PACKAGE FOR ENCLOSING A PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present invention relates to a package arranged for enclosing a product and at least partially being constituted by or provided with a protective barrier, said package further supporting a transponder unit arranged for carrying information related at least to said product and being configured for communicating with an external reader unit.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a package for enclosing a product and a method for detecting a condition inside a package enclosing a product. Also, the invention relates to a device and method, respectively, for providing product-related information associated with a product enclosed in a package.

BACKGROUND ART:

Protective barriers are widely used within the packaging industry to enhance, protect and prolong the lifetime of various products being enclosed in a package. The barriers are usually integrated into the package material and may be used to protect the contents of the package from either the environment outside the package or the package material itself. The barriers also serve to protect the package material from the enclosed contents. Barriers have different properties and different levels of efficiency and may stop, reduce or prolong the entry of a specified compound such as for example oxygen or carbon dioxide, or any other compound which may cause damage to the product if being exposed to said compound.

Numerous materials are available for use as barriers for packages. Some examples are cellophane or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as gas barriers keeping e.g. oxygen and nitrogen inside or outside the package. Other examples are water or fat barriers such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) or aluminium. The barrier type, and the material chosen, are typically tailored to meet the specific requirements of the packed goods.

There are increasing demands from consumers, retailers and producers to ensure that the package of a product is intact, thereby ensuring that the product performs as intended and that the shelf life of the product is maintained as intended. A defect in the protective barrier may cause the product to perform in a suboptimal manner, thereby resulting in poor quality for the consumer or, in the worst case, a spoilt or damaged product. This could have an immediate effect on the consumer, but may also affect the retailer and the producer in terms of reputation and trustworthiness. In the event that the product in the package is some type of foodstuff, a defect protective barrier may also cause health-related problems, for example if a product is kept in a store for a long time with a damaged barrier.

Furthermore, from a commercial as well as a safety perspective, it is important that a consumer receives correct product information related to products enclosed in packages. This information may include (but is not limited to) data related to product contents, product safety, promotion, guidelines for use, related products etc.

Common ways of communicating with end consumers are to use mature

communication channels like TV, radio or internet, or via printed information on the package. The information printed on a package is limited to the size of the package without any further possibility to interact. QR codes have started to gain in presence, enabling new communication possibilities. QR codes, however, need to be printed and be clearly visible on the package to be photographed or read. Thus,

requirements are put on the layout and contrast. This will in turn limit the graphical design of the actual package being presented to the customer. Further, QR codes are not able to communicate real-time information about the product or the package, such as the current status of a protective barrier. In order to solve the above-mentioned objects, it is previously known to provide various types of packages with transponders, for example of the RFID type ("radio frequency identification"). Such transponders are normally provided with a unique ID code which can be detected and read by means of a reader unit. By reading the ID code of a particular product, certain information can be obtained. For example, information relating to the type of product, price, origin etc can be programmed onto the transponder by choosing a corresponding ID code.

Consequently, there is a need for improved ways of directly communicating product- related information of a particular package. Also, referring to the barrier technology described above, there is also a desire to maintain a protective barrier in a safe and complete state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The object of the invention is to provide a package comprising a protective barrier for enclosing a product and also provide relevant information related to products enclosed in packages. Thereby, added value and information on usability of the product is provided to the user. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the customer with further product-related information being associated with the condition of the protective barrier of the package. These objects are achieved by the subject-matter as set forth in the independent claims.

More precisely, and according to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is obtained by means of a package arranged for enclosing a product and at least partially being constituted by or provided with a protective barrier, said package further supporting a transponder unit arranged for carrying information related at least to said product and being configured for communicating with an external reader unit. The invention furthermore, comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting at least one condition being associated with the function of said protective barrier, said sensor unit being configured for communicating with said transponder unit.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit is arranged for detecting at least one condition corresponding to a defect of said protective barrier. Such a defect may arise if the barrier is torn or damaged in some other way.

