SPECTROSCOPIC TRACING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spectroscopic tracing system constituted of: a source device; and a destination device, wherein a source device application is arranged to receive a source light spectrum measurement of a product and transmit the information, and wherein a destination device application is arranged to: receive a destination light spectrum measurement of the product; receive source measurement information; compare the source measurement information with the destination measurement, and output validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison; responsive to the validation information being indicative that the source measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the destination measurement, control the output port of the destination device to output an indication that the product is validated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the field of applied spectroscopy, and in particular to a spectroscopic tracing system and method.

BACKGROUND

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and dates back hundreds of years. Coffee is the most globally traded commodity after crude oil, and approximately 9 million tons of coffee beans are purchased annually. A unique characteristic of the coffee market is the increasing demand for high quality coffee, known as specialty coffee. The annual global market for specialty coffee is approximated at 1 million tons and is projected to annually increase by nearly 10%. Specialty coffee not only pertains to the quality of the coffee, but also it references the environmental and fair trade practices used in growing and producing the coffee. Specialty coffee, like all premium commodities, reaps a significant market price premium over regular coffee, so there is significant incentive for “cheating”, i.e. selling and delivering coffee as supposedly having certain specialty characteristics.

Coffee beans are grown in particular areas, mostly in South America, Africa and South-East Asia, and are typically exported to companies which roast the coffee beans. A typical process for purchasing coffee beans first comprises ordering a sample of beans from a specific crop. The sample is tested via a cupping taste test for quality, and if the sample is acceptable a large quantity of bean from the crop is ordered. In order to ensure that supplied coffee is from the same crop as the tested sample, measures are taken to certify the crop source of the shipment. Current shipment certification methods and procedures consist of expert taste tests, labels, documents, electronic signatures, digital encoding, radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags, and/or blockchain tracing.

Unfortunately, such methods can still be circumvented and the received coffee beans may not arrive from the agreed upon crop. Particularly, a major disadvantage with current certification methods is that they certify the location of the packaging materials in the value chain but fail to determine if the actual contents of these materials (the coffee beans) correspond to the desired crop. Furthermore, the taste tests are very costly and can only determine if the taste of the coffee corresponds with the expectations but cannot certify actual farm/crop origin of the beans.

Thus, what is desired, and not provided by the prior art, is a system and method for accurate and reliable source tracing of coffee beans and other products.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of prior art cognitive improvement systems. This is provided in one embodiment by a spectroscopic tracing system for a product, the system comprising: a source device comprising a processor, a communication module and an input port; an source device associated spectrometer; a source device application arranged to be run by the processor of the source device; a destination device comprising a processor, a communication module, an input port and an output port; a destination device associated spectrometer; and a destination device application arranged to be run by the processor of the destination device, wherein: the source device application is arranged to receive from the source device associated spectrometer a source inherent light spectrum measurement of the product, and is further arranged to control the communication module of the source device to transmit information regarding the received source inherent light spectrum measurement; the destination device application is arranged to receive from the destination device associated spectrometer a destination light spectrum measurement of the product; the destination device application is further arranged to: receive, via the destination device communication module, the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement, compare the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement, and output validation information regarding the comparing of the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement; or control the destination device communication module to transmit information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement, and receive, via the destination device communication module, validation information regarding a comparison of the information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement with the information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement, responsive to the validation information being indicative the source inherent light spectrum measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, control the output port of the destination device to output an indication that the product is validated; and responsive to the validation information being indicative the source inherent light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, control the output port of the destination device to output an indication that the product is not validated.

In one embodiment, the source device further comprises a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver arranged to determine a position of the source device, and wherein the source device application on the source device is further arranged to: receive from the source device GNSS receiver, within a predetermined time period from the receipt of the measurement from the respective spectrometer, information regarding a position of the source device; and control the source device communication module to transmit the received information regarding the position of the source device, the transmission of the received information regarding the position of the source device being associated with the with the transmission of the information regarding the received source inherent light spectrum measurement.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises: at least one supply chain device, each of the at least one supply chain device comprising a processor, a communication module, an input port and an output port; for each of the at least one supply chain device, a supply chain device application arranged to be run by the processor of the respective supply chain device; and for each of the at least one supply chain device, a respective supply chain device associated spectrometer, wherein for each of the at least one supply chain device, the respective supply chain device application is arranged to: receive from the respective supply chain device associated spectrometer a respective supply chain light spectrum measurement of the product; control the respective supply chain device communication module to transmit information regarding the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement; and control the respective supply chain device communication module to transmit information regarding a supply chain point of the respective supply chain device, and wherein the respective supply chain device application of each of the at least one supply chain device is further arranged to: receive, via the respective supply chain device communication module, the transmitted source inherent light spectrum measurement information, compare the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement, and output validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement; or receive, via the respective supply chain device communication module, validation information regarding a comparison of the information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement with the information regarding the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement, responsive to the validation information being indicative that the source inherent light spectrum measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement, control the output port of the respective supply chain device to output an indication that the product is validated; and responsive to the validation information being indicative the source inherent light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, control the output port of the destination device to output an indication that the product is not validated.

