Automatic labeling system and method for labeling packages

Abstract

An automatic labelling system (100) comprises a package positioning system (110) for positioning a package (102) at a labelling station (112), a package identification system (130) having a scanning device (132) configured to scan an identification label (104) on the package to identify the package. The package identification system has a package measurement module (140) configured to determine at least one dimension of the package and a package orientation module configured to determine an orientation of the package in the labelling station. The automatic labelling system comprises a label application system (150) comprising a label printer (160) to print a label (106, 108) for the package based on the identity of the package determined by the scanning device and a label applicator (162) operable to apply the label based on measurement input from the package measurement module and orientation input from the package orientation module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to package labeling systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] Package labeling is a manual process in many warehouses and distribution centers. This manual labeling process relies on operators to determine where labels need to be applied. This manual labeling process requires high labor costs, is susceptible to human error, and is very time-consuming. Furthermore, labels manually applied to packages may be in inappropriate or unwanted locations and applied inconsistently across packages. Some known automated labeling systems are used in warehouses and distribution centers. However, conventional labeling systems use simple labeling methods to apply labels to packages. For example, conventional labeling systems use a single-axis arm attached to a printer to apply labels to boxes. Labels are always applied to the same side of the box, requiring the box to have a specific orientation relative to the printer and label applicator. Furthermore, known automated labeling systems cannot accommodate packages of varying sizes. The problem to be solved is to provide a dynamic, automated labeling system for labeling packages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The above problems are solved by providing an automatic labeling system. The automatic labeling system includes a package positioning system for positioning a package at a labeling station. The automatic labeling system includes a package identification system having a scanning device configured to scan an identification label on a package to identify the package. The package identification system has a package measurement module configured to determine at least one dimension of the package. The package identification system has a package orientation module configured to determine the orientation of the package in the labeling station. The automatic labeling system includes a label application system including a label printer and a label applicator. The label printer prints at least one label for the package based on the identity of the package determined by the scanning device. The label applicator is operable to apply at least one label to the package based on measurement input from the package measurement module and based on orientation input from the package orientation module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 An automated labeling system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 A label applicator is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method of labeling a package according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of labeling a package according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Figure 1 An automated labeling system 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The automated labeling system 100 is an automated system for labeling packages 102. In the exemplary embodiment, the automated labeling system 100 utilizes one or more robots to apply one or more labels to the packages 102. The automated labeling system 100 uses intelligent control algorithms to apply the labels. After application, the automated labeling system 100 scans the labels to verify that the labels were correctly applied to the packages 102 before sending the packages to another processing station.

[0010] The automated labeling system 100 includes a package positioning system 110 for positioning a package 102 at a labeling station. Optionally, multiple labeling stations can be provided, and the package positioning system 110 is used to position a package at each labeling station. The automated labeling system 100 includes a package identification system 130 for identifying the package 102 at the labeling station 112. The automated labeling system 100 includes a label application system 150 for applying labels to the packages 102. In various embodiments, the label application system 150 can apply multiple labels to each package 102, for example, to each side 200 of the package 102.

[0011] Package 102 can be a box, such as a cardboard box, or other types of containers. In various embodiments, package 102 can be a parallelepiped with six sides 200, including a top side 202, a bottom side 202 (not shown, but located opposite to the top side 202), a front side 206, a back side 208, a right side 210, and a left side 212. In alternative embodiments, package 102 can include additional sides 200. In alternative embodiments, package 102 can have other shapes. In various embodiments, side 200 can be flat or planar. Alternatively, one or more of side 200 can be curved. In an exemplary embodiment, side 200 converges at a corner and has an edge extending between the corners. In various embodiments, one or more sides 200 can be limited by a panel converged at a seam. Panel can be taped at a seam. In various embodiments, label application system 150 can avoid applying a label at a seam (e.g., avoiding applying a label to the tape).

