FR3119913A1 - Traceability system for picked edible products - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (1) traces edible products picked and placed in first containers (6-1 - 6-16) emptied into second containers (7-1 - 7-6). Each first container (6-1 - 6-16) comprises a sensor (11) determining a first filling information, and a first communication device (12) associated with a first container identifier and determining, at the start of each emptying in a second container (7-1 – 7-6), the second container identifier of the latter and this first information in order to store them in a first record with this first container identifier. The system (1) also comprises a transport device (8) comprising a second communication device (13) determining the second container identifier, geographical position and withdrawal time of a second container (7-1 – 7-6) to store them in a second record, and third communication equipment (9) collecting the first and second records for accurate tracing. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Traceability system for picked edible products

The present invention relates to the traceability of edible products which are picked, possibly by pickers.

Currently, the traceability of edible products (fruits and vegetables) is relatively basic and mainly aimed at consumers. It consists in fact of indicating the producer, the country or the region where an edible product, offered for sale, was picked (or harvested), and in the best case the city closest to the place where it was picked, but not the precise place and time of its collection, which prevents the valuation of the latter and the provision of irrefutable proof of location.

Within large farms there is no real traceability (apart from declarative) even though, as for wines, the quality, the number of days since picking and the production yield of cultivated edible products can vary from one plot to another plot. In the absence of fine and automated traceability (at plot level, or even less) in a large farm, edible products of different quality and/or picked and/or put in containers with less precaution can be stored together and therefore can evolve differently, so that problems can appear several days after picking. In addition, the farmer cannot know in real time which pickers are less careful than others or which pickers have lower yield/precaution ratios than others, which does not allow him to intervene quickly to improve the situation. In addition, the farmer cannot know precisely on a complete harvest if some plots offer lower production yields and/or qualities than others, and if this varies from one year to the next. other.

The aim of the invention is in particular to improve the situation.

There is therefore in particular proposed a traceability system intended to trace edible products which are picked and placed in first containers intended to be emptied into second containers each comprising a transmitter/receiver tag storing a second container identifier and deposited in places filling.

• que chaque premier conteneur comprend un premier capteur déterminant une première information représentative de son remplissage, et un premier équipement de communication associé à un identifiant de premier conteneur et propre, au début de chaque vidage dans un second conteneur, à déterminer l’identifiant de second conteneur de ce second conteneur et cette première information déterminée par le premier capteur et à stocker dans un premier enregistrement cet identifiant de premier conteneur et ces identifiant de second conteneur et première information déterminés, et
• qu’il comprend, d’une part, au moins un dispositif de transport comprenant un deuxième équipement de communication propre à déterminer l’identifiant de second conteneur, une position géographique et un horaire de retrait d’un second conteneur qu’il récupère pour le transporter, et à stocker dans un second enregistrement ces identifiant de second conteneur, position géographique et horaire de retrait déterminés, et, d’autre part, au moins un troisième équipement de communication propre à collecter les premiers et seconds enregistrements en vue d’une détermination d’information de remplissage et de lieux et horaires de cueillette des produits comestibles contenus dans chacun des seconds conteneurs récupérés.

The system according to the invention is characterized by the fact:

• that each first container comprises a first sensor determining first information representative of its filling, and a first communication device associated with an identifier of the first container and able, at the start of each emptying into a second container, to determine the identifier of the second container of this second container and this first information determined by the first sensor and in storing in a first record this identifier of the first container and these identifiers of the second container and first information determined, and
• that it comprises, on the one hand, at least one transport device comprising a second communication device suitable for determining the identifier of the second container, a geographical position and a time of withdrawal of a second container that it recovers for to transport it, and to store in a second record these identifiers of the second container, geographical position and time of withdrawal determined, and, on the other hand, at least one third communication device suitable for collecting the first and second records with a view to a determination of filling information and of places and times for picking up the edible products contained in each of the second containers retrieved.

Thus, we now have fine and automated, qualitative and/or quantitative, geographical and temporal traceability, making it possible to provide irrefutable proof of the location of edible products picked and placed in a second container, to estimate at least roughly the quality picking which will have an influence on the quality of the edible products contained in each second container with a view to possible sorting by quality and obtaining statistical information on the day on which maturity begins in each plot, the yield of each plot, and the real-time quantity of edible products picked (possibly by each picker (or set of pickers)). This traceability allows very advantageously a valuation of the picking (or harvest).

