Visual packaging box

Abstract

The invention discloses a visual packaging box which comprises an inner packaging box body, a first outer box body and a second outer box body from inside to outside. Wherein the second outer box is provided with a visual window. According to the visual packaging box, through organic integration of the double-layer outer box structure and the UV fluorescence and marking unit array digital printing technology, the bottleneck of structure and material splitting in an existing packaging anti-counterfeiting traceability technology is broken through, and the synergistic effect of high anti-counterfeiting, low cost and full traceability is achieved. And the production efficiency and the market response speed of an enterprise are remarkably improved through a standardized and customized combined production mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of packaging technology, specifically relating to a visual packaging box that integrates multiple anti-counterfeiting labels and full-process traceability functions, and is particularly suitable for packaging products that meet the customization requirements of different markets and anti-counterfeiting needs. Background Technology

[0002] In the pharmaceutical, health product, and high-end consumer goods sectors, the demand for anti-counterfeiting and customized packaging is increasingly prominent. Current packaging technologies on the market, such as CN202795899U, CN216958498U, and CN222300065U, have many problems that urgently need to be addressed, as follows:

[0003] Traditional structural packaging, while employing multi-layered designs, relies on limited anti-counterfeiting measures, primarily depending on visible information such as QR codes and batch numbers. This information is easily copied or tampered with. For example, some pharmaceutical packaging has QR codes printed only on the surface, allowing criminals to easily forge them through simple copying and pasting, seriously threatening consumer rights and market order. Furthermore, this type of packaging requires complete redesign and production to meet the language and regulatory requirements of different regions, resulting in high customization costs and low production efficiency. For small-batch customization, frequent equipment switchovers lead to utilization rates of less than 30%, significantly increasing production costs for companies.

[0004] Existing material-based anti-counterfeiting technologies, such as fluorescent inks and digital watermarks, while offering advantages in concealment, suffer from poor compatibility with packaging structures. Most fluorescent anti-counterfeiting labels can only be used independently and cannot be integrated with the tamper-proof structure of packaging, leading to a break in the anti-counterfeiting chain. Digital watermarking technology often suffers from insufficient detection stability under different lighting conditions due to the complex materials of packaging surfaces (such as matte paper and plastic film), resulting in a success rate of less than 70%, which fails to meet practical application needs. Furthermore, these technologies often lack systematic traceability capabilities, failing to achieve information tracking throughout the product's entire lifecycle.

[0005] More importantly, the disconnect between structural design and anti-counterfeiting materials in existing technologies results in packaging that either prioritizes structural protection but lacks sufficient anti-counterfeiting capabilities, or focuses on material encryption but struggles to adapt to diverse market customization needs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a packaging solution that integrates structural innovation and material technology, achieving both high-level anti-counterfeiting and traceability while flexibly meeting the customization requirements of different markets.

[0006] This invention is proposed for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to provide a visual packaging box that integrates a double-layer outer box structure design, fluorescent technology, and printing technology to achieve a synergistic effect of structural protection and material anti-counterfeiting, solving problems such as high customization costs, low anti-counterfeiting levels, and incomplete product information for consumers in existing technologies.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A visual packaging box comprises, from the inside out: an inner packaging box, a first outer box, and a second outer box; wherein the second outer box has a visual window. The inner packaging box is generally made of pharmaceutical-grade aluminum-plastic blister packs, glass tubing, aluminum foil, etc., to contain products such as medicines and ensure that the contents are sealed and moisture-proof; the first outer box is fitted over the inner packaging box and is made of food-grade cardboard or PET plastic; the second outer box is made of opaque white cardboard and transparent PET material as the visual window material.

[0010] Preferably, the outer surface of the first outer box is provided with a colored ink layer, a UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or a marking unit array, and an anti-tampering structure in sequence; the visualization window opened in the second outer box corresponds to the position of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array of the first outer box, with an alignment deviation of ≤±0.5mm.

