BE1025542A1 - Smart packaging for drinks - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic beverage packaging comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one sensory observable output. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for producing a smart package for a beverage comprising the steps of producing a package for a beverage and forming at least one sensory perceptible output on or in the package, wherein a structural component of the package is taken to form a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output.

Description

Smart packaging for drinks

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smart packaging, more specifically to integrated smart packaging for beverage, particularly suitable for carbonated beverage, more specifically beer integrated smart packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, smart packaging includes features that indicate or convey product status or changes, environmental status or changes, or other information. It is a dynamic and preferably active extension of the static and passive communication function of traditional packaging and communicates information to the consumer based on its ability to measure, detect or record external or internal changes in the product environment .

Smart packaging systems of the current state of the art provide health and safety of the product for the consumer and also monitor the condition of the packaged drinks in order to provide information on shelf life and with regard to the quality of the drink during transport and storage. With this technique, indicators and sensors are used instead of time-consuming, costly quality measurements to improve shelf life and provide drink safety. In smart packaging systems, indicators provide information about product quality due to ambient conditions and

BE2017 / 5934 free space gases from packaging; indicators can also be attached to the surface of the package or integrated to packages that are improved to determine metabolite residue that is formed during storage. Temperature, microbial spoilage, package integrity, physical shock, freshness of the packaged product can be checked.

An example thereof is US2015307245, directed to a wine capsule that is configured to be attached to a beverage container and to provide the user with information regarding the temperature history of the beverage. The data logger comprises at least one energy storage component (e.g., one or more capacitors), an energy collector, a temperature sensor, at least one processing unit, at least a first memory, and at least one wireless communicator. The energy collector collects electromagnetic environmental energy. The wireless communicator is configured to transfer the stored information to a personal computer, a smartphone or tablet, or an application-oriented reading device that is configured to communicate with and receive information from the wireless communicator.

A clear disadvantage of the system of US2015307245 is that such a wine capsule is not suitable to be combined with other types of beverage packaging than bottles. In addition, once the wine capsule has been removed from the bottle, the bottle itself becomes a normal stupid bottle.

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A more important general disadvantage, however, is that although the above system meets the basic needs for containing beverage and quality control, it does not meet the consumer's clear desire for packaging that is more advanced in terms of consumer interaction and creativity.

Thanks to the advent of inexpensive electronics and printing technology, it has recently become possible to create packaging that, among other things, from smart purchases, inventory control, smart tracking of automatic rearrangement, and packaging results in tampering, etc. . In addition, which includes light, sound production, corresponding electronics, and various types of sensors and sensory inputs, smart interaction between people, smart device distribution devices, coupled with wireless communication, in improved and personalized consumer experience.

Personalized advertisement of the place of purchase, promotions, prices, and a game-like environment can also be integrated at various psychological levels to positively strengthen brand loyalty and promote purchases.

In the above context the smart package contains described in

WO2015147995 electronics that enable a user / buyer to interact with the package and activate actions on the package itself or on a smart device such as a smartphone or computer

BE2017 / 5934 or a vending machine, or communicate or enable communication with a website where the database can be located. For example, a soda bottle or can or bag of chips may have the capacity to be touched with a smartphone, thereby reading a code, and the smartphone may perform one or more operations based on the type of product in its vicinity.

The smart package comprises at least one battery and / or energy storage element and / or energy receiving element; an element configured to store information; an element configured to sense touch; an element configured to display information and / or an element configured to generate light; an element configured to receive and / or send information; and electrical connection of one or more elements of the package to each other.

An aspect that was neglected in smart packaging as described in WO2015147995 integrating smart packaging technology into today's reality, including today's industrial packaging processing and their application,

i.e., the aspect of integrating intelligent technologies to the level of industrial processing of, for example, a beverage can, and the product specifications, and raw materials involved was neglected. Smart packaging has always been described without taking into account the efficient implementation of its production in industrial processing.

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Moreover, WO2015147995 does not meet functionalities specifically associated and required with the contents of said package, carbonated drinks, in particular beer.

As an example, an underlying objective is to provide a smart package that can communicate during temperature history of the carbonated beverage such as beer in order to ensure optimum maturation and proper maturation and to prevent abuse or abuse.

Another example of an underlying objective is to provide a smart package that detects the state of beverages in the package either by sound, or

i.e., in case of communicating visually, either by illumination or haptic observations, of carbonated beverages such as beer, reaching the ideal consumption temperature vs. beverage type is communicated.

Smart packaging is also a fascinating proposal that is becoming increasingly relevant due to the ruthlessness and rapid pace at which digital technologies integrate into the lives of consumers, and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT).

An extensive list of applications in this field made possible by the smart package of the present invention is provided in the description below.

