Label for attaching to an object

Abstract

Label (1) for application to an object, comprising a carrier layer (2), an adhesive layer (4) arranged on the carrier layer for attaching the label to a surface of the object, a removable cover layer (5) covering the adhesive layer, an electronic circuit (3), a temperature sensor and / or acceleration sensor connected to the electronic circuit for detecting temperature or acceleration measurements, such as the ambient temperature and / or the surface temperature of the object, an antenna connected to the electronic circuit, wherein the electronic circuit includes a transmit / receive module for transmitting data, such asthe temperature and / or acceleration measurement values, via the antenna, and a battery for powering the electronic circuit, characterized in that a capacitive sensor is provided which is connected to the electronic circuit and is designed to detect capacitive changes when the label is affixed to the object, that the electronic circuit has a wake-up circuit to switch it from an energy-saving mode to an operating mode, and that the capacitive sensor interacts with the wake-up circuit in such a way that the electronic circuit is set to operating mode when the affixing of the label to the object is detected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a label for application to an object, comprising a carrier layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged on the carrier layer for fastening the label to a surface of the object, a removable cover layer covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, an electronic circuit, a temperature sensor and / or acceleration sensor connected to the electronic circuit for detecting temperature or acceleration measured values, such as the ambient temperature and / or the surface temperature of the object, an antenna connected to the electronic circuit, wherein the electronic circuit has a transmitting / receiving module for transmitting data, such as the temperature and / or acceleration measured values, via the antenna, and a battery, preferably a solid-state battery, e.g. a thin-film battery, for supplying energy to the electronic circuit.

[0002] Smart labels are already in use in various applications, particularly in the area of ​​monitoring goods during transport. Traditional parcel tracking systems are primarily based on barcodes or RFID tags, which must be manually scanned at each handover point. The advantage of smart labels over these conventional systems is their ability to send and receive data in real time, without the need for manual scanning. This enables virtually seamless monitoring of the parcel throughout its entire journey.

[0003] For temperature-sensitive products, such as certain food items, biological samples, or pharmaceutical products, simply knowing the location of the package isn't enough. It's equally important to know whether temperature conditions remain within the accepted range throughout the entire transport process. Therefore, some smart labels have integrated temperature sensors that take temperature measurements at regular intervals and either store this data or transmit it in real time.

[0004] When transporting temperature-sensitive medications such as vaccines, prescribed temperature ranges must be consistently maintained and documented. This is necessary to guarantee the quality and efficacy of the medications when taken. Common temperature ranges are 2-8°C, 15-25°C, or 2-25°C. A typical cold chain involves international air transport for large quantities, domestic distribution for smaller quantities, and a so-called "last mile" delivery, where individual medications are delivered directly to the patient or administering physician.

[0005] Smart labels equipped with an acceleration sensor to detect transport events or states, such as a resting or moving state or the type of transport, have also already become known.

[0006] A critical aspect of smart labels is the power supply. Due to the need to make the labels small and thin for easy attachment to objects or packages, the challenge is to use an equally small and thin power source. Existing solutions often use solid-state batteries, such as thin-film or printed batteries, which are limited in their energy capacity and activation time. Often, the battery is activated as soon as the label is manufactured, resulting in unnecessary energy loss before the label is even put into use.

[0007] Another problem associated with the early activation of smart labels, before they are actually applied to the goods to be monitored, is that temperature or acceleration measurements are recorded that are not yet representative of the actual transport process or the actual temperature of the goods. This can lead to distorted data and thus to misinterpretations of the condition of the goods during transport.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to further develop an intelligent label of the type mentioned above in such a way that the acquisition of data only begins when the label is correctly attached to the object to be monitored in order to minimize the energy consumption of the label and achieve improved data quality.

[0009] To achieve this object, the invention provides for a label of the type mentioned at the outset that a capacitive sensor is provided which is connected to the electronic circuit and is designed to detect capacitive changes when the label is stuck onto the object, that the electronic circuit has a wake-up circuit in order to switch it from an energy-saving mode to an operating mode, and that the capacitive sensor interacts with the wake-up circuit in such a way that the electronic circuit is set to the operating mode when it detects that the label has been stuck onto the object.

