Transport temperature monitoring device and transport temperature monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a transport temperature monitoring device and a transport temperature monitoring system which can predict the time at which temperature inside a transport container deviates from management temperature during transport or storage, and notify a user of the time in advance.SOLUTION: A transport temperature monitoring device which can be attached to or incorporated into a transport container comprises: one or more internal temperature sensors which measure at least the temperature inside the transport container; an internal temperature acquisition unit; an external temperature sensor which measures external temperature of the transport container; an external temperature acquisition unit; a control unit; a storage unit; a communication unit; and a display unit. The control unit comprises an arithmetic processing unit which calculates the time when the internal temperature deviates from management temperature based on the internal temperature and the external temperature. Moreover, the control unit may comprise a display control unit which integrates the internal temperature and the external temperature, and information such as the time at which the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature to generate and display a code image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to temperature control during transportation of goods using transport containers, such as insulated boxes, and in particular to a transportation temperature monitoring device and transportation temperature monitoring system for predicting and monitoring deviations from the controlled temperature. [Background technology]

[0002] The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has established GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines to ensure the quality and integrity of pharmaceutical products during distribution. These guidelines emphasize temperature control during storage and transportation of pharmaceutical products, recommend the use of temperature measuring devices, and require temperature recording and monitoring (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] When a temperature deviation occurs, an appropriate response is required, and the circumstances of the pharmaceutical temperature deviation must be confirmed and appropriate handling of the deviation pharmaceutical must be considered. In some cases, the deviation pharmaceutical may need to be disposed of, re-procured, or redelivered. Therefore, in pharmaceutical temperature management, there is a demand for a temperature control system that can check transport quality information such as temperature changes not only during the delivery period from the start of delivery until arrival at the medical facility, but also during the period immediately before the pharmaceutical is administered within the medical facility (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Temperature control is an extremely important issue when transporting pharmaceuticals. Transporting pharmaceuticals using incubators is an effective means of maintaining a constant temperature, but it is difficult to ensure a constant power source during long transport periods, and the devices are heavy and bulky, resulting in space and cost constraints. For this reason, insulated boxes are generally used. Insulated boxes achieve their cooling effect by using heat-storage materials such as ice packs and insulating materials. In this case, simulations are conducted in advance to evaluate the time it takes for the temperature inside the insulated box to be maintained within a desired range, thereby ensuring the appropriateness of the insulated box to be used (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6842487 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6465582 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Guidelines for Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for Pharmaceuticals” [online] Chino Corporation [Retrieved February 16, 2024], Internet [URL: https: / / www.chino.co.jp / support / technique / lifescience / gdpguidelines / ] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The temperature control system described in Patent Document 1 can check the quality of medicines up until the moment they are used, but it is not a system for predicting and monitoring deviations from the controlled temperature. Therefore, a temperature control system that can prevent temperature deviations is needed. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 performs simulations in advance to evaluate the time the temperature inside the cooler box will be maintained within a desired range. However, predictions from the simulation can be unreliable due to various factors, such as unexpected large fluctuations in external weather conditions and the opening and closing of the cooler box lid. Because temperature control inside the cooler box under such conditions is difficult, the development of new technologies and systems for more reliable temperature monitoring and control is needed.

[0008] To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to develop a transport temperature management system that can identify imminent temperature excursions and prevent them in a timely manner. Such a system would place multiple temperature sensors inside the cooler box and monitor temperature changes inside the box in real time, detecting temperature excursions before they occur and enabling appropriate countermeasures to be taken. Furthermore, a predictive model could be used to predict temperature fluctuations in advance, taking into account factors such as external weather conditions and the use of the cooler box, allowing appropriate countermeasures to be taken. The development of such a transport temperature management system would enable more reliable temperature control during transport of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive items, thereby strengthening quality and safety assurance.

