Patent Publication Number: US-11034145-B2

Title: System and method for monitoring and adjusting a decorator for containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/654,255 filed Jul. 19, 2017 and entitled “System and Method for Aligning an Inker of a Decorator,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/364,728 filed Jul. 20, 2016 and entitled “System and Method for Aligning an Inker of a Decorator,” which are both incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to decorating containers. More specifically, this invention provides an apparatus and method used to monitor and automatically control the position and application of ink to an exterior surface of metallic containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Metallic beverage containers offer distributors and consumers many benefits. The metallic body of a beverage container provides optimal protection properties for products. For example, the metallic body prevents CO 2  migration and transmission of UV radiation which may damage beverages, negatively influencing the flavor, appearance, or color of the product. Metallic beverage containers also offer an impermeable barrier to light, water vapor, oils and fats, oxygen, and micro-organisms and keep the contents of the container fresh and protected from external influences, thereby guaranteeing a long shelf-life. The surfaces of metallic containers are also ideal for decorating with brand names, logos, designs, product information, and/or other preferred indicia for identifying, marketing, and distinguishing the metallic container and its contents from other products and competitors. Thus, metallic containers offer bottlers, distributors, and retailers a distinct advantage at the point of sale. 
     The increased durability of metallic beverage containers and aesthetic advantage compared to glass and plastic containers reduces the number of containers damaged during processing and shipping, resulting in further savings. Additionally, metallic beverage containers are lighter than glass containers of comparable size, resulting in energy savings during shipment. Further, metallic beverage containers can be manufactured with high burst pressures which make them ideal and safe for use as containers holding products under pressure, such as containers for carbonated beverages. 
     Additionally, many consumers prefer metallic containers compared to containers made of glass or plastic. Metallic containers are particularly attractive to consumers because of the convenience they offer. The light weight of metallic containers makes them easier to carry than glass containers. Metallic containers are particularly suitable for use in public places and outdoors because they are more durable than glass containers. Further, some consumers avoid plastic containers due to concerns that the plastic may leach chemicals into consumable products. 
     As a result of these benefits, sales of metallic containers were valued at approximately $53 billion globally in 2014. A large percentage of the metallic container market is driven by beverage containers. According to one report, approximately 290 billion metallic beverage containers were shipped globally in 2012. One U.S. trade group reported that 126 billion metallic containers were shipped in the U.S. alone in 2014. To meet this demand, metallic container manufacturing facilities operate some of the fastest, if not the fastest, production lines in the container industry. In some container production lines, such as those related to metallic containers formed by an impact extrusion process, decorators may operate at from about 120 to about 240 metallic containers per minute. In beverage container manufacturing lines, production equipment, including decorators, typically must operate at 500-2,200 metallic containers per minute or more. More preferably, decorators may be required to operate at production speeds of at least one thousand, and even more preferably, several thousand cylindrical metallic containers per minute. Because of the high speeds of container production lines, techniques or processes that may work in other industries or with containers formed of other materials do not necessarily work at the high speeds required for metallic container production lines. For example, apparatus and methods of decorating sheets or webs of paper and cardboard materials are distinct from decorators used for 3-dimensional objects, such as metallic containers. Accordingly, specialized equipment and techniques are often required for many of the operations used to form and decorate metallic containers. 
     Metallic containers are frequently decorated with an image or indicia, such as a brand name, logo, product information, or design, by a lithographic or off-set printing process. Various examples of printing methods and apparatus are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,960,073; 4,384,518; 5,233,922; 6,550,389; 6,899,998; U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2012/0272846; U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2014/0360394; U.S. Patent App. No. 2015/0183211; U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2015/0217559; WIPO Publication No. WO 2014/006517; WIPO Publication No. WO 2014/008544; WIPO Publication No. WO 2013/113616; WIPO Publication No. WO 2014/108489; and WIPO Publication No. WO 2014/128200 each of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     In off-set printing, one or more printing plates with image regions are attached to a plate cylinder (or press cylinder) of a decorator. The image regions can include both ink receiving regions and areas that do not receive ink. Inking assemblies transfer ink to the printing plates on a plate cylinder. The ink adheres to the ink receiving regions of each printing plate. A decorator may have a plurality of plate cylinders with inking assemblies to transfer different colors of ink to the printing plates affixed to each plate cylinder. For example, decorators used to decorate metallic containers frequently have from four to nine plate cylinders which each have an associated ink assembly. 
     Each inking assembly transfers a particular color of ink to a printing plate of a single associated plate cylinder. The inking assemblies generally include an ink reservoir and an ink blade positioned along an outer surface of an ink roller. The amount of ink transferred to the ink roller and subsequently to the printing plates is adjusted by altering a gap between an edge of the ink blade and an exterior surface of the ink roller. The ink blade may be divided into a plurality of individual segments known as blade segments. 
     The gap between the edge of the ink blade and the exterior surface of the ink rollers may be adjusted along the length of the ink roller by movement of ink keys interconnected to the ink blade. More specifically, an ink key may be advanced to move a portion of the edge of the ink blade closer to the exterior surface of the ink roller to decrease the amount of ink transferred to a portion of the ink roller. Similarly, the ink key may be withdrawn to move the edge of the ink blade further from the exterior surface of the ink roller to increase the amount of ink transferred to the portion of the ink roller. Some prior art ink blade assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,000,695, 4,008,664, 5,025,676, 5,052,298, 5,967,049, 5,967,050, 6,318,260, 7,969,613, U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2015/0128819, and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2015/0128821 which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Another ink blade assembly is described in “QuadTech® Digital Ink System” which is available at https://www.quadtechworld.com/downloads/brochures/Digital_Ink_System_en.pdf which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     After receiving ink, the printing plates transfer at least some of their ink to a printing blanket (also referred to as a “transfer blanket” or a “secondary transfer plate”) attached to a blanket cylinder (also known as an “offset cylinder,” a “printing cylinder,” or a “segment wheel”) of the decorator. Decorators used in the metallic container industry typically have from 2 to 12 printing blankets on the blanket cylinder. As the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder are rotated, each of the one or more printing plates contacts a printing blanket and transfers a particular color of ink to the printing blanket. When the ink and image has been transferred from a printing plate of each plate cylinder to the printing blanket, the final lithographic image is formed on the printing blanket. For example, if the decorator includes five plate cylinders, one printing plate of each of the five plate cylinders will transfer inks and images to a single printing blanket to form the lithographic image on the printing blanket. A metallic container is then brought into rotational contact with the printing blanket of the blanket cylinder and the lithographic image is transferred from the printing blanket to the exterior surface of the metallic container. 
     Producing acceptable decorations on metallic containers with prior art decorators is dependent upon the skill and attentiveness of the operator and requires considerable labor and associated expense. More specifically, for each production run to decorate metallic containers with a decoration using a prior art decorator, the ink keys of each inking assembly are set to an initial position which takes a significant amount of time. Because some metallic container production lines may print in excess of 15 different decorations each day, the decorator may be out of production for numerous hours each day during set-up to prepare the decorator to print different decorations. Considering the high production speeds at which metallic container production lines typically operate, this is a considerable amount of down time and lost productivity. 
     As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the initial position of the ink keys may apply too much, or too little, ink to portions of the printing plates. When this occurs, the decoration transferred to the metallic container may be deficient because one or more of the color, density, depth, alignment, and consistency of the decoration do not meet targets set by a customer. Accordingly, the decorator must be taken out of production to adjust the position of the ink keys resulting in further down time and lost productivity. 
     The operator of the decorator may also periodically examine a sample decorated metallic container during a production run to determine if the decoration of the sample meets the color, density, depth, alignment, and/or consistency targets. If the operator determines the sample is deficient, the operator must then determine why the decoration is deficient. For example, the operator may need to determine which of the plurality of ink keys for each of the inking assemblies requires adjustment, and how to adjust the ink key, to produce an acceptable decoration. Determining which ink keys to adjust to correct the deficiency can be difficult if the deficient decoration includes inks from two or more different inking assemblies. For example, if the color is deficient in a portion of the decoration, the operator may have to increase the amount of a first ink transferred to an axial portion of a first ink roller of a first inking assembly and decrease the amount of a second ink transferred to a corresponding axial portion of a second ink roller of a second inking assembly. The operator may also need to adjust one or more other components of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. 
     Additionally, the ink roller, printing plates, and printing blankets may become worn and require adjustment or replacement during a production run. Accordingly, the amount of ink transferred during the decoration process to the exterior surface of a metallic container may change during the production run, altering decoration parameters such as color, density, depth, alignment, and consistency. Thus, the decorations formed by known decorators must be inspected frequently during the production run and the ink keys are periodically adjusted to assure the quality and consistency required by the customer. 
     Manually identifying a deficient decoration and then manually adjusting the decorator takes a significant amount of time. Due to the high speeds of beverage container production lines, several hundred or even several thousand metallic containers with deficient decorations may be produced before the operator identifies the problem and then properly adjusts the ink keys. Accordingly, a large amount of waste metallic containers with deficient decorations are often created by prior art decorators. Additionally, after identifying a deficient decoration, the operator may shut down the decorator while adjusting the ink keys or other elements of the decorator. This wastes valuable production time and may delay the operation of downstream production equipment due to a lack of decorated metallic containers. 
     Adjusting ink keys of prior art decorators is difficult and can be dangerous. Some ink keys are difficult to access. Thus, an operator may be required to at least partially disassemble the decorator and use a tool to alter the position of an ink key. Tools used to adjust the ink keys can unintentionally damage the decorator. Further, tools used by the operator may be inadvertently misplaced or left within the decorator assembly, requiring additional downtime and the associated cost of loss of production. Additionally, the operator may be injured while reaching into the decorator to adjust the ink keys. 
     Due to the limitations associated with existing methods and apparatus used to decorate metallic containers, there is an unmet need for an apparatus and method of automatically monitoring and adjusting settings of a decorator that generates less waste, requires less operator time, and is less susceptible to human error than known decorators without sacrificing production efficiency or image quality in a high-speed beverage container production system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides various apparatus, instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, and methods for decorating metallic containers in a cost-effective, fast, and reliable manner. One aspect of the present invention is a closed-loop decorator assembly and system that includes a control system that can detect a deficient decoration on a cylindrical shaped metallic container. When the control system detects a deficient decoration, the control system can determine the cause of the deficiency. The control system may then automatically correct the deficiency. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system can alert an operator that specific adjustments are required. If the cause of the deficiency can be corrected by adjusting the amount of ink transferred to the metallic container, in one embodiment the control system can send a signal to adjust at least one ink blade to correct the deficient decoration on subsequent metallic containers. Further, a signal can be sent to the equipment on the production line to reject any container which has a flawed decoration. Flawed decorations can include, but are not limited to, color variations, ink density, ink thickness, ink color, incorrect positions of indicia, and quality of the decoration. In one embodiment, when the deficiency cannot be corrected by the control system, the control system can automatically stop the production line. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a decorator that includes at least one sensor in communication with a control system. The sensor collects or obtains data related to decorations on metallic containers. The control system determines if the decorations are deficient using the data received from the sensor. If the control system determines a decoration, or a portion of a decoration, is deficient, the control system utilizes the data to adjust one or more ink blades to alter an amount of ink transferred to an ink roller of an inking assembly. The at least one sensor may collect optical and other types of data associated with the decoration on the metallic container. The sensor is operable to collect data of a sufficient resolution to identify a deficiency in the decoration. In one embodiment, the sensor is a camera. In another embodiment, the sensor is operable to collect three-dimensional data related to the decorations. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor collects data on the decoration formed on the cylindrical body of the metallic container. The sensor may collect data as the metallic container rotates around a longitudinal axis such that the sensor collects data on the entire exterior cylindrical surface of the metallic container. In another embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises three or more sensors to collect data on the cylindrical surface of the metallic container. Optionally, the three or more sensors are spaced substantially evenly around the longitudinal axis of the metallic container. The sensors may collect the data substantially simultaneously. In one embodiment, the decorator includes four sensors that each collect data related to at least about 25 percent of the cylindrical surface. In another embodiment, each of the four sensors collects data on about 30 percent of the cylindrical surface. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the apparatus and methods described herein can be utilized on any type of surface or container such as an end closure or closed end-wall, and are not limited to cylindrical portions of metallic containers. 
     Optionally, a source of light may be associated with one or more of the sensors. The light source may produce light continuously. Alternatively, the light source may produce light periodically, such as a strobe light. In this manner, the light source may produce light at a time when an associated sensor is collecting data related to a decoration on a metallic container. 
     In one embodiment, the at least one sensor collects data from target areas of the cylindrical surface. Optionally, a target area may be associated with each ink blade of the decorator. The decorator may include from 20 to 80 individual ink blades. For example, the decorator may include four to eight inking assemblies. Each inking assembly may include from 5 to 10 ink blades to adjust the amount of ink supplied to 5 to 10 axial portions of an ink roller of the inking assembly. Accordingly, the at least one sensor may collect data from up to 20 to 80 different target areas of the cylindrical surface of a metallic container. In this manner, the at least one sensor can collect data related to ink regulated by each individual ink blade of the decorator. In one embodiment, the sensor can distinguish variations in the density of ink within a decoration on a metallic container. 
     The control system can use the sensor data to determine whether a decoration meets target values or is deficient. The control system can use the sensor data to determine one or more of: (a) the ink is too light or too dark; (b) the decoration includes a void; (c) the decoration includes a smear; (d) the decoration is not properly aligned (is out of registration); (e) the decoration was formed by a printing plate or transfer blanket that is damaged (such as by including a cut or tear); (f) the decoration includes a smudge; (g) an over-varnish on the metallic container is deficient or missing; (h) the decoration includes a contaminant; (i) the metallic container is damaged or out of specification; (j) color shift of a decoration; and (k) that the decoration includes an incorrect color. The control system can determine a location of an ink density variation on the container cylindrical body. By determining an axial portion of the container cylindrical body associated with the location of an ink density variation, the control system can determine an ink blade of one of the four to eight inking assemblies responsible for the ink density variation. The control system may then send a signal to an actuator associated with the ink blade to alter a position of the ink blade to correct a deficient decoration caused by the ink density variation. The control system can also determine that a metallic container has a damaged body caused by upstream equipment 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a control system operable to control a decorator. The control system includes an instruction to determine how to adjust at least one ink blade of an inking assembly to correct a deficient decoration. The control system may receive data collected by a sensor about a decoration on a metallic container. The control system can determine if the decoration is deficient by comparing the sensor data to target information for one or more print parameters. The print parameters may include at least one of a color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency of the decoration. When the decoration is deficient, the control system is operable to send a signal to an actuator associated with the at least one ink blade requiring adjustment. The signal causes the actuator to move the ink blade with respect to an ink roller of an inking assembly. In one embodiment, the actuator can move at least a portion of the ink blade toward or away from ink roller. In this manner, the control system adjusts a gap between the ink blade and the ink roller to alter an amount of ink applied to an associated axial portion of the ink roller. The sensor may collect data on the entire exterior surface of a cylindrical body of the metallic container. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises from 3 to 5 sensors positioned to interpret the decoration quality on the entire cylindrical body of the metallic container. In one embodiment, the control system compares the sensor data to an image stored in a memory of the control system. In another embodiment, the image is of a decoration that is not deficient. In one embodiment, the control system compares portions of the sensor data to a plurality of corresponding portions of acceptable images of decorations stored in the memory. In one embodiment, the control system may also stop the decorator in response to determining a decoration is deficient. More specifically, in one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to stop the decorator after determining a predetermined number of metallic containers include deficient decorations. In another embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to stop the decorator after identifying a predetermined cause of a deficient decoration. For example, the control system may include an instruction to stop the decorator if a deficient decoration is not associated with an improper amount of ink transferred to a metallic container. In another example, the control system may include an instruction to stop the decorator after determining a deficient decoration is related to one or more of: a defective ink, a printing plate, a transfer blanket, a damaged metallic container, an undetermined cause, and an improper position or alignment of a portion of a decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system can generate an alert with information related to the deficient decoration and a cause of the deficient decoration. The alert may be sent to a display screen or to an electronic device, such as a computer, a laptop, a tablet device, or a smart phone. The alert may comprise a text message. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a decorator with an inking assembly. Optionally, the decorator includes a plurality of inking assemblies. The inking assembly includes one or more ink blades that can be adjusted radially with respect to an ink roller. Accordingly, at least a portion of each ink blade may be moved closer to, or away from, the ink roller. In one embodiment, each of the ink blades may optionally be moved axially relative to the ink roller. In this manner, the amount (or density, thickness) of ink transferred from an ink reservoir to each axial portion of the ink roller is adjustable. In one embodiment, each ink blade may pivot with respect to the ink roller. Alternatively, in another embodiment, each ink blade may move linearly toward and away from the ink roller. 
     The movement of the ink blades may be selectively provided by a variety of mechanisms as appreciated by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, movement of the ink blades is generally controlled by a control system. The ink blades generally move in response to a force. In one embodiment, the force may be generated by one or more of electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and magnetic energy. 
     In one embodiment, movement of one or more ink blades is generally provided by an actuator. In another embodiment, an actuator is associated with each individual ink blade. In another embodiment, a plurality of actuators may be associated with one ink blade. In one embodiment, the actuator initiates a force transverse to a longitudinal axis of an associated ink blade. In this manner, the ink blade, or a selected portion of the ink blade, pivots or bends with respect to the ink roller. In another embodiment, the actuator initiates a force which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the associated ink blade. In this embodiment, the ink blade moves linearly and generally parallel to the blade axis toward or away from the ink roller. The actuators may be controlled by a control system of the decorator. 
     In one embodiment, movement of the ink blades is controlled by a control system. In one embodiment, the control system includes non-transitory, computer readable instructions stored in a memory that control the movement of the ink blades. Optionally, the control system includes an instruction to receive data from a sensor related to a decoration on a metallic container. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a plurality of individual sensing elements. Each sensing element collects data related to a portion of the metallic container. In one embodiment, each sensor element collects a pixel of data. 
     The control system includes an instruction to analyze the sensor data related to the decoration. In one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to compare the sensor data to stored data. In one embodiment, the stored data is associated with at least one acceptable decoration. The acceptable decoration may be scanned and stored in memory accessible by the control system. In one embodiment, the acceptable decoration is scanned at a resolution such that the stored data related to the acceptable decoration includes a number of pixels that may be based on the number of individual sensing elements of the sensor. More specifically, the acceptable decoration may be stored in memory at a resolution equal to the resolution of the data collected by the sensor. In another embodiment, the acceptable decoration is stored at a resolution different from the resolution of the sensor. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the acceptable decoration is stored at a greater resolution, or a lesser resolution, than the resolution of the data collected by the sensor. In one embodiment, the stored data is in a computer database. The database may be stored in memory of the control system. Optionally, the control system accesses the database by a network connection. 
     In one embodiment, the control system includes instructions to determine the decoration is deficient when the sensor data differs by a predetermined amount from the stored data. In one embodiment, the control system compares a plurality of portions of the sensor data to corresponding portions of the stored data. If the control system determines that portions of the sensor data vary from portions of the stored data, the decoration is deficient. Optionally, when a predetermined percentage of portions of the sensor data vary from corresponding portions of the stored data the control system will determine the decoration is deficient. 
     In one embodiment, the control system includes instructions to automatically adjust at least one of the ink blades to correct the deficient decoration. For example, in one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to send a signal to an actuator. In one embodiment, the signal causes the actuator to move an ink blade in a specific direction to alter an amount of ink transferred to the ink roller. Thus, the control system can automatically adjust the at least one ink blade without input from the operator. In another embodiment, the signal causes an actuator to move one or more of a ductor roller, an ink roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, a transfer blanket, and a support element in a specific direction to correct the deficient decoration. 
     In one embodiment, when the control system determines a decoration is deficient, the control system sends an alert to an operator of the decorator. In one embodiment, the control system presents the alert on a display of the control system. In another embodiment, the alert may include an audible portion, such as an alarm, siren, or voice message. In another embodiment, the alert may be transmitted to a user device by a network connection. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the operator may receive the alert on a smart phone, tablet, a laptop computer, or another portable device. The alert may include information about the deficient decoration. Optionally, the alert may include information related to an adjustment of at least one component of the decorator to correct the deficient decoration. For example, the alert may provide information about an adjustment to one or more of a ductor roller, an ink blade, an ink roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, a transfer blanket, or a support element determined by the control system to correct the deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the alert is presented to the operator on a display of the control system. 
     In one embodiment, the operator may use an input device of the control system to approve, disapprove, or alter an adjustment of at least one component of the decorator planned by the control system to correct a deficient decoration. More specifically, the operator may make an input to the control system to approve (or confirm) the planned adjustment, alter the planned adjustment, or disapprove the planned adjustment of the at least one ink blade or another component of the decorator. In one embodiment, the operator may make the input by contact with the display. In another embodiment, the operator input may be made with a mouse or other pointer of the control system. In still another embodiment, the input may be entered using a keyboard. 
     In one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to automatically adjust the at least one component of the decorator after a predetermined period of time if the operator does not disapprove or cancel a planned adjustment. In still another embodiment, the control system includes instructions to automatically adjust the at least one component of the decorator after the predetermined period of time if the operator does not approve the planned adjustment. 
     In one embodiment, each ink blade has a width of between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches. Accordingly, a decorator having five or six ink blades per inking assembly can decorate the cylindrical body of a metallic container with a height of up to about 7 inches. However, the inking assembly of the present invention could be used to decorate much larger cylindrically shaped objects or containers as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the ink blades of each inking assembly have substantially uniform widths. Alternatively, the ink blades of each inking assembly may have different widths. In still another embodiment, inking assemblies of the decorator have from 5 to 10 ink blades. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is a decorator that includes an ejector. The ejector removes metallic containers identified by the control system as having deficient decorations from a conveyor. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a control system for a decorator that is capable of determining an acceptable decoration of a metallic container and whether the decoration quality falls within predetermined quality standards. Once the control system establishes an acceptable decoration, the control system can detect a decoration that varies from the acceptable decoration. In this manner, the control system can determine that a metallic container includes an unacceptable, or deficient, decoration. 
     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an apparatus for decorating a metallic container. The apparatus generally includes, but is not limited to: (1) an inking assembly including an ink roller, a plurality of ink blades, an ink reservoir for ink, and an actuator to move each ink blade with respect to the ink roller to adjust an amount of ink transferred from the ink reservoir to the ink roller; (2) a plate cylinder including a printing plate in a predetermined alignment with respect to the ink roller such that the printing plate receives at least some ink from the ink roller; (3) a blanket cylinder including transfer blankets in a predetermined alignment with respect to the plate cylinder such that the transfer blankets receive at least some ink from the printing plate; (4) a support element to receive the metallic container from a conveyor and move the metallic container into contact with a transfer blanket of the blanket cylinder to transfer at least some ink from the transfer blanket to the metallic container to form a decoration on an exterior surface of the metallic container; (5) at least one sensor to collect or obtain data about the decoration on the exterior surface of the metallic container; and (6) a control system that receives the data from the at least one sensor and determines if the decoration includes a deficiency, wherein if the decoration includes a deficiency the control system is operable to send a signal to an actuator of the apparatus to correct the deficiency. In one embodiment, an actuator is associated with each ink blade. In one embodiment, the signal causes the actuator to adjust the ink blade to alter the amount of ink transferred to the ink roller. In another embodiment, the support element includes a plurality of stations. Each of the stations is operable to receive a metallic container. In another embodiment, the stations comprise mandrels. In one embodiment, the apparatus include a plurality of inking assemblies. Each of the plurality of inking assemblies is operable to transfer an ink to an associated printing plate. 
     Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an ejector in communication with the control system. The ejector removes metallic containers with deficient decorations from the conveyor in response to receiving a signal from the control system. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one sensor is operable to obtain data about one or more of: (A) a color of the decoration; (B) a density of the decoration; (C) a depth or thickness of the decoration; (D) an alignment of the decoration; and (F) a consistency of the decoration. In one embodiment, the sensor is a camera. Optionally, the apparatus may include from one to five sensors. In one embodiment, the one to five sensors are positioned around a circumference of the cylindrical body of the metallic container. In one embodiment, each sensor may be adapted to obtain one type of data, such as color, density, depth or thickness, alignment, and consistency, with respect to the decoration. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes from three to five sensors to obtain data on the cylindrical body of the metallic container. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor obtains data from a plurality of target areas of the exterior surface of the metallic container. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of target areas corresponds to any area of the exterior surface of the metallic container associated with one of the ink blades. In one embodiment, at least one target area is associated with an ink of one inking assembly. 
     In another embodiment, the control system is operable to determine a deficiency that includes an error in at least one of: (i) a color of the decoration; (ii) a density of the decoration; (iii) a thickness of the decoration; (iv) an alignment of the decoration; and (v) a consistency of the decoration. In response to detecting a deficiency in a decoration, the control system is operable to alter a position of at least one component of the apparatus while the apparatus is in operation decorating the metallic containers. In one embodiment, the control system sends a signal to alter a position of one of the plurality of ink blades. The control system can send a signal to an actuator associated with the one ink blade to selectively move the ink blade to a predetermined position with respect to the ink roller. In one embodiment, a distance between the ink blade and an axial portion of the ink roller is altered. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of sensing and correcting an abnormality in a decoration applied to an exterior surface of a container. The method includes, but is not limited to: (1) providing a container; (2) decorating the container with a decorator; (3) obtaining data about the decoration on the exterior surface of the container by at least one sensor; (4) determining, by a control system, if the decoration includes an abnormality; and (5) if the decoration includes an abnormality, sending, by the control system, a signal to the decorator to alter at least one of a color and a density of subsequent decorations. In one embodiment, the container is a metallic container including a closed end-wall and a body portion extending from the closed end-wall. In one embodiment, the body portion is substantially cylindrical. Optionally, the method may further comprise sending an alert to an operator. In one embodiment, the alert is presented on a display of the control system. In another embodiment, the alert includes information about the abnormality. In one embodiment, the information about the abnormality includes an image of the container exterior surface obtained by the at least one sensor. In another embodiment, the alert includes information about the signal sent to the decorator by the control system. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention the decorator includes: (a) an inking assembly including an ink roller, a plurality of ink blades, an ink reservoir for ink, and an actuator to move the ink blades with respect to the ink roller to adjust the amount of ink transferred from the ink reservoir to the ink roller; (b) a plate cylinder including a printing plate in a predetermined alignment with respect to the ink roller such that the printing plate receives at least some ink from the ink roller; (c) a blanket cylinder including transfer blankets in a predetermined alignment with respect to the plate cylinder such that each transfer blanket receives at least some ink from the printing plate of the plate cylinder; and (d) a support device to receive a container from a conveyor and move the container into contact with a transfer blanket of the blanket cylinder to transfer at least some ink from the transfer blanket to the container such that the decoration is formed on an exterior surface of the container. In one embodiment, an actuator is associated components of the decorator. Optionally, an actuator is associated with each ink blade. In another embodiment, the support device includes a plurality of stations that are each operable to receive a container. In still another embodiment, the decorator includes from two to twelve inking assemblies. Each of the inking assemblies is operable to transfer an ink to a printing plate of a plate cylinder. 
