EP1386293B1 - Marking a deposit item - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for identification of a returnable object (1) to which a deposit has been applied. The object has an element (11) that can be switched or activated prior to sale or to activate the object deposit. When the object is returned and the deposit paid, then the element is deactivated to show that the object no longer has a deposit. The object is activated or switched with a low frequency radio wave. An Independent claim is made for a returnable or non-returnable object that has an element that can be switched between deposit, i.e. returnable, and non-deposit modes. The element is re-useable, i.e. it can by used multiple times if the object is being returned.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for identification an object, which with a take-back pound is certifiable according to the preamble of claim 1, a Object, which must be identifiable, an application of the method as well as a use of the object.

For items, products, containers, such as bottles, Containers and the like, in which a return / take back is desired, is usually in the delivery of the items a pledge raised. This ensures that the given object is also returned, be it for example, for environmental reasons or from regulatory Establish.

On the one hand, it is often difficult to secure pledged objects, like bottles, circulated by those without pledge will be different and, moreover, there is often the need only "own" objects from an issuing location, e.g. one certain chain of stores to take back against payment of a deposit. In addition one would like to make sure that for a returned pledged object only once the Pledge is paid and thus abuse and Manipülationen excluded with multiple unauthorized payment can be. For these reasons, it has until now proved extremely difficult to determine if a returned Object at a point of issue or return certainly a deposit payment is entitled to this. Until now, we know next to the manual redemption, made through staff, mechanical and electronic shape recognition systems and systems using a bar code, such as an EAN or UPC code. These systems have the disadvantage that they are imprecise and / or manipulable and / or an identification not or only with great imprecision if the object is in a container like a container or a harass is. This comes with such facilities that of Personnel of the issuing or redemption office Abuse-driven can be obtained by depositing credited items from Staff even several times through such facilities be led, and the pledge thus collected several times becomes.

From WO 99/64974 is a method for identification described an object, wherein the object is a switchable or activatable element before or at the delivery of the object or activated when taking back the object or can be deactivated again. It refers to a method for use in library systems or book rental systems, through this identification one Theft-proof is generated, so the unauthorized Carrying books from the library are recorded can. This document does not contribute to Deposit systems, which involve the identification of disposable or multiple utility objects.

It is therefore an object of the present invention To propose procedures and associated facilities, by means of which the above-mentioned problem simple and can be solved inexpensively.

The mentioned object is achieved by means of a method according to the wording of claim 1 solved.

It is proposed that for identification of an object, which is provable with a redemption peg, a in or on the object switchable or activatable element before or upon delivery of the object and / or payment of a deposit is activated or described for the object such that the object is identifiable as having a deposit and that upon withdrawal of the object and return of the Deposit the item so enabled or disabled or overwrite that object as not is identifiable with a deposit.

The element arranged on the object is preferably an identification chip, a circuit or magnetic strip, which upon delivery of the object and Payment of a deposit for the object with the information provided that the object occupies a deposit is. With return of the object and return of the pledge is the information on the chip or circuit or Magnetic stripe deleted or overwritten or on "not pledged" put back.

Preferably, together with the deposit information, further information can be provided on the element, like a chip, an integrated Circuit or magnetic strip on delivery of the object be transferred, such as the place of delivery, the date of Identification of the content, identification number, etc., which further information depending on the take - back point of the Object can be read on redemption and collectively or only partially deleted or changed. These others Information may also include information about whether the object belongs to a specific "deposit system", that is, a pledge, for example, of only one particular Delivery point, such as a chain of stores, is charged, and accordingly only from a specific collection point, such as the mentioned chain of stores, is also paid back. By means of the method defined according to the invention prevents being similar objects, which are not pledged, in this "deposit system" be introduced.

Activation, data transmission or writing at Delivery of the object resp. reading, disabling, overwriting and / or deleting the data takes place according to a preferred embodiment by means of infrared, magnetic recording technology or by means of RFID technology (Radiofrequency Identification).

Especially in the latter case, the data transfer takes place the object or between the objects on an identification chip by data transmission in the radio frequency range from a so-called interrogator (reader / writer) and the data from chip can be read by a reader / writer and, if necessary, changed, overwritten or deleted become.

In other words, communication takes place between the chip and Interrogator for example by means of radio waves.

Another object of the present invention relates the identification of a disposable or multiple use object.