Another very important objective of smart packaging according to the present invention is to reduce production costs, even to the point where it becomes cost effective to provide intelligent functions and means of communication on a

BE2017 / 5934 inexpensive product, and in particular on disposable products.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, said sensory perceptible output being any type of device integrated into the package whereby a user or a consumer can sense any sensory perceptible change in status of the package or beverage, characterized in that a structural of the package forms a component of the component at least a sensory perceptible output, said structural component being a component or material layer that is a contribution to enable the package to contain a beverage or to be transported.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for producing a smart package for a beverage comprising the steps of producing a package for a beverage and forming at least one sensory perceptible output on or in the package, wherein said sensory perceptible output is any type of device integrated into the package that allows a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptible change of status of the package or drink, taking a structural component of the package to form a

BE2017 / 5934 component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component being a component or material layer that provides a contribution to enable the package to contain a drink or to be transported.

Brief description of the drawings:

FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage can comprising a visual output according to the present invention. Details are shown in Example 1.

FIG 2 illustrates an embodiment of a smart glass or plastic bottle comprising a visual output according to the present invention. Details are shown in Example 2.

FIG 3 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage can comprising a haptic output according to the present invention. Details are shown in Example 3.

FIG 4 illustrates an embodiment of a cardboard multipack including a visual output according to the present invention. Details are shown in Example 4.

Detailed description of the invention

As the world continues to evolve towards internet-of-things, smart packaging according to the present invention offers an extensive range of intelligent functionalities in packaging for beverages, integrated to the level of industrial processing that can be used for consumer engagement and brand improvement . It can, among other things, also be used to prove

BE2017 / 5934 product authenticity and origin, evidence of tampering and even further for source and supply detection and optimization of the supply chain.

In addition, smart packaging according to the present invention can reduce the cost of smart packaging for producing a smart and connected product to the point where it is cost effective to provide intelligent features and communication means on a cheap product.

Therefore, the present invention provides

a first embodiment, a smart metal, glasses, on paper based, wood-based or plastic packaging for beverage comprising at least one

sensory perceptible output, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of at least one sensory perceptible output.

The smart packaging can be primary or secondary.

A structural component of a smart primary packaging in front of drink needs to turn into interpreted as a material component That is necessary in front of packaging to service to do as drink container, i.e to the package able to

set to contain or transport a beverage, more specifically for functioning as a container for carbonated beverage, and in particular for functioning as a beer container.

A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for drinks should be

BE2017 / 5934 interpreted as a material component necessary for packaging for holding primary packaging for drinks.

A structural component of a smart secondary package should be interpreted as being a component or material layer that provides a contribution to enable the package to contain a drink or to be transported. A component or material layer that makes no contribution whatsoever to enable the package to contain or transport a beverage and, for example, merely serves as a decorative layer or decorative layer system, such as ink or varnish, should not be interpreted as being a structural component .

In contrast to a package with a printed display, wherein the package is only a substrate that can be printed on and wherein the outer surface of the package as such with respect to forming the display is only required to be suitable for printing the necessary layers thereon, in the present invention, a structural component of the package is an essential component of the current sensory perceptible output and must have the necessary material characteristics required for proper operation of the sensory perceptible output. A component or material layer that does not make any contribution to the correct functioning of the output and, for example, merely serves as a substrate for attaching or printing the output thereon, may not be interpreted as being an essential

BE2017 / 5934 component of the output. Another example is

US2012 / 0160725, in which test material that changes color after detection of contamination in the beverage is the inner surface of the base and / or board and / or side wall of the beverage container, and wherein the base and / or board and / or side wall merely serves as substrate for the test material.

In other words, the structural component is a component that is essential for the correct operation of the sensory perceptible output and that is already inherently present in the package as such before the output is fully formed thereon. As a result, it would not be possible to at least partially integrate the process for forming the sensory perceptible output into the production of a package lacking this specific component (specific material layer) because it is necessary for the operation of the sensory perceptible output. Both the smart package and the sensory perceptible output have a structural component in common, i.e.

at least a necessary material layer included in the structure of the package, or in the structure of a part of the package, and serves not merely as a decorative layer but as a necessary component of the sensory perceptible output.

As a result, the production of the sensory perceptible output can be at least partially integrated into the production of the smart package, resulting in reduced material cost, reduced production time, and generally

BE2017 / 5934 reduced production costs, even to the point where it becomes cost-effective to apply intelligent features and means of communication to a cheap product, and more particularly to disposable products.

In general, the present invention allows intelligent technologies to be integrated to the level of and in industrial mass production of beverage containers.

In the context of the present invention, a sensory perceptible output can be primarily formed by an active layer that must be activated at least in part to generate a sensory perceptible output. Depending on the type of active layer, it can be activated and controlled by various types of activation triggers, such as a voltage difference across the active layer, or through voltage differences across parts of the active layer, by an electromagnetic field, or by a magnetic field. Furthermore, (local temperature changes, (local pressure variation or (local voltage variation triggering can also be triggered.)).

