Patent Document

[0001]    This application claims priority of Provisional Application Serial No. 60/419,695 filed Oct. 17, 2002 and Provisional Application Serial No. 60/453,354 filed Mar. 7, 2003, which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods and apparatus for detection of the conditions of spoilage of perishable merchandise. More particularly, although not exclusively, these embodiments are concerned with the detection of spoilage in chilled foodstuffs, such as meats.  
           [0004]    The monitoring and control of the condition of fresh foodstuffs, which have been given enhanced, but not indefinite, shelf life by chilling and refrigerated storage, poses a major problem in society. Thus the consumer demands fresh food, conveniently packaged, and with all-the-year round availability in shops and supermarkets, while at the same time expecting that there is no danger of spoilage leading to impaired looks or flavor, or, more importantly, health risk in the purchased foods.  
           [0005]    Oxidation and degradation by endogenous enzymes and bacterial growth processes involving the metabolism of a wide range of food constituents, including carbohydrates and amino acids, can all contribute to losses in sensory and/or hygienic qualities of foods and their ultimate rejection by the consumer. The relative importance of these various spoilage processes may vary from product to product, with conditions of transportation and storage, with intended use etc., but the consequences of bacterial growth are commonly an important contributory factor. This is especially the case for chilled-fresh foods such as meats.  
           [0006]    2. Related Art  
           [0007]    In reviewing the body of patents and commercial products, the inventors have found only chemical and visual means for monitoring the conditions of spoilage. None of the prior art known to the inventors revealed a similar method of providing the functionality of the present invention, and none incorporate a means whereby electronic and algorithmic apparatus and methods are used to indicate the spoilage of perishable merchandise. The present invention utilizes electronic means to accomplish timing, and preferably not a chemical means.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The invention comprises, in a label for perishable items, an improvement comprising an electronic circuit including means for performing time-temperature integration (TTI) and means for indicating that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality or shelf life of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. This may include fresh or frozen foods, meats, or even drugs, blood, and organs for organ transplant. Preferably for food items, the labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may include means, such as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled.  
           [0009]    As an introduction to the problems solved by the present invention, consider the supply chain for the perishable food products industry from the point of preparation and packaging through distribution into retail locations to the point of purchase at the cash register. Along the supply chain, perishable food products are handled through various temperature environments and over varying amounts of transportation, storage and shelf time. The spoilage of perishable food products can occur prior to purchase due to a variety of handling factors, where the temperature of these perishable food products may become compromised and/or elapsed time from packing to point of purchase may exceed safe limits.  
           [0010]    There exists a need for a means whereby spoilage information can be conveyed to shippers, warehousers, handlers, retailers and consumers of perishable products, so that informed decisions can be made regarding the freshness of products in the supply chain. The present invention provides such a means of detecting spoilage through incorporation of one or several electronic timers and/or one or several temperature sensing and TTI calculation means into a portable, disposable label or similar package type, suitable to particular product applications.  
           [0011]    In alternate embodiments, there can be simpler or more complex calculations for determining spoilage and/or indicating percentages, for example, to provide advance warnings. Spoilage determination in different embodiments may be made strictly on a timer-only basis, or may be made using the TTI technique. For instances of the present invention where alternate timer-only vs. TTI capabilities are desired, mode selection input pins can be incorporated into the electronic timing and control integrated circuit. The indication of predetermined limits being exceeded can be accomplished via a visual means, such as by utilizing LEDs or Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) or by audio means, such as by utilizing a piezoelectric sound element.  
           [0012]    The present invention may take the form of a preferably-flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery. The label may include a label cover/casing that is typically attached to the outer surface of the perishable product packaging using appropriate adhesives, or it may be placed in a visible pouch or attached by some other means to the target product to be monitored. Printed graphics on the top surface convey retail information such as unit pricing, weight, trademarks, logos, or other information.  
           [0013]    A beneficial aspect of the present invention is that all of the circuitry may be incorporated into a custom integrated circuit, leading to a smaller, simpler circuit arrangement that requires less energy to operate than would otherwise be achievable. Reduced energy consumption allows reduced battery size, cost and weight.  
           [0014]    An aspect of the present invention may involve a method of performing time-temperature integration entirely within an integrated circuit. Embodiments of such a method may comprise providing a temperature-variable oscillator or time-base, counting cycles of said oscillator within a logic circuit to determine when one or more preset total cycle counts is/are reached, and signaling when said total cycle count(s) is/are reached. Such preset total cycle counts may be fixed in the circuit, or may be selected from a set of constants via I/O control, or may be adjusted at time of manufacture via program control. For instance, there may be a preset number of counts that signify 75% of life of product has occurred vs. a second, higher preset number of counts to indicate that 100% of life (spoilage) has occurred. Or, for embodiments of the method employed in machinery or equipment operation, there may be preset numbers of counts that indicate different levels of hazardous conditions of prolonged high temperature operation.  
