WO2017189485A1 - Système d'état de produit périssable comprenant un réseau maillé sans fil ad hoc de détecteurs - Google Patents

Système d'état de produit périssable comprenant un réseau maillé sans fil ad hoc de détecteurs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017189485A1
WO2017189485A1 PCT/US2017/029252 US2017029252W WO2017189485A1 WO 2017189485 A1 WO2017189485 A1 WO 2017189485A1 US 2017029252 W US2017029252 W US 2017029252W WO 2017189485 A1 WO2017189485 A1 WO 2017189485A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detector
detectors
networked
set forth
condition
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Application number
PCT/US2017/029252
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Cronin
Michael Glynn D'ANDREA
Original Assignee
Carrier Corporation
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 Corporation filed Critical Carrier Corporation
Priority to EP17721303.0A priority Critical patent/EP3449440A1/fr
Priority to CN201780026261.2A priority patent/CN109074541A/zh
Publication of WO2017189485A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017189485A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a perishable product condition system, and more particularly, to a perishable product condition system having an ad-hoc wireless mesh network of detectors.
  • a computer implemented method of operating a product condition system includes monitoring a perishable product by a plurality of networked detectors; detecting a first condition by a first detector of the plurality of networked detectors; transmitting a first data package indicative of the first condition by the first detector and through at least one other detector; and sending the first data package by the at least one other detector to a monitoring terminal.
  • the method includes detecting a second condition by a second detector of the plurality of detectors; transmitting a second data package indicative of the second condition by the second detector to the at least one other detector; and prioritizing the first and second data packages by the at least one other detector before passing through the data package with the highest priority.
  • the first and second data packages include detector identifications of the respective first and second detectors.
  • each one of the plurality of networked detectors is a wireless electronic device.
  • each one of the plurality of networked detectors communicate wirelessly.
  • each one of the plurality of networked detectors include at least one sensor, a micro-controller configured to process data received from the sensor, a transceiver configured to transmit sensor data processed by the micro-controller to at least one other detector of the plurality of networked detectors, and a computer readable storage medium.
  • the method includes monitoring for new detectors by the plurality of networked detectors; detecting a new detector by at least one of the plurality of networked detectors; and downloading an alert database from the at least one of the plurality of networked detectors to the new detector.
  • the method includes monitoring for new detectors; detecting a new detector by at least one of the plurality of networked detectors; and downloading an alert database from the at least one of the plurality of networked detectors to the new detector.
  • the first data package includes an alert and the second data package does not.
  • the first data package includes an alert associated with an alert threshold prescribed in the alert database, and the second data package does not.
  • a computer program product for preserving perishable products stored within a containment includes pass-thru software stored in a computer readable medium of each one of a plurality of networked detectors, the pass-thru software configured to enable one detector of the plurality of networked detectors to pass-thru at least one data package received by at least one other detector; and prioritization software stored in the computer readable medium of each one of a plurality of networked detectors, and configured to prioritize the at least one data package thereby controlling with one of the at least one data package passes thru first.
  • the computer program product includes handshake software stored in each one of a plurality of networked detectors, and configured to poll for a new detector being added to the plurality of networked detectors and download an alert table stored in the computer readable storage medium of each one of the plurality of networked detectors to the new detector.
  • the alert table includes an alert threshold.
  • the alert table includes a detector identification.
  • the alert threshold is based on temperature.
  • the alert threshold is based on ethaline concentration.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a tractor trailer system as one, non-limiting, application of a cargo transport system of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic of the cargo transport system
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic of a product condition system of the cargo transport system
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detector of the cargo transport system secured to a perishable product
  • FIG. 5 is a pre-programmed product type table of the product condition system
  • FIG. 6 is a second tier of the product type table
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of operating the product condition system
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic of the product condition system illustrated a plurality of ad hoc networked detectors
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic of the networked detector
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart generally associated with handshake software of each detector
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart generally associated with the coordination of base software of each detector;
  • FIG. 13 is a flow chart generally associated with alert software of each detector;
  • FIG. 14 is a table illustrating one example of an alert database of each detector.