In one further embodiment, the destination device application of the destination device is further arranged to: receive, via the destination device communication module, the transmitted information regarding a supply chain point of each of the at least one supply chain devices; receive, via the destination device communication module, the transmitted information regarding the respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement from each of the at least one supply chain devices; responsive to the received information regarding respective supply chain device light spectrum measurement and the received information regarding a supply chain point of the respective supply chain device, determine a quality value for the supply chain point of each of the at least one supply chain devices; and control the destination device output port to output an indication of the determined quality value for each of the at least one supply chain points.

In one yet further embodiment, the at least one supply chain device comprises a plurality of supply chain devices. In another yet further embodiment, the system further comprises a server, the server comprising a communication module and a processor, wherein the server communication module is in communication with the respective communication module of each of the source device, the destination device and each of the at least one supply chain devices, wherein the processor of the server is arranged to: receive the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement; receive the transmitted information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement; receive, from each of the at least one supply chain devices, the transmitted information regarding the supply chain light spectrum measurement; receive, from each of the at least one supply chain devices, the transmitted information regarding the respective supply chain point; responsive to the information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement, the information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement, the information regarding the supply chain light spectrum measurement and the information regarding the respective supply chain points, determine a quality value for each of the respective supply chain points; and control the server communication module to transmit to the destination device an indication of the determined quality value for each of the at least one supply chain points, wherein the destination device application is further arranged to: receive, via the destination device communication module, the transmitted indication of the at least one determined quality values; and output the received indication of the at least one determined quality value on the destination device output port.

In one yet further embodiment, the source device application, the destination device application and each of the at least one supply chain device application are each instances of the same application, wherein the source device application operates in a source mode responsive to a respective user input, the destination device application operates in a destination mode responsive to a respective user input, and each of the at least one supply chain device application operates in a supply chain mode responsive to a respective user input.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a server, the server comprising a communication module and a processor, wherein the communication module of the server is in communication with the source device communication module and the destination device communication module, wherein the processor of the server is arranged to: receive, via the server communication module, the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement; receive, via the server communication module, the transmitted information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement; compare the received information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement with the received information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement; and control the server communication module to transmit to the destination device validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the received information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement with the received information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises a server, the server comprising a communication module and a processor, wherein the server communication module is in communication with the source device communication module and the destination device communication module, wherein the processor of the server is arranged to: receive, via the server communication module, the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement; control the server communication module to transmit to the destination device, via the server communication module, the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement.

In one embodiment, the source device communication module is in communication with the destination device communication module. In another embodiment, the source device associated spectrometer is incorporated within the source device.

In one embodiment, the destination device associate spectrometer is incorporated within the destination device. In another embodiment, the source device application is further arranged to: read an electronically readable identifier of the product; and control the source communication module to transmit information regarding the electronically readable identifier of the product, the transmission of the information regarding the electronically readable identifier of the product associated with the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement, wherein the destination device application is arranged to read the electronically readable identifier of the product, and wherein the comparison is responsive to the transmitted information regarding the electronically readable identifier matching the read electronically readable identifier of the product by the destination device.

In one embodiment, the source device associated spectrometer or the destination device associated spectrometer is a near infrared spectrometer. In another embodiment, the source device application and the destination device application are each instances of the same application, wherein the source device application operates in a source mode responsive to a respective user input and the destination device application operates in a destination mode responsive to a respective user input.

In one independent embodiment, a spectroscopic tracing system for a product is provided, the system comprising: a spectrometer; a processor; a communication module; an input port; an output port; and an application arranged to be run by the processor, wherein the application is arranged, responsive to a respective user input received from the input port, to operate in an source mode, the application in the source mode arranged to: receive from the spectrometer a source inherent light spectrum measurement of the product; and control the communication module to transmit information regarding the received source inherent light spectrum measurement from the spectrometer, wherein the application is further arranged, responsive to a respective user input received from the input port, to operate in a destination mode, the application in the destination mode arranged to receive from the spectrometer a destination light spectrum measurement of the product, wherein the application is further arranged in the destination mode to: receive, via the communication module, the transmitted information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement, compare the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement, and output validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source inherent light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement; or control the communication module to transmit information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement, and receive, via the communication module, validation information regarding a comparison of the information regarding the source inherent light spectrum measurement with the information regarding the destination light spectrum measurement, responsive to the validation information being indicative that the source inherent light spectrum measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, control the output port to output an indication that the product is validated; and responsive to the validation information being indicative the source inherent light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, control the output port to output an indication that the product is not validated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1Aillustrates a high level schematic diagram of a spectroscopic tracing system10, in accordance with certain embodiments andFIG.1Billustrates a high level schematic diagram of a spectroscopic tracing system100, in accordance with certain embodiments.FIG.1Cillustrates a high level flow chart of a method of operation of spectroscopic tracing systems10and100,FIGS.1A-1Cbeing described herein together.

Spectroscopic tracing system10comprises: a source device20; a source device associated spectrometer30; a source device application40; a destination device50; a destination device associated spectrometer60; and a destination device application70. Source device20comprises: a processor21; an optional memory22; a communication module23; an input port24; an optional output port25; an optional global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver26; and an optional identifier reader27. Destination device50comprises: a processor51; an optional memory52; a communication module53; an input port54; an output port55; and an optional identifier reader57.

Processors21and51each comprise, without limitation, a micro-processor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a system on a chip (SoC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and/or any other suitable processing unit. In one embodiment, one, or both, of source device20and destination device50comprises a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other portable computing device, and the respective processor21or51comprises the processor of the respective device. In such an embodiment, communication module23of source device20is implemented by the communication system of the respective computing device and communication module53of destination device50is implemented by the communication system of the respective computing device.

