Environment early warning and tampering detection equipment and method for long-term storage container

Abstract

The invention discloses environment early warning and tampering detection equipment and method for a long-term storage container, and the equipment comprises an electronic container terminal integrated on the container, and the electronic container terminal is provided with a main control unit, and a bistable electronic display screen, a wireless communication unit, a multi-sensor unit and a power supply unit which are connected with the main control unit. The multiple sensor unit includes a tamper detection sensor for detecting a first opening of the container and an environmental sensor for monitoring environmental parameters. And the main control unit displays an abnormal warning when the environment exceeds a threshold value, and generates an irreversible opened state mark and permanently displays opening information according to the tampering signal. The terminal is connected with the cloud server and the user terminal through wireless communication, and identity and state information storage and basic authentication interaction are achieved. According to the invention, dynamic anti-counterfeiting, complete and traceable storage environment recording and active early warning functions can be provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of intelligent packaging, in particular to an electronic device and method for long-term storage container with environment warning and tamper detection function. BACKGROUND

[0002] High-value goods, especially collectible products that need long-term storage (such as vintage wine, precious tea, precision instruments, etc.), their market value not only depends on their authenticity (anti-counterfeiting mainly relies on static two-dimensional code, RFID / NFC tag or physical anti-counterfeiting mark), but also highly depends on whether the storage history is perfect during the long storage period.

[0003] Traditional static anti-counterfeiting marks (such as two-dimensional codes, physical tags) are easy to be copied and transplanted, and have no way to deal with the core counterfeiting behavior of refilling or replacing the contents of the real product container. The existing packaging cannot record the critical storage environment history in the whole life cycle of the product. Abnormal fluctuations in key indicators such as temperature and humidity can seriously damage the quality and value of the product, but this process is completely "black box" to the owner, and cannot be traced back or used as a basis for value assessment.

[0004] Even if the sensor is integrated, the existing scheme is only a passive data recorder, lacking the ability to actively alert users of environmental abnormalities. Users cannot take timely remedial measures and often realize the damage to the value of the goods when it is too late. The storage period of the goods is as long as several years or even decades. The battery life of the existing electronic scheme cannot meet this requirement, and the risk of battery leakage and short circuit under long-term storage poses an unacceptable threat to the safety of the goods, especially in specific storage environments.

[0005] The design concept of the existing electronic scheme originates from consumer electronics, and its power consumption model and safety standards have not been fundamentally optimized and innovated for extreme storage scenarios that last for decades and directly contact food. Therefore, the existing technology has not yet provided an integrated, highly reliable solution that can solve all the above problems at the same time. SUMMARY

[0006] The purpose of the present application is to provide an environment warning and tamper detection device and method for long-term storage containers, which can provide extremely reliable dynamic anti-counterfeiting, complete and traceable long-term storage environment history, active abnormal warning capability, and absolute safety and reliability in ultra-long period.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present application is: The environment warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers comprises: An electronic container terminal integrated on a container, the electronic container terminal comprising a master control unit and a bistable electronic display screen, a wireless communication unit, a tamper detection sensor, an environmental sensor and a power supply unit connected to the master control unit; A user terminal for wireless communication with the electronic container terminal to provide basic authentication and interaction functions, and for interaction with a cloud server; A cloud server for storing the identity information and state information of the electronic container terminal; The bistable electronic display screen is used to maintain information display in the absence of continuous power supply. The wireless communication unit is used for wireless communication between the electronic container terminal and external devices. The power supply unit is used to provide long-term stable power supply for the electronic container terminal. The tamper detection sensor is used to detect the tamper event of the first destruction of the sealing integrity of the container in conjunction with the opening component of the container. The environmental sensor is used to periodically monitor the environmental parameters around the container. The master control unit is configured to display an abnormal warning message on the bistable electronic display screen in response to the environmental parameters of the environmental sensor exceeding the preset safety threshold, and to generate an irreversible opened state flag in response to the signal of the tamper detection sensor and to display a permanent opened information on the bistable electronic display screen.

[0008] Further, the master control unit has a non-volatile memory inside, the non-volatile memory stores a log area, the log area is used to record historical environmental abnormal events in a cycle or sequence; the memory securely stores product information, environmental information and anti-counterfeiting information; the anti-counterfeiting information includes an anti-counterfeiting two-dimensional code and a life cycle state of the container, the life cycle state includes unactivated, activated and opened; when the first opening event is detected, the master control unit triggers an irreversible writing of an "opened" state flag bit in the internal non-volatile memory (this writing operation is designed as one-time programming (OTP) or logically irreversible operation.), and refreshes and displays a preset permanent "opened" information through the bistable electronic display screen; at the same time, the master control unit updates the life cycle state of the container to the opened state.

[0009] Further, each historical environmental abnormal event record in the non-volatile memory (such as Flash, FRAM) of the master control unit contains at least the abnormal type (such as high temperature / low temperature), the specific value and the time stamp of the event occurrence, for subsequent connection for tracing.