[0010] Integrating a capacitive sensor into the label offers significant advantages. By using a capacitive sensor in combination with a wake-up circuit that switches the electronic circuit from a power-saving mode to an operating mode, the label's battery life is significantly extended. This ensures that the majority of the energy is only consumed when the label is actually in use—that is, when it is applied to an object. This mechanism significantly reduces unnecessary energy loss during storage and transport prior to application.

[0011] Another advantage is the system's automatic activation, which requires no manual intervention. This minimizes the possibility of operator errors and ensures that the label always works when needed. Precise detection of the label's application by the capacitive sensor also prevents the system from being activated by accidental touches or other unwanted influences, resulting in consistent and reliable smart label performance.

[0012] A capacitive sensor can be designed to have a base capacitance when not in contact with an object. This base capacitance represents a reference value. When the label or the capacitive sensor within the label approaches or touches an object, such as when affixed to a package, the capacitance changes. This occurs because the object to which the label is attached and the sensor together form a capacitive system, where the dielectric constant (and thus the capacitance) is influenced by the proximity and material of the object.

[0013] This change in capacitance is detected by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal, which is then evaluated. If the change exceeds a certain threshold, the electronic circuit interprets this as the tag being attached to an object and activates the appropriate functions, such as switching from power-saving mode to operating mode.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, "power-saving mode" refers to a state in which the label significantly minimizes its power consumption to extend battery life. In this mode, many of the label's active functions are disabled, but one critical function remains active: polling the capacitive sensor. This sensor remains in a monitoring state to determine whether the label has been affixed to an object, such as a package. Once the capacitive sensor detects a corresponding change indicating the label has been applied, the system is awakened from power-saving mode and placed in full operation mode. By making this targeted use of power-saving mode, the label ensures efficient energy use while ensuring that it is activated in a timely manner once it is used for its intended purpose.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor is designed to detect a plurality of different capacitance changes, each associated with a specific material, in order to determine the material of the object based on the measured capacitance change. The capacitive sensor is thus not only capable of detecting the application of the label to an object, but also designed to detect a plurality of different capacitance changes so that they can be interpreted accordingly in the circuit. These different capacitance changes are each associated with specific materials, which can be representative of the surface of the object to which the label is affixed.This enhanced functionality allows the tag to not only precisely control the time of activation but also draw conclusions about the material of the object to which it is attached. This information can be crucial for further monitoring and data analysis. For example, it can be used to verify whether a tag assigned to a specific transport operation is affixed to the correct transport container intended for that transport operation. Transport containers are constructed from different materials depending on the type and include, for example, cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, metal transport containers, and the like.

[0016] Furthermore, the detection that the tag is attached to a metallic object could influence the interpretation of the temperature data. This additional intelligence increases the tag's application flexibility and allows it to be better adapted to specific monitoring requirements.

[0017] In this context, a preferred embodiment provides for the electronic circuit to be configured to correct the temperature measurements using a correction value dependent on the object's material. Different materials have different thermal properties that can influence the recorded temperature measurements. For example, a metallic object might conduct heat more quickly than a plastic object, which could lead to differing measured values. By applying a correction value based on the determined object material, these differences are compensated for. This enables more precise and material-adapted temperature monitoring, which can be important for the quality and safety of the transported goods.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capacitive sensor is designed to measure the fill level of the object, in particular a container or packaging, to which the label is applied. For example, in the case of a container for a liquid, such as a medication bottle, the capacitive sensor is designed to measure the fill level of the liquid. For this purpose, the capacitive sensor can be attached along the height of a bottle and designed such that conclusions can be drawn about the fill level of a liquid within the bottle through a capacitance measurement. This has great added value for pharmaceutical companies and hospitals in the context of clinical studies, as the time and quantity of medication withdrawal can be precisely tracked. In addition, this makes it possible to prevent illegal transactions, such asTransferring a medication into other primary packaging for resale. In the case of a blister pack for tablets, the capacitive sensor can be designed to detect the number of tablets removed.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the label further comprises a positioning module connected to the electronic circuit for detecting the geographical position of the label. By simultaneously detecting the geographical position, both the temperature and / or acceleration as well as the location of the transported goods can be monitored in real time. This enables comprehensive analysis and monitoring of the transport, which in turn allows for targeted intervention if the transported goods experience a critical change in temperature or position.

