Creation of a packaging manufacturing dataset based on pre-approved packaging characteristics and manufacturing of the packaging

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for creating a packaging manufacturing dataset (31), particularly for consumer product packaging (2). A database of pre-approved packaging features (12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26) in different categories (11, 21, 30) is provided, each pre-approved packaging feature having assigned metadata (15, 16, 17, 27, 28, 29). A selection of the pre-approved packaging features (12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26) is received. The selection of pre-approved packaging features (12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26) is evaluated based on the metadata (15, 16, 17, 27, 28, 29) to create a packaging manufacturing dataset (31) that defines the package (2) according to the pre-approved packaging features (12, 13, 14, 24, 25, 26).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the creation of a packaging manufacturing dataset, particularly for consumer product packaging, a method for manufacturing packaging, and a computer system including a graphical user interface. [Background technology]

[0002] The possibilities for packaging for consumer products have increased significantly over the past few years. Numerous new manufacturing techniques, especially printing techniques, have been proposed, and at the same time, consumer expectations regarding packaging quality have also increased. Furthermore, due to a globalized market, different requirements and different production volumes must be realized in different countries depending on local needs. To be competitive in the consumer products sector, it is further expected that frequent new designs, redesigns, or modifications of packaging designs will be implemented, for example, in consideration of a particular event or marketing campaign. It is highly desirable to expedite the process from determining a new or modified design to having a packaging manufacturing dataset that allows the new packaging to be produced. Currently, this process can take several weeks to be completed satisfactorily.

[0003] However, redesigning a package is task intensive and often leads to initial production delays due to the need to consider and implement many different requirements of the associated manufacturing machinery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has the objective of facilitating the creation of new consumer product packaging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a computer-implemented method for creating a packaging manufacturing dataset, particularly for consumer product packaging, in which a database of pre-approved packaging features in different categories is provided, with each approved packaging feature having assigned metadata. When a selection of pre-approved packaging features is received, the selection of pre-approved packaging features is evaluated based on the metadata, a packaging manufacturing dataset is created, and packaging is defined according to the pre-approved packaging features. Providing a database of pre-approved packaging features assists a user in accomplishing the technical task of defining and creating a packaging manufacturing dataset, ensuring that the packaging manufacturing dataset is appropriate for producing the corresponding packaging, or at least ensuring an efficient manner for producing the desired packaging. If only one user interaction is required, the method can be completed instantly. Alternatively, if several users' interactions, or at least one measurement of a sample package, or both user interaction and at least one measurement, the method can be completed in at least a few days. In contrast, in prior art, users design a packaging manufacturing dataset based on their own experience or memory. Prior art approaches typically require several iterations, which lead to lost time and increased costs and waste. In particular, the impact of manufacturing techniques or local requirements on individual packaging features needs to be evaluated. Additionally or alternatively, potential incompatibilities or defects must be detected and resolved by adapting packaging manufacturing datasets. In prior art approaches, this is particularly cumbersome in the field of consumer packaging, where frequent and rapid changes are desired in multiple markets around the world. Often, such packaging requires design modifications for many different markets due to differences in local consumer preferences or legal requirements. In particular, this need to adapt packaging to these borderline technical or regulatory conditions necessitates the creation of many different packaging manufacturing datasets that are closely related but slightly or significantly different from each other. For example, due to localized manufacturing, different manufacturing machines may be available at different manufacturing facilities.Different manufacturing machines may require different build sequences. Different manufacturing machines may also require different pieces of packaging material, such as packaging blanks that are printed or converted differently.

[0006] Due to different lot sizes, different manufacturing techniques may be recommended. Due to different legal requirements, different functions may have to be provided for the packaging. For example, a cardboard packaging may be desired to have a particular 3D embossed structure as a design element, which may be compatible with one printing technique but may result in defects when using another printing technique. The latter printing technique may be preferred for a version of the packaging aimed at a smaller market.

[0007] The database of pre-approved packaging features is preferably an electronic library with different features that can be selected when designing a package. These features may be classified into different categories to provide better read performance. The categories may relate to different aspects of the package. In particular, the packaging features are classified into at least one of the following exemplary categories: substrate, package type, package configuration, information provided on the package, design elements provided on the package, closure and storage features, and additional marketing features.

[0008] Preferably, a database of pre-approved packaging characteristics may be provided in cloud storage and the selection may be received at a local terminal.

[0009] The metadata provided for each packaging feature is data that supplements the data identifying the feature itself. The metadata may relate to one of the following parameters, for example: - at least one manufacturing machine or converting operation capable of manufacturing packaging features, -Restrictions on characteristics such as size, color, form, content and / or manufacturing techniques, for example; -Legal requirements regarding characteristics, such as the information required to be provided in situations with certain characteristics; - one or more of the composition, physical and chemical properties of the material, e.g. thickness of the plate, coating, - the morphology of the features, in particular the 3D morphology or 2D shape, -characteristic color(s), especially the range or composition of colors or inks, -Materials used for the features, -Alternatives to any of the above.

[0010] Preferably, the packaging manufacturing data set includes all data required by each manufacturing machine to manufacture packaging defined by the selected packaging features, or at least some of the data required by each manufacturing machine to manufacture packaging defined by the selected packaging features.

[0011] The packaging manufacturing dataset may include machine instructions for at least one manufacturing machine. The machine instructions may enable the manufacturing machine to perform at least a portion of a process for manufacturing the product packaging. The machine instructions may be provided directly to each manufacturing machine. The present invention may facilitate obtaining the machine instructions to provide one or more manufacturing machines for manufacturing the product packaging. Because the packaging manufacturing dataset is created according to pre-approved packaging characteristics, the machine instructions may also be based on the pre-approved packaging characteristics.

