U.S. patent application number 12/004163 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for process for identifying individual packages in a group.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to David A. Mantell.
Application Number | 20080103620 12/004163 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37420201 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080103620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mantell; David A. |
May 1, 2008 |
Process for identifying individual packages in a group
Abstract
A process and system are provided for printing variable data on
packaging material at a package printer and machine reading the
variable data on a packaging facility packaging line and
associating the variable data with other information in a computer
database. The process and system render unnecessary the use of a
printing stage at the packaging facility, thereby improving
packaging efficiency.
Inventors: |
Mantell; David A.;
(Rochester, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALIX, YALE & RISTAS, LLP
750 MAIN STREET
SUITE 1400
HARTFORD
CT
06103-2721
US
|
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation
|
Family ID: |
37420201 |
Appl. No.: |
12/004163 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11126004 |
May 10, 2005 |
7331158 |
|
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12004163 |
Dec 20, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/115 ;
283/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; B65B 61/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/115 ;
283/067 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00; B42D 15/00 20060101 B42D015/00 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A process for creating a computer database to track an
individual packaged item in a group of substantially identical
packaged items, comprising: obtaining a lot of at least fifty
unfilled packages having a first set of variable data printed
thereon, automatically filling the packages, determining the first
set of variable data and storing it in a computer database at the
time of filling, and associating the first set of variable data
with a second set of data, both the first set of variable data and
the second set of data being stored in the computer database.
16. The process of claim 15, wherein determining the first set of
variable data includes machine reading the first set of variable
data.
17. The process of claim 15, wherein determining the first set of
variable data includes sequentially determining the variable data
from the starting point of the lot.
18. The process of claim 17, wherein sequential variable data is
provided with the lot of unfilled packages.
19. The process of claim 15, wherein the second set of data is
input into the computer database when the packages are filled.
20. The process of claim 15, wherein the first set of variable data
is machine read before the packages are filled.
21. The process of claim 15, further comprising automatically
checking package quality before filling the packages and rejecting
low quality packages.
22. The process of claim 15, wherein the first set of variable data
is printed at a first location and the packages are filled at a
second location that is remote relative to the first location.
23. The process of claim 15, wherein the computer database is used
to recover the second set of data for a specific package using data
from the first set of variable data.
24. The process of claim 15, wherein the computer database is used
to identify which values from the first set of variable data
correspond to specific values from the second set of data.
25-29. (canceled)
30. A process for creating a computer database to track an
individual packaged item in a group of substantially identical
packaged items, comprising: obtaining a lot of at least fifty
filled packages having a first set of variable data printed
thereon, the variable data on each package being different than the
variable data on the other packages, determining the first set of
variable data and storing it in a computer database, and
associating the first set of variable data with a second set of
data, both the first set of variable data and the second set of
data being stored in the computer database.
31. The process of claim 30, wherein determining the first set of
variable data includes machine reading the first set of variable
data.
32. The process of claim 30, wherein determining the first set of
variable data includes sequentially determining the variable data
from the starting point of the lot.
33. The process of claim 30, wherein sequential variable data is
provided with the lot of unfilled packages.
34. The process of claim 30, wherein the second set of data is
input into the computer database when the packages are filled.
35. The process of claim 30, wherein the first set of variable data
is machine read before the packages are filled.
36. The process of claim 30, further comprising automatically
checking package quality before filling the packages and rejecting
low quality packages.
37. The process of claim 30, wherein the first set of variable data
is printed at a first location and the packages are filled at a
second location that is remote relative to the first location.
38. The process of claim 30, wherein the computer database is used
to recover the second set of data for a specific package using data
from the first set of variable data.
39. The process of claim 30, wherein the computer database is used
to identify which values from the first set of variable data
correspond to specific values from the second set of data.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] A process and system are described for efficiently
identifying individual product packages.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Product packaging is used to identify the contents of the
package. Typically, a large quantity of boxes or bags is printed by
a printing company and then shipped to a packaging facility where
the packages are filled. Additional markings such as alphanumeric
characters often are added to packages at the packaging facility
using a low resolution printing process in order to track inventory
or to provide manufacturing or expiration dates for the package
contents. This type of package identification requires an
additional printing or labeling step at the factory.
[0003] It is known to identify an individual item with a number
that is specific to the item. Costly products such as television
sets, computers and automobiles frequently have a unique serial
number embossed or otherwise attached to the body of the product so
that this number will be visible on the product during its useful
life. Computer software is often sold with a unique identifying
number or watermark inside the package in order to limit its
reproduction beyond the scope of the intended license.
