SPECIFICATION

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is in the technical field of object packaging. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to tracking object locations as the objects are conveyed through a packaging system.

[0002] Consumers frequently purchase goods from mail-order or internet retailers, which package and ship the goods to the purchasing consumer via a postal service or other carrier. Millions of such packages are shipped each day. These items are normally packaged in small containers, such as a box or envelope. To protect the items during shipment, they are typically packaged with some form of protective dunnage that may be wrapped around the item or stuffed into the container to prevent movement of the item and to protect it from shock.

[0003] A common type of packaging envelope is known as a "padded mailer." Padded mailers are generally shipping envelopes that have padded walls to protect the contents of the mailer. Padded mailers generally include a single or double wall envelope, with paper dunnage or air cellular cushioning material to protect the packaged object. While such padded mailers have been commercially successful, they are not without drawbacks. For instance, because trapped or confined air is generally the cushioning medium, the space required to store such mailers is not insignificant. Further, in order not to require an inordinately large amount of storage space, the padded mailers are typically limited to having relatively thin padding. In another example, inflatable mailers (i.e., mailers that have an integral inflatable cushioning material) can be inflated just prior to packaging and shipment, but inflation of these inflatable mailers can be a slow, cumbersome, and labor-intensive process. Moreover, padded mailers are typically used to protect objects during shipment, but are typically not used at other times, such as times when objects are stored in inventory.

[0004] Some packaging systems, called form-fill-seal machines, form a tube of packaging material (e.g., polyethylene foam, inflatable cushioning material, etc.) into which the objects are fed. The packaging systems them seal the package material around the objects to form packages around the objects. These systems have a number of benefits, such as the speed with which they are able to form packages around objects. However, existing form-fill-seal machines can be improved to reduce the number of flawed packages created and to increase the appearance of the formed packages.

SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one embodiment, a packaging system includes a conveyance system, a package forming system, and a tracking system. The conveyance system is configured to receive objects and to convey the objects through the packaging system. Spacing between the objects is non-uniform as the objects are received by the conveyance system. The package forming system is configured to feed a packaging material to form a tube of the packaging material and further configured to seal the tube of the packaging material around the objects to form packages of the packaging material around the objects. The tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system on the conveyance system. The tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects independently of any marks on the packaging material.

[0007] In one example, the tracking system includes an infeed scanner configured to detect an infeed location of each of the objects as the objects are fed through an infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the infeed scanner is configured to detect the infeed location of each of the objects by detecting a leading edge and a trailing edge of each of the objects as the objects are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the tracking system is configured to calculate a longitudinal length of each of the objects based on the leading edge and the trailing edge of each of the objects. In another example, the package forming system is configured to seal the tube of the packaging material around one of the objects at locations based on the longitudinal length of the one of the objects. In another example, the infeed scanner is further configured to generate a height indication for each of the objects as the objects are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system; the height indication for an object includes at least one of an indication whether any portion of the object exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the object, or a height profile of the object from a transverse side of the object; and the package forming system is configured to seal the tube of the packaging material around one of the objects at locations based on a combination of the longitudinal length of the one of the objects and the height indication of the one of the objects.

[0008] In another example, the tracking system further includes at least one conveyor sensor configured to detect movements of the conveyance system. In another example, the tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects as the objects pass through the packaging system on the conveyance system based on a combination of the infeed location of each of the objects and the movements of the conveyance system detected by the at least one conveyor sensor. In another example, the at least one conveyor sensor includes a plurality of encoders configured detect movements of each of a plurality of conveyor belts in the conveyance system.

[0009] In another example, the packaging system further includes a labeling mechanism configured to apply a label on the packaging material, where the label is associated with one of the objects, and where the packaging system is configured to cause the labeling mechanism to apply the label to the packaging material based on the tracked location of the one of the objects. In another example, the labeling mechanism is configured to apply the label to the packaging material after the packaging material is formed into the tube and before the tube of the packaging material is sealed around the one of the objects. In another example, the packaging materials include one or more of a polyethylene-based film, an inflatable cushioning material, or an inflated cushioning material.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method includes a conveyance system of a packaging system receiving objects that are non-uniformly spaced as the objects are received by the conveyance system and conveying the objects through the packaging system. The method further includes a package forming system of the packaging system feeding a packaging material to form a tube of the packaging material and forming seals in the tube of the packaging material around the objects to form packages of the packaging material around the objects. The method further includes a tracking system in the packaging system tracking locations of the objects independently of any marks on the packaging material as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system.

[0011] In one example, the method further includes an infeed scanner of the tracking system detecting an infeed location of each of the objects as the objects are fed through an infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, detecting the infeed location of each of the objects includes detecting a leading edge and a trailing edge of each of the objects as the objects are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the method further includes the tracking system calculating a longitudinal length of each of the objects based on the leading edge and the trailing edge of each of the objects. In another example, the package forming system is configured to seal the tube of the packaging material around one of the objects at locations based on the longitudinal length of the one of the objects. [0012] In another example, the method further includes the infeed scanner generating a height indication for each of the objects as the objects are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system; where the height indication for an object includes at least one of an indication whether any portion of the object exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the object, or a height profile of the object from a transverse side of the object; and where the package forming system is configured to seal the tube of the packaging material around one of the objects at locations based on a combination of a longitudinal length of the one of the objects and the height indication of the one of the objects. In another example, the method further includes at least one conveyor sensor of the tracking system detecting movements of the conveyance system, where tracking the locations of the objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system on the conveyance system is based on a combination of the infeed location of each of the objects and the movements of the conveyance system detected by the at least one conveyor sensor. In another example, the at least one conveyor sensor includes a plurality of encoders configured detect movements of each of a plurality of conveyor belts in the conveyance system.

[0013] In another example, the method further includes a labeling mechanism applying a label to the packaging material, where the label is associated with one of the objects, and where the packaging system is configured to cause the labeling mechanism to apply the label to the packaging material based on the tracked location of the one of the objects. In another example, applying the label to the packaging material occurs after the packaging material is formed into the tube and before sealing the tube of the packaging material around the one of the objects. In another example, the packaging materials include one or more of a polyethylene- based film, an inflatable cushioning material, or an inflated cushioning material.

[0014] In another embodiment, a packaging system includes a conveyance system, a package forming system, and a tracking system. The conveyance system is configured to receive objects and to convey the objects through the packaging system, where spacing between the objects is non-uniform as the objects are received by the conveyance system. The package forming system is configured to feed a packaging material to form a tube of the packaging material and further configured to form transverse seals in the tube of the packaging material around at least one of the objects to form a package of the packaging material around the at least one of the objects, where the packaging material includes graphic regions intermittently spaced in a longitudinal direction of the packaging material. The tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system on the conveyance system. The conveyance system is configured to position the at least one of the objects in the tube with respect to the packaging material such that the transverse seals do not intersect any of the graphic regions.

[0015] In one example, the packaging system is configured to control operation of the conveyance system based on the tracked location of the at least one of the objects such that the conveyance system positions the at least one of the objects with respect to the packaging material such that the transverse seals formed in the packaging material do not intersect any of the graphic regions. In another example, the tracking system includes an infeed scanner configured to detect an infeed location of each of the objects as the objects are fed through an infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the tracking system is configured to calculate a longitudinal length of each of the objects. In another example, the positioning of the at least one of the objects is based on the longitudinal length of the at least one of the objects.

[0016] In another example, the infeed scanner is further configured to generate a height indication for each of the objects as the objects are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the positioning of the at least one of the objects is based on the height indication of the at least one of the objects. In another example, the height indication for the at least one of the objects includes at least one of an indication whether any portion of the at least one of the objects exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the at least one of the objects, or a height profile of the at least one of the objects from a transverse side of the at least one of the objects.

[0017] In another embodiment, a method includes a conveyance system of a packaging system receiving objects that are non-uniformly spaced as the objects are received by the conveyance system. The method further includes a tracking system of the packaging system tracking locations of the objects as the objects pass through the packaging system on the conveyance system. The method further includes a package forming system of the packaging system forming a tube of packaging material, where the packaging material includes graphic regions intermittently spaced in a longitudinal direction of the packaging material. The method further includes the conveyance system feeding at least one of the objects into the tube of the packaging material. The method further includes the package forming system forming transverse seals in the tube of the packaging material to form a package of the packaging material around the at least one of the objects. The feeding of the at least one of the objects into the tube of the packaging material includes positioning, by the conveyance system, the at least one of the objects in the tube with respect to the packaging material such that the transverse seals formed in the packaging material do not intersect any of the graphic regions. [0018] In one example, the method further includes the packaging system controlling operation of the conveyance system based on the tracked location of the at least one object such that the conveyance system positions the at least one of the objects with respect to the film such that the transverse seals in the packaging material do not intersect any of the graphic regions. In another example, the tracking includes the tracking system detecting an infeed location of each of the objects as the objects are fed through an infeed portion of the conveyance system. In another example, the tracking includes the tracking system determining a longitudinal length of each of the objects. In another example, the positioning of the at least one of the objects is based on the longitudinal length of the at least one of the objects. In another example, the tracking includes the tracking system determining a height indication for the at least one of the objects. In another example, the positioning of the at least one of the objects is based on the height indication of the at least one of the objects. In another example, the height indication for the at least one of the objects includes at least one of an indication whether any portion of the at least one of the objects exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the at least one of the objects, or a height profile of the at least one of the objects from a transverse side of the at least one of the objects.

[0019] In another embodiment, a packaging system includes a conveyance system, a package forming system, and a tracking system. The conveyance system is configured to receive objects, where spacing between the objects is non-uniform as the objects are received by the conveyance system. The package forming system is configured to feed a packaging material to form a tube of the packaging material and to form transverse seals in the tube of the packaging material. The tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system on the conveyance system. The conveyance system is configured to feed the objects into the tube of the packaging material. At least one of the objects is located between two of the transverse seals to form a package of the packaging material around the at least one of the objects. The tracking system is configured to track the locations of the objects at least by tracking the location of the at least one of the objects while the at least one of the objects is inside of the tube of the packaging material and inside of the package. The packaging system is configured to pass the package to a downstream package handling system and to communicate, to the downstream package handling system, the location of the at least one object.