  • the tractor trailer system 20 may include a tractor 22, a trailer 24 and a cargo transport system 26 utilized to control environmental parameters.
  • the tractor 22 may include an operator's compartment or cab 28 and an engine (not shown) which is part of the powertrain or drive system of the tractor 22.
  • the trailer 24 may include a plurality of wheels 30 rotationally engaged to a frame or platform 32 that may be detachably coupled to the tractor 22.
  • the frame 32 is constructed to support the cargo transport system 26 for ground transport to desired destinations.
  • the cargo transport system 26 may be an integral part of the frame 32, or, may be constructed for removal from the frame. It is contemplated and understood that the transport containment assembly 26 may be constructed for other types of transportation other than tractor trailer systems and/or may be adapted for use in multiple types of transportation (e.g., ground, sea, and/or air).
  • the cargo transport system 26 may include a container 34 and an environmental control assembly 36.
  • the container 34 may include top, bottom, two sides, front and rear walls 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 (also see FIG. 2) that together define the boundaries of a cargo compartment or space 50.
  • the environmental control assembly 36 may be an integral part of the container 34 and may be located at or near the front wall 46.
  • the environmental control assembly 36 facilitates the control of environmental parameters within the cargo compartment 50.
  • the container 34 may further include doors (not shown) at the rear wall 48, or any other wall. It is contemplated and understood that the container 34 may be any shape and, in some applications, may not be completely enclosed (e.g., no top wall 38 and/or no side walls 42, 44, etc.).
  • the environmental control assembly 36 may include a refrigeration unit 52, a humidity control unit 54, an air exchange unit 56, and an environment composition control unit 58.
  • an environment parameter may be temperature controlled by the refrigeration unit 52.
  • An environment parameter may be humidity controlled by the humidity control unit 54.
  • the humidity and/or temperature may be controlled by the exchange of air accomplished via the air exchange unit 56.
  • Another environment parameter may be a molecular composition of the air in the compartment 50.
  • the detected air composition may be resolved via the environment composition control unit 58 that may, as one example, include a series of bottles containing one or more compressed gasses that can be injected into the compartment 50.
  • the compressed gas may be an inert gas.
  • environment parameters that may be controlled include oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, ethylene concentration, ozone and 1-methylcyclopropene.
  • a control module 62 of the environmental control assembly 36 is configured to control any one or more of the units 52, 54, 56, 58, and may include a computer-based processor 64, a computer readable and writeable storage medium 66 and at least one of any variety of environment detectors 68 as dictated by the needs and control of the various units 52, 54, 56, 58.
  • the environment detector 68 may be configured to monitor and/or measure at least one environment parameter and output an associated signal (see arrow 70) to the control module 62.
  • the processor 64 of the control module 62 may be configured to process the signal 70 and send an associated command signal (see arrow 72) to any one or more of the units 52, 54, 56, 58 to control and maintain any variety of environment parameters.
  • the environment detector 68 may be located in the containment 50 for generally measuring the environment parameter of the air in the containment which generally surrounds the product 68.
  • the environment parameter may be dependent upon the product 60 being stored and/or transported, and may generally dictate the type of detector 68 utilized.
  • the environment detector 68 may be any one or more of a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a temperature sensor, oxygen sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, light sensor, ethylene sensor, ozone sensor, and others. More specifically, if the environment parameter is temperature, then the environment detector 68 may be a temperature sensor. If the environment parameter is molecular composition, then the environment detector 68 may be a chemical sensor, and if the environment parameter is humidity, then the environment detector 68 may be a humidity sensor.
  • the environment signal 70 generated by the environment detector 68 may be transmitted over a wired or wireless pathway.
  • the environment detector 68 may utilize a wired pathway.
  • the control module 62 is remotely located (e.g., in the cab 28 or otherwise at a land-based location), the environment detector may utilize a wireless pathway.
  • the product 60 may be a perishable product availing itself of a product condition system 74 (see FIG. 4) of the cargo transport system 26.
  • the product condition system 74 may be adapted to monitor the perishable product 60, preserve the perishable product, and/or report out what may be a real-time condition of the perishable product.