For the solution of this further object is a disposable or Multiple use object proposed, which is easy and must be clearly identifiable, and which, if any preferably an activatable or writable Element, which is arranged in, on or at the object is, and which is describable with information or on or to which information is applied This information can be at least partially recovered disabled, deleted or overwritten. Preferably, the element is firmly connected to the object or preferably integrally on, arranged on or in this.

As an identifiable element, which is preferably a activatable or writable element is suitable in particular a so-called RF identification chip, a Magnetic strip or an integrated circuit, which or which is at least readable, if appropriate, preferably is actively writable and / or switched on or off, and optionally the data stored thereon preferably at least partially overwritable and / or partially erasable are.

According to a preferred embodiment is as an element an RFID chip proposed which writable and readable, overwritable and at least partially erasable is in the radio frequency range.

Such so-called RFID chips (Radiofrequency Identification) are already well known. In these Chips that can be applied to any object, may be, for example, so-called "smart labels" act, i. about wafer-thin, so-called "low-cost data media" in label execution, which as an alternative used for so-called "bar codes". Are known also self-adhesive flexible disks, which are usually because of the higher quality than the mentioned ones "smart labels" in harsher operating conditions, such as especially higher operating temperatures are used can. Finally, also known are rigid RFID chips or -Disk, which applied to any support material can be. Such RFID chips or tags are offered for example by the company Gemplus, Montgomeryville U.S.A., or the company ID Systems AG in 2557 Studen, Switzerland. The transmission frequencies vary in a range of approx. 50 KHz up to 2.5 GHz. Per se The use of microwaves is also conceivable. The to Time commonly used RFID systems work preferred in a range from 125 KHz to 13.5 MHz. In development but are also systems up to 800 MHz, and already one speaks of even higher frequency ranges. The manufacturing costs Of the mentioned 800 MHz tags according to reliable sources only cost a few eurocents.

A true industry standard for these identification systems using the mentioned RFID chips is on not yet established, currently the most common Standards of the so-called I-code of Philips and the Tag-It standard from Motorola. But also other solutions are known. Such identification solutions are z.T. already used in libraries where books and video tapes are provided with such RFID chips. In this context for example, refer to the International Patent Application Referenced WO 99/64974.

According to a further embodiment, the other Task solved by the one-way or multiple-use object an identification chip or semiconductor chip is arranged, which in the radio frequency range readable is, if appropriate, preferably also rewritable or erasable. It has been shown that such Identification chips, which in the radio frequency wave range are only readable, already essentially in the EAN or UPC codes used today have problems encountered or solve difficulties.

The method defined according to the invention is particularly suitable for multiple-use objects, such as bottles, containers, Barrels, canisters, etc., which are filled with a product provided against pledge and empty against return of the pledge.

But also for the identification of shopping carts or others Objects, the inventive method is suitable, where an object is delivered, which subsequently for regulatory or economic reasons again to return.

The method is also suitable, for example for deposit containers, such as trays, which used for the sale of foods such as meat and cheese become. Such a method becomes, for example operated by the company Eco Tray Systems in Holland.

Again, the erfindungsemässe method is also suitable for disposable objects, such as PET bottles, batteries, TV sets, refrigerators, etc., which for the purpose of correct Dispose of to a suitably equipped or intended Return point are to be returned.

The invention will now be, for example and below With reference to the accompanying figures explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

schematisch das Grundprinzip der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2

schematisch dargestellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsvariante einer Rücknahmestation für mit einem Pfand belegte Objekte;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante einer Rücknahmestation, schematisch dargestellt;

Fig. 4

wiederum schematisch dargestellt eine weitere Ausführungsvariante einer Rücknahmestation für mit einem Pfand belegte Objekte, und

Fig. 5

schematisch dargestellt, eine Rücknahmestation, speziell geeignet für die gleichzeitige Zurücknahme mehrerer mit einem Pfand belegter Objekte.

Showing:

Fig. 1

schematically the basic principle of the present invention;

Fig. 2

schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a return station for occupied with a deposit objects;

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of a return station, shown schematically;

Fig. 4

again schematically shows a further embodiment of a redemption station for objects pledged with a deposit, and

Fig. 5

schematically represented, a redemption station, especially suitable for the simultaneous withdrawal of multiple occupied with a deposit objects.