• chaque premier conteneur peut comprendre un deuxième capteur déterminant une deuxième information représentative d’un choc subi par son premier conteneur pendant un remplissage afin de la fournir au premier équipement de communication associé pour qu’il la stocke dans un premier enregistrement correspondant. Dans ce cas, chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à collecter les premiers et seconds enregistrements en vue d’une détermination d’une première condition de cueillette des produits comestibles contenus dans les seconds conteneurs récupérés, représentative d’une première précaution prise ;
• chaque premier conteneur peut comprendre un troisième capteur déterminant une troisième information représentative d’une vitesse de remplissage et/ou une quatrième information représentative d’une vitesse de vidage de son premier conteneur afin de la/les fournir au premier équipement de communication associé pour qu’il la/les stocke dans un premier enregistrement correspondant. Dans ce cas, chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à collecter les premiers et seconds enregistrements en vue d’une détermination d’une deuxième condition de cueillette et/ou d’une troisième condition de cueillette des produits comestibles contenus dans les seconds conteneurs récupérés, représentatives respectivement de deuxième et troisième précautions prises ;
• chaque premier conteneur peut comprendre un quatrième capteur déterminant une cinquième information représentative de son remplissage et différente d’une première information, afin de la fournir au premier équipement de communication associé pour qu’il la stocke dans un premier enregistrement correspondant ;
• chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à paramétrer et/ou tester chaque premier capteur et/ou chaque deuxième capteur et/ou chaque troisième capteur et/ou chaque quatrième capteur avant un début de remplissage d’un second conteneur ;
• les première et cinquième informations peuvent être choisies parmi un niveau de remplissage et un poids de produits comestibles cueillis ;
• en présence de la dernière option, chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à déterminer le poids de produits comestibles cueillis avec un premier conteneur associé dans un intervalle de temps choisi ;
• également en présence de la dernière option, chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à déterminer le poids de produits comestibles vidés dans un second conteneur avec un premier conteneur associé dans un intervalle de temps choisi ;
• chaque dispositif de transport peut être propre à transporter au moins un second conteneur en un lieu de remplissage. Dans ce cas, chaque deuxième équipement de communication peut être propre à déterminer un horaire de dépose d’un second conteneur transporté par son dispositif de transport afin de le stocker dans un second enregistrement correspondant, et chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à collecter les premiers et seconds enregistrements en vue d’une détermination d’une quatrième condition de cueillette des produits comestibles contenus dans les seconds conteneurs récupérés, représentative d’une vitesse de remplissage du second conteneur correspondant ;
• chaque dispositif de transport peut comprendre un capteur propre à déterminer un poids de produits comestibles contenus dans un second conteneur transporté. Dans ce cas, chaque deuxième équipement de communication peut être propre à déterminer un poids de produits comestibles contenus dans un second conteneur transporté par son dispositif de transport afin de le stocker dans un second enregistrement correspondant, et chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à collecter les premiers et seconds enregistrements en vue d’une détermination d’une cinquième condition de cueillette des produits comestibles contenus dans les seconds conteneurs récupérés, représentative d’une quatrième précaution prise pour chaque second conteneur ;
• en cas d’entreposage des seconds conteneurs dans un entrepôt, il peut comprendre un quatrième équipement de communication destiné à être installé à une entrée de cet entrepôt et propre à déterminer chaque identifiant de second conteneur de chaque second conteneur pénétrant dans cet entrepôt. Dans ce cas, chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à collecter chaque identifiant de second conteneur déterminé par ce quatrième équipement de communication en vue d’une gestion d’entreposage des produits comestibles cueillis ;
• chaque troisième équipement de communication peut être propre à estimer sur un intervalle de temps choisi et pour une équipe d’au moins un cueilleur choisie un rendement de cueillette et/ou une qualité de cueillette en fonction des contenus des premiers et seconds enregistrements correspondant à chaque cueilleur de cette équipe pendant cet intervalle de temps choisi.

