Networked packaging and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a networked package (100) that includes an electronic device (160). The networked package also includes at least one device (150) that detects a change in the shape of the networked package, such as folding or opening the package, and the at least one detection device is configured to switch modes of the electronic device upon detecting the change.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention is that of network-connected objects.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to networked packaging and methods of operation thereof.

[0003] In particular, the invention finds application in logistics for tracking packaging or orders thereof. [Background technology]

[0004] Techniques for tracking objects such as parcels are known from the prior art.

[0005] Generally, such tracking technologies are based on the identification of the parcel through a label bearing an identifier in the form of a barcode or a code of the QR type (acronym of the English term "Quick Response"), or through tags of the NFC type (acronym of the English term "Near-Field Communication") or RFID type (acronym of the English term "Radio Frequency Identification"), which may also be formed by network-connected tags that communicate through cellular telecommunication networks of the 3G, 4G or 5G type, or through networks of the Low Power Wide Area Telecommunication type (LPWAN, acronym of the English term "Low Power Wide Area Network").

[0006] In either case, packages bearing such labels are tracked by scanning the labels at regular intervals or by processing signals emitted by network-connected labels.

[0007] The main drawbacks of these prior art techniques are, on the one hand, that they concern the addition of labels to the parcels, which may become hidden or removed during handling, and, on the other hand, that they are limited to ordinary tracking of the parcels from their preparation until their delivery to the recipient.

[0008] After a package is delivered, the package's packaging is generally discarded or disposed of for recycling and is not tracked.

[0009] So there's a need to improve packaging so that it can be tracked all the way through, or to ensure that it has actually been recycled, or reused if it's still in good condition.

[0010] To this end, new technologies are envisaged, for example packaging made of durable materials so that it can be reused several times. Such packaging includes an electronic device that allows tracking the packaging and determining its geolocation via a chip of the GPS type (acronym for the English "Global Positioning System"). Such packaging may include an electronic ink type screen for applying an easily changeable label and may include wireless communication means, for example of the 4G type, for exchanging data between the packaging and a remote server.

[0011] However, the main drawback of these new technologies is that they are still expensive and more complicated to recycle due to the integration of many different electronic components. Furthermore, these new packaging technologies incorporate batteries that need to be recharged from time to time and the battery status needs to be monitored regularly to avoid the package becoming unusable during its journey between the sender and the recipient.

[0012] No current system can simultaneously address all these demands: none can offer connected packaging technology that is easily recyclable with great autonomy even during the long-term storage phase. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention aims to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To that end, the present invention relates to a networked package that includes a battery-powered electronic device.

[0015] The packaging may be of any type and shape, for example it may consist of a rectangular package intended for transporting at least one object, or a generally flat package such as an envelope.

[0016] The packaging may be of the flexible or rigid type, made for example from cardboard or plastic.

[0017] For example, the packaging may be of a foldable type, stored flat to reduce bulk and reformed by a folding action for use.

[0018] According to the present invention, the networked packaging also includes a device for detecting a change in the coupling between two elements of the networked packaging, the detection device being configured to switch a mode of the electronic device upon detecting said change.

[0019] Therefore, better management of the power consumption of the networked packaging can be achieved by adjusting the mode of the electronic device, for example, by folding the networked packaging or by unpacking the networked packaging.

[0020] For example, the connection between two elements of the networked packaging may be an articulation connection between two elements of the networked packaging, such as a side wall and a flap, two side walls, or two flaps, and the change that is detected may thus be a change in angle between two elements that are collinear in the storage position and form an angle of, for example, 90° in the use position.

[0021] The connection between the two elements of the networked packaging may be of a detachable type formed by removing a part of the packaging, e.g. a tab, that secures the two flaps of the networked packaging together, and the change that is detected may thus be the removal of the detachable part that allows the two flaps to be separated in order to open the networked packaging.

[0022] For example, the modes of an electronic device may be the following modes: -off; - Standby or Sleep; - actuation; - Deactivation; - Waiting for delivery; - Awaiting return; -Unpacking; -Unpacking It may be any one of the following.

[0023] It should be noted that modes other than "off" or "standby" modes can be combined.

[0024] Switching modes of an electronic device may also be referred to as switching states. It should be noted that switching may result in a change in the operation of the electronic device, for example a change in the type, content or frequency of the signal transmitted. It should be noted that an electronic device that simply transmits measurements that vary over time does not switch modes within the meaning of the present invention.