[0012] The packaging manufacturing dataset may include operator instruction data. The operator instruction data may require an intermediate adjustment or input step by an operator before being provided to a manufacturing machine, which performs at least a portion of a process for manufacturing product packaging based on the operator instruction data. The present invention may facilitate obtaining the operator instruction data for provision to one or more manufacturing machines for manufacturing product packaging. Because the packaging manufacturing dataset is created according to pre-approved packaging characteristics, the operator instruction data may also be based on the pre-approved packaging characteristics.

[0013] The packaging manufacturing data set may include machine instruction data, or operator instruction data, or machine instruction data and operator instruction data.

[0014] In the method of the present invention, the metadata of the pre-approved packaging features allows evaluation and immediate feedback of the selection of the pre-approved packaging features. Correction suggestions or automatic corrections (or both correction suggestions and automatic corrections) may be provided to avoid creating a packaging production dataset that is not immediately suitable for producing the desired packaging. This advantageously ensures that packaging features can only be combined for a packaging production dataset that will not lead to incompatibility with the selected (and available) production machines.

[0015] The method preferably includes receiving a selection of at least one manufacturing machine, particularly a converting machine, for the packaging, and evaluating the selection of pre-approved packaging features includes evaluating the compatibility of those packaging features with the selected at least one manufacturing machine. The evaluation may be based on a comparison of the manufacturing machine dataset with the packaging features, particularly their metadata. In some embodiments, the selection is received directly from the user, while in other embodiments, it may be received as a result of a further computer-implemented method step, which determines the manufacturing machine depending on the user's design or manufacturing requirements (or design and manufacturing or other requirements). For example, if a heat-sealing machine is selected, a compatibility evaluation may be performed with respect to heat-sensitive packaging features, at least in areas of the packaging where the heat seal will actually be applied. Another example is the incompatibility of certain packaging features, in the form of folding, creasing, or scoring, with certain printing manufacturing machines. This is advantageous because printing may be destroyed by applying these packaging features or may not be able to be applied in areas of the packaging where such features are present. The production of packaging may involve at least one, and preferably numerous, converting operations. Throughout the document, the term "converting" is used to refer to an operation that changes one or more of the appearance, shape, tactility, and function of a packaging element. The packaging element may be, for example, a blank, a piece of cardboard, foil, metalized paper, or other material suitable for being part of the packaging of an article. Possible converting operations are applying color or surface structure, or applying color and surface structure, e.g., printing, coating, or metallizing. Alternatively, or additionally, the converting operation may be a form-changing operation, in particular folding, creasing, scoring, embossing, or hot foil stamping. Alternatively, or additionally, the converting operation may be a separate operation, such as cutting, stamping, or scoring. Alternatively, or additionally, the converting operation may be a joining operation, such as gluing or sealing.

[0016] In particular, some printing operations, and therefore printing machines, may be provided later. For example, highly customizable packaging features, such as text, may be printed with an adaptable printing method, such as digital printing, while printing that remains the same across two or more different packaging data sets may be printed with a less versatile, but more economical or more precise method, such as gravure printing.

[0017] The manufacturing machines involved in producing folded cardboard packaging may be machines adapted to perform one or more of the aforementioned converting operations. For example, at least one of the manufacturing machines may be a printing machine, a cutting and scoring machine, a folding machine, a gluing machine, and a shrink-wrapping machine. Some or all of the aforementioned functions may be present in a single manufacturing machine. Additional manufacturing machines may also be involved, such as machines for applying labels, or for applying inserts, onserts, or outserts, or for applying surface treatments such as embossing, flocking, metalizing, or coating (or any combination thereof). In an exemplary manufacturing line, at least some of the manufacturing or converting operations of unwinding sheet material from a roll, flexographic printing, digital printing, (rotary) embossing, slitting, rewinding, (digital) creasing, (digital cutting), (die) cutting, and embossing are performed.

[0018] Additionally, evaluating the selection of pre-approved packaging features may include evaluating the compatibility of those packaging features with the manufacturing machine selected for the production of each packaging feature. For example, a user may erroneously believe that a certain printing can be performed using a certain printing machine, or that a certain folding machine may be capable of providing folding of a certain material. In these or other cases, the method may at least notify the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the method may automatically or semi-automatically (e.g., with user confirmation) adapt the packaging dataset to meet the user's technical limitations and other requirements. In particular, the manufacturing machine may be adapted for at least one of printing, cutting, folding, or assembling the packaging components.

[0019] In particular, the evaluation of pre-approved packaging features includes checking the compatibility of at least two packaging features based on their metadata. For example, certain characteristics of the print may be incompatible with a certain substrate (e.g., one or more of a film material, plastic, paper, or cardboard), which has certain substrate characteristics (e.g., surface roughness, conductivity, hydrophobic properties, or coatings, and the like). Furthermore, it may be checked whether a certain packaging type and size provides sufficient space for the selected print design. For example, a certain font size and type may be a prerequisite for the design, but the amount of characters may differ in different translations. Therefore, for a certain geographic region, there may not be enough space to provide text in the desired area of ​​the package. According to the present invention, this may be immediately revealed during the compatibility assessment.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes steps of saving a packaging manufacturing dataset and retrieving the packaging manufacturing dataset for creation of a new packaging manufacturing dataset, which at least partially includes the packaging features of the retrieved packaging manufacturing dataset. This allows a user to quickly obtain or create a new packaging manufacturing dataset that is a variation of an existing packaging manufacturing dataset. This is particularly useful when similar designs are used in several different markets that, for example, have different languages ​​or have different legal requirements regarding what information must be provided on the packaging.