The system according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• each first container can comprise a second sensor determining a second piece of information representative of a shock suffered by its first container during filling in order to provide it to the first associated communication equipment so that it stores it in a first corresponding record. In this case, each third communication device can be suitable for collecting the first and second recordings with a view to determining a first condition for picking up the edible products contained in the second recovered containers, representative of a first precaution taken;
• each first container may comprise a third sensor determining third information representative of a filling speed and/or fourth information representative of an emptying speed of its first container in order to supply it/them to the associated first communication equipment so that it stores it/them in a first matching record. In this case, each third communication device can be suitable for collecting the first and second recordings with a view to determining a second picking condition and/or a third picking condition of the edible products contained in the second containers recovered, representative respectively of second and third precautions taken;
• each first container may comprise a fourth sensor determining fifth information representative of its filling and different from a first information, in order to supply it to the first associated communication equipment so that it stores it in a first corresponding record;
• each third communication device can be able to configure and/or test each first sensor and/or each second sensor and/or each third sensor and/or each fourth sensor before filling a second container begins;
• the first and fifth information can be chosen from a filling level and a weight of picked edible products;
• in the presence of the last option, each third communication device can be able to determine the weight of edible products picked with a first associated container in a chosen time interval;
• also in the presence of the last option, each third communication device can be able to determine the weight of edible products emptied into a second container with an associated first container in a chosen time interval;
• each transport device can be suitable for transporting at least one second container to a filling location. In this case, each second communication device can be able to determine a drop-off time for a second container transported by its transport device in order to store it in a corresponding second record, and each third communication device can be able to collect the first and second recordings with a view to determining a fourth condition for picking up the edible products contained in the second containers collected, representative of a rate of filling of the corresponding second container;
• each transport device can comprise a sensor able to determine a weight of edible products contained in a second transported container. In this case, each second communication device can be able to determine a weight of edible products contained in a second container transported by its transport device in order to store it in a corresponding second record, and each third communication device can be specific to collecting the first and second records with a view to determining a fifth condition for picking up the edible products contained in the recovered second containers, representative of a fourth precaution taken for each second container;
• in the event of storage of the second containers in a warehouse, it may comprise a fourth communication device intended to be installed at an entrance to this warehouse and capable of determining each second container identifier of each second container entering this warehouse. In this case, each third communication device can be able to collect each second container identifier determined by this fourth communication device with a view to managing the storage of the picked edible products;
• each third communication device can be capable of estimating over a chosen time interval and for a team of at least one chosen picker a picking yield and/or a picking quality as a function of the contents of the first and second recordings corresponding to each picker of this team during this chosen time interval.

The invention will be better understood using the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the attached drawing in which:

the schematically and functionally illustrates an example of a farm comprising a cultivable area subdivided into plots and an example embodiment of a traceability system according to the invention in full use during a harvest.

The aim of the invention is in particular to propose a traceability system 1 intended to equip a farm 2 comprising a cultivable area 3 in which edible products of at least one type are grown, in order to allow fine, automated, qualitative traceability. and/or quantitative, geographical and almost in real time of the edible products picked (or harvested) and therefore an enhancement of the picking (or harvest).

We have schematically and functionally represented on the an example of a farm 2 comprising a cultivable area 3 subdivided into plots 4-i, a warehouse 5 for temporarily storing the edible products picked (or harvested), possibly by pickers (the invention also relates to mechanical picking), and an exemplary embodiment of a traceability system 1 according to the invention during a harvest. In this example, cultivable area 3 is subdivided into six parcels 4-1 to 4-6 (i = 1 to 6). But the cultivable zone 3 can comprise any number of plots 4-i as long as this number is at least equal to two.

It is considered in the following, by way of illustrative example, that the edible products grown in cultivable zone 3 are fruits, such as apples. But the invention relates to any type of cultivable edible product, whether it is a fruit or a vegetable.

As illustrated on the , a traceability system 1, according to the invention, comprises at least first containers 6-j, second containers 7-k, a transport device 8, and a (third) communication device 9. It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation on the the traceability system 1 only includes a single transport device 8 and a single third communication device 9. But a traceability system 1 can include any number of transport devices 8 provided that this number is at least equal to one, and any number of third communication devices 9 provided that this number is at least equal to one.