[0009] In order to address the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a transport temperature monitoring device and a transport temperature monitoring system that can predict the time when the temperature inside a transport container will deviate from a set control temperature and notify in advance of the time when the control temperature may deviate during transport or storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a transport temperature monitoring device that can be attached to or incorporated into a transport container, and includes one or more internal temperature sensors that measure at least the temperature inside the transport container, an internal temperature acquisition unit connected to the internal temperature sensors, an external temperature sensor that measures the external temperature of the transport container, an external temperature acquisition unit connected to the external temperature sensors, a control unit, a memory unit, a communication unit, and a display unit, wherein the communication unit receives item management information including information on the transported item and identification information that identifies the transport temperature monitoring device, acquisition setting information for the internal temperature and the external temperature, The control unit receives setting information including a control temperature inside the transport container and a standard time and a notification time, and transmits the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature and the external temperature, and the time at which the internal temperature deviates from the control temperature, the control unit is equipped with a calculation processing unit that calculates the time at which the control temperature deviates from the internal temperature acquired by the internal temperature acquisition unit and the external temperature acquired by the external temperature acquisition unit, and the memory unit stores the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature and the external temperature, and the time at which the control temperature inside the transport container deviates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The transport temperature monitoring device and transport temperature monitoring system of the present invention can predict the time when the temperature inside a transport container will deviate from the set control temperature and provide advance notification. This allows preventive measures to be taken with ample time to prevent the temperature from deviating from the control temperature, even if the transport container is opened or closed during transport, the outside air temperature is unexpected, or the performance of the ice pack deteriorates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode of use of a transportation temperature monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transportation temperature monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a transportation temperature monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for writing item management information and setting information into a transportation temperature monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between changes in external temperature, control temperature, and internal temperature when the internal temperature rises. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between changes in the external temperature, the control temperature, and the internal temperature when the internal temperature drops. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between changes in the external temperature, the control temperature, and the internal temperature when the lid of the cooler box is opened and closed. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a transportation temperature monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transportation temperature monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, common parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of parts with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0014] [Transportation temperature monitoring device] The configuration of the transport temperature monitoring device of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing how the transport temperature monitoring device 10 is used. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transport temperature monitoring device 10. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram explaining the configuration of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 of the present invention. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for writing item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10. In the following embodiment, an insulated box will be used as an example of a transport container.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the transport temperature monitoring device 10 is a device that is attached to the outside of the refrigerated box 1 when in use. Figure 1 also shows the main functional blocks of the transport temperature monitoring device 10. A detailed functional block diagram is shown in Figure 2. The transport temperature monitoring device 10 is attached to the outside of the refrigerated box 1, and has the function of monitoring the external temperature and the temperature inside the refrigerated box via the sensor probe 22.

[0016] The transport temperature monitoring device 10 can be attached to or incorporated into the refrigerated box 1, and includes one or more internal temperature sensors 21 that measure at least the temperature inside the refrigerated box, an internal temperature acquisition unit 11 connected to the internal temperature sensor 21, an external temperature sensor 20 that measures the temperature outside the refrigerated box 1, an external temperature acquisition unit 12 connected to the external temperature sensor 20, a control unit 13, a memory unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a display unit 16. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, a switch unit (input unit) 18, a power supply unit, and an output unit are provided on a circuit board 130.

[0017] The display unit 16 is connected to the control unit 13 and controlled by the display control unit. The power supply 17 is connected to the power supply unit and the output unit, and is charged by the power supply unit from an external power supply connected to the output unit. In this embodiment, the power supply 17 is a rechargeable secondary battery, but it may also be a non-rechargeable primary battery.

[0018] The transport temperature monitoring device 10 includes a circuit board 130, a display (electronic paper) 16, and a power supply 17, all of which are shown in the functional blocks of Figure 2, housed in an outer box 19 (housing) (see Figure 3(C)). The outer box 19 (housing) is small, thin, and made of a highly rigid material. As shown in Figure 3(A), the front of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 displays a code image on the display 16, and is equipped with, for example, a power ON / OFF button 180 and a wireless function ON / OFF button 181. It is preferable that the top surface of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 in Figure 3(B) be as thin as possible. Figure 3(C) shows the layout of the internal components of the transport temperature monitoring device 10. In this embodiment, the display 16 is located above the circuit board 130, and the power supply 17 is located below. The layout of these components is not limited to that shown in Figure 3(C). For example, a thinner configuration in which the display 16 and power supply 17 are arranged parallel to the circuit board 130 is also possible. 3(C), the area of ​​the front surface can be reduced by arranging the display unit 16 and the power supply 17 on different surfaces. Each functional block of the circuit board 130 will now be described in detail.

[0019] The detection unit includes an internal temperature acquisition unit 11 and an external temperature acquisition unit 12. As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor probe 22 is installed inside the refrigerated box 1, and internal temperature sensors 21(1) and 21(2) are connected to the transport temperature monitoring device 10 via the sensor probe 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two internal temperature sensors 21 are used. However, one or three or more temperature sensors 21 may be used depending on the dimensions of the refrigerated box, the external temperature, and the like. It is preferable to use multiple internal temperature sensors 21, especially when the dimensions of the refrigerated box are large. The internal temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires temperature information from each internal temperature sensor 21 inside the refrigerated box 1 at any set time interval, links it to the time of a timer built into the transport temperature monitoring device 10, sends it to the control unit 13, and stores it in the memory unit 14. The time of the timer is synchronized with standard time via communication means 15 as needed.