In order to generate a voltage difference across the active layer, it can be covered by at least one adjacent electrically conductive layer (e.g.

an electrode), or may be positioned between adjacent electrically conductive layers, namely an electrically conductive bottom layer (also called the bottom electrode) and an electrically conductive top layer (also called the top electrode).

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In the case of activation by a magnetic field, the active layer can be activated by one or more adjacent electrically conductive layers (in some cases separated from the active layer by insulators). An encapsulation layer can be applied on top of an electrically conductive top layer to protect the underlying layers. Furthermore, additional components (i.e., layers) may be present such as a polarizer, a mirror, a polarized light emitter, etc., for example in the case of a liquid crystal display.

A temperature change can be made by means of resistance conductor tracks that serve as heating elements.

field,

In addition to an electric field, electromagnetic magnetic field, temperature variation, pressure variation, or voltage variation generated internally by the smart package, any type of activation trigger can also be generated at least partially, or completely, externally to the smart package, e.g. generating means arranged at the point of sale such as an electromagnetic field generator in the store rack or in the cash register.

The active layer can also become external

activated . through a other packaging. This one last can of each type from (smart) primary or secondary packaging to be That appropriate resources included for it activate from a active layer of a sensory

observable output formed in or on another primary or secondary packaging. An electromagnetic field

BE2017 / 5934 generated by a secondary package may, for example, activate an output on a corresponding primary package, or vice versa.

In the context of the present invention, a sensory perceptible output can be any type of device integrated into the package that allows a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptible change in status of the package or beverage. Such an output can be a visual output, an auditory output, a haptic output, or any other output that can be perceived by touch, taste or smell.

More specifically can a visual output each device to be Which integrated is in the package and that a area from the container in enables light from

or to change the absorption or transmission of specific wavelengths of light (e.g.

color change), under electrical, electromagnetic, or magnetic control, or triggered by pressure, voltage or temperature variation.

Emitting, absorbing or transmitting light can be showing any kind of color signal, or presenting a graph, text, logo, video, including a brand, a label, an interactive label logo, or projecting a graphics, text, etc. on an object present in the environment.

A visual output can be, for example, any type of display such as, among others, liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Displays - LCD), electronic paper display (Electronic Paper Displays EPD), rigid or flexible organic light BE2017 / 5934 emitting diode ( OLED) displays, electrochromic displays, electroluminescent displays, electrophoretic displays, OLED light sources, LED light sources, or any combination thereof, or any type of projector or emitter of suitable size.

A haptic output can be any device that is integrated into the package and that allows at least a portion of the package to apply forces, vibrations, or movements under electrical control, in a way that is felt by a user using the container hold or touch, or in a way that forces, vibration, or movements can be transferred to other objects, for example, to other bottles in the package or on the rack. Such an apparatus can, for example, use piezoelectric materials.

An audio output can be any device integrated into the package that allows an area of the package to vibrate for transfer of an audio signal in the air, or for converting an audio signal to other objects surrounding the package and transfer of the audio signal in the air. The frequency range of vibrations can include that of human hearing, as well as ultrasonic and subsonic frequencies. An example of an auditory output can be electrostatic speakers or thin-film flexible speakers.

Other sensory perceptible outputs may be any type of device that is integrated into the package and that allows a user or consumer any change in surface condition of the

BE2017 / 5934 packaging to be observed (e.g.

change roughness, detect odor that is released after activation, taste a taste that is released after activation,

In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to generate a voltage difference, an electromagnetic field, or a magnetic field, or a temperature, pressure, or voltage variation across the active layer, the smart package may include a power supply that supplies power obtained from a source present on or in the smart package, or from a source external to the smart package via an energy-collecting element on or in the smart package.

Types of power sources can be, for example, batteries.

Types of energy collecting elements can include antennas, kinetic or thermoelectric generators, solar collectors (e.g.

organic solar collectors (OPV), etc.

In some embodiments, the active layer may be activated by activation triggers that are generated externally from the smart package, the package not having to have power supply to provide power to the at least one sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a smart package may additionally comprise any type of supporting electronic systems, including, for example, digital logic, processing units, memory, gate circuits, including programmable gate circuits, passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors,

BE2017 / 5934 analogue instruments, power control circuits, screen drive circuits, or any combination thereof. These supporting electronic systems can be composed of individual components attached to the smart packaging substrate, connected by conductive tracks on the substrate, and / or components printed on the substrate.