Source device application40is run by processor21of source device20. In an embodiment where processor21comprises an FPGA, source device application40is implemented by a programmed portion of the FPGA. In an embodiment where processor21comprises an MPU, or similar type of processor, instructions for source device application40are stored in optional memory22and processor21is arranged to run source device application40responsive to the stored instructions. Similarly, destination device application70is run by processor51. In an embodiment where processor51comprises an FPGA, destination device application70is implemented by a programmed portion of the FPGA. In an embodiment where processor51comprises an MPU, or similar type of processor, instructions for destination device application70are stored in optional memory52and processor51is arranged to run destination device application70responsive to the stored instructions.

Input port24of source device20and input port54of destination device50are each arranged to receive input. In one embodiment, input ports24and54each comprise circuitry for detecting inputs on a touch screen. In another embodiment, input ports24and54each comprise circuitry for detecting voice commands. In one embodiment, input ports24and54each additionally comprise circuitry for receiving information from optional identifier reader27. In the embodiment where, one, or both, of source device20and destination device50comprises a portable computing device, input port24of source device20is implemented by the input port of the respective portable computing device and input port54of destination device50is implemented by the input port of the respective portable computing device.

Output ports25and55are each arranged to control a respective component to output information. In one embodiment, output ports25and55each comprise circuitry for displaying information on a screen. In another embodiment, output ports25and55each comprise circuitry for outputting audio signals. In the embodiment where, one, or both, of source device20and destination device50comprises a portable computing device, optional output port25of source device20is implemented by the output port of the respective portable computing device and output port54of destination device50is implemented by the output port of the respective portable computing device.

Optional GNSS receiver26is arranged to receive signals from a plurality of satellites. In one embodiment, optional GNSS receiver26further comprises a dedicated processor or circuitry for digitally processing the received satellite signals and determining the global position of source device20responsive to the digitally processed signals. In another embodiment, a portion, or all, of the digital processing of the received satellite signals is performed by processor21. In one embodiment, optional GNSS receiver26is designed and programmed to operate in accordance with the global positioning system (GPS), the global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), the Galileo system, and/or the BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS).

Although optional GNSS receiver26is illustrated as being provided only in source device20, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, a GNSS receiver26is further provided in destination device50.

Optional identifier readers27and57are each arranged to read electronically readable identifiers, such as barcodes and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In one embodiment, optional identifier readers27and57each comprise a camera and/or an RFID reader.

In one embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60comprises are each, without limitation, an infrared (IR) spectrometer, a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer, a Raman spectrometer, a fluorescence spectrometer or an ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrometer. In one further embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60are each arranged to perform a plurality of spectral measurements, each spectral measurement being of a different type, e.g. IR, NIR, Raman fluorescence and UV-VIS. In one preferred embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60comprises are each an NIR spectrometer. In another embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60are each arranged to perform reflectance and/or absorbance based spectral measurements. In one embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60each exhibit a spectral resolution of 1-50 nm. In one preferred embodiment, each of source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60is a portable, and further preferably pocket-sized, spectrometer. In another embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60is a portable imaging spectrometer. In one further embodiment, the portable imaging spectrometer comprises a 2×n image cube, where n is the number of spectral channels. In one embodiment, each of source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60comprises an SCiO spectrometer, commercially available from Consumer Physics, Ltd. of Herzliya, Israel.

In one embodiment, source device associated spectrometer30is external to, and in communication with, source device20. Particularly, source device associated spectrometer30comprises a communication module35and communication module35is in communication with communication module23of source device20. Similarly, in one embodiment, destination device associated spectrometer60is external to, and in communication with, destination device50. Particularly, destination device associated spectrometer60comprises a communication module65and communication module65is in communication with communication module53of source device50.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in spectroscopic tracing system100ofFIG.1B, source device associated spectrometer30is incorporated within source device20and/or destination device associated spectrometer60is incorporated within destination device50. Particularly, spectroscopic tracing system100is in all respects similar to spectroscopic tracing system10, with the exception that source device associated spectrometer30is incorporated within source device20and destination device associated spectrometer60is incorporated within destination device50. Although spectroscopic tracing system100is illustrated in an embodiment where both source device associated spectrometer30is incorporated within source device20and destination device associated spectrometer60is incorporated within destination device50, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment (not shown), only source device associated spectrometer30is incorporated within source device20. In another embodiment (not shown), only destination device associated spectrometer60is incorporated within destination device50.

In one embodiment, communication module23of source device20is in communication with communication module53of destination device50. In another embodiment, as described further below, communication module23of source device20and communication module53of destination device50are each in communication with a server (not shown).

In operation, in stage1000, a user activates source device associated spectrometer30and scans a product to measure a source light spectrum of the product. The term source light spectrum, as used herein, means the light spectrum of the product as measured at the source, i.e. at the farmer/supplier or at any point in the value chain where a coffee trade is being generated and traced. Particularly, one or more frequencies of light are applied to the product and respective light detectors detect the light after dispersing from the product, as known to those skilled in the art at the time of the invention. Source device associated spectrometer30analyzes the detected light to determine the absorbed and/or reflected spectrum of light, also referred to herein as the spectral fingerprint of the product.

