Patent Publication Number: US-2019197469-A1

Title: Seal Printing System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/610,466, which was filed on Dec. 26, 2017. The entire content of the foregoing provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A seal having a unique serial number printed or embossed thereon is generally used to lock a truck trailer prior to leaving a loading bay so that any subsequent opening of the trailer may be detected. The serial number is copied from the seal into a logbook to associate the seal with the specific truck trailer. If the truck makes multiple delivery stops, the seal is broken to unload some of the load, and a new seal having a different serial number is used to reseal the truck trailer. The serial number of the new seal must also be copied into a logbook to maintain accurate delivery documentation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide seal printing systems including a three-dimensional (3D) printer and a seal blank having a non-functioning structure. The ends of the seal blank having the non-functioning structure are incapable of being interlocked until the 3D printer prints a completed end. The 3D printer is therefore capable of receiving the seal blank having the non-functioning structure, and is able to print a completed end to output the seal blank having a functioning structure such that the ends can be interlocked. The 3D printer can embed and/or activate a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip during the printing process, and can print and/or emboss a unique serial number on the seal blank. The 3D printer may also be configured to encode an RFID chip already in a blank seal with information associated with a shipment. The 3D printer can be configured to print the completed end only when confirmation is received that all items have been loaded into the truck trailer to prevent early locking of the truck trailer. The 3D printer can be used to print and/or emboss the same serial number on seals for one truck during multiple delivery stops, allowing a single serial number to be used for one truck during the delivery route. 
     In one embodiment, an exemplary seal printing system is provided. The seal printing system includes a 3D printer and a seal blank having a non-functioning structure. The non-functioning structure includes a first completed end and an uncompleted end incapable of interlocking with each other. The 3D printer is configured to receive the seal blank having the non-functioning structure. The 3D printer is configured to print a second completed end of the seal blank. The second completed end is connected to the uncompleted end such that the first and second completed ends are capable of interlocking. 
     In another embodiment, an exemplary 3D seal printer is provided. The 3D printer includes an input, a jig, one or more sensors, and a printing section. The input can be configured to receive a seal blank having a non-functioning structure. The non-functioning structure includes a first completed end and an uncompleted end incapable of interlocking with each other. The jig can be configured to maintain the seal blank in a predetermined orientation and position. The one or more sensors can be configured to detect one or more edges of the seal blank. The printing section can be configured to print a second completed end of the seal blank. The second completed end is connected to the uncompleted end such that the first and second completed ends are capable of interlocking. 
     In another embodiment, an exemplary method of seal printing is provided. The method includes introducing a blank seal into a 3D printer. The seal blank has a non-functioning structure including a first completed end and an uncompleted end incapable of interlocking with each other. The method includes receiving input data corresponding to shipment information at a computing system having a user interface. The computing system is in communication with the 3D printer. The method includes receiving input confirmation of complete entry of the shipment information into the computing system. The method includes transmitting an indication of the confirmation from the computing system to the 3D printer. The method includes initiating printing of a second completed end of the seal blank based on the confirmation. The second completed end connected to the uncompleted end such that the first and second completed ends are capable of interlocking. 
     It should be appreciated that other combinations and/or permutations of embodiments are envisioned as also being within the scope of the present invention. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed seal printing systems and methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the invention. In the figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary seal printing system in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks of an exemplary seal printing system in an embodiment, the seal blanks having a non-functioning structure including a first completed end and an uncompleted end. 
         FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks of an exemplary seal printing system in an embodiment, the seal blanks having a functioning structure including first and second completed ends, and a unique identifier number. 
         FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks of an exemplary seal printing system in an embodiment, the seal blanks having a functioning structure including first and second completed ends, and an RFID chip. 
         FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks of an exemplary seal printing system in an embodiment, the seal blanks having a functioning structure including first and second completed ends, a unique identifier number, and an RFID chip. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a computing device in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a seal printing system environment in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an implementation of a seal printing system in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an implementation of a seal printing system in an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood that certain relative terminology used herein, such as, but not necessarily limited to, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit embodiments to a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions. 