[0021] In particular, the method may include receiving a new packaging feature created by a first user, submitting the packaging feature to a second user for approval, and (if approved by the second user) storing the approved packaging feature in a database as a pre-approved packaging feature. This allows for a quick construction of a database of pre-approved packaging features. For example, the second user may be responsible for technical implementation and therefore will consider whether the packaging feature may lead to any technical incompatibilities. The second user may modify the packaging feature, or its metadata (or both the packaging feature and its metadata), so that the technical incompatibilities are avoided. In other embodiments, the first user may be a user responsible for technical implementation, and the second user may be a user who monitors other requirements, such as legal or marketing requirements.

[0022] In particular, the packaging feature may be one of the following: a packaging type, a packaging component, at least one characteristic of the printing on the packaging, a brand, a text element, the arrangement of at least one consumer good within the package, the type of consumer good arranged within the package, and the market designated for the package. In the field of smoking articles, the packaging type may be, for example, a hinge-lid container, a soft-pack container, a slide-and-shell container, or a shoulder box container. In the field of smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles, the packaging component may be an inner sealed package that stores the smoking articles. The characteristic of the printing on the packaging may be a glossy print or a rough section within the print. A packaging feature in the form of a product brand may lead to restrictions on certain other packaging features. For example, it may be required that the brand be provided in a certain position or a certain size on the package. A packaging feature in the form of a text element may lead to a requirement for a certain printing technique that can provide the text element with sufficient clarity.

[0023] The pre-approved packaging feature may include machine-readable instructions. The pre-approved packaging feature's machine-readable instructions may include machine-readable instructions used by one or more manufacturing machines to perform one or more manufacturing steps in a process for producing a consumer product package. The one or more manufacturing steps may be manufacturing steps related to the pre-approved packaging feature. The pre-approved packaging feature's machine-readable instructions (alone or in combination with additional data or information) enable the one or more manufacturing machines to perform the one or more manufacturing steps.

[0024] Creating the packaging manufacturing dataset may include combining machine-readable instructions from all or a portion of the selected pre-approved packaging features into a set of machine-readable instructions that may form at least a portion of machine instructions that enable one or more manufacturing machines to perform at least a portion of a process for manufacturing the consumer product packaging.

[0025] In the field of packaging rod-shaped consumer goods, such as smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles, a packaging feature related to the arrangement of at least one consumer good within the package may be, for example, an arrangement. The arrangement describes, in particular, the number of rows and columns of rod-shaped consumer goods within the package and how these rows and columns are arranged relative to one another, e.g., in a nested relationship. The arrangement determines how much space is left within the package, taking other packaging features into account. The type of consumer goods arranged within the package may define, for example, whether there are combustible smoking articles or heat-and-burn aerosol-generating articles arranged within the package. The type of consumer goods may impose certain restrictions or requirements, for example, regarding the preservation of freshness or humidity of the respective goods or regarding security requirements. Packaging features of a designated market form of packaging may lead to restrictions on package design considerations. For example, in different jurisdictions, different information may have to be provided on the package, for example, depending on the consumer goods contained therein.

[0026] The evaluation of pre-approved packaging features includes, among other things, an evaluation of their metadata regarding geographic approval. Therefore, when creating a packaging feature, it may be manually approved for a particular country or jurisdiction, and this information may be included in the metadata. Therefore, if a user selects a packaging feature that is not approved for a particular jurisdiction, the selection may be rejected or another packaging feature may be modified. For example, a user may select a packaging feature that includes a holographic element. However, in a particular jurisdiction, feasible locations for providing such elements may be specified to include certain information on the product. Therefore, for some jurisdictions, it may be possible to manufacture packaging with desired packaging features, but for other jurisdictions, the respective machines that manufacture holograms may not have the capability to manufacture holograms at the available machine locations. Therefore, by evaluating the metadata regarding geographic approval, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a manufacturing machine is instructed to manufacture a feature that the manufacturing machine cannot manufacture.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method includes manufacturing a package based on the packaging manufacturing dataset, involving at least one conversion operation, particularly at least one of printing, cutting, embossing, folding, creasing, or scoring, approving the packaging manufacturing dataset based on an evaluation of the manufactured package, and saving the packaging manufacturing dataset in a database as an approved packaging manufacturing dataset. These method steps may be particularly useful when it is not yet clear whether packaging features in the form of certain printing characteristics or printing techniques are compatible with packaging features of a certain packaging type or packaging material. Therefore, by empirically evaluating the results of desired packaging feature combinations, it is possible to evaluate the compatibility of the packaging features, which can be recorded in the metadata of each of the packaging features. Alternatively, or additionally, each combination of packaging features can be saved in the database as a packaging manufacturing dataset designated as approved for further reference, or saved as a template for future packaging manufacturing datasets having the respective combination of packaging features.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, manufacturing packaging based on the packaging manufacturing dataset may involve at least one of printing, cutting, embossing, folding, creasing, or scoring. In a further step, the packaging manufacturing dataset is approved based on the evaluation of the packaging, and the packaging manufacturing dataset is stored in a database as an approved packaging manufacturing dataset. Thus, it is possible to determine the pre-approved packaging manufacturing dataset by empirical analysis of the effect of at least one packaging feature, or preferably multiple packaging features relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the characteristics or information (or characteristics and information) obtained by the empirical analysis may be recorded in the metadata of the respective packaging feature.

