Abstract: Systems and methods for generating machine-readable symbols on surfaces of objects using laser marking systems and processes. A specialized contour fill pattern for a laser beam path may be used that combines modules of a machine-readable symbol into bounded blocks or islands according to adjacencies and/or according to role (e.g., finder pattern, timing pattern, encoded payload data). In some implementations, the islands of modules may be filled using a laser beam path that traverses contour path lines from inner path lines to outer path lines. Once the islands have been generated during pre-processing, they are sorted to reduce the required time for the laser to “jump” (i.e., move with the laser turned off) from one island to a subsequent island to be filled. A filling pattern for bounded areas with sharp corners (e.g., squares, rectangles) may be simplified by rounding corners to optimize speed while maintaining suitable marking quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating machine-readable symbols on surfaces of objects using laser marking systems and processes. A specialized contour fill pattern for a laser beam path may be used that combines modules of a machine-readable symbol into bounded blocks or islands according to adjacencies and/or according to role (e.g., finder pattern, timing pattern, encoded payload data). In some implementations, the islands of modules may be filled using a laser beam path that traverses contour path lines from inner path lines to outer path lines. Once the islands have been generated during pre-processing, they are sorted to reduce the required time for the laser to “jump” (i.e., move with the laser turned off) from one island to a subsequent island to be filled. A filling pattern for bounded areas with sharp corners (e.g., squares, rectangles) may be simplified by rounding corners to optimize speed while maintaining suitable marking quality.