AUTOMATIC LABEL CREATOR AND METHOD FOR CAN DECORATING

Abstract

A can decorating system includes a can decorator including at least a plurality of cylinder plates and a plurality of inking stations; and a control station communicatively coupled to the can decorator. The control station includes an input apparatus; a display; a control system structured to monitor and control operations of the can decorator; and an automatic label creator structured to receive a label specification, create a label, determine values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels, and transmit at least the label and the values to the control station. The control system causes the plate cylinders and inking stations to be adjusted based on the label and the values of image registration. The plate cylinders and inking stations print the label on undecorated cans based on the label and the values.

Claims

1. A can decorating system, comprising: a can decorator including at least a plurality of cylinder plates and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder being associated with an individual inking station; and a control station communicatively coupled to the can decorator, the control station comprising: an input apparatus structured to receive an input including at least the label specification; a display structured to display real time information including at least the label specification; a control system structured to monitor and control operations of the can decorator; and an automatic label creator comprising a memory, the automatic label creator being structured to receive an input including at least the label specification, create a label, determine values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels, and transmit at least the label and the values for image registration to the control station, wherein the control system causes at least the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values for image registration, and wherein upon being adjusted, the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations print the label on undecorated cans based at least in part on the label and the values.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein for determining the value for image registration, the automatic label creator is further structured to determine setpoints for each plate cylinder and each inking station, and generate an ink recipe including at least color parameters for each inking station.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory includes a machine learning algorithm, and wherein the automatic label creator automatically and continuously collects the data, updates the data, and train based at least in part on the updated data, the data associated with previously applied labels including at least respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the respective registration information includes at least previous setpoints and ink recipes that were optimized for the previously applied labels, and wherein the corresponding can decorator information includes at least can decorator conditions and environment information thereof, the can decorator conditions comprising at least use, age and operational history of the can decorator, the environment information comprising at least ambient temperature and ambient moisture.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the data further comprise data associated with previously applied labels including at least respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information of can decorators operating at different locations domestic and/or abroad.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the setpoints include vertical setpoints, circumferential setpoints and plate pressure points of respective plate cylinders and ink key setpoints for respective inking stations.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the automatic label creator is further structured to determine if the label is being printed on the undecorated cans as specified in at least one of the label and the label specification.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein for determining if the label is being printed on the undecorated cans as specified, the automatic label creator is further structured to determine if applied label appears on one or more initially printed cans as specified in at least one of the label and the label specification.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein in response to a determination that the applied label does not appear on one or more initially printed cans, the automatic label creator is further structured to determine if the label and/or the values need to be adjusted or the can decorator needs to be adjusted.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein in response to a determination that the automatic label and/or the values need to be adjusted, the automatic label creator is further structured to modify the label and/or the values and transmit the modified label and/or the modified values to the control station, wherein the control system causes one or more plate cylinders and inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the modified label and/or the modified values and wherein the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations print the label on the undecorated cans based at least in part on the modified label and/or the modified values.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein in response to a determination that the can decorator needs to be adjusted, the automatic label creator is further structured to cause the can decorator to shut down and transmit an alert to a can decorator operation, the alert including an instruction for adjusting the can decorator, wherein the control system adjusts the can decorator based at least in part on the instruction and, upon adjusting the can decorator, turns on the can decorator, and wherein the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations print the label on the undecorated cans based at least in part on the label.

12. An automatic label creator for use in can decorating by a can decorator having at least a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations, each plate cylinder associated with an individual inking station, the can decorator being communicatively coupled to a control station including a control system structured to control operations of the can decorator communicatively coupled to the control station, the automatic label creator comprising: an input apparatus structured to receive an input including at least a label specification obtained from a vendor, a display structured to display real time information including at least the label specification; and an automatic label creator controller comprising a memory, the automatic label creator being structured to receive an input including at least the label specification, create a label, determine values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels, and transmit at least the label and the values of image registration to the control station, wherein the control system causes at least the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values of image registration, and wherein, upon being adjusted, the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations print the label on undecorated cans based at least in part on the label and the values.