[0011] Preferably, the UV fluorescent watermark layer contains fluorescent materials and product information. The fluorescent material is a phthalocyanine compound or a fluorescein derivative, with an absorption rate of ≥50% at a wavelength of 350 nm, and emits visible light under ultraviolet light excitation.

[0012] Preferably, the marking unit array is a unique arrangement of multiple patterns with differences in shape, color, and size; the marking unit array patterns are formed by straight lines, 2×2 matrices, or irregular arrangements, and each pattern differs in at least one of shape, color, and size, and the arrangement is unique and corresponds one-to-one with the product information.

[0013] Preferably, the coverage of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or the marking unit array is ≤20% of the surface area of ​​the first outer box; the product information includes anti-counterfeiting and traceability information such as the product production date, batch number, product code, and traceability code.

[0014] Preferably, the tamper-evident structure is a combination of an adhesive seal and an easy-tear line, with the adhesive strength of the seal being ≥5N / 15mm. The tamper-evident structure, using a combination of an adhesive seal and an easy-tear line, cannot be restored once opened.

[0015] Preferably, the second outer box is made of an opaque white cardboard box and a transparent PET material serving as a viewing window. The second outer box is fitted over the first outer box, with customized label information printed on its surface, such as multilingual instructions and regional regulatory markings, and includes a viewing window. The viewing window is partially obscured by a transparent material. The window's position corresponds to the area of ​​the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or the marking unit array on the first outer box, ensuring that the basic anti-counterfeiting information of the first outer box is visible under natural light and that the fluorescent watermark is activated under ultraviolet light.

[0016] The product instruction manual, after being folded, is placed in the side gap between the first and second outer boxes and secured by a positioning slot to avoid obstructing the viewing window.

[0017] Preferably, product information for recording the arrangement of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array is stored in a database. The arrangement of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array can be scanned and identified using a dedicated handheld app, and verified against the database. The database stores the arrangement of the marking units using an encryption algorithm, recording the product information related to the arrangement of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array. The marking units are fixed after each package is completed; that is, an arrangement image is captured using an industrial camera, synchronously entered into the database, and associated with product traceability information to ensure "one box, one code, one record".

[0018] Preferably, the database also stores complete process data for the product's production, warehousing, transportation, and sales; a dedicated app on the handheld terminal can scan and identify the data in real time to complete the verification. The handheld terminal scans and identifies the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or the marking unit array through the dedicated app, compares the image recognition with the decrypted information in the database, and if a match is found, it displays that the authenticity verification is successful and retrieves the traceability information.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] The visual packaging box of this invention has the following advantages: 1. Significantly enhanced anti-counterfeiting level: Combining the dual advantages of structural and material anti-counterfeiting. The tamper-proof structure of the first outer box ensures traceability of physical opening, and the anti-counterfeiting effect of the UV fluorescent watermark layer is difficult to replicate. Through the organic integration of the double-layer outer box structure with UV fluorescence and marking unit array digital printing technology, the bottleneck of the separation of structure and materials in existing packaging anti-counterfeiting and traceability technologies is broken, achieving a synergistic effect of high anti-counterfeiting, low cost, and full traceability. 2. Reduced customization costs: Standardized production of the first outer box can be achieved, while the second outer box and instruction manual can be customized regionally. For example, for a cigarette brand exporting products to 10 countries, this solution only requires the production of one type of first outer box and ten types of second outer boxes, reducing costs compared to the traditional fully customized solution. Its production mode combining standardization and customization significantly improves the company's production efficiency and market response speed. 3. Full-chain coverage of traceability information: The marking unit array traceability product information can record data from the entire process of production, warehousing, transportation, and sales, which can be queried in real time through a dedicated APP or testing equipment, solving the problems of easy tampering and incompleteness of traditional traceability information. 4. Strong environmental adaptability: The UV fluorescent watermark layer demonstrates high product recognition success rate in stability tests conducted in environments ranging from -20℃ to 60℃ and relative humidity from 30% to 90%, making it suitable for demanding scenarios such as pharmaceutical cold chain logistics. 5. High ease of operation: Consumers can easily open the packaging using the tear line, while retaining tamper-proof markings. 6. Balance between aesthetics and concealment: The UV fluorescent watermark layer is concealed under natural light, not affecting the packaging design's aesthetics; it is clearly visible under ultraviolet light, meeting both daily visual needs and facilitating rapid verification by regulatory authorities. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] The present invention discloses a visual packaging box, comprising, from the inside out: an inner packaging box, a first outer box, and a second outer box; wherein the second outer box has a visual window. The inner packaging box is generally made of pharmaceutical-grade aluminum-plastic blister packs, glass tubular bottles, aluminum foil, etc., and is used to contain products such as medicines, ensuring that the contents are sealed and moisture-proof; the first outer box is fitted over the inner packaging box and is made of food-grade cardboard or PET plastic.

