DE102018110341A1 - Method and device for evaluating product properties in packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of providing data of a product packaged in a package comprising:
Receiving at least one measured value measured on the packaging in a communication device spatially separate from the packaging,
Receiving an identification of the packaging in the communication device, and
Transmitting the at least one measured value together with the identification from the communication device to a remote server via a wide area network.

Description

The subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for evaluating product properties in packaging.

Packaging can be made in different ways and from a variety of materials. A widespread possibility of their production is to produce packaging from a packaging laminate with a laminate constructed on a fibrous material, in particular paperboard, by means of folding and sealing processes. For this purpose, essentially two methods have been established.

In a first method, a tube is formed from a package laminate, preferably unwound from a roll, in its flow direction (longitudinal direction), while the resulting package is usually sealed along its longitudinal seam by the introduction of a sealing strip. In this tube, the product to be protected by the resulting pack is filled and the filled tube at predetermined locations transversely to the direction sealed in portions and singulated. The resulting semi-finished composite packages ("cushions") are used to produce finished composite packaging by means of folding and other sealing processes.

In a second method, individual blanks are produced from the packaging material, which is also initially present as a package laminate, by longitudinal and / or transverse cutting, from which by means of folding and further steps, e.g. Seal along sealing edges first a packing jacket and finally a packaging is created. This production method has the advantage, among other things, that the blanks and packing shells are very flat and can thus be stacked to save space. In this way, the blanks or packing coats can be made at a different location than the folding, sealing and filling of the packaging coats done. Again, laminates (= composites) are used, which build on a carrier layer having a fibrous material, in particular cardboard.

Such packaging is widely used, especially in the food industry.

Depending on whether a composite package should provide protection for a few days to a few weeks for a so-called fresh-filled product or whether it should protect a "germ-free" and aseptic filled food with at least one liquid portion for a long period of time at ambient conditions , sometimes very different requirements arise.

For a freshly-bottled product, even if it is a so-called "extended-help-product", the period of time during which the contents of the composite packaging are to be protected is very clear and ranges from a few days to several weeks. However, the characteristics of the product tend to be quite strong in itself. For example, the bacterial load affecting the product fluctuates significantly from batch to batch of the same product, so that the initial conditions are difficult to grasp.

In a "germ-free" and bottled under aseptic conditions product, however, are quite different problems. Although you will find here defined conditions around which fluctuate the usually to ten thousand or even tens of thousands, resulting in one hour of production time on a single filling machine composite packaging. However, the individual composite packages are then exposed to different stresses in their continued existence, so that the costs arising for the product to be protected, for example by transport and storage conditions over the long period of up to one year or even longer in each case can hardly be predicted.

In general, prolonged protection of a foodstuff is when the product in its full quality for months can be protected uncooled in composite packaging. The product is then generally aseptically filled into the resulting composite packaging. H-milk and juices can often be considered as containing the contents of composite packaging for up to a year, sometimes even beyond.

In order to protect the consumer from consuming a food that is harmful to health, the legislator, despite the above-mentioned almost contradictory problems, prescribes a uniform approach, namely the labeling of the composite packaging with a so-called "best before date". The manufacturer must use this concept to ensure that the product contained in the composite packaging is harmless to health until the expiration date and, if indicated on the package, its quality is at least equal to the nutritional value indicated. This automatically means that the specified best-before date is estimated with great caution, so that the majority of the composite packaging also contains - in some cases significantly beyond the expiration date of the best-before date, a completely harmless product.

Nevertheless, the indication of the best before date means that the consumer usually no longer tests the product on his own, but generally disposes of the unopened composite packaging after expiry of the best before date.

From the publication EP 2 071 496 A1 a method for the production of a packaging material is known in which information about a packaging and a product can be stored by means of a radio-readable memory, in particular an RFID chip. The memory is incorporated in a composite and can also be arranged in different layers of the composite. The information may contain, for example, information on a best-before date.

A disadvantage of the previous method, however, is that the state of the bottled product (goods) is unknown after delivery by the bottler. Thus, the bottler can not check whether certain process parameters during bottling lead to particularly good durability results or not. Also, the influence of environmental conditions on the durability of the goods can not be accurately quantified, since the bottler the transport conditions, storage conditions and / or the germination of the goods remain unknown.

Therefore, the object of the present invention was to provide a method and a system that enables optimization of the filling process depending on actual shelf life of the filled goods.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 or 8 and a communication device according to claim 15, a server according to claim 17 and a system according to claim 18.

It has been recognized that the shelf life of packaged products may also be dependent on process parameters during the filling process. For example, the sterilization of the empty package, the temperature of the product during the filling in the package, the duration and temperature of the welding of the sealed seam and the like are relevant to the durability of the product. However, the problem so far is that once a package has been delivered, the bottler can barely understand whether a product reaches the specified minimum shelf life or, if necessary, beyond that durable. Also, the bottler can not establish a link between the process parameters of the bottling and the actual shelf life of the product.

Once a package has been placed on the market, there is almost no possibility for the bottler to obtain further information on this packaging, let alone the product packed in it. This is objectively changed by a communication device acting as a so-called "gateway" for the communication between the packaging and a central computer.

A communication device (also referred to as a communication device or communication device) may, for example, be mobile and, in particular, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, smartglasses or the like. On the one hand, a communication device has communication means for near-field communication. Such communication means enable the communication device to communicate with spatially proximate entities. Such can be, for example, representational packages which are equipped with corresponding transmitting devices. However, the communication device can also be stationary and arranged, for example, in the area of a goods lock of a warehouse or intermediate storage or in a cold store or in / on a refrigerator.

In addition, a communication device has radio devices with which a connection to a remote server can be recorded, in particular via a wide area network. A wide area network can be, for example, a telephone network, the Internet or another communications network with a distributed infrastructure. The communication device may be formed at least in part from an electrical element, which will be described below.

It is objectively proposed that measured values measured on the packaging are received in the communication device spatially separated from the packaging. In addition, and in particular linked to the measured values, an identification of the packaging is received in the communication device. Thus, in the communication device at least information, based on the identification, to the packaging as such as well as, based on the at least one measured value, to the product before. The communication device now acts as an exchange and transmits the received measured value together with the identification to a server remote from the communication device via a wide area network.

An identification of the packaging may be unique so that each package has a unique identifier. Also, the identification of the Packaging may be a batch identifier with which a plurality of packages can be assigned to a batch. Also, an identification of the packaging via a time information can be done, for example, a timestamp uniquely identify the pack, especially if each package receives its own time stamp when filling. Also, an identification of the packaging may include information about a filling line of a multi-lane filling line. In the case of a multi-lane filling installation, individual process parameters can vary from one line to another even if the same batch is used. If, based on the identification of the packaging, it is also possible to determine the particular web on which the product was filled into the packaging, the exact process parameter of that web can be retrieved and checked for this packaging.

Thus, the server has information about the measured value together with information about the respective packaging, and the bottler can perform evaluations of products in packages that are in distribution. The bottler can determine, for example, via the identification of the packaging, the process parameters with which the packaging or the product were filled in the packaging and at the same time determine the measured value, such as the shelf life of the product in the field.