The transponder unit may be a part of the package. In particular, the transponder unit may be embedded in the material of package. The transponder unit is thereby not visible to the user and may not be tampered with. Further, since product-related information is stored on the transponder unit the outside of the package is not needed for product related information. Therefore, the outside of the package may be used solely for printing advertising messages appealing to the potential buyer instead of displaying information in excess of what is stipulated in applicable legislation regarding the product, e.g. the ingredients, shelf life and origin of the product.

The transponder unit may be an RFID unit utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. In particular, it may be an NFC tag utilizing near-field

communication (NFC) technology. The reader unit communicating with the

transponder unit may thus be an RFID/NFC reader such as a compatible mobile phone or a tablet computer, or a dedicated reader unit which can be portable or fixed. An RFID or NFC compatible and active reader unit may communicate with a transponder, and hence receive information, only when the reader unit is in the vicinity of the transponder. Thereby, information may be communicated from the transponder unit via the RFID or NFC unit to the reader unit and subsequently be made available to the user.

Using RFID/NFC technology extends the possibility to interact with a user of the product by offering direct or tailored communication towards the user, which was not previously possible. A user may be directed, via the reader unit, towards a specific webpage or application program in which information on the product is presented. Hence, added value and usability of the product is provided to the user.

The possibility of communication between the transponder unit and the reader unit is restricted by the distance between the two units. The maximum distance which still permits communication depends on the technology used, i.e. some types of RFID tags may establish communication with a reader unit at a distance of a few meters whereas an NFC tag establishes communication only at close vicinity to the reader unit, such as at a distance of a few centimetres. Therefore, different transponder units, for example tags as described above, may be suitable for different applications and/or products.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transponder unit is arranged to be connected to the sensor unit via an electrically conductive coupling. The transponder unit may also be arranged to be connected to the sensor unit via a wireless electromagnetic coupling. The sensor could then be inductively coupled to the transponder unit.

The invention is suitable for packages of a wide variety of materials, however, the package preferably contains at least 50% wood-based fibres. It is preferably coated with calcium sulfate, carbonate-, kaolin-, talc-, AIOH-, TiO2-, or plastic pigment based coatings. Numerous materials are available for use as barriers, and need to be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the package and the packed product. Some examples are cellophane or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as gas barriers keeping e.g. oxygen and nitrogen inside or outside the package; water or fat barriers such as Polyethylene (PE) or aluminium. The protective barrier may be integrated in the material of the package or provided as a separate part of the package. A package itself may also be a barrier such as a PET bottle.

Preferably, the sensor unit is arranged in the enclosed environment of the package such that the sensor senses at least one condition inside the protective barrier.

Thereby, the sensor may detect a change in condition, such as an increase in oxygen level, and further communicate this to the transponder unit to which it is connected. The condition detected by said sensor unit may thus be communicated by the transponder unit to the reader unit. The condition detected by the sensor unit may be registered by the reader unit as a status indicator of the barrier. The condition, such as an increase in oxygen level, is hence directly communicated to the RFID or NFC tag and thereby accessible to the user via the reader unit. Thereby, the sensor unit gives information on the quality of the environment inside the package and may provide a signal if the barrier does not perform as expected.

The protective barrier according to the present invention is a barrier that prevents, reduces or prolongs transfer of compounds between the packed product and the surroundings of the package or between the packed product and the package, i.e. a migration barrier, and/or maintains a predetermined physical condition inside the enclosed package. The condition maintained by the protective barrier may be a level of moisture, gas, vapour, liquid or a compound concentration condition in the enclosed environment of the package. The sensor unit is arranged to detect the corresponding condition or compound, depending on the type of protective barrier and the condition the barrier is intended to uphold. Suitable sensor units may include but are not limited to gas sensors, such as sensors detecting 02, CO2, N2, C2H4 or aroma, water vapour sensors, fat sensors or water sensors. These sensors are suitable if the protective barrier is a gas barrier, water vapour barrier, fat barrier or water barrier, respectively. The sensor unit may also be another suitable sensor unit with the possibility to detect a physical condition or a level of a chemical compound. The sensor communicates the detected condition or compound level to the transponder unit. The transponder unit may, by the use of e.g. RFID or NFC technology, communicate information relating to the detected condition or compound level to the reader unit. The status of the barrier may thereby be relayed to the user of the reader unit.