[0010] Further, the bistable electronic display screen is used for product information, environmental information and anti-counterfeiting information. Furthermore, the environmental sensors include at least temperature and humidity sensors to detect information about the environment surrounding the container; Furthermore, as a preferred implementation, the bistable electronic display uses flexible e-ink display to achieve seamless integration with the container surface; Furthermore, the bistable electronic display uses rigid electronic paper and an electrochromic display.

[0011] Specifically, the bistable electronic display screen includes the following: Cholesteric LCD (ChLCD): Cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLCD) electronic paper is made of three layers of liquid crystal stacked together. Each layer of liquid crystal reflects red (R), green (G), and blue (B) respectively. The rotation of liquid crystal molecules is controlled by different electric fields. After the electric field is turned off, it can naturally exist in two stable states.

[0012] CLEARink Total Internal Reflection Electronic Paper Technology: By using individual charged particles suspended in a liquid, a total internal reflection layer is added inside the CFA front panel. At the same time, single-particle ink is used instead of traditional liquid crystal to adjust the total internal reflection of ambient light through a specially designed optical thin film to change its brightness.

[0013] Weifeng DES Plasma Screen: Unlike traditional electrophoretic electronic paper, it uses plasma discharge to generate visible light, enabling pixel switching and display. Its core principle is to isolate each pixel by forming a dike around it, and then use plasma discharge to excite the light-emitting material within the pixel, thereby achieving image display.

[0014] Furthermore, the main control unit, bistable electronic display screen, and wireless communication unit are all composed of low-power components.

[0015] Specifically, the main control unit (MCU) uses an ultra-low power microcontroller, and its internal non-volatile memory (such as Flash or FRAM) is used to construct a critical event log area. Furthermore, the power supply unit adopts a primary battery with an annual self-discharge rate of less than 2%; specifically, a lithium primary battery with an annual self-discharge rate of less than 2% can be used; in its preferred embodiment, the lithium primary battery is a lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) battery to support a static life of more than ten years; the lithium primary battery is a flexible battery.

[0016] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the power unit utilizes photovoltaic energy: integrating a layer of semi-transparent, flexible thin-film solar cells that are blended into the container label design. In a lit environment (such as a retail store shelf or a home wine cabinet), it can trickle charge the built-in supercapacitor or rechargeable thin-film battery, thus achieving a theoretically unlimited lifespan.

[0017] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the power unit employs a wireless charging solution: a Qi-compliant or other standard-compliant wireless charging receiver coil is integrated into the power unit. When used with a dedicated smart display stand or smart wine cabinet, the module can be charged non-contactly while stored.

[0018] Furthermore, the tamper detection sensor uses a Hall sensor, a micro switch, or a physical circuit breaker trigger, and the container opening components include bottle caps, box caps, and seals.

[0019] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the tamper detection sensor is a capacitive sensing type: a capacitive sensing circuit is integrated below the aluminum foil packaging at the bottle opening. When a person tears open the foil, it causes a drastic change in capacitance, thereby triggering an opening signal. Alternatively, the tamper detection sensor can be a pressure sensing type: a miniature pressure sensor is integrated below the stopper or inside the cap to detect the instantaneous change in internal pressure when the bottle is opened.

[0020] Furthermore, the user terminal is equipped with a dedicated APP, which provides basic authentication and interaction functions. The dedicated APP (via Bluetooth) establishes a communication connection with the electronic container terminal, reads all historical environmental anomaly logs stored in the main control unit by sending commands, and displays them clearly on the mobile phone interface in the form of charts or lists, providing users with a complete "history" of the collection and enabling the tracing of storage history. The cloud server is responsible for storing and verifying the unique identity and corresponding lifecycle status of each electronic container terminal (e.g., inactive, activated, enabled), and after the user selects synchronization, it performs cloud backup of the historical environmental anomaly logs uploaded by the electronic container terminal to form a permanent record.

[0021] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, a blockchain integration scheme involves registering the container terminal's unique ID as a digital asset (or NFT) on a specific blockchain at the time of production. Subsequent key state changes such as "activation" and "opening" are recorded as immutable transactions on this blockchain, initiated and signed by the user's app (as a wallet). This provides a decentralized and highly credible traceability record.

[0022] As another feasible implementation, the Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) scheme: PUF technology is an emerging chip security technology that utilizes random process variations and physical perturbations during chip manufacturing to generate a unique "fingerprint" for each chip, ensuring its uniqueness and unclonability. Integrating PUF circuitry into the MCU: PUF leverages microscopic random differences in the chip manufacturing process to generate a unique, uncopyable "hardware fingerprint" for each chip. This "fingerprint" is used as the root of the encryption key, providing a higher hardware-level security than a programmed ID or key.

