Manufacture and use of reusable containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (100) for managing reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and a code LA, each identifier of the unique radio identification tag being associated with the code LA, said method comprising: i. isolating (102) each reusable container in an enclosure sealed against magnetic / electromagnetic fields, 11. reading (104) the code LA and reading the radio identification tag, 12. associating (106) the identifier of the code LA and the identifier of the radio identification tag in a database, il. providing (108) a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the identifiers of the unique radio identification tags of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database.

Description

Description Title: Manufacture and use of reusable containers Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing and use of reusable containers. Prior art

[0002] To reduce the environmental impact of containers, it is known to use reusable and recyclable containers. However, the management of these containers, particularly the traceability of these containers and the recovery of these containers for reuse, is difficult to implement. Summary

[0003] The present invention improves the situation.

[0004] A method is provided for managing reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an automated reading code ("LA code)", each identifier of the unique radio identification tag being associated with the LA code, said method comprising i. isolating each reusable container in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field, 11. reading of the LA code and reading of the radio identification tag, 12. association of the LA code identifier and the radio identification tag identifier in a database, it. providing a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the identifiers of the unique radio identification tags of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database.

[0005] Double identification of each reusable container ensures better management of reusable containers.

[0006] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0007] The magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure can be a Faraday cage. The enclosure can be formed by a metal grid.

[0008] The LA code can be a barcode, a 2D barcode such as a “QR code” (“quick response code”), Datamatrix, Flashcode, Navilens, Semacode, BeeTagg, Aztec Code, or similar.

[0009] The database can be hosted on a remote server.

[0010] The container can be any type of product and packaging used to package another product. The container can be a cup, plate, bowl, pizza box, burger box, glass, tray, bulk bag, packaging, etc. The container can be made of recyclable material.

[0011] The enclosure may comprise a code reading camera assembly, making it possible to read the LA code of the container. The enclosure may comprise a reader assembly and at least one radio identification tag reading antenna making it possible to read the radio identification tag. The reader assembly and the at least one antenna and the camera assembly may be connected to processing means, such as a computer, to acquire the data from the radio identification tags and / or transmit them to the server.

[0012] The method may include assigning, in the database, to each container, the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise: ill. for each reusable container of said stock, assigning to the LA code at least one piece of information provided by the distributor.

[0014] The process allows the distributor to personalize reusable containers.

[0015] For example, in step ill., the LA code may include a hyperlink. The information provided by the distributor may be an address of a website of said distributor or chosen by the distributor based on an event during which the containers are distributed. Thus, when a user scans the LA code with a terminal, he or she may be redirected to said website. Said information may be a link to a restaurant menu, an information poster, an advertisement, etc.

[0016] Another example of personalization can be the affixing of a distinctive sign (e.g. trademark or brand) on the containers. This affixing can also be information contained in the LA code and / or in the radio-identification label.

[0017] The distributor of reusable containers can be any type of actor putting the containers into circulation, in particular any supplier of containers with a product. For example, the distributor can be a catering company, an event organizer, etc. The user can be a customer of the distributor wishing to purchase the product.

[0018] The method may comprise a step of delivering one or more reusable containers to a user, wherein said delivery step may comprise: - exchange, for each reusable container, a deposit, previously acquired by the user, for said reusable container.

[0019] The delivery stage may include: - display at least one instruction on a user terminal indicating a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and date, a location and / or a pictogram specific to the date and location, - deactivate, for each reusable container delivered, a corresponding deposit on the user's terminal.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the user can, prior to the container delivery step, download a dedicated application for managing reusable containers. Once this application is installed on the user's terminal, the user can create an account on said application and obtain a unique identifier. The user can then proceed to purchase one or more deposits. The deposits can thus be of the digital type.

[0021] Displaying the instruction with other information such as the date and location and the pictogram helps protect the transaction and ensure that the instruction(s) correspond to the event the user is attending.

[0022] The user can show the instruction(s) displayed on his terminal to a salesperson, for example acting for the distributor. The deactivation of each instruction can be carried out by the user. After this deactivation, the user can show his terminal to the salesperson to verify that the instruction(s) have been deactivated and the container, possibly with an order from the user, can be given to the user.