In stage1010, source device application40receives the source light spectrum measurement of stage1000from source device associated spectrometer30. In the embodiment where source device associated spectrometer30is external to source device20, the measurement is received via communication module23. In the embodiment where source device associated spectrometer30is implemented within source device20, the measurement is received by source device application40from the software running source device associated spectrometer30.

In one embodiment, a plurality of measurements are performed on the product, for greater accuracy, each of the plurality of measurements received by source device application40. Each of the received measurements is stored on optional memory22. In one further embodiment, the plurality of measurements are performed on different instances of the product, such as different beans within a bag of coffee beans. In one embodiment, source device application40determines a predetermined function of the received measurement, and/or plurality of received measurements, to define a spectral fingerprint of the product. In one further embodiment, the spectral fingerprint is defined by performing predetermined transformations and normalizations of the received measurement/s. In another further embodiment, the predetermined function comprises a statistical analysis of the received measurement, or plurality of received measurements, optionally of the transformed and/or normalized measurements. In another further embodiment, the predetermined function is determined by a machine learning algorithm, such as neural network architectures. Particularly, the predetermined function is not limited to any mathematical function, and can include any statistical, or other type of defined parameters, as described below. Advantageously, the spectral fingerprint of the product is unique to this particular product. Thus, the spectral fingerprint essentially constitutes a validation code that confirms the authenticity of the product.

In one embodiment, the received spectroscopic measurements are analyzed and predetermined wavelengths of the measurements are selected. In one further embodiment, a majority of the wavelengths are selected, while disregarding certain predetermined wavelengths that provide less information regarding the properties of the product. Optionally, the predetermined wavelengths for each product, or product type, are stored in a database. Thus, in such an embodiment, the spectral fingerprint is defined based on the selected wavelengths.

In another embodiment, a spectral parametrization is performed on the received measurements, optionally after selecting predetermined wavelengths as described above. The spectral parametrization identifies values and/or distributions of predetermined parameters of the received spectroscopic measurements. In one embodiment, a statistical model of the received spectroscopic measurements is generated, optionally responsive to the spectral parametrization.

In optional stage1015, source device application40analyzes the received plurality of measurements to determine whether the samples are homogenous. In one embodiment, source device application40determines a correlation between the plurality of spectral measurements. In one further embodiment, in the event that the determined correlation is less than a predetermined homogeneity value, source device application40determines that the samples are not homogenous. In the event that source device application40determines that the samples are not homogenous, source device application40controls optional output port25to output a signal indicative that the samples are not homogenous. In one further embodiment, a visual and/or audio indication that the samples are not homogenous is output. In another further embodiment, responsive to source device application40determining that the samples are not homogenous, source device application40controls optional output port25to output a signal that prompts a user to perform additional scans.

In optional stage1020, optional GNSS receiver26of source device20determines the global position of source device20and source device application40receives information regarding the determined position output by optional GNSS receiver26. In one embodiment, optional GNSS receiver26correlates the global position with known cities, areas or addresses, and the output information includes the city, area and/or address of the position. The position information is associated with the source light spectrum measurement of stage1010to validate that the position of source device20is also the position of the product. In one embodiment, the position information is received within a predetermined time period from receipt of the source light spectrum measurement. In one further embodiment, source device application40controls optional GNSS receiver26to determine the position of source device20at a predetermined point in the process, such as: when source device application40is activated; when one or more source light spectrum measurements are received; or prior to transmission of the source light spectrum measurements described below.

In optional stage1030, the user activates optional identifier reader27and reads an electronically readable identifier of the product, such as a barcode printed on a bag of coffee beans. In one embodiment, optional identifier reader27is activated and controlled via an interface provided by source device application40. Information regarding the electronically readable identifier, such as the numbers of the barcode, is output by optional identifier reader27and received by source device application40. In the event that a plurality of products are present, such as a plurality of bags of the product, each with a respective electronically readable identifier, optional identifier reader27reads the identifier of each bag. Source device application40stores the identifiers on optional memory22such that each stored identifier is associated with the respective source light spectrum measurements of the identified product.

In stage1040, source device application40controls communication module23of source device20to transmit information regarding the received source light spectrum measurement, or measurements, of stage1010. In one embodiment, the information comprises the outcome of the determined function of stage1010. In another embodiment, the information comprises the measurement, or measurements, of stage1000. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted to destination device50, optionally via the internet. In another embodiment, as described below, the information is transmitted to a server.

Optionally, source device application40controls communication module23of source device20to additionally transmit the information regarding the position of source device20of optional stage1020, associated with the source light spectrum measurement, or measurements. The transmission of the position information is arranged such that the transmission of the position information is associated with the transmission of the source light spectrum measurement information. In one embodiment, the association is maintained by transmitting both sets of information as a single transmission, such as a single packet or group of packets. In another embodiment, an identifier which is added to the transmission of the source light spectrum measurement information is also added to the transmission of the position information. As described above, in one embodiment the information is transmitted to destination device50, optionally via the internet. In another embodiment, as described below, the information is transmitted to a server.

Optionally, source device application40controls communication module23of source device20to additionally transmit the information regarding one or more electronically readable identifiers of optional stage1030. As described above in relation to the transmitted position information, the transmission of the identifier information is arranged such that the transmitted position information is associated with the transmitted source light spectrum measurement information.

