RFID system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, in particular pharmaceutical products

Abstract

There are herein described an RFID system and a method for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, in particular pharmaceutical products. The system comprises at least one package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) having at least one chamber (C) containing at least one perishable product (P); a support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) for holding or containing said at least one package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150); at least one RFID tag (71; 111) comprising an antenna adapted to operate in a plurality of frequencies within a UHF frequency band, said RFID tag being operatively connected to at least one sensor, each RFID tag (71; 111) being coupled to a respective package with at least said one sensor in communication with the inside of a chamber of the respective package; an interrogation device comprising a reader (7) adapted to operate in said frequency band and in ranges around predetermined power levels and at least one interrogation antenna (6) arranged on said support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) and operatively associated with said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) and with said reader (7), said interrogation device being adapted to detect a plurality of electromagnetic signals transmitted by said at least one RFID tag in response to electromagnetic signals for each frequency of a plurality of interrogation frequencies within said UHF frequency band and range within a power level which are generated by said reader, said electromagnetic signals of each RFID tag being related to the measurement inside the chamber of the respective package, by said at least one sensor, of at least one parameter relating or related to the stability of said at least one product present in said chamber of the package; and processing means of said electromagnetic signals relating or related to the stability of said perishable products resulting from the reading of said at least one RFID tag by said interrogation device.

Description

[0001] Title: RFID system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, in particular pharmaceutical products

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of application

[0004] In its most general form, the present invention relates to the technical field of monitoring the stability of perishable products, such as, in particular, pharmaceutical or food products.

[0005] In particular, the present invention relates to a miniaturised device, comprising integrated sensors, of the RFID type, for monitoring the integrity of packaged perishable products, such as, in particular, pharmaceutical or food products, by monitoring the microclimate (for instance temperature and / or humidity) inside the packages containing such products.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products using an RFID device as above.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a package for a perishable product for use in monitoring the stability of said product by means of an RFID device of the above type.

[0008] Prior art

[0009] As it is well known, for perishable products such as pharmaceutical or food products, it is particularly important to monitor their exposure to specific environmental conditions, such as low or high temperatures and low or high humidity, in order to estimate the stability of these products under such conditions and determine a shelf life for said products within which they retain their initial features at the time of packaging substantially unchanged. The shelf life of these products is commonly estimated by using the results of real-time stability tests and accelerated stability tests. In particular, the accelerated stability test is an established procedure used in pharmaceutical development, and the purpose of this test is to provide evidence of how the quality of a pharmaceutical substance or product varies over time under the influence of a variety of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and light, and to establish a retest period for the pharmaceutical substance or a shelf life for the pharmaceutical product and the recommended storage conditions (see European Medicines Agency (EMA) - ICH Q 1A Guideline).

[0010] In real-time stability tests, a product is stored under the recommended storage conditions and monitored until it exceeds the product specifications. In accelerated stability tests, a product is stored under elevated stress conditions (for instance, high temperature and / or humidity). Degradation under the recommended storage conditions can thus be predicted using known relationships between the acceleration factor and the degradation rate.

[0011] To perform accelerated stability tests environmental chambers are used, in which specific temperature and humidity conditions (and their variations) can be set in a controlled manner. In addition, humidity can be induced inside individual containers by using specific salts or desiccants, which are, however, not very accurate and whose precise relative humidity value is impossible to know.

[0012] Furthermore, in the routine of stability analysis laboratories, temperature and humidity are also measured at the package level on the laboratory bench to verify the correctness of the test samples and setup before starting the processes in the chamber.

[0013] In all cases, using commercial wired sensors, it is impossible to know the actual relative humidity and temperature values that are established inside the containers themselves. Indeed, this measurement would require opening the container, which would result in altering the internal microclimate.

[0014] Therefore, the temperature and / or humidity value measured outside the containers alone does not reflect the actual conditions which the individual pharmaceutical products tested simultaneously in the chamber or on the bench are exposed to. Furthermore, the above value does not take into account the effect of (different) packages (for instance plastic bottles, glass bottles, Alu / Alu or Alu / PVC blister packs, etc.) on the measurement. Indeed, such packages shields the tested product from the chamber environment and therefore contributes to creating a discrepancy between the temperature and humidity values set in the chamber and those of the actual conditions of the product (for instance, pill or tablet) being tested.

[0015] Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) are known in the art which are widely used to identify and track objects. Said devices essentially have the following fundamental elements: 1) an RFID tag, commonly referred to as an RFID tag or transponder, having a microchip that contains data in a memory and a unique identification code, an antenna and a physical support, also referred to as a substrate, on which a microchip and antenna are mounted, 2) a reader for radio frequency (RF) reading the data transmitted by the RFID tag and, if necessary, writing data in the RFID tag.

[0016] The RFID tag can also be combined with a sensor, or the latter can be integrated inside the microchip, to detect specific parameters of the environment of use, such as temperature, humidity, the presence of specific chemicals, etc.

[0017] RFID tags can be produced in a variety of formats. They can be attached directly to the surface of the associated object, for instance by means of adhesives, plastic fastening systems, etc., or they can be used in proximity to the associated object, or even integrated into the object, becoming an integral part of it. In the case of food or pharmaceutical products, RFID tags can also be used to monitor the integrity and / or stability of these products. In this regard, one or more RFID tags containing temperature and / or humidity sensors can be attached or integrated on the container or packaging containing the single product or multiple products, and the results of the measurements taken in the RFID tag(s), for instance temperature and / or humidity measurements, are transmitted wirelessly to the RFID reader for evaluation and display. Monitoring systems of this type are described, for instance, in patent documents EP 3312774, US 9741222B1, WO 2015020042, and EP2171651.

[0018] The publication A. B. Barba et al., ‘Miniaturised and Battery- Free Temperature and Humidity Sensor for Smart Pharmaceutical Packaging’, in IEEE Journal of Radio Frequency Identification, vol. 7, pp. 547-555, 2023, doi: 10. 1109 / JRFID.2023.3312811 describes a miniaturised RFID tag comprising a miniaturised temperature and humidity sensor equipped with a helical antenna wound on a polyimide substrate and enclosed in a capsule equipped with micro-holes. Each sensor of this type is arranged in a respective package of a pharmaceutical product and the sensors are used to monitor the microclimate (temperature and humidity) inside the respective packages containing the pharmaceutical products.

[0019] US 2007 / 258048 describes an RFID tag intended to be placed on packaging for a perishable product such as a food item. The RFID tag is positioned to determine when the packaging is opened, and in response to the opening of the packaging, a timer is activated to measure the time elapsed since the packaging was opened, thus providing data representative of the product's expiration date.

[0020] US 2016 / 0313188 describes a system for monitoring the temperature of one or more bodies, the system comprising a resonant reading circuit adapted to generate resonant wireless power loads; a resonant receiver circuit adapted to be magnetically connected to the resonant reading circuit to receive the resonant wireless power loads and generate power based on the received power loads; one or more temperature sensors adapted to be operatively connected to the resonant receiver circuit to derive power and measure the temperatures of one or more bodies respectively based on the resonant wireless power loads received; and a relay circuit adapted to be operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors and to the resonant receiver circuit to transmit the measured temperatures to the resonant reading circuit via the resonant receiver circuit using resonant wireless power transfer.