[0023] The method may comprise a step of returning one or more reusable containers, in which said returning step comprises, for each reusable container to be returned: - determine a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associate it with an identifier of said user, - insert said reusable container into a dedicated collector, - determine a second identifier, at the level of said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - when the first identifier and the second identifier match each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated in the user's terminal.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the dedicated collector may comprise a magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure comprising one or more antennas and a means for reading unique radio identification tags. Said means for reading unique radio identification tags may be configured to continuously read the contents of the dedicated collector. The magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure may be configured to receive the containers.

[0025] The dedicated collector may comprise means for processing the data acquired by the means for reading unique radio identification tags. The dedicated collector may also comprise means for transmitting the data acquired by the means for reading radio identification tags. The transmission means may be wired or wireless. The dedicated collector may comprise means for powering the various components of the dedicated collector, such as the means for reading unique radio identification tags, the data processing means and / or the data transmission means. The power supply means may be of the battery type or a mains connection. The dedicated collector may comprise a power management module for powering all the electronic components of said dedicated collector.

[0026] The data processing means may be configured to transmit said identifier via the data transmission means to said remote server each time a new radio identification identifier is read. The data processing and transmission means may be integrated into a computer.

[0027] According to one embodiment, upon return, the determination of the first identifier may be determined by the user by scanning the LA code, for example, using their terminal. Once the first identifier has been determined, said identified container may be recorded in the database as being pending return and said container may be inserted into the dedicated collector. Furthermore, when the first identifier and the second identifier do not correspond in the database, the deposit may not be credited back to the user's terminal.

[0028] The recovered container(s) can be cleaned, and possibly repaired, then put back into circulation for reuse.

[0029] The containers, mentioned above, on which a distinctive sign is affixed and for which this affixing information is contained in the LA code and / or the radio-identification label, may be grouped together, after their recovery, before or after their cleaning and / or their repair, possibly stored and / or addressed to at least one given recipient, then put back into circulation with a view to their reuse.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the step of delivering one or more reusable containers to a user can be carried out using a delivery device, also called an RFID bar mat. The delivery device can comprise a platform comprising a radio-identification tag reading area, a payment terminal, a computing unit and a communication means.

[0031] The radio frequency identification tag reading area (RFID reading area) may include a low-field RFID antenna that can read radio frequency identification tags that are placed above the platform at the radio frequency identification tag reading area. The reading power of the RFID antenna may be calculated so as to only read radio frequency identification tags of containers that are placed on the platform.

[0032] The payment terminal may be an electronic payment and identification terminal (abbreviated as TPIE) integrating a reading system using near-field communication (NFC), a contactless or contactless bank card reading system and an optical sensor.

[0033] The means of communication can be a wired or wireless means of communication. For example, the means of communication can be a WIFI module or based on communication according to the GSM standard.

[0034] According to a so-called "autonomous" operating mode of the delivery device, the user can pay a first time for the contents of the container directly on a payment device of the distributor. Then the user can identify himself and pay the deposit for borrowing the container via the delivery device. The method can comprise the steps consisting of: - place one or more containers of the user's rental request on the RFID reading area of ​​the RFID bar mat, - reading the user ID on the integrated TPIE, - reading of container identifiers by reading the LA code and / or by reading the unique radio identification label, - sending identifiers to the remote server, - association in the database of containers to the user, - taking a deposit or reserving a deposit depending on the type of payment method equal to the quantity of containers borrowed.

[0035] According to a so-called "slave" operating mode of the delivery device, the RFID bar mat can be connected to software of a cash register of the distributor and therefore to the payment terminal of the distributor also called the seller. The identification and payment part of the mat of the "autonomous" operating mode can be deactivated. The RFID bar mat can be configured to send information of the containers directly to the software of the cash register which updates the shopping cart automatically. Thus, the user can pay only once for the content and the container via the payment terminal of the seller. The method can comprise the steps consisting of: - place rental request containers on the RFID reading area of ​​the RFID bar mat. - reading of container identifiers by reading the LA code and / or by reading the unique radio identification label, - sends container identifiers to the cash register software and updates the basket, - payment for all items in the basket and taking a deposit or reserving a deposit depending on the type of payment method equal to the quantity of containers borrowed, - sends identifiers and user to the remote server, - association in database of containers to the user.

