Patent Publication Number: US-2019195695-A1

Title: Temperature environmental sensors on pallet

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application: 62/551,822 filed on Aug. 30, 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Items moving through the supply chain are tracked during transit. Some items that are temperature-sensitive have additional shipping and/or storage criteria relating to the temperature of the item. Compliance with this additional criteria must be established during storage and/or transit. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device is attached to a pallet. The electronic device is coupled to an item temperature sensor and an ambient air temperature sensor. Periodic measurements of the item and ambient air are collected by their respective temperature sensors. The electronic device receives from a server a list of threshold temperatures that correspond to the spoilage temperatures of the products loaded on the pallet. The electronic device then determines based on the periodic measurements against the thresholds, whether an alert needs to be transmitted. Based on the thresholds crossed, the alert may be modified to indicate a high or lower sense of urgency. 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device is attached to a pallet. The electronic device is coupled to an item temperature sensor and an ambient air temperature sensor. Periodic measurements of the item and ambient air are collected by their respective temperature sensors. The electronic device forwards the periodic measurements to a server. The server retrieves a list of threshold temperatures from a database that correspond to the spoilage temperatures of the products loaded on the pallet. The server then determines based on the periodic measurements against the thresholds, whether an alert needs to be transmitted. Based on the thresholds crossed, the alert may be a notification on a mobile device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered as a limitation of the present disclosure: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a deployment of a system for the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a distributed system for delivery of temperature fluctuation alerts according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a process for the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is an activity diagram demonstrating the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is an activity diagram demonstrating the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device suitable for use in an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described in detail herein is a system for the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram  100  illustrating a deployment of a system for the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, an electronic device  116  is communicatively coupled to a pallet  108  which hosts item  102 . The pallet  108  may be any pallet used in industry for the transport of item  102  from one location to another. Exemplary electronic devices  116  include but are not limited to, a small computing device equipped with a processor such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer with communication interfaces operable to receive temperature values from temperature sensors. The electronic device  116  may also include touch sensitive input devices. The exemplary electronic device  116  may include communication interfaces operable to interface the electronic device with light indicator devices, auditory alert devices, and display devices. An embodiment of the electronic device  116  may take the form of an Internet of things (IoT) device. Advantages of IoT devices include the utilization of well known operational software packages, low power consumption, and s small footprint. In one embodiment, electronic device  116  is physical integrated into pallet  108 . In another embodiment, electronic device  116  is physically separate from pallet  108  but communicatively coupled to temperature sensors, indicator lights and/or display surfaces associated with pallet  108 . 
     Item  102  may take the form of an item capable of being shipped on a pallet. The item  102  may have specific storage temperature thresholds which correlate with the marketability of the item. For instance, if the temperature of item  102  goes beyond a minimum threshold, the item may still be marketable, but with a more limited shelf life. If the item  102  temperature goes beyond a maximum threshold, the item  102  may no longer be marketable and may be removed from the supply chain. The item  102  may include food goods, as well as other goods that require temperature stable environments. As discussed further herein, sets of threshold values corresponding to different types of items may be stored in a database accessible to electronic device  116 . 
     Associated with the item  102  is an item temperature sensor  104 . The item temperature sensor  104  may be affixed to, or otherwise in contact with the item  102 . The affixation/contact may be internal to the item itself or to the item  102  packaging. The item temperature sensor  104  may be communicatively coupled to the electronic device  116 . The communicative coupling may take the form of a wired or wireless connection between the item temperature sensor  104  and the electronic device  116 . Wireless connection may be supported by underlying wireless telecommunication protocols including but not limited Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Near-field Communication (NFC), and Zigbee®. The item temperature sensor  104  monitors the temperature associated with the item itself, and in one embodiment reports that temperature to the electronic device  116  on a periodic basis. In another embodiment, the item temperature sensor  104  continually reports the temperature to electronic device  116 . 
