EP2009793A1 - Product carrier and system composed of product carrier and receiver unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The support (1) has switches (S1, S2) of an integrated circuit (3) opened in openings of packaging units (V1, V2), respectively, where the switches are connected in parallel. The circuit is arranged to cooperate with an electronic unit (6) e.g. radio frequency identification (RFID)- microchip, to determine a value correlated to a filling degree of the support based on the number of closed and/or opened switches. An antenna (7) e.g. slot antenna, working with the electronic unit transmits the value, where the electric power for the electronic unit is introduced in a contactless manner. An independent claim is also included for a system comprising a goods support and a receiver device.

Description

The invention relates to a product carrier with a first packaging unit, in the opening of which a first switch of an integrated circuit of the product carrier is opened and with at least one second packaging unit, upon the opening of which a second switch of the integrated circuit is opened. In this case, the circuit is designed and / or arranged such that it interacts with electronic means with which on the basis of the number of closed and / or opened switch correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier value can be determined, which can be transmitted via a cooperating with the electronic means antenna is, wherein the electrical energy for the electronic means can be coupled without contact. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a goods carrier and a receiving unit for receiving the correlated with the degree of filling of the goods carrier value.

On the market so-called blister or blister packs are known as a product carrier, in which usually drugs such as pills, dragees or ampoules are packed. There is a need to be able to read the number or, in the case of liquids and powders, the amount of goods still packaged or already removed from the goods carrier in order to be able to use this information suitably, for example to remind the user of the removal of a product inform the user about the number or quantity of goods still available, etc.

The invention is therefore based on the object to propose a goods carrier, which is suitable for this from the simple means the number or the amount of the remaining and / or the already removed goods, i. read out the degree of filling. Furthermore, the object is to propose a system by means of which information about filling levels can be read out from the goods carrier and optionally further processed and / or stored.

This object is achieved in terms of the goods carrier described above in that the first and the second switch are connected in parallel.

With regard to the system, the object is achieved with a product carrier according to the invention in combination with a suitable receiving unit for receiving the value correlating with the degree of filling of the product carrier.

The invention is based on the idea to assign the goods carrier a circuit, ie to integrate in this, preferably by this applied to the goods carrier, or is introduced into this. In this case, the packaging units themselves may each form a switch or a component of a switch and thus be part of the circuit directly, or the packaging units are each assigned a switch which is part of the circuit. In the preferred, simplest case, the switches are each formed by a conductor track which is interrupted upon opening of the packaging unit associated with it, that is to say, for example, when a cover foil of a product carrier designed as a blister pack is opened, wherein the switch formed by this breaks open by interrupting the conductor track and thus the current flow through this track is interrupted. An essential core idea of the invention is to switch the switches, that is to say in particular the interconnects forming a switch, so that the circuit has only a few, in particular only one or two, connections to electronic means which are designed such that the number of them the closed and / or opened switch or a correlated value and thus the number or quantity of the remaining or already taken goods can be determined. A correlated with the degree of filling of the goods carrier value, which is determined by the electronic means is emitted via a cooperating with the electronic means antenna, wherein the electrical energy to supply the electronic means and the circuit, ie for operating the electronic means and the circuit according to the invention not comes from a arranged on the product carrier battery, but that this required electrical energy is contactless, in particular inductively and / or capacitive and / or electromagnetically einkoppelbar.

In a broadest scope of protection, the invention comprises only the goods carrier with its packaging units and with the circuit in which the switches formed by or assigned to the packaging units are connected in parallel. The electronic means and / or the antenna may / may be formed (at least in part) as separate from the goods carrier (s) component (s) and be formed in a suitable manner connectable to the goods carrier. For example, it is conceivable that the end user glued, latched or otherwise on the electronic means and / or the antenna with the goods carrier this, in particular releasably secured. In this way, the electronic means and / or the antenna can be used for other goods carriers. Preference is given to an embodiment of the goods carrier in which this is already (factory) with the electronic means and the antenna formed in addition to the packaging units and the circuit, so that the goods carrier, without additional steps by the end user would be necessary, immediately intended use. It is conceivable to print the electronic means on the goods carrier, or to integrate between two layers, in particular film layers of the goods carrier. According to a first preferred embodiment, the product carrier already comprises (at the factory) the packaging units and the circuit as well as the antenna, wherein the electronic means, in particular designed as a microchip or comprising a microchip, can be connected in a suitable manner to the circuit and the antenna, for example can be glued or latched.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures also fall within the scope of the invention.

