Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method of carpet identification. This includes a method of manufacturing carpet and identifying properties of a carpet throughout the carpet life cycle.

Background

[0002] Carpets are manufactured as textile floor coverings in the form of rugs, for partial area coverage, or as wall-to-wall broadloom material for full area coverage. The main manufacturing methods are weaving or tufting using either natural fibres, such as wool and cotton, or synthetic plastic fibres, such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene. United States market surveys and industry association reports indicate that around 90% of carpet is manufactured by tufting and that 98% of all carpet is comprised of synthetic plastic fibres.

[0003] The main functional requirements of carpets are comfort, durability, aesthetic design, thermal, and acoustic insulation. Thermal and acoustic insulation are measured objectively, durability is tested empirically however the measures of comfort and aesthetic design are subjective. Product specifications and catalogues are used to document the degree to which the functional requirements are met by a manufacturer for a particular design. Generally a carpet, as delivered to the consumer, has a single label, for carpet identification, which provides limited product data. While that label may be accessible on the underside of a rug, it disappears after a wall-to-wall carpet has been installed as does visible knowledge of the carpet’s specification.

[0004] A shortcoming of known carpet labelling is the lack of information provided about the materials used in carpet manufacture. The label is likely to indicate the type of fibre used but not the chemicals that have been used for colouring and treating the fibre. Yarns colours are provided by dying the fibre with dye stuffs that can be natural or synthetic. They may also be further chemically treated to increase the carpet’s resistance to damage from spillage of liquids or other contaminants. In the case of synthetic fibres there may be additives to combat the build-up of electrostatic charges. With the increased usage of plastic fibre in the manufacture of carpet since the 1950’ s the amount of chemicals used has increased. The toxicity of chemicals used in carpet manufacture is not revealed in known labelling or product specifications.

[0005] The carpet life cycle originates when a design is combined with a selected product specification in preparation for manufacture. Materials used in manufacture, such as fibres, backings and adhesives are then incorporated into the manufacturing and finishing process. Manufactured carpet then proceeds to sales and distribution after which it comes into the hands of the consumer. The consumer uses for its life span, after which it is either re-used or disposed of as carpet waste. Since the 1950’s, a carpet’s consumer life span has decreased by over 50% resulting in environmental problems with exponential growth in carpet waste.

Carpet products produced by manufacturers have become disposable, rather than durable, and virtually become single use products. Carpet recycling has been the carpet industry’s primary response to the problem of carpet waste. However, current methods and processes remain economically unsustainable.

[0006] The economic effectiveness of recycling is hindered by the lack of accessible information about the waste being processed, particularly in regard to fibre type and product specifications. Economic sustainability of recycling is influenced by the value of the recycled fibre and the weight of fibre that can be reclaimed. High value fibre, heavy carpet has value but recycling lightweight, low value fibre waste is unviable.

[0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0008] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary

[0009] A carpet comprising: a first backing material; pile attached to the first backing material to form a carpet composite; and a plurality of electronic taggants distributed in the carpet composite, wherein the electronic taggants include a memory to store carpet identification data.

[0010] In some examples, the electronic taggants comprise an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, wherein on interrogation with an RFID reader, the RFID tag transmits carpet identification data from the memory.

[0011] In some examples, the electronic taggant(s) is a passive tag powered by interrogation signals from the RFID reader.

[0012] In some examples, at least a portion of the plurality of electronic taggants include memory that is a write-once-read- many-times (W ORM) memory.

[0013] In some examples, at least a portion of the plurality of electronic taggants include memory that is a read only memory (ROM).

[0014] In some examples, at least a portion of the plurality of electronic taggants include memory that is a write and read many times non-volatile memory.

[0015] In some examples, the plurality of electronic taggants comprise two or more subsets of electronic taggants having respective memories of different types with a combination of at least two of: WORM; ROM; and write and read many times non-volatile memory.

[0016] In some examples, the carpet composite further comprises: a binder attached to the first backing material, wherein the electronic taggants are dispersed in the binder.

[0017] In some examples, the carpet composite further comprises: a second backing material, wherein the binder is sandwiched between a layer of the first backing material and a layer of the second backing material. [0018] In some examples, the plurality of electronic taggants are adhered to the first backing material.

[0019] There is also provided a carpet comprising: a woven carpet layer; a binder mixed with a plurality of electronic taggants, wherein the electronic taggants include a memory to store carpet identification data, and wherein the binder and the electronic taggants are attached to an underside of the woven carpet layer.

[0020] In some examples of the carpet, the carpet identification data includes one or more of: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and/or a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0021] In some examples, the carpet identification data includes: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0022] In some examples, the carpet identification data further includes one or more of: a distribution code indicative of distribution and/or sale history of the carpet; a consumer code indicative of a consumer, or owner, of the carpet; and/or a disposal code indicative of a removal and/or disposal history, of the carpet.

[0023] In some examples, the carpet identification data includes: a blockchain address associated with the carpet, wherein the blockchain address is associated with a record on a blockchain indicative of one or more of: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet; a distribution code indicative of distribution and/or sale history of the carpet; a consumer code indicative of a consumer, or owner, of the carpet; and/or a disposal code indicative of a removal and/or disposal history, of the carpet. [0024] There is also disclosed a method of manufacturing carpet comprising: attaching a pile to a first backing material; attaching a plurality of electronic taggants to the first backing material, wherein the electronic taggants include a memory to store carpet identification data.

