WO2015028699A1

WO2015028699A1 - An extruded profile and a method for retrieving information associated with panel or panels

Info

Publication number: WO2015028699A1
Application number: PCT/FI2013/050827
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antti MÄKELÄ
Original assignee: UPM Kymmene Oy
Current assignee: UPM Kymmene Oy
Priority date: 2013-08-28
Filing date: 2013-08-28
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-28
Also published as: DE212013000309U1

Abstract

An extruded profile (100) comprising a near field communication (NFC) tag (200) whereby information related to the extruded profile can be obtained by reading the NFC tag. The NFC tag can be arranged in a groove of the profile. The shape of the groove can be designed to improve the readability of the tag. In an arrangement, the NFC tag is covered by an object. A method for manufacturing an extruded profile and a method for marking an extruded profile. A method for retrieving information associated with an extruded profile. Still further, a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels. The set of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel having NFC tags. Preferably at least two panels of the set are located close to each other. Still further, a computer arranged to perform the method, and a computer program product and a data structure for performing the method.

Description

An extruded profile and a method for retrieving information associated with panel or panels

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to extruded profiles. The invention relates to near field communication (NFC) tags. The invention relates to a method for manufacturing extruded profiles. The invention relates to a method for marking extruded profiles. The invention further relates to a method for retrieving information associated with a panel, such as an extruded profile. The invention further relates to a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels, such as an extruded profiles. The invention relates to a method for associating information with a panel, such as an extruded profile. The invention relates to a data structure comprising information on panels, such as extruded profiles.

Background of the Invention

Extruded profiles are widely used in construction and in vehicles. They may be used e.g. for flooring, walls, or ceilings of a building or a vehicle, or for other objects such as tables, bulletin boards and various decks. Such extruded profiles may be used as decking boards. Some decking boards are made by extrusion. Extruded profiles are identified by observing the boards themselves. Information, such as the quality of the board, is obtained by this observation. Information obtained in this way is relatively limited. Also information on panels in general can be obtained by visual observation. Information obtained in this way is relatively limited. Moreover, information related to multiple objects, such as panels in general or extruded profiles, is relatively slowly achieved.

Summary of the Invention A purpose of the present application is to provide an extruded profile, from which information can be easily read. The information may be used as such, or the infornnation can be used as a reference, such as an identity, for another database, to obtain further infornnation. To achieve this purpose, an extruded profile is disclosed. The extruded profile extends in a longitudinal direction and comprises

- a first surface and a second surface located within a thickness from each other, wherein the thickness is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and

- a first edge and a second edge located within a width from each other, and

- a near field communication (NFC) tag,

whereby information related to the extruded profile can be obtained by reading the NFC tag.

The NFC tag can be arranged in a groove of the profile. The shape of the groove can be designed to improve the readability of the tag. In an arrangement, the NFC tag is covered by an object.

Such profiles are manufactured. A method for manufacturing an extruded profile comprises

- extruding, on a manufacturing line, an extruded profile without a tag, and - attaching, on the same manufacturing line, a near field communication

(NFC) tag to the extruded profile without a tag to form the extruded profile comprising the tag.

Moreover, the location of the NFC tag can be marked onto the extruded profile. A method for marking an extruded profile comprises

- arranging available an extruded profile comprising thermoplastic material and a near field communication tag,

- arranging available an object having a temperature greater than the melting point of the thermoplastic material of the extruded profile, and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile,

whereby a marking is melted to the extruded profile.

A method for retrieving information associated with a first extruded profile comprising

- a near field communication (NFC) tag comprises - requesting information associated with the first extruded profile from the first extruded profile, and

- receiving the information associated with the first extruded profile. In addition to information related to a single panel, information related to multiple panels, such as at least two panels, such as a set of panels, can be retrieved. Such information can be used e.g. in warehouse and transportation management. Thus, a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels has been disclosed. In the method,

- the set of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel,

- the first panel comprises a first near field communication (NFC) tag, and

- the second panel comprises a second near field communication (NFC) tag. The method comprises

- requesting information indicative of an identity of the first panel or the first NFC tag from the NFC tag of the first panel,

- receiving the requested information indicative of the identity,

- accessing an interface with the information indicative of the identity, and

- receiving information associated with the set of panels over the interface. Preferably at least two panels of the set are located close to each other.

To obtain information, a data structure is typically used. To generate such a data structure, a method for associating information with a panel or an extruded profile has been disclosed. A method for associating information with an extruded profile comprises

- obtaining an identity of the extruded profile,

- obtaining information to be associated with the extruded profile, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information. The information may comprise, e.g. an indication that a data structure for a set of panel or a set of panel identities is to be generated; an later on alternatively to generation, an indication that a data structure for a set of panel or a set of panel identities is to be updated. A method for associating information with a panel comprises

- obtaining an identity of the panel, - obtaining information to be associated with the panel, wherein the information to be associated with the panel comprises at least an indication that a data structure for a set of panel or a set of panel identities is to be generated, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information.

Some of the methods may be performed on a computer. A computer program may be used for the purpose, and delivered as a computer program product. The computer program product comprises computer program code embodied on a computer readable medium, wherein said computer program code is, when executed on a processor, arranged the computer to perform

- the method for retrieving information associated with a first extruded profile,

- the method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels, - the method for associating information with an extruded profile, or

- the method for associating information with a panel.

The computer program product may be used on a computer. In this way a computer is arranged to perform at least one of

- the a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels,

- the method for associating information with an extruded profile, and

- the method for associating information with a panel.

Still further, a data structure for controlling the operation of a computer has been disclosed. The data structure comprises

- information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, and

- in connection with the information on the first panel, information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag, such that, when used in execution of a computer program, are arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the information on the second panel comprising an NFC tag. Still further, a database for use in the method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels has been disclosed. The database is arranged to receive information comprising

- information indicative of an action and

- at least one of: an identity of a panel and an identity of a set of panels or a set of panel identities; wherein the database, in response to the information indicative of an action, is arranged to

o generate a data structure for a set of panels,

o update a data structure for a set of panels,

o delete data associated with a set of panels, or

o send an error message.

Various aspects of these embodiments will be disclosed in detail below. Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 a shows an extruded profile in a perspective view,

Fig. 1 b shows a near field communication (NFC) tag in a top view and a reader device,

Fig. 1 c shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 1 d shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 1 e shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 1f shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 19 shows a panel in perspective view,

Fig. 1 h1 shows a pile of panels,

Fig. 1 h2 shows a pile of panels,

Fig. 1 i shows an arrangement comprising two extruded profiles,

Fig. 1j shows an arrangement comprising two panels,

Fig. 2a shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 2b shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 2c shows an edge of an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 2d shows two edges of a extruded profiles in an end view and a connection element in between the edges,

Fig. 2e shows two edges of a extruded profiles in an end view and a connection element, Fig. 2f shows a structure comprising two extruded profiles in a perspective view,

Fig. 2g shows a structure comprising two extruded profiles in an end view, and a reader/writer device,

Fig. 3a shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 3b shows an extruded profile in a top view,

Fig. 4a shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 4b shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 4c shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 4d shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 4e shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 4f shows an extruded profile in an end view,

Fig. 5a shows a method for retrieving information associated with a panel, such as an extruded profile,

Fig. 5b shows a method for retrieving information associated with a panel, such as an extruded profile,

Fig. 5c shows a method for retrieving information associated with a panel, such as an extruded profile,

Fig. 6a shows a method for associating information with a panel, such as an extruded profile,

Fig. 6b shows a method for associating information with a panel, such as an extruded profile,

Fig. 7a shows, in an end view, a set of panels,

Fig. 7b shows a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels,

Fig. 7c shows a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels,

Fig. 7d shows a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels,

Fig. 8a shows a method for associating information with a set of panels, Fig. 8b shows a method for associating information with a set of panels, and

Fig. 8c shows a method for associating information with a set of panels. Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 a shows an extruded profile 100. The extruded profile 100 extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to its length L. The extruded profile 100 comprises a first surface 1 10 and a second surface 1 12 located within a thickness T from each other. The profile further comprises a first edge 120 and a second edge 122 located within a width W from each other. The first surface 1 10 and the first edge 120 are arranged such that a boundary of the first surface 1 10 comprises a boundary of the first edge 120. The first surface 1 10 may be planar or essentially planar. The first surface may be essentially planar such that the surface 1 10 is planar, except for small grooves or other patterns. Moreover, the boundary e.g. near the edge 120 may be rounded, whereby the essentially planar surface may slightly curve near the boundary. Such an essentially planar surface defines a plane of the surface. A planar surface is essentially planar.

The first surface 1 10 may be arranged on an installation side of the extruded profile 100. The installation side has preferably good strength properties without visible defects. The installation side is typically visible in a structure comprising the extruded panel. The second surface 1 12 may be arranged on a second side. The second side has preferably a structure that is compatible with a fastening member of the profile 100 in order to achieve good fastening of the profile. Therefore, there are advantageously different structures on the first surface 1 10 and the second surface 1 12. The width W of the extruded profile 100 is preferably at least 50 mm, such as at least 100 mm, such as at least 1 10 mm. The width W of the extruded profile 100 is preferably at most 400 mm, such as at most 300 mm, such as at most 250 mm. the width may be e.g. from 50 mm to 400 mm, from 100 mm to 300 mm, or from 1 10 mm to 250 mm. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the width W of the extruded profile is 12 cm. The thickness T of the extruded profile 100 is preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm or at least 18 mm. In addition, the thickness T of the extruded profile 100 is preferably at most 35 mm or at most 30 mm or preferably at most 28 mm. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thickness T of the extruded profile is between 10 mm and 35 mm, such as between 15 mm and 30 mm, such as between 18 mm and 28 mm, for example 28 mm.

The length L of the extruded profile 100 is preferably at least 1 .5 m, at least 2 m, or at least 2.5 m. In some embodiment the length is at most 10 m, and in some of these embodiments at most 7 m. The length may be e.g. from 1 .5 m to 10 m, such as from 2 m to 7 m, such as from 2.5 m to 5 m.

The density of the extruded profile 100 is preferably between 650 kg/m³ and 830 kg/m³, more preferably between 680 kg/m³ and 800 kg/m³. In an advantageous embodiment, the extruded profile 100 is manufactured in such a way that the length-specific weight of the extruded profile is between 2.2 kg/m and 2.8 kg/m, preferably between 2.3 kg/m and 2.7 kg/m. The length-specific weight of a profile having the density p, thickness T and width W is the product pTW.

In an embodiment, the extruded profile comprises thermoplastic polymer material. This has the technical effect, that the profile can later be marked by melting the thermoplastic polymer. Preferably the melting point of the thermoplastic material is at most 200 °C; at most 180 °C; or at most 160 °C. This has the technical effect that, provided that the composite material comprises natural fibers, the fibrous material does not burn or darken at the melting point. Therefore such melting temperatures allow for deforming the composite without thermally degrading the fibrous material. A low melting point has also the technical advantage that reforming the composite can be done with lower energy and cheaper thermal insulators. Preferably the melting point of the thermoplastic material is at least 60 °C; at least 80 °C; at least 100 °C; or at least 120 °C. This has the technical effect that the profile can be used even in relatively hot environments, such as on a terrace exposed to direct sunlight, or in a sauna. The melting point of the thermoplastic polymer may be e.g. from 60 °C to 200 °C; from 90 °C to 180 °C; or from 120 °C to 160 °C.

The extruded profile 100 advantageously comprises natural fiber plastic composite. Such as extruded profile 100 comprises plastic matrix material, and natural fibrous material admixed with the matrix. As discussed above, the plastic part of the composite preferably comprises or consists of thermoplastic polymer. For example the profile 100 may comprise cellulose fiber plastic composite, such as wood plastic composite. The cellulose fibers can come from any plant material that contains cellulose, for example wood material . The wood material can be from softwood trees, such as spruce, pine, fir, larch, douglas-fir or hemlock, or from hardwood trees, such as birch, aspen, poplar, alder, eucalyptus or acacia, or from a mixture of softwoods and hardwoods. Non-wood material can be from agricultural residues, grasses or other plant substances such as straw, leaves, bark, seeds, hulls, flowers, vegetables or fruits from cotton, corn, wheat, oat, rye, barley, rice, flax, hemp, manila hemp, sisal hemp, jute, ramie, kenaf, bagasse, bamboo or reed. The natural fibers have the technical effect that, during said marking by melting, not all the material of the profile melts. Because natural fibers have a much higher thermal degradation point than the thermoplastic material, the fibrous material remains solid even if the thermoplastic part of the composite is melted. Thus, the solid fibrous material supports the profile even during said marking. Therefore, the marking may be done at a very late stage of use. For example, if a table is made using the profiles, a marking can be made during manufacturing the table, or even to an otherwise finished table. It is also noted that even if an item (e.g. a table) comprises several tags, it is possible to mark the location of only one tag. The tag that is marked is operational. Of multiple tags, the one have best locations, as evaluated based on the usability of the tag and/or the item, such as a table, comprising the profile comprising the tag.

In an embodiment, the natural fibrous material comprises lignin. This has the technical effect the coupling between the plastic (such as thermoplastic) matrix material and the fibrous material is good, since lignin has a lot of hydroxyl (OH) -groups. The hydroxyl groups are known to bond well with many matrix materials. The natural fibrous material may be supplied in the form of cellulose based particles. For improved coupling, the amount of the lignin calculated from the total amount of the cellulose based particles may be e.g. more than 15 wt.% or more than 20 wt.%. As will be discussed, the profile may be a layered structure. The profile may e.g. comprise a layer, such as a core layer, designed for improved coupling, as discussed herein.

Referring to Fig. 1 c, the extruded profile 100 may have a layered structure. Such a layered structure comprises a first layer 1 14 and a second layer 1 16. The structure may comprise a third layer 1 18. In a layered structure, the first layer 1 14 comprises at least part of the first surface 1 10. Preferably, the first layer comprises the whole first surface 1 10. In this way, at least part of the second layer 1 16 is covered by the first layer. The second layer 1 16 is made of different material than the first layer 1 14. This enables the use of a wide range of materials for the extruded profile, since the visual appearance of the second layer 1 16 needs not be good. For example, the second layer may comprise recycled material. For example, the second layer 1 16 may comprise dark colored recycled material even if the extruded profile 100 (in particular the first layer 1 14 thereof) has a light color. An embodiment of the extruded profile comprises

- a first layer 1 14, the first layer comprising thermoplastic polymer material and cellulose based particles; and optionally comprising impurities; the first layer 1 14 forming at least a part of the first surface 1 10,

and

- a second layer 1 16, the second layer comprising thermoplastic polymer and impurities, wherein the amount of the impurities is greater in the second layer 1 16 than in the first layer 1 14.

An embodiment of the extruded profile further comprises

- a third layer 1 18, the third layer comprising thermoplastic polymer material and cellulose based particles; and optionally comprising impurities; the third layer 1 18 forming at least a part of the second surface 1 1 1 .