[0020] In one example, the packaging system is configured to determine that the package is flawed and to communicate, to the downstream package handling system, an indication that the package is flawed. In another example, the

downstream package handling system is configured to sort the package from other packages that are not flawed based at least on the location of the package and the indication that the package is flawed received from the packaging system. In another example, the packaging system is configured to determine that the package is flawed is based on at least one of a determination that the package is lacking one of the objects, a determination that the package includes an extra one of the objects, a faulty reading of a label on the package, a lack of a label on the package, an improper dimension of the package, a transverse seal on the package that crosses a graphic region, a user input indicating that the package is flawed, or any combination thereof. In another example, the packaging system is communicatively coupled to the downstream package handling system via one or more of a serial connection, a communication bus, a wired network, or a wireless network.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method includes a packaging system receiving objects that are non-uniformly spaced as the objects are received by a conveyance system, forming a tube of packaging material, and conveying the objects through the packaging system, where the conveying includes feeding the objects into the tube of the packaging material. The method further includes the packaging system forming transverse seals in the tube of the packaging material, where at least one of the objects is located between two of the transverse seals to form a package of the packaging material around the at least one of the objects. The method further includes the packaging system tracking locations of the objects during the conveying of the objects through the packaging system independently of the packaging material, where tracking the locations of the objects includes tracking the location of the at least one of the objects while the at least one of the objects is inside of the tube of the packaging material and inside of the package. The method further includes the packaging system passing the package to a downstream package handling system, where passing the package includes communicating, from the packaging system to the downstream package handling system the location of the at least one object.

[0022] In one example, the method further includes the packaging system

determining that the package is flawed, where passing the package further includes communicating, from the packaging system to the downstream package handling system an indication that the package is flawed. In another example, the

downstream package handling system is configured to sort the package from other packages that are not flawed based at least on the location of the package and the indication that the package is flawed received from the packaging system. In another example, determining that the package is flawed is based on at least one of a determination that the package is lacking one of the objects, a determination that the package includes an extra one of the objects, a faulty reading of a label on the package, a lack of a label on the package, an improper dimension of the package, a transverse seal on the package that crosses a graphic region, a user input indicating that the package is flawed, or any combination thereof. In another example, the packaging system is communicatively coupled to the downstream package handling system via one or more of a serial connection, a communication bus, a wired network, or a wireless network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0023] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Fig. 1 A depicts an embodiment of a packaging system, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0025] Fig. 1 B depicts a block diagram of portions of the packaging system shown in Fig. 1A, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0026] Fig. 2A depicts another embodiment of a packaging system, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0027] Fig. 2B depicts a block diagram of portions of the packaging system shown in Fig. 2A, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0028] Figs. 3A-3D depict instances of a system that determines a height indication of an object based on whether any portion of the object exceeds a predetermined height, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0029] Figs. 4A-4D depict instances of a system that determines a height indication of an object based on a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the object, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0030] Figs. 5A-5D depict instances of a system that determines a height indication of an object based on height profile of the object from a transverse side of the object, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0031] Fig. 6A depicts an example of a packaging system that uses a packaging material having intermittently-spaced graphic regions to form packages, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0032] Figs. 6B and 6C depict, respectively, some of the difficulties with the use of the packaging material with the intermittently-spaced graphic regions and an embodiment of a package formed so that graphic regions are not intersected or covered by seals, cuts, or labels, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0033] Figs. 7A and 7B depict embodiments of systems that include one packaging system upstream from a downstream package handling system, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0034] Figs. 8A and 8B depict two instances of an infeed portion of a packaging system that scans inducting documents on objects, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0035] Fig. 8C depicts a outfee portion of the packaging system shown in Figs. 8A and 8B where labels are placed on packages based on the location of the inducting documents with respect to the objects, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0036] Figs. 9A and 9B depict two instances of an infeed portion of a packaging system that scans inducting documents on objects, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0037] Fig. 9C depicts a outfee portion of the packaging system shown in Figs. 9A and 9B where labels are placed on packages based on the location of the inducting documents with respect to the objects, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0038] Fig. 10 depicts an example embodiment of a system that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein; and

[0039] Fig. 1 1 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0040] The present disclosure describes embodiments of form-fill-seal packaging systems that include tracking systems to track locations of objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging systems. It may be difficult to track the locations of objects in form-fill-seal packaging systems in particular because the objects are inserted into a tube of packaging material that is then sealed and cut to form a package around the objects. Sensors that rely on line-of-sight to detect the objects (e.g., cameras) are typically not able to detect the objects while the objects are in the tube of packaging material and after the packages are formed around the object. In some examples described herein, the tracking system includes a controller that maintains a digital table of locations of objects in the packaging system based on an initial location of the object before it entered the tube of the packaging material and then adjusts the digital table of locations based on sensed motion of a conveyance system in the packaging system. [0041] As will be described in greater detail below, the ability of the tracking system to track the locations of objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system has a number of advantages. In one example, the packaging material used to form the tube and the packages does not need to have regularly-spaced print marks to gage relative locations of the packaging material and the objects. This lack of regularly-spaced print marks improves the appearance of the final packages. In another example, the packaging material includes regularly-space graphic regions (e.g., a company's logo) on the exterior of the package and the packaging system can control the location of the objects with respect to the packaging material so that none of the graphic regions are intersected by a seal or cut in the packaging material when the packages are formed. In another example, the packaging system is able to control placement and/or printing of labels on the exterior of the packages based on the locations of the objects instead of the locations of inducting documents placed on the objects. There are a number of other benefits to the use of a tracking system in a packaging system, some of which are further described herein.

[0042] Fig. 1 A depicts an embodiment of a packaging system 10. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 10 is a continuous flow wrap machine (e.g., a form-fill-seal wrapper). In other embodiments, the packaging system 10 is a non- continuous packaging system. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 10 includes a supply 18, a transfer head 20 including an inverting head 22, conveyors 24i, 242, 243, and 24 ₄ (collectively, conveyance system 24), a longitudinal sealer 26, and a sealing mechanism 28, as will be described in more detail herein. Examples of continuous flow wrap machines are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,219,988, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/157,164, and PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/030630, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and are available from Sealed Air Corporation (Charlotte, NC) under the Shanklin FloWrap Series trademark.

[0043] The supply 18 of the continuous flow wrap machine supplies a web of packaging material 30 from roll 32. In some embodiments, the packaging

material 30 is a polyethylene-based film. Systems for supplying webs of packaging material are known in art and may include unwind mechanisms and other features. In some embodiments, the packaging material 30 on the roll 32 is a center folded film. In other embodiments, the packaging material 30 on roll 32 is a flat wound film. In some embodiments, the packaging material 30 includes any sheet or film material suitable for packaging objects 36, in particular for packages 34 for use as a mailer containing an object. Suitable materials include polymers, for example thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyethylene), that are suitable for heat sealing. In some

embodiments, the packaging material 30 has a thickness of any of at least 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 mils; and/or at most any of 25, 20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6 and 5 mils. In some embodiments, the packaging material 30 is multilayered, and has an outer layer adapted for heat sealing the film to itself to form a seal.

[0044] The transfer head 20 of the packaging system 10 receives the web of packaging material 30 from the supply 18. The transfer head 20 is adapted to manage (e.g., form) the web of packaging material 30 into a configuration for eventual sealing into a tube. In the depicted embodiment, the transfer head 20 is an inverting head 22 of continuous flow wrap that receives a center folded web of packaging material 30 from the supply 18 and redirects the web of film over the top and bottom inverting head arms 40, 42 to travel in a conveyance direction 38 by turning the web of film inside out. In this manner, the transfer head 20 is adapted to manage the web of packaging material 30 to provide an interior space 44 bounded by the packaging material 30.

[0045] In some embodiments, the transfer head 20 in the configuration of a forming box receives the lay flat web of packaging material 30 from the supply 18 and redirects the web of film over the forming head to travel in the conveyance direction 38 by turning the web of film inside out. In this manner, the transfer head 20 is adapted to manage the web of packaging material 30 to provide an interior space 44 bounded by packaging material 30.

[0046] The infeed conveyor 24i of packaging system 12 is adapted to transport a series of objects 36 and sequentially deliver them in the conveyance direction 38. In some embodiments, the infeed conveyor 24i is adapted to convey a series of objects 36 that are non-uniformly spaced when received by the conveyance system 24. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1A, the objects 36 have a similar size. In other embodiments, the objects have varied or differing sizes. Within the series of objects 36 in sequential order, a "preceding" object is upstream from a "following" object. The infeed conveyor 24i is configured to deliver in repeating fashion a preceding object upstream from a following object into the interior space 44 of the web of packaging material 30. In some embodiments, the objects 36 are delivered in spaced or gapped arrangement from each other. [0047] An "object," as used herein, may comprise a single item for packaging, or may comprise a grouping of several distinct items where the grouping is to be in a single package. Further, an object may include an accompanying informational item, such as a packing slip, tracking code, a manifest, an invoice, or printed sheet comprising machine-readable information (e.g., a bar code) for sensing by an object reader (e.g., a bar code scanner).

[0048] Downstream from the infeed conveyor 24i is an infeed spacing conveyor 242, which is adapted to convey objects by one or more infeed sensors. Downstream from the infeed spacing conveyor 242 is an object conveyor 243, which is adapted to support and transport the web of packaging material 30 and the object 36

downstream together to the sealing mechanism 28. A discharge conveyor 50 transports the series of packages 34 from the sealing mechanism 28. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 10 includes a sizing sensor 72i, a spacing sensor 722, and an identifier sensor 723 (collectively infeed sensors 72). The sizing sensor 72i is configured to determine one or more dimensions of the objects 36, such as a longitudinal length of the objects 36, a height of the objects 36, or a transverse width of the objects 36. The spacing sensor 722 is configured to determine a longitudinal spacing between consecutive objects 36. In some examples, the sizing sensor 72i, the spacing sensor 722, and the identifier sensor 723 are configured to send signals to the controller or other computing device, and the controller or other computing device is configured to control the infeed spacing conveyor 242 and/or any other component of the packaging system 10. In some embodiments, each of the infeed sensors 72 includes one or more of an optical sensor (e.g., a visible light sensor, a laser sensor, or any other electromagnetic sensor), an RFID tag reader, a barcode reader, a camera, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor), a mechanical sensor (e.g., a plunger), or any other type of sensor.

[0049] As each object 36 of the series of objects sequentially travels through the packaging system 12, its position within the machine is tracked. This is

accomplished , for example, by an infeed eye system (horizontal or vertical) determining the location of the leading edge 52 of each object and the location of the trailing edge 54 of each object as the object travels along the conveyance

system 24. This location information is communicated to a controller (e.g., a programmable logic controller or "PLC"). A system of encoders and counters, also in communication with the PLC, determines the amount of travel of the conveyor on which the object is positioned. In this manner, the position of the object 36 itself is determined and known by the PLC. The PLC is also in communication with the sealing mechanism 28 to provide the object position information for a particular object.