More specifically, a smart device according to the present invention may comprise a package of sensory perceptible output, wherein a structural component, or a plurality of structural connections of the package, forms a component or a plurality of components of the at least one sensory perceptible output, and additionally a combination of a variable number of components from the following functional areas:

• a sensor:

in a smart package according to the present invention, any type of sensor capable of being integrated into smart package can be used to be individual sensor components or printable sensors, and to be capable of, among other things, light, color, power or voltage measure or indicate proximity, liquid level, flow, presence of gas, humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination, position and geolocation, acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication, etc. They can also capture information from or around the human respiratory rate, body (e.g.

physical heartbeat activity,

BE2017 / 5934 sleeping pattern, etc.). There may also be a camera in or on the smart package.

A processing unit: in a smart package according to the present invention, any type of processing unit that is suitable to be integrated into smart package can be used. Typical chip designers, motivated by the growing IoT market, are launching ultra-small chips with ultra-low power and integrated memory. There are emerging technologies that allow processing units to be printed on thin film materials such as flexible polyamide, polyester foils,

Other systems, such as communications and memory, can also be printed to create specific solutions, known as a system on a chip (SoC).

a communication unit:

In a smart package according to the present invention, any type of communication unit can be used that is suitable for communicating for a connectivity protocol standard or via an adapted protocol. A number of different connectivity standards have been designed for different data throughputs and transmission ranges. The most suitable standard can be determined for each embodiment of the present invention. There are various means of communication today; the forerunners in the smartphone-dominated market are Bluetooth and NFC, for localized communication. Because more devices are connected to the IoT, application-oriented networks such as SigFox can be connected to the

BE2017 / 5934, however, play an important role in the future by connecting primary and secondary packaging with other connected devices and objects around the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee,

Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread,

Wifi, Cellular, NFC, Sigfox,

Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi.

a power source:

any type of power source suitable for driving an output and can be integrated into a smart package can be used, such as, for example, individual batteries, flexible batteries, printed batteries, micro batteries, energy-collecting elements such as antennas, piezoelectric, electrodynamic or thermo -electric generators, solar collectors, organic solar collectors (OPV), electromagnetic field energy collection, etc. Embodiments of the present invention can be directed to primary packaging for beverages, such as a bottle made of glass, or metal (e.g. aluminum) or plastic, or a metal tinplate, or metal barrel, or wooden bottle or tub. Such primary packaging can be particularly suitable for carbonated drinks and preferably beer.

Other embodiments of the present invention may be directed to secondary packaging such as a cardboard package, a multipack, a tray, a HiCone, plastic ring carriers, plastic brackets, cardboard baskets, cardboard windings and boxes, corrugated boxes, HDPE plastic handles, six pack rings , and shrink packages.

The structural component of the package that forms a component of the at least one sensory

BE2017 / 5934 observable output may include: the glass of a glass beverage container, hot-end coating layers (e.g. tin oxide, or other oxide, or other equivalent material applied by, e.g., chemical vapor deposition, applied, e.g. increasing the adhesiveness of the cold-end coating), cold-end coating layers (e.g. polyethylene method, or other equivalent material applied, e.g., by spray coating, to, for example, make the surfaces smoother as the bottles pass through the line of plastic), the plastic of a plastic beverage container, the plastic of a plastic cap or lid, the metal of a metal beverage can including its body, lid, pull ring, or rivet thereof, the metal of a container including its valve and stem, metal from a metal cap or crown, the inner polymer coating of a metal beverage container, spray-coated epoxy (e.g. applied to the raw material of a metal can or bottle), the metal oxide layer (e.g. implemented by anodizing with ale beverage can or bottle substrate), metal layers (e.g. deposited by plating on the metal substrate of a beverage can or bottle), polymer layer (e.g. molded into the inside of a crown or screw stopper to form both sealing and corrosion protection), the fiberboard or corrugated cardboard of secondary packaging, or plastic parts of secondary packaging packaging (eg rings for holding bottles together, or handles), the wood of a wooden barrel, etc.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package

BE2017 / 5934 beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, wherein a metal structural component of the smart package can form an electrically conductive layer of at least one sensory perceptible output, more specifically the bottom or top electrode.

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be a metal layer of a beverage bottle, can or vessel, or the aluminum of a beverage bottle, can or vessel, more specifically the aluminum of the lid, the lip, the body of a beverage can, or a combination thereof.

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can also be the metal layer of a beverage container, typically stainless steel, or of any other type of metal container.

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can also be a component of a paper-based, wood-based or plastic-based smart package. A plastic bottle may, for example, comprise a metal ring structure in the body or neck, or a corrugated cardboard shell may comprise a rigidity-enhancing metal layer, or a cardboard package may have an integrated metal layer (cf. Tetrapak).

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be the metal layer of a closure of a beverage bottle, such as, for example, the tin plate of a crown cap of a glass bottle or the metal of the crown cap itself, or the aluminum layer of a Roll On Pilfer Proof cap (ROPP).

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In an embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive structural component of the smart package can form the base of the at least one sensory perceptible output.

In addition, a metallic structural component of the smart package can form a mirror layer in case the visual output of a screen type that requires a mirror layer.