  • the product condition system 74 may include a module 75 that may include a pre-programmed product information database 76, a detector data module 78, an analysis module 80, and a reporting module 82.
  • the product condition system 74 may further include at least one product condition detector 84 configured to transmit/send product condition data to the module 75.
  • the module 75 of the product condition system 74 may be substantially software -based and programmed into, for example, the control module 62. More specifically, the pre-programmed product information database 76 and the detector data module 78 may be stored in the computer readable and writeable storage medium 66, the analysis module 80 may be part of the processor 64, and the reporting module 82 may include information outputted by the processor 64 (i.e., via processing of a condition signal 86 received by the condition detector 84), and stored in the medium 66 for later retrieval by a user.
  • the reporting module 82 may be configured to, at least in-part, send a command signal to any one of the units 52, 54, 56, 58 to alter an environment parameter to minimize or prevent degradation of the perishable product 60.
  • the product condition detector 84 may be the environment parameter detector 68, thus the detector may serve a dual purpose of providing data to the product condition system 74 indicative of a condition of the perishable product 60 and to generally monitor and control an associated environment parameter in the containment 50.
  • the product condition system 74 may include a processor and computer readable and writeable storage medium that is separate from the control module 62, and instead, is configured to communicate with the control module 62 via, for example, the reporting module 82.
  • the perishable product 60 may be anything capable of degrading during storage and/or transport including vegetables, fruits, meats, flowers, and other edible and non-edible products.
  • the condition detector 84 may be, for example, a gas detector disposed in a supply duct 88 to the refrigeration unit 52 of the environmental control assembly 36.
  • the product condition system 74 may be configured to monitor the levels of Ethylene and alert the refrigeration unit 52 to take corrective action when a pre-programmed Ethylene threshold value is reached that may indicate, for example, excessive ripening. Such action may be to decrease temperatures in the containment 50 as measured by the parameter detector 68. It is further contemplated and understood that, for example, the temperature in the containment may be monitored, via the parameter detector 68, and sent to the product condition system 74 for later reports, thus providing a time-based recording of both containment temperature and Ethylene levels.
  • the perishable product 60 may be apples.
  • Environment parameters that may be controlled to preserve apples may include humidity, temperature, light intensity, ethylene, ethanol, and acetaldehyde levels.
  • the containment 50 may be kept at low oxygen levels of about one percent, at carbon dioxide levels of between one and five percent, at low temperatures of about zero degrees centigrade, at high humidity of about ninety to ninety-five percent, and/or at an ethylene concentration range of about one to four-hundred parts per million.
  • the ripeness of a banana may be controlled by controlling the temperature within the containment 50, and by controlling the airflow (i.e., air exchange) to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide and ethylene present in the containment air.
  • the degree of ripeness may be determined and recorded by measuring the concentration of the gasses produced by the banana and found in the containment air.
  • data from the environment detector 68 may be used and applied by the analysis module 80 supported by the processor 64 then appropriately adjusted and controlled via the environmental control assembly 36 as dictated by the command signal 72 of the control module 62.
  • condition detector 84 may be a plurality of detectors with at least one detector being proximate to a respective storage crate of a plurality of crates (not shown) stored in the containment 50. Each crate may contain a different type of perishable product.
  • condition detector may be secured directly to what may be a random selection of a perishable product 60 (e.g., random selection of apples each associated with a detector).
  • the condition detector(s) 84 may be attached directly to the perishable products to make direct, objective measurements of key condition attributes. Such measurements may include as non-limiting examples: color, firmness, and compositional changes, and/or emitted gases via respiration.
  • Detector types may include imaging (i.e., camera), color, firmness, temperature, chemical, and others.
  • the detector 84 may be a type of thin-film strain gauge that may further be part of a resiliency stretchable band that wraps about the perishable product 60.
  • Another example of a condition detector 84 may include a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) with onboard gas sensing capability.
  • RFID radio frequency identification tag
  • the product information database 76 may include a plurality of tables 90 with each table being pre-programmed and specific to a type 92 of the perishable product 60.
  • the table 90 may include at least one product condition type 94 (i.e. three illustrated as 94A, 94B, and 94C).
