CN111372788B

CN111372788B - Holographic multilayer film, product packaging and method for producing holographic multilayer film

Info

Publication number: CN111372788B
Application number: CN201880055277.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·克雷塞; K·舒尔特·威金; S·博格斯米尔
Original assignee: Tesa Scribos GmbH
Current assignee: Scribos GmbH
Priority date: 2017-08-31
Filing date: 2018-08-09
Publication date: 2022-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-09
Also published as: CN111372788A; DE102017215288B3; WO2019042735A1

Abstract

Holographic multilayer film (1) for use as part of a product packaging (10), wherein the holographic multilayer film (1) comprises a marking film (2) with machine-readable markings (5) for providing product-specific data, a decoration and/or protective layer (3) embedding digital data fields and a partially reflective interlayer (4) disposed between the marking film (2) and the decoration and/or protective layer (3), the interlayer (4) at least partially covering the markings (5), wherein the markings (5) comprise a construction (6) containing an embossed hologram, the construction (6) being incorporated in the marking film (2) or in a lacquer layer (7) applied on the marking film (2). The invention further relates to a product package and a sub-packaging capsule with the holographic multilayer film, and to a beverage preparation system with the sub-packaging capsule. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing the holographic multilayer film (1) and to a method for operating the beverage preparation system.

Description

Holographic multilayer film, product packaging and method for producing holographic multilayer film

Technical Field

The invention is based on holographic multilayer films. Basically, security elements, such as adhesive labels, which comprise a holographic-like optical security marking, are known from the prior art. Such security elements are often used to identify products in an anti-counterfeiting manner.

Such a security element is known, for example, from publication DE 102015207268 a1, which discloses a label for attachment to a product or packaging to prevent counterfeiting. The security element comprises a transparent polymer film made of plastic, which serves as a substrate and a carrier film. During the production of the security element, the polymer film is first printed with an ink comprising a metallic pigment, and then the security marking is introduced into the color layer in the form of a phase-or amplitude hologram by means of laser lithography. The laser lithography process produces microstructures in the color layer, the fourier transform of which is shown in projection when illuminated with a monochromatic light source. Such a fourier transform contains a data field, in which, for example, data for verifying the authenticity of the marked product can be integrated. A similar security element is disclosed in the publication DE 102008024023 a 1.

A security element is also known from DE 102012203350 a1, in which a stamped shim is used

Embossing is used instead of laser lithography to achieve the structuring.

The production of microstructures for realizing holograms is not easy to realize in standard printing processes and is therefore expensive, technically demanding and costly. This greatly increases the barrier for potential counterfeiters. Furthermore, in particular by using laser lithography, the individual and/or serialized data can be embedded in a data field, so that it is possible to identify whether a product is counterfeit by comparing the individual and/or serialized data of the read security marking with a database providing valid data of the security marking.

In commerce and industry, there is an increasing effort not only to mark high-priced products and goods in a tamper-proof manner, but also to mark relatively inexpensive daily and consumer goods (e.g. food packaging) so that their nature and origin can be clearly determined. This applies in particular to products which have to be further processed in any way after purchase, before use or consumption, since in this case the selection criteria for further processing can be embedded in the marking of the particular product.

Dispensing capsules for the preparation of beverages in beverage production machines are known, for example, from publications EP 2525691 a1, EP 2525692 a1, GB 2397510A, DE 20121494U 1 and EP 1974638 a1, wherein the dispensing capsules each have machine-readable markings in the region of their cover films. These markings comprise, for example, a bar code, a data matrix code (also referred to as QR code) or a color code and are read out in the beverage production machine by means of a detector or a camera in order to automatically determine the type of the dispensed capsule. In this way, the following problems can be solved: a large number of different capsule types are now provided for each individual type of beverage production machine in order to prepare different beverages with one beverage production machine, each requiring different preparation conditions. For example, there are portioned capsules for preparing Espresso (espress), long cup coffee (Lungo), short extract Espresso (Ristretto), classic filter coffee, cappuccino, tea, drinking chocolate, cocoa, etc., wherein the external properties of the portioned capsules are always the same or at least very similar. However, by reading the markings located on the cover film, the beverage production machine knows which type of sub-packaged capsule the user has currently inserted into the beverage production machine, and can select a brewing program suitable for the identified type of sub-packaged capsule. For example, if an espresso capsule is identified instead of a tea capsule, a brewing program is selected which delivers less water and/or higher pressure water into the sub-capsules.

A disadvantage of the aforementioned method for marking product packages, in particular portion capsules, is that the marking always comprises a code which is also visible to a human user and which is arranged visibly on a central part of the product package, in particular on the cover foil of the portion capsule. It is important for manufacturers of such product packages to find an aesthetically pleasing and identifiable product package design. However, the mentioned markings greatly limit the design freedom in the design of the product package and have a great influence on the overall impression.

In addition, the above-mentioned markings are usually located on the outer surface of the product packaging and are therefore often damaged by mechanical or chemical external influences and are therefore no longer readable thereafter.

