Label structure for finished products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a label structure for marking finished products. The label structure according to the invention comprises: a first graphic pattern having a first number of pixels and printed on a first part of the label structure; a second graphic pattern having a second number of pixels and printed on a second part of the label structure, the second graphic pattern forming an optical code readable by an optical decoding device; a shielding member (3) capable of hiding or making visible the first graphic pattern depending on the value taken by a physical quantity to which the label structure is exposed (for example, the ambient temperature). When the first shielding member makes the first graphic pattern visible, the first and second graphic patterns can be observed in combination. When the first graphic pattern is visible through the shielding member, the combination of the first and second graphic patterns forms an optical code readable by an optical decoding device.

Description

[0001] describe

[0002] The present invention relates to a label structure for finished products, in particular for finished electrical products.

[0003] It is well known that electrical products used in power distribution networks or other electrical systems may be exposed to harsh environmental conditions during transportation or their operating life, which can compromise their safety and reliability. For example, exposure to excessively high ambient temperatures during transportation can degrade the quality of certain materials (e.g., plastics) or electrical connections, leading to serious failures that are often difficult to prevent or track.

[0004] The solution to deal with this problem is to monitor the environmental conditions of the electrical products through appropriate monitoring systems.

[0005] However, this approach can be quite difficult to implement in practice, and it typically requires a corresponding increase in the industrial cost of the electrical product.

[0006] In the prior art, there are known temperature tracking labels that are used as a way to mark finished electrical products to obtain information about the temperature history of the finished electrical products.

[0007] Such tracking tags typically employ a pad comprising a thermochromic material that changes its color upon reaching a characteristic transition temperature.

[0008] This type of label construction does not typically allow for the automatic detection of information related to the temperature history of the finished product to which it is applied.

[0009] Furthermore, since the color changes can be identified with the naked eye, they do not allow for keeping this information confidential, which is highly advantageous for device vendors.

[0010] It is obvious from the above that, in the prior art, innovative technical solutions that can overcome or alleviate the above technical problems are highly needed.

[0011] In response to this need, the present invention provides a label structure according to claim 1 and related dependent claims.

[0012] In general definition, the tag structure according to the present invention comprises:

[0013] - a first graphic pattern having a first number of pixels and printed on a first portion of said label structure;

[0014] a second graphic pattern having a second number of pixels and printed on a second portion of the label structure, the second graphic pattern forming an optical code readable by an optical decoding device;

[0015] - a shielding member capable of hiding the first graphic pattern or making it visible depending on the value taken by the physical quantity to which the label structure is exposed (for example the ambient temperature).

[0016] When the obscuring member renders the first graphic pattern visible, the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern can be viewed in combination.

[0017] When the obscuring member renders the first graphic pattern visible, the combination of the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0018] Preferably, the first number N1 of pixels of the first pattern is given by the following relationship: N1<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shielding component is capable of hiding the first graphic pattern when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below a first threshold value, and the shielding component is capable of making the first graphic pattern visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value above or equal to the first threshold value.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the label structure further comprises a third graphic pattern having a third number of pixels and printed on a third portion of the label structure.

[0021] The shielding component is capable of hiding the third graphic pattern when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value lower than a second threshold and higher than a first threshold, and the shielding component is capable of making the third graphic pattern visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold.

[0022] When the shielding member makes the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern visible, the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern, and the third graphic pattern can be viewed in combination.

[0023] When the shielding member makes the first and third graphic patterns visible, the combination of the first, second and third graphic patterns forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0024] Preferably, a third number N3 of pixels of the third graphical pattern is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the layer structure comprises:

[0026] - a first layer of printable material comprising a first area having said first graphic pattern printed thereon;

[0027] a second layer of printable material comprising a second area on which the second graphic pattern is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material, the second layer of printable material being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening overlapping the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the first graphic pattern is printed.

[0028] The masking member includes a first masking material interposed between a first layer of printable material and a second layer of printable material of the printable material and covering a first area of ​​the first layer of printable material having the first graphic pattern printed thereon.

[0029] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below a first threshold, the first masking material assumes an opaque condition, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern.

[0030] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value, the first masking material assumes a transparent condition, thereby making the first graphic pattern visible.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of printable material further comprises a third region on which the third graphic pattern is printed.

[0032] The second layer of printable material overlaps with the first layer of printable material, and the second layer of printable material is made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material further includes a second opening that overlaps with a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the third graphic pattern is printed.

[0033] The masking member further includes a second masking material interposed between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material and covering the second area of ​​the first layer of printable material having the third graphic pattern printed thereon.

[0034] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the second threshold value, the second masking material assumes an opaque condition, thereby hiding the third graphical pattern.

[0035] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value, the second masking material assumes a transparent condition, thereby making the third graphic pattern visible.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the layer structure comprises:

[0037] - a first layer of printable material comprising a first area having said first graphic pattern printed thereon;

[0038] a second layer of printable material comprising a second area on which the second graphic pattern is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material, the second layer of printable material being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening, the first opening overlapping the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the first graphic pattern is printed;

[0039] - at least an SMA arrangement comprising at least a shielding portion interposed between said first and second layers of printable material and having a size or shape that can vary depending on the value taken by said physical quantity.

[0040] The shielding member includes at least the shielding portion.

[0041] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the first threshold, the at least one masking portion covers a first area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby concealing the first graphic pattern.

[0042] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the at least one masking portion does not cover the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby making the first graphic pattern visible.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of printable material further comprises a third region on which the third graphic pattern is printed.

[0044] The second layer of printable material overlaps with the first layer of printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material further includes a second opening that overlaps a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which a third pattern is printed,

[0045] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the second threshold, the at least shielding portion covers a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby concealing the third graphic pattern.

[0046] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value greater than or equal to the second threshold, the at least one masking portion does not cover a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby making the third graphic pattern visible.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shielding component is capable of making the first graphic pattern visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below a first threshold, and the shielding component is capable of hiding the first graphic pattern when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value above or equal to the first threshold.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the label structure further comprises a third graphic pattern having a third number of pixels and printed on a third portion of the label structure.

[0049] The shielding component is capable of making the third graphic pattern visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value lower than a second threshold and higher than the first threshold, and the shielding component is capable of hiding the third graphic pattern when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold.

