Patent Description:
Connected or "smart" packaging may include certain sensors or communication tools to track packages in transit, or provide additional information about a product to a consumer (e.g., through a digital application or visual display). Such tools simply provide information. They do not take part in activation, authentication, etc., of a product when a user opens or receives the packaging. The following documents are relevant: <CIT> which discusses a package-companion-user interactive system, <CIT> which discusses a data carrier and a system for transmitting product related information, <CIT> which discusses activation and assigning value to gift cards using RFID, an article by <NPL>and <CIT> which discusses packaging box with near field communication (NFC) verification function.

Some embodiments include packaging, such as an envelope or box.

As an envelope, the packaging may include an opening or cavity that may contain a product that requires or benefits from activation prior to use (e.g., a gift card, credit card, membership card, or other suitable product). A data chip (e.g., an RFID chip, which may be an NFC chip, etc.) may be embedded within the packaging, or affixed to a surface of the packaging (either interior or exterior), and can be used in conjunction with a user's personal electronic device to activate the product contained in the packaging.

In the case of a passive data chip (e.g., one that is temporarily powered as needed wirelessly by another device in proximity to the chip) such as a passive NFC chip, for example, if a user's personal electronic device such as a mobile phone with an NFC transceiver is within range, the electronic device may recognize the NFC chip, and initialize the authentication or activation of the product via the electronic device automatically. Advantageously, no outward searching function (e.g., of an active NFC chip) is needed.

The packaging may be formed of different materials than the product (e.g., the packaging may be formed of a cellulose-based material and the product may be formed of or include a plastic and/or metallic material). For example, the packaging may be made entirely from recyclable material, for example from paper, molded fiber, corrugated cardboard, etc. In some embodiments, all or some of the packaging may be made from polymeric materials. In any event, the packaging may be formed from radio-transmissive materials. The packaging may include additional space to receive a second product that does not require authentication or activation.

In some embodiments, the packaging may take the form of an envelope, particularly composed of layered panels. Within the stack-up of the layered panels, a receiving passage may be formed such that the data chip is concealed flatly within a panel of the packaging. This provides protection for the chip, aesthetic relief in the panel, and-in the case of a card product for example-provides for a smooth insertion of the product along a flat plane of the envelope. An additional shipping package may be provided (such as a corrugated paper envelope having a tear-strip) that the finished goods package (e.g., the envelope) is shipped to an end user in to protect the finished goods package.

Advantageously, this improves upon prior systems having, for example, manual authentication or activation that may provide a more difficult customer experience. In contrast to prior systems that require a user to manually telephone an activation line, or manually navigate to a website, the customer experience is improved by removing those impediments to authentication or activation. By designing smart, connected packaging that automatically authenticates or activates a packaged product with minimal impact to the user, efficiency is improved along with the user experience.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Product packaging is an integral part of a customer's experience. It introduces the customer to their product, and can affect the customer's feelings toward the product and the company that created it. Seamless packaging that allows for an individual to automatically authenticate or activate products-removing any barriers to their use-may be particularly desirable.

In the same vein, companies may be sensitive to the cost of packaging and may wish to promote packaging that is eco-friendly. Certain packaging materials are higher cost due to their processing, and while engineers may be able to design single-component packaging, the cost may be prohibitive for certain materials. Optimization of packaging in material usage may help keep costs low, and if done well may not interfere with, and may promote, a positive user experience. Packaging made out of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials, such as paper or other cellulose-based products, can reduce environmental impact. Packaging that is interesting in character and that enhances a user's initial experience with the product that it contains may boost a product's or a brand's reputation, thereby attracting new customers and retaining previous customers.

Packaging described in this document achieves these and other beneficial characteristics by balancing smart connectivity and efficiency, structural robustness, eco-friendly materials, and aesthetic elements.

The packaging may be retail packaging (i.e., finished packaging for containing and conveying a product to a user such as may be used in a retail setting or a finished goods package that may be shipped to a customer within an outer shipping package) that one may expect to find on the shelf in a retail store, and which one may open after purchase to directly access their product. A product contained by the packaging may be, for example, a credit card, gift card, membership card or the like; or an electronic device such as, for example, a laptop, tablet computer, or smartphone.

