Abstract: A method for performing automatic visual inspection includes: capturing visual information of an object using a scanning system including a plurality of cameras; extracting, by a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more feature maps from the visual information using one or more feature extractors; classifying, by the computing system, the object by supplying the one or more feature maps to a complex classifier to compute a classification of the object, the complex classifier including: a plurality of simple classifiers, each simple classifier of the plurality of simple classifiers being configured to compute outputs representing a characteristic of the object; and one or more logical operators configured to combine the outputs of the simple classifiers to compute the classification of the object; and outputting, by the computing system, the classification of the object as a result of the automatic visual inspection.

Abstract: A system for acquiring three-dimensional (3-D) models of objects includes a first camera group including: a first plurality of depth cameras having overlapping fields of view; a first processor; and a first memory storing instructions that, when executed by the first processor, cause the first processor to: control the first depth cameras to simultaneously capture a first group of images of a first portion of a first object; compute a partial 3-D model representing the first portion of the first object; and detect defects in the first object based on the partial 3-D model representing the first portion of the first object.

Abstract: A method for estimating tightly enclosing bounding boxes by a computing system includes: controlling a scanning system including one or more depth cameras to capture visual information of the scene including one or more objects; detecting the one or more objects of the scene based on the visual information; singulating each the one or more objects from the frame of the scene to generate one or more 3D models corresponding to the one or more objects, the one or more 3D models including a partial 3D model of a corresponding one of the one or more objects; extrapolating a more complete 3D model of the corresponding one of the one or more objects based on the partial 3D model; and estimating a tightly enclosing bounding box of the corresponding one of the one or more objects based on the more complete 3D model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for folding and stacking fanfold corrugated board material. A system may include a rotatable member (e.g., a wheel) having a number of head pieces disposed thereon. Each head piece has a vacuum setting that can be used to pick up a portion of a length of fanfold and hold it while the rotatable member rotates around its axis and a second blower setting that blows the portion of the length of fanfold that was picked up and rotated around the rotatable member down onto a stack of fanfold. Such a system is capable of forming regular and consistent stacks of fanfold material efficiently and cost effectively without the need for significant human intervention.

Abstract: A computer system for optimizing node and edge selections within a digital graph model accesses a digital graph model of a physical warehouse location. The digital graph model comprises information indicating a location of multiple specific items of inventory among shelves in the physical warehouse location. The computer system identifies a set of orders that each comprise one or more items and an order priority. The computer system then maps each item in each order selected from the set or orders to the multiple nodes within the digital graph model. The computer system identifies a ranking node from the multiple nodes. The computer system then traverses one or more edges that extend from the ranking node to identify a shortest path within the digital graph model to fill a digital model of a picking cart above a packing threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a plurality of tool heads in a converting machine for converting sheet material into box templates, comprising: providing a plurality of tool heads located at a first set of individual positions within a converting area, moving the plurality of tool heads within the converting area in a first movement by means of a transport mechanism that is arranged to be coupled individually to each tool head, moving at least one of the plurality of tool heads in relation to the transport mechanism in a second movement, wherein the plurality of tool heads are moved to a second set of individual positions by the first and second movement, and wherein the second movement takes place during the first movement. The invention also relates to a tool heads positioning device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for preparing a packaged product and one or more unpackaged products for shipping. The methods may include providing a shipping container generally sized to accommodate the unpackaged product(s). The shipping container has a plurality of walls and a bottom that define an interior of the shipping container, and each of the walls has an edge that cooperate to define an open side of the shipping container. The methods may also include inserting the unpackaged product(s) into the shipping container, and attaching the shipping container to the packaged product such that a wall of the packaged product covers the open side of the shipping container.

Abstract: A system that converts sheet material into packaging templates includes a converting assembly that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material as the sheet material moves through the converting machine in a first direction. The converting assembly may be mounted on a frame such that the converting assembly is elevated above a support surface. One or more longhead converting tools performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a first direction and a crosshead converting tool performs conversion functions on the sheet material in a second direction in order to create packaging templates.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to conveyor systems and methods for controlling induction of items within the conveyor systems. In one scenario, a conveyor control system implements a hardware sensor in a conveyor system to generate sensor readings regarding an operational status of a first zone in an operational environment, where the first zone is an area where orders are fulfilled. The conveyor control system receives sensor data from the hardware sensor of the conveyor system. The sensor data includes feedback information for controlling the conveyor system. The conveyor control system then evaluates the received sensor data to determine which conveyable items are currently in the first zone and, based on the evaluation, induces the conveyable items onto the conveyor for the first zone.

Abstract: A keypoint detection system includes: a camera system including at least one camera; and a processor and memory, the processor and memory being configured to: receive an image captured by the camera system; compute a plurality of keypoints in the image using a convolutional neural network including: a first layer implementing a first convolutional kernel; a second layer implementing a second convolutional kernel; an output layer; and a plurality of connections between the first layer and the second layer and between the second layer and the output layer, each of the connections having a corresponding weight stored in the memory; and output the plurality of keypoints of the image computed by the convolutional neural network.