[0023] The outer surface of the first outer box is sequentially provided with a colored ink layer, a UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or a marking unit array, and an anti-tampering structure; the visualization window of the second outer box corresponds to the position of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array of the first outer box, with an alignment deviation of ≤ ±0.5mm.

[0024] The UV fluorescent watermark layer contains fluorescent materials and product information. The fluorescent material is a phthalocyanine compound or a fluorescein derivative, with an absorption rate of ≥50% at a wavelength of 350nm, and emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet light.

[0025] The marking unit array is a unique arrangement of multiple patterns with differences in shape, color, and size. The marking unit array patterns are formed by straight lines, 2×2 matrices, or irregular arrangements. Each pattern differs in at least one of the following: shape, color, and size. The arrangement is unique and corresponds one-to-one with the product information.

[0026] The UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or the marking unit array have a coverage of ≤20% of the surface area of ​​the first outer box; the product information includes anti-counterfeiting and traceability information such as the product production date, batch number, product code, and traceability code.

[0027] The tamper-evident structure consists of a combination of a glued seal and an easy-tear line, with the glued seal having an adhesive strength ≥5N / 15mm. The tamper-evident structure, using a combination of a glued seal and an easy-tear line, is irreversible once opened.

[0028] The second outer box is made of opaque white cardboard and transparent PET material serving as a viewing window. The second outer box is fitted over the first outer box, with customized label information printed on its surface, such as multilingual instructions and regional regulatory markings, and includes a viewing window. The viewing window is partially obscured by transparent material. The window's position corresponds to the area of ​​the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array on the first outer box, ensuring that the basic anti-counterfeiting information of the first outer box is visible under natural light and that the fluorescent watermark is activated under ultraviolet light.

[0029] The product instruction manual, after being folded, is placed in the side gap between the first and second outer boxes and secured by a positioning slot to avoid obstructing the viewing window.

[0030] The product information used to record the arrangement of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array is stored in the database. This arrangement can be scanned and identified using a dedicated handheld app, and verified against the database. The database stores the arrangement identifiers using an encryption algorithm, recording the product information related to the arrangement of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array. The database input is fixed for each completed packaging box; that is, the arrangement image is captured by an industrial camera, simultaneously entered into the database, and linked to product traceability information to ensure "one box, one code, one record".

[0031] The database also stores complete process data for product production, warehousing, transportation, and sales; a dedicated app on the handheld terminal can scan and identify the data in real time to complete verification. The handheld terminal scans and identifies the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marker unit array via the dedicated app. After image recognition, it is compared with the decrypted information in the database. If a match is found, the authenticity verification is successful, and traceability information is retrieved.

[0032] Example 1: Visualized packaging box for pharmaceutical tablets.

[0033] Inner packaging box: aluminum-plastic blister pack, 10 pieces / blister, made of pharmaceutical aluminum foil and PVC rigid sheet composite.