The packaged product may be desirable to authenticate, or it may require activation (e.g., a credit card or a gift card). Authentication or activation may be initiated by an authorized user. The packaging may include electronics such as an NFC chip that may communicate with the user's electronic device in order to carry out the authentication or activation function. For example, some of the required electronics to communicate with electronic device for authentication or activation may be housed within the packaging and not the product. Advantageously, this allows for added space and efficiency within the product such that electronics that are only used for authentication are not contained within the product. This is especially beneficial for products with small design footprints, or if a product requires a one-time-only activation or authentication.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

<FIG> shows a schematic illustration of packaging system <NUM> including product <NUM>, finished goods packaging <NUM>, and shipping package <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG> packaging <NUM> is shown as a bi-fold envelope configuration, and includes authentication electronics such as a data chip <NUM> (shown in <FIG> in an exploded view), for example a passive data chip <NUM>. Data chip <NUM> may be a data tag that includes a chip portion and an antenna portion. Product <NUM> may be a card product such as a credit card. Product <NUM> may include longitudinal surfaces <NUM> and transverse surfaces <NUM> defining the general perimeter of the planar surface of the card product. Product <NUM> may include an additional chip <NUM> that is not used in authentication or activation of the product-instead it may be tied to an account such that the card product may be used, for example, for drawing credit against a user's account in a credit and/or banking system.

As will be appreciated with reference to the figures, product <NUM> may be inserted into receiving portion <NUM> of packaging <NUM>. Retaining panel <NUM> may extend over receiving portion <NUM> product <NUM> to help retain product <NUM> when product <NUM> is disposed inside a pocket formed by a lower surface of receiving portion <NUM>. The embossed edge <NUM> may similarly engage product <NUM> when product <NUM> is disposed in packaging <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> for example, packaging <NUM> may generally have a bi-fold configuration having first panel <NUM> where product <NUM> is retained. Packaging <NUM> may fold about folding portion <NUM> to be closed by the opposing second panel <NUM>.

In turn, shipping package <NUM> may receive packaging <NUM> in receiving portion <NUM>, sized to snugly hold packaging <NUM> therein (see <FIG>, for example). A panel <NUM> of shipping package <NUM> may fold over and close on a panel <NUM> of shipping package <NUM>, being attached by an adhesive <NUM>, such as an adhesive strip, hot melt glue, or the like. When closed, a tear strip <NUM> may be removed by the user to open panel <NUM> and remove packaging <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, an exploded view of packaging <NUM> is shown. In some embodiments, packaging <NUM> includes a plurality of layers laminated together (e.g., using high-frequency welding of a coating between paper panels. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, packaging <NUM>, packaging <NUM> may be configured as an upper panel including a surface of opposing second panel <NUM> first panel <NUM>, and retaining panel <NUM>. Frame panel <NUM> may "sandwich" at least a portion of a data chip <NUM> between the frame panel <NUM> and an opposite surface of first panel <NUM> (e.g., antenna <NUM> of chip <NUM> may be so sandwiched). In turn, frame panel <NUM> is "sandwiched" by the opposing surface of first panel <NUM> and the panel making up the lower surface of receiving portion <NUM>. In this way, panel <NUM> and portion <NUM> may be bonded to panel <NUM>. Additionally, panel <NUM> and panel <NUM> are also bonded together. Internal perimeter <NUM> may define an opening and coact with the lower panel to serve as a receiving portion. The placement shown in the FIGS. of data chip <NUM> is not limiting, and it may be disposed in various acceptable places, e.g., towards the center of the envelope, an upper portion, or other suitable space for its disposal.