A full bottle 1 is on the conveyor belt 3 at a cash register 5, where the bottle is to be paid. At the bottom Area of the bottle 1 is a label according to the invention arranged with an identification chip 11, which, for example is formed in two parts, having on the one hand an area 13, which is for object-related data is reserved and an area 15, which for data regarding the deposit system is reserved. In this chip it may be, for example, a magnetic stripe or an identification chip based on semiconductors. Essential is that this chip must be at least readable, preferably writable and preferably at least partially again erasable or overwritable. Preferably For this purpose a chip is used which is in the radio frequency range readable or writable. In this context be on the recently used RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) technology pointed out as particularly suitable for the described application appears. Such chips have a miniaturized Radio antenna, and are for example on a thin Polyester film applied, which chips permanently on the bottle surface can be arranged, for example provided with a laminated protective layer.

Of course it is also possible, such Mold directly into the bottle wall, in particular then, if it is a plastic bottle.

The area 13 may contain information such as a unique one Product identification (e.g., an EAN or UPC code) and information about the contents, date of filling, production batch, and the like, while in the field of 15 find like deposit system, chain of stores, whether with one Pledge provided or not and date of sale. specially The latter information can be paid and paid the pledge by means of a so-called interrogator 17 applied be, with the transmission using radio waves he follows. Such read / write devices or interrogators For example, the American company "Escort Memory Systems "located in Scotts Valley, 95066 California, which is a subsidiary of the "Datalogic Group Comany "is in this interrogator in the area of a cash register 5 is primarily a writing instrument, but which if necessary, it is also a reader at the same time to read the data in the range 13 goes.

Of course, it must be the Interrogator 17 only then act primarily to a writing instrument, if the identification chip 11, such as with respect to the band information mentioned above. in principle it is already advantageous if a single or reusable object, as the bottle 1 has an ID chip 11, which is readable at least in the radio wave range.

An ID chip, at least readable in the radio wave area has significant advantages over today common and known identification elements Basic barcode, such as EAN or UPC code.

Now takes a so-called life cycle of the bottle 1, by it reaches the consumer, there the content, for example is drunk, and finally the cycle ends by returning the bottle again. To this Purpose are arranged in shops special facilities, into which the empty bottles are entered can. This is, for example, a tower-like Device 21, which is a circular, rotatable Slice 23, to which the empty bottle 1 is entered becomes. Now the bottle rotates in the direction of the arrow in a slot-like opening 25 to arrive at the entrance in turn, an interrogator 31 is provided, in which it is at least a reading, preferably at is a read / write device. First, the interrogator 31 determines whether the deposit information is in the area 15 of the Identification chips 11 meets the requirements, i. for example the pledge on the purchase of the still full bottle has been paid. This can be the case, for example be by the identification chip 11 is activated. is If so, a count is generated to either to return the money directly to the consumer, the Consumers to issue a receipt in the amount of the pledge, or the consumer in a different way the pledge remunerate (credit card, customer account, etc.). After successful Registration of the deposit information by the interrogator 31 this deposit information must be deleted, not so another pledge for the bottle 1 is remunerated. Besides Of course it is also possible to get more information to delete, such as those in the identification area 13, since the bottle is emptied now.

After passing through the slot-like opening 25 passes Finally, the bottle 1 via a conveyor belt 27 in a dedicated accumulation system.

The interrogator 31 also preferably operates by means of radio-frequency data communication. The big advantage of radio frequency data communication is not that mandatory visual contact between the interrogator and the Identification chip must be present. Thus it plays also does not matter if a bottle is twisted by 180 ° the disc 23 is entered, or, provided the opening 25 larger designed so also Harasse is entered whether bottles are contained in a harass, as well as information on the ID chip 11 read by the interrogator 31 and then, for example can be deleted.

However, the return of several bottles in a Harrass the problem of collision between the different identification chips. It may be necessary be that, for example, prior to identification is how many bottles are in a Harrass. If a Harrass is full, then according to the number Bottles of a full Harris ID chip be identified and evaluated by the reader. On this Problem of simultaneous multiple return of pledged objects will be discussed later with reference to FIG.

In addition to assessing whether an object is pledged or not, can by means of the inventive method or the one-way or multiple-use object defined according to the invention also be determined to which Deposit system or to which store chain the object belongs.