[0004] Courier services and film developers often use unique
numerical sequences and/or bar codes that are preprinted on
envelopes or package mailing labels in order to associate a
particular envelope or package with a sender and a receiver at the
time the package is addressed or shipped. This type of shipping
procedure typically is used for packages containing unique items so
that the packages can be located if they are lost.
[0005] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0007868 discloses
a book covering with a unique identifier printed thereon and a
method for printing a book covering using a printing press which
has means for printing variable data. This document also discloses
a method for printing a product package which includes printing a
unique identifier on the package stock with a variable data
printing apparatus. The variable data can be printed on-press along
with non-variable data.
[0006] European Patent Application No. 554989-A1 (1993) is directed
to a method of preparing packaging material with variable data
printed thereon using an ion deposition or toner technology
process. The non-variable data on the packaging material either can
printed along with the variable data using ion deposition or toner
technology, or in a separate printing process using a different
type of printing process.
SUMMARY
[0007] One embodiment described herein is a process for packaging
goods, comprising obtaining a lot of packaging material, printing a
first set of variable data directly on the lot of packaging
material, delivering the lot of packaging material with the first
set of variable data printed thereon to a packaging line, filling
the lot of packaging material on the packaging line with items
using an automated packaging machine, machine reading the first set
of variable data on the lot of packaging material at the time of
filling, and automatically associating a second set of data
relevant to the items with the first set of machine read variable
data.
[0008] Usually, the first set of variable data is printed on the
lot of packaging material at an off-site location relative to the
packaging line. Filling typically includes forming three
dimensional packages from the lot of packaging material and sealing
the packages. The second set of data frequently includes
information relevant to package contents, manufacturing conditions,
and/or packaging conditions, and usually includes at least one of
the packaging date, time of packaging, ambient packaging facility
conditions such as temperature, humidity and/or pressure at the
time of packaging, and the source of the packaged items.
[0009] The process sometimes further comprises pre-forming the lot
of packaging material after printing and before filling. The
quality of individual packages in the lot of packaging material
often is automatically checked before filling.
[0010] In many cases, the process further comprises printing a
third set of non-variable data on the lot of packaging material.
The third set of data often identifies the packaged items and is
usually non-variable. The first and third sets of data can be
printed using the same printing device.
[0011] Usually, the lot of packaging material includes a plurality
of packages, and each package in the lot is printed with different
variable data. In some cases, the variable data is common for a
small number of packages, such as a small lot of packages or a
portion of a large lot, in accordance with the need for later
distinguishing packages and recovering data associated with them at
the time of filling. For security reasons it may be desirable for
the first set of variable data to be coded.
[0012] Another embodiment is a process for creating a computer
database to track an individual packaged item in a group of
substantially identical packaged items, comprising obtaining a lot
of unfilled packages having a first set of variable data printed
thereon, automatically filling the packages, determining the first
set of variable data and storing it in a computer database at the
time of filling, and associating the first set of variable data
with a second set of data, both the first set of variable data and
the second set of data being stored in the computer database.
[0013] The first set of variable data usually is machine read.
Sometimes, the first set of variable data is sequentially
determined from the starting point of the lot. Sequential variable
data can be provided with the lot of unfilled packages, and are
typically provided by the printing facility.
[0014] Often, the second set of data is input into the database
when the packages are filled. The first set of variable identifying
data sometimes is read before the packages are filled. In certain
cases, the process further comprises automatically checking package
quality before filling the packages and rejecting low quality
packages. The first set of variable identifying data usually is
printed at a first location and the packages are filled at a second
location that is remote relative to the first location.
[0015] The computer database typically can be used to recover the
second set of data for a specific package using data from the first
set of variable data. The computer database frequently can be used
to identify which values from the first set of variable data
corresponds to specific values of the second set of data.
[0016] A further embodiment is a system for identifying packages in
a group, comprising a first printing device connected to a first
computer, the first printing device being configured to print
variable data on the packages, an automatic packaging machine
disposed at a remote location relative to the first printing
device, a variable data machine reader positioned proximate the
automatic packaging machine, and a second computer connected to the
variable data machine reader, the second computer storing the
variable data in a computer database and associating the variable
data with other data in the computer database. A package
pre-forming device frequently is included before the automatic
packaging machine. Sometimes, an automated package quality reader
is disposed proximate the automatic packaging machine. In most
cases, the computer database can be used to recover the second set
of data for a specific package using a value from the first set of
variable data. The computer database usually can be used to
identify which data from the first set of variable data corresponds
to specific values of the second set of data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a process for printing variable
data on product packaging and subsequently reading and associating
the data.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a process for printing variable
data on product packaging and subsequently reading and associating
the data, with packaging quality being checked before the packaging
is filled.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an alternative to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing equipment used in the
processes depicted in FIGS. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, a process for
product packaging is shown and is generally designated as 10. At a
package printer, packaging material is obtained at 12 and is
printed at 14 with both non-variable data, typically both graphics
and alphanumeric characters which are indicative of the product
contents, and also variable, unique identifying data. Usually, the
non-variable data are the same on each package in a particular lot,
while the variable data are different on each package in the lot.
