Method for recording and identifying integrated circuit chips and the

Abstract

A method and system for identifying and providing absolute identification on any visual medium or devices, to permit accurate recall of unique characteristics of the device being identifying. The recorded production information become the characteristics of the device, enabling fast and accurate identification and retrieval at a later date. The recording apparatus basically comprises a keyboard for inputting identification information for each device of a production lot, an electronic encoder for encoding the identification information into an index code, a laser device for etching or engraving the index code to a surface of each device, an inking device for filling the etched surface of each device with ultraviolet or infrared ink, and a spraying device for spraying a protective coat over the etched surface of each device. The index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each device from the production lot and the index code will remain invisible and not be seen by the naked eye. The retrieval apparatus basically comprises a laser illuminating device for emitting a beam of light onto the etched surface of each device and a code reader for receiving the deflected beam of light and translating the encoded index code into a readable data.