[0025] It is therefore possible to precisely track the evolution of the networked packaging, for example during an order, by detecting the changes and enabling a change of mode of the electronic device. The networked packaging is generally initially stored flat and then folded to contain the object. The networked packaging is then closed for dispatch. During the transport process, the networked packaging passes through various warehouses and means of transport before arriving at a delivery point where it is unpacked. The networked packaging can then be returned to be reused or recycled. Each step may be distinguished by a separate mode that configures the electronic device to transmit or not transmit signals at predetermined intervals to at least one terminal of a type suitable for a telecommunications network, for example 3G, 4G, 5G or preferably Internet of Things (English "Internet of Things" or IoT) type of application.

[0026] Typically, a communication network has a number of terminals, generally called base stations, which form a mesh suitable for the range of the signals, which in the case of communication networks for Internet of Things (IoT) type applications can reach tens of kilometers, longer than the range of signals typically used in telecommunication technologies according to standard 3G, 4G or 5G.

[0027] It should be noted that signals emitted by an electronic device are generally received by several terminals in the vicinity of the electronic device, in particular to allow a good geolocation of the electronic device.

[0028] Preferably, the sensing device is configured to switch the mode of the electronic device upon detection of a change in binding, without waiting for a follow-up action.

[0029] In other words, the mode switching of the electronic device is regulated solely by detecting a change in the coupling, for example when folding the networked packaging or opening the networked packaging. This is a configuration of the "transparent integration" type (in English "seamless integration"), i.e. the detection device is effortlessly added to a conventional packaging. It should be noted that no additional actions are necessary to activate the electronic device, which is performed by, for example, folding or opening the networked packaging.

[0030] In a particular embodiment of the invention, when the electronic device switches between the two modes, the detection device performs the following operations: - Changing the on or off state of an electronic device; -Connecting electronic equipment to a power source or a network-connected board included in the packaging; - Pairing the electronic device with a remotely operated computer service via an identifier; - Triggering immediate or delayed actions in electronic devices, such as retransmitting a signal or turning on a state machine; -Setting or changing the frequency of signal transmission by electronic devices; -Determine or modify the information transmitted by the signal The device is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0031] In other words, the networked packaging operates by detecting changes regarding the connections of the networked packaging.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that the computer service may be of any type, such as, for example, related to order tracking for commercial services.

[0033] In certain embodiments of the invention, the device for detecting a change relative to the bond includes at least one conductive ink loop spanning said bond.

[0034] In other words, the conductive ink loop spans at least one fold, joint or edge of the opening of said networked packaging material.

[0035] Thus, the conductive ink loop spanning two elements around a bond may be broken when the bond is altered, for example by bending the joint between the two elements or by tearing off a detachable portion of the networked packaging that spans the conductive ink loop. The change in the conductive ink loop may manifest itself as a change in the impedance of the loop, for example to infinity, which may detect the change in the bond and thus activate electronics in the networked packaging.

[0036] It should be noted that a conductive ink loop may change impedance without necessarily breaking, for example if the conductive ink loop is supported on an elastic substrate and deforms under the effect of changing bonds.

[0037] In certain embodiments of the present invention, at least one conductive ink loop is formed by folding the networked packaging material.

[0038] In other words, such conductive ink loops are open when the networked packaging is stored flat, and then closed when the networked packaging is folded.

[0039] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the sensing device includes means for measuring variations in impedance.

[0040] In certain embodiments of the invention, the device for detecting a change relative to a bond includes a fusible wire spanning said bond.

[0041] Thus, detection is performed when the fusible wire breaks.

[0042] In a particular embodiment of the invention, an electronic device includes an antenna and a signal emitter that is emitted by the antenna after switching a state of the electronic device, the signal including an identifier of the network-connected packaging material.

[0043] In certain embodiments of the invention, the electronic device is configured to emit at least one signal depending on the mode of the electronic device and / or depending on the value of at least one sensor.

[0044] Preferably, the at least one sensor comprises: -Motion sensor; -Temperature sensor; -Magnetic field sensor is selected from among:

[0045] In certain embodiments of the invention, the networked packaging is configured to be generally flat in a first so-called stored configuration and to form a voluminous container in a second so-called folded configuration, and the electronic device is in a sleep mode in the stored configuration and is operational in the folded configuration.

[0046] In certain embodiments of the invention, the electronic device is held in whole or in part in a detachable portion of said networked packaging.