[0025] In some examples, the step of attaching the plurality of electronic taggants to the first backing material comprises: mixing a binder with the plurality of electronic taggants; attaching the binder and electronic taggants to the first backing material.

[0026] In some examples, the method further comprises: attaching a second backing material to the binder, wherein the binder is sandwiched between a layer of the first backing material and a layer of the second backing material.

[0027] In some examples, the step of attaching the plurality of electronic taggants to the first backing material comprises adhering the electronic taggants to the first backing material.

[0028] There is also provided a method of manufacturing carpet: comprising: mixing a binder with the plurality of electronic taggants, wherein the electronic taggants include a memory to store carpet identification data; attaching the binder and the electronic taggants to an underside of a woven carpet layer,

[0029] In some examples the method further comprises: writing, to the memory of the plurality of electronic taggants, the carpet identification data.

[0030] In some examples, the carpet identification data includes one or more of: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and/or a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0031] In some examples, the carpet identification data includes: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0032] In some examples, the carpet identification data includes one or more of: a distribution code indicative of distribution and/or sale history of the carpet; a consumer code indicative of a consumer, or owner, of the carpet; and/or a disposal code indicative of a removal and/or disposal history, of the carpet.

[0033] In some examples, the method further comprises: writing, to a distributed ledger , a representation of at least part of the carpet identification data.

[0034] In some examples, the carpet is associated with a blockchain address, wherein writing to the distributed ledger includes writing the representation to a record, associated with the blockchain address on a blockchain.

[0035] There is also provided a carpet comprising: a pile attached to a backing material, or a woven carpet layer; a plurality of taggants to store carpet identification data, wherein the carpet identification data includes one or more of: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and/or a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0036] There is also provided a carpet comprising: a pile attached to a backing material, or a woven carpet layer; a plurality of taggants to store carpet identification data, wherein the carpet identification data includes: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet.

[0037] In some example, the carpet identification data further includes one or more of: a distribution code indicative of distribution and/or sale history of the carpet; a consumer code indicative of a consumer, or owner, of the carpet; and/or a disposal code indicative of a removal and/or disposal history, of the carpet.

[0038] There is also provided a method of recording provenance of a carpet, the method comprising: generating a representation of carpet identification data including: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; and a manufacture code indicative of the manufacturer of the carpet; and writing, to a record on a blockchain, the representation of carpet identification data, wherein the representationis associated with a blockchain address associated with the carpet. [0039] In some examples, the method further comprises: writing the blockchain address to a plurality of taggants distributed in the carpet.

[0040] In some examples, the method further comprises: receiving a notification of a change in status of the carpet; reading, from the taggants of the carpet, the blockchain address; generating a further representation of the carpet identification data, wherein the further representation includes the change in status of the carpet; and writing, to the record on the blockchain, the further representation of the carpet identification data, wherein the further representation is associated with the blockchain address read from the taggants.

[0041] In some examples of the method, the notification of the change in status of the carpet includes one or more of: a distribution code indicative of distribution and/or sale history of the carpet; a consumer code indicative of a consumer, or owner, of the carpet; and/or a disposal code indicative of a removal and/or disposal history, of the carpet.

[0042] There is provided a method of assessing carpet performance of a carpet, the method comprising: receiving carpet identification data associated with the carpet; extracting, from the carpet identification data: a design code indicative of a design type of the carpet; and a specification code indicative of material specification and manufacture process of the carpet; generating a model of the carpet based on the design code and specification code; simulating use of the model of the carpet to generate objective simulated performance data for the carpet.

[0043] In some examples, the step of simulating use of the model is further based on one or more simulated input parameters.

[0044] In some examples, the objective simulated performance data for the carpet includes a number, or range, of simulated steps before failure.

[0045] In some examples, the method further comprises generating models and simulating use of models of a plurality of carpets, and the method further comprises: comparing the objective simulated performance data for the plurality of carpets; and generating an output indicative of relative ranking of the plurality of carpets .

[0046] Manufacturing information available, a priori or at time of manufacture, includes design type/name, name of manufacturer, manufacturing specifications and material specifications. All this information can be tabulated to provide a carpet identity for any given product to assist in determining viability of recycling and also to generate transparent product labelling.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0047] Fig. 1 illustrates a first example of a carpet with electronic taggants;

[0048] Fig. 2 illustrates a second example of a carpet with electronic taggants that are in a binder between two layers of backing material;

[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of the binder with a plurality of electronic taggants of a single type;

[0050] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the binder with a plurality of electronic taggants of a variety of types;

[0051] Fig. 5 illustrates a third example of a carpet where electronic taggants are attached to a woven carpet layer;

[0052] Fig., 6 is a visual representation of carpet identification data that can be stored in the electronic taggants;

[0053] Fig. 7 is a visual representation of a blockchain address and associated representation of carpet identification data;

[0054] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing carpet;

[0055] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of a method of attaching electronic taggants to backing material with a binder;

[0056] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of recording provenance of a carpet;

[0057] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a carpet life cycle and associated information during that life cycle; [0058] Fig. 12 illustrates information that can be extracted from carpet identification data for modelling and simulation; and

[0059] Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of assessing carpet performance.