As mentioned above, an embodiment is preferred in which the electronic means fixed, in particular insoluble on the goods carrier are arranged, wherein the energy for the operation of the electronic means contactless, in particular via suitable energy receiving means, can be coupled. This embodiment has the advantage that the end customer the electronic means, in particular the evaluation means for Determining the number of opened and / or closed switches or a value correlating therewith, as well as transmitting means for interacting with an antenna, does not have to determine at the latter before the intended use of the goods carrier.

Although it is within the scope of the invention that also the electronic means associated antenna is not fixedly disposed directly on the goods carrier, but can be fixed to this and contacted with the electronic means. However, an embodiment in which goods carriers are already directly equipped with an antenna for emitting the value correlating with the degree of filling is preferred, wherein the antenna can be printed, for example, on the goods carrier and / or slotted into a metal foil of the goods carrier. The electronic means are preferably designed in such a way that they emit the value correlating with the degree of filling in the NFC protocol (Near Field Communication Protocol).

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the antenna as a slot antenna, which is slotted, for example, in a metal foil of the goods carrier, or as a coil antenna, which is preferably arranged on a non-electrically conductive portion of the product carrier. A slot antenna is particularly suitable for UHF operation, in particular at 886 MHz, whereas a coil antenna is preferably suitable for operation in the high frequency range, in particular at 13.56 MHz. The non-conductive portion of the product carrier may be, for example, a plastic film or a lacquer coating on a metallic carrier layer. However, an embodiment is preferred in which the antenna is disposed on a non-conductive material, below which there is no electrically conductive material. In the case of a blister pack, it is conceivable to cover the bottom part with its cavities only in the region of the cavities with a cover foil having at least one metal foil and the antenna, in particular the coil antenna in the area of the bottom part, which is preferably made exclusively of plastic and / or paper, or one exclusively To arrange plastic and / or paper existing portion of the cover sheet.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which the electrical energy that can be coupled in contactlessly coupled via the cooperating with the electronic means antenna for emitting the correlating with the degree of filling value, so that no separate energy receiving antenna must be provided, but also such Embodiment is within the scope of the invention.

wobei R_GES der Gesamtwiderstand des Schaltkreises und R₁ bis R_n die elektrischen Widerstände der Schalter oder die den Schaltern zugeordneten elektrischen Widerstände bezeichnen. Dabei liegt es im Rahmen, dass der mit dem Füllgrad korrelierende Wert entweder nur auf Basis des Gesamtwiderstandes berechnet wird, oder dass der Wert diesem Gesamtwiderstand entspricht. Alternativ wird der mit dem Füllgrad korrelierende Wert auf Basis des gemessenen elektrischen Strom, der durch den Schaltkreis fließt bestimmt, oder der Wert entspricht der Stromstärke. Bevorzugt wird der Gesamtwiderstand durch eine Strom- sowie eine gleichzeitige Spannungsmessung bestimmt. Bevorzugt ist zum korrekten Messen des Stroms bzw. des Widerstandes in den Elektronikmitteln ein Spannungsstabilisator und/oder ein Stromstabilisator zur Stabilisierung der Spannung bzw. des Stroms vorgesehen, da die kontaktlos eingekoppelte Energie nicht in jedem Wiederholungsfall gleich groß ist.Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which the electronic means are designed such that they are determined by the correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier value based on the electrical resistance, in particular based on the total electrical resistance of the circuit, wherein the with the number of open and / or closed switch correlating total resistance is calculated as the parallel connected resistors $$\frac{1}{R_{\mathit{ges}}}=\frac{1}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}_1}+\frac{1}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}_2}+...+\frac{1}{R_n}$$

wherein R _GES the total resistance of the circuit and R ₁ to R _n denote the electrical resistances of the switches or the switches associated electrical resistors. It is within the scope that the value correlating with the degree of filling is calculated either only on the basis of the total resistance, or that the value corresponds to this total resistance. Alternatively, the value correlating with the degree of filling is determined on the basis of the measured electric current flowing through the circuit, or the value corresponds to the current value. Preferably, the total resistance is determined by a current and a simultaneous voltage measurement. Preferably, a voltage stabilizer and / or a current stabilizer for stabilizing the voltage or the current is provided for correctly measuring the current or the resistance in the electronic means, since the energy coupled in contactlessly is not the same size in each repetition case.