[0023] Furthermore, the main control unit, wireless communication unit, and power supply unit are integrated onto a single circuit board. This circuit board includes a conformal coating and a potting compound. The conformal coating, made of Parylene, is vacuum-coated onto the integrated circuit board surface to form the first dense moisture-proof and chemical barrier. The potting compound, made of a highly chemically inert polymer, is vacuum-encapsulated to completely and permanently encapsulate the conformal-coated circuit board, forming a safety amber. This safety amber is robust, inert, seamless, and has an IP68 protection rating. One side of the safety amber is optically attached to the container surface, while the other side is seamlessly integrated with the bistable electronic display screen. The structural design of the safety amber ensures that even in extreme circumstances where battery leakage occurs, the leaked material is completely physically isolated, thus guaranteeing absolute safety in contact with the container contents (especially food).

[0024] The circuit board's "safe box" style multi-redundant safety packaging ensures that even in the event of a one in ten thousand battery failure, any substance is absolutely physically isolated and cannot leak out, completely eliminating the risk of food safety and environmental short circuits.

[0025] Specifically, after the circuit board with conformal coating is placed into a precision mold, it is vacuum-encapsulated using a polymer with high chemical inertness.

[0026] Furthermore, the highly chemically inert polymer is a food-grade or medical-grade epoxy resin or silicone.

[0027] Furthermore, the circuit board may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC); or a rigid printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, the wireless communication unit can be a separate communication unit, or it can use an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication unit. The NFC communication unit is a passive NFC communication structure, containing no battery, only an NFC chip and electronic paper. When the user's phone is near it, the phone's NFC field energy powers the module, completing a screen refresh and verification. The advantages are zero power consumption, unlimited lifespan, and extreme thinness. The disadvantage is limited functionality; it cannot actively perform environmental monitoring or bottle opening detection. Alternatively, the NFC communication unit can be a BLE+NFC hybrid structure, using NFC as the primary near-field interaction and wake-up method. Users can wake up the device's Bluetooth module with a simple tap for more complex data exchange. This is more power-efficient than pure Bluetooth broadcasting and the interaction is more intuitive.

[0028] An environmental early warning and tamper detection method for long-term storage containers includes the following steps: The electronic container terminal periodically monitors environmental parameters; compares the monitored environmental parameters with a preset safety threshold; when the environmental parameters exceed the safety threshold, it drives the bistable display screen to display an abnormal warning message. The system detects the physical tampering event of the container being opened for the first time by using a tamper detection sensor; the main control unit responds to the physical tampering event by generating an irreversible open status flag and driving the bistable display screen to display a permanent open information; in subsequent communications with the cloud server, the irreversible open status flag is synchronized to the server for permanent recording.

[0029] Furthermore, before a physical tampering event is detected, the cloud server generates a dynamic verification code and displays it on a bistable electronic display screen for authentication.

[0030] Furthermore, once the container's seal integrity is breached for the first time, the electronic container terminal stops monitoring environmental parameters, broadcasts an "open" status via Bluetooth, and rejects any "first authentication" requests.

[0031] Furthermore, in the production and packaging process: the product information is updated in the memory of the main control unit of the electronic container terminal, the lifecycle status in the anti-counterfeiting information of the product is set to inactive and not turned on, and the electronic container terminal is set to enter a deep sleep state. In the deep sleep state, the electronic container terminal only retains the minimum voltage required to maintain RAM data and an ultra-low power RTC for timing. Container storage phase: When the container's sealing integrity is normal, an interrupt signal is generated when the ultra-low power RTC reaches its periodic wake-up time, waking the container-encapsulated electronic container terminal from deep sleep. The main control unit activates the environmental sensors to detect environmental parameters around the container. When the environmental parameters exceed the preset safety threshold range, the abnormal event handling process is executed, and an abnormal log is updated and recorded in the event log area of ​​the internal non-volatile memory. The abnormal log includes the abnormal type, value, and timestamp. After driving the bistable electronic display to refresh and display the abnormal warning information, it enters deep sleep. When the environmental parameters are within the preset safety threshold range, the current detection status information can be refreshed and displayed on the bistable electronic display according to the configuration before entering deep sleep. When the container's seal integrity is first breached, the tamper detection sensor is triggered, generating a high-priority hardware interrupt. This immediately wakes the main control unit from any current state (including deep sleep or ongoing periodic monitoring) and irreversibly writes an "on" status flag to the internal non-volatile memory. (This write operation is designed to be either one-time programming (OTP) or logically irreversible.) It then drives the bistable display to refresh and display a preset, permanent "on" message. The irreversible on status flag is synchronized to the server for permanent recording. When a user attempts to connect to the electronic container terminal via a dedicated app on the user terminal, the electronic container terminal's wireless communication unit receives the signal and generates an interrupt signal to wake up the main control unit. After establishing secure communication with the dedicated app, the main control unit executes the user terminal's designated task. Once the main control unit completes its task and there are no other operations for the set time, it re-enters deep sleep mode.