The package of the present invention is suitable for foodstuffs, medicine, hygiene products or electronic components. Other products requiring the protection of a protective barrier associated with the package may also be suitable to enclose in a package of the present invention.

The transponder unit may carry product related information on shelf life, consumer safety guidelines, usage, origin or characteristics of the packaged product; or may carry information related to auxiliary or complementary products as well as product guides and product promotion. The transponder unit may also carry information or links in the form of media or entertainment services, such as for example information related to music, movies, computer games or similar services. In this manner, an enhanced value for a customer may be obtained when buying the package .

Furthermore, the transponder unit may also enable connection to social networking services. This information may be communicated to the end user/consumer via the reader unit communicating with the transponder unit.

The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a package for enclosing a product. The manufacturing method comprises: providing a material constituting said package; providing a protective barrier in at least a part of said package; and arranging a transponder unit supported by said package; said transponder unit being arranged for communicating with an external reader unit. The method further comprises: arranging at least one sensor unit in association with said package, said sensor unit being arranged for detecting a condition being associated with the function of said protective barrier; and providing a connection between said sensor unit and said transponder unit. The method may comprise embedding or integrating the transponder unit with the package. Thereby, the transponder is not visible to the user which in turn reduces the risk of the transponder being tampered with.

The method may comprise arranging the sensor unit in the enclosed environment of the package such that the sensor senses at least one condition inside the protective barrier. Thereby, the sensor may recognize a change in condition inside the protective barrier due to e.g. a breakage in the barrier. The method may also include arranging one sensor unit in the enclosed environment and another sensor unit in the environment surrounding the package. Thereby, the difference between the two different sensor unit detections may be communicated to the reader unit via the transponder unit.

The method of manufacturing of a package may further comprise arranging an electrically conductive coupling between the transponder unit and the sensor unit or an electromagnetically coupled connection between the transponder unit and the sensor unit. The coupling enables the sensor to communicate the detected data to the transponder unit.

Applying the protective barrier to the package by lamination, extrusion or coating may also be a step of the method. Further, another step may include applying the barrier onto the material of the package using blade, film, rod, spray or curtain coating.

The method may also include adding at least a second sensor, either in the sensor unit or as a separate sensor unit in communication with the transponder unit.

The invention also concerns a method for detecting the condition inside a package enclosing a product, said package being at least partially constituted by or provided with protective barrier and supporting a transponder unit arranged for carrying information related at least to said product and being configured for communicating with an external reader unit. Said method furthermore comprises the steps of:

arranging at least one sensor unit in association with the package, said sensor unit detecting said condition; establishing communication between at least one sensor unit and said transponder unit; and generating information in said transponder unit corresponding to said detected condition.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises detecting at least one condition corresponding to a defect of said protective barrier. Such detection is provided through the use of the sensor unit.

The method preferably comprises arranging the sensor unit in the enclosed environment of the package such that said sensor unit senses at least one condition inside the protective barrier. The sensor unit detects conditions comprising moisture, gas, vapour, liquid or a compound concentration condition in the enclosed

environment of the package. The sensor unit may also detect levels of a specific compound. In this manner, the user may receive information regarding the condition inside the protective barrier. In this manner, the invention allows the condition detected by the sensor unit to be communicated to the transponder and the transponder may communicate the information to the external reader unit. The condition may thus be communicated to the user of the reader unit, and the information on the condition detected may be indicative of the status of the barrier and also the status of the product being enclosed within the package.

According to an embodiment, at least a second sensor may also be arranged in association with the package. The at least second sensor may be arranged to detect a different condition or compound than the first sensor.

