阅读说明：本技术 智能包装 (Intelligent package ) 是由 基南·汤普森 查尔斯·亨德森 于 2019-06-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及包括至少一个传感器或通信设备的智能金属、玻璃、纸基、木基或塑料包装,其特征在于,包装的结构部件形成至少一个传感器或通信设备的部件。另外,本发明涉及一种用于制造智能包装的方法被提供,该方法包括以下步骤：制造包装并在包装上或包装中构造至少一个传感器或通信设备,其中采用包装的结构部件用于构造至少一个传感器或通信设备的部件。(The present invention relates to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic packaging comprising at least one sensor or communication device, characterized in that the structural parts of the packaging form parts of the at least one sensor or communication device. Additionally, a method for manufacturing a smart package is provided, the method comprising the steps of: the method comprises the steps of manufacturing a package and constructing at least one sensor or communication device on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are employed for constructing components of the at least one sensor or communication device.)

1. A smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one sensor, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms part of the at least one sensor, whereby the structural component is essential for the package to function as a product container, and whereby the structural component is essential for the proper functioning of the sensor.

2. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the structural component has suitable electrical, dielectric, magnetic, electromechanical or semiconductor properties to form a component of the at least one sensor.

3. The smart package of any of the preceding claims 1 or 2 whereby the structural component is inherently already present in the package before the sensor or communication device is fully constructed on the package.

4. The smart package of any of the preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the sensor is of any of the following sensor list including: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a touch-sensing, push-sensing or force-sensing sensor, a motion sensor, a level sensor, a sound sensor, a light or color sensor, an image sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a proximity sensor, a liquid or vapor detection sensor, or any of the following sensor technologies: photodiodes, thermistors, resistive or piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, conductive strain sensors, capacitive sensors, radiation sensors, thermocouples, sensor arrays, biosensors, or chemical sensors.

5. The smart package of any of the preceding claims 1-4 wherein the structural component of the package is a metallic structural component forming a conductive layer of the at least one sensor.

6. The smart package of claim 5 wherein the metallic structural component can be a metal layer of a bottle or can, or an aluminum of a bottle or can, in particular a lid of a can, a pull tab, an aluminum of a body, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer of a keg or any other type of metal container, or wherein the metallic structural component is a component of a paper-, wood-or plastic-based smart package.

7. The smart package of any of the preceding claims 1-9 wherein the glass, wood-based, paper-based, or plastic structural component of the smart package is capable of forming a non-conductive layer of the at least one sensor.

8. The smart package of claim 7, wherein the glass or plastic structural component of the smart package is a glass body or neck of a glass bottle, or a plastic body or neck of a plastic bottle, or a plastic lid, or a plastic or paper/cardboard of a secondary package.

9. The smart package of any of the preceding claims 1 to 8 wherein the metal, glass, plastic or paper-based, wood-based structural component of the smart package comprises an additive that functionalizes the structural component for use as an active layer of at least one sensor or non-conductive structural component for use as a conductive layer of at least one sensor.

10. A method for manufacturing a smart package, the method comprising the steps of: producing a package and constructing at least one sensor on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are used for constructing components of the at least one sensor.

11. The smart package of claim 10 wherein the structural components of the package are selected based on chemical, electrochemical, dielectric, optical, electromechanical or semiconductor properties of the structural components of the package to form components of the at least one sensor.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the manufacturing of the package and the construction of the at least one sensor share at least one additional process step for constructing the rest of the sensor.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 or 11, comprising the steps of: functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensor.

14. The method according to the preceding claim 13, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package can be performed during the manufacturing of the package.

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one sensor comprises adding an additive to the structural component.

16. The method according to any of the preceding claims 13 or 14, comprising the steps of: geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensor.

17. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 16, comprising the steps of: adding a power source and/or communication device and/or processing unit and/or sensory perceptible output by at least partially printing the power source and/or communication device and/or processing unit and/or sensory perceptible output onto the smart package.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to smart packaging, in particular to integrated smart packaging for any type of product, which is particularly suitable for containing food products, more particularly for carbonated beverages, and in particular for use as beer containers, in particular beer-integrated smart packaging (beer-integrated packaging).

Background

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

State of the art intelligent packaging systems provide the consumer with the health and safety of the product and also monitor the condition of the packaged product to give information about shelf life (shelf life) and about quality during transport and storage. In this technique, indicators and sensors are used instead of time-consuming, expensive quality measurements for improving shelf life and providing product safety. In smart packaging systems, the indicator gives information about the quality of the product through the ambient conditions of the package and the headspace gas (head space gas), the indicator may also be attached to the package surface or integrated into the package, which is improved in terms of determining metabolite residues formed during storage. Temperature, microbial spoilage, package integrity, physical impact, freshness of the packaged product can be controlled.

One example of this is US2015307245 for bottle caps configured to attach to beverage containers and provide information to users relating to the history of temperature changes of the beverage. The data logger includes at least one energy storage component (e.g., one or more capacitors), an energy harvester, a temperature sensor, at least one processor, at least one first memory, and at least one wireless communicator. The energy harvester collects ambient electromagnetic energy. The wireless communicator is configured to transmit stored information to a personal computer, a smart phone or a tablet computer or a dedicated reader device configured to communicate with and receive information from the wireless communicator.

A significant disadvantage of the system of US2015307245 is that such a bottle cap is clearly not suitable for combination with other types of packages than bottles. In addition, once the cap is removed from the bottle, the bottle itself becomes a common "stupid" bottle.

However, a more important overall drawback is that, although the above system covers the basic requirements of accommodating products and quality control, it does not address the clear need for consumers to package more advanced in terms of consumer interaction and creativity.

Due to the advent of inexpensive electronics and printing technologies, it has recently become possible to create smart packaging that allows, among other things, tracking purchases, inventory control, automatic reordering and assessing tampering, packaging breakage (packaging breaking), and the like. In addition, the inclusion of light, sound generation, different types of sensors and corresponding sensory inputs, intelligent packaging for intelligent electronic products and interactions between people, smart devices, vending machines, coupled with wireless communication, results in an enhanced and personalized experience for consumers. Personalized advertising, inducement (inducibility), prizes and game-like environments at the point of purchase may also be integrated at various psychological levels to positively enhance brand loyalty and promote purchases.

In the above context, the smart package described in WO2015147995 contains electronics that may enable a user/purchaser to interact with the package and cause an action to be generated on the package itself or on a smart device like a smart phone or computer or vending machine, or to communicate with or cause communication with a website where a database may be present. For example, a soda bottle or can or a potato chip bag may have the ability to be touched by a smartphone, read a code, and the smartphone may take one or more actions based on the type of product in its vicinity.