[0047] Networked packaging is therefore easily recyclable.

[0048] Preferably, the detachable portion is a tab formed along a flap of the networked packaging and extends from one edge of the flap to another edge such that the networked packaging can be opened when the detachable portion is peeled away.

[0049] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the networked packaging is formed entirely of multiple layers of cardboard bounded by two outer layers, with all or a portion of the electronic device contained between the two outer layers of cardboard.

[0050] In other words, the electronics are wholly or partially embedded within a layer of cardboard, for example a substrate carrying conductive ink loops, which is an inner layer of networked packaging.

[0051] In certain embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device includes a device for storing electrical energy to supply the electronic device.

[0052] The present invention also provides a method for operating a network-connected packaging material according to any one of the previous embodiments, comprising the steps of: - detecting changes in the shape of networked packaging materials; - switching the mode of the networked electronics of the packaging following detection of a change in shape The present invention also relates to a method, comprising:

[0053] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the method of operation comprises the steps of: - transmitting, by an electronic device of the networked packaging, a signal comprising an identifier of said networked packaging to a terminal of a telecommunications network in the vicinity of the networked packaging; - pairing said networked packaging material with a computer service operated by a computer processing unit connected to a terminal. Also includes.

[0054] It should be noted that a terminal may be specifically known by the term "base station."

[0055] In certain embodiments of the invention, the physical identity of a networked package is associated with a logical identity of a computer service, which may be a control number.

[0056] In certain embodiments of the invention, the method also includes detecting and tracking said network-connected packaging in a particular environment, such as a sorting center or a coverage area of ​​a telecommunications network.

[0057] For example, the telecommunications network may be of the LPWAN type or of the cellular type (3G, 4G or 5G).

[0058] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the method also includes activating a state machine on the network side in response to data of a message sent by the network-connected packaging material and / or in response to metadata created by the network and / or an operating mode of the network-connected packaging material and / or a logical identifier associated with the network-connected packaging material.

[0059] Preferably, a network-side state machine is operational, allowing for the allocation of at least one subscription to at least one service to a network-connected packaging electronic device.

[0060] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes activating a network-connected packaging-side state machine after receiving the message sent from the network.

[0061] Other specific advantages, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one specific embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a networked packaging according to the present invention in a so-called storage configuration. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the network-connected packaging of FIG. 1 in an unpacked and ready-to-use configuration; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2 in a closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating the networked packaging shown in FIGS. 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] The present description is given by way of non-limiting example, and each feature of one embodiment can be advantageously combined with the features of any other embodiment.

[0064] Please note that the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0065] Example of a Particular Embodiment 1, 2 and 3 are diagrams of one non-limiting embodiment of a networked package 100 according to the present invention in a storage configuration, an open-use configuration and a closed-use configuration, respectively.

[0066] The networked package 100, in this non-limiting embodiment of the invention, is made up of four sides 110, four flaps 120 that are articulated to the sides 110 and intended to form a bottom 125 of the networked package 100, and four flaps 130 that are intended to form a top 135 of the networked package 100. The side walls 110 and flaps 120 and 130 of the networked package are made from a single piece of cardboard and are articulated about folds 140 that are made through the thickness of the cardboard.

[0067] In the storage configuration, the networked packaging 100 is generally flat to reduce volume, with the flaps 120 and 130 collinear with their corresponding side walls 110. The networked packaging 100 is then folded by articulating the side walls 110 about the folds 140 to form a rectangular parallelepiped interior space 101. The interior space is closed at the bottom by articulating the flaps 120 to form a bottom 125. Meanwhile, the top surface 135 of the networked packaging 100, which closes the interior space 101, is formed by articulating the flaps 130.

[0068] To strengthen the base 125, the flaps 120 are held together by an adhesive means such as glue or adhesive tape.

[0069] Likewise, the flaps 130 are also held together, for example by adhesive means, to prevent unintentional opening of the top surface 135 , especially during handling and transportation stages of the networked package 100 .

[0070] 3, the networked package 100 can be opened by pulling a detachable portion, such as a tab 136 configured along a flap 1301 that closes the top surface 135. The tab 136, which extends from one edge to the opposite edge, is accessible from the outside of the networked package 100 so that it can be easily torn apart by a person wishing to open the networked package 100.