Description of Embodiments

[0060] Overview

[0061] A first example of a carpet identification system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The carpet 1 includes pile 5, attached to a first backing material 3 to form a carpet composite 7. A plurality of electronic taggants 9, that include a memory 11 to store carpet identification data 13, are distributed in the carpet composite 7.

[0062] In a second example as illustrated in Fig. 2, the electronic taggants 9 are mixed in a binder 19, wherein the binder 19 is sandwiched between a layer 23 of the first backing material 3 and a layer 25 of a second backing material 21.

[0063] In a third example, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the electronic taggants 9 are mixed in a binder 19, and the binder 19 is attached to an underside of a woven carpet layer 81,

[0064] The electronic taggants 9 may include RFID (radiofrequency identification) tags 14 that can be read with an RFID reader 15. In some examples, this allows the electronic taggants 9 to be read whilst the carpet 1 is installed in situ so that the carpet identification data 13 can be read without lifting or removing the carpet 1. With the electronic taggants 9 underneath the pile 5 (and in some examples underneath the first backing material 3), this protects the electronic taggants 9 from wear and damage during ordinary use of the carpet 1.

[0065] There is also disclosed a method 100 of manufacturing carpet 1 as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. This includes attaching 103 a plurality of electronic taggants 9 to the first backing material 3, or underside of a carpet layer. The method 100 may also include writing 105, to the memory 11 of the electronic taggants 9, the carpet identification data 13. The carpet identification data 13, in some examples, can be written and updated throughout various stages of the life of the carpet 1. [0066] Referring to Fig. 6, the carpet identification data 13 can include one or more of: a design code 51, a specification code 53, and/or a manufacture code 55. Such information can be used to determine the provenance, as well as design and manufacture specifications to aid in maintenance, repair, disposal, recycling, and tracking of the carpet 1 throughout the life cycle. In further examples, the carpet identification data 13 can also include a distribution code 57, consumer code 59, and a disposal code 61. These elements of the carpet identification data 13 can correspond to events during the carpet life cycle as illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0067] In another example as illustrated in Fig. 10, the carpet identification data 13 or components thereof, are written to a record 58 on a blockchain 59. The record 58 is associated with a blockchain address 50, which in turn is associated with the carpet 1. The blockchain address 50, or information indicative of the blockchain address 50, are written to taggants 9 distributed in the carpet 1. During the life cycle of the carpet 1 on or more further records, associated with the blockchain address 50, can be written to the blockchain 52 to update information associated with the carpet 1.

[0068] Referring to Fig. 13, there is also disclosed a method 300 of assessing performance of the carpet 1 based on extracting 303 relevant information from the carpet identification data 13, generating 305 a model of the carpet 1 from the information, and simulating 307 use of the model of the carpet 1. This allows generation of objective simulated performance data for the carpet 1 so that various carpets can be compared with each other.

[0069] First example of the carpet - Carpet composite with dispersed electronic taggants

[0070] A method 100 of manufacturing the carpet 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 will now be described with reference to Fig, 8. In this example, a pile 5 is attached 101 to a first backing material 3 to form a carpet composite 7. A plurality of electronic taggants 9 are distributed in the carpet composite 7. This can include attaching 103 the plurality of electronic taggants 9 to the first backing material 3.

[0071] In some examples, attaching 103 the electronic taggants 9 to the first backing material 3 includes adhering the electronic taggants 9 to the first backing material 3. In other examples, the first backing material 3 is manufactured, or otherwise worked, to incorporate the electronic taggants 9 on or within the structure. This can include manufacturing the first backing material 3 as a composite material with the electronic taggants 9 distributed within that composite. Thus in some examples, attaching 107 the electronic taggants 9 to the first backing material 3 may be done before the step of attaching 101 a pile 5 to the backing material 3.

[0072] The method 100 also includes writing 105, to the memory 11 of the plurality of electronic taggants 9, the carpet identification data 13. As noted elsewhere, the carpet identification data 13 can include information on the design, specification, and manufacturer of the carpet. The design information (design code 51) can be indicative of the design type of the carpet. The specification information (specification code 53) can be indicative of the material specification and manufacture process of the carpet. The manufacturer information (manufacture code 55) can be indicative of the manufacturer, specific factory, production line, operator(s), that manufactured the carpet.

[0073] Such information (if known) may be written to the memory 11 of the electronic taggants before complete manufacture of the carpet, such as before attaching the pile 5 to the backing material 3. In other examples, writing to the memory 11 may be done as the carpet 1 is substantially finished, so that other information such as quality control information, etc., can be written to the memory 11 as part of the carpet identification data 13.