Each first container 6-j is used and transported during a harvest within a plot 4-i, possibly by a picker having a picker identifier, and is associated with its own first container identifier. A first container 6-j can, for example, be a crate or a hood or a basket or even a messenger bag. It will be noted that during a harvest a picker can possibly work in several 4-i plots. The correspondence between the picker identifiers and the first container identifiers can, for example, be stored in a correspondence table of a third communication device 9. It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation on the , the number of first 6-j containers used is equal to sixteen (i.e. j = 1 to 16). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to two.

Each first container 6-j is intended to be emptied, possibly by the associated picker when he considers it sufficiently full, into at least one second container 7-k temporarily installed in a filling place within a plot 4- i. A second container 7-k can, for example, be a crate, possibly of the pallet type (or “palox”).

Each second container 7-k comprises a transmitter/receiver beacon 10 storing a second container identifier. For example, this transmitter/receiver tag 10 can be of the RFID type (“Radio Frequency IDentification” - very short-range radio-identification technique) or NFC (“Near Field Communication” - near field communication). in the example illustrated without limitation on the , the number of second 7-k containers used is equal to nine (that is, k = 1 to 9). But this number can take any value greater than or equal to two. It will also be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation on the , at the time considered there is only one second 7-k container in each 4-i parcel. But during a harvest there can be several (at least two) second 7-k containers at a given time in at least one 4-i plot. The correspondence between the second container identifiers and the parcel identifiers can, for example, be stored in a correspondence table of a third communication device 9.

Each first container 6-j comprises at least a first sensor 11 and a (first) communication device 12. Each first sensor 11 is arranged so as to determine a first piece of information which is representative of the filling of its first container 6-j. Each first communication device 12 is associated with a first container identifier and capable, at the start of each emptying in a second 7-k container, of determining the second container identifier of this second 7-k container and the first information determined by the associated first sensor 11 and storing in a first record this first container identifier and these second container identifiers and first information determined. Each first communication device 12 communicates over the air, at least according to the communication protocol used by the transmitter/receiver beacons 10 of the second containers 7-k, in order to be able to obtain (or determine) their second container identifier.

The (each) transport device 8 comprises a second communication device 13 which is capable of determining the identifier of the second container, the geographical position and the time of withdrawal of a second container 7-k which it recovers for the transport when sufficiently full. In addition, each second communication device 13 is able to store in a second record the second container identifier, geographic position and withdrawal time determined for a second 7-k container that it recovers (or takes over). Each geographical position can, for example, be obtained by a positioning device that comprises the second communication device 13 (or the transport device 8). This positioning device may be of the GPS (Global Positioning System) type, but this is not mandatory. Indeed, the positioning can be done by means of beacons or by triangulation within a communication network (possibly local (or LAN (“Local Area Network”, for example of the LoRa or SigFox type))), in particular when the picking is not done outside.

For example, the (each) transport device 8 can be a motorized vehicle of the all-terrain pallet truck or all-terrain forklift type (possibly with a cockpit).

Also for example, the first 12 and second 13 communication devices 13 can communicate by way of short or medium range waves. For example, these communications can be done by WiFi or Bluetooth.

The (each) third communication device 9 is suitable for collecting the first and second records stored by the first 12 and second 13 communication devices 13 with a view to determining filling information and the places and times for picking up the products edible contained in each of the second containers 7-k recovered by the (one) transport device 8.

It will be understood that thanks to the contents of the first and second records it is now possible to provide irrefutable proof of location of the edible products picked and placed in a second 7-k container, to estimate at least roughly the quality of the picking that will have an influence on the quality of the edible products contained in each second 7-k container for possible sorting by quality and obtaining statistical information on the day when maturity begins in each 4-i plot, the yield of each 4-i plot, and the real-time quantity of edible products picked, possibly by each picker (or set of pickers), which allows the farmer to intervene quickly if necessary. In other words, the farmer has fine and automated, qualitative and/or quantitative, geographical and temporal traceability. This traceability allows very advantageously a valuation of the picking (or harvest).