The total amount of lignin is preferably smaller in the first layer of the profile than in the second layer of the profile. Alternatively or in addition, the total amount of print ink is smaller in the first layer of the profile than in the second layer of the profile. Alternatively or in addition, the total amount of silicone is smaller in the first layer of the profile than in the second layer of the profile. Alternatively or in addition, the total amount of adhesives is smaller in the first layer of the profile than in the second layer of the profile. Thanks to the first layer covering at least a part of the second layer, the second layer may comprise lots of recycled material. For example, the second layer may comprise dark colored recycled material even if the manufactured product has a light color. In this application, the term "cellulose based particles" refers to cellulose particles that can originate from any plant material that contains cellulose. The particles can be in the form of dust (powder); preferably they are, at least partly, in the form of fibers. In this application, the particles having a length of at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm are called fiber particles or fibers, and smaller particles than those mentioned above are called powderparticles or powder.

The extruded profile 100 may be, for example, a wood plastic composite, i.e. the cellulose based particles originate from wood. In an example, at least 30 wt.%, more preferably at least 80 wt.% and most preferably at least 90 wt.% of the cellulose based particles of the first and/or the second layer are wood based particles. The wood material can be softwood trees, hardwood trees, or a mixture of softwoods and hardwoods; the species discussed above. The extruded profile 100 may be, for example, a plastic composite, wherein the cellulose based particles originate from non-wood materials, such as those discussed above.

Advantageously, the cellulose based particles in the first layer 1 14 of the extruded profile 100 comprise cellulose based particles that have a low lignin content. Advantageously, the cellulose based particles comprises chemically treated cellulose particles (i.e. so called lignin free cellulose particles). Alternatively or in addition, the cellulose based particles originate from plant material(s) in which the lignin content of the particles is naturally low. The first layer 1 14 of the extruded profile 100 comprises cellulose based particles. Due to the cellulose based particles, the properties of the first layer 1 14 may be improved. Advantageously, the amount of the cellulose particles in the first layer 1 14 of the profile 100 is between 5 wt.% and 80 wt.%, or between 10 wt.% and 70 wt.%, more preferably between 15 wt.% and 60 wt.% or between 20 wt.% and 50 wt.%, and most preferably between 30 wt.% and 40 wt.%. The cellulose particles preferably comprise wood dust and/or mechanical pulp and/or chemical pulp, from which the chemical pulp in powder form or fiber form is preferably used, and chemical pulp in the form of fibers is most preferably used. Advantageously, at least 60 wt.%, preferably at least 70 wt.% or at least 80 wt.%, and most preferably at least 90 wt.% or at least 95 wt.% of the cellulose based particles in the first layer 1 14 of the profile 100 are particles having a low lignin content, i.e. chemically treated cellulose particles and/or plant material in which the lignin content of the fibers is naturally low. Advantageously, the amount of the lignin in the first layer 1 14 of the profile 100 calculated from the total amount of the cellulose based particles is lower than 15 wt.% or lower than 10 wt.%, more preferably lower than 5 wt.% or lower than 3 wt.%, and most preferably lower than 2 wt.% or lower than 1 wt.%.

The second layer 1 16 that is at least partly covered by the first layer 1 14 may comprise, for example, recycled material(s) having different colors. Due to the first layer 1 14, the profile 100 may be weatherproof, it may have good strength properties, and there may not be any defects on the surface of the profile 100; irrespective of the raw materials of the second layer 1 16. The second layer 1 16 of the extruded profile 100 preferably comprises cellulose based particles. The cellulose particles of the second layer preferably comprise wood dust, and/or mechanical pulp, and/or chemical pulp (powder and/or fibers) and/or recycled paper and/or recycled label material, from which the wood dust, mechanical pulp, recycled paper and/or recycled label material are preferably used. The amount of the cellulose based particles in the second layer is preferably between 20 wt.% and 80 wt.%, from which preferably at least 60 wt.%, more preferably at least 70 wt.% and most preferably at least 80 wt.% comes from recycled paper and/or recycled label material and/or wood dust and/or mechanical pulp. The second layer 1 16 preferably comprises cellulose based particles that are mechanically treated. The second layer 1 16 preferably comprises cellulose based particles that are only mechanically treated. The mechanically treated cellulose based particles may be, for example, ground, refined and/or powdered from the cellulose source used. In other words, the cellulose source of the cellulose based particles is advantageously mechanically treated but not chemically treated. Some examples of mechanically treated cellulose based particles are wood dust, mechanical pulp, and recycled paper, which typically comprises lignin. Chemical pulp is so called lignin free material, which is chemically treated. In addition, recycled label material typically comprises chemically treated cellulose based particles. Advantageously, the impurities of the extruded profile 100 comprise lignin. Preferably, the lignin, at least in the second layer 1 16, is at least predominantly in the cellulose based particles, the "predominantly" meaning at least 50 wt.%, more preferably at least 70 %, and most preferably at least 90 wt.%. Most advantageously, the cellulose based particles in the second layer 1 16 that comprise the lignin are in a form of wood dust and/or mechanical pulp.

It is noted that if the profile 100 comprises only one layer, the one layer may be made of the material of the first layer 1 14 or the material of the second layer 1 16, wherein the materials have been discussed above.

The extruded profile 100, e.g. a single-layered profile 100, or a layer (1 14, 1 16) of the extruded profile advantageously comprises from 20 wt.% to 60 wt.% cellulose fibers, preferably from 20 wt.% to 50 wt.% cellulose fibers. In an embodiment the cellulose fibers comprised by the extruded profile comprise at least 60 % chemically treated cellulose fibers (i.e. lignin free cellulose fibers), preferably the fibers comprised by the extruded profile comprise at least 70 % or at least 80 %, preferably at least 90 % or at least 95 % chemically treated lignin free cellulose fibers.

In addition, the extruded profile advantageously comprises from 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% plastic polymers, preferably from 20 wt.% to 60 wt.%. The plastic polymer may be virgin or recycled. The plastic polymer may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene. The amount of the added plastic polymer depends on the other raw material used. For example, if recycled material is used, the amount of added polymer depends on the amount of the different raw materials coming along the recycled material. The extruded profile 100 preferably comprises at least 70 wt.% recycled raw material. The virgin added plastic may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally the extruded profile may comprise fillers. The extruded profile 100 may also comprise other compounds, such as colors and waxes.

The recycled raw material comprises preferably paper and plastic, most preferably the recycled material comprises paper and plastic polymers which fall as surplus in self-adhesive label production. The proportion of the recycled paper and recycled plastic may vary depending on the product application. The recycled label material may comprise surplus paper and plastic left over from the production of self-adhesive label materials. In an embodiment, the adhesive label laminate waste originates from adhesive label laminate production, which primarily produces production reject waste, edge cuttings from rolls and roll ends; from adhesive label laminate printing stations, producing primarily roll ends and label material left over from the die cutting of stickers and labels as well as reject; and/or from the end user clients of the adhesive label laminate, who paste the printed stickers and labels or the like onto their products. The waste coming from the end user clients of the adhesive label laminate is primarily release material, roll ends, and waste from the finished product. The adhesive label laminate waste is typically formed of label material, an adhesive layer, and release material. The liner of the label is usually a paper having a silicone coating or a plastic coating. The plastic polymer preferably comprises polypropylene. The plastic polymer may comprise at least one of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene.

As discussed, the manufactured extruded profile 100 is preferably a wood fibre plastic composite, for example a paper plastic composite. The extruded profile 100 may be manufactured, for example, by extrusion or by injection molding process. Advantageously the extruded profile 100 is manufactured in an extrusion process using an extruder.

Referring to Figs. 1 a to 1j, in order to obtain information associated with the extruded profile 100, such as the identity of the profile 100 or a reference to an information source, the extruded profile 100, or a panel 250 in general, further comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag 200. In this way, information related to the extruded profile 100 (or the panel 250) can be obtained by reading the NFC tag 200.

Near field communication (NFC) is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish radio communication with each other by bringing them into close proximity. The term "close proximity" in NFC means a reading distance of at most five to ten centimeters, e.g. at most 7 cm. Typically the reading distance may be less, e.g. a few centimeters. In some applications, the reading distance is a few millimeters, whereby the NFC tag need to be almost touched with a reader device.

NFC standards cover communications protocols and data exchange formats, and are based on existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) standards including ISO/IEC 14443 (with reference to part 1 , 2^nd edition, dated 2008-07- 15; part 2, 2^nd edition dated 2010-09-01 ; part 3, published in October 2010; and part 4, dated 2008-07-15) and ISO/IEC 18092 (with reference to 1 ^st edition, dated 2004-04-01 ). Standard NFC systems include also those based on FeliCa, complying with Japanese standard JIS X6319-4 (dated 2010/10/20).

NFC operates at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 (reference to 3^rd edition, dated 2010-1 1 -15) air interface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. NFC involves an initiator (i.e. a reader/writer device 300) and a target (such as the NFC tag). The reader/writer device 300 actively generates an RF field 460 that can power a passive target (e.g. the tag 200). This enables targets to take very simple form factors such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not require batteries. The term reader/writer device refers to a device arranged to read and, optionally, also to write. Referring to Fig. 1 b, the NFC tag 200 comprises a chip 210 and an antenna 220. The antenna 220 is electrically coupled to the chip 210. The NFC tag 200 further comprises a protective surface 230. The chip 210 and the antenna are formed inside the protective surface 230. The protective surface 230 may be made of plastic, paper, or any other suitable material. Preferably the surface 230 is flexible. The material of the surface 230 may be electrically and magnetically non-conducting in order not to obstruct the operation of the antenna 220, or the material may be weakly conducting or conducting. The NFC tag 200 may comprise pressure sensitive adhesive for attaching the tag 200 to an object, such as the extruded panel 100.

The NFC tag 200 is passive, i.e. the tag 200 contains no battery for powering the chip 210. The basic operation of the tag is to extract energy from a reader signal 460, and to respond to the reader signal. This responding may happen by employing back-scatter modulation of the radio frequency field (e.g. for UHF tags), or by varying the load imposed by the tag on the magnetic field (e.g. for HF tags). In this way, the tag 200 may send information 470 to the reader device 300 or the reader/writer device 300. Typically, the tag 200 may send an electronic product code (EPC) and/or a tag identifier (TID), or an universal identifier (UID) code, EAN code, or any serial number as a response.

The chip 210 may comprise analog and digital (logic) circuitry to perform its operations, and/or it may comprise one, two, or more processors, memory as one, two, or more memory sections and a communication module such as a radio frequency modulation circuit coupled to the antenna 220. The memory may comprise executable instructions for the processor, data and information related to the operation of the tag such as en electronic product code, tag identification, a computer network address, check sum, passwords like an access pass-word for accessing the tag, and user data. Some of the memory may be read-only memory, and some of the memory may be writable. A part of the memory may be write-once memory, whereby it is programmed in an early phase in the life span of a tag 200, or it may be write-protected by an access password. The memory may contain an access password for verifying access rights to some functionality or to a memory area. For example, an access password may be residing in the memory, and by sending the access password to the device, access is granted to a memory area.

The NFC tag 200 may comprise at least one of

- read-only memory,

- writable memory, and

- write-once memory.

In a preferred embodiment, the NFC tag comprises all these three types of memory.

The read only memory may comprise the identity of the NFC tag 200. The write-once memory of the NFC tag 200 may be programmed by the manufacturer of the extruded profile 100 or a panel 250. The write-once memory may comprise information about the tag 200 itself and/or the extruded profile 100 itself. This information may comprise e.g. information about the profile, the tag, the manufacturer, the date of manufacturing, or a reference to such information. The writable memory of the NFC tag 200 may be programmed by an operator of the panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100. The "operator" may refer to a service provider running a service, and having the right to use a structure comprising an extruded profile. The service provider may be e.g. restaurant keeper, and the structure may be a table in the restaurant. The operator would, in this case, be the person operating the restaurant, or his employee. The operator could e.g. write a menu to the writable memory of the tag 200. Alternatively, the operator could e.g. write a computer network address to the restaurant's Internet pages, from where such a menu could be retrieved by a customer, by using the NFC tag of the profile 100 of the table 180.

The size of an NFC tag 200 may vary. Typically, the NFC tag is, or can be arranged due to its flexibility to be, planar, as depicted in Fig. 1 b. The tag has a length L_T and a width W_T, wherein the direction of the length is perpendicular to the direction of the width. Moreover, in this description the terms length and width for the tag are selected such that the length is at least the width. The length L_T is typically from 15 mm to 60 mm, e.g. from 30 mm to 50 mm, and in an embodiment about 4 cm. The width W_T is typically from 10 mm to 40 mm, e.g. from 15 mm to 30 mm, and in an embodiment about 2 cm. In some embodiments, the ratio of length to width, L_T/W_T, is from 1 to 4, e.g. from 1 .5 to 3, and in an embodiment about 2. It is noted that with the above definition of terms, L_T/W_T is at least one. Referring to Figs. 1 a and 1 c, the extruded profile 100 may comprise holes 140. The holes may extend in the direction of the length of the profile 100. The cross-section of the hole 140 may be oval. The extruded profile 100 comprises preferably at least two oval holes 140, more preferably at least three oval holes 140. The number of the oval holes may be, for example, between 2 and 6 or between 3 and 5. In an advantageous embodiment, the extruded profile 100 comprises three oval holes 140. The weight of the profile 100 and the amount of the needed raw material decrease due to the holes 140. Thanks to the decreased weight of the extruded profile 100, the installation of the extruded profiles 100 may be easier and, moreover, the transportation of said extruded profiles 100 may be cheaper than with conventional extruded profiles, which do not comprises any kind of holes.

However, not only oval shaped holes, but also holes of other shape may be used in the extruded profile 100. Holes of other shape may include, for example, symmetrically rounded (circled) holes or tetragon shaped holes, such as square shaped holes, optionally rounded at corners, as depicted in Figs 1 d and 1 e. Even these kinds of holes will cause decreased weight of the product, typically even more than the oval shaped holes, and, hence, decrease the transportation costs. Even so, the oval holes are preferably used in the invention, because the strength of the extruded profile 100 comprising oval holes 140 may be much better than the strength of a extruded profile comprising tetragon shaped holes, and even better than the strength of a extruded profile comprising symmetrically rounded (circled) holes. However, there should not be too many holes 140 in the extruded profile 100 because this may decrease the strength properties of the extruded profile 100. This should be considered at least when the amount of the used recycled raw material is at least 70%. In addition, if a mold is used in the manufacturing process, there probably should not be too many holes in the extruded profile 100. Shapes and dimensions of the holes are preferably selected in such a way that it is possible to achieve very good runnability properties for the extruded profile to be manufactured. The width W_h (cf. Fig. 2a) of the hole 140 is preferably about 25 mm, for example between 20 and 30 mm. The height H_h of the hole 140 is predetermined in such a way that a second thickness T₂ (cf. Fig. 2a) between the hole 140 and the first surface 1 10 is at least 3 mm, more preferably between 5 and 7 mm. Moreover, a third thickness T₃ (cf. Fig. 2a) between the hole 140 and the second surface 1 12 is at least 3 mm, more preferably between 5 and 7 mm. Preferably the ratio of these thicknesses, T₂/T₃, is from 0.8 to 1 .2, more preferably about 1 . In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the height H_h of the hole 140 is approximately 16 mm, for example between 14 and 18 mm.

