Method and system for printing serialized information

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for providing a series of serialized unique information and product-related information on a substrate. The method comprises the following steps: using a first set of printer devices (15) to print first product-related information on a substrate; storing the first product-related information in a data storage device (20); using a second set of printer devices (30) or a marking device to provide a series of serialized unique information from a serialized unique information source on the substrate; storing information related to the serialized unique information in the data storage device (20); using a printer device (42) to print a second set of product-related information on the substrate; and analyzing the serialized unique information printed on the substrate and the first and second sets of product-related information to determine the content of the substrate when it is formed into a package.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to applying information to products or merchandise, and more particularly to printing serialized or unique data. Background Art

[0002] In industrial printing systems, industrial printers are typically configured to print different types of information on various types of information carriers (e.g., goods, products, or articles). An example of the operation of such industrial printers may be printing information on various types of packaging or consumer goods. Typically, such packaging or consumer goods require a large number of unique or serialized product identification and content specifications, such as traceability data, serial numbers, packaging time and date, expiration dates, etc.

[0003] Furthermore, the printed information to be printed on the packaging or consumer product may: vary between products in a batch; vary between batches of products; vary by manufacturing location; vary between manufacturing runs; vary by type of printing technology, etc.

[0004] The serialization code may be used to provide a unique identity for a product (eg, for identification purposes). Some examples of application areas are given below.

[0005] Serialized codes may be applied as one or more or a combination of barcode symbologies and standards (e.g., GS1, Data Matrix, DotCode, QR Code, GS1, Codabar, EAN, GTIN, ISBN, UPC, barcode, or QR Code). The printing and print quality of these types of sensitive codes may be affected, for example, by printing speed. Since serialized codes are not static and change with each new print, the printer must change the data and print the new data at high speed with a high-quality and compliant code to allow subsequent scanning and reading of the code.

[0006] The most common technologies used for serialization today can include Thermal Ink Jet (TIJ), Thermal Transfer Overprint (TTO), Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ), and Laser. These printing technologies are often used for coding and labeling based on products.

[0007] Print and apply (P&A) and drop-on-demand (DOD) have been used, but they are limited in application. These printing technologies are generally used for marking of case packaging and pallet labeling.

[0008] TIJ provides high-quality codes and uses environmentally friendly inks, but its main disadvantages are limited line speeds. The cost of variable printing is high. Typically, serialized TIJ is limited to the pharmaceutical industry.

[0009] CIJ technology can also be used. Unfortunately, this technology provides poor quality codes (reading issues). Another issue is the utilization of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). But the cost of variable printing is low. Last but not least, the line speed may be limited when printing high quality codes.

[0010] TTO printing is only possible when printing on foil (e.g. in form, fill and seal applications). It does allow for good print speeds (1000 mm / s). Primary packaging lines can reach speeds of 10,000 mm / s or even faster, and TTO is still limited in terms of print speed. Therefore, the main disadvantages are downtime and the need to regularly replace the ribbon and print head.

[0011] P&A provides high quality printing but is suitable only for secondary and tertiary applications. Printing and labeling speeds are very limited and are suitable for labels to be applied to boxes, bags, pallets, etc.

[0012] DOD provides medium quality printing (150dpi). It has a good (medium) printing speed and the consumables are environmentally friendly. The application range may be limited (boxes, plastics). Some printers can print at a maximum speed of 120m / min = 2000mm / sec. As a result, the barcode quality is low and unreliable at this speed. To improve the quality by one level, the speed can be reduced to 1000mm / sec. Another disadvantage of this technology is the risk of smudging (hindering QR code scanning).

[0013] Laser is another method that can be used for serialization. The advantage of laser is that line speeds can be increased; it is also environmentally friendly, but the main disadvantage is that the code quality (e.g., printing an "x" instead of a clear dot) will be reduced, and therefore reading the code may be a problem. Although lasers can produce full dots, this is very slow because the "beam" is small, so the laser must sweep the beam across the entire area of ​​the barcode element or produce multiple individual small marks to build up the barcode element. In order to mark efficiently, it can produce marks such as Xs, which are non-compliant but can be read by scanners. Due to strict regulations (non-compliant), the quality of the code is an important factor. The cost of variable printing is low. When increasing line speed, the print quality decreases.