[0032] Specifically, this invention integrates an intelligent state management process that combines proactive early warning, historical data tracing, tamper detection, and extreme power consumption optimization. This method defines different operating states and wake-up mechanisms for the device.

[0033] Deep Sleep State: This is the basic state the device is in for over 99% of the time. In this state, the MCU shuts down all unnecessary peripherals and the high-speed clock, retaining only the minimum voltage required to maintain RAM data and an ultra-low-power RTC (Real-Time Clock) for timing. Overall power consumption is controlled at the nanoampere level, the cornerstone of ultra-long standby time. An interrupt, set by the RTC (e.g., every few hours), briefly wakes the MCU from deep sleep. The MCU activates the environmental sensors to perform a precise temperature and humidity data reading. Intelligent Decision-Making and Hierarchical Processing: The MCU compares the read data with a preset "safety threshold range" (e.g., temperature 5°C-20°C) in the firmware. If the data is within the safety threshold (normal condition): The MCU performs routine operations, such as selectively refreshing the current routine status information (e.g., temperature and humidity) to the display screen, and then immediately returns to deep sleep state. If the data exceeds the safety threshold (abnormal situation): The MCU immediately executes the "Abnormal Event Handler": it records a detailed abnormal log in the event log area of ​​the internal non-volatile memory (including at least the abnormal type, value, and timestamp), and drives the bistable display to refresh, displaying a preset, conspicuous abnormal warning message. After processing is complete, it returns to deep sleep state.

[0034] Furthermore, the specified tasks for the user terminal include dynamic authentication, reading real-time status, and uploading historical environmental anomaly data stored in the event log area.

[0035] Furthermore, the preset permanent "activated" information includes the specific time information of the first activation, such as "activated on XX / XX / XXXX".

[0036] This invention, employing the above technical solutions, offers the following advantages compared to existing technologies: 1) Ultimate anti-counterfeiting, eliminating refilling: Through dynamic code verification via "cloud + terminal" and an irreversible "open-and-lock" + "tamper-record" hardware mechanism, it provides the highest level of security against counterfeiting. 2) Absolute physical security and ultra-long lifespan: Innovative "safe box" style multi-redundant packaging and optimized energy management solutions solve the two major industry challenges of battery safety and lifespan in long-term storage applications, fully complying with food safety standards. 3) Unprecedented proactive protection: The innovative "intelligent environmental monitoring and anomaly alarm" mechanism elevates packaging from a passive recording tool to an active guardian, effectively preventing damage to the value of stored items due to improper storage. 4) Provides complete and credible value endorsement: By recording the unalterable storage environment history locally on the terminal, it provides strong and traceable digital evidence for the secondary transactions or value assessment of the container and its contents. 5) Full lifecycle management: It realizes full-process information traceability and dynamic management of products from production and logistics to the consumer.

[0037] This invention deeply integrates bistable electronic display technology, ultra-long lifespan energy solutions, high-reliability secure packaging, wireless communication, and multi-sensor technology with dynamic authentication, full lifecycle status tracking, proactive environmental monitoring, and enhanced consumer interaction for high-value items requiring long-term storage (in its preferred embodiment, collectible wines). This invention fundamentally solves the vulnerabilities of existing technologies in anti-counterfeiting mechanisms, the inability to verify after opening the bottle, the complete lack of historical storage environment tracking and proactive anomaly alerting capabilities, and the dual bottlenecks of energy supply and physical security faced when applied to long-term storage scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments; Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to the present invention; Fig. 2 This is a schematic diagram of the environmental monitoring, tamper detection, and historical tracing process of the present invention; Fig. 3 This is a schematic diagram of the consumer's first dynamic authentication (lock upon opening) and historical traceability process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] like Figs. 1 to 3As shown in one example, this invention discloses an environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers, comprising: An electronic container terminal integrated on a container, the electronic container terminal including a main control unit and a bistable electronic display, a wireless communication unit, a tamper detection sensor, an environmental sensor and a power supply unit connected to the main control unit; A user terminal for wirelessly communicating with the electronic container terminal to provide basic authentication and interaction functions, and for interacting with a cloud server; A cloud server is used to store the identity and status information of the electronic container terminal; Among them, the bistable electronic display screen is used to maintain information display even when there is no continuous power supply; A wireless communication unit for wireless communication between the electronic container terminal and external devices; The power supply unit is used to provide a long-term stable power supply for the electronic container terminal. A tamper detection sensor is used in conjunction with the container's opening mechanism to detect tampering events that first compromise the container's seal integrity. Environmental sensors are used to periodically monitor environmental parameters around the container; The main control unit is configured to: display an abnormal warning message on the bistable electronic display screen when the environmental parameters of the environmental sensor exceed a preset safety threshold; and generate an irreversible enabled status flag in response to tampering with the signal of the detection sensor, and display a permanent enabled message on the bistable electronic display screen.