In some embodiments, a pocket, slot, opening, or other relief feature <NUM> may receive at least a portion of data chip <NUM> in between panels <NUM> and portion <NUM>. This achieves two goals-protecting data chip <NUM>, and also keeping a flat configuration such that neither panel <NUM> nor portion <NUM> includes any bulge or protrusion showing the underlying data chip <NUM>. In some embodiments, relief feature <NUM> may be in one or more of the panels, and the location of the same is flexible. The chip portion <NUM> of data chip <NUM> may have a thickness greater than a thickness of antenna <NUM>, which may be essentially flat such that it may be laminated directly between two adjacent panels. Data chip <NUM> may be affixed to one or more of the panels, e.g., through an adhesive, polyethylene backer, or other securing means. In some embodiments, antenna <NUM> may be, for example, a conductive metal trace such as copper, aluminum, silver, etc. In some embodiments, data chip <NUM> (e.g., an NFC chip) or its antenna may be directly printed on a paper or other cellulose substrate, such as one of the panels (e.g., in copper, silver, aluminum, or other metallic traces as an ink).

In some embodiments, data chip <NUM> is passive (e.g., a passive NFC chip), and does not require receiving data to operate as intended. It can be energized (e.g., powered) wirelessly from a device in close proximity to it (e.g., a personal electronic device with an NFC reader), which can then receive data from data chip <NUM>. Additionally, other modes of powering on and activating data chip <NUM> are contemplated, for example interacting with a particular feature of the packaging. While discussed generally with the relation to NFC technology, other modes of data and energy transmission are contemplated, such as different radio frequency (RF) schemes like RFID, Bluetooth, acoustic, Wi-Fi, or other modes of data and energy transmission. In some embodiments, the data/energy transmission may not require a power source. In other embodiments, the packaging may include an active data chip (e.g., an active NFC chip) that includes a data chip and power source (e.g., a battery such as a micro-battery). When the packaging is opened, the data chip may be powered on and begin searching for an electronic device to carry out an authentication function, an activation function, or the like. Additional details of such systems may be found in co-pending <CIT>, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Packaging <NUM> or shipping package <NUM> may be made from radio-transmissive materials, for example cellulose-based materials, wood materials, nonmetallic polymer materials, etc. By using radio transmissive materials for packaging <NUM>, communication from data chip <NUM> is made easier (especially, for example, if a product <NUM> is made from metallic materials, such as a metal card shaped product, such as a credit card). In some embodiments, (e.g., where packaging <NUM> may include less relatively radio transmissive materials or non-radio transmissive materials) packaging <NUM> may be provided with a radiofrequency (RF) transparent feature, such as an aperture or antenna window such that data chip <NUM> may communicate through packaging <NUM>.

As previously discussed, the packaging components may be composed of a recyclable material (e.g., a biodegradable or compostable material). If and when the customer opts to dispose of the packaging, because the packaging is recyclable or cellulose-based, the packaging may simply be recycled without requiring material separation (e.g., in a single-stream recycling program). In some embodiments, any electronics associated with packaging system <NUM> may be removed from the packaging prior to recycling.

Returning to the automatic activation and authentication features, in some embodiments, data chip <NUM> may be preprogrammed to allow the initiation of activation authentication processes only when certain criteria are met (e.g., initiation is triggered by a particular target user).

For example, a user may order a new credit card from a company. The company may prepare a credit card (product <NUM>; see, e.g., <FIG>) for that particular user. The credit card may be packaged within packaging <NUM> including data chip <NUM>. At this point the credit card is not active, and cannot be used. Data chip <NUM> may be preprogrammed with data representing at least identification information for the particular card contained within the packaging, destined for the particular user. The data on data chip <NUM> may be encrypted or otherwise protected such that its information is not discoverable by unauthorized users.

The user's personal electronic device <NUM> may already be associated with the user's unique account (e.g., from the user's prior use of or access to the account using their personal electronic device). When the user receives their credit card packaged within packaging <NUM>, the user may bring their personal electronic device <NUM> within the range of a data chip reader of their personal electronic device. When data chip <NUM> is within such range, it may send the data representing identification information for the particular card to the personal electronic device <NUM>. The personal electronic device may communicate with a remote server of the company to determine if the unique account on the user's personal electronic device <NUM> matches an account of the intended recipient of the credit card. If so, server may activate the credit card (or send a signal to the personal electronic device that initiates an activation process on the device). Otherwise, activation of the credit card will not occur, and an activation process will not be initiated.

