System and computer program for managing objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) for managing at least one object (11), the system comprising at least one container (12) for containing at least one object (11) having an element (13) for identifying the at least one object (11), a control element (22), an element (19) for reading the identification element (13) connected and / or connectable to the control element (22), and an interface (25) for inputting and / or updating data (D1, D2, D3) connected and / or connectable to the control element (22). The present invention further relates to the container (12) of the system (10) and to a computer program for running the system (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a computer program for managing objects. The present invention also relates to a container usable in such a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Today, there are objects throughout the world that are even recognized as having considerable economic value. for example, -Collecting interests such as playing cards, picture cards, comics, and / or former possessions of celebrities; -Artworks, -Luxury items, such as wine bottles, Such is the case.

[0003] Some of these items have considerable economic value, which may include, for example: - Rarity, - completeness, - the number and / or identity of previous owners, - the market price of such goods in previous transactions; It is judged based on various factors such as: Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, currently, determining the value of an object and / or obtaining information regarding the abovementioned factors is not always possible, or in any case is not easy.

[0005] This creates a need for purchasers to use tools that assist them in determining the value of objects of interest.

[0006] This need is compounded by the proliferation of identical replicas that are custom made by criminals and sold to victims at the original price.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a system and a computer program for managing objects, which is able to improve upon the background art in one or more of the above mentioned aspects.

[0008] Within this goal, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a computer program for managing objects, which allows a user to unambiguously and instantly determine the value of an object.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a computer program for managing objects that can be easily and quickly provided.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in an alternative manner to any existing solutions.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and computer program for managing objects that is reliable, relatively easy to provide, and at a competitive cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This goal, as well as these and other objects that will become more apparent below, is achieved by a system for managing at least one object, the system comprising: at least one container for containing said at least one object, said container having an element for identifying said at least one object; a control element; an element for reading said identification element, connected and / or connectable to said control element; an interface for inputting and / or updating data, connected and / or connectable to said control element; Equipped with.

[0013] This goal, as well as these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, is achieved by a computer program for managing at least one object by a system, said program being installed and / or installable on a processor, said computer program comprising: receiving the entered and / or updated data by means of an interface for the entry and / or update of such data, - storing said data in a memory unit; receiving a request for said data from a reading element; - obtaining the data requested by the reading element in the memory unit; - providing said requested data to said reading element, The method includes the steps of:

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a system and a computer program for managing objects according to the present invention, shown as non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a system for managing objects according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of components of the system for managing objects of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 3A-3C show components of such a system for managing the object of FIG. 2 in different states; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the components of the system for managing objects of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Referring to the drawings, a system for managing objects according to the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 .

[0017] The system 10 is adapted to manage one or more objects 11 . In the illustrated example, the object 11 is a collection of cards, but the object 11 can be anything depending on the field and area of ​​interest.

[0018] The system 10 includes one or more containers 12 each adapted to contain one or more objects 11 .

[0019] In particular, the object 11 is contained and sealed within said container 12, for example a sleeve and / or a box.

[0020] As used herein, the term "sealed" means that object 11 cannot be removed from container 12 without damaging the container.

[0021] For example, referring to Figures 2 and 3, to seal an object 11 in a sleeve-shaped container 12, the object is inserted through its original opening inside a basic sleeve consisting of two opposing flaps of plastic material heat sealed on three edges, and the sleeve is then closed by heat welding these two flaps along the final edge.

[0022] In the case of the box-shaped container 12 shown in FIG. 4, for example, the object 11 is inserted into a tray 15 consisting of a base 17 and four side walls 18, and then the tray 15 is closed by heat welding a cover member 16 to the side walls 18 along the edge opposite the edge that is integral with the base 17.

[0023] The container 12 is, for example, constructed at least in part from a transparent plastic material and / or glass.

[0024] In particular, the container 12 is provided with an element 13 for identifying one or more objects 11 contained therein.

