BE1026365A1 - 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 sensor, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one sensor. 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 sensor on or in the package, thereby becoming a structural component of the package. taken to form a component of the at least one sensor.

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. With this technique, indicators and sensors are used instead of time-consuming, costly quality measurements to improve shelf life and provide product safety. Give in smart packaging systems

BE2018 / 5387 indicators information about product quality due to ambient 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 / 5387 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 rearrangement, and to determine tampering, damage to the packaging, etc. In addition, smart packaging that includes light, sound production, different types of sensors and corresponding sensory inputs, smart electronics, and interaction between people, smart device distribution devices coupled with wireless communication, results in improved and personalized consumer experience. Personalized advertisement at the point of purchase, incentives, prizes 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 described in WO2015147995 contains electronics that can enable a user / buyer to interact with the package and perform

BE2018 / 5387 actions on the package itself or on a smart 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 / 5387 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 smart packaging 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 / 5387 point at which 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 directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one sensor, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one sensor.

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 sensor on or in the package, thereby becoming a structural component of the package. taken to form a component of the at least one sensor.

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

BE2018 / 5387 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.

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

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 must be interpreted as a material component that is necessary for

BE2018 / 5387 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 drinks, and in particular for functioning as a product container beer container.

A structural component of a smart secondary package is to be interpreted as a material component that is necessary for packaging for holding a primary package.

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 .

Unlike a package with a printed sensor in which the package is only a substrate on which can be printed and in which the outer surface of the package as such with regard to forming the sensor 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 sensor and must have the necessary material characteristics required for proper operation of the sensor.

In other words, the structural component is a component that is essential for the right one

BE2018 / 5387 operation of the sensor and which is already inherently present in the package as such before the sensor is fully formed thereon. As a result, it would not be possible to at least partially integrate the sensor forming process into the production of a package that lacks this specific component (specific material layer) because it is necessary for the sensor to function. Both the smart package and the sensor 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 component of the package, and serves not merely as a decorative layer but as a necessary component of the sensor.

As a result, the production of the sensor 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 match intelligent features and communication means 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 containers for any type of product.

In the context of the present invention, a sensor is a device that responds to a physical and / or chemical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, a certain movement, presence

BE2018 / 5387 of specific ions, etc.) and transmits or records this information in a certain way, or transmits a resulting pulse (such as for measuring or operating a control device). Such a sensor may be of any type from the following list of sensors comprising: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a touch, pressure, or force-sensing sensor, a motion sensor, a liquid level sensor, a sound sensor, a light or color sensor, a image sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a proximity sensor, a liquid or vapor detection sensor, or any sensor of the following sensor technologies: a photodiode, a thermistor, a resistive or piezo-resistive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a magneto-resistive sensor , a conductivity voltage sensor, a capacitance sensor, a radiation (IR, RF, etc.) sensor, a thermocouple, a sensor series such as a sensor series that responds to volatile contact after contact (eg electronic nose sensors), a biosensor (electrochemical biosensors, optical biosensors, electronic biosensors, piezoelectric biosensors, gravimetric biosensors, pyroelectric biosensors), a chemical sensor, etc. Such a sensor can be integrated in the package for detecting, measuring or indicating, inter alia, light, color, force or voltage, proximity, liquid level, flow, presence of gas, presence of odor / aroma / taste , humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination, acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication, etc. They

BE2018 / 5387 can also record information from or around the human body (eg heartbeat, respiration rate, physical activity, sleep pattern, etc.).

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 sensor, 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 sensor, and / or additionally a combination of a variable number of components from the following functional areas:

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

BE2018 / 5387 ultra low power and with an 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 communication unit: a communication unit can be any type of device suitable for use in telecommunications, in the form of transmission of signs, signals, messages, words, written messages, images and sounds or information of any kind via wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems to exchange information between communication participants. • in a smart package according to the present invention, any type of communication unit can be used that is suitable for communicating via 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. However, because more devices are connected to the IoT, application-oriented networks such as SigFox can play an important role in the future by

BE2018 / 5387 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 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 perceived by touch, taste or smell. 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

BE2018 / 5387 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 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 haptic outputs may be any type of device that is integrated into the package and that allows a user or consumer to notice any change in surface condition of the package (e.g., change of

BE2018 / 5387 roughness, static electricity), to detect 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 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 sensor may include: the glass of a glass container,

