System and method for monitoring maturation of perishable articles

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for monitoring the maturation of perishable items stored within a container. The method includes measuring one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals. Further, the method includes determining a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items based on the measured one or more environmental parameters. Further, the method includes determining an initiation time for initiating aging of the perishable item based on the determined respiration rate and an aging database. Further, the method includes triggering curing of the perishable article at the start-up time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 590,838, filed on October 17, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to controlled environments and, more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring the ripening of perishable items present in containers. Background Art

[0003] Generally, perishable goods are transported to various locations in transport containers. In particular, perishable goods can be kept in a transport container under predetermined conditions and then transported from one location to another. The predetermined conditions within the transport container can be set before transporting the perishable goods.

[0004] Perishable goods often include consumable items such as fruits and vegetables. Perishable goods may be harvested under many unknown conditions, and setting a common controlled environment for the perishable goods within a transport container becomes difficult. In the event of variations in characteristics within a group of perishable goods to be transported, a common controlled environment with predetermined conditions within a transport container may not be suitable for the entire group of perishable goods. For example, some particular values ​​of the predetermined conditions may be suitable for a first group of perishable goods, but the same particular values ​​for the perishable goods may not be suitable for a second group of perishable goods.

[0005] Therefore, the condition of perishable goods prior to transportation may not always be a known parameter. In the absence of information about the condition of perishable goods, it becomes difficult to track the condition of perishable goods during transportation. In addition, it becomes difficult to control the condition of perishable goods in order to achieve a desired result. For example, a customer may require that perishable goods arrive at a destination ripe, however, in the case where the condition and characteristics of the perishable goods are unknown, there are challenges in establishing a controlled environment within the shipping container and tracking the characteristics of the perishable goods during transportation.

[0006] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution that could overcome the problems discussed above. Summary of the invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify the key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the disclosure.

[0008] A method for monitoring maturation of perishable items stored in a container is disclosed herein. The method includes measuring one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals. Further, the method includes determining a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items based on the measured one or more environmental parameters. Further, the method includes determining a start time for initiating maturation of the perishable items based on the determined respiration rate and a maturation database. Further, the method includes triggering maturation of the perishable items at the start time.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes receiving one or more additional inputs indicating a target time for maturation of the perishable item. In addition, the method includes determining a start time based on the received one or more additional inputs.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes continuing to monitor one or more environmental parameters within the container after triggering ripening of the perishable items. In addition, the method includes adjusting the one or more environmental parameters to complete ripening of the perishable items at a target time. Adjusting the one or more environmental parameters causes a change in a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the one or more environmental parameters include CO2, O2, temperature, ethylene, and humidity.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises storing the measured one or more environmental parameters in a maturation database.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes detecting actuation of a purge mode with respect to the container. Additionally, the method includes initiating monitoring of one or more environmental parameters in response to detecting actuation of the purge mode.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes determining whether the breathing rate is greater than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the method includes triggering an alarm associated with the container after determining that the breathing rate is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0015] Also disclosed herein is a system for monitoring the maturation of perishable items stored in a container. The system includes a memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to measure one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to determine a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items based on the measured one or more environmental parameters. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to determine a start time for initiating maturation of the perishable items based on the determined respiration rate and a maturation database. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to trigger maturation of the perishable items at the start time.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to receive one or more additional inputs indicating a target time for maturation of the perishable item. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to determine a start time based on the received one or more additional inputs.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to continuously monitor one or more environmental parameters within the container after triggering the ripening of the perishable items. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to adjust the one or more environmental parameters to complete the ripening of the perishable items at the target time. The adjustment of the one or more environmental parameters causes a change in the respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the one or more environmental parameters include CO2, O2, temperature, ethylene, and humidity.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors are further configured to store the measured one or more environmental parameters in a maturation database.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to detect activation of a purge mode with respect to the container. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to initiate monitoring of one or more environmental parameters in response to detecting activation of the purge mode.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to determine whether the breathing rate is greater than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the one or more processors are configured to trigger an alarm associated with the container after determining that the breathing rate is greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0022] In order to further clarify the advantages and features of the methods, systems and devices, a more particular description of the methods, systems and devices will be presented by reference to their specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is recognized that these figures only depict typical embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore will not be considered to limit its scope. The present disclosure will be described and explained with additional particularity and detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures, and in which:

[0024] Figure 1 An environment for monitoring the maturation of perishable items stored in a container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 2A schematic block diagram illustrating a system for monitoring ripening of perishable items stored in a container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3a shows a container associated with a positive pressure in its purge mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3b an exemplary graphical representation showing measured values ​​of one or more environmental parameters over a period of time in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 4 A process flow depicting a method for monitoring ripening of perishable items stored within a container is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize that the elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. For example, a flow chart shows a method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, with respect to the construction of a device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the figures with conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, lest the figures be obscured by details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe the various embodiments. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, and such changes and further modifications in the illustrated systems, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0031] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0032] References throughout this specification to "aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in another embodiment," "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," and similar language throughout this specification may (but do not necessarily) all refer to the same embodiment.