     Also associated with the pallet  108  is an ambient air temperature sensor  106 . The ambient air temperature sensor  106  may be affixed to the pallet  108  in a manner that allows it to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the pallet, which may be different from the temperature of the item  102 . Alternatively, the air temperature sensor  106  may be physically separate but located so as to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the pallet  108 . Similar to the item temperature sensor  104 , the ambient air temperature sensor  106  may be communicatively coupled to the electronic device  116  by means of wireless or wired communication. The underlying wireless telecommunication protocols for the ambient air temperature sensor  106  may be similar to that of the item temperature sensor  104 , although it is not a requirement that the temperature sensors utilize the same communication protocol. The ambient air temperature sensor  106  monitors the ambient air temperature on or near the pallet, and reports that temperature in one embodiment to the electronic device  116  on a periodic basis. In another embodiment, the ambient air temperature sensor  106  continually reports the temperature to electronic device  116 . 
     In one embodiment there may be a number of notification devices located on or near the pallet  108 . The notification devices may include, but are not limited to, an audio device  110 , an indicator light  112 , and display device  114 . Each of the notification devices may be coupled to the electronic device  116  through a wired connection or a wireless connection similar to the item temperature sensor  104  and/or the ambient air sensor  106 . The audio device  110  may include hardware and/or software for the processing of sound signals and replay of the sound signals. Sound signals may include simple auditory tones, or more complex human speech replication. The indicator light  112  may include a light source or a multitude of integrated light sources capable of modifying light characteristics including the emitted light in color, intensity, and the frequency of flashing. The indicator light  112  may include hardware and/or software for modifying the light characteristics, or alternatively, the electronic device  116  may include hardware and/or software for modifying the characteristics. A display device  114  may be utilized for displaying an alert notification. The display device  114  may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), light emitting diode (LED) screen, projector, or any other display surface capable of providing a display notification to a user. Additionally, touch screen functionality may be implemented through capacitive, resistive, or other touch screen mechanisms to provide an input device for the user to interact with the display device  114 . 
     Operating on the electronic device  116  may be a notification module  118 . The notification module  118  may be software instructions executing on electronic device  116  providing the functionality described herein or alternatively may be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware. As described further herein, notification module  118  may provide the algorithmic support for the processing of any received temperatures from the item temperature sensor  104  or the ambient air temperature sensor  106 . In supporting the processing of the received temperatures, the notification module  118  may interface with the audio device  110 , the indicator light  112 , and the display device  114  and activate them accordingly based on the processed received temperatures. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram  200  illustrating a distributed system for delivery of temperature fluctuation alerts according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device  116  may maintain a connection to a server  202 . The server  202  may be an individual server, as illustrated herein, multiple interconnected servers, or virtual servers. The connection to the server  202  may be one through wireless communication such as 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Wi-Fi during mobile deployment. Alternatively, the electronic device  116  may be connected to the server  202  through a wired connection using an integrated interface or a docking station for the electronic device  116  that is attached to the server  202  while the pallet  108  is not mobile. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the described functionality of the electronic device  116  and server  202  may be combined into server  202  which may be in wireless communication with the temperature sensors, light indicator device, display device, audio device and/or other wireless components associated with pallet  108 . 