Finally, the above-mentioned markings are susceptible to counterfeiting by product counterfeiters, thus creating the risk of, for example, counterfeited sub-capsules of inferior quality, which pose a risk to the user, entering the market, in particular when such sub-capsules are broken by brewing at high pressures (up to 20bar) and high temperatures (up to 95 ℃) which are prevalent in beverage production machines, so that hot liquid splashes around in an uncontrolled manner.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a film that can be used as part of a product package, said film being provided with machine readable indicia for providing product specific data about a product located in a sales package, wherein said indicia is not or hardly affected by the appearance of the product package, the risk of damage to the indicia is reduced, and the security of a counterfeit-proof product is improved. In addition, on moving products the marking should also be readable by relatively simple and inexpensive means, so that the capsule type can be identified, for example when throwing the capsule into a beverage production machine.

The above object is achieved by a holographic multilayer film for use as part of a product package, wherein the holographic multilayer film comprises a marking film with machine-readable markings for providing product-specific data embedded in digital data fields, a decorative and/or protective layer and a partially reflective interlayer disposed between the marking film and the decorative and/or protective layer, which at least partially covers the markings, wherein the markings comprise a hologram-containing construction which is incorporated in the marking film or in a lacquer layer applied on the marking film.

Compared with the prior art, the holographic multilayer film has the following advantages: the marking is implemented as a hologram which is hardly visible to a human user and which is integrated in the wall of the product package. By means of the marking a hologram is achieved which is hardly visible to a human user, and the appearance of the product packaging is not or hardly impaired. If, on the contrary, the marking film is represented as the visible side of the product package, the decorative and/or protective layer is perceived almost without limitation by the viewer of the product package, since the marking film, the construction and the interlayer are transparent. If the protective layer is also designed to be transparent, the entire multilayer film is transparent and can even be used as a window film for product packaging. Otherwise, any design and appearance of the product package can be achieved in the usual way by means of the decorative layer. These advantages are achieved by seeing the hologram and thus the digital data field only when the mark is illuminated with monochromatic light. In practice, for example, conventional films of existing product packaging without a label can be further used, that is, connected to the label film and the interlayer, by simply using the existing packaging film as a decorative and/or protective film in the holographic multilayer film of the present invention. This makes it possible to further develop existing product packages without markings into product packages with markings in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. The use of digital data fields also has the following advantages: a relatively high data capacity is provided, so that a large amount of information can be provided, in particular also parameters for further processing of the product. The marking is realized by the construction and the partially reflective interlayer and is thus arranged within the multilayer film, i.e. between the marking film and the decorative and/or protective layer, and is protected there from external mechanical and chemical influences. The digital data field can be read using a relatively inexpensive sensor. Only a monochromatic light source, such as a laser or LED, and an optical detection system, such as a simple CCD camera, are required. It is also of decisive advantage to implement the marks as holograms, the digital data field being shift-invariant. This means that when the mark is illuminated with monochromatic light, the position of the resulting reflected fourier hologram does not move with the translational movement of the mark. This greatly simplifies the reading of the product package in motion. In the sense of the present invention, the term "partially reflective" means in particular that less than 50% of the incident light, preferably less than 10% of the incident light (here coming from the interlayer) is reflected.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interlayer comprises a transparent plastic film and/or a transparent coating made of an HRI material (high refractive index), in particular having a refractive index of greater than 2. The reflection is advantageously enhanced by the partially reflective interlayer, thereby improving the optical effect of the hologram and hence the readability. Transparent coatings made of inorganic HRI-materials include, for example, coatings made of titanium dioxide or zinc sulphide, which preferably ensure good visibility of the hologram and at the same time have good transparency. The advantage of using zinc sulphide is that its interfacial reflection is less than 10%, and particularly preferably substantially 5%. In particular, the HRI-material has a refractive index of more than 2 at a wavelength of 589nm (yellow-orange) of the sodium-D-line.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the interlayer comprises a metallization layer, which in particular has an optical density of less than 0.5. The metallization layer also increases reflection to make the hologram visible and improve readability, but good transparency can still be achieved due to the small thickness and low optical density. A metallization layer with an optical density of 0.5 (depending on the metal) advantageously reflects about 40% of the incident light. The metallization layer is preferably applied to the construction by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the structuring to be carried out by means of an embossing shim or by means of laser lithography, and/or for the structuring to comprise binary structures. In the sense of the present invention, the expression binary structure means, in particular, that the grooves which together form the construction all have a constant construction depth. Thus, in the region of the construction, there are only regions without grooves and regions with grooves, wherein the grooves have the same depth within the manufacturing tolerances.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the hologram is a fourier hologram which is designed such that the digital data field can be made visible by illuminating the fourier hologram with a monochromatic light source, wherein the hologram preferably comprises a phase hologram. The advantage of the described construction by means of an embossing shim is that mass production of holographic multilayer films can be carried out relatively cost-effectively. Alternatively, the structuring by means of laser lithography has the advantage that individual and/or serialized marks can be generated. It is conceivable, for example, that each sales package receives a single and/or serialized identification number, which is integrated into the corresponding digital data field. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fourier hologram does not comprise a phase map, but an amplitude map.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that product-specific data about the nature and/or origin of the product contained in the product package is embedded in the hologram, and/or wherein product-specific data in the form of product-specific parameters are embedded in the hologram for controlling the further processing and/or use of the product contained in the product package. Product-specific data about the nature and/or origin of the product contained in the product package, such as a single and/or serialized identification number or a clear indication of the operational origin of the product, are included within the meaning of the invention, so that counterfeit products can be identified. It is also conceivable to provide the type or the characteristics of the product as product-specific data. In embodiments where the sub-packaged capsule is packaged as a product, such product specific data may comprise, for example, the type of beverage substance that is or is located in the sub-packaged capsule, such as coffee (instant) powder, roasted and ground coffee beans, tea, liquid or granular chocolate, cocoa, liquid milk and/or milk powder, or information specifying the type of beverage that is prepared by the sub-packaged capsule, such as espresso coffee, long coffee, short extract espresso coffee, classic filtered coffee, cappuccino, tea, drinking chocolate, etc. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the production and/or the optimal lifetime of the sub-packaged capsule or the beverage substance located therein is provided as product-specific data. Similarly, product specific data may be embedded in the hologram in the form of product specific parameters for controlling further processing and/or use of the product contained in the product packaging. It is conceivable, for example, to store specific values for controlling the machine for further processing the product in a digital data field. In this way, the machine can be controlled directly through the digital data field. In the sense of the present invention, such product-specific parameters may be, for example, control data for the beverage production machine, by means of which the pressure of the brewing liquid, the temperature of the brewing liquid, the delivery amount of the brewing liquid and/or the like may be controlled during the beverage preparation process.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the marking film is transparent and the decorative and/or protective layer is opaque. Advantageously, if the marking film is represented as the visible side of the product package, the decorative and/or protective layer is perceived almost without limitation by an observer of the product package.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the decorative and/or protective layer is applied to the interlayer in a printing process. It is conceivable, for example, to realize or introduce the decorative layer using a common offset, digital, flexo or gravure printing process, so that decorative printing can be used in a conventional manner.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the decorative and/or protective layer is glued and/or welded to the marking film and/or the interlayer. The layer structure consisting of the marking film, the interlayer and the decorative and/or protective layer preferably forms a tightly bonded film laminate. It is conceivable that the entire layer structure is bonded to the laminate under heat, in particular under vacuum.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the marking film comprises a polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film. The marking film preferably comprises a polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film coated with a lacquer layer, wherein the thickness of the lacquer layer is particularly preferably between 0.1 and 10 micrometers, particularly preferably between 1 and 5 micrometers and most preferably between 1 and 2 micrometers. Alternatively, the thickness of the polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film is between 0.1 and 100 micrometers, preferably between 1 and 50 micrometers and particularly preferably between 10 and 30 micrometers. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the marking film includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or the like.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the structure extension extends over the entire area of the holographic multilayer film. Thus, advantageously, precise alignment and positioning between one side of the indicia and a light source or optical detection system for reading the digital data fields is not required. Conversely, it is sufficient if the light cone of the light source illuminates any portion of the multilayer film and the reflection falls within the detection range of the optical detection system. In addition, the reliability of the reading is greatly improved, since a large tolerance range can be achieved for the positioning of the product packages, in particular of the sub-packaged capsules, in the feed chute of the beverage production machine. It is conceivable that the construction extends at least completely on one side of the product package, the multilayer film forming part of the product package on its face.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the digital data field comprises rounded corners and is in particular designed generally round and/or wherein the digital data field comprises position markings for determining the orientation of the digital data field when reading. The realization of the position markers has the advantage that the relative orientation of the digital data fields with respect to the optical detection system can be determined in a simple manner. This is particularly advantageous in the case of rotationally symmetrical sales packages, such as the above-described partial capsules, since the orientation of the hologram is always changed when it is read. The use of digital data fields with rounded corners reduces the following risks: when reading the reflected hologram, those areas located in the corners of the digital data field are not within the detection area of the optical detection system and cannot be read out.