The smart package comprises at least one battery and/or energy storage element and/or energy receiving element; an element configured to store information; an element configured to sense being touched; an element configured to display information and/or an element configured to generate light; an element configured to receive information and/or transmit information; and circuitry electrically connecting one or more elements of the package to one another.

One aspect of the smart packaging described in WO2015147995 that is overlooked is the integration of smart packaging technology into today's existing real-world technology (including today's industrial packaging processes and their applications), i.e. aspects of the integration of smart technology (e.g. to the industrial processing level of beverage cans), and product specifications, and the raw materials involved, are overlooked. Smart packaging has been described in view of the fact that its manufacture is not efficiently implemented in industrial processes.

In addition, WO2015147995 does not address the functions specifically associated and required with the contents of the package (i.e. carbonated beverages, in particular beer). As an example, a basic goal is to provide an intelligent package that can communicate the time and temperature history of a food product, such as beer, to ensure optimal maturity, proper aging, and avoid misuse or mishandling. Another example of a basic goal is to provide a smart package that communicates the status of the beverage within the package, i.e. in the case of food products, the relationship of reaching a desired serving temperature (serving temperature) to the type of food, visually, by illumination, by sound or tactile experience.

In addition, smart packaging is an attractive proposition that is becoming increasingly important as digital technology integrates consumer life and the popularity of the internet of things (IoT) at a continuous and rapid pace. In the following description, a broad list of applications in this sense will be provided, implemented by the smart package according to the invention.

Another very important objective of the smart package according to the invention is to reduce the production costs even so that placing the smart features and the communication means on cheap products, and in particular disposable products, will be cost-effective.

Summary of The Invention

The invention relates to a smart metal, glass, paper-based (paper-based), wood-based (wood-based) or plastic packaging comprising at least one sensor,

characterised in that the structural parts of the package form parts of at least one sensor.

Additionally, a method for manufacturing a smart package is provided, the method comprising the steps of: the method comprises the steps of manufacturing a package and constructing at least one sensor on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are used for constructing components of the at least one sensor.

The invention relates to an intelligent metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic packaging comprising at least one communication device,

characterized in that the structural parts of the package form parts of at least one communication device.

In particular, a smart glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one communication device is disclosed, characterized in that the structural parts of the package form parts of the at least one communication device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the integration of smart technology into glass, paper, wood or plastic packaging has been overlooked more than into metal packaging, even simply because these materials are less easily integrated into communication devices.

Further, in particular, a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one optical or sound based communication device is disclosed, characterized in that the structural parts of the package form parts of the at least one communication device.

Additionally, a method for manufacturing a smart package is provided, the method comprising the steps of: the method comprises the steps of manufacturing a package and constructing at least one communication device on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are employed for constructing components of the at least one communication device.

In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one sensor and at least one communication device,

characterized in that the structural parts of the package form parts of at least one communication device and a sensor.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 to 8 illustrate different embodiments according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

As the world increasingly enters the internet of things, smart packaging according to the present invention provides a wide range of smart functionality integrated in packaging to industrial process levels, which can be used for consumer participation and brand promotion. It can be used to prove authenticity and origin of products, tamper evidence, and even for origin and shipment tracking and supply chain optimization, among others.

In addition, smart packaging according to the present invention can reduce the cost of producing smart and product-connected smart packaging, such that it would be cost-effective to use smart features and communication devices on inexpensive products.

Thus, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one sensor,

characterised in that the structural parts of the package form parts of at least one sensor.

Thus, in a second embodiment, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package comprising at least one communication device,

characterized in that the structural parts of the package form parts of at least one communication device.

The smart package may be primary or secondary.

In the context of the present invention, the product to be packaged in the smart package may be any type of product, solid or non-solid, any type of substance, liquid, food, non-food, etc. In particular, liquid products are suitable, such as liquid foodstuffs, especially drinks (carbonated, non-carbonated, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, fruit juices, sport drinks) or paints, reagents, chemicals, solvents, oils, etc.

Structural components of smart primary packaging are understood to be material components necessary for packaging for use as a product container (i.e. to enable the packaging to contain a product or to be transported), more particularly as a food container, more particularly as a carbonated beverage container, and in particular as a beer container.

The structural components of a smart secondary packaging (smart secondary packaging) are understood to be the material components necessary for the packaging used to hold the primary packaging.

Components or material layers which do not provide any contribution to enabling the package to contain the product or to be transported and which, for example, serve only as decorative layers or decorative layer systems, such as inks or varnishes, are not to be understood as structural components.

In contrast to packages with printed sensors or communication devices, wherein the package is only a substrate for printing thereon and wherein the outer surface of the package only needs to be adapted for printing thereon the necessary layers only in view of the construction of the sensor or communication device, in the present invention the structural part of the package is an essential part of the actual sensor or communication device and must have the necessary material properties required for the proper functioning of the sensor or communication device.

In other words, the structural component is a component which is essential for the proper functioning of the sensor or communication device and which is already inherently present in the packaging before the sensor or communication device is completely constructed on the packaging. It will therefore not be possible to integrate the process of constructing the sensor or communication device at least partially in the manufacture of packages lacking this particular component (particular layer of material), as this particular component is essential for the functioning of the sensor or communication means. Both the smart package and the sensor or communication device have common structural components, i.e. at least one necessary material layer, which is included in the structure of the package or in the structure of a part of the package and not only serves as a decorative layer, serves as a necessary component of the sensor or communication device.

Thus, the manufacture of the sensor or communication device may be at least partially integrated in the manufacture of the smart package, resulting in reduced material costs, reduced production time, and overall reduced production costs, even so that it would be cost-effective to use the smart features and communication means on cheap products, in particular disposable products.

In general, the invention enables intelligent technologies to be integrated up to and into the level of industrial mass production of containers for any type of product.

In the context of the present invention, a sensor is a device that responds to a physical and/or chemical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, specific motion, presence of specific ions, etc.) and communicates or somehow records this information or transmits the resulting pulses (in relation to the measurement or operation control). Such sensors may be of any of the following sensor lists, including: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a touch-sensing, push-sensing or force-sensing sensor, a motion sensor, a level sensor, a sound sensor, a light or color sensor, an image sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a proximity sensor, a liquid or vapor detection sensor, or any of the following sensor technologies: photodiodes, thermistors, resistive or piezoresistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, conductive strain sensors, capacitive sensors, radiation (IR, RF, etc.) sensors, thermocouples, sensor arrays such as sensor arrays that react with volatile compounds upon contact (e.g., electronic nose sensors), biosensors (electrochemical biosensors, optical biosensors, electronic biosensors, piezoelectric biosensors, gravimetric biosensors (gravimetric biosensors), thermoelectric biosensors), chemical sensors, and the like. Such sensors may be integrated in the package to detect, measure or indicate, inter alia, light, color, force or strain, proximity, liquid level, flow, gas presence, presence of smell/aroma/scent, humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination, acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication, etc. They may also capture information from the body or around the body (e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, physical activity, sleep patterns, etc.).

