BE1026364B1 - Smart packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Smart packaging

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smart packaging, more specifically to integrated smart packaging for a product of any type, especially suitable for containing food, more specifically for carbonated beverage, and in particular for serving as a beer container, more specifically for 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 the health and safety of the product for the consumer and also monitor the condition of the packaged products in order to provide information on shelf life and with regard to the quality of the product during transport and storage. In this technique, indicators and sensors are used instead of time-consuming, costly quality measurements to improve shelf life and provide

BE2018 / 5386 product safety. In smart packaging systems, indicators provide information about product quality due to environmental conditions and 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 packaging than bottles. Moreover, as soon as

BE2018 / 5386 the wine capsule has been removed from the bottle, the bottle itself a normal “stupid bottle.

A more important general disadvantage, however, is that although the above system meets the basic needs for product containment 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 smart packaging that makes it possible, among other things, to track purchases, inventory control, automatic reorder and determination of tampering, damage to the packaging, etc. In addition, smart packaging results in light, sound production, different types of sensors and corresponding sensory inputs, smart electronics and interaction

between people, smart devices, vending machines, linked with wireless communi cation contains, in improved and personalized experience for the consumer. Also personalized advertisement on the

place of purchase, incentives, prizes and a game-like environment can be integrated at various psychological levels to positively strengthen brand loyalty and promote purchases.

In the above context, the smart package described in WO2015147995 contains electronics that can enable a user / buyer to interact with the package and activate the execution of actions on the package itself or on a smart

BE2018 / 5386 device such as a smartphone or computer or a vending machine, or communicate or enable communication with a website where a database can be located. For example, a soda bottle or can or bag of chips can be touched with a smartphone, whereby a code is read, and the smartphone can 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.

One aspect that was neglected in smart packaging as described in WO2015147995 is the integration of smart packaging technology into the existing reality of today, including today's industrial packaging processing and their application, ie the aspect of integrating intelligent technologies to the level of industrial processing of, for example, a beverage can, product specifications and relevant raw materials were neglected. Smart packaging has always been described without taking into account the efficient one

BE2018 / 5386 implementation of its production in industrial processing.

Moreover, WO2015147995 does not meet the functionalities specifically associated and required with the contents of said package, i.e. carbonated drinks, in particular beer. As an example, an underlying objective is to provide a smart package that can communicate time and temperature history of food products such as beer in order to ensure optimal maturation and proper maturation and to prevent abuse or abuse. Another example of an underlying objective is to provide a smart package that communicates the state of beverages in the package either visually, by lighting, or by sound, or haptic observations, ie in the case of food products, reaching the ideal consumption temperature is communicated per food type.

Smart packaging is also a fascinating proposition that is increasingly made relevant by 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 it

BE2018 / 5386 point where it becomes cost effective to provide intelligent functions and means of communication on a cheap product, and in particular on disposable products.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is targeting a smart metal glasses, on paper bass is, on wood base or plastic packaging comprising at least a

communication device, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of at least one communication device.

More specifically, a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one communication device is disclosed, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one communication device. As anyone skilled in the art will recognize, the integration of intelligent technologies into glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging was even more neglected than in metal packaging simply because these materials are more difficult to integrate into communication devices.

Furthermore, more specifically, a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one optical or sound-based communication device is disclosed, characterized in that a structural component of the

BE2018 / 5386 package forms a component of the at least one communication device.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a method for producing a smart package comprising the steps of producing a package and forming at least one communication device on or in the package, wherein a structural component of the packaging is taken to form a component of the at least one communication device. Brief description of the drawings:

FIGs 1 to 4 illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. 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, integrated to the level of industrial processing that can be used for consumer engagement and brand improvement. It can also be used, among other things, to prove product authenticity and origin, proof of tampering and even further for source delivery tracking and optimization of the supply chain.

In addition, smart packaging according to the present invention can reduce the costs 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.

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Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one communication device, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one communication -design.

The smart packaging can be primary or secondary.

In the context of the present invention, the product to be packaged in the smart package can be any type of product, solid or non-solid, any type of substance, liquid, feed, non-feed, etc. In particular, liquid products are of application such as liquid food, in particular drinks (carbonated, non-carbonated, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, juices, sports drinks), or paints, agents, chemicals, solvents, oils, etc.