In addition to the measured value and the identification of the packaging, it is also possible to determine a time stamp in the communication device or the server, the time of measurement on the product, the time of transmission of the measured value together with the identification of the packaging to the communication device and / or the time of transmission of the measured value together with the identification identified to the server. Thus, a statement can be made as to when a particular measured value was measured and / or when such a measured value was transmitted to the communication device and / or the server.

This time information (which in particular limits the time of the measurement) can be correlated with the predicted minimum shelf life of the product. Thus, in particular, those measurements can be evaluated that are close to the best before date. If, for example, the best before date has not yet been reached and the measured value indicates that the product may have deteriorated, this may, taking into account other factors such as storage conditions, make it possible to conclude that the filling process may not be optimal. On the other hand, if the best before date is exceeded and the measured value indicates, for example, that the product is still stable and not spoiled, this may be an indication that the filling process has been particularly good, in particular germ-free.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a statement about the product quality can be made in particular if at least one measured value is detected at least in parts directly on the product within the packaging. By means of sensors described below (for example at least in part in a functional element), product quality can be measured directly on the product. Such a sensor can be located inside the package and absorb physical and / or chemical values directly on the product. A sensor can also be described as a functional element. The following is also the speech of a functional element when a sensor is meant. A sensor can also be described as an electrical element. The following is also the speech of an electrical element, if a sensor is meant.

It is also possible for the sensor to independently evaluate at least one measured value and to set a signal or a marker if the limit value is exceeded or fallen short of. This signal or the marker can be transmitted to the communication device. The communication device can also independently evaluate at least one measured value and set a signal or a marker if the limit value is exceeded or fallen short of. If the signal or the marker can be detected in the communication device, the application in the communication device can output, for example, an indication on a display that the product may no longer be consumable.

In addition, it is interesting as well as relevant to know the storage conditions of the packaging. For this purpose, according to one exemplary embodiment, at least one measured value can be detected at least in part outside the packaging. For example, a total amount of radiation may indicate how many times the packaging has been exposed to sunlight. Also, for example, a temperature and / or a temperature profile can provide information about whether, for example, a cold chain has been maintained or the packaging was exposed to exceptionally high temperatures. For example, additional information, such as pressure information or acceleration information, that can be collected through corresponding sensors, can provide information on how the packaging was handled during transport. This too can influence the product quality.

The communication between the packaging or the sensors and the electronic units arranged there and the communication device preferably takes place via local radio. Under local radio can be understood in particular near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth or WLAN. Other communication protocols, in particular those which permit communication between two entities, in particular peer-to-peer, ie direct communication, are conceivable. In particular, such communication methods are to be understood as near-field radio, which allows direct communication between two entities with a distance of a few millimeters to a few meters.

As a rule, there is a considerable period of time between the filling of the product into the packaging and the reading of the measured value described here and the identification via the communication device. Such a period of time is justified, in particular, by the long shelf life data, which in particular have germ-free bottled products. A period of time can be between a few weeks to a few months or even years. Due to these large time spans, it is almost impossible to energetically feed the electronic units that are used for measuring and transmitting the measured values and identification. Therefore, it is also proposed that an activation field is first emitted by the communication device and that, triggered by the activation field, the measured value is possibly first detected and / or the measured value and the identification are transmitted and received. It is not absolutely necessary that the frequency of the activation field and the frequency of the transmission of measured value and identification is the same. By means of a corresponding antenna on the packaging, sufficient energy can be drawn from the activation field in order to operate a sensor which, if appropriate, subsequently carries out a measurement and / or transmits the measured value together with the identification.

However, sensors are also known which can record measured values independently of a power supply, for example by chemical or physical reactions. These can be, for example, temperature profiles, which can also be recorded without an electrical supply in order subsequently to be able to be sent out after activation. The initially recorded measured values can be read out electronically after activation by the activation field and made available for sending.

According to one exemplary embodiment, it is proposed that the measured value indicates at least one consumable capacity of the product. A consumable capacity of a product may depend, in particular, on its germ load, rot of the product, bacterial attack and / or fungal infestation. Also, for example, an acidity in the product can provide information about its consumption. Other sensory measured values can also provide information about the consumption of the product.

As already explained, not only a process parameter during filling can be relevant for the shelf life of the product, but also the transport and / or storage conditions of the packaging. In particular, a long-term effect is observed, which means that if certain environmental conditions persist over a longer period of time, the shelf life of the product is influenced relevant. For this reason, it is proposed that at least one time profile of a measured value is detected. A time profile of a measured value can be, for example, the course of a temperature, a humidity and / or an air pressure. There are known sensors which can detect by chemical and / or physical effects a time course of these or other parameters, without being electrically powered. In the moment in which the measured value is interrogated, there is an electrical activation, and the measured value can be read out electrically / electronically and transmitted to the communication device. Consequently, the subsequent transmission to the server in the server provides information on how the packaging was exposed to various environmental conditions during its life cycle.

As already explained, it is first of all relevant to transfer the measurement data together with the identification from the packaging to a server. For this purpose, the communication device is used objectively as a gateway, which forwards the relevant information via a wide area network. The received information can then be utilized accordingly in the server. For this reason, a method for recycling data of a product filled in a package is proposed. In this case, in particular a measured measured value is received on the server side together with an identification of the packaging from a spatially separate, in particular mobile, communication device from the packaging. The measured value or possibly several measured values are read in by the packaging by the communication device and forwarded to the server via the wide area network. Together with the measured value / measured values, the identification of the packaging is communicated to the server. It is possible to add the measured value together with the identification of the packaging to a common data record write and calculate at least one hash via this record. This makes it possible to ensure that the measured values and the identification of the packaging are received unaltered in the server. As a result, manipulations can be prevented. The hash value can also be signed so that a further validation of the measurement data including identification is possible.

After the measured value and identification have been received in the server, the identification and / or the measured value is assigned using the identification to a filling process of the product in the packaging. By identifying the packaging, it is possible to associate each individual packaging with the respective filling process of this packaging. This can be on lot size 1 carried out or with larger batch sizes per batch. Also, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 24, 100, 1000, or any other plurality of packages may be given the same identification and thus assigned to a lot having a lot size of that plurality.

When a bottling process is in progress, certain process parameters that affect the bottling process are set. Such process parameters are, for example, temperature and duration of the sterilization, number of sterilization steps, pressure of the sterilizing agent during application, temperature, flow rate of the product during the filling in the package, number of filling steps, temperature and duration of the sealing process on the sealing seam and / or the like. If the respective filling process is known, the process parameters assigned to this filling process can be detected. During the filling process, both setpoints and actual values of the process parameters can be recorded. Via a timestamp or the respective packaging identifications of the packaging that are being filled, these process parameters can later be assigned to the filling process of the respective packaging. The detected setpoint and / or actual parameters are transmitted to the server and stored there.