BE2018 / 5387 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 adhesive strength 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 when the bottles are passed through the line), the plastic from a plastic container, the plastic of a plastic cap or lid, the metal of a metal can including its body, lid, pull ring, or rivet thereof, the metal of a vessel including its valve and stem, metal of a metal cap or crown, the inner polymer coating of a metal container, spray-coated epoxy (e.g. applied to the raw metal of a metal can or bottle), the metal oxide layer (e.g. implemented by anodizing of 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 fibreboard or corrugated cardboard of secondary packaging, or plastic parts of secondary packaging (eg bottle holding rings, or handles), the wood of 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 sensor can be provided, wherein a structural component of the

BE2018 / 5387 has suitable chemical, electrical, mechanical, electrochemical, dielectric, magnetic, optical, electromechanical, or semiconducting properties to form a component of the at least one sensor. In other words, the structural component of the package that forms a component of the at least one sensor can be selected based on its electrical properties, its chemical properties, its electrochemical properties, its dielectric properties, its magnetic properties , its optical properties, its electromechanical properties, or its semiconductor properties.

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

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.

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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 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 may form an electrode layer of a sensor or as interconnection between different sensor elements. A wide range of sensors is constructed from at least one conductive layer. A conductive substrate can therefore eliminate the need to add it to the sensor assembly.

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 resistive force sensor to measure the content remaining in the container. (See also FIG. 1) This force sensor uses a resistive or piezo-resistive active layer applied to the bottom of the bottle so that

BE2018 / 5387 the metal of the can forms both the substrate of the assembly and one of the conductive layers. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer can be formed by the existing lacquer / varnish that is applied to the bottle during normal production.

As another example, a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the liquid content can be used (see also FIG. 2), so that the metal of the can forms one of the conductive layers. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer can be formed by the existing lacquer / varnish that is applied to the container during normal production. Therefore, the only additional layers required may be the thermistor active layer and one additional conductive layer. The area of the thermistor can be adjusted to average the temperature over a large or small area of the liquid. Alternatively, or in addition, a series of similar designed temperature sensors can be distributed across the container as a means to determine the remaining volume of liquid. This can be accomplished by making use of the fact that, assuming the container is pre-cooled, the parts of the wall that come into contact with the liquid are cooler than those where the liquid is not in contact. The same principle can be used to measure whether a consumer is holding a container in his / her hand.

Furthermore, a smart package can be provided in which an electronic nasal sensor comprising a series of different active sensor layers, each covering two electrodes, one of which

BE2018 / 5387 is common to all of the series and one of which is unique to the element, is formed by the metal of the container for one element of the series. This forms one of the two electrodes of each element. The second electrode of each element is applied on top of an insulating layer to electrically isolate it from the common electrode of the substrate of the assembly.

As another example, a smart package can be provided in which a chemical / biochemical fluid sensor comprises a structure similar to that shown in Figure 11. In this case, the conductive metal of a can can additionally form one of the electrodes for a single sensor element. Or a common electrode for a series of chemical / biochemical fluid sensors.

An environment-related condition and / or chemical gas sensor can also be used by means of the metal of a can as one of the conductive electrodes through which the sensor can be read electrically. This can include an encapsulation layer over the top of the electrode made with the existing encapsulation materials used for the container.

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 make two electrically conductive layers

BE2018 / 5387 to form a sensor 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 can provide overlapping for multiple metal substrate layers. A functional active layer can be applied in between

- Overlap top of a can can be an active layer between the can. Form the tack.

- Overlap screw cap or crown cap of a pull ring with the two electrodes forming, with pull ring and the top of can electric conduction of aluminum bottle with

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 at least one sensor, wherein based, wooden or plastic packaging comprising at least one glass, paper-structural component of the smart packaging can form an electrically conductive layer of the at least one sensor.

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.

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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 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 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.

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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 sensor, a component of the package with specific mechanical properties can be used as a component of a sensor integrated in the package. For example, a material of a certain elastic modulus can be used to convert applied pressure, internal pressure or mass, to tension, which is then detected by a tension sensor. Furthermore, a transducer and / or resonant portion of the system can be used to detect sound or vibration.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a structural component of the package as a component of the at least one sensor, a component of the package with specific chemical properties can be used as a component of a sensor integrated in the package. The packaging material may, for example, provide a thermoelectric effect that induces a voltage in response to temperature between two dissimilar metals. Furthermore, due to certain chemical properties, the material of the packaging component can react with desired analytes to change the electrical, mechanical or optical properties of the material, thereby forming a component of a chemical sensor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a structural component of the package as a component of the toes

4

BE2018 / 5387 at least one sensor, a component of the package with specific optical properties, is used as a component of a sensor integrated in the package. For example, an optically transparent substrate can provide the window on a light sensor. The optical transparent substrate can be used as insulation between an optically read electrochemical sensor and the electro-optical sensor. Furthermore, an optical layer can be used as a controlled light route for an optical sensor, or as a filter for specific wavelengths of light, or as a lens of an image sensor.

