PALLETIZER SYSTEM WITH CENTRALIZED PALLETIZING PATTERNS

1 . A system, comprising:

at least two palletizers;

a database configured to maintain a stacking pattern library containing multiple stacking patterns for the palletizers;

a computer operatively connected to the database; and

wherein the computer is configured to change the stacking pattern of one of the palletizers without changing the other palletizers.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the database is configured to maintain unique palletizer identifiers used for identifying individual palletizers to promote expandability.

3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the palletizer identifiers include internet protocol (IP) addresses of the palletizers.

4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a controller that controls at least one of the palletizers; and

wherein the controller is configured to send stacking requirements information to the database.

5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein:

the computer is configured to automatically select a stacking pattern for a selected one of the palletizers; and

the computer is configured to automatically load the stacking pattern on the selected palletizer.

6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the selected palletizer is configured to automatically stack items in accordance with the stacking pattern.

7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the stacking pattern is loaded on the palletizer before building of a first pallet.

8 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the computer is configured to perform an overhang check for the stacking pattern before sending to the selected palletizer.

9 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the computer is configured to perform an interference check for the stacking pattern before sending to the selected palletizer.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the computer is configured to update the stacking pattern library in the database in real-time.

11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the computer is configured to maximize objects in an allowed volume for the stacking pattern.

12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein:

the computer is configured to allow automated pattern reference selection; and

the database is configured to store a reference stacking pattern that is identified by an identifier in the database.

13 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the computer is configured to push the reference stacking pattern to a designated palletizer based on receiving the identifier for the stacking pattern from a user.

14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the computer is configured to perform an interference check before pushing the stacking pattern to the designated palletizer.

15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the computer is configured to perform an overhang check before pushing the stacking pattern to the designated palletizer.

16 . The system of claim 13 , further comprising:

a controller that controls at least one of the palletizers;

wherein the controller is configured to transmit dimensional data to the computer;

wherein the computer is configured to select a best match stacking reference pattern from the stacking library in the database;

wherein the computer is configured to send a reference pattern identifier for the best match stacking reference pattern to the controller; and

wherein the controller is configured to transfer palletizing data to the palletizer based on the reference pattern identifier.

17 . A method, comprising:

receiving a first request for a first palletizer at a database that stores stacking patterns for multiple palletizers;

selecting a first stacking pattern from the database based on the first request;

sending the first stacking pattern from the database to the first palletizer;

palletizing at the first palletizer using the first stacking pattern;

receiving a second request for a second palletizer at the database;

selecting a second stacking pattern from the database based on the second request;

sending the second stacking pattern from the database to the second palletizer; and

palletizing at the second palletizer using the second stacking pattern.

18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:

wherein the first request includes dimensional data; and

selecting the first stacking pattern includes finding one or more patterns that best match the dimensional data.

19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:

sending the first request from a controller for the first palletizer to the database;

receiving the first stacking pattern from the database at the controller; and

controlling operation of the first palletizer with the controller based on the first stacking pattern.

20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising:

detecting abnormal communication with the controller; and

entering a test mode upon the detecting abnormal communication.

21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the sending the first stacking pattern includes returning a reference pattern identifier to the controller.

22 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:

providing interim and/or final results for the first stacking pattern at a first interface; and

modifying the first stacking pattern based on user input from the interim and/or final results.

23 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising:

performing a preliminary pattern check of the first stacking pattern; and

performing the preliminary pattern check includes checking for overhang and/or interference in the first stacking pattern.