           [0015]    Therefore, the improvements made possible in the present invention are numerous, and are each of high value in terms of contribution to the invention&#39;s benefits, features and usefulness. The full human benefit of this invention is not immediately fathomable, but industries that can apply it include shipping and product distribution, medicine, fresh baking and raw food products, meat, dairy products, poultry, fish and fresh produce. In each of these industries, human health and economic benefits can be realized directly through the prevention of product spoilage. As well, industries that require machinery or equipment to remain within certain temperature limits can benefit from the invented apparatus and methods.  
           [0016]    These aspects, associated embodiments, advantages and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description, and in part will come to those skilled in the art by reference to the following Detailed Description of the invention and referenced Drawings, or by practice of the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the componentry of the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with layers separated for identification.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 a  is a flowchart of the operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 b  is a flowchart of the operation of an alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of an alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a single-ended, three-stage ring oscillator circuit.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a differential, three-stage ring oscillator circuit.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a single stage of the differential ring oscillator circuit of FIG. 7.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a delay tuning circuit utilizing temperature sensing means.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a delay tuning circuit.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]    Referring to the Figures, there are shown several, but not the only, embodiments of the invention. A label according to one embodiment of the invention contains not only printed information, but also an electronic circuit and indicators for the purpose of signaling to status conditions to those within view.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention, which is a generally flat label for application to a product package (not shown). Surface  23  is intended to be both pre- and post-printed with text and graphics, as required for essential product information, such as a description of the contents, pricing, bar-coding and other important information. Surface  23  is composed of paper, plastic or other printable material, and has openings,  1  and  2 , through which light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted underneath the surface can flash to alert those within view of the occurrence of a particular status condition. In the present invention, a status condition would typically be one of a plurality of possible status conditions.  
         [0030]    In alternate embodiments there may be a fewer or greater number of such LED&#39;s and openings, and there may be diffusion and/or color filters laminated to the backside of said openings. Activation tab  5  is the tip of a plastic insulator strip that, when pulled, comes out from between laminated layers of the label, thereby allowing a battery contact to the circuit to be made.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the componentry of the preferred embodiment of the invention, embodied in a perishable product label, shown with layers separated for identification. Top printable cover  23  is shown, with its openings  1  and  2 . Contact adhesive  22  adheres the cover  23  to printed circuit board  6 . Similarly, adhesive surface  21  on bottom layer  9  adheres to the bottom of printed circuit board  6 . Removable cover strip  10  is shown partially peeled away from bottom layer  9 . Circuit board  6  is shown with an integrated circuit  7 , two LED&#39;s  3  and  4 , battery  8 , and activation strip  5 . What is not illustrated in FIG. 2 is a way in which the thicker components such as integrated circuit  7  and battery  8  can be prevented from protruding as unsightly bumps on the top or bottom surface of the label. A solution can be affected by inserting a die-cut foam adhesive material, such as 3M 4432 or 4416 double-sided adhesive foam tape as an alternative to adhesives  21  and/or  22 . By die-cutting “wells” through the foam material to accommodate the thicker components, the entire label ends up having a more consistent thickness across the top and bottom surfaces.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 a  is a flowchart of the operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention that operates using a time-temperature integration calculation method. At the Start  11  of the program flowchart, no action occurs until the battery activation tab is pulled at step  12 , which causes the counter to start counting at step  13 . Once the counter reaches terminal count TC 1  at condition  14 , then indicator A begins flashing at 1 Hz at step  15 . It will continue flashing until the counter reaches terminal count  2  at condition  16 . Once terminal count TC 2  is reached, then indicator A will stop flashing, and indicator B will begin flashing  17 . Indicator B will then continue flashing until the terminal count TC 3  is reached  18 ,  19  and the program stops at flowchart step  20 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 b  is a flowchart of the operation of an alternate embodiment of the invention that operates on a timer-only basis. At the start  110  of the program flowchart, no action occurs until the battery activation tab is pulled at step  120 , which causes the counter to start counting at step  130 . Once the counter reaches its setpoint at condition  140 , then indicator A begins flashing at 1 Hz at step  150 . It will continue flashing until the counter reaches limit B at condition  170 . Once limit B is reached, then indicator A will stop flashing, and indicator B will begin flashing at step  180 . Indicator B will then continue flashing until the battery runs out of energy at step  200  and the program stops at flowchart step  210 . The duty cycle or on-time of the LED&#39;s can be varied, and shortening the LED duty cycle to fractions of a percent can extend battery life. The trade-off between battery life and light amplitude is subjective and dependent upon the type of LED and the type of battery used in the circuit.  