• - Art und Grad der Vorkonditionierung der Packungsrohteile, insbesondere Packungsmäntel, Boden- und/oder Giebelteilen sowie Ausgießern bzw. Öffnungshilfen. Unter einer Vorkonditionierung wird dabei insbesondere eine Behandlung der offenen Kantenbereiche (insbesondere Kantensterilisation, vorzugsweise mit in den Kantenbereichen eingedrungenem und dort verbleibendem Sterilisationsmittel) sowie Einstellung der Temperatur und Kartonfeuchtigkeit durch Klimatisierung;
• - Intensität einer Ionenbeaufschlagung der Luft, insbesondere im Bereich der Packungsmäntel, sofern eine derartige Entstaubungsvorrichtung vorgesehen ist;
• - Temperatur, Volumenstrom und Strömungsgeschwindigkeit von Aktivierungsheißluft sowie Anpressdruck und Anpresszeit bei Heißluftsiegelvorgängen, wie sie häufig bei Bodensiegelungen am Dornrad vorzufinden sind;
• - Temperatur, Volumenstrom und Strömungsgeschwindigkeit von Vorheizluft bei der Packungskonditionierung vor/bzw. während des Sterilisationsprozesses (Werden die Packungs(innen)seiten mittels Wasserstoffperoxid (H₂O₂) sterilisiert, werden sie häufig vorher auf einen bestimmten Temperaturbereich vorgeheizt, in dem die Wirkung des H2O2 besonders effizient ist);
• - Temperatur, Volumenstrom und Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, sowie Anteil des (reinen) H₂O₂ im Sterilisationsmittel (Dampf oder Aerosol aus Luft, H₂O₂ und Wasser) bei der Packungssterilisierung;
• - Temperatur, Volumenstrom und Strömungsgeschwindigkeit der Sterilluft beim Ausspülen des Sterilisationsmittels;
• - Temperatur des Füllgutes;
• - Transportgeschwindigkeit der (entstehenden) Packungen in einzelnen Produktionsabschnitten oder gesamt;
• - Überdruck in der Aseptikkammer;
• - Laminarflow in der Aseptikkammer;
• - Temperatur in der Aseptikkammer;
• - Maximale Produktionszeit zwischen zwei Zwischenreinigungsvorgängen (Cleaning in Place =CIP);
• - Maximale Produktionszeit zwischen zwei Vollreinigungsvorgängen;
• - Frequenz und Anpressdruck, sowie Haltezeit bei Ultraschallsiegelvorgängen;
• - Aktivierungstemperatur und Aktivierungszeit sowie Anpressdruck und Anpresszeit bei Außensiegelvorgängen (Anlegen von Packungsüberständen, s.g. „Ohren“);
• - Auslösegrenzen von verschiedenen Überwachungssensoren;
• - Interfacegestaltung des HMI (z.B. kann festgestellt werden, dass bestimmte Darstellungsformen der Informationen und angebotenen Handlungsmöglichkeiten zu besonders wenig Bedienfehlern führen).

The following process parameters can be recorded inter-railway or individually, for example, or in any meaningful combination with each other:

• - Type and degree of preconditioning of Packrohrohteile, especially packing coats, floor and / or gable parts and spouts or opening aids. Under a preconditioning is in particular a treatment of the open edge areas (in particular edge sterilization, preferably with penetrated in the edge areas and remaining there sterilizing agent) and adjustment of temperature and cardboard moisture by air conditioning;
• - Intensity of an ion exposure of the air, in particular in the field of packing coats, if such a dedusting device is provided;
• - Temperature, flow rate and flow rate of hot activation air and contact pressure and contact pressure in hot air sealing operations, as they are often found in floor seals on mandrel wheel;
• Temperature, volume flow and flow velocity of preheat air during packing conditioning before / or. During the Sterilization Process (If the packing sides are sterilized by hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ), they are often pre-heated to a certain temperature range where the action of H2O2 is particularly efficient);
• - Temperature, flow rate and flow rate, as well as proportion of (pure) H ₂ O ₂ in the sterilant (vapor or aerosol from air, H ₂ O ₂ and water) in the pack sterilization;
• - Temperature, flow rate and flow rate of the sterile air when rinsing the sterilant;
• - temperature of the filling material;
• - transport speed of the (resulting) packages in individual production sections or in total;
• - overpressure in the aseptic chamber;
• - laminar flow in the aseptic chamber;
• - temperature in the aseptic chamber;
• - Maximum production time between two intermediate cleaning operations (Cleaning in Place = CIP);
• - Maximum production time between two full cleaning operations;
• - Frequency and contact pressure, as well as holding time in ultrasonic sealing operations;
• - Activation temperature and activation time as well as contact pressure and contact time for external sealing operations (application of package projections, so-called "ears");
• - tripping limits of different monitoring sensors;
• - Interface design of the HMI (eg it can be determined that certain forms of presentation of the information and offered options for action lead to very little operator error).

After delivery, it is now possible to determine whether the product has lasted sufficiently long, in particular on the basis of the measured values. Also, a link with the process parameters can be established. For example, it is possible to determine from the measurements that a product was particularly durable. If the corresponding process parameters are known, this can be an indication that these parameters ensure a particularly good durability of the product. Since different products are filled with different process parameters and possibly react differently, a product-specific adjustment of the process parameters taking into account the durability of the product can be carried out with the aid of the subject method.

According to one exemplary embodiment, it is proposed that at least one process parameter of the filling process be adapted depending on the evaluation. For example, it is possible, based on the received data, in particular the measured values and the identification of the packaging, to compare different filling processes with each other and also to compare the corresponding measured values with one another. If it turns out that for certain filling processes the measured values indicate a higher durability for packagings of approximately the same age, it can be concluded that one process parameter of one filling process is advantageous over one process parameter of the other filling process. Then, if appropriate, this process parameter can be adapted for future filling processes, so that the probability is increased that the shelf life of the product is increased in the future.

According to one exemplary embodiment, it is proposed that at least one filling date be determined from the process parameters. In addition to the process parameters mentioned above, another process parameter can also be a filling date. On the basis of the filling date and, if appropriate, a timestamp communicated or recorded together with the measured values and the identification, it is possible to determine how old a packaging is. Then it can be determined from the measured values, how the consumption of the product in the packaging has changed over its lifetime. Thus, measured values of a wide variety of packs with a very wide variety of lifetimes can be received and their measured values evaluated with regard to the consumable capacity of the product. From this, it may be concluded which process parameters lead to an extended shelf life of the product.

A measured value can also be an environmental condition and, for example, a temperature profile. If it is found that during the lifetime of the packaging a frequently elevated temperature prevailed, this can of course lead to a decrease in the consumption or the shelf life of the product. In particular, it is possible to weight those measured values which indicate a low durability less if the time profiles of other measured values indicate that the environmental conditions for the packaging were not optimal. On the other hand, those measured values derived from packaging in which the time course of a measured value indicates that the environmental conditions were optimal can be weighted higher. Thus, it is possible to exempt possibly lower negative effects of products from the optimization of the process parameters due to negative external influences or at least to incorporate them into the optimization of the process parameters only with a lower weighting.

