Abstract:
A control device, comprising a processor and a memory that contains computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, add first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue for a packaging device, receive a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, add second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue, and transmit the queue to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/018267 entitled, “Computerized Controller for Packaging Materials,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to packaging devices, and more specifically, to a computerized controller for packaging devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Packaging machines are used to create packaging materials, such as cushioning elements, that may be used to surround or contain items in a predetermined volume (e.g., box) to allow the item to be shipped, transported, stored, and the like with a reduced risk of damage. Examples of packaging machines include foam-in-bag machines that inflate bags with expandable foam where the foam provides the cushioning support, air-bag machines that inflate bags with air or other similar gas to provide the cushioning support, and dunnage machines that shred materials such as paper where the shredded elements provide cushioning for the items. 
         [0004]    Operational control of packaging machines often requires manual input by a user or machine administrator. For example, for a foam-in-bag machine, such settings can include, bag dimensions, the percentage of foam that should be inserted into the bag, and the number of bags desired. Other types of machines include related types of input requirements. These manual inputs can be some limited, as well as time consuming, confusing or difficult to follow, and may result in issues due to human error (e.g., typographical errors, etc.). Furthermore, users of conventional packaging machines may be required to manually enter inputs to make numerous packaging elements, cumbersomely waiting for each packaging element to be created before entering an input for a subsequent packaging element. This can result in an inefficient use of the user&#39;s time, as well as the user&#39;s employer&#39;s resources. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present subject matter relates generally to systems, devices and methods for controlling a packaging device. In some embodiments a control device is provided. The control device comprises a processor and a memory that contains computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, and add first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue for a packaging device. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, and add second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to transmit the first and second instructions to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the packaging material is protective packaging material. In some embodiments, the device comprises a display. In such embodiments, the computer readable instructions further cause the processor to display on the display a first item graphic corresponding to the first unit, wherein one or more characteristics of the first item graphic correspond to the first parameters; and display on the display a second item graphic corresponding to the second unit, wherein one or more characteristics of the second item correspond to the second parameters. In some embodiments, the first and second items are presented together on the display in an order that indicates that the packaging device will create the first unit before creating the second unit. In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the processor to receive a user pause input corresponding to a pause for a predetermined length of time, and based on the pause input, send pause information to the packaging device, to cause the packaging device to create the first packaging unit, pause for the predetermined length of time, and create the second packaging item. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the first parameters include a number of a plurality of first units to be created, and wherein sending the first instructions causes the packaging device to create the number of first units. The instructions further causing the processor to receive a user input corresponding to a pause for a predetermined length of time, add the pause to the queue, and transmit pause information to the packaging device, to cause the packaging device to pause for the predetermined length of time after finishing creating a first unit and before starting to create another first unit in the plurality. In some embodiments, the packaging device comprises first and second packaging devices, and the first packaging device creates the first unit of packaging material, and the second packaging device creates the second unit of packaging material. In some embodiments, the first packaging unit comprises different material than the second packaging unit. In some embodiments, the instructions further cause the processor to send cleaning information to the packaging device, to cause a cleaning material to be applied to the packaging device after the packaging device creates the first unit. In some embodiments, the packaging device is a foam-in-bag device, and the cleaning material is a solvent. In some embodiments, the packaging device is a foam-in-bag device, the first unit comprises a bag having a predetermined amount of foam filled therein, and the first parameters include at least one of a length of the bag or a percentage of the bag to filled with foam. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, a control device is provided that includes a display, a processor and a memory. The memory contains computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, and present for display on a user interface a first item graphic corresponding to the first unit of packaging material. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, and present for display on the user interface a second item graphic corresponding to the second unit of packaging material. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to add first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue, add second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue, and send the first and second instructions to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the first item graphic correspond to the first parameters, and one or more characteristics of the second item graphic correspond to the second parameters. In some embodiments, the packaging device is a foam-in-bag device, the first unit comprises a bag having a predetermined amount of foam filled therein, and the first parameters include at least one of a length of the bag or a percentage of the bag to fill with foam. In some embodiments, the packaging material is protective packaging material. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, a control device is provided that comprises a processor and a memory that contains computer readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, add first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue for a packaging device, receive a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, and add second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to receive a third user input corresponding to a processing step, and add third instructions corresponding to the processing step to the queue. The computer readable instructions cause the processor to transmit the first and second instructions to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters and according to the processing step. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the processing step is a pause of a predetermined period of time, and the third instructions cause the packaging device to pause for the predetermined period of time after creating the first unit and before creating the second unit. In some embodiments, the processing step is a cleaning step, and the third instructions cause a cleaning material to be administered to the packaging device after creating the first unit and before creating the second unit. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, a method of creating packaging units is provided. The method comprises receiving a first user input corresponding to first parameters for forming a first unit of packaging material, and adding first instructions corresponding to the first unit to a queue for a packaging device. The method comprises receiving a second user input corresponding to second parameters for forming a second unit of packaging material, and adding second instructions corresponding to the second unit to the queue. The method comprises transmitting the queue to the packaging device to cause the packaging device to create the first and second units of packaging material according to the first and second parameters. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the packaging material is protective packaging material. In some embodiments, the method includes displaying on a display a first item graphic corresponding to the first unit, wherein one or more characteristics of the first item graphic correspond to the first parameters, and displaying on the display a second item graphic corresponding to the second unit, wherein one or more characteristics of the second item correspond to the second parameters. In some embodiments, the first and second items are displayed together to indicate that the packaging device will create the first unit before creating the second unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a packaging system including a packaging machine and a controller. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of the packaging system of  FIG. 1  including additional machines. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of the packaging system of  FIG. 1  including additional controllers and machines. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a diagram illustrating the system of  FIG. 2A  with various types of machines. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the controller of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a rear isometric view of an example of a packaging assembly including foam precursor or other chemical supplies. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a side isometric view of the packaging assembly of  FIG. 4A  with the material supplies hidden for clarity. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is an image of an example of a custom element graphical user interface for the controller. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5B  is an image of an example of a custom sequence graphical user interface for the controller. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an image of an example of a queue graphical user interface. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  is an image of the queue graphical user interface of  FIG. 6  with a sequence and an item added to a queue pathway. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7B  is an image of the queue graphical user interface of  FIG. 6  with two items and a sequence added to the queue pathway. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a method for adding items to a queue for the machine of the packaging assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    In some embodiments herein, a packaging system including a controller and a packaging machine is disclosed. The packaging machine is typically a device for making protective packaging, although in other embodiments it can be other types of manufacturing machines. Embodiments of machines include those that create packaging material, including protective packaging materials and other packaging products. Exemplary protective packaging materials include foam-in-bag cushions, foam-in-place protective packaging, inflated pillows and cushions, inflatable bags, paper dunnage, and the like, for example for impact protection, stabilizing products within a box or other container, or void fill. In some embodiments, the controller can be any type of suitable processor, computer, or electronic module associated with or in the machine. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the controller can be a computer. The computer may be a portable computer, such as a tablet, smart phone, gaming device, or the like, and is placed into communication with the packaging device as well as one or more sensors that may be connected to or integrated with the packaging device. As will be described in more detail below, the controller may control and/or vary one or more components of the packaging machine (e.g., settings, machine selections, cushioning characteristics, etc.) and may sense and control input materials provided to the packaging machine (e.g., sheets of plastic used to create the inflatable bags). Further, the controller may also be in communication with one or more other controllers and/or machines, so as to allow the controller to communicate with and control an entire warehouse or other grouping of packaging machines, where the group of machines may be located in a single location or in two or more locations. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the controller may receive an input indicating a desired cushioning element to be created and/or a packaged item for which the cushioning element is needed. Based on the input, the controller may adjust the machine parameters to create the desired cushioning element. The input may be a user input (e.g., selection of an icon or entered data), may be sensed by the controller or machine (e.g., first type of material corresponds to a first type of bag), or may be a combination of a sensed and user input. Depending on the packaging machine and user preferences, the controller may be configured to selectively modify, control, monitor, and/or activate each component of the packaging machine and may do these actions either based on a user input, automatically (e.g., through sensed data), or a combination thereof. 