[0033] The terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a series of steps includes not only those steps but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components beginning with "includes..." do not exclude the presence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components, or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components without more limitations.

[0034] In addition to overcoming challenges associated with monitoring perishable items, the present disclosure provides systems and methods that allow for efficient monitoring of the maturation and respiration rate of perishable items to be transported from one location to another. The condition of the perishable items can be indicated before the transport is completed. Furthermore, onboard parameters can be adjusted to meet customer requirements for the desired maturation of the perishable items.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 An environment 100 for monitoring the maturation of perishable items stored in a container 102 is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment 100 may include a container 102 configured to store a perishable item 104 therein. The container 102 may function as a storage enclosure for storing the perishable item 104 in a controlled environment, as well as a transport container for transporting the perishable item 104 from one location to another. In an embodiment, the container 102 may be a marine container suitable for transport over water by a ship.

[0037] In embodiments, perishable items 104 may include fruits and / or vegetables, such as bananas, avocados, apples, melons, apricots, tomatoes, etc. In some embodiments, perishable items 104 may include flowers and plants.

[0038] In an embodiment, each item from among perishable items 104 is associated with a respiration rate. The respiration rate may refer to anaerobic respiration by perishable item 104.

[0039] In an embodiment, the container 102 may include one or more sensors 106 configured to measure environmental parameters within the container 102. The one or more sensors 106 may be installed within the container 102. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 106 may be sensors independently disposed at corresponding locations within the container 102. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 106 may be integrated with a common detection unit disposed within the container 102.

[0040] By means of one or more sensors 106, corresponding one or more environmental parameters may be measured within the container 102. As non-limiting examples, the one or more environmental parameters may include carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), temperature, ethylene, humidity, etc.

[0041] The one or more sensors 106 may include corresponding sensors to measure one or more environmental parameters within the container 102. The one or more sensors 106 may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an O2 sensor, a CO2 sensor, an ethylene sensor, etc. Based on the corresponding environmental parameters sensed by the one or more sensors 106, the ripening of the perishable items may be monitored, as will be further described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the details explained with respect to one container 102 may be equally applicable to a plurality of other containers for storing and / or transporting perishable items 104 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] In an embodiment, the container 102 including the perishable items 104 may be transported from one location to another by means of a transport vehicle (not shown). The transport vehicle may include, for example, a ship, a truck, a trailer, and the like.

[0043] The environment 100 may also include a system 110 for monitoring the ripening of the perishable items 104 within the container 102. In some embodiments, the system 110 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors 106. In some embodiments, the system 110 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors 106 via a communication network (not shown). In some embodiments, the system 110 may be configured to monitor the ripening of the perishable items 104 based on readings from the one or more sensors 106.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to measure a respiratory quotient (RQ) associated with a perishable item 104. The RQ of a perishable item 104 is defined by the ratio of CO2 produced and O2 absorbed by the corresponding perishable item 104. Based on the monitored RQ, changes in oxygen content and carbon dioxide content may be determined. The system 100 may be configured to identify the rate of change of the respiration rate of the perishable item based on changes in the monitored RQ. Therefore, the monitored RQ may help predict the maturation of the perishable item. That is, the system 100 may determine the optimal time for the start of maturation of the perishable item 104 based on the monitored RQ.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system 110 may be a server-based device remote from the container 102. In some embodiments, the system 110 may be a cloud-based device. In some embodiments, the system 110 may be located within the container 102. For example, the system 110 may be integrated with a control unit within the container 102, and the functionality of the system 110 may be provided by the control unit. In some embodiments, one or more components of the system 110 may be located on the cloud, and one or more components of the system 110 may be located on the server.

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a system 110 for monitoring ripening of perishable items 104 stored within a container 102 is shown, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, system 110 may include one or more processors 202 , memory 204 , one or more modules 206 , and a communication interface 208 .