A structural component of a smart primary packaging should be interpreted as a material component that is necessary for packaging to serve as a product container, ie to enable the packaging to contain or transport a product, more specifically for functioning as a food container, more specifically as a container for carbonated beverage, and in particular for functioning as a beer container.

A structural component of a smart secondary packaging must be interpreted

BE2018 / 5386 as a material component necessary for packaging for holding a primary packaging.

A component or material layer that makes no contribution whatsoever to enable the packaging to contain or transport a product 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 communication device in which the package is only a substrate that can be printed on and in which the outer surface of the package as such with regard to forming the communication device 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 communication device and must have the necessary material characteristics required for proper operation of the communication device.

In other words, the structural component is a component that is essential for the correct operation of the communication device and that is already inherently present in the package as such before the communication device is fully formed thereon. As a result, it would not be possible at least in part to integrate the process of forming the communication device into the production of a package containing this specific

BE2018 / 5386 component (specific material layer) is missing because it is necessary for the operation of the communication device. Both the smart package and the communication device have a structural component in common, ie 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 communication device.

As a result, the production of the communication device can be at least partially integrated into the production of the smart package, resulting in reduced material costs, reduced production time, and generally reduced production costs, even to the point where it becomes cost effective to have intelligent features and to provide means of communication on a cheap product, and more particularly on disposable products.

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

In the context of the present invention, a communication device can be any type of device that can send and / or receive data containing a signal, and which is more specifically suitable for use in telecommunications, in the form of transmission of signs, signals , messages, words, written messages, images or information of any

BE2018 / 5386 nature via wire, radio, magnetic, optical or other electromagnetic systems, sounds or to exchange information between communication participants. In a smart package according to the present invention, any type of communication device can be used that is suitable for communicating via a connectivity protocol standard or via a modified protocol. A number of different connectivity standards were designed for different physical layers, data throughputs and transmission ranges. The most suitable standard can be determined for each embodiment of the present invention. Today, there are various communication standards and / or protocols; The front runners in the smartphone-dominated market are Bluetooth and NFC, for localized communication. However, because more devices are connected to the IoT, application-oriented networks such as SigFox can play an important role in the future by connecting primary and secondary packaging to other connected devices and objects around the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, cellular, NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi can be suitable communication standards / protocols. Such a communication device may comprise any type of sender or receiver or transceiver in combination with appropriate transmit and receive hardware and software. An optical system may, for example, use a light source (e.g., LED) and light sensor (e.g., photo diode); an acoustic system may be an acoustic transducer (e.g., piezo-electric or piezo-resistive)

Use BE2018 / 5386; a near-field / magnetic or inductive system can use a coil antenna; or a radio-based system can use an RF antenna, or any other type of antenna.

Communication routes that can be employed in embodiments of the present invention are:

- Exchange of data between the smart packaging and another smart packaging. Both can be containers and / or secondary packaging

- Detection of the presence of another passive device or object and identification of that object through the exchange of data with that object.

- Exchange of data between the smart packaging system and other electronic devices. For example, smartphones, WiFi routers, public radio infrastructure such as cellular networks, and local infrastructure are explicitly placed to communicate with smart packaging systems. These other devices can in turn pass on the data to other services connected to the internet such as cloud storage, data analysis, and web-based interfaces.

Among other things, point-to-point communications between two devices, mesh communication networks, and broadcast communications from one object to many can be considered.

It should be noted that each communication system has a number of defined protocol layers above the physical layer described herein

BE2018 / 5386 required. By their nature, these are realized in electronic logic and software.

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, analog instruments, power control circuits, screen control 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 package according to the present invention may comprise a communication device, 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 communication device, and / or 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 suitable to be integrated into smart package can be used to be individual sensor components or printable sensors, and to be able to include light, color , force or tension, proximity, liquid level, flow,

BE2018 / 5386 to measure or indicate the presence of gas, humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination, position and geolocation, acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication, etc. They can also record information from or around the human body (eg heart rate, respiratory rate, physical activity, sleep 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, etc. Other systems, such as communication and memory, can also be printed to create specific solutions, known as a system on a chip (SoC).

• A sensory perceptible output: 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 contents. Such an output can be a visual output, an auditory output, a haptic output, or any other output that can be

BE2018 / 5386 observed by touch, taste or odor. More specifically, a visual output can be any device integrated into the package that allows an area of the container to emit light, 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, etc., or projecting a graph, text, logo, 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 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 integrated into the package 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 the forces, vibration or movements can become

BE2018 / 5386 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 that is integrated into the package and that allows an area of the package to vibrate for transferring an audio signal in the air, or for converting an audio signal to other objects surrounding the package and enable transmission 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 haptic outputs may be any type of device integrated into the package that allows a user or consumer to perceive any change in surface condition of the package (e.g., change in roughness, static electricity), to sense an odor that is released after activation, to taste a taste that is released after activation, etc.