         [0031]    As briefly discussed above, the controller may include a display either integrated therewith (e.g., a tablet) or a display that is separate from the controller but in communication therewith. The display may be used to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to select and modify parameters of the machine and/or to instruct the machine to create a desired cushioning element or elements in a desired order and with a particular set of characteristics. The GUI may include icons or indicia that minor or mimic characteristics of particular cushioning elements (e.g., image that matches an image of a particular bag). This allows a user to quickly visually identify the desired input without requiring additional knowledge of the machine. The icons may indicate selected characteristics and parameters of packaging element or elements and the icons may reflect changes to the parameters. A user can select one or more icons to provide instructions to the machine based on the desire cushioning element or elements to be created by the machine. 
         [0032]    The controller may receive user input that loads the selected cushioning element to be created into a manufacturing queue for the packaging machine. Alternatively or additionally, the icons or other input components for the controller may be configured to set a sequence of bags or other cushioning elements that can then be added as a group to the queue of the machine. For example, when the user selects a particular icon on the GUI, a first sequence of cushioning elements may be programmed into the machine in order to be manufactured in the order of the sequence. The cushioning elements within the sequence may then be added to the machine&#39;s queue to create those elements. The cushioning elements within the queue may thus be added either via a particular sequence or may be added individually. This allows the queue of the machine to be dynamically tailored to the specific needs of the user. Also, the order of items within the queue may be selected and/or modified. For example, when adding a new item or sequence to the queue the user or the controller may assign the item or sequence a priority, where the priority may determine the item or sequence&#39;s placement within the queue. This allows certain cushioning elements to be made before others, depending on the priority. As another example, while or after a queue is created, a user may modify the order of items within the queue. The order of the items within the queue and changes made thereto may be represented by the GUI. For example, the icons representing items or sequences may be presented on the GUI according to the order of the represented items or sequences within the queue. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the controller may control production steps relating to how the machine produces packaging elements. For example, the controller may insert pauses into the queue of the packaging machine, e.g., between each cushioning element and/or sequence, the controller may instruct the machine to enter into a pause state or otherwise not proceed to the next element in the sequence until a set period of time has elapsed. These pauses can help to ensure that the machine does not overheat, that the cushioning elements are made correctly, or that the downstream processes (e.g., removing of the cushioning elements from the machine) can be done before the next cushioning element is created. As another example, the controller may be configured to insert a cleaning step into the queue of the packaging machine. For example, the cleaning step may cause the packaging machine to administer a cleaning fluid to one or more components of the machine. For example, for a foam-in-bag machine, a solvent may be administered to prevent buildup of the foam precursor, increasing the longevity of the machine run time and efficiency of the machine. 
         [0034]    In one example, the controller may receive data (e.g., input by a user, from a sensor such as a bar code scanner, or the like) regarding an item to be packaged using the packaging elements created by the machine or machines. In this example, the controller may preload a desired item or queue of items to be created based on the packaged item into the machine, as well as may display steps or operations that may be performed by other machines or by the user. In this example, the controller provides instructions (to the machine and/or user) regarding the entirety of, or a portion of, the packaging flow for the item. This allows customized packaging to be more easily created and integrated into an automated process. 
         [0035]    Various features provided by the controller may be set to various access levels. For example, an administrator may be able to access and modify features that a user may not be able to access. This allows a manufacturer to prevent some settings on the packaging machine from being modified by a user, while still allowing those features to be modified by a person having the correct access levels. For example, a manufacturer may preset certain queues and the user may not be able to change the parameters of the queues. As another example, an administrator may set certain maximums for queues or minimum time between items to ensure that the machine is operated under efficient conditions. 
         [0036]    The controller may be used to track the location of the machine itself and/or one or more components. For example, some users may move or transport the packaging machines across a warehouse, to other locations, based on available storage or the like. Due to this movement of the exact location of a particular machine may not be known to certain users. In some instances the controller may include a locating beacon that can be used locate one or more machines that the controller is attached to or in communication with. This allows a user to know the location and optionally status of any machine within a machine group, which can assist in faster identification of a problematic machine, allow a machine owner or manufacturer to keep updated records of machine locations, and to help deter theft of the machines. As one example, the beacon may be a global positioning satellite (GPS) tracking system or other location identifying system that determines a relative location of the detected component. 
         [0037]    Turning now to the figures, a system for controlling one or more manufacturing machines will now be discussed. It should be noted that although the below examples are discussed with respect to packaging material manufacturing machines, the present disclosure may be applied to substantially any suitable type of manufacturing machine.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a manufacturing and control system with a single machine and controller.  FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating a system with multiple machines.  FIG. 2B  is a block diagram illustrating a system with multiple machines with their own controllers. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the manufacturing and control system  100  may include a machine  102  having one or more sensors  108  and a controller  104 . The controller  104 , and optionally the machine  102 , may be in communication with a network  106  which allows the controller  104  and/or machine  102  to receive and transmit data to and from other controllers, machines, and/or computing devices, as will be discussed in more detail below. The controller  104  and/or machine  102  may communicate with an external database, such as a cloud database  122  that runs on a cloud computing platform. 
         [0038]    The controller  104  is in electrical communication with the machine  102  and the network  106  and optionally the cloud database  122 . With reference to  FIG. 2A , in a multiple machine system  110 , the controller  104  may be in communication with other machines  112 ,  116 ,  120 ,  125 . This allows the controller  104  to receive and send data to each of the machines  102 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120 ,  125  and allows a single controller to control the operations and operating settings of the machines. As one example, the controller  104  may send and receive instructions to each of the machines, allowing a single controller  104  to operate multiple machines. In these embodiments, the machines may not include a display or other user interface or may have a simplified user interface and the operation and programming of the machine may be done via the controller  104  (e.g., through communication through the network  106 ). 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 2B , in a multiple machine system  110 , each controller  104 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122  may be in communication with at least one another controller, or as shown in  FIG. 2B  every controller (either directly or indirectly) within the system  110 . This allows each of the controllers  104 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122  to send and receive data between each other and receive and send data about each machine  102 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120  within the system  110 . 