[0020] The tag's positioning module can be implemented in various ways to meet the specific requirements of each application. A preferred approach is the integration of a GPS module, which enables the tag's geographical position to be recorded with high accuracy in real time. Alternatively, or in addition, a GSM- or Wi-Fi-based positioning system could be used. Although less accurate, this system works better indoors where GPS signals are often limited. Other options include the use of low-power wide-area network technologies such as LoRaWAN for long-distance positioning with minimal energy consumption or BLE beacons for precise localization in confined areas. Combining several of these technologies is also conceivable to create a hybrid solution that enables reliable and accurate positioning under diverse conditions.

[0021] As already mentioned, the label according to the invention can further comprise at least one acceleration sensor, which can be used to distinguish, by measuring and evaluating the acceleration profile, whether the object to which the label is applied is located in a truck, a ship, an aircraft, or is being carried by hand. This allows the sensor settings to be adapted to the respective transport conditions and helps, for example, to save energy or increase the measurement frequency if necessary. During air transport, for example, the antenna can be deactivated, as required by regulations. Furthermore, this enables better traceability in the event of package damage.

[0022] For example, the accelerometer can measure acceleration and deceleration during aircraft takeoff and landing. During takeoff, an aircraft exhibits an acceleration signal between 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz combined with a magnitude of 0.2 to 0.5 g. Similarly, a measurement along the accelerometer's axis perpendicular to the road can be used to determine whether the label is being transported in a truck. Truck transport can be characterized by transport shocks, which exhibit recurring, decaying sinusoidal pulses with frequencies below 20 Hz. Furthermore, the continuous background vibrations have been shown to be random and have a Gaussian amplitude distribution. The accelerometer can also measure events with a high shock potential, particularly dips, bumps, holes, and railroad crossings, which have natural frequencies below 15 Hz.

[0023] Preferably, it can further be provided that a switch is arranged between the battery and the electronic circuit, the actuation of which activates the power supply of the electronic circuit, and that the removal of the cover layer actuates the switch. Firstly, this physical separation of the power supply until the label is actually used ensures maximum preservation of the battery life. Removing the cover layer is a clear indicator that the label is now being used, thereby activating the power supply at exactly the required time. This eliminates the risk of premature battery discharge and increases the reliability of the entire system. Furthermore, this mechanical actuation simplifies the handling of the label, as no further manual activation is required.By activating the switch only when the cover layer is removed, maximum energy efficiency and user-friendliness is achieved.

[0024] Various mechanisms can be implemented in the present invention to ensure that peeling off the cover layer actuates the switch to activate the power supply. One possibility would be the use of a mechanical switch actuated by peeling off the cover layer. Another option is a magnetic mechanism in which a magnet is placed in the cover layer and actuates a magnetic switch or reed switch when the cover is removed. It is also conceivable to use a capacitive or resistive element that triggers the switching process by changing its electrical properties when the cover layer is removed. Furthermore, an optical sensor could be used that detects a change in the light path upon peeling off the cover layer and subsequently actuates the switch.Alternatively, an electronic switch could be provided which is actuated, for example, by an electrical connection being established or interrupted between two contacts arranged on the carrier layer when the cover layer is removed.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tag's transmit / receive module is an active module, in contrast to passive RFID systems, which do not require their own power source for communication. The active nature of the transmit / receive module enables extended range and increased data transmission capacities, which can be particularly advantageous in logistics scenarios. Preferred technologies for the active transmit / receive module could be LoRa (Long Range) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). LoRa offers the advantage of extremely long range and low power consumption, which is ideal for long-distance tracking applications. BLE offers a high data transmission rate with low power consumption and is particularly suitable for applications that require regular and rapid data updates.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the active transmit / receive module can transmit the temperature and / or acceleration measurements and the geographical position of the label detected by the positioning module to a receiving station. This data can then, if necessary, be forwarded to a central control station of a parcel and / or freight container tracking system. In this control station, the data of all parcels or freight containers is consolidated and appropriate monitoring is performed. This enables integrated and efficient tracking and monitoring of the transported goods, thereby minimizing potential risks and optimizing the supply chain.In addition to temperature and / or acceleration and position data, other parameters could also be recorded and transmitted, such as humidity levels, vibrations or even light exposure, to provide further information about the condition of the goods being transported and the environmental conditions during transport.