         [0034]    Certainly, it is within the scope of this invention to include other program flow steps, such that the flashing of LED&#39;s occurs in different sequences. The duty cycle or on-time of the LED&#39;s can be varied, and shortening the LED duty cycle can extend battery life. Other indicator types, such as LCD types, may be substituted for LEDs. Audible piezoelectric beeper elements may be incorporated. Multiple timers and multiple temperature sensors may be monitored in one label according to multiple embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0035]    To realize lower energy requirement in the present invention, the persistence of vision property of the eye can be exploited by pulsing the LED on and off at a rate faster than approximately 25 Hz, resulting in lower total current drain for the same apparent brightness, as opposed to when holding an LED On continually for the same desired viewing period. The trade-off between battery life and light amplitude is also subjective and dependent upon the, current limiting properties of the circuit and the type of LED and battery components that are used in the circuit.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the preferred embodiment of the invention. It shows battery  8  connected to activation switch  5 , which supplies the Vbat voltage to the circuit. Oscillator  30  is astable, free-running and provides a clock signal to counter  31 . The logic level outputs of counter  31  include terminal counts that occur at Terminal Count  1 , TC 1  (signal  32 ), Terminal Count  2 , TC 2  (signal  33 ), and Terminal Count  3 , TC 3  (signal  34 ), as well as a low duty cycle, 1 Hz clock Count, CNT (signal  35 ). The function of the two “D” type latches  36  and  37  is to register the terminal counts of TC 1  (signal  32 ) and TC 2  (signal  33 ), such that LED&#39;s  3  and  4  are enabled to flash.  
         [0037]    AND Gates  38  and  39  enable and disable flashing, according to what terminal counts have been registered. Note that TC 2  (signal  33 ) disables green LED  3 , and likewise TC 3  (signal  34 ) disables red LED  4 . Therefore until TC 1  is reached, no indicator is flashing. Between the occurrence of TC 1  and TC 2 , the green LED  3  is flashing, and between TC 2  and TC 3  the red LED  4  is flashing. In this preferred embodiment, after TC 3  occurs, no LED is flashing. However, the red LED could flash until the end of battery life as a close alternate.  
         [0038]    It is an object of the present invention to control the oscillator as a means of setting its base frequency through the function of tuning circuit  80 . The interface  79  can be used to erase and write new values to tuning circuit  80 . Also, the oscillator can be tuned in frequency relative to the local temperature through the function of temperature sensor  72 . Detail of these control means is further described below.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of an alternate embodiment of the invention. Upon closure of activation switch  5  by way of removal of insulating pull-strip  47 , the battery  8  supplies power, filtered by bypass capacitor  46  to microcontroller  41 . Microcontroller  41 , upon power-up, executes the program stored in program memory  40 . Its instruction execution rate can be set by way of crystal  45 , or the crystal can be eliminated through use of an internal RC oscillator, such as can be found in many modern microcontroller product offerings by companies such as MicroChip, Philips, Hitachi and others. The green and red LED&#39;s  3  and  4 , are driven by output port pins on microcontroller  41 .  
         [0040]    As for temperature sensing means, thermistor sensor bridge  43  is amplified by instrument amplifier  44 , from which the output signal is fed into the analog input of microcontroller  41 . Using the elements described, changes in temperature affect the timing of events. Numerous temperature processing algorithms can be implemented and stored in program memory  40  for execution by microcontroller  41 .  
         [0041]    The circuit of FIG. 5, through execution of the algorithm stored in program memory  40 , can accomplish similar functions as is accomplished by discrete logic, such as the circuit of FIG. 4, and according to the flowchart of FIG. 3. The circuit of FIG. 5 can also accomplish temperature compensation of the clock frequency, the emulation of tuning circuit  80  or any other appropriate algorithm, as required for alternate modes of operation. As will be described below, there is a specific formula that closely models the growth of pathogens that cause spoilage in perishable products.  
         [0042]    The ring oscillator as shown in FIG. 6 exemplifies a linear electronic circuit that typically contains three stages of single-ended phase shifters  50 ,  51  and  52 , that are linked in a closed loop configuration. Each of these stages shift the phase of the signal by 120 degrees. The phase delay of each stage is affected through circuit loading by resistors  53 ,  54  and  55  and capacitors  56 ,  57  and  58  in each respective stage.  