[0050] In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 10 includes a longitudinal sealer 26 adapted to continuously seal a longitudinal side of the packaging material 30 together to form a tube 56 enveloping the objects 36. In the depicted embodiment, the longitudinal sealer 26 is located at one side of the tube 56, where the longitudinal sealers 26 forms a side seal between two edge portions of the packaging material 30. In other embodiments, another longitudinal sealer may be located beneath the tube 56, where the sealer may form, for example, a center fin seal between two edge portions of the web of packaging material 30. As two edge portions of packaging material 30 are brought together at the longitudinal sealer 26 to form the tube 56, they are sealed together, for example, by a combination of heat and pressure, to form a continuous fin or a side seal. Appropriate longitudinal sealers are known in the art, and include, for example, heat sealers. [0051] The packaging system 10 includes an sealing mechanism 28, which is adapted to provide or perform in repeating fashion, while the tube 56 is traveling: (i) a trailing edge seal 58 that is transverse to tube 56 and upstream from a preceding object to create package 34 and (ii) a leading edge seal 60 transverse to the tube 56 and downstream from a following object. Further, the sealing mechanism 28 is adapted to sever the package 34 from the tube 56 by cutting between the trailing edge seal 58 and the leading edge seal 60. Generally, the sealing mechanism 28 uses temperature and pressure to make two seals (trailing edge seal 58 and leading edge seal 60) and cuts between them, thus creating the final, trailing seal of one finished, preceding package and the first, leading edge seal of the following package. Advantageously, the end sealer unit may be adapted to simultaneously sever the package 34 from the tube 56 while providing the trailing edge seal 58 and leading edge seal 60.

[0052] Useful end sealer units are known in the art. These include, for example, rotary type of end sealer units, having matched heated bars mounted on rotating shafts. As the film tube passes through the rotary type, the rotation is timed so it coincides with the gap between objects. A double seal is produced and the gap between the two seals is cut by an integral blade to separate individual packs.

Another type of end seal unit is the box motion type, having a motion that describes a "box" shape so that its horizontal movement increases the contact time between the seal bars and the film. Still another type of end sealer unit is the continuous type, which includes a sealing bar that moves down with the tube while sealing.

[0053] The packaging system 10 includes a labeling mechanism 76 that is capable of printing and/or applying labels 78 to exteriors of the packages 34. In some embodiments, the labels 78 include indications of the objects 36 inside the packages 34, indications of shipping destinations of the objects 36 inside the packages 34, and/or indications of orders associated with the objects 36 inside the packages 34. In some embodiments, the labeling mechanism 76 includes a printer that prints the labels 78. In some cases, the printer prints the labels 78 directly on the exterior of the packages 34. In other cases, the printer prints the labels 78 on an adhesive medium and labeling mechanism 76 applies the adhesive medium to the exterior of the packages 34. In the depicted embodiment, the labeling

mechanism 76 is located upstream of the sealing mechanism 28. In other embodiments, the labeling mechanism 76 can be located downstream of the sealing mechanism 28.

[0054] In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 10 includes a discharge scanner 74. The discharge scanner 74 is configured to scan one or more of the packages 34 themselves, the labels 78 on the packages 34, or object identifiers on the objects 36 inside of the packages 34. The data generated by the discharge scanner 74 may be used to verify that the objects 36 have been wrapped in one of the packages 34. In some embodiments, the data generated by the discharge scanner 74 may be communicated from the packaging system 10 to other systems that may process the packages 34, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0055] The packaging system 10 also includes a controller 70. In the depicted embodiment, the controller 70 is in the form of a tablet with a touchscreen. In other embodiments, the controller 70 may be any other type of computing device having any type of input and/or output devices. The controller 70 is configured to receive information from and/or send control signals to various individual components of the packaging system 10. One embodiment of the operation of the controller 70 is depicted in a block diagram of portions of the packaging system 10 shown in Fig. 1 B. As shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 1 B, the controller 70 is communicatively coupled to each of the supply 18, the conveyors 24i , 24 ₂ , 24 ₃ , and 24 ₄ , the sealing mechanism 28, the infeed sensors 72, the discharge scanner 74, and the labeling mechanism 76. The controller 70 may not be communicatively coupled to every component in the packaging system 10 (e.g., the transfer head 20 and the longitudinal sealer 26 in the depiction in Fig. 1 B), especially where those

components are passive components that operate without any external control.

[0056] In some embodiments, the controller 70 is a part of a tracking system configured to track locations of the objects 36 as the objects 36 are conveyed through the packaging system 10 on the conveyance system 24. In particular, the tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects 36 before the objects 36 enter the tube 56, while the objects 36 are in the tube 56, and after the packages 34 are formed by transversely cutting the tube 56. For example, the controller 70 can maintain a digital table of the objects 36 that are being conveyed through the packaging system 10 along with an indication of the location of each of the objects 36 in the packaging system 10 at any given time. The controller 70 changes the indications of the locations of each of the objects 36 as the objects 36 are moved through the packaging system 10 by the conveyance system 24. In this way, the controller 70 "knows" where every one of the objects 36 in the packaging system 10 is located, even when the objects 36 are located inside of the tube 56 and/or inside of one of the packages 34.

[0057] In existing packaging systems, the film has regularly-spaced printed marks that serve as location markers. After an object enters a tube of film or a package, the locations of the printed marks are tracked and the location of the objects is estimated based on the location of the printed marks on the film and the respective positions of the printed marks and the object when the object entered the tube of film. However, using printed marks on the film to estimate the location of the object can be problematic because the objects can move relative to the film while the objects are inside of the tube such that the object is no longer in the same position with respect to the printed marks on the film.

[0058] In some embodiments, the tracking system in the packaging system 10 is configured to track locations of the objects 36 independently of any marks on the packaging material. In some embodiments, the tracking system also includes at least one position detector in the infeed sensors 72 and at least one conveyor sensor (e.g., encoders on one or more of the conveyors in the conveyance system 24). In some examples, the at least one conveyor sensor includes a plurality of encoders configured detect movements of each of a plurality of conveyor belts in the conveyor system. The position detector detects an infeed location of each of the objects 36 at an infeed portion of the conveyance system 24 (e.g., positions of leading edges of the objects 36 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 242, positions of leading and trailing edges of the objects 36 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 242) and communicate that information to the controller 70. The encoders detect motions of the conveyors in the conveyance system 24 and communicate that information to the controller 70. The controller 70 maintains a location of each of the objects 36 in the packaging system 10 based on the infeed location of the object 36 read by the position detector and subsequent motions of the conveyors in the conveyance system 24 as the conveyance system 24 moves the object 36. In this manner, the locations of the objects 36 can be tracked independently of any marks on the packaging material 30 even when the objects 36 are in the tube 56 and/or in the packages 34.

[0059] In some embodiments, the infeed sensors 72 are configured to detect leading and trailing edges of the objects 36 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 242. In some of these embodiments, the tracking system (e.g., the infeed sensors 72 and/or the controller 70) is configured to calculate a longitudinal length of each of the objects 36 based on the leading edge and the trailing edge of each of the objects 36. The tracking system of the packaging system 10 may be further configured to cause the sealing mechanism 28 to seal the tube 56 of the packaging material 30 around one of the objects 36 at locations based on physical characteristics of the objects 36, such as the longitudinal length of the one of the objects 36. In some examples, the packaging system 10 is configured to cause the sealing mechanism 28 to seal the tube 56 of the packaging material 30 around one of the objects 36 at locations based on a combination of the longitudinal length of the one of the objects 36 and a height indication of the one of the objects 36. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the height indication of the one of the objects 36 may be generated by the infeed sensors 72 as the objects 36 are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system 24, and the height indication may include at least one of an indication whether any portion of the object 36 exceeds a

predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object 36 and a height of the trailing edge of the object 36, or a height profile of the object 36 from a transverse side of the object 36. [0060] The controller 70 may be configured to function in a variety of ways to control operations of the packaging system 10 based on information received from components of the packaging system 10. In one example, the controller 70 receives information from the infeed sensors 72 about dimensions of the objects, sends control signals to the conveyance system 24 for properly conveying the objects, and sends control signals to the sealing mechanism 28 for properly spacing transverse seals around the objects. In another example of operation of the controller 70, the controller 70 receives information from the infeed sensors 72 about spacing of the objects, sends control signals to the conveyance system 24 for properly conveying the objects, and sends control signals to the supply 18 for properly advancing the packaging material 30. It will be apparent that the controller 70 can operate in any number of other ways to control operation of the packaging system 10.

[0061] Depicted in Fig. 2A is another embodiment of a packaging system 100 for creating packages 102. The packaging system 100 includes a supply 104 of packaging material 106. In some embodiments, the packaging material 106 is a cushion material, such as an inflated or an inflatable air cellular material. In the depicted embodiment, the supply 104 is a roll of the packaging material 106. In other embodiments, the supply 104 could be sheets of the packaging material 106, fanfolded stacks of the packaging material 106, or any other supply of the packaging material 106. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging material 106 is a flexible sheet material.

[0062] In some examples, the packaging material 106 is an inflated air cellular material. As used herein, the term "air cellular material" herein refers to bubble cushioning material, such as BUBBLE WRAP® air cushioning material sold by Sealed Air Corporation, where a first film or laminate is formed (e.g., thermoformed, embossed, calendared, or otherwise processed) to define a plurality of cavities and a second film or laminate is adhered to the first film or laminate in order to close the cavities. Examples of air cellular materials are shown in U.S. Patent. Nos.

3, 142,599, 3,208,898, 3,285,793, 3,508,992, 3,586,565, 3,616, 155, 3,660, 189, 4, 181 ,548, 4, 184,904, 4,415,398, 4,576,669, 4,579,516, 6,800, 162, 6,982, 1 13, 7,018,495, 7, 165,375, 7,220,476, 7,223,461 , 7,429,304, 7,721 ,781 , and 7,950,433, and U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2014/0314978 and 2015/00751 14, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0063] In some examples, the packaging material 106 is a foamed material.