  • condition types 94 may include color, firmness, gas concentration, and others.
  • the product information database 76 may store at least one threshold value or range 96 (i.e.
  • a particular table 90 may be pre-selected by a user via a user interface (not shown) that communicates with the product condition system 74 once the user knows the type of product being stored and/or transported.
  • the system 74 may be configured to know which type(s) of condition detectors 84 are available or pre-configured with a particular container 34, and thereby, automatically selects the correlating condition type 94 associated with the type of detector.
  • each table of a particular product type 92 and a particular condition type 94 may include at least one environment parameter target 98 (i.e. three illustrated as targets 98A, 98B, 98C).
  • Environmental parameter targets 98 may be a desired value and/or a desired range of values that are preferred in order to preserve a perishable product and/or inhibit degradation (or further degradation) of a perishable product 60. What the environment parameter target 98 is may be dependent on the particular thresholds 96 A, 96B, 96C that may be representative of the condition of the particular product type 92 of the perishable product 60.
  • Examples of environment parameter targets 98 may include containment temperature, humidity, gas concentrations, rate of air exchanges, and others.
  • the storage medium 66 may: store algorithms executed by the analysis module 80 of the processor 64; may store detector 68, 84 data accumulated during storage and/or transit of the particular product 60; and may further store the data tables 92 specific to the type of product 60.
  • the 'banana' data table 90 may include desired environment parameter ranges or targets 98 needed to preserve and/or prevent the bananas from ripening or ripening too fast.
  • Such data may include temperature, humidity, and the presence of certain gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and ethylene) which are produced during the ripening process.
  • the analysis module 80 once receiving the parameter and/or condition signals 70, 86 may execute associated algorithms to first determine relevant and desired environment parameter target(s) 98, and may then generate appropriate command signals 72 that are sent to the environmental control assembly 36.
  • the environmental control assembly 36 may then initiate the appropriate unit(s) 52, 54, 56, 58 to adjust the measured environment parameter of the containment air. It is contemplated and understood that the measured environment parameter and the measured product condition may be functions of the algorithm.
  • the measured product condition may be a function of the algorithm and the measured environment parameter is used to directly control the environmental control assembly 36. That is, combinations of 'targeted' environment parameters may be based on current conditions and needs of the perishable product 60 and would affect the product in various manners including slowing or accelerating ripening, inhibiting post-harvest plant pathogen growth, inhibiting water loss, inhibiting or promoting color change, and/or adjusting to changes in chilling sensitivity. It is understood that the term 'targeted' environment parameter is that parameter calculated by the control module 66 based on real-time conditions of the product 60. Via the command signal 72, it is the goal of the environmental control assembly 36 to adjust toward or obtain the parameter target or value 98. It is further contemplated and understood that this process may conserve energy since the environmental control assembly 36 may operate in real-time and consume energy only when needed (i.e., current needs).
  • any one or more of the thresholds 96 may be dependent upon two or more condition types 94.
  • the environment parameter target 98 may be dependent upon two or more thresholds 96 of multiple condition types 94 and a particular product type 92.
  • such calculations may require an increase in the number and diversity of detectors, by establishing a threshold 96 via of function of multiple condition types 94; and/or, establishing an environment parameter target 98 through a function of multiple thresholds 96 of different condition types 94 the reliability and accuracy of the product condition system 74 may be optimized.
  • a method of operating the cargo transport system 26 includes a first block 100 of a user selecting a perishable product type 92 via a user interface (not shown) thus directing the analysis module 80 to an appropriate product type data table 90.
  • Block 102 entails an automatic review of the detectors 68, 84 by the analysis module 80 to determine applicability of any variety of condition types 94 of the table 90 and associated with the detectors 68, 84.
  • block 104 includes the user selecting or choosing the appropriate condition types 94 from a plurality of condition types offered.
  • Block 106 includes measuring at least one condition of a perishable product 60 by at least one condition detector 84, and respectively commensurate to the at least one condition type 94.
  • a block 108 entails measuring at least one environment parameter of containment air by at least one parameter detector 68.