[0036] The dedicated collector may include a collection opening arranged to limit the number of containers introduced at one time, for example limited to about ten containers. The collection opening may be shaped like the type of container it can collect in order to limit unwanted collections. The dedicated collector may also integrate a payment reading and identification system for the end user. The system RFID reading unit can read RFID tags from containers passing through it. Each time a new RFID tag is read, the computing unit, via the wireless connection module, can send the RFID identifier to the remote server.

[0037] According to a so-called "connected" operating mode of the dedicated collector, the dedicated collector can be connected to the internet via a wireless connection module. The dedicated collector can send information to be processed on the remote server. The method can comprise the steps consisting of: - the user places the container in the dedicated collector, - an RFID identifier of the container is determined by reading the unique radio identification tag, - the RFID identifier is sent to the remote server, - the server finds the user via the database, - the deposit is released and any usage fees are deducted.

[0038] According to a so-called "offline" operating mode of the dedicated collector, the dedicated collector can be disconnected from the internet. In this case, the information can be processed locally at the dedicated collector. The equipment integrates the payment reading system. The method can comprise the steps consisting of: - the user places the container in the dedicated collector, - an RFID identifier of the container is determined by reading the unique radio identification tag, - the user places his means of payment on the payment reading and identification system of the dedicated collector, - the deposit price is sent to the user's payment method.

[0039] At the end of the container provisioning, all the containers can be brought back to a first sorting area. The dirty or used containers are separated from the clean or unused containers. The first sorting can be done manually. At the distributor, the clean containers can be scanned via an identifier of a box containing the containers and put back into stock. Dirty products can be read by equipment called a pallet reader which reads all the RFID tags present on a pallet. These containers can then be sent for washing. The RFID identifiers of the containers can be previously associated with an identifier of a box in which they are stored.

[0040] At the end of the wash, the products can be scanned and checked by an electronic cell which includes: - an industrial vision system that allows containers to be counted, - an RFID label reading system that allows containers to be identified, - an actuator assembly configured to separate the products.

[0041] The method may comprise the steps of: - count all washed containers via the industrial vision system, - each RFID tag is identified by the RFID tag reading system, - for each container, its identifier is sent to the remote server and the number of wash cycles for said container is incremented by one.

[0042] The containers can then pass through a sorting unit configured to separate damaged containers, for example those with a defective RFID tag and containers whose number of wash cycles exceeds a given threshold value, from the rest of the containers.

[0043] For example, products with a defective RFID tag can be sent for repackaging, where a new RFID tag can be integrated into the container. Thanks to the LA code, it is possible to identify the container in the database and to update the RFID identifier of the container with the identifier of the new RFID tag.

[0044] Containers whose number of wash cycles exceeds a given threshold value can be sent to a recycling facility.

[0045] Reconditioned containers and functional containers can be boxed and returned to stock.

[0046] According to another aspect, a system for managing reusable containers is provided, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, at least one unique radio identification tag reader configured to read said unique radio identification tag and at least one LA code reader, the system further comprising processing means for implementing the method as mentioned above.

[0047] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a reusable container comprising at least the steps of: a. producing a reusable container, b. printing an LA code on said reusable container, c. integrating a radio identification label into said reusable container.

[0048] For example, step b. of printing the LA code can be performed by a digital printer.

[0049] The radio identification tag may include an electronic chip incorporating a unique identifier and an antenna. These two components can be integrated into a label-type support, which can be stuck to a surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment, step c) may comprise c1. treating a surface of the reusable container by flaming, c2. sticking said radio identification label on said treated surface.