[0014] Therefore, your application serialization code may encounter some problems that must be solved:

[0015] The speed at which serialized codes can be printed is limited compared to the speed of the production line;

[0016] oThe speed at which the final printed information is required on the production line is often higher than the speed at which a high-quality serialized code can be printed.

[0017] Loss of print quality of serialization codes;

[0018] oThe quality of the serialized code may be affected depending on, for example, printing speed and printer type.

[0019] Restrictions on the printing technology used;

[0020] oSome technologies can only be used to print, for example, on products, boxes or pallets;

[0021] Restrictions on application (primary, secondary, tertiary);

[0022] Restrictions on the packaging materials used;

[0023] · Restrictions on the types of serialization codes used. Today, manufacturers prefer QR codes or GS1 codes, as these codes can contain more information and are more common in the market. Only for reasons of limitations in printing speed and print quality do manufacturers consider using alternative serialization code types. For example, the "dot code" is considered suitable for the tobacco industry.

[0024] Less information can be stored on a "dot matrix code", but it can be printed at a higher speed. Summary of the invention

[0025] The present invention provides methods, apparatus and systems for overcoming the above problems, allowing high quality serialization at any line speed, and providing the additional advantages described subsequently. The present invention according to one aspect provides a (or more) unique substrate or part of a substrate, which can be used to manufacture, for example, a unique package (by means of a unique serialization code), a unique product information carrier, etc.

[0026] In short, the present invention provides a step of printing packaging material using any analog printer or press, and in a next step, printing any serialization code on the same packaging material. Both steps can be performed before production, and then any product data is printed at or after production. Batch data (i.e., serialization data and product data) is merged, for example, in a database, cloud service, or smart contract (e.g., blockchain) or merged by a computer after production.

[0027] For these reasons, the present invention relates to a method for providing a series of serialized unique information and product related information on a substrate. The method includes the following steps: printing a first product related information on a substrate by an analog printer device; storing the first product related information in a data storage device; providing a series of serialized unique information from a serialized unique information source on the substrate using a second set of printer devices or marking devices; storing information related to the serialized unique information in the data storage device; printing a second set of product related information on the substrate using a printer device; and analyzing the serialized unique information printed on the substrate and the first product related information and the second set of product related information to determine the content of the substrate when it is formed into a package. In one embodiment, the substrate is used as a packaging material, a part of a product, or used in conjunction with a product. In one embodiment, the results of analyzing the serialized unique information and product related information printed on the substrate are used to discard the substrate or the content of the substrate. The method may include transmitting information related to the serialized unique information and product related information and storing it in a data storage device. The method may include scanning the printed serialized unique information using an image scanning or recording device before printing the product related information. The method may include scanning the printed serialized unique information and product related information using an image scanning or recording device. In one embodiment, the serialized unique information includes a code that is unique in content and / or appearance each time it is generated, wherein each code is associated with the previous code and the next code. Preferably, the serialized code is not reprinted. Batch serialized information can be provided by one or more parties (including one or more of the government, manufacturer, converter, printing service provider, and encoding manufacturer) depending on data privacy. In one embodiment, the product-related information and serialized code on the substrate are printed by an industrial printer. The serialized unique information can be implemented in the form of a machine-readable / recognizable / detectable code, which can be, for example, one or more of the following: a barcode, a 2D code (e.g., data matrix, GS1, dot code, and QR code), a character combination, a digital combination, an image, a circuit, or an RFID, or a combination thereof. The first set of printer devices can be a hybrid printer.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a system for providing a series of serialized unique information and product-related information on a substrate. The system includes: a first set of printer devices, a second set of industrial printers, a data storage device, an image scanning device, and a controller. The system is configured to: print first product-related information on a substrate using the first set of printer devices; and transmit and store the first product-related information to the data storage device; provide a series of serialized unique information from a serialized unique information source on the substrate using a second set of printer devices or marking devices; transmit and store information related to the serialized unique information to the data storage device, and merge the data with product-related information; print a second set of product-related information on the substrate; and analyze the serialized unique information printed on the substrate and the first and second sets of product-related information.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a controller for providing a series of serialized unique information and product-related information on an information carrier. The controller includes: a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with a first set of printer devices and a second set of industrial printers, a data storage device, and an image scanning device. The controller is also configured to: provide a series of serialized unique information from a serialized unique information source on a substrate using a second set of printer devices or a marking device; transmit and store information related to the serialized unique information to the data storage device, and merge the data with product-related information; print a second set of product-related information on the substrate; and analyze the serialized unique information and the first and second sets of product-related information printed on the substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Referring to the drawings, wherein elements having like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary system in which the methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a portion of a label printed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 A diagram of an exemplary processing system for use in the system; and