  • Block 110 entails sending condition and parameter signals 86, 70 indicative of measured product condition(s) and environment air parameter(s) to the detector data module 78 of the product condition system 74 for retrieval and processing by the analysis module 80.
  • Block 112 entails selecting the appropriate product table 92 commensurate to the perishable product 60 type by the analysis module 80.
  • Block 114 entails comparing the measured condition(s) received from the various condition detector types to at least one threshold 96 pre-specified in the table 90.
  • Block 116 entails taking an action depending upon which threshold 96 for a particular condition type 94 is met.
  • block 118 entails selecting at least one environment parameter target 98 for each one of the met thresholds 96.
  • Block 120 entails comparing the environment parameter target 98 to the measured environment parameter by the analysis module 80 and outputting a report by the reporting module 82, wherein the report may be a command signal 72 to the appropriate/associated unit 52, 54, 56, 58 of the environmental control assembly 36 to reach the associated/respective target.
  • the product condition system 74 may generally include or form an ad-hoc wireless mesh network generally implemented through software. That is, in an application using a plurality of detectors 84 (i.e., a network of detectors), the detectors 84 may communicate directly with one-another over pathways 126 that may be wireless. Each detector 84 performs some degree of processing and gathering of sensor data (e.g., product condition data). This communication between detectors 84 may be categorized and prioritized. The prioritized data may then be sent as a combined or multitude of condition signals (see arrow 86) to the module 75 over pathway 128 that may be wireless.
  • sensor data e.g., product condition data
  • the detector data module 78 of the module 75 may be a cold chain mesh network gateway configured to transmit data (e.g., condition signal 86) out to the module 80 which may, for example, be the internet and/or a cloud server. From module 80, the data may be transmitted to the reporting module 82 of module 75 that may be at least one monitoring terminal.
  • the module 75 may be configured to transmit commands and/or data to the detectors 84. In one embodiment, the module 75 may be remotely located from the networked detectors 84.
  • each detector 84 may include a processor or controller 130, a transceiver 132, a computer readable memory or medium 134, a power source 136 and at least one sensor 138 that may measure a condition of the product 60 and/or a parameter of, for example, containment air as previously described.
  • the controller 130 may be a micro-controller, however, other alternatives may include digital signal processors, FPGAs and ASICs.
  • a microcontroller may be used in many embedded systems because of low cost, flexibility to connect to other devices, ease of programming, and low power consumption.
  • the detectors 84 may make use of ISM band, which may provide free radio, spectrum allocation and global availability.
  • wireless transmission media may include radio frequency (RF), optical communication (i.e., laser) and infrared.
  • the transceiver 132 may combine the functionality of both a transmitter and a receiver.
  • the operational states of the transceiver 132 may include transmit, receive, idle and sleep states.
  • the transceiver 132 may further include a built-in state machine (not shown) that may perform some operation automatically. It is further contemplated and understood that the transceiver 132 may be configured to completely shut-down when not transmitting or receiving to, in some instances, conserve power.
  • the power source 136 of the detector 84 assures adequate energy needed to power the individual detectors for functions including sensing, communication, and data processing.
  • the detectors 84 may be positioned in hard-to-reach locations making it impractical to run hard-wired power lines from a remote power source. Therefore, examples of a power source 136 may be a battery or a capacitor integrated into each individual detector 84. Examples of a battery 136 may include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion, and others which can meet the power demands of the detector for a pre- specified duration with the understanding that battery replacement or charging during storage and/or shipping of the product 60 may be impractical.
  • the power source 136 may further include, or is configured with, a power saving policy that may be Dynamic power Management (DPM) or Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS). DPM may conserve power by shutting down parts of the detector 84 that are not currently used or active.
  • DVS scheme may vary the power levels within the detector 84 depending on the non-deterministic workload. By varying the voltage along with the frequency, a quadratic reduction in power consumption may be obtained. Because the detector 84 may be a very small electronic device, the power source 136 may be somewhat limited, and for example, capable of delivering power at about 0.5 to 2.0 ampere-hour at 1.2 to 3.7 volts.
  • Each detector 84 may include at least one sensor 138 (i.e., two illustrated in FIG. 9).