In the context of the present invention, a communication device may be any type of device capable of sending and/or receiving signals containing data, and particularly suitable for use in telecommunications, for the transmission of signs, signals, messages, words, text, images or information of any nature by wire, radio, magnetic, optical or other electromagnetic systems or sound, in order to exchange information between the communicating participants. In the smart package according to the invention any type of communication device suitable for communication via a connection protocol standard or via a custom protocol may be implemented. Many different connection standards have been designed for different physical layers, data throughput and transmission ranges. For each embodiment of the invention, the most appropriate criteria may be determined. Today, there are many communication standards and/or protocols, and in the smart phone dominated market, the leaders are bluetooth and NFC for local communication. However, as more devices are connected to the IoT, private networks such as SigFox may play an important role in the future by connecting primary and secondary packages to other connected devices and objects around the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, cellular, NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi may be suitable communication standards/protocols. Such a communication device may include any type of transmitter or receiver or transceiver in combination with appropriate transmitter and receiver hardware and software. For example, the optical system may use a light source (e.g., an LED) and a light sensor (e.g., a photodiode); the acoustic system may use an acoustic transducer (e.g., piezoelectric or piezoresistive); near field/magnetic or inductive systems may use coil antennas; or a radio-based system may use an RF antenna or any other type of antenna.

The communication routes that may be applied in embodiments of the present invention are:

-data exchange between the smart wrapper and another smart wrapper. Both may be containers and/or secondary packaging;

-detecting the presence of another passive device or object and identifying the object by exchanging data with the other object.

-data exchange between the smart packaging system and other electronic devices. For example, smart phones, WiFi routers, public radio infrastructure such as cellular networks, and local infrastructure explicitly placed for communication with the smart packaging system. These other devices, in turn, may relay data to other internet-connected services, such as cloud storage, data analysis, and web-based interfaces.

Point-to-point communication between two devices, mesh communications networks (mesh communications networks), and broadcast communication from one object to multiple objects are contemplated, among others. It should be noted that any communication system requires many defined protocol layers above the physical layer described herein. Essentially, these will be implemented in electronic logic and software.

In embodiments according to the invention, the smart package may additionally include any type of supporting electronic system (supporting electronic system) that may include digital logic, processing units, memory, gate arrays including programmable gate arrays, passive components (such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, analog meters), power control circuits, display driver circuits, or any combination thereof. These supporting electronic systems may be constructed from discrete components attached to the smart packaging substrate, connected by conductive tracks on the substrate, and/or components printed on the substrate.

More specifically, the smart package according to the present invention may comprise a sensor or communication device, wherein the structural component or structural compounds of the package form a component or components of at least one sensor or communication device, and/or additionally a combination of a variable number of components of the following functional areas:

a processing unit: in the smart package according to the invention, any type of processing unit suitable for integration in the smart package may be used. Driven by the increasing IoT market, mainstream chip developers are pushing ultra-small ultra-low power chips with integrated memory. Emerging technologies allow printing processors on thin film materials (like flexible polyamide, polyester foil, etc.). Other systems, such as communications and memory, may also be printed to create specific solutions, called system on a chip (SoC).

A communication unit: the communication unit may be any type of device suitable for use in telecommunications, suitable for the transmission of signs, signals, messages, words, text, images and sounds or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems, in order to exchange information between the communicating participants. In the smart package according to the invention any type of communication unit suitable for communication via a connection protocol standard or via a custom protocol may be implemented. Many different connection standards have been designed for different data throughputs and transmission ranges. For each embodiment of the invention, the most appropriate criteria may be determined. Today, there are many communication device standards, and in the smart phone dominated market, the leaders are bluetooth and NFC for local communication. However, as more devices are connected to the IoT, private networks such as SigFox may play an important role in the future by connecting primary and secondary packages to other connected devices and objects around the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, cellular, NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi.

Sensory perception output (sensory perception output): the sensorially perceptible output may be any type of device integrated into the package that enables a user or consumer to perceive any sensorially perceptible state change of the package or contents. Such an output may be a visual output, an audio output, a haptic output or any other output that is perceptible by touch, taste or smell. More specifically, the visual output may be any device integrated in the package that enables a region of the container to emit light or change its absorption or transmission (e.g., color change) of light of a particular wavelength under electrical, electromagnetic or magnetic control or triggered by pressure, strain or temperature change. Transmitting, absorbing or transmitting light may include showing any kind of color signal, or presenting graphics, text, logos, video (including brands, labels, interactive labels, etc.), or projecting graphics, text, logos, etc. onto objects present in the environment. The visual output may be, for example, any type of display, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Electronic Paper Display (EPD), a rigid or flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, an electrochromic display, an electroluminescent display, an electrophoretic display, an OLED light source, an LED light source, or any combination thereof, among others, or any type of projector or projector having suitable dimensions. The haptic output may be any device integrated into the package that enables at least a portion of the package to apply a force, vibration or motion under electrical control in a manner that is felt by a user holding or touching the container or in a manner that the force, vibration or motion may be transmitted to other objects (e.g., other bottles in the package or on a shelf). Such devices may use, for example, piezoelectric materials. The audio output may be any device integrated into the package that enables the area of the package to vibrate to transmit the audio signal into the air, or to translate the audio signal to other objects around the package and allow the transmission of the audio signal into the air. The frequency range of vibration may include the frequency range of human hearing, as well as ultrasonic and subsonic frequencies. Examples of the audio output may be an electrostatic speaker or a thin film flexible speaker. Other sensory-tactile outputs may be any type of device integrated into the package that enables a user or consumer to sense any change in the surface state of the package (e.g., changes in roughness, static electricity), sense a scent released upon activation, sense a taste released upon activation, and the like.

Power supply: any type of power source suitable for powering the output and integrated in the smart package may be used, such as, for example, discrete batteries, flexible batteries, printed batteries, micro-batteries, (super) capacitors, energy harvesting elements (such as antennas), piezoelectric generators, dynamoelectric or thermoelectric generators, photovoltaics (e.g., Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs)), electromagnetic field energy harvesting, and the like.

Embodiments according to the present invention may relate to primary packaging for beverages, such as bottles, or metal cans, or metal kegs (kegs), plastic kegs, or wooden bottles or barrels made of glass, or metal (e.g. aluminium) or plastic. Such primary packages may be particularly suitable for carbonated beverages and preferably beer.