[0025] The identification element 13 is for example a label carrying a barcode and / or a QR code (Quick Response Code) and / or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag and / or an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag or the like.

[0026] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, the identification element 13 is a dual frequency NFC tag.

[0027] In particular, the dual frequency of this NFC tag is - a first operating frequency of the high frequency (HF) type; - a second operating frequency of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) type, Includes.

[0028] For example, the first frequency is about 13 MHz, and the second frequency is comprised between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

[0029] Furthermore, the NFC tag has a rectangular profile, with side dimensions substantially ranging from 30 mm to 60 mm.

[0030] Such an NFC tag is known, for example, by the product name WEB DF,EM4423 manufactured by Smartrac of the Netherlands.

[0031] The dual frequency of the tag is advantageous since one of the two frequencies can be used to manage the identification element 13 while the other frequency can be used to communicate with the reading element 19 described below and for operation by an app.

[0032] The container 12 has a preweakening 14 and the identification element 13 is disposed in and / or across the preweakening 14 .

[0033] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the identification element 13 is disposed in a pre-weakened section 14 such that the container 12 cannot be broken / opened without irreparably damaging the identification element 13.

[0034] The expression "irreparably damaged" in this specification is understood to mean that once the identification element 13 is damaged, it is no longer able to provide data D1, D2, D3 of the contents of the container 12, even if it is repaired.

[0035] This can happen, for example, if the antenna of an NFC tag becomes damaged, rendering the tag unable to transmit data.

[0036] Such content data D1, D2, D3 refer to the object 11 (or objects 11, if there are multiple objects) placed in the container 12, e.g. - the rarity of the object 11; - the integrity of the object in question 11; - the number and / or identity of the previous owners of the object in question; - the price of the relevant object 11 in previous transactions; Provide information regarding:

[0037] Such an identification element 13 is securely associated with the container 12 . The expression "securely associated" in this specification is understood to mean that the identification element 13 is applied and / or fixed by a non-removable fixing means (such as an adhesive) and / or embedded within the material forming the container 12 and cannot be removed from the container without irreparably damaging it.

[0038] In this way, since the container 12 and / or the identification element 13 are provided and / or constructed by the company manufacturing the object 11 or an accredited certification body, the integrity of the identification element 13 guarantees the authenticity of the contents of the container 12 and the reliability of the data that can be inferred therefrom.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the identification element 13 has an extension which only partially corresponds to the extension of the pre-weakened portion 14, but in a constructive variant of the container 12 not shown, the identification element 13 has an extension which is substantially equal to the extension of the pre-weakened portion 14. That is to say, in the case of a box-shaped container such as the one shown in FIG. 4, the identification element 13 can therefore extend on all four sides of the box and completely surround the object 11.

[0040] In another constructive variant, not shown, the identification element 13 does not have a pre-weakened portion 14 but has an extension substantially equal to the periphery of the container 12 .

[0041] For example, in the case of a sleeve, the identification element 13 has an antenna that extends along substantially its entire periphery and has a rectangular profile. In this embodiment, any breakage and / or damage along the entire periphery of the sleeve will irreparably destroy the identification element 13.

[0042] The identification element 13 is uniquely associated with the contents of the container 12 to which it is applied, i.e., with the object 11 (or objects 11) within the container 12.

[0043] In particular, the system 10 includes at least one element 19 for reading the identification element 13 in question.

[0044] The reading element 19 is - means 20 for reading the identification element 13, such as an optical reader and / or an RFID antenna and / or an NFC antenna, means 21 for displaying the data D1, D2, D3 associated with the identification element 13, Includes.

[0045] The reading element 19 is for example a smartphone and / or a tablet and / or a dedicated user interface.

[0046] The system 10 includes a control element 22, such as a server, a processor 23 for the data D1, D2, D3, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit); a memory unit 24 for the data D1, D2, D3, Includes.

[0047] The system 10 comprises an interface 25 for inputting and / or updating the data D1, D2, D3 in the control element 22.