[0074] Writing to the memory 11 can also occur post manufacture. This can include information on distribution, consumers, and disposal of the carpet. For example, distribution information (distribution code 57) can be indicative of the wholesaler, retailer, and other distribution and sale history of the carpet. The consumer information (consumer code 59) can be indicative of the customer, or owner, of the carpet, the tenant(s) that used the carpet, and identities and other information relevant to the user. The consumer information may also be updated if there is a new user, or the carpet 1 is sole on a second hand market to another user. The disposal information (disposal code 61) can be indicative of the removal and disposal history of the carpet 1. This may include: the time and the person(s) responsible for removal of the carpet 1 from a premises; how the carpet should be disposed or recycled; and the identities of parties to that process. [0075] In some examples, the method 100 may also include writing, to a distributed ledger 52 (including a block chain), a representation of at least part of the carpet identification data 13. The process of writing to a distributed ledger and the advantages of identifying the provenance of the carpet 1 is discussed in a separate example below.

[0076] Second example of the carpet - Electronic taggants between backing material

[0077] Fig. 2 illustrates a tufted carpet composite 7 that includes fibre tufts forming the pile 5. The fibre tufts pass through a layer 23 of a first backing material 3. In this example, the electronic taggants 9 are dispersed in a binder 19. The binder 19 is sandwiched between the layer 23 of the first backing material 3 and a layer 25 of a second backing material 21.

[0078] In some examples, the binder 19 may include a relatively softer material, such a natural rubber, latex, and other natural or synthetic rubber-like substances. The backing material 3, 21 may be constructed of a hard-wearing fabric. This construction, with the first and second backing material 21 can protect the electronic taggants 19 in the binder 19 from wear or damage.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 9, manufacturing the carpet 1 can include mixing 106 a binder 19 with the plurality of electronic taggants 9. This mix of binder 19 and electronic taggants 9 is then attached 107 to the layer 23 of the first backing material 3. In some examples, the binder 19 may be heated to be tacky to adhere to the first backing material 3. The layer 25 of the second backing material 21 is attached 209 to the binder 19 to sandwich the binder 19.

[0080] In some examples, in addition to heating of the binder can aid adhesion and a vulcanised bond with the first and second backing material(s) 3, 21. In other examples, the binder 19 may be chemically bonded to the first and second backing material(s) without additional application of heat.

[0081] In some examples, the binder 19 may be attached 109 to the second backing material 21 before the first backing material 3.

[0082] In yet other examples, the binder 19 may be sprayed, or otherwise applied to the first or second backing material 3, 21, after which the electronic taggants 9 are deposited onto a layer of the binder 19. This forms the mix of binder 19 with electronic taggants 9. Thus the binder acts as, or like, and adhesive for electronic taggants 9 to attach to either one or both of the backing materials 3, 21.

[0083] Third example of the carpet - Electronic taggants adhered to woven carpet layer

[0084] Fig. 5 illustrates another example of carpet that includes a woven carpet layer 81. The woven carpet layer 81 does not have a separate layer of backing material All. In this example, the binder 19 is mixed 106 with the plurality of electronic taggants 9 and then attached 107 directly to an underside of the woven carpet layer 81.

[0085] In some examples, binder 19 may be sprayed, or rolled onto the underside of the woven carpet layer 81. In some examples, the binder 19 is a transparent adhesive so that when dry, the adhesive is not visible to the naked eye. This may be combined with small, such as nanoparticle sized, electronic taggants 9 so that the application of the taggants are not easily visible.

[0086] Examples of taggants

[0087] In some examples, as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the electronic taggants 9 are RFID tags that allow the carpet identification data 13 to be read and sent wirelessly. In particular an RFID reader 15, can send an interrogation signal to the RFID tag 9 and, in response, the RFID tag transmits (16) the carpet identification data 13 that is stored in the memory 11. This is illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0088] In some examples, the electronic taggants 9 are passive tags powered by interrogation signals 17 from the RFID reader 15. This can include an Active Reader Passive Tag system of communication.

[0089] The electronic taggants 9 can includes a memory 11 to store the carpet identification data 13. In some examples, the memory is a write-once read-many-times (WORM) memory. This can be advantageous in that the carpet identification data cannot be edited after writing. For example, preventing further writing or modification after manufacture, sale, or installation of the carpet 1. For example, a salesperson or installer of the carpet writes to the memory 11 at, or close to sale/installation of the carpet. This can increase confidence in the purported carpet information data 13 in the carpet 1. [0090] In another example of an electronic taggant 9, the memory includes a read only memory (ROM). That is, the memory 11 is manufactured to contain the carpet identification data 13. This can be useful where relevant carpet identification data is known at the time of manufacture, such as the manufacturer, design and specification of the carpet. Read only memory can have the advantage of difficulty for a nefarious person to alter or use different or incorrect carpet identification data.

[0091] In yet another example of an electronic taggant 9, the memory 11 is a write and read many times non-volatile memory. This allows additional information, such as additional carpet identification data 13, to be written to the memory throughout the life cycle of the carpet. This can be advantageous in adding information during various phases that occur at different times, such as design, specification and manufacture information during manufacture of the carpet. Subsequently, distribution, consumer, and disposal information can be added when relevant milestones and events occur.

[0092] The electronic taggants 9 may include nanoparticle devices constructed of, but not limited to, gold, silver, zinc, as well as compounds and composites with such elements. This can include, for example zinc oxide nanoparticle devices embedded in a polymer substrate (such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSSQ), polyvinylpyrrolidone, polystyrene, polymide,) to form part of the non-volatile memory.