It's also possible in the way, at least one Encourage consumers to target an object to a specific one Return the site if desired. In this In the case of the identification chip is activated such that the deposit is only returned at a certain issuing office becomes. Will the object be at another issuing point returns the interrogator 31 identifies the corresponding information on the chip and denied one

Repayment of the pledge or the acceptance of the object or the objects.

But this can also prevent foreign objects be returned and erroneously paid a pledge becomes.

• Eine Eingabeöffnung 47, in die ein Benutzer Objekte auf ein Förderband 40 stellen bzw. legen kann.
• Eine Ausgabeöffnung 48, aus der angenommene Objekte 38 einem Sammelsystem bzw einem Sortiersystem zugeführt werden können.
• Ein Transportsystem bzw. eine Transportbahn 49, durch welches bzw. mittels welcher Objekte 38 von der Eingabeöffnung 47 zur Ausgabeöffnung 48 transportiert werden. Das Transportsystem 49 wird vorzugsweise so ausgelegt, dass es den Eigenschaften wie Abmessungen, Gewicht und Material der zurückzunehmenden Objekte 38 optimal angepasst ist.
• Ein Interrogator 50 oder vorzugsweise konkret ein RFID Lese/Schreibgerät oder Lesegerät, welches bei der Eingabeöffnung 47 plaziert ist. Die Platzierung kann seitlich am Transportsystem 49 erfolgen oder aber oben oder unten, je nach den Eigenschaften der zurückzunehmenden Objekte 38 betr. Abmessungen, Gewicht, Material und die Platzierung vom RFID-Label 46 am Objekt 38.
• Ein weiterer Interrogator 51 oder vorzugsweise konkret ein RFID Lese/Schreibgerät, welches bei der Ausgabeöffnung 48 plaziert ist. Die Platzierung kann erneut seitlich am Transportsystem 49 erfolgen oder aber oben oder unten davon, je nach den Eigenschaften der zurückzunehmenden Objekten 38 betr. Abmessungen, Gewicht, Material und die Platzierung vom RFID-Label 46. Die Platzierung des Interrogator 51 relativ zum Transportsystem 49 ist vorzugsweise gleich wie diejenige des Interrogators 50 am Eingang.
• Eine Anzeige 62 für Kommunikation mit einem Benutzer oder dem Bedienungspersonal.
• Ein Bonknopf 63 zur Auslösung der Quittung und schliesslich
• eine Quittungsausgabe 64 für "Pfandbons".

In Fig. 2, a further embodiment of a return station is shown schematically, which in relation to the redemption device 21 of FIG. 1 in so far brings benefits as abuses can be at least partially excluded. The return station 35 consists of the following essential elements:

• An input port 47 into which a user can place objects on a conveyor 40.
• A dispensing opening 48, from which accepted objects 38 can be supplied to a collection system or to a sorting system.
• A transport system or a transport path 49, by which or by means of which objects 38 are transported from the input opening 47 to the discharge opening 48. The transport system 49 is preferably designed so that it is optimally adapted to the properties such as dimensions, weight and material of the objects 38 to be taken back.
• An interrogator 50 or, more specifically, an RFID reader / writer or reader placed at the input port 47. The placement can be done laterally on the transport system 49 or up or down, depending on the properties of the objects to be recovered 38 concerning dimensions, weight, material and the placement of the RFID label 46 on the object 38th
• Another interrogator 51 or, more specifically, an RFID read / write device, which is placed at the output opening 48. The placement can be done again laterally on the transport system 49 or up or down therefrom, depending on the characteristics of the objects to be recovered 38 concerning dimensions, weight, material and the placement of the RFID label 46. The placement of the interrogator 51 relative to the transport system 49 is preferably the same as that of the interrogator 50 at the entrance.
• A display 62 for communication with a user or the operator.
• A Bonknopf 63 to trigger the receipt and finally
• a receipt 64 for "pawns".

The operation of the system according to FIG. 2 is the following:

The interrogator 50 detects the presence of a valid object 38, on which a valid RFID label 46 is attached is and in which the deposit system identification is valid and the deposit eligibility according to is activated before. In this case, the conveyor system starts 49 and leads the object 38 to the interrogator 51. This disabled the deposit eligibility and increase that Customer credit. This process can be repeated until either the user person interrupts the operation of the system, or until no more objects from the interrogator 50 at the input is detected. Subsequently, a receipt printed, and the process is finished.