         [0040]    In the system  110  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , each machine  102 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120  may be in a similar physical location (e.g., in a single warehouse, campus, or station) or may be in a variety of different locations spatially separated from one another (e.g., across multiple states, countries, or the like). The system  110  may allow each controller  104 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122  to control one or more of the machines  102 ,  112 ,  116 ,  120 . The multiple machine system  110  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  may include the same components as the system  100  of  FIG. 1  and as such, for ease of explanation, the following discussion is made with respect to the single machine system  100  of  FIG. 1 , but may be understood to apply to the components of the system  110 . That is, each of the controllers  114 ,  118 ,  122  and machines  112 ,  116 ,  120  of system  110  that are not discussed below may be substantially the same as controller  104  and machine  102 , respectively, of the system  100  discussed below, with the exception being that any of the machines and/or controllers may be different from one another within the system  110 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the machines may be grouped in packaging “stations” where a controller  104  may control different types of machines that a user can operate simultaneously or separately. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 2C , in this embodiment, the system  110  may include three different types of machines, such that the first machine  102  may be a foam-in-bag machine, the second machine  112  may be an inflated air pillow machine, and the third machine  116  may be a paper dunnage machine. In this example the controller  104  may control the queues and/or sequences (discussed in more detail below) for each of the machines  102 ,  112 ,  116  although the machines may each make different cushioning elements. Additionally, in this example the system  110  may include an external sensor  133 , such as a barcode scanner, that may be used to receive data and transmit data to the controller  104 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C , each of the machines, the controller  104 , and/or the external sensor  133  may be in communication with the controller  104  and/or each other, e.g., through a WiFi network, Bluetooth, or the like. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, using the system  110  shown in  FIG. 2C , the user may scan a packaging item  135  (i.e., an item to be packed and cushioned using cushioning materials) using the external sensor  133 . The external sensor  133  may scan a barcode, serial number, color, quick response (QR) code, or the like, and transmit the item data to the controller  104 . Based on the data, the controller  104  determines the type of cushioning elements needed for the item  135  and transmits the items into the queues for each of the machines  102 ,  112 ,  116 , which either substantially simultaneously or sequentially, create the cushioning elements. As the machines are creating the cushioning elements or afterwards, the controller  104  may then display one or more tutorials or videos that instruct the user how to assemble the item  135  in the package with the corresponding cushioning elements (e.g., foam-in-bag cushioning elements go on bottom, dunnage elements on top after item placed into box on foam-in-bag, etc.). Further, the controller  104  may provide instructions to a user regarding steps for shipping or other handling of the item  135  that may not be completed by the machines  102 ,  112 ,  116 , such as, but not limited to, print shipping label, transfer to a specific station or person, and so on. Thus, the system  110  of FIG.  2 C may be able to function as a packaging station that allows a user to control multiple machines and can be specialized and/or modified dynamically for items. These features are discussed in the related applications “Integrated protective packaging control,” Attorney Docket No. P252834.US.01-485252-642; “Protective packaging system consumable resupply system,” Attorney Docket No. P252835.US.01-485252-644; and “Protective Packaging Machines Demonstrative Content,” Attorney Docket No. P252837.US.01-485252-648, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
         [0043]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the controller  104  and the machine  102  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram of the controller.  FIG. 4F  is an enlarged view of the controller connected to the machine. With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the controller  104  may be substantially any type of electronic or computing device. Some non-limiting examples include a tablet computer, a smartphone, a digital music player, portable gaming station, laptop computer, microcomputer, processor or processing chip, or the like. In many embodiments the controller  104  may be a portable computing device with an integrated touch sensitive display, such as a tablet computer or smart phone. 
         [0044]    The controller  104  may include one or more processing elements  130 , one or more sensors  132 , one or more memory components  134 , a display  132 , a networking/communication interface  138 , and an input/output interface  140 . Each of the components may be in communication either directly or indirectly with one another via one or more systems busses and each will be discussed in turn below. It should be noted that  FIG. 3  is meant as exemplary, and in other examples, the controller  104  may include fewer or more components than those shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C , in embodiments where the controller is a portable computing device with an integrated touch sensitive screen (e.g., a tablet or smart phone), the controller may include a device enclosure  113  that encloses at least a portion of the select components. For example, the enclosure  113  may define a housing for the components of the controller  104 , while still providing access to the components, such as one or more cameras  117 , ports  115 , and/or input/output buttons  119 . Additionally, the enclosure  113  may only enclose a portion of the display  136  to allow the display to be visible and accessible to the user. 
         [0046]    With reference again to  FIG. 3 , the one or more processing elements  130  may be substantially any suitable electronic device cable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processing element  130  may be a microprocessor or a microcomputer. Additionally, it should be noted that the processing element  130  may include more than one processing member. For example, a first processing element may control a first set of components of the controller  104  and a second processing element may control a second set of components of the controller  104 , where the first and second processing elements may or may not be in communication with each other. Additionally, each processing element  130  may be configured to execute one or more instructions in parallel. 
         [0047]    The sensors  132  may provide substantially any type of input to the controller  104 . For example, the sensors  132  may be one or more accelerometers, microphones, global positioning sensors, gyroscopes, light sensors, image sensors (such as a camera), force sensors, and so on. The type, number, and location of the sensors  132  may be varied as desired and may depend on the desired functions of the system  100 . In some examples, the sensors  132  may include at least a camera  117  and a microphone  127  that capture images and sound, respectively. 
         [0048]    The memory  134  stores electronic data that may be utilized by the controller  104 . For example, the memory  134  may store electrical data or content e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on, corresponding to various applications. The memory  134  may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or a combination of one or more types of memory components. 
         [0049]    The display  136  provides a visual output for the controller  104 . The display  136  may be substantially any size and may be positioned substantially anywhere on the controller  104 . In some embodiments, the display  136  may be a liquid display screen, plasma screen, light emitting diode screen, and so on. The display  136  may also function as an input device in addition to displaying output from the controller  104 . For example, the display  136  may include capacitive touch sensors, infrared touch sensors, or the like that may capture a user&#39;s input to the display  136 . In these embodiments, a user may press on the display  136  in order to provide input to the controller  104 . In other embodiments, the display  136  may be separate from or otherwise external to the electronic device, but may be in communication therewith to provide a visual output for the electronic device. 
         [0050]    The networking/communication interface  138  receives and transmits data to and from the controller  104 . The networking/communication interface  138  may be transmit and send data to the network  106 , other machines, and/or other computing devices. For example, the networking/communication interface may transmit data to and from other computing devices through the network  106  which may be a wireless network (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular network, etc.) or a wired network (Ethernet), or a combination thereof. 
         [0051]    As a specific example, the networking/communication interface  138  may be configured to allow the controller  104  to communicate with the machine  152  and control various components within the machine. The networking/communication interface  138  may translate messages from the controller  104  into a form that the machine  104  can understand and receive. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4F , the networking/communication interface  138  may include an input port  115  that is defined through the device enclosure  113 . In this example, the input port  115  may be a micro universal serial bus port, but many other types of ports are envisioned. The input port  115  may receive a connector, such as the male end of a cable and when connected transmits data to and from the machine  102  from the controller  104 . 
         [0052]    The input/output interface  140  allows the controller  104  to receive inputs from a user and provide output to the user. For example, the input/output interface  140  may include a capacitive touch screen, keyboard, mouse, stylus, or the like. The type of devices that interact via the input/output interface  140  may be varied as desired. In one example, one or more buttons  119  may be included in the input/output interface  140 . The buttons  119  allow a user to provide in input to the controller  104  such as returning to a home screen, selecting a particular function, or the like. 
         [0053]    The controller  104  may also include a power supply  142 . The power supply  142  provides power to various components of the controller  104 . The power supply  142  may include one or more rechargeable, disposable, or hardwire sources, e.g., batteries, power cord, or the like. Additionally, the power supply  142  may include one or more types of connectors or components that provide different types of power to the controller  104 . In some embodiments, the power supply  142  may include a connector (such as a universal serial bus) that provides power to the controller  104  or batteries within the controller  104  and also transmits data to and from the controller  104  to the machine  102  and/or another computing device. 