     Traditional sealing of truck trailers prior to and during multiple delivery stops involves using new seals having different serial numbers printed or embossed thereon. Each time a new seal is placed on the truck trailer, the serial number for the seal is copied into a logbook to maintain accurate delivery documentation. Such copying of the serial number can be time consuming and can lead to mistakes in notation of the serial number. If a truck trailer is improperly locked with the seal prior to loading of all items, the seal is broken and a new seal must be used. Because each seal has a unique serial number, if multiple deliveries are made by a single truck, using multiple different seals with different serial numbers complicates the delivery documentation process. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address these concerns and provide a seal printing system that includes a three-dimensional printer and a seal blank. More particularly, the exemplary seal printing system allows for a seal blank having a non-functioning structure to be introduced into the three-dimensional printer, and the three-dimensional printer prints a completed end of the seal blank such that the opposing ends of the seal blank can be interlocked (e.g., a functioning structure). The three-dimensional printer can embed and/or activate a radio-frequency identification chip in the seal blank, and can print and/or emboss a serial number on the seal during printing of the completed end. The three-dimensional printer can be configured to print the completed end only when confirmation is received that all items have been loaded into the truck trailer, and the same serial number can be used or reprinted by the three-dimensional printer even when multiple deliveries are made along a route. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional printer may encode an RFID chip in the seal blank with information associated with the items loaded into the trailer. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a seal printing system  100  (hereinafter “system  100 ”) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The system  100  includes one or more three-dimensional (3D) printers  102  each configured to receive one or more seal blanks  104 . In some embodiments, 3D printers  102  can be located at the loading location where items are loaded onto a truck prior to initiation of a delivery route, at each drop-off location where one or more items are delivered, and at a final location where the empty truck is stored prior to further deliveries being made. In some embodiments, 3D printers  102  can be located at each location where the truck trailer is to be sealed, whether upon initial loading of items into the truck trailer or at each delivery location along the delivery route. By having the 3D printers  102  at different locations along the delivery route, seal blanks  104  can be completed on-site and in real-time as needed. Similarly, in one embodiment, the three-dimensional printer may be portable such that it can be located in the truck to allow printing of a new seal as instructed by a central computing system without having to pre-position the printer in a certain location. Accordingly, rather than using pre-marked seals, the system  100  allows for customized seal blanks  104  to be printed as needed. 
     Each seal blank  104  is initially presented to the 3D printer in a non-functioning structure. Particularly, each seal blank  104  defines a substantially elongated structure or body with a first completed end  106  and an opposing uncompleted end  108 . As used herein, a non-functioning structure of the seal blank  104  refers to the inability of the first completed end  106  and the uncompleted end  108  from mechanically interlocking with each other due to missing structural components. In some embodiments, the uncompleted end  108  of the seal blank  104  can include one or more perforations and/or grooves formed therein. As will be discussed below, the 3D printer  102  prints a second completed end at least partially onto the uncompleted end  108  to create a functioning structure of the seal blank  104 , the perforations and/or grooves ensuring a secure connection of the second completed end to the uncompleted end  108 . As used herein, a functioning structure of the seal blank  104  refers to the ability of the first completed end  106  and the second completed end  110  to mechanically interlock with each other. 
     The 3D printer  102  includes an input  112  configured to receive the seal blank  104  having the non-functioning structure of the first completed end  106  and the uncompleted end  108 . In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  is capable of receiving multiple seal blanks  104  within a tray such that a single seal blank  104  can be fed by the 3D printer  102  to a jig  114  for printing. In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  can receive a single seal blank  104  individually each time, and outputs a request for input of the seal blank  104  when ready to print. The jig  114  receives the seal blank  104  from the input  112  and maintains the seal blank  104  in a predetermined orientation and position for printing. The jig  114  therefore ensures that the second completed end  110  is properly printed and connected to the uncompleted end  108  of the seal blank  104 . 
     The 3D printer  102  includes one or more sensors  116  configured to detect one or more edges of the seal blank  104 . For example, the sensors  116  can be optical, mechanical, combinations thereof, or the like. Detection with the sensors  116  allows the 3D printer  102  to accurately print the second completed end  110 . The 3D printer  102  includes a printing section  116  configured to print the second completed end  110  of the seal blank  104 . In some embodiments, the second completed end  110  can be printed to partially overlap the uncompleted end  108  and extend from the uncompleted end  108  to form the second completed end  110  that is capable of interlocking with the first completed end  106 . In some embodiments, the second completed end  110  can be fused directly to the edge of the uncompleted end  108  without overlapping the uncompleted end  108 . 