[0020] The communication unit 15 communicates wirelessly or wired with external terminal devices, etc. The communication unit 15 receives item management information including information about the transported item and identification information for identifying the transport temperature monitoring device 10, as well as setting information including acquisition setting information for the internal and external temperatures, the controlled temperature inside the cooler box, and standard time and notification time. The information about the transported item is, for example, information about the name, model number, and serial number of the pharmaceutical product. The identification information for identifying the transport temperature monitoring device 10 is information that identifies the device using symbols, numbers, etc. The controlled temperature inside the cooler box is a temperature suitable for managing the product. The acquisition setting information for the internal and external temperatures is information such as the acquisition time interval, acquisition start time, and acquisition end time. The notification time setting is a setting for the time (time interval) at which the internal and external temperatures are notified, and a time (e.g., 30 minutes before) at which notification is made before the temperature inside the cooler box deviates from the controlled temperature.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the writing of the item management information and setting information can be performed by connecting the mobile terminal 30 (smartphone) and the communication unit 15 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The above item management information and setting information can also be obtained from the output unit (terminal unit). For example, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the above information can be obtained by connecting a USB cable 41 between the USB terminal of the terminal device (personal computer) 40 and the output unit (terminal unit) of the transport temperature monitoring device 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the communication unit 15 can transmit the item management information, setting information, internal temperature, external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature to an external terminal device, etc. at a time (time interval) set by the communication unit 15. This transmission is not essential, and instead of transmitting, a code image showing the internal temperature, external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature can be displayed on the display unit 16, which will be described later.

[0023] The storage unit 14 may be a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) (registered trademark), or the like. The storage unit 14 stores the above-mentioned item management information, setting information, the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the temperature inside the cooler box deviates from the controlled temperature calculated by the control unit 13. The internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the temperature deviates from the controlled temperature are updated and stored at set time intervals.

[0024] The control unit 13 is composed of a CPU, program memory, input / output bus, etc. The control unit 13 functions as a control and calculation means, controlling each functional block of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 and the entire device, and performing calculation processing on detected data. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the calculation processing unit and display control unit by referring to the memory unit 14. The control unit 13 also has a system time, which is corrected to standard time when communicating with a terminal device or mobile terminal.

[0025] The calculation processing unit calculates the time when the temperature inside the cooler box will deviate from the control temperature using a predetermined algorithm based on the acquired internal and external temperatures and the set control temperature. The algorithm will be described in detail later.

[0026] The display control unit generates a code image by combining the above-mentioned item management information, setting information, internal temperature, external temperature, and the time when the temperature inside the cooler box deviates from the management temperature calculated by the control unit 13, and displays the code image on the display unit 16. Specifically, it generates a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, or a two-dimensional code such as a CP code or QR code (registered trademark), and performs control to display the generated code image on the display unit (electronic paper) 16. In this embodiment, a QR code is displayed as shown in FIG. 3(A) (hereinafter, the code image will be abbreviated as a QR code). By being able to generate and display a QR code, medical institutions that are subject to restrictions on the use of radio waves can easily check the quality of transportation.

[0027] QR codes are preferable as code images to be used in the transport temperature monitoring device 10 because they can store large amounts of data in a small space and are resistant to dirt and damage thanks to their error correction function. In many conventional product management systems, the contents of a cooler box are managed by generating a barcode that combines information about the cooler box, the temperature measuring device installed in the cooler box, and information about the medicines being transported in the cooler box, and then attaching the barcode to the cooler box. This requires a barcode generator and the work of attaching the barcode. The transport temperature monitoring device 10 of the present invention can generate and display QR codes, eliminating the need for a barcode generator and reducing the amount of work required for product management. Displaying a QR code is not essential.

[0028] Furthermore, the display control unit combines the item management information and setting information, updates transport quality information such as measured internal and external temperatures and the time when the temperature deviates from the management temperature, and generates and displays a QR code. In other words, the QR code displaying the logistics quality visualization information can be read at any time using the camera function of a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, handheld terminal, or QR code reader. The code generation and display function of the display control unit makes it easy to check transport quality even in medical institutions where radio wave usage is restricted.