         [0054]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the machine  102  may be substantially any type of manufacturing machine. However, in many embodiments the machine  102  may be a packaging machine that produces packaging materials or cushioning elements, such as, but not limited to, dunnage, foam-in-bag pillows, air or gas filled pillows, bubble wrap, or the like. Examples of sheet-fed paper dunnage machines that may be used with the system  100  of  FIG. 1  include machines such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,848 entitled “Dunnage Device and Handler Disengagement,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Examples of center-fed paper dunnage machines include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,591 entitled “Center-Fed Dunnage System,” and U.S. Publication No. 2012/0165172 entitled, “Center Fed Dunnage System and Cutter.” Examples of air inflation sealing device machines include U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,110 entitled “Inflation and Sealing Device with Disengagement Mechanism,” U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,770 entitled, “Inflation and Sealing Device for Inflatable Air Cushions,” U.S. Publication No. 2011/0172072 entitled, “Packaging pillow device with upstream components,” and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/844,741 entitled “Replaceable Blade,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Examples of foam based protective packaging machines include U.S. Publication No. 2013/0047554 entitled, “Spindle Mechanism for Protective Packaging Device,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,030 and U.S. Nonprovisional Application Nos. 14/630,642 and 14/630,643 entitled, “Inflation and Sealing Device and Methods,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,026 and U.S. Nonprovisional Application No. 14/630,586 entitled, “Recipe Controlled Device for Making Packaging Materials,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate various views of an example of a foam-in-bag (FIB) machine incorporating the controller  104 . With reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the FIB machine  152  includes a control panel  160  and a mounting assembly  162  for the controller  104 . Additionally, the machine  152  may be supported on a stand  154  anchored to a base  156  having a set of wheels  158 . The stand  154  may allow the machine  152  to be telescoping to allow the machine  152  to be positioned at various heights relative to the base  156 . 
         [0056]    The FIB machine  152  may be substantially similar to the machine described in U.S. Publication No. 2013/0047552 entitled “Foam-in-Bag Apparatus with Power Failure Protection,” and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0057]    The FIB machine  152  may include one or more pumps  171  fluidly connected to one or more foam precursor supply chemicals, Fill Material A and Fill Material B, such as chemical canisters that are used to create a cushioning foam. One or more nozzles or hoses may be used to connect the pumps  171  to the respective fill material supply containers and connect the pumps  171  to the machine  152 , allowing the supply containers to be positioned in locations separate from the FIB machine  152 . The machine  152  may also include a solution pump  173  connected to its base  156 . The solution pump  173  may be fluidly connected to a cleaning solution reservoir that may be attached to or separate from the machine. The machine  152  may also include a roll reception assembly  176  that extends outward from the machine  152 . The roll reception assembly  172  may include a dowel or other roll support that receives a roll of film material, such as the material used to form the bag in which the foam is injected into. 
         [0058]    For a FIB machine, in operation, one or more foam precursors are fluidly connected to the pump  174 , and a film roll is loaded on the roll reception assembly  176 . For example, the film may be fed through the machine  152  and the machine  152  seals the edges of two sheets of film together and the foam precursor is sprayed or deposited between the sheets of film. When a desired fill supply has been inserted into the chamber defined by the sheets, and the film is a desired length, the machine  152  seals the ends of the sheets to seal foam precursor within the chamber. The film is then cut to a desired length by a cutting element and the cushioning element is created. Other known types of foam-in-bag machines can also or alternatively be used. 
         [0059]    For a machine that makes paper or other crumpled or folded dunnage machine, the machine can use suitable stock materials, such as individual, separate, e.g. pre-cut, sheets, tubes, or a continuous sheet or other material that is cut to length, typically after or during its being formed into dunnage. Continuous type stock material examples include a long strip of sheet material fed from the interior or exterior of one or more supply rolls or fanfolded material stacks. The converter can be configured to crumple the sheets in a desired direction, such as cross-crumpling with folds and creases extending transversely to the feed direction of the sheets, or longitudinal crumpling, with folds and crease extending longitudinally along the direction in which the sheet(s) are fed through the converter, although a combination of directions or other directions can be used. 
         [0060]    In an example of a cross-crumpling device, the dunnage converter may include entry-side crumpling rollers or other elements that move a portion of the sheet with which they interact at a faster rate, and exit-side crumpling rollers or other elements that move a portion of the sheet that they interact with at a slower rate. These rollers can be arranged to define a crumpling zone therebetween. A sheet of material is moved through the entry rollers along a longitudinal path at the faster rate. Since the exit-side rollers move at the slower rate, the material is compressed into the crumpling zone and thus crumpled into dunnage. In some embodiments, entry-side and exit-side crumpling rollers may be displaced transversely along the path with respect to each other to cause shearing effect in the material within the crumpling zone, to form tighter and more offset creases in the transverse region that is disposed longitudinally downstream from the crumple zone. Such devices are disclosed, for instance in U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,848, entitled, “Dunnage Device and Handler Disengagement,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for adjusting the speed and/or position of the crumpling rollers to adjust the crumpling of the material. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for controlling a cutting element to cut a predetermined length of the material so to create dunnage of a desired size. 
         [0061]    In a longitudinal crumpling machine, typically, long, continuous strips of paper of other material are fed into a converting station. In devices that feed from the inside of a roll, the material may twist along a longitudinal axis as a helix, forming a tube or coil. A drum can be driven to draw the tube or coil through the converting station. A roller can be positioned and biased against the drum to flatten the tube or coil. The biased drum can grip the tube or coil, pull it along the feed path so to pinch the material of the tube or coil so that the material bunches ahead of the pinched portion, and is crumpled so to form dunnage. Such devices are disclosed, for instance in U.S. Application Publication Nos. 2012/0165172 entitled, “Center-Fed Dunnage System Feed and Cutter” and 2014/0038805 entitled , “Dunnage Supply Daisy Chain Connector,” the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for adjusting the speed and/or position of the roller relative to adjust the crumpling of the material. Adjusting the speed and/or position of the roller relative to the drum may also create creases of a desired tightness. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for controlling a cutting feature to cut a predetermined length of the material so to create dunnage of a desired size. 
         [0062]    In devices that feed from the outside of a roll, the device may crumple the material in a generally longitudinal pattern, thereby putting a series of longitudinal folds and/or pleats within the sheeting. The device may include a rake having tines and spaces therebetween, over which paper is fed to create waves within the sheeting. The sheeting may then pass through a space between a drum and a guide roller, so that the waves form folds and/or pleats within the paper sheeting. Such devices are disclosed, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,735 entitled, “Apparatus for Crumpling Paper Substrates,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for adjusting the positions of the tines and spaces to adjust the size of the waves and thus adjust the configuration of the folds and/or pleats. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for adjusting the speed and/or positions of the drum and guide roller to adjust the folding and/or pleating of the material. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for controlling a cutting feature to cut a predetermined length of the material so to create dunnage of a desired size. 
         [0063]    In other devices that feed from the outside of a roll, the device may include a throat section and a pair of crumpling rollers. As material is pulled through the throat section, it may gather or pleat. The gathered or pleated material may be fed between the pair of crumpling rollers, which may press the gathered or pleated material together to form dunnage. Such devices are disclosed, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,997 entitled, “Machine and Method for Making Paper Dunnage,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for adjusting the size of the throat, and/or the speed and/or position of the crumpling rollers to adjust the crumpling of the material. The control panel  160  and/or the controller  104  may include means for controlling a cutting element to cut a predetermined length of the material so to create dunnage of a desired size. 