With regard to the parallel connection of the at least two switches, there are different possibilities. According to a first, preferred alternative, two main lines (phase line and neutral line) are provided, which are connected to one another via the switches, the electronic means being either connectable or already connected to both main conductor tracks. In this case, the switches are preferably each formed by a connecting line interconnecting the main conductor tracks.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide only one main line (phase line), which supplies the individual switches (connecting lines) with electricity, wherein the Connecting lines of the one main line preferably lead to a metallic surface, in particular a metal foil of the goods carrier, which then represents the ground for the circuit. Depending on the configuration of the electronic means, these may also be connected to the metallic surface, in particular the metal foil, or not.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that at least one main line is formed by an electrically conductive foil of the goods carrier. In the case where two main lines are provided, an embodiment is advantageous in which one of the main lines, in particular the phase line is not directly from an electrically conductive foil of the product carrier, but by a printed on an electrically insulating layer / foil, in particular printed conductor is formed. In the event that in the process of two main conductors both main conductors of an electrical film of the goods carrier to be formed in sections, it is necessary to electrically isolate these two films from each other.

As already explained above, an embodiment is advantageous in which, in the case of the provision of two main lines, the switches are formed by connecting the main lines parallel connecting lines which are interrupted when opening the packaging units, in particular when breaking the cover sheet of a picture packaging, whereby the Total resistance of the circuit changes, which in turn evaluable via the electronic means, in particular via evaluation means of the electronic means, that is measurable.

Likewise, the switches are also formed in the case where only one main line is provided, preferably connected to the main line, mutually parallel connecting lines, wherein the connecting lines electrically connect the main line and an electrically conductive area, in particular a metal foil of the goods carrier and interrupted as soon as a baking unit is opened.

The design of the switch as interconnects has the advantage that they are no longer closable, it is thus a one-way switch.

As mentioned, the total resistance of the circuit changes by opening at least one switch. To increase the accuracy of measurement or the accuracy of determination of the number of open and / or closed switch is an embodiment of advantage, in which the switches each have a resistor associated with it, preferably the individual switches associated resistors, which are also formed by the switches themselves can be, preferably at least approximately the same size, which can be achieved by the same choice of material and / or same line cross-section and / or same length.

It is within the scope of the invention that the first electrical resistance, which is assigned to the first switch, that is preferably the first connecting line, to this is connected or is formed by this connection line. The same applies additionally or alternatively for the other resistors of the circuit. A high resistance of a connecting line can be achieved for example by a small power cross-section and / or by the choice of a corresponding connecting line material and / or by a large line length.

Preferred is an embodiment in which the at least one, preferably the two main lines have a higher conductivity than the connecting lines. This can for example be achieved in that the at least one main line is formed of a different material than the connecting lines and / or in that the at least one main line has a larger cross-section than the connecting lines.

By way of example, this can be realized in that the main lines are silver-containing, in particular made of a silver-containing paint or a silver-containing paint, and / or the connecting lines are made of graphite, for example, a graphite-containing paint or a graphite-containing paint.

It is preferred if the electronic means are designed as a microchip, which is either already fixedly arranged on the goods carrier or can be fixed on the goods carrier, so that it can cooperate with the circuit. It is within the scope of the invention that only a part of the electronic means as a microchip are formed, which cooperates with separate electronic components.

An embodiment in which the microchip is designed as an RFID microchip (radio frequency identification) or at least comprises an RFID unit is preferred. Preferably, the antenna for emitting the correlated with the degree of filling of the goods carrier value is formed separately from the microchip. However, it is within the scope of the invention to form the antenna as part of the microchip.

In order to obtain a constant voltage and / or a constant current for measuring the resistance or the current strength and optionally also the voltage from the contactlessly coupled-in energy, an embodiment in which the electronic means comprise a voltage stabilizer and / or a current stabilizer is advantageous. Preferred is an embodiment in which the electronic unit comprises a voltage divider, wherein the circuit is preferably part of the voltage divider and the circuit is connected via the particular two-pole voltage divider with the, in particular designed as an RFID chip microchip. In order to be able to evaluate the current or resistance flowing through the circuit electronically, the electronic means preferably comprise an analog / digital converter.

Depending on the design of the antenna and / or the electronic means, the electrical energy can be coupled inductively and / or capacitively and / or by means of electromagnetic radiation without contact.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which stored in a memory of the electronic means, in particular in a memory of the RFID microchip, an identifier assigned to the product carrier, which is emitted together with the correlating with the degree of filling value via the antenna, so that the value correlating with the degree of filling can be assigned to a specific product carrier.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the goods carrier is designed as a blister pack, especially for the medical field. Preferably, the blister pack comprises a bottom part with a plurality of cavities, wherein in each case at least one cavity is part of a packaging unit which is closed by a push-through cover film arranged on the bottom part. Preferably, the circuit is arranged on this cover sheet or within this cover sheet, in particular imprinted, etc.