Now reads the Interrogator 50 an RFID label, which is not Part of the current deposit system is, this is the user or a customer reported by the display 62. The conveyor system 49 will be stopped if it is still running. To Removing the wrong object, the conveyor system starts again to run, if it was previously by the false detection has been stopped.

The interrogator 50 reads an RFID label, which is part of the current deposit system, but one already disabled This is reflected in the deposit entitlement Display 62 and a signal, such as a Theft alarm on the machine triggered. This can also be one be a silent alarm, e.g. to an employee with pager or similar. At the same time, the conveyor system 49 will be that it is running, stopped. After removal of the wrong object, the information on the display goes out 62 and any alarm will start immediately, after a certain Time or after a manual acknowledgment at the machine switched off. The conveyor system 49 starts again to run, provided it was previously by false detection stopped.

If an object 38 successfully passes the interrogator 50 has, it gets to the interrogator 51, which the RFID labels 46 reads from the objects being conveyed and controlled analogously as Interrogator 50 again the Deposit system identification and the deposit payment authorization. It is found that the deposit system identification is fine and the deposit payment authority is activated, the object is from the machine registered as accepted. This means that the deposit disclaimer is deactivated or deleted and that relevant information for the subsequent payment of the pledge, e.g. Product identification and deposit value, read and saved. This possibly together with other data for statistical and / or reporting purposes. Possibly. can also new information written on the memory chip 46 will be deleted and / or old information.

The interrogator 51 reads an RFID label 46 which does not Part of the current deposit system, this becomes the customer reported on the ad and on the pledge. It will be in In this case, no manipulation of the content of the RFID label performed. For statistical and reporting purposes if necessary read and save information.

The interrogator 51 reads an RFID label 46, which is part of the current deposit system, but with a disabled one This is on the deposit refund authority Display 62 and a signal, such as Theft alarm, on the machine and / or a silent alarm triggered; possibly also remotely, e.g. to an employee with pager. At the same time, the conveyor system 49, in Trap that it is running, stopped. After removal of the wrong object, the information on the display goes out 62 and any alarm, either immediately, after one certain time or after a manual acknowledgment at the machine will be deactivated. The conveyor system 49 starts again to run, provided it was previously by the False detection stopped.

When the user or customer presses the bonnet button 63, For example, the machine controls whether there is a certain amount of Time lapse has passed since the interrogator 50 the last RFID label with valid deposit system identification and activated deposit pay authorization. Likewise, a certain amount of time is waited after the interrogator 51 has registered the last valid object. These Time should preferably be waited until printing of the receipt, so that the eventual Objects Time for acquisition at interrogator 51 and be recorded on the receipt. The receipt In addition to details of liens, other relevant Information about the accepted objects included. Such information was for each object from the interrogator 51 recorded and saved. However has one User or a customer a theft alarm during the Operation triggered, of course, the output a receipt suspended until a supervisor of the machine when the machine has acknowledged the alarm.

The transport system 49 preferably runs a certain preprogrammed Time after the Interrogator 50 the last RFID label with valid deposit system identification and activated Has read deposit refund authority, and also a certain time after the interrogator 51 the last valid object 38 has registered, so before parking of the transport system 49 all objects 38 safely in the discharge opening 48 are transported away and, for example fed to a sorting system.

In the withdrawal device described with reference to FIG is a misuse of the deposit system only very reduced possible. Probably a withdrawal from already recycled objects physically possible at any time, but one Alarm is usually triggered. That is, if a theft attempt happens before a receipt is printed, the receipt is paused until the operating personnel deblocked a triggered alarm. In this case so a thief won nothing. However, if the customer is waiting until a receipt is printed, he can probably afterwards begin to withdraw already registered and deactivated objects or steal from the collection system, but are worthless objects stolen in this way, since the pledge already in the redemption facility or was deactivated in the machine.

Theoretically, of course, it is also possible for a user tries to activate the recognition system by external action, such as by inserting a metal plate in the input port 47, to disturb. Or it could be tempted by very fast retraction of the object by a measuring system not or only badly covered Area to bypass the detection. As a countermeasure In this case it would make sense that along the Transport system 49 optical sensors, such as photocells mounted which are the direction of movement of the entered Monitor objects. So can a backward movement of a Objectes are detected and an alarm is triggered become. Or it may be a metal detector at the input port 47, which detects whether metal objects entered into the input opening. This can be done, for example, by inductance measurement in the Input opening 47 done. Become exceptional values detected, an alarm is triggered and according to the above Described the transport system 49 stopped and the issue a receipt suspended.