Other embodiments according to the invention may relate to secondary packaging such as cartons, multi-pack (multi-pack), trays, HiCone, plastic ring carriers, plastic racks, cardboard baskets, cardboard overwraps and cartons, corrugated fiberboard boxes, HDPE plastic handles, six-pack rings and shrink packs.

The structural parts of the packaging forming the part of the at least one sensor or communication device may be, in particular: glass for glass containers, hot-end-coating layers (e.g. tin oxide or other oxides, or other equivalent materials applied, for example, by chemical vapour deposition, for example, to increase the adhesion of cold-end coatings), cold-end coating layers (e.g. polyethylene, or other equivalent materials applied, for example, by spraying, to make the surface more slippery, for example, as the bottle passes through a production line), plastic for plastic containers, plastic for plastic caps or lids, metal for metal cans (including bodies, lids, tabs or rivets thereof), metal for kegs (including valves and valve stems thereof), metal for metal caps or crowns (crown), internal polymer coatings for metal containers, spray coatings of epoxy resins (e.g. raw metal applied to metal cans or bottles), metal oxide layers (e.g. applied by anodic oxidation of metal can or bottle substrates), and the like, A metal layer (e.g., deposited by electroplating onto the metal substrate of a can or bottle), a polymer layer (e.g., molded into the top interior of a crown or spiral bottle to form both a seal and a preservative), a fiberboard or corrugated board of a secondary package or a plastic portion of a secondary package (e.g., a ring, or handle, that holds the bottles together), wood of a wooden barrel, and the like.

In a general embodiment according to the present invention, a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic smart package comprising at least one sensor or communication device may be provided, wherein the structural components of the package have suitable chemical, electrical, mechanical, electrochemical, dielectric, magnetic, optical, electromechanical, or semiconductor properties to form the components of the at least one sensor or communication device. In other words, the structural components forming the packaging of the component of the at least one sensor or communication device may be selected on the basis of their electrical properties, their chemical properties, their electrochemical properties, their dielectric properties, their magnetic properties, their optical properties, their electromechanical properties or their semiconducting properties.

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

The metal structural part forming the electrically conductive layer may be a metal layer of the bottle, can or keg or aluminum of the bottle, can or keg, in particular of the lid, tab, body of the can or a combination thereof.

The metal structural part forming the electrically conductive layer may also be a metal layer of a beverage keg, typically stainless steel, or any other type of metal container.

The metal structural components forming the conductive layer may also be components of paper-, wood-or plastic-based (plastic-based) smart packaging. Plastic bottles may include, for example, a metal ring structure in the body or neck, or corrugated board trays may include a metal layer for enhanced rigidity, or carton packaging may have integrated metal (cfr. tetra pak).

The metal structural part forming the conductive layer may be a metal layer of the closure of the bottle, such as, for example, a tin plate of a glass crown or the metal of the crown itself, or an aluminum layer of a rolled anti-theft bottle cap (ROPP).

In embodiments of the invention, the metal structural components of the smart package may form electrode layers of the sensor or communication device, or as interconnects (interconnects) between different sensor or communication device elements. Various sensors and communication devices are constructed with at least one conductive layer. Thus, the conductive substrate can eliminate the need to add a conductive layer in a sensor or communication device construction.

As an example, a smart package may be provided, wherein the metal structural component of the smart package (in particular a metal bottle or can) forms the conductive layer of the resistive force sensor to measure the amount of content remaining in the container. (see also fig. 1) the force sensor uses a resistive or piezoresistive active layer (active layer) when deposited on the bottom of the bottle, so that the metal of the can forms both the component substrate and a conductive layer. In addition, the encapsulation layer may be formed from an existing lacquer/varnish that is applied to the bottle during normal manufacturing.

In a variant, a smart package may be provided, wherein the metallic structural component of the smart package (in particular the metal bottle or can) forms the conductive layer of the communication device comprising the RF antenna. The RF antenna is shaped to optimally detect electromagnetic fields over a range of frequencies that induce a voltage on the antenna. The field will typically emanate from a transmitter elsewhere. RF antennas may also be used for transmission of fields depending on the attached electronics.

Many possible antenna designs may be possible, for example a patch antenna, in which two conductive layers are separated by an insulating dielectric, the bottom layer of which is the conductive layer of the container and the top of which is shaped to match the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation of interest. Additionally, the antenna structure may be combined with the shape of the container (including features such as convex shapes, concave shapes, and cavities). In principle, this may allow tuning the resonant frequency to optimize antenna performance for the application.

In another variation of its use, the placement of materials of different dielectric constant or permeability near the antenna may change the designed frequency response.

As another example, a communication device comprising an inductive (magnetic) antenna may be implemented such that the metal of the can forms one of the conductive layers. An inductive or near-field antenna detects a changing magnetic field, including the magnetic component of an electromagnetic wave.

One possible configuration is effectively in the form of a coil. The coil may be constructed as a single helically shaped conductor and/or may be wound around the outside of the can/bottle. It is then necessary to join both ends of the coil to the circuit and therefore to bridge (bridge) the coil. The bridge may for example be constructed by a conductive layer of the container or the secondary packaging or by a pull ring of the can.

As another example, a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the liquid content (see also fig. 2) may be implemented such that the metal of the can forms one of the electrically conductive layers. In addition, the encapsulation layer may be formed from an existing lacquer/varnish that is applied to the container during normal manufacturing. Thus, the only additional layers required may be the thermistor active layer and one additional conductive layer. The area of the thermistor can be adjusted to average the temperature over a large or small area of liquid. Alternatively or additionally, an array of similarly designed temperature sensors may be distributed throughout the vessel as a means of determining the volume of remaining liquid. This can be achieved by using the following facts: assuming the container has been pre-cooled, the portions of the wall that are in contact with the liquid will be cooler than those portions that are not in contact with the liquid. The same principle can be applied to sensing whether the consumer holds the container in his/her hand.

In addition, a smart package may be provided in which an electronic nose sensor is constructed by using the metal of the container for one element of the array, the electronic nose sensor comprising an array of different active sensor layers, each active sensor layer covering two electrodes, one of which is common to all arrays and one of which is unique to the element. This forms one of the two electrodes of each element. The second electrode of each element is deposited on top of the insulating layer so as to electrically isolate it from the component substrate common electrode.

As another example, a smart package may be provided in which the liquid chemical/biochemical sensor includes a structure similar to that shown in fig. 11. In this case, the conductive metal of the can may additionally form one of the electrodes for a single sensor element or a common electrode for an array of liquid chemical/biochemical sensors.

Furthermore, the metal of the can may be used as one of the conductive electrodes through which the sensor can be electrically read to implement an environmental condition and/or gas chemistry sensor. This may include an encapsulation layer on top of the electrodes, which is made using existing encapsulation materials for the container.