Furthermore, a metal structural component of the smart package can form a mechanically resonant component of an auditory or haptic output. To mechanically activate the mechanically resonant component, piezo-electrically vibrating elements or electrostatic elements that deflect after applying an electric field, magnetic elements such as magnetic speaker components, vibration motors, etc. can be used. Mechanical vibration can further also be transmitted to or via adjacent objects outside the package itself, such as a table. Mechanical vibration can also be transmitted in the included beverage to create an optical effect in the beverage (e.g., local bubbles)

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a metallic structural component of the package may overlap with another metallic component or layer or structural component. Such overlapping metal layers can be used to form two electrically conductive layers of a sensory perceptible output between which an active layer can be placed. Due to the non-transparency of the metal conductive layers, the

BE2017 / 5934 created output should preferably be one or haptic output.

Examples of metal overlaps are possible:

The folded seam at the top of a beverage can can overlap 6 layers of the two substrates.

Seams in a 3-part can can provide overlapping for multiple metal substrate layers. A functional active layer can be applied in between

Overlap of a draw ring with the top of a can can form two electrodes, with an active layer between the draw ring and the top of the can. The tack can form electrical conductivity.

Overlap of aluminum bottle with screw cap or crown cap

Overlapping a conductive foil over the top of a metal crown cap or metal bottle

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic packaging for beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, wherein a glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic structural component of the smart packaging is an electrical non-conductive layer can form at least one sensory perceptible output.

A glass or plastic structural component of the smart package may, for example, the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic

BE2017 / 5934 are the body or neck of plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the paper / cardboard of secondary packaging, or the wood of a distilled beverage or wine barrel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a glass, paper-based, wooden or plastic structural component of the smart package can form an electrically insulating component, or a protective encapsulation layer.

Furthermore, a glass or plastic structural component of the smart package can form a mechanically resonant component of an auditory or haptic output. Piezoelectric vibrating elements or electrostatic mounting of elements such as vibrating motors, elements deflecting after an electric field, magnetic magnetic speaker components, etc. can be used to mechanically activate the mechanically resonating component.

In addition, a glass or plastic structural component of the smart packaging can form an optically transparent component of a visual output.

In a specific embodiment, the glass or plastic of a beverage container is illuminated by a light source in the container and serves as a light guide, e.g. a background lighting for a visual output, such as, for example, a liquid crystal display. The glass or plastic can also be provided with a pattern to serve as a refractive or diffractive optical component around light

BE2017 / 5934 inward or outward projecting or distributing.

Furthermore, electrically non-conductive structural components of the package can also form overlapping structures that can be functionalized as further explained in the text, for functioning as two conductive layers, or as active layer.

Examples of such non-conductive overlapping structures are possible:

Overlap between polymer or glass bottle, and screw cap or crown cap respectively

Folds and seams in paper / cardboard

Polymer sealing layer currently present in a metal bottle cap (both crown cap and screw cap)

Overlap between polymer layers in bottle in bottle of beverage containers

According to the present invention, structural components other than metals, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic components can be structural coatings. For example, a hot-end coating of a glass bottle contains metal oxides that can serve as a semiconductor layer.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic beverage packaging comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, wherein a structural component of the smart package may be functionalized to form an active

BE2017 / 5934 layer to form the at least one sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart package may include additives that functionalize the structural component (s) to be used as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output.

Additives can include electro-optical materials, such as electroluminescent materials, organic light-emitting materials (e.g., OLED), electrochromic materials, electrophoretic materials, or liquid crystal materials, which functionalize a structural component to be used as an active layer of a visual output.

Metallic, glass, plastic or paper-based wood-based materials including additives such as fluorescent materials or thermochroic materials can also be used as visual output.

Additives can also include electro-mechanical materials such as piezoelectric materials, electrostatic materials, or magnetic materials, for functionalizing a structural component for use as an active layer of an auditory output, or haptic output.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart package may include additives that functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component to be used as a

BE2017 / 5934 electrically conductive layer of at least one sensory perceptible output.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart package may be geometrically functionalized to be used as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output. The structural component can be pushed, stamped or folded, and / or can overlap other structural components for improved mechanical resonant properties, or to create resonant systems or electrically connecting structures.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for producing a smart package for a beverage comprising the steps of producing a package for a beverage and forming at least one

a sensory observable output on or in the packaging, wherein a structural component from the packaging is going to be taken for it to shape from a

component of the at least one sensory perceptible output.

In the method of the present invention, the component formed from a structural component of the package can be any component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, such as an active layer, an electrically conductive layer (e.g. an electrode), an insulating layer, and encapsulation layer, etc.