[0029] In particular, printed packaging is evaluated by measuring packaging properties using a measuring device, in particular a spectrophotometer, comparing the measured properties with packaging characteristics, and approving or rejecting the packaging characteristics. This allows, for example, ensuring the quality of color rendering, which is very important in today's consumer packaging so that packaging has a familiar appearance worldwide. In particular, different printing machines may have different printing qualities on different packaging materials. It is preferable to provide target values, such as predefined color references, and even more preferable to provide tolerance ranges therefor. It is preferable that the measured properties are compared with predefined color references or tolerance ranges. This makes it possible to avoid subjectivity in color evaluation. A routine analysis can be performed beforehand to obtain approved packaging characteristics that ensure high quality of printing and its color rendering.

[0030] The method preferably includes approving the packaging manufacturing dataset if all packaging features are pre-approved packaging features or have been manually approved by a user. In a preferred embodiment, all packaging features must be pre-approved packaging features. If all packaging features are pre-approved, this advantageously reduces the user's workload and therefore improves the rapidity of creation of the packaging manufacturing dataset. Additionally, pre-approval of all packaging features may avoid potential human error.

[0031] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing packaging, the method comprising a computer-implemented method for creating a packaging manufacturing dataset as defined above, and further comprising manufacturing the packaging in accordance with the packaging manufacturing dataset. In particular, a certain quantity of identical packages is manufactured in accordance with the packaging manufacturing dataset. Preferably, the manufacturing step comprises digital printing. Digital printing may comprise inkjet printing, laser printing, offset printing, or other known printing techniques, or a combination of these various printing techniques. Digital printing may involve applying a color substance (particularly ink or toner) to various substrates, such as at least one of paper, cardboard, canvas, metallized paper, metallized cardboard, coated paper, coated cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof, e.g., metallized plastic cardboard laminate.

[0032] In some embodiments of digital printing, the color material does not penetrate the substrate but may form a thin layer on the substrate. Additional adhesion may be provided by the use of a fuser fluid, for example, by heating or a curing process.

[0033] Digital printing allows for great flexibility with regard to new designs, as new designs can be printed almost instantly in a predefined color gamut. In contrast, more traditional printing techniques, such as rotogravure, flexography, and offset printing, typically require the manufacture of equipment or tooling before printing can occur. However, most different types of printing, and therefore printing machines, have limitations that prevent the application of certain packaging features while allowing others.

[0034] Pre-approved packaging features may also be associated with design elements having variable data, such as design elements that are unique to each package or that are only provided on a subset of packages. These design elements may be randomly generated or included in a list. For example, each package may have randomly generated artwork. Each package or subset of packages may include a slogan, name, or brand from a list of multiple slogans, names, or brands.

[0035] The present invention further provides a computer system adapted to perform the method as defined above, the computer system comprising a graphical user interface adapted to display sets of pre-approved packaging features in different categories, the computer system adapted such that user selection of a pre-approved packaging feature in one set reduces the number of selectable pre-approved packaging features in at least another set displayed on the graphical user interface based on the suitability of the pre-approved packaging feature. For example, if a certain packaging type that only allows for a certain printing technique is selected, packaging features that require other printing techniques will no longer be displayed. If the packaging feature is a brand, the selection of manufacturing-related or design-related packaging features may be limited. For example, for a certain brand, a certain printing technique (e.g., using soft-touch lacquer) may or may not be available.

[0036] When a particular manufacturing machine, e.g., a particular printing machine, is selected, certain other packaging features, such as high-resolution graphic elements, may or may not be available. There may be manufacturing-machine-independent packaging features available for all manufacturing machines, at least in certain manufacturing machine categories. For example, some design elements or artwork may be approved for all types of available printing machines. Some printing machines or techniques may not be compatible with other conversion operations or machines. For example, embossing may not be available for certain types of printing because it may damage the print. All of the foregoing information may be included in the metadata of the packaging features, or the manufacturing machine dataset, or the packaging features and manufacturing machine dataset.

[0037] Therefore, the user can be quickly guided through the selection process towards creating a technically feasible packaging manufacturing dataset.

[0038] In particular, the graphical user interface may be adapted to allow selection of available manufacturing machines, and the computer system may be adapted such that the selection of the manufacturing machine reduces the number of selectable pre-approved packaging features on the graphical user interface. Therefore, depending on the selected available manufacturing machine, only packaging features that can be produced with high quality by the available manufacturing machine are offered to the user for selection. The system may include the possibility of entering boundary conditions such as at least one of the quantity of packaging to be produced, the geographic location, the target market for the packaging to be produced, and the contents of the packaging. Therefore, depending on these boundary conditions, only certain design elements and manufacturing machines are offered and approved for each market. The method may further limit the available options based on whether the selected options are economically justifiable for the desired quantity of packaging to be produced. The method may also calculate or estimate a unit cost of the packaging based on the available or selected options to provide the user with options for determining an optimal or desired manufacturing run. The unit cost of the packaging may be displayed to the user.

[0039] Preferably, the computer system is adapted to display, on a graphical user interface, a preview of the packaging according to the pre-approved packaging features selected by the user. The preview may become more detailed with each selected pre-approved packaging feature. Furthermore, the computer system may allow the user to deselect a packaging feature if, for example, during evaluation of the selection of pre-approved packaging features, the system indicates that the selected packaging feature is not compatible with other packaging features or with the selected or available manufacturing machine.