[0071] In order to be able to identify the state of use of the networked packaging 100, which is initially stored in the storage configuration shown in Fig. 1, the networked packaging 100 here advantageously comprises a device 150 for detecting a change in the shape of the networked packaging 100. In this case, the change in shape detected by the device 150 is the change in the shape of the fold 140 between the two side walls 1101. A More specifically, the change detected is the change in the two side walls 110 switching from a collinear position in the storage configuration to a 90° angle position in the use configuration in this example. A is the change in angle between

[0072] Alternatively, the two side walls 110 around the crease to be detected are overlapped.

[0073] For this purpose, the sensing device 150 includes, for example, a conductive ink loop 155 spanning the fold 1401, whose impedance is modified by the angle of the fold 1401. In fact, the conductive ink loop 155 may break when folding the side wall 110, causing a change in impedance, which can be easily detected, since it switches from a certain value to an infinite value.

[0074] Alternatively, the conductive ink loop 155 may elastically deform when the sidewalls are folded, thereby changing the impedance value of the loop 155 .

[0075] Thus, the conductive ink loop 155 may be supported on a flexible or rigid substrate, glued to the surface of a cardboard, or embedded within multiple layers of cardboard.

[0076] The sensing device 150 may be equipped with a means to measure the impedance variations, such as an impedance analyzer, or may use an RLC bridge to measure the various components of the impedance. Note that for direct current, impedance corresponds to resistance, which can be measured with an ohmmeter.

[0077] Alternatively, the sensing device 150 may comprise an electronic device, such as a transistor, that changes state due to a change in the impedance of the conductive ink loop 155 .

[0078] Upon detection of a change in the shape of the networked packaging 100, here in particular due to folding around the fold 1401, the detection device 150 is configured to switch the mode of the electronic device 160 contained in the networked packaging 100. It is noted that this switching of modes is advantageously performed without any additional actions other than folding the networked packaging 100. This therefore constitutes a "seamless one-piece" type of configuration.

[0079] Switching between modes of electronic device 160 (herein powered by battery 165 also included in networked packaging 100) generally corresponds to operation of electronic device 100. "Operation of electrical device" refers to the following actions: - changing the on or off state of the electronic device 100; - changing the "sleep" or "standby" state of the electronic device 100 to the "working" state. The "sleep" or "standby" state corresponds to the lowest consumption of the electronic device 100 and only when the device 150 is powered by the battery 165; - connecting the electronic device 160 to the battery 165; - connecting the electronic device 160 to the electronic board included in the networked packaging 100; - binding the electronic device 160 to a computer service, typically running on a remote server, via an identifier bound to the electronic device 160; - triggering an immediate or delayed action of the electronic device 160, such as transmitting a signal by the antenna of the electronic device 160 to a cellular network suitable for "Internet of Things" (loT) type applications, or turning on a state machine. It should be understood that the present invention is at least one of the following:

[0080] However, switching modes may also correspond to changing the configuration of a signal emitted by an electronic device, for example the frequency or type of data transmitted by the signal.

[0081] It should be noted that the battery 165, which is a device for storing electrical energy, may not be included in the networked packaging 100. In this case, it is powered by an element external to the networked packaging 100, for example an inductive loop, or via a reader of, for example, an RFID type, which can provide electrical energy to test the detection loop 150 and measure, for example, its impedance, to determine the state of the detection loop 150.

[0082] As a supplement, the signals sent are as follows: -Motion sensors such as accelerometers or gyroscopes; -Temperature sensor; -Magnetic field sensor The adjustment may be performed using the value of at least one sensor selected from the following:

[0083] For example, when the electronic device 160 is in operation, the measurements of the at least one sensor can be used to adjust the emission, thereby making it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the electronic device 160 in particular. Indeed, the emission of a signal may be performed, for example, when movement of the network-connected packaging material 100 is detected, when the network-connected packaging material 100 arrives in a warehouse with a different temperature, or when the network-connected packaging material 100 crosses a magnetic barrier used to distinguish handling areas in a warehouse.

[0084] For example, the temperature difference may be measured when the temperature in the warehouse differs from the outside temperature or from the temperature measured during transport.

[0085] Activation of the electronic device 160 is accomplished, in this non-limiting example of the present invention, by folding the networked packaging 100 for use.

[0086] This operation may be limited over time, for example within a predetermined period of time, until the network-connected packaging material 100 is closed or until a command is received via a signal transmitted to the network-connected packaging material 100.