[0021] Although much progress has been made, monitoring the stability of perishable products, such as pharmaceutical or food products, still needs to be improved, particularly with regard to the reliability of measurement data, for instance humidity and temperature, taken by the sensors of the RFID tags, data obtained by interrogating said RFID tags through a reader.

[0022] Indeed, it has been found that the data provided by the sensors of RFID tags are subject to considerable variability depending on various factors, such as the variability of the intrinsic conditions of the package and / or operating conditions. As for the package conditions, it should be noted that the packages in which the sensors of RFID tags are arranged for monitoring purposes can be made of different materials (plastic, glass, with rubber / aluminium caps, etc.), with different product filling levels and / or containing products of different compositions. These different conditions determine different electromagnetic properties of the operating environment in which the sensors operate, such as the dielectric constant, which influences the frequency behaviour of the RFID tag and, consequently, alters its response to reading by an RFID reader.

[0023] As for the operating conditions, it should be noted that the packages containing the sensors may be arranged on a measuring bench or in climatic chambers, which generally have metal walls and metal grids on which the packages are placed, which can partially shield the radiation from the interrogation antenna. Furthermore, in case of a large number of packages to monitor, the sensors may be very close to each other, generating electromagnetic coupling, which can degrade the reliability of the data collected and / or negatively affect the reading speed.

[0024] The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, such as pharmaceutical or food products, by means of a suitably designed miniaturised device comprising integrated sensors, in particular of the RFID type, which allows improving the effectiveness of reading and reliability of the data collected under various operating conditions, for instance on a measuring bench or in a climatic chamber, and / or with various types of packages for such products and different fillings, so as to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for reading the stability of packaged perishable products as above that is simple and can be implemented at low cost, as a countermeasure to the aforementioned drawbacks in terms of reliability and reading speed.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a package for use in a monitoring method having the above-mentioned features.

[0027] Summary of the invention

[0028] These and other objects are achieved by an RFID system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, particularly pharmaceutical products, comprising:

[0029] - at least one package comprising at least one chamber containing at least one perishable product,

[0030] - a support for holding or containing said at least one package,

[0031] - at least one RFID tag comprising at least one antenna adapted to operate in a plurality of frequencies within a UHF frequency band, said RFID tag being operatively connected to at least one sensor, each RFID tag being coupled to a respective package, or inserted in a respective package, with at least said one sensor being in communication with the inside of a chamber of the respective package,

[0032] - an interrogation device comprising a reader adapted to operate in said UHF frequency band and in ranges around the power levels which are necessary for activating and communicating with said RFID tag, and at least one interrogation antenna arranged on said support and operatively associated with said at least one RFID tag and said reader, said interrogation device being adapted to detect a plurality of data contained in said at least one RFID tag in response to activation signals for each frequency of a plurality of interrogation frequencies within said UHF frequency band and range within a power level generated by said reader, said data contained in each RFID tag being related to the measurement inside the chamber of the respective package, by said at least one sensor, of at least one parameter related or relating to the stability of said at least one product present in said chamber of the package,

[0033] - processing means for said data relating or related to the stability of said perishable products resulting from reading said at least one RFID tag by said interrogation device.

[0034] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by a method for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one package having at least one chamber containing at least one perishable product, and at least one RFID tag comprising at least one sensitive element (sensor) and at least one antenna adapted to operate in a plurality of frequences within UHF frequency band, each RFID tag being coupled to a respective package or being inserted in a respective package with said at least one sensor in communication with the inside of a chamber of the respective package, b) providing a support for holding and containing said at least one package, c) providing an interrogation device comprising a reader adapted to operate in said frequency band and in a power range necessary for activating and communicating with said RFID tag, and at least one interrogation antenna arranged on said support and operatively associated with said at least one RFID tag and said reader, d) arranging said at least one package onto or into said support, e) detecting the data contained in each RFID tag by irradiation by means of said antenna of said reader of said interrogation device at a first frequency and at ranges around different power levels for a predetermined time; f) acquiring, for said predetermined time, a plurality of data contained in said at least one RFID tag measured by said sensor of said RFID tag, for each range of an interrogation power level by said reader; the data contained in each RFID tag being related to the measurement inside the chamber of the respective package by said at least one sensor of at least one parameter related or relating to the stability of said at least one product present in said chamber of the package, g) processing said data contained in each RFID tag at each range of an interrogation power level by determining, for each range of an interrogation power level, a variation rate of said data and selecting data whose variation rate is lower than a predetermined threshold variation value. h) repeating at least once said previous steps e) to g) acquiring data by the reader of said interrogation device at least one second frequency different from said first frequency. The aforementioned objects are also achieved by a package suitable for use in the system and method for monitoring perishable products as described above. The package comprises at least one chamber containing at least one perishable product, to which at least one RFID tag containing data relating to said product is attached or inserted, said at least one RFID tag being readable by a reader, said at least one RFID tag comprising at least one sensitive element (sensor) and at least one antenna adapted to operate in a plurality of frequencies within a UHF frequency band, said at least one sensor being in communication with the interior of said chamber containing at least one perishable product.

[0035] In one embodiment, the RFID tag comprises at least one module or coupler having a microchip, at least one sensor, and a mini antenna electrically connected to each other, and a booster antenna of larger size than the mini antenna of said at least one internal module, the booster antenna being operatively connected to said mini antenna of said at least one module or coupler via magnetic coupling, preferably inductive coupling, said at least one module or coupler being disposed within or in communication with the interior of a respective chamber of the package containing the product(s) to be monitored, and said booster antenna being disposed externally or internally to said at least one chamber of the package or being embedded in the material forming said package.

[0036] In another embodiment, the package consists of a bottle comprising a chamber containing the products to be monitored and an opening and closing cap, and said at least one RFID tag comprises said module or coupler disposed within said chamber and said booster antenna attached to said bottle either internally or externally to said chamber.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the package consists of a bottle comprising a chamber containing the products to be monitored and n opening and closing cap, and said at least one RFID tag comprises said module or coupler and said booster antenna secured within a seat of said cap in communication with said chamber of said bottle. In a further embodiment, the package consists of a tube comprising a body containing a paste product and an opening and closing cap, and said at least one RFID tag comprises said module or coupler and said booster antenna fixed in a seat of said cap in communication with the interior of said body.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the package consists of a blister pack comprising a lower sheet with a plurality of cavities forming containment chambers for respective products to be monitored, an upper sheet, and an RFID tag comprising at least one module or coupler and a booster antenna, said at least one module or coupler being disposed in a respective cavity, and said booster antenna being disposed between said lower sheet and said upper sheet in an end portion thereof external to said cavities, or being formed by cutting a slit in the upper sheet in an end portion thereof external to said cavities, or being embedded in the material forming said upper sheet or said lower sheet, the perimeter edges of the upper sheet and the lower sheet being sealed together.

