Abstract:
A monitor of measurable environmental conditions, contained in a thin, watertight envelope with an electronic processing circuit, liquid crystal display, operating in the positive or negative mode and a two way r/f or infrared spectrum communication system. The monitor collects, stores and provides a readout of the information collected. The processing circuit has a programmable memory and the ability to monitor simultaneously multiple conditions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to monitoring environmental conditions and more particularly to a device and system that will electronically monitor multiple environmental conditions over a period of time providing a continuous display while storing information for later retrieval. 
     2. The Problem and Relevant Prior Art 
     Monitoring of environmental conditions including temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, acceleration and other parameters is important in all aspects of everyday life. Packaged goods being one aspect of many where environmental monitoring and control effects us directly. Poor control over the temperature of room environments can seriously and adversely affect the quality of stored or shipped packaged food products and medical products. In other products, temperature extremes will affect the shelf life and usefulness of the product. This, in turn, could affect the health and comfort of the end user of the products. 
     An important aspect of environmental monitoring of packaged goods is a situation where the same product is shipped in large containers from various locations at the same time to a common distribution point, where packages of goods become commingled. As it now stands the distributor has no way of determining the environmental history of an individual package or an entire Lot once it leaves the shipping container. If the container was environmentally monitored by a conventional large scale monitoring system, information ends once the product is removed from the container. In the case of currently available temperature monitoring systems ambient room or container temperature is measured. These systems lack the ability to measure or record cold or hot areas from within the large area which may cause serious deleterious freeze-thaw affects on the packaged goods. 
     Packages containing delicate goods may require monitoring for acceleration forces in order to predict damage and prevent the now defective goods from being forwarded to the consumer. 
     Currently available monitoring-devices and systems are large, expensive and not conveniently disposed of once a shipped product has arrived at its destination. Some monitors are required to be sent back to the point of origin. These monitors are reused many times which raises questions as to calibration and reliability. The cost of monitoring products to the individual level, until now, has never been achieved economically. Presently available electronic monitors have micro devices with programmable read only, memories to store the operating programming of the monitor. This read only memory (ROM) is programmed by blowing fused connections on the micro device. As a result an inherent problem exists when the monitor with this micro is introduced into an electrical field with noise spikes, electrical motive force, or other energy charges. This added energy will tend to temporarily change the state of the ROM causing any number of problems making the monitors unreliable. The problem typically occurs around compressors, electric forklift truck, and motors. 
     A typical example of such a prior art device is found in U.S. patents, for instance: U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,822 issued Mar. 28, 1989 to Vache et al. for a remote environmental monitor system, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,848 issued May 24, 1994 to Santin et al. for a disposable electronic monitor device. 
     The instant device and system is distinguished from that of Vache et al in that it provides a thin, sealed water proof package that contains programmable electronics and a communication capability via radio frequency or infra red spectrum. In addition, disclosed is a miniature monitor to that is adaptable for use on individual packaged goods which is economically disposable after one use. 
     Santin et al is distinguished in that the device is of the same class as Vache et al, noted above but fails to provide the improved processing electronics of the device disclosed herein. 
     The instant invention as disclosed and claimed herein provides distinct and useful advantages not previously known to the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention in its most simple form consists of an environmental condition monitoring device which, measures and records a selected condition, or multiple selected conditions such as, temperature, pressure, humidity or mechanical shock. The monitoring device simultaneously records time as corresponding to the environmental events otherwise recorded. The information is stored until downloaded by means of a conventional reader which is capable of accessing the monitors memory via an infrared or radio frequency signal. It is anticipated that the environmental condition monitors will be used in multiple units on packaged products hence each monitor is identified by a programmed code. Information gathered by the reader is downloaded to a conventional data analyzing system where the information is decoded and made available for appropriate purposes. 
     The invention is further characterized by a monitor having a low profile, thin pack design with an LCD display. Included in the monitor is communication circuit and single chip four bit masked microcomputer and a silicon masked read only memory. The invention includes a miniature monitor utilizing a negative mode LCD display that indicates a pass or fail condition for the set purpose of the monitor. It is particularly adapted to be used with individual packaged goods. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved apparatus for monitoring multiple environmental conditions simultaneously. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a new and improved apparatus for monitoring that displays a selected monitored parameter. 