     In one embodiment, the ink roller includes a plurality of axial portions, each axial portion defined by an ink blade. In one embodiment, each axial portion of the ink roller comprises a cylindrical portion of the curved surface of the ink roller. 
     In one embodiment, the signal causes an actuator associated with an ink blade to move the ink blade in a specific direction to alter an amount of ink transferred from the ink reservoir to an axial portion of the ink roller. In another embodiment, the signal causes the actuator to rotate in a first predetermined direction to move the ink blade of the inking assembly to a position which either increases or decreases the amount of ink transferred to the axial portion of the ink roller. In yet another embodiment, the signal causes the decorator to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of subsequent decorations. 
     In another embodiment, the signal causes at least one of the inking assembly, the ink roller, the plate cylinder, and the blanket cylinder to move in a specific direction. In yet another embodiment, the control system can send a signal to an actuator to alter a position of at least one of a printing plate on the plate cylinder and a transfer blanket on the blanket cylinder. In another embodiment, the control system can send a signal to an actuator of a ductor roller associated with an inking assembly. The signal can alter a rate of movement of the ductor roller. In this manner, the control system can adjust the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate associated with the inking assembly. More specifically, the control system can send a signal to decrease or increase the rate of movement of the ductor roller. Optionally, in one embodiment, the method further comprises sending, by the control system, a signal to an ejector to remove the container with the abnormal decoration from the conveyor associated with the decorator. 
     In one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises from one to five sensors. In another embodiment, the one to five sensors are arranged to obtain data on the cylindrical body substantially simultaneously. Optionally, the one to five sensors are arranged around the cylindrical body of the metallic container. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises from two to five sensors substantially evenly arranged around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container. In one embodiment, each of the one to five sensors may obtain the same type of data. In another embodiment, the one to five sensors may obtain different types of data. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises one or more of: (i) a first sensor to obtain data about a color of the decoration; (ii) a second sensor to obtain data about a density of the decoration; (iii) a third sensor to obtain data about a depth of the decoration; (iv) a fourth sensor to obtain data about an alignment of the decoration; and (v) a fifth sensor to obtain data about a consistency of the decoration. 
     In one embodiment, the method further includes one or more of: (6) altering a position of the at least one ink blade in response to receiving the signal from the control system; (7) providing a second container; (8) decorating the second container with the decorator; (9) waiting a predetermined amount of time for the second decorator to reach the at least one sensor; (10) obtaining data about a decoration on the exterior surface of the second container; and (11) determining, by the control system, if the decoration on the second container includes an abnormality. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a control system to monitor and identify decoration abnormalities and take action to correct abnormalities. The control system includes instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium which, when executed by a processor of the control system, cause the control system to modify and change physical parameters and equipment to perform the methods described herein. 
     Yet another aspect is a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that cause a processor of a control system to execute a method of automatically correcting an abnormality in a decoration formed on a cylindrical surface of a metallic container by a decorator. The instructions include one or more of, but are not limited to: (1) an instruction to receive data related to the decoration formed on the cylindrical surface of the metallic container by the decorator; (2) an instruction to determine if the decoration includes an abnormality; and (3) if the decoration includes an abnormality, an instruction to determine an adjustment to the decorator to correct the abnormality. In one embodiment, the abnormality may be related to at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of the decoration. Optionally, in another embodiment, the instructions may further comprise an instruction to determine a cause of the abnormal decoration. More specifically, in one embodiment, the instructions include an instruction to determine if an abnormal decoration is related to one or more of: (i) an improper amount of ink; (ii) a defective ink; (iii) a printing plate or a transfer blanket of the decorator; (iv) an improper alignment of a component of the decorator; and (v) a damaged or deficient metallic container. In one embodiment, the control system can determine that an abnormal decoration is related to a printing plate or a transfer blanket that is defective, worn, or improperly aligned based on the received data. 
     In one embodiment, the instructions further include an instruction to send a signal to the decorator to correct the abnormal decoration. In another embodiment, the signal may cause the decorator to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of subsequent decorations formed by the decorator. More specifically, in one embodiment, the signal can activate an actuator to move a component of the decorator in a specific direction. In one embodiment, the signal causes an actuator to move such that an amount of ink transferred to an ink roller of the decorator is altered. 
     In one embodiment, the instructions further include and instruction to send a signal to an actuator to adjust an ink blade. In one embodiment, the signal causes the actuator to move the ink blade in a specified direction with respect to an ink roller of the decorator to alter an amount of ink applied to a portion of the ink roller. In another embodiment, the signal causes the actuator to move at least one ink blade of the decorator to a position which either increases or decreases the amount of ink transferred to a portion of the ink roller. 
     In another embodiment, the instructions may further include an instruction to send a signal to an actuator of the decorator to move at least one of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate on the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator in a specific direction. Optionally, the signal can alter a rate of rotation of one or more of an ink roller, a plate cylinder, and the blanket cylinder or alter the rate of movement of a ductor roller. 
     In one embodiment, the data is obtained by at least one sensor. Optionally, the at least one sensor comprises from three to five sensors spaced substantially evenly around a circumference of the metallic container. 
     In one embodiment, the instruction to determine if the decoration includes an abnormality further comprises an instruction to compare the received data to stored data associated with an acceptable decoration. The method may optionally include an instruction to determine that the decoration includes an abnormality when the received data varies from the stored data by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the instructions further include an instruction to compare a plurality of portions of the received data to a corresponding plurality of portions of the stored data. Optionally, the instructions may include an instruction to determine the decoration includes an abnormality when a predetermined percentage of the portions of the received data vary from the corresponding portions of the stored data. 
     In one embodiment, the stored data is stored in a database. The database may include a plurality of fields associated with the acceptable decoration. In one embodiment, each field is associated with an ink blade of the decorator. In another embodiment, at least one field of the database includes information related to targets of the acceptable decoration. The targets may comprise one or more of ink color, ink consistency, ink density, ink thickness, orientation of the decoration, and alignment of the decoration. 
     Optionally, the stored data may include sensor data obtained on a plurality of metallic containers that include acceptable decorations. More specifically, in one embodiment, the control system includes instructions to receive data obtained by a sensor related to a plurality of metallic containers with acceptable decorations. The instructions may include an instruction for the control system to analyze the sensor data and an instruction to store the sensor data in fields of the database. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory computer readable medium provided on a storage medium and having instructions that when executed by a processor of a control system cause the processor to perform a method of sensing and correcting an abnormality in a decoration formed on a cylindrical surface of a container by a decorator. The instructions include one or more of, but are not limited to: (1) an instruction to receive data related to the decoration formed on the cylindrical surface of the container; (2) an instruction to determine if the decoration includes an abnormality; and (3) an instruction to send a signal to the decorator to alter subsequent decorations formed by the decorator. In one embodiment, the data is received from a sensor. In another embodiment, the abnormality is related to at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of the decoration. In yet another embodiment, the signal causes the decorator to alter at least one of: (i) a color, (ii) a density, (iii) a thickness, (iv) an alignment, and (v) a consistency of subsequent decorations formed by the decorator. 
     Optionally, the instructions may further include an instruction to compare the data received from the sensor to data of an acceptable decoration. In one embodiment, the instructions further include an instruction to determine if the abnormal decoration is related to one or more of: (A) an improper amount of ink; (B) a defective ink; (C) a defective printing plate or transfer blanket of the decorator; (D) an improper alignment of a component of the decorator; and (E) a defective or damaged container. In one embodiment, the instructions may also include an instruction to determine that the abnormal decoration is related to an unknown cause. 
     In one embodiment, the signal causes at least one of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate on the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator to move in a specific direction. In another embodiment, the signal causes an actuator to move an ink blade of the decorator to a position which either increases or decreases the amount of ink transferred to a portion of an ink roller. In still another embodiment, the signal causes an actuator associated with one or more of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate on the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator to move in the specific direction. Optionally, the signal can alter a rate or timing of movement of a ductor roller. In this manner, the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate can be altered. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an inking assembly for a decorator. The inking assembly generally includes, but is not limited to, one or more of: (1) an ink roller; (2) an ink reservoir; (3) a plurality of ink blades positioned proximate to the ink roller, each ink blade defining an axial portion of the ink roller; and (4) an actuator associated with the ink blades, wherein, in response to a signal received from a control system, the actuator is operable to alter a position of an ink blade with respect to the ink roller to adjust an amount of ink transferred to the ink roller. In one embodiment, a portion of each ink blade proximate to the ink roller includes a longitudinal portion and an end portion extending from the longitudinal portion. In one embodiment, the longitudinal portion and the end portion have shapes that are substantially planar. Optionally the end portion extends from the longitudinal portion at an angle of between about 80° and about 100°. 
     In one embodiment, an actuator is associated with each of the ink blades. In another embodiment, each actuator includes a shaft interconnected to one associated ink blade. Optionally, the shaft is threadably interconnected to the one associated ink blade such that rotating the shaft in a predetermined direction moves the one associated ink blade either closure to or further away from the ink roller. In one embodiment, the actuator is a solenoid. 
     Optionally, the inking assembly may further include a potentiometer associated with each of the plurality of ink blades. In one embodiment, the potentiometer is operable to measure movement of the ink blades with respect to the ink roller. In another embodiment, the potentiometer can detect rotation of the shaft. In one embodiment, the potentiometer includes a first gear that engages a second gear associated with an actuator. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a decorator with a ductor roller that can be adjusted while the decorator is in operator decorating metallic containers. An actuator is associated with the ductor roller. The actuator is operable to alter a rate of movement of the ductor roller. In this manner an amount of ink transferred from an inking assembly to a printing plate can be altered. In one embodiment, the actuator can alter one or more of the timing of the movement of the ductor roller. In another embodiment, the actuator is operable to receive a signal from a control system. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a control system for a decorator. The control system is in communication with a sensor positioned downstream from the decorator. The sensor is operable to collect data on a cylindrical surface of a metallic container decorated by the decorator. Optionally, the sensor may comprise three to five sensors arranged around the metallic container such that data is collected on all, or a substantial portion, of the cylindrical surface. In one embodiment, the three to five sensors are image sensing devices such as cameras. The control system includes an instruction to compare the data from the sensor to a master image. The control system includes an instruction to determine whether the decoration on the metallic container is deficient compared to the master image. In one embodiment, the decoration is deficient if one or more of a color of the decoration, a density of the decoration, a depth or thickness of the decoration, an alignment of the decoration, a consistency of the decoration, and a position of the decoration vary by more than a predetermined amount from the master image. Optionally, the control system may determine that the decoration is deficient if a color of the decoration at one or more target areas differs from a color of a corresponding target area of the master image. In one embodiment, the decoration is deficient if a color differs (has a ΔE) greater than a predetermined amount. 
     In one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to determine a cause of the deficient decoration. Specifically, the control system can determine whether the deficient decoration is caused by the decorator or equipment located upstream of the decorator. 
     In one embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to determine that the deficient decoration is caused by one or more of: an incorrect setting of an inking assembly; an incorrect dwell time of a ductor roller; improper alignment of a printing plate; and improper alignment of a transfer blanket. The control system can optionally include an instruction to send a signal to one or more actuators of the decorator to correct one or more of an incorrect setting of an inking assembly; an incorrect dwell time of a ductor roller; improper alignment of a printing plate; and improper alignment of a transfer blanket. 
     In another embodiment, the control system includes an instruction to determine that the deficient decoration is caused by a problem which cannot be corrected by the control system. A problem which cannot be corrected includes one or more of, but is not limited to: a damaged printing plate; a damaged transfer blanket; a problem with ink of an inker; and a damaged container. In response to determining the problem cannot be corrected by the control system, the control system can include instructions to generate an alert. Optionally, the control system can include an instruction to stop the decorator when the deficient decoration is caused by a problem with the decorator that cannot be corrected. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system can include an instruction to equipment upstream of the decorator when the cause of the deficient decoration is a damaged container. 
     One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for monitoring and adjusting a decoration formed on an exterior surface of metallic containers. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, one or more of: (1) a decorator including an inking assembly, a printing plate, a transfer blanket, and a support element to receive a metallic container and move the metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket to transfer a decoration to a cylindrical exterior surface of the metallic container; (2) a sensor positioned downstream from the decorator to obtain captured data from the cylindrical exterior surface the metallic container related to the quality of the decoration; and (3) a control system that receives the captured data from the sensor, the control system operable to compare the capture data to stored data to determine if the decoration or structure of the metallic container is deficient. If the decoration is deficient, the control system may send a first signal to adjust at least one of the inking assembly, the printing plate, and the transfer blanket to correct the cause of the deficient decoration. If the structure of the metallic container is deficient, the control system may send a second signal to at least one of a display screen and upstream equipment. Optionally, the stored data is stored in a database accessible by the control system. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor comprises from three to five image sensing devices arranged in a predetermined orientation to sense portions of the exterior surface of the metallic container. In another embodiment, the control system can determine if the deficient decoration is associated with at least one of a color of the decoration, a density of the decoration, a depth of the decoration, an alignment of the decoration, a consistency of the decoration, and a position of the decoration. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor is operable to collect data about one or more of a color of the decoration, a density of the decoration, a depth or thickness of the decoration, an alignment of the decoration, a consistency of the decoration, a position of the decoration, and a shape of the metallic container. 
     In another embodiment, the first signal is sent to an actuator operable to alter an amount of ink transferred to the transfer blanket while the decorator is in operation. Optionally, the actuator is operable to adjust a position of an ink key of the inking assembly. Additionally, the actuator is operable to change a rate of movement of a ductor roller positioned between the inking assembly and the printing plate. In one embodiment, the first signal is operable to move one or more of the printing plate and the transfer blanket while the decorator is in operation. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of optimizing a decoration formed by a decorator on an exterior surface of a metallic container. The method includes one or more of, but is not limited to: (1) providing the metallic container; (2) feeding the metallic container into a decorator at a predetermined rate of speed; (3) decorating the metallic container with the decorator which includes an inking assembly, a printing plate, a transfer blanket, and a support element to move the metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket; (4) obtaining a captured image of the decoration on the exterior surface of the metallic container with an image capturing device; (5) comparing, by a control system, the captured image to a stored image of a metallic container with an acceptable decoration; (6) determining, by the control system, if the captured image meets quality parameters corresponding to one or more criteria; and (7) sending, by the control system, a signal to at least one of the decorator and a display device to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of ink transferred to the transfer blanket. 
     In one embodiment, the signal is operable to cause at least one of an ink blade of the inking assembly, the printing plate, and the transfer blanket to move in a specific direction while the decorator is in operation. In another embodiment, the signal alters a rate of movement of a ductor roller positioned upstream of the printing plate while the decorator is in operation. 
     Optionally, the method may further comprise: determining, by the control system, that the metallic container is deficient; and sending, by the control system, a signal at least one of a display device and equipment located upstream of the decorator. In another embodiment, the method further includes: when the captured image does not meet the quality parameters, determining, by the control system, that the decoration is deficient due to one or more of an improper amount of ink, a defective ink, a defective printing plate, a defective transfer blanket, and an improper alignment of a component of the decorator. 
     In one embodiment, the method includes forming the stored image by collecting images by the image capturing device of a plurality of metallic containers with acceptable decorations; and storing the stored image in a database accessible by the control system. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processor of a control system, cause the processor to adjust components of a container decorator while the container decorator is in operation, by one or more of: (1) receiving captured data from a sensor, the capture data related to a decoration formed by the container decorator on a cylindrical exterior surface of a metallic container; (2) comparing the captured data to an image of an acceptable decoration; (3) determining if the decoration on the cylindrical exterior surface of the metallic container includes an abnormality related to at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of the decoration; (4) preparing an instruction for the container decorator to address the cause of the abnormality; and (5) sending the instruction to the container decorator to adjust a component of the container decorator to correct the abnormality. Optionally, the instructions further include determining if the abnormal decoration is related to one or more of an improper amount of ink, a defective ink, a defective printing plate or transfer blanket of the container decorator, and an improper alignment of a component of the container decorator. 
     In one embodiment, sending the instruction causes the container decorator to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of subsequent decorations. In another embodiment, the instruction directs the container decorator to alter a setting or position of at least one of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate on the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the container decorator. 
     In one embodiment, sending the instruction causes an actuator of the container decorator to move at least one of an ink blade of an inking assembly, a ductor roller, a printing plate, and a transfer blanket in a specific direction. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor is a plurality of cameras positioned downstream from the container decorator in a predetermined orientation. Optionally, the at least one camera comprise from three to six cameras positioned around a circumference of the cylindrical exterior surface of the metallic container. 
     In another embodiment, the container decorator comprises an inking assembly, a printing plate, a transfer blanket, and a support element to move the metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. The control system may include, but is not limited to, one or more of a memory, an input device, an output device, and the processor which is in communication with the memory, the input device, and the output device. 
     In one embodiment, the computer readable medium further comprises: forming the image of the acceptable decoration by collecting images with the sensor of a plurality of metallic containers with acceptable decorations; and storing the image in a database accessible by the control system. 
     Although generally referred to herein as “metallic container,” “beverage container,” “can,” and “container,” it should be appreciated that the current invention may be used to decorate containers of any size or shape including, without limitation, beverage cans, beverage bottles, and aerosol containers. Accordingly, the term “container” is intended to cover containers of any type or shape for any product and is not specifically limited to a beverage container such as a soft drink or beer can. The containers may also be in any state of manufacture and may be formed by a draw and ironing process or by an impact extrusion process. Thus, the current invention may be used to decorate “a cup” that is subsequently formed into a finished container, a “bottle preform” that is subsequently formed into a metallic bottle, or a “tube” that is formed into an aerosol container body. 
     The terms “metal” or “metallic” as used hereinto refer to any metallic material that may be used to form a container, including without limitation aluminum, steel, tin, and any combination thereof. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in various forms and embodiments to decorate containers formed of any material, including paper, plastic, and glass. 
     The methods and apparatus of the present invention may be used with inks of any type or variety. For example, one or more “specialty inks,” including pigmented ink, thermochromic ink, photochromic ink, scented thermochromic ink, fluorescent ink, UV ink, black light ink, infrared ink, phosphorescent ink, pressure sensitive ink, tactile ink, thermo-tactile ink, leuco dye, matte ink, and any other type of ink, dye, or varnish that changes appearance, color, phase, and/or texture in response to temperature changes or exposure to light or pressure may be used with a decorator of the present invention. 
     The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” 
     The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. 
     The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein. 
     It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Abstract, and Claims themselves. 
     The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before the performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.” 
     The term “bus” and variations thereof, as used herein, can refer to a subsystem that transfers information and/or data between various components. A bus generally refers to the collection communication hardware interface, interconnects, bus architecture, standard, and/or protocol defining the communication scheme for a communication system and/or communication network. A bus may also refer to a part of a communication hardware that interfaces the communication hardware with other components of the corresponding communication network. The bus may be for a wired network, such as a physical bus, or wireless network, such as part of an antenna or hardware that couples the communication hardware with the antenna. A bus architecture supports a defined format in which information and/or data is arranged when sent and received through a communication network. A protocol may define the format and rules of communication of a bus architecture. 
     A “communication modality” can refer to any protocol or standard defined or specific communication session or interaction, such as Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (“VoIP), cellular communications (e.g., IS-95, 1G, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 4G/IMT-Advanced standards, 3GPP, WIMAX™, GSM, CDMA, CDMA2000, EDGE, 1×EVDO, iDEN, GPRS, HSPDA, TDMA, UMA, UMTS, ITU-R, and 5G), Bluetooth™, text or instant messaging (e.g., AIM, Blauk, eBuddy, Gadu-Gadu, IBM Lotus Sametime, ICQ, iMessage, IMVU, Lync, MXit, Paltalk, Skype, Tencent QQ, Windows Live Messenger™ or Microsoft Network (MSN) Messenger™ Wireclub, Xfire, and Yahoo! Messenger™), email, Twitter (e.g., tweeting), Digital Service Protocol (DSP), and the like. 
     The term “communication system” or “communication network” and variations thereof, as used herein, can refer to a collection of communication components capable of one or more of transmission, relay, interconnect, control, or otherwise manipulate information or data from at least one transmitter to at least one receiver. As such, the communication may include a range of systems supporting point-to-point or broadcasting of the information or data. A communication system may refer to the collection individual communication hardware as well as the interconnects associated with and connecting the individual communication hardware. Communication hardware may refer to dedicated communication hardware or may refer a processor coupled with a communication means (i.e., an antenna) and running software capable of using the communication means to send and/or receive a signal within the communication system. Interconnect refers to some type of wired or wireless communication link that connects various components, such as communication hardware, within a communication system. A communication network may refer to a specific setup of a communication system with the collection of individual communication hardware and interconnects having some definable network topography. A communication network may include wired and/or wireless network having a pre-set to an ad hoc network structure. 
     The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein refers to any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, read only memory (ROM), a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), and erasable programmable read only memory EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored. It should be noted that any computer readable medium that is not a signal transmission may be considered non-transitory. 
     The terms display and variations thereof, as used herein, may be used interchangeably and can be any panel and/or area of an output device that can display information to an operator or use. Displays may include, but are not limited to, one or more control panel(s), instrument housing(s), indicator(s), gauge(s), meter(s), light(s), computer(s), screen(s), display(s), heads-up display HUD unit(s), and graphical user interface(s). 
     The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. 
     The term “desktop” refers to a metaphor used to portray systems. A desktop is generally considered a “surface” that may include pictures, called icons, widgets, folders, etc. that can activate and/or show applications, windows, cabinets, files, folders, documents, and other graphical items. The icons are generally selectable to initiate a task through user interface interaction to allow a user to execute applications and/or conduct other operations. 
     The term “display” refers to a portion of a physical screen used to display the output of a computer to a user. 
     The term “displayed image” refers to an image produced on the display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display. 
     The term “electronic address” can refer to any contactable address, including a telephone number, instant message handle, e-mail address, Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”), Global Universal Identifier (“GUID”), Universal Resource Identifier (“URI”), Address of Record (“AOR”), electronic alias in a database, etc., combinations thereof. 
     The term “screen,” “touch screen,” “touchscreen,” or “touch-sensitive display” refers to a physical structure that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching areas on the screen and provides information to a user through a display. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates. 
     The term “window” refers to a, typically rectangular, displayed image on at least part of a display that contains or provides content different from the rest of the screen. The window may obscure the desktop. The dimensions and orientation of the window may be configurable either by another module or by a user. When the window is expanded, the window can occupy substantially all of the display space on a screen or screens. 
     The terms “determine,” “calculate,” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique. 
     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended, nor should it be construed, as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with or substituted for features or devices of other embodiments regardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution is specifically shown or described herein. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements or components. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the Summary of the Invention given above and the Detailed Description given below serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic flow diagram of a decorator depicting one embodiment of the present invention and also illustrating a metallic container decorated by the decorator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1A  is another schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of a decorator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of various components of an inking assembly of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of an ink blade of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ink blade of the present invention including transverse grooves that define portions of the ink blade 
         FIG. 2D  is yet another top plan view of an ink blade of the present invention which comprises a plurality of individual blade segments; 
         FIG. 2E  is another top plan view of an ink blade of one embodiment of the present invention which a plurality of ink channels; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the inking assembly taken along line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 2A  and showing a first gap between a blade segment and an ink roller of the inking assembly; 
         FIG. 3B  is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the inking assembly taken along line  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 2A  and showing a second gap between another blade segment and the ink roller of the inking assembly wherein the second gap has a greater length than the first gap; 
         FIGS. 3C, 3D  are top plan views of an inking assembly of the present invention and generally illustrate axial movement of an ink blade with respect to an ink roller; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front elevation view of an inking assembly of another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the inking assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the inking assembly of  FIG. 5  with some components removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the inking assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right-side cross-sectional perspective view of the inking assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of ink blades and actuators of the inking assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 10A, 10B  are cross-sectional side elevation views of ink blades in relation to the ink roller of the inking assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating the transfer of ink from axial portions of ink rollers to corresponding cylindrical portions of a metallic container; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  are top plan views of sensors positioned around a longitudinal axis of a metallic container to sense the cylindrical surface of the metallic container in predetermined locations according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a data structure for storing sensor data; 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram of a method utilized with a control system to recognize an acceptable decoration according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a process flow diagram of a method of identifying a cause of a deficient decoration; 
         FIG. 17  is a flow diagram depicting a process of automatically adjusting a decorator to correct a deficiency in a decoration on a metallic container according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a flow diagram depicting a process of operating a decorator according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 19  is another flow diagram of another embodiment of a process of operating a decorator. 
     