Methods for manufacturing such foamed materials are well known, as disclosed in e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,984, 5,462,974, and 5,667,728, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A common material used to form foamed materials is low density polyethylene (LDPE). In some embodiments, foamed materials have a density ranging from about 0.5 to about 15 pounds/ft ³ . Foamed materials may be in the form of a sheet or plank having a thickness ranging from about 0.015 to about 5 inches. In producing the sheets of foamed materials, any conventional chemical or physical blowing agents may be used, such as a physical blowing agent (e.g., carbon dioxide, ethane, propane, n-butane, isobutane, pentane, hexane, butadiene, acetone, methylene chloride, any of the

chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, or any mixture thereof). If desired or necessary, various additives may also be included with the polymer, such as a nucleating agent (e.g. , zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, silica, talc, etc.) and/or an aging modifier (e.g., a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amide, a hydroxyl amide, etc.). [0064] In one particular embodiment, the supply 104 includes a roll of an inflatable web of air cellular material in a deflated state. As the inflatable web is unrolled, it is fed through an inflation and sealing machine 108. The inflation and sealing machine 108 inflates and seals cells in the air cellular material so that the air cellular material is in an inflated state. In this embodiment, the packaging material 106 is the inflated air cellular material. Examples of inflation and sealing machines are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,721 ,781 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2014/0314978, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0065] The packaging material 106 has longitudinal edges 1 10. The packaging system 100 also includes a folding system 1 12. In the depicted embodiment, the folding system 1 12 includes two pairs of rollers: rollers 1 16i and rollers 1 162. In the depicted embodiment, the rollers 1 161 are oriented vertically and the rollers 1 162 are oriented at a non-vertical and non-horizontal angle; however, the rollers 1 161 and 1 162 could be oriented at any desired angle. The folding system 1 12 folds the packaging material 106 from an unfolded state (e.g., the state of the packaging material 106 when it is unrolled from the supply 104) into a tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106. In the tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106, the longitudinal edges 1 10 of the packaging material 106 are in an overlapping position.

[0066] In the depicted embodiment, each of the objects 120 includes an object identifier 122. In some examples, the object identifier includes one or more of a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, any other form a machine-readable information, human-readable information, or any combination thereof.

[0067] The packaging system 100 also includes a conveyance system 124 that is configured to feed objects 120 and/or the packaging material 106. In the depicted embodiment, the conveyor system includes an infeed conveyor 124i , an infeed spacing conveyor 1242, a machine conveyor 1243, and an end conveyor 124 ₄

(collectively conveyance system 124). The infeed conveyor 124i is configured to feed the objects 120. The objects 120 are at an uncontrolled spacing on the infeed conveyor 124i . The infeed spacing conveyor 1242 is configured to feed the objects 120 after they leave the infeed conveyor 124i . The infeed spacing conveyor 1242 is configured to be controlled by a controller or other computing device (not shown) to provide a particular spacing between the objects 120. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 100 includes a sizing sensor 132i , a spacing sensor 1322, and an identifier sensor 1323 (collectively infeed sensors 132). The sizing sensor 132i is configured to determine one or more dimensions of the objects 120, such as a longitudinal length of the objects 120, a height of the objects 120, or a transverse width of the objects 120. The spacing sensor 1322 is configured to determine a longitudinal spacing between consecutive objects 120. In some examples, the sizing sensor 132i , the spacing sensor 1322, and the identifier sensor 1323 are configured to send signals to the controller or other computing device, and the controller or other computing device is configured to control the infeed spacing conveyor 1242 and/or any other component of the packaging system 100. In some embodiments, each of the infeed sensors 132 includes one or more of an optical sensor (e.g., a visible light sensor, a laser sensor, or any other electromagnetic sensor), an RFID tag reader, a barcode reader, a camera, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor), a mechanical sensor (e.g., a plunger), or any other type of sensor.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 2, the packaging material 106 is configured to be fed over the machine conveyor 1243 so that the objects 120 are fed onto the packaging material 106. The machine conveyor 1243 supports and feeds both the packaging material 106 and the objects 120. In the depicted embodiment, the objects 120 are fed onto the packaging material 106 while the packaging material 106 is in an unfolded state (e.g., before the longitudinal edges 1 10 are in the overlapping position). The conveyance system 124 is configured to feed the objects 120 onto the packaging material 106 so that the tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106 is formed around the objects 120. [0069] In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 100 includes a holding mechanism 138 configured to hold the longitudinal edges 1 10 in the overlapping position as the packaging material 106 is fed between the folding system 1 12 and a sealing mechanism 140. In some embodiments, the holding mechanism 138 includes a roller 142 located above the longitudinal edges 1 10 in the overlapping position, and the roller 142 holds the longitudinal edges 1 10 in the overlapping position after the packaging material 106 has been folded. In some embodiments, the holding mechanism 138 includes an overhead conveyor 144 that has a hanging underside 146. The hanging underside 146 is configured to contact the tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106 where the longitudinal edges 1 10 are in the overlapping position. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2A, the holding mechanism 138 includes both the roller 142 and the overhead conveyor 144.

[0070] The sealing mechanism 140 is configured to provide or perform, in repeating fashion, while the tube 1 14 is traveling: (i) a leading edge seal 148 that is transverse to tube 1 14, (ii) a trailing edge seal 150 transverse to the tube 1 14, and (iii) a transverse cut between the leading edge seal 148 and the trailing edge seal 150. Each of the leading edge seal 148 and the trailing edge seal 150 seals the packaging material 106 with the longitudinal edges 1 10 in the overlapping position. Preferably, one or more of the objects 120 are located inside of each of the packages 102 between one of the leading edge seals 148 and one of the leading trailing edge seals 150. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 140 uses temperature and/or pressure to make two transverse seals (leading edge seal 148 and trailing edge seal 150) and transversely cuts between them. These transverse cuts create packages 102 separated from the tube 1 14 of the packaging

material 106. Advantageously, the sealing mechanism 140 may be adapted to simultaneously sever the packages 102 from the tube 1 14 while forming the leading edge seal 148 and trailing edge seal 150.

[0071] Various forms of sealing mechanisms 140 are known in the art. These include, for example, rotary end sealer units that have matched heated bars mounted on rotating shafts. As the film tube passes through the rotary type, the rotation is timed so it coincides with the gap between products. A double seal is produced and the gap between the two seals is cut by an integral blade to separate individual packages. Another type of sealing mechanisms 140 is the box motion type, having a motion that describes a "box" shape so that its horizontal movement increases the contact time between the seal bars and the film. Still another type of sealing mechanisms 140 is the continuous type, which includes a sealing bar that moves down with the tube 1 14 while sealing. In some cases, the packaging system 100 feeds packaging material 106 from the supply 104 intermittently in order to form packages 102 intermittently. In these cases, the sealing mechanisms 140 may not need to move in a downstream direction to form the transverse seals and cuts. In other cases, the packaging system 100 feeds packaging material 106 from the supply 104 continuously in order to form packages 102 continuously. In these cases, the sealing mechanisms 140 may move in a downstream direction while forming the transverse seals and cuts. [0072] The packaging system 100 includes a labeling mechanism 152 that is capable of applying labels 154 to exteriors of the packages 102. In some embodiments, the labels 154 include indications of the objects 120 inside the packages 102, indications of shipping destinations of the objects 120 inside the packages 102, and/or indications of orders associated with the objects 120 inside the packages 102. In some embodiments, the labeling mechanism 152 includes a printer that prints the labels 154. In some cases, the printer prints the labels 154 directly on the exterior of the packages 102. In other cases, the printer prints the labels 154 on an adhesive medium and labeling mechanism 152 applies the adhesive medium to the exterior of the packages 102. In the depicted embodiment, the labeling mechanism 152 is located downstream of the sealing mechanism 140. In other embodiments, the labeling mechanism 152 can be located upstream of the sealing mechanism 140.

[0073] In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 100 includes a discharge scanner 158. The discharge scanner 158 is configured to scan one or more of the packages 102 themselves, the labels 154 on the packages 102, or the object identifiers 122 on the objects 120 insides of the packages 102. The data generated by the discharge scanner 158 may be used to verify that the objects 120 have been wrapped in one of the packages 102. In some embodiments, the data generated by the discharge scanner 158 may be communicated from the packaging system 100 to other systems that may process the packages 102, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0074] The packaging system 100 also includes a controller 160. In the depicted embodiment, the controller 160 is in the form of a tablet with a touchscreen. In other embodiments, the controller 160 may be any other type of computing device having any type of input and/or output devices. The controller 160 is configured to receive information from and/or send control signals to various individual components of the packaging system 100. One embodiment of the operation of the controller 160 is depicted in a block diagram of portions of the packaging system 100 shown in Fig. 2B. As shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 2B the controller 160 is

communicatively coupled to each of the supply 104, the conveyors 124i , 1242, 1243, andl 24 ₄ , the sealing mechanism 140, the infeed sensors 132, the discharge scanner 158, and the labeling mechanism 152. The controller 160 may not be communicatively coupled to every component in the packaging system 100 (e.g., the folding system 1 12 in the depiction in Fig. 2B), especially where those components are passive components that operate without any external control.

[0075] In some embodiments, the controller 160 is a part of a tracking system configured to track locations of the objects 120 as the objects 120 are conveyed through the packaging system 100 on the conveyance system 124. In particular, the tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects 120 before the objects 120 enter the tube 1 14, while the objects 120 are in the tube 1 14, and after the packages 102 are formed by transversely cutting the tube 1 14. For example, the controller 160 can maintain a table of the objects 120 that are being conveyed through the packaging system 100 along with an indication of the location of each of the objects 120 in the packaging system 100. The controller 160 changes the indications of the locations of each of the objects 120 over time as the objects 120 are moved through the packaging system 100 by the conveyance system 124. In this way, the controller 160 "knows" where every one of the objects 120 in the system is located, even when the objects 120 are located inside of the tube 1 14 and/or inside of one of the packages 102. [0076] In some embodiments, the tracking system in the packaging system 100 is configured to track locations of the objects 120 independently of any marks on the packaging material. In some embodiments, the tracking system also includes at least one position detector in the infeed sensors 132 and at least one conveyor sensor (e.g., encoders on one or more of the conveyors in the conveyance system 124). In some examples, the at least one conveyor sensor includes a plurality of encoders configured detect movements of each of a plurality of conveyor belts in the conveyor system. The position detector detects an infeed location of each of the objects 120 at an infeed portion of the conveyance system 124 (e.g., positions of leading edges of the objects 120 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 1242, positions of leading and trailing edges of the objects 120 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 1242) and communicate that information to the controller 160. The encoders detect motions of the conveyors in the conveyance system 124 and communicate that information to the controller 160. The controller 160 maintains a location of each of the objects 120 in the packaging system 100 based on the infeed location of the object 120 read by the position detector and subsequent motions of the conveyors in the conveyance system 124 as the conveyance system 124 moves the object. In this manner, the locations of the objects 120 can be tracked even when the objects 120 are in the tube 1 14 and/or in the packages 102 independently of any marks on the packaging material 106.