In particular embodiments of the present invention, a metallic structural component of a package may form an overlap with another metallic component or layer or structural component. Such overlapping metal layers may be used to form two conductive layers of a sensor or communication device between which an active layer may be placed.

Examples of metal overlaps may be:

the folded seam at the top of the can overlaps with 6 layers of two substrates.

Seams in 3-piece cans (3-piece cans) may provide overlap for multiple layers of metal substrate. A functional active layer can be added between the two

The overlap of the tab with the top of the can may form two electrodes with an active layer between the tab and the top of the can. The rivet may form an electrical connection.

Overlap of aluminium bottles with screw-top or crown-top

Overlap of the conductive foil on the top of the metal crown cap or metal bottle

In embodiments, the present invention provides a smart metal, glass, paper, wood, or plastic package comprising at least one sensor or communication device, wherein the glass, paper, wood, or plastic structural component of the smart package may form a non-conductive layer of the at least one sensor or communication device.

As an example, a communication device including an RF antenna may be integrated into a metallized carton beverage container.

The RF antenna may use a non-conductive packaging substrate as the dielectric, with layers of two antennas deposited on both sides of the non-conductive packaging substrate.

The metallized carton container includes both a non-conductive packaging substrate and a laminated metal (mostly aluminum) conductive layer. This conductive layer is then additionally used to form the ground plane for the antenna, with additional antenna elements deposited on the other side of the non-conductive carton substrate. The non-conductive carton substrate then effectively separates the two electrodes, and its dielectric constant controls the tuning of the antenna.

The glass or plastic structural component of the smart package may be, for example, a glass body or neck of a glass bottle, or a plastic body or neck of a plastic bottle, or a plastic cap, or a plastic of a secondary package.

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

In addition, the non-conductive structural components of the package may also form an overlapping structure that may be functionalized as further explained herein for use as two conductive layers or as an active layer.

Examples of such non-conductive overlap structures may be:

-an overlap between a polymer or glass bottle and a screw cap or crown cap, respectively;

-folds and seams in paper cartons;

polymeric sealing layers currently present inside the metal bottle tops (both crown tops and screw tops);

- "bottle in bottle" containers with overlap between the polymer layers

Shrink wrapping (shrink wrap) of polymer labels, paper labels, foils or secondary packaging

According to the invention, the structural parts other than metal, glass, paper-based, wood or plastic parts may be structural coatings. For example, the hot end coating of a glass bottle comprises a metal oxide and may be used as the semiconductor layer.

In embodiments of the invention, in addition to using the structural component of the package as a component of the at least one sensor, a component of the package having specific mechanical properties may also be used as a component of the package integrated sensor. As an example, a material having a defined modulus of elasticity may be used to convert an applied force from an internal pressure or mass into a strain, which is then detected by a strain sensor. Additionally, the transducer and/or resonant parts of the system may be used for sound or vibration sensing.

In embodiments of the invention, in addition to using the structural components of the package as at least one component of the communication device, the components of the package having specific mechanical properties may also be used as components of a package integrated communication device, such as an acoustic transducer, where the mechanical resonance of the package will be used to capture, amplify and/or filter acoustic signals to and/or from the transducer.

In another embodiment of the invention, in addition to using the structural component of the package as a component of the at least one sensor, a component of the package having a specific chemistry may also be used as a component of the package integrated sensor. As an example, the packaging material may provide a thermoelectric effect of an induced voltage in response to a temperature between two different metals. Additionally, due to certain chemical properties, the material of the packaging component may react with a desired analyte to change the electrical, mechanical, or optical properties of the material, thereby enabling it to form a component of a chemical sensor.

In embodiments of the invention, in addition to using the structural component of the package as a component of the at least one sensor, a component of the package having specific optical properties may also be used as a component of the package integrated sensor. For example, an optically transparent substrate can provide a window over the light sensor. The optically transparent substrate can be used as a spacer between an optically read electrochemical sensor and a photosensor. In addition, the optical layer may be used as a controlled optical path for an optical sensor, or as a filter for light of a particular wavelength, or as a lens for an image sensor.

More specifically, an optically read chemical sensor may be positioned on the interior of the vial for the purpose of detecting a particular chemical or biochemical activity in the liquid contents. For example, changes in the composition of beer, such as changes in the pH or alcohol content used to detect oxidation.

In embodiments of the invention, in addition to using the structural components of the package as at least one component of a communication device, the components of the package having specific optical properties may also be used as components of packaging integrated communication devices, for example using glass or transparent plastic as a lens to transmit/capture optical signals and/or as an optical filter to select the wavelength at which optical signals are received/transmitted.

In another embodiment of the invention, the contents of the container may perform a variety of physical and chemical sensor functions in addition to using the structural components of the package as components of the at least one sensor. For example, in the case of a container whose contents include a liquid and an air gap, when the container is subjected to acceleration, the liquid will move around relative to the air. This can be used for acceleration sensing (also called inertia).

In the case where the container liquid is a carbonated beverage, inertial movement of the container will increase the pressure in the container, allowing past movement to be sensed.

In addition, the contents may be used as a heat reservoir for sensing relative temperature, as an inertial damping member for altering the response of the container to sound, or as an electrolyte or chemically active solution for a liquid chemical/biochemical sensor.

Furthermore, the boundary between the liquid and the gas defines two distinct regions. The position of this boundary corresponds to the filling level (fill level), and this can be detected by acoustic or electrostatic properties of each space.

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

In embodiments according to the invention, one or more structural components of the smart package may contain an additive that functionalizes the structural component(s) for use as a component of at least one sensor or communication device.

The additive may include an electromechanical material, such as a piezoelectric material, an electrostatic material, or a magnetic material, for functionalizing the structural component for use as an active layer of a sensor or communication device.

In embodiments according to the invention, one or more structural components of the smart package may include an additive that functionalizes the non-conductive structural component for use as a conductive layer of the at least one sensor or communication device.

Additives may also be added to the material that make the material act directly as an electrode in the selected sensor type or make the material a semiconductor to function as an active layer in the sensor.

Additives may also be added to the material that cause the material to act directly as a conductive or semiconductive element in a selected type of communication device.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, one or more structural components of the smart package may be geometrically functionalized for use as components of at least one sensor or communication device. The structural members may be pushed, stamped or folded and/or may overlap with other structural members for obtaining mechanical resonance properties or creating a resonance system or electrical connection structure.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a smart package, the method comprising the steps of: the method comprises the steps of manufacturing a package and constructing at least one sensor or communication device on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are employed for constructing the components of the at least one sensor or communication device.

In the method of the invention, the component constructed by the structural component of the package may be any component of at least one sensor or communication device, such as an active layer, a conductive layer (e.g. an electrode), an insulating layer, an encapsulation layer, and the like.