     It is still another object to provide a new and improved disposable monitor that displays a pass-fail indication relative to a programmed parameter. 
     It is still a further object to provide a new and improved environmental transducer that is more accurate then any currently available. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved microcomputer processing system for environmental monitors. 
     It is another object to provide a new and improved processing system for environmental monitors that includes a single chip 4-bit microcomputer. 
     It is another object to provide a new and improved microcomputer processing system for environmental monitors that is significantly lower in cost than any known and currently available like systems. 
     These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is block diagram of the system of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the invention with the cover removed. 
     FIG. 3A is a view of the LCD taken along the line  3 A— 3 A. 
     FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the area of the invention identified as  3 B. 
     FIG. 4 is side elevation view of the invention showing some interior parts in phantom. 
     FIG. 5 is a exploded corner view of a monitor showing the placement of relative layers that make up the monitor. 
     FIG. 6 is a block schematic representation of the system of the invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention showing the LCD in negative mode configuration. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a typical system of the type disclosed consists of a monitor  10 , and a compatible read-out apparatus  12  connected to a data analyzer  14 . 
     The link between monitor  10  and reader  12  may be in the infra red frequency spectrum or radio-frequency spectrum or a combination of both. Upon command, reader  12  interrogates the monitor  10  and causes its information, collected and stored to download into a memory of the recorder and subsequently the information is sent to data analyzer  14  where it is converted into useful information. 
     Concerning FIG. 2, the monitor package  10  includes a window  16  for allowing current data to be displayed through the cover of the package  18 . Areas on the cover identified by indicia  20 ,  22  when depressed activate a start switch within the pack and an optional stop switch if used for a particular application. Communications windows  24 ,  26  in the cover allow the monitor reader to communicate via infrared light with the monitor to program the monitor and download stored data gathered by one or more sensors active in the monitor. 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the invention with the cover removed. A printed circuit board  30  contains all components for the collection, storing and transmission of information to and from the monitor. A radio frequency generator  32  communicates with reader  12  via r/f frequencies. Infrared diode  34  sends data, in the infrared spectrum, in response to infrared signals received by photo transistor  36  from reader  12 . A liquid crystal display  38  is mounted in a receiving aperture on the circuit board  30  and cooperatively positioned with the window  16  in the cover whereby displayed information is always accessible. 
     A masked four bit micro computer  40  operates the monitoring system which will hereinafter be described. An external EE PROM memory  42  is attached to the circuit board as are the fast communication crystal  44  and slow frequency timing crystal  46 . Temperature sensing thermistor  45  is affixed directly to the circuit board by means of tape or epoxy. Battery  48  provides 1.5 or 3.0 volts as needed to power the system. Momentary start switch  50  and momentary stop switch  52  if utilized, are mounted on the board in cooperative relation with the printed indicia on the cover  18 . An optional reset switch  54  is positioned on the board for a system utilizing the reset feature of the monitor. 
     Concerning FIGS. 3A and 3B, the liquid crystal display is formed from two sheets of glass  56 ,  58  with the larger ( 56 ) being the viewing side of the display. The smaller sheet ( 58 ) being the back. Electrical contact pads  60 , adapted to connect to the circuit board, are fixed to the bottom side of the top sheet of glass. Contact pads  60  are made oversize with a minimum of 0.1 inch separation spaces thereby allowing attachment directly to the circuit board  30  with electrically conductive epoxy, or tape  62 . 
     The information may be in positive mode showing the specific value of the data, or in negative mode showing only a pass or fail condition. 
     “The back of the liquid crystal display  58  fits into a recessed area of the printed circuit board  30  allowing the pads to connect with the circuit board contacts directly and be secured as described, with electrically conductive epoxy or conductive tape  60 ”. 
     Similarly, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the thin package monitor is formed of a printed circuit board assembly  30 . Covering the back side is a layer of polycarbonate resin sheet material  63  held in place by an appropriate adhesive material. One or both sides of the sheet material may be coated with adhesive, the surface away from the circuit board for the purpose of securing the monitor to an object to be monitored. Surrounding printed circuit board  30  and following the perimeter is a ring of closed cell foam  64  which is adhesively affixed to the printed circuit board  30 . A second sheet of clear polycarbonte resin material  66  is adhesively affixed over the foam ring spacer  64  covering the top side of the printed circuit board  30 , completing a water tint seal of the thin pack monitor device. The top sheet may be clear or printed on the backside with ink or color to produce the label and logo needed for the product. The foam spacer in combination with the top sheet material further act as a mechanical stabilizer for parts on the circuit board. 