As already mentioned above, an identification of the packaging can be up to a lot size 1 respectively. On the other hand, it is also possible that with the help of the identification of the packaging, the packaging is assigned to a batch of a filling process. The measured values linked to this identification can also be assigned to this batch. Measured values from a plurality of packages, which are assigned to a same batch, can then be evaluated together. It is possible, for example, to determine mean values of the measured values of a batch. In particular, it is possible to create mean values of the measured values for different periods since the filling date and to evaluate the batch with the aid of these mean values. It is also possible to form groups which depend on a further measured value.

For example, it is possible to form at least three groups, with a first group having such measured values recorded in packages, which conditions, e.g. Temperature conditions were better than the minimum standards. A second group may be formed by the readings collected on packages where the conditions approximate the minimum standards. Finally, a third group may be formed from the measurements obtained on packages where the conditions were worse than the minimum standards. The last group will most likely contain metrics indicating that the products had a lower durability than the first and second groups. The best information will be obtained from the data collected in the second group, as it contains measurements of packaging that has been exposed to environmental conditions that meet the minimum standards.

Further aspects are a communication device according to claim 15, a server according to claim 17 as well as a system according to claim 18. In the system according to claim 18 there is additionally proposed a packaging which has at least one sensor for detecting a measured value on the product inside the packaging. In addition, the packaging has a transmitting device, configured for transmitting at least the measured value as well as an identification of the packaging, in particular to the communication device.

In concrete terms, a continuous quality control can be carried out for every single batch up to the end customer. This quality control is available to the manufacturer of the packaging so that the latter can possibly change settings on the packaging device in order to react to defective batches. Also, the manufacturer can determine the settings at which the product is optimally durable and thus select the appropriate settings for subsequent batches. This makes it possible for the manufacturer of the packaging, in particular the bottling plant, to optimize his process parameters, since he thus first acquires knowledge about the quality of products after their delivery.

An information of measured data from the inside of a package can be transmitted to the outside then electrically when the metallic barrier layer is broken. In order to be able to electrically control a functional element (which includes, for example, the measuring technology) inside the packaging and, if necessary, to be able to read out information, an at least two-wire connection to an electrical element on the outside is necessary. This is effected objectively through the barrier layer through at least two mutually electrically insulated conductors.

For example, a packing laminate (hereinafter also referred to as packaging material) is produced as a web product. It may be formed as a composite of a plurality of thin layers comprising at least one carrier layer, a barrier layer and a cover layer and an outer layer. The outer layer can also be referred to as a cover layer. The exact structure of the laminate (composite) usually depends essentially on the desired degree of protection. Thus, laminates (composites) used to produce a package for long term protection of the at least partially pourable, pasty, and / or liquid product to be stored therein have an additional gas barrier barrier layer, particularly if the product or Parts of the product are sensitive to air, especially to oxygen.

First, it is proposed that the packaging material is formed from a multilayer laminate. In this case, at least one carrier layer can be connected to an electrically conductive barrier layer. Furthermore, at least one cover layer can be provided, which is connected at least to the barrier layer.

In order to detect conditions in the interior of a packaging obtained after the processing of the packaging material, a functional element can be arranged on a first side of the barrier layer. The functional element may at least contain the measuring technology in order to be able to make statements about the consumption of the product.

Furthermore, an electrical element can be arranged on the second side of the barrier layer facing away from the functional element. This electrical element may include the radio technology with which the communication device communicates.

Also, a functional element may be arranged on the outside, in order to possibly record environmental parameters.

The functional element may be an electrical, electronic, chemical and / or electrochemical element. The electrical element may include electrical as well as electronic components.

An electrical operative connection between the two elements is made possible by at least two electrical conductors. It is proposed that the functional element is connected to the electrical element via at least two mutually insulated electrical conductors. During operation, the electrical conductors can have two different electrical potentials and can thus be used for signal transmission in addition to a power supply of the functional element in the interior of the package.

An electrical connection is possible between the interior of a package and the exterior of a package when using a metallic barrier layer. By suitable arrangement of the conductors, as will be discussed below, such an operative connection is possible.

In special cases, a single electrical conductor may be sufficient. This can be guided electrically insulated from the barrier layer by the barrier layer or be formed by the barrier layer itself.

Such a refinement can also be combined in an inventive manner and with all the features described here. In this It should be expressly understood that the features described herein may be inventive in their own right and in combination with other features described herein, even bypassing any or all of the features of the independent claims.

According to one embodiment, the first functional element has a sensor. According to one embodiment, the electrical element has a transmitter and / or an antenna.

The antenna (antenna unit, electrical element) may comprise at least one conductor track, preferably in the form of a conductor spiral or conductor coil, and / or connections for connecting the antenna unit to a chip unit. Also, the antenna unit and the chip unit can be arranged on a common carrier. The antenna unit allows the reading of the stored information of the chip unit. In this case, preferably radio antennas are meant, as they are typically used in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponders or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags. In particular, inductive coupling readable elements can be considered as an antenna unit in the present sense. Furthermore, it may be expedient if the antenna unit comprises a carrier element for receiving the conductor track.

As part of a transmitting and receiving unit, the transmitter and / or the antenna may be suitable for transmitting data, signals and / or energy in a non-contact or wireless unidirectional, preferably bidirectional way.

If properties of the sensor are described below or the term sensor is used, this description also applies to another functional element which is arranged or connected in the region of the cover layer, in particular of the cover layer facing or facing away from the product.

The sensor is advantageously set up to detect at least one property of a pasty and / or liquid product packaged in the packaging, in particular at least partially pourable. The sensor can be arranged directly at least in part on the outer side of the cover layer or break through the cover layer in the direction of the product. Thus, the sensor may be suitable for directly detecting the at least one property of the product. The sensor may also be provided at least in part within the cover layer and in particular between the cover layer and the support layer. The sensor may then be suitable for indirectly detecting at least one property of the product.

The sensor may be adapted to measure pH, temperature, oxygen content, proportion of one or more vitamins / trace elements, electrical conductivity, metabolites or the like. It may be advantageous if the sensor is formed to determine at least one absolute value.

It is advantageous if two measured values are used to determine the instant quality of the food. This may be the same parameter, the sensor measuring the measured value, for example a pH, for the first time e.g. on contact with the product and then a change in the measured value, without knowing the actual quantitative value. The sensor is therefore preferably a sensor which detects a qualitative change of a measured value. Therefore, it may occasionally be advantageous if the sensor is formed to determine at least one relative value of the measured value relative to an initial measured value.

Also, more than one sensor can be used to determine different parameters. Since, for example, the temperature of the product under investigation still frequently has an effect on the determination of the value of the sensor, it is important for the correctness of a quality determination derived therefrom that the determination of the value be based on the present temperature. It is therefore proposed that a measured value of a first sensor is weighted and / or normalized as a function of a measured value of a second sensor, in particular a temperature value of a temperature sensor.

Advantageously, the sensor comprises a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is formed open to its environment, in particular the cover layer in the direction of the product and the second region at least partially insulated from its surroundings, in particular by the cover layer relative to the product covered is formed.

Advantageously, at least part of the surface of the cover layer assigned to the product and / or of the sensor forms a preferred location for at least one object to be detected.