The distance D between adjacent two holes 140, wherein the distance is measured in the direction of the width of the profile 100, is preferably at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the smaller of the thicknesses T₂ and T₃. The distance D is preferably at most 1 .3, at most 1 .2 or at most 1 .1 times the greater of the thicknesses T₂ and T₃. The distance D may be e.g. between 3 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 7 mm. As depicted in Fig. 2a, an NFC tag 200b can be arranged in a hole 140.

Figures 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, and 1f show, in end views, some extended profiles 100. In these embodiments, the extruded profile 100 comprises, in at least the first edge of the profile 100, a groove 150. As depicted in the figures, the profiles comprise another groove in the opposite second edge. The groove 150 is arranged between two tongues 152 and 154 (cf. Fig. 2a). In an embodiment, the near field communication (NFC) tag 200, or at least a part thereof, is arranged on the first edge, in the groove. In this way, the NFC tag 200 is mechanically protected by the two tongues of the profile 100. It is noted that in Figs 1 e and 1f, only the areas near the two edges are shown, whereby the width of the profile may be significant. The central part is omitted from these figures.

As depicted in the figures 1 c to 1 f , the groove 150 may comprise an area that is parallel to the first surface 1 10 of the panel 100. As depicted in these figures, the groove may further comprise an area, of which tangent plane forms an angle with the plane of the first surface 1 10 of the panel 100. This angle may be e.g. 90 degrees, as in Figs. 1 d and 1f. In addition, the profiles of Figs. 1 c and 1f comprise such an area. Moreover, the profiles of Figs. 1 c and 1f further comprise an area, of which tangent plane forms an angle of less than 90 degrees and more than zero degrees with the plane of the first surface 1 10 of the panel 100. A tangent plane of an area at a specified point of the area is defined as the plane containing all the lines tangent to the specified point of the area. As a result, the surface normal of the tangent plane is parallel to the surface normal of the area at the specified point.

Figure 1 g shows an embodiment of a panel 250. A "panel" refers in general to a planar object having a length L, width W, and thickness T. The panel may be e.g. a plywood panel, an OSB (oriented standard board), a chipboard, a wooden plank, a wooden board, or the extruded profile 100. The panel 250 comprises at least one NFC tag 200. Three tags 200a-200c are shown in the figure to illustrate some possible locations for the NFC tag. The tag 200a is arranged on the surface of the panel, the surface having its surface normal parallel to the thickness. The tag 200b is arranged on an edge of the panel, the edge having its surface normal parallel to the width of the panel. A tag could be arranged on an end of the panel, the end having its surface normal parallel to the length of the panel. The tag 200c is arranged inside the panel 250. The tag may be arranged e.g. in an adhesive layer of a plywood panel. A tag arranged on an edge or an end (as discussed above) has the technical effect that the tag is visible also from a pile of panels. Thereby the proper positioning of a hand-held reader device is easy.

As for the sizes in general for the panel 250, the thickness T may be e.g. from 4 mm to 50 mm, or within the range indicated previously for the extruded profile 100.

The length L of the panel may be e.g. at least 2.2 m, at least 2.4 m, or at least 2.5 m. The length L of the panel may be e.g. at most 10 m, at most 7 m, or at most 6 m. A typical length depends on the material of the panel. An extruded profile 100 may be relatively long, as discussed above. However, plywood panels, chipboards, OSBs, planks, or boards, are typically shorter. For these panels, the length L may be e.g. from 2.2 m to 6 m; from 2.4 m to 5 m; or from 2.5 m to 4.6 m.

By definition of the orientation of the length and the width, the width of the panel is less than the length or equal to the length. The with W of the panel may be e.g. at most 2 m, less than 1 .8 m, or less than 1 .6 m. The with W of the panel may be e.g. at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm. A typical width depends on the material and use of the panel. An extruded profile 100 may be relatively narrow, as discussed above. However, plywood panels, chip- boards, OSBs, are typically wider. For these panels, the width W may be e.g. from 0.2 m to 2 m; from 0.3 m to 1 .8 m; or from 0.35 m to 1 .6 m. Moreover, wooden planks or boards, are typically narrower. For these panels, the width W may be e.g. from 5 cm to 25 cm; from 7 cm to 20 cm; or from 9 cm to 16 cm.

The area of the first surface 1 10 of the panel 250, as defined by the length L and the width W, is typically at least 0.25 m² or at least 0.3 m². The area of the first surface 1 10 of the panel 250 is typically at most 7 m² or at most 5 m². The area may be e.g. from 0.25 m² to 7 m² or from 0.3 m² to 5 m².

An NFC tag is readable from a panel or a profile, since the panel is typically relatively thin, and an NFC reader device can be arranged relatively close to the tag 200, at least in the direction of the surface normal of the surface 1 12 of the profile 100 (or the panel 250).

However, the panels 250, or the extruded profiles 100, are typically stored in piles, as depicted in Figs. 1 h 1 and 1 h2. With reference to Fig. 1 h 1 , in a pile, neighboring panels may be arranged on top of each other. Thereby, the pile is a vertical pile. With reference to Fig. 1 h 1 , in a pile, neighboring panels may be arranged next to each other in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the pile is a horizontal pile. The NFC tag 200 is preferably arranged in or on the panel 250 or in or on the profile 100 to such a location that it can be read by a hand-held NFC reader device also from piles. Naturally, in case of a relatively low vertical pile, the tag 200 of the topmost panel(s) or profile(s) are readable. However, in many cases it is advantageous that the tag can be read also from the side of the pile. Therefore, and because the reading distance of an NFC device is short, the NFC tag 200 is arranged in such a manner that the distance di from the NFC tag 200 to an edge of the panel 250 or (profile 100), in the direction of the width W of the panel 250 (or profile 100) is at most 10 cm, preferably at most 5 cm. Referring to Fig. 1g, the tag 200 may be arranged on the edge, whereby the distance can be zero. It is also noted, again, that the thickness T, width W, and length L are defined such that T < W < L. As depicted in Fig. 1 h 1 , the distance is measured to the closest edge in the direction of the width, whereby this is the case always, if the width of the panel is at most 20 cm.

However, as the NFC tag 200 is preferably readable by a hand-held NFC reader device, the NFC tag 200 is preferably arranged in such a manner that the distance d₂ from the NFC tag 200 to an edge (i.e. the closer edge) of the panel 250 or (profile 100), in the direction of the length L of the panel 250 (or profile 100) is at most 2.2 m, preferably at most 2 m, and more preferably at most 1 .8 m. With reference to Fig. 1 h2, this ensures that, even if long panels are arranged in a horizontal pile, an NFC tag is located at reasonable low height for reading with a hand held device. It is also noted that the width of the panel is typically so low that in a horizontal pile, wherein the width is vertically aligned, an NFC tag is never too high for a hand held reader device. It is also possible to arrange the tag is such a manner that in a horizontal pile it will never be located too low. In such a case, the distance 02 may be e.g. at least 30 cm, at least 40 cm, or preferably at least 50 cm. The distance 02 may be e.g. from 30 cm to 2.2 m; from 20 cm to 2.0 m; or from 50 cm to 1 .8 m.

In a typical pile, as depicted in Fig. 7a, several panels 250 or profiles 100 are arranged on top of each other, and next to each other in the direction of the width of the panel. In such a case, the width of the pile, W_p, is parallel to the width of the panels 250 (or profiles 100). The width of the pile, W_p, is typically at most 2 m, or less than 1 .8 m, or less than 1 .6 m. This has the technical effect that the NFC tag can be read from the topmost panels, even if the tag is arranged in the central area of a wide panel (i.e. di is large). The length of the pile corresponds to the length of the panels 250 or profiles 100, of which length have been discussed before. Moreover, such a pile is movable with a regular forklift. Still further, because of the aforementioned location of the NFC tags, at least one NFC tag of a panel or profile is readable from the pile.

With reference to Fig. 1 i, typically multiple extruded profiles are manufactured subsequently. As an example, Fig. 1 i shows a first extruded profile 100a comprising a first tag 200a and a second extruded profile 100b comprising a second tag 200b. Excluding the different position of the tags 200a and 200b, the profiles 100a and 100b are visibly substantially similar, visibly similar, visibly substantially identical or visibly identical. The visible similarity or identicality refers to a human making the similarity evaluation without technical equipment, optionally except for eyeglasses. The substantial similarity is a result of the manufacturing process producing substantially similar objects. However, the location of the tags 200 is not necessarily exactly the same in all profiles 100.

The location of the first tag 200a, in the first profile 100a, as measured from an origin Oa, is given by the coordinates r_T,_a, rw,_a, and r_L,_a, these coordinates being oriented in the direction of thickness, width, and length (of the first profile 100a), respectively. The location of the second tag 200b, in the second profile 100b, as measured from another origin Ob, is given by the coordinates r_T,b, rw,t>, and r_L,b, these coordinates being oriented in the direction of thickness, width, and length (of the second profile 100b), respectively. The origin Ob, is located with respect to the second profile 100b in the same location, as the origin Oa is located with respect to the first profile 100a. The origin Oa may be e.g. the center of the first profile 100a; whereby the origin Ob would be the center of the second profile 100b. In Fig. 1 i, a pre-defined corner of the profile(s) is/are used as the origin(s). As the profiles are extruded, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 i,

- the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the thickness of the profiles (or panels), abs(r_T,a-r-r,b), is at most one fifth

(1/5) of the thickness T of the profile (or panel; it is also noted that the thicknesses of the profiles 100a and 100b are the same or visually substantially the same); preferably the difference abs(r_T,_a-r-r,b) is at most one tenth (1/10) of the thickness T of the profile (or panel); and - the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the width of the profiles (or panels), abs(r_w,_a-rw,b), is at most one tenth (1/10) of the width W of the profile (or panel; it is also noted that the width of the profiles 100a and 100b are the same or visually substantially the same); preferably the difference abs(r_w,_a-rw,b) is at most one twentieth (1/20) of the width W of the profile (or panel).

Moreover, since some manufacturing tolerance can be allowed for position of the tag in the direction of the length, a set of profiles comprises at least one pair of profiles, wherein the pair comprises the profiles 100a and 100b, such that

- the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the length of the profiles (or panels), abs(r_L,_a-rL,b), is at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm.

The manufacturing tolerances in the direction of length may be e.g. due to the variations in the speed of the extrusion process. Thus, provided that a tag is attached to a profile after extrusion on timely basis, variations in speed result in manufacturing tolerances in this direction.

Figure 1j shows two panels 250a and 250b comprising a tag on their surfaces. As for the locations of the tags within the panels 250, the same applies as discussed above for the extruded profile.

As depicted in Fig. 2a, an embodiment of the extruded profile comprises, in the first edge 120 of the profile 100, a groove 150. The groove 150 is arranged between two tongues 152 and 154. In an embodiment, at least part of the near field communication (NFC) tag 200a is arranged on the first edge 120, in the groove 150. In an embodiment, the whole near field communication (NFC) tag 200a is arranged in the groove 150. In this way, the NFC tag 200a is mechanically protected by the two tongues 152 and 154 of the profile 100. The same applies for the profiles of Figs. 1 c to 1 f .

Even if two tags, 200a and 200b, are shown in Fig. 2a, an extruded profile preferably comprises only one NFC tag 200. The one NFC tag 200 may be used e.g. to identify the extruded profile 100. When the tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150 or the hole 140, the tag 200 as such is not visible to an end user. The "end user" here refers to the end user using a structure, e.g. a flooring or a table, made from the profiles. The end user may therefore be e.g. an operator of a structure 180 comprising the profile 200, such as a restaurant keeper (wherein the structure could be e.g. a table or a terrace), or a user using the structure, such as a client of a restaurant, or a person visiting the terrace. As is clear, during the life of the profile, also other operators handle the profile. Such operators include the manufacturer of the profile, managers and workers in a warehouse of the profile, a transporter of the profile, and a builder of the structure. For these operators, the tag is visible. However, when the structure 180 is built, the tag 200 is covered, and becomes invisible.

Examples of such structures are shown in Figs. 2d to 2g. Such a structure 180 comprises an extruded profile 100 and another object (e.g. a joining element 190 or another profile 100), such that the NFC tag 200 is covered by the object. Moreover, in the structure, the NFC tag is arranged inside the structure. Figure 2d shows, in an end view, two profiles 100a and 100b, connected to each other using a joining element 190. These profiles and the joining element are arranged as a part of a structure 180, such as a table or a flooring. In the structure, the NFC tag 200 is arranged inside the structure, as shown in Fig. 2d. In the boundary of such a structure, at least one NFC tag may be visible. However, in addition, at least one NFC tag 200 is arranged inside the structure 180. As depicted in Fig. 2e, a joining element 190 may have a different form. Moreover, a joining element 190 is not necessarily needed. The structure 180 may comprise two profiles 100 butt connected to each other. The structure 180 may comprise two profiles 100 connected to each other with a tongue-groove joint (cf. the profile of Fig. 4a). In the structure 180, an NFC tag 200 in arranged inside the structure 180, i.e. in between a surface of the structure 180 and another surface of the structure 180, and in between the edges of the structure.

However, when at least part of tag 200 is arranged particularly in the groove 150, the tag is visible before using the profile. For example, when a pile 700 (cf. Fig. 7a) is made from the profiles, their tags are visible. It is only the second object that, during use, covers the tag, as discussed above. Because of the visibility, a user can easily locate the tag, and read it with a reader device. In particular, such a tag is visible from the side of the panel. Therefore, a user does not need to climb on the pile to locate the tags, which would be the case, is the tag would be located e.g. on the first surface 1 10. This is important e.g. for safety at work.

Thus, when a tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150, it is protected (at least mechanically protected) and also visible from a side of the profile. The term "side" here refers to a direction perpendicular to the surface normal of the first surface 1 10. Thus, provided that and "end" of the profile comprises a groove, another tag, or the tag could be arranged in that groove.

Figure 2f shows, in a perspective view a table 180. The table 180 comprises several extruded profiles 100, and therefore, the table is a structure 180 comprising an extruded profile and another object. Figure 2g shows a structure 180 comprising two extruded profiles 100a and 100b. Figure 2g further shows a reader device 300. The reader device 300 is arranged to read information from the NFC tag 200, as will be discussed later. The structure may also refer e.g. to a terrace comprising at least two profiles 100.

In the structure 180, another profile (e.g. 100b) or a joining element 190 is arranged adjacent to the extruded profile (e.g. 100a), in particular adjacent to the first groove 150. Moreover, a part of the other profile or the joining element may be arranged in the groove. In this way, also in the case the tag 200 is arranged in the groove, the tag 200 in not visible to an end user. However, in a single extruded profile the tag 200 is visible from the groove 150, unless covered by some covering.

Other effects achieved by arranging the tag in the groove 150 or the hole 140 include

- mechanical protection by the tongues (152, 154) or the surfaces (1 10, 1 12), also during transportation, even before a final structure 180 is built,

- protection from radiation and heat, such as heat and light from the sun, especially in the structure 180, - protection from moisture and humidity, such as rainwater, especially in the structure 180, and

- protection from wear, e.g. in a flooring. In addition, a tag may be easily attached to the groove 150 in a manufacturing process. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150.

