Method for outputting a condition of at least one seal, seal and system

Abstract

A seal (10) comprises a closing element (14,16',16'',17), a security element (20) and a display unit (24). The security element (20) is designed to generate a code (22) relating to a condition of the seal (10) and to display said code (22) on the display unit (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for outputting a status of at least one seal, a seal and a system for outputting a status of at least one seal.

[0002] Seals are used to close, seal, or secure containers such as containers, cassettes, trolleys, or the like, e.g., prior to transport, in such a way that tampering can be ruled out or at least easily detected upon or after arrival at their destination. Currently known seals serve to reliably detect any tampering that has occurred. Common seals can contain a lead seal, a security label, or any other security element. Seals can also include carriers serving the same purpose that are or can be attached to a product and allow a control function comparable to a seal.

[0003] Seals can be issued by the issuer to customers or users, e.g., in the form of a batch. One problem is that unsealed or unused seals can be unauthorizedly removed from a customer's batch and possibly stored in stock, to then be used in place of regularly applied seals that may have previously been unauthorizedly broken or opened. Another problem is that the issuer and / or customer can quickly lose track of how many seals are in circulation, or how many seals have been applied, or are in use. This can leave the customer unprepared for the problem of running out of seals. Another problem is that seals must be disposed of after use, generating large amounts of plastic waste. Document EP3065120A is considered the closest prior art.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for outputting a status of at least one seal, a seal and a system for outputting a status of at least one seal, which do not have the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments as well as a seal which can be used in such a method and a system for outputting a status of at least one seal are specified in further claims.

[0006] The inventive method for outputting at least one state of at least one seal comprises: in a security element of the seal, generating an identifier associated with a state of the seal, and outputting the identifier; reading the output identifier by a terminal device; in the terminal device, generating identifier data associated with the read identifier; transmitting the identifier data from the terminal device to a remote data processing unit; in the remote data processing unit, processing the identifier data such that status information about the status of the seal is generated; and outputting the status information to at least one further processing unit.

[0007] This creates a method by which a seal can be reliably verified. For example, the scanned identifier can be compared with identifiers stored in the data processing unit. In a further example, the scanned identifier can be subjected to an operation in the data processing unit to determine whether the identifier is correct or was issued by the issuer. The identifier is not statically printed or applied to the seal, but is displayed via the display unit. The identifier can be displayed in a changeable manner. This option of a changeable identifier can make tampering significantly more difficult. The data processing unit can belong to the issuer. Alternatively or additionally, the data processing unit can belong to the customer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the security element is designed to detect an unused or used state of the seal. One advantage of this embodiment is the reliable determination of currently set or used seals. This state can be sent to the data processing unit via the terminal device essentially at the same time as a seal is set. A further processing unit of the issuer that is in communication with this can, for example, constantly compare a batch of seals issued for each customer that is stored in a database of the further processing unit. As soon as the status is reported that a seal has currently been set or is being used, this seal can be deducted from the stock of the issued batch that was originally delivered to the customer.

[0009] The identifier is displayed on a display unit attached to the seal. This allows the identifier to be reliably scanned or photographed by the display unit. The scanned identifier can contain an allocation number for the seal. This makes it possible not only to determine how many seals are still in stock at the respective customer, but also exactly which seal(s) are still available. Conversely, it is of course also possible to determine which of the respective seals are currently in use. This allows the issuer to prepare and ship new seals in a timely manner as soon as it becomes apparent that the number of seals per customer is falling below a predetermined number. The issuer can of course also make information about the number of seals in use or still available available to the customer. This information can, for example,are exchanged via appropriate communication units on the issuer and customer sides, e.g., via the Internet, via a data server (cloud), etc. This way, both the issuer and the customer know how many seals are left per batch. For example, both the issuer and the customer can be aware that the customer may be about to place a new order for seals.

[0010] The identifier is an optically scannable identifier, in particular a barcode or a 2D code. The barcode or 2D code can be generated in a standardized manner and contain information about whether the seal has been applied or not. Additionally, the code can contain information about the seal used, e.g., an identification number. Of course, the code can contain any other information related to the seal, e.g., the time, place, and person associated with the application of the seal. The code can be generated using a proprietary process, which can make tampering by third parties more difficult.

[0011] The terminal device contains an image capture device. In another embodiment, the terminal device contains a wireless transmission unit. In one embodiment, the terminal device is a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. For example, a program issued by the issuer, e.g., an app, can be stored in the smartphone, wherein the program can have access to the smartphone's camera. Likewise, the app can be designed to convert and / or transmit the optical identifier into identification data.

[0012] In one embodiment, the identifier is generated depending on the sealed or unsealed state of the seal. Thus, the sealed state of the seal can be recorded in a tamper-proof manner, and this information can be transmitted to the issuer. Although not listed in detail, other states of the seal can be indicated via the identifier.

[0013] In one embodiment, the issuer's processing unit is configured to verify the seal based on the status information. In another embodiment, the issuer's processing unit is configured to determine a number of sealed and / or unsealed seals from at least one set of seals based on the status information. This method can enable the customer to receive new seals in a timely manner if it turns out that the supply of seals falls below a predetermined number.