The transponder unit and the reader unit are communicating information received from the sensor unit. The communication is preferably done by RFID or NFC technology. The RFID and NFC technologies enable direct and interactive

information to the user via the reader unit. The transponder unit is preferably an RFID or NFC tag and the reader unit is a compatible RFID or NFC reader such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer. A user of the reader unit is activating the reader unit for example by positioning the transponder of the package in the vicinity of the reader unit. Thereby, the reader unit is receiving information from the transponder unit. Subsequently, the reader unit displays the information regarding a detected condition as a status indicator of the protective barrier. The information regarding a detected condition may be displayed as an occurrence of a defect of the protective barrier. It is thus possible for the user of the reader unit, e.g. a potential customer or a retailer, to remove a package with a faulty barrier.

Hence, poor experiences such as a purchase of a suboptimal or spoiled product may be avoided.

The reader unit may be directing the user to an application program ("app") or to a webpage as a result of the information communicated to the reader unit by the transponder unit. The data may also be logged and saved in the reader unit or in an external data memory in communication with the reader unit such that statistics of occurrences in the protective barriers of specific products may be established and evaluated.

The invention also concerns a device for providing product-related information associated with a product enclosed in a package, said package being at least partially constituted by or provided with a protective barrier and supporting a transponder unit arranged for carrying information related at least to said product and being configured for communicating with an external reader unit. Said device comprises at least one sensor unit for generating further product-related information related to at least one condition being associated with the function of said protective barrier, wherein said sensor unit is configured for communicating with said

transponder unit.

The user could for example receive product related information carried by the transponder unit in response to the condition, e.g. the level of oxygen as detected by the sensor unit. This information, communicated to the user by the reader unit, may include messages such as an expected reduced shelf life due to exposure of oxygen, or a warning regarding loss of aroma. Such product specific messages based on the conditions detected in the package are made available to the customer because the transponder unit is configured to communicate with a sensor unit inside the protective barrier.

Further, the change in condition detected by the sensor unit may be registered by the reader unit as an occurrence of a defect of the barrier. It may also be registered as an indication that the barrier is no longer intact, or that the package has been opened and its content exposed to the environment. Thereby the customer/consumer or the retailer will be able to identify the barrier status of a package, and defect packages may easily be sorted out. This would lead to defect products never reaching the end customer/consumer which would lead to a bad experience, or to a negative effect on the health of the consumer. Additionally, the producer will not be made responsible for a substandard product which would potentially lead to loss of customers due to failure of the package. Also, the invention relates to a method for providing product-related information associated with a product enclosed in a package, the package being at least partially constituted by or provided with a protective barrier and supporting a transponder unit. Furthermore, the method comprises providing said transponder unit with information related to at least said product; and establishing communication between said transponder unit and an external reader unit. Also, said method comprises:

generating further product-related information related to at least one condition being associated with the function of said protective barrier, by means of at least one sensor unit arranged in association with said package; and establishing

communication between said sensor unit and said transponder unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the

accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment according to the invention;

and Figure 2 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method according to the invention.

This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS:

Figure 1 shows, in a schematic view, a package 1 according to an embodiment of the invention which encloses a product 2. In this example the product is a food-stuff, illustrated as a sausage. The package 1 is provided with a protective barrier 3, which is integrated with the package 1 in order to prevent transfer of compounds or exchange of conditions between the enclosed environment 4, in which the product 2 resides, and the surroundings of the package 1 .

The package 1 is further provided with a transponder unit 5, which carries information related to the product 2. In this example, the transponder unit 5 comprises an NFC chip, also called an "NFC tag", which is suitably embedded in the material of the package 1 and is thus not visible on the outside of the package 1 . For example, if the package 1 is manufactured from cardboard or carton, the NFC tag 5 can be laminated within separate cardboard or carton sheets forming part of the package 1 . Since the NFC tag 5 carries information regarding the product, the outside design of the package 1 does not have to contain this information. The outside of the package 1 can consequently be designed based on esthetic requirements, as a means to appeal to a buyer.

