PACKAGING CONTAINER FOR LICENSE PLATES; METHOD FOR OPERATING AN EMBOSSING PRESS USING THE PACKAGING CONTAINER; AND EMBOSSING PRESS

Abstract

The invention relates to a packing container for accommodating number plate panels, wherein each number plate panel is provided with a panel identification means which unambiguously identifies it, which can be detected opto-electronically and in which information about the number plate panel is encrypted. According to the invention, at least two number plate panels are accommodated in the packing container, and the packing container is provided with a container identification means in which the information respectively encrypted in the panel identification means of the at least two number plate panels is recorded at least partially.

The invention further relates to a method for operating an embossing press configured for embossing number plate panels, using such a packing container.

Claims

1. A packing container for accommodating number plate panels, wherein each number plate panel is provided with a panel identification means which unambiguously identifies each number plate panel, the panel identification means is configured to be detected optoelectronically and in which information about the number plate panel is encrypted, wherein at least two number plate panels are accommodated in the packing container and the packing container is provided with a container identification means in which the information respectively encrypted in the panel identification means of the at least two number plate panels is recorded at least partially.

2. The packing container according to claim 1, wherein the panel identification means of the number plate panel or the container identification means of a packing container is a two-dimensional data matrix code.

3. The packing container according to claim 1, wherein information about the number plate panels is encrypted in a container identification means with a symmetric or asymmetric encryption.

4. The packing container according to claim 1, wherein a container identifier, with which the packing container is unambiguously identifiable, is recorded in the container identification means.

5. The packing container according to claim 1, wherein the information about the number plate panel encrypted in the panel identification means at least includes a first string with n characters and a second string with m characters, wherein the n characters of the first string are mapped by a hash function to the m characters of the second string.

6. The packing container according to claim 5, wherein only the n characters of the first string are recorded in the container identification means.

7. A method for operating an embossing press configured for embossing number plate panels, using a packing container according to claim 1, the method including at least the following steps: a) detecting the container identification means of the packing container by means of a scanning device of the embossing press; b) reading out information concerning the number plate panels from the detected container identification means by means of a control unit of the embossing press and storing this information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the information in step b) is stored in a storage unit of the embossing press.

9. The method according to claim 8, further including the following steps: c) detecting a panel identification means from a number plate panel; d) reading out the information about this number plate panel from the panel identification means by means of the embossing press; e) comparing the information about this number plate panel read out in step d) with information about number plate panels stored in the storage unit of the embossing press; f) enabling an embossing process on the embossing press if the comparison in step e) shows that the read-out information about this number plate panel matches information about number plate panels stored in the storage unit.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the information respectively stored in the storage unit of the embossing press is labeled as used if an embossing process is enabled in step f).

11. The method according to claim 7 using a packing container wherein the information about the number plate panel encrypted in the panel identification means at least includes a first string with n characters and a second string with m characters, wherein the n characters of the first string are mapped by a hash function to the m characters of the second string, wherein only the n characters of the first string are recorded in the container identification means, wherein in step b), prior to storing the information, a hash function is generated from the n characters of the first group of characters of the read-out information about the number plate panel and stored.

12. An embossing press for embossing number plate panels using a packing container for accommodating number plate panels, wherein each number plate panel is provided with a panel identification means which unambiguously identifies each number plate panel, the panel identification means is configured to be detected opto-electronically and in which information about the number plate panel is encrypted, wherein at least two number plate panels are accommodated in the packing container, and the packing container is provided with a container identification means in which the information respectively encrypted in the panel identification means of the at least two number plate panels is recorded at least partially, wherein the embossing press is configured for carrying out the method recited in claim 7.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Other advantages, special features and expedient further developments of the disclosure are apparent from the dependent claims and the following presentation of preferred embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

[0047] In the drawings:

[0048] FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the front of a number plate panel;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the rear of a number plate panel according to FIG. 1 with a data matrix code;

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section through an embodiment of a packing container according to the disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a packing container with a data matrix code;

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross section through an embodiment of an embossing press; and

[0053] FIG. 6 shows the insertion of a number plate panel into an embossing press according to FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The front of a number plate panel 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment of such a panel by way of example. In this exemplary embodiment, it has an elongate, rectangular shape. However, other formats with other aspect ratios are also possible. The panel 20 comprises a sheet metal strip, wherein an aluminum alloy may be chosen as the material, for example. A peripheral edge 22, which is configured to be raised at the front and printed with color, is already embossed into this sheet metal strip. Additional color printing, which is also only to be understood as an example, is applied to the left-hand area of the panel. On the whole, the number plate panel may have different country-specific designs.

