EP3437043A1 - Programmable freshness proxy sensors and alarms for managing cold chain quality - Google Patents

Programmable freshness proxy sensors and alarms for managing cold chain quality

Info

Publication number
EP3437043A1
EP3437043A1 EP17715859.9A EP17715859A EP3437043A1 EP 3437043 A1 EP3437043 A1 EP 3437043A1 EP 17715859 A EP17715859 A EP 17715859A EP 3437043 A1 EP3437043 A1 EP 3437043A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle
parameter
environmental parameter
sensor
freshness
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP17715859.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dylan Jonathan WILSON
John Cronin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carrier Corp
Original Assignee
Carrier Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carrier Corp filed Critical Carrier Corp
Publication of EP3437043A1 publication Critical patent/EP3437043A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G06Q10/0832—Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods

Definitions

  • the embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to cold chain distribution systems, more specifically to a method and system for detecting the freshness of perishable goods within a cold chain distribution system.
  • cold chain distribution systems are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods) that may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
  • Perishable goods may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, and pharmaceuticals.
  • cold chain distribution systems allow perishable goods to be effectively transported and distributed without damage or other undesirable effects.
  • Refrigerated trucks and trailers are commonly used to transport perishable goods in a cold chain distribution system.
  • a transport refrigeration system is mounted to the truck or to the trailer in operative association with a cargo space defined within the truck or trailer for maintaining a controlled temperature environment within the cargo space.
  • transport refrigeration systems used in connection with refrigerated trucks and refrigerated trailers include a transport refrigeration unit having a refrigerant compressor, a condenser with one or more associated condenser fans, an expansion device, and an evaporator with one or more associated evaporator fans, which are connected via appropriate refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant flow circuit.
  • Air or an air/ gas mixture is drawn from the interior volume of the cargo space by means of the evaporator fan(s) associated with the evaporator, passed through the airside of the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling the air.
  • the cooled air is then supplied back to the cargo space.
  • the perishable goods may be inspected for freshness at various stages along the cold chain distribution system.
  • the operation of the transport refrigeration unit may alter the freshness of the perishable goods before an inspection can be made.
  • Improved systems and particularly improved freshness detection systems would provide cost benefits and reduce the chances damaging the perishable goods.
  • a method for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container comprising: monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network; transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range; determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the method may include displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
  • further embodiments of the method may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
  • further embodiments of the method may include activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the method may include: monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network; determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command.
  • further embodiments of the method may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
  • a system for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container comprising: at least one sensor to monitor at least one environmental parameter, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one environmental parameter; a communication device to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit the at least one environmental parameter; a computing network to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit a notification to an end user when the at least one environmental parameter is outside a selected range; a processor to determine a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and a monitor to display the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the system may include that the monitor displays the freshness level of the perishable goods.
  • further embodiments of the system may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
  • further embodiments of the system may include an audible alert to activate when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the system may include the at least one sensor monitors at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to the communication device; the communication device transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to an end user via a computing network; the processor determines a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and the monitor displays the recommended vehicle operation command.
  • further embodiments of the system may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
  • a computer program product tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations presented.
  • the operations comprise: monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network; transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range; determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
  • further embodiments of the computer program may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
  • further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
  • further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network; determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command.
  • further embodiments of the computer program may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo- location.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view a cold chain distribution system that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a base operating software architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a freshness prediction software architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a monitor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system 10 for tracking freshness of perishable goods 34 within a transport container 14, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view a cold chain distribution system 200 that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • transport refrigeration systems 20 are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods 34) in various stages of a cold chain distribution system 200.
  • the cold chain distribution system 200 may include harvest 204, packing 206, storage prior to transport 208, transport to distribution center 210, distribution center 212, transport to display 214, storage prior to display 216, display 218 and consumer 220.
  • a transport refrigeration system 20 includes a refrigerated transport container 14, a transport refrigeration unit 28 and perishable goods 34.