In some embodiments, data chip <NUM> may be preprogrammed with data representing at least two pieces of information: (<NUM>) identification information for the particular card contained within the packaging, destined for the particular user; and (<NUM>) identification information for an account of the particular user. The latter information can be used to serve a gateway function, e.g., causing another step to trigger on device <NUM> such as a user interface displaying options for authentication and activation. In some embodiments, there may be a visual indicator on the packaging <NUM> such as an icon to indicate active packaging functionality. In some embodiments the visual indicator may include instructions, such as "To activate, wake device and hold below. " The visual indicator may be proximate or on top of where data chip <NUM> is located such that the user will be prompted to bring the packaging proximate the electronic device. When data chip <NUM> is brought within range of a personal electronic device <NUM>, data chip <NUM> may send to electronic device <NUM> only the identification information for the account of the particular user. If this account information does not match or otherwise correspond acceptably to account information associated with the electronic device <NUM> (as determined either by data chip <NUM> or by electronic device <NUM> itself), activation of the credit card will not occur, and an activation process will not be initiated. In some embodiments, a second authentication may be required either before, after, or in parallel to the first authentication using a data chip. For example, a biometric recognition step may be required as a second authentication, e.g., a fingerprint authentication, facial recognition authentication, voice authentication, or other biometric authentication may be required in order for the product to be activated or authenticated.

More specifically, in a passive system, the an NFC chip acts as a type of signal signpost, such that no active reception or signal searching is required; it only broadcasts outward to electronic devices having NFC receivers. So when data chip <NUM> is associated with a particular target user account, if a device not associated with a specific user is brought near a receiver that does not belong to that specific user, either no action will be taken, or a generic action will be taken (e.g., opening a generic product website, for example, or alerting the company or individual that a non-target user has brought the data chip <NUM> within a non-target receiver's range).

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, data chip <NUM> may be preprogrammed to begin activation or authentication processes on any electronic device that is associated with a user account that is in turn associated with a purchase of a product of the particular type contained within packaging <NUM> (which product <NUM> may be awaiting activation or authentication). If a product is fungible but still requires activation, e.g., in the case of a cash card, this allows data chip <NUM> to identify a corresponding electronic device <NUM> that belongs to a person that has a verified order for the fungible product. In this way, electronic device <NUM> may interface with a company's (e.g., the seller of the product) logistics platform, such that information about product <NUM> may be shared with an appropriate electronic device <NUM>. Once the product <NUM> is authenticated or activated, electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the logistics platform to inform the company that the order is complete. Similarly, in an active chip configuration, electronic device <NUM> may communicate to an active data chip <NUM> and disable any further attempts at activation or authentication.

In the case of a non-fungible product, e.g., such as a credit card for a particular target user that requires activation, data chip <NUM> may broadcast a signal specific to the account associated with the card, or the user associated with the card, for example. In this way, electronic device <NUM> that receives the signal may communicate or interface with a company's (e.g., the seller of the product) logistics platform, such that information about product <NUM> may be shared with an only an appropriate electronic device <NUM> tied to the target user of the card. Once the product <NUM> is authenticated or activated, electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the logistics platform to inform the company that the order is complete. If the data chip is active, rather than passive, electronic device <NUM> may communicate to data chip <NUM> and disable any further attempts at activation or authentication.

Electronic device <NUM>-for example a user's mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, laptop, desktop, etc.-includes a body <NUM> that may house electronics of electronic device <NUM>, and generally may include a screen <NUM>, for example a touchscreen (or other user interface). For certain products, such as a credit card, activation and authentication would previously have been accomplished by manually calling a telephone number, manually navigating to and typing in information at website, or via an application-based process where the user manually authenticates themselves in some manner and then confirms the card is in their possession. The user may be prompted to start this process by following instructions written on a sticker applied to the credit card. While manual authentication options such as one of these that would allow for other modes of activation or authentication may be useful and may be included in some embodiments as a fallback option, <FIG> and <FIG> shows an example of how this manual process is initially avoided.