In stage1050, after the product of stage1000has arrived at its destination, a user at the destination activates destination device associated spectrometer60and scans the received product to measure a destination light spectrum of the product. The term destination light spectrum, as used herein, means the light spectrum of the product as measured at the destination, which may, or may not, be identical to the source light spectrum of the product measured in stage1000. Destination device associated spectrometer60analyzes the detected light to determine the absorbed and/or reflected spectrum of light, i.e. the spectral fingerprint of the received product.

In stage1060, destination device application70receives the destination light spectrum measurement of stage1050from destination device associated spectrometer30. In the embodiment where destination device associated spectrometer60is external to destination device50, the measurement is received via communication module53. In the embodiment where destination device associated spectrometer60is implemented within destination device50, the measurement is received by destination device application70from the software running destination device associated spectrometer60.

In one embodiment, as described above, a plurality of measurements are performed on the product, for greater accuracy, each of the plurality of measurements received by destination device application70. Each of the received measurements is stored on optional memory52. In one further embodiment, the plurality of measurements are performed on different instances of the product. In such an embodiment, as described above in relation to source device application40, destination device application70determines a predetermined function of the plurality of received measurements to define the spectral fingerprint of the product.

In optional stage1070, the user at the destination activates optional identifier reader57and reads an electronically readable identifier of the product, as described above in relation to optional stage1030, such as a barcode printed on a bag of coffee beans. In one embodiment, optional identifier reader57is activated and controlled via an interface provided by destination device application70. Information regarding the electronically readable identifier is output by optional identifier reader57and received by destination device application70. In the event that a plurality of products are present, such as a plurality of bags of the product, each with a respective electronically readable identifier, optional identifier reader57reads the identifier of each bag. Destination device application70stores the identifiers on optional memory52such that each stored identifier is associated with the respective source light spectrum measurements of the identified product.

In stage1080, destination device application70receives, via communication module53, the transmitted information regarding the source light spectrum measurement of stage1040. In one embodiment, the transmitted information is received via the communication between communication module53of destination device50and communication module23of source device20. In the embodiment described above where the transmitted information is transmitted from source device20to a server, communication module53receives the source light spectrum measurement information from the server. In such an embodiment, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by destination device application70is still regarding the one or more source light spectrum measurements.

As described above, in one embodiment source device20additionally transmits position information of source device20. In such an embodiment, destination device application70additionally receives the transmitted position information of stage1040. In an embodiment where the information is received from a server, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by destination device application70is still regarding the position of source device20.

As described above, in one embodiment source device20additionally transmits identifier information of one or more product or product groups. In such an embodiment, destination device application70additionally receives the transmitted identifier information of stage1040. In an embodiment where the information is received from a server, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by destination device application70is still regarding the read identifier.

In stage1090, destination device application70compares the received source light spectrum measurement information of stage1080with the received destination light spectrum measurement of stage1060. Destination device application70outputs validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement.

In one embodiment, destination device application70determines whether the source light spectrum measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement and generates validation information indicative of the outcome. Particularly, as described above in stage1010, the source light spectrum measurement information, i.e. the spectral fingerprint, can include statistical/machine learning defined parameters. Thus, the predetermined parameter range is defined as a range that is acceptable for the parameter values of the destination light spectrum measurement to deviate from the source light spectrum measurement. The comparison can be performed separately for each parameter, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. Particularly, in one embodiment, the predetermined statistical/neural network defined calculation is performed on the destination light spectrum measurement and the result is compared with the calculation performed on the source light measurement. The difference between the outcomes of the calculations is then analyzed to determine whether it falls within the predetermined parameter range. For example, in an embodiment where a statistical analysis is performed, a suite of metrics can be selected and the distributions thereof calculated, i.e. the parameters comprise the calculated distributions. In one further embodiment the set of distributions are then compared as a whole to the predetermined parameter range, optionally using an additional function of the distribution set for the comparison.

In one embodiment, the comparison is performed using log likelihood ratios, normalization scores based on statistical distributions, statistical analyses, in-house loss functions and/or machine learning classification models.

In one embodiment, the same calculations performed on the spectroscopic measurements at source device application40are performed on the spectroscopic measurements of destination device application70. For example, an embodiment where predetermined wavelengths were selected for the measurements at source device application40, preferably the same wavelengths as selected from the measurements received at destination device application70. Similarly, in an embodiment where a spectral parametrization was performed on the spectroscopic measurement at source device application40, preferably the same spectral parametrization is performed on the measurements received at destination device application70. Similarly, in an embodiment where a statistical model of the received spectroscopic measurements was generated at source device application40, preferably the same statistical model of the received spectroscopic measurements is generated at destination device application70.

In one embodiment, in the event that the source light spectrum measurement is within a predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70outputs a first value, the validation information comprising the first value. In the event that the source light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70outputs a second value, different than the first value, the validation information comprising the second value.

In the embodiment where an electronically readable identifier of the product is read, as described in optional stage1070, destination device application70further compares the read identifier of optional stage1070with the received identifier information of stage1080. In one embodiment, the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement with the destination light spectrum measurement is performed responsive to the read identifier of optional stage1070matching the received identifier information of stage1080. Particularly, the comparison of the light spectrum measurements is performed on the same products, in accordance with the electronically readable identifier.

In the embodiment where position information of source device20is received, as described above in relation to stage1080, destination device application70is further arranged to compare the received position information to position information stored in optional memory52. In the event that the received position information does not match the stored position information, within a predetermined distance, the output validation information will indicate that the product is not validated.