The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible output, i.e. parts other than

BE2017 / 5934 the component formed from the structural component of the package or part thereof, can be added to the smart package by any available technique. Any printing, depositing, or forming technique can be used, including, among other things, screen printing, flexography, depth printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, xerography, lithography, evaporation, sputter etching, coating, chemical vapor deposition, pressing, stamping, laser patterning, casting patterning, electroplating , anodizing, dip coating, centrifugation coating, bonding, blow extension of polymers in beverage containers, etc.

The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible output can also be formed from a component of the package other than a structural component, such as decorative layers, varnishes, lacquers, etc. In such a case, in addition to the fact that the production of the packaging and forming the at least one sensory perceptible output using a general structural component, additional process steps are shared to form the remaining parts, for example, printing a decorative layer that is also an electrically conductive layer of an output, or spraying a coating which is also an electrically conductive layer of an output.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method may be provided comprising the step of functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output. Such a step of functionalizing the structural component

BE2017 / 5934 of the package can be performed in the process for forming the at least one sensory perceptible output after providing the package, or can be performed in the process for producing the package.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output comprises adding additives that alter the chemical and / or physical properties of the structural component.

The additives can be added to the raw materials during the production process of the raw material; for example, the additives may be added to glass, plastic or metal prior to setting, or to paper-based pulp. Such additives may be microencapsulated to improve their functionality.

Additives can be embedded in the raw materials by rolling or gravure printing, or bonded to the surface by chemical reaction.

In an embodiment of the present invention, metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based structural components of a beverage package may include additives that functionalize the structural component to be used as an active layer of at least one sensory perceptible output.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method may be provided comprising the geometric step

BE2017 / 5934 functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output by exposing the structural component to a forming step, such as punching, stamping, folding, etc. during production of the package. Such a process step can provide a structural component with mechanical resonant properties, or create resonant systems or electrically conductive structures.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method may be provided comprising the step of functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output by exposing the structural component to heat, such as, for example, baking or curing, or annealing, laser radiation, etc. In addition, the structural component can be applied directly at higher temperatures than conventionally used (especially in the case of glass or metal containers) in order to functionalize it.

Further, if required, a method may include the step of providing a current source or energy-collecting elements for driving the at least one sensory perceptible output. These power sources or energy-collecting elements can be individual electronic elements that are mounted in / on the smart package, or they can preferably be at least partially printable.

A sensor or a plurality of sensors, and / or a communication means and / or a processing unit, or

BE2017 / 5934 any other type of supporting electronic component, and, if required, a separate power supply for driving these electronic components can be obtained by adding individual components to the smart package, or preferably by at least partial printing on the smart package packaging.

Embodiments of the present invention want to provide smart packaging that enables, among other things, the following applications:

A smart package according to the present invention may be suitable for use in, inter alia, the following examples, more specifically beer-related, each demonstrating that the present invention is becoming increasingly relevant due to the steady and rapid pace with which digital technologies come into life of the consumer:

• The smart packaging can display an active label that provides interaction to get feedback about what consumers like and don't like.

• The smart package can display a dish suggesting to take beer based on the menu taken at the restaurant, or a recipe suggested based on the food content of the refrigerator.

• The displayed decoration, graphic image or message may change based on location and environment.

• The smart packaging contains sensors for measuring the status of the beer and displays the status to give the consumer the choice of the drink.

BE2017 / 5934 enjoy the way they would prefer: optimum light, optimum carbonation, optimum bitterness.

• The smart user experience enhances active label, speakers, packaging where the display or or haptic elements can respond to the environment, to music, to wave motion, sunset, breeze sounds, beach color, etc.

• The smart package can be connected to your smartphone and display an image, or let your phone take a selfie and display when you interact with your package in your hand, or can take a photo through a camera on the package and take action during an event capture.

• The smart packaging can generate brand-specific sound during opening, for example through a loudspeaker hidden in a crown cap.

• The screen can serve as a second screen to show additional content during a virtual, video, or broadcaster experience. Examples can be a twitter feed, or display a different camera angle, instant replays, mvp speaches, custom comments, etc.

• Via the visual, auditory, or haptic output (s), the smart packaging can digitally personalize your beer so that your friends know it is yours.

• The smart packaging can include specially designed microphones and a processing unit for recording and responding through visual, auditory, haptic output at ultrasonic pitches,

BE2017 / 5934 not audible to the human ear, which are hidden in television and / or radio commercial messages.

• The smart package can blink and light up when an advertisement of the same brand is broadcast, or an ultrasonic code can activate the display.

• The smart packaging generates a visual, auditory or haptic output when something happens in an event that I am interested in, such as a goal scored by my favorite team.

• Any type of sensory perceptible output can communicate cold in an observed manner when the liquid inside has reached the approximate drinking temperature.

• A visual, auditory or haptic output can an incoming message on your telephone to communicate (.cfr a smartwatch) • Any type of sensory observable output can a profile agreement with a dating to communicate • • At least a sensory observable

output can communicate that your taxi has arrived.