     The 3D printer  102  can include a transmitter/receiver  118  configured to receive data from a central computing system  120  via a communication interface  122  (e.g., a wired and/or wireless network). The communication interface  122  therefore communicatively couples the central computing system  120  to the 3D printer  102 . For example, the system  100  (and/or the 3D printer  102 ) can include one or more user interfaces  124  having a graphical user interface (GUI)  126  for input and output of data into/from the system  100 . Such data can include shipment information  128  (e.g., tracking number, destination name, items on a pallet, temperature requirements of items, pallet weight, combinations thereof, or the like) entered into the central computing system  120  and electronically stored in one or more databases  130 . The system  100  can include a processing device  148  with a processor  150  for processing the data received by the central computing system  120 . In some embodiments, the processing device  148  can be a component of the central computing system  120 . 
     In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  is configured to only initiate printing of the second completed end  110  of the seal blank  104  upon receiving confirmation of a complete entry of the shipment information  128  into the central computing system  120 . Particularly, the shipment information  128  can confirm that all necessary items for delivery have been loaded into the truck trailer, and the truck trailer is ready to be sealed. Upon entry of such confirmation into the central computing system  120 , the confirmation can be electronically transmitted to the transmitter/receiver  118  of the 3D printer  102 , and the printing section  116  can initiate printing of the second completed end  110 . In some embodiments, printing of the seal blank  104  can be initiated, but not completed, before such confirmation is received by the central computing system  120  in preparation for shipment. 
     In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  prints only the second completed end  110  of the seal blank  104  and outputs the seal blank  104  for locking the truck trailer. In such embodiments, the seal blank  104  can already include embedded therein a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip  132  and/or printed or embossed thereon a unique numerical or alphanumerical identifier (e.g., a serial number). In such embodiments, the system  100  (and/or the 3D printer  102 ) can include an RFID encoder  136  for encoding the RFID chip  132 . An activation section  140  of the 3D printer  102  can activate the RFID chip  132 . 
     In some embodiments, the seal blank  104  can be provided without the RFID chip  132  and the 3D printer  102  can include one or more RFID chips  138 . During, before and/or after printing the second completed end  110 , the 3D printer  102  can embed the RFID chip  138  into the seal blank  104 . In such embodiments, the activation section  140  of the 3D printer  102  can be configured to activate the RFID chip  138  embedded into the seal blank  104  (e.g., the second completed end  110  of the seal blank  104 ). The system  100  (and/or the 3D printer  102 ) can include the RFID encoder  136  for encoding the RFID chip  138 ). In some embodiments, the RFID chip  132 ,  138  can be configured to output a radio-frequency signal at all times or at preset frequencies. 
     In some embodiments, the RFID chip  132 ,  138  and/or the seal blank  104  can include one or more conductive wires  142  connected to the RFID chip  132 ,  138  such that breaking of the seal blank  104  during opening of the truck trailer stops an electrical connection and transmits a radio-frequency signal from the RFID chip  132 ,  138 , acting as a security feature for the seal blank  104 . Such signal can be transmitted to the central computing system  120 , indicating the geographic location, day and time of breakage of the seal blank  102  (e.g., after the first and second completed ends  106 ,  110  have been interlocked and subsequently broken). The data relating to breakage of the seal blank  102  can be transmitted to and stored within the database  130  as shipment information  128 . In some embodiments, the seal blank  104  can allow the RFID chip  132 ,  138  to transmit RF signals only when the conductive wires  142  are intact. 
     In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  can be configured to print and/or emboss a unique numerical and/or alphanumerical identifier  134  on the seal blank  104  before, during or after printing of the second completed end  110 . In some embodiments, the unique identifier  134  can be a QR code or barcode. In such embodiments, upon generating and printing the unique identifier  134 , the 3D printer  102  can transmit the unique identifier  134  information to the central computing system  120  via the communication interface  122 , and such data can be electronically stored as seal information  144  in the database  130 . The seal information  144  can be correlated with the shipment information  128  for proper delivery chain tracking. 