[0014] In one embodiment, the set of seals contains a batch of seals that can be assigned to a customer. In one embodiment, the step of reading the displayed identifier further includes the step of capturing geolocation data of the respective location, capturing login data, and / or capturing time data. In a further embodiment, the geolocation data is transmitted together with the identifier data from the terminal to the remote data processing unit. Geolocation enables the issuer and / or customer to record the location and, for example, also the time at which the seal was applied. Furthermore, the person who applied the seal can be recorded, for example, using login data.

[0015] In one embodiment, the status information is transmitted at least partially to a processing unit of the customer. This method may also allow the customer to access information about the status, number, etc. of their respective seals independently of the issuer.

[0016] According to the invention, a seal comprises a closure element, a security element and a display unit, wherein the security element is designed to generate an identifier in connection with a state of the seal and to display the identifier on the display unit.

[0017] The seal according to the invention can be reliably verified using the displayed identifier by photographing the identifier. Since the identifier is not statically printed on the seal, but can be variably displayed via the display unit, tampering is made more difficult. For example, the identifier can be compared with identifiers stored in a data processing unit. In another example, the captured identifier can be subjected to an operation in the data processing unit to determine whether the identifier is correct or was issued by the issuer. Any known or future processes for code verification can be applied. Likewise, it can be promptly identified whether the seal is set or used or not.

[0018] In one embodiment, the security element is configured to generate the identifier depending on at least one of the following: the state of the seal and an identification of the seal. For example, the identifier may contain information about whether the seal is in use or not. The information may further include an identification number of the seal and a variable code that can be used for verification.

[0019] In one embodiment, the seal comprises at least one of a lead seal and a security label. Any known or future type of security element may be used as the seal.

[0020] According to the invention, a system for outputting at least one state of at least one seal comprises: at least one seal, comprising a closure element, a security element and a display unit, wherein the security element is designed to generate an identifier in connection with a state of the seal and to display the identifier on the display unit; a terminal device which is designed to read out the output identifier, to generate identifier data in connection with the read-out identifier, and to transmit the identifier data; a remote data processing unit which is designed to receive the identifier data, to process the identifier data in such a way that status information about the status of the seal is generated, and to output the status information to at least one further processing unit.

[0021] A recorded seal status is sent via the end device to the data processing unit, and a processing unit of the issuer communicating with it can compare a batch of seals issued for each customer stored in a database. For example, as soon as the status is reported that a seal is currently set or in use, this seal can be deducted from the issued batch. The recorded identifier can contain an allocation number for the seal, making it possible to precisely determine which seals are still available or not set, and which of the respective seals are currently in use or are set. This allows new seals to be prepared and dispatched in a timely manner.

[0022] It is expressly pointed out that the above design variants can be combined in any way. Only those combinations of design variants that would lead to contradictions are excluded.

[0023] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a seal according to the present invention in a non-set state, and Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the seal Fig. 1 in a set state, photographed by a terminal device.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows schematically a seal 10 according to the present invention in an unsealed state, while Fig. 2 a schematic view of the seal Fig. 1 in a set or sealed state. The seal 10 is shown or designed as a lead seal 10 in the examples shown. Although not shown, the seal 10 can also be designed as another security element, for example, as a security label, etc.

[0025] The seal 10 contains a seal body 12 and a cable 14, e.g., a plastic strip, which is firmly connected to the seal body 12 at one end and is provided with locking elements 16' at the other end. The cable 14 can be severable and can, e.g., contain a plastic material. The locking elements 16' at the end of the cable 14 can be engaged in a passage 17 with correspondingly shaped locking elements 16'' (see Fig. 2 ). The feedthrough 17 can be permanently attached to the seal body 12, e.g., cast integrally therewith. In this state, the seal 10 is set or in use and fulfills its sealing purpose. The arrangement of cable 14, locking elements 16', 16'', and feedthrough 17 can also be defined as a closure element.

[0026] The seal body 12 may contain a detection device 18 which detects the respective state of the seal 10, ie whether the seal 10 is in an unset state (see Fig. 1 ) or is in a set state (see Fig. 2 ). The detection device 18 communicates the current state of the seal 10 to a security element 20 also included in the seal body 12.

[0027] The security element 20 is adapted to generate an identifier 22 in connection with the state of the seal 10. This identifier 22 can be communicated to a display unit 24, which displays the identifier 22 visibly to the outside. This identifier 22 can be a 2-dimensional code (2D code). The identifier 22 can be any other optically scannable identifier, e.g., a barcode, etc. As shown in the comparison of the Figuren 1 and 2 To identify the seal, the display unit 24 displays different identifiers 22 in connection with the set and non-set state of the seal 10. After the seal 10 is set (see Fig. 2 ), the identifier 22 displayed or output via the display unit 24 can be read out by a terminal 26. In one example, the identifier 22 can be photographed or captured by a mobile phone, e.g., a smartphone 26, of a customer, employee, etc., as shown in Fig. 2shown. The identifier 22 can be displayed on a display of the smartphone 26. Identification data 28 can be generated in the terminal 26 in connection with the read identifier 22. For this purpose, freely available or proprietary software (app) issued by an issuer H of the seal 10 can be used, for example.