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the package 102 includes an identification label 104 on one of the sides 200. For example, the identification label 104 can be a label applied to one of the sides 200. Alternatively, the identification label 104 can be printed directly onto one of the sides 200. The identification label 104 is used to identify a particular package 102 (e.g., compared to other packages 102). The identification label 104 can be a unique identifier for the package 102. Information about the package 102 can be associated with the identification label 104, such as data contained in a warehouse management system (WMS), and stored as identification data. The identification data about the package 102 can include content information related to the contents of the package. The identification data about the package 102 can include dimensional information related to the height, width, and length of the package. The identification data can include shipping information related to the package 102. In various embodiments, the identification label 104 is a scannable label, such as a barcode, data matrix, QR code, or another type of symbolic scan code. The identification label 104 can be used to track the package 102 within the warehouse management system. In various embodiments, the identification label 104 is applied to the package 102 outside of the labeling station 112. For example, the identification label 104 can be applied to the package 102 before the package 102 is transported to the labeling station 112. The identification label 104 can be applied to the package 102 when the package 102 is formed or when the package 102 is filled, for example, at a packing station upstream of the labeling station 112. Alternatively, the identification label 104 can be applied by the label application system 150 at the labeling station 112. The identification label 104 can be applied to any side 200. In various embodiments, the identification label 104 can be on any side 200 except the bottom side 204. In various embodiments, multiple identification labels 104 can be provided, for example, on two opposing sides (for example, to avoid disposing the identification label 104 on the bottom side and therefore not being visible when the package 102 is presented to the labeling station 112).

[0013] In the exemplary embodiment, package 102 receives a shipping label 106. Shipping label 106 contains information regarding where package 102 is being shipped. Shipping label 106 may include a name, address, or other identifying data. In various embodiments, shipping label 106 may include a scannable code for a symbol used for shipping. Shipping label 106 is applied to package 102 at labeling station 112 by label application system 150. Shipping label 106 may be applied to any side 200 except bottom side 204. In various embodiments, shipping label 106 may be applied to any side 200 except the side that includes identification label 104. In various embodiments, label application system 150 does not apply any other labels to the side 200 that receives shipping label 106.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, a package 102 receives one or more customer-specific labels 108. The customer-specific labels 108 may contain information about the contents of the package 102 or other information. For example, the customer-specific labels 108 may contain information about the shipper of the package 102, the location to which the package 102 is being shipped, return information, warning labels regarding the contents of the package 102, and the like. In various embodiments, the customer-specific labels 108 may include a symbol scan code containing data or other information related to the contents of the package 102. The customer-specific labels 108 are applied to the package 102 at a labeling station 112 by a label application system 150. The customer-specific labels 108 may be applied to any side 200 except the bottom side 204. In various embodiments, the customer-specific labels 108 may be applied to any side 200 except the side including the identification label 104. In various embodiments, the label application system 150 does not apply any other labels to the side 200 that receives the customer-specific label 108. For example, shipping label 106 is applied to a different side 200 than customer-specific label 108. In alternative embodiments, other types of labels may be applied to package 102.