         [0064]    With reference now to  FIG. 4C , the control panel  160  will now be discussed in more detail. The control panel  160  includes a plurality of input buttons  180   a - 180   g,    184   a - 184   c  that may be used to control aspects of the machines  152 . The functions of the input buttons  180   a - 180   g,    184   a - 184   c  may be the same as some of the functions that are adjustable via the controller  104  or may be different from those adjustable by the controller  104 . In embodiments where the input buttons  180   a - 180   g,    184   a - 184   c  of the control panel  160  control functions that are adjustable by the controller  104 , the machine  152  may include duplicative controls which may assist in teaching new users how to use the functionality of the controller  104  and may provide a backup control system for the machine  152 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 4C , the first set of input buttons  180   a,    180   b,    180   c,    180   d,    180   e ,  180   f    180   g  can be programmed to correspond to the dimensions of the bag produced by the FIB machine  152 . For example the first button  180   a  may correspond to the smallest default size bag, the seventh button  180   f  may correspond to the largest default size bag, and the eighth button  180   g  may correspond to the previous size bag that was used. It should be noted that the input buttons may be programmed for substantially any task or input to the machine, such as, but not limited to, item creation sequences, queues, and different sizes or characteristics that may not necessarily correspond to the external markings on the input buttons. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 4C , in addition to the bag dimension input buttons  180   a - 180   g , the control panel  160  may include a secondary control panel  182 . The secondary control panel  182  includes a stop button  184   a,  a film roll button  184   b,  and a height button  184 . The stop button  184   a  stops the operation of the FIB machine  152 , the film machine  184   b  loads additional film into the machine  152 , and the height button  184   c  adjusts the height of the stand  154  to raise and lower the machine  152 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, the control panel  160  may form part of a machine control system for controlling various components of the machine  152  to form packaging elements. For example, buttons  180   a - 180   g,  which corresponding to the dimensions of the bag, may cause the machine control system to control one or more drive mechanisms that output certain amounts of web material to form bags of a particular size. In doing so, when a user activates (e.g., pushes on) a button  180   a - 180   g,  data is sent to the drive mechanisms, to thereby activate and control the drive mechanisms. 
         [0068]    The controller  104  may send data to the machine  102  to activate and control the drive mechanisms, similarly to the control panel  160 . In some embodiments, the controller  104  communicates with the control panel  160 . For example, the controller  104  may send data to the control panel  160 , and based on the data, the control panel  160  may send data to the drive mechanisms for activating and controlling the drive mechanisms. In some embodiments, the controller  104  may communicate directly to the components of the machine themselves. For example, the controller  104  may send data directly to the drive mechanisms to activate and control the drive mechanisms. In some embodiments, the control panel  106  may be omitted and/or varied as the controller  104  may include functionality of the control panel  106 . Additionally, it should be noted that the buttons and their functions as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C  are illustrative and may be varied as desired. 
         [0069]    As discussed in more detail below, the controller  104  can control the operation, characteristics, and parameters of these machines. For example, the controller  104  may be used to operate the machine  102 , track data regarding the machine, the cushioning elements, user inputs, and the like, and may also be used to communicate between machines, users, and the network  106 . In one example, the controller  104  may track data corresponding to the usage of the machine (e.g., number of cushioning elements created, the amount of fill materials, time of peak usage, and so on), the location of the machine (e.g., through global positioning system or beacon) and may then provide this data to another computing device through the network  106  and/or through a direct connection means (e.g., cable, removable memory, etc.). This allows a manufacture to track the operation of its machines and ensure that the machines are operating as desired. Additionally, the data tracking and transmission may allow a manufacture to better service its machines and clients as it can better track customer needs, trends, common issues, and so on. 
         [0070]    As the controller  104  can operate the machine, it is able to modify settings of certain components within the machine, and can tailor the components and operation of the machine to particular customers, types of cushioning elements, operating environment, and other factors. 
         [0071]    As one example, the controller  104  may selectively provide power to certain components within the machine  152 . For example, during a maintenance setting, the controller  104  may restrict power to the film-cutting device (such as a heating element) but may provide power to the feed roller. The components may be selectable by a user or may be predetermined based on a setting or the like. 
         [0072]    The controller  104  may allow a user to manually vary certain machine parameters. For example the controller  104  may allow a user to adjust the film feed rate, the heating time or temperature, the fill material (e.g., foam-precursor or air) percentage or the like. However, in some embodiments the features that may be modified by a user may be restricted to various levels of user access. For example, a typical user may not be able to modify certain components below or above threshold levels. As another example, certain components may be restricted to typical users. The number of access levels and components that are restricted may be varied as desired. 
         [0073]    The controller  104  can set the characteristics for packaging elements (e.g., pillows, paper dunnage) that are created by the machine  102  and can also determine the order in which packaging elements with certain characteristics are created (i.e., a manufacturing queue). In embodiments where the controller  104  is used with the FIB machine  152 , the controller  104  may be used to control the length of each cushioning pillow, the amount of fill material deposited into the pillow, the type of fill material used, and the order and number of cushioning pillows that are created. Additionally, it should be noted that the features controlled by the controller  104 , such as the sequences and queues, may be assigned to manual inputs to the machine  152  as well. For example, a foot pedal and/or the control panel  160  buttons may be assigned to match one or more buttons for the controller  104  so that the functionality of the manual inputs to the machine may correspond to the functionality of certain electronic inputs from the controller  104 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 5A  is an illustrative image of a graphical user interface  200  for the controller  104  that allows a user to create a custom cushioning element. With reference to  FIG. 5B , in this embodiment, the individual element GUI  200  may include a bag icon  202  having a fill material graphic  204 , as well as fill adjustment inputs  206 , length adjustment inputs  210 , and editing inputs  208 . The bag icon  202  may be configured to correspond to the type of cushioning element being created. For example, a foam-in-bag element and the fill material graphic  204  correspond to the percentage of fill material to be deposited. In this example, the fill material for the bag is set to 20% and so the fill material graphic  204  is shown as another color filling about 20% of the bag icon  202 . This provides a visual indicator for the user that directly corresponds to the amount of fill material that will be used to inflate the bag. Additionally, although not shown in this example, the graphic selected for the fill material graphic  204  may include additional features depending on the type of bag, such as any connection points or columns defined in the bag (e.g., sealed portions that define different pillow configurations within the bag). 
         [0075]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5A , the fill adjustment inputs  206  allow a user to provide input to the controller  104  to vary the percentage fill for the bag. For example, a user may press the up arrow as displayed on the display  136  of the controller  104  to increase the fill percentage and the down arrow to decrease the fill percentage. It should be noted that the controller  104  may include minimum and/or maximum values for the fill percentage, so as to prevent a user from over or under filling a particular bag. However the minimum and maximum values may be adjusted or removed by a user with a desired access level (e.g., administrator, or the like). 