Referring to Fig. 2b, the extruded profile 100 may be symmetrical in the direction of the width W. More specifically, the extruded profile 100 may be mirror-symmetrical in the direction of the width W, wherein the center CL of the profile 100 in the direction of the width W defines the plane of symmetry; and the plane of symmetry CL has it surface normal parallel to the width W. The symmetrical extruded profile comprises two grooves, 150a and 150b. An NFC tag 200 may be arranged in at least one the grooves 150a, 150b, and is preferably arranged in only one of the grooves 150a, 150b. The edges 120, 122 are numbered such that an NFC tag 200, if arranged in a groove 150, is arranged on the first edge 120. The first groove 150a is arranged into the first edge 120.

Referring to Figs. 2a and 2b, The extruded profile 100 may have a supporting structure 156 arranged beneath the boundary of the first surface 1 10, wherein the boundary is located at the boundary of also the first edge 120. The supporting structure 156 may be integrated with a tongue 152 on the first edge 120. Thanks to the supporting structure 156, the strength of the corner of the first surface 130 of the extruded profile 100 and, therefore, the strength of the whole extruded profile 100 may be substantially increased. In addition, the runnability of the manufacturing process may be increased thanks to the supporting structure 156.

Referring to Fig. 2c, the supporting structure 156, integrated with the first tongue 152, extends to a first end point 310. The first end point 310 is arranged preferably at least 6 mm above of the upper surface 320 of the second tongue 154. More preferably the first end point 310 is arranged preferably at least 7 mm or at least 8 mm above of the upper surface 320 of the second tongue 154. The supporting structure 156 extends from the first end point 310 to a second end point 312 of the supporting structure. The distance 314 between the first end point 310 and the second end point 312 is preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably between 8 and 10 mm. Thanks to the above mentioned dimensions, the strength properties of the extruded profile may be increased.

Referring to Figs. 1 d, 1 e, 1f, 4a, 4e, and 4f, an extruded profile does not necessarily comprise the aforementioned the supporting structure 156. In contrast, the tongues 152 and 154 may have substantially constant thickness.

It has been noticed, that an NFC tag 200 is best read from a direction parallel to the surface normal of the NFC tag 200, and typically cannot easily be read from a direction parallel to the plane of the NFC tag, wherein the direction refers to the direction from the antenna 220 to the NFC reader device 300. The sensitivity of the orientation comes from the principal idea that the NFC tag 200 is to extract energy from a reader signal 460. The coupling strength of electromagnetic fields is dependent on the angle between the direction and the surface normal of a planar antenna.

In some practical applications, the NFC tag 200 is preferably readable at least from a direction that is parallel to the surface normal of the surface of the structure 180. E.g. a tag of a horizontal structure should be readable from above the structure. The structure might be a flooring or a table. In such a case, at least part of the tag 200 should be arranged in such a manner that the plane of the part of the tag is not parallel to the surface normal of the structure; such as the surface normal of the first surface 1 10 of the profile 100 (or the panel 250). A groove 150 is a preferable location for a tag, since a groove 150 in general comprises an area having a proper orientation with respect to the surface of the profile 100 or the panel 250. Conversely, a panel without a groove does not comprise such a location on its edge (cf. Fig. 1 g, tag 200b). The extruded profile 100 of Figs. 2a and 2c comprises the groove 150, wherein the groove 150 comprises a first area 350. As shown in the figures, the surface normal N_ai of the first area 350 forms an angle ai with the surface normal N_s of the first surface 1 10, or with the surface normal N_s of the plane of the essentially planar first surface 1 10. In Fig. 2c, the angle ai is at least 95 degrees. In another embodiment, another supporting structure could be arranged beneath the second surface 1 12, and integrated with the second tongue 154. In such an embodiment, the angle ai would be less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 85 degrees. Referring to Figs. 2a and 2c, at least part of the near field communication (NFC) tag 200 is arranged on the first area 350. In this way the NFC tag 200 is readable also from the direction parallel to the surface normal N_s of the first surface 1 10, or from the direction parallel to the surface normal N_s of the plane of the essentially planar first surface 1 10. With reference to Fig. 4a, the surface normal of the first area 350 may also be parallel to the surface normal of the first surface 1 10. With reference to Fig. 4e, the first area 350 is not necessarily planar. The orientation of a non-planar area can be described by its tangent plane, wherein the tangent plane depends on the point of observation within the first area; as discussed above. Thus, the groove 150 comprises a first area 350, wherein the first area comprises a point having a tangent plane, wherein

- the surface normal of the tangent plane is parallel to the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, or

- the surface normal of the tangent plane forms an angle ai with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, wherein

o the angle is from 0 to 85 degrees; preferably from 0 to 80 degrees or

o the angle is from 95 to 180 degrees; preferably from 100 to 180 degrees.

Moreover, the profile 100 or the panel 250 comprises a tag such that at least part of the tag is arranged on the first area 350. This arrangement improves the readability from the direction of the surface normal of the profile 100. The angle ai is determined by the measures of the supporting structure 156, or the groove 150. Some measures were discussed above. As depicted in Fig. 2b, the depth of the groove 150 (in particular the groove 150a of Fig. 2b) is non-uniform. The depth of the groove varies with the distance from the first surface 1 10. The depth is herein regarded as the maximal depth, and is denoted by D_G in Fig. 2b. The groove depth, D_G, may be e.g. from 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 15 mm. These measures on one hand allow for fixing the profile 100 from the tongue, and moreover allow for an effective placement of the tag, as discussed above. In particular, such a groove depth ensures that a reasonably large portion of the tag can be arranged in the groove such that the portion of the groove is no perpendicular to the first surface 1 10. The height of the groove, H_G (cf. Fig. 2b), may be e.g. from 4 mm to 20 mm. However, for reasonable stiffness, the thickness of a tongue, T_Ti or Tj₂, is preferably at least 1 mm, such as at least 2 mm.

Referring to Fig. 2c, the extruded profile 100 of Figs. 2a, 2c, and 4a - 4f comprises the groove 150, wherein the groove 150 comprises a second area 360. As shown in the figures, the surface normal N_a2 of the second area 360 (or a tangent plane thereof) is essentially parallel to a direction of the plane of the first surface 1 10. Thus, provided that a part of the tag is arranged on the second area 360, the tag is also easily readable from a direction parallel to the first surface, such as from the side of a pile of profiles. In general, surface normal of the second area 360 is not necessarily parallel to a direction of the plane of the first surface 1 10. In a general case, the surface normal N_a2 of the second area 360, or a tangent plane thereof, forms an angle a₂ with the surface normal N_s of the first surface 1 10 or with the surface normal N_s of the plane of the essentially planar first surface 1 10. In Fig. 2b, the angle a₂ is different from the angle ai (Fig. 2c).

Thus, in an embodiment (cf. e.g. Fig. 3a), the groove 150 comprises a second area 360, wherein the second area comprises a point having a second tangent plane, wherein

- the surface normal N_a2 of the second tangent plane forms a second angle β with the surface normal N_ai of the aforementioned tangent plane of the first area 350.

Moreover, the profile 100 or the panel 250 comprises a tag such that a part of the tag 200 is arranged on the first area 350 and another part of the tag 200 is arranged on the second area 360. This arrangement improves the readability of the tag from multiple directions. Preferably the angle β may be e.g. at least 5 degrees; more preferably at least 10 degrees, and even more preferably at least 20 degrees. It is also noted that the second surface normal N_A2 may form an angle of substantially 90 degrees with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, as e.g. in Fig. 3a, since the readability from above a structure has already been taken into account by the orientation of the first area 350. Fig. 3a shows an end view of an extruded profile. To improve the visual appearance and friction properties of the extruded profile, the first surface 1 10 of the extruded profile 100 comprises preferably a multiple of first grooves 410. In particular, the first grooves 410 may increase friction. The depth of the groove 410 on the first surface 1 10 may be between 1 mm and 2 mm. Thanks to the grooves 410, the friction of the first surface 1 10 of the extruded profile 100 may have good anti-slip properties even when the first surface 1 10 is wet.

In addition to the first grooves 410, the boundary of the first surface 1 10 that coincides with the first edge 120 may comprise a rounding 415. The rounding 415 may be comprised by the tongue limiting the groove 150 on the first edge 120. The rounding 415 may have a depth D_R wherein the depth D_R is the distance, in the direction of the thickness of the profile 100 (cf. Fig. 1 a), between the plane of the first surface 100 and the outer edge of the first edge 120. The rounding 415 may also be defined by the radius of curvature, RR, of the rounding 415. In the embodiment of Fig. 3a, the radius of curvature equals the depth, i.e. RR=D_r. In an embodiment of the invention, the radius of curvature R2 of the corner of the first surface 1 10 is from 3 mm to 5 mm. The second surface 1 12 may comprise second grooves 420. The second grooves 420 are added to the second surface 1 12 in order to prevent possible problems caused by drying shrinkage. Due to the second grooves 420, a blistering effect may be prevented. The depth of the second grooves 420 is preferably between 0.2 mm and 3.0 mm or between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm. The number of the second grooves 420 on the second surface 1 12 is preferably one less than the amount of the holes 140 in the extruded profile 100. For example, the extruded profile 100 of Fig. 3a comprises three holes 140, and two second grooves 420. The second grooves 320 on the second side are preferably placed at a location on the second surface 1 12 which is between two adjacent holes 140 in the direction of the width W of the profile 100 (cf. Fig. 2b). In an embodiment, the distance between two second grooves 420 is between 38 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 42 mm and 46 mm.

Figure 3b shows a top view of the profile 100 of Fig. 3a. The profile 100 comprises the NFC tag 200. The NFC tag is arranged in the groove 150. When the tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150, the tag 200 as such is not visible to a user, when another profile or a joining element is arranged adjacent to the profile 100. This is an advantage for selecting the groove 150 as the location for the tag 200, as discussed above. However, since the tag is invisible, a user (such as the end user or the operator) is unaware of the existence and location of the NFC tag 200. Therefore, the extruded profile 100 comprises a marking 450. The marking is indicative of the existence of the near field communication (NFC) tag. The marking may be indicative of the location of the near field communication (NFC) tag. Thereby the existence and optionally the location of the NFC tag 200 is visible for a user. Even if the tag was located in the hole 140, the extruded profile could comprise a marking 450.

The marking is located preferably within a distance L_ME from an end of the profile 100. The distance L_ME may be e.g. 0 cm, 5 cm, at least 5 cm, 10 cm, or at least 10 cm. A distance greater than 0 cm may allow for some workability of the profile 100.

The chip 210 (Fig. 1 b) of the NFC tag 200 defines a location for the NFC tag 200. With respect to the NFC tag, the marking is preferably arranged such that the distance between the marking 450 and a line parallel to the surface normal of the first surface 1 10 and comprising a point of the NFC tag 200 (such as a point of the chip 210) is at most 7 cm. Preferably the distance is at most 5 cm or at most 1 cm. Moreover, preferably the marking 450 is arranged to the boundary of the first surface 100 that comprises a boundary of the first edge 120 comprising the groove 150, wherein the NFC tag 200 is arranged. In addition, the marking may be arranged such that the distance between the marking 450 and the chip 210 of the tag 200 is at most 7 cm, at most 5 cm, or at most 1 cm. In an embodiment, the marking is made by melting a part of the extruded profile, and a notch, a hole, groove, or slit to the profile with an object. Therefore, in an embodiment, the marking has the form of a notch, a hole, groove, or slit. As discussed, the profile 1 00 may comprise first groove 41 0 on the first surface 1 1 0. In such a case, preferably the depth of the marking 450 is at least the depth of the first grooves. Preferably the depth of the marking 450 is at least 1 mm. Preferably the depth of the marking is at most the radius of curvature RR of the rounding 415, or at most two times the depth of the first grooves 41 0. Within the measures given above, the depth of the marking 450 is preferably at most 5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3 mm, or at most 2 mm. The depth of the marking may be e.g. from 1 mm to 2 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 5 mm. These measures, distance from the end L_ME, and the depth of the marking, ensure good strength properties for the profile, in particular for the first edge of the profile, and in addition, good visibility of the marking.

In a similar manner, the marking 450 may be arranged on the second surface 1 1 2. On the second surface, the marking is located preferably within a distance L_ME from an end of the profile 1 00. The limits for this distance, as give above, apply also on the second side.

However, on the second side, the second grooves 420 may have a smaller depth than the first grooves 410 on the first surface. Therefore, the marking, when located on the second surface may have a smaller depth. In such a case, preferably the depth of the marking 450 is at least the depth of the second grooves. Preferably the depth of the marking 450 is at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.5 mm. Preferably the depth of the marking 450 on the second surface is at most 5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3 mm, or at most 2 mm. The depth of the marking may be e.g. from 0.2 mm to 5 mm or from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

The marking 450 may be made to the profile 100 by various means of machining such as cutting, carving, sculpting, grinding, or rubbing. Alternatively or in addition the marking 450 may be e.g. painted to the profile. In a preferred embodiment, wherein an extruded profile comprises thermoplastic material, the extruded profile 100 is marked by

- arranging available a hot object having the temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic material of the extruded profile 100, and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile, whereby

- the marking 450 is melted to the extruded profile 100.

The hot object may comprise metal. The hot object may comprise e.g. steel and/or aluminum. Steel and aluminum have good workability for forming a desired shape for the marking, and have good thermal properties for the marking.

The method for marking may comprise

- locating the near field communication tag 200 and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile 100 to a location to form a marking 450 on the extruded profile 100, such that

- the distance between the marking 450 and a line parallel to the surface normal of a first surface 1 10 and comprising a point of the near field communication tag 200 is at most 10 cm; preferably at most 7 cm. In particular, the point of the NFC tag 200 may be a point of the chip 210, as discussed above. Alternatively, the distance between the chip 210 and the marking 450 may be most 10 cm; preferably at most 7 cm. Such a marking, on one hand is reasonably close to the tag in order for the tag to be readable from the location of the marking, and on the other hand may be located away from the edge of the profile. This has the technical effect that, since most of the strain, such as mechanical stress or strain, is imposed on the edges, the located away from the edge will be protected from the strain. Thus, in a corresponding method, wherein the near field communication tag is arranged on an edge of the extruded profile, the hot object is pressed against the extruded profile to a location away from the edge. The location may be e.g. a distance of most 10 cm; preferably at most 7 cm apart from the edge.

The extruded profile to be marked may comprise thermoplastic material, as discussed above. E.g. the extruded profile 100 may be a natural fiber plastic composite consisting natural fibrous material and plastic matrix material. The plastic matrix material may consist of thermoplastic material. Moreover, the extruded profile to be marked may comprise

- a first surface 1 10 and a first edge 120, such that a boundary of the first surface 1 10 comprises a boundary of the first edge 120,

- a groove 150 arranged in the first edge 120 of the extruded profile 100, and

- a near field communication tag 200 arranged in the groove 150.

The marking may comprise

- locating the near field communication tag 200 and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile 100 to a location such that

- the location is at the boundary of the first surface 1 10 that comprises the first edge 120.

In addition to the existence and location of the tag 200, the marking 450 may be indicative of the manufacturer of the extruded profile 100. The marking 450 may be e.g. a trade mark.