    
    
     Similar components and/or features may have the same reference number. Components of the same type may be distinguished by a letter following the reference number. If only the reference number is used, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same reference number. To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Number 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 2 
                 Decorator 
               
               
                 4 
                 First plate cylinder 
               
               
                 6 
                 Printing plate of first plate cylinder 
               
               
                 8 
                 First inking assembly 
               
               
                 10 
                 Ink roller of first inking assembly 
               
               
                 11 
                 Ink train 
               
               
                 12 
                 Second plate cylinder 
               
               
                 13 
                 Ductor roller 
               
               
                 14 
                 Printing plate of second plate cylinder 
               
               
                 16 
                 Second inking assembly 
               
               
                 18 
                 Ink roller of second inking assembly 
               
               
                 19 
                 Ink train 
               
               
                 20 
                 Axial portion of ink roller 
               
               
                 21 
                 Ink blade 
               
               
                 22 
                 Ink blade 
               
               
                 24 
                 Blade segments or portions 
               
               
                 25 
                 Grooves 
               
               
                 26 
                 Ink 
               
               
                 27 
                 Longitudinal edge of blade segments 
               
               
                 28 
                 Ink key 
               
               
                 29 
                 Ink channel 
               
               
                 30 
                 Actuator 
               
               
                 31 
                 Shaft 
               
               
                 32 
                 Gap between ink blade segment and ink roller 
               
               
                 33 
                 Threads 
               
               
                 34 
                 Ink reservoir 
               
               
                 35 
                 Ink blade edge 
               
               
                 36 
                 Blanket cylinder 
               
               
                 38 
                 Transfer blankets (or “printing blankets”) 
               
               
                 40 
                 Exterior surface portion of transfer blanket 
               
               
                 42 
                 Support element 
               
               
                 44 
                 Station in support element for metallic container 
               
               
                 46 
                 Control system 
               
               
                 48 
                 Conveyor 
               
               
                 49 
                 Sensor 
               
               
                 50 
                 Sensor 
               
               
                 51 
                 Light 
               
               
                 52 
                 Undecorated metallic container 
               
               
                 54 
                 Decorated metallic container 
               
               
                 56 
                 Exterior surface of metallic container 
               
               
                 57 
                 Cylindrical portions of container 
               
               
                 58 
                 Decoration 
               
               
                 59 
                 Target 
               
               
                 60 
                 Metallic container with deficient decoration 
               
               
                 62 
                 Ejector 
               
               
                 64 
                 Upstream equipment 
               
               
                 66 
                 Downstream equipment 
               
               
                 68 
                 Casting 
               
               
                 70 
                 Mounting plate 
               
               
                 72 
                 Pivot blocks 
               
               
                 74 
                 Sidewalls 
               
               
                 76 
                 Top plate 
               
               
                 78 
                 Ink bar 
               
               
                 79 
                 Back plate 
               
               
                 80 
                 Potentiometer 
               
               
                 82 
                 Bus 
               
               
                 84 
                 CPU 
               
               
                 86 
                 Input devices 
               
               
                 88 
                 Output devices 
               
               
                 90 
                 Storage devices 
               
               
                 92 
                 Computer readable storage media reader 
               
               
                 94 
                 Communication system 
               
               
                 96 
                 Working memory 
               
               
                 98 
                 Processing acceleration unit 
               
               
                 100 
                 Database 
               
               
                 102 
                 Network 
               
               
                 104 
                 Remote storage device/database 
               
               
                 106 
                 Operating system 
               
               
                 108 
                 Other code 
               
               
                 110 
                 Data structure 
               
               
                 112 
                 Ellipses 
               
               
                 114 
                 Ellipses 
               
               
                 116 
                 First data object 
               
               
                 118 
                 Identifier 
               
               
                 120 
                 Color 
               
               
                 122 
                 Density 
               
               
                 124 
                 Thickness 
               
               
                 126 
                 Position/Alignment 
               
               
                 128 
                 Consistency 
               
               
                 130 
                 Other 
               
               
                 132 
                 Records 
               
               
                 134 
                 Second data object 
               
               
                 140 
                 Method of programming the control system 
               
               
                 142 
                 Start 
               
               
                 144 
                 Provide a metallic container with a decoration 
               
               
                 146 
                 Sense the decoration 
               
               
                 148 
                 Control system analyzes sensor data 
               
               
                 150 
                 Control system stores sensor data 
               
               
                 152 
                 Repeat 
               
               
                 154 
                 Provide a metallic container with a deficient decoration 
               
               
                 156 
                 Sensor the deficient decoration 
               
               
                 158 
                 Control system identifies deficient decoration 
               
               
                 160 
                 End 
               
               
                 166 
                 Method of determining a cause of a deficient decoration 
               
               
                 168 
                 Start 
               
               
                 170 
                 Receive data from sensor 
               
               
                 172 
                 Determine if the decoration is satisfactory 
               
               
                 174 
                 Determine if an improper amount of ink is transferred 
               
               
                 176 
                 Determine if a defective ink is present 
               
               
                 178 
                 Determine if a defective printing plate or transfer 
               
               
                   
                 blanket is present 
               
               
                 180 
                 Determine if the position or alignment of the 
               
               
                   
                 decoration is improper 
               
               
                 181 
                 Determine if metallic container is damaged 
               
               
                 182 
                 Undetermined deficiency 
               
               
                 184 
                 Optionally remove deficient metallic container 
               
               
                 186 
                 Optionally send an alert 
               
               
                 188 
                 End 
               
               
                 200 
                 Method of automatically adjusting a decorator to 
               
               
                   
                 correct a deficient decoration 
               
               
                 202 
                 Start 
               
               
                 204 
                 Move ink keys to initial position 
               
               
                 206 
                 Transfer ink to axial portions of ink rollers 
               
               
                 208 
                 Transfer ink to printing plates 
               
               
                 210 
                 Transfer ink from printing plates to transfer blankets 
               
               
                 212 
                 Transfer ink from transfer blankets to metallic 
               
               
                   
                 containers 
               
               
                 214 
                 Wait a predetermined period of time 
               
               
                 216 
                 Sense decorations on metallic containers by at least 
               
               
                   
                 one sensor 
               
               
                 218 
                 Determine if decoration is satisfactory 
               
               
                 220 
                 Optionally remove metallic containers with deficient 
               
               
                   
                 decorations 
               
               
                 222 
                 Send alert 
               
               
                 224 
                 Determine whether to continue decoration run 
               
               
                 226 
                 Adjust at least one element of the decorator 
               
               
                 228 
                 Convey decorated metallic containers to downstream 
               
               
                   
                 equipment 
               
               
                 230 
                 Determine if decoration production run should continue 
               
               
                 232 
                 End 
               
               
                 238 
                 Method of operating a decorator 
               
               
                 240 
                 Start 
               
               
                 242 
                 Decorate a metallic container 
               
               
                 244 
                 Receive data from a sensor 
               
               
                 246 
                 Determine if decoration is satisfactory 
               
               
                 248 
                 Determine if deficient decoration is caused by the 
               
               
                   
                 decorator 
               
               
                 250 
                 Send signal to adjust decorator 
               
               
                 252 
                 Determine if deficient decoration is caused by 
               
               
                   
                 upstream equipment 
               
               
                 254 
                 Undetermined deficiency 
               
               
                 256 
                 Send an alert 
               
               
                 258 
                 Determine if production run should continue 
               
               
                 260 
                 End 
               
               
                 262 
                 Method of operating a decorator 
               
               
                 264 
                 Start 
               
               
                 266 
                 Decorate a metallic container 
               
               
                 268 
                 Receive data from a sensor 
               
               
                 270 
                 Determine if the decoration is satisfactory 
               
               
                 272 
                 Determine whether the cause is correctable by 
               
               
                   