To achieve the above object, another object of the present invention is a product package comprising the holographic multilayer film according to the present invention. The holographic multilayer film may be a transparent window or a non-transparent wall of a product package.

Another object of the invention is to achieve a partial capsule for preparing a beverage in a beverage maker, wherein the partial capsule comprises a base element having a cavity for containing a beverage substance and a capsule lid closing the cavity, wherein the capsule lid comprises a holographic multilayer film according to the invention.

Advantageously, the holographic multilayer film according to the present invention is used as a capsule lid for a dispensing capsule, such that the marking can be integrated as part of the wall of the product packaging, whereby the appearance of the dispensing capsule is not impaired or only insignificantly impaired, and the marking is protected from external influences. The partial capsule can thus be clearly identified in the beverage production machine, so that in the preparation of the beverage, the beverage preparation program of the beverage production machine specified for the product (beverage substance) contained in the partial capsule can be used, or the parameters of the beverage preparation process can be set according to product-specific data embedded in a known digital data field.

The beverage substance comprises in particular a liquid, granular or powdered beverage material or beverage raw material which is mixed with an infusion liquid, in particular cold or hot water under pressure, to form a beverage. It is contemplated that the beverage substance is preferably dissolved, leached, and/or dispersed in the brewing liquid. For example, the beverage substance comprises coffee (instant) powder, roasted and ground coffee beans, tea, liquid or granular chocolate, cocoa, liquid milk and/or milk powder.

In order to achieve the above object, a further object of the invention is a beverage preparation system comprising a partial packaging capsule according to the invention and a beverage production machine, wherein the beverage production machine comprises a feed chute and a brewing chamber such that the partial packaging capsule is transferable into the brewing chamber by means of the feed chute, wherein the brewing chamber comprises a liquid supply for introducing brewing liquid into the partial packaging capsule, wherein the beverage production machine further comprises a detection unit arranged for reading product-specific data embedded in a digital data field, and wherein the beverage production machine comprises a control unit controlling the liquid supply in dependence on the read product-specific data.