• a power source: any type of power source that is suitable for driving an output and can be integrated into a smart package can be used, such as, for example, discrete batteries, flexible batteries, printed batteries, micro batteries, (super) capacitors, energy-collecting elements such as antennas, piezoelectric, electrodynamic or thermoelectric generators, solar collectors (eg organic

BE2018 / 5386 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 can, or metal vessel, or plastic vessel 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 communication device may include: the glass of a glass 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., to increase 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, in order, e.g. , making the surfaces smoother when the bottles are passed through the line), the plastic from a plastic container, the plastic from a plastic cap or lid, the metal from a metal can including its body, lid, pull ring, or tack thereof, the metal of a vessel including its valve and

BE2018 / 5386 steel, metal from a metal cap or crown, the inner polymer coating of a metal container, spray-coated epoxy (eg applied to the raw metal of a metal can or bottle), the metal oxide layer (eg implemented by anodizing a metal 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 the corrugated cardboard from secondary packaging, or plastic parts from secondary packaging (eg rings to hold bottles together, or handles), the wood from a wooden barrel, etc.

In a general embodiment of the present invention, a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one communication device may be provided, wherein a structural component of the package is appropriate chemical, electrical, mechanical, electrochemical has dielectric, magnetic, optical, electromechanical, or semiconductor properties to form a component of the at least one communication device. In other words, the structural component of the package that forms a component of the at least one communication device can be selected on the basis of its electrical properties, its chemical properties, its electrochemical properties, its dielectric properties, the

BE2018 / 5386 their magnetic properties, their optical properties, their electromechanical properties, or their semiconductor properties.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one communication device, wherein a metal structural component of the smart package can form an electrically conductive layer of the at least one communication device.

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be a metal layer of a bottle, can or barrel, or the aluminum of a bottle, can or barrel, more specifically the aluminum of the lid, the lip, the body of a 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 can, for example, comprise a metal ring structure in the body or neck, or a corrugated cardboard shell can comprise a rigidity-enhancing metal layer, or a cardboard package can have an integrated metal layer (cf. Tetrapak).

The metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be the metal layer

BE2018 / 5386 of a closure of a 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).

In an embodiment of the present invention, a metal structural component of the smart package can form a conductive layer of a communication device or as a mutual connection between different elements of the communication device. A wide range of communication devices is constructed from at least one conductive layer. A conductive substrate can therefore eliminate the need to add it to the structure of the communication device.

For example, a smart package may be provided in which a metal structural component of the smart package, more specifically a metal bottle or can, forms a conductive layer of a communication device comprising an RF antenna. An RF antenna is designed to optimally detect electromagnetic fields in a certain frequency range that induce a voltage across the antenna. The field typically comes from a channel located elsewhere. An RF antenna can also be used to transfer a field depending on the attached electronics.

Many different antenna designs may be possible, for example a patch antenna in which two conductive layers are separated by an insulating dielectric, the lower one being a conductive layer of the container, and the lower one being

BE2018 / 5386 formed to correspond to the frequency of the intended electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the antenna structure can be combined with the shape of the container, including properties such as convex shapes, concave shapes and cavities. This can, in principle, enable the tuning of resonance frequencies to optimize the performance of the antenna for the application.

In another variant of its use, the placement of materials of different permittivity or permeability near the antenna can change the designed frequency response.

As another example, a communication device comprising an inductive (magnetic) antenna can be employed, so that the metal of the can forms one of the conductive layers. An inductive, or near-field, antenna detects varying magnetic fields, including the magnetic component of electromagnetic waves.

A possible construction exists in the form of what is effectively a coil. The coil can be constructed as a single spiral guide, and / or can be wrapped around the outside of a can / bottle. The two ends of the coil must then be connected to the circuit, which consequently requires a bridge across the coil. This bridge can, for example, be constructed by a conductive layer of a container or a secondary package, or by a draw ring of a can,

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a metal structural

BE2018 / 5386 component of the package may overlap with another metal component or layer or structural component. Such overlapping metal layers can be used to form two electrically conductive layers of a communication device between which an active layer can be placed.