13. A method for automatically creating a label, comprising, receiving, by an automatic label creator, an input including at least a label specification; creating a label by the automatic label creator; determining, by the automatic label creator, values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels; transmitting, by the automatic label creator, at least the label and the values for image registration to a control station communicatively coupled to a can decorator, the control station including a control system structured to control operations of the can decorator, the can decorator comprising at least a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations; causing, by the control system, at least the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values for image registration; and printing, by the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations, the label on undecorated cans based at least in part on the label and the values.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the determining the value for image registration comprises: determining setpoints for each plate cylinder and each inking station; and generating an ink recipe including at least color parameters for each inking station.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the automatic label creator includes a memory comprising a machine learning algorithm, the method further comprising: collecting automatically and continuously, by the automatic label creator, the data associated with previously applied labels, the data including at least respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information; updating the data by the automatic label creator; and training, by the automatic label creator, based at least in part on the updated data.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the respective registration information includes at least previous setpoints and ink recipes that were optimized for the previously applied labels, and wherein the corresponding can decorator information including at least can decorator conditions and environment information thereof, the can decorator conditions comprising at least use, age and operational history of the can decorator, the environment information comprising at least ambient temperature and ambient moisture.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the data further comprise data associated with previously applied labels including at least respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information of can decorators operating at different locations domestic and/or abroad.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining, by the automatic label creator, if the label is being printed on the undecorated cans as specified in at least one of the label and the label specification; and in response to determining that the label is not being printed on the undecorated cans as specified in at least one of the label and the label specification, determining, by the automatic label creator, if the label and/or the values need to be adjusted or the can decorator needs to be adjusted.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: in response to a determination that the label and/or the values needs to be adjusted, modifying, by the automatic label creator, the label and/or the values; transmitting, by the automatic label creator, the modified label and/or the modified values to the control station; causing, by the control system, one or more plate cylinders and inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the modified label and/or the modified values; turning on, by the control system, the can decorator; and printing, by the adjusted one or more plate cylinders and inking stations based at least in part on the modified label and/or the modified values.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: in response to a determination that the can decorator needs to be adjusted, causing, by the automatic label creator, the can decorator to shut down; transmitting, by the automatic label creator, an alert to the control system, the alert including an instruction for adjusting the can decorator; adjusting, by the control system, the can decorator based at least in part on the instruction; turning on, by the control system, the can decorator; and printing, by the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations, the label on the undecorated cans.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0014] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is an exemplary can decorator;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exemplary can decorating system including an automatic label creator in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exemplary can decorating system including an automatic label creator in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exemplary control station including an automatic label creator in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exemplary label; and

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for a method of automatically creating a label in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0022] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0023] As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is structured to move is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, structured to [verb] recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, structured to [verb] means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not structured to [verb].

[0025] As used herein, associated means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together or act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is associated with a specific tire.

[0026] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are coupled shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, directly coupled means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, fixedly coupled or fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, adjustably fixed means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to each other while being able to move in a limited range or about a single axis. For example, a doorknob is adjustably fixed to a door in that the doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in a single position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and ink reservoir) in a retractable pen is adjustably fixed relative to the housing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extended position, but generally maintains its orientation relative to the housing. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not coupled to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

[0027] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components engage one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may engage another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may engage another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B, and when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while in element A first position.

[0028] As used herein, correspond indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which corresponds to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit snugly together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, corresponding surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

[0029] As used herein, the term number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase a number of elements means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term a number of [X] includes a single [X].

[0030] As used herein, about in a phrase such as disposed about [an element, point or axis] or extend about [an element, point or axis] or [X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis], means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, about means approximately, i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] As used herein, an elongated element inherently includes a longitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction of the elongation.