• The smart packaging can turn on a visual output to emit light making the ice appear to glow in an ice bucket, or to emit UV light so that fluorescent objects in the environment emit light.

• Via vibrations, the smart packaging can create optical effects in the beer that can be

BE2017 / 5934 accentuated by applying light. More specifically, effects created may include the following:

creating wrinkles on the surface of the liquid, stimulating bubbles in the beer in specific areas and / or at specific times, creating or re-creating foam on the beer, etc.

The effect can be adjusted if the beer level in the bottle changes.

A display is formed on a metal beverage can (1) with the aluminum body forming a "bottom" electrode of a beverage can connected to

GND on the drive circuit.

The illustrated segments are individual long thin segments that run from the top to the bottom of the can.

However, they can in principle have any shape.

The segments include an active layer, upper electrode-conducting layer, insulating layers as required, and an upper encapsulation layer.

Therefore:

Areas with an insulating layer (not shown) can be printed on the aluminum (11) to create custom electrode shapes, or can be provided by spray coating epoxy applied in the process immediately after manufacturing the can.

An active layer (12) is printed depending on the type of sensory perceptible output to be recorded. Different areas of it

BE2017 / 5934 can have different active layers in order to apply multiple functions to one can.

Then, individual, electrically separated, top-conductive layer segments (13) are printed. In the case of a screen, this layer is transparent. This can be indium tin oxide (ITO), a transparent organic conductive material, or other transparent conductor.

Both the active layer and the upper-level conductive layer can be printed by additional rollers on the offset printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can.

In addition, electronic components can be attached with electrical connections to one or more conductive layers present. One of these conductive layers is the body of the aluminum can itself, which serves as circuit grounding or current plane.

A protective encapsulation layer (14) is then printed as the top conductive layer. This can be the same paint or varnish as used for painting and / or protecting the can, as already produced. Where light is to be emitted, the top layer must be a transparent varnish. Paint can be used to create a shadow mask as an additional optical effect.

Baking and curing of all layers is carried out in the existing baking and curing process provided for producing the can.

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In the case of a reflective display, the metal used as a base can also form the mirror of the reflective display.

Example 2 (illustrated by Fig. 2)

A pixelated, light-emitting display is integrated on the outside of a glass bottle (2). This is achieved by the deposition of row and column electrodes on each side of an active

layer that is also deposited on the bottle. Therefore: Will be the glass (21) provided with a embossed pattern or form to into the light a specifically worming pattern to guide from a light source or several light sources. For example, in it

In the conventional glass bottle production process, the molten glass is formed in a bottle by blowing it into a mold. Additional patterns can be added to this mold for:

(i) the creation of geometries for active and conductive coating layers to be deposited by printing processes, eg 'edges' and 'peaks', can absorb ink / paint / coating while gutters do not.

(ii) creating features in the bottle that produce light conduction effects around the bottle; (iii) creating features in the bottle that enhance mechanical resonant effects or amplify sound from a speaker element.

- Can laser etching / decoration be applied when it is warm or even cold to add additional

BE2017 / 5934 to apply relief printing features in order to obtain the above properties.

- After forming, a 'hotend coating' is usually applied to a bottle by spray coating and / or chemical vapor deposition. The nature of the applied coating can vary, so that the coating is designed to form a bottom electrode layer (22). It can also be semi-conductive and, by applying multiple repetitions of this process, be used to form part of a series of thin film transistors in the context of an active matrix display.

The active optical layer (23), comprising any of the technologies described above, is then printed.

Then a transparent top conductive layer (24) is printed.

This can be indium tin oxide (ITO), a transparent organic conductive material, or other transparent conductor.

- The active layer and the top-level conductive layer can be printed on by means of additional rollers on the offset printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can.

A protective encapsulation layer is then printed as the top layer. This can be the same paint or varnish as used for painting and / or protecting the can, as already produced.

Where light is to be emitted, the top layer must be a transparent varnish. Paint can be

BE2017 / 5934 used to create a shadow mask as an additional optical effect.

Baking and curing of all layers is carried out in the existing baking and curing process provided for producing the can.

Are the light sources added to the package, both as printed electroluminescent or OLED light sources, or as separate components such as conventional LEDs.

Example 3 (illustrated by Fig. 3)

This example comprises a piezoelectric vibration element (31) attached to the upper portion of an aluminum beverage can (3).

The aluminum of the can forms the bottom electrode (32) for the piezo device. It also forms a mechanically resonant structure for amplifying and distributing the sound or vibration from the piezo device to the user. The piezo layer, other electrode, and encapsulation are formed by printing or otherwise depositing the layers on the lid of the can.

The following existing production process steps can be used:

The lid is stamped / punched for formation in the normal production process. Features can be provided in the stamp to control and perform specific resonant functions of the metal. They can also be used to create patterns in which the device layers can be deposited.