[0087] Closing of the networked package 100 is another type of change in the shape of the networked package 100 and may be detected by the second sensing device 170, also referred to herein as the second inspection device, which detects two portions 175 on two separate flaps 1302. A , 175 BThe sensing loop 175 includes a conductive ink loop 175 formed in the two flaps 1302. The loop 175 is formed when the networked package 100 is closed by either overlapping the two flaps 1302 or by creating a continuity between the two flaps 130 as shown in FIG. 2. The two portions 175 of the sensing loop 175 A , 175 B It may be advantageous to have a foolproof feature (not shown in FIG. 2) to ensure a secure connection. The detection of closure corresponds to the undoing of one of the two flaps 1302 that may be held together via adhesive means.

[0088] When the network-connected package 100 is closed and delivered to a recipient as shown in FIG. 3, another type of change in the shape of the network-connected package 100, the opening of the network-connected package 100, may also be detected by a third detection device 180, which also includes herein a conductive ink loop 185 spanning at least one edge of the tab 136.

[0089] To allow for tracking of the return of the networked packaging 100 or to ensure recycling, the networked packaging 100 may also include a device 190 for detecting a change associated with removal of a detachable portion 191 distinct from the tab 136 that allows the networked packaging 100 to be opened. The detachable portion 191 may be labeled with a label for the recipient of the networked packaging 100 to reveal a separate label 192 for returning the networked packaging 100. A change in impedance of a conductive ink loop 195 across at least one edge of the detachable portion 191, detected by the detection device 190, triggers a switch of the electronic device 160 to a so-called "return" state. More specifically, as referred to herein, when the detachable portion 191 is removed, the loop 195 splits into two portions 195. A and 195 Band exhibits an infinite impedance reflecting the change in shape of the networked packaging 100 upon removal of the detachable portion 191.

[0090] In this manner, various modes that configure the operation of the networked packaging 100 may be established.

[0091] It should be noted that this non-limiting example of the present invention can be adapted depending on the needs of the use of networked packaging 100. For example, one may choose to activate electronic device 160 when networked packaging 100 is closed or only activate electronic device 160 when networked packaging 100 is opened.

[0092] Additionally, the number and location of the sensing devices are provided herein for reference only, and some sensing devices may be eliminated or shared. The configuration of the sensing devices and the configuration of the conductive ink loop may be substantially the same.

[0093] In some variations of this embodiment, at least one sensing device includes a fusible wire in place of, or as a supplement to, the conductive ink loop of the sensing device.

[0094] It should be noted that redundant sensing may be provided for each sensing device, for example by combining two conductive ink loops or one conductive ink loop and one fusible wire.

[0095] 4 illustrates in block diagram form one embodiment of a method 300 for operating network-connected packaging 100 stored in a storage configuration awaiting use in a processing operation, such as, for example, delivery of an order. In this storage configuration, electronic device 160 is preferably in a so-called "sleep" mode, in which energy consumption is minimal.

[0096] The operating method 300 includes a first step 310 of detecting a change in shape of the network-connected packaging 100 via one of the sensing devices 150, 170, 180, 190 of the network-connected packaging 100. Preferably, the change in shape detected in the first step corresponds to a folding of the network-connected packaging 100 between a storage configuration and a use configuration, i.e. corresponds to the configuration detected by the sensing device 150.

[0097] Detecting the change in shape causes the mode of electronic device 160 to change from an initial "sleep" mode to an "active" mode.

[0098] Thus, activation of electronic device 160 may correspond to electronic device 160 being turned on, for example, by connecting to battery 165 .

[0099] Activation of electronic device 160 may also correspond to connecting electronic device 160 to an electronic board, such as a wireless communication board.

[0100] Pairing of electronic device 160 via an identifier associated with electronic device 160 may be performed during operation.

[0101] To that end, the electronic device 160 of the network-connected packaging material 100 transmits, in step 330, via an antenna (not shown) a signal including an identifier of the network-connected packaging material 100, such as a MAC address or a unique identifier stored in a memory of the electronic device 160. The signal is emitted towards the telecommunications network and is received by at least one terminal 210 in the vicinity of the network-connected packaging material 100, and preferably by multiple terminals of the telecommunications network.

[0102] Pairing of the networked packaging material is then performed in step 340. For example, this pairing may be performed using a remotely operated computer service, such as an order management service or a delivery management service, such that the identifier of the electronic device 160 representing the networked packaging material 100 may be linked to a logical identifier, such as an identifier of the order and / or an identifier of the shipper performing the handling to the delivery point.