         [0076]    Similarly, the length adjustment inputs  210  allow the user to increase or decrease the length of the bag. The length adjustment inputs  210  may corresponds to the length of the film that is cut by the cutting device (see machine  152 ). The length adjustment inputs  210  may be similar to the fill adjustment inputs  206  and a user may provide input to the controller  104  in a similar manner, but correspond to a different component of the machine  152 . As with the fill adjustment inputs, the length adjustment inputs  210  may have minimum and/or maximum values that a typical user may not be able to exceed. Additionally, in some embodiments, the minimum and maximum values of the fill adjustment and the length adjustment may be tied together, i.e., as the bag length increases, the maximum fill percentage may increase and vice versa. As such, the minimum and maximum values for both the fill adjustment inputs  206  and the length adjustment inputs  210  may be dynamically variable. 
         [0077]    The editing or control icons  208  allow the user to save the custom bag he or she has created by varying the fill percentage and length, cancel the custom bag operation, and/or delete the custom bag he or she has created or modified. The editing tasks and corresponding icons  208  may be varied as desired. 
         [0078]    The custom bag settings created using the individual element GUI  200  may be saved and used by the controller  104  to upload to a queue and/or sequence of the machine  152  as will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0079]    An illustrative GUI for creating a sequence for the machine  152  will now be discussed.  FIG. 5B  is a screen shot of a custom sequence GUI  212 . With reference to  FIG. 5B , the custom sequence GUI  212  may include one or more item icons  214 ,  218 , editing icons  208 , a title  217 , and delay icons  216 . The item icons  214 ,  218  correspond to items, such as bag configurations, custom bag settings, and optionally non-bag items (e.g., cleaning settings, film feed settings, and calibration). The item icons  214 ,  218  may include the bag icon  202  (or other icon corresponding to the selected item) and select information about the item, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the length, fill percentage, and number of columns or pockets within each item. For example, a bag icon representing a larger bag may have a larger configuration than a bag icon representing a smaller bag. A bag icon may show a bag&#39;s programed fill percentage, for example, with a line across the bag (e.g., a line extending across the width of the bag and located 70% at the height of the bag to represent a bag with a 70% fill percentage), shading (e.g., shading extending across  70  of the bag&#39;s height to represent a bag with a 70% fill percentage), etc. In some instances, such as standard items or for non-bag items, the item icon  214 ,  218  may not include the bag icon  202 . 
         [0080]    The title  217  of the custom sequence GUI  212  allows a user to edit or input a title or name that corresponds to the custom sequence of items that he or she creates using the GUI  212 . For example, the title  217  may allow a user to input a name and then using the editing buttons  208 , the user can save the particular sequence of items in the controller  104  memory  134 . 
         [0081]    The sequence GUI  212  may also include adding icons  221 ,  223  that allow a user to add additional items to the sequence, such as custom bags, standard bags, or the like. The adding icons  221 ,  223  may lead the user to another menu page that allows to select the features of the item to be added and/or select an item with previously stored characteristics (e.g., standard item or the item created via the item element GUI  200 ). After one of the adding icons  221 ,  223  is selected, the item icon  214 ,  218  corresponding to the selected item is added into the sequence order. 
         [0082]    A custom sequence may be created using the custom sequence GUI  212  and when the user has arranged the items and delays as he or she wishes, the sequence can be stored in the memory  134  of the controller  104 . As will be discussed below, the sequence may be selected and provided to the machine  152  as part of a queue for making cushioning elements, where the machine goes through the sequence and creates the listed items and introduces delays between each item based on the sequence. 
         [0083]    A queue GUI for arranging the manufacturing queue for the machine  152  will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 6  is a screen shot illustrating a queue GUI used to determine the order that cushioning items and some machine functions are completed. With reference to  FIG. 6 , the queue GUI  220  may include a plurality of queue element icons  222   a - 222   h.  The queue element icons  222   a - 222   h  correspond to items and/or sequences that may be added to the queue for the machine  152 . For example, the queue element icons  222   a - 222   h  may be assigned to a particular item (either custom or standard) or may be assigned to a sequence (custom or standard). As will be explained in more detail below, by selecting one of the queue element icons  222   a - 222   h,  a user may determine the types of cushioning elements and the order in which they are manufactured by the machine  152 . Additionally the queue element icons  222   a - 222   h  are configured to correspond to the control panel  160  buttons and the functions of the queue element icons and the control panel buttons  160  may correspond to one another, i.e., the first control panel button may be a XXS bag, which may be the same type of bag characteristics selected when a user selects the first queue item icon  222   a.  In some embodiments the graphics of the GUI may be modified based on the assigned function for a particular icon. For example the queue element icons may change in color based on whether they have been assigned to a sequence, an item, or a default setting. Also, the icons may be editable by a user, so that a user can change the text displayed, the color, and optionally the shape. 
         [0084]    The queue GUI  220  may also include a menu button  226  that allows a user to return to a home screen or previous menu screen. In other words, the menu button  226  exits the queue GUI  220  to allow a user to access other features of the controller  104 . 
         [0085]    The queue GUI  220  may also include one or more control buttons, such as a clear queue button  228 , enable continuous mode  238 , and an enable editing button  240 . These buttons control the queue and the machine. For example, when the clear queue button  228  is selected, the queue that has been created is deleted and the items of the queue are removed from the line of the machine  152 . When the enable continuous mode button  238  is selected, the queue selected by the user may be repeated for a predetermined number of loops. The enable editing button  240  may be selected to allow a user to make modifications to a queue that he or she has already created or may remove the editing ability to a specific queue. 
         [0086]    The queue GUI  220  also includes an activation button  224 . The icon displayed in the activation button  224  varies based on the state of the queue and the machine. When in “play” or “active” mode the queue is provided to the machine  152  which then manufactures the various items and within “pause” or “stop” mode, the machine  152  is stopped from manufacturing the items in the queue. 
         [0087]    The queue GUI  220  may include a film feed button  230 , a calibration bag button  232 , an agile bag button  234 , and a run tip cleaning cycle button  234 . Each of these buttons  230 ,  232 ,  236  may be added as items to a queue. The calibration bag button  232  activates a particularly configured bag that is used to calibrate the machine  152 . The agile bag button  234  may be similar to the item buttons  222   a - 222   h  and may allow a user to customize a bag for the queue instantaneously. For example, rather than entering into the item GUI  200 , the user can define the features of a bag while in the queue GUI  220 . 
         [0088]    The queue GUI  220  may also include a plurality of production step buttons, such as a pause icon  216  and a run tip cleaning cycle button  234 , which may be added to the queue. The pause icons  216  may be positioned between each item icon  214 ,  218 . The pause icons  216  may be similar to the length and fill icons  206 ,  210  of the item GUI  200 , but may correspond to a pause or time delay. For example, the pause icons  216  may include a numeric display and a set of arrows that allow a user to adjust the numeric display. The pause icons  216  correspond to a pause that is introduced into the machine  152  between each item. The pauses may be beneficial to allow the previous bag to be properly created, the components to be cooled/heated, cleaned, or the like. In instances where a pause is not required or desired, the pause may be set to 0.0 (as shown in  FIG. 5B ) and no pause may be part of the sequence. 
         [0089]    When the run tip cleaning cycle button  236  is selected, a cleaning fluid, such as a solvent, may be administered (e.g., to the tips that administer the foam precursor) to remove debris from the tips. The tip cleaning cycle is run by the machine  152  in the order it is presented in the queue and is similar to other items in the queue, but rather than selecting characteristics of a bag, the tip cleaning cycle activates other components of the machine  152 . 