[0032] As used herein, generally means in a general manner relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] As used herein, substantially means for the most part relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] As used herein, at means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0035] Example embodiments of the disclosed concept provide an automatic label creator and method for use in can manufacturing. Upon receiving an input including a label specification obtained from a customer (e.g., without limitation, a vendor), the automatic label creator automatically creates a label. Upon creating the label, the automatic label creator determines values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previous labels applied by the can decorator and/or other can decorators. Then, the automatic label creator automatically transmits the label and the values for image registration to a control station communicatively coupled to the can decorator, the control station including a control system structured to monitor and control operations of the can decorator. Upon receiving the label and the values, the control system causes one or more can decorator components to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values for image registration. The can decorator (e.g., without limitation, a plurality of plate cylinders and a plurality of inking stations) print the label on undecorated cans 16. By automatically creating a label and adjusting the can decorator based on the label and the values for image registration, the automatic label creator eliminates repeated manual adjustments and the guesswork required by the conventional label creation systems and methods, thereby greatly expediting the label creation and changing process. By utilizing machine learning based on a large amount of data associated with the previously applied labels, the automatic label creator further increases the accuracy of the label and allows the can decorator to adjust the components thereof to correct locations and parameters at a first attempt.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a can decorating system 100 according to a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The can decorating system 100 includes a can decorator 10 and a control station 200 including an automatic label creator 1. The control station 100 is communicatively coupled to the can decorator 10 in a wired or wireless connection and includes a control system 215 (as shown in FIG. 4) structured to monitor and control operations of the can decorator 10. The control station 200 may be, e.g., without limitation, a computer, a workstation, etc. disposed in vicinity of the can decorator 10. The control station 200 is discussed further with reference to FIG. 4. While FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the automatic label creator 1 disposed within the control station 200, it will be appreciated that the automatic label creator may be a standalone device, e.g., without limitation a PC or workstation solely structured to automatically create labels without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. In the examples including a standalone automatic label creator, an input apparatus and a display may be included in the automatic label creator. In some examples, the control station 200 may be disposed in a main control room 240 that controls can manufacturing process as a whole as shown in FIG. 3. In those examples, the control station 200 may be coupled to a can decorator control station 220 that controls operations of the can decorator 10, and the automatic label creator 1 disposed in the control station 200 is communicatively coupled to the can decorator control station 220 and transmits a signal including at least a label and values for image registration to the can decorator control station 220. In some examples, a controller (not shown) having the same functionalities of the control station 200 may be disposed within the can decorator 10. In those examples, the automatic label creator 1 may be disposed within the controller.

[0037] The automatic label creator 1 is structured to receive a label specification, create a label, determine values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels, and transmit at least the label and the values to the control station 200. Upon receiving at least the label and the values, the control station 200 (i.e., a control system 215 as shown in FIG. 4) causes the can decorator 10 to adjust printing components thereof and print the label on undecorated cans 16 based at least in part on the label and the values. The label specification is obtained from a customer (e.g., without limitation, a canned goods vendor) and may include at least images including, e.g., without limitation, an image of desired finished label, nutritional facts, regulatory disclosures, etc. to be printed on the cans 16. When a new label specification is received from a vendor, the user (e.g., without limitation, a can decorator operator) may stop the can decorator 10 via the control station 200 and input (e.g., without limitation, loads) the label specification to the automatic label creator 1 via an input apparatus 205.

[0038] Upon receiving the label specification, the automatic label creator 1 is structured to create a label to be printed on undecorated cans 16. An example label is illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, a label may include, e.g., without limitation, colored images such as logos, nutritional facts, promotional detail, and/or regulatory disclosures. In some examples, the label may include a plurality of labels each corresponding to one cylinder plate and an associated inking station thereof.

[0039] Upon creating a label, the automatic label creator 1 is structured to determine values for image registration based on the label. Image registration includes, e.g., without limitation, plate cylinders and ink registration. Plate cylinders registration includes, e.g., without limitation, vertical registration that registers vertical (i.e., up or down) setpoints, circumferential registration that registers circumferential (i.e., right or left) setpoints, and plate pressure registration that registers plate pressure points. The plate cylinders registration is performed for each cylinder plate 31. For plate cylinders registration, the automatic label creator 1 is further structured to determine setpoints including vertical setpoints, circumferential setpoints and plate pressure points for each plate cylinder. Ink registration includes ink recipes that indicate, e.g., without limitation, how much base and pigment should be mixed to obtain a desired color, and include color registration parameters, e.g., without limitation, ink level, densities, tints, shade gradients, etc. For ink registration, the automatic label creator 1 is further structured to generate an ink recipe including at least color parameters for each inking station 32 and set ink key setpoints for respective inking stations 32.