[0051] The reusable container can be made by molding. The integration of the radio identification tag can be carried out during the molding of the reusable container, for example by in-mold labeling. This allows the radio identification tag to be fused with the container. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0053] [Fig. 1] shows a method for managing reusable containers according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0054] [Fig. 2] shows a detailed example of the stock provisioning step of the method of Fig. 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3

[0055] [Fig. 3] shows an example of delivery of a reusable container to a user according to one embodiment. Fig. 4

[0056] [Fig. 4] shows an example of the return of a reusable container according to one embodiment. Fig. 5

[0057] [Fig. 5] shows an example of manufacturing a reusable container according to an embodiment suitable for use in the method of Figure 1. Description of the embodiments

[0058] Reference is now made to Figure 1. The method 100 is configured to manage reusable containers, in particular the delivery and return of these containers. The containers can be any type of product and packaging for packaging another product. For example, a container can be of the type cup, plate, bowl, pizza box, burger box, cylinder, tray, bulk bag, packaging, etc. Each container is made of recyclable material.

[0059] Each container includes both an LA code and a radio frequency identification tag.

[0060] The method 100 comprises a first step 102 for isolating each container in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field in order to allow the identifiers of the LA code and the radio identification tag to be read reliably.

[0061] The method 100 then comprises a step 104 of reading the identifier carried by the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag. For this purpose, the enclosure comprises: - a set of code reading cameras, allowing the LA code of the container to be read, - a reader assembly and at least one radio identification tag reading antenna for reading the radio identification tag.

[0062] The radio identification tag reading antenna for reading the radio identification tag. The reader assembly and the at least one antenna and the camera assembly can be connected to processing means, such as a computer, to acquire the data from the radio identification tags and / or transmit them to a remote server.

[0063] The method also comprises a step 106 of associating the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag in a database. For example, the database is hosted by the remote server.

[0064] Thus, each container is listed in the database by its LA code identifier and its radio identification tag identifier. Such double identification of each reusable container allows for better management of reusable containers.

[0065] The method 100 comprises a step 108 of providing a stock of containers to a distributor, for example at its request and with a view to delivering the containers to users.

[0066] An exemplary embodiment of step 108 is detailed in Figure 2. Step 108 firstly comprises the isolation of each container of the stock in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field, for example an enclosure similar to that used in step 102. Then, in step 204, the container is identified by reading the identifier of the radio identification tag. Step 108 then comprises a step 206 of assigning the identifiers determined in step 204, to the distributor, in the database.

[0067] According to one embodiment, step 108 comprises a step 208 for personalizing the container according to the distributor's choice. Step 108 comprises updating the information contained in the LA code with information provided by the distributor. For example, information provided by the distributor is an address of a website of said distributor or of an event during which it is responsible for distributing the containers. Thus, when a user scans the LA code with a terminal, he is redirected to said website. Alternatively or in addition, such information may be a link to a restaurant menu, an information poster, an advertisement, etc.

[0068] The method 100 also comprises a step 300, detailed in figure 3, of delivering containers to a user and a step 400, detailed in figure 4, of returning containers.

[0069] Step 300 first includes a step 302 of acquiring at least one deposit by the user. Prior to step 300, the user downloads a dedicated application for managing reusable containers. Once this application is installed on a user terminal, the user creates an account on said application and obtains a unique identifier. The deposits are acquired directly on the application. The deposits are thus of the digital type.

[0070] Step 300 then includes a step 304 of displaying one or more instructions acquired by the user on his terminal. In addition to the instructions, information such as a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and a date, a location and / or a pictogram specific to the date and location, are also displayed on the terminal.

[0071] Step 300 includes a step 306 of deactivating, for each container delivered to the customer, a corresponding deposit on the user's terminal.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the user shows the instruction(s) displayed on his terminal to a seller, for example acting for the distributor. The deactivation 306 of each instruction is carried out by the user. After this deactivation, the user shows his terminal to the seller to verify that the instruction(s) have been deactivated. The container, possibly with an order from the user, is then given to the user.