[0041] Furthermore, the main control unit has internal non-volatile memory with a log area for cyclically or sequentially recording historical environmental anomalies. The memory securely stores product information, environmental information, and anti-counterfeiting information. Anti-counterfeiting information includes an anti-counterfeiting QR code and the container's lifecycle status, which includes inactive, activated, and opened. When the first opening event is detected, the main control unit irreversibly writes an "open" status flag to its internal non-volatile memory (this write operation is designed as a one-time programming (OTP) or logically irreversible operation), and refreshes and displays a preset permanent "open" message on a bistable electronic display screen. Simultaneously, the main control unit updates the container's lifecycle status to open.

[0042] Furthermore, each historical environmental anomaly event record in the non-volatile memory (such as Flash, FRAM) of the main control unit shall at least include the anomaly type (such as high temperature / low temperature), the specific value, and the timestamp of the event, so as to be traced during subsequent connection.

[0043] Furthermore, bistable electronic displays are used for product information, environmental information, and anti-counterfeiting information; Furthermore, the environmental sensors include at least temperature and humidity sensors to detect information about the environment surrounding the container; Furthermore, as a preferred implementation, the bistable electronic display uses flexible e-ink display to achieve seamless integration with the container surface; Furthermore, the bistable electronic display uses rigid electronic paper and an electrochromic display.

[0044] Specifically, this invention employs a bistable display technology that maintains a static image display even after power failure. In a preferred embodiment, flexible e-ink display can be used to achieve seamless aesthetic integration with the curved surface of a container; however, the scope of this invention also covers any display technology that conforms to bistable characteristics, such as rigid e-ink display and electrochromic display. Bistable electronic displays may include the following: Cholesteric LCD (ChLCD): Cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLCD) electronic paper is made of three layers of liquid crystal stacked together. Each layer of liquid crystal reflects red (R), green (G), and blue (B) respectively. The rotation of liquid crystal molecules is controlled by different electric fields. After the electric field is turned off, it can naturally exist in two stable states.

[0045] CLEARink Total Internal Reflection Electronic Paper Technology: By using individual charged particles suspended in a liquid, a total internal reflection layer is added inside the CFA front panel. At the same time, single-particle ink is used instead of traditional liquid crystal to adjust the total internal reflection of ambient light through a specially designed optical thin film to change its brightness.

[0046] Weifeng DES Plasma Screen: Unlike traditional electrophoretic electronic paper, it utilizes plasma discharge to generate visible light, enabling pixel switching and display. Its core principle is to isolate each pixel by forming a dam around it, and then use plasma discharge to excite the light-emitting material within the pixel, thereby achieving image display. Furthermore, the main control unit, bistable electronic display screen, and wireless communication unit are all composed of low-power components.

[0047] Specifically, the main control unit (MCU) uses an ultra-low power microcontroller, and its internal non-volatile memory (such as Flash or FRAM) is used to construct a critical event log area. Furthermore, the power supply unit adopts a primary battery with an annual self-discharge rate of less than 2%; specifically, a lithium primary battery with an annual self-discharge rate of less than 2% can be used; in its preferred embodiment, the lithium primary battery is a lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) battery to support a static life of more than ten years; the lithium primary battery is a flexible battery.

[0048] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the power unit utilizes photovoltaic energy: integrating a layer of semi-transparent, flexible thin-film solar cells that are blended into the container label design. In a lit environment (such as a retail store shelf or a home wine cabinet), it can trickle charge the built-in supercapacitor or rechargeable thin-film battery, thus achieving a theoretically unlimited lifespan.

[0049] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the power unit employs a wireless charging solution: a Qi-compliant or other standard-compliant wireless charging receiver coil is integrated into the power unit. When used with a dedicated smart display stand or smart wine cabinet, the module can be charged non-contactly while stored.

[0050] Furthermore, the tamper detection sensor employs a Hall effect sensor, a microswitch, or a physical circuit breaker trigger, and the container opening components include bottle caps, box lids, and seals. The tamper detection sensor is used to detect the first opening event of the container, achieving physical "tampering is recording."

[0051] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, the tamper detection sensor is a capacitive sensing type: a capacitive sensing circuit is integrated below the aluminum foil packaging at the bottle opening. When a person tears open the foil, it causes a drastic change in capacitance, thereby triggering an opening signal. Alternatively, the tamper detection sensor can be a pressure sensing type: a miniature pressure sensor is integrated below the stopper or inside the cap to detect the instantaneous change in internal pressure when the bottle is opened.