[0077] In some embodiments, the infeed sensors 132 are configured to detect leading and trailing edges of the objects 120 as they pass along a portion of the infeed spacing conveyor 1242. In some of these embodiments, the tracking system (e.g., the infeed sensors 132 and/or the controller 160) is configured to calculate a longitudinal length of each of the objects 120 based on the leading edge and the trailing edge of each of the objects 120. The tracking system of the packaging system 100 may be further configured to cause the sealing mechanism 140 to seal the tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106 around one of the objects 120 at locations based on physical characteristics of the one of the objects 120, such as the longitudinal length of the one of the objects 120. In some examples, the packaging system 100 is configured to cause the sealing mechanism 140 to seal the tube 1 14 of the packaging material 106 around one of the objects 120 at locations based on a combination of the longitudinal length of the one of the objects 120 and a height indication of the one of the objects 120. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the height indication of the one of the objects 120 may be generated by the infeed sensors 132 as the objects 120 are fed through the infeed portion of the conveyance system 124, and the height indication may include at least one of an indication whether any portion of the object 120 exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object 120 and a height of the trailing edge of the object 120, or a height profile of the object 120 from a transverse side of the object 120.

[0078] The controller 160 may be configured to function in a variety of ways to control operations of the packaging system 100 based on information received from components of the packaging system 100. In one example, the controller 160 receives information from the infeed sensors 132 about dimensions of the objects, sends control signals to the conveyance system 124 for properly conveying the objects, and sends control signals to the sealing mechanism 140 for properly spacing transverse seals around the objects. In another example of operation of the controller 160, the controller 160 receives information from the infeed sensors 132 about spacing of the objects, sends control signals to the conveyance system 124 for properly conveying the objects, and sends control signals to the supply 104 for properly advancing the packaging material 106. It will be apparent that the controller 160 can operate in any number of other ways to control operation of the packaging system 100.

[0079] As noted above with respect to both the packaging system 10 and the packaging system 100, an infeed scanner can detect a longitudinal length and/or a height indication of each object at an infeed portion of a conveyance system. In some embodiments, the height indication for an object includes at least one of an indication whether any portion of the object exceeds a predetermined height, an indication of a height of the leading edge of the object and a height of the trailing edge of the object, or a height profile of the object from a transverse side of the object. These embodiments of height indications are depicted in Figs. 3A-3D, Figs. 4A-4D, and Figs. 5A-5D.

[0080] In Figs. 3A-3D, Figs. 4A-4D, and Figs. 5A-5D, a system 200 determines a height indication of an object 210 that has a leading edge 212 and a trailing edge 214. In the depicted embodiment, the object 210 is a case for a musical instrument; however, the object 210 may be another other type of object or groups of objects. The system 200 includes a conveyance system 220. In the depicted embodiment, the conveyance system 220 includes a first conveyor 222 and a second conveyor 224. The conveyance system 220 may also include additional conveyors. In some embodiments, the conveyance system 220 may be configured to receive objects (including the object 210) that are non-uniformly spaced onto the first conveyor 222. The first and second conveyors 222 and 224 may be controlled independently to control the spacing between the objects as the objects are moved from the first conveyor 222 to the second conveyor 224.

[0081] The system 200 includes an infeed scanner 230. In some embodiments, the infeed scanner 230 includes one or more of an optical sensor (e.g., a visible light sensor, a laser sensor, or any other electromagnetic sensor), an RFID tag reader, a barcode reader, a camera, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor), a mechanical sensor (e.g., a plunger), or any other type of sensor. In the depicted embodiment, the infeed scanner 230 is arranged in a transverse direction across the conveyance system 220, substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of objects on the conveyance system 220. As objects pass by the infeed scanner 230, the infeed scanner 230 is capable of detecting one or more of the leading edge 212 of the object 210, the trailing edge 214 of the object 210, or a height of the object 210 at any point between the leading edge 212 and the trailing edge 214.

[0082] In the embodiment depicted in Figs. 3A-3D, the infeed scanner 230 is configured to detect whether any portion of an object exceeds a predetermined height 232 (depicted as a dotted line in Figs. 3A-3D). At the instance depicted in Fig. 3A, the leading edge 212 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230. The infeed scanner 230 can detect the leading edge 212 of the object 210 and begin detecting whether any portion of the object 210 exceeds the predetermined height 232. At the instance depicted in Fig. 3A, the height of the object 210 does not exceed the predetermined height 232. As the object 210 is moved forward by the conveyance system 220 from the instance depicted in Fig. 3A to the instance depicted in Fig. 3B, the height of the object 210 still does not exceed the

predetermined height 232.

[0083] As the object 210 is moved forward by the conveyance system 220 from the instance depicted in Fig. 3B to the instance depicted in Fig. 3C, the height of the object 210 does exceed the predetermined height 232. At that point, the infeed scanner 230 may generate a height indication that at least a portion of the object 210 exceeds the predetermined height 232. This height indication can be communicated to a controller (e.g., the controller 70, the controller 160, or any other computing device) for controlling placement of the object 210 in a tube of film or packaging material, controlling locations of transverse seals in the film or packaging material around the object 210, or controlling any other function of a packaging system.

[0084] The object 210 continues to be moved by the conveyance system 220 from the instance depicted in Fig. 3C to the instance depicted in Fig. 3D. In Fig. 3D, the trailing edge 214 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230 and the infeed scanner 230 stops detecting whether any portion of the object 210 exceeds the predetermined height 232. The height of the trailing edge 214 does not exceed the predetermined height 232. Even though the height of the trailing edge 214 does not exceed the predetermined height 232, the height indication for the object 210 remains that at least a portion of the object 210 exceeds the predetermined height 232. In some embodiments, the infeed scanner 230 is capable of determining a longitudinal length of the object 210 based on the distance between the leading edge 212 and the trailing edge 214. The infeed scanner 230 may communicate the longitudinal length to a controller (e.g., the controller 70, the controller 160, or any other computing device) for controlling placement of the object 210 in a tube of film or packaging material, controlling locations of transverse seals in the film or packaging material around the object 210, controlling any other function of a packaging system. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control any of the functions of the packaging system based on a combination of the longitudinal length and the height indication. [0085] In the embodiment depicted in Figs. 4A-4D, the infeed scanner 230 is configured to detect an indication of a height of the leading edge 212 of the object 219 and a height of the trailing edge 214 of the object 210. At the instance depicted in Fig. 4A, the leading edge 212 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230. The infeed scanner 230 detects the leading edge 212 of the object 210 and the height 234 of the object 210 at the leading edge 212. The object 210 is moved forward by the conveyance system 220 from the instance depicted in Fig. 4A. As the object 210 passes the instances depicted in Figs. 4B and 4C, the infeed scanner 230 does not record any height of the object 210. In the instance depicted in Fig. 4D, the trailing edge 214 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230. The infeed scanner 230 detects the trailing edge 214 of the object 210 and the height 236 of the object 210 at the trailing edge 214.

[0086] The infeed scanner 230 is capable of generating a height indication that includes an indication of the height 234 of the leading edge 212 and the height 236 of the trailing edge 214. The infeed scanner 230 is also capable of determining a longitudinal length of the object 210 based on the distance between the leading edge 212 and the trailing edge 214. The height indication and/or the longitudinal length can be communicated to a controller (e.g. , the controller 70, the

controller 160, or any other computing device) for controlling placement of the object 210 in a tube of film or packaging material, controlling locations of transverse seals in the film or packaging material around the object 210, or controlling any other function of a packaging system.

[0087] In the embodiment depicted in Figs. 5A-5D, the infeed scanner 230 is configured to detect a height profile of the object 210 from a transverse side of the object 210. At the instance depicted in Fig. 5A, the leading edge 212 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230. The infeed scanner 230 detects the height of the leading edge 212 and adds a point to the height profile indicative of the height of the leading edge 212. A depiction of the height profile up until the instance shown in Fig. 5A is depicted in the chart 240 that is also shown in Fig. 5A. The object 210 is moved forward by the conveyance system 220 from the instance depicted in Fig. 5A. At various times, as the object 210 passes the instances depicted in Figs. 5B and 5C, the infeed scanner 230 periodically determines heights of the object 210 from the transverse side of the object 210. Depictions of the height profiles up until the instances shown in Figs. 5B and 5C are depicted, respectively, in the charts 242 and 244 that are also shown in Figs. 5B and 5C.

[0088] In the instance depicted in Fig. 5D, the trailing edge 214 of the object 210 is at the infeed scanner 230. The infeed scanner 230 detects the height of the trailing edge 214 of the object 210. A depiction of the height profile up until the instance shown in Fig. 5D is depicted in the chart 246 that is also shown in Fig. 5D. As can be seen by the chart 246, the height profile of the object 210 forms an outline of the object 210 from a transverse side of the object 210. In the depicted embodiment, the indications of the heights in Fig. 5D are uniformly-spaced along the longitudinal length of the object. The resolution of the data points (e.g., the spacing between data points in the chart 246) can be selected or adjusted as desired. In other embodiments, the data points in a height profile can be non-uniformly-spaced. While the height profile generated during the process shown from Fig. 5A to Fig. 5D is in the form of charts 240, 242, 244, and 246, it will be apparent that the height profile data can be generated in any form, such as sets of Cartesian coordinate points, sets of polar coordinate points, or any other manner of defining points in a two- or three- dimensional space.

[0089] The infeed scanner 230 is capable of communicating the height indication, including the height profile depicted in the chart 246, to a controller (e.g., the controller 70, the controller 160, or any other computing device). The controller can determine any number of characteristics of the object 210 from the height profile. For example, the controller can determine one or more of a longitudinal length of the object 210, a height of the object 210 at any particular longitudinal position of the object 210, a contour or slope of the object 210 near the leading edge 212 and/or the trailing edge 214, an average height of the object 210, or any other characteristic of the object 210. The controller is capable of controlling any function of a packaging system based at least on one or more of the characteristics determined from the height profile. For example, the controller can control one or more of placement of the object 210 in a tube of film or packaging material, locations of transverse seals in the film or packaging material around the object 210, or any other function of a packaging system based at least on one or more of the characteristics determined from the height profile.

[0090] In some instances packaging material used in a form-fill-seal packaging systems can include intermittently-spaced graphic regions. These intermittently- spaced graphic regions can include a combination of text and images, such as a logo, a word mark, a trademark, a word, a name, a picture, or any combination thereof. For example, when the form-fill-seal packaging system is used to package objects that are sold by a company for shipment to the company's customers, each of the intermittently-spaced graphic regions can include the company's logo, the company's name, and/or the company's slogan. The spacing of these intermittent graphic regions can be selected such that, as packages are formed from the packaging material, one or more of the graphic regions will typically be visible on the exterior of the package to identify the seller. For example, the graphic regions can be spaced at intervals of 15 inches. In this example, the form-fill-seal packaging system may also be configured to make packages of not less than 15 inches in length, thereby assuring that at least a portion of one of the graphic regions is located on the outer side of packages formed from the packaging material.