There are various possibilities for forming the cover foil. Preferred is an embodiment in which the cover sheet is provided below the circuit with an electrically insulating layer, such as a plastic film, or paper or an electrically insulating paint on / the then the at least one main line and the connecting lines, ie the switch , possibly applied with additional resistors. The cover sheet may be formed from paper, plastic or from a metal foil or be formed as a composite material of at least partially these materials. Such a composite cover sheet may have multiple layers, for example two or more Plastic layers; occasionally with intervening barrier layer. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to metallize the plastic layers, or to arrange a metal foil between two plastic layers, or a plastic foil between two metal foils. Likewise, the cover sheet may be formed as a one or both sides painted metal foil, wherein preferably the lacquer used is electrically insulating. The metallizing layers for coating plastic and / or paper foils can be made of gold, silver, iron, steel, copper, tin, aluminum or alloys of these metals. Likewise, the metal foils used may be formed of gold, silver, iron, steel, copper, tin, aluminum or alloys, in particular aluminum alloys.

Preferably, metallized plastics, in particular metallized plastic films are used, to which the metal has been applied by a chemical and / or physical deposition process. As a chemical process, in particular the so-called plastic electroplating can be used. Likewise, metallic solutions can be applied or sprayed on, in particular by cathode sputtering. Examples of a physical deposition are sputtering or vacuum evaporation. When the metal layer is sputtered or deposited in a vacuum thin-film process, the deposited or deposited metals, such as, in particular, gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, zinc, tin, aluminum, alloys or mixtures of these metals may be present. The metallic layers on plastic films preferably have a thickness between 2 and 200 nm.

Additionally or alternatively, papers, in particular coated papers, semi-cardboard, cardboard or cardboard or plastic can be used as materials for cover films. Coated papers can be coated with waxes, hot melt or plastics. In particular polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, polyethylene or polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters, polyacrylonitriles, polystyrenes or their co- or graft polymers, etc. may be used as plastics, in particular for coating or for forming a plastic film. The films used may be formed as composites, laminates or laminates of two or more plastic layers, which were formed for example by laminating or extruding. Possibly used composites can be connected to each other by primer, by primer and adhesive or by adhesive, by laminating. In another way, the plastic can be extrusion-laminated as a layer on the metal foil. The circuit is preferably printed at least partially on the cover sheet, wet chemically applied or vapor-deposited or it is a full-surface conductor layer far removed on an insulating layer, for example by evaporation or etching, that the required interconnect structure or conductor track sections of the circuit, in particular with the sections effect of a switch resistor.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which hard-rolled aluminum foils are used as the carrier foil for the cover foil. In this case, the carrier film is preferably flat with an insulating layer, for example with provided a topcoat view. For example, in the gravure printing process, the various printed conductors and / or terminal contact surfaces for the electronic means and / or for the antennas can be printed on the topcoat layer in one or more layers with an electrically conductive paint (material), preferably a silver conductive ink and / or an organic conductive ink. By way of example, the connecting lines (switch + resistor) can be printed with a further conductive ink, such as a silver and / or graphite color. Advantageously, the example of graphite conductive paint resistance surfaces of the connecting lines, which are fed by preferably consisting of silver inlets and outlets (main lines), printed by the gravure printing method. The required loss conduction of the resistors can be achieved by a relatively large-area configuration of the printed resistor surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to form the resistors associated with the switches or the connecting lines by means of an at least sectionally meandering course of the connecting lines.

An advantageous embodiment provides to form the at least one main line, preferably in the case of two main lines, both main lines and all connecting lines of an identical material (color) and keep the resistances of the at least one main line by choosing a large line cross-section low and comparatively high To make switch resistors through connection lines with a low line cross section. Preferred is an embodiment in which the antenna is already (factory) firmly connected to the formed as a blister pack goods carrier. Preferably, the antenna is arranged on the cover film and / or the bottom part. In particular, in the case that an antenna designed as a slot antenna is used, this is advantageously introduced into a, at least one support layer made of metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy having cover sheet, in particular scored. Slot antennas are suitable for the ultra-high frequency range, in particular for the range of about 886 MHz. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the antenna as a coil antenna for the high-frequency range, preferably for the range of approximately 13.56 MHz. Particularly good transmission results were achieved if this type of antenna is not applied directly to a metal foil, but that a sufficiently large distance is provided either between the coil antenna and a metal foil of the cover foil, in particular by providing a correspondingly thick plastic foil, a correspondingly thick insulating coating and / or a corresponding thickness of insulating varnish, or that the antenna formed as a coil antenna is applied in a cover foil area, which consists exclusively of non-conductive material. Additionally or alternatively, such a trained antenna can be applied to the bottom part, in particular imprinted, wherein the bottom part is preferably made of non-conductive plastic, for example by deep drawing.

Preferred is an embodiment of the goods carrier, in which this already with at least one product, in particular at least one drug, preferably designed as a pill, dragee and / or ampoule equipped, that is filled, the individual drugs are in the different packaging units, in a blister so in the cavities, which are closed by the cover sheet, are added.

