摘要 |
<p>IDENTIFICATION OF A MOLDED CONTAINER WITH ITS MOLD OF ORIGIN A method and system for identifying a molded container such as a glass bottle with its mold of origin, and a corresponding container. Each container has molded therein a plurality of indicia in the form of surface bumps or protrusions extending in an arcuate array at uniformly spaced indicia positions around the container heel perpendicularly of the container axis. The indicia are grouped in sets of two adjacent indicia positions, the sets being of two mutually unique configurations, whereby the sets as a whole identify a binary code associated with the container mold of origin. The method and system for reading such code in accordance with the disclosure contemplate directing a source of diffused light energy onto the container heel, with such energy having an intensity gradient at predetermined orientation with respect to the container axis. A camera is positioned to receive light energy reflected by the heel and is monitored to read the coded indicia as a function of alteration of the normal reflection pattern by the bumps or protrusions.</p> |