[0028] These identification data 28 can be transmitted from the terminal 26 directly or indirectly to a remote data processing unit 30 of the issuer H. For example, the identification data 28 can be stored in an accessible data server 32, also referred to as a cloud. In the remote data processing unit 30, the identification data 28 can be processed, for example, such that status information about the status of the seal is generated and output. This status information can be output to at least one further processing unit 34', 34'' of the issuer H. In the case of an intermediate data server 32, the identification data 28 in the data server 32 can alternatively or additionally be accessed by means of a processing unit 36 ​​of the customer K.

[0029] The further processing unit 34', 34'' of the issuer H is configured, for example, to precisely verify a respective seal 10 based on the status information. For example, a number of sealed and / or unsealed seals from at least one set of seals can be determined based on the status information, wherein this set of seals corresponds to a batch of seals that can be assigned to a customer, e.g., an assignable delivery.

[0030] In one example, in addition to reading the displayed identifier 22 as described above, geolocation data of the respective location can also be recorded. Geolocation makes it possible to record exactly where and possibly also at what time the seal was photographed or scanned. The geolocation data can be generated by the smartphone 26, e.g., using GPS, and transmitted from the smartphone 26 to the remote data processing unit 30 or the data server 32 together with the identifier data 28. Furthermore, login data can be generated which provide an indication of which person photographed the seal. Time data can also be generated which provide a precise indication of the time at which the seal was photographed. The login data and / or time data can be transmitted together with the identifier data 28 to the remote data processing unit 30 or the data server 32.A further advantage of the invention is that, unlike conventional seals, which must be disposed of after a single use, the seal 10 according to the invention can be used multiple times. This significantly reduces plastic waste and conserves resources. Overall, costs can be saved.

Claims

1. Method for outputting at least one condition of at least one seal (10), comprising: - detecting the condition of the seal (10) with a detection device (18) in the seal (10); - generating an identifier (22) depending on the captured condition in a security element (20) of the seal (10), and outputting of the identifier (22) by means of a display unit (24) attached to the seal (10); - reading the output of the identifier (22) by a terminal device (26); - in said terminal device (26), generating identifier data (28) in connection with the selected identifier (22); - transmitting the identifier data (28) from the terminal device (26) to a remote data processing unit (30); - in the remote data processing unit (30), processing the identifier data (28) in such a way that a status information about the condition of the seal (10) is generated; - output of the status information to at least one downstream processing unit (34',34''), in particular a downstream processing unit (34',34'') of a provider (H) of the seal (10), wherein the identifier (22) is an optically scannable identifier, in particular a barcode or a 2-D code, and that the terminal device (26) contains an image-recording device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the security element (20) is designed to record an unused or used condition of the seal (10).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - comparing the issued identifier (22) with identifiers stored in the remote data processing unit (30).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein terminal device (26) contains a wireless transmission unit.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal device (26) is a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone (26).

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier (22) is dependent on a sealed or unsealed condition of the seal (10).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream processing unit (34',34'') of the provider (H) is designed to verify the seal (10) based on the status information.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream processing unit (34',34'') of the provider (H) is designed to determine a number of sealed and / or unsealed seals from at least one set of seals based on the status information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of seals contains a batch of seals attributable to a customer.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of reading the output of the identifier (22) further includes the step of recording geolocation data of the respective location, recording login data, and / or recording time data.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the geolocation data together with the identifier data (28) are transferred from the terminal device (26) to the remote data processing unit (30).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the status information is at least partially transferred to a processing unit (36) of the customer (K).

13. Seal (10), comprising a closure element (14,16',16'',17), detection device (18), a security element (20) and a display unit (24), wherein the detection device (18) is designed to detect a condition of the seal (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and the security element (20) is designed to generate an identifier (22) depending on the detected condition and to display the identifier (22) according to one of claims 1 to 12 on the display unit (24).

14. Seal (10) according to claim 13, wherein the security element (20) is designed to generate the identifier (22) depending on at least one of: condition of the seal (10) and an identification of the seal.

15. A system for outputting at least one condition of at least one seal (10) by means of the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system comprises: - at least one seal (10) according to one of claims 13 to 14, - a terminal device (26) which is designed to read the issued identifier (22), generating identifier data (28) in connection with the issued identifier (22), and to transmit the identifier data (28), - a remote data processing unit (30), which is designed to receive the identifier data (28), to process the identifier data (28) in such a way that a status information about the condition of the seal (10) is generated and to output the status information to at least one downstream processing unit (34',34''), in particular to at least one downstream processing unit (34',34'') of a provider (H) of the seal (10), wherein identifier (22) is an optically scannable identifier, in particular a barcode or a 2-D code, and that the terminal device (26) contains an image-recording device.

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