     The server  202  may provide data to the notification module  118  through the electronic device  116 . The data may include temperature threshold information related to the item  102  on the pallet  108 . In another embodiment, the server  202  may provide additional processing to assist the electronic device  116  in providing algorithmic support for the processing of any received temperatures. The server  202  may provide updates to user&#39;s mobile devices  204 A,  204 B,  204 C based on the results of the processing of the received temperatures. The updates provided to the mobile devices  204 A,  204 B,  204 C may be in addition to or in lieu of any notifications presented by the audio device  110 , the indicator light  112 , or the display device  114 . The notifications provided to the mobile devices  204 A,  204 B,  204 C may include additional information including pallet location, item description, final destination, and instructions on how to proceed, as the receiving user may not be in the immediate presence of the pallet. Database  206  is accessible to, or operating on the server  202 . The database  206  may be implemented across multiple database instances. The database  206  may contain relevant information regarding the items on the pallet, such as, but not limited to, temperature threshold values, origination and destination locations of the goods, and warehouse locations and trailer locations of the pallet. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart  300  illustrating a process for the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     The sequence begins at block  302  as a first temperature value is received from the ambient air temperature sensor  106 . The first temperature value may be periodically received based on a schedule or randomly. In one embodiment, the first temperature value is received following a request from the electronic device  116  to the ambient air temperature sensor  106 . In another embodiment, the first temperature value is received by the electronic device  116  based on the data being sent by the ambient air temperature sensor  106  without a request. The first temperature value corresponds to the ambient air temperature surrounding the pallet. For instance, the first temperature value may be a reading of the ambient air temperature in a warehouse when the pallet is located in a warehouse. Alternatively, as another example, the first temperature value may be a reading of the ambient air temperature in a cold storage trailer when the pallet is in transit or from a cold room when the pallet is being stored. 
     At block  304 , a second temperature value is received from the item temperature sensor. The second temperature value may be received independently of the first temperature value, or alternatively the second temperature may be received based on the value of the first temperature value. The second temperature value corresponds to a temperature reading taken from physical contact with an item on the pallet. In one embodiment a temperature reading taken from physical contact may include a reading taken from the item temperature sensor affixed to the exterior of packaging package. Alternatively, the temperature reading may be taken from an item temperature sensor located internally to the packaging of an item or internal to the item itself. 
     At block  306 , a set of threshold values is retrieved for the items on the pallet. The set of threshold values may correspond to varying degrees of spoilage for the items. For example a minimum temperature threshold may be indicative of lessened shelf life of the items, whereas a maximum temperature threshold may be indicative of a complete loss of marketability of the items. In the set of threshold values, there may exist a number of thresholds lower than that of a total loss of marketability, used to alert a user to take various actions to avoid crossing the threshold indicative of a total loss of marketability for the items. The set of thresholds may be included in an item database or multiple databases that include all products applicable to be shipped in the items. Each entry in the database may include an item identifier as well as information regarding the item dimensions, item description, and corresponding temperature thresholds at which a user may be notified to take action. 
     At block  308 , the set of threshold values for an item is compared to the first temperature value and the second temperature value. The threshold values may take a number of forms. For example, the threshold values may include an ambient air temperature threshold and an item temperature threshold. A threshold may be provided with respect to both types of values (e.g. if the ambient air temperature is x then the item temperature must be at least y or the two temperature values cannot be separated by more than x degrees). There may be a number of different thresholds for each item with each threshold associated with an escalation rule indicating an action to be taken in the event the threshold is met or exceeded. For example, a dairy item may have a first temperature value of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is associated with the item temperature threshold. The dairy item may also have a second temperature value of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is associated with the ambient air temperature. In this example, a crossing of the second temperature value corresponding to ambient air temperature would be worrisome, but not catastrophic. If not the ambient air temperature is not addressed, the first temperature value associated to the item temperature may rise to the point of crossing the threshold. As this value is associated with the item, the crossing of this threshold is more serious. 
     At block  310 , based on the comparing, a set of escalation rules whose applicability is determined by a variance between the set of threshold values and at least one of the first temperature values and the second temperature value is applied. In one embodiment, a threshold violation by the first temperature value alone may prompt the execution of an escalation rule. In another embodiment, a threshold violation by the second temperature value alone may prompt the execution of an escalation rule. In another embodiment, a threshold violation by both the first and second temperature values will prompt the execution of an escalation rule. As there are varying thresholds in the set of thresholds, different escalation rules may be applied based on different thresholds are breached. For example, if a low threshold, indicative of a potential loss of shelf life is detected in either the first temperature value or the second temperature value, lower level escalation rule may be applied. A lower level escalation rule may include a localized notification on the pallet itself as a flashing indication from the indicator light  112 . Similarly, a mid-level escalation rule may include a localized notification on the pallet itself by a more rapid flashing indication augmented by an intuitive color change (yellow to red) from the indicator light  112 . A high-level escalation rule may include localized notification similar to the mid-level escalation rule, but may include an auditory notification generated by the audio device  110 . A critical-level escalation rule may incorporate the features of a high-level escalation rule, and include a notification to a user&#39;s mobile device indicating a pallet in distress for which emergency action is required. 