Sometimes, however, a small number of different sets of
non-variable data are intermixed. This occurs particularly when
multiple packages are printed from a particular master, which are
later cut into individual packages. The variable and non-variable
data can be printed with the same printing device or different
printing devices. For cases in which one elongated sheet of
packaging material is later cut to form multiple packages, multiple
sets of the non-variable data and the variable data are printed on
the sheet at appropriate locations on the sheet.
[0022] As used herein, "unique identifying data" include numbers,
letters, combinations of numbers and letters, codes having one,
two, or three dimensions, including but not limited to bar codes,
and machine readable variable graphics. Frequently, the unique
identifying data are numeric or alphanumeric variable data. A "lot
of packaging material" refers to a batch of packaging material
which has been or will be formed into packages that are part of the
same group. The packaging material can be in the form of an
elongated sheet or a group of individual packages. For the purposes
of discussion herein, the term "printing device" shall include all
different types of printing presses, printers, or other hardcopy
rendering apparatus and devices.
[0023] After the data have been printed, the packaging is
pre-formed into a package shape, if necessary, at 16. More
specifically, if the packaging material must be cut, folded,
adhered or otherwise pre-formed, some or all of the pre-forming can
occur at the package printer. Alternatively, all of the pre-forming
can take place after delivery to the packaging facility. Packaging
which is pre-formed at the package printer usually is sent to the
packaging facility in a flattened state and is then shaped into an
appropriate three dimensional shape before it is filled. Large,
printed rolls or sheets of packaging material can be shipped to the
packaging facility and then cut, folded, adhered, and further
pre-formed at the packaging facility prior to filling.
[0024] The packaging material is delivered from the package printer
to the packaging facility at 18. After any necessary preparation
for filling, including any pre-forming that did not take place at
the package printer, the packaging is filled at 20. Part of the
filling stage usually includes shaping the package into a three
dimensional shape and sealing the package. At the time of filling,
the unique identifying data are machine read from the package at
22. Soon thereafter, the read data is associated in a computer.
[0025] The variable data may have been printed in a form that can
only be read by machine. For example, it can be printed with a
material that cannot be seen without special lighting, or with a
material that can be read with special equipment, such as a
magnetic reader. Suitable types of machine reading devices include
but are not limited to electronic scanners, laser scanners, optical
readers, digital cameras, and digital video cameras. As used
herein, "at the time of filling" refers to a window of time before,
during and after the filling process. More specifically, machine
reading of a particular package takes place at an instant within a
timeframe that begins when the package arrives in the packaging
area and ends when the filled package leaves the packaging area.
The packaging area constitutes the rooms or sections of the
packaging facility where packaging takes place. Typically, the
machine reading takes place in a time period of less than one
second. This time period often is within a timeframe that begins
about two minutes before the filling process and ends about one
minute after the filling process. Machine reading which is done
after filling usually is performed on the packaging line. For oddly
shaped packages and flexible bags, it usually is preferable to read
the variable data before the package is formed into a
three-dimensional shape to ensure that the package can be properly
positioned for accurate machine reading. Packages which cannot be
successfully read optionally can be collected at 21.
[0026] As an alternative to reading the variable data on each
individual package, a first set of variable data which is
sequential can be determined if the value of the variable data on
the first package in the lot of packaging material is supplied by
the package printer or is read from the first package in the lot.
For example, in a lot of one hundred sequentially numbered packages
in which the first package is numbered 0101, the fiftieth package
is numbered 0150 as long as no defective packages have been located
and eliminated. The other package numbers also will be known. This
data can be entered in the database and associated with a second
set of data. The database can later be used to recover certain
values in the second set of data for a specific package by finding
or using a value from the first set of data. The database can also
be used to identify which first data value or values correspond to
a specific value of the second set of data.
[0027] As indicated above, the machine read data are stored in a
computer database. In some cases, the database is automatically
updated with information such as the location, date, time, item
style, state of the manufacturing or packaging line, etc. This
information may come, for example, from the packaging machine and
may be input into the computer before or after the variable data
are machine read depending upon whether the variable data are read
before or after filling. The data can be maintained in electronic
form and/or printed in document form. The machine reading and
association of the variable data, which has been printed at the
package printer, eliminates the need for a printing process at the
packaging facility.