[0091] Fig. 6A depicts an example of a packaging system 10' that uses a packaging material 30' having intermittently-spaced graphic regions 80 to form packages 34. Aside from those aspects, the packaging system 10' is substantially similar to the packaging system 10. As can be seen in Fig. 6A, after the packaging material 30' is inverted to form the tube 56, the graphic regions 80 are on the exterior of the tube 56. The graphic regions 80 are intermittently-spaced in a longitudinal direction of the packaging material 30'. In addition, as the packages 34 are formed, the graphic regions 80 remain on the exterior of the packages 34. [0092] Fig. 6B depicts some of the difficulties with the use of the packaging material 30' with the intermittently-spaced graphic regions 80. In this example, the object 36 is in the form of a hockey stick and each of the graphic regions 80 includes a name and logo of a hockey gear company. As the sealing mechanism 28 (not shown in Fig. 6B) formed the leading seal 60 and the trailing seal 58 to form the package 34, each of the leading seal 60 and the trailing seal 58 intersected the one of the graphic regions 80. In addition, the label 78 applied by the labeling mechanism 76 (not shown in Fig. 6B) covers one of the graphic regions 80. Thus, even though a portion of each of three of the graphic regions 80 is located on the package 34, none of the graphic regions 80 on the exterior of the package 34 is whole and entirely visible. This reduces the benefit of having the graphic regions 80 on the exterior of the package 34.

[0093] As described above, embodiments of tracking systems described herein include a controller that tracks the locations of the objects being conveyed by a conveyance system and controls functions of the packaging system based on the locations of the objects in the packaging system. In some embodiments, the controller controls the placement of the objects in the tube of the packaging material and/or the feeding of the packaging material such that the objects are located at particular locations with respect to the packaging material so that transverse cuts and seals are made in the packaging material without intersecting the graphic regions. In some embodiments, the controller controls operation of the sealing mechanism that forms transverse seals and cuts in the tube of the film so that transverse cuts and seals are made in the packaging material without intersecting the graphic regions. In some embodiments, the controller controls operation of the labeling mechanism to cause labels to be placed on the packaging material so that the labels do not overlap any of the graphic regions.

[0094] Fig. 6C depicts an embodiment of a package 34 formed so that graphic regions are not intersected or covered by seals, cuts, or labels. In the depicted embodiment, the location of the object 36 with respect to the packaging material 30' and/or the operation of the longitudinal sealer 26 was controlled so that the leading seal 60 and the trailing seal 58 do not intersect any of the graphic regions 80. In addition, the operation of the labeling mechanism was controlled so that the label 78 was placed in a location that does not overlap any of the graphic regions 80. In this way, the resulting package 34 includes two graphic regions 80 that are not intersected or covered by seals, cuts, or labels.

[0095] Another difficulty with form-fill-seal packaging systems is the handling of flawed packages. Packages can be flawed if the package lacks one of the objects that should be in the package, the package includes an extra object that should not be in the package, a label on the package cannot be read, the package lacks a label, the package has an improper dimension, a transverse seal on the package intersects a graphic region, a user input indicates that the package is flawed, any other flaw, or any combination thereof. If a flawed package is created, it may not be possible for an operator of the packaging system to know that the package is flawed without opening the package to see what object or objects are inside of the package. To address this issue, when traditional form-fill-seal packaging systems detect a flawed package, the packaging system stops all operation and signals an alert that the packaging system has identified a flaw. This alert signals an operator to investigate the flaw and either fix the flaw or remove the objects associated with the flawed package. After the person addresses the flaw, the person can restart the packaging machine. The result is that no flawed packages are created. However, this signaling of the alert also has drawbacks in the amount of downtime of the packaging system while the operator is addressing the flaw. If no operator is available to address the flaw immediately, there could be a significant amount of down time for the packaging machine. [0096] In the embodiment of packaging systems described herein that track locations of the objects, the tracked locations of the object can be used when a flawed package is detected. In particular, the packaging systems can be configured to pass packages to a downstream package handling system and to communicate, to the downstream package handling system, the location of the objects and an indication whether the package is flawed. An example of a downstream package handling system 300 is depicted in embodiments of systems shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, which depict, respectively, a system 310 that includes the packaging system 10 and the downstream package handling system 300 and a system 320 that includes the packaging system 100 and the downstream package handling system 300. [0097] The downstream package handling system 300 includes conveyors 302i , 3022, 3023, and 302 ₄ (collectively, conveyance system 302). The conveyance system 302 is configured to receive packages and to convey they packages through the downstream package handling system 300. The downstream package handling system 300 also includes routing elements 304i and 304M (collectively routing system 304). The routing elements 304i and 304M are selectively operable to selectively route the packages along various paths through the downstream package handling system 300. The routing elements 304i and 304M may be gates, as depicted in Figs. 7A and 7B, directional rollers, conveyor belts, doors, robotic arms, or any other element capable of selectively routing the packages. [0098] The downstream package handling system 300 also includes package destinations 306i , 3062, and 306N (collectively package destinations 306). The package destinations 306 are destinations for the packages that have been routed through the downstream package handling system 300 by the routing system 304. In some embodiments, the package destinations 306 are bins configured to hold a number of packages that are intended for different handling. For example, the package destination 306i may be a bin designated to hold packages that are deemed to be flawed, the package destination 3Ο62 may be a bin designated to hold packages that will be shipped by a first shipping company, and the package destination 306N may be a bin designated to hold packages that will be shipped by a second shipping company. In this way, the different types of packages are separated and collected in an appropriate holding bin at the package

destinations 306. In other embodiments, the package destinations 306 are outfeed conveyors configured to route the packages for further handling. For example, the package destination 306 ₂ may be an outfeed conveyor that routes packages to a transportation vehicle of a first shipping company, and the package destination 306N may be an outfeed conveyor that routes packages to a transportation vehicle of a second shipping company. It will be understood that the downstream package handling system 300 can include any number of conveyors in the conveyance system 302, any number of routing elements in the routing system 304, and any number of the packaging destinations 306.

[0099] The downstream package handling system 300 also includes a controller 308. The controller 308 is communicatively coupled to each of the routing elements 304i and 304M in the routing system 304. The controller 308 is configured to send control signals to the routing system 304 to control operation of each of the routing elements 304i and 304M in the routing system 304. In this way, the controller 308 is able to control which packages arrive at particular package destinations 306. In some embodiments, the controller 308 is configured to send control signals based on user inputs. In other examples, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the controller 308 is configured to send control signals based on information received from a packaging system.

[0100] In Fig. 7A, the system 310 includes the packaging system 10 and the downstream package handling system 300. The system 310 is configured to convey objects and packages in a direction 312. More specifically, the packaging system 10 is configured to receive objects and to form packages around the objects, and the downstream package handling system 300 is configured to receive the packages and to sort the packages to the different package destinations 306. The system optionally includes an intermediate conveyor 314 between the conveyance system 24 of the packaging system 10 and the conveyance system 302 of the downstream package handling system 300. The intermediate conveyor 314 may be configured to convey packages exiting the packaging system 10 and convey the packages to an infeed location of the downstream package handling system 300. In other embodiments, the system 310 does not include the intermediate conveyor 314 and the conveyor 24 ₄ is configured to pass the packages directly to the

conveyor 302i . [0101] In the despite embodiment, the system 310 also includes a network 316. The network 316 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination of wired and wireless networks. In other embodiments, the network 316 may be replaced by a direct communication link, such as a wired serial communication line, a wireless Bluetooth connection, a communication bus, or any other direct communication link. The controller 70 of the packaging system 10 is

communicatively coupled to the network 316. The controller 308 of the downstream package handling system 300 is also communicatively coupled to the network 316. The controller 70 and the controller 308 are capable of communicating information to each other via the network 316.

[0102] In some embodiments, the controller 70 is configured to determine whether any of the packages formed by the packaging system is flawed. As noted above, a package can be deemed to be flawed if the package lacks one of the objects that should be in the package, the package includes an extra object that should not be in the package, a label on the package cannot be read, the package lacks a label, the package has an improper dimension, a transverse seal on the package intersects a graphic region, a user input indicates that the package is flawed, any other flaw, or any combination thereof. If the controller 70 determines that one of the packages is flawed, the controller 70 can communicate to the controller 308, via the network 316, an indication that the package is flawed. The controller 308 is configured to sort flawed packages from other packages that are not flawed based at least on the location of the package and the indication that the package is flawed received from the controller 70.

[0103] In Fig. 7B, the system 320 includes the packaging system 100 and the downstream package handling system 300. The system 320 is configured to convey objects and packages in a direction 322. More specifically, the packaging

system 100 is configured to receive objects and to form packages around the objects, and the downstream package handling system 300 is configured to receive the packages and to sort the packages to the different package destinations 306. The system optionally includes an intermediate conveyor 324 between the conveyance system 124 of the packaging system 100 and the conveyance system 302 of the downstream package handling system 300. The intermediate conveyor 314 may be configured to convey packages exiting the packaging system 100 and convey the packages to an infeed location of the downstream package handling system 300. In other embodiments, the system 320 does not include the intermediate conveyor 324 and the conveyor 124 ₄ is configured to pass the packages directly to the conveyor 302i .

[0104] In the depicted embodiment, the system 320 also includes a network 326. The network 326 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination of wired and wireless networks. In other embodiments, the network 326 may be replaced by a direct communication link, such as a wired serial communication line, a wireless Bluetooth connection, a communication bus, or any other direct communication link. The controller 160 of the packaging system 10 is

communicatively coupled to the network 326. The controller 308 of the downstream package handling system 300 is also communicatively coupled to the network 326. The controller 160 and the controller 308 are capable of communicating information to each other via the network 326.

[0105] In some embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to determine whether any of the packages formed by the packaging system is flawed. As noted above, a package can be deemed to be flawed if the package lacks one of the objects that should be in the package, the package includes an extra object that should not be in the package, a label on the package cannot be read, the package lacks a label, the package has an improper dimension, a transverse seal on the package intersects a graphic region, a user input indicates that the package is flawed, any other flaw, or any combination thereof. If the controller 160 determines that one of the packages is flawed, the controller 160 can communicate to the controller 308, via the

network 326, an indication that the package is flawed. The controller 308 is configured to sort flawed packages from other packages that are not flawed based at least on the location of the package and the indication that the package is flawed received from the controller 160. [0106] The embodiments of the systems 310 and 320 shown in Figs. 7A and 7B include one packaging system— either packaging system 10 or packaging

system 100— upstream from the downstream package handling system 300. In other embodiments, multiple packaging systems may be located upstream of the downstream package handling system 300. In one embodiment, a system can include the packaging system 100, the packaging system 10, and the downstream package handling system 300, all of which are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks. The packaging system 100 is capable of receiving objects that are non-uniformly spaced, forming cushion packages around the objects, and passing the cushion packages to the packaging system 10. The controller 160 is capable of communicating information about the cushion packages (e.g., locations of the cushion packages) to the controller 70 of the packaging system 10. The packaging system 10 is capable of receiving the cushion packages, forming packages around the cushion packages, and passing the packages to the downstream package handling system 300. The controller 70 is capable of communicating information about the packages (e.g., locations of the packages) to the controller 308 of the downstream package handling system 300. The

downstream package handling system 300 is capable of packages based at least on the information received from one or both of the controllers 70 and 160. In some embodiments, one or both of the controllers 70 and 160 can determine that one of the packages is flawed and communicate that to the controller 308 so that the controller 308 can cause the flawed package to be sorted from the packages that are not flawed.