[0050] When the obscuring member renders the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern visible, the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern, and the third graphic pattern are viewable in combination.

[0051] When the shielding member makes the first and third graphic patterns visible, the combination of the first, second and third graphic patterns forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0052] Preferably, the number N3 of third pixels of the third graphical pattern is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the layer structure comprises:

[0054] - a first layer of printable material comprising a first area having said first graphic pattern printed thereon;

[0055] a second layer of printable material comprising a second area on which the second graphic pattern is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material, the second layer of printable material being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening overlapping the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the first graphic pattern is printed.

[0056] The masking member includes a first masking material interposed between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material and covering a first area of ​​the first layer of printable material having the first graphic pattern printed thereon.

[0057] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below a first threshold value, the first masking material assumes a transparent condition, thereby making the first graphic pattern visible.

[0058] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value, the first masking material assumes an opaque condition, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of printable material further comprises a third region on which the third graphic pattern is printed.

[0060] The second layer of printable material overlaps with the first layer of printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material further includes a second opening that overlaps a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material having a third graphic pattern printed thereon.

[0061] The masking member further includes a second masking material interposed between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material and covering the second area of ​​the first layer of printable material having the third graphic pattern printed thereon.

[0062] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the second threshold value, the second masking material assumes a transparent condition, thereby making the third graphic pattern visible.

[0063] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value, the second masking material assumes an opaque condition, thereby hiding the third graphical pattern.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the layer structure comprises:

[0065] - a first layer of printable material comprising a first area having said first graphic pattern printed thereon;

[0066] a second layer of printable material comprising a second area on which the second graphic pattern is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material, the second layer of printable material being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening overlapping the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the first graphic pattern is printed;

[0067] - at least an SMA arrangement comprising at least a shielding portion interposed between said first and second layers of printable material and having a size or shape that can vary depending on the value taken by said physical quantity.

[0068] The shielding member includes at least the shielding portion.

[0069] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the first threshold, the at least one masking portion does not cover the first area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby making the first graphic pattern visible.

[0070] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the at least one masking portion covers a first area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby concealing the first graphic pattern.

[0071] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of printable material further comprises a third region on which the third graphic pattern is printed.

[0072] the second layer of printable material overlaps the first layer of printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material further comprises a second opening that overlaps a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material on which the third graphic pattern is printed,

[0073] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value below the second threshold, the at least one masking portion does not cover a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby making the third graphic pattern visible.

[0074] When the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity having a value greater than or equal to the second threshold, the at least one masking portion covers a third area of ​​the first layer of printable material, thereby concealing the third graphic pattern.

[0075] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the control unit according to the invention, non-limiting examples of which are provided in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0076] Figure 1-Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a tag structure according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 4-Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a tag structure according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0078] Figures 8-10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a tag structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a label structure 1 for marking finished products.

[0080] The label structure 1 is particularly suitable for electrical products used in power distribution networks or other electrical systems. As an example, it is particularly suitable for labeling cabinets of electrical switchgear.

[0081] However, the label structure 1 according to the present invention can be conveniently used to label different types of products, such as consumer goods, foods, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, packages, containers, envelopes, etc.

[0082] According to the present invention, the label structure 1 comprises a first graphic pattern 101 printed on a first portion 11 , 111 of the label structure 1 .

[0083] The first graphic pattern 101 is printed on a two-dimensional surface and is formed by a set of pixels comprising a first number N1 of pixels.

[0084] Each pixel is conveniently formed by a small area coloured with a suitable permanent ink, which may be of a known type.

[0085] The first graphic pattern 101 may be conveniently printed on a printable material (eg, paper, polypropylene, or plastic film) by using known types of printing techniques (eg, digital printing techniques, screen printing techniques, etc.).

[0086] Preferably, the first graphic pattern 101 itself does not form an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device. For example, the first graphic pattern 101 itself does not form a QR code or barcode that can be read by a conventional optical decoding device. However, the first graphic pattern 101 can be conveniently configured as a small portion of an optical code.

[0087] According to the present invention, the label structure 1 comprises a second graphic pattern 102 printed on the second portion 12 , 120 of the label structure 1 .

[0088] Furthermore, the second graphic pattern 102 is printed on the two-dimensional surface, and it is formed by a group of pixels comprising a second number N2 of pixels.

[0089] The second graphic pattern 102 may be conveniently printed using known types of printing techniques, which will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0090] According to the invention, the second graphical pattern 102 forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0091] Preferably, the second graphical pattern 102 is configured as a QR code or a barcode that can be read by conventional optical decoding equipment.

[0092] According to the invention, the label structure 1 comprises a masking member 3 capable of hiding the first graphic pattern 101 or making it visible, depending on the value taken by the physical quantity T to which said label structure is exposed.

[0093] As will be apparent from the following, according to some embodiments of the present invention ( Figure 4-Figure 5 ), such a shielding component may include a shielding material 3A that can change its optical properties according to the above-mentioned physical quantity T.

[0094] According to other embodiments of the present invention ( Figure 6-Figure 7 ), such a shielding member may comprise a shielding portion 3C of an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) device 14, which is capable of changing its geometric configuration (eg size or shape) according to the value taken by the physical quantity T.

[0095] Preferably, the above physical quantity is the ambient temperature T to which the tag structure 1 is exposed.

[0096] However, in general, the physical quantity T can be of different types, such as magnetic field, humidity, mechanical vibration, light radiation, chemical substance, biological substance, etc.

[0097] According to the invention, the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 are arranged in such a way that they can be viewed in combination when the shielding member 3 makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible.

[0098] As will be apparent from the following, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 4-Figure 7 ), the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern 101, 102 can be conveniently printed on overlapping layers 11, 12 of printable material.

[0099] According to the invention, when the shielding member 3 makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible, the combination of the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 is configured as an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0100] Preferably, when the shielding member 3 makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible, the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 form a QR code or a barcode that can be read by a conventional optical decoding device.

[0101] Thanks to the arrangement of the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 as described above in combination with the shielding means 3 capable of selectively hiding the graphic pattern 101 or making it visible depending on the value taken by the physical quantity T, the label structure 1 allows simple and automatic detection of information related to the exposure history of the physical quantity T.