                 the control system 
               
               
                 274 
                 Send a signal to make the correction 
               
               
                 276 
                 Send an alert 
               
               
                 278 
                 Determine whether the production run should continue 
               
               
                 280 
                 End 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. Exemplary embodiments are described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic flow diagram of a decorator  2  of the present invention is illustrated. The decorator  2  generally comprises at least one plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , at least one printing plate  6 ,  14  interconnected to each of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , at least one inking assembly  8 ,  16  including an ink roller  10 ,  18  associated with each plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , a blanket cylinder  36 , transfer blankets  38  interconnected to the blanket cylinder  36 , a support element  42 , a control system  46 , a sensor  50 , and, optionally, one or more of a light  51  and an ejector  62 . 
     The ink roller  10 ,  18  of each inking assembly  8 ,  16  is in a predetermined alignment with the plate cylinder  4 ,  12  with which it is associated. The ink rollers  10 ,  18  of each inking assembly  8 ,  16  transfer one color of ink to the printing plates  6 ,  14  of each plate cylinder  4 ,  12 . The first inking assembly  8  transfers a first color or type of ink to the one or more printing plates  6  of the first plate cylinder  4 . Similarly, the second inking assembly  16  transfers a second color or type of ink to the one or more printing plates  14  of the second plate cylinder  12 . It will be appreciated that the decorator  2  may include any number of inking assemblies and plate cylinders to transfer a plurality of inks to blankets  38  of the blanket cylinder  36 . In one embodiment, the decorator  2  includes from two to eleven inking assemblies and associated plate cylinders. In one embodiment, each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  has only one printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the ink rollers  10 ,  18  contact an exterior surface portion of the printing plates  6 ,  14 . Optionally, in another embodiment, the ink rollers  10 ,  18  do not contact the printing plates  6 ,  14 . More specifically, the ink rollers  10 ,  18  transfer ink  26  to one or more intermediate transfer rollers of an ink train  11 ,  19 . The intermediate transfer rollers form a pathway by which ink is transferred from ink rollers  10 ,  18 , to the intermediate transfer rollers of the ink train  11 ,  19 , and then to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . Each ink roller  10 ,  18  may have associated ink train  11 ,  19 . The ink rollers  10 ,  18  contact a first transfer roller in each ink train  11 ,  19 . The printing plates  6 ,  14  contact the final transfer roller of each ink train  11 ,  19 . One of the rollers of each ink train  11 , 19  may be a ductor roller  13 . In one embodiment, the ink rollers  10 ,  18  periodically contact a ductor roller  13 . 
     Any suitable ink train  11 ,  19  may be used with the decorator  2  of the present invention. The intermediate transfer rollers of the ink trains  11 ,  19  may have a variety of different diameters. Although only three intermediate transfer rollers are illustrated in the ink trains  11 ,  19 , one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of intermediate transfer rollers may be included in ink trains  11 ,  19 . One example of an ink train that may be used with the decorator of the present invention is described in U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2017/0008270 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, ink rollers  10 ,  18  rotate in a first direction as the plate cylinders  4 ,  12  rotate in a second opposite direction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a portion of an inking assembly  8 A or  16 A of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The amount of ink  26  transferred by the inking assembly  8 A,  16 A to the one or more printing plates  6 ,  14  associated with each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  may be individually adjusted along a plurality of axial portions  20 A- 20 L of each ink roller  10 ,  18 . More specifically, each inking assembly  8 A,  16 A includes an ink blade  22  that meters ink  26  onto the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, the ink blade  22  is continuous along the length of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Segments  24  of the ink blade  22  correspond to one of the axial portions  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, the ink blade  22 A has a generally planar shape. Portions  24 A- 24 L of the ink blade  22 A may move with respect to corresponding axial portions  20 A- 20 L of ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, portions  24  of the ink blade  22 A may bend in response to a force to move closer to, or away from, an ink roller  10 ,  18 . 
     Alternatively, and referring now to  FIG. 2C , the ink blade  22 B includes blade segments  24  formed by transverse cuts or grooves  25  through the ink blade  22 B. The grooves  25  extend along at least a portion of a width of the ink blade  22 B. The blade segments  24  are individually adjustable with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Each of the blade segments  24 A- 24 L defines a corresponding axial portion  20 A- 20 L of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, the grooves  25  extend through a longitudinal edge of the ink blade  22 B that will be positioned proximate to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2D , in another embodiment, the ink blade  22 C comprises a plurality of individual blade segments  24 A- 24 L. Each blade segment  24 A- 24 L is formed separately from others of the blade segments  24 A- 24 L. In one embodiment, a longitudinal edge  27  of each blade segment  24  is arranged proximate to a longitudinal edge  27  of at least one adjacent blade segment  24 . In one embodiment, each blade segment  24 A- 24 L defines an axial portion  20  of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Each blade segment  24 A- 24 L is individually moveable with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18  and a corresponding axial portion  20 A- 20 L. 
     Optionally, in another embodiment generally illustrated in  FIG. 2E , the ink blade  22 D may comprise a plurality of channels  29 A- 29 L that guide the ink  26  to a corresponding axial portion  20  of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In contrast to other ink blades described herein, in one embodiment, ink blade  22 D is not moveable with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In another embodiment, a pump directs ink  26  to the channels  29 . In one embodiment, the pump can individual control the amount of ink that flows to each of the channels  29 . Optionally, each channel  29 A- 29 L may be associated with an individual pump. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment, an ink key  28 A- 28 L is associated with each one of the blade segments  24 . Each ink key  28  may be individually advanced and withdrawn with respect to the ink blade  22  and a corresponding blade segment  24 . In one embodiment, the position of each ink key  28 A- 28 L may adjusted by an actuator  30 A- 30 L. In one embodiment, the ink blade  22  is flexible. In another embodiment, each individual blade segment  24 A- 24 L is flexible. Accordingly, portions  24 A- 24 L of the ink blade  22  may be positioned in closer proximity with respect to the exterior surface of the ink roller  10 ,  18  or, alternatively, further away from the ink roller  10 ,  18  in response to movement of the ink keys  28 . In one embodiment, the ink blade  22  is biased away from the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In this embodiment, movement of an ink key  28  away from the ink roller  10 ,  18  allows at least a portion of the ink blade  22  proximate to the ink key  28  to move away from the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Optionally, the ink blade  22  is pivotally positioned with respect to a longitudinal axis of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In this manner, the blade segments  24 A- 24 L may pivot with respect to the exterior surface of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Optionally, a cycle rate of a ductor roller  13  of the decorator  2  may be adjusted to alter the amount of ink on the ink roller  10 ,  18  after the ink is applied by segments  24  of the ink blade  22 . In this manner, the control system  46  can alter the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , in one embodiment, by advancing ink key  28 A, a portion  24 A of the ink blade  22  is pushed toward the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In this manner, a gap  32 A between the blade portion  24 A and axial portion  20 A of the ink roller  10 ,  18  is reduced in length. This reduces the amount of ink  26  transferred to axial portion  20 A of the ink roller  10 ,  18  and subsequently to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . Differently stated, the gap  32 A generally defines the density or thickness of ink  26  which is transferred to the ink roller  10 ,  18  and, subsequently, to a metallic container  52 . The density of the ink generally relates to an amount of ink used to form the decoration. When the density of the ink is incorrect, the color of the decoration may be incorrect. For example, background colors may be at least partially visible through the ink of the decoration. In one embodiment, the gap  32  between an ink blade portion  24  and an axial portion  20  of the ink roller  10 ,  18  may vary between approximately 0 inches to about 0.015 inches. In another embodiment, the gap  32  may be up to about 0.02 inches. In another embodiment, the gap may be between about 0.001 inches and about 0.02 inches. In one embodiment, movement of the ink key  28 A is initiated by actuator  30 A. The actuator  30 A may receive a signal from the control system  46  to alter the position of the ink key  28 A to alter the size of the gap  32 . 
     Alternatively, and referring now to  FIG. 3B , by withdrawing ink key  28 B, blade portion  24 B moves away from axial portion  20 B of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In this manner, the gap  32 B is increased in length, increasing the amount of ink  26  transferred to axial portion  20 B of the ink roller  10 ,  18  and subsequently to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3C, 3D , in one optional embodiment of the present invention, individual segments  24  of ink blade  22 C may be moved axially with respect to an axis of rotation of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . For example, in one embodiment, blade segment  24 F may be moved axially with respect to blade segments  24 E,  24 G. Optionally, at least a portion of blade segment  24 F may overlap one of blade segments  24 E,  24 G, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 3D . It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that all of the blade segments  24  may be repositioned axially in the same or a similar manner. Further, each of the blade segments  24  may be moved radially with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18  as previously described. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-10  an inking assembly  8 B,  16 B in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. Inking assembly  8 B,  16 B is similar to the inking assembly  8 A,  16 A described in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-3  and operates in a similar manner. Notably, inking assembly  8 B,  16 B includes individual ink blades  21  that move generally linearly with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Each of the ink blades  21  is individually positionable with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . Although six ink blades  21 A- 21 F are illustrated, the inking assembly may have any number of individual ink blades  21 . In one embodiment, inking assembly  8 B,  16 B includes from two to twelve ink blades  21 . In another embodiment, the inking assembly includes four to eight ink blades. In one embodiment, each ink blade  21  has a width of up to about 0.5 inches. In another embodiment, each ink blade  21  has a width of up to about 1.5 inches. However, other dimensions are contemplated. Accordingly, in one embodiment, each ink blade regulates the flow of ink to a corresponding axial portion  20  of the ink roller  10 ,  18  having a width of up to about 0.5 inches, or, in another embodiment, up to about 1.5 inches. 
     The inking assembly  8 B,  16 B generally includes a casting  68 , a mounting plate  70 , pivot blocks  72 A,  72 B that support the ink roller  10 , 18 , sidewalls  74 A,  74 B, a top plate  76 , an ink bar  78 , a back plate  79 , the ink blades  21 , and actuators  30 . The ink bar  78 , top plate  76 , sidewalls  74 , ink blades  21 , and ink roller  10 ,  18  define a reservoir  34  for ink that will be transferred to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, a portion of the sidewalls  74  proximate to the ink roller  10 ,  18  is shaped to fit at least partially around the ink roller. 
     The actuator  30  is mounted to the inking assembly  8 B,  16 B a predetermined distance from the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, the actuator  30  is mounted to the inking assembly  8 B,  16 B at the back plate  79 . However, other arrangements of the actuator  30  are contemplated. The actuator  30  can adjust the position of the ink blade  21  with respect to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, each actuator  30  is interconnected to an ink blade  21  by a shaft  31 . In another embodiment, the actuator  30  is in communication with the control system  46 . Accordingly, in response to a signal from the control system  46 , the actuator  30  converts electrical energy into a mechanical force to adjust the position of an associated ink blade  21 . The actuator  30  may be comprised of a solenoid or other similar devices known to those of skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment, each shaft  31  is selectively receivable by an associated ink blade  21 . Accordingly, the distance between the ink blade  21  and the actuator  30  is adjustable by the actuator. Optionally, the shaft  31  includes threads  33  which are received by an end of the ink blade  21  proximate to the actuator  30 . In one embodiment, each ink blade  21  includes a bore with internal threads to engage the shaft threads  33 . 
     In one embodiment, an edge portion  35  of each ink blade  21  proximate to the ink roller  10 ,  18  is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . The edge portion  35  is defined by a longitudinal portion, or upper surface, and an end portion extending from the longitudinal portion In one embodiment, the longitudinal portion defines a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ink blade. In another embodiment, the end portion is generally perpendicular to the shaft  31 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal portion and the end portion have shapes that are substantially planar. Optionally the end portion extends from the longitudinal portion at an angle of between about 80° and about 100°. In one embodiment, the end portion is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal portion. Optionally, in another embodiment, the end portion is interconnected to the longitudinal portion at an angle that is not orthogonal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A , in one embodiment, actuator  30 A can rotate the shaft  31 A in a first direction. Because the actuator  30 A and shaft  31 A are mounted a fixed distance from the ink roller  10 ,  18 , rotating the shaft  31 A in the first direction causes the ink blade  21 A to move toward the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In this manner, a gap  32 A between the edge portion  35  of ink blade  21 A and axial portion  20 A of the ink roller  10 ,  18  is reduced in length. This reduces the amount of ink  26  transferred to axial portion  20 A of the ink roller  10 ,  18  and to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . More specifically, the gap  32 A generally defines the density or thickness of ink  26  which is transferred to the ink roller  10 ,  18  and, subsequently, to an undecorated metallic container  52 . In one embodiment, the blade edge portion  35  may be moved into contact with axial portion  20 A of ink roller  10 ,  18  such that the gap  32 A is closed. Thus, the ink blade  21 A may prevent the flow of ink to axial portion  20 A. In one embodiment, the gap  32  between an ink blade  21  and an axial portion  20  of the ink roller may vary between approximately 0 inches to about 0.015 inches. In another embodiment, the gap  32  may be up to about 0.02 inches. In another embodiment, the gap may be between about 0.001 inches and about 0.02 inches. In one embodiment, movement of the ink blade  21 A is initiated by actuator  30 A. The actuator  30 A may receive a signal from the control system  46  to alter the portion of the ink key  28 A to alter the size of the gap  32 . 
     Similarly, and referring now to  FIG. 10B , by rotating the shaft  31 B in a second direction, actuator  30 B causes the shaft  31 B to move the ink blade  21 B away from the ink roller  10 ,  18 . This increases the length of the gap  32 B between the ink roller  10 ,  18  and the edge portion  35  of ink blade  21 B. This movement of the ink blade  21 B correspondingly increases the amount of ink transferred to axial portion  20 B as well as the density (or thickness) of ink transferred to the metallic container  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an angle and/or a rotation detection sensor may be utilized. For example, in one embodiment, a potentiometer  80  may optionally be associated with each actuator  30  or ink blade  21 . The potentiometer  80  is operable determine movement of the ink blade  21 . In one embodiment, the potentiometer  80  is operable to sense movement of the shaft  31 . The potentiometer  80  may transmit the amount and direction of shaft movement to the control system  46 . For example, the potentiometer  80  may transmit a signal, such as a voltage, indicative of an amount and direction of movement of shaft  31  to the control system  46 . The control system  46  can use the information received from the potentiometer  80  to determine the position of the ink blade  21  in relation to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment, the potentiometer  80  is operable to sense rotational movement of the shaft  31  and differentiate between rotation in the first and second directions. In one embodiment, the potentiometer  80  is interconnected to the shaft  31 . Optionally, the potentiometer  80  and the shaft  21  may include gears with intermeshing teeth. Alternatively, or in addition, other sensors may be utilized to detect movement of the shaft  31 . That is, one or more rotation and/or angle sensor  80  may utilize or otherwise include a Hall effect sensor, one or more rotary encoders including but not limited to mechanical, conductive, and optical rotary encoders, non-contact imaging systems, and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , more than two colors or types of ink  26  may be used with the decorator  2  if additional plate cylinders are provided. For example, although only two plate cylinders  4 ,  12  are illustrated, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the decorator  2  may include any number of plate cylinders  4 ,  12 . In one embodiment, the decorator  2  includes from two to eight plate cylinders  4 ,  12  that each receive a different color, or a different type, of ink from an associated inking assembly  8 ,  16 . 
     Optionally, one or more of the printing plates  6 ,  14  may have an image formed on an exterior surface. Additionally, although individual printing plates  6 ,  14  are illustrated interconnected to the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , a single sleeve or cylinder that wraps around a circumference of each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  may also be used with the decorator  2  of the present invention. 
     Each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  is in a predetermined alignment with respect to the blanket cylinder  36  and the transfer blankets  38  interconnected thereto. Accordingly, as the blanket cylinder  36  rotates, a transfer blanket  38  is rotated into contact with a first printing plate  6  of the first plate cylinder  4 . The first printing plate  6  transfers at least some of the first ink  26 A to an exterior surface portion  40  of the transfer blanket  38 . As the blanket cylinder  36  continues rotating, the transfer blanket  38  is rotated into contact with a second printing plate  14  of the second plate cylinder  12 . The second printing plate  14  transfers at least some of the second ink  26 B to the exterior surface portion  40  of the transfer blanket  38 . Optionally, a single continuous transfer blanket may be positioned around the circumference of the blanket cylinder  36 . In one embodiment, the blanket cylinder  36  rotates in the first direction. 
     After the transfer blanket  38  has received first and second inks  26 A,  26 B from a printing plate  6 ,  14  of each plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , the exterior surface portion  40  of the transfer blanket  38  is rotated into contact with an exterior surface  56  of an undecorated metallic container  52 . The transfer blanket  38  transfers at least some of the first and second inks to the exterior surface  56  of the metallic container  52 . In this manner, a decoration  58  is formed on the container exterior surface  56 . It will be appreciated that the decoration may comprise any combination of images, text, numbers, and symbols. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the cylindrical exterior surface  56  of metallic container  54  includes cylindrical portions  57  that correspond to the axial portions  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18  of the ink assemblies  8 ,  16 . Accordingly, for a decorator  2  that includes ink rollers  10 ,  18  with six axial portions  20 A- 20 F defined by six portions  24 A- 24 F of ink blade  22  (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) or by six individual ink blades  21 A- 21 F (such as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ), the metallic container  54  includes six corresponding cylindrical portions  57 A- 57 F. The amount of first ink  26 A transferred to the cylindrical portions  57 A- 57 F by the printing plates  6  affixed to first plate cylinder  4  is controlled by adjusting the ink blades  21  or portions  24  of ink blade  22  relative to axial portions  20 A- 20 F of the first ink roller  10 . Similarly, the quantity of second ink  26 B transferred to the metallic container  54  by the printing plates  14  of the second plate cylinder  12  can be adjusted by altering the gaps  32  (illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 10 ) between the ink blades  21  or portions of ink blade  22  and the axial portions  20 A- 20 F of the second ink roller  18 . 
     As generally illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the metallic container  54  may have two or more different decorations  58 A,  58 B. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the decoration  58 A,  58 B may include different types or colors of ink. For example, in one embodiment, decoration  58 A is formed by first ink  26 A of the first inking assembly  8 . Similarly, decoration  58 B may be formed by second ink  26 B of the second inking assembly  16 . Further, each decoration  58 A,  58 B may include portions of other inks. Accordingly, in one embodiment, numerals  58 C of decoration  58 B may be formed of an ink different than the second ink  26 B. For example, in one embodiment, decoration portion  58 C is formed of the first ink  26 A of the first inking assembly  8 . Alternatively, decoration portion  58 C may be formed by a different third ink of another inking assembly of the decorator  2 . 
     In one embodiment, a support element  42  receives an undecorated metallic container  52  from upstream equipment  64 . The metallic container  52  may be a beverage container, such as a beverage can, a beverage bottle, an aerosol container, or a container for any other type of product. In one embodiment, the metallic container  52  includes a base-coat, such as, but not limited to, a white base-coat. Alternatively, the metallic container does not have a base-coat. 
     The upstream equipment  64  may comprise a draw and iron production line or an impact extrusion production line. An example of a known draw and iron metallic container production line is generally illustrated and described in “Inside a Ball Beverage Can Plant,” available at http://www.ball.com/Ball/media/Ball/Global/Downloads/How_a_Ball_Metal_Beverage_Can_Is_Made.pdf?ext=.pdf (last visited Apr. 30, 2016) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The upstream equipment  64  may generally include a cupper, one or more bodymakers to form cups into containers, trimmers which cut the containers to a uniform height, washers that clean the containers, and ovens which dry the containers. Metallic containers  56  are transported from the upstream equipment  64  to the decorator  2  in random order. Methods and apparatus of forming metallic containers in an impact extrusion production line are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0068352 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0298641 which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     Optionally, an undecorated metallic container  52  can be received from a pallet. For example, in one embodiment, a metallic container  52  is manufactured at a location separate from the decorator  2  and transported to the decorator. In another embodiment, the metallic container  52  is received from storage regardless of the location of manufacture. 
     In one embodiment, the upstream equipment  64  includes at least one sensor. The sensor may be the same as, or similar to, sensor  50 . Accordingly, in one embodiment the control system  46  may receive data collected or obtained by a sensor of the upstream equipment  64  related to the exterior surface  56  of metallic containers  52  before the metallic containers  52  reach the support element  42 . 
     The support element  42  moves the metallic container  52  into contact with a transfer blanket  38 . In one embodiment, the support element  42  includes a plurality of stations  44  to receive and support metallic containers  52  in a predetermined position with respect to the blanket cylinder  36 . Optionally, a sensor  50  may be associated with the support element  42 . The sensor may obtain data on a position or orientation of a metallic contain  52  supported by a station  44 . The sensor  50  may provide the data to the control system  46 . In this manner, the control system  46  can determine if the metallic container  52  is in a predetermine orientation or alignment with respect to a transfer blanket  38  of the transfer cylinder  36 . In one embodiment, the stations  44  comprise recesses to receive a portion of a metallic container. Alternatively, another embodiment, the stations may comprise mandrels projecting from the support element  42 . A portion of each mandrel is configured to project at least partially through an open end into a hollow interior of a metallic container  52 . One example of a support element  42  that may be used with the decorator  2  of the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,452,600 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Returning again to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, one or more inking assemblies  8 ,  16  may move in response to a signal received from the control system  46 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , or at least the ink roller  10 ,  18 , may move to alter the alignment of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and/or the ink rollers  10 ,  18  with respect to the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 . In one embodiment, the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and the ink rollers  10 ,  18  may move in a plurality of directions. Optionally, the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and/or the ink roller  10 ,  18  may move in one or more of: (1) an axial or “z-direction” (substantially perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 1 ); (2) a lateral or “x-direction” (substantially perpendicular to the axial direction); and (3) a vertical or “y-direction” (substantially perpendicular to each of the axial direction and the lateral direction). In one or more embodiments, each of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and/or the ink roller  10 ,  18  may move, or otherwise pivot, about a rotational axis. In one embodiment, one or more actuators are associated with each of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and/or the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . Each of the actuators is operable to move an associated inking assembly or ink roller in one or more of the x, y, and z directions in response to a signal from the control system  46 . In this manner, the control system  46  may send a signal to an actuator associated with the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  and/or the ink rollers  10 ,  18  to alter one or more of a position and an alignment of ink transferred from the ink rollers to the printing plates  6 . 
     In another embodiment, one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  may move in response to a signal from the control system  46 . For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  may be interconnected to actuators. In response to a signal from the control system  46 , the actuators may move at least one of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  in a plurality of directions. In one embodiment, one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  may move in at least one of an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction in response to a force received from an actuator. Accordingly, when the control system  46  determines a position or alignment of a decoration is deficient, the control system  46  may adjust the positions of one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  in a plurality of specific directions. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator to alter movement of the ductor roller  13 . Specifically, the dwell time of the ductor roller  13  can be altered by the control system. The dwell time is the period of time the ductor roller contacts an associated ink roller  10 ,  18 . 
     The actuators associated with the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the ink rollers  10 ,  18 , the ductor rollers  13 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  (which are not illustrated in  FIG. 1  for clarity) may be the same as, or similar to, actuators  30 . Further, one or more potentiometers may be associated with each of the actuators. The potentiometers, or rotation sensors, may send data to the control system  46  such that the control system  46  may determine the relative positions of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the ink rollers  10   18 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42 . 
     After the metallic containers  54  are decorated by the decorator  2 , the sensor  50  collects data on the decoration  58 . The sensor  50  is positioned to sense the entire cylindrical surface  56  of the metallic container  54 . In one embodiment, the sensor  50  senses the decorated metallic containers  54  while the containers are associated with the support element  42 . Alternatively, the decorated metallic containers  54  are transported, for example, by a conveyor  48 , to the sensor  50 . Any suitable conveyor  48  may be used with the decorator  2  of the present invention. In one embodiment, the conveyor  48  comprises a belt. In another embodiment, the conveyor  48  is a pin chain. Examples of pin chains that can be used with the decorator are described in U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2012/0216689 and U.S. Patent App. Pub. 2017/0334659 which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The cycle rates of the support element  42  and the conveyor  48  may be controlled by the control system  46 . 
     Optionally, in one embodiment, the metallic containers  54  are sequentially transported by the conveyor  48  to the sensor  50 . For example, when the conveyor  48  is a pin chain, the metallic containers  54  are transported to the sensor  50  in the order in which they were decorated. In one embodiment, each metallic container  54  coming out of the decorator is counted. Additionally, in one embodiment, a pin or holder of the pin chain conveyor  48  may be associated with a specific transfer blanket  38 . In one embodiment, the number of pins or holders on the conveyor is a multiple of the number of blankets on the blanket cylinder  36 . In this manner, a decoration  58  on a metallic container  54  may be traced to a specific blanket  38  of the decorator. After the metallic containers  54  are transported downstream from the sensor  58  (or sensor  58 A), the metallic containers  54  are placed on a master conveyor when the order in which they were decorated become mixed up. 
     Optionally, pins of the chain conveyor  48  and/or the blankets  38  may include tags or sensors. For example, each pin of the conveyor  48  may include an RFID tag or the like. Additionally, each blanket  38  may also include a tag, such as an RFID. In this manner, a particular pin of the conveyor  48  may be associated with a blanket  38  which has decorated a metallic container  54  when the pin receives the metallic container  54  from the support element  42 . When the pin transports the metallic container  54  to the sensor  49 ,  50 , can read the RFID of the pin to identify which blanket  38  contacted the metallic container  54 . 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  50  is positioned such that the sensor  50  collects data on the metallic container  54  while the ink  26  forming the decoration  58  is wet. Specifically, in one embodiment, the sensor is positioned upstream from equipment  66  such as a pin oven which subsequently cures the ink. 
     Optionally, one or more operations may be performed on the metallic containers  54  after the metallic containers  54  receive the decoration  58  and before the metallic containers  54  are sensed by the sensor  50 . More specifically, the metallic contains  54  may be cured by a pin oven, illustrated as downstream equipment  66 . Accordingly, there may be a predetermined lag time from when the decoration  58  is formed on a container  54  to when the metallic container  54  is sensed by the sensor  50 . Thus, although the sensor  50  is generally illustrated upstream from downstream equipment  66  in  FIG. 1 , the sensor  50 A may be positioned downstream of at least some of equipment  66 . For example, in one embodiment, after leaving the support element  42 , the metallic containers  54  are transported to one or more of a tester, a cleaner, and an oven. Sensor  50 A collects data on the metallic container  54  once the ink  26  forming the decoration  58  is dry, or cured. 
     A predetermined period of time may elapse after a metallic container  54  receives a decoration  58  before the sensor  50 A senses the container cylindrical surface  56 . Thus, the sensor  50 A and the control system  46  must account for and adjust to the lag time which occurs after making adjustments to the decorator  2  before a metallic container with a decoration formed after the adjustments reaches the sensor  50 A. In one embodiment, between approximately 100 decorated metallic containers  54  and about 500 decorated metallic containers  54  are arranged on the conveyor  48  between the support element  42  and sensor  50 A depending on the length of the conveyor. In another embodiment, between about 350 and about 500 containers are between the support element and sensor  50 A. In still another embodiment, about 400 metallic containers are being transported by the conveyor  48  between the support element  42  and the sensor  50 A. Regardless, the number of containers between the support element  42  and the sensor  50 A is known and can be accounted for by the control system  46 . 