[0027] A further advantageous use of the capacitive sensor is to detect detachment of the label from the object. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides in this context that the electronic circuit has a notification circuit configured to generate a notification, and that the capacitive sensor interacts with the notification circuit such that the electronic circuit generates a notification upon detecting detachment of the label from the object. The notification can be transmitted via the transmit / receive module. The notification can be sent to a central control station or directly to an app on the customer's smartphone.For example, the label can be affixed to a shipping package in such a way that it bridges an opening area of ​​the package, so that it is necessarily detached when the recipient or consumer opens the package. This function is particularly useful for products such as medicines, which must be stored at a specific temperature during transport and even after opening. For example, by scanning or entering a label identification using or into a software application on their smartphone, the customer can continue to call up the product's temperature data stored in a central control station and thus ensure that the storage conditions were optimal during transport. If the customer subsequently applies the label detached from the shipping package directly to the secondary packaging (medication box) or the primary packaging (blister pack, ampoule, etc.), he can also monitor further storage in this way with regard to compliance with the specified temperature ranges.

[0028] Similarly, it can preferably also be provided that the label has at least one cutting area, such as a perforation line, along which the label can be cut, wherein the cutting area is bridged by an electrical conductor which is connected to a cutting detection circuit of the electronic circuit in order to detect cutting along the cutting area of ​​the label. This configuration enables detection of cutting along the specified cutting area. Such a label with multiple cutting areas could, for example, be applied to a blister pack. In this application scenario, the times at which elderly people take their medication could be recorded and monitored in order to trigger an alarm in the event of non-compliance with the prescribed dosage regimen.This would be equally valuable in clinical trials, where the precise time of medication administration can be crucial. This functionality can be realized by simply attaching the label to the back of a blister pack, significantly facilitating and improving medication use monitoring in both home care and clinical trials.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown schematically in the drawing. Fig. 1 an exploded view of the label according to the invention, Fig. 2 a block diagram of the circuit of the label according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3a and 3b an embodiment of the label according to the invention for detecting the opening of a medicine box, Fig. 4a and 4b an embodiment of the label according to the invention for detecting tablets removed from a blister pack and Fig. 5an embodiment of the label according to the invention for measuring the fill level of a liquid medication within a bottle.

[0030] In Fig. 1 The label according to the invention is provided with the reference number 1 and comprises a carrier layer 2 and an electronic circuit 3, which is applied to the carrier layer 2. However, the circuit 3 can also be incorporated into the carrier layer 2 and thus enclosed therein. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for attaching the label to the surface of a Fig. 1 The object not shown is designated 4. When not in use, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 4 is completely covered with a removable cover layer 5.