Examples of metal overlaps are possible:

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

- Seams in a 3-part tin can overlap provide for several metal substrate layers. In between can a functional one active become low applied - Lap from 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

- Overlap of 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 package comprising at least one communication device, wherein a glass, paper-based, wooden or plastic structural component of the smart package has an electrically non-conductive layer can form at least one communication device.

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As an example, a communication device comprising an RF antenna can be integrated into a metallized cardboard beverage container.

The RF antenna can use the non-conductive packaging substrate as a dielectric, the two layers of the antenna being arranged on each side thereof.

A metallized cardboard container comprises both a non-conductive packaging substrate and a laminated metal, especially aluminum, conductive layer. This conductive layer is then additionally used to form the base of the antenna, with an additional antenna element disposed on the other side of the non-conductive cardboard substrate. The non-conductive cardboard substrate then effectively separates the two electrodes, and its permittivity controls the tuning of the antenna.

A glass or plastic structural component of the smart package may, for example, be the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic body or neck of plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the plastic of secondary packages.

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

Furthermore, electrically non-conductive structural components of the package can also be used

4

BE2018 / 5386 form overlapping structures that can be functionalized as explained further in the text, for functioning as two conductive layers, or as an 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 packaging

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

- Overlap between polymer layers in “bottle in bottle containers

- Shrink film from polymer label, paper label, foil, or secondary packaging

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 and can serve as a semiconductor layer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a structural component of the package as a component of the at least one communication device, a component of the package with specific mechanical properties can be used as a component of a package integrated in a package communication device, e.g. an acoustic transducer, wherein the mechanical resonance of the package can serve to

BE2018 / 5386 to receive, amplify and / or filter the acoustic signal to and / or from the transducer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a structural component of the package as a component of the at least one communication device, a component of the package with specific optical properties can be used as a component of a package integrated in a package communication device, e.g. with glass or clear plastic as a lens for transmitting / receiving optical signals and / or as an optical filter for selecting the wavelength at which optical signals are received / transmitted.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic package comprising at least one communication device, wherein a structural component of the smart package can be functionalized to form an active layer of the at least one communication device.

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 communication device.

Additives can include electro-mechanical materials such as piezoelectric materials, electrostatic materials, or magnetic materials, for functionalizing a structural component

BE2018 / 5386 for use as an active layer of a communication device.

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 an electrically conductive layer of at least one communication device.

Additives can also be added to a material which can directly serve as a conductive or semiconductor element in a certain type of communication device.

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 communication device. 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 according to the present invention, a method is provided for producing a smart package comprising the steps of producing a package and forming at least one communication device on or in the package, wherein a structural component of the package is taken to form a component of the at least one communication device.

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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 communication device, such as an active layer, an electrically conductive layer, an insulating layer, an encapsulation layer, etc. .

The remaining parts of the at least one communication device, i.e. parts other than 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 others, 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 containers, etc.

The remaining parts of the at least one communication device 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 of the at least one communication device use 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,

BE2018 / 5386 or spraying a coating that is also an electrically conductive layer.

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 communication device. Such a step of functionalizing the structural component of the package can be performed in the process of forming the at least one communication device after providing the package, or can be performed in the process of 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 communication device includes adding additives that change 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, metals, glasses, plastic or on paper

BE2018 / 5386 based structural components of a package contain additives that functionalize the structural component to be used as an active layer of at least one communication device.

In yet another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a method may be provided comprising the step of geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one communication device by exposing the structural component to a forming step, such as punching , stamping, folding etc. during production of the package. Such a processing step can provide mechanical resonance properties, RF properties when combined with an appropriate antenna, optical properties that conduct light, or electrically conductive structures to a structural component.

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 communication device 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.

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A power source and / or one or more sensors and / or a processing unit and / or any sensory perceptible output or any other type of supporting electronic component can be obtained by adding separate components to the smart package, or preferably by at least the partial printing on the smart packaging.

In addition, a structural component of the smart package can be a component of any type of sensory perceptible output, or any type of power source, or any type of sensor. This may be the same structural component of the package that serves as a component of the communication device, or may be a different structural component of the package.

More specifically, with regard to embodiments where a structural component of the package forms a component of an optical communication device, communication devices are contemplated in which optical frequency electromagnetic waves are used to communicate between a light source or an apparatus modulating an existing light source, and a device that detects that light, or modulation.