Abstract: A method for computing dimensions of an object in a scene includes: controlling, by a processor, a depth camera system to capture at least a frame of the scene, the frame including a color image and a depth image arranged in a plurality of pixels; detecting, by the processor, an object in the frame; determining, by the processor, a ground plane in the frame, the object resting on the ground plane; computing, by the processor, a rectangular outline bounding a projection of a plurality of pixels of the object onto the ground plane; computing, by the processor, a height of the object above the ground plane; and outputting, by the processor, computed dimensions of the object in accordance with a length and a width of the rectangular outline and the height.

Abstract: A packaging system for high flexibility and speed box-last packaging comprises one or more dimensional scanning sensors that are configured to scan a group of one or more target products that are to be boxed and gather dimension information describing physical dimensions of the group of one or more target products. The system also comprises one or more packaging-production machines that are configured to generate custom-made packaging templates that conform to a pre-determined set of packaging template types. Additionally, the system comprises a packaging template buffer that comprises physically divided sections that contain multiple packaging templates selected from the pre-determined set of packaging template types that are generated by the one or more packaging-production machines. Each of the packaging templates are organized within the physically divided section based upon packaging template type.

Abstract: A computer system for automated third-party cost estimation and production management receives a request for a particular packaging design template. The system identifies, with a continuous monitoring software application, current system capabilities. The continuous monitoring software application is configured to query multiple packaging production machines located on different networks and at different locations, gather current operating characteristics of each packaging production machine selected from the multiple packaging production machines, and query a queue memory space at each packaging production machine selected from the multiple packaging production machines. Based upon the current system capabilities, the system selects a particular packaging production machine selected from the multiple packaging production machines to produce the particular packaging design template. The system then produces the particular packaging design template.

Abstract: A method and a system for erecting boxes from box templates of different sizes, said method comprising the steps of: adjusting a size of a frame (5; 105) according to a size of a box template (3; 103) which should be erected; wrapping the box template (3; 103) to be erected around the frame (5; 105); and separating the frame (5; 105) from the box template.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for converting a sheet material into packaging templates can include a converting machine that performs conversion functions, such as cutting, creasing, and scoring, on the sheet material. Items to be packed into boxes formed of the packaging templates can be used as the pattern for determining the location of performance of the conversion functions on the sheet material. Accordingly, no intermediate measuring of the items may be required prior to performance of the conversion functions. Instead, longheads can be positioned adjacent to opposing sides of the items and cross heads can be advanced inward to the positioned longheads.

Abstract: A converting machine is used to convert sheet material into packaging templates for assembly into boxes or other packaging. The converting machine includes a converting assembly that performs transverse conversion functions and longitudinal conversion functions on the sheet material to create the packaging templates. A fanfold crease sensing mechanism detects the presence and location of fanfold creases in the sheet material. Based on the location of the fanfold creases, the fanfold creases are either cut out of the sheet material, or the sheet material is cut to adjust the position of the fanfold crease in a packaging template.

Abstract: A method and a sealing device for sealing a joint (5; 31) between two end sides (3, 13) of two contiguous panels (1, 11). The method comprises the steps of: holding (S1) an end side (3) of a first panel (1) close to an end side (13) of a second panel (11), whereby the joint (5; 31) to be sealed is defined by the adjacent end sides (3, 13) of the two panels (1, 11); sealing (S3) the joint (5; 31) with a first and a second adhesive tape (15, 17) by providing a first tape (15) to a first face (19) of the two panels (1, 11), said first tape (15) sealing the joint (5; 31) and being provided in the direction of the joint and providing a second tape (17) to a second face (21) of the two panels (1, 11), wherein the second face (21) of the two panels (1, 11) is the opposite face to the first face (19) of the panels, said second tape (17) sealing the joint (5; 31) and being provided in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: A method and a box template production system comprising a converting part which is configured for converting a fanfolded sheet material into box templates, wherein said converting is accomplished to the sheet material when a feed direction of the sheet material through the converting part of the system is along an axis having an angle towards a plane of a floor onto which the system stands, wherein said angle is between 20 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: A method for monitoring equipment and gathering consumption and diagnostic information can comprise receiving, at a server, a corrugate usage indicator. The corrugate usage indicator can comprise information relating to an amount of corrugate used by a first packaging system. The method can also comprise creating a usage profile for the first packaging system. The usage profile can comprise a corrugate usage profile. The corrugate usage profile can comprise an association between the amount of corrugate used by the first packaging system and the specifications and number of boxes created. Additionally, the method can comprise automatically generating, based upon the corrugate usage profile, a predicted time when a stock of corrugate associated with the first packaging system will be depleted.

Abstract: A method for erecting a box includes positioning an unerected box in an automated erecting apparatus. The method further includes bending major and minor flaps on the unerected box relative to sides of the unerected box. The method further includes, while the major and minor flaps are bent relative to the sides of the unerected box, performing an automated opening operation on the unerected box, wherein the unerected box comprises a stacking fold.