[0093] Such nanoparticle devices, and memory therein, may be particularly suitable due to size, low power consumption, high mechanical flexibility and low cost. This may make it particularly suitable, and economical, to distribute a large number of the electronic taggants 9 in the carpet. These nanoparticle devices can be used to provide readable memory that is write once read many times as well as write and read many times. Examples of such nanoparticles incorporating such memory are described in:

• Satendra Pal Singh, Sanjeev K. Sharma, Deuk Young Kim, ‘Carrier mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles-embedded PMMA nanocomposite organic bistable memory device’ (2020) 99 Solid State Sciences 106046

Toan Tanh Dao, Thu Viet Tran, Koichi Higashimine, Hiromasa Okada, Derrick Mott, Shinya Maenosono, Hideyuki Murara, ‘High-performance nonvolatile write-once-read-many-times memory devices with ZnO nanoparticles embedded in polymethylmethacrylate’, (2011) 99 Applied Physics Letters

• W K. Lee, H.Y. Wong, K.C. Aw, ‘Non-volatile memory with zinc oxide nanoparticles embedded in a hybrid polymethylsilsesquioxane layer’, (2011) 88 Microelectronic Engineering 2837-2839

• K. Onlaor, T. Thiwawong, B. Tunhoo, ‘Electrical switching and conduction mechanisms of nonvolatile write-once-read-many-times memory devices with ZnO nanopoarticles emedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone’, (2014) 15 Organic Electronics 1254-1262

[0094] It is to be appreciated that one or more of the memory types described above, or variations thereof, could be used in the electronic taggants 9 of the present disclosure.

[0095] In some examples, the (nanoparticle) electronic taggants are less than 3mm in diameter, or preferably less than 2mm in diameter, or less than 1mm in diameter. In some examples, the quantity of taggants are selected to provide an average density, when distributed in the carpet, of at least one (1) taggant per five (5) square centimetre of the carpet. In preferred examples, the distribution of taggants is: at least one (1) taggant per single square centimetre; at least five (5) taggants per single square centimetre; or at least ten (10) taggants per single square centimetre; or at least twenty (20) taggants per single square centimetre.

[0096] The broad distribution of taggants throughout the binder or other composite structure of the carpet enables identification of even small pieces of carpet. This can be useful for determining the provenance of small pieces, including offcuts, that are disposed or recycled. This is advantageous for waste management including complete lifecycle responsibilities of manufacturers, retailers, owners, carpet layers, or carpet removalists.

[0097] In Fig. 2, the binder 19 includes a plurality of electronic taggants 9 of a uniform type (which in some examples carry the same uniform carpet identification data 13). This is illustrated in better detail in Fig. 3 that shows the binder 19 with a plurality of uniform type of electronic taggants 9 suspended therein. [0098] In some examples, the plurality of electronic taggants 9 can be a mix of different types of taggants 9. In particular, a mix of taggants with different types of memory 11, and/or different portions of carpet identification data 13. Referring to the example in Fig. 4, this includes three subsets 31, 33, 35 of electronic taggants 9 that are different. This can include subsets that have different types of memories, such as a combination of at least two or more of WORM, ROM , and read and write many times non-volatile memory. A combination may be advantageous in some examples where certain information should not be edited, yet allowing flexibility to write new information. For example, ROM may be used for design, specification and manufacturer information as this does not substantially change during the life cycle. WORM may be used for distribution information or the first consumer information. However, read and write many times non-volatile memory may be better suited for information that changes, such as consumer information if there is a second-hand market and subsequent owners, or users (other than the first consumer) should be recorded. Similarly disposal information (that can include recycling, refurbishing, or landfill) may include multiple temporally spaced milestones that require multiple writing of information. These are examples and it is to be appreciated that other combinations and use of different types of memory can be used for part of, or all, of the carpet identification data 13.

[0099] The binder

[0100] Polymer adhesives are used in carpet manufacture to bond tufted material into a composite structure to lock the fibre tufts into the carpet and stop them from being extracted by friction or external forces. They are also used when attaching a separate backing material to a finished carpet material, as is done for carpet tiles. Such adhesive may be used as the binder 19 in the carpet 1 disclosed herein.

[0101] By attaching a polymer adhesive to the underside of a carpet or rug, manufactured by any means, the present disclosure provides self-identification through the incorporation of taggants.

[0102] Adhesive polymers are available as solids or fluids and can be applied as coatings, films or sprays. In carpet manufacture, the most common adhesive polymer is latex which can be in its natural rubber form or as a synthetic product such as Styrene-Butadiene Latex. [0103] Adhesive polymer, generally a synthetic latex, may contains chemical fillers such as calcium carbonate. The means of embedding the electronic taggants 9 in the tufted carpet is by adding them to the adhesive polymer in the same way that the chemical filler is added. When the adhesive is applied to the fabric structure, it embeds the electronic taggants 9 in the final carpet composite structure 7.

[0104] Example of carpet identification data 13

[0105] Fig. 6 illustrates a visual representation of an example of carpet identification data 13. This includes unique information that describes how the carpet has been produced, and incorporates coded data from the from the design code 51, specification code 53 and the manufacture code 55 of a carpet’s lifecycle.

[0106] Other carpet identification data 13 information can include distribution, consumer, and disposal information. These may be added to carpet identification data 13 during manufacture (if known), or at relevant times and milestones throughout the carpet life cycle.