[0034] First outer box: 250g / m 2 Food-grade white cardboard. Color ink layer printing: Offset printing technology, 300dpi resolution, pattern includes drug name, specifications, company logo, 6μm thickness. UV fluorescent watermark layer printing: UV transparent ink with added phthalocyanine blue fluorescent material (concentration 3g / L). Product information pattern printed on the upper right corner of the front of the first outer box using a piezoelectric inkjet printer. The pattern includes production date (8 digits), batch number (10 digits), GTIN code (14 digits), and traceability code (32 digits). Marking unit array: Three pattern elements are selected, arranged linearly, specifically: First: sphere, red, 1mm; Second: tetrahedron, blue, 0.5mm; Third: cube, green, 2mm. Anti-tamper structure processing: Hot melt adhesive seals both edges.

[0035] Second outer box: 200g / m 2 White cardstock with English and French labels printed on the surface, containing regional information such as indications, usage, and dosage. A rectangular window in the upper right corner of the main panel serves as a visualization window, made of transparent PET material.

[0036] Insert the aluminum-plastic blister pack into the first outer box and seal it with hot melt adhesive to form a sealed structure. Fold the instruction manual and insert it into the side slot of the second outer box. Insert the first outer box into one end of the second outer box and calibrate it using a positioning fixture to align the UV fluorescent watermark layer and the marking unit array with the visualization window (deviation ≤ ±0.3mm). Seal one end of the second outer box with pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to complete the assembly.

[0037] Performance testing:

[0038] Anti-counterfeiting and traceability detection: Under natural light, the color information of the first outer box is visible through the window; under 365nm ultraviolet light, a blue fluorescent dot matrix is ​​displayed at the window, and the marked unit array is scanned and identified by a dedicated APP, and the product information is completely matched with the database.

[0039] Anti-tampering test: After the second outer box is manually opened, the glue seal of the first outer box remains intact; when the easy-tear line of the first outer box is opened, irreversible damage occurs at the seal, which meets the anti-tampering requirements.

[0040] Stability test: After being placed at 40℃ and 75% relative humidity for three months, the fluorescence intensity showed no significant attenuation, and the product identification was normal.

[0041] Example 2: Application of Visual Packaging Boxes in Cigarette Packaging

[0042] Inner packaging box: made of 250g / m 2 The hard-pack cigarette pack, made of white cardboard, holds 20 cigarettes and is lined with aluminum foil for moisture protection.

[0043] First outer box: Base material is 300g / m 2 Aluminized coated paper with basic product information printed on the surface. Anti-tampering structure: Side anti-theft adhesive seal, combined with an easy-tear line at the top, creates irreversible tear marks upon opening. Marking unit array: Four pattern combinations: (1.1) Position: sphere, brown, 1.5mm; (1.2) Position: cube, gold, 1mm; (2.1) Position: tetrahedron, red, 2mm; (2.2) Position: sphere, green, 0.5mm. This forms a digital watermark signal for the product containing cigarette traceability information (such as tobacco origin, production workshop code, and distribution area code).

[0044] Second outer box: made of 200g / m 2 The surface is printed with customized information, including smoking cessation warnings and brand slogans in the local language for different regions. For example, the domestic version has the Chinese warning "Smoking is harmful to your health" printed next to the window, and the side panel indicates the tar and nicotine content. The export version (taking the EU market as an example) has the English warning "Smoking kills" printed next to the window, and the side panel adds the EU tobacco tax logo. A visual window is provided in the lower right corner of the front, aligned with the fluorescent watermark layer and basic anti-counterfeiting information area on the first outer box. The window edges are rounded to prevent scratches.

[0045] Instructions: The contents include local tobacco regulations and warnings about the dangers of smoking. It is placed in the left gap between the first and second outer boxes and secured by a slot, without obstructing the window.

[0046] Assembly process:

[0047] The group headquarters standardizes the production of the first outer box: completing the basic printing of aluminized coated paper (brand logo, QR code). A fluorescent watermark layer is printed in designated areas using inkjet printing technology, and then UV-cured to form a transparent top coating. Easy-tear lines and tamper-evident sealant are then applied, and the box is assembled and sealed with the inner packaging box (hard cigarette box).