[0040] In particular, the packaging manufacturing dataset is used for the manufacture of containers for consumer goods, such as smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles. Exemplary packaging features for such containers will be discussed below.

[0041] A container generally includes an accessible interior and at least one container wall. For example, the container may be a pouch container formed from a flexible sheet material that is essentially wrapped around the consumer goods contained therein (such as roll-your-own cigarettes). Alternatively, the container may be a soft-pack container in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with flexible side walls and an openable portion at the top. The container is preferably a hinge-lid container comprising a cup-shaped box and a lid, the lid being hingedly connected to the box via a hinge line.

[0042] The terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of a container refer to the container in an upright position with the lid at the top and the hinge at the rear. The terms "left" and "right" are used in reference to the side walls of the container when the container is viewed from the front in its upright position. When the container is open in the upright position, consumer goods contained within the box can be removed from the upper end of the container. The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis across one of the front, rear, or side walls.

[0043] The term "hinge line" refers to a line about which the lid can pivot to open the container. The hinge line may be, for example, a crease or score line in the rear wall of the container. Alternatively, the hinge line may be a crease or score line in a piece of material that bridges the lower edge of the rear wall of the lid and the upper edge of the rear wall of the box. Such a piece of material may be, for example, a label permanently or removably attached to the rear wall of the lid and the rear wall of the box. The hinge line is preferably located along the rear wall of the container, at a level below the upper edge of the container.

[0044] The container preferably further comprises an inner frame mounted within the box, the inner frame extending above at least the upper edge of the front wall of the container box. Thus, the inner frame is visible to the consumer when the lid is open. The front wall of the inner frame may be printed with indicia that is the same as or different from the indicia printed on the front wall of the box. Alternatively, or additionally, the front wall of the inner frame may be cut into a unique shape, e.g., reflecting the brand of the consumer goods. Optionally, the inner frame may also comprise a line of weakness that facilitates flattening of the container.

[0045] The front wall of the inner frame is preferably provided with a cutout portion at its upper edge, which allows for more convenient access to the consumer goods within the container without significantly reducing the surface area of ​​the front wall of the inner frame.

[0046] As an alternative to, or in addition to, an inner frame, the consumer goods within the container may be wrapped in an inner liner, which is visible above the upper edge of the front wall of the box and the front wall of the inner frame (if present) when the container is opened.

[0047] The container may be rectangular in shape with square longitudinal edges and square transverse edges. Alternatively, the container may include one or more rounded longitudinal edges, rounded transverse edges, chamfered longitudinal edges, or chamfered transverse edges, or combinations thereof. For example, but not limited to, the container may comprise: - one or two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the front wall, and / or -One or two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the rear wall. - one or two transverse rounded or chamfered edges on the front wall, and / or -One or two transverse rounded or chamfered edges on the rear wall. one longitudinal rounded edge and one longitudinal chamfered edge on the front wall, and / or - One transverse rounded edge and one transverse chamfered edge on the rear wall. - one or two transverse rounded or chamfered edges on the front wall and one or two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the front wall. - two longitudinal rounded or chamfered edges on the first side wall or two transverse rounded or chamfered edges on the second side wall.

[0048] If the container has one or more rounded edges and is fabricated from a layered blank, the blank preferably has 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 score or crease lines to form the rounded edges in the assembled container. The score or crease lines may be on either the interior or exterior of the container. The score or crease lines are preferably spaced about 0.3 mm to 4 mm apart from each other.

[0049] The spacing between the crease or score lines preferably corresponds to the thickness of the layered blank, and is preferably about 0.5 to about 4 times the thickness of the layered blank.

[0050] If the container has one or more chamfered edges, the chamfered edge or edges preferably have a width of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. Alternatively, the container may have a double chamfer formed by three parallel score lines spaced apart so that two separate chamfers are formed on the edge of the container.

[0051] As an alternative to a container having a rectangular transverse cross section, the container may have a polygonal cross section, for example triangular, square or hexagonal, or a cross section that is oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular.

[0052] If the container has a chamfered edge and is fabricated from a layered blank, the chamfer may be formed by two parallel score lines in the layered blank. The score lines may be symmetrically disposed relative to the edge between the first and second walls. Alternatively, the score lines may be asymmetrically disposed relative to the edge between the first and second walls such that the chamfer extends further into the first wall of the container than into the second wall of the container.

[0053] The container may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the cardboard has a weight of about 100 grams per square meter to about 350 grams per square meter.

[0054] The container may be used as packaging for various consumer goods. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container may be used to package smoking articles. The container may advantageously be used to package smoking articles, including, but not limited to, well-known end-lighting cigarettes, cigars, or cigarillos. The container may also be used to package heated aerosol-generating articles comprising a combustible fuel element or heat source and an aerosol-generating substrate, and aerosol-generating articles for use with electrical systems (such as IQOS™).

[0055] By appropriate selection of its dimensions, the container may be designed to hold different total numbers of consumer goods or different arrangements of consumer goods, for example, by appropriate selection of its dimensions, the container may be designed to hold a total of 10 to 30 consumer goods.

[0056] The container may hold 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 separate bundles of consumer goods. The separate bundles may be disposed substantially parallel to the front and rear walls or substantially perpendicular to the front and rear walls.