     The sensor  50  is positioned to sense the exterior surface  56  of the metallic container  54 . The sensor  50  sends data related to the decoration  58  of each metallic container  54  to the control system  46 . More specifically, the sensor  50  gathers data about the decoration  58  on the metallic container  54 . The control system  46  uses data gathered by the sensor  50  to determine if any defects are present in the decoration  58 . For example, the sensor  50  can collect or obtain data related to a color, a density, a depth, a consistency, an alignment of the decoration  58 . Optionally, the metallic container  54  may be substantially stationary when the sensor  50  collects data on the decoration  58 . 
     The sensor  50  is different than sensors used to evaluate images formed on flat substrates, such as paper or a continuous web. Specifically, the sensor  50  must collect data on approximately 1,800 containers per minute. Additionally, the shape of the metallic containers requires a sensor  50  which is different compared to known sensors associated with continuous web decorators. The sensor  50  must be able to quickly collect data on a curved, cylindrical surface  56  of a metallic container. Accordingly, the sensor  50  must obtain data across the arcuate surface. Because of the arcuate or cylindrical surface  56  of the container, portions of the container are different distances from the sensor  50 . 
     Some decorations  58  do not completely cover the cylindrical surface  56  leaving bare metal of the metallic container visible. The bare metal complicates data collection by the sensor  50  as the bare metal may be reflective or shiny. The ink  26  is not absorbed by metallic container  54  which is also different than decorators of paper products, such as a continuous web of paper. Some inks (or colors of ink) do not completely cover the metal of the metallic container  54  such that the metallic material of the cylindrical surface  56  shines through the ink, adding to the difficulty of collecting data on the decoration by the sensors  49 ,  50 . In one embodiment, the sensors emit energy and collect data related to reflections of the energy received from the metallic container. For example, in one embodiment, the sensors emit sound or light and record reflections of sound or light received from the cylindrical surface  56 . In one embodiment, the sensor  50  is a laser. Optionally, ultrasonic or infrared sensors may be used to collect data on the decorations  58 . 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  50  comprises an optical or visual sensor. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor  50  comprises a camera. The camera may be a high-speed camera. In yet another embodiment the sensor  50  comprises a laser. In still another embodiment, the sensor  50  comprises a hyperspectral imager. In one embodiment, the sensor  50  can collect data in three-dimensions. In one embodiment, one or more of the optics, resolution, magnification, and shutter of the camera are controlled by the control system  46 . In one embodiment, the sensor  50  is operable to sense up to about 700 metallic containers per minute. In another embodiment, the sensor  50  is operable to sense up to about 2,000 metallic containers per minute. 
     The sensor is operable to detect and measure one or more characteristics of a metallic container  54  and a decoration  58 . In one embodiment, the sensor  50  is operable to measure one or more colors of the inks  26  forming a decoration  58 . The sensor  50  or the control system  46  can subsequently describe the color as a number according to one or more color space standards. Color space standards provide different means of measuring or characterizing colors. The color space standard may be one described by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). Optionally, the sensor  50  can characterize the decoration  58  in one or more of an L*a*b* (or “CIELAB”) color space, an L*u*v* (or “CIELUV”) color space, an RGB (or “CIE RGB”) color space, an XYZ (or “CIE XYZ”) color space, a CMYK (or “CMY”) color model, a HSI color model, a LCh (or “CIELCh”) color space, and a user specified color space. In one embodiment, the sensor  50  can measure the density of a decoration  58 . In another embodiment, the sensor  50  can measure a variation or distance between an target color of a decoration (such as a target value for a color in one of the color spaces) and a color of an ink of a decoration on a metallic container  54 . Optionally, the color variation may be expressed in CIE ΔE (or “Delta E”) by the sensor. 
     In one embodiment, one or more targets  59  on the container exterior surface  56  are selected for sensing by the sensor  50 . The targets  59  may be selected by the control system  46 . Additionally, or alternatively, the targets  59  may be set by an operator of the decorator  2 . In one embodiment, the targets  59  are determined at least in part by the decoration  58  to be applied to the metallic container  54 . More specifically, the targets  59  may be selected based on locations where one or more inks  26  are to be positioned on the exterior surface  56 . Additionally, targets  59  may also be selected for locations where no ink is to be applied to the exterior surface  56 . Accordingly, a target  59  may vary from a first decoration run to a second decoration run. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the one or more targets  59  may be located in a variety of predetermined locations on the container exterior surface  56 . In this manner, the sensor  50  will collect data related to ink  26  applied by each inking assembly  8 ,  16 . In one embodiment, at least one target  59  is associated with an ink  26  of each inking assembly  8 ,  16 . In one embodiment, a target  59  is associated with each of the ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22  for each inking assembly. In this manner, a target  59  will be associated with each ink blade  21  or blade segment  24  of the decorator. Accordingly, there will be a target  59  for each ink blade or blade segment for each ink  26  used by the decorator  2 . 
     For example, for a decorator  2  with between four to eight inking assemblies which each have between five to ten ink blades  21  or segments of ink blade  22 , the sensor  50  may collect data on approximately 20 to 80 targets  59 . Specifically, if the decorator has four inking assemblies which each have five ink blades, at least 20 targets will be selected on the container exterior surface. In this manner, the control system  46  will almost continuously receive data related to the quality, thickness, and positioning of ink  26  applied by each ink blade  21  and each segment  24  of an ink blade  22  of each inking assembly  8 ,  16 . 
     Optionally, at least one illumination source or light  51  can be associated with the sensor  50 . In one embodiment, the light  51  is operable to provide a strobe illumination such that an associated sensor  50  may obtain data from moving metallic containers  54 . The operation of the light  51  may be controlled by the control system  46 . In this manner, illumination generated by the light  51  is timed with data collection of the sensor  50 . In one embodiment, the light  51  comprises at least one of an incandescent lamp, an LED, a high intensity light, a laser, a fluorescent light, a xenon flash tube, and an arc discharge lamp. The light  51  is selected to generate illumination of a predetermined wavelength based on the requirements of the sensor  50 . 
     In one embodiment, the light  51  is aligned generally parallel to a boresight of the sensor, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, one or more diffusers and lenses are associated with the light  51 . In one embodiment, the diffusers and lenses are aligned such that illumination generated by the light  51  is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the metallic containers  54 . In one embodiment, the diffuser has a width which is about equal to the height of the metallic containers. Accordingly, the light  51  can illuminate one or more portions of the exterior surface  56  of the metallic containers  54 . 
     Optionally, one or more angles of illumination may be provided by the at least one light. In another embodiment, the light  51  includes two or more lights arranged at different angles with respect to the metallic container  54 . For example, in one embodiment, a first light  51  may be positioned at an angle of about 90° above a portion of the metallic container  54  to be sensed by the sensor  50 . In another embodiment, a second light  51  is positioned at an angle of between about 10° and about 90° or between about 1° and about 10° with respect to the portion of the metallic container  54  to be sensed. Accordingly, the angle of the light  51  with respect to the metallic container  54  may be selected such that the decoration  58 , which may include a variety of surfaces or inks extending different heights from the cylindrical surface  56  of the metallic container  54 , reflect light differently than other portions of the exterior surface  56  of the metallic container  54 . 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  50  can sense the entire exterior surface  56  of the metallic container. In contrast, some prior art decorators for decorating continuous webs or substrates include a sensor that can only sense a portion of the width (known as a “swath”) of the continuous web between a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge of the web. The prior art sensor may move periodically from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge of the web. However, at any given time, the sensor may only sense a portion of the width of the web. Accordingly, when sensing a first swath, the prior art sensor may not detect a printing error or deficiency in a second swath. 
     Processing and image correction techniques may be required due the curved or arcuate shape of the cylindrical exterior surface  56  of the metallic container. More specifically, the sensor  50  is required to collect data (or create an image) of a curved exterior surface. After the sensor  50  collects data on each metallic container, the data is sent to the control system. The control system  46  stiches together multiple images of each metallic container to form a composite image of the cylindrical exterior surface  56  and decoration  58  of each metallic container  54 . 
     In another embodiment, the sensor  50  is substantially stationary during sensing of the metallic container  54 . Accordingly, data (such as images) collected by the sensor  50  may not include distortions caused by movement of the sensor. Optionally, the metallic container  54  rotates around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container during sensing by the sensor  50 . Accordingly, additional processing techniques may be required to correct distortion in images obtained by a sensor  50  due in part to the rotation or movement of the metallic container  54 . In contrast, some sensors or cameras of prior art continuous web decorators move laterally across a width of the web. The movements of the camera may decrease the accuracy of images captured by the camera. Further, in some prior art web decorators, the camera and the web are both moving during image collection by the camera. This simultaneous movement may cause further distortions in images collected by the camera. The simultaneous movement also adds complexity to controlling the camera and to identifying causes of decoration deficiencies as well as corrections required to fix deficiencies. 
     Optionally, the metallic containers  54  move substantially continuously with respect to the sensor  50 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the metallic containers  54  move laterally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the metallic containers as the sensor  50  senses the exterior surface  56  of the metallic containers. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the metallic containers  54  are substantially stationary with respect to the sensor  50  during sensing of the metallic container. 
     Although only one sensor  50  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that any number of sensors  50  may be used with the decorator  2  of the present invention. Accordingly, and referring now to  FIG. 1A , another decorator  2 A of the present invention is generally illustrated. Decorator  2 A includes one or more plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , ink rollers  10 ,  18 , ink trains  11 ,  19 , a blanket cylinder  36 , support cylinder  42 , sensor  50 , and an ejector  62  that are the same as, or similar to those of decorator  2 . Notably, decorator  2 A includes a plurality of optional sensors  49 . The sensors  49  may be the same as, or similar to sensor  50 . Additionally, the sensors  49  may provide data to control system  46 . A light  51  may be associated with one or more of the sensors  49 . 
     In one embodiment, a sensor  49 A is positioned to collect data on an exterior surface  56  of an undecorated container before the undecorated container is received by the support element  42 . The control system  46  may use data from sensor  49 A to determine if the exterior surface  56  of the container  52  includes any deficiencies or abnormalities. For example, the control system  46  can determine that a container  52  is damaged (e.g., scratched, dented, bent at the like) or has a shape that is out of specification (such as an improper height or diameter). 
     Another sensor  49 B may be arranged to collect data, and/or images, on the printing plates  6  of the first plate cylinder  4 . Similarly, optional sensor  49 C may be positioned to collect data on the printing plates  14  of the second plate cylinder  12 . In one embodiment, the sensors  49 B,  49 C collect data related to the inks transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14  by the respect inking assemblies  8 ,  16 . In this manner, the control system  46  may determine ink is improperly transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . For example, in one embodiment, the control system  46  may determine that an inappropriate amount of ink is being transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14  or to a portion of the printing plates. In another, the control system  46  may use the data from sensors  49 B,  49 C to determine the ink is being applied to inappropriate portions of the printing plates. In yet another embodiment, the sensor data from the sensors  49 B,  49 C may indicate that an inappropriate type or color of ink is being applied by one or more of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 . The control system  46  may also determine that the ink  26  applied by one of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  is defective based on data received from one or more of the sensors  49 B,  49 C. In still another embodiment, the control system  46  may determine, using data from the sensors  49 B,  49 C, that one or more of the printing plates  6 ,  14  is not properly aligned on a respective plate cylinder  4 ,  12 . 
     In one embodiment, another sensor  49 D may be positioned to collect data from the transfer blankets  38  on the blanket cylinder  36 . Using data from sensor  49 D, the control system  46  may determine that one or more of the inks  26  transferred to the transfer blankets  38  by the printing plates  6 ,  14  is not properly aligned. The control system  46  may also determine that a decoration formed on the transfer blankets  38  by the inks is defective. For example, the control system may determine that one or more target parameters associated with a decoration are deficient while the ink is on a transfer blanket  38 . In one embodiment, using data received from sensor  49 D, the control system  46  can determine one or more of color, density, depth, alignment, and consistency of ink on a transfer blanket  38  do not comply with decoration parameters. 
     In another embodiment, the decorator may also include a sensor  49 E positioned downstream from ejector  62 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  may compare data received from sensor  49 E to data received from sensor  50 . In this manner, the control system  46  may determine if a decoration on a metallic container  54  has changed after the metallic container was sensed by sensor  50 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  may determine that a decoration formed on a metallic container  54  has been damaged during transport by conveyor  48 . For example, a decoration may be scratched or otherwise marred during transport after moving downstream from sensor  50 . 
     In one embodiment, the decorator  2  includes three to five sensors  50  arranged around the longitudinal axis of the metallic containers  54 . In this manner, the cylindrical body  56  of the metallic container  54  may be sensed in one operation. Said differently, the three to five sensors  54  are positioned to sense the cylindrical body  56  substantially simultaneously. Data or images for each metallic container  54  collected by the three to five sensors  54  may be stitched together to form a composite image of the cylindrical exterior surface  56  and decoration  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12A , in one embodiment, the decorator  2  includes three sensors  50 A,  50 B,  50 C that each sense at least about one-third of the cylindrical body  56 . The sensors  50 A- 50 C are substantially evenly spaced around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container  54 . Three images of each metallic container taken by the sensors  50 A- 50 C are subsequently stitched together to form a single composite image of each metallic container. The container longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 12A . In another embodiment, generally illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the decorator  2  includes four sensors  50 A,  50 B,  50 C,  50 D that each sense at least about one-fourth of the cylindrical body  56 . Similar to  FIG. 12A , the sensors  50 A- 50 D are substantially evenly arranged around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container  54 . Optionally, and referring now to  FIG. 12C , in one embodiment, five sensors  50 A- 50 E of the decorator  2  each sense at least about one-fifth of the cylindrical body  56 , with the five sensors being substantially evenly positioned around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container  54 . Data from the three to five sensors  50 A- 50 E can be stitched together to form a composite image of the cylindrical body  56 . In one embodiment, the composite image can include a predetermined portion, or the entire circumference, of the cylindrical body  56 . 
     In one embodiment, the three to five sensors  50 A- 50 E are positioned to sense the metallic containers upstream of equipment  66  such that the ink  26  is wet. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensors  50 A- 50 E can be positioned downstream of an oven or curer (such as downstream equipment  66 ) and the ink  26  forming the decoration  58  will be dry. 
     The three to five sensors  50 A- 50 C are also a predetermined distance from the metallic container. In one embodiment, the metallic container  54  is positioned on a pin of a pin chain conveyor  48 . Accordingly, the sensors  50 A- 50 C can be positioned such that they do not impede movement of the conveyor  48  or contact the metallic container. 
     The one to five sensors  50  may each collect or obtain the same types of information. Such information obtained from the sensors may be in the form of an image; accordingly, the images may be processed and analyzed in order to obtain color, ink density, alignment, depth, and/or consistency of a decoration. In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one sensor  50  senses a different type of information than another one of the one to five sensors. For example, in one embodiment, a first sensor may collect a first type of data related to the decoration  58  and a second sensor of a different type may collect a second type of data related to the decoration  58 . Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, a first sensor collects data about the color of the decoration, a second sensor collects data about the density of the decoration, a third sensor collects data about the alignment of the decoration, a fourth sensor collects data about a depth of the decoration, and a fifth sensor collects data about the consistency (or uniformity) of the decoration. In another embodiment, each sensor  50  is operable to sense colors including at least red, green, and blue. In yet another embodiment, each sensor  50  is operable to sense variations or gradation in colors within each cylindrical portion  57  of a metallic container. In still another embodiment, the sensors  50  are operable to distinguish a density of an ink or a color of an ink in a first cylindrical portion  57  from a density or color of an ink in a second cylindrical portion  57 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a control system  46  of one embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. More specifically,  FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a control system  46  of the present invention operable to determine and correct an abnormality in a decoration applied to an exterior surface of a metallic container by a decorator  2 . The control system  46  is generally illustrated with hardware elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus  82 . The hardware elements may include one or more central processing units (CPUs)  84 ; one or more input devices  86  (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.); and one or more output devices  88  (e.g., a display device, a printer, etc.). The control system  46  may also include one or more storage devices  90 . In one embodiment, the storage device(s)  90  may be disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state storage device such as a random access memory (“RAM”) and/or a read-only memory (“ROM”), which can be programmable, flash-updateable and/or the like. 
     The control system  46  may additionally include one or more of a computer-readable storage media reader  92 ; a communications system  94  (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infra-red communication device, etc.); and working memory  96 , which may include RAM and ROM devices as described above. In some embodiments, the control system  46  may also include a processing acceleration unit  98 , which can include a DSP, a special-purpose processor and/or the like. Optionally, the control system  46  also includes a database  100 . 
     The computer-readable storage media reader  92  can further be connected to a computer-readable storage medium, together (and, optionally, in combination with storage device(s)  90 ) comprehensively representing remote, local, fixed, and/or removable storage devices plus storage media for temporarily and/or more permanently containing computer-readable information. The communications system  94  may permit data to be exchanged with a network  102  and/or any other data-processing. Optionally, the control unit  46  may access data stored in a remote storage device, such as database  104  by connection to the network  102 . In one embodiment, the network  102  may be the internet. 
     The control system  46  may also comprise software elements, shown as being currently located within the working memory  96 . The software elements may include an operating system  106  and/or other code  108 , such as program code implementing one or more methods and aspects of the present invention. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that alternate embodiments of the control system  46  may have numerous variations from that described above. For example, customized hardware might also be used and/or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets), or both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as network input/output devices may be employed. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  is a personal computer, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer running the MS Windows operating system. Optionally, the control system  46  may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and similar computing devices. In one embodiment, the control system  46  is a data processing system which includes one or more of, but is not limited to: at least one input device (e.g. a keyboard, mouse, or touch-screen); at an output device (e.g. a display, a speaker); a graphics card; a communication device (e.g. an Ethernet card or wireless communication device); permanent memory (such as a hard drive); temporary memory (for example, random access memory); computer instructions stored in the permanent memory and/or the temporary memory, and a processor. The control system  46  may be any programmable logic controller (PLC). One example of a suitable PLC is a Controllogix PLC produced by Rockwell Automation, Inc., although other PLCs are contemplated for use with embodiments of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  is in communication with one or more of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , ductor rollers  13 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , actuators  30 , potentiometers  80 , the blanket cylinder  36 , the support element  42 , the sensors  49 ,  50 , the light  51 , the conveyor  48 , the ejector  62 , the upstream equipment  64  and the downstream equipment  66 . Accordingly, the control system  46  receives data from the sensors  49 ,  50  related to undecorated metallic containers  52 , decorated metallic containers  54 , the printing plates, and the transfer blankets  40 . Using the data, the control system  46  can determine if the decoration  58  is deficient or satisfactory. More specifically, the control system  46  can determine if the decoration  58  at least meets targets corresponding to one or more parameters, such as color, density, depth, alignment, and consistency. The targets may be set by a customer or an operator of the decorator  2 . One or more of the parameters may include a target range. If sensor data related to a parameter falls within lower and upper limits of the range, at least this parameter of the decoration is acceptable. In one embodiment, when a decoration  58  does not meet one or more of the targets, the decoration is deficient. 
     The control system  46  compares data from the sensor  50  to the targets for the indicia/decoration  58 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares data associated with a plurality of portions of an image of the decoration/indicia received from the sensor  50  to the target level for corresponding portions of the decoration. In this manner, the control system  46  may determine if one or more of the color, density, depth (or thickness), alignment, and consistency for each portion of the decoration differs from the target values or position for each portion of the decoration. If the sensor data for a portion of the decoration differs from one or more of the target values, the control system  46  may determine that the decoration is deficient. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  recognizes a deficient decoration by inspecting at least one metallic container with an acceptable decoration  58 . For example, metallic containers  54  with acceptable decorations  58  may be sensed by the sensor  50 . The control system  46  receives data from the sensor related to the acceptable decorations  58 . With this information, the control system  46  may create a database  100 ,  104 . The database  100  may be stored in memory  96  of the control system  46  such as memory  96 . Optionally the database  104  may be accessible by network connection  102 . The database may include a plurality of fields that describe the characteristics of the acceptable decoration. The characteristics may include one or more of color, density, depth (or thickness), position (or alignment), and consistency of the decoration. Each of the characteristics may be assigned a value based on the sensor data. In one embodiment, each portion of the decoration  58  (or target  57 ) sensed by the sensor  49 ,  50  is associated with a field of the plurality of fields. Thus, data associated with each sensed portion of a decoration may be stored in the database and accessed by the control system  46 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , one embodiment of a data structure  110 , such as a database, is generally illustrated. The data structure may include one or more of data files or data objects  116 ,  134 . Thus, the data structure  110  may represent different types of databases or data storage, for example, object-oriented data bases, flat file data structures, relational database, or other types of data storage arrangements. Embodiments of the data structure  110  disclosed herein may be separate, combined, and/or distributed. As indicated in  FIG. 14 , there may be more or fewer portions in the data structure  110 , as represented by ellipses  112 . Further, there may be more or fewer files or records  132  in the data structure  110 , as represented by ellipses  114 . In one embodiment, the data structure  110  is stored in a memory of the control system  46 , such as database  100 . Additionally, or alternatively, the data structure  110  may be accessed by the control system  46  using network  102 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the data structure  110  is stored in a remote location, such as database  104 . 
     A first data object  116  may relate to data collected from at least one known acceptable decoration by sensor  50 . In one embodiment, the data of the first data object  116  is collected while the control system  46  is being programmed to recognize an acceptable decoration prior to a production run. The data object  116  may include several portions  118 - 130  representing different types of data. Each of these types of data may be associated with a decoration  58  sensed by sensor  50 . There may be one or more records  132  and associated data stored within the first data object  116 . 
     In one embodiment, each record  132  includes an identifier  118 . For example, the identifier  118  may be associated with each container sensed by the sensor  50 . Other fields include different data collected by sensors  49 ,  50  for each decoration. The fields may include, but are not limited to, field  120  related to color(s), portion  122  related to density, portion  124  associated with thickness or depth, field  126  related to decoration position and/or alignment, field  128  for decoration consistency, and field  130  for other data. In one embodiment, field  120  may include information associating a color of ink to an inking assembly  8 ,  16 . More specifically, field  120  may include information to identify a color of the first ink  26  of the first inking assembly  8 . Field  120  may also include information identifying a color of the second ink  26  of the second inking assembly  16 . In this manner, the control system  46  may determine which inking assembly  8 ,  16  is associated with a deficiency of an ink  26  of a decoration  58 . The control system  46  can also identify which ink blade  21 ,  22  is associated with the ink deficiency based upon one or more cylindrical portions  57  that include the ink deficiency. In one embodiment, an image of each decoration sensed by the sensors  49 E,  50  is saved in each record  132 . In one embodiment, the image is stored in portion  130 . 
     Settings for ink blades  21 ,  22  may be stored in data structure  110 . In one embodiment, the ink blade settings may be stored in portion  130 . Optionally, the ink blade settings may be input to the control system  46  by an operation. In another embodiment, the ink blade settings may be determined by the control system. In one embodiment, before a production run begins, an image of a decoration to be formed by the decorator  2  is received by the control system  46 . The control system  46  may analyze the image and automatically determine settings for the ink blades  21 ,  22 . In another embodiment, the control system  46  saves the settings of ink blades  21 ,  22  associated with each metallic container sensed by sensor  50 . In this manner, when a decoration includes a deficiency, the ink blade settings and other settings of the decorator  2  that existed when the deficient decoration was formed may be reviewed. 
     Optionally, data structure  110  may include second data object  134 . Data object  134  may include the same or similar fields  118 - 130  as first data object  116 . In one embodiment, control system  46  may store data received from sensors  49 ,  50  during a production run in second data object  134 . Accordingly, the second data object  134  may include a plurality of records  134  related to metallic containers decorated by the decorator during the production run. In contrast, in one embodiment, data object  116  may optionally include data collected by sensors  49 ,  50  before the production run begins. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , one embodiment of a method  140  utilized with the control system  46  is generally illustrated. While a general order of the operations of method  140  are shown in  FIG. 15 , method  140  can include more or fewer operations, or can arrange the order of the operations differently than those shown in  FIG. 15 . Further, although the operations of method  140  may be described sequentially, many of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel or concurrently. Generally, method  140  starts with a start operation  142  and ends with an end operation  160 . Portions of method  140  can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. One example of the computer system may include, for example, the control system  46 . An example of the computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a memory of the control system  46 . Hereinafter, method  140  shall be explained with reference to the control system  46 , decorator  2 , and components described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-14 . 
     In operation  144 , a metallic container  54  with a decoration  58  is provided. Optionally, the decoration  58  is formed by the decorator  2 . Data related to the decoration  58  of the metallic container  54  is collected by at least one sensor  49 ,  50  in operation  146 . The control system  46  then receives the collected data from the at least one sensor  49 ,  50 . The sensor  49 ,  50  may be positioned upstream of an oven or downstream of the oven. 
     In operation  148 , the control system analyzes the collected data received from the sensor. In one embodiment, the control system considers data associated with a plurality of targets  59  of the container exterior surface  56 . In another embodiment, control system  46  analyzes data collected from one or more cylindrical portions  57  of the metallic container  54 . The control system  46  may identify characteristics of the decoration  58  such as, but not limited to, color, thickness, density, consistency, and alignment. 
     In operation  150  the control system  46  optionally stores the collected data in memory. Specifically, the control system  46  may store the collected data from one or more of the sensed metallic containers  54 . Optionally, the control system  46  can store the collected data from each metallic container  54  that is sensed. In one embodiment, the control system stores the collected data in a record  132  of database  110 . Optionally, the collected data may be stored in the first data object  116  of database  110 . 
     In one embodiment, method  140  loops a predetermined number of times at operation  152 . For example, method  140  may include sensing a predetermined number of metallic containers  54  with acceptable decorations. In one embodiment, method  140  loops from 50 to 500 times. Specifically, method  140  may repeat until the control system  46  has received sensor data on approximately 50 to 500 metallic containers with acceptable decorations. In this manner, the control system  46  learns, or is trained, to recognize deficient decorations. 