According to another embodiment, it would be quite conceivable to omit the interrogator 50 and by the already mentioned optical sensors like photocells along to replace the transport system 49. This solution has to Result that the conveyor system 49 by pressing an optical Photocell is set in motion, and not by positive recognition of a pledged object.

In Fig. 3, a further embodiment of a return device 35 shown schematically. At this Device or machine 35 according to FIG. 3 are with respect to 2 additionally provides the following precautions:

The machine 35 has at the discharge opening 48 a door or Sluice 60 arranged, which realized in any form can be, as a trap door, swing door, slide, etc. The operation of the machine 35 is the following:

The door 60 is closed when not using the machine, that is, a user is prevented from already having one entered and Pfandvergütetes object 38 with the Can withdraw by hand or by means of a cord. Only when the transport system 49 has started and a first object is accepted by the interrogator 51, the door 60 and opens closes as soon as all entered objects safely out of the Output port 48 are transported away and a collection system or sorting system are supplied. The receipt happens at the machine 35 until the door 60 is back to.

The type of machine 35 according to FIG. 3, the problem with the Withdrawing objects after the receipt issue solved. For this purpose, the door 60 at the exit of the machine 35 mounted, which only open during customer service is closed and after each operation. Conditioned for the receipt issue is in addition that all objects off the machine are transported and the door closed again is. There are manipulation possibilities here barely. If the thief tries to enter, the door artificially kept open, its receipt is never printed - If necessary, an alarm is triggered.

• Entweder, wenn der Interrogator 50 bei der Eingabe ein pfandberechtigtes Objekt sieht oder
• wenn Interrogator 51 bei der Ausgabe 48 ein pfandberechtigtes Objekt sieht und registriert.

The opening of the door or lock 60 can for example be done in two ways:

• Either when the interrogator 50 sees a pledged object when entering or
• when interrogator 51 sees and registers a claimable object at issue 48.

The former method is very unfavorable, since doing a thief only a pledged object at the input port 47 can hold to open the door. That's why the first one Solution equivalent to the solution shown in Fig. 2. The second method, on the other hand, is very efficient because the object 38, which is used to open the door, even disabled is, so that the door opens. That is, a thief when leaving the machine at least the deposit for has lost an object. Moreover, the time in which the Door 60 is open, kept minimal in this way.

In Fig. 4, a further embodiment of a redemption device 36, which shows an abuse almost completely impossible. This is an object 2, provided with the RFID label 11, by a reclosable Opening 22 in a working plane 24 in a chamber 10 entered, whereupon the re-lockable Wall 22 is closed. Now the label 11 from Interrogator 31 read and, for example, the pledge activated. Are affiliation to the deposit system and Pledge right, will be a second turn lockable wall like door 26 open and the object 2 removed from the chamber 10. Finally, the door 26 closed and the former re-closable Wall or door 22 is opened again for input another object 2 in the chamber 10. In this device In fact, abuse is virtually impossible. Specifically, the return device 36 of FIG. 4 is, for example suitable for the withdrawal of books in libraries and the same.

5 finally shows a return device 32, especially suitable for the simultaneous withdrawal of several pledged objects. Again, several objects 4, provided with RFID label 11, entered on a conveyor belt 8 and led past an interrogator 31. there for example, it can be food trays, which stacked on the conveyor belt 8 stacked become. Or it can be a bottleneck act, which contains several bottles. Through the interrogator 31 again read the RFID labels 11, and it it is determined how many of the entered objects on the one hand belonging to the deposit system and in addition, such many of these objects are eligible for a claim. The number of objects, whose labels meet 11 both requirements is displayed on a display 65 and the user or customer can check if the number detected by the interrogator agrees with his ideas. If so, he can confirm the number detected and accordingly becomes one Receipt issued. If not his idea If he agrees, he will not be able to confirm on what all objects or the whole Harrass off the system is removed or whereupon the conveyor belt 8 stopped becomes. The problem with this multiple return consists in disabling the labels by either the RFID labels or the pledge authorization first deactivated will be after the O.K. confirmation by the customer, thereby a certain theft or misconduct vulnerability the redemption device 32 is given.