In stage1100, responsive to the output validation information of stage1090being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70controls output port55of destination device50to output an indication that the product is validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker. Responsive to the output validation information of stage1090being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70controls output port55of destination device50to output an indication that the product is not validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker.

In one embodiment, each of source device application40and destination device application70are separate applications. Optionally, certain functions for processing of the respective light spectrum measurements are the same, thereby making the comparison of stage1090more accurate. In another embodiment, each of source device application40and destination device application70are different instances of the same application. Particularly, in such an embodiment both device applications40and70exhibit a source mode and a destination mode. The user at the source of the product selects the source mode and stages1000-1040, described above, are performed by source device application40operating in the source mode. The user at the destination of the product selects the destination mode and stages1050-1100, described above, are performed by destination device application70operating in the destination mode.

FIG.2Aillustrates a high level schematic diagram of a spectroscopic tracing system200andFIG.2Billustrates a high level flow chart of a method of operation of spectroscopic tracing system200,FIGS.2A-2Bbeing described together. Spectroscopic tracing system200comprises: a source device20; a source device associated spectrometer30; a source device application40; a destination device50; a destination device associated spectrometer60; a destination device application70; a plurality of supply chain devices210; and a plurality of supply chain device associated spectrometers220.

In one embodiment, each supply chain device210is in all respects similar to destination device50, with the exception that destination device application70is replaced with supply chain device application230. Destination device application230is in one embodiment implemented as instructions stored on optional memory52or a portion of a respective FPGA.

As described above in relation to source device application40and destination device application70, in one embodiment supply chain device application is a separate application. In another embodiment, each of source device application40, destination device application70and supply chain devices210are different instances of the same application. Particularly, in such an embodiment device applications40,70and230each exhibit a source mode, a destination mode and a supply chain mode, as will be described below.

In one embodiment, communication module53of each supply chain device210, and communication module53of destination device50, is in communication with communication module23of source device20. In one further embodiment, communication module53of each supply chain device210is further in communication with communication module53of destination device210. In another embodiment, communication module53of each supply chain device210, communication module53of destination device50and communication module23of source device20is in communication with a server (not shown), and communication is performed via the server, as described below.

In one embodiment, each supply chain device associated spectrometer220is in all respects similar to source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60. As described above in relation to source device associated spectrometer30and destination device associated spectrometer60, in one embodiment each supply chain device associated spectrometer220is in communication with a respective supply chain device210. Particularly, each supply chain device associated with spectrometer220comprises a communication module225and communication module225is in communication with communication module53of the respective supply chain device210. In another embodiment, each supply chain device associated spectrometer220is incorporated within the respective supply chain device210.

Each of the supply chain devices210is located at a respective point along the supply chain. For example, in an embodiment where the product is coffee beans, a respective supply chain device210is located at each of: a coffee cooperative facility where different crops of coffee beans are brought; an exporter facility; and a trader facility. Three supply chain devices210are illustrated, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way, and any number of supply chain devices210may be provided without exceeding the scope.

In operation, in stage2000, stages1000-1040, as described above in relation to source device10, are performed. In stage2010, after the product has arrived at a particular point in the supply chain, a user at the supply chain point activates the supply chain device associated spectrometer220associated with the respective supply chain device210and scans the received product to measure a supply chain light spectrum of the product, as described above in relation to stages1000and1050. The term supply chain light spectrum, as used herein, means the light spectrum of the product as measured at the respective point in the supply chain, which may, or may not, be identical to the source light spectrum of the product measured in stage1000.

In stage2020, supply chain device application230receives the supply chain light spectrum measurement of stage2010from supply chain device associated spectrometer220, as described above in relation to stages1010and1060. In one embodiment, as described above, a plurality of measurements are performed and a predetermined function of the plurality of measurements is determined.

In optional stage2030, the user at the respective supply chain point activates optional identifier reader57of the respective supply chain device210and reads an electronically readable identifier of the product, as described above in relation to optional stages1030and1070. In one embodiment, optional identifier reader57is activated and controlled via an interface provided by the respective supply chain device application230. Information regarding the electronically readable identifier is output by optional identifier reader57and received by supply chain device application230. In the event that a plurality of products are present, such as a plurality of bags of the product, each with a respective electronically readable identifier, optional identifier reader57reads the identifier of each bag. Supply chain device application230stores the identifiers on optional memory52such that each stored identifier is associated with the respective source light spectrum measurements of the identified product.

In stage2040, the respective supply chain device application230receives, via communication module53, the transmitted information regarding the source light spectrum measurement of source device associated spectrometer30of stage1040. In one embodiment, the transmitted information is received via the communication between communication module53of the respective supply chain device210and communication module23of source device20. In the embodiment described above where the transmitted information is transmitted from source device20to a server, communication module53receives the source light spectrum measurement information from the server. In such an embodiment, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by the respective supply chain device application230is still regarding the one or more source light spectrum measurements.

As described above, in one embodiment source device20additionally transmits position information of source device20. In such an embodiment, supply chain device application230additionally receives the transmitted position information of stage1040. In an embodiment where the information is received from a server, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by supply chain device application230is still regarding the position of source device20.

As described above, in one embodiment source device20additionally transmits identifier information of one or more product or product groups. In such an embodiment, supply chain device application230additionally receives the transmitted identifier information of stage1040. In an embodiment where the information is received from a server, the information may be further processed by the server, however the information received by supply chain device application230is still regarding the read identifier.