Preferably, the liquid supply comprises a pump and/or a heating element, wherein preferably the delivery efficiency, delivery volume and/or switching time of the pump and/or the heating efficiency and/or switching time of the heating element is controlled by a control unit depending on the read product specific data.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention it is provided that the detection unit comprises an optical detection system for illuminating the structured light source and for reading the digital data field of the partially reflected hologram, wherein the beverage production machine preferably comprises a processor for evaluating the digital data field. The light source comprises in particular a monochromatic light source, such as a laser or LED, while the optical detection system comprises for example a CCD-camera. The light source and optical detection system are preferably arranged such that reading of the digital data fields is done in the feed chute. Advantageously, it is therefore not necessary to perform the reading of the hologram in the brewing chamber of the beverage production machine, since the reading in the brewing chamber is caused by conditions present during the beverage preparation process, such as high pressure, high temperature, potential contamination (by beverage substances escaping from the opened dispensed capsule) or lime precipitation by the brewing liquid, which would become more complex and error-prone due to the presence of the brewing liquid. Advantageously, in the feed chute, the portioned capsules are not yet opened or in contact with the infusion liquid, so that liquids, contaminants, precipitates, beverage substances etc. do not affect the reading process. The fourier hologram is translation-invariant and advantageously enables readout of the digital data field in the feed chute, i.e. the fourier hologram does not move even if the marks perform a translation movement during reading.

Another object to be achieved by the present invention is a method for producing a holographic multilayer film according to the invention, wherein in a first production step a marking film is provided, wherein in a second production step a machine-readable marking is realized by introducing a construction containing a hologram for providing product-specific data embedded in a digital data field, wherein in a third production step an interlayer which is partially reflective and at least partially covers the marking is applied on the construction, and wherein in a fourth production step a decorative and/or protective layer is applied on or connected to the interlayer. Preferably, in a second production step, the structuring is introduced into the marking film or into a lacquer layer applied on the marking film. It is conceivable that in a first production step the lacquer layer is applied to the marking film.

The advantage of the method according to the invention is that it can be easily integrated into existing production processes of conventional printed packaging films. Which is usually a multilayer structure, the lower decorative layer is provided with a colour print to produce the desired design, and the decorative layer is covered on its visible side with a transparent protective film. In order to provide such conventional packaging films with machine-readable markings, it is merely necessary to replace the outer transparent protective film with the marking film, and then to introduce the structuring into the marking film or into the lacquer layer thereof and to cover it with a partially reflective interlayer. The construction can then be connected in a conventional manner to, for example, a printed decor layer. The method according to the invention thus provides a cost-effective and easy-to-implement option to mark existing product packages with a machine-readable mark that is almost invisible and difficult to counterfeit for the user, and to embed product-specific data in the digital data field.

In the sense of the present invention, the numbering of the production steps is to be understood as a name only, and not as a chronological or specific order of execution of the individual production steps. Preferably, the individual production steps are performed one after the other according to their numbering, i.e. first a first production step, then a second production step, then a third production step, and finally a fourth production step.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in a second production step, the structuring is introduced into the marking film or lacquer layer or interlayer by means of a stamp pad or by means of laser lithography. The advantage of the construction by means of an embossing shim is that mass production of holographic multilayer films can be carried out relatively cost-effectively. Alternatively, the structuring by means of laser lithography has the advantage that individual and/or serialized marks can be generated. It is conceivable, for example, that each sales package receives a single and/or serialized identification number, which is integrated into the corresponding digital data field. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fourier hologram does not comprise a phase map, but an amplitude map. The structuring is preferably produced in such a way that it extends over the entire area of the holographic multilayer film. Thus, advantageously, precise alignment and positioning between one side of the indicia and a light source or optical detection system for reading the digital data fields is not required. Conversely, it is sufficient if the light cone of the light source illuminates any part of the multilayer film and the reflection falls within the detection range of the optical detection system.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in a third production step the interlayer is realized by coating the construction with a transparent plastic film and/or a transparent coating made of an HRI-material (high refractive index), in particular having a refractive index of more than 2, or wherein in the third production step the interlayer is produced by applying a metallized layer, in particular having an optical density of less than 0.5. In particular, the HRI-material has a refractive index of more than 2 at a wavelength of 589nm (yellow-orange) of the sodium-D-line.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made in the second production step for the configuration to be realized in such a way that the associated phase hologram displays a digital data field in which product-specific data about the nature and/or origin of the product contained in the product package are embedded and/or product-specific data in the form of product-specific parameters are embedded for controlling the further processing and/or use of the product contained in the product package.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in a fourth production step the decorative and/or protective layer is printed on the interlayer, or wherein in a fourth production step the decorative and/or protective layer is provided in the form of a decorative film and the decorative film is glued or welded to the interlayer.