For example, the (each) third communication device 9 can be an intelligent mobile telephone (or “smartphone”), a communicating electronic tablet or a portable computer. All the functionalities of this third communication equipment item 9 are controlled by dedicated software (or dedicated software modules (or "software") or a dedicated computer program) 20 executed by at least one processor (or one processing unit) associated with at least one memory. Such a processor can, for example, be a digital signal processor (or DSP (“Digital Signal Processor”)). Furthermore, such a memory stores data files and computer program(s) whose instructions are intended to be executed by the processor (or the processing unit) and which may, for example, be of the RAM type ( “Random Access Memory”).

It is important to note that the analyzes of the data and information contained in the first and second recordings retrieved by the (each) third communication device 9 can be done in the latter (9). But this is not mandatory. It is in fact possible to envisage that the (each) third communication device 9 transmits the first and second records retrieved (or part of their contents) to a computer (or a server (possibly Internet)) so that it analyzes them and makes , for example, statistics (or consolidations) by 4-i plot or by team of pickers, or even by picker. A graphical display of at least some of the analyzes and/or information obtained by at least some of the sensors can be obtained. A multi-criteria analysis of the data (or information) can also be obtained and displayed. Alert management can also be displayed.

It will be noted that the first 12 and second 13 communication devices 13 each comprise a dedicated computer program executed by at least an internal processor (or processing unit) associated with at least one internal memory, and allowing them to ensure all their functions (obtaining data and communications).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in the , each first container 6-j can comprise a second sensor 14 arranged so as to determine a second piece of information which is representative of a shock suffered by its first container 6-j during filling in order to supply it to the associated first communication equipment 12 so that it stores it in a first corresponding record (with the other aforementioned information or data). In this case, the (each) third communication device 9 is suitable for collecting the first and second recordings with a view to determining a first condition for picking up the edible products which are contained in the second containers 7-k recovered. This first picking condition is representative of a first precaution taken by each picker. It will in fact be understood that the more a first container 6-j is subject to shocks and/or the greater the intensity of a shock undergone by a first container 6-j, the more the edible products contained in this first container 6 -j risk being degraded and therefore the more likely they are to rot quickly after picking, or even to be unsaleable. This allows the farmer to intervene quickly if necessary, in order to improve the quality of the harvest, and therefore makes it possible to downgrade fewer edible products and thus to enhance production.

For example, each first communication device 12 can manage a shock counter which it increments by one each time a shock (possibly greater than a threshold intensity or identified by artificial intelligence) is detected by the second sensor 14 associated , and can deliver a first warning signal when the value of this counter reaches a predefined value. This first alert signal can be integrated into a first recording, and/or can trigger the broadcast of a first audible alert signal by a small loudspeaker or buzzer of the first container 6-j concerned. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to deduce, through a sequence of movements, the behaviors that are likely to damage the edible products picked.

Each first communication device 12 can possibly be arranged in such a way as to discriminate a shock due to a lack of precaution, from a shock resulting from a movement of the picker on a ladder.

By way of non-limiting example, each second sensor 14 can include at least one accelerometer.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in the , that each first container 6-j can comprise a third sensor 15 arranged so as to determine a third item of information which is representative of a filling speed and/or a fourth item of information which is representative of an emptying speed of its first container 6-j in order to provide it/them to the first associated communication equipment 12 so that it stores it/them in a first corresponding record. The filling speed is determined from the filling level of the first container 6-j and the time given by the real-time clock. In the presence of a third sensor 15, the (each) third communication device 9 is able to collect the first and second recordings with a view to determining a second picking condition and/or a third picking condition edible products contained in the recovered second 7-k containers. This second picking condition is representative of a second precaution taken, and this third picking condition is representative of a third precaution taken. When a first container 6-j is filled quickly, this may possibly indicate that the picker takes little care in depositing the picked edible products, and therefore the latter risk being degraded. Similarly, the faster a first container 6-j is emptied into a second container 7-k, the less precaution the picker takes to deposit the picked edible products in this second container 7-k and therefore the more the picked edible products risk being be degraded. This allows the farmer to intervene quickly if necessary, with a view to improving the quality of the harvest, and therefore makes it possible to reinforce fine and automated traceability.