[0039] The cooper module and booster antenna of the RFID tag may have different shapes and configurations when used in a package according to the invention for implementing the method of monitoring the stability of perishable products according to the present invention.

[0040] For example, the booster antenna may have a linear shape and, when used in a package according to the invention, may be located externally to at least one chamber of the package so as to preferably face the cooper module arranged in the chamber of the package.

[0041] Alternatively, the booster antenna may have a curved shape with a curved internal portion, for example an open or closed loop, from which respective linear or folded end portions, for example a meander, extend laterally. When used in a package according to the invention, the booster antenna may be located externally to at least one chamber of the package so as to preferably face the coopler module which is instead arranged in the chamber of the package with the curved internal portion being centered / aligned on the position of the coopler module enclosing it (ideally) between the curved internal portion.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of some preferred embodiments, said description being provided by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0043] Brief of the

[0044] In the figures:

[0045] - Figures 1 and 2 show each a schematic view of a configuration of a climatic chamber according to a respective embodiment of the system according to the invention, in particular each representing a container equipped with interrogation antennas fixed to its walls, suitable for use in monitoring the degree of ripeness of fruit or usable in stability studies of pharmaceutical products by means of an RFID device according to the invention;

[0046] - Figures 3 and 3a show a schematic view of a tray-shaped support containing therein the RFID interrogation system (antennas and reader) according to an embodiment of the invention with and without packages containing products to be tested and equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor;

[0047] - Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a tray-shaped support containing therein the RFID interrogation system (antennas and reader) according to another embodiment, in particular comprising a mini PC for displaying and managing data and software;

[0048] - Figures 5 and 6 each show a schematic view of a container-shaped support, in which the interrogation system is integral with the container, according to a respective embodiment of the invention, with packages containing inside products to be tested and each equipped with a tag provided with RFID sensor;

[0049] - Figures 7 and 8 each show a schematic view of a support, in which the interrogation system is integral with the container, according to a respective further embodiment of the invention with packages containing inside products to be tested and each equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor;

[0050] - Figures 9 and 10 each show views of whole and detached parts of a bottle-shaped package equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor according to a respective embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Figure 11 shows a view of a bottle-shaped package equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] - Figure 12 shows a view of detached parts (exploded view) and a view of joined parts of a cap of a bottle-shaped package according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0053] - Figure 13 shows a bottle-shaped package equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] - Figures 14 and 15 show a view of detached parts and a sectional view of an RFID sensor of the package of Figure 13, respectively;

[0055] - Figure 16 shows a tube-shaped package equipped with a tag provided with an RFID sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] - Figure 17 shows a bottom view of a detail of the package of Figure 16;

[0057] - Figures 18-20 each show a perspective view of detached parts of a blister-shaped package equipped with tags provided with RFID sensors according to a respective further embodiment of the present invention; - Figures 21 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a detail of the package of Figure 20 at the location of a cavity of said package;

[0058] - Figure 22 shows a block diagram of the interrogation procedure between the interrogation antenna and the reader;

[0059] - Figures 23A-D show examples of configurations of a coupler module and a booster antenna of an RFID tag usable in package according to the invention.

[0060] Detailed description

[0061] The system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products according to the invention comprises at least one package, preferably a plurality of packages, each having at least one chamber containing at least one perishable product and at least one RFID tag equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least one parameter related or relating to the stability of the products contained in the chamber, each RFID tag being attached to a respective package with at least said at least one sensor in communication with the inside of a chamber of the respective package.

[0062] The RFID tag typically comprises a microchip mounted on a substrate and an RF antenna. The RFID tag also comprises at least one sensitive element (sensor) typically integrated in the microchip which, when the RFID tag is in use, is in communication with the inside of a chamber of a package containing the products to be tested and is capable of detecting at least one parameter related or relating to the stability of said products, typically humidity and temperature within said chamber.

[0063] In the present invention, the RFID tag sensors can be of different types, for instance miniaturised and of the size of a pill and inserted inside bottles or flasks, or integrated inside caps, or integrated inside the wall of the bottles or flasks and having a unitary configuration, i.e. a chip with a sensor and antenna, or a separate configuration, i.e. a chip with a sensor, a coupler and a booster, or integrated in blister packs, even in this case with various possible configurations, such as the coupler inside a cavity and the external booster.

[0064] In particular, the RFID tag mainly comprises a microchip and an antenna that are electrically connected. The microchip contains sensors, an analogue-to-digital converter and other components, and is capable of detecting data. The antenna, on the other hand, allows the microchip to communicate the collected data to the reader. In the case of humidity and temperature sensors, the sensors are integrated in the microchip. It is also possible to use an external sensor, so the RFID tag consists of a chip, an external sensor and an antenna.

[0065] RFID microchips are equipped with an internal non-volatile memory, part of which can be freely written to and contain application data.

[0066] The antenna of each RFID tag is printed on a substrate or support made of flexible or rigid material, such as polymeric or composite materials. The antenna is made of an electrically-conductive material, for example a metallic material, such as copper, aluminium, or silver and is operatively and electrically connected to the microchip.

[0067] The RFID tag may also comprise a second, larger antenna, or booster antenna, operationally connected magnetically to a coupling antenna (coupler) arranged on the substrate, for example by inductive coupling, as will be illustrated in more detail later in this description.

[0068] The RFID tag may also comprise an external coating of the substrate on which a microchip, the at least one sensor and the antenna are mounted, said external coating being provided with at least one hole, preferably a plurality of holes, at the sensor, so as to expose said sensor to the microenvironment of the package chamber for detecting and monitoring the parameters of interest, typically temperature and humidity. In the case of an RFID tag equipped with a coopler antenna and a booster antenna, the coopler antenna is contained within the outer coating of the substrate while the booster antenna is a distinct element external to that coating and operationally magnetically connected to the coopler antenna inside the coating.

[0069] Advantageously, the material of the external coating of the RFID tag is a low water-absorption material, so as not to interfere with the sensor readings.

[0070] As it is known in the art, the printed circuit can retrieve the data stored by the memory and modulate an RF output signal through the transponder to transmit the retrieved data to an interrogator, such as a reader. In addition to retrieving and transmitting data previously recorded in the memory, the RFID tag can also allow new data to be recorded in the memory, overwriting previous data or in addition with respect to the latter.

[0071] The RFID tag may also include other discrete electronic components such as capacitors, transistors and inductors to optimise its electromagnetic data transmission performance, as well as logic elements to control the various components of the RFID tag, and even sensors outside the chip, such as chemical sensors.

[0072] The RFID tag may also include a battery or other forms of local power or, alternatively, may be of the passive type, in which case the antenna is also used to supply power (activate) to the RFID microchip through the electromagnetic field provided by an external interrogation device (reader) when the RFID tag is interrogated.