Such devices may include a transmitter based on optical light-emitting or modulating technologies to encode data, such as an electroluminescent transducer, semiconductor light emitters, including light-emitting diode (LED) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED)

BE2018 / 5386 devices, electrochromic or electrophoretic transducers, or liquid crystal technology.

Furthermore, such devices may comprise a receiver, such as a light sensor, and more specifically a photo diode.

The transmission route can be through free space and / or optically functional packaging materials that can serve as a guided optical route.

For obtaining data communication with a smart package according to the present invention by means of an optical communication device, the transmitting light source can be amplitude modulated. (For a digital signal, this effectively means that it is switched on and off). The receiving light detector (photodiode) detects this modulation and the signal is decoded as part of the protocol in the processing capacity of the device.

It should be mentioned that the light source can also perform the function of decorative lighting to create a visual effect for the user, and the data signal can be coded so that it is not visible - eg modulated at a speed that can be higher than can be perceived by the human eye.

Multiple channels can be achieved by using different transmitters to send light with different wavelengths, or through different photodiodes, or optical filters through transparent packaging materials to

BE2018 / 5386 select different wavelengths at the receiver, or through different polarization phases for different light signals, or by time multiplexing whereby different signals are transmitted in different time slots that can be synchronized by clocks at both ends of the connection.

Furthermore, such data communication can be effected after optical detection of the proximity of a neighboring object or other smart package or including these. A neighboring object or smart package can send a signal with data encoded by light transmitting or ambient light modulation to be detected and identified by a smart package according to the present invention.

More specifically, with regard to embodiments in which a structural component of the package forms a component of a sound-based communication device, communication devices are contemplated in which the transmission of sound pressure waves, or mechanical vibrations, from one object to another data exchange occurs. This can in principle be obtained at any frequency, including those below, in and above (ultrasonic) the range of human hearing.

Such devices may include a transmitter based on any sound-emitting or vibration technology, such as piezoelectric, electrostatic or magnetic transducers.

BE2018 / 5386

Furthermore, such a package may respond to self-generated or external noise or vibration to transmit data as follows:

• Due to its mechanical properties, the packaging may cause ambient noise incident on said packaging to be modulated or amplified in a characteristic manner, indicative of that packaging or a specific message from that packaging. For example, by mechanical resonance effects that result in the formation of additional resonances, which can then be detected by a separate sound detector.

The mechanical resonance effects as described above can be controlled by an actuator, which is deliberately controlled to encode data on the incident sound signal.

Furthermore, such devices may include a receiver that uses sound detection technologies, and more specifically piezo-resistive and piezoelectric sensors.

The transmission route can go through the air, and / or through mechanically / acoustically functional packaging materials that can amplify and / or transmit the corresponding vibrations.

To obtain data communication via a smart package according to the present invention by means of a sound-based communication device, the transmitter transmits sound or vibration in a manner encoded with information. This sound or vibration is detected by a sound sensor on the receiver and

BE2018 / 5386 the signal is decoded as part of the protocol in the processing capacity of the device. It should be noted that the transmitted sound may also contain an audio signal that the user might hear and the data may be encoded therein in a manner that is inaudible to humans.

Multiple channels can be achieved by transmitting data signals with different frequencies, which are then detected by receivers by means of different filters, by transmitting data on different physical routes that conduct the vibration and are acoustically isolated from each other, or by time multiplexing allowing different signals to be sent in different time slots that can be synchronized by clocks at both ends of the connection.

Furthermore, such data communication can be effected after sound-based detection of the proximity of a neighboring object or other smart package or including these. A neighboring object or smart package can transmit a signal with data encoded by transmitting sound or vibration that can be detected and identified by a smart package according to the present invention.

More specifically, with regard to embodiments where a structural component of the package forms a component of a near-field communication device, communication devices are contemplated in which the creation and / or modulation of a magnetic field from one object to another

BE2018 / 5386 data exchange occurs. This can be a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) field, using the magnetic component of an near-field electromagnetic wave.

A permanent DC magnetized magnetic material, which can be a structural component of the package, or a magnetic / inductive antenna can be used as the sender.

As a receiver, any magnetic field detection technology, and more specifically packaging-integrated technologies including a magnetic / inductive antenna coil and a magnetoresistive sensor, can be used. The transmission route can go through free space and / or via magnetically functional packaging materials that can reinforce and / or transmit the corresponding field.