         [0090]    As will be discussed in more detail below, as items are added to the queue, the item icons are added to the queue pathway  243  on the queue GUI  220 . This allows a user to view the order of the items within the queue and vary them if desired. For example,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate screen shots of the queue GUI  220  with items added into the queue. With reference to  FIG. 7B , a first sequence  244  including two items  246 ,  250  and a delay of 1.0 seconds between each of the items is positioned closest to a first edge of the screen, a delay  256  is then added between the sequence  244  and the next items  256  in the queue. As shown in  FIG. 7A , each of the items  246 ,  250 ,  252  in the queue, including the items  246 ,  250  in the sequence  244 , include the item icon with relative information about each of the bags. Additionally, it should be noted that the items  246 ,  250  in the sequence are added to the queue pathway  243  in a set whereas the item  256  is added individually. When running this queue, the machine  152  would create the first item  246  in the sequence  244 , pause for 1.0 seconds, create the second item  250  in the sequence, pause for 1.0 seconds and then create the last item  252  within the queue. 
         [0091]    With reference to  FIG. 7B , in this example, the first two items  260 ,  262  within the queue pathway  243  are custom bag items created using the item GUI  200  and include the user titled name “trial.” The two items are separated by delays  256  of 1.0 seconds and a sequence including a third item  264  is added to the queue pathway  243  after the second item  262 . 
         [0092]    An illustrative method for using the controller  104  to determine one or more queues for items for the machine will now be discussed in more detail.  FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating a method for setting the queues for the machine  152 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , the method  300  may begin with operation  302  and the controller  104  determines whether the operation of the machine will be queue based or instant. For example, the packaging assembly  100  may allow a user to select a button on the control panel  160  of the FIB machine  152  to activate the machine  152  to manufacture the selected item alternatively or additionally the controller  104  may include a button on the home screen or the queue GUI  220  which when selected to instruct the machine  152  to make an item, outside of the queue or rather than going through the queue process. This allows a user to choose to use the queue process or if a certain item is needed out of order or the like the user can select the instant process. 
         [0093]    With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , if the queue process is not selected and the user wishes to use the instant process, the method  300  may proceed to operation  316 . In operation  316 , the machine  152  receives instructions from the controller  104  corresponding to the selected item. For example, the controller  104  provides the machine  152  with settings for certain components (e.g., pumps, rollers, cutting elements, and so on) that correspond to the item selected. Once the controller  104  has provided the machine  152  with the item selection data, the method  300  may proceed to operation  318  and the machine  152  runs to manufacture the item. For example, as described above, in the example of the FIB machine  152 , the film is received into the machine where it is filled with sealed material and sealed in the desired locations to create a cushioning element. After the item has been created, the method  300  may proceed to an end state  320 . 
         [0094]    If in operation  302 , the queue process is selected, the method  300  may proceed to operation  304 . In operation  304 , the controller  104  determines whether a sequence is to be added to the queue. For example, the user may select one of the item icon buttons  222   a - 222   h  that may be assigned to a sequence or the user may select a custom sequence he or she has created. If a sequence is selected, the method  300  proceeds to operation  308  and the controller  104 , in particular, the processing element  130 , adds the items from the sequence into the queue for the machine  152 . Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 7A , the processing element  130  may instruct the display  136  to add the sequence icon  244  corresponding to the selected sequence to the queue pathway  243  to provide visual confirmation to the user that the selected sequence (and the items corresponding to that sequence have been added to the queue). Additionally, the queue pathway  243  provides visual feedback to the user regarding the position of the selected sequence within the queue for the machine  152 . 
         [0095]    If in operation  304  the sequence is not selected, the method  300  proceeds to operation  306 . In operation  306 , the processing element  130  adds the selected item (rather than sequences) to the queue for the machine and causes the corresponding item to be displayed in the queue pathway  243  on the queue GUI  220 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the sequences GUI  220  will then display the corresponding item button  260  within the pathway in the order that they have been added to the queue. As discussed above, the film feed button  230 , the calibration bag button  232 , the agile bag button  234 , and/or the tip cleaning cycle button  236  may also be added as items to the queue and may be displayed with a corresponding icon within the queue pathway  243 . 
         [0096]    With reference again to  FIG. 8 , after the corresponding items from either the sequence or the individual items have been added to the queue, the method  300  may proceed to operation  310 . In operation  310 , the processing element  130  receives input regarding a delay. For example the user may select the delay icon  256  by providing input to the controller  104  (e.g., touching the display  136 ) to increase or decrease the delay that will follow the recently added sequence or item. Once the user input has been received, the delay for the queue is set and is displayed in the queue pathway  243 . 
         [0097]    After the delay is set, the method  300  may proceed to operation  312 . In operation  312 , the controller  104  determines whether the user wishes to add another item to the queue. The controller  104  determines whether the user has hit the clear queue  228  or the activate button  224  to either delete the queue or run the queue, respectively. If neither of those inputs have been received, the method  300  may return to operation  304  and the controller  304  may determine whether a sequence button has been selected to add another sequence to the queue or whether an item button has been selected to add another item to the queue. 
         [0098]    With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , if another item or sequences is not to be added to the queue, the method may proceed to operation  314 . In particular, if the controller  104  receives input from the user to run the queue, such as by selecting the activation button  224 , the queue will be sent to the machine  152  which will begin to create the items within the queue, in order. For example with reference to  FIG. 7A , in this example, the queue includes a first sequence  244  having two items  246 ,  250  separated by a delay  248  and so the first item  246  will be created first, then the machine will pause for 1.0 second per the delay  248  and then proceed to make the next item  250 . After the sequence has completed, the queue will advance to the delay  256 , and then move to the next item in the queue  252 . If the continuous mode button  238  is selected, the queue will repeat on a loop until the number of loops, number of items, or predetermined time has been reached. Alternatively, if the continuous mode is not selected the queue will run through each of the items in the queue pathway  243  until each has been created. Once the queue has completed, the method  300  may proceed to an end state  320  and the method may complete. 
         [0099]    It should be noted that although the queues and sequences have been discussed with respect to the GUIs on the controller  104 , in other embodiments the queues (and corresponding items/sequences) may be programmed to correspond to certain input buttons on the control panel  106  of the machine  102 . This allows a user to automatically select a predetermined queue by selecting an input button on the controller panel  106 , which means that the controller  104  may be used to program the machine and certain queues but may not be required for daily operation of the machine. 
         [0100]    In operation, the controller  104  and/or a control panel  106  for a machine  102  may receive user input corresponding to one or more parameters for forming a plurality of packaging elements in a particular order. Based on this user input, the controller  104  and/or control panel  106  may create and store a queue. The controller  104  and/or the control panel  106  may use the stored queue to cause the machine  102  to create the plurality of packaging elements in the particular order. 
         [0101]    A user may enter input corresponding to parameters for forming packaging elements. For example, if the machine is a FIB machine  102  and the user wants to create one first bag of a first size and having a first density, and two second bags of a second size and having a second density, the user may input parameters corresponding to the bags&#39; sizes, fill percentages, and quantities. For example, the user may input data corresponding to one first bag having a first size and having a first fill percentage and data corresponding to a sequence of second bags, for example, two second bags having a second size and second fill percentages. The user may store these parameters as icons (e.g., icon  222   c  for the bag having the first size and icon  222   d  for the sequence of the two bags having the second size). For cases in which the user uses controller  104  to create queues, the user may activate these icons to add items and/or sequences to a queue. For example, the user could activate button  222   c  for adding the first bag and button  222   d  for adding the sequence of second bags to the queue. The user may also add a customized bag to the queue. For example, user may activate the agile bag button  234  to create a customized bag for the queue. The queue GUI  212  may include buttons allowing a user to select a quantity and/or spacing of secondary seals within the bag, to create a series of adjoining chambers filled with the foam. 