[0103] Activation may cause an immediate or delayed action in electronic device 160, such as issuing a signal or turning on a particular mode in a state machine.

[0104] It should be noted that the state machine may be included in the electronic device 160 and may be executed by, for example, a computer processor included in the electronic device 160. The state machine of the networked packaging material 100 is configured to transmit configuration parameters to the electronic device 160. In particular, the configuration parameters may vary depending on the mode of the electronic device 160 and may define, for example, the frequency at which the signal is transmitted, the type of message the signal transmits, etc.

[0105] The operating state machine may be on the network side, for example on a remote server operating a computer service.

[0106] Thus, the network-side state machine may, for example, assign one or more subscriptions to one or more services to the network-connected packaging material 100 depending on the current state of the network-connected packaging material (active, sleeping, unpacked, closed, etc.), and / or depending on data transferred by the network, and / or depending on metadata related to the network.

[0107] For example, the service - a Wi-Fi type service that makes it possible in particular to locate the network-connected electronic device 160 of the packaging 100 by exchange of identifiers with nearby Wi-Fi terminals (whose location is advantageously known); - geolocation services based on communication networks by analyzing signals received by the base stations of the network and / or the network-connected packaging materials 100 through the power of the received signals (RSSI, the English acronym for "Received Signal Strength Indicator") and the known locations of the base stations; -Satellite geolocation service of the GPS type (acronym of the English term "Global Positioning System"); - so-called "data integrity" services, which allow you to verify the consistency, completeness and accuracy of the transferred data; -Data fragmentation services; -Data encryption and / or obfuscation services It may be.

[0108] For example, the metadata corresponds to known data on the network side, such as the identity of the base station receiving the signal, the frequency of the received signal, the time of reception at various stations, the power of the received signal, etc. In particular, the metadata may make it possible to estimate the location of the network-connected packaging material 100 within a particular environment.

[0109] For example, the data may correspond to data transferred in the payload (usually referred to as the English term "payload"), but also to data available in the network or service, which may enrich the payload. For example, an activation message following the opening or closing of a network-connected package 100 may carry a physical identifier of the object.

[0110] It is possible to obtain a logical identifier associated with the contents of the network-connected packaging 100 based on a physical identifier, a location of the network-connected packaging 100 estimated via metadata (e.g. nano-type identifiers of the base stations of the network communicating with the network-connected packaging 100, identifiers of transmitters located in the network, a measurement of the power of the received signal (RSSI), an estimate of the distance between the network-connected packaging 100 and the base station, commonly known by the English term "time of flight", etc.), and the information system managing the order and / or delivery.

[0111] Rules regarding the dispatch mode of the networked packaging material 100 and / or the services that the networked packaging material 100 may receive may be determined according to the logical identifier. For example, the dispatch mode may be adjusted by sending a message via a descending communication, commonly referred to by the English term "downlink", to define a state machine appropriate for the object transported by the networked packaging material 100.

[0112] For example, a package with a logical identifier beginning with "GAME1", reflecting the fact that it transports toys with a price of less than 10 Euros, may be treated differently than a package with an identifier beginning with "GAME9", which denotes the transport of toys with a price of more than 90 Euros. As a result, the quality levels and services for the two objects may be advantageously different.

[0113] The frequency of the signal emitted by the networked packaging material 100 may be adapted depending on the distance traveled by the networked packaging material 100, the operating time of the networked packaging material 100, etc.

[0114] Thus, the operating method 300 may include a step 350 of operating a network-side machine in response to data of a message sent by the network-connected packaging material, and / or in response to metadata created by the network, and / or in response to an operating mode of the network-connected packaging material.

[0115] In step 360, the operation of a state machine on the network-connected packaging material 100 side may be adjusted by receiving messages sent by the network, for example to change the configuration of data sent by the electronic device 160 of the network-connected packaging material 100.

[0116] The operational method 300 may also include a step 390 of tracking the network-connected packaging material 100 in an environment such as a sorting center for handling in a transportation or order situation, or a sorting center for recycling the network-connected packaging material 100, or more generally within the coverage area of ​​an LPWAN type telecommunications network.

[0117] Indeed, it should be noted that the electronic device 160 of the networked packaging 100 can advantageously be easily removed from the networked packaging 100 in order to separate the packaging itself, here made of cardboard, from the electronic portion, which is recycled in a separate stream. The electronic device 160 may therefore be located in a detachable portion of the networked packaging. In other words, such a detachable portion is separated from the networked packaging in order to recycle the electronic device.