The remainder of the at least one sensor or communication device (i.e., the portion other than the component constructed from the structural component of the package or a portion thereof) may be added to the smart package by any available technique. Any printing, deposition or shaping technique may be used, including, inter alia, screen printing, flexography, gravure, offset printing, inkjet printing, xerography, lithography, evaporation, sputter etching, coating, chemical vapor deposition, embossing, stamping, laser patterning, molding, electroplating, anodization, dip coating, spin coating, gluing, blow molding of polymers within containers, and the like.

The rest of the at least one sensor or communication device may also be constructed from components of the packaging other than structural components, such as a decorative layer, varnish, lacquer, etc. In this case, apart from the fact that the manufacture of the package and the construction of the at least one sensor or communication device use common structural components, there may be additional process steps in common for the construction of the rest, for example a printed decorative layer (which is also an electrically conductive layer), or a spray coating (which is also an electrically insulating layer).

In an embodiment according to the present invention, there may be provided a method comprising the steps of: the structural component is functionalized for use as a component of at least one sensor or communication device. Such a step of functionalizing the structural components of the package may be performed in the process of constructing the at least one sensor or communication device after providing the package, or may be performed in the process of manufacturing the package.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the step of functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one sensor or communication device comprises adding an additive that changes a chemical and/or physical property of the structural component.

The additives may be added to the raw material during the raw material production process, for example, the additives may be added to glass, plastic or metal, or to paper-based pulp before curing. Such additives may be microencapsulated (micro-encapsulated) for enhancing their function.

The additives can also be embedded in the raw material by rolling (roll) or embossing, or bonded to the surface by chemical reaction.

In embodiments according to the invention, the metal, glass, plastic or paper-based structural member of the package may contain an additive that functionalizes the structural member for use as an active layer of at least one sensor or communication device.

In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, there may be provided a method comprising the steps of: the structural component is geometrically functionalized for use as a component of at least one sensor or communication device by exposing the structural component to a forming step (such as punching, stamping, folding, etc.) during manufacture of the package. For sensors, such process steps may impart mechanical resonance properties to structural components, or create a resonant system or electrical connection structure. For communication devices, such process steps may impart mechanical resonance properties to structural components, RF properties (when combined with appropriate antennas), optical properties to guide light, or electrical connection structures.

In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, there may be provided a method comprising the steps of: the structural component is functionalized for use as a component of at least one sensor or communication device by exposing the structural component to heat (such as, for example, baking or curing), or to annealing, laser irradiation, or the like. In addition, the structural component can be applied directly at a higher temperature than conventionally, in particular in the case of glass or metal containers, in order to functionalize the structural component.

The power supply and/or communication means and/or one or more sensors and/or processing units and/or any sensorially perceptible output or any other type of supporting electronic component can be established by adding discrete components to the smart package, or preferably by printing them at least partially onto the smart package.

Additionally, the structural component of the smart package may be a component of any type of sensorial perceptible output or any type of power source. This may be the same structural component of the packaging used as a component of the sensor or communication device, or may be another structural component of the packaging.

In particular, with respect to embodiments in which the structural components of the package form part of an optical communication device, communication devices are envisaged in which optical frequency electromagnetic waves are used to communicate between a light source or device that modulates an existing light source and a device that detects the light or modulation.

Such devices may include transmitters that encode data based on any optical luminescence or modulation technique, such as electroluminescent transducers (electroluminescent transducers), semiconductor light emitters (including Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) devices), electrochromic or electrophoretic transducers, or liquid crystal techniques.

In addition, such devices may include a receiver, such as a light sensor, and in particular a photodiode.

The transmission path may be through free space, and/or through optically functional packaging material that may serve as a guide light path.

To enable data communication involving smart packages according to the present invention using optical communication devices, the emitting light source may be amplitude modulated. (for digital signals this means in practice that it is switched on and off). The receiving photodetector (photodiode) detects this modulation and decodes the signal as part of the protocol in the device's processing capability.

It should be noted that the light source may also perform the function of decorative lighting to create a visual effect for the user, and the data signal may be encoded in such a way (i.e. invisible) that it is modulated, for example, at a rate faster than the rate at which the human eye can resolve.

Multiple channels may be implemented by: emitting light at different wavelengths by using different emitters; or by selecting filters of different wavelengths at the receiver using different photodiodes or using transparent packaging material; or by using different polarization levels for different optical signals; or by time division multiplexing whereby different signals are transmitted in different time slots which may be synchronized by clocks at both ends of the link.

Additionally, such data communication may include or may be established upon optically sensing proximity of a neighboring object or another smart package. For example, an adjacent object or smart package may emit a signal having data encoded by emitting light or modulating ambient light for detection and identification by a smart package according to the present invention.

In particular, with respect to embodiments in which the packaged structural components form parts of a sound-based communication device, communication devices are envisaged in which the exchange of data from one object to another takes place by transmission of sound pressure waves or mechanical vibrations. In principle, this can be achieved at any frequency, including those below, within and above the human hearing range (ultrasound).

Such devices may include transmitters based on any sound emitting or vibrating technology, such as piezoelectric, electrostatic or magnetic transducers.

Additionally, such packaging may respond to self-generated or externally incident sound or vibration to transmit data as follows:

the package may, due to its mechanical properties, cause ambient sound incident on the package to be modulated or enhanced in a characteristic manner indicative of the package or a particular message from the package. For example, by mechanical resonance effects, which result in the generation of additional harmonics, which can then be detected by a separate sound detector.

The mechanical resonance effect as described above may be controlled by an actuator that is deliberately controlled in order to encode data onto the incident sound signal.

In addition, such devices may include receivers using sound detection techniques, and in particular piezoresistive sensors and piezoelectric sensors.

The transmission path may be through air, and/or through a mechanically/acoustically functional packaging material that may amplify and/or transmit corresponding vibrations.

To enable data communication involving the smart package according to the present invention using a sound-based communication device, the transmitter emits sound or vibration in a manner that is encoded with information. The sound or vibration is sensed by a sound sensor on the receiver and the signal is decoded as part of the protocol in the device's processing capability. It should be noted that the emitted sound may also contain audio signals intended for the user to hear; and data may be encoded therein in a manner that is inaudible to humans.

Multiple channels may be implemented by: by transmitting the data signal at different frequencies and then detecting the data signal by the receiver using different filters; by transmitting data on different physical paths that conduct vibrations and are acoustically isolated from each other, or by time division multiplexing, whereby different signals are transmitted in different time slots, the time slots can be synchronized by clocks at both ends of the link.

Additionally, such data communication may include or may be established upon sensing proximity of an adjacent object or another smart package based on the sound. For example, an adjacent object or smart package may emit a signal having data encoded by transmitting sound or vibration to be detected and identified by the smart package according to the present invention.