  • the sensors 138 are hardware devices that produce a measurable response to a change in a physical condition like, for example, temperature or pressure.
  • the sensors 138 may measure physical data of a condition or parameter to be monitored.
  • the continual analog signal produced by the sensors 138 may be digitized by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 139 and sent to controller 130 for further processing.
  • ADC analog-to-digital converter
  • the detector 84 and/or sensors 138 of the detector may be small in size, consume very low energy, operate in high volumetric densities, be autonomous and operate unattended, and be adaptive to the environment.
  • the sensors 138 may be classified into about three categories being: passive, omnidirectional sensors; passive, narrow-beam sensors; and active sensors.
  • Passive sensors may sense the data without actually manipulating the environment by active probing.
  • Passive sensors may be self-powered where energy is only needed to amplify their analog signal.
  • Active sensors may actively probe the environment such as a sonar or radar sensor.
  • Active sensors may require continuous energy from the power source 136.
  • Narrow-beam sensors may have a well-defined notion of directional measurement (i.e., similar to a camera), and omnidirectional sensors may have no notion of direction involved in their measurements.
  • the senor 138 may be any variety of sensors capable of detecting the condition of the product 60.
  • the sensor may be an imaging sensor for detecting a change in color or shape.
  • the sensor 138 may have direct contact with the product 60 and may be capable of detecting a degree of firmness.
  • the sensor 138 may be any variety of sensors capable of measuring temperature, either of the product 60 itself and/or the surrounding environment air.
  • Another example of a sensor may be a gas sensor configured to measure, for example, ethylene, emitted by the product 60 during ripening and/or degradation.
  • the computer readable medium 134 of the detector 84 may include base software 140, an alert database 142, pass-thru software 144, handshake software 146 and prioritization software 148.
  • the handshake software 146 may acquire the sensor data and product data from the new detector, writes that information to an inventory database and shares back the inventory database with the new detector along with a priority table and prioritization software 148.
  • Data packets may move through and/or amongst the networked detectors 84 using any variety of routing programs.
  • the prioritization software 148 determines transmission order.
  • a data packet may include alerts, other data associated with the sensing/alerting detector, and condition data that may be within a certain range (e.g., twenty percent) of the sensing detector's alert threshold.
  • the prioritization software may first transmit the alert, then the other data associated with the sensing detector, and then the condition data. After both of these scenarios are examined, order data is prioritized when the GPS data indicates the detector 84 is within one mile of its destination. After those question, if no criteria is met, data packet transmission is prioritized by the Priority Table.
  • the base software 140 generally oversees coordination of the handshake software, 146 the prioritization software 148 and the pass-thru software 144.
  • the handshake software 146 of each detector 84 continuously handshakes (see block 150) other detectors to determine if a new detector has been added. If any one of the networked detectors 84 determines that a new detector is added, the networked detector 84 loads the alert database 142 to the memory 134 of the new/added detector. In block 152, the networked detectors 84 may then be continually checked by the alert prioritization software 148, and if an alert is found, send out an alert.
  • the pass-thru software 144 may be run to pass any connected detector 84 that may have an alert on. Eventually, the alerts make it to the cold chain mesh network gateway 78 back to the analysis module or cloud 80, and then to the monitoring terminal 82 (also see FIG. 8)
  • the alert database 142 may generally contain sensor and product data for all detectors in a particular network.
  • the alert database 142 may be populated through the handshake software 146.
  • block 156 is the inquiry of whether a new detector is added to the networked detectors. If yes, block 158 is the connection or communication directly between a new detector and a networked detector. Then block 160 is the writing or downloading of the alert database 142 from the networked detector 84 to the added detector.
  • a networked detector 84 performs a self-check for any sensor triggered alerts. If an alert is triggered, then in block 164, the sensing detector 84 via transceiver 132 may send a detector/sensor identification and the sensed alert to other networked detectors 84.