In some embodiments, if the packaging system <NUM> or packaging <NUM> is in an unopened state, it may be such that no automatic activation or authentication has been or will be performed with reference to any product contained within packaging system <NUM>-e.g., by disabling data chip <NUM>. However, in the case of a passive data chip configured to produce at least two functions at different electronic devices (i.e., target and non-target devices), no such disabling is necessary as the chip is already effectively disabled when brought proximate a non-target electronic device.

<FIG> shows a schematic illustration of packaging <NUM> (with product <NUM>) and electronic device <NUM>. Data chip <NUM> of packaging <NUM> is shown communicating with electronic device <NUM>, for example through an NFC transceiver <NUM> in electronic device <NUM> that may serve as a reader and a transmitter. This communication may be bidirectional, as indicated by the arrows shown between packaging <NUM> and electronic device <NUM>, or may be in one direction from data chip <NUM> to transceiver <NUM>. With reference to packaging <NUM>, with envelope flap panel <NUM> open a product <NUM> may be revealed within the envelope's cavity (e.g., receiving portion <NUM>). As described, product <NUM> may be a type of card, for example a credit card, debit card, gift card, membership card, etc. The target user, for example purchaser of the product <NUM>, then may remove product <NUM> from packaging <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, screen <NUM> of electronic device <NUM> may display a graphical user interface <NUM> when data chip <NUM> communicates to electronic device <NUM> through NFC transceiver <NUM>. Graphical user interface <NUM> may include, for example text information about product <NUM>, for example a description of the product, serial number or identification number, or other useful information to the user. In some embodiments, graphical user interface <NUM> may include an image <NUM> representing the product, as shown in <FIG>. A user may interact with graphical user interface <NUM> by touching, tapping, swiping, etc. on screen <NUM>. Screen <NUM> may display other images or information about product <NUM>, or may virtually zoom-in, zoom-out, translate, or rotate the image <NUM> of the product virtually in three dimensions as displayed on screen <NUM>. Graphical user interface <NUM> may also include user interface activation element <NUM>, for example an on-screen button that may be interfaced with by the user.

User interface activation element <NUM> may execute a function, for example to initiate activation or authentication of product <NUM> via electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, no further interaction by a user would be required to activate their product. From the user's perspective activation would be completed simply by opening the packaging and tapping the activate button on their smartphone. In the case of a non-target user device interacting with package <NUM>, the activation element <NUM> may be grayed out, or not available for selection. In some embodiments, graphical user interface <NUM> may be different, or completely absent if a non-target user device attempts to activate product <NUM>.

While the figures generally show packaging <NUM> as an envelope configuration, with activation data chip <NUM> embedded between panels of the envelope, this configuration may take a different form, for example as attached to the outside of packaging <NUM>, or embedded in or attached to a pull-tab, tear-strip, a lid, or other removable or destructible component of packaging <NUM>. In any event, data chip <NUM> may power on (such as through a micro battery <NUM>, which may be excluded in a passive chip), or may be activated by the electromagnetic field of the electronic device <NUM> or its NFC transceiver <NUM>. In this way-by containing a power source and data chip within packaging <NUM> or utilizing an external electronic device's own energy to power the data chip-instead of integrating a separate power source or data chip on a card product for example, challenges regarding constructing additional electronics within the card, including added size and weight from the additional electronics, etc., may be avoided. In some embodiments, if a separate power source is included, such as a micro-battery, it may contain enough energy (i.e., battery life) for an expected duration from when the packaging <NUM> containing product <NUM> is shipped to when a target end-user will open packaging <NUM> and complete the activation process. This is beneficial because it reduces power source complexity and moves relatively large NFC electronics out of a small volume allowance in a particular product <NUM>, such as a card product, and into a large allowable volume within packaging.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic illustration of packaging <NUM> and electronic device <NUM> is shown, with the packaging <NUM> being opened and the electronic device <NUM> communicating with a server <NUM>, such as an external device or network that may include a logistics platform. In some embodiments, electronic device <NUM> may communicate with server <NUM> in order to carry out an authentication, activation, or other smart packaging feature. Server <NUM> may include one or more of a database, server, Internet, network, or cloud-based server features such that product <NUM> may be authenticated or activated.

