The second set of nozzles <NUM> applies a second color <NUM> of the interdigitated pattern onto the target object <NUM> so that none of the colors is printed on top of another color, thereby forming the machine-readable data representation <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method <NUM> of printing a machine-readable data representation on a target object in accordance with an embodiment. The method <NUM>, for example, may employ or be performed by structures or aspects of various embodiments (e.g., systems and/or methods) discussed herein. In various embodiments, certain steps may be omitted or added, certain steps may be combined, certain steps may be performed simultaneously, certain steps may be performed concurrently, certain steps may be split into multiple steps, certain steps may be performed in a different order, or certain steps or series of steps may be re-performed in an iterative fashion. In various embodiments, portions, aspects, and/or variations of the method <NUM> may be able to be used as one or more algorithms to direct hardware (e.g., portions, aspects, and/or variations of the method may be implemented by one or more aspects of the controller <NUM> using instructions stored on the memory <NUM>) to perform one or more operations described herein.

At <NUM>, data that is to be represented by the machine-readable data representation is input into the controller <NUM>. For example, the operator can engage the interface <NUM> to enter in bar code data. Optionally, the operator may select the data from a set of previously stored data within the memory <NUM> associated with the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may process the data for transmission to the print heads <NUM> for printing. For example, the controller <NUM> may rasterize the data according to an algorithm into two colors (e.g. black and white) that can be printed on the target objects <NUM> as a multilayer or interdigitated pattern to render the machine-readable data representation <NUM> in accordance with the parameters associated with a verification standard.

At <NUM>, one or more target objects <NUM> are loaded onto the conveyance system <NUM>. When loaded onto the conveyance system <NUM>, the target objects <NUM> may be aligned along or parallel to a printing or travel direction <NUM> so that the area to be printed is generally perpendicular to the print heads <NUM>. For example, target objects <NUM> may be loaded at a loading zone at predetermined intervals with a loading system, such as an additional conveyance system. Information from an encoder or sensor of the conveyance system <NUM> may be used to determine when the target object <NUM> is at the loading zone. Optionally, target objects <NUM> may be loaded at the loading zone manually by operators.

At <NUM>, the conveyance system <NUM> moves the target object <NUM> in a travel direction <NUM> towards the print zone <NUM> of a print head <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may send control signals to the conveyance system <NUM> to advance a conveyor belt at a continuous or variable speed to move the target object <NUM> in the travel direction <NUM> so that the target object <NUM> passes through the print zone <NUM> of the print head <NUM>. Optionally, as the target object <NUM> is advanced, the controller <NUM> may monitor positional information, such as position, velocity, orientation, and the like, regarding the target object <NUM> using encoders, sensors, and the like.

At <NUM>, when the controller <NUM> determines that the target object <NUM> is within the print zone <NUM> of the print head <NUM>, flow of the method <NUM> can advance toward <NUM>. For example, information from an encoder or sensor of the conveyance system <NUM> or print head <NUM> may be used to determine whether the target object <NUM> is at, within, or approaching the print zone <NUM>. Otherwise, if the controller <NUM> determines that no target object <NUM> is at or within the print zone <NUM> of the print head <NUM>, flow of the method <NUM> can advance toward <NUM> to continue moving the target object <NUM> with the conveyance system <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may send control signals to the conveyance system <NUM> to advance the conveyor to continue moving the target object <NUM> in the travel direction <NUM> toward the print zone <NUM> of the print head <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the controller <NUM> transmits the data to be represented by the machine-readable data representation to the print heads <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> transmits the bar code data that was previously selected by the operator from the memory <NUM> by the operator at <NUM>. Alternatively, the data could be provided by a centralized factory control system, controlling one or more conveyance systems.

At <NUM>, the print head <NUM> prints a first color onto the target object <NUM>. For example, when printing a multilayer machine-readable data representation <NUM> the controller <NUM> sends a control signal to direct the first set of nozzles <NUM> of the print head <NUM> to apply the base or background layer of ink <NUM> (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object <NUM>. Alternatively, when printing an interdigitated pattern machine-readable data representation <NUM> the controller <NUM> sends a control signal to the first set of nozzles <NUM> of the print head <NUM> to apply the first color <NUM> of the interdigitated pattern (e.g. white ink or ink of another color) onto the target object <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the print head <NUM> prints a second color onto the target object <NUM>. For example, for printing a multilayer machine-readable data representation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> sends a control signal to direct the second set of nozzles <NUM> of the print head <NUM>, or a second print head, to apply the upper or foreground layer of ink <NUM> (e.g. black ink or ink of another color) on top of the base layer of ink <NUM>, thereby forming the machine-readable data representation <NUM>. This type of data representation <NUM> can be referred to as a multi-layer data representation <NUM>. Alternatively, for printing an interdigitated pattern machine-readable data representation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> can send a control signal to the second set of nozzles <NUM> of the print head <NUM>, or to a second print head, to apply the second color <NUM> of the interdigitated pattern onto the target object <NUM> so that none of the colors is printed on top of another color, thereby forming the machine-readable data representation <NUM>. This type of data representation <NUM> can be referred to as an interdigitated data representation.