[0073] The RFID tags used in the system according to the invention are suitably miniaturised and designed so that they can be fixed inside various types of packages, in particular also packages of particularly small size, such as blister packs for pharmaceutical products containing capsules or tablets.

[0074] In this regard, according to one aspect of the present invention, the antenna of the RFID tag is arranged in a planar manner on the substrate on which the microchip having at least one integrated sensor is mounted. In this way, advantageously, the RFID tag can be significantly miniaturised so that it can also be used in very small packages, while at the same time the production of the RFID tag can be simpler and economically advantageous from a production point of view.

[0075] Alternatively, as indicated previously, the RFID tag may have the booster antenna not directly connected, but only electromagnetically (for example, by means of inductive coupling) to a miniaturized antenna (coupler antenna) connected to the microchip that integrates the at least one sensor.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the RFID tag comprises at least one internal module or coupler having a microchip, at least one sensor, and a mini antenna electrically connected to each other, and a booster antenna larger in size than the mini antenna of the internal module, the external booster antenna being operatively connected to the aforementioned mini antenna by means of inductive coupling. In use according to the invention, each coupler is placed inside or in communication with the interior of a respective chamber of the package containing at least one product to be tested, while the booster antenna is placed either inside or, preferably, outside said at least one chamber of the package.

[0077] The module or coupler positioned within at least one chamber of the package or in communication with its interior constitutes the measuring point of the parameter or parameters related or correlated to the stability of the products packaged in the package, since this module includes one or more measurement sensors (for example, sensors for measuring temperature and / or relative humidity) .

[0078] Advantageously, the module or coupler can be completely passive (battery-free) and is equipped with a transmission mini antenna designed to operate via inductive coupling with the booster antenna, without the need for direct electrical connections. The booster antenna is a conductive element positioned internally or externally to the at least one chamber or cavity of the package containing at least one product to be monitored and is designed to inductively couple with one or more internal coupler modules (containing the RFID chip). It enhances their radiative capabilities, thereby boosting their electromagnetic performance and consequently increasing the read range.

[0079] Moreover, advantageously, the booster antenna introduces flexibility in the design, since the “RF-critical” part (effective antenna) can be shaped externally and can be significantly larger than the dimensions of the at least one chamber or cavity of the package, particularly in packages with small chambers / cavities, such as blister packs.

[0080] In the case of plastic package, the booster antenna may be a wire or trace of conductive material applied to the package, either internally or externally to the at least one containment chamber of the product, preferably externally to said at least one chamber.

[0081] Alternatively, the booster antenna can be embedded in the material from which the packaging is made, in any part of it, or it can be embedded between layers that form said packaging.

[0082] For example, in the case of a blister package, the booster antenna in the form of a wire or trace of conductive material (e.g., copper) can be interposed:

[0083] -between a lower sheet of the package in which containment cavities for respective products are formed, and an upper covering sheet, in a peripheral area thereof external to said cavities;

[0084] -on the outer surface of one of the aforementioned upper or lower sheets of the package.

[0085] The booster antenna made of a wire or trace of conductive material can have a linear shape or any curved shape, for example a curved shape with at least one loop or handle (e.g., in a “C” or “U” shape) formed in an internal portion of the wire or trace (e.g., a substantially central or lateral portion), with end portions of the wire or trace extending laterally from the inner portion, which can be straight or folded (e.g., in a meander shape) to enhance miniaturization of the antenna.

[0086] Preferably, the booster antenna in the form of a wire or conductive trace is faced toward the module or coupler, with the curved internal portion, if present, positioned so as to be substantially centered / aligned over the location of a respective module or coupler and (ideally) enclosing it.

[0087] In the case of package made at least partially of metal, the booster antenna can be formed directly in a metal component of the package. For example, in the case of a blister package made of metallic material (e.g., aluminum), the booster antenna can be formed by cutting into the upper sheet of the blister in order to form a slot or opening in any desired geometry, whether linear or curved, such as the curved shapes described above. In this case, the electrically conductive component (metal) of the upper sheet of the package is effectively used as the antenna by appropriately shaping the slot or opening in the upper sheet.

[0088] The RFID tags and their respective antennas can be attached to the respective packages containing the products to be tested in a conventional manner, for instance by means of adhesives or mechanical snap-fit or interlocking coupling in suitable housing seats obtained in the aforementioned packages.

[0089] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the RFID tag of the monitoring system according to the invention operates in a predetermined interrogation frequency band rather than a single frequency. This can be achieved by using an antenna design with multiple close frequencies (i.e., an antenna design that offers moderate broadband capability). In the present invention, the RFID tag is of the type operating in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, i.e. with a circuit operating in a range of preset frequencies in the UHF band. As per standard, the operating frequencies are comprised between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

[0090] The monitoring system according to the invention also comprises an interrogation device including a reader and at least one interrogation antenna operatively associated with the RFID tags. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each interrogation antenna is arranged on a support for housing the packages containing the products to be monitored and, in use, is capable of distributing a strong and substantially uniform electromagnetic field in a proximity detection area such as to interact with the RFID tags attached, associated, coupled or arranged inside the respective packages arranged on or contained in said support.

[0091] Each interrogation antenna operates in the same UHF frequency band as the RFID tags and is preferably a compact, thin, near-field UHF RFID antenna.

[0092] Instead, the internal antenna of the tag is preferably printed on the substrate on which a microchip with the integrated sensor is mounted.

[0093] In one embodiment of the invention, the system of the invention also comprises a climatic chamber, and the support for the packages equipped with RFID tags consists of one or more shelves of said climatic chamber on which the packages containing the products to be monitored and equipped with the respective RFID tags are arranged. In this case, the climatic chamber is equipped with at least one interrogation antenna arranged on an internal wall of the chamber.

[0094] In another embodiment, the support may consist of a tray or container, for instance made of plastic, equipped with at least one interrogation antenna arranged in a suitable seat formed on the bottom and / or on at least one side wall of the tray or container. The tray or container may be of a size suitable for use in monitoring on a laboratory bench or in a climatic chamber equipped with at least one interrogation antenna as indicated above.

[0095] In addition, the tray or container may be equipped with openings (grilles) on the side walls to allow the passage of air flow, which is particularly advantageous when using the tray or container in a climatic chamber.

[0096] In the present invention, each interrogation antenna is arranged internally within the support in a dedicated housing seat and is operatively connected to an electronic interrogation component, such as a reader, which may also be arranged inside the support in a respective housing seat or, alternatively, be located outside the package support.

[0097] Communication between the reader and the at least one interrogation antenna is, preferably, an electrical communication via connecting cables.

[0098] In the present invention, the RF reader also operates in the operating UHF frequency range of the RFID tags and the at least one interrogation antenna. The RF reader can interrogate the RFID tags attached to or arranged in the respective packages containing the products to be monitored via the at least one interrogation antenna arranged in the support by emitting an RF interrogation signal compatible with the circuit of each RFID tag so as to “activate” said circuit and produce a response signal for each RFID tag via the transponder, which is read and recorded by the reader.