The invention also relates to a system comprising an aforementioned data carrier with or without an electronic unit and / or antenna already fixed thereto and a receiving unit having a receiving antenna for receiving the value correlating with the degree of filling of the product carrier.

Preferably, the electronic means of the goods carrier and the receiving unit are designed such that they can communicate with each other in the NFC protocol.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the receiving unit is designed such that it is designed for contactless coupling of energy for the electronics unit and the circuit of the goods carrier. An embodiment is preferred in which the receiving antenna of the receiving unit is designed to receive the value correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier and at the same time to emit or decouple electrical energy.

It is particularly advantageous if the receiving unit is designed to store the value correlating with the degree of filling of the product carrier and / or to forward it to a database, in particular further-transmitting (by radio or cable). Preferably, in addition to the value a request to be queried by the user confirming the intended use of a product taken from a packaging unit of the goods carrier, in particular a medicament, and / or the non-confirmation and / or forwarded to the database. In addition to the value correlating with the degree of filling or the confirmation / non-confirmation of the intended use, it is advantageous if the receiving unit stores a received identifier of the product packaging and / or forwards it to the database. In addition, it is advantageous if at the same time the time of reception of the value correlating with the degree of filling and / or the time of receipt of the identifier of the product packaging and / or the confirmation time is stored and / or forwarded to a database.

It is particularly advantageous if the receiving unit, which preferably has at the same time energy supply means for the goods carrier, integrated in a mobile phone or is formed by a mobile phone.

The removal history can be stored and mapped, for example, in the receiving unit, preferably the mobile telephone with the time information and / or the identifier of the goods carrier. By transferring at least parts of these data to a database, it is thus always possible to unambiguously assign each worldwide acceptance and preferably receipt. In order to be able to check the intake, it is advantageous if a software of the receiving unit, preferably the mobile phone, prompts the user to confirm each withdrawal. If such confirmation is not given after a pre-determinable period, it may be possible appropriate measures, such as the memory of the user and / or, in particular subsequently, the alerting a call center or the activation of other assistance measures are initiated. The information which can be taken from the removal unit and optionally forwarded can also be used for marketing campaigns, in particular for pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurance companies and / or pharmacists, as well as for a reimbursement system for a proven conscientious intake of expensive medicines whose long-term use is of particular importance for the success.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawing in comparison with the prior art, which is also partly shown. This is not necessarily to scale the embodiments, but the drawings, where appropriate for explanation, executed in a schematized and / or slightly distorted form. With regard to additions to the teachings directly recognizable from the drawings reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that various modifications and changes may be made in the form and detail of an embodiment without departing from the general idea of the invention. The disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims features of the invention may be essential both individually and in any combination for the development of the invention. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact shape or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, or limited to an article that would be limited compared to the subject matter claimed in the claims. For the given design ranges, values within the stated limits should also be disclosed as limit values and be arbitrarily usable and claimable.

Fig. 1:

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines als Blisterverpackung ausgebildeten Warenträgers mit einer Schlitzantenne,

Fig. 2:

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines als Blisterverpackung ausgebildeten Warenträgers mit einer Spulenantenne,

Fig. 3:

eine Ausführungsform eines als Blisterverpackung ausgebildeten Warenträgers ohne Elektronikmittel, wobei der Warenträger zum Zusammenwirken mit Elektronikmitteln ausgebildet ist und

Fig. 4:

eine Ausführungsform eines als Blisterverpackung ausgebildeten Warenträgers, bei der die Schalter lediglich über eine Hauptleitung an die Elektronikmittel angeschlossen sind.

Show in:

Fig. 1:

a first embodiment of a product designed as a blister pack goods carrier with a slot antenna,

Fig. 2:

A second embodiment of a blister-packaged product carrier with a coil antenna,

3:

an embodiment of a designed as a blister pack goods carrier without electronic means, wherein the goods carrier is designed to cooperate with electronic means and

4:

an embodiment of a designed as a blister pack goods carrier, wherein the switches are connected only via a main line to the electronic means.

In the figures, the same components and components with the same function with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is a designed as a blister pack goods carrier 1 in a plan view of a cover sheet 2 of the goods carrier 1 shown. Below the cover foil is a plastic bottom part (not shown) with a plurality of cavities K ₁ to K ₁₂ indicated by dashed lines, which are closed by the cover foil 2. The cover film 2 consists in this embodiment of a support film of an aluminum alloy, which is coated by an insulating lacquer layer. On the cover sheet 2, more precisely on the lacquer layer of the cover sheet 2 of the product carrier 1, an integrated circuit 3 is printed, wherein the circuit 2 with a first and a second main line 4, 5 is connected to electronic means 6, wherein the electronic means 6 in turn via two terminals are connected to a designed as a two-pole slot antenna antenna, which is incised into the carrier film of the cover sheet 2.