For example, each first communication device 12 can deliver a second alert signal when the filling or emptying speed of its first container 6-j is greater than a predefined value. This second alert signal can be integrated into a first recording, and/or can trigger the broadcasting of a second audible alert signal by a small loudspeaker or buzzer of the first container 6-j concerned.

By way of non-limiting example, each third sensor 15 may comprise at least one ultrasonic detector and/or one micro-camera associated with an image analyzer, as well as possibly at least one switch (or "switch" - sequence switch / pressure sensor to detect the filling / emptying of the first container 6-j mechanically). It is also possible to carry out a filtering (for example of the Kalman type) to eliminate the non-usable measurements (for example when a hand passes in front of the detector when depositing an edible product in a first container 6-j). It will be noted that instead of using at least one ultrasonic detector, it is possible to use at least one optical detector. It is also possible to use ultrasonic or laser distance detectors associated with image processing, or weight or pressure detectors on the edges or straps of the first 6-j containers.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in the , that each first container 6-j can comprise a fourth sensor 16 arranged in such a way as to determine fifth information which is representative of its filling and which is different from a first information in order to supply it to the first communication equipment 12 associated so that ' it stores it in a first matching record.

For example, the first and fifth pieces of information can be chosen from among a level of filling and a weight of picked edible products. Thus, each first sensor 11 can, for example, determine a first piece of information representative of the level of filling of its first container 6-j, and each fourth sensor 16 can, for example, determine a fifth piece of information representative of the weight of the edible products picked and placed in its first 6-j container. In this case, each first sensor 11 can include at least one ultrasonic sensor, and each fourth sensor 16 can include at least one pressure sensor. But in a variant embodiment, each first sensor 11 could determine a first piece of information representative of the weight, and each fourth sensor 16 could determine a fifth piece of information representative of the filling level.

When the third sensor 15 comprises a micro-camera associated with an image analyzer, the latter can optionally record an image of the upper part of its first container 6-j before each emptying (which can then, optionally, be integrated into a first record). This image can then serve as proof of filling and can make it possible to confirm the filling level of the first container 6-j before emptying (determined by the first 11 or fourth 16 sensor).

It is also possible if necessary to carry out a filtering of each level of filling and/or of each weight (for example of the Kalman type) to improve the precision of the measurements. To eliminate non-usable measurements or perform a smoothing of measurements, it is possible to carry out a numerical or statistical filtering.

When each first container 6-j comprises first 11 and fourth 16 sensors, the (each) third communication device 9 can, for example, be able to determine the weight of edible products picked by a picker with a first container 6-j associated in a chosen time interval. This allows the farmer to intervene quickly if necessary, for example to take stock of yield objectives and/or to improve the gesture of picking or emptying the first 6-d container.

Likewise, when each first container 6-j comprises first 11 and fourth 16 sensors, the (each) third communication device 9 can, for example, be able to determine the weight of edible products emptied into a second container 7- k by a picker with a first container 6-j associated in a chosen time interval. This allows the farmer to know almost in real time the respective contributions of the different pickers supplying a second 7-k container, and to deduce therefrom information representative of the average quality of the edible products contained in this second 7-k container. , and therefore makes it possible to strengthen fine and automated traceability.

Note that the weight can also be obtained when the second 7-k containers arrive at a weighing station. When you only have a distance sensor, you can obtain later (for example the next day) an evaluation of the caliber of edible products, and no longer in real time (but this is always before packaging).

It will also be noted that each third communication device 9 can be able to configure and/or test each first sensor 11 and/or each second sensor 14 and/or each third sensor 15 and/or each fourth sensor 16 before a start of filling of a second 7-k container. This allows you to perform a calibration of each sensor and/or to check if each sensor is working correctly.

It will also be noted that the (each) transport device 8 can be suitable for transporting at least one second container 7-k to a filling location. In this case, each second communication device 13 may be able to determine a drop-off schedule for a second container 7-k which has been transported by the (its) transport device 8 in order to store it in a corresponding second record. The (each) third communication device 9 is then able to collect the first and second recordings with a view to determining a fourth condition for picking up the edible products contained in the second containers 7-k recovered. This fourth picking condition is representative of the filling speed of the corresponding second container 7-k. It will indeed be understood that when we know the reception volume of a second container 7-k and the times of deposit and recovery of the latter (7-k), we can deduce the filling speed of this second container 7-k. This allows the farmer to know almost in real time the performance of a team of pickers feeding a second container 7-k, and to deduce therefrom information representative of the average quality of the edible products contained in this second container 7 -k, and therefore makes it possible to reinforce fine and automated traceability.