At <NUM>, the target object <NUM> is unloaded from the conveyance system <NUM>. For example, the target object <NUM> may be unloaded at an unloading zone with an unloading system, such as an additional conveyance system. Information from an encoder or sensor of the conveyance system <NUM> may be used to determine whether the target object <NUM> is at the unloading zone. Optionally, target objects <NUM> may be manually unloaded at by operators.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the print heads <NUM> are stationary with the target objects <NUM> moving through the print zone <NUM> by the conveyance system <NUM> in the travel direction <NUM>. In another embodiment, however, the target objects <NUM> may remain stationary while the print heads <NUM> are moved along a travel or printing direction <NUM>. Optionally, both the print heads <NUM> and the target objects <NUM> can concurrently move during printing of the representation <NUM> on at least one of the target objects <NUM>. The print heads <NUM> and the target objects <NUM> can move in the same direction at the same or different speeds, can move in opposite directions, or can move in transverse directions.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a printing system <NUM> in accordance with another embodiment. The printing system <NUM> includes a printing assembly <NUM> may be used in place of the printing assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> in the printing system <NUM>. One difference between the printing assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> is that each print head <NUM> is connected to a conveyance system <NUM> that can move the print heads <NUM> in a printing direction <NUM> through the print zone <NUM> while the target objects <NUM> remain stationary or substantially stationary. Also, the printing system <NUM> includes curing devices <NUM> disposed after the print heads <NUM> relative to the travel direction <NUM> that assist in curing the inks deposited onto the target objects <NUM> by the print heads <NUM>.

The conveyance system <NUM> is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> to move the print heads <NUM> along the printing direction <NUM> through the print zone <NUM> associated with the print heads <NUM> for printing the machine-readable data representation <NUM> according to a set of parameters associated with a grading standard. For example, the machine-readable data representation <NUM> may be formed from one or more different colors in a multilayer or interdigitated pattern that have a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>% and/or meet at least a Grace C of a GS-<NUM>2d bar code verification standard. However, the machine-readable data representation <NUM> may be formed according the parameters of any machine readable symbology, including, but not limited to Universal Product Code (UPC), Interleaved Two of Five (ITF), European Article Number (EAN), and other standards. The parameters associated with the grading standard may include, but are not limited to symbol contrast, reflectance, edge contrast, modulation, defects, decodability, bar width deviation, and the like.

The controller <NUM> may control when the conveyance system <NUM> moves the print heads <NUM>, which direction(s) the print heads <NUM> are moved, how fast the print heads <NUM> are moved, and the like. The conveyance system <NUM> can include one or more belts, tracks, rails, or the like, that move or convey the print heads <NUM>. While a conveyor belt system is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it may be noted that other systems, including linear guide systems and/or magnet driven systems, may be utilized as a conveyance system in other embodiments. The conveyance system <NUM> can also include one or more encoders, sensors, and the like to determine positional information regarding the print heads <NUM> as they move along the printing direction, such as position, velocity, orientation, and the like.

The conveyance system <NUM> can index each target object <NUM> to and from the print zone <NUM>. For example, one or more target objects <NUM> are loaded onto the conveyance system <NUM>. In one aspect, the target objects <NUM> can be separately placed onto the conveyance system <NUM> in a loading area. For target objects <NUM> to be printed on next by the printing heads <NUM>, the conveyance system <NUM> moves or indexes the target objects <NUM> in a travel direction <NUM> to the print zone <NUM>. The target objects <NUM> are aligned with the print heads <NUM> of the printing assembly <NUM> along a travel direction <NUM>.

The conveyance system <NUM> moves the print heads <NUM> along the printing direction <NUM> to print the machine-readable data representation <NUM> onto the target object <NUM> as a multilayer or interdigitated pattern. The embodiment depicts the printing direction <NUM> as being the same direction as the travel direction <NUM>. Optionally, the conveyance system <NUM> may move the print heads <NUM> in the opposite direction of the travel direction <NUM> to print the machine-readable data representation <NUM> onto the target object <NUM>. Subsequently, the conveyance system <NUM> may index the target objects <NUM> in the travel direction <NUM> in order to align the next target object <NUM> with the print zone <NUM> of the print heads <NUM>. For example, the conveyance system <NUM> may incrementally move the objects <NUM> on the conveyance system <NUM> in the travel direction <NUM> so that the target object <NUM> that was just printed on is no longer aligned with the print zone <NUM>, but the next target object <NUM> that has not yet been printed upon is aligned with the print zone <NUM>. The printing system <NUM> can repeat this process for additional target objects <NUM>.