The two main lines 4, 5, extend along the longitudinal extension of the goods carrier 1. The two main lines 4, 5 are connected to each other via twelve parallel connecting lines V ₁ to V ₁₂ , wherein the connecting lines V ₁ to V ₁₂ and the two main lines. 4 , 5 are formed in this embodiment of an identical graphite-containing material and differ only by the line cross-section, wherein the line cross-section of the main line 4, 5 is greater than that of the connecting lines V ₁ to V _12th

Each connecting line V ₁ to V ₁₂ extends in a section above one of these associated cavity K ₁ to K _12th In this area, each connecting line V ₁ to V ₁₂ each have a symbolically illustrated switch S ₁ to S _12th At the same time, each connecting line V ₁ to V _{12 in} each case forms a resistor R ₁ to R ₁₂ . This results in at least approximately a total resistance R _tot of $$\frac{1}{R_{\mathit{ges}}}=\frac{1}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}_1}+\frac{1}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="R"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">R</figure-callout>}}_2}+...+\frac{1}{R_n}\mathrm{,}$$

The cover sheet, together with a respective cavity K ₁ to K _{12, forms} a packaging unit E ₁ to E ₁₂ . The goods received in the packaging units E ₁ to E ₁₂ , in this case table-shaped medicaments, are removed by pressing the bottom part in the direction of the cover film 2 in the region of that cavity K ₁ to K ₁₂ from which the product is to be removed. whereby the cover sheet 2 is interrupted by the goods and the associated connection line V ₁ to V _{12 is} interrupted and thus the switch formed by this S ₁ to S _{12 is} opened, whereby the total resistance R _{tot of} the circuit 3 changes. The electronic means 6 establish this, for example by measuring the magnitude of the current at constant voltage, and send a value correlated with the degree of filling of the product carrier 1, in particular the amperage or the total resistance, or a resultant number or amount of removed or remaining goods via the antenna 7 to a suitable receiving unit, not shown. Advantageously, an identifier of the goods carrier is transmitted together with the transfer of the value.

The electrical energy needed to power up the circuit 3 and that for the functioning of the electronic means 6 is supplied by an external, in particular the receiving unit associated energy source is coupled without contact in the antenna 7.

The electronic means 6 embodied as a microchip comprise an RFID microchip 8 and an analog-to-digital converter 9 with a suitable resolution. The printed circuit 3 integrated in the product carrier 1 is part of a voltage divider 10 which is connected to the analog / digital converter 9 and this in turn to the RIFD microchip 8, the RFID microchip 8 being connected to the antenna 7. By means of the voltage divider 10, a constant operating point (constant voltage) is obtained in order to be able to conclude by measuring the current intensity on the number of opened and / or closed packaging units V ₁ to V ₁₂ . Furthermore, the electronic means 6 comprise a rectifier, not shown.

As an alternative to the illustrated circuit arrangement, it is also conceivable that branch off on both sides of the main line 4 connecting lines, which are guided to the second main line 5 or to another main line, not shown, which is then performed again with the electronic means.

In Fig. 2 a further embodiment of a product carrier designed as a blister pack 1 is shown, wherein to avoid repetition in the following essentially only to the differences from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 will be received. Concerning the similarities becomes on the previous figure description as well as on Fig. 1 directed. A difference from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 is that the antenna 6 not as a slot antenna, but is formed as a coil antenna and is located on a cover film portion 11 which is formed of plastic. The component identified by the reference numeral 11 can be formed next to a cover film section, for example of plastic, of a section of the bottom part of the goods carrier 1 which is not covered with the cover film 2. The trained as a coil antenna antenna 6 according to Fig. 2 is preferably printed or glued on the marked with the reference numeral 11 section.

In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 the main lines 4, 5 are formed of a different material than the connecting lines V1 to V12. For example, the main lines 4, 5 consist of a silver-containing material, whereas the connecting lines V1 to V12 consist of a graphite-containing material with a lower conductivity, so as to form the resistors R1 to R12. Preferably, the connecting lines and the main lines for obtaining good contact points wet-on-wet, for example, applied by gravure printing. The electrical energy for operating the electronic means 6 and the circuit 3 can, for example, be coupled into the electronic means 6 by means of electromagnetic radiation (electromagnetic).