     At block  312 , an alert is transmitted based on the applying of the set of escalation rules. As mentioned above in describing the escalation rules, an alert may take various forms based on which escalation rule is applied. In one embodiment, any level of alert may include an intuitive display of lights by the indicator light  112 . For example, no alert may include the display of a solid non-flashing green light indicating no temperature fluctuation over a threshold. Progressing up the set of thresholds may include changes to the indicator light modifying the color presented based on the criticality of the escalation rule. For example, as the criticality increases, the indicator light  112  may change from green, to yellow, to red. Additionally, the intensity of the indicator light  112  may change similarly, from a low intensity to a higher intensity as the criticality increases. Flashing may be used to indicate increases in criticality. A solid light may indicate low criticality, while a rapid flashing light may indicate a high criticality and be designed to attract an immediate response from individuals in the area of the pallet. 
     Similarly to the display of lights by the indicator light  112 , in an embodiment an auditory alert may be presented by the audio device  110 . The audio device  110  may produce intuitive noises corresponding to the criticality of the applied escalation rule. For example, low criticality rules may present as subtle beeping and high criticality rules may present as harsher louder tones. Spoken language messages may be presented as well to give a nearby user an indication of the problem as well as the criticality of the problem. 
     In another embodiment display device  114  may be configured to display a visual representation of the applied escalation rule, and a description of the problem temperatures, as well as suggested remedies. The visual representation may include graphics, text, and video corresponding to the applied escalation rule. Remedies displayed may include but are not limited to the movement of the pallet to a more suitable location up to disposal of pallet contents. 
     It should be appreciated that embodiments may combine more than one type of alert. For example, the audio device  110  and indicator light  112  may be activated at the same time for increased effect depending on the type of alert. 
       FIG. 4A  is an activity diagram  400 A demonstrating the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment components used to detect temperature fluctuations affecting items on a pallet may include an item temperature sensor  104 , an ambient air temperature sensor  106 , a server  202 , a database  206 , an electronic device  116 , and an audio visual (A/V) alert indicator  404 . Messaging between the components may take the form of a binary non-human readable format for ease of processing, or alternatively the formatting my take the form of a human readable format such as JSON or XML encoding. A temperature value may be presented in the form of message  406  to the electronic device  116  from the item temperature sensor  104 . A second temperature value may be presented in the form of message  408  from the ambient air temperature sensor  106  to the electronic device  116 . A database  206  may provide message  410  to the server  202  containing data relevant to the items or products on the pallet. The data may include temperature thresholds corresponding to each item on the pallet or derived temperature thresholds corresponding to the pallet as a whole based on the items on the pallet. Additionally included may be item descriptions and remedy instructions for saving the item from spoilage. The server  202  may provide message  412  to the electronic device  116  which may include the data about the products on the pallet including temperature thresholds, item descriptions and remedies. Upon the receipt of the message  412 , the electronic device  116  may process the data set of the temperature value, the second temperature value, and the escalation rules in accordance with  FIG. 3 . Based on that processing, the electronic device  116  selects a mechanism of notification available on the pallet and may issues a message  414  corresponding to the results of the processing to the A/V alert indicator  404  instructing the delivery of an audio or visual based alert using one or more of the mechanisms described above. 