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of process steps used in a system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, as used herein, the term "printing" may refer to transcribing information onto an information carrier or medium.

[0036] As used herein, the term "industrial printer" may refer to a printing or marking device used for consumer and industrial products that require extensive product identification (e.g., expiration dates, traceability data, etc.). The information to be printed may: vary from product to product; vary between batches of similar products; vary due to the time or place of manufacture; and / or vary due to the type of printing technology. An example of an industrial coding and marking environment may be printing labels on various types of packaging or consumer products. Another example may be multiple coding and marking printers using the same technology or different technologies configured to print information on various types of products or goods simultaneously (2 sides of the packaging, a combination of visible and invisible printed information, etc.). Thus, an industrial printer may be a peripheral device that forms a persistent, human-readable representation of graphics or text on a substrate.

[0037] As used herein, the term "serialized code" may refer to a code that is unique in content and / or appearance each time it is generated, wherein each code is related to the previous code and the next code. Serialized codes should not be reprinted. Serialized codes may be implemented in the form of a machine-readable / recognizable / detectable code, for example, one or more of the following: a GS1 code, a 1D code, a 2D code (e.g., a data matrix, a dot code, and a QR code), a combination of characters, a combination of numbers, an image, a circuit, or an RFID.

[0038] As used herein, the term "static code" or "static information" may refer to any type of recurring or repeated data / information that is substantially the same across print runs. Static code / information may include product data / information, content, manufacturing date, best before date, etc.

[0039] The general idea of ​​the invention is to print packaging material using any analog printer or press, and in a next step, print any serialization code on the same packaging material. Both steps can be performed before production. Any product data is then printed at or after production. Batch data (i.e., serialization data) and product data are merged in a database, cloud, or smart contract (e.g., blockchain) at or after production.

[0040] Thus, a digital file comprising a serialization code and product-related data may be split into two or more digital files prior to production, merged after pre-printing the packaging, and merged at or after production.

[0041] According to Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is schematically shown in:

[0042] 1. A product manufacturer 40 purchases packaging material from a supplier 10. The supplier may be a packaging solutions company that is capable of printing packaging material. The packaging material is given as an example and may be any type of substrate for carrying information related to the product.

[0043] 2. The supplier 10 prints the requested packaging materials (packaging-related information such as appearance) using the printer 15 , and stores the batch of product data related to the packaging in, for example, a database, cloud, or smart contract (e.g., blockchain) 20 .

[0044] 3. Generate a unique code package and register it in a database or cloud 20.

[0045] 4. The marking and / or coding printer 30 pre-prints a unique code without product data (e.g., batch number, best before date) on the same packaging material, which makes each package unique. The individual packages may be part of a roll, a printing plate, etc. The marking and / or coding printer may also include a hybrid printer, i.e., a printer that includes both digital printing capabilities and analog printing capabilities.

[0046] 5. After pre-printing, the scanner and / or vision camera 35 scans the unique code (eg, QR code, dot code).

[0047] 6. The different data sets (batch data and unique code packages) are merged (eg, vertical lookup) and stored.

[0048] 7. The packaging material is shipped to the product manufacturer 40. In the factory / production, each unique code is scanned with a scanner 41 and / or a vision camera. The unique code is then associated with the product data by a controller 44. If the associated data (serialization code and product data) matches the specific requirements specific to the product and packaging, the package is filled, and if the associated data does not meet the requirements, the package will be rejected. But since the application is dynamic, printing can be done before or after filling. Both scenarios can occur.