In stage2050, supply chain device application230compares the received source light spectrum measurement information of stage2040with the received supply chain light spectrum measurement of stage2020, as described above in relation to stage1090. Supply chain device application230outputs validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the supply chain light spectrum measurement, as described above in relation to stage1090.

As further described above, in the embodiment where an electronically readable identifier of the product is read, as described in optional stage2030, supply chain device application230further compares the read identifier of optional stage2030with the received identifier information of stage2040. In one embodiment, the validation information is responsive to an outcome of the comparison of the identifiers, as described above.

As further described above, in the embodiment where position information of source device20is received, as described above in relation to stage2040, supply chain device application230is further arranged to compare the received position information to position information stored in optional memory52. In the event that the received position information does not match the stored position information, within a predetermined distance, the output validation information will indicate that product is not validated.

In stage2060, as described above in relation to stage1100, responsive to the output validation information of stage2050being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is within the predetermined parameter range of the supply chain light spectrum measurement, supply chain device application230controls output port55of the respective supply chain device210to output an indication that the product is validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker. Responsive to the output validation information of stage2050being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the supply chain light spectrum measurement, supply chain device application230controls output port55of the respective supply chain device210to output an indication that the product is not validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker.

In stage2070, supply chain device application230further controls communication module53to transmit: information regarding the received supply chain light spectrum measurement information of stage2020; and information regarding the supply chain point of the respective supply chain device210, i.e. at which part of the supply chain is the respective supply chain device210located. In one embodiment, the supply chain light spectrum measurement information comprises the difference between the compared source light spectrum measurement and the supply chain light spectrum measurement, as measured by supply chain device application230in stage2050. In another embodiment, the supply chain light spectrum measurement information comprises a predetermined function of the validation information of stage2050. In one embodiment, the supply chain point information comprises an identifier of an entity associated with the respective supply chain device210. In another embodiment, each supply chain device210further comprises a GNSS receiver (not shown), and supply chain device application230further controls communication module53to transmit the position of the respective supply chain device210determined by the GNSS receiver.

The transmission of the supply chain point information is arranged such that the transmission of the supply chain information is associated with the transmission of the supply chain light spectrum measurement information. In one embodiment, the association is maintained by transmitted both sets of information as a single transmission, such as a single packet or group of packets. In another embodiment, an identifier which is added to the transmission of the supply chain light spectrum measurement information is also added to the transmission of the supply chain point information. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted to destination device50, optionally via the internet. In another embodiment, the information is transmitted, additionally or alternatively, to another supply chain device210at another point in the supply chain. In another embodiment, as described below, the information is transmitted to a server.

In stage2080, when the product arrives at the destination, stages1050-1100, described above in relation to destination device50, are performed. In stage2090, the transmitted supply chain light spectrum measurement information and supply chain point information of stage2070are received by destination device application70via communication module53of destination device50.

In stage2100, responsive to the received supply chain device light spectrum measurement of stage2090and the received supply chain point information, destination device application70determines a quality value for the product at the associated supply chain point. In one embodiment, for each of the supply chain points, destination device application70compares the received supply chain light spectrum measurement information with the received destination light spectrum measurement of stage1060. In another embodiment, destination device application70compares the difference between: the difference between the supply chain light spectrum measurement and the source light spectrum measurement; and the difference between the destination light spectrum measurement and the source light spectrum measurement. This comparison allows for quality control throughout the supply chain. In one embodiment, in the event that there is a difference between the destination light spectrum measurement and the source light spectrum measurement, although still within the acceptable range to be validated, the difference can be due to a reduction in quality during shipment. The comparison of the difference between the spectral measurement difference at the destination and the spectral measurement difference at the respective supply chain points will indicate where along the supply chain the quality reduction occurred.

In stage2110, destination device application70controls output port55of destination device50to output an indication of the determined quality value of stage2100for at least one of the supply chain points. In one embodiment, an indication of the determined quality value for each supply chain point is output. In another embodiment, only indications of quality values below a predetermined threshold, indicating a significant reduction in quality, are output.

Although the above has been described in relation to an embodiment where the quality value for each supply chain point is determined by destination device application70, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, a server stores, for each supply chain device210, information regarding the difference between the source light spectrum measurements and the respective supply chain light spectrum measurements. In one embodiment, the differences are determined by the server, as described below. In another embodiment, the differences are received from the respective supply chain devices210. Additionally, as further described below, the difference between the source light spectrum measurements and the destination light spectrum measurements are stored in the server. In one embodiment, the differences are determined by the server, as described below. In another embodiment, the differences are received from the respective supply chain devices210. The server analyzes the stored differences to determine a respective quality value for each supply chain point.

FIG.4Aillustrates a high level schematic diagram of a spectroscopic tracing system300, in accordance with certain embodiments.FIG.4Billustrates a high level flow chart of a method of operation of spectroscopic tracing system300,FIGS.4A-4Bbeing described herein together. Spectroscopic tracing system300is in all respects similar to spectroscopic tracing system200, with the exception that a server310is added. Server310comprises: a processor320; an optional memory330; and a communication module340. In one embodiment, server310comprises a cloud server and communication module340comprises a communication system with the internet.