  • the container 14 may be pulled by a tractor 12. It is understood that embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping containers that are shipped by rail, sea, or any other suitable container, without use of a tractor 12.
  • the container 14 may define an interior compartment 18.
  • the transport refrigeration unit 28 is associated with the container 14 to provide desired environmental parameters, such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions to the interior compartment 18.
  • the transport refrigeration unit 28 is a refrigeration system capable of providing a desired temperature and humidity range.
  • the perishable goods 34 may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable cargo requiring cold chain transport.
  • the transport refrigeration system 20 includes sensors 22.
  • the sensors 22 may be placed directly on the perishable goods 34.
  • the sensors 22 may be utilized to monitor parameters.
  • the parameters monitored may include environmental conditions that the perishable goods 34 are exposed to such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, and vibrations.
  • Environmental condition may also include the weather outside of the transport container.
  • suitable sensors 22 are utilized to monitor the desired parameters.
  • sensors 22 may be selected for certain applications depending on the perishable goods 34 to be monitored and the corresponding environmental sensitivities.
  • the sensors 22 may be programmed with selected ranges for specific parameters and if the parameters are outside the selected range the sensor 22 may flag the parameter.
  • the sensors 22 may detect temperature and humidity for a particular perishable good because from these two environmental parameters, the freshness of the perishable goods may be determined. In this case, temperature and humidity serve as a proxy for freshness.
  • a user desires to maintain and monitor temperatures or other parameters within a selected range.
  • the preloaded ranges may include particular environmental parameter conditions ranges that may indicate freshness, such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, and vibrations.
  • a certain range of ethylene content may indicate a perishable good 34 is ripe but once outside that range the perishable good may be overripe.
  • the sensor 22 may transmit the parameter information to a controller 30 and associated communication device 32.
  • sensors 22 may be used to monitor various vehicle parameters regarding the operation of the transport vehicle transporting the container 14 (e.g. the tractor 12 of FIG. 1). These sensors 22 may be placed in a variety of locations throughout the transport refrigeration system 20 including but not limited to on the transport refrigeration unit 28, on a door 36 of the container 14, throughout the interior compartment 18 and within the tractor 12. The sensors 22 may be placed directly within the transport refrigeration unit 28 to monitor the performance of the transport refrigeration unit 28. Individual components internal to the transport refrigeration unit 28 may also be monitored by sensors 22 to detect operation aspects of the overall transport refrigeration unit 28 and the individual components, including but not limited to operating electrical current, operating temperature, operating pressure, operating vibrations, operation cycles, and operation duration of the transport refrigeration unit 28. As seen in FIG.
  • the sensors 22 may also be placed on the door 36 of the container 14 to monitor the position of the door 36. Whether the door 36 is open or closed affects the temperature of the perishable goods 34. For instance, in hot weather, an open door 36 will allow cooled air to escape from the container 14, causing the temperature of the interior compartment 18 to rise and thus affecting the temperature of the perishable goods 34.
  • the sensors 22 may be placed within the tractor 12 to monitor performance aspects of the vehicle including but not limited to vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
  • Geo-locations monitors time -based locations of the tracker 12 and may assign the time-based locations to other vehicle parameters and environmental parameters.
  • the location tracking sensor may utilize systems such as, for example global positioning system (GPS) or cellular triangulation.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the transport refrigeration system 20 may further include, a controller 30 configured to log the parameters received from the sensors 22.
  • the parameters may further be augmented with time, position stamps or other relevant information when logged as mentioned above.
  • the controller 30 may be enclosed within the transport refrigeration unit 28 or the tractor 12.
  • the controller 30 may also exist as a standalone unit. As shown, the controller 30 may include a processor 44, an associated memory 46, and base operating software 300.
  • the processor 44 may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously.
  • the memory 46 may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.
  • the base operating software 300 described in greater detail below, may be responsible for running routine operations of the transport refrigeration system 20 and the tractor 12.
  • the transport refrigeration system 20 includes a communication module 32 in operative communication with the controller 30 and in wireless operative communication with a network 60.