     In some embodiments, the 3D printer  102  can be configured to print at least some of the input data (e.g., shipment information  128 ) on the seal blank  104  during printing of the second completed end  110 . For example, the 3D printer  102  can print the destination or temperature requirements for the shipment. Alternatively, in another embodiment, instead of the shipment information being manually printed on the seal blank  104 , it may be encoded into an RFID chip in the seal blank  104 . In some embodiments, the database  130  can electronically store 3D printer information  146  (e.g., printer locations, printer identifiers, seals printed at each printer, combinations thereof, or the like). 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic top view of exemplary seal blanks  200  having a non-functioning structure. Each seal blank  200  includes an elongated body  202  with a first completed end  204  and an uncompleted end  206 . The seal blank  200  can be formed from a plastic, flexible material that allows the elongated body  202  to be bent. In the non-functioning configuration, the first completed end  204  is structurally incapable of interlocking with the uncompleted end  206 . In some embodiments, the completed end  204  can include an opening  208  passing therethrough such that once printed, the second completed end can be passed through the opening  208  to interlock the first completed end  204  and the second completed end. 
     The uncompleted end  206  can include one or more perforations and/or grooves  210  formed therein. The perforations and/or grooves  210  can assist in providing a gripping surface for the material printed by the 3D printer when forming the second completed end. For example, the 3D printer can partially overlap the second completed end with the uncompleted end  206 , with the perforations and/or grooves  210  providing a secure junction between the two ends. In some embodiments, the body  202  of the seal blank  200  can include one or more notations  212  thereon. In some embodiments, such notations  212  can be generic notations, such as a logo or name, with the shipment-specific information being printed on the second completed end by the 3D printer. Alternatively, as noted above, the shipment-specific information may be encoded into an RFID chip in the seal blank  200 . In some embodiments, multiple seal blanks  200  can be connected to each other by detachably or breakable connectors  214 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a diagrammatic top view of the seal blank  200  having a functioning structure (e.g., after the 3D printer has printed a second completed end  216 ). Particularly, the 3D printer can print the second completed end  216  such that the second completed end  216  is structurally connected to the uncompleted end  206 . A joint  218  is formed between the second completed end  216  and the uncompleted end  206 . In some embodiments, the second completed end  216  can at least partially overlap the uncompleted end  206 . In some embodiments, the 3D printer creates the structural joint  218  directly between the second completed end  216  and the uncompleted end  206  with no or minimal overlap between the ends  206 ,  216 . The second completed end  216  extends from the joint  218  away from the uncompleted end  206  and substantially parallel and in-line with the body  202 . 
     After or during printing of the second completed end  216 , the 3D printer can print and/or emboss a unique identifier  220  (e.g., a serial number) on the second completed end  216 . In some embodiments, the 3D printer can print detachable connectors  222  for connecting adjacently disposed second completed ends  216 . In some embodiments, the second completed end  216  can include a tip  224  having a width or diameter smaller than the body  202  and the majority of the second completed end  216 . The tip  224  can assist in inserting and feeding the second completed end  216  through the opening  208  of the first completed end  204  for interlocking of the ends  204 ,  216 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks  200  having a functioning structure. In some embodiments, during printing of the second completed end  216 , the 3D printer can embed, encode and activate an RFID chip  226 . Thus, rather than including a unique identifier  220 , the seal blank  200  can include only an RFID chip  226  with signals used to identify the shipment information associated with the seal blank  200 . In some embodiments, the body  202  can include an RFID chip similar to the RFID chip  226 , and the 3D printer can activate the RFID chip in the body  202  without embedded another RFID chip  226  in the second completed end  216 . 