[0102] In practice, such information may be detected together with other standard information related to the finished product (eg general technical information) encoded by the second graphic pattern 102 by using an optical code reading process (eg a QR code reading process).

[0103] Therefore, the label structure 1 provides relevant advantages in terms of ease of use and reliability.

[0104] Furthermore, the label structure 1 may be directly interfaced with a computerized device capable of processing the information provided by the first and second graphical patterns 101 and 102 described above.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first number N1 of pixels of the first graphical pattern 101 is correlated to the number N2 of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102 .

[0106] Specifically, the first number N1 of pixels of the first graphical pattern 101 is given by the following relationship: N1<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102.

[0107] This solution is very advantageous since it allows selective access to information related to the exposure history of the tag structure 1 to the aforementioned physical quantity T.

[0108] Since the first number N1 of pixels of the first graphic pattern 101 is much smaller than the second number N2 of pixels of the second graphic pattern 102, when the combination of the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern is read by a standard optical decoding device (such as a conventional QR reading optical device), the information graphic pattern 101 (when visible through the shielding part 3) cannot be distinguished from the second graphic pattern 102.

[0109] In contrast, the first graphic pattern 101 (when visible through the masking member 3) can be identified by using a suitable computerized image recognition tool (e.g. Phyton TM The combination of the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern is read and processed by an optical decoding device of an image recognition tool and distinguished from the second graphic pattern 102.

[0110] In this way, a selected person reading the label structure 1 using a suitably configured optical decoding device with image recognition tools will be able to decode the first graphic pattern 101 (when the latter is visible through the shielding member 3) and thereby obtain information related to the exposure history to the physical quantity T.

[0111] On the other hand, a person reading the label structure 1 using a standard optical decoding device will not be able to decode the first graphic pattern 101 (when the above-mentioned shielding means makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible) and thus will not be able to access information related to the exposure history of the physical quantity T.

[0112] It is obvious how the above-described specific arrangement of the first graphical pattern 101 allows keeping confidential the information content provided by said first graphical pattern.

[0113] The first family of embodiments of the present invention

[0114] According to a first family of embodiments of the present invention (which will be better described below), the shielding component 3 is capable of hiding the first graphic pattern 101 when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than the first threshold value TH1, and the shielding component 3 is capable of making the first graphic pattern 101 visible when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value TH1.

[0115] As an example, when the physical quantity T is the ambient temperature and the finished product is an electrical product, the first threshold TH1 may be 70°C.

[0116] According to some variants of these embodiments of the invention, which will be better described below, the label structure 1 comprises an additional graphic pattern 103 for providing additional information related to the exposure history to the physical quantity T.

[0117] Preferably, the label structure 1 comprises a third graphic pattern 103 printed on a third portion 113 of said label structure.

[0118] The third graphical pattern 103 is conveniently printed on a two-dimensional surface and it is formed by a set of pixels comprising a third number N3 of pixels.

[0119] The third graphic design 103 may be conveniently printed on the printable material using known types of printing techniques.

[0120] Preferably, the third graphical pattern 103 itself does not form an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device as the first graphical pattern 101 .

[0121] Preferably, when the label structure is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than the second threshold value TH2 and higher than the first threshold value TH1, the shielding component 3 is capable of hiding the third graphic pattern 103, and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value TH2, the shielding component 3 is capable of making the third graphic pattern 103 also visible.

[0122] As an example, when the physical quantity T is the ambient temperature and the finished product is an electrical product, the second threshold TH2 may be 110°C.

[0123] Preferably, the second and third graphic patterns 102 , 103 are arranged in such a way that they can be viewed in combination when the third graphic pattern 103 is visible through the shielding member 3 .

[0124] As will be apparent from the following, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 5 and 7 ), the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern 102, 103 can be conveniently printed on overlapping layers 11, 12 of printable material.

[0125] Preferably, when the shielding member 3 makes the first and third graphical patterns 101 , 103 visible, the combination of the first, second and third graphical patterns 101 , 102 , 103 forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0126] Preferably, when made visible by the above-mentioned shielding means, the first, second and third graphical patterns 101, 102, 103 form a QR code or barcode that can be read by conventional optical decoding equipment.

[0127] As described above, this arrangement of graphic patterns 101 , 102 , 103 in combination with the shielding member 3 capable of selectively hiding the graphic patterns 101 , 103 or making them visible allows for simple and automatic detection of information related to the exposure history to the physical quantity T.

[0128] Preferably, the third number N3 of pixels of the third graphical pattern 103 is also correlated with the number N2 of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102 .

[0129] Specifically, the number N3 of third pixels of the third graphical pattern 103 is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102.

[0130] As mentioned above, this solution is very advantageous since it allows selective access to information related to the exposure history of the tag structure to the aforementioned physical quantity T.

[0131] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 The general operation of the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-described first group of embodiments of the present invention is briefly described.

[0132] It is assumed that the label structure 1 comprises a first graphical pattern 101 , a second graphical pattern 102 (which is conveniently configured as a QR code) and a third graphical pattern 103 .

[0133] The tag structure 1 is also assumed to be attached to a finished product (not shown) and exposed to a physical quantity T, such as the ambient temperature.

[0134] Figure 1 The operating state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value lower than the first threshold value TH1.

[0135] It can be noted that the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 are not visible because they are hidden by a masking member (not shown).Therefore, only the second graphic pattern 102 can be observed and possibly read by an optical decoding device.

[0136] Obviously, the absence of the first and third graphic patterns 101 , 103 indicates a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure 1 and therefore the finished product has been exposed always takes values ​​below the first threshold TH1 (and the second threshold TH2 ).

[0137] Figure 2 The operating state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value TH1.

[0138] In this case, the first graphic pattern 101 is made visible by the above-mentioned shielding member (not shown), while the third graphic pattern 103 remains hidden.

[0139] It is now possible to observe a combination of the first and second graphic patterns 101, 102. Conveniently, this combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a QR code and it can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0140] Therefore, the presence of the first graphical pattern 101 represents a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure 1 and thus the finished product have been exposed has taken a value higher than or equal to the first threshold TH1 at least once.

[0141] On the other hand, there is no case where the physical quantity T to which the third graphical pattern 103 indicates that the finished product has been exposed always takes a value lower than the second threshold value TH2.