[0029] The display unit 16 displays the QR code sent from the display control unit. A thin display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), or an electronic paper display (EPD) can be used as the display unit 16. In this embodiment, an electronic paper display is used, which has the advantage that a displayed image remains the same even if the battery runs out (image retention). As described above, in this embodiment, the display unit 16 is attached to the upper surface of the circuit board 130 (FIG. 3(C)). The QR code displayed on the electronic paper display is retained until the next update, consuming almost no power during that time, and the display is maintained even when the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the power supply of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 runs out during the logistics process, information can be read from the display unit 16.

[0030] The display unit 16 outputs visual information as described above, but may also be configured to output sound or light at the same time. For example, the display unit 16 may be provided with a function to output a warning sound or light when the time comes (or 5 minutes before the time) when the internal temperature will deviate from the control temperature.

[0031] The switch unit 18 (input unit) can switch the power supply and wireless function on and off, and when the power supply is on, power is supplied from the power supply unit to each functional block of the circuit board 130. When the wireless function is on, wireless communication from the communication unit 15 becomes possible. When using the device, the user turns on the switch unit 18 to operate the transport temperature monitoring device 10. The switch unit 18 may be of any type, such as a push button type or a slide type, as long as it can be switched on and off.

[0032] The power supply 17 supplies power to each functional block of the transport temperature monitoring device 10. The power supply 17 may be a dry cell battery, which is a so-called primary battery, or a rechargeable battery, which is a secondary battery. In this embodiment, a thin rechargeable lithium polymer battery, such as those used in batteries for mobile phones, laptops, and mobile devices, is used. In this embodiment, as described above, the power supply 17 is attached to the underside of the circuit board 130 (FIG. 3(C)).

[0033] The output unit (terminal unit) has a terminal (USB terminal) for connecting a USB cable to a terminal device 40 or the like to charge the power supply unit, write item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10, and acquire measurement data stored in the memory unit 14 of the transport temperature monitoring device 10.

[0034] The transport temperature monitoring device is configured as described above. With the transport temperature monitoring device 10 configured as described above, it is possible to predict the time when the temperature at any location inside the refrigerated box will deviate from the set control temperature and provide advance notification. This allows for preventative measures to be taken with ample time to prevent deviations from the control temperature, even if the refrigerated box is opened or closed during transport, the outside air temperature is unexpected, or the performance of the refrigerant deteriorates. As a result, it is possible to reduce the work of disposing of, reprocuring, and redelivering pharmaceuticals and other products.

[0035] [Algorithm of the arithmetic processing unit] The temperature deviation prediction algorithm performed by the calculation processing unit of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 will be explained using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the temperature outside the cooler box (To) and the control temperature inside the cooler box (Tm) when the temperature (Ti) at any location inside the cooler box rises due to the influence of the temperature outside the cooler box.

[0036] Among the temperature data acquired by the internal temperature acquisition unit 11, the temperature sensor that outputs the temperature data with the largest temperature change is selected, and the temperature data from the selected temperature sensor is set as the internal temperature Ti shown in Fig. 5. If another temperature sensor appears that outputs a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature data from the selected temperature sensor, the temperature data from the other temperature sensor is set as the internal temperature Ti and the temperature deviation time is calculated again from the time when it is detected that the temperature data from the other temperature sensor exceeds the temperature data from the selected temperature sensor.

[0037] To is the temperature outside the cooler box, To(1) is the initial value of the external temperature of the cooler box, To(2) is the change in the external temperature of the cooler box, t is time, t0 is the time when the ice pack begins to liquefy when the temperature rises in To(1), or when the ice pack begins to solidify when the temperature falls, or when temperature monitoring begins without ice packs. t1 is the predicted time when the internal temperature of the cooler box will deviate from the controlled temperature assuming To(1) is maintained, and t2 is the predicted time when the internal temperature of the cooler box will deviate from the controlled temperature when To(2) is reached. Tm is the controlled temperature inside the cooler box, T is the temperature obtained at an arbitrary time interval from a selected temperature sensor inside the cooler box, Ti is the initial value of the temperature from a selected temperature sensor inside the cooler box, and k is a parameter that depends on the size of the cooler box 1 and the performance of the insulation.