     FIG. 6 shows the single chip masked microcomputer  40  utilizing a four bit core central processing unit  70 . An oscillator  72  consists of two separate clocks, a 32 KHz crystal  74  for time keeping real time functions including temperature readings and all other normal operations of the monitor. The second clock, a 1 Mhz oscillator,  76  is used for high speed communications only. 
     An optional reset button  54  activates the system reset control  80  where the monitor is designed to be used more than once. 
     A silicon masked read only memory  82  is utilized to store the operating programming commands of the monitor. The masked feature eliminates errors created in similar systems when introduced into an electrical field with noise spikes, electrical motive force or other energy sources. 
     Operation of the monitor is commenced by activation of the start switch  50  at which time the monitor will begin to take readings. It may be terminated at any time by stop switch  52  on monitors so equipped. Monitors not equipped with a stop switch are generally disposable and operate until electrical power in the battery  48  is exhausted. Start and stop switches  50 ,  52  are connected to the processor via input port  84 . Input communication  34  is connected to the processor via input port  84  and output port  86 . Output communication  36  is connected to output port  86 . Communications input receive all configuration data and commands for the monitor. 
     Communications output sends information collected and stored in random accessory memory (RAM)  88  and EE PROM memory  42  connected via the input-output port  87  to take sensor readings. It also interrupts the programming when the push buttons are pressed or communications are activated. 
     Information communicated as input and output may be in the form of infra-red signals or radio frequency signals, or a combination of both. 
     The liquid crystal diode  38  is operated through the LCD driver  90  and powered by battery  48  via power controller  100 . 
     Sensor  1  which represents a temperature sensing transducer such as thermistor  45  which is surface mounted directly to the circuit board by means of conductive epoxy or conductive tape. This connection effects the sensitivity of the thermistor whereby the rate of change becomes equal to that of the unit. This stabilizes the rate of change, eliminating spikes of temperature and provides an accuracy to within one degree Fahrenheit. 
     Optional sensors  45 A,  45 B are connected to the processor through resistance-frequency converter  102 . Supply voltage detection system  104  monitors battery voltage and will provide an indication of a low battery condition. The micro computer is set to a desired selected speed by timer  106 . The selected speed is a function of the division of the two crystal speeds. Remote controller  108  provides timing for remote control communications. Interrupt generator  110  is set by programming to interrupt the sleep mode of the system and cause it to take sensor readings, check for communications or push on the buttons. 
     In operation, initial depression of start button  50  and insertion of the monitor into the reader  12  allows for programming of the chip for various parameters not included during the manufacture of the chip  40 . This is done through input communication  34  and output communication  36 . Initial parameters such as delay start, update rate and reading rate are stored in EE PROM  42 . 
     The monitor is subsequently removed from the reader and placed in its location of operation. For operational purposes the start button is pushed and held for 3 seconds, the monitor becomes activated and a pulsing heart is shown on the LCD  16  to indicate activation and operation. A programmed delay precedes the first reading and storage of other parameters into the EE PROM memory  42 . 
     The monitor continues to operate until the stop button  52  is activated at which time recording of information is terminated. 
     The downloading of recorded information is accomplished by depressing the start button and inserting the monitor into reader  12  which interfaces with input/output communications port  87  and transfers data to data analyzer  14  for decoding and interpretation. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the low cost, economically disposable embodiment of the monitor shown in FIG.  2 . This embodiment  112  includes the same thin pack construction as described hereinbefore. Particular distinguishing features include a start switch  118  only and a negative mode LCD  114 . The negative mode liquid crystal provides a pass-fail indication relative to standards programmed into the monitor system. Failure to meet or exceeding the standards will cause the LCD to become black, as will a bad battery power supply. A single input programing window  116  may be relocated for convenience without taking away from the spirit and intent of the invention. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to only a preferred embodiment of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.