     In one embodiment, data, such as images, of each metallic container  54  with an acceptable decoration are stitched together to form a master image. In this manner, the master image is created using metallic containers  54  decorated by the decorator  2  with sensors  49 ,  50  associated with the decorator. Specifically, in one embodiment, the master image is specific to the decorator  2 . Additionally, a master image must be created for each production run. 
     Once a sufficient number of decorations  58  are sensed by the sensors  49 ,  50 , the master image is stored in memory. Thereafter, the master image may be used to determine if subsequent decorations  58  formed by the decorator  2  are acceptable. By creating a master image from data collected by sensor  49 ,  50  associated with the decorator  2 , the decorations  58  of subsequent metallic containers  54  are evaluated using similarly created decorations collected by the same sensors  49 ,  50 . In this manner, comparison of decorations to the master image formed on the same decorator  2  can correctly identify acceptable and deficient decorations. 
     In contrast, if the decorations  58  were evaluated against a master image formed by a different decorator using data collected by different sensors, there would be more variables related to formation of the decoration and collection of data by sensors  49 ,  50  which would have to be accounted for. For example, a light  51  associated with a sensor  49 ,  50  could generate a different wavelength or intensity of light compared to a similar light of associated with a different decorator. A lens of a sensor  49 ,  50  may also transmit light differently than a similar sensor of a different decorator. Accordingly, a master image formed by a different decorator would include variables that would be difficult to account for when evaluating decorations. 
     Optionally, in one embodiment, method  140  may include sensing at least one metallic container  60  including a known deficient decoration. The decoration may be deficient with respect to one or more parameters that vary from targets. The parameters may include, but are not limited to, at least one of color, density, thickness (or depth), position and/or alignment, and consistency of the decoration. Optionally, a plurality of metallic containers  60  with deficient decorations may be sensed by sensor  50 . In one embodiment, at least one of the deficient decorations is associated with an improper amount of ink. Another one of the deficient decorations is due to a defective ink. Still another of the deficient decorations is caused by a defective (or misaligned) printing plate. Another deficient decoration may be related to a defective (or misaligned) transfer blanket. Yet another deficient decoration may be associated with an improperly aligned (or positioned) decoration. Specifically, the deficient decoration may include a first ink  26  from a first inking assembly  8  that is improperly aligned (or registered) with respect to a second ink  26  from a second inking assembly  16 . 
     For each metallic container  60  sensed which includes a known deficient decoration, the control system  46  may store the sensor data in a record  132  that includes a field with data identifying the reason the decoration is deficient. In one embodiment, the field may include data indicating an action the control system  46  should take if a similar deficient decoration is sensed by at least one of sensors  49 ,  50  during a production run of the decorator  2 . For example, the database  110  may include an action in field “other”  130  to provide an alert to an operator when a deficient decoration is sensed. In another embodiment, when a deficient decoration related to an improper amount of ink is sensed, field “other”  130  may include instructions to adjust a position of one or more ink blades  21  or portions  24  of ink blade  22 . In this manner, the control system  46  may alter the amount of ink  26  transferred to an ink roller  10 ,  18  and subsequently to a metallic container. Additionally, or alternatively, if an improper amount of ink is sensed in one or more cylindrical portions  57  of a container, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator associated with a ductor roller  13  to alter an amount of ink  26  transferred from an ink roller  10 / 18  to an associated printing plate  6 / 14 . Specifically, the control system  46  alter movement of the ductor roller  13  to adjust the dwell time of the ductor roller. In yet another embodiment, if a decoration is deficient due to improper alignment or position, the control system may include instructions to alter a position of one or more elements of the decorator  2 . For example, the control system  46  may include instructions to move at least one of an inking assembly  8 ,  16 , an ink roller  10 ,  18 , a plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , a blanket cylinder  36 , and a support element  42 . In this manner, in one embodiment, the control system  46  can correct a deficiency caused by an improper alignment or position of a decoration formed on a metallic container. 
     If the predetermined number of metallic containers have not been sensed by sensor  50 , the control system  46  may determine in operation  152  that operations  144 - 150  should be repeated. Accordingly, method  140  will return YES to operation  144 . Alternatively, the control system  46  may determine that a sufficient (or predetermined) number of metallic containers with decorations have been sensed such that operations  144 - 150  should not be repeated. In this case, method  140  continues NO to operation  154 . 
     Method  140  may then optionally test the ability of control system  46  to recognize a deficient decoration in operations  154 - 158 . More specifically, in operation  154  a metallic container  60  with a known deficient decoration is provided. At least one sensor  49 ,  50  collects data on the deficient decoration in operation  156 . 
     In operation  158 , the control system  46  evaluates the collected data similar to operation  148 . The control system  46  will then determine whether or not the decoration is deficient. In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares the collected data to the master image. If control system  46  does not identify the deficient decoration, method  140  returns NO to operation  144  and additional metallic containers with decorations are sensed and analyzed by the control system. More specifically, the control system  46  will analyze sensor data related to one or more decorations that include acceptable, or deficient, decorations. 
     Alternatively, if the control system  46  correctly identifies the deficient decoration, method  140  continues YES to end operation  160 . In one embodiment, correctly identifying the deficient decoration includes the control system  46  correctly identifying why the decoration is deficient. For example, the decoration may be deficient due to one or more of the color of the ink, the density of the ink, the thickness of the ink, the amount of ink, the consistency of the ink, and the location or alignment of the decoration. 
     In one embodiment, correctly identifying the deficient decoration further includes the control system  46  correctly identifying an action required to correct the deficient decoration. For example, if the decoration is deficient due to an incorrect amount of ink, the control system may indicate one or more ink blades  21  or segments of ink blade  22  that should be adjusted to correct the deficiency. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system may identify a ductor roller  13  for which a rate of movement should be altered to adjust the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . Similarly, if the location or alignment of the decoration is deficient, the control system  46  may identify at least one inking assembly, ink roller, plate cylinder, blanket cylinder, and support element that should be adjusted to correct the deficient decoration. 
     Once the control system  46  is trained to recognize an acceptable decoration, the control system  46  can detect a decoration  58  that varies from the acceptable decoration. Specifically, once the control system  46  has sensed a sufficient number of decorations to  58  to create a master image, the master image can be used to determine whether subsequently formed decorations  58  are acceptable or deficient. In this manner, the control system can determine that a metallic container includes an unacceptable, or deficient, decoration. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can be trained to recognize an acceptable decoration when less than 100 metallic containers with acceptable decorations are sensed by the sensor  50  and stitched into a master image. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the control system  46  is trained to recognize an acceptable decoration after receiving sensor data of between about 100 and about 200 metallic containers with acceptable decorations and creating a master image with the sensor data. In one embodiment, data from between about 200 to about 600 metallic containers with acceptable decorations is collected by the sensors and subsequently stitched together to form a master image. Optionally, the master image will be created after 500 metallic containers with acceptable decorations have been sensed by the sensors  49 ,  50 . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the control system  46  may utilize supervised and/or unsupervised machine learning techniques such as, but not limited to support vector machines, boosted decision trees, and/or one or more neural networks, in order to recognize an acceptable decoration. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares the sensor data received from one or more of the sensors  49 ,  50  to a known reference stored in memory. For example, the control system  46  may compare the sensor data, or a portion of an obtained image, to a master image. The master image, in one embodiment, is stitched from data collected on a plurality of a metallic containers  54  with decorations  58  that are acceptable. In another embodiment, the master image is created from an image of one metallic container with an acceptable decoration and stored in memory. Alternatively, the master image is created by the control system and stored in memory. In still another embodiment, the master image is created by an operator or a customer and loaded in memory of the control system. 
     The master image of the metallic container may be stored in a memory  90 ,  92  of the control system  46 . In another embodiment, the master image may be stored in a database  110  with which the control system  46  is in communication, such as by a connect to network  102 . 
     A decoration may be deficient if one of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  transfers an excessive or insufficient amount of ink  26  to a portion of the printing plates  6 ,  14 . In another embodiment, a decoration may be deficient if the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  transfer ink  26  to an improper portion of the printing plates  6 ,  14 . A decoration may also be deficient if a ductor roller  13  is not transferring a correct amount of ink from an associated ink roller  10 ,  18  to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     If the control system  46  determines the decoration  58  is deficient, the control system  46  is operable to determine whether a component of the decorator  2  should be adjusted to produce an acceptable decoration  58 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the control system  46  can determine which inking assembly  8 ,  16  is associated with a deficient decoration based at least in part on a color of ink  26  of the deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can retrieve data from field  120  of data structure  110  to determine which one of inking assemblies  8 ,  16  is associated with the color of the ink. The control system  46  can determine at least one ink blade  21 ,  22  of the one of inking assembly  8 ,  16  which is associated with the deficiency based upon a location of the deficient decoration in one or more cylindrical portions  57 . For example, in one embodiment, inking assembly  8  includes a first ink  26 A of a first color. Database  110  includes information in field  120  associating the first ink  26 A with the first inking assembly  8 . One or more sensors  49 ,  50  obtain data related to a metallic container  54  (illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) that includes decoration  58 B. The control system  46  may determine that a portion of the decoration  58 B formed of the first ink  26 A is deficient. The deficiency may be in cylindrical portion  57 E. Accordingly, the control system  46  can determine that ink blade  21 E or  22 E of inking assembly  8  is in an improper position with respect to axial portion  20 E of the first ink roller  10 . If too little or too much ink is the cause of a deficient decoration, the control system  46  may determine that movement of a ductor roller  13  should be adjusted. 
     The control system  46  may cause one or more corresponding actuators  30  to change the alignment of the ink blades  21  or ink blade  22  to increase or decrease the gap  32 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  can automatically send a signal to one or more corresponding actuators  30  to change the alignment of the ink blades  21  or ink blade  22  to increase or decrease the gap  32 . In this manner, the control system  46  can adjust the amount of ink  26  transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14  of one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12  without input from an operator of the decorator  2 . 
     Additionally, the control system  46  may optionally send a signal to the actuators  30  to adjust an axial position of an associated blade segment  24  with respect to the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the signal from the control system  46  may cause the actuator  30 F to move at least a portion of associate blade segment  24 F toward one of blade segment  24 E or blade segment  24 G such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 3D . 
     In another embodiment, the control system  46  may send a signal to an actuator associated with at least one element of the decorator  2 , such as the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the ink rollers  10 ,  18 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42 . The signal may cause an actuator to move an associated element to automatically correct a deficient decoration related to a position or an alignment of the decoration. The actuator may move the associated element in one or more specific directions, including along one or more of an x direction, a y direction, and a z direction. In another embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator associated with a ductor roller  13 . The signal can cause the actuator to alter a rate at which the ductor roller  13  moves to adjust the amount of ink  26  transferred from an ink train  11 ,  19  to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     In another embodiment, the control system  46  can report changes to elements of the decorator  2  made to correct a deficient decoration to an operator. In one embodiment, the report may include changes to the radial or axial position of one or more of the ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22  required to correct a deficient decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the report may include changes to other elements of the decorator  2  required to correct the deficient decoration, such as changes to the operation of a ductor roller  13 . 
     The report may be presented on an output device  88  of the control system  46 , such as a display. In this manner, the operator can at least review the changes, such as changes to the ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22  prepared by the control system  46 . In one embodiment, the operator must approve the planned changes before the control system  46  sends a signal to the actuators  30  to change the positions. In another embodiment, the operator may use an input device  86 , such as a pointer (including a mouse, touchpad, or trackball), a keyboard, or a touch screen of the control system  46 , to approve, disapprove, or alter the changes planned by the control system. 
     In one embodiment, after reporting changes planned for elements of the decorator  2  to the operator, the control system  46  waits a predetermined period of time. Optionally, if the operator does not reject the planned changes within the period of time, the control system  46  sends a signal to the actuators  30  to implement the planned changes. In another embodiment, if the operator does not approve the planned changes within the period of time, the control system  46  will not send the signal to the actuators  30  and the ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22  and other elements of the decorator will remain in the current position. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the control system  46  may determine that one or more of decorations  58 A,  58 B (or a portion of one of the decorations  58 ) is deficient. For example, part of decoration  58 B in cylindrical portion  57 E may be deficient. One or more of the sensors  49 ,  50  may have a target  59 E associated with cylindrical portion  57 E. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can use the data from the sensors  49 ,  50  to determine that the deficiency is due to an improper amount of one or more of the first and second inks  26 A,  26 B transferred to cylindrical portion  57 E. Using the sensor data, the control system  46  can determine the improper amount of ink is caused by one or more of: (1) too much first ink  26 A from axial portion  20 E of first ink roller  10 ; (2) too little first ink  26 A from axial portion  20 E of first ink roller  10 ; (3) too much second ink  26 B from axial portion  20 E of second ink roller  18 ; and (4) too little second ink  26 B from axial portion  20 E of second ink roller  18 . 
     After determining the cause of the deficiency for the part of decoration  58 B in cylindrical portion  57 E, the control system  46  can send a signal to the actuator  30 E associated with axial portion  20 E of the first ink roller  10  to alter the gap  32  between the axial portion  20 E of first ink roller  10  and the associated ink blade  21  or the segment  24 E of ink blade  22 . The signal may result in an increase, or a decrease, in an amount of the first ink  26 A transferred to axial portion  20 E of the first ink roller  10 . If the deficiency is due to an incorrect amount of the second ink  26 B transferred to cylindrical portion  57 E, the control system  46  can send a similar signal to the actuator  30 E associated with axial portion  20 E of the second ink roller  18  to adjust the amount of second ink  26 B transferred to cylindrical portion  57 E. Optionally, in another embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to a pump to change the amount of ink supplied to the ink channel  29 E of ink blade  22 D of the first or second ink roller  10 ,  18 . 
     Alternatively, the control system  46  may determine that the deficiency is not related to an improper amount of ink  26 A,  26 B transferred to the metallic container  54 . As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the deficiency may be due to other problems, such as, but not limited to: a problem with one of the printing plates  6 ,  14 , a problem with a transfer blanket  38 , a defective ink  26 , and a problem with support element  42 . Problems with the printing plates  6 ,  14  and transfer blankets  38  include, among others: damaged, defective, and misaligned printing plates  6 ,  14  or transfer blankets  38 . 
     Printing plates  6 ,  14  and transfer blankets  38  gradually wear during a production run. For example, the frequent contact of the printing plates  6 ,  14  with the ink rollers  10 ,  18  and the transfer blankets  38  causes the surface of the printing plates  6 ,  14  to wear. The transfer blankets  38  are also subject to wear due to contact with the printing plates  6 ,  14  and the metallic containers  54 . The control system  46  can compensate for the wear by substantially continuously adjusting the amount of inks  26 A,  26 B transferred to the metallic containers  54  as described above. In one embodiment, the wear may cause a decoration to be deficient such as by being out of alignment or in an improper position. In response to determining from the sensor data that the deficiency is due to an improper alignment or position of one or more of the decorations  58 , the control system  46  may send a signal to move one or more of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the ink rollers  10 ,  18 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  in a specific direction. In this manner, the control system  46  can automatically correct a deficient decoration caused by improper alignment or position of a decoration. 
     Occasionally a printing plate  6 ,  14  or transfer blanket  38  is damaged. The damage may occur either prior to the beginning a production run or during the production run. A printing plate  6 ,  14  or transfer blanket  38  may also include a defect that effects decoration quality. Further, one of the printing plates  6 ,  14  or transfer blankets  38  may not be aligned properly with an associated plate cylinder  4 ,  12  or blanket cylinder  36 . The alignment problem may occur during the production run. For example, the high rotation rate of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12  or blanket cylinder  36  can cause the printing plates  6 ,  14  or transfer blankets  38  to move out of proper alignment, negatively effecting decorations formed on the metallic containers  54 . 
     The control system  46  can determine that a deficient decoration  58  is due to a problem with a printing plate  6 ,  14 , or a transfer blanket  38 , because the deficient decoration  58  will repeat periodically on other metallic containers  54 . More specifically, a metallic container  54  with a deficient decoration caused by a problem with a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38  may be positioned between metallic containers with satisfactory decorations. 
     The control system  46  can associate the cause of the deficient decoration to either the printing plates  6 ,  14  or the transfer blanket  38  based on how frequently the deficient decoration is repeated on the metallic containers. More specifically, in one embodiment, the number of printing plates  6 ,  14  on the plate cylinders  4 ,  12  is different than the number of transfer blankets  38  on the blanket cylinder  36 . Accordingly, a deficient decoration caused by a problem with a transfer blanket  38  will repeat at a different rate than a deficient decoration that results from a problem with a printing plate  6 ,  14 . If the deficient decoration repeats at a rate equal to the number of transfer blankets  38 , the control system  46  can determine that the deficient decoration is caused by a problem with one of the transfer blankets  38 . Otherwise, if the deficient decoration repeats on each metallic container and is located in the same position of each deficient decoration, the control system  46  can determine that a printing plate  6 ,  14  with a problem is the cause of the deficient decoration. In one embodiment in which each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  includes only one printing plate  6 ,  14 , a problem with one of the printing plates  6 ,  14  will cause each metallic container to have a deficient decoration. 
     The deficient decoration can be traced, by the control system  46 , either to the printing plates  6  of the first plate cylinder  4  or the printing plates  14  of the second plate cylinder  12  based on which of the first and second inks  26 A,  26 B is associated with the periodically deficient decoration. For example, if deficient decorations are observed and the deficiency relates to a problem with only the first ink  26 A then the control system  46  can determine that the first printing plate  6  has a problem. Alternatively, if the decoration deficiency occurs in each metallic container and is only associated with the second ink  26 B, the problem is related to the second printing plate  14 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to one or more of the plate cylinders  4 ,  12  to alter a position of a printing plate  6 ,  14  to correct the alignment of the printing plate on the plate cylinder. In this manner, the control system  46  may correct a deficient decoration due to improper alignment or position of a printing plate  6 ,  14 . In another embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator of the blanket cylinder  36 . The signal can direct the actuator to move a transfer blanket  40  in a specific direction to correct an improperly aligned transfer blanket  40 . 
     A problem with the support element  42  may be identified by the control system when a decoration is improperly aligned or positioned on the metallic container  54 . For example, the support element  42  may be improperly aligned with the blanket cylinder  36 . When this occurs, a decoration transferred to a metallic container  54  may be improperly positioned on the metallic container. For example, the decoration may be too high or low on the metallic container. Alternatively, the decoration may not be aligned with an axis of the metallic container. A deficient decoration may also be caused when a metallic container  54  is not properly aligned on a support element station  44 . For example, a station  44  may be damaged or worn such that a metallic container  54  is not properly aligned with a transfer blanket  38 . In one embodiment, the support element  42  includes a plurality of mandrels  44 . A mandrel  44  may be damaged such that a metallic container  54  thereon is improperly aligned with a transfer blanket  38 . The control system  46  may determine the support element  42 , or a station  44  of the support element, is associated with a deficient decoration at least in part based on a frequency at which the deficient decoration occurs. In one embodiment, the control system  42  may send a signal to an actuator associated with the support element  42  to move the support element  42 , or a mandrel  44  of the support element, in a specific direction to correct deficient decoration. In another embodiment, the control system  42  may send an alert to an operator indicating that a deficient decoration is associated with the support element  42 . 
     A defective ink  26  may include one or more of: ink of an improper color, an incorrect viscosity of ink, impurities in the ink, and ink that is at an incorrect temperature. The control system  46  may determine that a deficient decoration is related to a defective ink if similar deficiencies are observed on a number of metallic containers and adjusting the amount of ink transferred to the metallic containers does not eliminate the deficiency. In one example, the control system  46  may identify a deficient decoration and determine an improper amount of ink is the cause. The control system  46  may adjust the position of one or more ink blades  21  or portions of ink blade  22  associated with at least one of the first ink roller  10  and the second ink roller  18 . Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  can alter rate of movement (or the timing of movement) of a ductor roller  13  to change the amount of ink transferred to one or more printing plates  6 ,  14 . More specifically, the dwell time of the ductor roller  13  with an associated ink roller  10 ,  18  may be increased or decreased. If similar deficient decorations are identified by the control system  46  after adjusting the ink blades  21  or portions of ink blade  22  or movement of the ductor roller  13 , the control system may determine the cause of the deficient decoration is a defective ink. 
     In another embodiment, the control system  46  can determine that defective ink is causing deficient decorations when the deficiency is observed on two or more cylindrical portions  57  of the cylindrical body  56  of the metallic container. More specifically, an improperly adjusted ink blade  21  or segment  24  of ink blade  22  should only effect one cylindrical portion  57  of the metallic container. In contrast, when defective ink is supplied to the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the defective ink will be transferred across all axial portions  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . Accordingly, at least two cylindrical portions  57  of the metallic container  54  will include decoration deficiencies. 
     The control system  46  may assign an error value to each deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the error value may be stored in portion  130  of database  110 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  may perform different actions based on a level of the error value. For example, in one embodiment, the control system  46  may take a first action for a first error value and a second action for a second error value. In another embodiment, the first action may include sending a signal to an actuator to adjust an element of a decorator  2 . The signal may activate the actuator to move an associated ink blade  21 ,  22 , inking assembly  8 ,  16 , ink roller  10 ,  18 , plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , or support element  42  in a specific direction. Alternatively, the signal can cause actuator to alter the rate of movement of a ductor roller  13 . The first action may also include sending an alert to an operator. The second action may include sending a signal to the ejector  62  to remove a metallic container with a deficient decoration from the conveyor  48 . In one embodiment, the second action may also include sending a signal to the decorator  2  to stop the decorator. In one embodiment, the first error value is a warning level and the second error value is a reject level. In another embodiment, the first error value is associated with a deficiency associated with a first density of a decoration. The first density may be obtained by one or more sensors  49 ,  50  and transmitted to the control system  46 . The second error value may be associated with a second density of a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, by assigning an alert level before assigning a reject level, the control system  46  is given a period of time to adjust a decorator  2  to correct deficient decorations before stopping the decorator. 
     In another embodiment, the error value will increase as the magnitude of the deficiency increases. The error value can be related to one or more of the color, density, alignment, depth, and consistency of the deficient decoration. In one example, the error value is proportional to the surface area of the container exterior surface  56  covered by the deficient decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the error value may be below a predetermined value if the deficiency is not visible to a human eye. Similarly, the error value may be above the predetermined value if the deficiency is visible to a human. 
     The error value may also be associated with a frequency of a periodic deficient decoration. For example, an error value associated with a problem of a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38  (which, in some instances, cannot be corrected by the control system  46 ) may be higher than an error value for a decoration deficiency associated with the amount of ink transferred to the metallic container (which can be corrected by the control system  46 ). In one embodiment, a deficient decoration caused by a printing plate  6 ,  14  will be given a higher error value by the control system  46  than for a deficient decoration caused by a transfer blanket  38 . The error value associated with a decoration deficiency caused by a printing plate  6 ,  14  is higher than an error value associated with deficiencies caused by a transfer blanket  38  because the printing plate deficiency will occur more frequently than the transfer blanket deficiency because each plate cylinder  4 ,  12  includes only one printing plate  6 ,  14 . Accordingly, a deficient printing plate  6 ,  14  will cause a decoration deficiency on each metallic container decorated by the decorator  2 . 
     In one embodiment, the error value may increase based on the number of metallic containers observed with a deficient decoration. More specifically, a deficient decoration may be associated with a first error value. The first error value may be a warning level. If additional metallic containers are identified within a predetermined period of time with deficient decorations, the control system  46  may increase the error value to a second error value. The control system  46  may then send a signal to the decorator  2  which causes the decorator to stop. In one embodiment, when the control system  46  identifies a predetermined number of metallic containers  60  with deficient decorations, the control system  46  will send the signal which causes the decorator  2  to stop. 
     Optionally, the control system  46  may assign an error value based on the ΔE a difference between the target value of a color and the value of the color measured by sensor  49 ,  50 . For example, if the ΔE is within a predetermined percent of the target value, the control system may assign a first error value to the deficient decoration. In response, the control system  46  may determine a cause of the deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator associated with a component of the decorator  2  which can be adjusted to correct the deficiency. In one embodiment, when the ΔE is within about 5% of the target value for a color, the control system will assign the first error value. 
     When the ΔE is within a second predetermined percent of the target value, the control system may assign a second error value to the decoration. The second error value may cause the control system  46  to activate the ejector  62  to remove the metallic container  60  with the deficient decoration from the conveyor  48 . Similar to the first error value, the control system  46  can determine a cause of the deficient decoration and, if adjusting a component of the decorator  2  will correct the cause of the deficient decoration, the control system  46  can optionally send a signal to one or more actuators  30  of the decorator. Optionally, the control system  46  may generate an alert after assigning the second error value. In one embodiment, the second error value is assigned to a deficient decoration for which the ΔE is within up to about 15% of the target value for a color. 
     When the ΔE exceeds a predetermined amount, the control system  46  can assign a third error value to the deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the third error value is assigned to decorations which have a ΔE of greater than about 15% of a target value of a color. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to stop the decorator  2  after assigning the third error value to a deficient decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  can send an alert associated with the third error value to an operator 
     In another embodiment, for a deficient decoration that the control system  46  determines is due to defective ink  26 , the control system  46  can assign an error value that is higher than error values related to problems with printing plates  6 ,  14  and the transfer blanket  38 . The higher error value for defective inks is warranted because a defective ink may cause deficient decorations at a greater frequency than the rate of deficient decorations caused by problems of printing plates  6 ,  14  and transfer blankets  38 . 