         [0102]    This input for parameters for forming packaging elements may cause the controller  104  and/or control panel  106  to create a queue containing instructions for forming each of the packaging elements (e.g., first instructions for forming one first bag having the first size and fill percentage, and second instructions for forming the sequence of two second bags having the second size and the second fill percentage). The queue may indicate the order of forming the first bag and then the two second bags. For example, the queue may include information indicative of the order of forming the first and second bags (e.g., information that indicates: form the first bag, and then form the two second bags), and/or the manner in which the first and second instructions are stored in the queue may indicate the order of forming them (e.g., the first instructions may be written prior to the second instructions). Any suitable type and number of parameters corresponding to any suitable type and number of packaging elements may be added to the queue. 
         [0103]    The queue may contain a stored set of instructions for creating a plurality of packaging elements having selected parameters, and the queue may indicate an order for forming the plurality of elements and/or timing parameters (e.g., pauses) associated with the packaging element creation. The queue may be used by the controller  104  and/or by the control panel  106  to cause the machine to create the plurality of packaging elements having the selected parameters. In some embodiments, the controller  104  and/or the control panel  106  may receive information that runs or activates the queue. 
         [0104]    While discussion has been directed on selecting the length and/or fill percentage of packaging cushions, the queue may include instructions for controlling any suitable type of machine. The queue GUI  212  may include buttons corresponding to various types and configurations of packaging elements for controlling various types of machines (e.g., FIB machines, inflatable air cushion machines, paper dunnage machines, etc.). For example, the queue GUI  212  may include buttons corresponding to air cushions, and a user may select the size of bag, the amount of air to be inserted therein, whether the bag includes a seal of a valve, etc. The queue GUI  212  may include buttons allowing a user to select a quantity and/or spacing of secondary seals within an inflatable air cushion, to create a series of adjoining air chambers. 
         [0105]    For example, the queue GUI  212  may include buttons for causing a paper dunnage machine to create paper dunnage. For example, the queue GUI  212  may include buttons for controlling parameters of one or more paper dunnage machines, such as a cutting mechanism to control the size of material to be cut, the speed and/or positions of one or more crumpling rollers and/or drums, etc. As such, a user can use the queue GUI  212  to cause one or more paper dunnage machines to create paper dunnage elements, similarly to the discussion on packaging elements. 
         [0106]    When the queue is activated, the controller  104  and/or the control panel  106  may cause the instructions contained within the queue to be read so to create the plurality of packaging elements having the selected parameters. In some embodiments, the queue may be stored in the control panel  106 . In some embodiments, the queue may be stored in the controller  104  and/or in external storage (e.g., cloud  122 ), and when the queue is triggered, the queue is sent to the control panel  106 . The control panel  106  may parse the queue and read the instructions contained therein, causing the machine components to form the packaging elements according to the instructions. 
         [0107]    The queue may be stored in the controller  104 , the control panel  106  of the machine  102 , and/or in an external database (e.g., cloud database  122 ). In some embodiments, the queue is stored in a control panel  106  of one or more of the machines  102 , and when the queue is activated, the one or more machines  102  reads the instructions contained in the queue. In some embodiments, if the queue is stored in less than all of a plurality of machines  102 , when the queue is activated, the one or more machine  102  that is storing the queue can send the queue to other machines  102  that do not have a stored queue. In some embodiments, the queue is stored in the controller  104  and/or in external storage (e.g., cloud  122 ), and when the queue is activated, the queue is sent to the control panel  106  of one or more of the machines  102 . In some embodiments, the entire queue is sent to the control panel  106  (e.g., all of the instructions contained within the queue are sent to the control panel  106  together), which reads the instructions. In some embodiments, the instructions contained within the queue are sent separately to the one or more machines  102  (e.g., the controller  104  reads the queue and sends the instructions to the one or more machines  102 ). 
         [0108]    In some embodiments, the queue is stored in the controller  104 , which may selectively activate the queue based on user input or other types of inputs. Upon activating the queue, the controller  104  may parse the queue and read the instructions contained therein. Based thereon, the controller  104  may communicate with the one or more machines according to the timing and order associated with the queue. For example, in the scenario for creating a first FIB bag and then two second FIB bags, when the controller  104  activates the queue, the controller  104  may read the queue to determine the first instructions, the second instructions, and their order (e.g., first and then second). Thus, the controller  104  may send to the machine  102  (to the control panel  106  and/or to the drive mechanisms and/or other components of the machine  102 ) the first instructions, and then the second instructions. In some embodiments, the controller  104  may read the pause instructions, and based thereon, may wait a predetermined amount of time before sending the second instructions. In some embodiments, the pause instructions may be read by the control panel  106 . For example, the pause instructions may cause the control panel  106  to pause between sending information to the drive mechanisms and/or other components of the machine  102 . 
         [0109]    These queues may be stored and later retrieved and used by the machine  102 . For example, if a packaging facility packs on a regular basis similarly shaped items with a particular set of packaging elements, a user may store a queue associated with the set of packaging elements. The user may enter input that associated the stored queue with one or more buttons controller  104  and/or control panel  106 . Thus, when a user desires to pack an item using the set of packaging elements, the user can simply activate the button on the controller  104  and/or control panel  106 , which may cause trigger the queue. The queue instructions may be read and used to cause the machine  102  to create the set of packaging elements. 
         [0110]    As explained above, the queue may contain instructions for controlling any suitable number and type of packaging machines  102 . For example, a user may add to the queue third instructions for forming an air filled cushion by an air pillow machine  112 , having a selected size and/or containing a selected amount of air. For cases in which the queue is run by the controller  104 , in some embodiments, the controller may determine, for each set of instructions within the queue, which machine (e.g.,  102 ,  112 ) is to receive the instructions. In some embodiments, the controller  104  may send all of the instructions to all of the machines. For cases in which the queue is run by a machine (e.g.,  102 ,  112 ), in some embodiments, a machine (e.g.,  102 ) may parse the queue and send instructions contained in the queue to one or more other machines (e.g.,  112 ). 
         [0111]    Stored queues may be updated, for example, via network. For example, a packaging facility may employ several queues that contain instructions for a small FIB element that is filled 40% with foam. It may become known that the functionality of the cushion is not noticeably diminished if it is filled only 35% with foam precursor, and/or the chemical composition of the foam precursor may be altered so that less chemical substance is needed. Thus, a user may update some or all of the queues (e.g., within network) having instructions for a creating a small FIB element filled 40% so that the instructions instead cause the machine  102  to produce a small FIB element that is 35% filled with foam precursor. For example, in cases when the queues are stored in an external database (e.g., cloud database  122 ) the instructions contained in the queues may be changed and/or modified. As such, the queues may be controlled an updated, for example, as analytics data develops, or as new technology is introduced. The queues may allow different levels of access by different users. For example, a first user (e.g., an upper level employee) may be allowed to create, program, update and/or modify the queues, while a second user (e.g., a lower level employee, such as an operator of a packaging device) may not be allowed to modify the queues, but may only be allowed to run particular queues. 
         [0112]    The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on packaging machines, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to substantially any other type of machine that is used for manufacturing elements or components. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.