In Fig. 3 an embodiment of the goods carrier 1 is shown in which not from the outset, ie factory provided electronic means 6 on the goods carrier 1, but in which the electronic means, for example by gluing or latching on the goods carrier 1 by the end user must be attached. It can for example, in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown electronic means 6 are used. It is only necessary to ensure a secure contacting of the main lines 4, 5 and the antenna 7, in particular by a suitable design of the contact points. Except for the fact that in Fig. 3 the electronic means 6 are not yet fixed to the goods carrier, corresponds to the embodiment according to Fig. 3 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , so that in order to avoid repetition with respect to further explanations to the description of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 is referenced.

In Fig. 4 a further embodiment of a designed as a blister pack goods carrier 1 is shown. Evident are the only schematically indicated electronic means 6 for evaluating the total resistance or the current and for emitting the value correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier 1 via the antenna 7.

It can be seen that only one printed or glued main line 4 of the electronic means 6, from which, as in the other embodiments, the connecting lines V ₁ to V ₁₂ , which form the resistors R ₁ to R ₁₂ , branch off. In contrast to the embodiments described above, however, the connecting lines V1 to V12 are not connected to a printed or glued second main line, but with an electrically conductive film of the cover sheet 2. Depending on the configuration of the electronic means 6, these can either be connected to this electrically conductive film be or not.

Claims (32)