Figure 4a shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a rectangular cross section. The profile comprises a groove 150 in an edge of the profile 100. The NFC tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150. The groove 150 comprises a planar area 350. The NFC tag is arranged on the planar area. The surface normal of the planar area 350 is parallel to the surface normal of the first surface 1 10. The profile comprises a tongue 160 in another edge of the profile 100, wherein the another edge is opposite the first edge 120 comprising the groove 150. In this way, the tongue 160 of the profile 100 is adapted to the shape of the groove 150 of another similar profile. When the profiles are arranged adjacent to each other, an NFC tag is arranged in the structure, and the tag becomes covered by the other profile.

Even if not shown in the figures 4a to 4e, a profile 100 of any of the figures may comprise at least one of: a first groove 410 on the first surface 1 10, a second groove 420 on the second surface 1 12, a marking 450 indicative of the existence of the tag 200, a marking 450 indicative of the location of the tag 200, and a marking 450 indicative of both the existence and the location of the tag 200.

Figure 4b shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a rectangular cross section. The profile comprises a groove 150 in an edge of the profile 100. The NFC tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150. The groove 150 comprises a first planar area 350 and a second planar area 360. The surface normal of the first planar area 350 forms a first angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, wherein the angle is different from 90 degrees. The surface normal of the second planar area 360 forms a second angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, and the second angle is different from the first angle. Thus an angle is formed between the surface normal of the areas 350, 360. A first part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the first planar area 350 and a second part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the second planar area 360. The extruded profile 100 is mirror- symmetrical as discussed above for the embodiment of Fig. 4a. A tangent plane of a planar area comprises the planar area.

Figure 4c shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a polygonal cross section. The profile 100 comprises a groove 150 in an edge 120 of the profile 100. The NFC tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150. The groove 150 comprises a planar area 350. The NFC tag is arranged on the planar area 350. The surface normal of the planar area 350 forms a first angle with the surface normal of the first surface, wherein the angle is at least 95 degrees (cf. Fig. 2c). The extruded profile 100 is not mirror- symmetrical . It is noted that the groove further comprises a second area 360. However, in the Fig. the whole tag is arranged on the first area 350 only. Figure 4d shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a polygonal cross section. The profile comprises a groove 150 in an edge of the profile 100. The NFC tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150. The groove 150 comprises a first planar area 350 and a second planar area 360. The surface normal of the first planar area 350 forms a first angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, wherein the angle is different from 90 degrees. The surface normal of the second planar area 360 forms a second angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, and the second angle is different from the first angle. A first part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the first planar area 350 and a second part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the second planar area 360. The extruded profile 100 is not mirror-symmetrical.

Figure 4e shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a rectangular cross section. The profile comprises a groove 150 in an edge of the profile 100. The NFC tag 200 is arranged in the groove 150.

The groove 150 comprises a first area 350 and a second area 360. The surface normal of the first area 350 forms a first angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, wherein the angle is different from 90 degrees. The surface normal of the second area 360 forms a second angle with the surface normal of the first surface 1 10, and the second angle is different from the first angle. In this embodiment

- a point of the second area defines a surface normal N_a2 of the second area 360,

- a point of the first area defines a surface normal N_ai of the first area 350 and

- the surface normals N_ai and N_a2 form a second angle β. The second angle β is, as discussed above (cf. Fig. 3a), preferably at least 5 degrees, or at least 10 degrees or at least 20 degrees, as discussed above.

A first part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the first area 350 and a second part of the NFC tag 200 is arranged on the second area 360. The extruded profile 100 is not mirror-symmetrical. Figure 4f shows in an end view an extruded profile 100, wherein the holes 140 have a rounded rectangular cross section. Moreover, the profile comprises the first grooves 410 and the second grooves 420. In an embodiment, the extruded profile 100 is manufactured on a manufacturing line. Possibilities for the materials were discussed above. A method for manufacturing the extruded profile 100 comprises

- extruding, on a manufacturing line, an extruded profile 100 without a tag, and

- attaching, on the same manufacturing line, a near field communication (NFC) tag 200 to the extruded profile 100 without the tag, to obtain a profile comprising the tag.

In this way, the profiles 100 are tagged already in the early phase of production. Moreover, as the profiles are tagged on the same manufacturing line where profiles without the tag are manufactured, the production of tagged extruded profiles is efficient.

The method may comprise

- attaching, immediately or essentially immediately after extruding an extruded profile without the tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag to the extruded profile.

The term "immediately or essentially immediately after extruding" may refer to small temporal or spatial distance between the point or instance of extruding and the point or instance of tagging. In the temporal sense, a tag may be attached to the extruded panel an object e.g. at most 10 minutes, at most 5 minutes, or at most 1 minute after extruding the panel. In the spatial sense, the location of tagging the extruded panel may be located a distance apart from the location of extruding the panel. The distance may be e.g. at most 10 m, at most 5 m, or at most 1 m.

The method may comprise

- extruding, on a manufacturing line, an extruded profile 100 without a tag; thereafter - cooling or letting to cool the extruded profile 100 without a tag; e.g. cooling it or letting it cool to a temperature of at most 120 °C, at most 100 °C; or at most 80 °C; and thereafter

- attaching a near field communication (NFC) tag 200 to the extruded profile without a tag to form an extruded profile comprising an NFC tag 200. The temporal and/or spatial conditions as discussed above may apply also in this case.

An embodiment of the method comprises

- extruding the extruded profile (without the NFC tag) such that the extruded profile comprises a groove 150 and/or a hole 140, and

- attaching the near field communication (NFC) 200 tag into the hole 140 or into the groove 150. A preferred embodiment comprises

- extruding the extruded profile (without the NFC tag) such that the extruded profile comprises at least a groove 150 and

- attaching the near field communication (NFC) 200 tag into the groove 150. When the groove has a first area 350 and/or a second area 360, the position of which were discussed above, the NFC tag may be attached such that

- at least a part of the NFC tag is arranged on the first area 250, or, preferably such that,

- (i) a first part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the first area 350, and (ii) a second part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the second area 360.

An extruded profile 100 is an example of a more general panel 250. A panel 250 comprising a tag 200, such as an aforementioned extruded profile 100, may be used to retrieve information associated with the panel. The information may be related to various phases of the life of the panel. The information may be related e.g. to

- the tag of the panel, such as the extruded profile, e.g. the identity thereof, or

- the panel (such as the extruded profile itself), such as

o the manufacturer of the panel such as the extruded profile, o the manufacturing date and location, o material of the panel such as the extruded profile,

o tolerance of the panel such as the extruded profile against some stress (e.g. strength, heat resistance, water proofness, etc.),

o recyclability or burnability of the panel such as the extruded profile, or

- the location of the panel (such as the extruded profile) e.g.

o in a warehouse (of a manufacturer, transporter, or seller), or o in service (e.g. location of a table comprising the profile), or - a structure 180 comprising the panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100 e.g.

o a location of a building comprising the panel 250,

o image of a the structure comprising the panel, such as a table or a terrace,

o a computer network link web-site, wherein user experiences on the structure are shared, or

o a computer network link to a social media web-site, wherein an image of a structure (building such as a terrace; the structure comprising the panel) is shown, and may be commented by friends, or

- services offered by the operator of a structure 180 comprising the panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100 e.g.

o a menu for a restaurant, wherein a table 180 comprising the panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100 is located in the restaurant,

o a time table for vehicles, wherein the panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100 is located on a wall or in a table of a terminal, or

o information about an item on a shelf, wherein the shelf comprises panel 250 such as the extruded profile 100. The information may, in addition or alternatively, comprise a reference, such as a computer network address, in particular a world-wide-web address, to any or many of the information discussed above.

As discussed, the NFC tag 200 may comprise read-only memory, write-once memory, and random access memory (write and/or read many times). For example, the identity of the NFC tag (i.e. the identity of the panel) may be stored in the read-only memory. Information directly related to the panel itself, such as the manufacturer or the material may be stored to the write- once memory. Other information may be stored in the random-access memory.

Referring to Fig. 5a, an end user may retrieve information associated with a panel comprising an NFC tag 200. The end user may use a reader/writer device 300 (Fig. 2g), such as a mobile phone, a portable computer, or a specific NFC reader/writer device.

A method for retrieving information associated with a profile, such as an extruded profile, comprises

- requesting 510 the information associated with the panel, such as the extruded profile, from the panel, and

- receiving 525 the information associated with the panel.

Referring to Fig. 5a, the information may be obtained by using a reader or a reader/writer device. The information is requested 510 from the panel 250, in particular from the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250. The NFC tag receives 515 the request. In response to the request, the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250 sends 520 the information to the reader device. The reader device receives 525 the information. The information thus received may comprise at least one of

- the identity of the NFC tag,

- the identity of the panel (which typically is the same as the identity of the tag),

- a reference to information, e.g. an address in a computer network, and

- the information associated with the panel, such as the name of the manufacturer.

For example, the information may comprise the identity of the NFC tag and an address to a database. Therefore, the database can be located, e.g. from a computer network, using the address, and the database can be accessed with the identity. Thus, information associated with the panel (or associated with the identity of the panel) can be retrieved. A database can be accessed e.g. as will be discussed below. The term "data structure" will be used interchangeable with the term "database".

Referring to Fig. 5b, the information may be obtained over an interface. In this embodiment, the information associated with an extruded profile is stored in a database. The database may be accessed with the identity of the panel. The database may be stored in the NFC tag. However, in such a case, the identity is not needed to access the database, and the method may be reduced to the method shown in Fig. 5a. However, the database may be an external database, e.g. accessed over an interface such as a computer network. The database may be located in the reader/writer device. The database may be accessed with the identity of the panel such as the extruded profile. A method for retrieving information associated with a panel profile comprising an NFC tag, such as an extruded profile comprising an NFC tag, comprises

- obtaining an identity of the panel using the NFC tag,

- accessing an interface with the identity,

- receiving the information associated with the panel over the interface. However, as discussed above, the tag may provide the reader directly with other information than the identity. E.g. a computer network address may be read from the tag. Thus, an embodiment comprises

- requesting information associated with the first extruded profile (or panel) from the first extruded profile,

- accessing an interface with the information associated with the first extruded profile (or panel), and

- receiving information associated with the first extruded profile (or panel) over the interface. Referring to Fig. 5b, an identity (ID) of the panel may be obtained, using the reader device, by requesting 510 the ID from the panel 250, in particular from the NFC tag of the panel. The NFC tag receives 515 the request. In response to the request, the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250 sends 520 the identity of the NFC tag. The panel 250 can be identified by the identity of the tag 200. The panel and the tag may therefore have the same identities. The reader device receives 525 the ID. The expression "obtaining an identity of the panel using the NFC tag" refers e.g. to this sequence (510, 515, 520, and 525) of operations. However, the identity of the panel may, in principle, be obtained also by other means, e.g. it may be known. E.g. if the identity of another panel is known, the identity of the panel may be subsequent to the other panel. In this way, the identity may be known even without reading the identity of the panel.

Using the identity, information may be requested 530 over an interface. When requesting information using the ID, an interface is accessed with the identity. At the other side of the interface, a database receives 535 the request. In response to this request, the database sends 540 the information over the interface to the reader or reader/writer device. The reader or reader/writer device receives 545 the requested information. In various embodiments the interface may be one of

- a computer network interface, such the Internet or an intranet,

- an interface to a computer memory device, such as an internal memory of a computer, or

- an interface to a data storage device, such as compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or a magnetic device such as a hard drive.

The information associated with the panel may comprise at least a part of the information discussed above or a reference thereto. Referring to Fig. 5c, an embodiment further comprises

- obtaining information about the location 526 of the panel,

- accessing 530b an interface with the identity and the information about the location, and

- receiving 545b the information associated with the panel and the location over the interface.

In this embodiment, the information retrieved depends not only on the panel itself, but also on its location. For example, the language in which information is presented may depend on the location. Moreover, the information itself may depend on the location from which it is retrieved. The location may be obtained from a user or from a location sensor, such as a GPS (global positioning system) receiver.

An NFC tag 200 is a rapid way for retrieving the information. Moreover, due to the small reading distance of the NFC tag 200, the location wherein the tag 200 is read is well defined. For example, when a tag is read, it is known that the reader device is located within a few centimeters from the tag. Furthermore, the structure from which the tag 200 is read is well defined. E.g. both a floor and a table may comprise an NFC tag. However, due to the short reading distance, only one of these tags becomes read at a time.

Information related to a structure 180 comprising the panel 250, and optionally to the location of the structure 180, may improve the user experience of the structure 180 or the service provider using the structure 180 (such as a table, a board, or a wall). The user experience may be improved by giving access to information providing evidence about the quality of the services of the service provider or about the quality of the structure or the panel. Moreover, the user experience may be improved because of the social aspect of receiving information or exchanging information. The reference, e.g. a computer network address, may be related to information, but also to a computer interface to which the end user or the operator can supply information. In this way different users may exchange information using the panels. In an embodiment

- the information associated with the first extruded profile (or panel) comprises information indicative of a computer network address,

- receiving, over a user interface, data supplied by a user, and

- sending the data supplied by a user to said computer network address.

To obtain such information, the information may be stored in the NFC tag (for reading the data as shown in Fig. 5a), or a database may be generated (for reading the data as shown in Fig. 5b or Fig. 5c). In case the information is written directly to the NFC tag 200, a writer device or a reader/writer can be used. Before a database can be accessed (Fig. 5b or 5c), such a database has to be generated. In the database, some information is associated with a panel 250. The information may be associated e.g. with the identity of the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250 (or with the identity of the panel 250). The database comprises information associated with at least one panel comprising an NFC tag, in association with the identity of the panel 250 or in association with the identity the tag 200 of the panel 250. Referring to Fig. 6a, a method for associating information with an panel 250 comprises

- obtaining 610 an identity of the panel 250,

- obtaining 620 the information to be associated with the panel 250, and

- accessing 630 an interface with the identity and the information.

The identity of the panel 250 may be obtained from the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250, e.g. as depicted in Fig. 5a. However, the identity may be otherwise known. For example, a range of identities may be known such that for the range of identities, the same information is to be associated. This might be the case e.g. when a multiple of panels are manufactured by the same manufacturer. Thus, the manufacturer may know the identities of the tags without reading them, or by visual observation of one identity, and knowing the increment between subsequent tags. The information associated with all the panels may be e.g. a computer network address to the manufacturer's computer network address. Thus, the identity may be obtained from a user (as in input), from a panel, or from a database.

The information may be stored in a database. The information may be added to an existing database, or the information may be used to generate a new database. In addition, previous data in association with the panel may be deleted. In such a case the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that information associated with an panel is to be updated, and the other information that is used for updating. Moreover, information may be deleted from the database, without adding new information. In this case, the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that information associated with an panel is to be removed from the database. Removal may technically refer to updating old information with new, empty, information.

In particular, the information may comprise or consist of a reference to other information. For example, the information may be a computer network address to the other information. When accessing an interface, such as the interface discussed above, with the identity and the information, at least part of the information is stored 635 in a database in connection with the identity. The information in connection with the identity forms data (the term "data" in Fig. 6a, reference 635) to be stored in a database.