  • the communication module 32 is configured to transmit the parameters to the network 60 via wireless communication.
  • the wireless communication may be, but is not limited to, radio, microwave, cellular, satellite, or another wireless communication method.
  • the network 60 may be but is not limited to satellite networks, cellular networks, cloud computing network, wide area network, or another type of wireless network.
  • the communication module 32 may include a short range interface, wherein the short range interface includes at least one of: a wired interface, an optical interface, and a short range wireless interface.
  • the communication device 32 may receive parameters from the sensors 22 and may then transmit the parameters to the network 60.
  • the network 60 includes a processor 64, a memory 66, and freshness prediction software 68.
  • the processor 64 may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously.
  • the memory 66 may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.
  • the network 60 may receive parameters from the communication device 32.
  • the communication device may then transmit a notification 100 to an end user when the parameters are outside of a selected range.
  • the notification 100 may be an alert sent wirelessly via the network 60 to an end user device 110 such as, for example, a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop computer or any similar device.
  • the notification 100 may be an instantaneous alarm or a scheduled alarm for a later time.
  • An end user may include a customer, a grocery store employee, and/or a distribution chain employee.
  • the driver of the tracker 12 may also receive a similar notification.
  • the freshness prediction software 68 may be responsible for receiving and analyzing the parameters that are sent from the sensors 22 via the network 60.
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a monitor 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the monitor 50 may be such as, for example, a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop computer or any similar device.
  • the monitor 50 may be a touch screen display.
  • the monitor 50 may include visual sensor alerts 56, audible alerts 52, an end user notification option 54, a freshness prediction graph 70, and recommend operation commands 58.
  • the visual sensor alerts 56 will display or illuminate on the monitor 50 to identify which sensor 22 triggered the notification. For example, if the temperature of the perishable goods 34 was out of a selected range, the sensor 22 that detected the out of range temperature would display on the monitor 50.
  • the freshness prediction graph 70 may map freshness versus time and show up-to-date freshness information of the perishable goods 34 utilizing the freshness prediction software 68 and parameters captured by the sensors 22.
  • the freshness prediction graph 70 may be able to display daily freshness 72 or hourly freshness 74.
  • the freshness prediction graph 70 will display the measured level of freshness 76, the current freshness 78, the predicted level of freshness 80 and the predicted delivery freshness 82.
  • the monitor 50 may display recommended operation commands 58 such as, for example "increase speed to 70 mph", “fill gas tank asap", and “delay stop overnight".
  • the recommended operation commands 58 may help in ensuring that the perishable goods 34 reach peak freshness at the time of delivery.
  • An audible alert 52 may accompany the recommended operation commands 58.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a base operating software 300 architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the base operating software 300 will be located within the controller 30.
  • the base operating software 300 may be responsible for running routine operations of the transport refrigeration system 20 and tractor 12 at block 304.
  • the base operating software 300 receives both environmental parameters and vehicle parameters from the sensors 22 at block 306.
  • the base operating software 300 then transmits the parameters to the freshness prediction software 400 via the network 60 at block 308.
  • the base operating software 300 will then receive visual sensor alerts 56, the calculated current freshness 78, predicted level of freshness 80, and recommended operation commands 58.
  • the base operating software 300 will update the monitor 50 in FIG. 5 with the calculated current freshness 78, predicted level of freshness 80, visual sensor alerts 56, audible alerts 52, and recommended operation commands 58 at block 312.
  • the base operating software 300 will check whether the end user notification option 54 was turned on or off at block 312. If the end user notification option 54 was turned on then at block 316 the communication device 32 will send out a notification 100 to the proper end user(s) via the network 60. If the end user notification option 54 was turned off then the base operating software 300 will return to the beginning of the software cycle at block 304.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a freshness prediction software 400 architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the freshness prediction software 400 may be responsible for receiving and analyzing the parameters that are sent from the sensors 22 via the network 60 at block 404.
  • the freshness prediction software 400 will then analyze the parameters of a first sensor to determine if the parameters are outside a selected range at block 406. If the parameters are outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue an alert for the first sensor at block 408. If the parameters are not outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 will look to see if any other sensors remain to be checked at block 410.