If the pledge authorization already before the confirmation by Disabled the customer, the problem is that if not confirmed by the customer the labels deactivated and thus the customer runs out completely empty.

Another problem, after all, is that occasionally are already offered in sales premises objects, which have a pledged label. That the Pledge entitlement is not paid at checkout of the object is activated, but for reasons of economy, to dispense with a writing instrument at the cash register to be able to, the labels are already activated. It So there is the possibility that a customer is still full Can enter bottles to the redemption facility and so on a pledge gets for a still full bottle, which he even never paid or whose contents he has never consumed. Around To counter this problem, there is the possibility that for example, at the input port 47 at the return device a scale is arranged to the entered Weigh object. If this is too heavy, the conveyor will 49 stopped.

Finally, it is also possible on the label an additional Field to determine if the object is in the "Consumer cycle" is located or in the "producer / supplier" cycle. Both label sections can be activated or deactivated. Of course it is a simultaneous activation of the two label fields not desired, but it is always clear to define in which Circuit segment is an object.

The examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 serve merely to explain the inventive idea. Of course the present invention is by no means the conditions shown in the figures are restricted, and both receiving and return points can to be entirely different than those represented in the described figures. It also has to be not a reusable item, but the present one Method is also suitable for disposable objects, which for environmental reasons, for example appropriate body should be returned. With the inventive Procedure can also be prevented that by introducing waste fees no longer used Items are deposited wild. Due to the In any case, it is always worthwhile, instead of wilder ones Dispose of an object to the appropriate, designated Place to return. For example, at Sale of a television simultaneously charged a pledge which is at least partially repaid, if the TV is returned to the appropriate place and disposed of if the TV is not more is used.

It is also conceivable that when taking back the objects not a certain amount is paid or credited, but that at the same time there is the possibility of use credit directly to a non-profit institution, or to use as a bet. It is too possible, at the same time returning each 10 or add another bonus to a different number of objects pay such as a loyalty So can at the return station, for example, provided a keyboard be where the customer can enter, like that To pay or use the pledge.

In other words, the present invention is by no means to any particular object or to a particular one Limited, but can be used everywhere Application, where a clear identification or Designation of a single or reusable object is necessary and, if applicable, return, proper disposal or recycling a given object desired or is useful or necessary.

Claims (23)