[0073] Step 400 of container return includes the following steps: - step 402: determine a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associate it with an identifier of said user, - step 404: insert said reusable container into a dedicated collector, such as the collector 600 of figure 6, - step 406: determine a second identifier, at the level of said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - step 408: when the first identifier and the second identifier match each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated in the user's terminal.

[0074] Step 402 is performed directly by the user by scanning the LA code through the terminal, in particular via the application.

[0075] The collector 600 comprises a magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure 602 comprising one or more antennas and a means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags. The means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags is configured to continuously read the contents of the collector 600.

[0076] The collector 600 comprises means 606 for processing and transmitting the data acquired by the means 604 for reading radio identification tags. The data transmission can be carried out wired or wirelessly. The collector 600 comprises means 608 for powering the various components of the collector 600, such as the means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags and the means 606 for processing and transmitting the data. The power supply means 608 can be of the battery type or a mains connection.

[0077] The data processing and transmission means 606 are configured to, each time a new radio identification identifier is read, transmit said identifier to said remote server.

[0078] The recovered container(s) can be cleaned, and possibly repaired, then put back into circulation for reuse.

[0079] At least one container is produced according to the manufacturing method 500 of FIG. 5. The method 500 comprises the following steps: - step 502: make a reusable container, - step 504: print an LA code on said reusable container, - step 506: integrate a radio identification label into said reusable container.

[0080] The radio identification tag consists of an electronic chip incorporating a unique identifier and an antenna. These two components are integrated into a label-type support, which can be stuck to a surface.

[0081] The reusable container is made by molding.

[0082] For example, step 504 of printing the LA code is performed by a digital printer.

[0083] According to one embodiment, step 506 firstly comprises treating a surface of the reusable container by flaming, and then sticking said radio identification label on said treated surface.

[0084] According to another embodiment, step 506 comprises the integration of the radio identification tag during the molding of the reusable container, for example by in-mold labeling. This makes it possible to merge the radio identification tag with said container.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (100) for managing reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, each identifier of the unique radio identification tag being associated with the LA code, said method comprising: i. isolating (102) each reusable container in an enclosure sealed against the magnetic / electromagnetic field, 11. reading (104) of the LA code and reading of the radio identification tag, 12. association (106) of the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag in a database, it. providing (108) a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the identifiers of the unique radio identification tags of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database.

2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising: ill. for each reusable container of said stock, assigning (206) to the LA code at least one piece of information provided by the distributor. [Claim s] Method (100) according to the preceding claim, in which, in step ill., the LA code comprises a hyperlink.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of delivering (300) one or more reusable containers to a user, wherein said delivery step comprises: - exchange, for each reusable container, a deposit, previously acquired by the user, for said reusable container.

5. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said delivery step (300) comprises: - display (304) at least one instruction on a user terminal indicating a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and a date, a location and / or a pictogram specific to the date and location, - deactivate (306), for each reusable container delivered, a corresponding deposit on the user's terminal.

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of returning (400) one or more reusable containers, in which said returning step comprises, for each reusable container to be returned: - determining (402) a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associating it with an identifier of said user, - inserting (404) said reusable container into a dedicated collector (600), - determining (406) a second identifier, at the level of said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - when the first identifier and the second identifier match each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated (408) in the user's terminal.

7. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dedicated collector (600) comprises a magnetic / electromagnetic field-tight enclosure (602) comprising one or more antennas and a means (604) for reading unique radio identification tags, said means for reading unique radio identification tags being configured to continuously read the contents of the dedicated collector.

8. System for managing reusable containers, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, at least one unique radio identification tag reader configured to read said unique radio identification tag and at least one LA code reader, the system further comprising processing means for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Method (500) for manufacturing a reusable container comprising at least the steps of: a. producing (502) a reusable container, b. printing (504) an LA code on said reusable container, c. integrating (506) a radio identification label into said reusable container.

10. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein step c) comprises: c1. treating a surface of the reusable container by flaming, c2. sticking said radio identification label on said treated surface.

11. Method (100) according to claim 9, in which the reusable container is produced by molding and the integration of the radio identification tag is carried out during the molding of the reusable container.

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