[0048] The one or more processors 202 may be configured to communicate with the memory 204 to store sensor readings generated by the one or more sensors 106. In some embodiments, the memory 204 may include a mature database 204a for storing sensor readings generated by the one or more sensors 106. The sensor readings may include real-time sensor readings as well as historical sensor readings.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers. The one or more processors 202 may include one or more processors, and may include one or more general-purpose processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc., a graphics-specific processing unit, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an artificial intelligence (AI)-specific processor, such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0050] In some embodiments, the memory 204 may store data and instructions that are executable by the processor(s) 202 to perform the steps of the method for monitoring the ripening of the perishable item 104, as discussed herein throughout the present disclosure. The memory 204 may further include, but is not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including, but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, tape or disk, optical media, etc. In addition, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the memory 204 may include executable instructions in the form of modules 206 and units for storing data. The modules 206 may include a set of instructions that may be executed to cause one or more processors 202 to perform any one or more of the methods for monitoring the ripening of the perishable item 104, as disclosed herein throughout the present disclosure. Specifically, one or more modules 206 may be configured to use the data stored in the units of the memory 204 to perform the steps of the present disclosure for monitoring the ripening of the perishable item 104. In another embodiment, module 206 may be one or more hardware units, which may be external to memory 204. In one embodiment, memory 204 may communicate via a bus within processor(s) 202.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the communication interface 208 may include a transmitter and a receiver configured to communicate with one or more sensors 106 via a communication network. In some embodiments, the communication via the communication network may be based on a wireless communication protocol. The communication interface 208 may be configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components and to communicate with external devices (e.g., one or more sensors 106) via one or more networks (e.g., radio technologies). The communication interface 208 may include electronic circuits specific to a standard that may enable wireless communication.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and 2 , the one or more processors 202 may be configured to measure one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals. To measure the one or more environmental parameters, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to receive readings from the one or more sensors 106 and determine values ​​of the one or more environmental parameters based on the received readings.

[0053] In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval may be a fixed time interval. One or more processors 202 may be configured to measure one or more environmental parameters at fixed time intervals. In non-limiting examples, the predetermined time interval may include 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to detect the actuation of a purge mode with respect to the container 102. In some embodiments, the purge mode may be a CO2 purge mode. In some embodiments, the purge mode may be an O2 purge mode. In some embodiments, in the purge mode, a purge may be performed within the container 102. In some embodiments, the purge may utilize nitrogen (N2) and / or air. In some embodiments, in the CO2 purge mode, the container 102 may be pressurized with nitrogen.

[0055] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to initiate monitoring of one or more environmental parameters in response to detecting activation of the purge mode. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to measure the one or more environmental parameters until deactivation of the purge mode. As an example, after activation of the CO2 purge mode, the values ​​of CO2 and O2 within the container 102 may be measured at predetermined time intervals (say, 15 minutes). As an example, after activation of the CO2 purge mode, the RQ parameter within the container 102 may be measured at predetermined time intervals (say, 15 minutes). Measurements may continue until the CO2 purge mode is deactivated.

[0056] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to measure one or more environmental parameters for a predefined time period. That is, the one or more processors 202 may measure one or more environmental parameters at predetermined time intervals for a predefined time period. As an example, the one or more processors 202 may measure one or more environmental parameters at 15-minute intervals for a 2-hour period.

[0057] The one or more processors 202 may be configured to determine a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items 104 based on the measured one or more environmental parameters. In some embodiments, the respiration rate may be determined in units of CO2 or O2 in ml(x) / kg-hr. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to determine the respiration rate after actuating the CO2 purge mode. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to measure O2 and CO2 values ​​within the container at several time instances (data points) within a time period. In other embodiments, the RQ parameter may be measured by the one or more processors 202 at several time instances within a time period. As described above, the RQ parameter within the container 102 may be measured after actuating the CO2 purge mode. In some embodiments, the container 102 may be associated with a positive pressure in the CO2 purge mode. As described above ... Figure 3a, the determination of the breathing rate may be performed under certain pressure and mode conditions. In particular, the determination of the breathing rate may be performed during the CO2 purge mode and when the container 102 is associated with a positive pressure (i.e., when the pressure within the container 102 may be greater than atmospheric pressure). In an embodiment, positive pressure may refer to a condition when the pressure (P) within the container is greater than 0 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge), thereby satisfying the equation P>0 PSIG.

[0058] In some embodiments, the values ​​measured at several time instances may be considered after one or more predefined criteria are met. The one or more predefined criteria may include, for example, a minimum data point or minimum coefficient of determination threshold associated with the measurement. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the coefficient of determination will be a parameter indicating the accuracy of the prediction of the quantity associated with the measurement and the prediction of the respiration rate of the perishable item 104.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more assumed parameters may be considered in order to determine the breathing rate. The one or more assumed parameters may include cargo mass, free volume within container 102, nitrogen (N2) flow rate, N2 purity, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more assumed parameters may be pre-stored in memory 204.