[0040] The data associated with previously applied labels include at least respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information. Respective registration information includes, e.g., without limitation, previous setpoints and ink recipes that were optimized for the previously applied labels. Corresponding can decoration information includes at least can decorator conditions (e.g., without limitation, use, age, operational history, etc.) and environment information thereof (e.g., without limitation, ambient temperature, ambient moisture, etc.). For example, the automatic label creator 1 automatically and continuously collects data. The data may include at least data of the can decorator 10 and a plurality (e.g., without limitation, thousands) of cans 16 printed by the can decorator 10, can decorator conditions and ambient information thereof. Further, the automatic label creator 1 continuously updates the data and trains based at least in part on the updated data via the machine learning algorithm therein. In some examples, the data may also include data associated with previously applied labels, respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information of can decorators that have the same or different specifications as the can decorator 10, and operate at different locations (domestic and/or abroad). In those examples, the automatic label creator 1 can train based on a large amount of the globally collected data and optimize the values for image registration based on the large amount of the data, thereby significantly increasing the accuracy of at least the values determined as compared to when the automatic label creator 1 is training based on local data only or when the conventional label creation systems and methods requiring manual adjustments based on guesswork are being used.

[0041] Upon determining values for image registration, the automatic label creator 1 transmits at least the label and the values to the control station 200. In the examples using a can decorator having a controller therein, the automatic label creator 1 transmits the signal to the controller. The control system 215 then causes the can decorator 10, or printing components thereof to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values. The printing components may include, e.g., without limitation, a plurality of plate cylinders 31 and a plurality of inking stations 32, each plate cylinder 31 being associated with an individual inking station 32. Upon receiving the label and the values for image registration, the control system 215 causes at least the plate cylinders 31 and the inking stations 32 to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values. That is, the control system 215 causes the plate cylinders 31 to be moved to setpoints specified by the values and causes the inking stations 32 to set the ink fountain components based on the ink recipes. Upon being adjusted, the plurality of plate cylinders 31 and a plurality of inking stations 32 print the label on undecorated cans 16. In some examples, the control system 215 may include an automatic registration device (not shown) and/or an automated color registration device (e.g., without limitation, an automated ink fountain). In those examples, the automatic label creator 1 together with the automatic registration device and/or the automated ink fountain can significantly expedite the label creation and change process as compared to when the conventional label creation and change system and method are being used.

[0042] In some examples, the automatic label creator 1 is further structured to determine if the label is being printed on cans 16 as specified in at least one of the label and the label specification. For such determination, the automatic label creator 1 may obtain 3D images from, e.g., a camera or image sensor (not shown) disposed within, at, or in proximity to the can decorator 10, review the data for at one or more initially printed cans 16, and determine if the label on the one or more initially printed cans 16 appears as specified by at least one of the label or the label specification. In response to determining that the label has not been printed as specified, the automatic label creator 1 determines if the label and/or the values for image registrations need to be modified or the can decorator 10 needs to be adjusted further. For example, if the label included an error, e.g., an incorrect color density, the automatic label creator 1 determines that the label and/or the values for image registration need to be modified. In such example, the automatic label creator 1 is further structured to modify the label and/or the values for image registration, and transmit the modified label and/or the modified values to the control station 200. The control system 215 then causes one or more plate cylinders 31 and inking stations 32 to be adjusted based at least in part on the modified label and/or the modified values. If the automatic label creator 1 determines that the can decorator 10 needs to be adjusted further (e.g., without limitation, due to a damaged component in an inking station 32), but not the label, the automatic label creator 1 is further structured to cause the can decorator 10 to shut down and transmit an alert to at least one of the control station 200 or a can decorator operator. An alert may include an instruction (e.g., without limitation, replace the damaged component) for adjusting the can decorator 10. The control system 215 may adjust the can decorator 10 or the user may manually adjust the can decorator 10 based at least in part on the instruction. Upon adjusting the can decorator 10, the control system 215 turns on the can decorator 10 and the plurality of plate cylinders 31 and the plurality of inking stations 32 print the label on the undecorated cans 16 based at least in part on the label.