[0099] The reader may be of the fixed type or, advantageously, of the portable type.

[0100] It has been surprisingly found that by using a monitoring system based on RFID technology with RFID tags equipped with antennas operating at multiple UHF frequencies and temperature and / or humidity measurement integrated sensors, and in which these RFID tags are attached to or inserted in the packages containing the products to be monitored, it is possible to effectively read the RFID tags and obtain data transmitted by the RFID tags through readings taken at different frequencies that are highly reliable / accurate in a variety of monitoring operating conditions, for instance on a measuring bench or in a climatic chamber and for various types of packages containing the products to be monitored and their contents.

[0101] In particular, by using RFID tags capable of operating at different frequencies within the UHF band, it is possible to make the operation more tolerant to RF channel imperfections and detuning or frequency shifts in optimal performance due to the environment surrounding the tag or package on / in which they are placed. It is also possible to provide different tags, equipped with antennas, each optimised for optimal operation in a given condition, for instance in a full bottle or an empty bottle, in order to achieve greater reliability and, by reading at different frequencies, maximise the possibility of reading.

[0102] Furthermore, with the above monitoring system, it is possible to simultaneously monitor a multitude of packaged products by determining the environmental conditions inside the packages containing them, such as humidity and / or temperature, which are the environmental conditions to which these products are actually exposed, without having to open the package itself.

[0103] As for the method for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products according to the present invention, in a first phase, the packages containing the products to be monitored and equipped with RFID tags as indicated above (for instance, during the packaging of such products, or at a later phase) are arranged on or in a suitable support.

[0104] As indicated above, this support may consist of one or more shelves of a climatic chamber or a tray or container (possibly ventilated) equipped with at least one interrogation antenna. Subsequently, electromagnetic signals are generated by the reader at a predetermined frequency, preferably in the UHF band, and at ranges around power levels for a predetermined time, said electromagnetic signals generated by the reader being radiated / directed by at least one interrogation antenna to the RFID tags attached to or inserted in the respective packages.

[0105] The detected signals are digitally encoded. When each RFID tag associated with a respective package is interrogated, i.e. illuminated and suitably energised, it transmits a response signal, in which the sensor information is encoded in the transmitted message, thus resulting in a more robust signal than an analogue transmission that links the detection information to the RF properties of the response signal. Said response signals contain information relating to the microclimate measurements inside the chambers of the packages containing the products to be monitored, typically humidity and temperature, measured by the sensors of the RFID tags at a respective interrogation power level range.

[0106] Referring to Figure 22, the signals transmitted at a specific frequency and for each range around an interrogation power level are recorded by at least one interrogation antenna and by the reader for the predetermined interrogation time, and the data related or relating to the frequency and power of said transmitted signals are processed by determining, for each range of an interrogation power level, a variation rate of said data, for instance by determining the derivative of said data in the vicinity of the respective interrogation power level.

[0107] Therefore, data whose variation rate is lower than a predetermined threshold variation is selected, whereas data whose variation rate is equal to or greater than said threshold variation is discarded.

[0108] Advantageously, the aforementioned interrogation phase is repeated for one or more different frequencies, and the signals transmitted by the RFID tags obtained in response for each interrogation power level range can be recorded and processed as indicated above.

[0109] The processing may be implemented by appropriate electronic means / components that use one or more supervised and / or unsupervised algorithms present directly in the fixed reader or in the portable reader. Alternatively, the data detected by the reader may be transmitted and processed by an external electronic device, such as a computer or smartphone.

[0110] At the end of the processing, a response is obtained with information on the stability status of the monitored products, which can be conveniently displayed on a local or remote display device, such as a fixed reader connected to a PC or tablet for data display. In particular, the display can be carried out using a screen of the reader device itself or on the package containing the monitored products.

[0111] The information may be in the form of any graphic composition (text, graphs and / or images, etc.) identifiable by the user as indicative of the stability status of these products.

[0112] Figures 1-21 show examples of supports, packages equipped with RFID tags and RFID tags according to embodiments of the present invention. In these Figures, elements that are structurally and / or functionally equivalent will be assigned the same reference numbers.

[0113] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a climatic chamber for use in the monitoring system according to the present invention, this climatic chamber being indicated, as a whole, with reference number 1.

[0114] The climatic chamber 1 comprises a base 2, side walls 3 and a top wall 4 which delimit an internal space 5 in which the packages containing the products to be monitored and equipped with RFID tags according to the present invention are arranged. These packages, not shown, may be arranged on the base 2 of the climatic chamber 1 or on one or more shelves arranged inside the chamber that serve as supports for these packages. The climatic chamber 1 also comprises four interrogation antennas 6. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, two antennas 6 are coupled to respective opposite side walls 3 and the other two antennas 6 are arranged in respective housing seats, one on the base 2 and the other on the upper wall 4. In the configuration of Figure 2, the antennas 6 are arranged in pairs in respective housing seats on the base 2 and the upper wall 4.

[0115] Figures 3 and 3a show a schematic view of a tray-shaped support according to one embodiment of the invention, this tray being indicated as a whole with reference number 10.

[0116] The tray 10 comprises a bottom 11 and side walls 12 ending in an outwardly projecting perimeter edge 13. The tray 10 also comprises, internally, interrogation antennas 6 and an RFID reader 7. In use, packages (for instance in the form of bottles 70, 80, 90) containing the products to be monitored, in particular pharmaceutical products, which recognition devices 71, in particular RFID tags, are associated with or coupled or connected to, are arranged inside the tray 10 in operational communication with the interrogation antennas 6 and with the RFID reader 7 (see Figure 3a). The tray 10 can be suitably sized so that it can be used as such on a measuring bench or inside a climatic chamber 1.

[0117] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a tray-shaped support according to another embodiment of the invention, this tray being indicated as a whole with reference number 20.

[0118] The tray 20 differs from the tray 10 described above essentially in that the tray 20 also includes a closing cap 21 on which a display 22 is mounted for displaying the monitoring data.

[0119] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a container-shaped support according to one embodiment of the invention, said container being indicated as a whole with reference number 30.

[0120] The container 30 comprises a bottom 31 and side walls 32 ending in an edge 33. The container 30 also comprises two interrogation antennas 6 arranged in suitable housing seats on opposite side walls 32, and an RFID reader 7 arranged in a suitable housing seat of the bottom 31. The interrogation antennas 6 and the RFID reader 7 are electrically connected to each other by cables 34. In use, packages (for instance in the form of bottles 70, 80, 90) containing the products to be monitored and equipped with recognition devices 71 are arranged inside the container 30 in operational communication with the interrogation antennas 6 and the RFID reader 7. The container 30 can be sized appropriately so that it can be used as such on a measuring bench or inside a climatic chamber 1.

[0121] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a container-shaped support according to another embodiment of the invention, this container being indicated as a whole with the reference number 40.