[0048] The interface 25 for inputting and / or updating the data D1, D2, D3 is for example a computer and / or a tablet and / or a dedicated computer.

[0049] An interface 25 for inputting and / or updating the data D1, D2, D3, a direct connection to the control element 22, by a physical connection, e.g. an electrical connection, remote connection to the control element 22, for example in the cloud, by Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) and / or Bluetooth® links, is possible.

[0050] Dedicated computer programs or software for managing the data D1, D2, D3 are installed and / or installable in the processor 23 of the data D1, D2, D3.

[0051] In the remainder of this specification, such computer programs may also be referred to by the term "software."

[0052] The software is reception of data D1, D2, D3 entered and / or updated by means of the interface 25 (arrow 26), - storing the data D1, D2, D3 in the memory unit 24 (arrow 27); reception of a request for data D1, D2, D3 from the reading element 19 (arrow 28), after the reading means 20 have decoded the identification element 13, - retrieval of the requested data D1, D2, D3 by the reading element 19 in the memory unit 24 (arrow 29), - providing the data D1, D2, D3 to the reading element 19 (arrow 30), It is suitable for.

[0053] Once the data D1, D2, D3 are received, the display element 19 displays said data to the user by means of the display means 21.

[0054] The reading element 19 is a direct connection to the control element 22, by a physical connection, e.g. an electrical connection, - remote connection to the control element 22 via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth connection, is possible.

[0055] Software resident in the processor 23 may also manage the transaction of the object 11 .

[0056] In this case, the purchaser can make a purchase via the interface 25, for example by entering data associated with his identity and a trade quote.

[0057] Thus, the data D1, D2, D3 are updated automatically by the processor 23 by means of software contained in the control element 22.

[0058] In particular, the software contains instructions for controlling the operation of system 10 . The instructions contained in the software are - receiving the unique code contained in the identification element 13 read by the reading means 20, - selectively and automatically extracting from the memory unit 24 one or more data D1, D2, D3 relating to a piece of information linked to the object 11 associated with the received unique code, - automatically transmitting one or more of these data D1, D2, D3 to the display means 21; The processor 23 is controlled so as to execute the above steps in sequence.

[0059] The instructions contained in the software 23 further include: - managing the purchase of at least one object of interest 11 by the purchaser-user after the purchaser-user's identity data have been entered by means of the interface 25, - automatically adding data of the identity of the purchaser user to the data D1, D2, D3 contained in the memory unit 24 upon purchase of the object 11 of interest, such that, when the identification element 13 containing a code uniquely associated with the object 11 is read, the display means 21 display the identity of the purchaser as the last or first owner of the object 11, The processor 23 is controlled to execute the following:

[0060] It should be noted that the present invention allows for quick and easy acquisition of information relating to an object of value contained in a sealed container that maintains its integrity by bringing a reading element 19 into close proximity with the identification element 13.

[0061] This also allows information to be obtained without opening the container 12. In fact, it has been found that the present invention realises the proposed goals and objectives, providing a system and computer program for managing objects, which allows a user to unambiguously and instantly determine the value of an object.

[0062] The present invention provides a system and a computer program for managing objects that can be provided easily and quickly.

[0063] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims, and all details may further be substituted with other technically equivalent elements.

[0064] In fact, the materials used and the associated shapes and dimensions can be any according to the requirements and state of the art, so long as they suit a particular application.

[0065] The disclosures of Italian Patent Applications Nos. 102019000018992, 102019000020442 and 102020000002728, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Where reference signs are provided following technical features described in a claim, these are provided solely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehension of the claim, and therefore such reference signs shall have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the respective elements illustratively identified by these reference signs.