In particular, with respect to embodiments in which the packaged structural components form components of a near field communication device, communication devices are envisaged in which data exchange from one object to another occurs by creation and/or modulation of a magnetic field. This may be a static (DC) or Alternating (AC) field, including the use of the magnetic component of electromagnetic waves in the near field.

As transmitter, permanent DC magnetised magnetic material (which may be a structural component of the packaging), or a magnetic/inductive antenna, may be used.

As receiver, any magnetic field detection technology can be used, in particular a package integration technology comprising a magnetic/inductive antenna coil and a magneto-resistive sensor. The transmission may be through free space, and/or through magnetically functional packaging material that may amplify and/or transmit the corresponding field.

To enable data communication involving the smart package according to the invention comprising a near field communication device, the transmitter may comprise an AC magnetic field which is modulated in frequency and/or amplitude and/or phase to encode the data. (there are many well-known techniques and protocols to do this.) the receiver detects this AC magnetic field and decodes the signal as part of the protocol in the device's processing capability.

Multiple channels may be implemented by: by transmitting a data signal at different frequencies and then detecting the data signal by a receiver using a differently tuned receiver or one with a different filtered channel; by transmitting data on different physical paths that conduct magnetic fields and are otherwise isolated from each other; by creating fields in the same path but in different spatial locations; or by time division multiplexing whereby different signals are transmitted in different time slots which may be synchronized by clocks at both ends of the link.

Additionally, such data communication may include or may be established upon sensing proximity of an adjacent object or another smart package. For example, an adjacent object or smart package may emit a magnetic field having data encoded to be detected and identified by the smart package according to the present invention.

In particular, with respect to embodiments in which the structural components of the packaging form part of a radio frequency communication device, communication devices are envisaged in which the exchange of data from one object to another occurs by means of electromagnetic waves, and most typically RF antennas driven by AC electrical signals.

As a transmitter, any device that generates electromagnetic waves may be used, and most typically an RF antenna driven by an AC electrical signal.

As a receiver, any means of detecting electromagnetic waves may be used, and most typically an RF antenna. The transmission may be through free space, and/or through a magnetically functional packaging material that may amplify and/or transmit the corresponding field, or through a dielectrically functional packaging material that controls and/or transmits the components of the electric field.

To enable data communication involving the smart package according to the present invention comprising a radio frequency communication device, the RF signal transmitted by the transmitter will be modulated with a signal comprising the data to be transmitted. The receiver picks up the signal and decodes the signal as part of the protocol in the device's processing capabilities.

There are a variety of well-known modulation techniques, multiplexing techniques, and communication protocols to implement radio frequency communications using electromagnetic waves, and therefore, will not be described further herein. However, all of these can be considered to have potential for use in the present application. Additionally, such data communication may include or may be established upon sensing proximity of an adjacent object or another smart package. For example, an adjacent object or smart package may emit an RF signal having data encoded to be detected and identified by the smart package according to the present invention.

In particular, with respect to embodiments in which the packaged structural components form components of a wired communication device, communication devices are contemplated in which data exchange occurs through varying voltage and/or current sources and varying codes. Different types of transmitters and receivers for wired communication are well known.

With regard to the transmission path between the transmitter and the receiver, various connectors and connection techniques are known for making such electrical connections. In particular, for the application of the invention, the connection technique may comprise:

contact pins, which may be spring-loaded, which contact the pads on the other side, which pads are held in close mechanical proximity.

An 'edge' connector in contact with a thin or flexible substrate such as packaging material.

A mating connector, each half mating. A wide variety of mating connectors are manufactured and exist.

Additionally, for this application, the specific scenarios of interest may include:

contact pins or pads from one container to another, so that the containers are electrically connected in close proximity. For example, when held together on a shelf, or held together in a secondary package, or when cans are stacked on top of each other. The pattern of electrodes and pins may ensure connection of a variety of geometries. For example, a ring electrode on the top of a container, and a corresponding pin of matching radius on the bottom of another container stacked on top.

Connection of containers using wires or film substrates printed with conductive tracks, which are used to connect the packaging at the time of manufacture and which remain connected, for example, in their secondary packaging. When separated, such as when removed from the secondary package or otherwise separated, the wires or connections are broken.

In another embodiment, either or both of the two electrical contacts may potentially be replaced by capacitive contacts, achieved by the close proximity of the two electrodes, and a communication system at an AC frequency sufficient to transmit on the capacitance is used. For this application, the scenes of interest may include:

the container is connected to a conductive surface, such as a metal shelf or a metallized shelf, which is done using electrodes on the bottom of the container. The side of the container also has another electrode capacitively coupled to the container. This enables them to be connected in close proximity.

Embodiments according to the present invention seek to provide a smart package which enables, among other things, the following applications:

-sensing ambient light level

-sensing the color of the light present. By applying a filter in front of the photodiode, or selecting a mix of active layers, the detected wavelength light, and thus the color, can be made specific.

-detecting proximity to other objects that emit light, or assessing relative position to other objects based on their reflected light.

-sensing the presence of liquid in the container by detecting light reflected from the liquid in the container, wherein the color/brightness of the liquid is different from the color/brightness of the container without contents. The liquid level may additionally be determined by an array of light sensors. The concept can be operated using ambient light or additional deliberate light sources also integrated into the package.

-detecting the movement of the liquid-filled container by monitoring the relative movement of the liquid in the container and the air gap with respect to the container wall.

-detecting the ambient temperature and/or the temperature of the contents of the container.

-sensing the pressure in the vessel by measuring the strain in the vessel wall.

-sensing the force a user touches or applies to the button by a change in resistance due to the force/strain applied on the sensor.

-sensing the movement of the container by a change in pressure of the container (as described above), which varies with the movement in case the liquid content of the container is a carbonated beverage.

-sensing the amount of liquid present in the container by sensing the weight of the container. This can be achieved by depositing a resistive force sensor on the bottom of the container and measuring the applied force.

-sensing sound by measuring strain induced in the container wall by the pressure waves caused by the sound. The same principle applies to externally applied vibrations.

-sensing the user's force applied to a particular point on the container by measuring the strain, deformation or force on the container wall at that time.

-sensing the touch of the user by detecting the dielectric constant of a human finger which is very different compared to air.

-sensing the liquid level due to the difference in dielectric constant of the liquid and air in the container.

-sensing the movement of the liquid-filled container by monitoring the relative movement of the liquid and the air gap in the container with respect to the container wall using the same principles of the above level measurement.

-sensing the presence of other objects in close proximity by detecting their different dielectric constants relative to air.

-detecting ions and/or molecules in the liquid content of the container. For example, if the contents are beer, then substances of interest may include those that cause a scent, such as a "hop" scent or a "beer skunk"; oxidizing; change in pH and alcohol content.