[0142] Figure 3 The operational state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value higher than or equal to a second threshold value TH2 , where TH2 > TH1 .

[0143] In this case, both the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 are made visible by the above-mentioned shielding means (not shown).

[0144] It is now possible to observe a combination of the first, second and third graphical patterns 101, 102, 103. Conveniently, this combination of graphical patterns is still configured as a QR code and it can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0145] Therefore, the presence of both the first graphical pattern 101 and the third graphical pattern 103 indicates a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure 1 and therefore the finished product has been exposed has taken a value higher than or equal to the second threshold TH2 at least once.

[0146] It may be noted that both the first and third graphical patterns 101 , 103 have a much smaller number of pixels than the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102 .

[0147] When the combination of said graphic patterns is read by a standard optical decoding device (eg a conventional QR reading optical device), these graphic patterns (when visible through the shielding member 3 ) cannot be distinguished from the second graphic pattern 102 .

[0148] In contrast, by reading the combination of graphic patterns using an optical decoding device provided by an image recognition tool, the first graphic pattern 101 and the third graphic pattern 103 (when visible through the shielding member 3) can be distinguished from the second graphic pattern 102. Access to the information content provided by the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 can thus be easily restricted to selected persons only.

[0149] Example #1

[0150] refer to Figure 4 , the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned first family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0151] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 comprises only a stack of graphic patterns 101, 102 and an overlay layer on which these graphic patterns and the corresponding masking members 3 are arranged.

[0152] Preferably, the label structure 1 comprises a substrate layer 10 (eg made of paper, polypropylene or plastic film) having opposing first and second surfaces 10A, 10B.

[0153] When the label structure 1 is applied to a finished product, the first surface 10A of the substrate layer 10 will be attached to a surface of the finished product.

[0154] To this end, the first surface 10A of the substrate layer 10 may conveniently be covered with an adhesive material (not shown) of known type. The latter may in turn be covered with a removable protective film (not shown) of known type.

[0155] The opposite second surface 10B of the substrate layer 10 is used to support the remaining structural elements of the label structure 1 .

[0156] The second surface 10B of the substrate layer may conveniently be covered with a suitable paint (not shown), such as white paint, to form a suitable background for the graphic patterns 101 , 102 of the label structure 1 .

[0157] Preferably, the label structure 1 comprises a first layer 11 of printable material, such as paper, polypropylene or a plastic film.

[0158] Conveniently, the first layer 11 of printable material is intended to overlap the substrate layer 10 at its second surface 10B.

[0159] The first layer 11 comprises a first area 111 on which the first graphic pattern 101 is printed. Conveniently, the first area 111 is located at a distal position of the surface 11A of the first layer 11 relative to the substrate layer 10.

[0160] Preferably, the label structure 1 comprises a second layer 12 of printable material (eg paper, polypropylene or plastic film) which is intended to overlap the first layer 111 of printable material at the second surface 11A of the printable material.

[0161] The second layer 12 comprises a second area 120 on which is printed a second graphic pattern 102 (configured as a code readable by an optical decoding device).

[0162] Conveniently, the second region 120 of the second layer 12 is located at a distal position of the surface 12A of the second layer 12 relative to the base layer 10 .

[0163] According to some variations of the invention, the second layer 12 may be made of a transparent material, such as paper, polypropylene or a plastic film.

[0164] Alternatively, the second layer 12 may be formed of an opaque material, such as paper, polypropylene or plastic film, but comprising a first through opening 121 overlapping the first area 111 of the first layer of printable material 11 having the first graphic pattern 101 printed thereon.

[0165] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 includes a first masking material 3A, which is interposed between the first layer and the second layer 11, 12 of printable material and covers at least the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material on which the first graphic pattern 101 is printed.

[0166] A first masking material 3A (for example comprising a thermochromic material such as ozokerite) forms the masking member 3 according to the present invention.

[0167] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts an opaque condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value below a first threshold value TH1 .

[0168] When this opaque condition is adopted, the first masking material 3A hides the first graphic pattern 101 and therefore cannot be observed.

[0169] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts a transparent condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1.

[0170] When such a transparent condition is assumed, the first shielding material 3A makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible, and thus the first graphic pattern can be observed.

[0171] Due to the fact that the second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or that the second layer 12 comprises the first aperture 121 , the combination of the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 can now be observed.

[0172] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0173] Example #2

[0174] refer to Figure 5 , the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned first family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0175] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 comprises a stack of graphic patterns 101, 102, 103 and an overlapping layer on which the graphic patterns and the corresponding masking members 3 are arranged.

[0176] Generally, the configuration of the tag structure 1 is similar to that of the above-described embodiment #1 of the present invention ( Figure 4 ).

[0177] According to this embodiment of the invention, the first layer 11 comprises a first region 111 on which the first graphic pattern 101 is printed and a third region 113 on which the third graphic pattern 103 is printed.

[0178] Conveniently, the first and third regions 111 , 133 of the first layer 11 are located at a distal position of the surface 11A of the first layer 11 relative to the substrate layer 10 .

[0179] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 comprises a second layer 12 of printable material, which may be implemented as in the above-described embodiment #1 of the invention.

[0180] The second layer 12 includes a second region 120, a second graphical pattern 102 (configured as a code readable by an optical decoding device).

[0181] Conveniently, the second region 120 of the second layer 12 is located at a distal position of the surface 12A of the second layer 12 relative to the base layer 10 .

[0182] According to some variations of the invention, the second layer 12 may be made of a transparent material as described above.

[0183] Alternatively, the second layer 12 may be formed of an opaque material as described above. In this case, the second layer 12 includes a first through-opening 121 and a second through-opening 122 that overlap with the first region 111 and the third region 113 of the first layer 11 of printable material, respectively, on which the first graphic pattern 101 and the third graphic pattern 103 are printed.

[0184] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 includes a first masking material 3A, which is located between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material 11, 12, and covers at least the first area 111 of the first layer of printable material, on which the first graphic pattern 101 is located.

[0185] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 includes a second masking material 3B, which is located between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material 11, 12, and covers at least the third area 113 of the first layer of printable material 11, on which the third graphic pattern 103 is printed.