[0055] The embossed edge is apparent from the rear, as is the printed identification feature 21, on the rear of the number plate panel 20 shown in FIG. 2. This is a two-dimensional data matrix code (DMC) of a type known per se. This DMC is applied to, for example, a corner of the panel 20 and can be detected with a scanning device in order to read out the data encrypted therein. In this case, the DMC may be printed on or applied by laser.

[0056] A variety of information concerning the respective number plate panel may be encrypted in the data matrix code 21 of a number plate panel 20, which is hereinafter also referred to as a plate-DMC. This may be, in particular, a serial number with which the number plate panel is unambiguously identifiable in an overall system. Furthermore, information such as production data, the format or similar data may also be included. The plate-DMC 21 can be detected with a scanning device such as a camera, wherein the encrypted information can be read out with a corresponding software from the image of the camera.

[0057] The illustration of FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross section through an embodiment of a packing container 10 according to the disclosure. This is a simple cuboid container, for example in the shape of a cardboard box. A plurality of number plate panels 20 stacked one above the other is placed in this cardboard box. The number of the panels depends on the capacity of the container, the maximum possible weight or other criteria, so that the illustration of nineteen panels 20 stacked one above the other in the packing container 10 of FIG. 3 is only an example.

[0058] In this case, each number plate panel 20 is provided with a panel identification means as it is apparent from FIG. 2 and only schematically indicated in the illustration of FIG. 3. In contrast, the packing container 10 is provided with a container identification means 11, which is preferably firmly assigned to the packing container. Such a box-DMC is apparent from the plan view of a packing container 10 of FIG. 4. This may be, for example, a sticker with a printed code, in particular a data matrix code. However, it may also be an RFID transponder glued onto the container. The container identification means 11 may also be firmly allocated to the container 10 in other ways. For example, it may be an appended sign, a DMC printed on directly, an enclosed slip of paper etc.

[0059] The information concerning the respective number plate panels 20 in this packing container 10 are at least partially recorded in the container identification means 11, so that they can be read out. In this case, the recording is preferably done in an encrypted manner, wherein suitable methods may be applied and also combined with each other, depending on the intended level of security. A corresponding decryption then takes place when the information is read out. For example, this may take place at an embossing press at which the number plate panels 20 from a packing container 10 are to be used.

[0060] An exemplary embodiment of an embossing press 30, in which a number plate panel 20 can be embossed and provided with a legend in the process, is apparent from the schematic illustration shown in FIG. 5. This is preferably a relatively compact floor-mounted appliance with a housing 31 in which the essential components for embossing the number plate panels are accommodated. These components are not illustrated in detail but are known to the person skilled in the art and may readily be provided depending on the requirements. In particular, they are one or several press plungers with which embossing tools can be pressed into the surface of a panel.

[0061] Approximately at the waist level of a user, the device 31 has a housing opening 32 through which number plate panels can be inserted into a schematically indicated embossing chamber 33 within the housing 31. The embossing process takes place within this embossing chamber 31. An outwardly protruding front section 34 is provided underneath the housing opening 32, which forms a support surface in front of the housing opening 32 on which number plate panels can be placed prior to being introduced into the embossing chamber 33. In particular, this support surface is configured as a drawer 35 that can be displaced horizontally. A number plate panel can be prepared on the drawer 35 together with the corresponding embossing tools and then pushed into the housing opening 32. For an embossing job, for example, several embossing tools may be inserted into the drawer 35 and a number plate panel may be placed thereon. After the embossing process within the embossing chamber 33, the embossed number plate on the drawer 35 is pulled out of the embossing press 30 and can be removed in order to color the legend embossed in a raised manner.