In order to achieve the object defined above, a further object of the invention is a method for operating a beverage preparation system according to the invention, wherein in a first operating step a partial capsule is introduced into a feed chute of a beverage production machine, wherein in a second operating step a capsule cover of the partial capsule is at least partially illuminated by a light source of the detection unit and a digital data field of the partially reflected hologram is read by an optical detection system of the detection unit, wherein in a third operating step the digital data field is evaluated by a processor to determine product-specific data, and wherein in a fourth operating step the control unit controls a liquid supply of the beverage production machine depending on the determined product-specific data.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the fourth operating step the delivery efficiency, delivery quantity and/or switching time of the pump of the liquid supply and/or the heating efficiency and/or switching time of the heating element of the liquid supply is controlled by the control unit. It is conceivable that the values for controlling the above-mentioned variables are implemented directly in the product-specific data, or that these values can be selected based on the product-specific data from a Look-Up-Tabelle (Look-Up-Tabelle) stored in advance in the memory of the control unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide the look-up table as an online database on a network or the internet, and the beverage production machine calls up the value via an online or internet connection based on the read-out product-specific data.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the figures and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. The appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and do not limit the basic inventive concepts.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a holographic multilayer film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2a,2b show schematic detailed views of the construction of a fourier hologram and the construction of a digital data field embedded in the fourier hologram in a holographic multilayer film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a production method of a holographic multilayer film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a product package in the form of a sub-packaged capsule according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5a,5b show schematic views of a beverage preparation system and a method for operating a beverage preparation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the different figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore generally each named or referred to only once.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a holographic multilayer film 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The holographic multilayer film 1 is used as part of a product package 10. Such a product package 10 is shown in fig. 4, wherein the holographic multilayer film 1 represents a wall of the product package 10, here in particular a capsule lid 26.

The holographic multilayer film 1 comprises (viewed from top to bottom in fig. 1) a transparent marking film 2, which is composed of a polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film 8 with a lacquer layer 7. The structuring 6 is introduced into the lacquer layer 7 (or alternatively directly into the polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film 8) by embossing a shim or by laser lithography. The formation 6 is composed of regions with grooves 11 and regions without grooves 11, wherein the individual grooves 11 have the same depth, i.e. in the present example they are of a binary structure.

A thin, partially reflective interlayer 4 is provided over the construction 6. The interlayer 4 comprises a transparent coating made of an HRI material (high refractive index), preferably titanium dioxide or zinc sulphide, and in particular a material having a refractive index greater than 2 at a wavelength of 589nm (yellow-orange) of the sodium-D-line. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the interlayer 4 to comprise a metallization layer, which in particular has an optical density of less than 0.5.

The holographic multilayer film 1 further comprises a decorative layer 3, the decorative layer 3 being arranged such that the construction 6 and the interlayer 4 are arranged between the marking film 2 and the decorative layer 3 in a direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the multilayer film 1. The structuring 6 and the interlayer 4 are thus formed on the side of the marking film 2 facing the decorative layer 3, so that the structuring 6 and the interlayer 4 are protected from the external environment, for example from mechanical or chemical influences. The side of the marking film 2 facing away from the decorative layer 3 represents the visible side of the holographic multilayer film 1 and is therefore particularly represented as the outer side of the product package 10. Since the marking film 2 and the interlayer 4 are transparent, the decorative layer 3 is externally perceptible to a human observer viewing from the visible side of the holographic multilayer film 1. The decorative layer 3 comprises in particular a colour or black-and-white print, which can be produced in conventional offset printing, for example. The design of the product package 10 as perceived by the viewer is thus largely dependent on the design, in particular the printing, of the decorative layer 3. The dashed lines in the decorative layer 3 indicate that the decorative layer 3 can also consist of multiple layers.

The marking film 2, the interlayer 4 and the decorative layer 3 are preferably glued or welded to one another to form a multilayer film laminate.

Preferably, the thickness of the polypropylene-or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film 8 perpendicular to the main plane of extension is between 10 and 30 micrometers, while the lacquer layer 7 has only a thickness of 1 to 2 micrometers. The thickness of the interlayer 4 is in particular significantly less than 1 micrometer, while the thickness of the decorative layer 3 is preferably 50 to 500 micrometers.

The marking film 2 comprises markings 5, which markings 5 are defined by means of a construction 6 and can be made visible by the partially reflective design of the interlayer 4. The construction 6 represents a fourier map in such a way that: the digital data field 9 is made visible by illuminating the fourier hologram with a monochromatic light source. The fourier hologram preferably comprises a phase hologram.

The configuration 6 is shown schematically in fig. 2 a. The configuration 6 shown preferably extends over the entire holographic multilayer film 1, so that, in order to make the digital data field 9 visible, advantageously only any desired partial region of the holographic multilayer film 1 has to be illuminated.

An example of how the reflected digital data field 9 looks is shown in figure 2 b. The data field is preferably recorded by the optical detection system and then evaluated by the control unit. Within the digital data field 9 position markers 12 are provided for determining the orientation of the digital data field when reading, thereby simplifying the reading process. The various visible points 13 in the digital data field 9 represent data points in which product specific data about the product 28 in the product package 10 is embedded. As can be seen in fig. 2b, the digital data field 9 is substantially circular and is therefore also designed with rounded corners.