  • the freshness prediction software 400 will analyze the parameters of the next sensor to determine if the parameters are outside a selected range at block 412. If the parameters are outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue an alert for the first sensor at block 414. If the parameters are not outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 will return to block 410 to analyze the next sensor. Once all the sensors have been analyzed, the freshness prediction software 400 will then place all the parameters into a freshness algorithm at block 416, which will determine a freshness level at block 418. At block 420, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue recommended operation commands 72 associated with the calculated freshness level 76 and sensor parameters. Lastly, at block 422 the freshness prediction software 400 will the relay alerts issued, the calculated freshness level 76, and the recommended operations commands 58 back to the base operating software 300.

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Abstract

A method for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container is presented. The method comprising: monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network; transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range; determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.

Description

PROGRAMMABLE FRESHNESS PROXY SENSORS AND ALARMS FOR MANAGING
COLD CHAIN QUALITY
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to cold chain distribution systems, more specifically to a method and system for detecting the freshness of perishable goods within a cold chain distribution system.
[0002] Typically, cold chain distribution systems are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods) that may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Perishable goods may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, and pharmaceuticals. Advantageously, cold chain distribution systems allow perishable goods to be effectively transported and distributed without damage or other undesirable effects.
[0003] Refrigerated trucks and trailers are commonly used to transport perishable goods in a cold chain distribution system. A transport refrigeration system is mounted to the truck or to the trailer in operative association with a cargo space defined within the truck or trailer for maintaining a controlled temperature environment within the cargo space.
[0004] Conventionally, transport refrigeration systems used in connection with refrigerated trucks and refrigerated trailers include a transport refrigeration unit having a refrigerant compressor, a condenser with one or more associated condenser fans, an expansion device, and an evaporator with one or more associated evaporator fans, which are connected via appropriate refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant flow circuit. Air or an air/ gas mixture is drawn from the interior volume of the cargo space by means of the evaporator fan(s) associated with the evaporator, passed through the airside of the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling the air. The cooled air is then supplied back to the cargo space.
[0005] The perishable goods may be inspected for freshness at various stages along the cold chain distribution system. However, the operation of the transport refrigeration unit may alter the freshness of the perishable goods before an inspection can be made. Improved systems and particularly improved freshness detection systems would provide cost benefits and reduce the chances damaging the perishable goods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] According to one embodiment, a method for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container is presented. The method comprising: monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network; transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range; determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include: monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network; determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a system for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container is presented. The system comprising: at least one sensor to monitor at least one environmental parameter, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one environmental parameter; a communication device to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit the at least one environmental parameter; a computing network to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit a notification to an end user when the at least one environmental parameter is outside a selected range; a processor to determine a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and a monitor to display the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the monitor displays the freshness level of the perishable goods.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include an audible alert to activate when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the at least one sensor monitors at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to the communication device; the communication device transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to an end user via a computing network; the processor determines a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and the monitor displays the recommended vehicle operation command.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
[0018] According to another embodiment, a computer program product tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations presented. The operations comprise: monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network; transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range; determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the computer program may include that the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the computer program may include that the operations further comprise: monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device; transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network; determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command.
[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the computer program may include that the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo- location.
[0024] Technical effects of embodiments include the ability to detect the freshness of perishable goods within a transport container.