[0060] The one or more processors 202 may be configured to determine a start time for starting the maturation of the perishable item 104 based on the determined respiration rate and the maturation database 204a. The start time may indicate an optimal time for the maturation of the perishable item 104 to begin.

[0061] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to receive one or more additional inputs indicating a target time for the maturation of the perishable item 104. The one or more additional inputs may be based on a customer request associated with the perishable item 104. The customer request may relate to the state of maturation of the perishable item 104 when the perishable item 104 completes transportation. For example, a customer may expect to receive a fully matured perishable item 104 when transportation of the perishable item 104 is completed. Thus, the target time may indicate when the desired state of maturation of the perishable item 104 will be achieved. In some embodiments, the prediction of the state of maturation of the perishable item may be performed based on a first trained mathematical model, such as a neural network (NN) model and / or a machine learning (ML) model. In some embodiments, the first trained mathematical model may be stored in the memory 204.

[0062] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to determine the start time based on one or more additional inputs received (i.e., based on the target time). For example, where the target time to achieve fully ripened perishable items 104 is 5 days, the start time may be determined based on the 5-day target and the fully ripened target ripeness state.

[0063] The one or more processors 202 may be configured to trigger the maturation of the perishable item 104 at the start time. In some embodiments, to trigger the maturation of the perishable item 104, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to cause the release of a maturation agent within the container 102. In some embodiments, the maturation agent may be ethylene.

[0064] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to continue monitoring one or more environmental parameters within the container 102 after triggering the ripening of the perishable item 104. Once ripening is triggered, the characteristics of the perishable item 104 and the environmental parameters may change within the container 102. Therefore, dynamic adjustment of environmental parameters may be required based on the ripening of the perishable item 104. As an example, in order to complete the ripening of the perishable item 104 at a target time, dynamic adjustment of one or more environmental parameters may be required to avoid under-ripening or over-ripening of the perishable item 104. In some embodiments, the dynamic adjustment of one or more environmental parameters may be determined based on a second training mathematical model (such as a neural network (NN) model and / or a machine learning (ML) model). In some embodiments, the second training mathematical model may be stored in the memory 204.

[0065] Thus, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to adjust one or more environmental parameters to complete the maturation of the perishable items at the target time. In some embodiments, adjusting the one or more environmental parameters causes a change in the respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items 104. This is because once maturation is initiated, there are inherent changes in the characteristics of the perishable items 104 that cause changes in the respiration rate of the perishable items 104. In addition, as the respiration rate of the perishable items 104 changes, maturation may also be affected. In an example, an increased respiration rate may increase the rate of maturation of the perishable items 104 or cause the perishable items 104 to mature at a faster rate.

[0066] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to determine whether the respiration rate is greater than a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be stored in the memory 204. After determining that the respiration rate is greater than the predetermined threshold, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to trigger an alarm associated with the container 102. The alarm may indicate an increase in the respiration rate of the perishable item 104, which may cause damage to the perishable item 104 within the container 102.

[0067] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to store the measured one or more environmental parameters in a maturation database 204a. The maturation database 204a may be used to predict the start time of maturation for different batches of perishable items 104. In some embodiments, the prediction of the start time may be performed based on a third training mathematical model (such as a neural network (NN) model and / or a machine learning (ML) model). In some embodiments, the third training mathematical model may be stored in the memory 204.

[0068] In some embodiments, the stored one or more environmental parameters may include measurements of the one or more environmental parameters during transportation of the perishable item 104 from one location to another. Figure 3b , which shows an exemplary graphical representation 300 of measured values ​​of one or more environmental parameters over a time period. In an embodiment, the time period may be the time for the perishable item 104 to be transported from one place to another. In an embodiment, the time period may be any predetermined time period during which the perishable item 104 is transported from one place to another.

[0069] As in Figure 3b As seen in , the values ​​of gas concentration are plotted over a period of time. In an embodiment, the gas may be CO2. In an embodiment, the gas may be O2. The measurement of gas concentration may be performed at a specific temperature value within the container 102.

[0070] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to display the ripening state of the perishable item 104 on a display unit. The ripening state may indicate the current ripening state of the perishable item 104. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to display details associated with the measured one or more environmental parameters on a display unit. In an embodiment, the display unit may be a display provided on the container 102. In an embodiment, the display unit may be a display associated with the system 110 and remote from the container 102.