For example, the embedded product-specific data may be information regarding the nature or source of the product 28 contained in the product package 10, such as a single and/or serialized identification number or clear indication of the operational source of the product 28. The counterfeit product 28 can be distinguished from the original product on the basis of the digital data field 9. Alternatively or additionally, the product-specific data may also include product-specific parameters for controlling further processing or use of the product contained in the product package 10.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a process for producing the holographic multilayer film 1 shown in fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In a first production step a, a marking film 2 is first provided. The marking film 2 comprises a visible side (upper side in fig. 1) and a back side (lower side in fig. 1) facing away from the visible side. Then, in a first production step a, the rear side is lacquered with a lacquer layer 7.

In a subsequent second production step B, the marking 5 is introduced into the lacquer layer 7 in the form of the structuring 6 by means of laser lithography or by means of an embossing shim. Thus, regions with recesses 11 and regions without recesses 11 are produced in the lacquer layer 7.

The sandwich layer 4 is then applied to the construction 6 in a third production step C. It is conceivable to glue or lacquer the interlayer 4 to the marking film 2. However, if the interlayer 4 optionally comprises a metallization layer, said interlayer 4 is preferably applied onto said construction 6 by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).

In a final fourth production step D, a decorative layer 3 is arranged on the interlayer 4. It is conceivable that the composite of marking film 2 and interlayer 4 is glued or welded to decorative layer 3. For example, the decorative layer 3 is printed with a color in an offset printing process in advance. The function of the decorative layer 3 is to give the holographic multilayer film 1 an aesthetically appealing appearance, i.e. its final design. The decorative layer 3 may also comprise a brand name, a product name, etc. Since the marking film 2 and the interlayer 4 are shown as being substantially transparent, the design of the decorative layer 3 is transmitted through the visible side of the marking film 2. It is also conceivable for the decorative layer 3 to be composed of a multilayer structure, wherein the individual layers of the layer structure are preferably printed or painted beforehand. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative layer 3 also comprises only a direct printing on the interlayer 4.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a product package 10 in the form of a sub-packaged capsule 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The sub-packaged capsule 14 includes a base member 25 defining a capsule bottom 29 and a circumferential capsule wall 20. A cavity for containing a product 28 in the form of a beverage substance is formed within the capsule wall 20. The cavity is closed by the capsule lid 26 on the side facing away from the capsule bottom 29. The base element 25 is preferably composed of an injection-molded or deep-drawn plastic part or a deep-drawn aluminum part. The capsule lid 26 is attached to a circumferential flange 27 on the base element 25, in particular by sealing or gluing.

The beverage substance comprises beverage material which becomes a beverage by interaction with the brewing liquid. For example, the beverage substance comprises coffee (instant) powder, roasted and ground coffee beans, tea, liquid or granular chocolate, cocoa, liquid milk and/or milk powder.

The capsule lid 26 comprises a holographic multilayer film 1 schematically shown in figure 1. Thus, the design of the capsule lid 26 is determined by the decorative film 3, while the configuration 6 serves as a marking 5 providing product-specific data in the form of a digital data field 9.

The product-specific data embedded in the digital data field 9 comprise, inter alia, information about the beverage substance. It is conceivable, for example, to specify the type or manufacturer of the beverage substance in the divided capsule and/or the production date and/or the optimal service life of the product. Additionally or alternatively, product-specific data as well as product-specific parameters for the operation of further processing of the filled capsules 14 may also be embedded in the beverage production machine 15. It is conceivable, for example, to indicate specific numerical control data for the beverage production machine 15, by means of which data the pressure of the brewing liquid, the temperature of the brewing liquid, the delivery quantity of the brewing liquid and/or the like are controlled during the beverage production process.

Fig. 5a,5b show schematic views of a beverage preparation system 16 and a method for operating a beverage preparation system 16 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The beverage preparation system 16 comprises a divided capsule 14 and a beverage production machine 15 as shown in figure 4. The beverage production machine 15 comprises a feed chute 17 and a brewing chamber 18. The partial capsules 14 can be introduced into the feed chute 17 manually or by machine, so that the beverage production machine 15 prepares a beverage from the beverage substance located in the partial capsules 14. This situation is shown in fig. 5 a.

In the region of the feed chute 17, the light source 19 and the optical detection system 20 are arranged such that the light cone of the light source 19 illuminates at least a part of the capsule lid 28 of the partial capsule 14 falling through the feed chute 17 and the fourier hologram reflected from the construction 6 or the sandwich 4 reaches the field of view of the optical detection system 20. The light source 19 comprises, in particular, a monochromatic light source, for example a laser or an LED, while the optical detection system 20 comprises, for example, a simple CCD camera. The optical detection system 20 is coupled to a processor which evaluates the digital data field 9 recorded by the optical detection system 20. Then, on the basis of this evaluation, the preparation process of the beverage is controlled by the control unit 22.

The finished dispensed capsule 14 passes through the feed chute 17 into the brewing chamber 18 and, in this embodiment, into the extraction position by means of the movable piston 21. In the extraction position shown in fig. 2b, the capsule lid 26 and the capsule bottom 29, respectively, are perforated by the perforation means. The infusion liquid is then introduced into the divided capsule 14 through the capsule lid 26 such that a corresponding beverage is formed within the cavity by the interaction of the beverage substance 18 and the infusion liquid. Prior to introducing the infusion liquid into the sub-packaged capsules 14, for example if a hot beverage such as coffee or espresso is to be prepared, the infusion liquid is optionally pressurized by a pump 23 and/or heated by a heating element 24. The beverage then passes through the outlet of the sub-packaging capsule 14 and the brewing chamber 18 to a drinking receptacle, not shown.