In addition, embodiments of partially or completely printable sensors are conceivable which are based on the principle of an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) or electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS). Here, the standard materials of silicon technology are replaced in whole or in part by functional inks based on polymers which are the same or similar have electrical or electrochemical properties as the conventional materials. The structures are produced using different printing methods, eg screen printing or ink-jet printing on a substrate, in particular the cover layer. In addition to its function as a carrier of the sensor structure, the substrate itself can serve as a functional part of the sensor structure, for example as an insulator, semiconductor or ion-sensitive layer. In this case, monolayer, multilayer, rigid or flexible carriers in the form of, for example, films, plates (platelets), sheets, strips or the like can be used as the substrate. serve. In particular, the combination of partially or completely printed sensor structures made of functional inks on flexible film substrates as a carrier enables cost-effective production, even for smaller quantities.

An inexpensive provision of a sensor is therefore particularly important in connection with the present invention, because the packaging material, or the web used to produce a composite packaging. For the purposes of the present invention, a composite packaging is intended in particular to protect a freshly or preferably aseptically filled foodstuff and accordingly, after consumption of the food i.d.R. disposed of. If low-cost sensors are available even for small quantities, corresponding embodiments of packaging material for less common forms of packaging and / or for packages for rarer foods can also be produced inexpensively.

With regard to the sensors which work with a potentiometric measuring method, however, the mandatory requirement of a reference electrode represents a general disadvantage. A reference electrode is required in this case in order to provide a constant potential against which the electrode potential of the measuring electrode can be tapped. The most common form of reference electrode is a silver-silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrode.

Reference electrodes have the disadvantage that the smaller they are built, the more unstable the equilibrium potentials they provide. In addition, most material pairings, e.g. Ag / AgCl, undesirable when in contact with food, especially if chlorides could be introduced into the food (e.g., because the food is particularly receptive to chlorides or certain other parameters are met).

Therefore, preference is given to the fact that the sensor is equipped with a so-called pseudo-reference electrode as a substitute for a reference electrode. These are simple metal wires or metal surfaces on which a constant but unknown potential in an electrolyte solution also sets. The measurement of the potential difference is thereby made less accurate compared to e.g. Ag / AgCl reference electrode. This variant is particularly preferred in applications where a transition of e.g. Chlorides should be avoided in the medium to be measured, especially for consumer goods.

A measuring structure that does not require a reference electrode is based on the principle of redox cycling and is therefore particularly preferred. In this case, by applying alternating potential to two electrodes in the analyte solution, for example the product to be analyzed, in particular food or a component or parameter of the food to be analyzed, a measurable current is generated, which is produced by redox reactions of the analyte at the electrodes. The measurable current is indirectly or directly related to the analyte concentration. In a particularly simple embodiment, a corresponding sensor consists of exactly two electrodes. But there are also multi-electrode arrangements, even with the inclusion of a reference electrode conceivable. The electrodes can be designed as simple metal wires or completely or partially structured, flat-applied electrode structures. To produce the electrode structures, it is possible, for example, to use the production methods and substrates (substrates) described analogously to the ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFET) and the EIS (Electrolyte Insulator Semiconductor) sensors. Here, too, cost-effective sensor structures on film substrates, in particular the cover layer, can be realized in particular by the use of functional inks in combination with various printing techniques.

Advantageously, the sensor is designed as a temperature sensor. In some cases this can advantageously be an active temperature sensor. Active temperature sensors generate an electrical signal due to their measuring principle. This has the advantage that no electrical auxiliary energy is needed. An example of such an active temperature sensor is the thermocouple. In this case in particular, even an electrically insulated conductor with respect to the barrier layer may be sufficient.

In other cases, it may be preferred that the temperature sensor is designed as a passive temperature sensor. In passive temperature sensors, in contrast to active sensors, an auxiliary power is needed to read the signal. An example of a passive temperature sensor is the resistance thermometer. It is an electrical component, which determines the temperature dependence of the electrical Resistance of an electrical conductor for measuring the temperature exploits. As a resistance material are preferably pure metals. They show stronger resistance changes than alloys. Furthermore, they have a nearly linear relationship of resistance to temperature. Often platinum is used.

However, it is also possible to use measuring resistors made of ceramic (sintered metal oxides) or semiconductors. Thus, much higher temperature coefficients than with metals and thus much higher sensitivities can be achieved, but partly at the expense of accuracy.

Both thermocouples and various types of resistance thermometers can be produced inexpensively today by printing technology.

Advantageously, at least one of the at least one sensor is a conductivity sensor.

With a conductivity sensor, the electrical conductivity can be determined in particular by liquids. The conductivity results as the sum parameter of all dissociated substances (ions) dissolved in the liquid. This is of particular advantage when a package is produced from the web material (packaging material), which serves for the preservation of a product having at least one liquid component, preferably a foodstuff. Here, the development makes use of the fact that the electrical resistance of most liquid or at least one liquid component having food changes with the transition from an unconscious edible state to a corrupted state.

The conductivity sensor consists for example of two mutually parallel or coaxially arranged electrodes. The electrodes are made of stainless steel, graphite or, rather rarely, of pure metals such as platinum or titanium. The electrodes have a defined area and are at a defined distance from each other. The liquid between the electrodes behaves like an ohmic resistance, e.g. can be read by a conductive measurement method. There are also inductive sensing circuits which offer the advantage of being floating from the liquid.

Simple electrode structures for conductivity measurement can be produced cost-effectively by printing technology.

Advantageously, at least one of the at least one sensor is an oxygen sensor.

The provision of a sensor makes it possible to determine one or more properties of, for example, a product which comes into contact with the web material, in particular with its cover layer assigned to the product. In order to be able to determine various properties, it is of course conceivable that the functional element comprises a plurality of, in particular different, sensors and / or that the functional element also comprises further parts which, for example, likewise comprise a sensor.

Advantageously, at least one of the at least one sensor is a pH sensor.

The pH value is a measure of the acidic or basic character of an aqueous solution. It is determined by the hydrogen ion activity of the aqueous solution.

There are different methods to determine the pH. One possibility lies in the use of a potentiometric measuring chain (potentiometry). In this case, the potential which forms in direct dependence on the H ⁺ ion concentration on an ion-sensitive electrode is measured. The measurement is carried out as a potential difference measurement with respect to a reference electrode, also called the reference electrode, which provides a constant potential.
Today, the pH glass electrode as an embodiment of a pH electrode is particularly well available on the market. It is usually built as a combination electrode with integrated reference electrode.

In addition to glass electrodes, there are other embodiments of potentiometric pH sensors which may also be used with preference in connection with the present invention. These are, for example, the ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) and the EIS sensor. The ISFET is a special form of the field effect transistor in which the gate contact is replaced by an ion- or pH-sensitive material (eg SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ or Ta ₂ O ₅ ). The EIS sensor is similar in principle to a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure, wherein the metal contact by the measuring electrolyte and the reference electrode and the insulator are replaced by an ion-sensitive layer (eg SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ or Ta ₂ O ₅ ). One advantage of these embodiments is, inter alia, the possibility of miniaturization. ISFET structures can be fabricated using silicon technology. At high Production quantities can thus be achieved cost advantages in the production of the sensors.