For obtaining data communication with a smart package according to the present invention comprising a near-field communication device, the sender may comprise an AC-magnetic field that is modulated in frequency and / or amplitude and / or phase for encoding data. (Many existing known techniques and protocols do this.) The receiver detects this AC magnetic field and the signal is decoded as part of the protocol in the processing capacity of the device.

Multiple channels can be reached by sending data signals with different frequencies, which are then detected by receivers by means of differently tuned receivers or one receiver with different filtered

BE2018 / 5386 channels, by sending data on different physical routes that guide the magnetic field and are isolated from each other in another way, by creating fields in the same route but in different spatial locations or by time multiplexing through which different signals are sent in different time slots that can be synchronized by clocks on both ends of the connection.

Furthermore, such data communication can be effected after detection of or including the proximity of a neighboring object or other smart package. For example, a neighboring object or smart package can transmit a magnetic field with coded data that can be detected and identified by a smart package according to the present invention.

More specifically, with respect to embodiments where a structural component of the package forms a component of a radio frequency communication device, communication devices are contemplated in which, by electromagnetic wave, and most typically an RF antenna driven by an AC electrical signal, of the one object to another data exchange occurs.

As the transmitter, any means that creates an electromagnetic wave, and most typically an RF antenna driven by an AC electrical signal, can be used.

As a receiver can be any means that detects an electromagnetic wave, and most typically

BE2018 / 5386 an RF antenna can be used. The transfer can take place via free space and / or via magnetically functional packaging materials that can amplify and / or transmit the corresponding field, or via dielectrically functional packaging materials that control and / or transmit the electric field component.

To obtain data communication with a smart package according to the present invention comprising a radio frequency communication device, the RF signal sent by the sender is modulated with a signal comprising the data to be transmitted. The receiver picks up said signal and the signal is decoded as part of the protocol in the processing capacity of the device.

There is a wide range of known modulation techniques, multiplexing techniques and communication protocols to obtain radio frequency communications by means of electromagnetic waves, so that they are not further described here. However, everything can be considered as potentially applicable in this application. Furthermore, such data communication can be effected after detection of or including the proximity of a neighboring object or other smart package. For example, a neighboring object or smart package may transmit an RF signal with coded data that can be detected and identified by a smart package according to the present invention.

More specifically, with regard to embodiments where a structural component of

BE2018 / 5386 the package forms a component of a communication device with cable, communication devices being considered in which data exchange occurs due to a varying electrical voltage and / or current source, and variation coding. Different types of senders and receivers for communication via cable are known.

With regard to the transmission route between a sender and a receiver, a wide range of connectors and connection techniques are known for making such electrical connections. More specifically, for applications of the present inventions, joining techniques may include:

• Contact pins, which may be spring-loaded, which make contact with contact surfaces on the other side that are mechanically kept in close proximity.

• "Edge" connectors that make contact with a thin or flexible substrate such as packaging materials.

• Matching connectors, with matching halves. A wide range is produced and exists.

In addition, specific intended scenarios for this application may include:

• Contact pins or surfaces from one container to the other, so that the containers are electrically connected when they are in close proximity. For example, when they stand together in a rack, or are held together in a secondary package, or when cans are stacked on top of each other. Patterns of electrodes and pins are possible

BE2018 / 5386 to ensure connection in multiple geometries. For example, ring electrodes on top of a container, with corresponding pins with a corresponding radius on the bottom of another container that is stacked on top.

• Connection of containers by means of electrical wires or thin film substrates printed with conductive traces used to connect packages at the time of production, and they remain, for example, connected in the secondary package. When they are separated, such as upon removal from the secondary package or otherwise separated, the wires or connections break.

In a further embodiment, the two electrical contacts, one or both, may be replaced by capacitive contacts realized by close proximity of two electrodes, and with a communication system at an AC frequency sufficient to transmit over this capacity. Intended scenarios for this application can include:

Containers are connected to a conductive surface, such as a metal or metallized rack, by means of an electrode on the bottom of said container. The sides of said containers also have another electrode which is capacitively coupled to the container. This allows them to be connected while they connect in close proximity.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide smart packaging

BE2018 / 5386 which, among other things, makes the following applications possible:

- External communication with the smart packaging to activate an effect (eg sound / light) by means of one of the communication devices described above. Eg RF, sound, light communications.

- Smart packaging detection of which other packaging is close by, with data regarding their status being exchanged in the supply chain.