       FIG. 4B  is an activity diagram demonstrating the detection and notification of abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation according to another exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment components used to detect abnormal pallet temperature fluctuation may include an item temperature sensor  104 , an ambient air temperature sensor  106 , a server  202 , a database  206 , an electronic device  116 , and a mobile device  204 . As discussed above, any messaging between the components may take the form of a binary non-human readable format for ease of processing, or alternatively the formatting my take a human readable format such as JSON or XML encoding. A temperature value may be presented in the form of message  416  to the electronic device  116  from the item temperature sensor  104 . A second temperature value may be presented in the form of message  418  from the ambient air temperature sensor  106  to the electronic device  116 . 
     The electronic device  116  may provide message  420  to the server  202  that may contain the temperature value and the second temperature value. Additional information may be included in message  420 , including a unique identifier associated the pallet to which the electronic device  116  is coupled. Location information for the pallet and electronic device  116  may be included in message  420 . Database  206  may provide data  422  relevant to the items or products on the pallet to the server  202 . Data  422  may include temperature thresholds corresponding to each item on the pallet or derived temperature thresholds corresponding to the pallet as a whole based on the items on the pallet. Additionally included may be item descriptions and remedy instructions for saving the item from spoilage. 
     The server  202  utilizes the received temperature value and the second temperature value as well as the data received from the database  206  to execute the process displayed in  FIG. 3 . Upon completing the process described in  FIG. 3 , the server  202  sends an alert  424  to a mobile device  204 . The alert  424  may take a digital form including but not limited to an email, text message, instant message, or a notification in an application. The alert  424  may include the relevant escalation level, affected item descriptions, containing pallet location, and steps to remedy. Steps to remedy may include instructions to the recipient to move the pallet to a more suitable area or discard products or items off the pallet. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device suitable for use in an exemplary embodiment. Electronic device  500  can execute the notification module. The electronic device  500  includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for storing one or more computer-executable instructions or software for implementing exemplary embodiments. The non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more flash drives, one or more solid state disks), and the like. For example, volatile memory  504  included in the electronic device  500  may store computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software (e.g., mobile applications) for implementing exemplary operations of the electronic device  500 . The electronic device  500  also includes configurable and/or programmable processor  502  for executing computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software stored in the volatile memory  504  and other programs for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Processor  502  may be a single core processor or multiple core processors. Processor  502  may be configured to execute one or more of the instructions described in connection with electronic device  500 . 
     Volatile memory  504  may include a computer system memory or random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, and the like. Volatile memory  504  may include other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof. 
     A user may interact with the electronic device  500  through a display device  114 , such as a computer monitor, which may display one or more graphical user interfaces supplemented by I/O devices  508 , which may include a multi touch interface, a pointing device, an image capturing device and a reader. Additional I/O devices  508 , may include the ambient air temperature sensor  106 , the item temperatures sensor  104 , the audio device  110 , and the indicator light  112 . 
     The electronic device  500  may also include storage  506 , such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable instructions and/or software that implement exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., applications). For example, storage  506  may include one or more databases  206  for storing information associated with item pricing information and item packaging information and may be indexed accordingly. The database  206  may be updated manually or automatically at any suitable time to add, delete, and/or update one or more data items in the databases. 
     The electronic device  500  can include a network interface  512  configured to interface via one or more network devices with one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN)or the Internet through a variety of connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 56kb, X.25), broadband connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless connections, controller area network (CAN), or some combination of any or all of the above. In exemplary embodiments, the network interface  512  may include one or more antennas to facilitate wireless communication between the electronic device  500  and a network and/or between the electronic device  500  and other electronic devices. The network interface  512  may include a built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB network adapter, modem or any other device suitable for interfacing the electronic device  500  to any type of network capable of communication and performing the operations described herein. 
     In describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular exemplary embodiment includes a multiple system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps may be replaced with a single element, component or step Likewise, a single element, component or step may be replaced with multiple elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the exemplary flowcharts, and that the steps in the exemplary flowcharts may be performed in a different order than the order shown in the illustrative flowcharts.