But the second 7-k containers could possibly be deposited by hand in the 4-i parcels when their weight is low (for example in the case of crates).

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in the , that the (each) transport device 8 may comprise a sensor 17 capable of determining the weight of the edible products which are contained in a second transported container 7-k. In this case, each second communication device 13 can be able to determine the weight of the edible products contained in the second container 7-k transported by the (its) transport device 8 in order to store it in a corresponding second record. The (each) third communication device 9 is then able to collect the first and second recordings with a view to determining a fifth condition for picking up the edible products which are contained in the second containers 7-k recovered. This fifth picking condition is representative of a fourth precaution taken for each second 7-k container. It will be understood that the greater the weight of a second 7-k container, the more part of the edible products contained in the latter (7-k) risks being degraded and therefore it risks rotting quickly after picking, or even to be unsaleable. This allows the farmer to intervene quickly if necessary, with a view to improving the quality of the harvest, and therefore makes it possible to improve the valuation of the harvest (or picking).

In order for a transport device 8 to know if a second container 7-k, to which it has just been coupled, is sufficiently full, its second communication equipment 13 can, for example, be arranged in such a way as to trigger weighing just after this coupling. If the measured weight is less than a predefined weight, then the transport device 8 must wait for the end of filling (if one is far enough from the predefined weight, the transport device 8 can be moved to another second container 7- k fuller). On the other hand, if the measured weight is greater than or equal to the predefined weight, then the transport device 8 can leave with the second container 7-k in order to go and store it or transfer it to a vehicle responsible for going there. store or to go to a weighing station. Weighing at the place of filling can also be used to consolidate the results of the estimates relating to the first 6-d containers in order to refine the measurement of individual yield.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in the , that in the event of storage of the second containers 7-k in a warehouse 5, the traceability system 1 can comprise a fourth communication equipment 18 intended to be installed at an entrance 19 of this warehouse 5 (through which the (each) transport device 8 or a vehicle in which the latter (8) has transferred the second 7-k containers that it has recovered) and capable of determining each second container identifier of each second 7-k container entering the warehouse 5. In this case, the (each) third communication device 9 is suitable for collecting each second container identifier determined by the fourth communication device 18 with a view to managing the storage of the edible products picked and contained in the second 7-k containers collected from the 4-i plots. It will indeed be understood that this can in particular allow the farmer to store, immediately (or shortly after their arrival), in areas dedicated respectively to the different qualities and possibly different average sizes, the second 7-k containers depending their quality and possible estimated average size before arriving at the warehouse 5 by the (a) third communication equipment 9. This allows the farmer to carry out a possible sorting by quality and caliber, and therefore makes it possible to reinforce fine and automated traceability and to enhance the harvest (or picking). Storage can also be assisted by a positioning device by beacons or by triangulation within a communication network (possibly local (or LAN)).

Each fourth communication device 18 communicates over the air, at least according to the communication protocol used by the transmitter/receiver beacons 10 of the second containers 7-k, in order to be able to obtain (or determine) their second container identifier. Preferably, each fourth communication device 18 also communicates over the airwaves according to the communication protocol used by the (each) third communication device 9.

It will also be noted that each third communication device 9 can be suitable for estimating over a chosen time interval and for a team of at least one chosen picker a picking yield and/or a picking quality according to the contents of the first and second records corresponding to each picker of this team during this selected time interval.

It should also be noted that all or part of the information relating to each second 7-k container (day and time of picking, place of filling, weight, quality, calibration) can be edited on a traceability sheet, digital or paper.