[0107] The types of information that can be incorporated into carpet 1 will now be described with reference to an example carpet lifecycle 83 as illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0108] The first is the design stage 84 of the carpet. This can include a designer creating a design of the carpet that can include a pattern or design type. Other relevant information can include the identity of the designer, the design company, and the date of design which can be useful for tracking provenance and associated intellectual property rights. Such information may be provided in a design code 51 for the carpet identification data 13. Such information can be incorporated in the design code 51.

[0109] The next is specifying 85 the carpet specifications so that the carpet design can be produced. This can include the type of carpet, the method of manufacture, material construction, materials, and fibres, For example, broadloom, tile, tufting (and associated techniques), weaving, loop pile, cut pile, knotting, and other non-woven techniques. This can also include adhesives, additives, and finishing specifications for the carpet. This may also include a reference to the design code (and associated design information) so that there is sufficient information for the manufacture process of the carpet. This can also include person(s) and a date associated with defining these specifications, which can also be used for tracking know how and to track associated intellectual property rights. Such information can be incorporated in the specification code 53. Examples of data that can be extracted from the specification code 53 is also illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0110] The next stage is manufacture 86 of the carpet. Information associated with manufacture include the manufacturer, the location, production line, identity of operators involved in manufacture, batch or production number, the date of manufacture of the carpet (and dates of manufacture of components of the carpet). This can also include similar information from suppliers of material for the manufacture of the carpet, for example, the batch and manufacturer of an adhesive or yam used for the carpet. Such information can be incorporated in the manufacture code 55.

[0111] The distribution stage 87 can include warehousing of the carpet, transportation and distribution from manufacture, to wholesalers, and to retailers of the carpet. This can also include installation of the carpet and other relevant supply chain history. Essentially, the distribution state 87, and associated information, relates to events between manufacture and final installation of the carpet at the premises. This can include the relevant dates that the carpet was stored, transported, sold, and installed. Such information can be incorporated in the distribution code 57.

[0112] The next stage 88 is actual use of the carpet 1 for the intended purpose. This may include details of where the carpet was and installed and for whom. For example, the purchaser of the carpet, the lessor of the carpet, the end user(s) of the carpet and other information relevant to the site of installation. This can include relevant dates, such as the dates of tenancy (or expected tenancy) of a site with that carpet. For example, if a company took a 10-year lease for an office building, information on the company, the location and the length of the lease may be relevant to the use of the carpet. This may be important if that company, as a user, is also responsible for environmental aspects on the use and final disposal of the carpet. Such information 91 related to use 88 may be incorporated in a consumer code 59.

[0113] The next stage 89 is disposal of the carpet 1. Relevant information may include the person(s) or organisation removing the carpet, transporting the carpet for disposal, recycling centre or refuse centre, and other history. This can also include the respective location(s) where the carpet should be disposed. This can be useful for tracking and identifying whether a disposed carpet is at a location where it should be (and assist in rectification if it is otherwise). The disposal information may also include a method of disposal are prescribed by law or by a manufacturer. This may also include a best method of recycling, breaking down, or other disposal method to minimise contamination and/or landfill. Such information related to disposal 89 may be incorporated in a disposal code 61

[0114] Example of storing carpet identification data on blockchain

[0115] The carpet identification data 13, or components, thereof, can be stored on a distributed ledger 52. In some examples, a representation 63 of the carpet identification data 13 can be stored on the distributed ledger 52 in encrypted or unencrypted form. In some examples, part of the carpet identification data 13, such as design code 51, specification code 53, and manufacture code 55 are unencrypted so they can be publicly available. On the other hand, more sensitive information such as customer information in the consumer code 59 may be encrypted, or encrypted in part, to maintain privacy.

[0116] In some examples, the distributed ledger 52 includes a blockchain to record carpet identification data 13. For example, each carpet 1 is assigned a unique blockchain address 50. Records are written to the blockchain 52 that includes carpet identification data 13 (or a representation thereof), which in turn are associated with the blockchain address 50. In turn, the blockchain address 50 may be recorded in the memory 11 of the carpet 1. Therefore to ascertain information regarding the carpet 1, the blockchain address 50 is read from the carpet 1. An entity can then review and identify records on the blockchain 52 that are associated with that blockchain address 50. Such identified records will contain (or have a representation of) at least part of the carpet identification data 13 to derive, or confirm, information related to the carpet 1.

[0117] Advantageously, such a public, or otherwise verifiable record, enables increased confidence in determining the provenance of the carpet 1.

[0118] A method 200 of recording the provenance of a carpet 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this example, the initial information relating the carpet, such as design code 51, specification code 53, and manufacture code are collected to generate 201 a representation 63 of such carpet identification data 13. This information is typically available at the manufacturing stage 86 of the carpet (if not before). A unique blockchain address 50 is then associated with the carpet 1. The representation 63 of the carpet identification data 13 is then written 203 to a record on a blockchain 52, whereby that representation is associated to that unique blockchain address 50.

[0119] The blockchain address 50 is also written 202 to a plurality of taggants 9 that are distributed in the carpet 1. It is to be appreciated that the taggants may have the blockchain address 50 written into them before they were distributed in the carpet 1.