[0025] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view a cold chain distribution system that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a base operating software architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a freshness prediction software architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a monitor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0032] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system 10 for tracking freshness of perishable goods 34 within a transport container 14, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view a cold chain distribution system 200 that may incorporate embodiments of the present disclosure. Typically, transport refrigeration systems 20 are used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (herein referred to as perishable goods 34) in various stages of a cold chain distribution system 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cold chain distribution system 200 may include harvest 204, packing 206, storage prior to transport 208, transport to distribution center 210, distribution center 212, transport to display 214, storage prior to display 216, display 218 and consumer 220. These stages are provided for illustrative purposes and a distribution chain may include fewer stages or additional stages, such as, for example a cleaning stage, a processing stage, and additional transportation stages. [0033] In the illustrated embodiment, a transport refrigeration system 20 includes a refrigerated transport container 14, a transport refrigeration unit 28 and perishable goods 34. The container 14 may be pulled by a tractor 12. It is understood that embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping containers that are shipped by rail, sea, or any other suitable container, without use of a tractor 12. The container 14 may define an interior compartment 18.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration unit 28 is associated with the container 14 to provide desired environmental parameters, such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions to the interior compartment 18. In further embodiments, the transport refrigeration unit 28 is a refrigeration system capable of providing a desired temperature and humidity range. The perishable goods 34 may include but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable cargo requiring cold chain transport.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration system 20 includes sensors 22. As seen in FIG. 1, the sensors 22 may be placed directly on the perishable goods 34. The sensors 22 may be utilized to monitor parameters. The parameters monitored may include environmental conditions that the perishable goods 34 are exposed to such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, and vibrations. Environmental condition may also include the weather outside of the transport container. Accordingly, suitable sensors 22 are utilized to monitor the desired parameters. Advantageously, sensors 22 may be selected for certain applications depending on the perishable goods 34 to be monitored and the corresponding environmental sensitivities. The sensors 22 may be programmed with selected ranges for specific parameters and if the parameters are outside the selected range the sensor 22 may flag the parameter. For instance, the sensors 22 may detect temperature and humidity for a particular perishable good because from these two environmental parameters, the freshness of the perishable goods may be determined. In this case, temperature and humidity serve as a proxy for freshness. In certain embodiments, a user desires to maintain and monitor temperatures or other parameters within a selected range. The preloaded ranges may include particular environmental parameter conditions ranges that may indicate freshness, such as, for example temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, and vibrations. In another example, a certain range of ethylene content may indicate a perishable good 34 is ripe but once outside that range the perishable good may be overripe. The sensor 22 may transmit the parameter information to a controller 30 and associated communication device 32.
[0036] As seen in the illustrated embodiment, sensors 22 may be used to monitor various vehicle parameters regarding the operation of the transport vehicle transporting the container 14 (e.g. the tractor 12 of FIG. 1). These sensors 22 may be placed in a variety of locations throughout the transport refrigeration system 20 including but not limited to on the transport refrigeration unit 28, on a door 36 of the container 14, throughout the interior compartment 18 and within the tractor 12. The sensors 22 may be placed directly within the transport refrigeration unit 28 to monitor the performance of the transport refrigeration unit 28. Individual components internal to the transport refrigeration unit 28 may also be monitored by sensors 22 to detect operation aspects of the overall transport refrigeration unit 28 and the individual components, including but not limited to operating electrical current, operating temperature, operating pressure, operating vibrations, operation cycles, and operation duration of the transport refrigeration unit 28. As seen in FIG. 1, the sensors 22 may also be placed on the door 36 of the container 14 to monitor the position of the door 36. Whether the door 36 is open or closed affects the temperature of the perishable goods 34. For instance, in hot weather, an open door 36 will allow cooled air to escape from the container 14, causing the temperature of the interior compartment 18 to rise and thus affecting the temperature of the perishable goods 34.