[0038] Using these temperature, time, and parameters, the temperature change inside the cooler box is generally expressed by the following equation, which is Newton's law of cooling.

number

[0039] Here, if the temperature function and temperature constant in equation (1) are shifted by Ti, which is the initial value of the internal temperature of the cool box, the following equation is obtained.

number

[0040] Furthermore, to ensure accuracy in describing the operation, if we rewrite time t as time t' starting from time t0 when the temperature inside the cooler box begins to change, equation (1) becomes the following equation (2).

number

[0041] Next, temperature changes are detected by analyzing the temperature data from the selected temperature sensor inside the cooler box. Here, the minute time from the time t0 when the temperature change begins is defined as Δt, and the minute temperature change over that minute time is defined as ΔT. The minute time Δt can be considered as Δt = tw, where the time interval for acquiring temperature data from the temperature sensor is a sufficiently short time interval and the time interval is tw. Also, ΔT is the minute temperature change value from time t0, and can be expressed by the following formula.

number

[0042] Here, the minute change in the exponential function can be found by a linear equation of Taylor expansion for the exponential function.

number

[0043] The Taylor expansion of equation (2) gives the following linear equation:

number

[0044] Furthermore, when the temperature gradient ΔT / Δt is calculated from equation (3), the following equation is obtained.

number

[0045] From this, the parameter k, which depends on the size of the cooler box 1 and the performance of the heat insulating material, is calculated by the calculation processing unit using the following formula and recorded in the recording unit 14.

number

[0046] To', ΔT, and Δt are data obtained from the external and internal temperature sensors, respectively, and can be quantified. Therefore, from equation (5), parameter k, which depends on the size, location, and insulation performance of cooler box 1, does not need to be evaluated and understood in advance.

[0047] Next, if the management temperature Tm' is x% of the external temperature To', the following formula is obtained.

number

[0048] Here, if the time when the internal temperature T' reaches the management temperature Tm' is defined as tm' from equation (2), the following equation is obtained.

number

[0049] Taking the logarithm of both sides gives us the following equation: From this, we can further calculate the time tm'.

number

[0050] The value of k can be calculated from equation (5), and the value of x can be calculated from equation (6) because the values ​​of Tm' and To' at time t0 are obtained from the temperature sensors. Therefore, the time it takes for the temperature inside the cooler box to reach the controlled temperature, that is, the predicted time tm' at which the temperature will deviate, can be calculated from equation (8). Therefore, the predicted time tm at which the temperature will deviate is t0 + tm'.

[0051] Therefore, if one wishes to issue a warning 30 minutes before the predicted temperature deviation time tm, one can take measures to wirelessly transmit an alert to a terminal wirelessly connected to communication unit 15 at time (t0+tm')-30 minutes, or to display an alert on display unit 16. The graph in Figure 5 shows that if refrigerated box 1 is left in an environment with an external temperature To(1), tm will be t1.

[0052] Next, suppose that at time t1, the temperature inside the cooler box is detected as possibly deviating from the controlled temperature and the cooler box 1 is moved from an environment with an external temperature To(1) to an environment with an external temperature To(2). At time td(o) in FIG. 5, the external temperature sensor 20 acquires To(2), and the temperature sensor inside the cooler box acquires temperature Td(i). At time t0, with the external temperature To(1), the function of Equation (2) is derived. If the processor 13 detects a difference of a certain amount between the temperature predicted at time td(o) from this function and the temperature Td(i) acquired by the internal temperature sensor, the actual internal temperature Td(i) at time td(o) is recorded in the recorder 14 as the initial value of the internal temperature, and the time of temperature deviation after the change in external temperature is predicted again. For ease of calculation, the internal temperature of the cooler box is shifted by the initial value Td(i).

number

[0053] Starting from the time when the value of parameter k calculated from equation (5) using the external and internal temperatures acquired by the temperature sensor at any time interval when the external temperature is To(1) and the value of parameter k calculated from equation (5) using the external and internal temperatures acquired by the temperature sensor at any time interval when the external temperature is To(2) become approximately the same, the calculation process from equations (6) to (8) is performed again to predict a new temperature deviation time. Based on this prediction, if cooler box 1 is moved from an environment with external temperature To(1) to an environment with external temperature To(2), the predicted time of temperature deviation inside the cooler box will transition from t1 to t2 as shown in the graph in Figure 5.

[0054] Next, the temperature deviation prediction operation of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 will be described using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the temperature To outside the cooler box and the control temperature Tm inside the cooler box when the temperature Ti at any location inside the cooler box drops due to the influence of the temperature outside the cooler box.

[0055] The function graph of the decrease in internal temperature in Figure 6 is, based on equation (2), a graph symmetrical with respect to the time axis (t') with the internal temperature T' = 0 as the center in the function graph of the increase in internal temperature in Figure 5. Therefore, in the operation in Figure 5, the temperature simply changes from positive to negative, and a description of this operation will be omitted.