[0107] As described above, embodiments of packaging systems described herein are capable of tracking locations of objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging systems. The ability to track the locations of objects can aid in placement of labels on packages after the packages are formed around the objects. Existing systems rely on the proper placement of inducting documents on objects for the packaging system to properly locate a label on packages. An example of this type of system and some of the drawbacks associated therewith are depicted in Figs. 8A to 8C. In the systems described herein, the ability of the packaging system to track locations of the objects may eliminate the need to rely on the proper placement of inducting documents. An example of this type of system and some of the benefits associated therewith are depicted in Figs. 9A to 9C.

[0108] Figs. 8A and 8B depict two instances of an infeed portion of a packaging system 400. The packaging system 400 includes a conveyance system 424 that conveys objects 436i, 4362, 4363, 436 ₄ , and 436s (collectively, objects 436). Each of the objects 436 includes, respectively, a leading edge 452i , 4522, 4523, 452 ₄ , and 4525 (collectively, leading edges 452) and a trailing edge 454i , 4542, 4543, 454 ₄ , and 4545 (collectively, trailing edges 454). The conveyance system 424 is configured convey the objects 436 in a conveyance direction 438. As the

objects 436 are conveyed by the conveyance system 424, the objects 436 pass by an infeed scanner 472. The infeed scanner 472 is arranged to scan for identifiers at a particular transverse location on the conveyance system 424.

[0109] Each of the objects 436i, 436 ₂ , 436 ₃ , 436 ₄ , and 436 ₅ has an associated inducting document objects 482i, 4822, 4823, 482 ₄ , and 482s (collectively, inducting documents 482). The inducting documents 482 include information identifying one or more of the objects 436 and/or one or more orders associated with the

objects 436. In some embodiments, the inducting documents 482 include machine- readable information and/or human-readable information. In some examples, each of the inducting documents 482 includes a barcode, a QR code, a RFID tag, any other form a machine-readable information, or any combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, each of the inducting documents 482 includes a QR code. The infeed scanner 472 is configured to read the QR codes on the inducting documents 482 if the QR codes are arranged appropriately with respect to the infeed scanner 472. The infeed scanner 472 is configured to send information to other components in the packaging system 400, such as a labeling mechanism or a discharge scanner.

[0110] Fig. 8C depicts an outfeed portion of the packaging system 400. At this point, packages 434i , 4342, 4343, and 434 ₄ (collectively, packages 434) have been formed around the respective objects 436. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 400 includes a labeling mechanism 476 configured to print or place labels 478i and 4783 (collectively, labels 478) on the packages 434. The labels 478 on the packages 434 may contain any type of human-readable and/or machine-readable information. The packaging system 400 also includes a discharge scanner 474 configured to scan the packages 434 as they leave the packaging system 400. In some embodiments, the discharge scanner 474 may be configured to scan any aspect of the packages, such as an optical scan of the labels on the packages 434, an optical scan of the location of one or more sides of the

packages 434, a radio frequency scan of RFID tags on the inducting documents 482 inside of the packages 434, or any other type of scan. The data obtained from the discharge scanner 474 may be used for verification that the objects 436 have been properly packaged in the packages 434, for creation of a record of the objects 436 that are being shipped, for passing information about the packages 434 to downstream systems, or for any other reason.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8A to 8C, the inducting documents 482 are intended to be placed on their associated objects 436 aligned with the leading edge 452 and the left transverse edge (i.e., the left and top sides as seen in Figs. 8A to 8C). For example, the inducting document 482i is placed on the object 436i and arranged at the leading edge 452i and the left transverse edge of the object 436i .

As can be seen in Fig. 8A, when the inducting document 482i is properly placed on the object 436i , the location of the QR code in the transverse direction allows the infeed scanner 472 to read the QR code as the object 436i passes the infeed scanner 472. The information gathered by the infeed scanner 472 can be used by the packaging system 400 to process the object 436i and/or the package 434i . As can be seen in Fig. 8C, the labeling mechanism 476 can print and/or apply the label 478i on the package based on the information obtained from the infeed scanner 472. For example, shipping information for the package 434i can be printed on the label 478i based on the scan of the inducting document 482i by the infeed scanner 472. [0112] One drawback to the use of inducting documents 482 is the effect of improper placement of the inducting documents 482 on the objects 436. For example, the inducting document 4822 is not properly placed on the object 4362 at the leading edge 4522 and the left transverse edge of the object 4362. As can be seen in Fig. 8B, the infeed scanner 472 cannot scan the QR code on the inducting

document 4822 because the inducting document 4822 is not properly placed. In this case, the infeed scanner 472 does not "read" the inducting document 4822 and does not signal the appropriate information to other components of the packaging system 400. For example, the labeling mechanism 476 does not receive the information needed to print a label for the package 4342. As can be seen in Fig. 8C, there is no label on the exterior of the package 4342 even though the package 4342 has already been conveyed beyond the labeling mechanism 476.

[0113] Another example of improper placement of an inducting document is shown with respect to the inducting document 4823 and the object 4363. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the inducting document 4823 is placed on the object 4363 where it is aligned with the left transverse edge, but the inducting document 4823 is not aligned with the leading edge 4523. An operator may have placed the inducting document 4823 on the object toward the trailing edge 4543 because of the narrow width of the object 4363 at the leading edge 4523. However, the packaging system 400 is configured to place the labels 478 on the packages 434 based on the location of the inducting document 4823. In the depicted example, the packaging system 400 is configured to place the label 4783 on the package 434i so that the center of the label 478i is a particular distance (e.g., 2 inches) away from the QR code on the inducting document 482i toward the trailing edge of the package 434i. When the inducting documents 482 are properly placed with respect to the objects 436 (e.g., aligned at the leading edges 452 of the objects 436), the labels 478 are properly placed on the exterior of the packages 434. When the labels 478 are not properly placed with respect to the objects 436, the labels 478 may not be placed properly. For example, the label 4783 is placed on the

package 4343 so that the center of the label 4783 is same particular distance (e.g., 2 inches) away from the QR code on the inducting document 4823 toward the trailing edge of the package 4343. Because the inducting document 4823 is not aligned with the leading edge 4523, the label 4783 is located on the package 4343 much closer to the trailing edge of the package 4343 than the label 478i is located on the

package 434i . [0114] Another example of improper placement of an inducting document is shown with respect to the inducting document 482 ₄ and the object 436 ₄ . As shown in Fig. 8A, the corner of the object 436 ₄ at the leading edge 452 ₄ and the left transverse edge is rounded. An operator may have a difficult time placing the inducting document 482 ₄ properly on such an object. As shown in Fig. 8B, the operator may place the corner of the inducting document 482 ₄ at the rounded corner of the object 436 ₄ at the leading edge 452 ₄ and the left transverse edge. While the depiction shown in Fig. 8C shows the package 434 ₄ without a label because the package 434 ₄ is upstream of the labeling mechanism 476, the labeling

mechanism 476 may not properly place a label on the package 434 ₄ because of the improper placement of the inducting document 482 ₄ on the object 436 ₄ .

[0115] The drawbacks of the packaging system 400 depicted in Figs. 8A to 8C are due to the use of the locations of the inducting documents 482 as a basis for the location of the labels 478 applied by the labeling mechanism 476. The locations of the inducting documents 482 with respect to the objects 436 are subject to errors, such as human error when pacing the inducting documents 482 on the objects 436, errors from the inducting documents 482 moving to an improper location after proper placement on the objects 436 (e.g., a gust of air from an HVAC vent), errors from the inducting documents 482 falling off of the objects 436 (e.g. , due to vibration during conveyance of the objects 436 from the conveyance system 424), or any other type of error. These errors can be overcome by the use of a packaging system that places and/or prints labels on packages independently of the locations of inducting documents on objects.

[0116] Depicted in Figs. 9A to 9C is an embodiment of a packaging system 500 that prints and/or places labels on packages independently of the locations of inducting documents on objects. In particular, the packaging system 500 tracks the locations of the objects independently of the locations of inducting documents on the objects and prints and/or places the labels on the packages based on the locations of the objects. Figs. 9A and 9B depict two instances of an infeed portion of a packaging system 500. The packaging system 500 includes a conveyance system 524 that conveys objects 536i, 5362, 5363, 536 ₄ , and 536s (collectively, objects 536). Each of the objects 536 includes, respectively, a leading edge 552i , 5522, 5523, 552 ₄ , and 5525 (collectively, leading edges 552) and a trailing edge 554i , 5542, 5543, 554 ₄ , and 5545 (collectively, trailing edges 554). The conveyance system 524 is configured convey the objects 536 in a conveyance direction 538. As the

objects 536 are conveyed by the conveyance system 524, the objects 536 pass by an infeed scanner 572. The infeed scanner 572 is arranged to scan for identifiers on the objects 536 on the conveyance system 524.

[0117] Each of the objects 536i, 536 ₂ , 536 ₃ , 536 ₄ , and 536 ₅ has an associated inducting document objects 582i, 5822, 5823, 582 ₄ , and 582s (collectively, inducting documents 582). The inducting documents 582 include information identifying one or more of the objects 536 and/or one or more orders associated with the

objects 536. In some embodiments, the inducting documents 582 include machine- readable information and/or human-readable information. In some examples, each of the inducting documents 582 includes a barcode, a QR code, a RFID tag, any other form a machine-readable information, or any combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, each of the inducting documents 582 includes a QR code. The infeed scanner 572 is configured to read the QR codes on the inducting documents 582. The infeed scanner 572 is configured to send information to other components in the packaging system 500, such as a labeling mechanism or a discharge scanner.