[0049] 8. Product data may be printed at a predetermined location on the unique package using the industrial printer(s) 42. The product data may include, for example, batch number, best before date, serialization data, content information, manufacturing data, etc.

[0050] 9. After printing, the scanner 43 and / or vision camera (or any other image acquisition device) scans the unique code and product data.

[0051] 10. Provide the results of the scanned information to the controller 44. Different data sets are merged (e.g., vertical lookup) or associated and can be stored in a database 20, a cloud service, or a digital information (code) distribution system (e.g., blockchain).

[0052] At any step in the value chain (distribution network)—manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, customer—the unique code can be efficiently scanned to obtain information and use that information for a variety of purposes.

[0053] As described above, unique code packaging can be provided by multiple parties (eg, government, manufacturer, converter, print service provider, encoding manufacturer, or any other third party) depending on data privacy. A series of unique codes can be purchased from a service provider.

[0054] The present invention can use any data storage device as the database 20 or a so-called cloud service, a distributed smart contract or a distributed database (e.g., blockchain).

[0055] Scanning must be performed either during or after printing the product data. Scanning before printing the product data is an optional step.

[0056] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a label portion 60a-60c of a package, for example, comprising a serialized portion 61a-61c and a static portion 62 is shown. When an analog printer is used to print the packaging material, the serialized portion 61a-61c is pre-printed, and each portion includes a unique serial code, in this case a QR code. The static portion 62 is printed during production (packaging) and includes the same product data for all products. Obviously, the static portion may also have variable data, but not as sensitive as the serialized portion. Static data may also be printed at other locations on the package. It is also obvious that the QR code requires high print quality (e.g., particularly for scanning), for example due to its size, which may be an obstacle during high-speed printing.

[0057] In yet another application of the present invention, a serialization code (e.g., QR code, dot matrix code) is printed on any material or product before production, and product data (e.g., batch number, best before date, date) is printed at or after production. The serialization code and product data are combined in a database or so-called cloud storage at or after production. In a packaging facility, each package is filled with unique content, e.g., different numbers of units, content with different colors, different shapes, different weights, different flavors, different smells, etc., and the unique content is associated with unique data stored in a database or cloud.

[0058] refer to Figure 4 Flowchart:

[0059] 1. The manufacturer uses a simulated printer to purchase 501 packaging materials from a converter, printing service provider or any other third party71;

[0060] 2. Register 502 the unique code package in a database, cloud storage device, or distributed database (e.g., blockchain);

[0061] 3. The marking and / or coding printer pre-prints 503 a unique code on the packaging material (e.g., on a film character or on a packaging sheet or substrate) to make each package unique. The individual packages may be part of a roll, a printing plate, etc. The marking and / or coding printer may also include a hybrid printer, i.e., a printer that includes both digital printing capabilities and analog printing capabilities;

[0062] 4. At the factory / manufacturing location, use a scanner and / or vision camera to scan 504 each unique code.

[0063] 5. Print 505 product data (eg, batch number, best before date, unique contents, serialization data) at a predetermined location on the unique package.

[0064] 6. After printing, a scanner and / or vision camera scans 506 the unique code and product data.

[0065] 7. All information is transmitted 507 to the manufacturer's preferred print controller system (eg, MES, middleware, CoLOS). The different data sets are merged (eg, combined, linked, associated, etc.) 507 and stored in a database or cloud storage.

[0066] 8. At the factory / manufacturing location, each unique code is scanned again 508 using a scanner and / or vision camera. Of course, other codes / product information may optionally be read and checked, for example, for quality inspection purposes.

[0067] 9. Production:

[0068] If at 510 the merged data matches the requirements (e.g., the relationship between the sterilization data and the product information is correct, the correct package and product to be packaged, etc.), the package will be filled 511 with unique contents (e.g., different number of units, different color, different shape, different weight, different quality, different flavor, different scent); and

[0069] If the merged data does not meet the requirements, the package will be rejected 512.