The NFC tag 5 may also be arranged on the inside of the package 1 , as a separate part from the package 1 . The NFC tag 5 utilizes radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and may communicate with a reader unit 6 if and when the reader unit 6 is in close vicinity of the NFC tag 5 and if is is enabled. Another transponder unit of RFID type is also plausible within the scope of the invention. The reader unit 5 is illustrated as a smartphone in Figure 1 , but may also be a tablet computer, PDA or any other dedicated reader unit configured for NFC communication. The reader unit 6 is arranged for receiving information from the NFC tag 5, and conveys the information to the user, suitably by presenting said information on a display 7 forming part of the reader unit 6. The information can optionally also be directed to a remote server unit 8, suitably via wireless, internet-based

communication. Also, the reader unit 6 may also be configured to communicate with a further wireless device 9 such as a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet computer or similar.

The reader unit 6 may also be configured to provide an aural message, i.e. in the form of a sound or a spoken message, in order to provide for example an indication of the contents of the package 1 or the condition thereof. The information received by the reader unit 6 is further communicated to the central server 8 in which product- related data may be tracked and stored. The package 1 is also provided with sensor unit 10. The sensor unit 10 is arranged for detecting a physical condition of the barrier 3 or the occurrence of a chemical compound inside of the barrier 3, i.e. in the environment 4 enclosed by the barrier 3. Thus, the status or condition of the barrier 3, such as for example the occurrence of a defect 1 1 in the barrier 3 (illustrated in Fig. 1 as a tear or hole in the barrier 3, but not limited thereto), may be detected and communicated to a user which uses a reader unit 6 to check the status of the NFC tag 5. The sensor 10 may be a fat sensor, gas sensor, water sensor or any other suitable sensor depending on the requirements and properties of the barrier 3 and depending on which product 2 is enclosed within the package 1 .

The sensor 10 in Figure 1 is preferably a gas sensor arranged to sense any concentration of oxygen in the enclosed environment 4. In this manner, it may detect a change in oxygen level in the event that the defect 1 1 in the barrier 3 occurs. The sensor 10 is configured to communicate with the NFC tag 5 via an electrically conductive coupling 12, and hence communicates the measurements of oxygen to the NFC tag 5. Furthermore, the NFC tag 5 communicates the received status to the reader unit 6. The indicative status of the barrier 3 is communicated to the user via the reader unit 6, in addition to product-related information. In order for the information related to the status of the barrier 3 and the environment 4 to be more accurate, another sensor (not shown) would be arranged inside the enclosed package 1 for detection of another compound or condition, alternatively a sensor arranged on the outside of the package 1 such that the surroundings conditions could be detected as well.

Figure 2 illustrates a method of detecting the status of a package 1 according to the invention. In order to allow such detection the package 1 must first be provided with a protective barrier 3 and a transponder unit (step 13 as indicated in Fig. 2).

Furthermore, a sensor 10 is provided in a manner so that it is supported by, or embedded in, the package 1 (step 14). The sensor 10 is arranged for detecting at least one condition, preferably corresponding to a defect, of the barrier 3,

As a defect 1 1 occurs, such as a puncture or tear in the barrier 3, the enclosed environment 4 of the package 1 is exposed to the outer surroundings, i.e. the atmosphere. Thereby the package 1 is no longer hermetically sealed, and oxygen enters the enclosed environment 4 as shown in Fig. 1 . In the event that the product 2 is a food product, this defect may cause the product 2 to rot, or turn sour. The change in conditions, oxygen in the example, is detected by the sensor unit 10. The information from the sensor 10 is communicated to the NFC tag 4 via the electric coupling 12. The NFC tag 5 is carrying information related to the product, such as for example its shelf life, which is relevant when a defect 1 1 of the barrier 3 is detected. Depending on the information communicated between the reader unit 6 and the NFC tag 5, information is generated by the NFC tag 5 regarding the change in condition detected by the sensor unit 10 (step 15).