[0056] Next, the temperature deviation prediction operation of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 will be described using Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between changes in the external temperature, control temperature, and internal temperature when the lid 2 of the refrigerated box 1 is opened or closed. Fig. 7 shows the relationship between changes in the external temperature, control temperature, and internal temperature when the lid 2 of the refrigerated box 1 is opened or closed.

[0057] In the function graph of Figure 7, when lid 2 of cooler box 1 is opened and closed at time td(s), the internal temperature of cooler box 1 rises to Td(i). At time td(s), the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor inside the cooler box is Td(i), and when the calculation processing unit detects that there is a difference between this and the internal temperature predicted when the external temperature is To(1) in equation (2), the actual internal temperature Td(i) is recorded in recording unit 14 as the initial value of the internal temperature, and the temperature function and temperature constant are shifted by Td(i), which is the initial value of the internal temperature of the cooler box, in order to newly predict the deviation time of the internal temperature of the cooler box. Furthermore, starting from the time when the value of parameter k calculated from equation (5) using the external and internal temperatures acquired by the temperature sensor at any time interval when the external temperature is To(1) becomes approximately the same as the value of parameter k calculated from equation (5) using the external and internal temperatures acquired by the temperature sensor at any time interval after lid 2 of cooler box 1 is opened and closed, equations (6) to (8) are again calculated, and it can be deduced from the graph in Figure 7 that the predicted time of temperature deviation inside the cooler box when lid 2 of cooler box 1 is opened and closed in an environment of external temperature To(1) has been advanced from t1 to t2.

[0058] [Transportation Temperature Monitoring System] Next, the configuration and usage of a transport temperature monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the transport temperature monitoring system according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another form of transport temperature monitoring system. The transport temperature monitoring system according to this embodiment can constitute a system similar to the logistics management system described in Patent No. 7134528 by the present inventor.

[0059] First, the transport temperature monitoring system shown in Fig. 8 will be described. The transport temperature monitoring system includes a transport temperature monitoring device 10, a setting terminal device, a reading terminal device, a cloud server 60, and a user terminal device. The setting terminal device writes item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10. The setting terminal device includes a memory unit that stores the item management information and setting information, and a communication unit (wireless or wired) that transmits the item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10.

[0060] The setting terminal device may be a mobile terminal (smartphone) 30 as shown in Fig. 4(A), or a terminal device (personal computer) 40 as shown in Fig. 4(B), or any other device. In this embodiment, a smartphone 30 is used. Before transportation (during management setting), the smartphone 30 and the transportation temperature monitoring device 10 are connected via wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and the item management information and setting information are written.

[0061] The reading terminal device receives information from the transport temperature monitoring device 10 (internal and external temperatures, the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature, product management information, setting information, etc.) via a communication unit, or reads the code image via an imaging unit and stores it in a memory unit. The information received via the communication unit or the information obtained by reading via the imaging unit is displayed on a display unit.

[0062] The reading terminal device may be any terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet with a GPS function, a handheld terminal, or a QR code reader, as long as it has a communication unit that communicates with the transport temperature monitoring device 10 or an imaging unit that reads the QR code and can communicate with the cloud server 60 via some communication means. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the same smartphone 30 as the setting terminal device is used, but a device different from the setting terminal device may also be used.

[0063] The memory unit of the smartphone (reading terminal device) 30 stores the internal temperature, external temperature, the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature, item management information, setting information, GPS information, IP address information of the cloud server 60, etc.

[0064] A dedicated app is installed on the smartphone (reading terminal device) 30, which receives or reads information from the transport temperature monitoring device 10 as needed during transport. The smartphone then combines this information with location information obtained by the GPS function to transmit integrated information to the cloud server 60. As shown in FIG. 8, in areas with radio wave restrictions (such as hospitals), the wireless functions of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 and the smartphone 30 are turned off to prevent radio wave emissions, and information is read from the QR code. In this case, the integrated information is transmitted to the cloud server 60 after the smartphone leaves the radio wave restricted area. The above-described operation of the smartphone (reading terminal device) 30 continues from the start to the end of transport.

[0065] Cloud server 60 includes a communication unit that receives integrated information from a smartphone (reading terminal device) and transmits it to a user terminal device, and a storage unit that stores the received integrated information. Cloud server 60 may transmit the integrated information to the user terminal device by email, or a dedicated app may be installed on the user terminal device and the integrated information may be displayed on the dedicated app. The above operation of cloud server 60 continues from the start to the end of transportation, and after the end, the user can retrieve the integrated information from the recording unit at any time.