[0120] After this, a person wanting to determine carpet identification data in relation to the carpet can read the taggants 9 to identify the blockchain address 50, and then identify corresponding records in the blockchain 52 that are associated with that blockchain address 50. Such records can then be used to obtain, or confirm, the carpet identification data 13.

[0121] In some examples, the records are merely to confirm data. For example, sensitive carpet identification data 13 may be passed through a one-way cryptographic hash function, whereby the hash of the carpet identification data 13 is recorded on the blockchain. A person reading the records on the blockchain may not be able to reverse the hash function to obtain the original carpet identification data 13. However, say that person were given carpet identification data by another party (e.g. asserted carpet identification data) and that person wants to confirm that the asserted identification data is true. The asserted identification data can then be passed through the cryptographic hash function, and the result can be compared to the corresponding hash for that blockchain address 50 on the blockchain. If they match, then that person can have confidence that the asserted carpet identification data is correct.

[0122] In further examples, the carpet identification data 13 may need to be updated from time to time. Thus the method 200 may further include receiving 205 a notification of a change of status of the carpet. For example, a change due to distribution, sale, installation, disposal, etc. This change in status results in updated carpet identification data that can include, for example information in the distribution code 57, consumer code 59, and disposal code 61. [0123] The method 200 include reading 207, from the taggants 9 of the carpet, the blockchain address 50. This allows the system to determine the correct blockchain address 50 for updating the records. A further representation of the carpet identification data 13 is the generated, whereby the further representation includes at least the change in status of the carpet (which can include updates to one or more of the distribution code 57, consumer code 59, and disposal code 61). The method 200 further includes writing 211 to the record on the blockchain, the further representation of the carpet identification data 13. The further representation is associated with the blockchain address 50 that was read from the taggants 9.

[0124] The next entity who reviews the records on the blockchain 52 and attempts to identify records associated with the unique blockchain address 50 of the carpet would identify the further representation (that is associated with the change in status of the carpet). That entity may also read the originally recorded representation of carpet identification data. This such information may be combined to form a complete picture and history of the carpet life cycle 83 of that carpet 1.

[0125] Assessing carpet performance

[0126] The carpet identification data 13 may be used to assess carpet performance of the carpet 1. As noted above, the carpet identification data 13 includes design information, and specification information. In some examples, this is complete information and definition to produce the carpet 1. Given standardised information, this can also be used to model a carpet as well as simulating use of the carpet. An example of the type of information 91 that can be extracted from carpet identification data 13 is illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0127] A method 300 of assessing carpet performance will be described with reference to Fig. 13. This includes receiving 301 carpet identification data 13 associated with the carpet 1. In the above examples, this can include receiving from the carpet identification data 13 from the memory 11 of the electronic taggants 9.

[0128] The method includes extracting 303, from the carpet identification data 13, the design code 51 indicative of information 91 such as design type for the carpet 1. This further includes extracting 303 a specification code 53 that can include information 91 indicative of material specification, manufacture process, etc. [0129] In some examples, this can include obtaining or deriving information from a record on the blockchain 52 associated with a blockchain address 50 for that carpet. In yet a further example, this can include obtaining, in part, some design or specification, or manufacture information from other sources. For example, the specification code 53 may include a pointer to a record on a database where further information can be obtained.

[0130] The method 300 also includes generating 305 a model of the carpet 1 based on the extracted information of design code 51 and the specification code 53. Since part, or all, of the information is in a standardised form, design codes 51 and specification codes 53 should provide repeatable and consistent results for manufacturing a physical example of the carpet as well as modelling of the carpet.

[0131] The method 300 also includes simulating 307 use of the model of the carpet to generate objective simulated performance data of the carpet 1. Simulated use of the carpet may include one or more input parameters such as: pressure or other forces on the carpet, simulated footsteps, abrasion, rolling of wheels, dragging of objects, temperature exposure, dirt, cleaning, chemical exposure, moisture exposure, sunlight exposure, etc. on the carpet 1. Such methods 300 and simulations 307 may be performed on a number of carpets (or models of carpets) so that an architect, interior designer, builder, user, etc. can objectively compare 309 different carpet designs and specifications.

[0132] In some examples the objective simulated performance data can include a number, or a range, of simulated steps before failure.

[0133] In some examples, comparing 309 the objective simulated performance data of a plurality of different carpets. This may include associated one or more scores for the carpets. The method 300 may include ranking the different carpets and generating 311 an output indicative of a relative ranking of the plurality of carpets. This allows an objective comparison between different design and specification of the plurality of carpets to enable an objective decision. [0134] Advantages and application

[0135] Increasing concerns about global warming and the environmental problems of waste material in energy intensive industries has highlighted a number of carpet industry problems addressable by using carpet identification.

• Product Responsibility, as practised in other industries, is not applied to the industry, because carpet manufacturers cannot individually be held accountable for unidentifiable carpet waste.

• Government intervention to eliminate sale of disposable, short lifespan carpet cannot be enforced for a specific carpet product without identifying its projected wear life.

• Consumers are unable to make informed purchase decisions about fitness-for-purpose and lifespan expectancy due to lack of transparent carpet identification.