[0037] Additionally, the sensors 22 may be placed within the tractor 12 to monitor performance aspects of the vehicle including but not limited to vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location. Geo-locations monitors time -based locations of the tracker 12 and may assign the time-based locations to other vehicle parameters and environmental parameters. In order to determine the location, the location tracking sensor may utilize systems such as, for example global positioning system (GPS) or cellular triangulation.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transport refrigeration system 20 may further include, a controller 30 configured to log the parameters received from the sensors 22. The parameters may further be augmented with time, position stamps or other relevant information when logged as mentioned above. The controller 30 may be enclosed within the transport refrigeration unit 28 or the tractor 12. The controller 30 may also exist as a standalone unit. As shown, the controller 30 may include a processor 44, an associated memory 46, and base operating software 300. The processor 44 may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory 46 may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium. The base operating software 300, described in greater detail below, may be responsible for running routine operations of the transport refrigeration system 20 and the tractor 12.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration system 20 includes a communication module 32 in operative communication with the controller 30 and in wireless operative communication with a network 60. The communication module 32 is configured to transmit the parameters to the network 60 via wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, but is not limited to, radio, microwave, cellular, satellite, or another wireless communication method. The network 60 may be but is not limited to satellite networks, cellular networks, cloud computing network, wide area network, or another type of wireless network. The communication module 32 may include a short range interface, wherein the short range interface includes at least one of: a wired interface, an optical interface, and a short range wireless interface. As mentioned above, the communication device 32 may receive parameters from the sensors 22 and may then transmit the parameters to the network 60.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the network 60 includes a processor 64, a memory 66, and freshness prediction software 68. The processor 64 may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory 66 may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium. As mentioned above, the network 60 may receive parameters from the communication device 32. The communication device may then transmit a notification 100 to an end user when the parameters are outside of a selected range. In an embodiment, the notification 100 may be an alert sent wirelessly via the network 60 to an end user device 110 such as, for example, a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop computer or any similar device. The notification 100 may be an instantaneous alarm or a scheduled alarm for a later time. An end user may include a customer, a grocery store employee, and/or a distribution chain employee. The driver of the tracker 12 may also receive a similar notification. The freshness prediction software 68 may be responsible for receiving and analyzing the parameters that are sent from the sensors 22 via the network 60.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a monitor 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The monitor 50 may be such as, for example, a cellular phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, desktop computer or any similar device. In an embodiment, the monitor 50 may be a touch screen display. In an embodiment, the monitor 50 may include visual sensor alerts 56, audible alerts 52, an end user notification option 54, a freshness prediction graph 70, and recommend operation commands 58. The visual sensor alerts 56 will display or illuminate on the monitor 50 to identify which sensor 22 triggered the notification. For example, if the temperature of the perishable goods 34 was out of a selected range, the sensor 22 that detected the out of range temperature would display on the monitor 50. An audible alert 52 may accompany a visual sensor alert 56. The end user notification option 54 will determine whether an end user will receive the notification 100 and may be switched on or off. The freshness prediction graph 70 may map freshness versus time and show up-to-date freshness information of the perishable goods 34 utilizing the freshness prediction software 68 and parameters captured by the sensors 22. The freshness prediction graph 70 may be able to display daily freshness 72 or hourly freshness 74. The freshness prediction graph 70 will display the measured level of freshness 76, the current freshness 78, the predicted level of freshness 80 and the predicted delivery freshness 82. Based on the freshness prediction graph 70 and/or other vehicle parameters, the monitor 50 may display recommended operation commands 58 such as, for example "increase speed to 70 mph", "fill gas tank asap", and "delay stop overnight". Advantageously, the recommended operation commands 58 may help in ensuring that the perishable goods 34 reach peak freshness at the time of delivery. An audible alert 52 may accompany the recommended operation commands 58.
[0042] Referring now to FIGs. 1, 3 and 5. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a base operating software 300 architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the base operating software 300 will be located within the controller 30. The base operating software 300 may be responsible for running routine operations of the transport refrigeration system 20 and tractor 12 at block 304. The base operating software 300 receives both environmental parameters and vehicle parameters from the sensors 22 at block 306. The base operating software 300 then transmits the parameters to the freshness prediction software 400 via the network 60 at block 308. Once the freshness prediction software 400 has completed its analysis, at block 310 the base operating software 300 will then receive visual sensor alerts 56, the calculated current freshness 78, predicted level of freshness 80, and recommended operation commands 58. Next at block 312, the base operating software 300 will update the monitor 50 in FIG. 5 with the calculated current freshness 78, predicted level of freshness 80, visual sensor alerts 56, audible alerts 52, and recommended operation commands 58 at block 312. The base operating software 300 will check whether the end user notification option 54 was turned on or off at block 312. If the end user notification option 54 was turned on then at block 316 the communication device 32 will send out a notification 100 to the proper end user(s) via the network 60. If the end user notification option 54 was turned off then the base operating software 300 will return to the beginning of the software cycle at block 304.