[0186] The first and second shielding materials 3A, 3B, which may be realized as described above, form the shielding member 3 according to the invention.

[0187] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts an opaque condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value below a first threshold value TH1 .

[0188] When this opaque condition is adopted, the first masking material 3A hides the first graphic pattern 101, so the first graphic pattern 101 cannot be observed.

[0189] Conveniently, the third shielding material 3B adopts an opaque condition (for example to visible light) when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value below a second threshold TH2 and above a first threshold TH1 .

[0190] When this opaque condition is adopted, the second shielding material 3B hides the third graphic pattern 103, so the third graphic pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0191] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts a transparent condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1.

[0192] When such transparent conditions are adopted, first masking material 3A makes first graphic pattern 101 visible, so first graphic pattern 101 in combination with second graphic pattern 102 can be observed (due to the fact that second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or includes first aperture 121).

[0193] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0194] Obviously, in this case, the second masking material 3B still hides the third graphic pattern 103, so the third graphic pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0195] Conveniently, the second shielding material 3B adopts a transparent condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2.

[0196] When this transparent condition is adopted, the first masking material 3A makes the third graphic pattern 103 visible, so the third graphic pattern 103 can be observed in combination with the first and second graphic patterns 101, 102 (due to the second layer 12 being made of a transparent material or the second layer 12 including the first and second apertures 121, 122).

[0197] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0198] Example #3

[0199] refer to Figure 6 , the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned first family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0200] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 comprises a stack of graphic patterns 101, 102 and an overlapping layer, on which the graphic patterns and the corresponding masking members 3 are arranged.

[0201] Generally, the tag structure 1 is configured as embodiment #1 of the present invention ( Figure 4 ).

[0202] According to this embodiment of the invention, the tag structure 1 comprises an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) device 14 .

[0203] The SMA device (e.g. configured as a shaped sheet) comprises a fixing portion 140 attached to the first layer 11 and a shielding portion 3C interposed between the first and second layers of printable material 11, 12. The shielding portion 3C can conveniently change its size or shape (e.g. in a prevalent direction) depending on the value taken by the physical quantity T.

[0204] The shielding portion 3C forms the shielding member 3 according to the present invention.

[0205] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value below the first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C covers the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material.

[0206] In this case, the shielding portion 3C shields the first graphic pattern 101, so the first graphic pattern 101 cannot be observed.

[0207] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C leaves the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material uncovered.

[0208] In this case, shielding portion 3C makes first graphic pattern 101 visible so that first graphic pattern 101 in combination with second graphic pattern 102 can be observed (due to the fact that second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or includes first aperture 121 ).

[0209] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0210] Example #4

[0211] refer to Figure 7, the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned first family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0212] According to this embodiment of the invention, the label structure 1 comprises a stack of graphic patterns 101, 102, 103 and an overlapping layer on which the graphic patterns and the corresponding masking members 3 are arranged.

[0213] Generally, the configuration of the tag structure 1 is similar to that of embodiment #2 of the present invention ( Figure 5 ).

[0214] According to this embodiment of the invention, the tag structure 1 comprises an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) device 14 .

[0215] The SMA device (e.g., configured as a shaped sheet) comprises a fixing portion 140 attached to the first layer 11 and a shielding portion 3C interposed between the first and second layers of printable material 11, 12. The shielding portion 3C can conveniently change its size or shape (e.g., along the flow direction) depending on the value taken by the physical quantity T.

[0216] The shielding portion 3C forms the shielding member 3 according to the present invention.

[0217] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value below the first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C covers the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material.

[0218] In this case, the shielding portion 3C shields the first graphic pattern 101 so that it cannot be observed.

[0219] The shielding portion 3C also covers the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of printable material when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value below the second threshold TH2 and above the first threshold TH1 .

[0220] In this state, the shielding portion 3C shields the third pattern 103 , so the third pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0221] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C leaves the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material uncovered.

[0222] In this case, shielding portion 3C makes first graphic pattern 101 visible so that first graphic pattern 101 in combination with second graphic pattern 102 can be observed (due to the fact that second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or includes first aperture 121 ).

[0223] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0224] Obviously, in this case, the shielding portion 3C still hides the third graphic pattern 103, so the third graphic pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0225] The shielding portion 3C also does not cover the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of printable material when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2.

[0226] In this case, the shielding portion 3C makes the third graphic pattern 103 also visible, so that the third graphic pattern 103 can be observed in combination with the first and second graphic patterns 101, 102 (due to the fact that the second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or the second layer 12 includes the first and second apertures 121, 122).

[0227] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0228] According to a possible variant of this embodiment (not shown), the tag structure 1 may comprise two different SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) arrangements.

[0229] The first SMA device comprises a first masking portion capable of covering or uncovering a first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern 101 or making it visible depending on the value the physical quantity T takes.

[0230] The second SMA device comprises a second masking portion capable of covering or not covering the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of printable material, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern 103 or making it visible depending on the value the physical quantity T takes.

[0231] The second family of embodiments of the present invention

[0232] According to a second family of embodiments of the present invention (which will be better described below), the shielding component 3 is capable of making the first graphic pattern 101 visible when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than a first threshold value TH1, and the shielding component 3 is capable of hiding the first graphic pattern 101 when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value TH1.

[0233] According to some variants of these embodiments of the invention, which will be better described below, the label structure 1 comprises an additional graphic pattern 103 for providing additional information related to the exposure history to the physical quantity T.

[0234] Also in this case, the label structure 1 preferably comprises a third graphic pattern 103 printed on a third portion 113 of said label structure.

[0235] The third graphical pattern 103 may be conveniently printed on a two-dimensional surface and is formed by a pixel matrix comprising a third number N3 of pixels.

[0236] The third graphic pattern 103 may be conveniently printed on the printable material using known types of printing techniques (eg, digital printing techniques, screen printing techniques, etc.), which will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0237] Typically, the third graphical pattern 103 does not itself form an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0238] Preferably, when the label structure is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than the second threshold value TH2 and higher than the first threshold value TH1, the shielding component 3 is also capable of making the third graphic pattern 103 visible, and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value TH2, the shielding component 3 is capable of hiding the third graphic pattern 103.