[0118] Thus, one can envision the electronic device 160 and possibly battery 165 being held by the opening tab 136 of the networked package 100, and the tab 136 being inserted inside the networked package 100, in order to return the networked package 100 to a sorting center for recycling. Note that in this case, the still-operating electronic device 160 will change modes upon the breaking of the tab 136 due to the presence of the detection device 180.

Claims

1. 1. A networked packaging material (100) including an electronic device (160), the networked packaging material also including at least one device (150, 170, 180, 190) for detecting a change in shape of the networked packaging material, the at least one detection device being configured to switch a mode of the electronic device upon detecting the change in shape.

2. 2. The networked packaging material (100) of claim 1, wherein the sensing device (150, 170, 180, 190) is configured to switch modes of the electronic device (160) upon detection of the shape change without waiting for a follow-up action.

3. When the electronic device (160) switches between two modes, the sensing devices (150, 170, 180, 190) perform the following operations: - changing the on or off state of said electronic device; - connecting said electronic device to a power source or to a board included in said networked packaging; - Pairing the electronic device with a remotely operated computer service via an identifier associated with the device; - triggering an immediate or delayed action of said electronic device, such as re-transmitting a signal or turning on a state machine; - setting or modifying the emission frequency of said signal by said electronic device; - determining or modifying the information transmitted by said signal The networked packaging material (100) of claim 1 or 2, configured to perform at least one of the following:

4. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shape change sensing device (150, 170, 180, 190) comprises at least one conductive ink loop (155, 175, 185, 195).

5. 5. The networked packaging of claim 4, wherein at least one conductive ink loop is formed by folding the networked packaging.

6. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensing device (150, 170, 180, 190) comprises means for measuring impedance variations.

7. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shape change sensing device (150, 170, 180, 190) comprises a fusible wire.

8. The networked packaging material (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electronic device (160) includes an antenna and a signal emitter that is emitted by the antenna after switching a state of the electronic device, the signal including an identifier of the networked packaging material.

9. 9. The network-connected packaging material (100) of claim 8, wherein the electronic device is configured to emit at least one signal depending on a mode (160) of the electronic device and / or depending on a value of at least one sensor.

10. The at least one sensor comprises: - motion sensor; - temperature sensor; - Magnetic field sensor 10. The networked packaging material (100) of claim 9, wherein the networked packaging material (100) is selected from the following:

11. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, configured to be generally flat in a first so-called stored configuration and to form a voluminous container in a second so-called folded configuration, the electronic device (160) being in a sleep mode in the stored configuration and active in the folded configuration.

12. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic device is held in whole or in part in a detachable part (136, 191) of the networked packaging.

13. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the packaging (100) is entirely formed of multiple layers of cardboard bounded by two outer layers, the electronic device (160) being entirely or partially contained between the two outer layers of cardboard.

14. The networked packaging (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electronic device comprises a device (165) for storing electrical energy to supply the electronic device (160).

15. A method (300) for operating a networked packaging material (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: - detecting (310) a change in shape of said network-connected packaging; - switching the mode of the electronic device of the network-connected packaging following detection of the change in shape (320); A method (300), comprising:

16. - transmitting (330) by said electronic device of said network-connected packaging a signal comprising an identifier of said network-connected packaging to a terminal of a telecommunications network in the vicinity of said network-connected packaging; - pairing (340) said networked packaging material with a computer service operated by a computer processing unit connected to said terminal; 16. The method (300) of claim 15, further comprising:

17. 17. The method (300) of claim 16, further comprising: binding a physical identification of the networked packaging (100) to a logical identification of a computer service, said logical identification possibly being a control number.

18. The method (300) of claim 16 or 17, further comprising detecting and tracking (390) the network-connected packaging (100) in a particular environment, such as a sorting center or a coverage area of ​​a telecommunications network.

19. The method (300) of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a step (350) of activating a state machine on the network side in response to data of a message sent by the network-connected packaging material and / or in response to metadata created by the network and / or in response to an operating mode of the network-connected packaging material (100) and / or a logical identifier associated with the network-connected packaging material (100).

20. 20. The method (300) of claim 19, wherein the network-side state machine is operational to enable the electronic device (160) of the network-connected packaging (100) to be assigned at least one subscription to at least one service.

21. The method (300) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising the step (360) of activating a state machine on the networked packaging side after receiving a message sent from the network.

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