[0043] Referring now to FIGs. 1, 4, and 5. FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a freshness prediction software 400 architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The freshness prediction software 400 may be responsible for receiving and analyzing the parameters that are sent from the sensors 22 via the network 60 at block 404. The freshness prediction software 400 will then analyze the parameters of a first sensor to determine if the parameters are outside a selected range at block 406. If the parameters are outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue an alert for the first sensor at block 408. If the parameters are not outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 will look to see if any other sensors remain to be checked at block 410. If there are more sensors to be checked, the freshness prediction software 400 will analyze the parameters of the next sensor to determine if the parameters are outside a selected range at block 412. If the parameters are outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue an alert for the first sensor at block 414. If the parameters are not outside the selected range, the freshness prediction software 400 will return to block 410 to analyze the next sensor. Once all the sensors have been analyzed, the freshness prediction software 400 will then place all the parameters into a freshness algorithm at block 416, which will determine a freshness level at block 418. At block 420, the freshness prediction software 400 may issue recommended operation commands 72 associated with the calculated freshness level 76 and sensor parameters. Lastly, at block 422 the freshness prediction software 400 will the relay alerts issued, the calculated freshness level 76, and the recommended operations commands 58 back to the base operating software 300.
[0044] While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:
1. A method for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container, the method comprising:
monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device;
transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network;
transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range;
determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and
displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container;
transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device;
transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network;
determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command. The method of claim 5, wherein:
the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
A system for tracking freshness of perishable goods within a transport container, the system comprising:
at least one sensor to monitor at least one environmental parameter, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one environmental parameter;
a communication device to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit the at least one environmental parameter;
a computing network to receive the at least one environmental parameter and transmit a notification to an end user when the at least one environmental parameter is outside a selected range;
a processor to determine a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and
a monitor to display the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
The system of claim 7, wherein:
the monitor displays the freshness level of the perishable goods.
The system of claim 7, wherein:
the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
The system of claim 7, further comprising:
an audible alert to activate when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
The system of claim 7, further comprising:
the at least one sensor monitors at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container, the at least one sensor transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to the communication device;
the communication device transmits the at least one vehicle parameter to an end user via a computing network;
the processor determines a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and the monitor displays the recommended vehicle operation command.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
13. A computer program product tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
monitoring, using at least one sensor, at least one environmental parameter; transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one environmental parameter to a communication device;
transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one environmental parameter to a computing network;
transmitting, using the computing network, a notification to an end user when the at least one parameter is outside a selected range;
determining, using a processor, a freshness level of the perishable goods based on the at least one environmental parameter; and
displaying, using a monitor, an alert identifying the at least one sensor that detected the at least one environmental parameter outside the selected range.
14. The computer program of claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise:
displaying, using the monitor, the freshness level of the perishable goods.
15. The computer program of claim 13, wherein:
the at least one environmental parameter is at least one of temperature, humidity, and vibration.
16. The computer program of claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise:
activating an audible alert when the at least one environmental parameter is outside the selected range.
17. The computer program of claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise:
monitoring, using the at least one sensor, at least one vehicle parameter of a vehicle transporting the transport container;
transmitting, using the at least one sensor, the at least one vehicle parameter to a communication device;
transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one vehicle parameter to a computing network; determining, using a processor, a recommended vehicle operation command based on at least one of the freshness level and the at least one vehicle parameter; and
displaying, using the monitor, the recommended vehicle operation command. The computer program of claim 17, wherein:
the at least one vehicle parameter is at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle gas use, vehicle mileage, and vehicle geo-location.
EP17715859.9A 2016-03-28 2017-03-22 Programmable freshness proxy sensors and alarms for managing cold chain quality Ceased EP3437043A1 (en)

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