[0122] The container 40 differs from the container 30 described above essentially in that it has a plurality of longitudinally extending openings (grids 41) on opposite side walls 32 which allow the passage of an air flow. The container 40 is particularly suitable for use in a climatic chamber 1.

[0123] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a support according to another embodiment of the invention, this support being indicated as a whole with reference number 50.

[0124] The support 50 has a support base 51 and a top wall 52 connected to each other by tubular support elements (columns) 53. The support 50 also comprises four interrogation antennas 6, two of which are arranged in suitable housing seats of the support base 51 and two of which are arranged in suitable housing seats of the top wall 52. The support 50 also comprises an RFID reader 7 arranged in a housing seat of the support base 51. The upper and lower interrogation antennas 6 and the RFID reader 7 are electrically connected to each other by cables 34 passing through tubular elements 53 and in the support base 51. During use, packages (for instance in the form of bottles) containing the products to be monitored and equipped with RFID tags are arranged on the support base 51 of the support 50 in operational communication with the interrogation antennas 6 and the reader 7. The support 50 can be sized appropriately so that it can be used as such on a measuring bench or inside a climatic chamber.

[0125] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a support according to another embodiment of the invention, this support being indicated as a whole with reference number 60.

[0126] The support 60 differs from the support 50 described above essentially in that the tubular support elements 53 are telescopic, so as to adjust the distance (height) of the top wall 52 from the support base 51.

[0127] Figures 9- 12 show views of whole and detached parts of examples of bottle-shaped packages equipped with an RFID tag according to the invention and suitable for use in the monitoring system according to the present invention.

[0128] In particular, the bottles 70, 80 and 90 shown in Figures 9- 11 have a chamber C containing a plurality of products P, in particular pharmaceutical products, to be monitored and a recognition device 71 , in particular a tag or an RFID tag.

[0129] The RFID tag 71 comprises an internal module called coupler 8, having a microchip with one or more sensors either integrated into it or positioned externally (for example, sensors for measuring temperature and / or relative humidity) and a mini antenna, and an external booster antenna 9, larger than the mini antenna of the internal module. Advantageously, the external booster antenna 9 and the mini antenna of the internal module or coupler 8 are operatively connected to each other via inductive coupling. In the configuration shown in Figure 9, the coupler 8 is arranged in the chamber C and attached to the internal wall of the bottle 70, and the antenna 9 is arranged outside chamber C, attached to the outside of the bottle 70. Also in the configuration shown in Figure 10, the coupler 8 is arranged in the chamber C and attached to the internal wall of the bottle 70, whereas the antenna 9 is arranged outside chamber C and attached differently to the outside of the bottle 80. In the configuration shown in Figure 11, antenna 9, attached to the internal or external wall of bottle 90, also extends over the opening and closing cap 91, acting as a tamper-evident seal. The breaking point can also be close to the module of the coupler 8 so as to prevent detection once the cap 91 has been opened.

[0130] Figure 12 shows a view of detached parts (exploded) and a view of assembled parts of a cap for a bottle-shaped package according to another embodiment of the invention, this cap being indicated as a whole with reference number 100.

[0131] The cap 100 comprises a housing seat 101 in which the coupler module 8 and the antenna 9 are arranged. The housing seat 101 is closed at the top by a wall 102 and is open at the bottom so that at least the sensor or sensors of the module of the coupler 8 can be arranged in communication with a chamber of a bottle which the cap 100 is applied to.

[0132] Figure 13 shows a bottle-shaped package equipped with a tag with an RFID sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention, said package being indicated as a whole with reference number 110.

[0133] The bottle 110 has a chamber C containing a plurality of products P to be monitored and an RFID tag 111 of dimensions approximately equivalent to those of a small tablet or pill P inserted in the chamber C of the bottle.

[0134] Figures 14 and 15 show the RFID tag 11 1 in greater detail. This RFID tag comprises a substrate 112 on which a microchip 113 having at least one integrated sensor, and an RF antenna 114, for instance made of copper, printed on the substrate 112 so as to be substantially planar, is mounted. The RFID tag 111 also comprises electronic tuning components 115 and an external coating 116 of the substrate 112 on which the microchip 113 having at least one integrated sensor and the antenna 114 is mounted. The external coating 116 is provided with a plurality of holes 117, shown in Figure 15, at said microchip 113 having at least one integrated sensor so as to expose said at least one sensor to the microenvironment of the chamber of the package in which the RFID tag 111 is inserted.

[0135] Figures 16 and 17 show a tube-shaped package equipped with a tag with an RFID sensor according to a further embodiment of the present invention, said package being indicated as a whole with reference number 120.

[0136] The tube 120 comprises a containment body 121 for containing a paste product P and an opening and closing cap 122 equipped with an RFID tag 71 comprising a coupler module 8 and an antenna 9. In particular, the cap 122 comprises a housing seat 124 in which the coupler module 8 and the antenna 9 are arranged. The housing seat 124 is closed at the top by a cover 123 and is open at the bottom so that at least the sensor or sensors of the module of the microchip of the coupler 8 are in communication with the inside of the chamber 121 containing the product P.

[0137] Figures 18-21 show views of detached parts of examples of blistershaped packages equipped with tags with RFID sensors according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] In particular, the blisters 130, 140 and 150 shown in Figures 18-20 each comprise a lower sheet 131, for instance made of plastic material, in which a plurality of cavities defining containment chambers C for containing respective products to be monitored are formed, an upper sheet 132, for instance made of plastic or electrically conductive material (e.g. aluminium), and an RFID tag comprising at least one coupler module 8 having a microchip, one or more sensors, and a mini antenna and at least one booster antenna 9. During packaging, the coupler modules 8 are arranged in respective cavities C of the lower sheet 131 containing the products to be monitored, the at least one booster antenna 9 is arranged between the lower sheet 131 and the upper sheet 132 outside the containment cavities C or the booster antenna 9 is formed within the upper sheet 132 ( in this case made of an electricallt conductive material, e.g. aluminium) by creating a slot therein, and the upper sheet 132 is then applied on the lower sheet 131, and the perimeter edges of the upper sheet 132 and the lower sheet 131 are sealingly joined so as to seal the containment cavities C of the products.

[0139] In the configuration of the blister pack 130 shown in Figure 18, both the lower sheet 131 and the upper sheet 132 are made of material not electrically conductive (e.g. a plastic material), and the number of coopler modules 8 is lower than the number of containment cavities C for containing the products, therefore only some of the chambers C of said cavities contain a coopler module 8 in addition to the products to be monitored. In addition, the blister pack 130 has two booster antennas 9 of the RFID tag, each having a curved internal loop portion 9a from which linear end portions 9b extend laterally. These antennas 9 are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the blister pack between the upper sheet 132 and the lower sheet 131, with the linear end portions 9b positioned outside the cavities of the blister pack and the central curved portion 9a facing a respective coupler module 8 and centered / aligned with it. The configuration of blister pack 150 shown in Figures 20-21 differs from that of the blister pack 130 in Figure 18 mainly in that the number of coopler modules 8 is equal to the number of the containment cavities C for containing the products, so all of the chambers C of said cavities contain a chip module 8 in addition to the products to be monitored.