[0070] At any step in the value chain (distribution network)—manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, customer—the unique code can be efficiently scanned to obtain information and use that information for a variety of purposes.

[0071] The above requirements may include standards defined by the product manufacturer, for example, the readability of the code meets defined standards, the correctness of the packaging before filling, etc. Typically, filling the packaging is expensive and must be reworked if errors occur, so the present invention provides an insurance check before filling. In addition, this also allows the following capabilities: produce unique packaging materials with unique codes and unique contents (digital production); and match supply and demand (personalized production).

[0072] Figure 3 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system 44 in which the methods and systems described herein may be implemented. System 44 may include a bus 410, a processor 420, a memory 430, a read-only memory (ROM) 440, a storage device 450, an input device 460, an output device 470, and a communication interface 480. Bus 410 allows communication between components of system 44. System 44 may also include one or more power supplies (not shown). Those skilled in the art will recognize that system 44 may be configured in a variety of other ways and may include other or different elements.

[0073] Processor 420 may include any type of processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. Processor 420 may also include logic capable of decoding media files such as audio files, video files, multimedia files, image files, video games, etc. and generating outputs to, for example, a display, etc. Memory 430 may include a random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by processor 420. Memory 430 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor 420.

[0074] ROM 440 may include a conventional ROM device and / or another static storage device that stores static information and instructions for processor 420. Storage device 450 may include a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding drive and / or some other type of magnetic or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive for storing information and instructions. Storage device 450 may also include a flash memory (e.g., an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) device for storing information and instructions.

[0075] Input device 460 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that allow a user to input information to system 44, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a directional pad, a mouse, a pen, a voice recognition device, a touch screen, and / or a biometric recognition mechanism, etc. Output device 470 may include one or more conventional mechanisms for outputting information to a user, including a display, a printer, one or more speakers, etc. Communication interface 480 may include any transceiver-like mechanism that enables system 44 to communicate with other devices and / or systems. For example, communication interface 480 may include a modem or Ethernet interface to a LAN. Alternatively or additionally, communication interface 480 may include other mechanisms for communicating via a network such as a wireless network. For example, the communication interface may include an RF transmitter and receiver and one or more antennas for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) data.

[0076] The system may be configured to communicate with the database / cloud 20 via the communication interface 480. The processor 420 is also configured to receive information from the scanners / vision cameras 41 and 43 and process the information, e.g., comparing product data with serialization information, etc. The system 44 may also control printers and production lines.

[0077] According to an exemplary implementation, the system 44 can perform various processes in response to the processor 420 executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 430. Such instructions can be read into the memory 430 from another computer-readable medium such as the storage device 450 or from a separate device via the communication interface 480. It should be understood that the computer-readable medium may include one or more memory devices or carrier waves. Executing the instruction sequence contained in the memory 430 causes the processor 420 to perform the described actions. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuits can be used to replace software instructions or combined with software instructions to implement various aspects consistent with the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0078] The present invention provides several advantages and benefits compared to other printing methods. Some examples of application areas include:

[0079] Health: The industry is becoming more aware of the use of product marking in consumer goods and other industries, which increases the likelihood and speed of implementing marking recommendations for alcohol, tobacco, or any other industry with health risks (candy). The industry is looking to implement non-proprietary product marking technology, adopt global supply chain standards to demonstrate supply chain transparency, and increased control over the value chain. With this invention, we make each package unique, which opens the door to fiscal coding (stamp duty).

[0080] Safety: There have been major issues within the food industry over the past few years. Through the present invention, any product can be made unique using a unique package.

[0081] Environment: Through the present invention, the industry can stimulate consumers to return packaging (loyalty programs).

[0082] Track and Trace: Secondary and tertiary applications can be tracked and traced through GS1 or other regulatory or customer compliance. Implementation of the present invention also allows for track and trace in the primary space.

[0083] Inventory and Return Process: Currently, when returning products to a store, retailers have a complex return merchandise process (RMA) that is an administrative burden for them. Using the present invention, the RMA process can be simplified and standardized, and greater control over inventory (e.g., apparel industry) can be achieved.