[0239] Preferably, the second and third graphic patterns 102 , 103 are arranged in such a way that they can be viewed in combination when the third graphic pattern 103 is made visible through the shielding member 3 .

[0240] As will be apparent from the following, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 5 and Figure 7 ), the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern 102, 103 can be conveniently printed on overlapping layers 11, 12 of printable material.

[0241] Preferably, when the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 are made visible by the shielding member 3, the combination of the first, second and third graphic patterns 101, 102, 103 forms an optical code that can be read by an optical decoding device, more preferably a QR code or a barcode that can be read by a conventional optical decoding device.

[0242] Preferably, the third number N3 of pixels of the third graphical pattern 103 is also correlated with the number N2 of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102 .

[0243] Specifically, the number N3 of third pixels of the third graphical pattern 103 is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102.

[0244] refer to Figures 8-10The general operation of the tag structure 1 according to the embodiments included in the above-described second family of embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0245] It is assumed that the label structure 1 comprises a first graphical pattern 101 , a second graphical pattern 102 (which is conveniently configured as a QR code) and a third graphical pattern 103 .

[0246] It is also assumed that the label structure 1 is attached to a finished product and is exposed to a physical quantity T, such as the ambient temperature.

[0247] Figure 8 The operating state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value lower than the first threshold value TH1.

[0248] In this case, both the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 are made visible by the above-mentioned shielding means (not shown).

[0249] It is thus possible to observe a combination of the first, second and third graphical patterns 101, 102, 103. Conveniently, this combination of graphical patterns is still configured as a QR code and it can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0250] Therefore, the presence of both the first graphical pattern 101 and the third graphical pattern 103 represents a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure and therefore the finished product has been exposed always takes a value greater than the first threshold TH1 .

[0251] It may be noted that both the first and third graphical patterns 101 , 103 have a much smaller number of pixels than the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern 102 .

[0252] Figure 9 The operating state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value TH1.

[0253] In this case, the first graphic pattern 101 is still visible through the above-mentioned shielding member (not shown), while the third graphic pattern 103 is hidden.

[0254] Now only the combination of the first and second graphical patterns 101, 102 is observable. Conveniently, this combination of graphical patterns is still configured as a QR code and it can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0255] Therefore, the presence of the first graphical pattern 101 represents a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure and therefore the finished product has been exposed has taken a value higher than or equal to the first threshold TH1 at least once.

[0256] On the other hand, the absence of the third graphic pattern 103 represents a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the label structure and therefore the finished product has been exposed always takes a value below the second threshold value TH2.

[0257] Figure 10 The operational state of the tag structure 1 is shown when the physical quantity T takes a value higher than or equal to a second threshold value TH2 , where TH2 > TH1 .

[0258] In this case, both the first and third graphic patterns 101, 103 are hidden by the aforementioned shielding member (not shown).Therefore, only the second graphic pattern 102 can be observed and possibly read by an optical decoding device.

[0259] Therefore, the absence of the first graphical pattern 101 and the third graphical pattern 103 represents a situation in which the physical quantity T to which the finished product has been exposed has assumed at least once a value higher than the second threshold value TH2.

[0260] Example #5

[0261] The tag structure according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned second family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0262] Tag structure 1 basically has the same Figure 4 The general structure is substantially similar to that of Example #1.

[0263] However, in this case, the label structure 1 comprises a first masking material 3A which behaves in the same manner as Figure 4 The opposite of Example #1.

[0264] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts a transparent condition (for example for visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value below a first threshold value TH1 .

[0265] When this transparent condition is assumed, the first shielding material 3A makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible, so that the first graphic pattern can be observed.

[0266] Due to the fact that the second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or that the second layer 12 comprises the first aperture 121 , the combination of the first and second graphic patterns 101 , 102 can now be observed.

[0267] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0268] Conveniently, the first shielding material 3A adopts an opaque condition (for example to visible light) when the tag structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (for example the ambient temperature) having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1 .

[0269] When this opaque condition is adopted, the first masking material 3A hides the first graphic pattern 101, and thus the first graphic pattern cannot be observed.

[0270] Example #6

[0271] The tag structure according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned second family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0272] Tag structure 1 basically has the same Figure 5 The general structure is substantially similar to that of Example #2.

[0273] However, in this case, the label structure 1 comprises a first masking material 3A and a second masking material 3B which are arranged in a manner similar to that of the first masking material 3A and the second masking material 3B. Figure 5 Example #2 works the opposite way.

[0274] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (e.g., ambient temperature) having a value lower than the first threshold TH1, the first shielding material 3A adopts a transparent condition (e.g., to visible light), and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1, the first shielding material 3A adopts an opaque condition.

[0275] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T (e.g., ambient temperature) having a value lower than the second threshold TH2 (higher than the first threshold TH1), the second shielding material 3B adopts a transparent condition (e.g., to visible light), and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the second threshold TH2, the second shielding material 3B adopts an opaque condition.

[0276] When the first and second shielding materials 3A, 3B are both in a transparent condition, the first, second and graphic patterns 101, 102, 103 can be observed in combination.

[0277] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0278] When only the first shielding material 3A is in a transparent state, the first and second graphic patterns 101, 102 can be observed in combination, while the third graphic pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0279] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0280] When both the first and second masking materials 3A, 3B assume an opaque condition, only the second graphic pattern 102 can be observed.

[0281] Example #7

[0282] The tag structure according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned second family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0283] Tag structure 1 has a structure similar to Figure 6 The general structure of Example #3.

[0284] However, in this case, the tag structure 1 comprises an SMA arrangement 14 having a shielding portion 3C which is arranged in a manner similar to that of the SMA arrangement 14. Figure 6 Example #3 works the opposite way.

[0285] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value below a first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C leaves the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material uncovered.

[0286] In this case, the shielding portion 3C makes the first graphic pattern 101 visible so that the first graphic pattern 101 can be observed in combination with the second graphic pattern 102 (due to the fact that the second layer 12 is made of a transparent material or comprises the first aperture 121 ).

[0287] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0288] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 , the shielding portion 3C covers the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material.

[0289] In this case, the shielding portion 3C hides the first graphic pattern 101, and thus the first graphic pattern cannot be observed.