[0066] The user terminal device includes a communication unit that receives the integrated information from the cloud server 60, a storage unit that stores the integrated information, and a display unit that displays the integrated information. The user terminal device may be any terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, as long as it can communicate with the cloud server 60. A dedicated app may be installed and the integrated information may be displayed on the dedicated app, or the integrated information may be received and displayed by email. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a smartphone 30 is used as the user terminal device. The user can receive the integrated information from the cloud server 60 via the smartphone 30 from the start to the end of transportation.

[0067] Next, the transport temperature monitoring system shown in FIG. 9 will be described. This system is useful in areas where radio wave restrictions apply (such as hospitals) and wireless communication is not possible. A cloud-based temperature management system using the Internet of Things (IoT), which requires constant communication during transport, may be unable to obtain necessary data in areas with radio wave restrictions or when the communication environment deteriorates. As a result, real-time temperature management during transport may be hindered, but this transport temperature monitoring system can be used even in such cases. The transport temperature monitoring system includes a transport temperature monitoring device 10, a setting terminal device, and a reading terminal device. As with the above, the setting terminal device writes item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10. The setting terminal device includes a memory unit that stores the item management information and setting information, and a communication unit (wired) that transmits the item management information and setting information to the transport temperature monitoring device 10.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4(B) and 9, a terminal device (personal computer) 40 or the like is used as the setting terminal device. Any device may be used as long as it can be connected to the transport temperature monitoring device 10 via a USB cable 41 or the like. In this embodiment, a personal computer 40 is used. Before transportation (during management setting), the personal computer 40 and the transport temperature monitoring device 10 are connected via the USB cable 41, and the product management information and setting information are written to the transport temperature monitoring device 10.

[0069] The reading terminal device reads information from the transport temperature monitoring device 10 (internal and external temperatures, the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature, product management information, setting information, etc.) from the code image and stores it in the memory unit. The information read by the imaging unit is displayed on the display unit.

[0070] The reading terminal device may be any terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, handheld terminal, or QR code reader, as long as it has an imaging unit that reads the QR code of the transport temperature monitoring device 10 and some means for confirming the read QR code information. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, a handheld terminal 50 is used as the setting terminal device. The above operation of the handheld terminal (reading terminal device) 50 continues from the start to the end of transportation.

[0071] After the transportation is completed, the PC 40 and the transportation temperature monitoring device 10 are again connected with a USB cable, and information from the transportation temperature monitoring device 10 (internal and external temperatures, the time when the internal temperature deviates from the control temperature, item management information, setting information, etc.) can be acquired and saved by the PC 40. The PC 40 may be the same PC used for setting up, or a different PC.

[0072] As described above, the transport temperature monitoring system is configured so that it is possible to predict the time when the temperature at any location inside the refrigerated box during transport or storage will deviate from the set control temperature and notify the user in advance, ensuring reliable temperature control.

[0073] The transport temperature monitoring device and transport temperature monitoring system of the above-described embodiment are an example of a temperature-controlled transport service using a refrigerated box, and the configuration thereof can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the present invention can also be applied to temperature control when the transport container is a heated box instead of a refrigerated box. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The transport temperature monitoring device and transport temperature monitoring system of the present invention can be used in a wide range of fields, such as the transport of pharmaceuticals, food products, and chemical products, by using communication and display functions to notify in advance the time when the internal temperature of a cooler box will deviate from the controlled temperature, thereby raising an alert, and may also contribute to reducing waste generated during transport and reducing the costs of re-transportation, etc. Furthermore, even if wireless communication is used as the communication function, transport quality information, etc. can be displayed as a code image even if the wireless function is disabled and only the display function is enabled, and this can be obtained using a reading terminal with a camera function, making it useful in medical institutions where radio wave use is restricted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...cooled box (transport container), 2...cooled box lid, 10...transport temperature monitoring device, 11...internal temperature acquisition unit, 12...external temperature acquisition unit, 13...control unit, 14...recording unit, 15...communication unit, 16...display unit, 17...power supply, 18...switch unit, 19...outer box, 20...external temperature sensor, 21...internal temperature sensor, 22...sensor probe, 30...smartphone, 40...terminal device (personal computer), 41...USB cable, 50...handheld terminal, 60...cloud server, 130...circuit board, 180...power ON / OFF button, 181...wireless function ON / OFF button.