It will also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed appear to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in the light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them. In the detailed presentation of the invention which is made above, the terms used must not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiments set out in the present description, but must be interpreted to include therein all the equivalents whose provision is within the reach of those skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims (12)

Traceability system (1) for tracing edible products picked and placed in first containers (6-j) intended to be emptied into second containers (7-k) each comprising a transmitter/receiver tag (10) storing an identifier of second container and deposited in filling places,
characterized in that each first container (6-j) comprises a first sensor (11) determining first information representative of its filling, and a first communication device (12) associated with a first container identifier and specific to it, at the start of each emptying into a second container (7-k), determining the second container identifier of this second container (7-k) and said first information determined by said first sensor (11) and storing in a first record said identifier first container and said second container identifier and first information determined,
and in that it comprises i) at least one transport device (8) comprising a second communication device (13) able to determine the identifier of the second container, a geographical position and a time of withdrawal of a second container (7-k) that he recovers to transport it, and to store in a second record said second container identifier, geographical position and time of withdrawal determined, and ii) at least one third communication equipment (9) suitable for collecting said first and second recordings with a view to determining filling information and places and times for picking up the edible products contained in each of said second containers (7-k) retrieved. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that each first container (6-j) comprises a second sensor (14) determining a second piece of information representative of a shock suffered by its first container (6-j) during filling in order to supply to the associated first communication equipment (12) so that it stores it in a corresponding first record, and in that each third communication equipment (9) is able to collect said first and second records for a determination of a first condition for picking up the edible products contained in said recovered second containers (7-k), representative of a first precaution taken. System according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each first container (6-j) comprises a third sensor (15) determining third information representative of a filling speed and/or fourth information representative of a filling speed. emptying of its first container (6-j) in order to provide it/them to the associated first communication equipment (12) so that it stores it/them in a corresponding first record, and in that each third communication equipment (9 ) is suitable for collecting said first and second records with a view to determining a second picking condition and/or a third picking condition of the edible products contained in said recovered second containers (7-k), respectively representative second and third precautions taken. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each first container (6-j) comprises a fourth sensor (16) determining fifth information representative of its filling and different from a first information, in order to supply it to the first associated communication equipment (12) so that it stores it in a first corresponding record. System according to the combination of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each third communication device (9) is suitable for configuring and/or testing each first sensor (11) and/or each second sensor (14) and/or each third sensor (15) and/or each fourth sensor (16) before a start of filling of a second container (7-k). System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 and 5 taken in combination with Claim 4, characterized in that the said first and fifth pieces of information are chosen from among a filling level and a weight of picked edible products. System according to Claim 6, characterized in that each third communication device (9) is able to determine the weight of edible products picked with a first container (6-j) associated in a chosen time interval. System according to one of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that each third communication device (9) is suitable for determining the weight of edible products emptied into a second container (7-k) with a first container (6-j ) associated in a chosen time interval. System according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each transport device (8) is capable of transporting at least one second container (7-k) to a filling location, in that each second communication device (13) is suitable for determining a drop-off schedule for a second container (7-k) transported by its transport device (8) in order to store it in a corresponding second record, and in that each third communication device ( 9) is suitable for collecting said first and second recordings with a view to determining a fourth condition for picking up the edible products contained in said recovered second containers (7-k), representative of a filling speed of the second container ( 7-k) corresponding. System according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each transport device (8) comprises a sensor (17) able to determine a weight of edible products contained in a second container (7-k) transported, in that each second communication device (13) is able to determine a weight of edible products contained in a second container (7-k) transported by its transport device (8) in order to store it in a corresponding second record, and in that that each third communication device (9) is suitable for collecting said first and second recordings with a view to determining a fifth condition for picking up the edible products contained in said second containers (7-k) recovered, representative of a fourth precaution taken for each second container (7-k). System according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the event of storage of the said second containers (7-k) in a warehouse (5), it comprises a fourth communication equipment (18) intended to be installed at an entrance (19) of said warehouse (5) and capable of determining each second container identifier of each second container (7-k) entering said warehouse (5), and in that each third communication device (9) is capable of collecting each second container identifier determined by said fourth communication equipment (18) with a view to managing the storage of said picked edible products. System according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that each third communication device (9) is capable of estimating over a chosen time interval and for a team of at least one chosen picker a picking yield and/or or a picking quality depending on the contents of said first and second records corresponding to each picker of this team during said selected time interval.