[0084] Supermarkets / Food Markets: Currently, supermarkets or food markets know how much product they have on the shelves. However, they do not know how much product is still on the shelves and their expiry dates. Using this invention, the market can attract customers to the store (loyalty) by discounting products that are about to expire. Also supported by brand owners, food excess may be reduced, which can better control waste and improve the environment.

[0085] Pay per print: Currently, not all manufacturers are able to offer the concept of pay per print / packaging. The concept of having a unique code opens the door for sellers to initiate the pay per print capability.

[0086] Recall Management: Recalling a production batch is a difficult task. This invention allows end-to-end traceability of all produced products.

[0087] Detection / Reading / Removal: Normally, when a "bad package" is detected, the entire production line is usually stopped. With the present invention, bad objects / packages can be rejected at any time during the packaging line process. For example, a metal detector detects metal inside a product, and after the detected product is rejected, the product packaging line continues to run. Therefore, the uptime of the factory is more secure.

[0088] Anti-counterfeiting: Anti-counterfeiting measures are increasingly important for products of reasonable value (e.g., cosmetics, spare parts, etc.). For these markets, serialization options may become expensive or even unavailable. Using the present invention, unique codes can be pre-printed and detected to prevent counterfeiting.

[0089] Restaurants: Restaurants can suffer from wastage due to their uncontrolled "fresh food" inventory. This invention can help them manage this problem better. Example: A national chain of restaurants has an "inventory management" problem. For many restaurants, staff are required to check orders, which is usually done manually. There is a need for a system that allows these restaurants' inventory to be automatically replenished when certain items are removed from their cooling systems.

[0090] Distribution center: Distributors deliver boxes of the same product to supermarkets. Using the present invention, "pick and pack" can be done at the product level rather than at the case level. This can help supermarkets reduce inventory levels.

[0091] Discounters: Through the present invention, discounters can create "ready to sell instances".

[0092] Blockchain: Using the present invention, a unique code can be connected to a blockchain. The unique code can become an enabler of a blockchain or, for example, an electronic smart contract and allow where, when, how packaging and manufacturing were done. This can trigger a variety of solutions, such as: "automatic payments", the customer being able to indicate in the packaging the origin of their product (e.g. the coffee beans are from Thailand instead of Colombia). Thus, digital information (codes) can be distributed but cannot be copied.

[0093] Therefore, compared with the prior art, the present invention provides many advantages, such as:

[0094] Because pre-printing will be done before online printing, customers / factories do not need to disrupt existing infrastructure;

[0095] · High return on investment for manufacturers / packaging industry due to limited investment and reduced costs;

[0096] Applicable to all existing coding technologies;

[0097] Suitable for all applications (primary, secondary, tertiary);

[0098] · The combination of analog printers with marking and coding printers provides the same benefits as using a “digital printer”

[0099] Similar benefits, but with greater cost savings, especially for larger batches (e.g., 97% of today’s packaging market);

[0100] Allows printing of all serialized encoding types (e.g. brands today prefer QR codes because the code can contain more information and is more common. Due to existing limitations in printing speed, brands are considering using dot codes);

[0101] Analog printers also have no restrictions on printing materials.

[0102] No need to change any infrastructure setup. Customers can continue to work with the same seller (packaging solution provider). Customers / factories will not disrupt existing infrastructure. Customers can continue to work with multiple sellers;

[0103] · Due to the existence of analog printing, it is applicable to all packaging materials. The substrate or material can include any type of material, such as: carton, film, cotton, metal, etc.;

[0104] · Since the serialization code is pre-printed, printing speed is no longer an issue; and

[0105] · Print quality is no longer an issue as marking and coding printers are pre-printed in high quality.

[0106] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed, and the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should also be noted that any reference numerals do not limit the scope of the claims, that the present invention may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software, and that a plurality of "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0107] Software and network implementations of the various embodiments of the present invention may be accomplished using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various database search steps or processes, correlation steps or processes, comparison steps or processes, and decision steps or processes.