Goods carrier with a first packaging unit (V ₁ ), when opened a first switch (S ₁ ) of an integrated circuit (3) of the goods carrier (1) is opened and at least one second packaging unit (V ₂ ), when opened a second switch (S ₂ ) of the integrated circuit (3) is opened, wherein the circuit (3) for cooperation with electronic means (6) is formed and / or arranged, with which on the basis of the number of closed and / or opened switch with the degree of filling the value of the goods carrier (1) can be determined, which can be transmitted via an antenna (7) cooperating with the electronic means (6), the electrical energy for the electronic means (6) being able to be coupled in without contact,
characterized,
that the first and second switches (S _1, S ₂₎ are connected in parallel. Goods carrier according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ) are connected to electronic means (6) with which, based on the number of closed and / or opened switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ), a value correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier (1) can be determined is, wherein the energy for the electronic unit (6) can be coupled without contact. Goods carrier according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that the article carrier (1) has an antenna (7) associated with the electronic means (6), in particular printed on it, for emitting the value correlating with the degree of filling of the article carrier (1), in particular in the NFC protocol. Goods carrier according to claim 3,
characterized,
in that the antenna (7) is designed as a slot antenna, in particular slotted into a metal foil of the goods carrier (1), or as a coil antenna, which is preferably printed on, in particular on an electrically nonconductive region of the product carrier (1). Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the electric energy for electronic means (6) without contact via the antenna (7) can be coupled. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the electronic means (6) determines the value correlating with the degree of filling on the basis of the electrical resistance of the integrated circuit (3) that can be changed by opening at least one of the switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ) and / or that the value corresponds to electrical resistance and / or a measured electrical current of the circuit (3) corresponds. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the first and second switches (S _1, S ₂₎ via at least one, preferably two, principal conductor tracks (4, 5) electrically connected to the electronic means (6) or are connectable. Goods carrier according to claim 7,
characterized,
in that at least one of the main conductor tracks (4, 5) is formed, at least in sections, by an electrically conductive foil, in particular a metal foil, of the product carrier (1). Goods carrier according to claim 8,
characterized,
that the first switch (S ₁₎ from a main lines (4, 5) each electrically connecting the first connecting line (V ₁₎ is formed by opening the first packaging unit (E ₁₎ is interrupted and / or that the second switch (S ₂ ) of the main lines (4, 5) interconnecting second connecting line (V ₂ ) is formed, which is interrupted by opening the second packaging unit (E ₂ ). A product carrier according to claim 8 or 9,
characterized,
in that the first switch (S ₁ ) is formed by a first connecting line (V ₁ ) which electrically connects the main line (4, 5) to an electrically conductive foil of the goods carrier (1) is interrupted by opening the first packaging unit (V ₁ ) and / or that the second switch (S ₂ ) of a the main line (4, 5) with an electrical foil of the goods carrier (1) electrically connecting the second connecting line (V ₂ ) is formed , which is interrupted by opening the second packaging unit (V ₂ ). Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the first switch (S ₁ ) has a first resistor (R ₁ ) and / or the second switch (S ₂ ) associated therewith, in particular at least approximately the same size, second resistor (R ₂ ). Goods carrier according to claim 11,
characterized,
that the first resistor (R ₁₎ of the first connecting line (V ₁₎ is formed and / or to the first connecting line (V ₁₎ connected and / or that the second resistor (R ₂₎ of the second connecting line (V ₂₎ is formed and / or connected to this. Goods carrier according to claim 12,
characterized,
in that at least one of the main lines (4, 5) has a higher conductivity than at least one of the connecting lines (V ₁ , V ₂ ) and / or that at least one of the main lines (4, 5) is made of a different material than at least one of the Connecting lines (V ₁ , V ₂ ), and / or that at least one of the main lines (4, 5) has a larger cross-section than at least one of the connecting lines (V ₁ , V ₂ ). Goods carrier according to one of claims 9 to 13,
characterized,
in that at least one of the main lines (4, 5) and / or at least one of the connecting lines (V ₁ , V ₂ ) is or are formed with graphite and / or silver and / or polymer. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
are that the electronic means (6) comprise a micro chip or formed as a microchip. Goods carrier according to claim 15,
characterized,
that the microchip is configured as an RFID microchip (8) or comprises an RFID unit. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the electronic means (6), in particular the microchip, an analog / digital converter (9) and / or a voltage divider (10) and / or a voltage stabilizer for obtaining a constant voltage and / or a current stabilizer for obtaining a constant current, and or include a rectifier. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the electrical energy can be inductively and / or capacitively and / or coupled by means of electromagnetic radiation. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that a memory assigned to the goods carrier (1) is stored in a memory of the electronic means (6) which can be transmitted together with the value correlating with the degree of filling via the antenna (6). Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
is that the product carrier (1) as a blister pack, especially for the medical field is formed. Goods carrier according to claim 20,
characterized,
that the blister packaging has a base part with a first and at least a second cavity (K _1, K _2), wherein the first cavity (K ₁₎ component of the first packaging unit (E ₁₎ and the second cavity (K ₂₎ is a component of the second packaging unit (V ₂ ), and that on the bottom part of the cavities (K ₁ , K ₂ ) closing cover sheet (3) is arranged. Goods carrier according to claim 21,
characterized,
in that the cover film (3) is made of paper and / or plastic and / or metal and / or as composite material film, is formed in particular of at least one of the aforementioned materials. Goods carrier according to one of claims 21 or 22,
characterized,
in that the electronic means (6) and / or the integrated circuit (3) and / or at least one of the switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ) and / or at least one of the resistors (R ₁ , R ₂ ) are applied to the cover film (3) , in particular imprinted and / or integrated into it, in particular accommodated between two layers. Goods carrier according to one of claims 21 to 23,
characterized,
that the cover film (3) has an, in particular metallic, preferably formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the carrier film which is partially coated with an insulating layer, in particular a plastic layer, and / or an insulating lacquer, at least, and that the integrated circuit (3) , At least partially, in particular at least one of the main conductors (4, 5) and / or at least one of the interconnecting conductors (V ₁ , V ₂ ), and / or at least one of the resistors (R ₁ , R ₂ ) and / or at least one of the switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ), in particular by gravure printing, printed on the insulating layer, and / or glued, and / or sprayed, is preferably made of at least one electrically conductive material. Goods carrier according to one of claims 21 to 23,
characterized,
that the cover film (3) comprises an electrically non-conductive film, or is configured as such, onto which the integrated circuit, at least partially, in particular at least one of the main conductors (4, 5) and / or at least one of the connecting conductors (V _1, V ₂ ) and / or at least one of the resistors (R ₁ , R ₂ ) and / or at least one of the switches (S ₁ , S ₂ ), in particular by gravure printing, printed, and / or glued on, and / or sprayed, preferably of at least one electrically conductive material. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the antenna (7) is arranged in or on the cover film (3), in particular printed thereon and / or slotted therein and / or that the antenna (6) is arranged, in particular printed or glued, on the bottom part. Goods carrier according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that in the packaging units (V ₁ , V ₂ ) in each case at least one product, in particular a medicament, preferably in tablet or powder form and / or in liquid form is received. System comprising a goods carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims and having a receiving unit having a receiving antenna for receiving the value correlating with the degree of filling of the goods carrier (1). System according to claim 28,
characterized,
that the electronic means (6) to the receiving unit of the product carrier in the NFC protocol (RFID system) is formed communicating. System according to one of claims 28 or 29,
characterized,
in that the receiving unit is associated with energy supply means for contactless coupling of energy. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 30,
characterized,
that the receiver unit one over the antenna (6) of the goods carrier transmitted with the degree of filling of the product carrier correlated value and / or a confirmation of the proper use of a sample taken from a packaging unit of the product carrier goods, and / or an identifier of the product carrier (1) and / or storing the time information characterizing the time of reception of the value, and / or of the identifier and / or the confirmation time and / or forwarding to a database, in particular sending by means of transmitting means. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 31,
characterized,
that the receiver unit is integrated into a mobile phone or a personal computer.

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