Claims

1. A system (10) for managing at least one collection object (11), comprising: at least one container (12) for containing said at least one collection object (11), at least partly made of a transparent plastic material and / or glass and having an identification element (13) for identifying said at least one collection object (11); A control element (22); a reading element (19) connected and / or connectable to said control element (22) for reading said identification element (13); an interface (25) connected and / or connectable to said control element (22) for inputting and updating data (D1, D2, D3) related to the value of said collectible objects (11); The data (D1, D2, D3) includes the rarity of the collectible object (11), the completeness of the collectible object (11), the number and / or identity of previous owners of the collectible object (11), and the market price of the collectible object (11) in previous transactions; The system (10), wherein the identification element (13) is an NFC tag that uses dual frequencies having a first frequency used for managing the identification element (13) and a second frequency used for communication with the reading element (19).

2. The reading element (19) reading means (20) for reading said identification element (13); A system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises display means (21) for displaying said data (D1, D2, D3).

3. 3. The system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (20) for reading the identification element (13) are NFC antennas.

4. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading element (19) is a smartphone and / or a tablet and / or a dedicated user interface.

5. The control element (22) is a server, the server comprising: A processor (23) for said data (D1, D2, D3); A system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a memory unit (24) for said data (D1, D2, D3).

6. 2. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (25) for the input and / or updating of the data (D1, D2, D3) is a computer and / or a tablet and / or a dedicated computer.

7. The dual frequency of the NFC tag is a first operating frequency of the high frequency (HF) type; 2. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a second operating frequency of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) type.

8. 8. The system (10) of claim 7, wherein the first frequency is about 13 MHz and the second frequency is comprised between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

9. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the NFC tag has a rectangular profile, the side dimensions of which are substantially comprised between 30 mm and 60 mm.

10. A container (12) of the system (10) for the management of collection objects (11) according to claim 1, comprising at least one collection object (11) and having an identification element (13) of said at least one collection object (11), characterized in that said container (12) is sealed, Container (12), characterized in that said identification element (13) is said NFC tag using said dual frequency.

11. Container (12) according to claim 10, characterised in that the identification element (13) is a label to which the dual-frequency NFC tag is attached.

12. Container (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that it has a pre-weakened portion (14), the identification element (13) being arranged in and / or across the pre-weakened portion (14).

13. Container (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the identification element (13) is arranged such that the container (12) cannot be damaged / opened without irreparably damaging the identification element (13).

14. Container (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the identification element (13) is firmly associated with the container (12).

15. 11. The container (12) of claim 10, wherein the identification element (13) is uniquely associated with the contents of the container (12).

16. A computer program for the dedicated management of at least one collection object (11) by the system (10) according to claim 5, said program being installed and / or installable in said processor (23), said computer program comprising: receiving said data (D1, D2, D3) input and updated by said interface (25) for inputting and / or updating said data (D1, D2, D3); storing said data (D1, D2, D3) in said memory unit (24); receiving a request for said data (D1, D2, D3) from said reading element (19); obtaining said data (D1, D2, D3) from said reading element (19) in said memory unit (24); and b. providing the requested data (D1, D2, D3) to the reading element (19).

17. The reading element (19) reading means (20) for reading said identification element (13); and a display means (21) for displaying the data (D1, D2, D3), receiving a unique code contained in said identification element (13) read by said reading means (20); selectively and automatically extracting from said memory unit (24) one or more data (D1, D2, D3) relating to an information linked to said at least one collection object (11) associated with said received unique code; 17. A computer program according to claim 16, characterized in that it includes instructions for the sequential steps of: automatically transmitting said one or more data (D1, D2, D3) to said display means (21).

18. The reading element (19) reading means (20) for reading said identification element (13); and a display means (21) for displaying the data (D1, D2, D3), - managing the purchase of said at least one collectible object (11) by the purchaser-user after inputting the identity data of said purchaser-user by means of said interface (25); and automatically adding, upon purchase of the at least one collectible object (11), the data of the identity of the purchaser-user to the data (D1, D2, D3) contained in the memory unit (24), such that, when the identification element (13) comprising a unique code associated with the at least one collectible object (11) is read, the display means (21) indicates the identity of the purchaser-user as the last and / or first owner of the at least one collectible object (11).

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