[0118] Fig. 8C depicts an outfeed portion of the packaging system 500. At this point, packages 534i , 5342, 5343, and 534 ₄ (collectively, packages 534) have been formed around the respective objects 536. In the depicted embodiment, the packaging system 500 includes a labeling mechanism 576 configured to print or place labels 578i , 5782, and 5783 (collectively, labels 578) on the packages 534. The labels 578 on the packages 534 may contain any type of human-readable and/or machine-readable information. The packaging system 500 also includes a discharge scanner 574 configured to scan the packages 534 as they leave the packaging system 500. In some embodiments, the discharge scanner 574 may be configured to scan any aspect of the packages, such as an optical scan of the labels on the packages 534, an optical scan of the location of one or more sides of the packages 534, a radio frequency scan of RFID tags on the inducting documents 582 inside of the packages 534, or any other type of scan. The data obtained from the discharge scanner 574 may be used for verification that the objects 536 have been properly packaged in the packages 534, for creation of a record of the objects 536 that are being shipped, for passing information about the packages 534 to downstream systems, or for any other reason.

[0119] The packaging system 500 is also configured to track locations of the objects 536 as they are conveyed by the conveyance system. The packaging system 500 may include any of the tracking systems disclosed here, such as a position detector in the infeed portion of the conveyance system 524 configured to detect an initial position of the objects 536 and an encoder in every conveyor of the conveyance system 524 to detect movements of the objects 536 after the initial position by the conveyance system 524. In some embodiments, the packaging system 500 detects the leading edges 552 and the trailing edges 554 of the objects 536 at an infeed portion of the conveyance system 524. The packaging system 500 controls the infeed scanner 572 to detect the QR codes on the inducting documents 582 at any point between the leading edges 552 and the trailing edges 554 of the objects 536. For example, the packaging system (e.g., a controller in the packaging system 500) controls the infeed scanner to detect a QR code on the inducting document 582i between the leading edge 552i and the trailing edges 554i of the object 536i , to detect a QR code on the inducting document 5822 between the leading edge 5522 and the trailing edges 5542 of the object 5362, and so forth.

Significantly, the QR codes can be located at any longitudinal position and transverse position on the objects 536. Thus, the inducting documents 582 do not need to be as specifically positioned on the objects 536 as the inducting

documents 482 need to be positioned on the objects 436. As long as the QR codes are located on the objects 536, the infeed scanner 572 can scan the QR code and associate it with the object that is beneath the QR code. Thus, the infeed

scanner 572 is able to scan both the QR code on the inducting document 482i and the inducting document 4822 even though the inducting document 482i and 4822 are not in the same position on their respective objects 536i and 5362.

[0120] On the outfeed portion of the packaging system 500 shown in Fig. 9C, the labeling mechanism 576 has placed labels 578i , 5782, and 5783, (collectively, labels 578) on the respective packages 534i , 5342, and 5343. The packaging system 500 caused the labeling mechanism 576 to place the labels 578 on the packages 534 at longitudinal locations that are approximately centered between the leading edges 552 and the trailing edges 554 of the object 536. The packaging system 500 also caused the labeling mechanism 576 to place the labels 578 irrespective of the locations of the inducting documents 582. The packaging system 500 is able to do this because the packaging system 500 tracks the locations of the objects 536 on the conveyance system 524 independently of the locations of the inducting documents 582. While the embodiment depicted in Fig. 9C shows the labels 578 on the packages 534 at longitudinal locations that are approximately centered between the leading edges 552 and the trailing edges 554 of the object 536, it will be understood that the packaging system 500 could cause the labeling mechanism 576 to place and/or print a label at any location with respect to the objects 536 on the packages 534.

[0121] Fig. 10 depicts an example embodiment of a system 610 that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein. In the depicted embodiment, the system 610 includes computing devices 620i , 6202, 62Ο3, and 620 ₄ (collectively computing devices 620). In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 620i is a tablet, the computing device 62Ο2 is a mobile phone, the computing device 62Ο3 is a desktop computer, and the computing device 620 ₄ is a laptop computer. In other embodiments, the computing devices 620 include one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g., Xbox, Play Station, Wii), a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gateway, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a network access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and/or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. [0122] The computing devices 620 are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 630 and 632. Each of the networks 630 and 632 may include one or more wired or wireless networks (e.g., a 3G network, the Internet, an internal network, a proprietary network, a secured network). The computing devices 620 are capable of communicating with each other and/or any other computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. While the particular system 610 in Fig. 10 depicts that the computing devices 620 communicatively coupled via the

network 630 include four computing devices, any number of computing devices may be communicatively coupled via the network 630.

[0123] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 62Ο3 is communicatively coupled with a peripheral device 640 via the network 632. In the depicted

embodiment, the peripheral device 640 is a scanner, such as a barcode scanner, an optical scanner, a computer vision device, and the like. In some embodiments, the network 632 is a wired network (e.g., a direct wired connection between the peripheral device 640 and the computing device 62Ο3), a wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection), or a combination of wired and wireless networks (e.g., a Bluetooth connection between the peripheral device 640 and a cradle of the peripheral device 640 and a wired connection between the peripheral device 640 and the computing device 620 ₃ ). In some embodiments, the peripheral device 640 is itself a computing device (sometimes called a "smart" device). In other embodiments, the peripheral device 640 is not a computing device (sometimes called a "dumb" device).

[0124] Depicted in Fig. 1 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device 700. Any of the computing devices 620 and/or any other computing device described herein may include some or all of the components and features of the computing device 700. In some embodiments, the computing device 700 is one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g., an Xbox, a Play Station, a Wii), a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gateway, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a network access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and/or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. Such functions, operations, and/or processes may include, for example, transmitting, receiving, operating on, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating/generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing, and/or similar terms used herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations, and/or processes can be performed on data, content, information, and/or similar terms used herein.

[0125] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 700 includes a processing element 705, memory 710, a user interface 715, and a communications

interface 720. The processing element 705, memory 710, a user interface 715, and a communications interface 720 are capable of communicating via a communication bus 725 by reading data from and/or writing data to the communication bus 725. The computing device 700 may include other components that are capable of communicating via the communication bus 725. In other embodiments, the computing device does not include the communication bus 725 and the components of the computing device 700 are capable of communicating with each other in some other way. [0126] The processing element 705 (also referred to as one or more processors, processing circuitry, and/or similar terms used herein) is capable of performing operations on some external data source. For example, the processing element may perform operations on data in the memory 710, data receives via the user interface 715, and/or data received via the communications interface 720. As will be understood, the processing element 705 may be embodied in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, the processing element 705 includes one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, multi-core processors, co processing entities, application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, controllers, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, any other circuitry, or any combination thereof. The term circuitry may refer to an entirely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In some embodiments, the processing element 705 is configured for a particular use or configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or nonvolatile media or otherwise accessible to the processing element 705. As such, whether configured by hardware or computer program products, or by a combination thereof, the processing element 705 may be capable of performing steps or operations when configured accordingly. [0127] The memory 710 in the computing device 700 is configured to store data, computer-executable instructions, and/or any other information. In some

embodiments, the memory 710 includes volatile memory (also referred to as volatile storage, volatile media, volatile memory circuitry, and the like), non-volatile memory (also referred to as non-volatile storage, non-volatile media, non-volatile memory circuitry, and the like), or some combination thereof.

[0128] In some embodiments, volatile memory includes one or more of random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data-out dynamic random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), double data rate type two synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), Twin Transistor RAM

(TTRAM), Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus in-line memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory (VRAM), cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, any other memory that requires power to store information, or any combination thereof. [0129] In some embodiments, non-volatile memory includes one or more of hard disks, floppy disks, flexible disks, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)), solid state cards (SSC), solid state modules (SSM), enterprise flash drives, magnetic tapes, any other non-transitory magnetic media, compact disc read only memory (CD ROM), compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitory optical media, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory

(EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., Serial, NAND, NOR, and/or the like), multimedia memory cards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards, Memory Sticks, conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM), phase-change random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), Silicon Oxide-Nitride- Oxide-Silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory (FJG RAM), Millipede memory, racetrack memory, any other memory that does not require power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0130] In some embodiments, memory 710 is capable of storing one or more of databases, database instances, database management systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, or any other information. The term database, database instance, database management system, and/or similar terms used herein may refer to a collection of records or data that is stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as a hierarchical database model, network model, relational model, entity relationship model, object model, document model, semantic model, graph model, or any other model.

[0131] The user interface 715 of the computing device 700 is in communication with one or more input or output devices that are capable of receiving inputs into and/or outputting any outputs from the computing device 700. Embodiments of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen display, a touch sensitive pad, a motion input device, movement input device, an audio input, a pointing device input, a joystick input, a keypad input, peripheral device 640, foot switch, and the like. Embodiments of output devices include an audio output device, a video output, a display device, a motion output device, a movement output device, a printing device, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 715 includes hardware that is configured to communicate with one or more input devices and/or output devices via wired and/or wireless connections.

[0132] The communications interface 720 is capable of communicating with various computing devices and/or networks. In some embodiments, the communications interface 720 is capable of communicating data, content, and/or any other information, that can be transmitted, received, operated on, processed, displayed, stored, and the like. Communication via the communications interface 720 may be executed using a wired data transmission protocol, such as fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), digital subscriber line (DSL), Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, communication via the communications interface 720 may be executed using a wireless data transmission protocol, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1 xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.1 1 (WiFi), WiFi Direct, 802.16

(WiMAX), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, or any other wireless protocol.

[0133] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or more components of the computing device 700 may be located remotely from other components of the computing device 700 components, such as in a distributed system. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined and additional components performing functions described herein may be included in the computing device 700.

Thus, the computing device 700 can be adapted to accommodate a variety of needs and circumstances. The depicted and described architectures and descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not limiting to the various

embodiments described herein.

[0134] Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various ways, including as computer program products that comprise articles of manufacture. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and/or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, computer program products, program code, and/or similar terms used herein interchangeably). Such non-transitory computer- readable storage media include all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

[0135] As should be appreciated, various embodiments of the embodiments described herein may also be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like. As such, embodiments described herein may take the form of an apparatus, system, computing device, and the like executing instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. Thus, embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely in hardware, entirely in a computer program product, or in an embodiment that comprises combination of computer program products and hardware performing certain steps or operations.

[0136] Embodiments described herein may be made with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Thus, it should be understood that blocks of a block diagram and flowchart illustrations may be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in an entirely hardware embodiment, in a combination of hardware and computer program products, or in apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like carrying out instructions, operations, or steps. Such instructions, operations, or steps may be stored on a computer readable storage medium for execution buy a processing element in a computing device. For example, retrieval, loading, and execution of code may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some exemplary embodiments, retrieval, loading, and/or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and/or executed together. Thus, such embodiments can produce specifically configured machines performing the steps or operations specified in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Accordingly, the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support various combinations of embodiments for performing the specified instructions, operations, or steps. [0137] For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as "upper," "lower,"

"vertical," "horizontal," "inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value. [0138] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the

embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and

equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.