1. Method for identifying an object (1) to which a deposit can be assigned, in order to identify disposable or reusable objects, characterized in that an element (11, 13, 15, 46) which can be switched or activated on the object (1, 38) is activated before or when the object is issued and/or when a deposit is paid for the object, in such a way that the object can be identified as having a deposit assigned to it, and in that, when the object is returned and the deposit is reimbursed the element (11, 13, 15, 46) is activated or deactivated in such a way that the object can be identified as not having a deposit assigned to it.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that when the object is issued and a deposit for the object is paid an identification chip (11, 13, 15, 46) or magnetic strip which is arranged on the object is provided with the information that a deposit is assigned to the object, and in that when the object is returned and the deposit is reimbursed the information on the chip (11, 13, 15) or magnetic strip is deleted again or overwritten or reset to "no deposit assigned".
3. Method according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, in addition to the deposit information, further information such as issuing location, issuing date, identification of the contents, identification number, deposit system etc., is transmitted to the element (11, 13, 15, 46) or the chip or magnetic strip, which further information is deleted or amended in its entirety or only partially depending on the return location of the object when the object is returned.
4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation or transmission of data when the object is issued or when a deposit is paid, and the reading, deactivation and/or overwriting or deleting of the data are carried out by means of infrared or magnetic recording technology or by means of radio frequency identification technology (RFID).
5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an identification chip on the object is written to by transmitting data in the radio frequency range from what is referred to as an interrogator (read/write device), or the data from the chip is read by an interrogator (read/write device) (17, 31, 30, 51) and if appropriate changed and/or deleted.
6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for marking a disposable object or reusable object such as a container, bottle, barrel, canister or the like, which is issued against a deposit after having been provided with a filling, and is returned empty and the deposit is reimbursed.
7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for marking shopping trolleys when they are issued for use by a consumer against a deposit and return of the shopping trolley accompanied by simultaneous reimbursement of the deposit.
8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for marking containers to which a deposit is to be assigned, said containers being, for example, bowls for the sale of food such as, for example, meat and cheese and which are to be returned for possible reuse.
9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for marking disposable articles such as PET bottles, batteries, cooling devices, television sets etc., which objects are to be disposed of "appropriately for their type" and/or are to be returned to a return station which is specially provided or is suitable for that purpose.
10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for designating/marking a disposable object or reusable object for its identification, such as association with a deposit system, having a deposit assigned to it or being free of deposit, association with a distribution organization such as a chain of shops, information about the content, filling date, hazard class etc.
11. Disposable or reusable object which has to be capable of being identified, for a method according to one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized by an element (11, 13, 15, 46) which can be activated or written to and which is arranged on the object (1, 38) and to which information can be written or on which information can be arranged, which information can be at least partially deactivated again, deleted or overwritten again, in such a way that the element which can be activated or written to can be activated before or when the object is issued and/or when a deposit for the object is paid, in such a way that the object can be identified as having a deposit assigned to it, and in that when the object is returned and the deposit is reimbursed, the element can be activated or deactivated in such a way that the object can be identified as not having a deposit assigned to it.
12. Disposable or reusable object according to Claim 11, characterized in that the element (11, 13, 15, 46) which can be activated or written to is permanently connected to the object (1, 38), for example being preferably arranged integrally on or in it.
13. Disposable or reusable object according to Claim 11, characterized in that the element (11, 13, 15, 46) which can be activated or written to is an element such as a label, for example what is referred to as a "smart" label which is to be arranged on the object (1, 38), a flexible data carrier or a rigid data carrier which is arranged, for example, in such a way that it sticks to or is bonded to the object.
14. Disposable or reusable object according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the element which can be activated or written to is an identification chip, an integrated circuit or a magnetic strip which can be activated or written to, can be switched on or off, can be read, can be overwritten at least partially and/or deleted again at least partially.
15. Disposable or reusable object according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the element which can be activated or written to is what is referred to as an RFID (radio frequency identification technology) chip which can be read and/or written to at least in the radio frequency range.
16. Disposable or reusable object according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the element which can be activated or written to can be read or written to after a selection has been made from the frequency range of approximately 50 KHz to 1 GHz, preferably 125 KHz to 800 MHz.
17. Device for a method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by an apparatus for reimbursing objects (1, 2, 4, 38) to which a deposit can be assigned and which have an element which can be switched or activated and which can be activated before or when the object is issued and/or when a deposit is paid for the object, in such a way that the object can be identified as having a deposit assigned to it, and in that when the object is returned and the deposit is reimbursed the element can be activated or deactivated in such a way that the object cannot be identified as having a deposit assigned to it.
18. Device according to Claim 17, characterized in that a further detection device (50) is provided, preferably a read device, arranged between the input (47) and the one detection means (31, 51), provided for detecting the association with the deposit system and/or the deposit reimbursement authorization, wherein the further detection apparatus is possibly coupled to the drive of the transport apparatus and the latter interrupts the drive or stops the transport system when the association with the deposit system and/or the deposit reimbursement authorization are not fulfilled.
19. Device according to one of Claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the detection means and the further detection apparatus are what are referred to as RFID interrogators, suitable for reading or reading/writing RFID labels.
20. Device according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that downstream of the issuing area (48) a sorting point and/or collecting point is provided for picking up the objects (1, 2, 4, 38) issued by the transport system (49) if the detection means (31, 50, 51) or the further detection device have detected both association with the deposit system and deposit reimbursement authorization on the object in the positive sense.
21. Device according to one of Claims 17 to 20, characterized in that a signal transmitter or alarm device (64) is provided for the audible indication and/or visual display of an object which has been sensed by the further detection device and/or the detection means and either has been detected as not being associated with the deposit system or has been detected as not being authorized for the reimbursement of the deposit.
22. Device according to one of Claims 17 to 21, characterized in that an operator control element (63) is provided for a user to be able to trigger the reimbursement of a deposit after the return of the deposit has been successfully concluded, to display the reimbursement of a deposit or to trigger the printing out of a receipt.
23. Device according to one of Claims 17 to 22, characterized in that a displaceable wall (26, 60) such as a door, a slide or the like, is arranged downstream of the detection means and is coupled to the detection means and/or the further detection device in such a way that in the case of a positive identification of the element in terms of association with the deposit system and/or deposit reimbursement authorization the wall is opened and after the correspondingly detected object or objects (1, 2, 4, 38) have passed through the door is closed again.

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