[0015] In the exemplary embodiment, the package positioning system 110 includes a transport device 114 for moving the package 102 to the labeling station 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 114 includes a conveyor 116. The conveyor 116 moves the package to the package identification system 130 and / or moves the package 102 to the label application system 150 and / or moves the package 102 away from the labeling station 112, for example, to a sorting station or other processing station, such as a robotic palletizer. In alternative embodiments, other types of transport devices 114 may be used. The package positioning system 110 includes one or more indexing devices 120 having a reference surface 122 for positioning the package 102 in the labeling station 112. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple indexing devices 120 are provided to position the package 102 at different locations within the labeling station 112. The indexing devices 120 may include a stop gate 124 for stopping the package 102 on the conveyor 116. The stop gate 124 controls the forward and backward position of the package 102 in the labeling station 112. The indexing device 120 can include side rails 126 for controlling the lateral position of the package 102 in the labeling station 112. In various embodiments, the stop gate 124 and the side rails 126 can position the package 102 at a reference position to measure the package. In various embodiments, the stop gate 124 and the side rails 126 can position the package 102 at a reference position to scan the package, such as for identifying the package 102, such as for scanning the identification label 104. In various embodiments, the stop gate 124 and the side rails 126 can position the package 102 at the reference position to apply a label to the package 102. When the package 102 engages the stop gate 124 and the side rails 126, the position of the package 102 is known to the automatic labeling system 100 to apply a label to the package 102. In alternative embodiments, other types of indexing devices can be used.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the package identification system 130 includes a scanning device 132 for identifying the package 102. In various embodiments, the scanning device 132 may include one or more cameras 134. The cameras 134 may be mounted to a frame 136. The frame 136 may be movable to control the positioning of the cameras 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the cameras 134 are configured to view multiple sides 200 of the package 102. The scanning device 132 allows for visual inspection of the package 102. The scanning device 132 identifies the orientation of the package 102 in the labeling station 112. The label application system 150 is controlled based on the orientation of the package 102. The orientation of the package 102 in the labeling station 112 may be based on the position of the identification label 104 (e.g., the side 200 with the identification label 104). For example, the scanning device 132 scans the package 102 to identify the specific side 200 with the identification label 104. For example, the scanning device 132 may identify the top side 202 as having the identification label 104 (top-side orientation); may identify the front side 206 as having the identification label 104 (front-side orientation); may identify the back side 208 as having the identification label 104 (back-side orientation); may identify the right side 210 as having the identification label 104 (right-side orientation); or may identify the left side 212 as having the identification label 104 (left-side orientation). The operation of the label application system 150 is controlled based on which side 200 has the identification label 104. For example, the label application system 150 may determine the appropriate side 200 to apply the shipping label 106 and the customer-specific label 108 based on which side 200 has the identification label 104.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, package identification system 130 identifies the size and shape of package 102. In various embodiments, scanning device 132 may be used to identify the size and shape of package 102. For example, scanning device 132 may be used to scan identification tag 104 and determine the size and shape of package 102 based on data from identification tag 104 (e.g., data from a warehouse management system). In various other embodiments, a camera may be used to image package 102, and package identification system 130 may determine the size and shape of package 102 based on the image. For example, package identification system 130 may identify the number of sides 200, the number of corners, the number of edges, the number of seams, the location of the seams, etc. based on pattern or boundary recognition. Package identification system 130 may identify the height of package 102 and / or the width of package 102 and / or the height of package 102 based on analysis of the image. Package identification system 130 includes package measurement module 140, which is configured to determine at least one dimension of package 102. The package measurement module 140 may include software to analyze the image data to determine the height, width, and / or length of the package. The package measurement module 140 may include a communication component to retrieve package dimensions from a warehouse management system. In various other embodiments, the package identification system 130 includes one or more sensors 142 for measuring one or more dimensions of the package 102. The sensors 142 sense the dimensions of the package 102 relative to a reference of the indexing device 120. The package measurement module 140 receives input from the sensors 142 to determine the dimensions of the package 102. The dimensions of the package 102 are used to control the label application system 150. For example, the label application system 150 may use the dimensions to determine the relevant labeling location on the package 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the automated labeling system 100 is capable of receiving packages 102 of varying sizes and shapes and, by automatically determining the size and shape of a particular package 102 at the labeling station 112, is capable of labeling those packages 102.

[0018] The label application system 150 is used to apply labels to one or more sides of the package 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the label application system 150 includes a label printer 160 configured to print corresponding labels for the package 102. The label application system 150 includes a label applicator 162 configured to transport labels from the label printer 160 to the package 102. The label applicator 162 is used to apply the labels to the package 102. For example, the label applicator 162 can press the labels onto the side 200 of the package 102. In various embodiments, the label application system 150 can include multiple label printers 160 and / or multiple label applicators 162 to apply the labels.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, the label application system 150 includes a controller 152 that controls the operation of the label application system 150. The controller 152 is operably coupled to a label printer 160 and a label applicator 162. The controller 152 receives input from the package positioning system 110 and the package identification system 130 to determine a labeling strategy for labeling the package 102. The controller 152 determines which labels to print, such as a shipping label 106, a customer-specific label 108, or another type of label. The controller 152 controls the operation of the label printer 160. The controller 152 controls the information printed on the labels. The controller 152 controls the operation of the label applicator 162 based on the orientation of the package 102. For example, the controller 152 controls which side 200 the label applicator 162 applies a label to based on the side 200 bearing the identification label 104. The controller 152 controls the operation of the label applicator 162 based on the size and shape of the package 102 determined by the package identification system 130. For example, the controller 152 determines a labeling position relative to the reference surface 122 based on the size and shape of the package 102 and controls the movement of the label applicator 162 to move to such a labeling position.