Depending on the type of the dispensing capsule 14 and the kind of beverage substance (product 28) located in the dispensing capsule 14, different brewing parameters are required in the preparation of the beverage, since there are a large number of different dispensing capsules 14, each for making other beverages, such as espresso, mug coffee, short extract espresso, classic filtered coffee, cappuccino, tea, drinking chocolate, cocoa, etc., wherein the external properties of the dispensing capsules 14 are always the same or at least very similar. However, by reading the indicia 5 it can be identified within the beverage production machine 15 which type of sub-packaged capsule 14 has currently been inserted into the beverage production machine 15 by the user. Then, for this identified type of partial capsule 14 and the corresponding beverage to be prepared, appropriate brewing parameters are used for the relevant beverage preparation process or an appropriate brewing program already stored in the beverage production machine is selected on the basis of the identification of the partial capsule 14. For example, if an espresso-containing capsule 14 is identified instead of a tea-containing capsule 14, an infusion procedure may be selected that delivers less water and water at a higher pressure into the capsule 14.

In the beverage preparation system 16 herein, such brewing parameters, which in particular comprise the delivery efficiency, delivery amount and switching time of the pump 23 and the heating efficiency and switching time of the heating element 24, are controlled by the control unit 22 in accordance with product specific data read out and evaluated by the processor. Thus, for optimal configuration of the beverage substance in the sub-capsules 14, the parameters required therefor are stored directly in the digital data field 9, so that the beverage production machine 15 can read these parameters for each sub-capsule 14 and set accordingly. For example, if the digital data field 9 is read on the capsule lid 26 of an espresso-dispensing capsule 14, the pump is controlled to deliver less water at a higher pressure than if the digital data field 9 were read on the capsule lid of a tea-dispensing capsule 14.

It is also conceivable to check that the partial capsule 14 is not a counterfeit product also on the basis of the digital data field 9. For example, the beverage preparation process may only be initiated if it is determined that the dispensed capsule 14 is not a counterfeit product.

List of reference numerals

1 holographic multilayer film

2 marking film

3 decorative layer

4 interlayer

5 labelling

6 Structure

7 paint layer

8 PP/PET membrane

9 digital data field

10 product package

11 groove

12 position marker

13 light spot

14 subpackage capsule

15 beverage production machine

16 beverage preparation system

17 feed chute

18 brewing chamber

19 light source

20 optical detection system

21 Movable piston

22 control unit

23 Pump

24 heating element

25 base element

26 Capsule lid

27 flange

28 products of

29 capsule bottom

30 capsule wall

A first production step

B second production step

C a third production step

D fourth production step

Claims

1. Holographic multilayer film (1) for use as part of a product packaging (10), wherein the holographic multilayer film (1) comprises a marking film (2) with a machine-readable marking (5), a decorative and/or protective layer (3) and a partially reflective interlayer (4) disposed between the marking film (2) and the decorative and/or protective layer (3), the marking (5) being for providing product-specific data embedded in a digital data field (9), the interlayer (4) at least partially covering the marking (5), wherein the marking (5) comprises a construction (6) containing a hologram, the construction (6) being incorporated in the marking film (2) or in a lacquer layer (7) applied on the marking film (2), wherein the hologram and hence the digital data field (9) are only visible upon illumination of the marking (5),

wherein product specific data in the form of product specific parameters is embedded in the hologram for controlling further processing and/or use of a product (28) contained in the product package (10).

2. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interlayer (4) comprises a transparent plastic film and/or a transparent coating made of a high refractive index material.

3. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interlayer (4) comprises a transparent coating made of a high refractive index material having a refractive index greater than 2.

4. The holographic multilayer film (1) of claim 1, wherein the interlayer (4) comprises a metallized layer having an optical density of less than 0.5.

5. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the structuring (6) is achieved by embossing shims or laser lithography and/or wherein the structuring (6) comprises a binary structure.

6. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hologram is a fourier hologram designed such that the digital data domain (9) is visible by illuminating the fourier hologram with a light source (19).

7. The holographic multilayer film (1) of claim 6, wherein the hologram comprises a phase hologram.

8. The holographic multilayer film (1) of claim 1, wherein product specific data regarding the nature and/or origin of a product (28) contained in the product package (10) is embedded in the hologram.

9. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the marking film (2) is designed to be transparent and the decorative and/or protective layer (3) is opaque.

10. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative and/or protective layer (3) is applied onto the interlayer (4) in a printing process.

11. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative and/or protective layer (3) is glued and/or welded with the marking film (2) and/or the interlayer (4).

12. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the indicia film (2) comprises a polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film (8).

13. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the marking film (2) comprises a polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film (8) coated with a lacquer layer (7).

14. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 13, wherein the thickness of the lacquer layer (7) is between 0.1 and 10 micrometer.

15. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 13, wherein the thickness of the lacquer layer (7) is between 1 and 5 microns.

16. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 13, wherein the thickness of the lacquer layer (7) is between 1 and 2 microns.

17. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film (8) has a thickness of between 0.1 and 100 micrometers.

18. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film (8) has a thickness of between 1 to 50 microns.

19. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the polypropylene (PP) -or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) -film (8) has a thickness of between 10 to 30 micrometers.

20. The holographic multilayer film (1) of claim 1, wherein the constructions (6) extend over the entire area of the holographic multilayer film (1).