[0108] Various embodiments of the invention described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which in one embodiment may be implemented in whole or in part by a computer program product (including computer executable instructions, such as program code) contained in a computer-readable medium and executed by a computer in a network environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0109] The embodiments mentioned and described above are given as examples only and should not limit the present invention. Other solutions, uses, objectives and functions within the scope of the present invention as claimed in the patent claims described below should be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method of providing serialized unique information and product related information on a separate substrate in a series of substrates, the method comprising the steps of: Pre-printing packaging related information on the separate substrate by means of an analog printer device (15); Storing the packaging related information in a data storage device (20); Generate a serialized unique information package and register it in the database; Printing the serialized unique information from the serialized unique information package on each individual substrate by a first set of printer devices (30) or marking devices, wherein: The serialized unique information includes a code that is unique in content and / or appearance each time it is printed; Scanning the serialized unique information; · combining the serialized unique information with pre-printed packaging related information; scanning the serialized unique information on each individual substrate, associating the serialized unique information to the packaging-related information, and comparing the associated serialized unique information and the packaging-related information to requirements specific to the product and the packaging of the product; and printing a set of product-related data on said separate substrate using a printer device (42), Wherein, the product-related information includes the packaging-related information and the product-related data set.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The separate substrate is used as packaging material, a part of the product, or a part associated with the product.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The comparison result of the serialized unique information and the product-related information printed on the separate substrate is used to discard the separate substrate or the content of the separate substrate.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: Before printing the product related information, the printed serialized unique information is scanned using an image scanning or recording device (35).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: An image scanning or recording device (41) is used to scan the printed set of serialized unique information and product related information.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each code of the serialized unique information is associated with the previous code and the next code.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The code cannot be reprinted.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Batch serialization unique information is provided by one or more parties, including a government, manufacturer, converter, print service provider, or encoding manufacturer, depending on data privacy.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The product-related information and the code on the separate substrate are printed by an industrial printer.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The serialized unique information is implemented in the form of a machine-readable / recognizable / detectable code, which is one or more of the following: barcode symbol and GS1, data matrix, dot code, QR code, GS1, Codabar code, EAN, GTIN, ISBN, UPC, barcode, character combination, number combination, image, circuit or RFID or a combination thereof.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first set of printer devices is a hybrid printer.

12. A system for providing serialized unique information and product related information on individual substrates in a series of substrates, the system comprising: Simulate printer devices (15), · The first printer device (30), Data storage device (20), Image scanning equipment (35, 41, 43), and Controller (44); The controller is configured to generate instructions to perform the following operations: Pre-printing packaging related information on the separate substrate by means of the analog printer device; · transmitting the package-related information and storing it in a data storage device; printing said serialized unique information from a serialized unique information data storage device on each individual substrate by said first set of printer devices or marking devices, wherein said serialized unique information comprises a code that is unique in content and / or appearance each time it is printed; Scanning the serialized unique information; · Combine the serialization unique information and packaging related information; scanning the serialized unique information on the separate substrate, associating the serialized unique information with packaging-related information, and comparing the associated serialized unique information and packaging-related information with requirements specific to a product and the packaging of the product; and printing a set of product-related data on said separate substrate, Wherein, the product-related information includes the packaging-related information and the product-related data set.

13. A controller (44) for providing serialized unique information and product-related information on a separate information carrier in a series of information carriers, the controller comprising: a processor (420), Memory (430), a communication interface (480) configured to communicate with the simulated printer device and the first set of printer devices, the data storage device, and the image scanning device, The controller is further configured to generate instructions to perform the following operations: The analog printer device pre-prints the first package related information on the separate information carrier; providing the serialized unique information to the first set of printer devices or marking devices to print the serialized unique information on the individual information carriers, wherein the serialized unique information comprises a code that is unique in content and / or appearance each time it is printed; Scanning the serialized unique information; Merging the serialization unique information and packaging related information; scanning the serialized unique information on the separate information carrier, associating the serialized unique information with packaging-related information, and comparing the associated serialized unique information and packaging-related information with requirements specific to a product and a packaging of the product; and printing a product-related data set on said separate information carrier, The product-related information includes the first packaging-related information and the product-related data set.

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