     The control system  46  may generate an error or alarm code related to deficient decorations. In one embodiment, the error or alarm code is stored in field  130  of database  110 . The alarm code may include information about the cause of the deficient decoration as determined by the control system  46 . The error value assigned to the deficient decoration by the control system  46  may be included in the alarm code. In one embodiment, the control system  46  may generate the alarm code when a deficient decoration is related to an improper amount of ink transferred to the metallic container, a problem with a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38 , or a defective ink. In another embodiment, the alarm code is generated when the error value assigned to the deficient decoration exceeds a predetermined value. In still another embodiment, the alarm code may be generated for each deficient decoration identified by the control system  46 . In one embodiment, the alarm code may be generated for deficient decorations which the control system cannot correct or which are not eliminated. For example, a deficient decoration that the control system cannot correct by sending signals to the actuators  30  to adjust the amount of ink transferred to the metallic containers  54  or by adjusting the position of one or more of the inking assemblies, the ink rollers, the plate cylinders, the blanket cylinder, and the support element may cause the control system  46  to generate an alarm code. In another embodiment, the control system  46  may generate an alarm code for deficient decorations for which the control system cannot identify a cause. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  may stop the decorator  2  after detecting a defective decoration based on rules stored in a memory  96  of the control system  46 . In one example, the rules may direct the control system  46  to stop the decorator  2  when the error value is above a certain amount. In this manner, the control system  46  can stop the decorator when one or more of: (1) a deficient decoration occurs at or above a predetermined frequency; (2) a deficient decoration has a surface area greater than a predetermine amount; (3) more than a predetermined number of deficient decorations are detected; and (4) similar deficient decorations are detected after the position of at least one ink blade  21  or portion of ink blade  22  is adjusted by a signal from the control system  46  to an actuator  30 . 
     Optionally, when the control system  46  determines that a metallic container  60  has a deficient decoration  58 , the control system  46  is operable to send a signal to activate the ejector  62 . The ejector  62  is operable to remove the metallic container  60  from the conveyor  48 , as illustrated by the ejection of metallic container  60  in  FIG. 1 . In this manner, metallic containers  60  with deficient decorations are not transported to downstream equipment  66 . 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  sends a signal to the ejector  62  to remove metallic containers  54  which include a deficient decoration with an error value above a predetermined level. Some deficient decorations may be subtle. Although the deficient decoration does not meet decoration standards, the deficiency may not be apparent to the human eye. Accordingly, the control system  46  can adjust the ink blades  21  or portions of an ink blade  22  to correct the deficiency; however, if the deficiency is not detectable by a human eye, the control system  46  may allow the metallic container  54  to continue to downstream equipment  66 . For example, if a decoration with a deficient color is evaluated in the L*a*b color space and includes a ΔE of less than about 1, the deficient color is probably not perceptible by a human observer. In one embodiment, when a decoration has a ΔE of less than about 1, the metallic container  54  is not ejected. Other deficient decorations may be apparent to a human eye. In one embodiment, decorations with a ΔE of greater than about 1.1 will be ejected. Decorations visible to humans may be assigned a higher error value such that the metallic containers  60  with visibly deficient decorations require ejection. Accordingly, the control system  46  may send a signal to the ejector  62  to prevent the flow of metallic containers  60  with visible deficiencies above a predetermined error value to downstream equipment  66 . 
     In one embodiment, the ejector  62  uses a gust of compressed gas, such as air, to remove metallic containers  60  with deficient decorations from the conveyor  48 . In another embodiment, the ejector  62  contacts and applies a mechanical force to the deficient metallic containers  60 . The force moves the metallic containers  60  from the conveyor  48 . 
     Metallic containers  54  with acceptable decorations  58  are conveyed past the ejector  62  to downstream equipment  66 . In one embodiment, the downstream equipment  66  includes one or more of a coater, an oven, a waxer, a die necker, a tester, an inspection station, a sensor, and a palletizer. The coater applies a lacquer (or other material) to the interior of the metallic container  54 . In one embodiment, the coater is positioned upstream of the sensor  50 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the metallic containers  54  may receive a coating of lacquer before being sensed by a sensor  49 ,  50 . The oven cures the lacquer. A thin layer of a lubricant may be applied by a waxer to a portion of the container body proximate to an open end of the metallic container  54 . The die necker reduces the diameter of a portion of the metallic container body and applies a curl to aerosol containers. The tester checks the container for unintended apertures or leaks. The inspection station may check the shape or other features of the metallic container  54 . Optionally, the downstream equipment  66  includes at least one sensor. The sensor may be the same as, or similar to, sensors  49 ,  50 . Accordingly, in one embodiment the control system  46  may receive data collected by a sensor of the downstream stream equipment  64  related to the exterior surface  56  of metallic containers  54 . The palletizer can bundle the finished metallic containers  54  for shipment or storage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , one embodiment of a method  166  of the present invention for determining a cause of a deficient decoration on a metallic container  54  is generally illustrated. While a general order of the operations of method  166  are shown in  FIG. 16 , method  166  can include more or fewer operations, or can be operated in a different sequence than those shown in  FIG. 16 . Further, although the operations of method  166  may be described sequentially, many of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel or concurrently. Generally, method  166  starts with a start operation  168  and ends with an end operation  188 . At least a portion of method  166  can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. One example of the computer system may include, for example, the control system  46 . An example of the computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a memory of the control system  46 . Hereinafter, method  166  shall be explained with reference to the control system  46 , decorator  2  and components described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-15 . 
     At operation  170 , the control system  46  receives data from a sensor  49 ,  50 . The control system  46  can then determine whether the decoration is satisfactory in operation  172 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares the sensor data to stored data of an acceptable decoration. Optionally, the stored data is related to a master image comprising data collected from a plurality of metallic containers with acceptable decorations. Alternatively, the stored data of an acceptable decoration is provided by an operator or a customer. In one embodiment, the stored data of an acceptable decoration is formed from an image of one metallic container. 
     When the sensor data varies from the stored data by a predetermined amount, the control system  46  can determine that the decoration on the metallic container  60  is deficient. Specifically, if the sensor data for a decoration varies by more than a predetermined amount from the master image, the decoration is deficient. In one embodiment, any variance between the sensor data and the master image results in the control system  46  marking the decoration  58  as deficient. Accordingly, the control system  46  may determine a cause and action to correct the deficient decoration. 
     Optionally, the control system  46  may establish an error value for the deficient decoration. As previously described, the error value may be related to one or more of, but not limited to, the type of deficient decoration, the frequency of occurrence of the deficient decoration, whether the deficient decoration is visible to a human, and the magnitude of variation of a color of a decoration from a target value for the color (such as the ΔE). 
     In one embodiment, the error value is one of a warning level and a reject level. The control system  46  may determine a decoration is deficient for one or more reasons. For example, the control system  46  can determine a decoration is deficient due to one or more of an improper amount of ink, defective ink, a defective printing plate or transfer blanket, an improper position of the decoration, an improper alignment of the decoration, and others. In one embodiment, the control system determines a decoration is satisfactory or deficient as described in conjunction with operation  158  of  FIG. 15 . If the decoration is not satisfactory, method  166  continues NO to operation  174 . When the decoration is satisfactory, method  166  jumps YES to end operation  188 . 
     In operation  174 , the control system  46  can determine if the deficient decoration is caused by an improper amount of ink  26  transferred to the metallic container  60 . The improper amount of ink may include too much, or too little, ink transferred to one or more axial portions  20  and subsequently to the metallic container  60 . The improper amount of ink may result in a deficient decoration which has an improper color, improper ink density, or an improper thickness. The control system  46  can determine that a deficient decoration is due to an improper amount of ink from the data received from the sensor  50 . 
     In one embodiment, when a decoration  58  is deficient in only one cylindrical portion  57  of a metallic container  60  and the deficiency repeats in a plurality of metallic containers  60 , the control system  46  can determine that the deficient decoration is associated with an improper amount of ink  26  transferred to an axial portion  20  of one of the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  may determine the deficient decoration is due to an improper amount of ink if at least one of the color, density, and thickness of at least a portion of a decoration  58  is different that the color, density, and thickness of a corresponding portion of an acceptable decoration, such as an acceptable decoration stored in data object  116  of database  110 . 
     Additionally, in operation  174 , the control system  26  can determine which ink blade  21  or portion of ink blade  22  is associated with the cylindrical portion  57  that includes an improper amount of ink  26 . When an improper amount of ink is the cause of a deficient decoration, the improper amount of ink will be of a substantially uniform density or thickness along a single cylindrical portion  57  of the metallic container  60 . Accordingly, the improperly adjusted ink blade  21  or portion  24  of ink blade  22  will generally correspond to the cylindrical portion  57  with the improper amount of ink. 
     For example, if cylindrical portion  57 B of container  54  illustrated in  FIG. 11  includes decoration  58 A formed with an improper amount of ink, then ink blade  21 B or blade segment  24 B of ink blade  22  is improperly adjusted with respect to one of the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . The control system  46  can also determine if the inking assembly  8 ,  16  includes an improperly adjusted ink blade  21 B or blade segment  24 B based at least in part on the type or color of ink  26  associated with the deficiency identified in cylindrical portion  57 B. More specifically, if ink blade  21 B or blade segment  24 B of the first inking assembly  8  is improperly adjusted, the deficient decoration will be associated with the first ink  26 A. The control system  46  can also consider data received from a potentiometer  80 B associated with ink blade  21 B or blade segment  24 B to determine a current position of the ink blade or blade segment. The data received from the potentiometer may indicate the ink blade  21 B or blade segment  24 B has inadvertently or unexpectedly moved from an initial position. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  may also consider data received from one or more of sensors  49 B,  49 C regarding ink on the printing plates. The data from sensors  49 B,  49 C may indicate that an ink blade  21  or blade segment  24  of one of the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , is transferring an incorrect amount of ink  26 . Accordingly, the control system  46  may consider data from a plurality of sensors  49 ,  50 , and potentiometers  80  to determine which ink blade  21  or blade segment  24  is improperly adjusted. 
     The control system  46  can also determine that an improper amount of one type or color of ink  26  has been applied to more than one of the cylindrical portions  57  of the container  54 . Specifically, the density of an ink  26  may be incorrect across the entire exterior surface  56  of the container. In response, the control system  46  can determine that adjusting the rate or timing of movement of a ductor roller  13  of an ink train  11 ,  19  associated with the ink  26  will correct the deficiency. 
     If the deficiency is not due to an improper amount of ink, method  166  proceeds NO to operation  176 . If the deficiency is due to an improper amount of ink, method  166  proceeds YES to operation  184 . 
     In operation  176 , control system  46  may determine that a deficient decoration is related to a defective ink  26 . More specifically, if a deficient decoration is observed on each of a plurality of metallic containers  60 , and the deficient decoration extends to more than one cylindrical portion  57  of the metallic container  60 , the control system  46  can determine that the deficiency is due to defective ink or other criteria. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  may determine a defective ink  26  is the cause of the deficient decoration when adjusting the position of an ink blade  21  or a portion of ink blade  22  and/or altering operation of a ductor roller  13  to alter the amount of ink transferred to the metallic containers does not eliminate the deficiency. Optionally, the rate or timing of movement of the ductor roller  13  may be altered. In another embodiment, the control system  46  can determine that defective ink  26  is causing deficient decorations when the deficiency is observed in sensor data associated with two or more cylindrical portions  57  of the cylindrical body  56  of the metallic container. More specifically, an improperly adjusted ink blade  21  or segment  24  of blade  22  should only effect one cylindrical portion  57  of the metallic container  60 . However, when defective ink is supplied to the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the defective ink will be transferred across all axial portions  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . Accordingly, at least two cylindrical portions  57  of the metallic container  60  will include decoration deficiencies. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  may determine a defective ink  26  is the cause of a deficient decoration when data received from one or more of the sensors  49 ,  50  indicates variations in the color, density, or thickness of the ink within one cylindrical portion  57  of the container  60 . More specifically, ink  26  that is not defective should have a uniform color, density, and thickness when transferred from an axial portion  20  of an ink roller  10 ,  18  to a cylindrical portion  57  of a container. However, if the ink  26  is defective, the data from the sensor  50  associated with a cylindrical portion of the container may include variations. An ink may be defective if it is contaminated (such as with particles, other inks, etc.), is at an improper temperature, is improperly mixed, or is at an incorrect viscosity. 
     When an ink is contaminated with particles, one of the sensors  49 E,  50  may detect the particles in one or more cylindrical portions  57  of the container. In one embodiment, one of the sensors  49 B,  49 C,  49 D may detect particles in ink  26  on a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38 . In one embodiment, an ink contaminated with particles may be detected when a particle in the ink prevents or interrupts the transfer of ink to the ink roller  10 ,  18 . For example, a particle stuck in the gap  32  between the ink roller  10 ,  18  and an ink blade  21  or ink blade portion  24  may result in a lack of ink being transferred to a circumferential portion of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . The circumferential lack of ink on the ink roller  10 ,  18  may result in an uninked band on a printing plate, a transfer blanket, or on a metallic container  60 . Accordingly, when the control system  46  detects an uninked band around the metallic container, the control system  46  can determine that the ink is contaminated with particles. 
     If the defective ink is at an improper temperature, improperly mixed, or at an incorrect viscosity, the ink may not flow evenly through the gap  32  between the ink roller  10 ,  18  and an ink blade  21  or ink blade portion  24 . Accordingly, the ink  26  may be unevenly distributed on at least one of the axial portion  20  of the ink roller  10 ,  18 . For example, the sensor  50  may collect data from two targets  59 A,  59 B within cylindrical portion  57 B of the metallic container as generally illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The control system  46  receives the data related to targets  59 A,  59 B and may determine that the ink associated with target  59 A varies from the ink associated with target  59 B. The sensor data may indicate that the ink at targets  59 A,  59 B is one or more of: different thicknesses, different densities, different colors, and not uniform. 
     When the control system  46  determines a defective ink  26  is the cause of the deficiency in operation  176 , method  166  proceeds YES to operation  184 . When defective ink is not the cause of the deficiency, method  166  proceeds NO to operation  178 . 
     In operation  178 , the control system  46  determines if the deficient decoration repeats. More specifically, a deficient decoration related to a defective printing plate  6 ,  14  or a defective transfer blanket  38  will repeat periodically on metallic containers. Accordingly, a defective transfer blanket or printing plate will result in the same, or similar deficient decoration in a plurality of metallic containers  60 . When the deficient decoration  58  repeats on each of the metallic containers  60 , the control system  46  can determine that the deficient decoration  58  is due to a defective printing plate  6 ,  14 . The defective printing plate  6 ,  14  may be improperly positioned on one of the plates cylinders  4 ,  12 . Alternatively, the defective printing plate  6 ,  14  may be worn or damaged. In one embodiment, the control system  46  may receive data from at least one of sensors  49 B,  49 C,  49 D which indicates that a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38  is defective. 
     In one embodiment, the control system can determine the plate cylinder  4 ,  12  to which the defective printing plate  6 ,  14  is interconnected based on the ink  26  associated with the deficient decoration. More specifically, a defective printing plate  6  on the first plate cylinder  4  will be associated with ink  26 A of the first inking assembly  8 . Similarly, a defective printing plate  14  on the second plate cylinder  12  will be associated with ink  26 B of the second inking assembly  16 . 
     The control system  46  can also determine the deficient decoration is associated with a transfer blanket  38  when the deficient decoration  58  repeats at a period associated with the number of transfer blankets  38  on the blanket cylinder  36 . When the deficiency is due to a defective printing plate or transfer blanket, method  166  proceeds YES to operation  184 . If the deficiency is not associated with a printing plate or transfer blanket, method  166  proceeds NO to operation  180 . 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  may also determine in operation  180  that the decoration is improperly aligned or positioned on the metallic container  60 . More specifically, the control system  46  can compare data received from sensor  50  to stored data in database  110  associated with an acceptable decoration. If the alignment or position of the decoration  58  on the metallic container is different than the acceptable decoration stored in memory, the control system can determine that the decoration is not properly aligned. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  may determine that a decoration is not properly positioned or aligned on the metallic container by comparing the positions of two portions of the decoration. More specifically, and referring again to  FIG. 11 , the control system  46  may receive sensor data related to the position of decoration  58 A in cylindrical portion  57 B and decoration  58 B in cylindrical portions  57 C- 57 F. If the positions of decorations  58 A and  58 B are separated by a distance different than a predetermined amount, the control system  46  may determine the decoration is deficient due to the improperly aligned or positioned decorations  58 A,  58 B. Additionally, decoration  58 C, formed of a first ink  26 A may not be registered with respect to the jersey, decoration  58 B, formed of a second ink  26 B. In this manner, the control system  46  can determine that one or more of the printing plates  6 ,  14  is improperly aligned. Generally, different colors or types of inks  26 A,  26 B must be separated by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, inks  26 A,  26 B must be separated by a distance of up to about 0.005 inches. In one embodiment, the control system  46  may consider data from at least one of sensors  49 B,  49 C,  49 D to determine which printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38  is improperly aligned. Additionally, in one embodiment, metallic containers  54  are transported from the decorator  2  to a sensor  49 ,  50  sequentially. In another embodiment, each metallic container  54  is transported on a pin of the conveyor  48  which. Accordingly, the control system  46  can determine a transfer blanket  38  associated with a deficient decoration based on one or more the order of the metallic containers and the pin conveying the metallic container with the deficient decoration. 
     When the deficiency is due to an improperly positioned or aligned decoration, method  166  proceeds YES to operation  184 . If the deficiency is not associated with a printing plate or transfer blanket, method  166  proceeds NO to operation  181 . 
     In operation  181 , the control system  46  can determine that a deficient decoration is related to a damaged metallic container. The damage may be caused by the upstream equipment  64 . For example, a bodymaker may cause a dent, draw mark, scratch, or a wrinkle in the cylindrical body  56  of the metallic container  54 . The damaged portion of the cylindrical body  56  may not properly contact a transfer blanket  38 . Accordingly, the damaged portion may not properly receive ink resulting in a void or undecorated portion of the container exterior surface  56  and a deficient decoration. The deficient decoration may be visible as a void or blank space in the decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the damaged portion may receive an improper amount of ink from the blanket  38 . Similarly, the upstream equipment  64  may cause rub marks, draw marks, and scratches. The rub marks, draw marks, and scratches may cause a decoration to be deficient. 
     If the damage caused by the upstream equipment  64  repeats periodically, a similar void, undecorated portion, or area of an improper amount of ink on the exterior surface  56  will be detected by the sensor  49 ,  50 . Although the damage may be repeated in similar areas of multiple metallic containers (such as approximately the same distance from a closed end-wall of the metallic container), because metallic containers  54  arrive at the decorator in random order, the damaged portion of the metallic container will be randomly aligned with respect to the transfer blankets  38 . Specifically, the damaged area of a first metallic container will contact a first portion of a first transfer blanket and a second metallic container with a similar damaged area will contact a different second portion of a second transfer blanket. The damaged portion of the metallic containers will accordingly cause different portions of a decoration to be deficient. In this manner, the control system  46  can determine that the deficient decoration is the result of damage to a metallic container caused by upstream equipment  64 . 
     Washers upstream of the decorator  2  can also cause blemishes on the exterior surface  56  of a metallic container. The blemishes may comprise drips, stains, and other marks left on the exterior surface by a washer. When a metallic container with blemish is decorated, the blemish will alter the color or appearance of ink forming a decoration  58 . For example, the ink may not completely cover the blemish. The blemish may also repel ink. The blemish may cause the decoration to be rated as deficient by the control system  46  when compared to a master image. 
     When the control system  46  determines a deficiency is due to a damaged metallic container, method  166  proceeds YES to operation  184 . If the deficiency is not associated with a damaged metallic container, method  166  proceeds NO to operation  182 . 
     The control system  46  may not be able to classify a cause for each deficiency identified. Accordingly, in operation  182  the control system  46  may record a deficiency as being due to an undetermined cause. Characteristics of the deficient decoration, such as (but not limited to): (a) a reason the decoration is deficient; (b) a ΔE of a color deficiency; and (c) a location of the deficiency will be saved in a memory  90 ,  96  of the control system  46 . The characteristics of the deficient decoration can also be stored in a record  132  of data structure  110 . In this manner, historical data of deficient decorations is available for further analysis. Some causes of deficient decorations may only be identified after the same or similar deficiency is observed in a number of metallic containers. Accordingly, the control system  46  may continue the production run and receive data from sensors  49 ,  50  related to decorations that are deficient for the same or similar reasons. If a location of a deficient decoration repeats on a plurality of metallic containers, the control system  46  may subsequently determine a cause for the previously undermined cause. Method  166  then continues to operation  184 . 
     In operation  184 , the metallic container  60  with a deficient decoration is optionally removed from the conveyor  48 . For example, in one embodiment, when an error value associated with the deficient decoration is at a reject level, the control system  46  can send a signal to the ejector  62  to remove the metallic container. 
     In operation  186 , the control system  46  may send an alert. The alert may include information about the type of deficiency identified by the control system. For example, the alert may indicate that the deficient decoration is due to one of an improper amount of ink, a defective ink, a defective printing plate or transfer blanket, improper position or alignment of the decoration, and damage to a metallic container. In one embodiment, the alert may include sending an image of the defective decoration collected by the sensor  50  to a display  88  of the control system  46 . In another embodiment, the portion of the decoration that is defective may be highlighted and/or enlarged. Alternatively, if the control system  46  could not determine the cause of the deficient decoration such that method  166  proceeded NO in operation  180  to operation  182 , the alert may indicate that the control system  46  could not determine the cause of the deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the alert may also include information about actions recommended by the control system  46  to correct the deficient decoration. Accordingly, the alert may identify one or more ink blades  21  or portions of ink key  22  that should be adjusted to correct the deficiency. In another embodiment, the alert may identify one or more of the inking assemblies, the ink rollers, the plate cylinders, the blanket cylinder, and the support element that should be adjusted to correct the deficiency. Additionally, or alternatively, the alert can indicate an adjustment to the operation of one or more ductor rollers  13 . 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  may automatically adjust one or more of the ink blades  21  or portions of ink key  22 , the inking assemblies  8 ,  16 , the ink rollers  10 ,  18 , the plate cylinders  4 ,  12 , the blanket cylinder  36 , and the support element  42  to correct the deficiency. Specifically, the control system  46  can send a sign to one or more actuators to move an ink blade  21 , ink key  22 , inking assembly  8 ,  16 , ink roller  10 ,  18 , a plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , and the blanket cylinder in a specific direction. In still another embodiment, the control system  46  may sent a signal to an actuator to move a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a blanket  38  in a specific direction to correct the deficiency. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator of a ductor roller  13  to alter the rate of movement of the ductor roller. In this manner, the control system  46  can alter the amount of ink  26  transferred by an associated ink train  11 ,  19  to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the alert or visual indication on a display screen can identify the cause of the deficient decoration which may or may not be correctable by the control system  46 . For example, if the deficient decoration is caused by defective ink, a defective printing plate or transfer blanket, or by structural damage to a container cause by upstream equipment  64 , adjusting elements of the decorator  2  will not correct the deficient decoration. Instead, an operator of the decorator  2  may be required to correct the cause of the deficient decoration, such as by changing a defective ink or replacing a damaged printing plate or transfer blanket. Optionally, if the control system  46  cannot correct the deficient decoration, the control system  46  can send a signal to stop the operation of the decorator or provide a visual indication or alert of the problem to an operator. In one embodiment, if the cause of a deficient decoration is damage caused by upstream equipment  64 , the control system can send a signal to stop operation of the upstream equipment. Optionally, the control system  46  may stop operation of one or more of the decorator  2  and the upstream equipment  64  if the damage caused by upstream equipment is observed in more than a predetermined number of metallic containers. For example, if more than 50 metallic containers are identified using data from sensors  49 ,  50  as including deficient decorations cause by damage, the control system  64  can send a signal to stop one or more of the decorator and the upstream equipment. 
     The alert generated by the control system  46  may also include recommended actions such as “change the ink in inking assembly  8 ”. In another embodiment, the alert may indicate which one of the printing plates or transfer blankets is defective or improperly aligned. In still another embodiment, the alert may indicate that the control system cannot correct the deficiency. In one embodiment, the alert may indicate that the cause of the deficiency is undetermined. After sending the optional alert, method  166  proceeds to end operation  188 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , one embodiment of a method  200  of automatically adjusting a decorator  2  to correct a deficient decoration according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. While a general order of the operations of method  200  are shown in  FIG. 17 , method  200  can include more or fewer operations, or can arrange the order of the operations differently than those shown in  FIG. 17 . Further, although the operations of method  200  may be described sequentially, many of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel or concurrently. Generally, method  200  starts with a start operation  202  and ends with an end operation  232 . At least a portion of method  200  can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. One example of the computer system may include, for example, the control system  46 . An example of the computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a memory of the control system  46 . Hereinafter, method  200  shall be explained with reference to control system  46 , decorator  2  and components described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-16 . 
     In operation  204 , the control system  46  sends a signal to actuators  30  associated with the inking assemblies  8 ,  16  of the decorator  2 . The signal causes the actuators  30  to move the ink blades  21  or segments of ink blade  22  closer to, or away from, the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the actuators  30  are low voltage motors. 
     Optionally, the actuators  30  may include (or be associated with) potentiometers  80  that provide positional feedback to the control system  46 . The control system  46  may use the information received from one or rotation or movement sensors, such as the potentiometers  80 , to determine a position of the ink blades  21  or the ink blade  22  (or a blade segment) with respect to an associated ink roller  10 ,  18 . For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, each actuator  30  includes a low voltage DC motor associated with a corresponding ink key  28  or shaft  31 . Optionally, in another embodiment, the actuators  30  include a solenoid interconnected to an ink key  28 . In this manner, the control system  46  adjusts the gap  32  between each ink blade  21  or segment  24  of the ink blade  22  and the ink rollers  10 ,  18  to an initial position. The size of the gap  32  allows a predetermined amount of ink  26  to be metered to each axial portion  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18  required to form a decoration  58 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  automatically determines the initial position of each ink blade  21  or segment  24  of ink blade  22  by analyzing a decoration  58  entered by an operator into a database  110  of the control system  46 . In another embodiment, the operator enters the initial position of each ink blade  21  or segment  24  of blade  22  into the control system  46 . 
     In operation  206 , ink  26  is transferred to axial portions  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . The amount of ink  26  transferred to the axial portions  20  is determined by the gap  32  between the ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22  and the ink rollers  10 ,  18  based on the initial settings of the associated ink keys  28  or shafts  31 . The ink  26  is successively transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14  in operation  208 , to the transfer blankets  38  in operation  210 , and then, in operation  212 , to the exterior surface  56  of the undecorated metallic containers  52 . In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors  49 B,  49 C collect data on at least the amount of ink  26  transferred to the printing plates  6 ,  14 . In another embodiment, the sensor  49 D collects data on the amount of ink on the exterior surface  40  of the transfer blankets  38 . 