BE2017 / 5934

Insulating layer (not shown) between aluminum can and active layer is provided by spray coating epoxy applied in the process immediately after fabrication of the can.

The active layer (31) and the top-level conductive layer (33) are printed by additional rollers on the offset printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can.

The upper conductive layer can be added by the anodizing plating process that was already present for plating a metal layer on the lid.

The encapsulation layer (not shown) is formed by the varnish that has already been applied in the production process.

Baking and curing of all layers is carried out in the existing baking and curing process.

that was provided for producing the can.

Example 4 (illustrated by Fig. 4)

This example is based on a secondary package made from the fiberboard coated with a metallized film and laminated polymer layer.

In existing packaging applications, such secondary packaging typically comprises an accumulation from the inside to the outside as follows:

Fiberboard layer like a sheet.

Metallized layer, either deposited by metallized paint or by a sheet of foil laminate

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Transparent polymer layer, as a sheet, laminated to the metallized layer

Printed paint layer

Varnish

This type of packaging material is already widely used for manufacturing packaging with a high-quality visual appearance where the fiberboard adds mechanical structure and durability, the metallized material is used not only to create a glossy visual appearance but also to improve water resistance and rigidity, and the laminated polymer layer gives a smooth finish and water resistance.

Forming a screen on this package can be done as follows:

Fiberboard layer remains unchanged.

The metallized layer (41) is a conductive layer and is used as a bottom electrode for the display (45), and also as a mirror layer for a reflective display.

The transparent polymer layer (42) is functionalized by adding material to the polymer when it is melted before it is formed in the sheet that is laminated in the package. The functionalization makes the sheet electro-optically active, so that it emits light (eg electroluminescent) or modulates existing light when the appropriate field is applied.

The conductive layer (43) of the upper level can be printed on by means of additional rollers or printing phases on it

BE2017 / 5934 offset printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can. A transparent conductive material will be used in the case of a display.

5 The encapsulation layer (44 ) is going to be formed through the varnish that already became applied in the production process. - Baking and curing from all layers executed in the existing bin- and curing process 10 that already became provided in front of the coatings on the packaging.

BE2017 / 5934

Claims (14)

CONCLUSIONS A smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package of thanks comprising at least one sensory perceptible output wherein said sensory perceptible output is any type of device integrated into the package whereby a user or a consumer any sensory perceptible change in status of the package or drink that can be perceived, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component being a component or layer of material that contributes to the package to contain a beverage or to be transported. The smart beverage package according to claim 1, wherein said structural component of the package is a metal structural component a electrically conductive layer of the at least a sensory perceptible output. 3.- Smart packaging for drinks according to claim 2, wherein the metal structural component a metal layer of a beverage bottle or can, or it aluminum from a beverage bottle or can, more specifically it aluminum of the lid, the lip, the body of a beverage can, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer of a beverage container or any other type of metal beverage container, or wherein the metal structural component is a component of a paper-based, BE2017 / 5934 wood-based or plastic-based smart packaging. The smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein a glass, wood-based, paper-based or plastic structural component of the smart packaging can form an electrically non-conductive layer of the at least one sensory perceptible output. The smart beverage package according to claim 4, wherein the glass or plastic structural component of the smart package is the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic body or neck of plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the plastic or paper / cardboard is from secondary packaging. Smart beverage packaging according to 1, wherein said structural component of the packaging is a metal, glass, plastic, or wooden structural component that forms a mechanically resonant component of an auditory or haptic output. The smart beverage packaging according to claim 1, wherein the metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based, wood-based structural component of the smart package comprises additives that functionalize the structural component for use as an active layer of at least one sensory detectable output, or functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component for use as an electrically conductive layer of at least one sensory perceptible output. 8. - Method for producing a smart package for a beverage comprising the steps BE2017 / 5934 of producing a package for a beverage and forming at least one sensory perceptible output on or in the package, said sensory perceptible output being any type of device integrated into the package whereby a user or a consumer any sensory perceptible change in status of the package or drink can be observed, wherein a structural component of the package is taken to form a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component being a component or material layer that contributes provided to enable the package to contain a beverage or to be transported. The method of claim 8, wherein the production of the package and formation of the at least one sensory perceptible output share at least one additional process step to form the remaining portions of the sensory perceptible output, said residual portions being other portions then the component formed from the structural component of the package or part thereof. The method of claim 8, comprising a step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package can be performed in the production process of the package. BE2017 / 5934 The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output comprises adding additives to the structural component. A method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the step of geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output. A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of adding a power source or energy collecting element for driving the at least one sensory perceptible output by at least partially printing it on the smart package. 15. - Method the step of adding a sensor comprising and / or a communication means and / or a processing unit by at least partially printing it on the smart package.