  • the pass-thru software 144 facilitates a detector polling that generally inquires if there is new sensor data with a received alert. If yes, in block 168 the detector 84 which receives the alert (i.e., from another detector) passes the relevant sensor identification, alert and other sensor data (i.e., of the detector whose sensor(s) were triggered) through to the next detector and/or gateway. Once the alerts with the relevant detector/sensor identification reaches the gateway 78 and back to the monitoring terminal 82, the terminal 82 (or relevant servers or processors) may determine what actions need to be taken. In this way, the monitoring terminal 82 may manage or enable management of the cold chain detectors of many sub-disconnected networks.
  • Advantages and benefits of the present disclosure includes the utilization of the growing proliferation of detectors that have communication capacity in the cold chain supply line to create an ad hoc mesh network that prioritizes freshness data for transmittal.
  • Real time monitoring data may be the standard priority until any perishable products 60 in the network begin to exhibit signs that they are progressing towards less than desirable retail condition. Data from the detectors 84 on those items may then receive a higher priority transmission. This higher priority may only be usurped if a threshold limit detector/sensor needs to send, for example, a freshness alarm/alert.
  • Other advantages may include a means for shippers to monitor the condition of perishable products in transit.
  • the system may provide growers and sellers of perishable products, such as produce, with real time access to the condition of the produce in transit.
  • the present disclosure may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product.
  • the computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.
  • the computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.
  • the computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
  • a non- exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read-only memory
  • EPROM or Flash memory erasable programmable read-only memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory
  • DVD digital versatile disk
  • memory stick a floppy disk
  • mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon
  • a computer readable storage medium is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
  • Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
  • the network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.
  • a network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.
  • Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.
  • the computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.
  • the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
  • electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
  • These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
  • These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
  • the computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
  • each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).
  • the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.
  • two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
  • Benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include an objective assessment of actual perishable product condition over a time span during, for example, transportation. Other advantages include a real-time feedback to the transport refrigeration unit (TRU), an intelligent manipulation of environmental parameters to optimize the condition of the perishable products upon arrival, minimize wear on the TRU, and optimizing energy efficiency. Yet further, because current conditions of the perishable product is known during transit, real-time technical, operational and commercial decision making can be achieved.
  • TRU transport refrigeration unit

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé mis en œuvre par ordinateur de fonctionnement d'un système d'état de produit, ledit procédé comprenant l'étape de surveillance d'un produit périssable au moyen d'une pluralité de détecteurs en réseau. Un premier état peut ensuite être détecté par un premier détecteur de la pluralité de détecteurs en réseau. Un premier paquet de données indiquant le premier état est ensuite transmis par le premier détecteur et par le biais d'au moins un autre détecteur. Le premier paquet de données est ensuite envoyé à un terminal de surveillance par le ou les autres détecteurs.
PCT/US2017/029252 2016-04-27 2017-04-25 Système d'état de produit périssable comprenant un réseau maillé sans fil ad hoc de détecteurs WO2017189485A1 (fr)

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EP17721303.0A EP3449440A1 (fr) 2016-04-27 2017-04-25 Système d'état de produit périssable comprenant un réseau maillé sans fil ad hoc de détecteurs
CN201780026261.2A CN109074541A (zh) 2016-04-27 2017-04-25 包括检测器的ad-hoc无线网状网络的易腐产品状态系统

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US11072321B2 (en) 2018-12-31 2021-07-27 Thermo King Corporation Systems and methods for smart load shedding of a transport vehicle while in transit
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US11458802B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2022-10-04 Thermo King Corporation Optimized power management for a transport climate control energy source
US10985511B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2021-04-20 Thermo King Corporation Optimized power cord for transferring power to a transport climate control system
US11214118B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2022-01-04 Thermo King Corporation Demand-side power distribution management for a plurality of transport climate control systems
US11695275B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2023-07-04 Thermo King Llc Prioritized power delivery for facilitating transport climate control
US11712943B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2023-08-01 Thermo King Llc System and method for managing power and efficiently sourcing a variable voltage for a transport climate control system
US11420495B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2022-08-23 Thermo King Corporation Interface system for connecting a vehicle and a transport climate control system
US11827106B2 (en) 2019-09-09 2023-11-28 Thermo King Llc Transport climate control system with an accessory power distribution unit for managing transport climate control loads
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