       FIG. 2D  is a diagrammatic top view of seal blanks  200  having a functioning structure. In some embodiments, the 3D printer can emboss and/or print a unique identifier  220  on the second completed end, and also embeds, encodes and activates an RFID chip  226  in the second completed end. Both visual and RF signal identifications can thereby be provided by the 3D printer. In some embodiments, the 3D printer can be configured to print the tip  224  and/or the unique identifier  220  in a different color from the body of the second completed end  216 , providing a clear contrast between the body and any relevant information. In some embodiments, the colors used by the 3D printer can indicate the type of product or category of products in the shipment. In some embodiments, a seal blank  200  having a functioning structure can be input directly into the 3D printer. In such embodiments, rather than printing the second completed end  216 , the 3D printer can only be used for embossing or printing the unique identifier  220  and embedding and/or encoding and/or activating the RFID chip  226 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a computing device  300  in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The computing device  300  includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for storing one or more computer-executable instructions or software for implementing exemplary embodiments. The non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more flash drives), and the like. For example, memory  306  included in the computing device  300  may store computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., instructions for controlling the 3D printer  102 , the user interface  124 , the processing device  148 , the communication interface  120 , the RFID encoder  136 , the central computer system  120 , combinations thereof, or the like). The computing device  300  also includes configurable and/or programmable processor  302  and associated core  304 , and optionally, one or more additional configurable and/or programmable processor(s)  302 ′ and associated core(s)  304 ′ (for example, in the case of computer systems having multiple processors/cores), for executing computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software stored in the memory  306  and other programs for controlling system hardware. Processor  302  and processor(s)  302 ′ may each be a single core processor or multiple core ( 304  and  304 ′) processor. 
     Virtualization may be employed in the computing device  300  so that infrastructure and resources in the computing device  300  may be shared dynamically. A virtual machine  314  may be provided to handle a process running on multiple processors so that the process appears to be using only one computing resource rather than multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines may also be used with one processor. Memory  306  may include a computer system memory or random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, and the like. Memory  306  may include other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof. 
     A user may interact with the computing device  300  through a visual display device  318  (e.g., a personal computer, a mobile smart device, or the like), such as a computer monitor, which may display one or more user interfaces  320  (e.g., GUI  126 ) that may be provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The computing device  300  may include other I/O devices for receiving input from a user, for example, a keyboard or any suitable multi-point touch interface  308 , a pointing device  310  (e.g., a mouse). The keyboard  308  and the pointing device  310  may be coupled to the visual display device  318 . The computing device  300  may include other suitable conventional I/O peripherals. 
     The computing device  300  may also include one or more storage devices  324 , such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable instructions and/or software that implement one or more portions of the system  100 , such as the 3D printer  102 , the processing device  148 , the user interface  124 , the communication interface  122 , the RFID encoder  136 , the central computing system  120 , or the like. Exemplary storage device  324  may also store one or more databases  326  for storing any suitable information required to implement exemplary embodiments. For example, exemplary storage device  324  can store one or more databases  326  for storing information, such as data relating to the 3D printer information  146 , the seal information  144 , the shipment information  128 , or the like, and computer-readable instructions and/or software that implement exemplary embodiments described herein. The databases  326  may be updated by manually or automatically at any suitable time to add, delete, and/or update one or more items in the databases. 
     The computing device  300  can include a network interface  312  configured to interface via one or more network devices  322  with one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety of connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless connections, controller area network (CAN), or some combination of any or all of the above. The network interface  312  may include a built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB network adapter, modem or any other device suitable for interfacing the computing device  300  to any type of network capable of communication and performing the operations described herein. Moreover, the computing device  300  may be any computer system, such as a workstation, desktop computer, server, laptop, handheld computer, tablet computer (e.g., the iPad™ tablet computer), mobile computing or communication device (e.g., the iPhone™ communication device), or other form of computing or telecommunications device that is capable of communication and that has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the operations described herein. 
     The computing device  300  may run an operating system  316 , such as versions of the Microsoft® Windows® operating systems, the different releases of the Unix and Linux operating systems, versions of the MacOS® for Macintosh computers, embedded operating systems, real-time operating systems, open source operating systems, proprietary operating systems, or other operating systems capable of running on the computing device and performing the operations described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the operating system  316  may be run in native mode or emulated mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating system  316  may be run on one or more cloud machine instances. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary seal printing system environment  400  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment  400  can include servers  402 ,  404  operatively coupled to 3D printers  406 ,  408 , seals  410 ,  412 ,  414  (e.g., RFID chips within the seals  410 ,  412 ,  414 ), and central computing system  416 , via a communication platform  422 , which can be any network over which information can be transmitted between devices communicatively coupled to the network. For example, the communication platform  422  can be the Internet, Intranet, virtual private network (VPN), wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), and the like. In an embodiment, the communication platform  422  can be part of a cloud environment. 