Claims

1. A transport temperature monitoring device that can be attached to or incorporated into a transport container, comprising: one or more internal temperature sensors that measure at least the temperature inside the transport container; an internal temperature acquisition unit connected to the internal temperature sensors; an external temperature sensor that measures the temperature outside the transport container; an external temperature acquisition unit connected to the external temperature sensor; a control unit; a memory unit; a communication unit; and a display unit; The communication unit Item management information including information on the transported item and identification information for identifying the transport temperature monitoring device; receiving setting information including acquisition setting information for the internal temperature and the external temperature, a management temperature inside the transport container, a standard time, and a notification time; The item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature are transmitted. The control unit a calculation processing unit that calculates a time when the internal temperature acquired by the internal temperature acquisition unit and the external temperature acquired by the external temperature acquisition unit deviate from the management temperature, A transportation temperature monitoring device characterized in that the memory unit stores the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature and the external temperature, and the time when the management temperature inside the transport container deviates from the management temperature.

2. A transport temperature monitoring device that can be attached to or incorporated into a transport container, comprising: one or more internal temperature sensors that measure at least the temperature inside the transport container; an internal temperature acquisition unit connected to the internal temperature sensors; an external temperature sensor that measures the temperature outside the transport container; an external temperature acquisition unit connected to the external temperature sensor; a control unit; a memory unit; a communication unit; and a display unit; The communication unit Item management information including information on the transported item and identification information for identifying the transport temperature monitoring device; receiving setting information including acquisition setting information for the internal temperature and the external temperature, a management temperature inside the transport container, a standard time, and a notification time; The control unit a calculation processing unit that calculates a time when the internal temperature acquired by the internal temperature acquisition unit and the external temperature acquired by the external temperature acquisition unit deviate from the management temperature; a display control unit that generates and displays a code image based on the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature, the display unit displays the code image, A transportation temperature monitoring device characterized in that the memory unit stores the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature and the external temperature, and the time when the management temperature inside the transport container deviates from the management temperature.

3. 3. The transport temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation processing unit selects the temperature data with the greatest temperature change from the temperature data detected by the two or more internal temperature sensors, and uses the selected temperature data to calculate the time at which the internal temperature of the transport container will deviate from the control temperature using a predetermined algorithm.

4. 3. The transport temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation processing unit calculates the time when the internal temperature of the transport container deviates from the control temperature by applying Newton's law of cooling, and determines parameters in Newton's law of cooling that depend on the dimensions of the transport container and the performance of the insulating material from the temperature data, based on the temperature gradient value for a short time from the time when the temperature change began and the external temperature at that time.

5. A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising the transportation temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, a setting terminal device, a reading terminal device, a cloud server, and a user terminal device, The setting terminal device a storage unit that stores the item management information and the setting information; a communication unit that transmits the item management information and the setting information to the transportation temperature monitoring device; Equipped with The reading terminal device a communication unit that receives the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature from the transportation temperature monitoring device, and transmits integrated information obtained by integrating the information with location information to the cloud server; a display unit that displays the item management information, the setting information, the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the time when the internal temperature deviates from the management temperature; Equipped with The cloud server a communication unit that receives the integrated information from the reading terminal device and transmits it to a user terminal device; a storage unit for storing the integrated information; Equipped with The user terminal device a communication unit that receives the integrated information from the cloud server; a storage unit for storing the integrated information; a display unit that displays the integrated information; A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising:

6. A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising the transportation temperature monitoring device according to claim 2, a setting terminal device, a reading terminal device, a cloud server, and a user terminal device, The setting terminal device a storage unit that stores the item management information and the setting information; a communication unit that transmits the item management information and the setting information to the transportation temperature monitoring device; Equipped with The reading terminal device an imaging unit that reads the code image displayed on the display unit of the transportation temperature monitoring device; a display unit that displays information obtained by reading the code image; a communication unit that transmits integrated information obtained by reading the code image and location information to the cloud server; Equipped with The cloud server a communication unit that receives the integrated information from the reading terminal device and transmits it to a user terminal device; a storage unit for storing the integrated information; Equipped with The user terminal device a communication unit that receives the integrated information from the cloud server; a storage unit for storing the integrated information; a display unit that displays the integrated information; A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising:

7. A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising the transportation temperature monitoring device according to claim 2, a setting terminal device, and a reading terminal device, The setting terminal device a storage unit that stores the item management information and the setting information; a communication unit that transmits the item management information and the setting information to the transportation temperature monitoring device; Equipped with The reading terminal device an imaging unit that reads the code image displayed on the display unit of the transportation temperature monitoring device; a display unit that displays information obtained by reading the code image; A transportation temperature monitoring system comprising:

Images