[0028] The filled and read packages are then transported or sent to
storage at 24. Meanwhile, the data that were read at 22 and the
associated data can be used by the packaging facility, and some of
the data can be made available to an actual or potential customer
at 26. The data can be used for a variety of quality control
purposes. For example, the data can be used for pinpointing the
packaging time and/or conditions for a particular item that is
later found to be defective, locating a particular defective item
or set of items, and responding to information requests from
customers.
[0029] Referring next to FIG. 2, a process of product packaging is
shown and is designated as 100. Packaging material is obtained at
112 and printed with non-variable data and variable data at 114.
The packaging material optionally is pre-formed at 116 before
and/or after delivery to a packaging facility packaging line at
118. Before filling, the quality of the packaging material is
checked at 119 using an automated quality checking device and any
unacceptable packaging material is collected at 121. Non-limiting
examples of suitable quality checking devices include digital
scanners, cameras, and video cameras. This quality control process
is particularly advantageous if substantial pre-forming takes place
after delivery from the package printer.
[0030] In one embodiment, if the package printer delivers long
rolls of packaging material, and the package printer's own quality
control procedure (not shown) has determined that a portion of
material in the center of the roll is of substandard quality, the
package printer can provide the packaging facility with the
variable data which appear on the substandard packaging, thereby
enabling the defective packaging to be removed from the packaging
line without wasting the acceptable parts of the roll. The
remaining packaging is filled at 120 and the variable data are read
at 122 at the time of filling and are associated with other data
soon thereafter. It is possible to combine checking of packaging
quality at 119 and reading of variable data into a single reading
stage in which defective packages from the middle of a roll are
located by reading the variable data and are then removed from the
packaging line before filling.
[0031] After the variable data have been read and associated, the
filled packages are transported or stored at 124. Data, including
the variable data and any data associated with the variable data,
can be made available to others in the packaging facility and/or to
actual or potential customers at 126.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a process for product
packaging is shown and is designated as 200. Quality checking and
removal of defective packaging takes place at the package printer.
Packaging material is obtained at 212, printed with non-variable
data and variable data at 214, and optionally preformed at 216.
After any pre-forming taking place at the package printer, the
package quality is automatically inspected at 219 using a digital
scanner, camera, video camera, or another suitable device and
rejected packaging is collected at 221. Acceptable packaging is
delivered to the packaging facility at 218, where any additional
pre-forming that is required takes place. The variable data are
then determined at 222 at the time of filling at 220 and are
associated with other data soon thereafter. The data can be
determined by machine reading each package, or by determining the
first value in the lot and sequentially determining the variable
data from the starting point in the lot, as when the data
constitute a numerical sequence. Filled packages are transported or
stored at 224. The data that were machine read, and/or the
associated data, can be made available to others in the packaging
facility and/or potential customers at 226.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a system of hardware for practicing the
processes shown in FIGS. 1-3. The overall system is designated as
50. A package printer computer 54 controls a printing device 56,
which prints the variable data 58 on the packaging material 64.
Optionally, the package printer computer 56 also controls the
printing of the non-variable data 60 on the packaging 64 using
printing device 56 or another printing device (not shown). The
printed packaging 64 is then delivered to the packaging facility
where the product 66 to be packaged is automatically packaged using
packaging machine 68. The data reader 70 reads the variable data at
the time of packaging. FIG. 4 depicts machine reading after the
package is filled, although, as indicated above, reading can occur
before the package is filled. The packaging computer 72 stores the
read data and associates it with other data, some of which
optionally can be obtained from the packaging machine 68. The
filled package 74 is ready for transport or storage. The packaging
computer 72 usually is connected to a server 75, which typically is
also connected to other computers in the packaging facility.
[0034] As is also shown in FIG. 4, in some cases the package
printer will have a package pre-former 76 to cut, fold, and/or
adhere packaging material to form packages. The preformed packages
64' can be inspected using an inspection apparatus 77 and rejected
packaging can be collected using a rejected packaging collection
device 78. The remaining packaging is then delivered to the
packaging facility. In certain cases, the packaging facility will
have a package pre-former 80 to cut, fold, and/or adhere packaging
material to form packages. The preformed packages 64' optionally
can be inspected using an inspection apparatus 82 and rejected
packaging can be collected using a rejected packaging collection
device 84. Occasionally, when package quality standards are
particularly high and part of the pre-forming occurs at the package
printer while the rest of the pre-forming occurs at the packaging
facility, inspection equipment and rejected package collection
equipment can used at both the package printer and the packaging
facility.
[0035] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems or
applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or
unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or
improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in
the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following
claims.
* * * * *