The printing system <NUM> also includes curing devices <NUM> disposed after the print heads <NUM> along the travel direction <NUM> (or along a direction that is parallel to the travel direction <NUM>). The curing devices <NUM> generate energy that assists in curing the inks deposited onto the target objects <NUM> by the print heads <NUM>. For example, the curing devices <NUM> may generate UV light, plasma, heat, airflow, or the like, to speed up the curing of a recently deposited ink by the print heads <NUM>. The number and/or arrangement of the print heads <NUM> and/or curing devices <NUM> may vary from that shown in <FIG>. For example, fewer or more print heads <NUM> may be used, more or fewer curing devices <NUM> may be used, or the like.

Optionally, the controller is configured to direct the one or more print heads to print the machine-readable data representation on an area of the target object that is formed from corrugated cardboard.

Optionally, the controller is configured to direct the one or more print heads to print the machine-readable data representation on an area of the target object that is formed from a non-porous material.

Optionally, the printing system also includes one or more curing devices configured to cure or dry the machine-readable data representation printed on the target object.

Optionally, the one or more print heads are configured to print the machine-readable data representation on the target object with a symbol contrast of at least a Grade C of a GS-<NUM>2D bar code verification standard.

Optionally, printing the machine-readable data representation includes printing separate layers of ink in an interdigitated pattern to form an interdigitated machine-readable data representation.

Optionally, printing the machine-readable data representation includes interdigitating the two or more inks onto the target object so that none of the inks is printed on top of another ink within the machine-readable data representation.

Optionally, printing the machine-readable data representation includes printing plural different layers of the inks onto the target object, with at least two of the layers of the inks printed on top of each other.

Optionally, printing the machine-readable data representation includes printing a base layer of a first color of the different colors of the inks on the target object and printing an upper layer of a different, second color of the different colors of the inks on the base layer of the first color.

Optionally, the machine-readable data representation includes a bar code with a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%.

Optionally, the method also includes applying a clear coating layer to the target object prior to printing the machine-readable data representation on the clear coating layer.

Optionally, the one or more print heads are configured to print layers of the inks in an interdigitated pattern to form the machine-readable data representation as an interdigitated machine-readable data representation.

Optionally, the one or more print heads are configured to print plural different layers of the inks on top of each other on the target object to form the machine-readable data representation as a multi-layer machine-readable data representation.

Optionally, the machine-readable data representation that is printed is a bar code with a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%.

Optionally, the printing assembly includes one or more curing devices configured to cure the inks during the one or more of the single pass of the printing assembly over the target object or the single pass of the target object below the printing assembly.

Optionally, the machine-readable data representation that is printed is a QR code.

Optionally, the machine-readable data representation that is printed is a two-dimensional bar code with a symbol contrast of at least <NUM>%.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

It should be noted that the particular arrangement of components (e.g., the number, types, placement, or the like) of the illustrated embodiments may be modified in various alternate embodiments. For example, in various embodiments, different numbers of a given module or unit may be employed, a different type or types of a given module or unit may be employed, a number of modules or units (or aspects thereof) may be combined, a given module or unit may be divided into plural modules (or sub-modules) or units (or sub-units), one or more aspects of one or more modules may be shared between modules, a given module or unit may be added, or a given module or unit may be omitted.

As used herein, a processor or a processing unit includes processing circuitry configured to perform one or more tasks, functions, or steps, such as those described herein. For instance, the processor may be a logic-based device that performs operations based on instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium, such as memory. It may be noted that a "processor," as used herein, is not intended to necessarily be limited to a single processor or single logic-based device. For example, the processor may include a single processor (e.g., having one or more cores), multiple discrete processors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some embodiments, the processor is an off-the-shelf device that is appropriately programmed or instructed to perform operations, such as the algorithms described herein.

The processor may also be a hard-wired device (e.g., electronic circuitry) that performs the operations based on hard-wired logic that is configured to perform the algorithms described herein. Accordingly, the processor may include one or more ASICs and/or FPGAs. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the processor may include or may be associated with a tangible and non-transitory memory having stored thereon instructions configured to direct the processor to perform the algorithms described herein.

It is noted that operations performed by the processor (e.g., operations corresponding to the methods/algorithms described herein, or aspects thereof) may be sufficiently complex that the operations may not be performed by a human being within a reasonable time period. The processor may be configured to receive signals from the various sub-systems and devices of the system or user inputs from the user. The processor may be configured to perform the methods described herein.

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
directing a printing assembly to apply a first ink of a first color toward first areas of a machine-readable data representation (<NUM>) on a corrugated material surface; and
directing the printing assembly to apply a second ink of a second color toward second areas of the machine-readable data representation (<NUM>) on the corrugated material surface,
the second color of the second ink being different from the first color of the first ink, wherein the first and second areas do not overlap each other,
wherein the printing assembly is directed to apply the first ink and to apply the second ink to form the machine-readable data representation (<NUM>) for machine scanning of the machine-readable data representation (<NUM>) while on the corrugated material surface.