[0140] Moreover, each booster antenna 9 has a curved internal portion with a plurality of substantially equidistant loops 9a (alternatively may be not equidistant) connected to one another by linear segments, each loop 9a being faced toward a respective coupler module 8 and centered / aligned with it.

[0141] In a variant embodiment, the booster antennas 9 of the blisters 130 and 150 shown in Figures 18 and 20 can be arranged on the outer face of the lower sheet 131 or of the upper sheet 132 instead of being placed between said lower sheet 131 and said upper sheet 132.

[0142] In the configuration of the blister pack 140 in Figure 19, the lower sheet 131 is made of plastic material, while the upper sheet 132 is made of a conductive metallic material (e.g., aluminum) and just one coupler module 8 is provided, which is arranged in a chamber C of a cavity. Moreover, the blister pack 140 has a linear booster antenna 9 formed by cutting a longitudinally extending radiant slot (slot antenna) 141 obtained on one side of the upper sheet 132 outside the cavities of the blister.

[0143] Figure 23 shows configuration examples of a coupler module and a booster antenna of an RFID tag usable in package according to the invention for implementing the method of monitoring the stability of perishable products according to the present invention.

[0144] In the configuration shown in Figure 23A, the booster antenna 9 has a linear shape and, when used in package according to the invention, can be positioned externally to at least one chamber of the package and is faced toward the coupler module 8, which is instead located in a chamber of the package.

[0145] In the configurations shown in Figures 23B and 23C, the booster antenna 9 has a curved shape with an inner portion 9a in a closed-loop or bow shape (Figure 23B) or in a substantially “C”-shaped loop (Figure 23C), from which respective linear end portions 9b extend laterally. When used in package according to the invention, the booster antenna 9 can be positioned externally to at least one chamber of the package and is faced toward the coupler module 8, which is instead located in a chamber of the package, with the inner portion 9a centered / aligned with the position of the coupler module 8, ideally enclosing it.

[0146] In the configuration shown in Figure 23D, the booster antenna 9 has a curved shape with an inner portion 9a in a substantially “U”-shaped loop, from which respective meander-shaped end portions 9b extend laterally. When used in package according to the invention, the booster antenna 9 can be positioned externally to at least one chamber of the package and is faced toward the coupler module 8, which is instead located in a chamber of the package, with the inner portion 9a centered / aligned with the position of the coupler module 8, ideally enclosing it.

[0147] It should be noted that to make the booster antenna 9, different choices of the internal portion 9a can be combined with different shapes of the end portions 9b. This is applicable both to make the booster antenna 9 made of copper wire or trace (as for example in Figures 9- 12, 16- 18, 20) and to make the slot-aperture antenna (as in Figure 19) in which the aperture can be appropriately shaped in any shape (not exclusively linear as shown in Figure 19).

[0148] In light of the above, the system and method for monitoring the stability of perishable products according to the invention achieve the intended purposes and offer numerous advantages.

[0149] Indeed, thanks to the use of RFID tags equipped with integrated sensors and an antenna operating at multiple close frequencies (i.e. an antenna design offering moderate broadband capacity), it is possible to identify the optimal power and frequency (within the available frequency band) that allow maximising the probability of reading under various operating conditions and for various types of packages containing the products to be monitored. As a result, the reliability and effectiveness of reading the measurements transmitted by the sensors of the RFID tag are significantly improved and tolerant to specific monitoring operating conditions and the type of packages and their contents.

[0150] Furthermore, the RFID system according to the invention is simple and can be produced at low cost since the RFID tag does not have any particular construction complications and no analysers and / or expensive electronic components are required to produce it.

[0151] Furthermore, the RFID system according to the invention provides rapid readings of the measurements taken by the sensors on the microclimate of the packages containing the products to be monitored, thus making it particularly convenient and practical to use.

[0152] Further advantages of the present invention derive from the design of a specific tag or RFID tag, for instance the one used for the blister pack embodiment, comprising a coupler module and a booster antenna, as described previously.

[0153] Indeed, thanks to the fact that the module or coupler and the booster antenna are two distinct and separate components — where the former is placed in at least one chamber of the package containing at least one product to be monitored, and the second one is placed either inside or preferably outside said at least one chamber, the performance of sensor data reading is improved without in any way altering the package (e.g., a blister), that is, without modifying its structure or the manufacturing process. At the same time, it is possible to measure the parameter or parameters related to the stability of the packaged products even in package chambers of very small dimensions (micro-cavities), such as those in blisters, while maintaining the required operating read range needed to obtain reliable results.

[0154] It should also be noted that inductive coupling enhances the electromagnetic performance of the coupler thanks to the booster acting as an antenna, while allowing the coupler to remain small enough to be housed in the cavity where the relevant sensor data needs to be measured.

[0155] Moreover, with the RFID tag structured in the aforementioned way, a high degree of versatility is enabled in the design of the booster antenna. The latter can be made in various shapes, linear or curved, and can be appropriately customized and / or miniaturized depending on the type, size, and materials of the package.

[0156] In addition, advantageously, the RFID tag structured in this way is compatible with and / or adaptable to various types of package of different shapes and sizes, including very small packages such as blisters and package made from metallic materials (e.g., aluminum). In the latter case, the booster antenna, structured as a slot in a metallic component of the package, enables the coupler module to function even in the presence of a metallic component in the package, which would otherwise limit (by shielding) the radiative capabilities of the coupler itself.

[0157] It should also be noted that the RFID tag structured in this way can be significantly miniaturized; in particular, the internal coupler module can be very small and integrated within a single chamber / cavity of the package, such as a blister (e.g., a PCB with chip, sensor, and small antenna), bringing the measurement point directly inside the cavity, while the booster antenna can be produced in various forms as needed and can be appropriately miniaturized, for example by making it in a folded shape (e.g., with meandered lateral portions).

[0158] In order to meet specific and contingent needs, a person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations to the RFID system according to the invention and the method for its use, all of which are included in the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. RFID system for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products, in particular pharmaceutical products, comprising:- at least one package (70; 80; 90; 1 10; 120; 130; 140; 150) comprising at least one chamber (C) containing at least one perishable product (P),- a support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) for holding and containing said at least one package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150),- at least one RFID tag (71; 111) comprising at least one antenna adapted to operate at multiple frequencies within UHF frequency band, said RFID tag operatively connected to at least one sensor, each RFID tag (71; 111) being coupled to a respective package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150), or inserted into a respective package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150), at least said one sensor being in communication with the inside of a chamber (C) of the respective package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150),- an interrogation device comprising a reader (7) adapted to operate in said UHF frequency band and in ranges around the power levels which are necessary for activating and communicating with said RFID tag (71; 111), and at least one interrogation antenna (6) arranged on said support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) and operatively associated with said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) and to said reader (7), said interrogation device being adapted to detect a plurality of data contained in said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) in response to activation signals for each frequency of a plurality of interrogation frequencies within said UHF frequency band and range within a power level which are generated by said reader, said data contained in each RFID tag (71; 11 1) being related to the measurement inside the chamber of the respective package, by said at least one sensor, of at least one relative parameter relating or related to the stability of said at least one product which is present in said chamber of the package,- processing means of said data relating or related to the stability of said perishable products resulting from the reading of said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) by said interrogation device.