     The decorated metallic containers  54  are subsequently transported to the sensor  50 . In one embodiment, method  200  optionally waits a predetermined period of time in operation  214  during which a metallic container  54  is transported from the support element  42  to one or more of the sensors  49 E,  50 . More specifically, depending on the position of the sensors  49 E,  50  with respect to the support element  42 , it may take several seconds or a period of minutes for a metallic container  54  decorated based on changed components of the decorator  2  (such as after adjusting a position of the ink blades  21  and the segments of ink blade  22 ) to reach the sensors  49 E,  50 . If the sensor  49 E,  50  is positioned before the downstream equipment  66  (for example, when the sensor is positioned to sense wet ink  26  of the decoration  58 ), the delay may be less than about 1 minute. However, the sensor  50 A may be positioned after the downstream equipment  66  and the delay will be longer than 1 minute. In one embodiment, when the sensor  50 A is positioned downstream from a pin oven, approximately 350 to 500 metallic containers must pass the sensor  50 A before a metallic container decorated with new settings of the decoration components reaches the sensor  50 A. Regardless of the position of the sensor  49 ,  50 , the amount of time delay between the metallic container  54  leaving the support element  42  reaching each of sensors  49 E,  50  is known. Accordingly, by waiting the period of time in operation  214 , the control system  46  can determine the position of the ink blades  21  and the segments of ink blade  22  when the metallic container was decorated. In one embodiment, up to approximately 500 decorated metallic containers  54  may be in transport between discharge from the support element  42  and the sensor  50 A positioned after a curing oven  66 . Accordingly, after altering a setting of a component of the decorator  2 , up to approximately 500 metallic containers  54  must pass the sensor  50 A before a metallic container  54  decorated by the altered decorator settings is sensed by the sensor  50 . When the sensor  50  is positioned upstream from a curing oven  66 , fewer metallic containers are in transit between the decorator  2  and the sensor. Accordingly, less than about 100 and as few as 20 metallic containers may be in transit between the decorator  2  and the sensor  50 . Because of this, sensor  50  can react faster to deficient decorations compared to sensor  50 A positioned after a curing oven. 
     The decorations  58  on the metallic containers  54  are sensed by at least one of the sensors  49 E,  50  in operation  216 . In one embodiment, the decorated metallic containers  54  are transported by the conveyor  48  to the sensors  49 E,  50 . Alternatively, the sensors  49 E,  50  are positioned to sense the decorated metallic containers  54  on the support element  42 . 
     The sensors  49 E,  50  are aligned to sense or image the decoration  58  on the decorated metallic containers  54 . The sensor  50  and, optionally, sensor  49 E, collect data about the decoration  58  required to determine one or more of: the color of the decoration; the density of the decoration; the depth (or thickness) of the decoration; the alignment of the decoration; and the consistency (or uniformity) of the decoration. In one embodiment, the sensors  49 E,  50  are cameras. Optionally, the decorator  2  includes from three to six sensors  50  or sensors  49 E. The three to six sensors  49 E,  50  may be arranged around a longitudinal axis of the metallic container  50  to substantially simultaneously sense the entire exterior cylindrical surface  56  of the metallic container. 
     In operation  218 , the control system  46  receives the data about the decoration  58  collected by one or more of the sensors  49 E,  50 . The control system  46  is operable to determine if the decoration  58  is acceptable or deficient based upon targets for one or more of color, density, depth, alignment, and consistency. The targets may be set by a customer. In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares the sensor data to an image of an acceptable decoration stored in memory  96 ,  100 ,  104 . In one embodiment, the image may be a master image formed by sensing a plurality of metallic containers with acceptable decorations. In one embodiment, images of a plurality of acceptable decorations are stored in the memory, such as described in conjunction with  FIG. 15 . The master image may be stitched together from the images of individual acceptable decorations. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a master image of a metallic container with an acceptable image is provided to the control system  46  an stored in memory. The master image may be provided by an operator or a customer. 
     Accordingly, the control system  46  may compare portions of the sensor data to corresponding portions of a plurality of images or to a master image stored in memory. Optionally, the control system  46  is programmed to recognize an acceptable decoration. For example, the control system  46  may be programmed by receiving data on a plurality of acceptable decorations as generally described in method  140  illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The control system  46  may also determine a reason for a deficient decoration in operation  218 . In one embodiment, the control system determines the reason for the deficient decoration as described in conjunction with  FIG. 16 . 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  receives data for all metallic containers decorated by the decorator  2 . Alternatively, the control system  46  receives data for some of the decorated metallic containers  54 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  determines a decoration is deficient as described in conjunction with operation  172  of  FIG. 16 . If the decoration  58  is satisfactory, the method  200  continues YES to operation  228 . When the decoration  58  is not satisfactory, the method  200  proceeds NO to operation  220 . 
     Optionally, in operation  220 , the control system  46  may send a signal to the ejector  62 . The signal causes the ejector  62  to remove the metallic container  60  with the unsatisfactory decoration from the conveyor  48 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  sends the signal to the ejector  62  when an error value associated with the unsatisfactory decoration exceeds a predetermined amount. In another embodiment, the control system  46  may send the signal to the ejector  62  for each metallic container  60  that has an unsatisfactory decoration. Alternatively, the control system  46  can determine if the unsatisfactory decoration is visible to a human eye. For example, the unsatisfactory decoration may not meet a target; however, the deficiency may be too small or otherwise not visible to the human eye. If the unsatisfactory decoration is visible to the human eye, the control system  46  can cause the ejector  62  to remove the metallic container  60 . If the unsatisfactory decoration is not visible to the human eye, the control system  46  can allow the metallic container to continue to downstream equipment  66 . 
     In operation  222 , the control system  46  may optionally send an alert. The alert may be presented on an output device  88  of the control system  46 , such as a display. In one embodiment, the alert is audible. Optionally, the control system  46  may sent the alert to a smart device such as a smart phone, a tablet, or a portable computer over a network connection. In one embodiment, the alert may comprise a text message. 
     The alert may provide information related to the type of deficiency identified in the decoration  58 . In one embodiment, the information may include the error value associated with the unsatisfactory decoration. The information may also include actions taken, or planned, by the control system  46  to correct the deficiency, such as a list of ink blades  21  or segments of ink blade  22  associated with the ink rollers  10 ,  18  that were, or will be, adjusted. In one embodiment, the alert includes information about adjustments to positions, or operation, of the inking assemblies, ink rollers, ductor rollers, plate cylinders, printing plates, blanket cylinder, transfer blankets, or the support element required to correct the deficient decoration. Optionally, in one embodiment, the operator may use an input device  86  of the control system  46 , such as a pointer, a keyboard, or a touch screen, to approve the corrective actions presented by the control system  46 . In another embodiment, the operator may use the input device to make changes to the decorator  2  to correct the deficiency. In this manner, the operator can activate one or more actuators  30  to alter the position of one or more ink blades  21  or segments  24  of ink blade  22 . Additionally, the operator may alter a setting of an actuator associated with a ductor roller  13  to adjust the rate of movement of the ductor roller. Specifically, the rate or timing of movement of a ductor roller can be increased to decreased to alter the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate. In still another embodiment, the operator may alter adjustments planned or implemented by the control system  46  to correct the deficiency. 
     In operation  224 , the control system  46  can determine to stop the production run. More specifically, in one embodiment, the control system  46  may determine that the production run should stop based on a rule saved in memory  96  after determining in operation  100  that a decoration  58  on a metallic container  54  is deficient. In one embodiment, the rule is associated with the error value assigned by the control system  46  to the deficient decoration. If the error value is above a certain amount, the control system  46  can send a signal to stop the decorator  2 . In one embodiment, the rule is associated with the number of deficient decorations detected within a period of time. More specifically, if the control system  46  determines more than a predetermined number of metallic containers include deficient decorations, the control system can send a signal to the decorator  2  to stop the production run. In another embodiment, the rule may be related to the type of deficiency identified by the control system  46 . Accordingly, if the deficiency is of a type correctable by the control system  46  by activating at least one actuator  30  to alter a position of an ink blade  21  or portion of an ink blade  22  or by altering the dwell time of a ductor roller  13 , the control system  46  may determine that the production run will continue. Similarly, when the deficiency can be corrected by the control system  46  sending a signal to an actuator to adjust a printing plate  6 ,  14  or a transfer blanket  38 , the control system may continue the production run. Alternatively, when the deficiency is not correctable by the control system  46 , the control system  46  can stop the production run. Specifically, if the deficiency is due to a deficient metallic container  54 , the control system  46  can stop the decorator. In this manner, upstream equipment  64  can be inspected and serviced, if necessary. In one embodiment, the control system  46  can stop the production run in response to an input entered by an operator. If the control system  46  determines the decoration run should continue, method  200  loops YES to operation  226 . Alternatively, when control system  46  determines the decoration run should stop, method  200  continues NO to end operation  232 . 
     In operation  226 , the control system  46  identifies one or more elements of the decorator  2  to adjust to correct the deficiency in the decoration  58  identified. In one embodiment, the control system  46  uses the data received from the sensor  50  or sensor  49 E to identify elements of the decorator that should be adjusted. For example, the control system  48  can identify one or more ink blades  21  or segments  24  of an ink blade  22  that require adjustment to correct a deficiency in the decoration  58  using data received from one or more of sensors  49 B,  49 C,  49 D,  49 E, and  50 . Specifically, the control system  46  can determine that one or more axial portions  20  of at least one ink roller  10 ,  18  should receive more (or less) ink  26 . Accordingly, the control system  46  can send a signal to one or more of the actuators  30  to move an ink blade  21  or segment of ink blade  22  closer to, or away from, the ink rollers  10 ,  18 . The movement of the actuators  30  adjusts the gap  32  between an associated ink blade  21 ,  22  and the ink rollers  10 ,  18  to meter a corrected amount of ink  26  to the associated axial portion  20  of the ink rollers  10 ,  18  to form a satisfactory decoration  58 . Additionally, the control system  46  may send a signal to at least one actuator  30  to adjust an axial position of at least one of ink blade segments  24 . In this manner, the control system may, for example, alter the alignment of the decoration. Similarly, in one embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to an actuator associated with a ductor roller  13 . The signal may alter operation of the ductor roller  13  (such as by changing the rate or frequency of movement of the ductor roller) to change an amount of ink transferred to a printing plate  6 ,  14 . 
     In another embodiment, the control system  46  may determine that an improperly aligned or positioned decoration may be corrected by changing the alignment of one or more elements of the decorator  2 . Accordingly, the control system  46  may send a signal to at least one actuator associated with an inking assembly  8 ,  16 , an ink roller  10 ,  18 , a plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , a printing plate  6 ,  14 , the blanket cylinder  36 , a transfer blanket  38 , and the support cylinder  42 . The signal can activate the actuator to move in a specific direction. In this manner, the control system  46  can correct a deficiency caused by an improperly aligned or positioned decoration. In one embodiment, control system  46  determines the reason for the deficiency by performing one or more of the operations of method  166  described in conjunction with  FIG. 16 . 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  automatically controls the actuators  30 . In another embodiment, the operator must approve the activation of the actuators  30  before the control system  46  sends the signal to the actuator  30 . In yet another embodiment, the control system  46  automatically sends the signal to the actuator  30  after the lapse of a predetermined period of time after sending the alert in operation  104 . The operator may cancel the planned adjustment to the ink blades  21 ,  22  during the predetermined period of time. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the operator must approve an adjustment to the ink blades  21 ,  22  planned by the control system  46 . 
     Method  200  then loops to operation  206  and ink  26  is transferred to the ink roller axial portions  20  with the adjusted settings of at least one of the ink blades  21 ,  22  or with an altered alignment of another element of the decorator. Method  200  again performs operations  208 - 218 . After a decoration  58  formed with the adjusted settings is transferred to the metallic container  54  in operation  212 , method  200  again senses the decoration in operation  216  and determines if the decoration is satisfactory in operation  218 . In one embodiment, method  200  will optionally wait a predetermined period of time before the metallic container  54  with the decoration  58  formed by adjusted settings reaches one or more of the sensors  49 E,  50 . In one embodiment, the control system  46  does not send signals to the actuators  30  during the specific period of lag time of operation  214 . In this manner, the control system  46  does not send signals to the actuators  30  to correct deficiencies which may conflict or cancel corrections to the ink blades  21 ,  22  sent by the control system  46  to correct a previously detected deficiency. 
     In operation  228 , the decorated metallic containers  54  with satisfactory decorations  58  are transported by the conveyor  48  to the downstream equipment  66 . The control system  46  determines in operation  230  if the decoration production run should continue. For example, the control system  46  may determine the production run should stop if there is an equipment malfunction, if there is a supply shortage (such as a lack of ink or shortage of undecorated metallic containers  52 ), upon receipt of a stop command from and operator, or when a predetermined number of metallic containers  54  have been decorated. If the control system  46  determines the production run should continue, method  200  loops YES to operation  206 . If the production run should stop, method  200  continues NO to end  232 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , one embodiment of a method  238  of operating a decorator  2  according to the present invention is illustrated. While a general order of the operations of method  238  are shown in  FIG. 18 , method  238  can include more or fewer operations, or can arrange the order of the operations differently than those shown in  FIG. 18 . Further, although the operations of method  238  may be described sequentially, many of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel or concurrently. Generally, method  238  starts with a start operation  240  and ends with an end operation  260 . At least a portion of method  238  can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. One example of the computer system may include, for example, the control system  46 . An example of the computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a memory of the control system  46 . Hereinafter, method  238  shall be explained with reference to control system  46 , decorator  2  and components described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-17 . 
     Method  238  starts with operation  240 . In one embodiment, undecorated metallic containers  52  are fed from upstream equipment  64  to a decorator  2 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, the metallic containers are retrieved from storage. 
     The metallic containers  52  are decorated by the decorator in operation  242 . A conveyor  48  transports the decorated metallic containers  54  to a sensor  49 ,  50  which collects data on the decoration  58  formed by the decorator. In one embodiment, the conveyor  48  transports the decorated metallic containers to the sensor  49 ,  50  sequentially in the order in which they were decorated. A control system  46  receives data from the sensor  49 ,  50  in operation  244 . 
     The control system  46  then determines whether the decoration is satisfactory or deficient in operation  246 . The control system  46  can compare the data received from the sensor  49 ,  50  to a master image stored in memory. Optionally, the control system  46  can determine whether the decoration is satisfactory or deficient as described in one or more of operation  158  of  FIG. 15 , operation  172  of  FIG. 16 , and operation  218  of  FIG. 17 . If the decoration  58  is satisfactory, method  238  loops YES to operation  242 . If the decoration is not satisfactory, method  238  continues NO to operation  248 . 
     In operation  248 , the control system  46  can determine whether the deficient decoration is caused by the decorator  2 . In one embodiment, the control system can determine a deficient decoration is caused by the decorator when the data indicates the decoration includes an abnormality related to at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of the decoration. Specifically, the control system  46  can determine that the deficient decoration is caused by one or more of (but not limited to) an improper amount of ink, a defective ink, a defective printing plate or transfer blanket, and improper alignment of a printing plate, transfer blanket, or the metallic container. In one embodiment, the control system  46  determines the cause of the deficient decoration as describe in  FIG. 16 . When the deficient decoration is caused by the decorator, method  238  proceeds YES to operation  250 . Alternatively, when the deficient decoration is not caused by the decorator  2 , method  238  proceeds NO to operation  252 . 
     The control system  46  can optionally send a signal to the decorator  2  to correct a deficient decoration in operation  250 . The signal can cause the decorator  2  to adjust one or more components of the decorator. In one embodiment, the signal is operable to cause at least one of an ink blade of the inking assembly, a printing plate, and a transfer blanket to move in a specific direction while the decorator is in operation. 
     More specifically, the signal can cause an actuator  30  to adjust a position of an ink blade  21  or portion  24  of ink blade  22  to alter the amount of ink transferred to a printing plate  6 ,  14 , adjust the movement of a ductor roller  13 , alter a position of a printing plate  6 ,  14  on a plate cylinder  4 ,  12 , move a plate cylinder  4 ,  12  with respect to an ink train  11 ,  19  and/or the blanket cylinder  36 , alter a position of a transfer blanket  38  on the blanket cylinder  36 , and alter a position of a support element  42  with respect to the blanket cylinder  36 . In this manner, the control system  46  is operable to cause the decorator  2  to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of subsequent decorations  58 . 
     If the control system  46  determines the deficient decoration cannot be corrected without action by an operator, the control system will not send the signal in operation  250 . For example, if the deficient decoration is related to one or more of a defective ink, a defective printing plate, and a defective transfer blanket, the control system  46  will not send the signal. 
     In operation  252 , the control system  46  can determine if the deficient decoration is caused by upstream equipment  64 . As described herein, some deficient decorations are caused due to damage of an undecorated metallic container  52  by the upstream equipment. The damage may be a dent, draw mark, or scratch caused by upstream equipment, such as a bodymaker. Other upstream equipment, such as washers and ovens, may also damage the cylindrical surface  56  of undecorated metallic containers  52 . A washer or oven may stain the cylindrical surface, such as with smears, smudges, or drip marks. The damaged metallic container may result in a deficient decoration  58  due to uneven or incomplete transfer of ink from a blanket  38  to the cylindrical surface  56 . Similarly, a stain on the cylindrical surface may repel ink from the blanket  38  or show through the ink. 
     The control system  46  can determine a deficient decoration is caused by upstream equipment  64  in a number of ways. One method of determining upstream equipment is the cause of a deficient decoration is described in conjunction with operation  182  of  FIG. 16 . Additionally, the control system  46  may determine upstream equipment is the cause of a deficient decoration based on the frequency at which the deficiency is observed. More specifically, if the deficient decoration does not occur in each metallic container  54 , the deficiency is not caused by a printing plate  6 ,  14 . If the frequency is not related to the number of transfer blankets  38 , the deficiency is not caused by a transfer blanket. Thus, the deficiency is likely the result of improperly functioning upstream equipment not associated with operation of the decorator  2 . 
     In another embodiment, the control system  46  can determine the upstream equipment is the cause of a deficient decoration based on the location of the deficiency. More specifically, if a bodymaker is not operating properly and damaging the metallic containers  52 , the damage may occur in similar locations on a number of metallic containers. However, because the metallic containers are not oriented with respect to a transfer blanket  38  when ink is transferred to the cylindrical surface  56 , the damaged areas of the metallic containers will align with different areas of the transfer blankets. Accordingly, the damaged areas of the metallic containers will be randomly aligned with respect to the decoration formed on the blankets  38 . When the sensors  49 ,  50  collect data on the deficient decorations caused by upstream damage, the deficiency will not occur in the same place. In contrast, a problem due to the decorator will occur in the same place on each deficient decoration. 
     Optionally, in another embodiment, the control system  46  can determine that upstream equipment is the cause of a deficient decoration after unsuccessfully attempting to correct a deficient decoration by sending a signal to the decorator  2  in operation  250 . If sensors  49 ,  50  detect a deficient decoration after adjusting the decorator, and the deficient decoration is the same as (or similar to) a previously observed deficient decoration, the control system  46  can determine the upstream equipment is the cause. 
     In operation  254 , the control system can determine the cause of a deficient decoration cannot be attributed to either the decorator  2  or upstream equipment  64 . More data may be required to determine the cause of some deficient decorations. 
     In operation  256 , the control system  46  can send an alert to an operator. The alert may be as described herein. The alert may include information about a deficient decoration observed by the control system  46 . Additionally, the alert may include information about the cause of a deficient decoration (such as due to the decorator  2  or upstream equipment  64 ) and action taken by the control system  46  to correct the deficiency. Alternatively, the alert can include a recommended action for the operator to take to correct the deficiency. 
     The control system  46  can determine whether the production run should continue in operation  258 . The control system  46  may determine the production run should continue as described in operations  224 ,  230  of method  200 . The production run may continue based at least in part on an error value assigned by the control system to the deficient decoration. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system  46  can consider the frequency of the deficiency decoration when determining whether to continue the production run. Further, in one embodiment, the control system  46  may send a signal to stop the production run if the cause of the deficient decoration cannot be corrected by a signal from the control system  46  to either the decorator or the upstream equipment. More specifically, in one embodiment, if the cause of the deficient decoration is one or more of a defective ink, a defective printing plate, a defective transfer blanket, and a damaged metallic container, the control system  46  will send a signal to stop the production run. In one embodiment, when the control system cannot determine a cause of a deficient decoration (in operation  254 ), the control system may determine the production run should continue to collect additional information. 
     In one embodiment, the control system  46  can send a signal to stop upstream equipment  64  after determining the upstream equipment is the cause of a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system may send the signal to stop the upstream equipment  64  after a predetermined number of metallic containers with deficient decorations caused by the upstream equipment  64  have been observed. Optionally, the predetermined number can be set by an operator. In one embodiment, the predetermined number can be 25 or 50 metallic containers within a predefined period of time. 
     When the control system  46  determines the production run should continue, method  238  loops YES to operation  242  and the decorator  2  continues decorating metallic containers. Alternative, method  238  continues NO to END  260 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , one embodiment of a method  262  of operating a decorator  2  according to the present invention is illustrated. While a general order of the operations of method  262  are shown in  FIG. 19 , method  262  can include more or fewer operations, or can arrange the order of the operations differently than those shown in  FIG. 19 . Further, although the operations of method  262  may be described sequentially, many of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel or concurrently. Generally, method  262  starts with a start operation  264  and ends with an end operation  280 . At least a portion of method  262  can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. One example of the computer system may include, for example, the control system  46 . An example of the computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a memory of the control system  46 . Hereinafter, method  262  shall be explained with reference to control system  46 , decorator  2  and components described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-18 . 
     In operation  266 , the decorator receives an undecorated metallic container  52  from upstream equipment  64 . The decorator  2  then decorates the metallic container  54  as described herein in operation  266 . The metallic container  54  is transported by conveyor  48  to a sensor  50  positioned before downstream equipment  66 , such as an oven. Additionally, or alternatively, the metallic container is transported by conveyor  48  to a sensor  50 A positioned downstream from the oven. In operation  268 , a control system  46  receives data collected by the senor  50 ,  50 A. 
     In operation  270 , the control system determines whether the decoration  58  is satisfactory as described herein. In one embodiment, the control system  46  compares the sensor data to data stored a database. Specifically, the control system  46  can compare the sensor data of the decoration to a master image. The master image may be provided by a user or a customer. Alternatively, the control system can create a master image by sensing a predetermined number of decorations which have acceptable decorations. Accordingly, the master image may be created by the control system  46  by stitching together images of a plurality of acceptable decorations. If the decoration is satisfactory, method  262  loops YES to operation  266  and continues decorating metallic containers. If the decoration is not satisfactory, method  262  continues NO to operation  272 . 
     In operation  272 , the control system  46  can determine whether the cause of the deficient decoration is correctable by an action of the control system. The control system  46  may first determine a cause of the deficient decoration. For example, the decoration may be deficient due to one or more of: (1) a color of the decoration; (2) a density of the decoration; (3) a depth of the decoration; (4) an alignment of the decoration; (5) a consistency of the decoration; and (6) a position of the decoration. Each of problems  1 - 6  above can be corrected by adjusting a component of the decorator. Accordingly, if the control system determines the cause of a deficient decoration is one of the six problem listed above, the problem can be corrected by the control system  46  sending a signal to the decorator  2 . Method  262  will then continue YES to operation  274 . 
     Alternatively, some causes of deficient decorations may not be correctable by the control system. More specifically, the control system  46  may determine the cause of the deficient decoration is one or more of: (a) a defective or contaminated ink; (b) a defective or damaged printing plate; (c) a defective or damaged transfer blanket; (d) a damaged exterior surface of a metallic container. If the cause of the deficient decoration is one of problems a-d above, the control system  46  cannot correct the deficiency by sending a signal to the decorator  2 . Accordingly, method  262  will continue NO to operation  276 . 
     In operation  274 , the control system  46  may optionally send a signal the decorator  2 . The signal may cause the decorator  2  to adjust one or more components to correct the deficient decoration. More specifically, the signal may cause the decorator to alter at least one of a color, a density, a thickness, an alignment, and a consistency of subsequent decorations. In one embodiment, the signal can alter a setting or position of at least one of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate on the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the container decorator. In another embodiment, the signal may alter the rate of rotation or position of one or more of an ink roller, a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, and a support element of the decorator  2 . In one embodiment, an operator must approve the alteration. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the control system may automatically send the signal to the decorator. 
     The control system  46  may optionally send an alert to an operator in operation  276 . The alert may be provided on a display screen. In one embodiment, the alert include a visual element and an audible element. In another embodiment, the alert is a text message. The alert may provide information related to the reason a decoration is deficient. Information associated with a corrective action to fix the deficient decoration may also be included in the alert. 
     In operation  278 , the control system  46  can determine whether the production run should continue. In one embodiment, if the cause of a deficient decoration cannot be corrected by the control system, the control system will send a signal to stop operation of one or more of the decorator  2  and upstream equipment  64 . Other methods of determining whether to stop or continue the production run are described herein and may be used by the control system  46 . 
     If the control system  46  determines the production run should continue, method  262  returns YES to operation  266 . Alternatively, if the production run should end, method  262  continues NO to operation  280 . 
     By way of providing additional background, context, and to further satisfy the written description requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112, the following references are incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,724,259, 5,992,318; 6,142,078; 6,178,254; 6,184,988; 6,543,350; 6,867,423; 7,013,803; 7,017,492; PCT Pub WO 2013/113616; PCT Pub WO 2016/087876. 
     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. 
     While the exemplary aspects, embodiments, options, and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a Personal Computer (PC), laptop, netbook, smart phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), tablet, etc., or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can be located in a switch such as a private branch exchange (PBX) and media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at one or more users&#39; premises, or some combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associated computing device. 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. 
     Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects. Further, a number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. 
     Optionally, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. 
     In one embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized. 
     In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or computer-generated imagery (CGI) script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system. 
     Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure. 
     Examples of the processors as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 610 and 615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple® A7 processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessors, Samsung® Exynos® series, the Intel® Core™ family of processors, the Intel® Xeon® family of processors, the Intel® Atom™ family of processors, the Intel Itanium® family of processors, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22 nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22 nm Ivy Bridge, the AMD® FX™ family of processors, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300, and FX-8350 32 nm Vishera, AMD® Kaveri processors, Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000™ automotive infotainment processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP™ automotive-grade mobile processors, ARM® Cortex™-M processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S™ processors, other industry-equivalent processors, and may perform computational functions using any known or future-developed standard, instruction set, libraries, and/or architecture. 
     The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, sub combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.