[0020] refer to Figure 2 , which shows a label applicator 162 according to an exemplary embodiment. The label applicator 162 includes a multi-axis robot 164 having an articulated arm 166 that moves between a label printer 160 and a package 102. An end effector 168 is disposed at the end of the arm 166 to pick up a label from the label printer 160 and apply the label to a side 200 of the package 102. In various embodiments, the end effector 168 may be a vacuum end effector that uses suction to hold the label to the end effector 168. In alternative embodiments, other types of end effectors may be used. The arm 166 is movable in three dimensions to apply labels to the top side 202, front side 206, back side 208, right side 210, and left side 212 of the package 102. The label applicator 162 is capable of applying a variety of different labels to different sides of a package. The label applicator 162 is capable of applying labels to boxes of different sizes.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the label application system 150 includes a label verification scanning device 170 configured to scan the label applied to the package 102 to verify that the label was correctly applied. The label verification scanning device 170 allows for visual inspection and verification of the label. For example, the label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the label has been applied. The label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the label is on the correct side 200 of the package 102. The label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the label is correctly positioned on the package 102. The label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the label has the appropriate information printed on it. The label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the printed information is legible and / or scannable. The label verification scanning device 170 can verify that the label is correctly applied and is free of wrinkles. If the label verification scanning device 170 determines that the applied label is defective, the package 102 can be rejected. However, if the label verification scanning device 170 verifies that the label is correctly applied to the package 102, the package 102 can be conveyed downstream to the next processing station, such as a package sorting station. In various embodiments, the label verification scanning device 170 can be coupled to the arm 166 and can move with the arm 166. Thus, the label verification scanning device 170 is movable to view various sides of the package 102. Alternatively, the label verification scanning device 170 can be separate from the arm and include cameras mounted around the labeling station 112 to view different sides of the package 102. The label verification scanning device 170 can scan the label immediately after it is applied, for example, before the arm 166 moves away from the application area. The label verification scanning device 170 can include a camera configured to image the label.

[0022] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart of a method for labeling a package according to an exemplary embodiment. The method can be used by a controller of a label application system to determine an appropriate labeling scheme for a particular package. The controller includes logic configured to determine an appropriate labeling scheme based on the orientation of the package. The labeling scheme is based on the size of the package, the shape of the package, the number of labels to be applied to the package, and the relative positions of the labels (e.g., same side, different sides, adjacent sides, opposite sides, etc.). The labeling scheme developed using this method can be based on which side of the package has the identification label presented in the labeling.

[0023] The method includes positioning 300 a package in a labeling station. For example, the package can be transported to the labeling station via a conveyor or other transport device. The package can be positioned by an indexing device, such as a stop gate, side rails, or another positioning device. The package can be positioned by engaging one or more reference surfaces to position the package in the labeling station. By positioning the package in a specific position (e.g., on a reference surface), the label can be accurately applied.

[0024] The method includes scanning 302 an identification tag on the package using a scanning device to identify the package. One or more cameras can be used to scan the identification tag. The method optionally includes a step of determining 304 an orientation of the package based on the scanning of the identification tag by the scanning device. For example, the scanning device can be used to determine which side includes the identification tag. The orientation can be used to determine which side a label should be applied to. The identification tag can be scanned to determine information about the package, such as the contents of the package, shipping information for the package, the dimensions of the package, etc. The method optionally includes a step of determining 306 the height, length, and width of the package based on the scanning of the identification tag by the scanning device. For example, the scanning device can be used to determine the height, length, and width based on an image of the package from a camera. The size and shape of the package is determined to make proper label application. For example, the various sides are positioned relative to a reference plane, so the label application robot can be controlled to label the package based on the size and shape of the package. The controller is configured to determine the size based on input from the scanning device. As such, the labeling scheme can be automatically controlled based on signals or input from the scanning device without user input. The application of other labels is controlled based on the orientation of the package in the labeling station. For example, based on which side of the package has the identification tag, other labels can be applied to other sides. The controller is configured to determine the orientation based on input from the scanning device. As such, the labeling scheme can be automatically controlled based on signals or input from the scanning device without user input.