The sensor 10 is configured for transferring information related to the detected condition to the NFC tag 5 via the coupling 12 (step 16). The NFC tag 5 subsequently generates information which reflects the detecting condition, as detected by means of the sensor 10 (step 17). When a user then places an NFC reader unit 6 adjacent to the package 1 , the reader unit 6 communicates with the NFC tag 5 using RFID technology (step 18). The information generated by the NFC tag 5 is transferred from the NFC tag 5 to the reader unit 6 which is displaying the status of the protective barrier 3 on its display 7 (step 19). One example of information that is displayed is that a defect 1 1 has occurred in the barrier 3 and thus the shelf-life of the product 2 is no longer guaranteed. Such a situation may occur if for example a customer in a shop uses a reader unit 6 to check the package 1 . Hence, the status of the protective barrier 3, and subsequently the status of the package 1 , is communicated to the user. Consequently, any defect packages 1 may be sorted out by the consumer. Alternatively, in case a person of the staff of the shop uses the reader unit 6 to check a number of packages, any defect package or product may be sorted out and discarded at a the point of purchase.

Other information may also be communicated to the consumer via the reader unit 6, such as information regarding the origin or ingredients of the product 2.

The invention can suitably be manufactured by means of a manufacturing process which involves a number of steps. Firstly, a suitable material constituting the package 1 (cf. Fig. 1 ) is provided. The package according to the invention can be implemented with a variety of materials. However, the package preferably contains at least 50% wood-based fibres. It is preferably coated with calcium sulfate, carbonate-, kaolin-, talc-, AIOH-, TiO2-, or plastic pigment based coatings. Furhermore, the package is subsequently provided with a protective barrier in at least a part of said package. Several material are suitable as barriers, for example cellophane or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which keep oxygen and nitrogen inside or outside the package. Furthermore, if the protective barrier is intended as barriers against water or fat, materials such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) or aluminium are suitable.

The protective barrier is arranged in at least a part of the package. Furthermore, a transponder unit is arranged so as to be supported or carried by the package. Also, a sensor unit is provided in the package. As explained above, the sensor unit is being configured for detecting a condition being associated with the function of the protective barrier. Also, the coupling or connection between the sensor unit and said transponder unit is provided. According to further embodiments, the invention relates to a method and device for providing product-related information associated with a product which is enclosed in a package of the type as explained above. Accordingly, the package comprises at least one sensor unit for generating product-related information which is related to at least one condition being associated with the function of the protective barrier. For example, a user could receive product-related information in the form of the level of oxygen in the package, as detected by the sensor unit. Additionally, information related to the expected shelf life of the product could be provided, which is

particularly relevant if the product contained in package is some sort of foodstuff. Also, information indicating that there is a defect in the barrier, could also be provided. Such information, at least partly based on the conditions of the protective barrier, are available to a user since the transponder unit is configured to

communicate with the sensor unit inside the protective barrier. Such information could also be combined with information stored in the transponder unit and which may reflect for example the price, properties or origin of the product in question.

The user may also be redirected to view a webpage or use an application program ("app") with information on the product and the status of the product depending on the status of the barrier 3. Alternatively, the user may be directed to a particular webpage in order to be presented with information regarding product-related matters such as complementary products which may enhance the purchase of the first package. For example, if a user has a package with coffee which is scanned by means of the reader unit, said reader unit may direct the user to a website or program informing the user of certain types of chocolate or ice cream which taste well together with the coffee.

The foregoing has described the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the invention should not be regarded as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. It should therefore be appreciated that variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, other communication technologies than RFID and NFC allowing communication between a transponder unit and a reader unit are possible. As examples, wireless communication technologies based on the Zigbee standard, or Bluetooth, can be used for implementing the present invention.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment the package may comprise at least two sensors detecting different conditions or compounds. Thereby, two or more different conditions may be detected simultaneously and give additional information regarding the status of the barrier as well as the product to the end user. For example, a defect in a barrier may cause aroma to exit as well as oxygen to enter the formerly enclosed environment. The sensor units may be simultaneously active. The sensors may be arranged in one sensor unit, or in two separate sensor units both connected to the transponder unit. Additional information may be provided to the consumer if two or more sensors are used. The status indication of the protective barrier, and hence the information regarding the product, is also more trustworthy and accurate as it takes more into account, i.e. different conditions or compound levels are measured by the different sensors simultaneously. Thereby, the reliability of the information reaching the customer can be improved.