Smart Package Wireless Data Communication via Printed Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fiber or plastic-based packages require manual or human-based solutions for tracking and monitoring, which are costly, complex, and often require specialized reader devices and transmitters, limiting their effectiveness and scalability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of printed electronics for conductors within the package that enable a detachable module to wirelessly communicate package data to a system, eliminating the need for separate reader devices and allowing for cost-effective, scalable monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specialized reader device is used to read package information, then information reading capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation reading capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling standard mobile devices to perform package information reading functions that previously required specialized reader devices. The mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities are utilized to read data from the package label, eliminating the need for dedicated reading equipment while maintaining information reading capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation of the package information through imaging. The camera captures an image of the label, and software processes this visual copy to extract and interpret data, replacing the need for direct electronic communication between specialized readers and transmitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If a transmitter is integrated into the package for wireless communication, then information transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the transmitter function from the package itself and relocates it to the mobile device. The package label contains only passive visual information, while the active transmission and processing functions are performed by the user's mobile device, simplifying package manufacturing while maintaining information transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the mobile device to perform all reading, processing, and transmission functions using its own built-in capabilities. The device's camera, processor, and communication modules work together autonomously to handle package information without requiring additional components in the package or specialized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual solutions are used for tracking and monitoring packages, then implementation simplicity is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidtracking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated digital processing. Instead of manual recording and monitoring, the system uses the mobile device's camera to capture information, software to automatically process and extract data, and wireless communication to transmit results, dramatically improving tracking efficiency while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by automatically transmitting processed package information back to relevant systems or users through the mobile device. This creates a closed-loop system where package data is continuously monitored, processed, and communicated, improving productivity through automated feedback rather than manual checking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2585378B1Fiber or plastic based packing, apparatus, method, program and system for wireless data communication by fiber or plastic based packing
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 STORA ENSO OYJ
  • EP2585378B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2585378B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP2585378B1 patent drawingFigure 2d

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a fiber or plastic based package comprising: an interface adapted to attach and connect, in a detachable manner, a module to a fiber or plastic based package, the module comprising a wireless transmitter, and the interface comprising conductors for transferring package data from the fiber or plastic based package to the module. An embodiment of the invention also comprises a module, system and software. An embodiment of the invention is related to a smart package, its management and various applications thereof.