Self-Contained, Portable Laser Bonded Mark Application and Data Capture System

To address the Navy need for a portable handheld laser marking and scanning device to apply and capture machine-readable part identification codes, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Handheld Laser Marker and Scanner (HLMS) device, based on integration of a laser scanner, laser marker, a user interface, and display technologies into a self-contained, easy-to-use unit. The HLMS technology will be a compact, portable laser marking system to generate, apply, read, and verify tracking marks, and apply and capture images of laser bonded, machine-readable part identification codes, including 1D and 2D Data Matrix barcodes or MIL-STD-130 UID symbols. The innovation in the 2D imager enables HLMS to recognize and process a pattern from its background image. HLMS also has I/O interfaces for data uploads, downloads, and future upgrades. It permits operation from a 100-200 mm distance to readily access line-of-sight accessible parts while improving the accuracy of laser barcode marking and reading. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of HLMS by assembling and testing a technology readiness level (TRL) 4 prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to advance to a TRL 5-6 prototype to demonstrate the effectiveness of the HLMS system in field use.