[0052] Furthermore, the user terminal is equipped with a dedicated APP, which provides basic authentication and interaction functions. The dedicated APP (via Bluetooth) establishes a communication connection with the electronic container terminal, reads all historical environmental anomaly logs stored in the main control unit by sending commands, and displays them clearly on the mobile phone interface in the form of charts or lists, providing users with a complete "history" of the collection and enabling the tracing of storage history. The cloud server is responsible for storing and verifying the unique identity and corresponding lifecycle status of each electronic container terminal (e.g., inactive, activated, enabled), and after the user selects synchronization, it performs cloud backup of the historical environmental anomaly logs uploaded by the electronic container terminal to form a permanent record.

[0053] Specifically, as another feasible implementation, a blockchain integration scheme involves registering the container terminal's unique ID as a digital asset (or NFT) on a specific blockchain at the time of production. Subsequent key state changes such as "activation" and "opening" are recorded as immutable transactions on this blockchain, initiated and signed by the user's app (as a wallet). This provides a decentralized and highly credible traceability record.

[0054] As another feasible implementation, the Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) scheme: PUF technology is an emerging chip security technology that utilizes random process variations and physical perturbations during chip manufacturing to generate a unique "fingerprint" for each chip, ensuring its uniqueness and unclonability. Integrating PUF circuitry into the MCU: PUF leverages microscopic random differences in the chip manufacturing process to generate a unique, uncopyable "hardware fingerprint" for each chip. This "fingerprint" is used as the root of the encryption key, providing a higher hardware-level security than a programmed ID or key.

[0055] Furthermore, the main control unit, wireless communication unit, and power supply unit are integrated onto a single circuit board. This circuit board includes a conformal coating and a potting compound. The conformal coating, made of Parylene, is vacuum-coated onto the integrated circuit board surface to form the first dense moisture-proof and chemical barrier. The potting compound, made of a highly chemically inert polymer, is vacuum-encapsulated to completely and permanently encapsulate the conformal-coated circuit board, forming a safety amber. This safety amber is robust, inert, seamless, and has an IP68 protection rating. One side of the safety amber is optically attached to the container surface, while the other side is seamlessly integrated with the bistable electronic display screen. The structural design of the safety amber ensures that even in extreme circumstances where battery leakage occurs, the leaked material is completely physically isolated, thus guaranteeing absolute safety in contact with the container contents (especially food).

[0056] The circuit board's "safe box" style multi-redundant safety packaging ensures that even in the event of a one in ten thousand battery failure, any substance is absolutely physically isolated and cannot leak out, completely eliminating the risk of food safety and environmental short circuits.

[0057] Specifically, after the circuit board with conformal coating is placed into a precision mold, it is vacuum-encapsulated using a polymer with high chemical inertness.

[0058] Furthermore, the highly chemically inert polymer is a food-grade or medical-grade epoxy resin or silicone.

[0059] Furthermore, the circuit board may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC); or a rigid printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, the wireless communication unit employs a separate communication unit, preferably using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit can use an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit; where the NFC communication unit is a passive NFC communication structure, containing no battery, only an NFC chip and electronic paper; when the user's phone approaches, the phone's NFC field energy powers the module, completing a screen refresh and verification. The advantages are zero power consumption, unlimited lifespan, and extreme thinness. The disadvantage is limited functionality, unable to actively perform environmental monitoring or bottle opening detection. Alternatively, the NFC communication unit can be a BLE+NFC hybrid structure, using NFC as the primary near-field interaction and wake-up method. Users can wake up the device's Bluetooth module with a simple "tap" to perform more complex data exchanges. This is more power-efficient than pure Bluetooth broadcasting, and the interaction is more intuitive.

[0060] An environmental early warning and tamper detection method for long-term storage containers includes the following steps: The electronic container terminal periodically monitors environmental parameters; compares the monitored environmental parameters with a preset safety threshold; when the environmental parameters exceed the safety threshold, it drives the bistable display screen to display an abnormal warning message. The system detects the physical tampering event of the container being opened for the first time by using a tamper detection sensor; the main control unit responds to the physical tampering event by generating an irreversible open status flag and driving the bistable display screen to display a permanent open information; in subsequent communications with the cloud server, the irreversible open status flag is synchronized to the server for permanent recording.

[0061] Furthermore, before a physical tampering event is detected, the cloud server generates a dynamic verification code and displays it on a bistable electronic display screen for authentication.

[0062] Furthermore, once the container's seal integrity is breached for the first time, the electronic container terminal stops monitoring environmental parameters, broadcasts an "open" status via Bluetooth, and rejects any "first authentication" requests.