[0048] The regional factory customizes the second outer box: Customized label information is printed according to the target market, and a visual window is punched out. The instruction manual is inserted into the slot on the left side of the second outer box, and then the first outer box is inserted from one end of the sleeve. The alignment deviation between the window and the fluorescent watermark layer is calibrated using a positioning fixture (≤±0.3mm). One end of the second outer box is sealed with environmentally friendly pressure-sensitive adhesive sticker, completing the assembly.

[0049] Effect verification:

[0050] Anti-counterfeiting features: Under natural light, the QR code and batch number on the first outer box are visible through the window, while the fluorescent watermark layer is concealed. The traceability information of the marked unit array can be read using a dedicated scanning app (matching data from the tobacco industry traceability platform).

[0051] Anti-tampering verification: After forcibly opening the second outer box, the anti-theft seal of the first outer box remained intact, and the easy-tear line was complete, ensuring that the core anti-counterfeiting information had not been tampered with. When the easy-tear line of the first outer box was opened, the tear mark was clear and could not be restored.

[0052] Customization advantages: When the same brand of cigarettes is exported to ten countries, only one type of first outer box needs to be produced, along with ten types of second outer boxes, which reduces production costs compared to the traditional fully customized solution.

[0053] This invention overcomes the bottleneck of structural and material separation in existing packaging anti-counterfeiting and traceability technologies by organically integrating a double-layer outer box structure with UV fluorescence and digital printing technology using a marking unit array. This achieves a synergistic effect of high anti-counterfeiting, low cost, and full traceability. Its standardized and customized production model significantly improves enterprise production efficiency and market response speed, providing reliable guarantees for safety supervision in the pharmaceutical, health product, luxury goods, and cigarette industries.

[0054] The above embodiments are described in detail, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A visual packaging box, characterized in that, From the inside out, they are: inner packaging box, first outer box and second outer box; the second outer box has a viewing window.

2. The visual packaging box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first outer box is sequentially provided with a colored ink layer, a UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or a marking unit array, and an anti-tampering structure; the visualization window opened on the second outer box corresponds to the position of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or marking unit array of the first outer box, with an alignment deviation of ≤±0.5mm.

3. The visual packaging box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The UV fluorescent watermark layer contains fluorescent materials and product information. The fluorescent material is a phthalocyanine compound or a fluorescein derivative, with an absorption rate of ≥50% at a wavelength of 350 nm, and emits visible light when excited by ultraviolet light.

4. The visual packaging box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The marking unit array is a unique arrangement of multiple patterns with differences in shape, color, and size. The marking unit array patterns are formed by straight lines, 2×2 matrices, or irregular arrangements. Each pattern differs in at least one of the following: shape, color, and size. The arrangement is unique and corresponds one-to-one with the product information.

5. The visual packaging box according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The coverage of the UV fluorescent watermark layer and / or the marking unit array is ≤20% of the surface area of ​​the first outer box; the product information includes the product production date, batch number, product code and traceability code information.

6. The visual packaging box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tamper-proof structure is a combination of a glued seal and an easy-tear line, with the adhesive strength of the glued seal being ≥5N / 15mm.

7. The visual packaging box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second outer box is made of opaque white cardboard and transparent PET material as a viewing window.

8. The visual packaging box according to claim 5, characterized in that, Product information used to record the arrangement of UV fluorescent watermark layers and / or marking unit arrays is recorded in the database; the arrangement of UV fluorescent watermark layers and / or marking unit arrays can be scanned and identified using a dedicated handheld terminal APP and verified by comparison with the database.

9. The visual packaging box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The database also stores data on the entire process of product production, warehousing, transportation, and sales; a dedicated app on the handheld terminal can scan and identify the data in real time to complete the verification.