In a first method of operation, in stage3000, stages1000-1040described above are performed at source device20. In stage3010, processor320of server310receives, via communication module340, the transmitted information of stage1040regarding the source light spectrum measurement. In the embodiment where, in stage1040, position information of source device20and identifier information of electronically readable identifiers are additionally transmitted, processor320is further arranged to receive, via communication module340, the transmitted position information and identifier information.

In stage3020, for each supply chain device210, stages2010-2030, as described above, are performed. As described above, supply chain light spectrum measurements are received and optionally electronically readable identifiers are read. In stage3030, supply chain device application230transmits information regarding the received supply chain light spectrum measurements of stage2020to server310. In the embodiment where in optional stage2030one or more electronic readable identifiers are read, supply chain device application230is further arranged to transmit the identifier information to server310.

In stage3040, processor320of server310receives, via communication module340, the transmitted information of stage3030regarding the supply chain light spectrum measurement for each supply chain device210. In an embodiment where a plurality of measurements were performed, the plurality of measurements are received by processor320. In an embodiment where a predetermined function of the plurality of measurements was determined, the outcome of the predetermined function is received by processor320. In the embodiment where, in stage3030, position information of source device20and identifier information of electronically readable identifiers are additionally transmitted, processor320is further arranged to receive, via communication module340, the transmitted position information and identifier information.

In stage3050, processor320of server310compares the received source light spectrum measurement information with the received supply chain light spectrum measurement information, of stage3040, as described above in relation to stages1090and2050. In stage3060, processor320determines validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the supply chain light spectrum measurement information, as described above in relation to stage1090. Processor320further transmits the determined validation information to the respective supply chain device210. As further described above in relation to stage2050, the validation information is optionally determined responsive to the received readable identifiers. In one embodiment, the validation information and the supply chain point information is stored in optional memory330. In another embodiment, the validation information and the supply chain point information is transmitted via communication module340to destination device50. In stage3070, the transmitted validation information is received by the respective supply chain device210, via communication module53.

In stage3080, as described above in relation to stage1100, responsive to the received validation information of stage3070being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is within the predetermined parameter range of the supply chain light spectrum measurement, supply chain device application230controls output port55of the respective supply chain device210to output an indication that the product is validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker. Responsive to the received validation information of stage3070being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the supply chain light spectrum measurement, supply chain device application230controls output port55of the respective supply chain device210to output an indication that the product is not validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker.

In stage3090, when the product has arrived at the destination, stages1050-1070, described above, are performed. As described above, one or more destination light spectrum measurements, are received. As further described above, optionally one or more electronically readable identifiers are read. In stage3100, destination device application70of destination device50controls communication module53to transmit information regarding the received destination light spectrum measurements to server310. In the embodiment where one or more electronically readable identifiers are read, destination device application70of destination device50further controls communication module53to transmit information regarding the read identifiers to server310. In stage3110, processor320of server310receives, via communication module340, the transmitted destination light spectrum measurement information and optional identifiers.

In stage3120, processor320of server310compares the received source light spectrum information of stage3010with the received destination light spectrum information of stage3100, as described above in relation to stage1090. In stage3130, processor320transmits validation information regarding an outcome of the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement information, as described above in relation to stage1090. As further described above in relation to stage1090, the validation information is optionally determined responsive to the received identifier information. In one embodiment, the validation information is stored in optional memory330. In stage3140, the transmitted validation information is received by destination device application70, via communication module53of destination device50.

In stage3150, as described above in relation to stage1100, responsive to the received validation information of stage3140being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70controls output port55of the destination device50to output an indication that the product is validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker. Responsive to the received validation information of stage3140being indicative that the source light spectrum measurement is not within the predetermined parameter range of the destination light spectrum measurement, destination device application70controls output port55of destination device50to output an indication that the product is not validated, such as a visual and/or audio indication on a screen and/or speaker.

Stages3000-3150have been described in an embodiment where all of the comparisons and determinations of validation information are performed by processor320of server310, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the supply chain light spectrum measurement information is performed by processor320of server310and the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurements is performed by destination device application70. Alternatively, the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the destination light spectrum measurement information is performed by processor320of server310and the comparison of the source light spectrum measurement information with the supply chain light spectrum measurements is performed by supply chain device application230.

As described above, in another embodiment, the comparisons and determination of validation information is performed by the respective applications on supply chain devices210and destination device50. In such an embodiment, only transmission of the relevant information is performed through the server. Several weeks, or more, can pass from the time the source light spectral measurement is performed by source device associated spectrometer30to the time the destination light spectral measurement is performed by destination device associated spectrometer60. Advantageously, by performing the transmission of information through server310, the information from source device20can be stored in optional memory330until it is requested by destination device50when the product arrives at the destination.

Although the above has been described in relation to an embodiment where source device20and destination device50are separate devices, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, source device20and destination device50are embodied as the same device. For example, a buyer can be given a pre-sample of the product, such as coffee. In such a case, the destination device characterizes the received sample to determine the spectral fingerprint of the sample. Subsequent shipments of the product are then analyzed by the destination device and compared to the spectral fingerprint of the sample. In one embodiment, as described above, a single application is provided, exhibiting a source mode and a destination mode. In such an embodiment, the pre-sample is characterized using the source mode and the subsequent shipments are analyzed using the destination mode. In another embodiment, a source application and a destination application are separately provided, the source application arranged to characterize the sample and the destination application arranged to analyze the shipments.

The terms “include”, “comprise” and “have” and their conjugates as used herein mean “including but not necessarily limited to”.