The first and / or the electrical element may be equipped with a memory. Memory is to be understood as a data memory. It is a storage medium which serves to store electronic data. The data memory can be designed either as a volatile memory or as a non-volatile memory or as a combination of the two types of memory mentioned. Non-volatile memory is still divided into permanent or semi-permanent memory.

As volatile memory here are memory to understand their information is lost if they are not refreshed or if the power is turned off. Non-volatile memory is to be understood as memory in which the stored information is retained for a longer period of time (at least months) without concern of an operating voltage. With permanent storage, the once stored or hard-wired information remains and can not be changed. In semi-permanent storage, information can be stored permanently, but the information can also be changed.

The respective type of storage should be selected according to the application to which the packaging to be produced from the web is to serve once. Depending on the application, certain advantages result

The data memory may be part of the antenna or the transmitter. The data memory can be part of a so-called "tag", which can be read out by means of radio technology, in particular as an RFID tag. The data memory can already be completely or partially described during the production process of the packaging material. The data storage may be partially or completely described before being integrated into the laminate. The data store can be described with a unique ID. The data memory can be described in whole or in part with production data. The data memory can be described wholly or partly on the filling machine. The data store may be described in whole or in part at one or more points in the value chain. The data memory can be described in whole or in part at one or more points in time. The information stored on the data memory can be partially or completely replaced.

With particular advantage, the electrical element comprises at least in parts a transmitting and receiving unit with an antenna and / or a memory and / or a sensor.

According to one exemplary embodiment, it is proposed that the barrier layer forms at least a part of at least one of the electrical conductors. In particular, the barrier layer can form one of the electrical conductors themselves. The barrier layer is preferably metallic to form a gas barrier. This circumstance can be used to allow electrical conduction from one side of the barrier layer to the other side of the barrier layer. As already explained, two electrical conductors are preferred, which are electrically insulated from one another and extend from one side of the barrier layer to the other side of the barrier layer. One of these conductors can be the barrier layer itself. In this case, a first conductor may be passed through the barrier layer in isolation. The barrier layer itself may form the second conductor. The functional element may on the one hand be connected to one of the conductors or form this and on the other hand be connected to the barrier layer. The electrical element may be connected to the barrier layer, so that an electrical path is formed over the barrier layer between the functional element and the electrical element. A second electrical path between the functional element and the electrical element may be formed by the conductor insulated from the barrier layer.

It is understood that the functional element is connected to the electrical element via the two conductors only when the electrical conductors are each connected to contacts of the elements. Thus, it is preferred if in each case a contact of one of the elements is contacted with in each case at least one of the conductors. The contacts of the elements may at least partially form the conductors themselves.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the barrier layer has a recess and that at least one of the electrical conductors is guided through the recess. In the production of the packaging material, this is laminated in the transport direction with the respective layers. It is possible that in the course of transport of the packaging material, for example, a recess is introduced into a defined region of the barrier layer, in particular punched. Also, the recess can be cut out of the barrier layer by means of a laser. The region in which the recess is introduced into the barrier layer is preferably such that it lies in the region of an interface in the package, in particular in the region of an overlap of two edges of the blank. In particular, the recess is in the region of a longitudinal edge or a transverse edge of the blank, from which the package is created. The recess is preferably circular, but may also have a different shape. The recess preferably has a diameter of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. There the conductors need only have a low current carrying capacity, these diameters may have less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Thus, the recess may be designed so that an annular space is formed between the barrier layer and the conductor guided in the recess. This annulus forms the insulation of the conductor against the barrier layer. Through the recess can be ensured that a conductor is guided isolated from the barrier layer through the barrier layer.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the functional element is connected to a layer on the first side of the barrier layer. It is also proposed that the electrical element is connected to a layer on the second side of the barrier layer.

It is possible that sensors and / or antennas will be printed as described above. In particular, it is possible to connect a sensor or another functional element in or on the cover layer which faces the product. In particular, it is possible to connect an antenna or another electrical element in or on the cover layer facing away from the product. Also, electrical elements are known which are already available as a film-like component. Already pre-laminated electrical elements may also contain sensors or antennas. This sheet-like element can be connected to / on one side of the barrier layer. It is possible that this takes place directly on the barrier layer or on the cover layer or an intermediate layer. Associated with a layer may mean in this disclosure, disposed in or on a layer. Arranging can be done by lamination / laminating, printing, gluing, riveting, mating or the like.

In the production of the web, it may be possible to uncoil laminated electric elements, which are present, for example, as film elements, and to laminate them in the manufacturing process in a continuous application process on the moving in the manufacturing process packaging material. A plurality of functional elements and / or electrical elements can be unwound as web material from a roll. The arranged on the role or the web items may have a defined distance from each other, so that the elements are arranged in the blank in each case at a same position.

It has also been recognized that to provide the desired information to the user, at least one functional element can be integrated into the package laminate, specifically between the carrier layer and a cover layer and / or at least partially into the carrier layer or cover layer. This simplifies the manufacture of the package laminate and the attachment of the element. Namely, the structuring and relatively rigid carrier layer can be used here. The carrier layer thus forms a suitable substrate for mounting and receiving the at least one element. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier layer provides a protective effect with regard to the element so that it can be absorbed without damage in the package laminate in the long run. Thus, for example, the package laminate can be easily rolled up into a roll after its manufacture, and then moved to another location. The carrier layer protects the at least one electronic functional element from damage, in particular by kinking or excessive bending. However, the element can also be protected by the carrier layer during the formation of the package and in the package itself. When integrating the element at least partially into the cover layer, the bending stiffness of the support layer can also be used. In addition, the layer thickness of the package laminate can be kept low without having to take up the element at least partially in the carrier layer. In addition, as required, a contact of the element to the outside of the package laminate or to the inside of the subsequent pack can be provided.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the first side of the barrier layer of the inner layer of a package and the second side of the barrier layer of an outer layer of the package faces.

As already explained, the functional element can have at least one sensor and / or one memory. The electrical element may also have a memory. In addition, the electrical element may have a transmitting and / or receiving unit. In particular, this may have a transmitting and / or receiving unit for near-field radio, in particular for NFC technology or RFID technology. For this purpose, the electrical element can be energetically self-powered, for example by a battery or a capacitor. It is also possible and particularly preferred if the functional element and / or electrical element is energetically externally fed. This energetic external feeding can be done by a magnetic or electric field of the communication device. In particular, an electromagnetic coupling of a receiving coil formed in the electrical element with a transmitting coil can cause the energetic feed. By a transmitting coil, a current can be induced in the receiving coil, for operating the first electronic unit and / or the second electronic unit can serve. Thus, it may be useful, for example, to activate the sensor by the exciter field and, in the case of activation, to detect and store at least one sensor measured value. If the excitation field is switched off again, at least the stored measured value remains in the memory. Such a measured value can be read out directly or at a later time, in the case of renewed excitation, so that at least one historical and / or one current sensor measured value can be read out. Since the elements in the packaging material must be as simple as possible, it is preferred if these are set up only for detecting the measurement results and storing at least one measurement result and for emitting such a measurement result. A subsequent evaluation of the measurement results can be done in a read-out device.