[0063] Furthermore, in the production and packaging process: the product information is updated in the memory of the main control unit of the electronic container terminal, the lifecycle status in the anti-counterfeiting information of the product is set to inactive and not turned on, and the electronic container terminal is set to enter a deep sleep state. In the deep sleep state, the electronic container terminal only retains the minimum voltage required to maintain RAM data and an ultra-low power RTC for timing. Container storage phase: When the container's sealing integrity is normal, an interrupt signal is generated when the ultra-low power RTC reaches its periodic wake-up time, waking the container-encapsulated electronic container terminal from deep sleep. The main control unit activates the environmental sensors to detect environmental parameters around the container. When the environmental parameters exceed the preset safety threshold range, the abnormal event handling process is executed, and an abnormal log is updated and recorded in the event log area of ​​the internal non-volatile memory. The abnormal log includes the abnormal type, value, and timestamp. After driving the bistable electronic display to refresh and display the abnormal warning information, it enters deep sleep. When the environmental parameters are within the preset safety threshold range, the current detection status information can be refreshed and displayed on the bistable electronic display according to the configuration before entering deep sleep. When the container's seal integrity is first breached, the tamper detection sensor is triggered, generating a high-priority hardware interrupt. This immediately wakes the main control unit from any current state (including deep sleep or ongoing periodic monitoring) and irreversibly writes an "on" status flag to the internal non-volatile memory. (This write operation is designed to be either one-time programming (OTP) or logically irreversible.) It then drives the bistable display to refresh and display a preset, permanent "on" message. The irreversible on status flag is synchronized to the server for permanent recording. When a user attempts to connect to the electronic container terminal via a dedicated app on the user terminal, the electronic container terminal's wireless communication unit receives the signal and generates an interrupt signal to wake up the main control unit. After establishing secure communication with the dedicated app, the main control unit executes the user terminal's designated task. Once the main control unit completes its task and there are no other operations for the set time, it re-enters deep sleep mode.

[0064] Furthermore, the specified tasks for the user terminal include dynamic authentication, reading real-time status, and uploading historical environmental anomaly data stored in the event log area.

[0065] Furthermore, the preset permanent "activated" information includes the specific time information of the first activation, such as "activated on XX / XX / XXXX".

[0066] This invention, employing the above technical solutions, offers the following advantages compared to existing technologies: 1) Ultimate anti-counterfeiting, eliminating refilling: Through dynamic code verification via "cloud + terminal" and an irreversible "open-and-lock" + "tamper-record" hardware mechanism, it provides the highest level of security against counterfeiting. 2) Absolute physical security and ultra-long lifespan: Innovative "safe box" style multi-redundant packaging and optimized energy management solutions solve the two major industry challenges of battery safety and lifespan in long-term storage applications, fully complying with food safety standards. 3) Unprecedented proactive protection: The innovative "intelligent environmental monitoring and anomaly alarm" mechanism elevates packaging from a passive recording tool to an active guardian, effectively preventing damage to the value of stored items due to improper storage. 4) Provides complete and credible value endorsement: By recording the unalterable storage environment history locally on the terminal, it provides strong and traceable digital evidence for the secondary transactions or value assessment of the container and its contents. 5) Full lifecycle management: It realizes full-process information traceability and dynamic management of products from production and logistics to the consumer.

[0067] This invention deeply integrates bistable electronic display technology, ultra-long lifespan energy solutions, high-reliability secure packaging, wireless communication, and multi-sensor technology with dynamic authentication, full lifecycle status tracking, proactive environmental monitoring, and enhanced consumer interaction for high-value items requiring long-term storage (in its preferred embodiment, collectible wines). This invention fundamentally solves the vulnerabilities of existing technologies in anti-counterfeiting mechanisms, the inability to verify after opening the bottle, the complete lack of historical storage environment tracking and proactive anomaly alerting capabilities, and the dual bottlenecks of energy supply and physical security faced when applied to long-term storage scenarios.

[0068] Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. The components of the embodiments of this application described and illustrated herein can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers, characterized in that: It includes: An electronic container terminal integrated on a container, the electronic container terminal including a main control unit and a bistable electronic display, a wireless communication unit, a tamper detection sensor, an environmental sensor and a power supply unit connected to the main control unit; A user terminal for wirelessly communicating with the electronic container terminal to provide basic authentication and interaction functions, and for interacting with a cloud server; A cloud server is used to store the identity and status information of the electronic container terminal; Among them, the bistable electronic display screen is used to maintain information display even when there is no continuous power supply; A wireless communication unit for wireless communication between the electronic container terminal and external devices; The power supply unit is used to provide a long-term stable power supply for the electronic container terminal. A tamper detection sensor is used in conjunction with the container's opening mechanism to detect tampering events that first compromise the container's seal integrity. Environmental sensors are used to periodically monitor environmental parameters around the container; The main control unit is configured to: display an abnormal warning message on the bistable electronic display screen when the environmental parameters of the environmental sensor exceed a preset safety threshold; and generate an irreversible enabled status flag in response to tampering with the signal of the detection sensor, and display a permanent enabled message on the bistable electronic display screen.

2. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit has a non-volatile memory with a log area for recording historical environmental anomalies in a cyclical or sequential manner. The memory securely stores product information, environmental information, and anti-counterfeiting information. The anti-counterfeiting information includes an anti-counterfeiting QR code and the container's lifecycle status, which includes inactive, activated, and opened. When the first opening event is detected, the main control unit is triggered to irreversibly write an "open" status flag into the internal non-volatile memory. Each historical environmental anomaly event record includes at least the anomaly type, specific value, and the timestamp of the event for traceability during subsequent connections.

3. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 1, characterized in that: Bistable electronic displays are used for product information, environmental information, and anti-counterfeiting information; bistable electronic displays use flexible electronic paper, or rigid electronic paper and electrochromic displays.

4. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit, bistable electronic display screen, and wireless communication unit are all composed of low-power components; The power unit uses a primary battery with an annual self-discharge rate of less than 2%; or the power unit integrates a layer of semi-transparent or flexible thin-film solar cell that is integrated into the container label design; or the power unit integrates a wireless charging receiving coil, which can be used with a display base or wine cabinet with wireless charging function for contactless charging.

5. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tamper detection sensor uses a Hall sensor, micro switch, or physical circuit breaker trigger. The container opening components include bottle cap, box cap, and seal.

6. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit, wireless communication unit, and power supply unit are integrated on a single circuit board. The circuit board includes a conformal coating and a potting compound. The conformal coating is applied to the surface of the integrated circuit board using a vacuum coating of Piriton to form the first dense moisture-proof and chemical isolation barrier. The potting compound is made of a highly chemically inert polymer and is vacuum-encapsulated to completely encapsulate and permanently fix the circuit board with the conformal coating to form a safe amber. One side of the safe amber of the circuit board is optically attached to the surface of the container, while the other side is seamlessly bonded to the bistable electronic display screen.

7. The environmental early warning and tamper detection device for long-term storage containers according to claim 6, characterized in that: The highly chemically inert polymer is food-grade or medical-grade epoxy resin or silicone; the circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board; or the circuit board is a rigid printed circuit board.

8. An environmental early warning and tamper detection method for long-term storage containers, comprising the environmental early warning and tamper detection equipment for long-term storage containers according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: The electronic container terminal periodically monitors environmental parameters; compares the monitored environmental parameters with a preset safety threshold; when the environmental parameters exceed the safety threshold, it drives the bistable display screen to display an abnormal warning message. The system detects the physical tampering event of the container being opened for the first time by using a tamper detection sensor; the main control unit responds to the physical tampering event by generating an irreversible open status flag and driving the bistable display screen to display a permanent open information; in subsequent communications with the cloud server, the irreversible open status flag is synchronized to the server for permanent recording.

9. The environmental early warning and tamper detection method for long-term storage containers according to claim 8, characterized in that: Before physical tampering is detected, the cloud server generates a dynamic verification code and displays it on a bistable electronic display for authentication; once the container's seal integrity is breached for the first time, the electronic container terminal stops monitoring environmental parameters, broadcasts an "open" status via Bluetooth, and rejects any "first authentication" requests.

10. The environmental early warning and tamper detection method for long-term storage containers according to claim 8, characterized in that: Production and packaging process: The product information is updated in the memory of the main control unit of the electronic container terminal, the life cycle status in the anti-counterfeiting information of the product is set to inactive and not turned on, and the electronic container terminal is set to enter a deep sleep state. In the deep sleep state, the electronic container terminal only retains the minimum voltage required to maintain RAM data and an ultra-low power RTC for timing. Container storage phase: When the container's sealing integrity is normal, an interrupt signal is generated when the ultra-low power RTC reaches its periodic wake-up time, waking the container-encapsulated electronic container terminal from deep sleep. The main control unit activates the environmental sensors to detect environmental parameters around the container. When the environmental parameters exceed the preset safety threshold range, the abnormal event handling process is executed, and an abnormal log is updated and recorded in the event log area of ​​the internal non-volatile memory. The abnormal log includes the abnormal type, value, and timestamp. After driving the bistable electronic display to refresh and display the abnormal warning information, it enters deep sleep. When the environmental parameters are within the preset safety threshold range, the current detection status information can be refreshed and displayed on the bistable electronic display according to the configuration before entering deep sleep. When the container's seal integrity is breached for the first time, the tamper detection sensor is triggered to generate a highest priority hardware interrupt, immediately waking up the main control unit from any current state, irreversibly writing an "open" status flag into the internal non-volatile memory; driving the bistable display to refresh and display a preset permanent "open" message; Synchronize the irreversible start status flag to the server for permanent recording; When a user attempts to connect to the electronic container terminal via a dedicated app on the user terminal, the electronic container terminal's wireless communication unit receives the signal and generates an interrupt signal to wake up the main control unit. After establishing secure communication with the dedicated app, the main control unit executes the user terminal's designated tasks. Once the main control unit completes its tasks and there are no other operations for a set period of time, it re-enters deep sleep mode. The user terminal's designated tasks include dynamic authentication, reading real-time status, and uploading historical environmental anomaly data stored in the event log area.

Images