Referring to Fig. 6b, an embodiment of the method for associating information with a panel further comprises

- obtaining information about a location 625, and

- accessing an interface 630b with the identity, the information, and the information about the location.

In this way, e.g. the information stored in the database may be associated with a reference location. Different reference locations may point to e.g. different translations of a document. It is noted, however, that the reference location to be entered to the database is not necessarily the location in which the panel is at the time of entering data to a database. E.g. the reference location may indicate a location in Japan, even if the panel is in Finland at the time of writing the database. However, if a database is accessed (Fig. 5c) with the identity and a location in Japan, a Japanese translation of a product specification could be retrieved.

In addition to information related to a single structure 180 or a single panel 250, information associated with a set 700 (Fig. 7a) of panels 250 can be retrieved using a single panel 250. The set 700 of panels may refer e.g. to a pile 700 of panels 250, or to a set of piles of panels 250. The pile(s) of panels may be bound together to form a storage unit or a transportation unit. The pile 700 comprises multiple panels 250. The number of panels in a set of panels may be e.g. at least one, at least two, at least ten, least twenty, least thirty, at least fifty, or at least a hundred. In a typical warehouse, the number of panels in a pile is e.g. 330. Most preferably, a set of panels comprises at least two panels.

Moreover, in a pile, the panels 250 are located close to each other. Typically, the distance between two neighboring panels is negligible, since neighboring panels are in contact. Moreover, the distance between the centers of neighboring panels correspond to the panel thickness, e.g. at most 50 mm. Still further, some piles may comprise spacers in between two adjacent panels, whereby the distance between adjacent panels can be somewhat larger. Thus, most preferably, a set of panels comprises

a multitude of panels (e.g. at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, at least 50, or at least 100 panels), wherein

- the set comprises at least one pair of panels having a first panel and a second panel such that the distance between the first panel and the second panel is at most 100 mm (i.e. 10 cm); such as at most 50 mm

(i.e. 5 cm), at most 10 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 1 mm; or the first panel is arranged to contact the second panel.

For example a set of panels, i.e. pile 700 of Fig. 7a, comprises 32 panels referred to as 250/1 , 250/2, and 250/32. Each of the panels 250/n, wherein n is from 1 to 32, comprises an NFC tag 200/n. For clarity, only some of these reference numbers are shown in Fig. 7a. The numbering from 1 to 32 is increasing in the pile 700; first from top to bottom, and second, from right to left, as depicted in the Figure 7a.

Typically a pile comprises multiple such aforementioned closely located pairs, such as the pairs (250/1 , 205/1 ) and (250/2, 250/3) as depicted in Fig. 7a. As the distance is short, the pair of panels forms a single entity such as a part of the pile. Also, typically the pile is vertical. In a vertical pile, the distance between two panels (if any) is vertically aligned. However, typically the panels are connected to each other, whereby the thickness of the panels is directed vertically.

A problem with NFC in relation to such large sets or piles of panels is that in the set 700 not all of NFC tags a readable. Because of the short reading distance, for example in the set 700 of Fig. 7a, only the NFC tag on the right hand side, i.e. the tags 200/1 , 200/2, and 200/8, and the tag on the top, i.e. the tags 200/1 , 200/9, 200/17, and 200/25, would be readable by an NFC reader. However, the tags 200 of the panels 250, the tags located in the inner parts, e.g. 200/32, 200/31 , 200/24, 200/15, and 200/10 could not be accessed with an NFC reader.

However, some information related to a panel is also related to all items in the set 700. Therefore, information associated with a set of panels can be stored or retrieved. The information can be stored in a database. The information can be accessed over an interface. The information can be accessed with an identity of an panel that is comprised by the set 700, or with the identity of the set 700 itself. The identity of the set may be equal to the identity of a first panel 250 of the set. Figure 7b shows an embodiment method for retrieving information associated with a set 700 of panels 250, wherein

- the set 700 of panels 250 comprises a first panel 250, and

- the first panel 250 comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag 200, the method comprising

- obtaining (710, 715, 720, 725) an identity of the first panel 250/1 using the NFC tag 200,

- accessing 730 an interface with the identity, and

- receiving 745, over the interface, information about a set of panels.

Here the set 700 of panels is a set that comprises the first panel 250, such as an extruded profile 100.

The process of obtaining an identity comprises

- requesting 710 the identity from the panel 250, in particular from the NFC tag 200 of the panel 250 and

- receiving 725 the ID.

In response to the requesting 710, the NFC tag of the panel

- receives 715 the request, and in response to the request,

- the NFC tag sends 720 the information to a reader or a reader/writer device.

For this process, reference is made also to Fig. 5a. It is noted that the set 700 of a panels 250 is a concrete set comprising concrete panels. However, for data processing, the term "set of panel ids" (or set of panel identities) refers to an abstract set or data structure such that, using the set or a data structure, one can determine whether or not an id belongs to the "set of panel ids". Such a set of panel ids corresponds to a concrete set of panels. A set of panel ids corresponds to a set of panels, provided that a set of panels comprises a panel if, and only if, the corresponding set of panel ids comprises the id of the panel. An interface is accessed 730 using the identity of a panel. A database receives 735 the identity. In response to this, a database locates 737 the set of panel ids that comprises the obtained identity of the panel; or a database locates 737 the set of panels that comprises the panel having the obtained identity. Thereafter, the database sends 740 the information associated with the set of panels or the set of panel ids over the interface. The reader device receives 745 the information associated with the set of panels or panel ids. Naturally information related to a set of panel ids may be the same as the information related to the corresponding set of panels. Here the corresponding set of panels means the set of panels such that the set of panel ids consists of all the identities of the panels of the corresponding set of panels. For example, if a set of panels is known to have been manufactured on 16^th August, exactly the same information can be associated with the corresponding set of panel ids. Referring to Fig. 7b in an embodiment, the information about (i) the identities of the panels 250 in the set of panels or (ii) the identities in the (corresponding) set of panel ids is stored in a first database. The information related to the set of panels or panel ids as a whole is stored to the same database in Fig. 7b. The information related to the set of panels or panel ids as a whole is stored to a second database in Fig. 7b. The second database may be the same as the first database. The second database may be different from the first database. The information about a set of panels may comprise information about the identities of the panels 250 in the set of panels and/or information related to the sets as a wholes. The infornnation about (i) the identities of the panels 250 in the set of panels or (ii) the identities in the (corresponding) set of panel ids may comprise, in association with an identity of a set, information related to content of a set, such as at least one of:

- an unordered list of the identities of the panels 100 of the set of panels; or an unordered list of the panel identities (in case of a set of panel ids),

- an ordered list of the identities of the panels 100 of the set of panels; or an ordered list of the panel identities,

- the number of panels in the set of panels,

- the number of panel identities in the set of panels ids,

- a first identity and a last identity; indicating a range of identities comprised by the set of panel ids,

- a first identity and a last identity; the first identity and the last identity of panels comprised by a set of panels,

- a first identity and a number indicating the last identity of identities comprised by the set of panel ids,

- a first identity and a number; the identity and the number indicating the first identity and the last identity of panels comprised by a set of panels,

- a last identity and a number indicating the first identity of identities comprised by the set of panel ids, and

- a last identity and a number; the identity and the number indicating the first identity and the last identity of panels comprised by a set of panels.

The information related to the sets as a wholes may comprise, in association with an identity of a set, information related actions for the objects of the set, such as at least one of:

- a transportation entity,

- a location in a warehouse,

- a destination for a transportation entity,

- a scheduled date for shipment,

- a manufacturer,

- a manufacturing date, and

- a manufacturing location. The last seven items clear relate to a physical set of panels, and in case of a set of panel ids, to the set of panels that correspond the set of panel ids. As is clear, the number of panels in a set 700 of panels is equal to the number of panel identities in the corresponding set of panel ids. The aforementioned pieces of information, such as the number of panels, the transportation entity, a scheduled date for shipment, and the location in a warehouse, can be used e.g. to manage a warehouse.

An embodiment of a method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels, wherein

- the set of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel,

- the first panel comprises a first near field communication (NFC) tag, and - the second panel comprises a second near field communication (NFC) tag, comprises

- requesting (i) information indicative of an identity of the first panel or (ii) information indicative of an identity the first NFC tag; from the NFC tag of the first panel,

- receiving the requested information indicative of the identity,

- accessing an interface with the information indicative of the identity, and

- receiving information associated with the set of panels over the interface.

As is clear, the identity of the first panel itself is information indicative of an identity of the first panel.

Referring to Fig. 7c, an embodiment comprises

- obtaining (710, 715, 720, 725) an identity of a first panel 250/1 using the NFC tag 200/1 of the first panel 250/1 ,

- obtaining (730, 735, 737, 740, 745), over a first interface, information on a set of panels or a set of panel ids, wherein the information comprises at least information indicative of an identity (i.e. a set ID) of a set of panels or a set of panel ids, wherein the set of panel ids comprises the identity of the first panel 250/1 , or the set of panels comprises a panel having the identity of the first panel 250/1 , - accessing 750 the interface or another interface with the infornnation indicative of the identity (set ID) of the set (of panels or panel ids), and

- receiving 765, over the interface or the another interface, further infornnation on the set of panel ids, or the corresponding set 700 of panels.

In Fig. 7c, the database 1 is accessed over the interface "interface 1 ", and the database 2 is accessed over the interface "interface 2". The databases and/or the interfaces may be the same or different. The process of obtaining the identity (set ID) of the set 700 comprises

- requesting 730 the identity of the set (set ID) over an interface and

- receiving 745 the identity of the set.

In response to the requesting 730, the first database

- receives 735 the request and a panel identity, and in response to the request,

- locates 737 the set identity for the set of panel ids that comprises panel identity; or locates 737 the set identity for the set of panels that comprises the panel having the panel identity,

- sends 740 the set identity to a reader or a reader/writer device.

In response to the said accessing 750, the second database

- receives 755 the request, and in response to the request,

- sends 760 the information associated with a set of ids or with the set of panels to a reader device.

Referring to Fig. 7d, information about a set 700 of panels 250 may also be obtained without using an NFC tag of a panel 250. For example, a pallet 702 (Fig. 7a) may be equipped with an id, such as a bar code. Moreover, an additional NFC may be arranged in a pallet, whereby the identity of the pallet could be read with an NFC reader. This identity of the pallet may serve as an identity for a set of panels or set of panel ids (set id), and information may be associated in connection with this identity. When he information about the identities of the panels 250 in the set of panels, or the identities in the (corresponding) set of panel ids comprises an ordered list of panel identities or an ordered list of panels having identities, the ordered list may be used to authenticate a set 700 of panels. E.g. the information about the set of panels may be an ordered list of the identities of the panels in the set of panels. In a warehouse, or at a construction site, the ordered list of identities can be read from the pile 700 of the panels. By comparing the list that was read with the list that can be retrieved from a database, an indication of the authenticity of the set 700 is provided. In case the order has been changed, tampering has occurred. Thus an embodiment of a method authenticating a set of panels comprises,

- reading, from a set of panels, and ordered list of panel identities, the ordered list comprising the identities of at least two panels,

- optionally, forming information indicative of the ordered list of panel identities,

- receiving information indicative of an ordered reference list of identities,

- optionally, forming the reference list of identities using the information indicative thereof, and

- (i) comparing the information indicative of the ordered list of panel identities with the information indicative of an ordered reference list of identities or (ii) comparing the ordered list of panel identities with the ordered reference list of identities; to obtain a comparison result, and

- determining the authenticity of the set of panels using the comparison result. In the above, option (ii), the items of the corresponding pairs of the ordered lists can be compared. Provided that all the items are the same, the set can be determined as authentic. Otherwise, the set may can be determined a fraudulent. In the above, option (i), a first checksum can be calculated using the ordered list of panel identities and a second checksum can be calculated using the ordered reference list of panel identities. Provided that all the checksums are the same, the set can be determined as authentic. Otherwise, the set may can be determined a fraudulent.

A data structure, such as the database, comprises - information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, and

- in connection with the information on the first panel, information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag. In an embodiment, the data structure can be used for controlling the operation of a computer. The data structure, when used in execution of a computer program, are arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the information on the second panel comprising an NFC tag.

In an embodiment, the information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag comprises at least an indication that the second panel belongs to a set of panels comprising the first panel. In an embodiment, the data structure comprises an indication that the first panel is located within a close distance from the second panel, as discussed above.

In an embodiment, the data structure, when used in execution of a computer program, is arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the identity of a panel (preferably the identities of all the panels) comprised by a set of panels, the set of panels comprising the first panel.

As is evident, the methods may be performed on a computer. Therefore, a computer program product comprising computer program code embodied on a computer readable medium (possibly non-transitory computer readable medium), is herein disclosed. The computer program code is, when executed on a processor, arranged to cause a computer to perform the method disclosed herein. Moreover, a computer arranged to performed a method, as disclosed herein is also disclosed.

In addition, the information about the set 700 of panels can be used to retrieve information associated with a second extruded panel comprised by the set of panels. For example, using the tag 200/1 of the panel 250/1 in the set 700, information associated with e.g. the panel 250/24 can be retrieved from a database. In this embodiment, the information about a set of panels, which is received using e.g. the identity of a first panel 250/1 , comprises an identity of a second panel, e.g. of the panel 250/24. The embodiment further comprises retrieving, using the identity of the second panel, information associated with the second panel. In this embodiment, information associated with a panel that cannot be read using an NFC reader can still be obtained.

To retrieve the information about a set of panels or a set of panel ids, a database must exist. Such a database can be generated by associating information with a set of panel ids (or panels). A set 700 comprises at least one panel 250; whereby a set of panel ids comprises at least one identity of a panel. With reference to Fig. 8a, an embodiment of a method for associating information with a set of panels comprises

- obtaining 805 information about a set; such as a set of panels or a set of panel ids,

- obtaining (810a, 825a) a first identity of a first panel,

- accessing 830 an interface with the first identity and the information.

Obtaining a first identity of a first panel may be requested and received, as discussed in connection with e.g. Fig. 5a.

Information about a set may comprise information about an action. Obtaining 805 information about a set may comprise obtaining or defining an action. When generating the database, the action is to generate. When updating the database, the action is to update. When e.g. deleting data, the action may be to delete (or to update, as will be discussed).

A user may determine or define the action. For example, a user may determine the action of generating a database only when a first panel is piled to a pile 700; whereby a set of panel ids will be generated using the id of the first panel. For the subsequent panels, the passivity of the user may signal the reader/writer apparatus 300 that the set of panel ids is to be updated using the subsequent identities.

With reference to Fig. 8a, the database receives 835 the at least one identity of a panel and information, such as, or comprising at least the action. The action may be e.g. indicative of generating a data structure or updating a data structure. The database may be arranged to determine 836, using information indicative of the action, to

o generate a data structure for a set of panel ids (or a set of panels),

o update a data structure for a set of panel ids (or a set of panels),

o delete data associated with a set of panel ids or a set of panels

(not shown), or

o send an error message (not shown).

Thus, in addition to the options "update" and "generate" of Fig. 8a, data may be deleted from the database. Deletion is a special case of updating, since in deletion old data is replaced by no data. Sending an error message may occur, e.g. if a database is not capable of performing a requested action.