[0025] The method includes printing 310 a label for the package at a label printer, the printed label based on the identity of the package determined by the scanning device. For example, the label printer can be used to print a shipping label based on shipping information associated with the identity of the package. For example, the shipping information can be contained in a warehouse management system retrieved based on scanning the identification tag. The label printer can be used to print a customer-specific label for the package. The customer-specific label can include information related to the contents of the package or other information. For example, the customer-specific label can contain information about the shipper of the package, the shipping location of the package, return information, warning labels about the package or contents of the package, etc.

[0026] The method includes applying 312 a label to a package using a label applicator. The label applicator picks up a label from a label printer. For example, an end effector picks up the label, such as using a suction cup. The label applicator transports the label from the label printer to the package. At the package, the label applicator can press the label against the side of the package. Optionally, the operation of the label applicator can be controlled based on the orientation of the package. For example, the side of the package that receives the label can be based on the orientation of the package (e.g., the side of the package with the identification label). Optionally, the operation of the label applicator can be controlled based on the height, length, and width dimensions of the package. For example, the amount of movement of the arm of the label applicator in three dimensions can be determined based on the size and shape of the package.

[0027] The method includes scanning 314 a label applied to a package using a label verification scanning device to verify the correct application of the label. For example, the label verification scanning device can verify that the label has been applied and is on the correct side of the package and / or in the correct position on the package. The label verification scanning device can verify that the label has the appropriate information printed on the label and that the printed information is legible and / or scannable. The label verification scanning device can verify that the label is correctly applied and is free of wrinkles. The label verification scanning device 170 can include a camera configured to image the label. In various embodiments, the label verification scanning device can be coupled to a label applicator and move with the label applicator to scan the label immediately after the label is applied, for example, before the label applicator moves away from the application area.

[0028] The method includes, if the label verification scanning device determines that the applied label is defective, rejecting the package 316. For example, the package can be removed from the labeling station and discarded or moved to a station that reprocesses the package (e.g., removes the defective label).

[0029] The method includes ejecting 318 the package from the labeling station if the label verification scanning device verifies that the label is correctly applied to the package 102. The package can be transported downstream, such as via a conveyor, to the next processing station, such as a package sorting station.

[0030] Figure 4is a flowchart of a method of labeling packages according to an exemplary embodiment. The steps are an exemplary method of labeling packages. In various alternative embodiments, individual steps can be omitted, and the order of the steps can be changed. The method can be used by a controller of a label application system to determine an appropriate labeling scheme for a particular package. The controller includes logic configured to determine an appropriate labeling scheme based on the package orientation. The labeling scheme is based on the size of the package, the shape of the package, the number of labels that need to be applied to the package, the relative position of the labels (e.g., same side, different side, adjacent side, opposite side, etc.). The labeling scheme developed using the method can be based on which side of the package has the identifying label presented in the labeling.

[0031] The method includes loading 400 a package onto a conveyor and aligning 402 the package to a side of the conveyor. The method includes conveying 404 the package to an inspection station and scanning 406 an identifying label on the package to obtain identity data related to the package. The identifying label can include a symbol scan code, such as a barcode or QR code. The identity data can be communicated to a warehouse management system (WMS).

[0032] The method includes determining 408 whether the identity data matches package data in the warehouse management system. For example, the controller is configured to compare the scanned data to data in a database of the WMS. If the identity data does not match any package data in the warehouse management system, the package is rejected 410 by the labeling station. In this way, the labeling system operating the method is able to automatically reject packages that can be further processed if desired.

[0033] If the identification data matches the package data in the warehouse system, the method proceeds to the step of receiving 412 label data to be applied to the package from the warehouse management system. The method includes determining 414 the position of the identification label on the package. The identification label can be determined by scanning the package with a scanning device (e.g., a camera). The method includes determining 416 the size and shape of the package (e.g., determining the height, width, and length of the package). The size and shape of the package can be determined by scanning the package with a scanning device (e.g., a camera). The size and shape of the package can be determined by sensors or other measuring devices at the inspection station. The size and shape of the package are determined to ensure proper label application. For example, each side is positioned relative to a reference surface, so that a label application robot can be controlled to label the package based on the size and shape of the package. A controller is configured to determine the size based on input from the scanning device. Thus, the labeling scheme can be automatically controlled based on signals or input from the scanning device without user input. The application of other labels is controlled based on the orientation of the package in the labeling station. For example, based on which side of the package has the identification label, other labels can be applied to other sides. The controller is configured to determine the orientation based on input from the scanning device. Thus, the labeling scheme may be automatically controlled based on signals or input from the scanning device without the need for user input.