As discussed above, data chip <NUM> broadcasts a signal to electronic device <NUM>, e.g., through a transmitter <NUM>. Data chip <NUM> may be preprogrammed to begin an activation or authentication process only upon establishing communication with a particular user's electronic device. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by programming information into data chip <NUM> that may identify electronic information stored in electronic device <NUM> correlated with a user's identity. This helps prevent data chip <NUM> from initiating an activation process with a device that does not belong to the particular user for which it is intended. For example, data chip <NUM> may include an authorized user's user ID, and may only communicate with an electronic device <NUM> that has a matching user ID (e.g., within an operating system of electronic device <NUM>). Other software, firmware, hardware, etc. may be used. In some embodiments, device or user identity may be provided by a third-party source, such as a web-based application accessed on electronic device <NUM>. In this regard, for data chip <NUM> to initiate authentication or activation functions, a user may be required to access such an application in order for device or user identification to proceed.

The packaging is constructed to give a clean, unitary appearance. This helps to reinforce its high quality and robust character, and that of the product <NUM>. To achieve this appearance, seams, gaps, and distortions in shape are minimized. The packaging may be a particular color, e.g., a brand-identifier color. In some embodiments, visible surfaces of packaging may be predominantly white.

Components of the packaging may be formed from one or more blanks. In some embodiments, the blank is formed of a single continuous substrate, such as, for example cellulose-based material like cardboard or paperboard. In some embodiments, interior surfaces of the packaging may be surface treated or coated, for example with a coating to protect the finished product. Tabs, flaps, and regions without adhesive of the blank are formed such that no adhesive is visible in finished packaging. In some embodiments, adhesive may be omitted and the various flaps and tabs attached in another suitable manner (e.g., by mechanical interlock or press fit). Fold lines may be formed, for example, by weakening the substrate along the lines, such as by perforation, material crushing, scoring, miter cutting, etc..

In some embodiments, any surface finishing may take place after the components are cut from the blank, or alternatively prior to the blank being cut into separate sheets for assembling to a final package. Additionally, some operations may be performed concurrently.

Alternatively, some or all of the components described as being formed of cellulose-based material, such as cellulose fiber material like paper, may instead be formed of a polymeric material, or coated in a material such that they may be laminated together or otherwise adhered to each other. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polymer blends including one or more of these polymers, or co-polymers including one or more of these polymers. All or some of the surfaces of the packaging may be coated, or laminated, which may increase structural strength properties such as rigidity and which may protect a product within the packaging, or avoid scratching.

Additionally, the packaging may be manufactured in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way. In some embodiments, the packaging components may be constructed of a single integrally-formed piece of material. The single integrally-formed piece of material may be a foldable material that is folded into a configuration that holds and secures a product, either alone or within a cavity of a packaging container. In some embodiments, the foldable material may be a single piece of material that is cut by a single operation (e.g., a single die-cutting operation). In some embodiments, the foldable material may be die cut from a stock material (e.g., a sheet or roll of material). Single integrally-formed pieces of material that are cut by a single cutting operation may facilitate efficient and reproducible manufacturing. Moreover, such manufacturing may reduce waste by reducing waste material during manufacturing.

Claim 1:
A packaged product, comprising:
a product that requires authentication or activation for use as intended; and
finished goods packaging (<NUM>), comprising:
a receiving portion (<NUM>) configured to receive the product; and
the finished goods packaging (<NUM>) being characterized by further comprising a passive data chip (<NUM>), wherein the passive data chip (<NUM>) includes data that is uniquely associated with the product and with a target user account;
wherein the passive data chip (<NUM>) is configured to initiate an authentication or activation process by transmitting the data to a personal mobile device that is associated with the target user account, upon the passive data chip (<NUM>) being brought within range of a data reader of the personal mobile device
wherein the passive data chip (<NUM>) is configured to not initiate an authentication or activation process, upon the passive data chip (<NUM>) being brought within range of a data reader of a personal mobile device that is associated with a non-target user .