When generating the data structure, database makes 838 an identity for the set of panel ids (or a set of panels). The identity of the set may be equal to the first identity of an panel in the set (of panels or panel ids). In addition, the database makes 875 a data structure using the set identity and the first identity of the first panel. In case one can determine whether or not an identity of a panel belongs to the data structure, the data structure may represent a set of panel ids. In case the identity of the panel is used as the set identity, the data structure may comprises only the identity of the panel and an indication that the panel forms a set 700 of panels or that the identity of the panel form a set of panel identities.

The database may comprise information on at least one set of panel ids; preferably the database comprises information on multiple (e.g. at least two) sets of panel ids.

The database may send, and a reader/writer device may receive 845 the set identity (set ID). This is shown as the optional step 845 in Fig. 8a. In case the action is to generate, the set identity may be received 845, as indicated in Fig. 8a. The received set identity, in connection with an identity of the subsequent panel(s) or panel id(s) may be used to update the database e.g. with the identities of subsequent panels. In case the set identity is received, the embodiment comprises

- receiving, from the interface, an identity of a set of panels or panel identities (ids). Here the set of panels comprises the panel of which identity is used in the accessing 830. There the set of panel identities panel identities is the set of identities corresponding to the set of panels. Thereby, the set of panel identities comprises the identity that is used in the accessing 830.

With reference to Fig. 8a, alternatively to receiving 845 the set identity, a set identity can be obtained 828 by other means. E.g. the panels 250 may be piled on a pallet 702. The pallet may be equipped with an identity, such as a bar code. The identity of the pallet forms information about the set 700 of the panels or the set of panel ids. This identity may be used to access the database. For example, the data structure can be generated using the identity of the pallet and the identity of the first panel. Thereafter, the data structure can be updated using the identity of the pallet and the identity of the subsequent panel or subsequent panels. Alternatively, thereafter the data structure can be updated using the identity of the first panel and the identity of the subsequent panel or subsequent panels. In this embodiment, the reader/writer device 300 obtains information about the set, wherein the information is the identity of the set. This embodiment comprises

- obtaining 810a, 825a an identity of the panel,

- obtaining 828 information to be associated with the panel, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information, wherein

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises (i) of the set of panels comprising the panel of which identity was obtained or (ii) the identity of the set of panel ids comprising the obtained identity of the panel. The information may further comprise an indication to generate a data structure. In this embodiment, the step of making 838 the set ID would simply comprise using the identity given by the user as the set ID. However, if such an identity was not available, the database would communicate this over the interface (not shown, or by sending another, free set identity to the user, as shown by "set ID" in between the phases 838 and 845). In particular, the first identity may be the identity of the panel 250 (e.g. 250/32) that is placed first to the set. A data structure may be generated using this identity and the action to generate. A subsequent identity may be the identity of the panel 250 (e.g. 250/1 ) that is placed last to the set. The data structure could be updated with the subsequent identity and the action to update.

In this way, it may be assumed, that the set of panels 700 comprises all the panels having their identities in the range from the first identity to the last identity. As for the set of panel ids, it may be assumed, that the set of panel ids comprises all the panel identities in the range from the first identity to the last identity. This is in particular the case, where panels are made in a manufacturing line, subsequent NFC tags are attached to subsequent panels, and subsequent panels are placed in a pile (i.e. a set 700).

Alternatively, after the first identity, an interface can be accessed with the identities of all the remaining panels in the set of panel ids or for the set of panels. Either subsequently one by one, or in a single run with all the remaining identities. In this way, the identities need not to be subsequent identities. In this case, the list of identities may be an ordered list or an unordered list.

An interface can be accessed with a first identity of an panel and some information about a set. The information about a set may comprise information about an action. The information about a set may further comprise additional information about the set. Depending on the information, several embodiments are possible. Moreover, with reference to Fig. 8c, the database can be accessed with an identity of a set and other information, whereby the identity of an panel is not necessarily read. E.g. the identity of the set may be read with a bar code reader. The database can be accessed with information comprising

- an action: whether a data structure for a set of panels is to be

o generated or

o updated

- information indicative of the set of panel, such as

o an identity of the set of panel, or o an identity of an panel comprised by the set of panels, and - optionally, other information.

With reference to Fig. 8b and the above discussion, the information on the sets comprising the panel identities (or the panels with the identities) may be comprised in a first database (Database 1 ). Thus, the first database may be used to associate a set identity with an identity of a panel. Herein the "set" may be a set of panels or a set of identities, i.e. the "set" may comprise the identity or the panel having the identity. The first database can be accesses over a first interface.

The information related to the sets 700 as a wholes and/or the information about the identities of the panels 250 in the set of panels (or panel ids) may be comprised in a second database (Database 2). The second database can be accesses over a second interface. The first and the second databases can be the same databases or different databases. The first and the second interfaces can be the same interfaces or different interfaces.

The embodiment of Fig. 8b comprises

- obtaining an identity of a panel,

- accessing a first interface with the identity of the panel to obtain an identity of a set, such as a set of panels or a set of panel ids,

- obtaining further information to be associated with the set, and

- accessing the first interface or a second interface with the identity of the set and the further information to be associated with the set.

The in addition, the method comprises

- obtaining 805 information about an action. This information can be obtained at some point before accessing the first interface or a second interface with the identity of the set and the further information to be associated with the set.

The database can be accessed with information, such as:

(i) an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be generated and an identity of an panel, an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be generated, an identity of the set, and an identity of a panel,

an indication that a data structure for a set of panels or a set of

panel ids is to be generated, an identity of a panel, and other information, such as (1 ) a destination, to which the set panels or the corresponding set of panels is to be transported, or (2) other identities of other panels,

(iv) an indication that a data structure for a set of panels is to be generated, an identity of the set, and other information, such as (1 ) a destination, to which the set panels or the corresponding set of panels is to be transported, or (2) identities of panels,

(v) an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be updated, an identity of the set, and an identity of a panel,

(vi) an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be updated and at least a first identity of a first panel and a second identity of a second panel,

(vii) an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be updated, an identity of the set, and further information, such as (1 ) a destination of the set of panels or the corresponding set of panels, or (2) a number of identities of panels, and

(viii) an indication that a data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is to be updated, a first identity of a first panel, and further information, such as (1 ) a destination of the set of panels or the corresponding set of panels, or (2) a number of other identities of panels. As for the cases (iii), (iv), (vii), and (viii), in view of above discussion, it is evident that the further information may comprise also other information, e.g. the information discussed above.

In the first case (i), a data structure for a set is generated. The data structure initially comprises the first identity of a panel in connection with an identity of the set. This embodiment comprises - obtaining an identity of the panel,

- obtaining the information to be associated with the panel, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information, wherein

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that a set of panels or a set of panel ids is to be generated.

The embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 6a, and also in Fig. 8a. As for the Figure 8a, the action obtained 805 from the user is to generate the data structure. The optional step 828 and the related steps (note the hash line encircling the step 828) are omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment, the data structure is generated 860.

In the second case (ii), a data structure for a set is generated. The data structure initially comprises the first identity of a panel and the set is identified by an identity supplied by a user. This embodiment comprises the steps of the case (i), however,

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that a set of panels or a set of panel ids is to be generated and an identity for the set (of panels or panel ids).

In the third case (iii) a data structure for a set is generated. The data structure initially comprises the first identity of n panel and other information. This embodiment comprises the step of the case (i), however,

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that a set of panels or a set of panel ids is to be generated and further information such as (1 ) the destination, or (2) the identities. Herein the "destination" refers to the destination of the physical set of panels, while the "identities" can be added to the abstract set of panel ids. In the fourth case (iv) a data structure for a set of panels is generated. The fourth case is similar to the third case (iii). However,

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises an indication that a set of panels or a set of panel ids is to be generated, an identity for the set, and further information such as (1 ) the destination, or (2) the identities. In the fifth case (v), an existing data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is updated. The data structure for the set is identified using the identity of the set. The data structure is updated with the identity of the panel. I.e. the identity of the panel is added to the database, in connection with the existing information about the set. This embodiment comprises

- obtaining an identity of the panel,

- obtaining the information to be associated with the panel, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information, wherein

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises

o an identity of a set, such as a set of panels or a set of panel ids, and o an indication that information in connection with the set is to be updated.

In the sixth case (vi), an existing data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is updated. The data structure for the set is identified using the first identity of the first panel, wherein the first panel or its identity is known to be comprised by the set before updating the database. After updating the database, the data structure for the set comprises also the second identity of the second panel. The naming for first and second identities is arbitrary, i.e. either one can be used to identify the set, while the other can be added. As implicitly indicated, multiple of identities can be added to the database at the same time. One of the identities may be used to identify the set. In this embodiment,

- the information to be associated with the panel comprises

o an identity of at least a second panel, and

o an indication that information in connection with the set is to be updated.

In the seventh case (vii), an existing data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is updated with further information. The data structure is identified with the identity of the set. The data structure is updated with the further information, e.g. (1 ) a destination or (2) a number of other identities of panels. Herein the "destination" refers to the destination of the physical set of panels, while the "identities" can be added to the abstract set of panel ids. This embodiment comprises - obtaining further information to be associated with the set, such as the set of panels or the set of panel ids, and

- accessing the interface or another interface with the identity of the set and further information to be associated with the set.

The further information to be associated with the set comprises

- the further information and

- an indication that information in connection with the set is to be updated. This embodiment does not necessarily comprise obtaining an identity of the panel. However, in a preferred embodiment, the set identity is obtained using an identity of a panel (e.g. Fig. 8b, 830, 835, 837, 840, 845). That embodiment comprises obtaining an identity of the panel. In the eighth case (viii), an existing data structure for a set (of panels or panel ids) is updated with further information. The data structure is identified with the first identity of the first panel, as indicated above (cf. e.g. the sixth case vi). The data structure is updated with the further information, e.g. (1 ) a destination or (2) a number of other identities of panels.

The information about a set, such as a set of panels or panel ids, can also be considered as information associated with an panel. As for reading a database, therefore, the embodiment of Fig. 7b is a special case of the embodiment of Fig. 5b. In this case, the information associated with a first panel comprises information about a set of panels (or a set of panel ids), wherein the a set of panels comprises the first panel (or the set of panel ids comprises the identity of the first panel). As for writing a database, the embodiments of the Figures 8a and 8b are specials cases of the embodiment of Fig. 6a or 6b. In this case, the information associated with a first panel comprises information about a set (of panels or panel ids), wherein the set comprises the first panel or its identity.

As discussed above, a database may be used to store information associated with a set of panels or set of panel ids. The database may comprise

- information about a first panel, and - in connection with the infornnation on the first panel, an identity of a set, such as a set of panels or a set of panel ids.

In a preferred embodiment, database further comprises

- information on at least two panels, in connection with the identity of the set. Preferably the database comprises information on a multiple of panels, in connection with the identity of the set (of panels or panel ids). The multiple may refer to a number of at least 5, at least 10, at least 50, preferably at least 100, and more preferably at least 300; in connection with the identity of the set.

In an embodiment, the database comprises information about the set, wherein the identity of the set is associated with the information about the set. Furthermore, the information about the set comprises at least one of - the number of panels in the set of panels,

- the number of panel identities in the set of panel ids,

- a transportation entity the for the set of panels,

- a transportation entity the for a set of panels, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids,

- a location of the set of panels in a warehouse,

- a location of a set of panels in a warehouse, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids,

- a destination for the set of panels,

- a destination for a set of panels, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids,

- a manufacturer of the set of panels,

- a manufacturer of a set of panels, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids,

- a manufacturing date for the set of panels,

- a manufacturing date for a set of panels, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids,

- a manufacturing location for the set of panels, and

- a manufacturing location for a set of panels, wherein the set of panels corresponds to the set of panel ids. In addition, the database is arranged to perform some operations in response to the information that is used to access the database. In an embodiment, the database is arranged to receive information comprising

- information indicative of an action and

- information indicative of a set of panels or a set of panel ids.

Furthermore, the database is arranged, in response to the information indicative of an action to

o generate a data structure for a set of panels or for a set of panel ids,

o update a data structure for a set of panels or for a set of panel ids, or

o send an error message.

Such information can be widely applied. Some applications include

- Warehouse management. The information associated with a set (of panels or panel ids) may include e.g.

o the number of panels in the set,

o optionally a destination for the set (i.e. the pile) in a warehouse, o a target destination for shipment, and

o a scheduled date for shipment.

A user in the warehouse may simply read the tag of one panel comprised in the pile to determine the information. Moreover, the method is insensitive to which of the panels is actually read. A database can be accessed with any identity of a panel, wherein the panel is comprised by the set.

- Transportation management. A panel can be read to update information regarding the set, wherein the information may comprise at least one of

o indication of reception of the set of panels,

o indication of a fault during transportation (e.g. if the temperature during transportation exceeds or goes below a limit), o indication of payment of the set of panels,

o the target destination, and

o an agreed time window for the delivery.

Claims

Claims:

1 . An extruded profile, wherein

- the extruded profile extends in a longitudinal direction, the extruded profile comprising

- a first edge and a second edge located within a width from each other, and

- a near field communication (NFC) tag,

2. The extruded profile of claim 1 having

- a length in the longitudinal direction, wherein

- the length is at least 1 .5 m; preferably at least 2 m; and more preferably at least 2.5 m.

3. The extruded profile of claim 2, wherein

- the length is from 1 .5 m to 10 m; preferably from 2 m to 7 m; and more preferably from 2.5 m to 5 m.

4. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein

- the thickness is at least 10 mm; preferably at least 15 mm; and more preferably at least 18 mm.

5. The extruded profile of claim 4, wherein

- the thickness is from 10 mm to 35 mm; preferably from 15 mm to 30 mm; and more preferably from 18 mm to 28 mm.

6. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein

- the width is perpendicular to the direction of thickness and to the longitudinal direction, wherein

- the width is from 50 mm to 400 mm, preferably from 100 mm to 300 mm, and more preferably from 1 10 mm to 250 mm.

7. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 6, comprising

- a groove arranged between two tongues into the first edge of the extruded profile, and wherein

- at least part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the first edge, in the groove.

8. The extruded profile of claim 7, wherein

- the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged in the groove.

9. The extruded profile of claim 7 or 8, wherein

- the groove comprises an area comprising a point defining a tangent plane for the area,

- the surface normal of the tangent plane is parallel to the surface normal of the plane of the first surface forms a first angle with the surface normal of the plane of the first surface, wherein the first angle is at most 85 degrees or at least 95 degrees, and

- at least part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the area.

10. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein

- the groove comprises a first area comprising a first point defining a first tangent plane for the area,

- the groove comprises a second area, wherein the second area comprises a second point having a second tangent plane, wherein

- the surface normal of the second tangent plane forms an angle with the surface normal the first tangent plane of the first area; the second angle being preferably at least 5 degrees or at least 10 degrees, and wherein

- a first part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the first area, and

- a second part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the second area.

1 1 . The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 10, comprising thermoplastic material.

12. The extruded profile of claim 1 1 , wherein the melting point of the thermoplastic material is at most 200 °C; at most 180 °C; or at most 160 °C.