• Decisions on selecting the most sustainable means of carpet disposal, prior to its removal as waste, can utilise carpet identification to minimise costs of disposal.

• Carpet repair, as a means of extending product lifespan can be more viable with immediate knowledge of fibre and manufacturing specifications in advance.

• Product piracy by false labelling of cheap carpet or theft of protected designs can be eliminated by effective carpet identification.

[0136] In light of the shortcomings of carpet identification, the present disclosure provides improvements in establishing the properties of a carpet that may ameliorate one or more of the problems discussed above.

[0137] Examples of the present disclosure may addresses the problem of the allocation of product responsibility for the carpet waste where the particular manufacturer who should assume product responsibility cannot be identified. Currently, due to the lack of extended product responsibility (EPR) government legislation consumers and government bear the cost of waste disposal, not manufacturers. Even if EPR is legislated a manufacturer of a carpet or carpet waste cannot be identified and therefore cannot be held accountable. [0138] Known labelling, if available, is limited in the information it provides and is not transparent to consumers on such matters as chemicals used in the carpet's manufacture or the physical construction of the carpet. Consumers may be allergic to various chemicals and the types of chemicals used in constructing the carpet should be made known. When a consumer replaces carpet, as in a renovation, the old carpet, if in good condition, can be sold and reused. Neither the seller nor prospective purchaser is easily able to identify the fibre type, carpet construction or other features since any labelling will have long since disappeared. By including carpet identification data 13, the carpet specifications can be extracted so that a user, or potential user, can be informed on the material and construction of the carpet 1.

[0139] Designs of expensive carpet are often pirated by low cost manufacturers with retailers and consumers unable determine whether they are purchasing an original or a copy. This is the case for limited edition rugs and especially Persian carpets where the manufacturer and its location determine the value of the rug. Authentication of rug manufacture, to protect both the genuine manufacturer and the consumer, is an existing problem. Examples of the present disclosure that allows tracking of the province of a carpet can ameliorate this problem.

[0140] Many known carpet is identified by labelling, generally with one label regardless of the size of carpet. In the case of broadloom rolls, manufacturer information may be printed multiple times across the underside of the carpet. In these cases, any label attached is to the underside of the carpet and is not visible or readable when the carpet is in use. By utilising electronic taggants 9, some of which can be read by readers whilst the carpet is in situ, this eliminates, reduces or otherwise ameliorates this problem.

[0141] When end-of-life carpet, known as carpet waste, requires disposal it is necessary to determine the most economic and convenient method of disposal. The main determinant in deciding the economic viability of recycling is the resale value of the recycled fibre from which the carpet has been constructed. Recycling experts can usually determine the type of fibre and differentiate between the most valuable fibres, such as wool and nylon but are not able to determine if the nylon is type 6 or 66 or the various forms of polyester, such as PET. Kip et al (US5,952,660 A) describes the use of spectroscopes for identifying fiber type in post-consumer waste. To properly determine the type of carpet fibre requires the use of an expensive spectroscope, and affordable only by large recyclers with high volumes of recycling. By including information that can assist in disposal of the carpet in the carpet identification data 13, the present disclosure can lower the cost of recycling and other disposal of the carpet. This can also incentivise entities to properly dispose of the carpet 1.

[0142] Repairing worn or damaged tufted carpet is possible by using hand-tufting guns, as is done by manufacturers when correcting production faults in broadloom rolls. However, without deconstructing the carpet to determine fibre type, stitch spacing and stitch length it is not possible to properly match the repair to the carpet. Knowledge of these parameters can facilitate the possibilities for carpet repair as opposed to carpet replacement. Such knowledge can be obtained from the carpet identification data 13, such as in the design code 51 and the specification code 53.

[0143] Carpet comfort, and durability (or carpet lifespan), are important factors for consumers when purchasing carpet. If labelling provides any information at all about comfort, it is in subjective terms such as plush. With such terms, there is no way of objectively comparing the relative comfort of different carpets. Based on empirical testing the manufacturer may provide a warranty period for a carpet's life span may be provided as a warranted period under different operating conditions, e.g. residential versus commercial. However there is no is objective measure of the maximum life of a carpet. Nor is there an objective measure for consumers to compare the lifespans of different carpets. The method 300 of assessing carpet performance, including simulating use of a model of carpet, disclosed herein may assist in providing an objective measure to compare different carpets.

[0144] Variations

[0145] In some alternative examples, the carpet identification data may be stored on nonelectronic taggants. That is, taggants that can include and store carpet identification data but are read with means other than those described above.

[0146] In one example, the taggants may include microdots that include textual or graphical information that read with an optical reader.

[0147] Thus in alternative examples, the carpet includes: a pile 5 attached to a backing material 3, or a woven carpet layer 81, and a plurality of taggants 9. The plurality of taggants store carpet identification data 13 that can include one or more of: a design code 51, specification code 53, and manufacture code 55 as described above. In some examples, the carpet identification data 13 includes all three of these above mentioned codes. In yet further examples, the carpet identification data 13 includes one or more of a distribution code 57, consumer code 59, and/or a disposal code 61. In yet further examples, the taggants 9 store pointers to a database or other record to derive the carpet identification data 13 (or component codes thereof).

[0148] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.