[0290] Example #8

[0291] The tag structure according to the embodiments included in the above-mentioned second family of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0292] Tag structure 1 has a structure similar to Figure 7 The general structure of Example #4.

[0293] However, in this case, the tag structure 1 comprises an SMA arrangement 14 having a shielding portion 3C which is arranged in a manner similar to that of the SMA arrangement 14. Figure 7 Example #4 works the opposite way.

[0294] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than the first threshold value TH1, the shielding portion 3C leaves the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of the printable material uncovered, and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1, the shielding portion 3C covers the first area 111 of the first layer 11 of the printable material.

[0295] When the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value lower than the second threshold value TH2 (higher than the first threshold value TH1), the shielding portion 3C does not cover the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of the printable material, and when the label structure 1 is exposed to a physical quantity T having a value equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2, the shielding portion 3C covers the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of the printable material.

[0296] When the shielding portion 3C leaves both the first graphic pattern 101 and the third graphic pattern 103 uncovered, the first graphic pattern 101 , the second graphic pattern 102 , and the third graphic pattern 103 can be observed in combination.

[0297] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0298] When the shielding portion 3C leaves only the first graphic pattern 101 uncovered, the first graphic pattern 101 and the second graphic pattern 102 can be observed in combination, while the third graphic pattern 103 cannot be observed.

[0299] This combination of graphic patterns is still configured as a code that can be read by an optical decoding device.

[0300] When the shielding portion 3C covers both the first and third graphic patterns 101 and 103 , only the second graphic pattern 102 can be observed.

[0301] According to a possible variant of this embodiment (not shown), the tag structure 1 may comprise two different SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) arrangements.

[0302] The first SMA device comprises a first masking portion capable of covering or uncovering a first area 111 of the first layer 11 of printable material, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern 101 or making it visible depending on the value the physical quantity T takes.

[0303] The second SMA device comprises a second masking portion capable of covering or not covering the third area 113 of the first layer 11 of printable material, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern 103 or making it visible depending on the value the physical quantity T takes.

[0304] The present invention offers significant advantages over the solutions known from the prior art.

[0305] According to the invention, the tag structure allows easy automatic acquisition of information related to a given physical quantity T to which the product may be exposed. Such information can in fact be obtained similarly and together with other standard information related to the finished product using an optical code reading process (e.g. a QR code reading process).

[0306] Thus, the label structure according to the invention can be interfaced directly with computerized devices capable of processing the information provided by the above-mentioned graphic patterns 101, 102 and possibly 103.

[0307] The label structure according to the invention is therefore characterized by a remarkable ease of use and reliability.

[0308] On the other hand, the tag structure according to the invention allows selective access to information related to possible exposure to a given physical quantity T, which makes it particularly suitable for use by equipment suppliers.

[0309] When they are made visible, the graphic patterns providing information about the exposure history to the physical quantity (the first graphic pattern 101 and possibly the third graphic pattern 103) are in fact configured so that they can be distinguished from the graphic patterns reporting standard information (the graphic pattern 102 itself forming a readable code, such as a QR code) only by using an optical decoding device equipped with suitable image recognition tools.

[0310] According to the present invention, the label structure can be easily applied (eg, attached) to the surface, packaging, or housing of a finished product, or applied to a cabinet or container containing various finished products.

[0311] Therefore, the label structure according to the present invention is particularly suitable for marking various products (such as consumer goods, packaging, etc.), in particular electrical products used in power distribution networks or other electrical systems, such as cabinets of electrical switchgear.

[0312] The switching device 1 according to the invention has a relatively easy and cheap industrial production since it can be manufactured with standard printing techniques.

Claims

1. A label structure (1) for marking finished products, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: a first graphic pattern (101) having a first number (N1) of pixels and printed on a first portion (11, 111) of the label structure, wherein the first graphic pattern itself does not form an optical code readable by an optical decoding device; a second graphic pattern (102) having a second number (N2) of pixels and printed on a second portion (12, 120) of the label structure, the second graphic pattern forming an optical code readable by the optical decoding device; - a shielding member (3) capable of hiding the first graphic pattern (101) or making it visible, depending on the value taken by the physical quantity (T) to which the label structure is exposed; wherein the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern (101, 102) are capable of being viewed in combination when the first graphic pattern is visible through the shielding member; wherein the combination of the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern (101, 102) forms an optical code that can be read by the optical decoding device when the first graphic pattern is visible through the shielding member; wherein the first graphical pattern is indistinguishable from the second graphical pattern when the combination of the first graphical pattern and the second graphical pattern is read by the optical decoding device.

2. The label structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first number (N1) of pixels of the first graphical pattern (101) is given by the following relationship: N1<0.3N2, where N2 is the number of pixels of the second graphical pattern (102).

3. The label structure according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The shielding member (3) is capable of concealing the first graphic pattern (101) when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value below a first threshold value (TH1), and is capable of making the first graphic pattern visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value above or equal to the first threshold value (TH1).

4. The label structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The label structure further comprises a third graphical pattern (103) having a third number (N3) of pixels and being printed on a third portion (113) of the label structure, wherein the shielding member (3) is capable of concealing the third graphic pattern (103) when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than a second threshold value (TH2) and higher than the first threshold value (TH1), and the shielding member (3) is capable of making the third graphic pattern (103) visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), wherein the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern, and the third graphic pattern (101, 102, 103) are capable of being viewed in combination when the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 103) are visible through the shielding member; wherein when the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 103) are visible through the shielding member, the combination of the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 102, 103) forms an optical code that can be read by the optical decoding device; wherein said third number (N3) of pixels of said third graphical pattern (103) is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, wherein N2 is the number of pixels of said second graphical pattern (102).

5. The label structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: - a first layer (11) of printable material comprising a first area (111) on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; a second layer (12) of printable material comprising a second area (120) on which the second graphic pattern (102) is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer (11) of printable material, the second layer of printable material being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening (121), the first opening (121) overlapping the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; The shielding member (3) comprises a first shielding material (3A), the first shielding material (3A) being interposed between the first layer of the printable material and the second layer (11, 12) of the printable material and covering the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed. wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than a first threshold value (TH1), the first shielding material (3A) adopts an opaque condition, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern (101), and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value (TH1), the first shielding material (3A) adopts a transparent condition, thereby making the first graphic pattern (101) visible.