External communication with the smart package using one of the communication devices as described above (e.g. RF, sound, light communication) to activate the effect (e.g. sound/light).

Smart packages detect which other packages are in close proximity to exchange data about their status in the supply chain.

-a communication device on the secondary package reading data from sensors implemented on the primary packages, processing and communicating the data to monitor the condition of the primary packages in the supply chain.

Communication back from the packaging to the cloud, for example to indicate that the product has been used and thus trigger automatic restocking.

Example 1:

a force sensor is constructed on the bottom of a metal beverage container as a means to measure the amount of content remaining in the container by the weight of the container or to identify the number or weight of additional containers stacked on top.

As illustrated in the structure shown in fig. 1, the metal (1) of the container forms one of the conductive layers. A resistive or piezoresistive active layer (2) is printed on the outside of the bottom. In addition, the encapsulating layer (4) may be formed from an existing lacquer/varnish applied to the bottle during normal manufacturing. Thus, the only additional layers needed may be the active layer (2) and one additional conductive layer (3).

Example 2:

the temperature sensor is constructed on the area of the wall of the metal can as a means of measuring the temperature of the liquid contents.

As illustrated in fig. 2, the metal (1) of the can forms one of the conductive layers. In addition, the encapsulating layer (4) may be formed from an existing lacquer/varnish that is applied to the container during normal manufacturing. Thus, the only additional layers required may be (3) the thermistor active layer (2) and one additional conductive layer.

Example 3:

the chemical sensor is constructed on the interior of the metal keg.

The sensing mechanism is an electrochemical reaction that occurs when an appropriate material is present in the liquid contents.

The structure is shown in fig. 3. The metal of the keg (6) forms the current collector layer and in case the sensor cell chemistry matches the keg metal material, one of the electrodes (5) can also be formed.

On top of the keg metal, on separately defined areas also in contact with the liquid content (4) actually used as electrolyte, the following layers are provided:

insulating layer (3)

Collector layer (2)

Second electrode (1)

Example 4:

as illustrated in fig. 4, the light sensor is constructed using the glass of a glass vial as a window, where the color of the glass is adjusted to match the frequency of interest. Thus, the amount of light of a specific wavelength is detected. The transparent conductive electrode is deposited onto the glass as part of the hot end coating process that the bottle undergoes.

During normal production of bottles, after the glass is formed, it is hot-end coated with metal oxide. In this case, a transparent conductive layer, for example of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), is applied using this process. This layer forms the bottom electrode of the light sensor.

After this stage, the active photovoltaic layer is deposited using any of the techniques as described above. On top of the active layer, a second electrode is deposited.

The last layer is the encapsulation and may be formed from an existing packaging coating that has been applied to the glass.

Example 5:

as illustrated in fig. 5, a communication device including an RF antenna may be integrated into a metallized carton beverage container.

The RF antenna may use a non-conductive packaging substrate as the dielectric, with layers of two antennas deposited on both sides of the non-conductive packaging substrate.

The metallized carton container includes both a non-conductive packaging substrate and a laminated metal (mostly aluminum) conductive layer. This conductive layer is then additionally used to form the ground plane for the antenna, with additional antenna elements deposited on the other side of the non-conductive carton substrate. The non-conductive carton substrate then effectively separates the two electrodes, and its dielectric constant controls the tuning of the antenna.

Example 6:

as illustrated in fig. 6, the communication device including the RF antenna is integrated into the aluminum can. The aluminum substrate acts as a ground plane for the "patch" antenna. On top of the substrate, an insulating dielectric layer is deposited, followed by a conductive layer in the shape of another antenna electrode, designed for the desired operating frequency. The antenna is encapsulated with an encapsulation layer, which may be the same varnish and/or lacquer that has been used to protect the beverage container.

Example 7:

in fig. 7, a communication device comprising an acoustic transducer integrated into an aluminium can according to the present invention is illustrated. The metallic metal of the can forms the base electrode. A piezoelectric active layer is then deposited on the base electrode, followed by another electrode, and then encapsulated. The communication device may function as both a transmitter and a receiver, or both.

Example 8:

as illustrated in fig. 8, as part of a near field communication system, a magnetic antenna is helically printed on the inside of the lid, around the periphery of the top of the crown lid. The antenna is printed on top of the insulating layer, with the exception that one end of the antenna is electrically connected to the metal of the cover. The other end of the antenna is not in contact with the metal of the cover. Both ends are electrically connected to the chip in the middle of the cover. The metal of the cover is used to electrically bridge one side of the antenna to the other. The polymeric liner inside the cap functions as a containment protection system.

1. A smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic package comprising at least one communication device, characterized in that a structural component of the package forms a component of the at least one communication device.

2. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the smart package is a glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic package.

3. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the at least one communication device is an optical or acoustic based communication device.

4. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the structural component of the package is a metallic structural component forming a conductive layer of the at least one communication device.

5. The smart package of claim 4 wherein the metal structural component can be a metal layer of a bottle or can, or an aluminum of a bottle or can, particularly a lid of a can, a pull tab, an aluminum of a body, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer of a keg or any other type of metal container, or wherein the metal structural component is a component of a paper-, wood-or plastic-based smart package.

6. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the glass, wood-based, paper-based, or plastic structural components of the smart package are capable of forming a non-conductive layer of the at least one communication device.

7. The smart package of claim 6, wherein the glass or plastic structural component of the smart package is a glass body or neck of a glass bottle, or a plastic body or neck of a plastic bottle, or a plastic lid, or a plastic or paper/cardboard of a secondary package.

8. The smart package of claim 1 wherein the metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based, wood-based structural component of the smart package contains an additive that functionalizes the structural component for use as an active layer of at least one communication device or functionalizes a non-conductive structural component for use as a conductive layer of at least one communication device.

9. A method for manufacturing a smart package comprising the steps of: manufacturing a package and constructing at least one communication device on or in the package, wherein structural components of the package are employed for constructing components of the at least one communication device.

10. The smart package of claim 9 wherein the structural components of the package are selected to form components of the at least one communication device based on electrical, electrochemical, dielectric, optical, electromechanical or semiconductor properties of the structural components of the package.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the manufacturing and constructing of the package shares at least one additional process step for constructing the rest of the communication device.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, comprising the steps of: functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one communication device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package is performable during the manufacturing of the package.

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the step of functionalizing the structural component of the package for use as a component of the at least one communication device comprises adding an additive to the structural component.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the steps of: geometrically functionalizing the structural component for use as a component of at least one communication device.

16. The method of claim 9, comprising the steps of: adding a power source and/or one or more sensors and/or processing units and/or sensorily perceptible output by at least partially printing the power source and/or one or more sensors and/or processing units and/or sensorily perceptible output onto the smart package.