         [0043]    A preferred type of ring oscillator is also three stage, but features differential phase shifting circuitry, as shown in FIG. 7. Each phase shifting amplifier  59 ,  60  and  61  has cross-connected positive and negative inputs, and similar feedback to the circuit depicted in FIG. 6. Frequency control input  66  can be adjusted, allowing a linear adjustment of phase in all three stages in parallel. Frequency shifting will occur proportional to the differential voltage level at the frequency control input  66 . This renders this type of oscillator a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO).  
         [0044]    In the schematic diagram of FIG. 8, a single differential stage of such a VCO is shown, which includes two complimentary CMOS driver transistor pairs,  62 ,  63  and  64 ,  65 . In this circuit, the frequency control input (Vcont)  66  controls a current limiting circuit  67 , which limits the tail current of the stage proportional to the level of Vcont signal  66 .  
         [0045]    It is an object of the present invention to decrease timeout periods, (of the terminal counts of counter  31  in FIG. 4), in relation to the rate of spoilage of a product as temperature increases. To mirror the growth of pathogens, the oscillator frequency of the preferred embodiment varies according to [f osc =ne −(Ea/RT) ]. This models the rate of reaction or Arrhenius Energy, where n is a constant, Ea is the activation energy, R is the universal gas constant, and T is the temperature in degrees Kelvin. Varying the timing of the present invention to achieve the desired equation with differing values of n can either be accomplished a) using timing algorithms and/or tables contained in program memory  40  and executed by microcontroller  41  of the circuit depicted in FIG. 5, or b) by varying the clock frequency over temperature by varying the control voltage of a VCO, thereby affecting the rate at which terminal counts are reached, in either case.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 9 depicts a schematic of a delay tuning circuit suitable for control of the VCO of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The current limiting circuit  67  is again depicted in FIG. 9, where MOS transistor  80  regulates the current and phase of each ring oscillator stage. The frequency control  66  of each stage can be connected in parallel to current node  81 , which will sink the oscillator tail current according to the output of amplifier  70 . Note that node  66  is shown as the output of amplifier  70 . This node is suitable for connection to Vcont in FIG. 8.  
         [0047]    Node  69  is a summing node that sums the signals from amplifier  71  and digital to analog converter (DAC)  71 . Temperature sensor  72  affects the output voltage of amplifier  71 . FLASH memory  73  can be overwritten by way of programming port  75  which can be connected to a programming device through interface  79 . The memory  73  outputs a binary value to DAC  74 , which in turn outputs a proportional analog signal level.  
         [0048]    The function of the circuit depicted in FIG. 9 is twofold. First, temperature at sensor  72  proportionally changes the oscillator frequency by way of changing the tail current of each stage of the oscillator. Second, the FLASH memory register  73  provides a means to tune the frequency of the oscillator.  
         [0049]    An alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 provides a method of tuning the oscillator frequency. This circuit makes use of a FLASH memory register  73  to shift the polarity of a fixed set of capacitors  91 , which in combination vary the capacitive coupling between frequency control signal  66  and circuit ground proportional to their sum capacitance, thereby varying the oscillator frequency to achieve a calibrated frequency at time of manufacture.  
         [0050]    When the output of a typical signal line (Q 0 - 3 ) of memory register  73  is in a high state, (logic level “1”), then the stored charge on its respective capacitor is lower than when compared to when it in the opposite, low state (logic level “0”).  
         [0051]    The sum capacitive charges of all capacitors  91  serve to increase/decrease the loading of the oscillator  30  by varying the tail current. Rext is another load setting component that is summed to the load at node  66 , and is intended to provide a coarse setting of tail current in the circuit.  
         [0052]    Also connected to frequency control signal  66  is CMOS transistor  80 , which is driven to conduct load current, thereby varying the oscillator frequency. The temperature sensor  72  is amplified by amplifier stage  71 , which drives CMOS transistor  80 .  
         [0053]    The foregoing description of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. For example, the following elements can be modified to achieve the same invention: Different amplifier configurations can be substituted for amplifiers  70  and  71  in FIG. 9; Eliminating FLASH memory register  73 , and instead directly driving I/O pins in order to directly tune the oscillator frequency can be practiced; The oscillator can be based upon, for example a crystal, can be silicon-based, or can be a ring-type oscillator, among numerous other basic types commonly known in the art; The temperature sensor can be implemented using various transforming functions to suit different rates of reaction in the target product. The temperature sensor can be implemented using other sensing technologies such as thermistor, RTD or semiconductor junction types; Various indicators may be used, such as LCD&#39;s, e-ink, or similar display product offerings. Many modifications and variations beyond the examples given will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art.  
         [0054]    Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the broad scope of this Description, the Drawings, and the following claims.

Technology Category: g