6. The label structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first layer (11) of the printable material further comprises a third area (113) on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, the second layer (12) of the printable material overlaps the first layer (11) of the printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer (12) of the printable material further comprises a second opening (122) which overlaps the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, The shielding member (3) further comprises a second shielding material (15), the second shielding material (15) being interposed between the first layer of the printable material and the second layer (11, 12) of the printable material and covering the second region (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed. wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the second threshold value (TH2), the second shielding material (15) adopts an opaque condition, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern (103), and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), the second shielding material (15) adopts a transparent condition, thereby making the third graphic pattern (103) visible.

7. The label structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: - a first layer (11) of printable material comprising a first area (111) on which the first graphic pattern is printed; a second layer (12) of printable material comprising a second area (120) on which the second graphic pattern (102) is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material and being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening (12A) overlapping a first area (111) of the first layer (11) of printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; - at least an SMA arrangement (14) comprising at least a shielding portion (3C) interposed between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material and having a size or shape that is variable depending on the value taken by the physical quantity (T); wherein said shielding member comprises said at least shielding portion (3C); wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the first threshold value (TH1), the at least shielding portion (3C) covers the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern (101), and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value (TH1), the at least shielding portion (3C) does not cover the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby making the first graphic pattern (101) visible.

8. The label structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first layer (11) of the printable material further comprises a third area (113) on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, the second layer (12) of the printable material overlaps the first layer (11) of the printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer (12) of the printable material further comprises a second opening (122) which overlaps the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the second threshold value (TH2), the at least shielding portion (3C) covers the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern (103), and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), the at least shielding portion (3C) does not cover the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby making the third graphic pattern (103) visible.

9. The label structure according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The shielding member (3) is capable of making the first graphic pattern (101) visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value below a first threshold value (TH1), and is capable of hiding the first graphic pattern when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value above or equal to the first threshold value (TH1).

10. The label structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: - a third graphic pattern (103) having a third number (N3) of pixels and printed on a third portion (113) of the label structure; wherein the shielding means (3) is capable of making the third graphic pattern (103) visible when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value below a second threshold value (TH2) and above the first threshold value (TH1), and the shielding means (3) is capable of concealing the third graphic pattern (103) when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value above or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), wherein, when the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 103) are visible through the shielding member, the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 102, 103) can be observed in combination; wherein when the first graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 103) are visible through the shielding member, the combination of the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 102, 103) forms an optical code that can be read by the optical decoding device; wherein said third number (N3) of pixels of said third graphical pattern (103) is given by the following relationship: N3<0.3N2, wherein N2 is the number of pixels of said second graphical pattern (102).

11. The label structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: - a first layer (11) of printable material comprising a first area (111) on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; a second layer (12) of printable material comprising a second area (120) on which the second graphic pattern (102) is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material and being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening (12A) overlapping the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; The shielding member (3) comprises a first shielding material (3A), the first shielding material (3A) being interposed between the first layer of the printable material and the second layer (11, 12) of the printable material and covering the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed. wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than a first threshold value (TH1), the first shielding material (3A) assumes a transparent condition, thereby making the first graphic pattern (101) visible, and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value (TH1), the first shielding material (3A) assumes an opaque condition, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern (101).

12. The label structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first layer (11) of the printable material further comprises a third area (113) on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, the second layer (12) of the printable material overlaps the first layer (11) of the printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer (12) of the printable material further comprises a second opening (122) which overlaps the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, The masking member (3) comprises a second masking material (15), the second masking material (15) being interposed between the first layer of the printable material and the second layer (11, 12) of the printable material and covering the second area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed. wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the second threshold value (TH2), the second shielding material (15) adopts a transparent condition, thereby making the third graphic pattern (103) visible, and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), the second shielding material (15) adopts an opaque condition, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern (103).

13. The label structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The tag structure includes: - a first layer (11) of printable material comprising a first area (111) on which the first graphic pattern is printed; a second layer (12) of printable material comprising a second area (120) on which the second graphic pattern (102) is printed, the second layer of printable material overlapping the first layer of printable material and being made of a transparent material, or the second layer of printable material comprising a first opening (12A) overlapping the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of printable material on which the first graphic pattern (101) is printed; - at least an SMA arrangement (14) comprising at least a shielding portion (3C) interposed between the first layer of printable material and the second layer of printable material and having a size or shape that is variable depending on the value taken by the physical quantity (T); wherein the shielding member (3) comprises at least the shielding portion (3C); wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the first threshold value (TH1), the at least shielding portion (3C) does not cover the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby making the first graphic pattern (101) visible, and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the first threshold value (TH1), the at least shielding portion (3C) covers the first area (111) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby hiding the first graphic pattern (101).

14. The label structure according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first layer (11) of the printable material further comprises a third area (113) on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, the second layer (12) of the printable material overlaps the first layer (11) of the printable material and is made of a transparent material, or the second layer (12) of the printable material further comprises a second opening (122) which overlaps the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material on which the third graphic pattern (103) is printed, wherein when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value lower than the second threshold value (TH2), the at least shielding portion (3C) does not cover the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby making the third graphic pattern (103) visible, and when the label structure is exposed to the physical quantity (T) having a value higher than or equal to the second threshold value (TH2), the at least shielding portion (3C) covers the third area (113) of the first layer (11) of the printable material, thereby hiding the third graphic pattern (103).

15. The label structure according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-8 and 10-14, characterized in that: The second graphic pattern (102) is configured as a QR code or a barcode.

16. The label structure according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-8 and 10-14, characterized in that: When the first graphic pattern (101) is visible through the shielding member, the combination of the first graphic pattern and the second graphic pattern (101, 102) is configured as a QR code or a barcode.

17. The label structure according to claim 4 or 10, characterized in that: When the first graphic pattern (101) and the third graphic pattern are visible through the shielding member, the combination of the first graphic pattern, the second graphic pattern and the third graphic pattern (101, 102, 103) is configured as a QR code or a barcode.

18. The label structure according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-8 and 10-14, characterized in that: The physical quantity (T) is the ambient temperature.

19. An electrical product comprising the label structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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