The features of the methods, devices and systems are freely combinable. In particular, features and sub-features of the description and / or the dependent and independent claims, even in complete or partial circumvention of features or sub-features of the independent claims, alone or freely combined with each other independently be inventive.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines ersten Funktionselements in dem Packstoff;
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht eines ersten Funktionselements und eines elektrischen Elements in einem Packstoff;
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht eines Systems mit einer Verpackung, einer Kommunikationseinrichtung und einem Server und einer Verpackungseinrichtung;
• 4 eine Ansicht einer Ordnung von empfangenen Messdaten.

The article will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing an exemplary embodiments. In the drawing show:

• 1 a schematic view of a first functional element in the packaging material;
• 2 a schematic view of a first functional element and an electrical element in a packaging material;
• 3 a schematic view of a system with a packaging, a communication device and a server and a packaging device;
• 4 a view of an order of received measurement data.

1 shows a schematic view of a layer structure of a Packstofflaminats (packaging material). The layer structure may be a carrier layer 2 , an outer cover layer 4 , an inner cover layer 6 as well as a barrier layer 8th exhibit. The carrier layer 2 is preferably made of a carrier material, such as cardboard. The cover layers 4 . 6 are in particular made of plastic, for example PE and the barrier layer 8th is in particular metallic, for example aluminum. For further details of the layers, reference is made to the above statements. It is understood that this layer structure is purely exemplary.

In the 1 it can be seen that the top layer 6 for example, an integrated sensor 10 having. The sensor 10 has an area 10a who is the topcoat 6 breaks through and thus lies on the surface of the cover layer. The sensor 10 But it can also be an area 10b that of the topcoat 6 is covered. Also it is possible that only one area 10a or an area 10b of the sensor 10 is provided. In the area 10a an immediate measurement on the product is possible and in the range 10b an indirect measurement on the product is possible.

As can be seen, the sensor is 10 on the barrier layer 8th applied. This is the sensor 10 isolated with an insulator against the barrier layer. Starting from the sensor 10 two lines extend 12a . b along the barrier layer 8th , The wires 12a . b may be in particular foil conductors, which are insulated and isolated on the barrier layer 8th rest.

For contacting the sensor 10 with an electrical element beyond the barrier layer 8th it is necessary the barrier layer 8th to penetrate. At the same time, the two leaders 12a . b remain electrically isolated from each other to allow signal transmission. Such a contact is exemplary in the 2 shown.

Also in the 2 is a carrier layer 2 , a barrier layer 8th and a cover layer 6 Further shown is a sensor 10 provided the top layer 6 in one area 10a breaks through.

Unlike in the 1 are the leaders 12a . 12b but not as a foil conductor, but for example as printed lines on the cover layer 8th educated. Furthermore, in the 2 to realize that the barrier layer is at a separation point 14 is separated. The separation point 14 runs preferably parallel to a transverse or longitudinal seam and preferably extends over an entire blank from an upper edge to a lower edge or between two side edges. This will ensure that the barrier layer 8th are divided into two areas that are electrically separated by the separation point 14 isolated from each other. This makes it possible for the conductor 12a with a first part of the barrier layer 8th to contact and the leader 12 b with a second area. This contacting can be done, for example, by means of pins that cover the top layer 6 break through.

On the other side of the barrier layer 8th , in the area of the carrier layer 2 , can also be a contacting of the two areas of the barrier layer 8th be made and the leader 12a is by the conductor 12a ' continued and the leader 12b through the ladder 12b ' , The leader 12a ' is electrically with the conductor 12a shorted and the conductor 12b ' is electric with the conductor 12b shorted. Between the ladders 12a . b is an electrical insulation, for example by the separation point 14 in the barrier layer 8th intended.

The ladder 12a ' . 12b ' Contact an electrical element, such as a transmitter 16 , which can be equipped with a processor, a memory and an antenna.

The transmitter 16 can for example measured values of the sensor 10 over the ladder 12a , a ', 12b, b' read and provide wirelessly via an antenna.

Transmitter (transmitting device) 16 and sensor 10 can as a functional element 18 on the packaging 20 according to 3 be arranged.

At a time after the packaging of the goods in the packaging 20 in which the packaging 20 Being in sales can be a mobile communication device 22 be used to over a near field 24 the functional element 18 trigger. The communication device is described below as mobile. However, the same applies equally to a stationary communication device.

For this purpose, the mobile communication device 22 at a distance of preferably a few centimeters in the vicinity of the packaging 20 brought. A radiated activation field causes communication via the near field 24 between the mobile communication device 22 and the functional element 18 built up.

Here, the functional element 18 with his transmitter 16 For example, remove the activation field electrical energy and the sensor 10 activate. At this moment, the functional element becomes 18 through the activation field of the mobile communication device 22 electrically powered.

Is the sensor 10 activated, the sensor can 10 inside the packaging 20 as detailed above, capture a reading directly on the product. This measured value may be, for example, a pH, an oxygen content, a microbacterial load or the like.

In addition, in the functional element 18 a memory may be present in which optionally a unique identifier of the packaging 20 is stored and this memory can be read out.

In addition, via a sensor (for example, another sensor next to the sensor 10 ), a passive sensor (not shown) are read, were recorded on the example of chemical and / or physical processes, a course of temperature conditions or other environmental conditions. Such a course can be next to that through the sensor 10 measured value together with the unambiguous identification (identification) of the packaging via the transmitter 16 and the near field 24 to the mobile communication unit 22 be transmitted.

In the mobile communication unit 22 is via a long-distance connection 26 a record formed from this to a server 28 transmitted. First, the received record is in the server 28 saved.

This process can be done with a variety of packaging, so in the server 28 Over time, information can be accumulated about how products are in packaging 20 to behave in sales.

In parallel, it is possible in the server 28 Production data of a filling device 30 permanently save. It is possible, for example, batch-related or to individual identifiers of packaging 20 related the corresponding production parameters of the filling device 30 save. Such production parameters (process parameters) may be, as described above, temperatures, velocities, flow rates, sterilization times, and the like. Thus, in the server 28 for every packaging 20 or a batch of a plurality of packages 20 a set of process parameters are stored which indicate the bottling process in the bottling facility 30 the respective packaging 20 describe.

After from a packaging 20 or a plurality of packages 20 If data records with measured values and identifications of packaging were received, these data records can be evaluated so that the previously stored production parameters are loaded for the corresponding measured values. Subsequently, it is possible to evaluate the measured values to a statement about the consumption of the product in the respective packaging 20 hold true. This statement can be linked to information on the best before date valid for this packaging. If the best before date is exceeded and the measured value indicates that it can be eaten, it can be concluded that the corresponding production parameters were good and led to a good shelf life of the product. On the other hand, if a best-before date has not been exceeded, However, indicate the readings that a consumption of the product no longer exists is concluded that possibly one or more production parameters were negative or inappropriate or disadvantageous. This makes it possible, for future filling processes, the filling device 30 to operate with such production parameters that have led to a good shelf life of the product.