[0062] A functional unit 52 is mounted above the housing opening 32. The former may be integrated into the housing 32 or attached to the outside of the housing 31, as is provided, for example, by the embodiment of FIG. 5. This functional unit 52 is preferably configured as an operation and display unit, wherein, in particular, a touchscreen may be used for this purpose. Via the functional unit 52, an operator may control the embossing press 30, he may be shown information about embossing jobs, and he may also be shown error messages on this monitor.

[0063] The functional unit 52 is connected to a control unit 50 of the embossing press 30. This control unit 50 includes a storage unit 51. The control unit may be connected to other components of an overall system, for example, via a communication line that is not depicted. This may include a central management unit, job components for generating embossing jobs etc. Further, at least one scanning device 40 of the embossing press, with which a container identification means 11 of a packing container 10 can be detected, is connected to the control unit 50. The image of a container identification means 11 thus detected may then be transmitted to a control unit 50 of the embossing press 30 for reading out information. This information may be stored in the storage unit 51 and/or transmitted to a central management unit.

[0064] The scanning device 40 is, for example, a handheld scanner with a camera and a cable that by be brought up close to the container identification means 11 of a packing container 10 by an operator. However, the scanning device may also be firmly integrated into the embossing press 30 so that the operator has to hold the packing container in front of the scanning device. This may be disadvantageous in the case of heavy packing containers, so that a freely movable handheld scanner is more advantageous for this case. However, both variants may be realized in an embossing press 30.

[0065] In addition, further scanning devices may be provided in order to be able to detect panel identification means of number plate panels inserted into the embossing press 30. The embodiment of an embossing press according to FIG. 5 provides another scanning device 42 at the bottom of the functional unit 52, for example. This is preferably a camera. With this scanning device 42, a panel identification means may be detected from the top of the number plate panel if the latter is placed on the drawer 35. In contrast, another scanning device (camera) 41 in the front section 34 may be used for detecting panel identification means on the bottom of number plate panels.

[0066] The scanning devices shown, however, are only to be understood as examples, and any other arrangement and embodiment of scanning devices may be provided in order to detect panel identification means of number plate panels. The advantageous trigger mechanism described hereinafter also does not necessarily have to be provided and configured in this manner.

[0067] In order to trigger the automated detection of a panel identification means, a trigger mechanism may be provided which may be triggered by the movement of the number plate panel itself or by the drawer 35. For example, a trigger mechanism 36 may be formed behind the housing opening 32. This may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a light barrier. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, for example, a light barrier 36 is attached at the level of the drawer 35. As soon as the drawer 35 with a number plate panel located thereon passes the light barrier 36, the trigger mechanism triggers the detection of the panel identification means. In the process, both scanning devices 41 and 42 may be activated, wherein only that image of the scanning device is used on which a panel identification means is located. However, it may also be provided that the embossing press has information about which side of a number plate panel to be embossed a panel identification means is located on. In this way, the embossing press 30 is able to decide which scanning device is triggered. This information about the position of an identification feature may be contained in an embossing job, for example.

[0068] If only number plate panels with identification features on one predetermined side of the panels are used, i.e. only on the front or the rear, the disclosure may also be realized with a single scanning device on the corresponding side.

[0069] In particular, the trigger mechanism 36 may be configured that it triggers only if the number plate panel has already been partially inserted into the housing opening 32. Furthermore, the trigger mechanism 36 is preferably located within the housing 31, in particular at a position that is difficult to access, in order to also prevent attempts at tampering in the region of the trigger mechanism, if possible.

[0070] FIG. 6, for example, shows the state when the drawer 35 is pushed into the housing opening 32. A number plate panel 20 with a panel identification means 21 on the bottom and embossing tools 60 which are selected in accordance with a legend to be embossed are located on the drawer 35. The front side of the drawer 35 arrives in the region of the trigger mechanism 36. At that moment, the panel identification means 21 is located above the scanning device 41, so that the latter is able to take an image of the panel identification means 21 from underneath.

[0071] Such an embossing press 30 may be used to carry out the method according to the disclosure. If the information concerning number plate panels, which constitute admissible panels for use in the embossing press, is read out from a container identification means and stored, for example, in the storage unit 51 of the embossing press 30, it may be compared with information from panel identification means read out from number plate panels that are being inserted into the embossing press 30. If such a data comparison shows that an inserted number plate panel is not an admissible panel, the embossing process may be blocked or not enabled.