21. The holographic multilayer film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the digital data field (9) comprises rounded corners and/or wherein the digital data field (9) comprises position marks (12) for determining the orientation of the digital data field (9) when reading.

22. The holographic multilayer film (1) of claim 21, wherein the digital data field (9) is generally circular in design.

23. Product packaging (10) comprising the holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

24. A partial capsule (14) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine (15), wherein the partial capsule (14) comprises a base element (25) having a cavity containing a beverage substance and a capsule lid (26) closing the cavity, wherein the capsule lid (26) comprises the holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of claims 1 to 22.

25. Beverage preparation system (16) comprising a portion capsule (14) according to claim 24 and a beverage production machine (15), wherein the beverage production machine (15) comprises a feed chute (17) and an infusion chamber (18) such that the portion capsule (14) is transferable by the feed chute (17) into the infusion chamber (18), wherein the infusion chamber (18) comprises a liquid supply for introducing infusion liquid into the portion capsule (14), wherein the beverage production machine (15) further comprises a detection unit arranged for reading product-specific data embedded in a digital data field (9), and wherein the beverage production machine (15) comprises a control unit (22), the control unit (22) controlling the liquid supply in dependence on the read product-specific data, wherein the detection unit comprises a light source (19) for illuminating the construction (6) and for reading partially reflected light An optical detection system (20) for the digital data field (9) of the hologram.

26. A beverage preparation system (16) according to claim 25, wherein the liquid supply comprises a pump and/or a heating element.

27. Beverage preparation system (16) according to claim 26, wherein the delivery efficiency, delivery volume and/or switching time of the pump and/or the heating efficiency and/or switching time of the heating element is controlled by the control unit in dependence of the read product specific data.

28. A beverage preparation system (16) according to claim 27, wherein the beverage production machine (15) comprises a processor for evaluating the digital data field (9).

29. A beverage preparation system (16) according to claim 28, wherein the light source (19) and the optical detection system (20) are arranged such that reading the digital data field (9) is done in an inlet chute (17).

30. A method for producing a holographic multilayer film (1) for use as part of a product package (10), wherein a marking film (2) is provided in a first production step (A), wherein a machine-readable marking (5) is realized in a second production step (B) by introducing a hologram-containing construction (6), for providing product-specific data embedded in a digital data field (9), wherein in a third production step (C), applying an interlayer (4) that is partially reflective and at least partially covers the marking (5) onto the construction (6), and wherein in a fourth production step (D) a decorative and/or protective layer (3) is applied onto the interlayer (4) or is connected to the interlayer (4), and wherein the holographic multilayer film (1) is a holographic multilayer film (1) according to any of claims 1 to 22.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein in a second production step (B) the construction (6) is introduced into the marking film (2) or applied to a lacquer layer (7) on the marking film (2).

32. Method according to claim 30, wherein in a second production step (B) the structuring (6) is introduced into the marking film (2) or lacquer layer (7) or the interlayer (4) by means of an embossing shim or by means of laser lithography.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the structuring (6) is realized such that it extends over the entire area of the holographic multilayer film (1).

34. The method according to claim 30, wherein in a first production step (B) a lacquer layer (7) is applied on the marking film (2).

35. Method according to claim 30, wherein in a third production step (C) the interlayer (4) is realized by coating the construction (6) with a transparent plastic film and/or a transparent coating layer made of a high refractive index material, or wherein in a third production step (C) the interlayer (4) is realized by applying a metallization layer.

36. A method according to claim 30, wherein in a third production step (C) the interlayer (4) is achieved by coating the construction (6) with a transparent coating made of a high refractive index material having a refractive index greater than 2.

37. A method according to claim 30, wherein in the third production step (C) the interlayer (4) is realized by applying a metallization layer having an optical density of less than 0.5.

38. Method according to claim 30, wherein in a second production step (B) the structuring (6) is effected such that the associated phase hologram displays a digital data field (9), in which digital data field (9) product-specific data about the nature and/or origin of the product (28) contained in the product package (10) is embedded, and/or product-specific data in the form of product-specific parameters for controlling the further processing and/or use of the product (28) contained in the product package (10) is embedded.

39. The method according to claim 30, wherein in a fourth production step (D) the decorative and/or protective layer (3) is printed on the interlayer (4), or wherein in a fourth production step (D) the decorative and/or protective layer (3) is provided in the form of a decorative film and the decorative film is glued or welded with the interlayer (4).

40. Method for operating a beverage preparation system (16) according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein in a first operating step the partial capsule (14) is plunged into an inlet chute (17) of the beverage production machine (15), wherein in a second operating step a capsule lid (26) of the partial capsule (14) is at least partially illuminated by a light source (19) of the detection unit and a digital data field (9) of the partially reflected hologram is read by an optical detection system (20) of the detection unit, wherein in a third operating step the digital data field (9) is evaluated by a processor to determine product-specific data, and wherein in a fourth operating step the control unit (22) controls a liquid supply of the beverage production machine (15) depending on the determined product-specific data.

41. Method according to claim 40, wherein in a fourth operating step the delivery efficiency, delivery quantity and/or switching time (23) of the pump of the liquid supply and/or the heating efficiency and/or switching time (24) of the heating element of the liquid supply is controlled by a control unit (22).