In the server 28 The incoming measurement data can be assigned to specific categories, as in the 4 shown. So it is possible, for example, that in addition to the sensor 10 For example, measured values also include, for example, a temperature profile of the packaging 20 was recorded over their lifetime. Upon receiving the data set comprising the measured value, the identification of the packaging and, for example, the temperature profile, it is possible to evaluate the temperature profile. It should be noted that other environmental conditions than the temperature profile can be evaluated and here only representative of environmental conditions, the temperature profile is described.

Subsequently, it is possible to create a record of one of several groups 32a-c assigned. In this case, it is possible, for example, to evaluate whether the environmental parameter was permanently above a minimum standard, its mean value was above a minimum standard or, if appropriate, the environmental parameter briefly exceeded a limit value. In the example shown, for example, the group 32a a group that stores readings where the temperature history indicates that the temperature has always been below a threshold.

group 32b For example, such a group may be one in which measurements are stored where the package has been exposed to temperatures that are in part above a threshold and sometimes below a threshold and the mean is within a tolerance band around the threshold.

Finally, in a group 32c such a reading can be stored on a packaging 20 was detected, in which the temperature profile was permanent, that is, in particular over a predetermined period of time was above a limit.

In the group 32a Thus, measured values of packaging that were exposed to good environmental conditions are in the group 32b Measurements of such packages exposed to standard environmental conditions and in the group 32c may be those readings that have been exposed to adverse environmental conditions in order to maintain the consumption of the product.

Most meaningful then is the evaluation of the measured values in the groups 32a and 32b be.

The in the groups 32a . b stored measured values can then, for example, according to the best before dates of the respective packaging 20 be sorted. In particular, it is possible to determine a period between the measurement and the best-before date when, during the measurement or transmission of the measurement of the packaging 20 to the mobile communication device 22 or from the mobile communication device 22 to the server 28 a timestamp is included. This timestamp makes it possible to determine whether the best before date of the packaging concerned has been exceeded or undershot. Now it is possible to detect such measurements on packaging 20 whose expiry date has been exceeded, but has not exceeded the period of exceedance for a certain period of time. It is also possible to identify such measurements on packaging 20 for which the best-before date has not yet been reached, but which has fallen short of an upper limit before the expiration date. These two types of measurements are on packaging 20 where the best-before date has been just under or slightly undercut.

If, on the basis of these measurements, it is determined that the consumption was still possible for some products but not for other products, a comparison of the production parameters for the respective packaging can be made. For example, in this comparison, it can be determined that a particular production parameter has provided a very good shelf life and has led to measurements that indicate a good consumptibility of the product. On the other hand, it is possible, for example, if it were found that a consumption capacity was no longer given, although the best before date was within the range of the date of the measurement, that production parameters could be responsible for this.

Appropriate evaluations can be made for the measurements in the group 32b be performed.

Also in the group 32c For example, it is possible to identify such measurements where the best before date was approximately reached at the time of the measurements and the product is still qualified as edible can. For example, although bad environmental conditions exist, a product may still be consumable. In this case, a consideration of the production parameter can allow a conclusion that a certain production parameter has led to the fact that the consumption of the product or its shelf life was particularly positively influenced.

By evaluating the measurements as described above, it is possible to set production parameters of the filling device 30 for future bottling processes with regard to the minimum shelf life.

With regard to the responsibility of the bottler for a non-consumable product, it may be useful to establish a link between the environmental conditions of the packaging in the course of distribution, storage and sale and the point in time of loss of the consumption.

The server can be assigned to a bottling plant. Thus, the data can be stored specifically for a bottling operation. Also, the server may be arranged higher-level for a plurality of bottling plants. A central evaluation of the measured values together with the process parameters can be used to optimize the process parameters of various filling plants. By collecting the data from packaging of different bottling plants, the server can access a larger data set in a central instance and thus determine optimal process parameters. These server-specific process parameters can be transmitted from the server to the bottling facilities in bottling plants.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

backing

4

topcoat

6

topcoat

8th

barrier layer

10

sensor

10a, b

Area

12a, b

ladder

14

separation point

16

transmitter

18

functional element

20

packagings

22

mobile communication device

24

near field

26

Wide area network

28

server

30

filling equipment

32a-c

group

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2071496 A1 [0012]

Claims (18)

A method of providing data of a product packaged in a package comprising: Receiving at least one measured value measured on the packaging in a communication device spatially separate from the packaging, Receiving an identification of the packaging in the communication device, - Transferring the at least one measured value together with the identification of the communication device to a remote server via a wide area network. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that - at least one of the measured values is detected at least in parts directly on the product within the packaging, and / or the at least one of the measured values is detected at least in part outside the packaging. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one measured value and the identification are received via near-field radio, in particular via near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID) or Bluetooth. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one measured value is measured on an unopened and / or opened packaging. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - first that an activation field is emitted by the communication device, and - that excited by the activation field, the at least one measured value and the identification are received. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one measured value indicates at least one consumable capacity of the product, in particular contains information on a germ load, a rot, a bacterial and / or a fungal infestation of the product. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one measured value has at least a temporal course, in particular a temporal course of a temperature and / or a humidity and / or an air pressure. A method of recycling data of a product packaged in a package comprising: Receiving at least one measured value measured on the packaging together with an identification of the packaging from a communication device spatially separated from the packaging in a server, Assigning the identification to a filling process of the product in the packaging and detecting process parameters of the associated filling process, and - Evaluating the at least one measured value together with the process parameters. Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that - at least one process parameter of the filling process is adapted depending on the evaluation. Method according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that - at least one filling date is determined from the process parameters. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - at least one time profile is determined from one of the measured values and that the time profile is used to weight a further measured value. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one received measured value is assigned by the identification of the packaging to a batch of a filling process and / or the at least one received measured value is assigned to a filling device by the identification of the packaging. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the measured values of a batch and / or a web are evaluated together, in particular that an average of a measured value of a batch / web is determined, wherein in particular an average of a measured value is assigned to a group and the Group is determined depending on another measured value. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - initially a packing jacket is equipped with at least one sensor for detecting a measured value on the product inside the packaging and a transmitting device configured to transmit at least the measured value as well as an identification of the packaging, then the packing jacket is filled with the product and sealed and finally the packaging is placed on the market. Communication device adapted to perform a method according to Claim 1 comprising: a receiving device configured to receive at least one measured value measured on the packaging, and of an identification of the packaging, a transmitting device configured to transmit the measured value together with the identification to a remote server via a wide area network. Communication device after Claim 15 , characterized in that - the communication device is mobile, in particular a mobile telephone or a mobile computer. Server set up to perform a procedure Claim 8 comprising: a receiving device configured to receive at least one measured value measured on the packaging together with an identification of the packaging from a spatially separate communication device, an allocation device configured to assign the identification to a filling process of the product into the packaging and to capture Process parameters of the associated filling process, and - an evaluation device configured to evaluate the at least one measured value together with the process parameters. System with a communication device after Claim 15 and a server Claim 17 and a packaging filled with a product, wherein the packaging has at least one sensor for detecting a measured value on the product inside the packaging and a transmitting device configured for transmitting at least the measured value as well as an identification of the packaging.

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