More specifically, an optically read chemical sensor can be positioned on the inside of a glass bottle to detect specific chemical or biochemical activities in the liquid content. For example, changes in beer composition, such as pH, to detect oxidation, or alcohol content.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to using a structural component of the package as a component of the at least one sensor, the contents of the container can perform a number of sensor functions, both physically and chemically. For example, if the contents of the container comprise a liquid and air gap, if the container is subjected to accelerations, the liquid will move around with respect to the air. This can be used to detect acceleration (also known as inertia).

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When the liquid in the container is carbonated beverage, inertial movement of the container increases the pressure in the container, whereby past movement can be detected.

Furthermore, the contents can be used as a heat reservoir for measuring relative temperature, as an inertial damping component for changing the response of the container to noise, or as an electrolyte or chemically active solution for a chemical / biochemical fluid sensor.

The boundary between liquid and gas gas also defines two separate areas. The location of that boundary corresponds to the fill level, and this can be detected by the acoustic or electrostatic properties of each room.

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

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

Additives can 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 a sensor.

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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 sensor.

Additives can also be added to a material that allows it to directly serve as an electrode in a selected sensor type, or to make a material semi-conductive, to serve as an active layer in a sensor.

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 sensor. 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 sensor on or in the package, taking a structural component of the package for forming a component of the at least one sensor.

In the method of the present invention, the component formed from a structural can

BE2018 / 5387 component of the package are any component of the at least one sensor, 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 sensor, 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 sensor 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 package and formation of the at least one sensor 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, or spraying a coating which is also an electrically conductive layer .

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method may be provided comprising

BE2018 / 5387 the step of functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensor. Such a step of functionalizing the structural component of the package can be carried out in the process of forming the at least one sensor after providing the package, or can be carried out 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 sensor comprises 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 paper-based structural components of a package may contain additives that functionalize the structural component to be used as an active layer of at least one sensor.

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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 sensor 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 sensor by exposing the structural component to heat, such as, for example, baking or curing , or to 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.

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

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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. This may be the same structural component of the package that serves as a component of the sensor, or may be a different structural component of the package.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide smart packaging

that, below Others, the following applications possible makes: - Measure from ambient light levels - Measure from color of the light present.

By applying filters before the photodiode, or selecting the mix of active layers, the detected wavelength of the light, and therefore also the color, can be made specific.

- Detecting proximity to other objects that can emit light, or determining the relative position with respect to other objects based on their reflected light.

- Measure of the presence from liquid in a container it to detect from light that is reflected by the liquid the container,

wherein the liquid has a different color / clarity than that of the container without content. The liquid level can be further determined by a series of light sensors. This concept can work due to ambient light or an additional application-oriented light source that is also integrated in the package.

BE2018 / 5387

- Detecting movement of a liquid-filled container by monitoring the relative movement of the liquid versus the air gap in the container relative to the walls of the container.

- Detecting the ambient temperature and / or the temperature of the contents of a container

- Measuring a pressure in a container by measuring tension in the walls of the container

- Measuring touch by a user or a force applied to a button due to a change in resistance as a result of the force / voltage applied to the sensor.

- Measuring movement of the container due to changes in its pressure (as described above), when the liquid content of the container is a carbonated beverage, the pressure changing with movement.

- Measuring the amount of liquid present in a container by measuring the weight of the container. This can be achieved by applying a resistance force sensor to the bottom of the container and measuring the applied force.

- Measuring noise by measuring the voltage induced in the walls of the container by air pressure waves resulting from noise. The same principle also applies to externally applied vibrations.

- Measuring force of a user exerted at specific points on the container by measuring stress, distortion or force in the walls of the container at this point.

BE2018 / 5387

- Measuring touch by a user by detecting the very different permittivity of a human finger compared to air.

- Measuring the liquid level due to the difference in permittivity of the liquid versus air in the container.

- Measuring movement of a liquid-filled container by monitoring the relative movement of the liquid versus the air gap in the container relative to the walls of the container by the same principle of level measurement as above.

- Measuring the presence of other objects in close proximity by detecting their different permittivity to air.