[0034] The method includes conveying 418 a package to a labeling station. The package can be conveyed using a conveyor. The package can be positioned at a predetermined position within the labeling station, such as using an indexing device. The method includes determining 420 an application location for each label using a controller. The controller can use artificial intelligence to determine the application location. The controller can determine the application location based on the orientation of the package (e.g., the location of the identified label). The controller can determine the application location based on the size and shape of the package. The method includes printing 422 a label for the package. The method includes picking 424 a label from a label printer using a label applicator. The method includes applying 426 the label using the label applicator.

[0035] The method includes inspecting the label 428 after applying the label. The label can be inspected using a label verification scanning device. The label verification scanning device can scan the label, such as scanning a symbol scan code (e.g., a barcode or QR code) on the label. The method includes the step of determining 430 whether the applied label is acceptable. If the applied label is unacceptable (e.g., the label cannot be scanned correctly, the label is in an incorrect position, the label is missing, etc.), the package is rejected by the labeling station 432. Thus, the system operating the method can automatically reject packages determined to be defective to ensure that the packages do not continue downstream to other processing stations. The automated control system can be controlled without operator intervention to speed up package processing and reduce labor costs. If the applied label is acceptable, the method includes determining 434 whether all labels have been applied to the package. At 436, if all labels have not been applied, the method returns to step 420 to determine the application position for the next label.

[0036] If all labels have been applied, the method includes communicating 438 label verification data to a warehouse management system (WMS). The method also includes determining 440 whether the package labeling has passed verification. If the package labeling has not passed verification, the package is rejected 442 by the labeling station. If the package labeling has passed verification, the method includes ejecting 444 the package from the labeling station for further processing. For example, a conveyor may eject the package to a sorting station for further processing.

Claims

1. An automatic labeling system (100), comprising: a package positioning system (110) for positioning the package (102) at the labeling station (112); a package identification system (130) having a scanning device (132) configured to scan an identification label (104) on the package to identify the package, the package identification system having a package measurement module (140) configured to measure at least one dimension of the package, the package identification system having a package orientation module configured to determine an orientation of the package in the labeling station from a plurality of possible orientations based on the scan and to generate an orientation input based on the determined orientation; as well as A label application system (150) comprising a label printer (160) and a label applicator (162), wherein the label printer prints at least one label (106, 108) for the package based on the identity of the package determined by the scanning device, and the label applicator is operable to apply the at least one label to the package based on the measurement input from the package measurement module and the orientation input from the package orientation module, the label application system including a label verification scanning device configured to scan the at least one label applied to the package to verify the correct application of the at least one label before the package is moved out of the labeling station.

2. The automatic labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the label verification scanning device is disposed at an end of the label applicator to scan the at least one label (106, 108) immediately after it is applied to the package.

3. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package orientation module determines the orientation of the package (102) using a scan of the identification label (104) by the scanning device (132).

4. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package orientation module determines which side (200) of the package (102) contains the identification label (104), and the label applicator (162) is operable to apply the at least one label (106, 108) to a side (200) of the package that is different from the side having the identification label.

5. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package measurement module (140) determines at least one dimension of the package (102) using a scan of the identification label (104) by the scanning device (132).

6. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package measurement module (140) determines a height, width, and length of the package (102), and the label application system (150) uses the height, width, and length dimensions to control the label applicator (162) and apply the at least one label (106, 108).

7. The automatic labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package identification system (130) includes a sensor (142) for measuring the package (102), the package measurement module (140) receiving input from the sensor to determine the at least one dimension of the package.

8. The automatic labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package positioning system (110) includes an indexing device (120) for positioning the package (102) on a reference surface (122), and the package measurement module (140) determines the at least one dimension relative to the reference surface.

9. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the scanning device (132) comprises a plurality of cameras (134) configured to scan a plurality of sides (200) of the package (102).

10. The automated labeling system (100) of claim 1, wherein the package positioning system (110) includes a conveyor (116) that moves the packages (102).

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