[0031] According to Fig. 2 The circuit 3 comprises a main controller C1, an antenna A, a thin-film battery B, a wake-up circuit C2, and at least two of the sensors S1 - S6. The sensors have the following functionalities: S1: Accelerometer S2: Temperature sensor S3: Light sensor S4: Tear-off sensor (switch) e.g. for detecting the opening of a medicine box (see Fig. 3 ) S5: Location sensor: Based on GPS, Wifi, GSM, LORA, etc. S6: Capacitive sensor

[0032] A wake-up circuit C2 is located between the thin-film battery B and the main controller C1. This circuit is controlled by the wake-up sensor SW, which is designed as a capacitive sensor. Upon receiving a signal, the connection between the thin-film battery B and the main controller C1 is activated. The wake-up circuit C2 itself is also connected to the battery B, but requires only minimal power. When the label is affixed to a package, a change in capacity is detected, thereby connecting the main controller C1 to the battery B.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the wake-up sensor SW has the functionality of the tear-off sensor S4. If the tear-off sensor S4 detects the interruption of an electronic contact, the main controller is activated. For example, if the tear-off sensor S4 is connected to the cover layer 5, removing the cover layer 5 can lead to the activation of the main controller C1.

[0034] Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of the label 1 for detecting the opening of a medicine box 9. The label 1 is applied to a medicine box 9 and closes it. At the opening edge 9a of the medicine box 9 there is a perforation 10 in the label 1, which is connected to the tear-off sensor S4 ( Fig. 3b ). When the medicine box 9 is opened, the sensor S4 sends a signal to the circuit 3, which records the information about the opening of the medicine box 9 or transmits it via the antenna A.

[0035] The Figures 4a and 4b show an embodiment of the label 1 for detecting tablets removed from a blister pack 6. The film 11 on the underside of the blister pack 6 is damaged when tablets are removed. This damage is detected by the tear-off sensor S4 ( Fig. 4b ) and forwarded to circuit 3. This allows for tracking when and which tablets were removed from blister pack 6.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the label 1 according to the invention for measuring the fill level of a liquid medication within a bottle 7. The label 1 is applied to the side wall of a bottle 7 and has a circuit 3 and a capacitive sensor S6. The capacitive sensor is oriented such that the fill level of the liquid 8 within the bottle 7 can be determined from the measurement of a change in capacitance.

Claims

1. A label for application to an object, comprising a carrier layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged on the carrier layer for attaching the label to a surface of the object, a removable cover layer covering the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, an electronic circuit, a temperature sensor and / or acceleration sensor connected to the electronic circuit for detecting temperature or acceleration measurements, such as the ambient temperature and / or the surface temperature of the object, an antenna connected to the electronic circuit, the electronic circuit having a transmitting / receiving module for transmitting data, such as the temperature and / or acceleration measurements, via the antenna, and a battery, preferably a solid-state battery, e.g. a thin-film battery, for supplying energy to the electronic circuit, characterized in thata capacitive sensor is provided which is connected to the electronic circuit and is designed to detect capacitive changes when the label is stuck onto the object, that the electronic circuit has a wake-up circuit in order to switch it from an energy-saving mode to an operating mode, and that the capacitive sensor interacts with the wake-up circuit in such a way that the electronic circuit is set to the operating mode when it detects that the label has been stuck onto the object.

2. Label according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitive sensor is designed to detect a plurality of different capacitance changes, each of which is associated with a specific material, in order to determine the material of the object depending on the measured capacitance change.

3. Label according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe electronic circuit is designed to correct the temperature measurements with a correction value depending on the material of the object.

4. The label of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a positioning module connected to the electronic circuit for detecting the geographical position of the label.

5. Label according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a switch is arranged between the battery and the electronic circuit, the operation of which activates the power supply to the electronic circuit, and that the removal of the covering layer activates the switch.

6. Label according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe electronic circuit has a notification circuit configured to generate a notification, and the capacitive sensor interacts with the notification circuit such that the electronic circuit generates a notification upon detecting detachment of the label from the object.

7. Label according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the label has at least one cutting area, such as a perforation line, along which the label can be cut, wherein the cutting area is bridged by an electrical conductor which is connected to a cutting detection circuit of the electronic circuit in order to detect the cutting along the cutting area of ​​the label.

8. Label according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in thatthe capacitive sensor is designed to measure a filling level of the object, in particular a container or packaging, on which the label is applied.

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