[0043] Therefore, the automatic label creator 1 according to the disclosed concept automatically creates a label and determines values for image registration without having to undertake the repeated manual adjustments based on the guesswork that are conventionally required for creating labels. Such automatic label creation eliminates human errors associated with the manual adjustments and the guesswork, significantly reduces can manufacturing time and costs, and increases accuracy in creating labels. Further, by utilizing the machine learning technologies based on a large amount of globally collected data and considering all relevant conditions, parameters, issues, and/or results pertaining to specific can decorators, the automatic label creator 1 further increases the accuracy in creating labels. In addition, by automatically modifying the label and/or the values for image registration based on instant data feedback from relevant sensors, the automatic label creator 1 increases the accuracy in creating labels even further. As a result of the increased accuracy, the automatic label creator 1 allows, e.g., without limitation, the plate cylinders 31 and the inking stations 32 to be adjusted and/or moved to correct locations at the first attempt.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary control station 200 including an automatic label creator 1 in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The control station 200 is communicatively coupled to the can decorator 10. The control station 200 may be a PC, a workstation, or laptop computer and includes an input apparatus 205, a display 210, a control system 215, a memory 220 and an automatic label creator 1. The input apparatus 205 may be, e.g., without limitation, a keyboard, a touch screen, a USB portal, etc. The display 210 may be, e.g., without limitation, an LCD, an OLED, etc. A user is able to provide input into the automatic label creator 1 using the input apparatus 205. The control system 215 is structured to monitor and control the operations of various components of the can decorator 10. It may include a processor (e.g., without limitation, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable processing device). The memory 220 can be any one or more of a variety of types of internal and/or external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM(s), EEPROM(s), FLASH, and the like that provide a storage register, i.e., a machine readable medium, for data storage such as in the fashion of an internal storage area of a computer, and can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, that interfaces with the memory. The memory 220 has stored herein a number of routines, instructions, or codes that are executable by the control system 215.

[0045] The automatic label creator 1 may include its own processor 3 and memory 5. The processor may be, e.g., without limitation, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable processing device or circuitry. The memory 5 can be any of one or more of a variety of types of internal and/or external storage media such as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM(s), EEPROM(s), FLASH, and the like that provide a storage register, i.e., a machine readable medium, for data storage such as in the fashion of an internal storage area of a computer, and can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory. The memory 5 may store instructions 6 for at least automatically creating labels. It may also store data 7 associated with previously applied labels. The data 7 may include respective registration information and corresponding can decorator information. For example, the data 7 may include at least data of the can decorator 10 and a plurality (e.g., without limitation, thousands) of printed cans 16 by the can decorator 10 based on previously applied labels, can decorator conditions and ambient information thereof. The data 7 may also include similar information associated with can decorators that have the same or different specifications as the can decorator 10, and operate at different locations (domestic and abroad). The automatic label creator 1 continuously and automatically updates the data 7. The memory 5 may also include a machine learning algorithm 8, which trains based on the data 7 and executes the instructions 6 based at least in part on the training. The automatic label creator 1 further outputs a signal to enable the display 210 to display real time information, e.g., without limitation, a label specification being input, a new label being created, values being determined, ink recipes being generated, data being captured including the cans being printed, etc. The automatic label creator 1 also transmits a signal including a label, values for image registration, and ink recipes to the control station 200. In some examples, the automatic label creator 1 may be included within the control system 215 of the control station 200.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an example label 9 created by the automatic label creator 1 of FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The label 9 may include, e.g., without limitation, images, nutritional facts, regulatory disclosures, container sizes, etc. as set forth in the label specification from the vendor. The label 9 may be digitally printed onto undecorated cans via, e.g., without limitation, a film.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for a method 6000 for automatically creating recipe label for use in a can decorating system according to a non-limiting, example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The can decorating system is similar to the can decorating system 100,100 as described with reference to FIGS. 2-3. The method 6000 may be performed by the automatic label creator 1, the can decorator 10 and/or the components thereof.

[0048] At 6010, the automatic label creator receives an input including at least a label specification.

[0049] At 6020, the automatic label creator creates a label.

[0050] At 6030, the automatic label creator determines values for image registration based at least in part on the label specification and data associated with previously applied labels.

[0051] At 6040, the automatic label creator transmits at least the label and the values for image registration to a control station of the can decorator. The control station is communicatively coupled to the can decorator and receives at least the label and the values. The control station includes a control system structured to monitor and control operations of the can decorator.

[0052] At 6050, a control system of the control station causes at least the plurality of plate cylinders and the plurality of inking stations to be adjusted based at least in part on the label and the values for image registration. Upon adjusting, the control system causes the can decorator to be turned on. In some examples, based on the label and the values for the image registration from the automatic label creator, adjustment(s) to the can decorator components may be made manually.

[0053] At 6060, the plurality of plate cylinders and inking stations print the label on undecorated cans based at least in part on the label and the values.

[0054] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.