[0057] Within a bundle, the rod-shaped articles may be arranged in different arrangements depending on the total number of rod-shaped articles, the dimensions of the rod-shaped articles, or the cross-sectional shape of the container. For example, the rod-shaped articles may be arranged in a bundle of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 rod-shaped articles in a single row. Alternatively, the rod-shaped articles may be arranged in two or more rows. The two or more rows may contain the same number of rod-shaped articles. For example, the rod-shaped articles may be arranged in two rows of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 rod-shaped articles, three rows of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 rod-shaped articles, or four rows of 4, 5, 6, or 7 rod-shaped articles. Alternatively, the two or more rows may include at least two rows containing different numbers of smoking articles. For example, the rod-shaped articles may be arranged in one row of five and one row of six (5-6), one row of six and one row of seven (6-7), one row of seven and one row of eight (7-8), one center row of five and two outer rows of six (6-5-6), one center row of five and two outer rows of seven (7-5-7), one center row of six and two outer rows of five (5-6-5), one center row of six and two outer rows of seven (7-6-7), one center row of seven and two outer rows of six (6-7-6), one center row of nine and two outer rows of eight (8-9-8), or one center row of six and one outer row of five and one outer row of seven (5-6-7).

[0058] The container may hold filterless smoking articles and smoking articles with various filter tips. The container may hold rod-shaped articles of different lengths (e.g., about 40 mm to about 180 mm) and diameters (e.g., about 4 mm to about 9 mm). In addition, the rod-shaped articles may differ in taste intensity, withdrawal resistance, and total particulate matter delivery. The container may contain two or more bundles, and each bundle within the same container may hold rod-shaped articles of the same or different types as those listed above.

[0059] The dimensions of the container are preferably adapted to the length of the rod-shaped articles and the arrangement of the rod-shaped articles. Typically, the outer dimensions of the container are about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm larger than the dimensions of the bundle of rod-shaped articles contained within the container.

[0060] Preferably, the container may have a height of about 60 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably about 70 mm to about 125 mm, the height being measured from the top wall to the bottom wall of the container.

[0061] Preferably, the container may have a width of about 12 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably about 70 mm to about 125 mm, the width being measured from the first sidewall to the second sidewall of the container.

[0062] Preferably, the container may have a depth of about 6 mm to about 100 mm, more preferably about 12 mm to about 25 mm, the depth being measured from the front wall to the rear wall of the container (including the hinge between the box and the lid).

[0063] The ratio of the height to the depth of the container is preferably about 0.3:1 to about 10:1, more preferably about 2:1 to about 8:1, and most preferably about 3:1 to 5:1.

[0064] The ratio of the width to the depth of the container is preferably about 1:1 to about 10:1, more preferably about 2:1 to about 8:1, and most preferably about 2:1 to 3:1.

[0065] The ratio of the height of the rear wall of the lid to the height of the rear wall of the box is preferably about 0:1 (the hinge is located at the upper edge of the container) to about 1:1, more preferably about 1:5 to about 1:10, and most preferably about 1:6 to about 1:8.

[0066] The ratio of the height of the lid front wall to the height of the box front wall is preferably about 1:0 (the lid covers the entire front wall) to about 1:10, more preferably about 1:1 to about 1:5, and most preferably about 1:2 to about 1:3.

[0067] The exterior surface of the container may be printed, embossed, debossed, or otherwise decorated with manufacturer or brand logos, trademarks, slogans, and other consumer information and indicia. Alternatively, or additionally, the exterior surface of the container may be at least partially covered with lacquer, metallization, holograms, fluorescent materials, or any other material that modifies the feel, smell, or appearance of the container.

[0068] When the inner housing of the container contains one or more bundles of smoking articles, the smoking articles are preferably wrapped within an inner liner of, for example, metal foil or metallized paper.

[0069] If the container contains smoking articles or aerosol-generating articles, the container may further include a compartment for waste (e.g., for ashes or cigarette butts), or other consumer goods (e.g., matches, lighters, fire extinguishers, breath fresheners, or electronic components, etc.) The other consumer goods may be attached to the exterior of the container, may be contained within the container along with the smoking articles, may be housed in a separate compartment of the container, or a combination thereof.

[0070] Once filled, the container may be shrink-wrapped or otherwise overwrapped with a transparent polymeric film, such as high-density or low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellulose film, or combinations thereof, in a conventional manner. If the container is overwrapped, the overwrap may include a tear tape. The tear tape is preferably positioned around the container, below the lower edge of the front wall of the lid, so that when the tear tape is removed, the lid is free to rotate about the first hinge line. Alternatively, or additionally, there may be a second tear tape positioned around the container above the hatch, so that when the tear tape is removed, the hatch is free to rotate about the second hinge line. Alternatively, the tear tape may be provided lengthwise around the container.

[0071] The present invention may enable empirical evaluation of packaging characteristics within manufactured packaging, and the obtained information may be reflected in metadata. This may allow for improved quality of evaluation. In particular, improved quality of evaluation is achieved by evaluating the quality and consistency of color in either sample packaging produced separately for this purpose or sample products taken from the implemented manufacturing process. This can be done via an electronic platform connected to a spectrometer device or other hardware to enable accurate digitization of color. The electronic platform may be cloud-based or otherwise accessible through a computer network. At least one of the following color characteristics may be obtained: color fingerprints, spectral reflectance data, L*a*b* values, or transferable CxF files. The unique color reference may be stored with immediate access to the user. Therefore, it is possible to provide objective color information along the entire production line and perform quality assurance functions. These quality assurance functions allow for quick detection of color deviations due to combinations of packaging features without having to rely on subjective evaluations that may be susceptible to experience, lighting, and other factors. Therefore, being able to adjust metadata and improve print results means that digital quality control is possible.