2. RFID system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor is a sensor for measuring humidity and / or a sensor for measuring temperature.

3. RFID system according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a climatic chamber (1) constituting or having said support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) for said at least one package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150).

4. RFID system according to claim 3, wherein said at least one interrogation antenna (6) is arranged in said climatic chamber (1).

5. RFID system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said support (10; 20; 30; 40; 50; 60) comprises a tray (10; 20) or a container (30; 40; 50; 60) provided with said at least one interrogation antenna (6) and optionally with said reader (7), which are in electrical communication with each other.

6. RFID system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said RFID tag (111) comprises a substrate (112) on which are mounted a microchip (113) integrating at least one sensor, and an RF antenna (114) printed on the substrate (112) so as to be substantially planar, and an outer coating (116) of said substrate (112) provided with a plurality of openings (117) in correspondence with said microchip (1 13) with the at least one integrated sensor.

7. RFID system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said RFID tag comprises at least one coupler module (8) having a microchip, at least one sensor, and a mini antenna electrically connected to one another, and a booster antenna (9) larger than the mini antenna of said at least one coupler module (8), the booster antenna (9) being operatively coupled to said mini antenna of said at least one couplermodule (8) by magnetic coupling, preferably by inductive coupling, said at least one coupler module (8) being arranged inside or in communication with the interior of a respective chamber (C) of said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150), and said booster antenna (9) being arranged externally or internally to said at least one chamber (C) of said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) or being embedded in the material forming said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150). .

8. RFID system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said at least one package is made up of a bottle (70; 80; 90; 110) comprising an opening and closing cap (100) and wherein said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) comprises a coupler module (8) arranged in a chamber (C) of said bottle (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) containing said products (P) to be monitored, and a booster antenna (9) fixed to said bottle (70; 80; 90; 110) inside or outside said chamber (C).

9. RFID system according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one package is made up of a bottle (70; 80; 90; 110) comprising an opening and closing cap (100) and wherein said at least one RFID tag (71; 111) comprises a coupler module (8) and a booster antenna (9) which are fixed in an housing seat (101) of said plug (110) in communication with a chamber (C) of said bottle (70; 80; 90; 110) containing said products (P).

10. RFID system according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one package is made up of a tube (120) comprising a container body (121) for a paste product (P) and an opening and closing cap (122) and wherein said at least one RFID tag (71; 1 11) comprises a coupler module (8) and a booster antenna (9) which are fixed in a housing seat of said plug (124) in communication with the inside of said container body (121).

11. RFID system according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one package is made up of a blister (130; 140;150) comprising a lower sheet (130) in which a plurality of cavities defining container chambers (C) for respective products (P) to be monitored are formed, an upper sheet (132) and a RFID tag comprising at least one coupler module (8) and at least one booster antenna (9), said one coupler module (8) being arranged in a respective chamber (C) and said at least one booster antenna (9) being arranged between said lower sheet (131) and said upper sheet (132) in an end portion thereof external to said cavities or being formed cutting in a slit ( 141) formed in said upper sheet (132) in an end portion thereof external said cavities, the perimeter edges of the upper sheet (132) and of the lower sheet (131) being sealingly joined to each other.

12. Method for monitoring the stability of packaged perishable products comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one package having at least one chamber containing at least one perishable product, and at least one RFID tag comprising at least one sensitive element (sensor) and at least one antenna adapted to operate at a plurality of frequencies within a UHF frequency band, each RFID tag being coupled to a respective package or being inserted into a respective package with said at least one sensor in communication with the inside of a chamber of the respective package, b) providing a support for holding and containing said at least one package, c) providing an interrogation device comprising a reader adapted to operate in said frequency band and in a power range which are necessary for activating and communicating with said RFID tag, and at least one interrogation antenna arranged on said support and operatively associated with said at least one RFID tag and said reader, d) arranging said at least one package onto or into said support, e) detecting data contained in each RFID tag by irradiation by means of said antenna of said reader of the interrogation device at a firstfrequency and at ranges around different power levels for a predetermined time; f) acquiring, for said predetermined time, a plurality of data contained in said at least one RFID tag measured by said sensor of said RFID tag, for each range of an interrogation power level by said reader; the data contained in each RFID tag being related to the measurement inside the chamber of the respective package by said at least one sensor of at least one parameter related to the stability of said at least one product which is present in said chamber of the package, g) processing said data contained in each RFID tag at each range of an interrogation power level determining, for each range of an interrogation power level, a variation rate of said data and selecting data whose variation rate is lower than a predetermined threshold variation value, h) repeating at least once said previous steps e) to g) acquiring data by the reader of said interrogation device at at least one second frequency which is different from said first frequency.

13. Package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) comprising at least one chamber (C) containing at least one perishable product (P), on which is coupled or into which is inserted at least one RFID tag (71; 11) containing data related to said product (P) readable by a reader, said at least one RFID tag comprising at least one sensing element (sensor) and at least one antenna adapted to operate at a plurality of frequencies within a UHF frequency band, said at least one sensor being in communication with the interior of said at least one chamber (C) containing said at least one perishable product (P).

14. Package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) according to claim 13, wherein said RFID tag comprises at least one coupler module (8) having a microchip, at least one sensor, and a mini antenna electrically connected to one another, and a booster antenna (9) larger in size than the mini antenna of said at least one coupler module (8), said boosterantenna (9) being operatively connected to said mini antenna of said at least one coupler module (8) via magnetic coupling, preferably inductive coupling, said at least one coupler module (8) being arranged inside or in communication with the interior of a respective chamber (C) of said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150), and said booster antenna (9) being arranged either externally or internally to said at least one chamber (C) of said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) or being embedded in the material forming said package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150).

15. Package (70; 80; 90; 110; 120; 130; 140; 150) according to claim 14, wherein said package is a blister (130; 140; 150) comprising a lower sheet (131) in which a plurality of cavities are formed defining chambers (C) for housing respective products (P) to be monitored, an upper sheet (132), and an RFID tag comprising at least one coupler module (8) and at least one booster antenna (9), said at least one coupler module (8) being placed in a respective chamber (C), and said at least one booster antenna (9) being arranged between said lower sheet (131) and said upper sheet (132) in an end portion thereof external to said cavities, or being formed by cutting a slit (141) in said upper sheet (132) in an end portion thereof external to said cavities, or being embedded in the material forming said upper sheet (132) or said lower sheet (131), the peripheral edges of said upper sheet (132) and said lower sheet (131) being sealed together.

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