- Detecting ions and / or molecules in the liquid content of the container. For example, if the liquid is beer, intended substances may include substances responsible for taste, such as "hop" flavors or "light taste"; oxidation; changes in pH and ethanol content.

EXAMPLE 1:

A force sensor is formed on the bottom of a metal beverage container as medium to the remaining content in this container to measure through the weight

thereof, or to identify the number or weight of additional containers stacked on top of each other.

BE2018 / 5387

As illustrated in the structure shown in FIG. 1, the metal (1) of the container forms one of the conductive layers. The resistive or piezo-resistive active layer (2) is printed on the outside of the bottom. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer (4) can be formed by the existing lacquer / varnish that is applied to the bottle during normal production. Therefore, the only additional layers required may be the active layer (2) and one additional conductive layer (3).

EXAMPLE 2:

A temperature sensor is formed on a region of the wall of a metal can as a means to determine the temperature of the liquid contents.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the metal (1) of the can forms one of the conductive layers. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer (4) can be formed by the existing lacquer / varnish that is applied to the container during normal production. Therefore, the only additional layers required may be the (3) thermistor active layer (2) and one additional conductive layer.

EXAMPLE 3:

A chemical sensor is formed on the inside of a metal barrel. It measuring mechanism a electrochemical reaction That only occurs when it appropriate

material is present in the liquid content.

The structure is as shown in FIG. 3.

The metal (6) of the vessel forms the current collector layer and can also form one of the electrodes (5) when the

BE2018 / 5387 chemical composition of the sensor cell corresponds to the metal material of the vessel.

On top of the metal of the vessel in a separately defined area that is also in contact with the liquid content (4) that actually serves as the electrolyte, the following layers are applied:

• Insulation layer (3) • Current collector layer (2) • Second electrode (1)

EXAMPLE 4:

As illustrated in FIG. 4 is a light sensor formed by the glass of a glass bottle as a window in which the color of the glass is matched to match the intended frequency. As a result, the amount of light of a specific wavelength is detected. A transparent conductive electrode is applied to the glass as part of the hot-end coating process that the bottle undergoes.

During normal production of the bottle, after forming the glass, this hot end is coated with a metal oxide. In this case, a transparent conductive layer of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) is applied by this process. This layer forms the bottom electrode of the light sensor.

After this phase, active photovoltaic layers are applied by the techniques described above. The second electrode is applied on top of the active layers.

BE2018 / 5387 can do that

The final layer forms an encapsulation and is formed by the existing packaging coatings already applied to the glass.

Claims (15)

Conclusions A smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one sensor, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one sensor. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein a sensor is any type from the following list of sensors comprising: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a touch, pressure, or force detecting sensor, a motion sensor, a liquid level sensor, a sound sensor, a light or color sensor, an image sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a proximity sensor, a liquid or vapor detection sensor, or any sensor of the following sensor technologies: a photodiode, a thermistor, a resistive or piezo-resistive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a magneto -resistive sensor, a conductivity voltage sensor, a capacitance sensor, a radiation sensor, a thermocouple, a sensor series, a biosensor or a chemical sensor. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein said structural component of the package is a metal structural component that forms an electrically conductive layer of the at least one sensor. A smart package according to claim 3, wherein the metal structural component can be a metal layer of a bottle or can, or the aluminum of a bottle or can, more specifically the aluminum of the lid, the lip, the body of a can, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer of a vessel or any BE2018 / 5387 other type of metal container, or wherein the metal structural component is a component of a paper-based, wood-based or plastic-based smart packaging. A smart package according to claim 1, wherein a glass, wood-based, paper-based or plastic structural component of the smart package can form an electrically non-conductive layer of the at least one sensor. A smart package according to claim 5, 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. A smart package 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 sensor, or functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component for use as an electrically conductive layer of at least one sensor. A method for producing a smart package comprising the steps of producing a package and forming at least one sensor on or in the package, wherein a structural component of the package is taken to form a component of the at least one sensor. BE2018 / 5387 A smart package according to claim 8, wherein said structural component of the package is selected based on its chemical, electrochemical, dielectric, optical, electromechanical, or semiconductor properties to form a component of the at least one sensor. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the production of the package and formation of the at least one sensor share at least one additional process step to form the remaining parts of the sensor. A method according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensor. A method according to claim 11, 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 11 or 12, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensor comprises adding additives to the structural component. A method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising the step of geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensor. A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of adding a power source and / or a communication means and / or one BE2018 / 5387 processing unit and / or a sensory perceptible output by at least partial printing thereof on the smart package.