[0072] As a result, greater color consistency can be achieved for different packaging features produced on different manufacturing machines.

[0073] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a blank for a hinge-lid container and a hinge-lid container formed from the blank according to pre-approved packaging characteristics, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 illustrates a symbolic representation of pre-approved packaging characteristics, a packaging manufacturing dataset, and a manufacturing machine, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface according to one embodiment of the present invention during selection of packaging features. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface showing information about a packaging manufacturing dataset according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a blank 1, preferably made of cardboard, and a container 2, which results from folding the blank along predetermined score or crease lines. As can be seen, the blank has a unique geometric shape. For example, the container's longitudinal edges are rounded by applying several parallel score lines 3 on one panel and rounded edges 4 on another panel. Furthermore, blank 1 includes branding 5 and text 6 resulting from legal requirements. Each of these elements or features is determined by a set of data, the packaging features. Blank 2, particularly its material, geometric shape, and other aspects, are determined by packaging features 7. The characteristics of the rounded edges, including the several parallel score lines 3 and thus the rounded edges 4, are determined by packaging features 8. Branding 5 is determined by packaging features 9. Text 6, particularly its font, size, content, and other aspects, are determined by packaging features 10. As can be seen, more packaging features are included in the blank, such as the distribution of adhesive or the thickness of the material. The method of the present invention allows to produce packaging in a manufacturing setup with a very low probability of technical malfunction or without tedious trial and error periods, for this purpose a database of pre-approved packaging characteristics is provided, all of which have assigned metadata.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the logical data structure of pre-approved packaging features. For example, in a first category 11, pre-approved packaging features 12, 13, and 14 are included, which define a packaging type. For example, pre-approved packaging feature 12 is a hinge-lid container, pre-approved packaging feature 13 is a soft-pack container, and pre-approved packaging feature 14 is a pouch container. Each pre-approved feature includes metadata 15, 16, and 17, which define the compatibility of the pre-approved packaging feature with pre-approved packaging features from other categories and manufacturing machines 18, 19, and 20. For example, metadata 15 and metadata 16 both indicate that a die-cutting manufacturing machine 20 is compatible and required. To produce a package according to pre-approved packaging feature 14, a different manufacturing machine 18 may be required. Similarly, metadata 15 and metadata 16 may indicate that a manufacturing machine 19, such as a digital laser scoring machine, is compatible, while another scoring machine may not be compatible.

[0077] The next category 21 of pre-approved packaging features may relate to components of the packaging, such as an informational pamphlet 24, a sealed inner liner 25, or an electronic heating device 26. Here, the compatibility of these packaging features with packaging features 15, 16, 17 may be evaluated based on metadata 27, 28, 29 of packaging features 23, 24, 25.

[0078] In a further category of packaging features 30, marketing information may be defined. Here, the user selects a combination of pre-approved packaging features, such as images or copy lines from a marketing campaign, and according to an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the selection of pre-approved packaging features is evaluated based on the metadata. If the combination is acceptable, a packaging production data set 31 is created. Otherwise, an automatic correction of the packaging features may be performed, or the selection may simply be rejected. It is also possible to offer the user only those pre-approved packaging features for selection that are compatible with the previously selected features.

[0079] Other manufacturing machines may be folding and blank cutting machines required to produce a container such as that shown in FIG.

[0080] A manufacturing machine may then be provided with the packaging manufacturing dataset and may produce packaging having the specified characteristics. Depending on one embodiment of the present invention, this may still be packaging for final approval or may be packaging immediately for retail. If packaging for approval, further analysis may be performed, such as measuring characteristics of the printing on the packaging, to pre-approve additional combinations of packaging features, i.e., to adapt the metadata accordingly, or to confirm assumptions reflected in the metadata.

[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a method according to the present invention. In a first step 32, packaging features are provided for selection in a digital catalog. Optionally, additional packaging features may be added to or removed from the catalog by the user. The catalog may include pre-approved packaging features and approved packaging production datasets. A new packaging production dataset may be created in a second step 33 by selecting pre-approved packaging features, or approved packaging production datasets, or pre-approved packaging features and approved packaging production datasets from the catalog. The selection is evaluated based on metadata of the selected packaging features, and a packaging production dataset is created. The packaging production dataset may be approved as it is created or immediately after it is created. In a third step 34, one or several packages are produced according to the packaging production dataset. In a fourth step 35, the package or packaging features are analyzed by a measurement device 36. The results may be used to approve the packaging features or the entire packaging production dataset. While this embodiment of the method is fairly straightforward, there may be repetition of steps. For example, after measurements in step 26 indicate incompatibility of packaging features, or incompatibility of packaging features and manufacturing machines, the selection of packaging features or manufacturing machines may be modified in step 32 .

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface 37 for a computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The currently displayed information allows a user to select pre-approved packaging features in the form of packaging components, i.e., inner liners. As can be seen, several different options 38, 39, 40 are available for the inner liner. The user may also be provided with supplemental information 41 regarding the cost and characteristics of the selected packaging features. Once the user has selected all characteristics, a packaging production dataset is displayed as a preview 42 in the graphical user interface 43 of FIG. 4. The preview 42 visualizes the selected packaging features and the options the user has to select to create the packaging production dataset. The packaging production dataset may then be saved and provided to one or several manufacturing machines that produce the corresponding packages.