     The environment  400  can include repositories or databases  418 ,  420 , which can be operatively coupled to the servers  402 ,  404 , as well as to the 3D printers  406 ,  408 , seals  410 ,  412 ,  414 , and central computing system  416 , via the communications platform  422 . In exemplary embodiments, the servers  402 ,  404 , 3D printers  406 ,  408 , seals  410 ,  412 ,  414 , and central computing system  416 , and databases  418 ,  420  can be implemented as computing devices (e.g., computing device  300 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the databases  418 ,  420  can be incorporated into one or more of the servers  402 ,  404  such that one or more of the servers  402 ,  404  can include databases  418 ,  420 . 
     In an embodiment, the databases  418 ,  420  can store 3D printer information, seal information, and shipment information. In an embodiment, embodiments of the servers  402 ,  404  can be configured to implement one or more portions of the system  100 . For example, server  402  can be configured to implement one or more portions of the 3D printer  102 , the processing device  148 , the user interface  124 , the communication interface  122 , the RFID encoder  136 , and/or the central computing system  120 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process  500  as implemented by a seal printing system. To begin, at step  502 , a truck trailer is loaded with one or more items to be delivered. At step  504 , a determination is made by a central computing system based on input data that loading of the truck trailer is complete. If loading of the truck trailer is not complete, in some embodiments, at step  506 , a hold for the trailer seal is created, and the process  500  proceeds to decision point  508 . 
     If at step  504  the system determines that the trailer loading is complete, at step  510 , the system can create outbound documents, such as Manifest, Hazmat, bill of landing, or the like. At step  512 , a determination is made whether the items are from a grocery distribution center. If no, at step  514 , an invoice for the trailer is generated. If yes, the process  500  proceeds to the decision point  508 . At step  516 , the system assigns a unique identifier number, originating store, distribution center, date, time, combinations thereof, or the like, to the seal blank. In some embodiments, seal blanks can be printed by the 3D printer depending on the number of loads on the trailer. 
     At step  518 , the system transmits a request to the 3D printer to print the seal blank for the particular trailer, and the process  500  accepts (e.g. via a GUI) a selection of a printing option at step  520 . In a first printing option  522 , the three-dimensional printer prints a seal from a seal blank with a non-functioning structure. If the first printing option  522  is selected, at step  528 , the 3D printer is loaded with a seal blank having a non-functioning structure. At step  530 , the 3D printer prints the second completed end of the seal blank, embosses or prints the unique identifier on the second completed end, and embeds and/or encodes and/or activates an RFID chip based on the unique identification information obtained at step  516 . If a second printing option  524  is selected at step  520 , at step  532 , the 3D printer is loaded with a seal blank having a functioning structure but without any identifying information. At step  534 , the 3D printer prints the unique identifier on the second completed end, and embeds and/or encodes and/or activates an RFID chip for the seal blank based on the unique identification information obtained at step  516 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process  600  as implemented by a seal printing system. To begin, at step  602 , a blank seal is introduced into a 3D printer, the blank seal having a non-functioning structure. At step  604 , input of data corresponding to shipment information is received at a computing system having a user interface. At step  606 , input of confirmation of complete entry of the shipment information is received at the computing system. At step  608 , an indication of the confirmation is transmitted from the computing system to the 3D printer. 
     At step  610 , printing of the second completed end of the seal blank is initiated based on the received confirmation of the completion of the entry of shipment information. The second completed end is connected to the uncompleted end of the seal blank such that the first and second completed ends are capable of mechanically interlocking. In some embodiments, at step  612 , the 3D printer embeds and activates an RFID chip within the seal blank. In some embodiments, at step  614 , the 3D printer activates the RFID chip already located within the seal blank. In some embodiments, at step  616 , the RFID chip is encoded using an RFID encoder connected to the 3D printer to include information associated with the shipment. 
     While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.