[0071] Figure 4 A process flow depicting a method 400 for monitoring ripening of perishable items 104 stored within a container 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 400 may be described with reference to the container 102, and skilled artisans will recognize that the method may be performed for a variety of different containers.

[0072] At step 402 , method 400 includes measuring one or more environmental parameters within a container at predetermined time intervals.

[0073] At step 404 , method 400 includes determining a respiration rate associated with each of perishable items 104 based on the measured one or more environmental parameters.

[0074] At step 406 , the method 400 includes determining an initiation time for initiating maturation of the perishable item 104 based on the determined respiration rate and the maturation database 204 a .

[0075] At step 408 , the method 400 includes triggering maturation of the perishable item 104 at the start time.

[0076] Although Figure 4 The above steps in are shown and described in a specific order, but according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the steps may appear in a change in order. Figure 4 The detailed description of each step is given in Figure 1-2 The relevant description is covered in the literature and is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0077] In some embodiments, the one or more processors 202 may be configured to execute instructions included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product may include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 202, cause the one or more processors 202 to perform a reference to Figure 4 Detailed description of the method steps.

[0078] The present disclosure provides methods and systems that allow for efficient monitoring of the maturation and respiration rate of perishable items 104 to be transported from one location to another. The condition of the perishable items 104 can be indicated before the transport is completed. In addition, onboard parameters can be adjusted to meet customer requirements for the desired maturation of the perishable items 104.

[0079] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the methods disclosed herein in order to implement the inventive concepts as taught herein.

[0080] In addition, the actions of any flow chart do not have to be implemented in the order shown; not all actions need to be performed. In addition, those actions that are not dependent on other actions can be performed in parallel with other actions.

[0081] The accompanying drawings and the above description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

[0082] The benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems are described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any (multiple) components that may make any benefit, advantage or solution appear or become more obvious are not to be construed as key, required or essential features or components of any or all claims.

[0083] Although specific language is used to describe the subject matter, it is not intended to produce any limitation therefrom. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various work modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the creative conception as taught herein. The figure and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, some elements may be divided into a plurality of functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the ripening of perishable goods stored in a container, the method comprising: measuring one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals; determining a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items based on the measured one or more environmental parameters; determining an initiation time for initiating maturation of the perishable item based on the determined respiration rate and a maturation database; as well as The maturation of the perishable item is triggered at the initiation time.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving one or more additional inputs indicating a target time for said maturation of said perishable item; as well as The start time is determined based on the received one or more additional inputs.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: continuing to monitor the one or more environmental parameters within the container after triggering the maturation of the perishable item; as well as The one or more environmental parameters are adjusted to complete the maturation of the perishable items at the target time, wherein adjusting the one or more environmental parameters causes a change in the respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more environmental parameters include CO2, O2, temperature, ethylene and humidity.

5. The method of claim 1, comprising storing the measured one or more environmental parameters in the maturation database.

6. The method according to claim 1, comprising: detecting actuation of a purge mode with respect to the container; as well as Monitoring of the one or more environmental parameters is initiated in response to detecting actuation of the purge mode.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising: determining whether the breathing rate is greater than a predetermined threshold; as well as Once it is determined that the respiration rate is greater than a predetermined threshold, an alarm associated with the container is triggered.

8. A system for monitoring the ripening of perishable items stored in a container, the system comprising: Memory; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to: measuring one or more environmental parameters within the container at predetermined time intervals; determining a respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items based on the measured one or more environmental parameters; determining an initiation time for initiating maturation of the perishable item based on the determined respiration rate and a maturation database; as well as The maturation of the perishable item is triggered at the initiation time.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to: receiving one or more additional inputs indicating a target time for the maturation of the perishable item; and The start time is determined based on the received one or more additional inputs.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to: After triggering the maturation of the perishable item, continuously monitoring the one or more environmental parameters within the container; and The one or more environmental parameters are adjusted to complete the maturation of the perishable items at the target time, wherein adjusting the one or more environmental parameters causes a change in the respiration rate associated with each of the perishable items.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more environmental parameters include CO2, O2, temperature, ethylene and humidity.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors are further configured to store the measured one or more environmental parameters in the maturation database.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to: detecting actuation of a purge mode with respect to the container; and Monitoring of the one or more environmental parameters is initiated in response to detecting actuation of the purge mode.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to: determining whether the breathing rate is greater than a predetermined threshold; and Once it is determined that the respiration rate is greater than a predetermined threshold, an alarm associated with the container is triggered.

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