- Communication devices on secondary packages that read, process and communicate data from sensors mounted on primary packages to monitor the condition of the primary package in the supply chain.

- Communication from a packaging back to the cloud for example, On to give it it product is used and thus automatic replenishment to activate. EXAMPLE 1: Such as illustrated in FIG 1 can be one

communication device comprising an RF antenna can be integrated in a metallized cardboard beverage container.

The RF antenna can use the non-conductive packaging substrate as a dielectric, the two layers of the antenna being arranged on each side thereof.

A metallized cardboard container comprises both a non-conductive packaging substrate and one

BE2018 / 5386 laminated metals, especially aluminum, conductive layer. This conductive layer is then additionally used to form the base of the antenna, with an additional antenna element disposed on the other side of the non-conductive cardboard substrate. The non-conductive cardboard substrate then effectively separates the two electrodes, and its permittivity controls the tuning of the antenna.

Example 2:

As illustrated in FIG. 2 is a communication device comprising an RF antenna integrated in an aluminum can. The aluminum substrate serves as a base for a "patch" antenna. An insulating dielectric layer is provided on top of the substrate, followed by a conductive layer in the form of the other antenna electrode, designed for the desired operating frequency. The antenna is encapsulated in an encapsulation layer, which may be the same as the varnish and / or varnish that has already been used to protect the beverage container.

Example 3:

In FIG. 3 is a communication device comprising an acoustic transducer integrated in an aluminum can illustrated in accordance with the present invention. The metal of the can forms the base electrode. Next, a piezoelectric active layer is applied on top, followed by another electrode, and then encapsulation. This can be used as a sender or recipient, or both.

Example 4:

BE2018 / 5386

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a magnetic antenna is printed as a spiral, around the perimeter of the top of a crown cap, on the inside of the cap, as part of a near-field 5 communication system. It is printed on top of an insulating layer, with the exception that one end of the antenna makes an electrical connection to the metal of the cap. The other end of the antenna does not contact the metal of the cap. Both ends are electrically connected to a chip in the middle of the cap. The metal of the cap serves to electrically bridge one side of the antenna with the other side. The polymer inner liner in the cap serves to protect the system as encapsulation.

Claims (16)

A smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one communication device, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one communication device, the structural component being essential is for proper operation of the communication device and is already inherently present in the package as such before the communication device is fully formed thereon, the communication device being configured to send and / or receive electrical data, and wherein the structural component is necessary for the smart packaging to function as a primary or secondary product container. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein the smart package is a glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication device is an optical or sound-based communication device. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein the structural component of the package is a metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer of the at least one communication device. A smart package according to claim 4, wherein the metal structural component is a metal layer of a bottle, a can, a vessel or any other type of metal container, or wherein the metal structural component is a component of a paper-based wood smart-based or plastic-based smart packaging, and wherein preferably the metal layer or the aluminum of a bottle or can, more preferably the aluminum of the lid, the lip, the body of a can, or a combination thereof. . A smart package according to claim 1, wherein a glass, wood-based, paper-based or plastic structural component of the smart package forms an electrically non-conductive layer of the at least one communication device. A smart package according to claim 6, 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 of secondary packaging. BE2018 / 5386 A smart package according to claim 1, wherein the metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based, wood-based structural component of the smart package contains additives that functionalize the structural component for use as an active layer of the at least one communication device, or functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component for use as an electrically conductive layer of the at least one communication device. A method for producing a smart package comprising the steps of producing a package and forming at least one communication device on or in the package, wherein a structural component of the package is taken to form a component of the at least one communication device, wherein the structural component is essential for the correct operation of the communication device and which is already inherently present in the package as such before the communication device is fully formed thereon, and wherein the communication device is configured to send and / or receive electrical data. A method according to claim 9, wherein said structural component of the package is selected based on its electrical, electrochemical, dielectric, optical, electromechanical, or semiconductor properties to form a component of the at least one communication device. A method according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the production of the package and the formation of the at least one communication device share at least one additional process step to form the remaining parts of the communication device. A method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one communication device. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package can be performed in the production process of the package. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one communication device comprises adding additives to the structural component. BE2018 / 5386 A method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the step of geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one communication device. A method according to claim 9, comprising a step of 5 adding a power source and / or one or more sensors and / or a processing unit and / or a sensorially observable output by at least partial printing thereof on the smart package.