[0083] The present invention is particularly useful for consumer goods that require frequent design modifications due to marketing reasons or legal requirements. Furthermore, it is also useful for consumer goods that, due to marketing reasons or legal requirements, must be provided with different packaging for different markets. This requires that new types of packaging be implemented quickly within a short time frame and often for very different manufacturing machines depending on the volume of packaging produced. For example, smaller lot sizes may be beneficially produced by digital printing. While digital printing typically has higher printing costs per package than traditional printing methods for mass production, it may be more cost-effective for small-volume production runs. Digital printing is generally more flexible with regard to design changes. Depending on the different requirements of the selected packaging, the printing method may not be technically compatible with other packaging features. Therefore, for example, if packaging is modified by changing the packaging features of the printing technique and the amount of information provided on the packaging for a specific market, the method of the present invention may indicate that this modified selection is not feasible and may suggest or automatically implement modifications to other packaging features. Thus, the present invention relies on an online catalog of pre-approved packaging characteristics and pre-approved packaging manufacturing data sets corresponding to pre-approved products, which may correspond to packaging previously produced by the methods of the present invention. Therefore, modifications to already available products and the creation of new packaging products may be rapidly implemented.

[0084] The database contains packaging features with high-resolution details about the packaging features. This allows for providing the detailed information needed to instruct each manufacturing machine. The database may also include lower-quality preview information that may be provided to the user during the selection process. The metadata may not only relate to the packaging, but may also define coding standards, provenance, design ownership, access rights, or place of original creation. This may allow for tracing the packaging feature back to its creator if further evaluation or implementation is required. This may provide information about the manufacturing machines, tools, or systems used to create the package, as well as information about how the package is handled and displayed. The metadata may also include information about the communication interfaces of the manufacturing machines required to produce the packaging features. Therefore, the metadata may allow for the operation of the manufacturing machines in a standardized manner from a common user interface for numerous manufacturing machines.

[0085] Therefore, all packaging assets and label information may be included in the pre-approved packaging features. As a result, packaging development can be simplified and standardized by assembling selected pre-approved packaging features together according to pre-defined parameters and design templates. Therefore, a packaging manufacturing dataset can be created in a very short time.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for generating a packaging manufacturing dataset, particularly for consumer product packaging, comprising: providing a database of pre-approved packaging features in different categories, each pre-approved packaging feature having assigned metadata; receiving a selection of pre-approved packaging features; receiving a selection of at least one manufacturing machine for the packaging; evaluating the selection of pre-approved packaging features based on the metadata, wherein the step of evaluating the selection of pre-approved packaging features comprises evaluating the compatibility of the packaging features with the selected at least one manufacturing machine, and wherein the step of evaluating the selection of pre-approved packaging features is based on a comparison of a manufacturing machine dataset with the packaging features, in particular their metadata; and if the pre-approved packaging characteristics are evaluated as compatible with the selected at least one manufacturing machine, creating a packaging manufacturing dataset defining packaging in accordance with the pre-approved packaging characteristics.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of evaluating the pre-approved packaging features comprises checking the suitability of at least two packaging features based on metadata of the packaging features.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: storing the packaging manufacturing dataset; and reading the packaging manufacturing dataset to create a new packaging manufacturing dataset, the new packaging manufacturing dataset comprising at least in part the packaging features of the read packaging manufacturing dataset.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving a new packaging feature created by a first user; submitting the packaging feature to a second user for approval; and, if approved by the second user, storing the approved packaging feature in the database as a pre-approved packaging feature.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the packaging characteristic is one of a packaging type, a component of the packaging, at least one characteristic of printing on the packaging, a brand, a text element, a placement of at least one consumer good within the packaging, a type of consumer good placed within the packaging, and a designated market for the packaging.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step of evaluating the pre-approved packaging feature comprises evaluating metadata of the packaging feature for geographic approval.

7. manufacturing packaging based on the packaging manufacturing dataset, the manufacturing process including at least one transforming operation of printing, cutting, embossing, folding, creasing, or scoring; receiving approval of the packaging manufacturing dataset based on an evaluation of the manufactured packaging; The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of: storing the packaging manufacturing dataset in a database as an approved packaging manufacturing dataset.

8. measuring the properties of the printing on the packaging using a measuring device, in particular a spectrophotometer; comparing the measured property to a packaging characteristic that defines color; The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising evaluating the printed packaging by: approving the packaging features.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of approving the packaging manufacturing dataset when all packaging features are either pre-approved packaging features or are manually approved by a user.

10. 10. A method for manufacturing packaging, comprising a computer-implemented method for creating a packaging manufacturing dataset according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and further comprising manufacturing the packaging in accordance with the packaging manufacturing dataset.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of manufacturing the packaging comprises digital printing.

12. 12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the packaging manufacturing dataset comprises all data required for a respective manufacturing machine to manufacture packaging defined by the selected packaging features.

13. 1. A computer system including a graphical user interface, comprising: the graphical user interface is adapted to display sets of pre-approved packaging features in different categories; The computer system is adapted such that a user selection of a pre-approved packaging feature in one set reduces the number of selectable pre-approved packaging features in at least another set displayed on the graphical user interface based on the suitability of the pre-approved packaging feature.

14. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the graphical user interface is adapted to enable selection of an available manufacturing machine, and wherein the computer system is adapted such that the selection by a user of a manufacturing machine reduces a number of selectable pre-approved packaging features on the graphical user interface.

15. 15. The computer system of claim 13 or claim 14, adapted to display a preview of the packaging on the graphical user interface according to the pre-approved packaging features selected by a user.

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