13. The extruded profile of claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the melting point of the thermoplastic material is at least 60 °C; at least 80 °C; at least 100 °C; or at least 120 °C.

14. The extruded profile of claim 13, wherein the melting point of the thermoplastic material is from 60 °C to 200 °C; from 90 °C to 180 °C; or from 120 °C to 160 °C.

15. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 14, comprising plastic matrix material, and natural fibrous material admixed with the matrix.

16. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 1 to 14, comprising

- natural fibrous material admixed with the thermoplastic material.

17. The extruded profile of claim 15 or 16, wherein

- the natural fibrous material comprises lignin.

18. The extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 17, comprising

- a marking indicative of the location of the near field communication (NFC) tag,

whereby the location and existence of the NFC tag is visible for a user.

19. The extruded profile of claim 18, comprising

- thermoplastic material, whereby the marking may have been made by melting thermoplastic material.

20. The extruded profile of claim 19, wherein

- the marking has the form of a notch, a hole, groove, or slit.

21 . An arrangement comprising

- the extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 20, and

- an object such that the near field communication (NFC) tag is covered by the object.

22. An arrangement comprising

- the extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 20,

- the extruded profile comprising a groove, wherein

- the NFC tag is arranged in the groove of the extruded profile, and

- an object such that the near field communication NFC tag is covered by the object.

23. An arrangement comprising

- a first extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 20, comprising a first NFC tag,

- a second extruded profile of any of the claims 1 to 20, comprising a second NFC tag, wherein the second extruded profile is visibly substantially similar to the first extruded profile,

- the first extruded profile has a first origin Oa, whereby the first NFC tag is located, as measured from the origin Oa, at the point having the coordinates r-r,a, r_w,_a, and r_L,_a, these coordinates being oriented in the direction of thickness, width, and length of the first profile, respectively,

- the second extruded profile has a second origin Ob, whereby the second NFC tag is located, as measured from the origin Ob, at the point having the coordinates r_T,b, rw,b, and r_L,b, these coordinates being oriented in the direction of thickness, width, and length of the second profile, respectively, wherein

- the second origin, Ob, is located with respect to the second profile, in the same location, as the first origin Oa is located with respect to the first profile, - the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the thickness of the profiles, abs(r_T,_a-rT,b), is at most one fifth (1/5) of the thickness of the first profile,

- the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the width of the profiles, abs(r_w,_a-rw,b), is at most one tenth (1/10) of the width of the first profile, and

- the difference between the locations of the tags, in the direction of the length of the profiles, abs(r_L,_a-rL,b), is at least 3 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, such as at least 10 mm.

24. A method for manufacturing an extruded profile comprising a near field communication (NFC), the method comprising

- extruding, on a manufacturing line, an extruded profile without a tag, and

- attaching, on the same manufacturing line, a near field communication (NFC) tag to the extruded profile without a tag to form the extruded profile comprising the tag.

25. The method of claim 24 comprising

- cooling or letting to cool the extruded profile without a tag, and thereafter - attaching the near field communication (NFC) tag to the extruded profile without a tag to form the extruded profile comprising the tag.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, comprising

- extruding the extruded profile in a longitudinal direction such that the extruded profile comprises a hole arranged inside the profile and extending in the longitudinal direction, and

- attaching the near field communication (NFC) tag into the hole.

27. The method of claim 24 or 25, comprising

- extruding the extruded profile in a longitudinal direction such that the extruded profile comprises a groove arranged on an edge of the profile and extending in the longitudinal direction, and

- attaching at least part of the near field communication (NFC) tag into the groove.

28. The method of claim 27, comprising

- extruding the extruded profile in a longitudinal direction such that the extruded profile comprises a groove arranged on an edge of the profile and extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein

- the surface normal of the second tangent plane forms an angle with the surface normal the first tangent plane of the first area; the second angle being preferably at least 5 degrees or at least 10 degrees; the method comprising

- attaching the NFC tag to the profile such that (i) a first part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the first area, and (ii) a second part of the near field communication (NFC) tag is arranged on the second area.

29. A method for marking an extruded profile, the method comprising

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile, whereby a marking is melted to the extruded profile.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the extruded profile comprises

- a first surface,

the method comprising

- locating the near field communication tag and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile to a location on the first surface to form a marking on the extruded profile, such that

- the distance between the marking and a point of the near field communication tag of the extruded profile is at most 10 cm; preferably at most 7 cm.

31 . The method of claim 30 wherein

- the near field communication tag is arranged on an edge of the extruded profile, and the method comprises

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile to a location away from the edge.

32. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the extruded profile comprises

- a first surface and a first edge, such that a boundary of the first surface comprises a boundary of the first edge

- a groove arranged in the first edge of the extruded profile, and

- a near field communication tag arranged in the groove; the method comprising - locating the near field communication tag and

- pressing the hot object against the extruded profile to a location such that

- the location is at the boundary of the first surface, wherein the boundary comprises the boundary of the first edge.

33. A method for retrieving information associated with a first extruded profile, wherein

- the first extruded profile comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag, the method comprising

- requesting information associated with the first extruded profile from the first extruded profile, and

- receiving the information associated with the first extruded profile.

34. The method of claim 33, comprising

- accessing an interface with the information associated with the first extruded profile, and

- receiving information associated with the first extruded profile over the interface.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein

- the information associated with the first extruded profile comprises an identity of the first extruded profile, and the method comprises

- accessing an interface with the identity of the first extruded profile,

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the information associated with the first extruded profile comprises at least one of:

- a menu of a restaurant,

- a reference to a menu of a restaurant,

- a time table for vehicles,

- a reference to a time table for vehicles,

- information about an item on a shelf, and

- a reference to information about an item on a shelf.

37. A method for retrieving information associated with a set of panels, wherein

- the set of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel,

- the first panel comprises a first near field communication (NFC) tag, and - the second panel comprises a second near field communication (NFC) tag, the method comprising

- receiving the requested information indicative of the identity,

- accessing an interface with the information indicative of the identity, and

- receiving information associated with the set of panels over the interface.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein

- the set of panels comprises at least one pair of panels having a first panel and a second panel such that the distance between the first panel and the second panel is at most 10 cm; wherein optionally the thickness of the first panel is vertically aligned and the thickness of the second panel is vertically aligned; whereby the pair of panels forms a single entity; optionally a vertical pile.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein information associated with the set of panels comprises at least one of

- information related to content of a set, such as at least one of

o an identity of a set of panels,

o an identity of a set of panel identities,

o the number of panels in the set of panels,

o the number of panel identities in the set of panel identities,

o an unordered list of the identities of the panels of a set of panels, o an unordered list of panel identities,

o an ordered list of the identities of the panels of a set of panels,

o an ordered list of panel identities,

o a first identity and a last identity,

o a first identity and a number indicating the last identity of identities comprised by a set of panel identities, o a first identity and a number; the identity and the number indicating the first identity and the last identity of panels comprised by a set of panels,

o a last identity and a number indicating the first identity of identities comprised by a set of panel identities, and

o a last identity and a number; the identity and the number indicating the first identity and the last identity of panels comprised by a set of panels; and

- information related actions for the objects of the set, such as

o a transportation entity,

o a location in a warehouse,

o a destination for a transportation entity,

o a scheduled date for shipment,

o a manufacturer,

o a manufacturing date, and

o a manufacturing location.

40. The method of any of the claims 37 to 39, wherein

- the set of panels comprises a panel having a length, width, and a thickness, such that

- the length of the panel is at least 2.2 m, at least 2.4 m, or at least 2.5 m.

41 . The method of any of the claims 37 to 40, wherein

- the length of the panel is at most 10 m, at most 7 m, or at most 6 m.

42. The method of any of the claims 37 to 41 , wherein

- the length of the panel is from 2.2 m to 6 m; from 2.4 m to 5 m; or from 2.5 m to 4.6 m.

43. The method of any of the claims 37 to 42, wherein

- the set of panels comprises a panel having a length, width, and a thickness, such that - the width is at most 2 m, less than 1 .8 m, or less than 1 .6 m.

44. The method of any of the claims 37 to 43, wherein

- the width is at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm.

45. The method of any of the claims 37 to 44, wherein

- the width is from 0.2 m to 2 m; from 0.3 m to 1 .8 m; from 0.35 m to 1 .6 m; or from 5 cm to 25 cm; from 7 cm to 20 cm; or from 9 cm to 16 cm.

46. The method of any of the claims 37 to 45, wherein

- the thickness is at least 6 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, and

- optionally, the thickness is from 6 mm to 50 mm, such as from 10 mm to 35 mm; from 15 mm to 30 mm; or from 18 mm to 28 mm.

47. The method of any of the claims 37 to 46, wherein

- the area, as defined by the product of the length and the width of the panel, is at least 0.25 m² or at least 0.3 m².

48. The method of any of the claims 37 to 47, wherein

- the area, as defined by the product of the length and the width of the panel, is at most 7 m² or at most 5 m².

49. The method of any of the claims 37 to 48, wherein

- the set of panels comprises a panel having a length, width, and a thickness, such that - the area, as defined by the product of the length and the width of the panel, is from 0.25 m² to 7 m² or from 0.3 m² to 5 m².

50. The method of any of the claims 37 to 49, wherein

- the set of panels comprises a panel having a length, width, and a thickness, and

- the NFC tag comprised by the panel having the length, width, and the thickness, is arranged

- (i) on an edge of the panel, wherein the edge has its surface normal parallel to the width of the panel, or (ii) on an end surface of the panel, wherein the end surface has its surface normal parallel to the length of the panel.

51 . The method of the claim 50, wherein

- the panel comprises a groove, such that

- at least part of the NFC tag comprised by the panel is arranged in the groove.

52. The method of any of the claims 37 to 51 , wherein

- a set of panels comprises at least 10, preferably at least 20, and more preferably at least 30 panels.

53. The method of any of the claims 37 to 52, wherein

- the information associated with a set of panels comprises information indicative of an identity of the set of panels or a set of panel identities, and the method comprises

- accessing the interface or another interface with the information indicative of the identity of the set and

- receiving, over the interface or the other interface, further information associated with the set of panels.

54. The method of any of the claims 37 to 53,

wherein

- the information associated with the set of panels or the further information associated with the set of panels comprises an identity of a second panel, and the method comprises - retrieving, using the identity of the second panel, information associated with the second panel.

55. The method of any of the claims 37 to 54, wherein

- the set of panels comprises an extruded profile.

56. The method of the claim 55, wherein

- the set of panels consists of extruded profiles.

57. The method of claim 55 or 56, wherein

- an extruded profile of the set of panels comprises thermoplastic material.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein

- an extruded profile of the set of panel comprises thermoplastic material having a melting point of at most 200 °C; at most 180 °C; or at most 160 °C.

59. The method of claim 57 or 58, wherein

- an extruded profile of the set of panel comprises thermoplastic material having a melting point of at least 60 °C; at least 80 °C; at least 100 °C; or at least 120 °C.

60. The method of any of the claims 57 to 59, wherein

- an extruded profile of the set of panel comprises thermoplastic material having a melting point from 60 °C to 200 °C; from 90 °C to 180 °C; or from 120 °C to 160 °C.

61 . The method of any of the claims 57 to 60, wherein

- an extruded profile of the set of panel comprises thermoplastic material and natural fibrous material.

62. The method of the claim 61 , wherein

- the natural fibrous material comprises lignin.

63. A method for associating information with an extruded profile, comprising - obtaining an identity of the extruded profile,

- obtaining information to be associated with the extruded profile, and - accessing an interface with the identity and the information.

64. The method of claim 63 further comprising,

- obtaining information about a location,

- accessing an interface with the identity, the information, and the information about the location.

65. The method of claim 63 or 64, wherein

- the information to be associated with the extruded profile comprises an indication that information associated with an extruded profile (i) is to be updated, or (ii) is to be deleted.

66. A computer program product comprising computer program code embodied on a computer readable medium, wherein said computer program code is, when executed on a processor, arranged the computer to perform the method of any of the claims 37 to 65.

67. A computer, arranged to perform the method of any of the claims 37 to 65.

68. A method for associating information with a panel, comprising

- obtaining an identity of the panel,

- obtaining information to be associated with the panel, wherein the information to be associated with the panel comprises at least an indication that a data structure for a set of panel or a set of panel identities is to be generated, and

- accessing an interface with the identity and the information.

69. The method of claim 68 further comprising,

- obtaining information about a location,

70. The method of claim 68 or 69, wherein - the infornnation to be associated with the extruded profile comprises an indication that information associated with a panel (i) is to be updated, or (ii) is to be deleted.

71 . The method of any of the claims 68 to 70, comprising

- receiving, from the interface, an identity of a set, such as an identity of a set of panels or an identity of a set of panel identities, wherein

- the set comprises the identity of the panel or a panel having the identity of the panel.

72. The method of 71 , comprising

- obtaining further information to be associated with the set of panels or set of panel identities and

- accessing the interface or another interface with the identity of the set and the further information to be associated with the set of panels or set of panel identities.

73. The method of any of the claims 68 to 70, comprising

- receiving an identity of a set, such as an identity of a set of panels or an identity of a set of panel identities,

74. The method of any of the claims 68 to 73, wherein the information to be associated with the panel or the further information to be associated with the set comprises at least one of

- an identity of another panel,

- an identity of a set of panels,

- the number of panels in the set of panels,

- a transportation entity,

- a location in a warehouse,

- a destination,

- a manufacturer, - a manufacturing date, and

- a manufacturing location.

75. A computer program product comprising computer program code embodied on a computer readable medium, wherein said computer program code is, when executed on a processor, arranged the computer to perform the method of any of the claims 68 to 74.

76. A computer, arranged to perform the method of any of the claims 68 to 74.

77. A data structure, comprising

- information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, and

- in connection with the information on the first panel, information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag.

78. A data structure for controlling the operation of a computer, said data structure comprising

- information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, and

- in connection with the information on the first panel, information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag, such that, when used in execution of a computer program, are arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the information on the second panel comprising an NFC tag.

79. The data structure of claim 77 or 78, wherein the information on a second panel comprising an NFC tag comprises at least an indication that the second panel belongs to a set of panel comprising the first panel.

80. The data structure of claim 79, further comprising

- in connection with (i) the information on the first panel or (ii) the information on the second panel, an identity of a set of panel or an identity of a set of panel identities.

81 . The data structure of claim 79 or 80, which when used in execution of a computer program, is arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the identity of a panel comprised by a set of panels, the set of panels comprising the first panel.

82. The data structure of claim 81 , which when used in execution of a computer program, is arranged to cause, in response to receiving said information on a first panel comprising an NFC tag, the computer program to send the identities of all the panels comprised by a set of panels, the set of panels comprising the first panel.

83. The data structure of any of the claims 77 to 82, comprising further information about a set of panels, such as at least one of

- the number of panels in the set,

- a transportation entity,

- a location in a warehouse,

- a destination,

- a manufacturer,

- a manufacturing date, and

- a manufacturing location.

84. A database, arranged to receive information comprising

- information indicative of an action and

o generate a data structure for a set of panels,

o update a data structure for a set of panels,

o delete data associated with a set of panels, or

o send an error message.