Sensors for cold chain monitoring based on movement

Abstract

Technologies for thaw detection are described. The system includes a sensor included in a container, a sensor blocking mechanism, and a detector. The container includes a fluid. The sensor blocking mechanism prevents detection of the sensor while a portion of the fluid in the container is in a frozen state. The detector is configured to detect the sensor while the portion of the fluid in the container is in a thawed state. The thawed state deactivates the sensor blocking mechanism by activating a movement of the sensor.

Description

SENSORS FOR COLD CHAIN MONITORING BASED ON MOVEMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 559,741, filed on February 29, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 662,757, filed on June 21, 2024; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 662,769 filed on June 21, 2024; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. No. 63 / 662,848, filed on June 21, 2024; and each application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Worldwide, a vast portion of the produced food fails to reach the consumer and is thrown away uneaten, being wasted. The discarded food causes a significant environmental and humanitarian burden. Food waste occurs along the entire supply chain spectrum - from its point of origin (e.g., a farm) to a processing production facility, to logistics distribution, to retailers, and to the consumer. Reasons for food waste include losses due to mold, pests, or inadequate climate control. Current food safety monitoring solutions provide limited accuracy and sensitivity, presenting false positive and negative events.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes sensors for cold chain monitoring based on movement.

[0004] In an implementation, a system for thaw detection includes: a sensor included in a container, the container including a fluid, a sensor blocking mechanism preventing detection of the sensor while a portion of the of the fluid in the container is in a frozen state, and a detector configured to detect the sensor while the portion of the fluid in the container is in a thawed state, wherein the thawed state deactivates the sensor blocking mechanism by activating a movement of the sensor.

[0005] The described subject matter can be implemented using a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions to perform the computer-implemented method; and / or a computer-implemented system comprising one or more computer memory devices interoperably coupled with one or more computers and having tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computers, perform the computer-implemented method / the computer-readable instructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

[0006] The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The described approach integrates multiple techniques for efficiently monitoring and accurately detecting physical conditions and movement of materials or a change in a state of materials relative to set control parameters. As another advantage, the described approach provides conditioned monitoring, wherein the detection can be triggered based on the movement of the object itself, or by a removal of objects that interact with a monitored object. The described integrated techniques include any combination of NFC communication and chambers including movable components, puncturable seals, and pistons. The NFC communication can be advantageously combined with a reflective coating to create a sensor-linked security hologram for masking the presence of an NFC tag. As another advantage, the described combination of sensing techniques enables detection of both visible and covert information. As a further advantage, the described approach facilitates integration of security and authentication to verify the authenticity of the monitored object (e.g., a container, box, or package) contents, reducing the risk of tampering, contamination, and counterfeiting. As another advantage, the described approach facilitates real-time continuous data collection for target monitoring andautomatic triggering of condition adjustment (e.g., temperature control) to reduce risk of substance destruction due to temperature variation outside set temperature interval. Moreover, the described approach permits multiplexing of sensors for verification (e.g., multiple sensors of the same type to confirm a reading), to convey further information (e.g., a color based sensor alerting a user to a thaw such that they can access another sensor that contains more information, such as an NFC tag), for the determination of more complex thaw information (e.g., how long a package has been above a given temperature or the highest temperature to which it has been raised), and can be overt (e.g., with the arrangement and location of sensors being clearly apparent) or covert (e.g., with the location and arrangement of sensors being hidden or not apparent).

[0007] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the Detailed Description, the Claims, and the accompanying drawings. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the Detailed Description, the Claims, and the accompanying drawings.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1A shows an example of a magnetic sensing system for incorporation into a freeze / thaw detection device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. IB shows an example of a magnetic sensing system with the magnetic sensing system of FIG 1 A inverted for use as a thaw detection device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1C shows examples of measurement results using a magnetic sensor included in a mobile device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. ID shows examples of measured minimum distance for detection using a smartphone, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates an example system including an arrangement on a package of a foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram rendering a near field communication (NFC) tag undetectable by a NFC reader device, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates an example system including an arrangement on a package of a removed foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram of FIG. 2A rendering an NFC tag detectable by a NFC reader device, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates an example system including a foil-backed water sensor strip masking an NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag unreadable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates an example system including the foil -backed water sensor strip of FIG. 3A changing color and informing a user to tear of the foil-backed water sensor strip masking the NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag unreadable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates an example system including the foil-backed water sensor strip of FIGS. 3A and 3B removed from the NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag readable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a foil-topped pill blister pack with an NFC tag sensor on the underside of the foil-topped layer, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates a foil-topped pill blister pack with the foil-topped pill blister pack of FIG. 4A having foil peeled from empty pill blisters, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates an example system including a pill packet box, intact and with foil-topped blister packs inside the pill packet box, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates an example system including the pill packet box of FIG. 5A with the foil-topped blister packs removed, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-implemented system used to provide computational functionalities associated with described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of the ideal gas law calculation of a percent volume change in a gas, from 20°C to -20°C (where gas volume is a percentage of volume at 20C), according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor with a simple piston for cryofreeze determination and indicating a frozen state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor with the sensor of FIG. 8A indicating a thawed state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor with an oil-soluble dye for cryofreeze determination, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor with the sensor of FIG. 9A having a punctured oil-soluble dye pocket, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor with a piston and dual air / solution chamber for cryofreeze determination, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor including the sensor of 10A with an extended piston indicating an unfrozen state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor for cryofreeze determination that uses a flexible membrane seal, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 IB illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor for cryofreeze determination that uses a bistable deformable seal, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 11C illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor for cryofreeze determination that uses a flexible bellows seal, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0032] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description describes sensors based on movement and is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined can be applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some instances, one or more technical details that are unnecessary to obtain an understanding of the described subject matter and that are within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted so as to not obscure one or more described implementations. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the described principles and features.

[0034] Worldwide, it is estimated that one-third of food produced is thrown away uneaten, and in the United States up to 40% of all food produced is wasted. This causes a significant environmental and humanitarian burden. In the US, it is estimated that about 95% of this discarded food ends up in landfills. Food waste occurs along the entire supply chain spectrum - from its point of origin (e.g., farm), to a processing production facility, to logistics distribution, to retailers, and to the consumer.

[0035] Reasons for food waste include losses from mold, pests, or inadequate climate control. Food waste is categorized differently based on where it occurs: 1) food “loss” occurs before a perishable item (or product) reaches the consumer as a result of issues in production, storage, processing, and distribution phase and 2) food “waste” refers to food that is fit for consumption, but consciously discarded at the retail or consumption phases.

[0036] When food spoils and / or is wasted, all inputs used in production, processing, transportation, preparation, and storage are also squandered. Therefore, food loss / waste can exacerbate the climate crisis with its significant greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint and wasted freshwater resources. Production, transportation, and handling of food generates significant Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, and when food ends up in landfills, the landfills can generate methane gas, an even more potent GHG. Reducing and preventing food waste can increase food security, foster productivity, spur economic efficiency, promote resource and energy conservation, and help mitigate one or more factor believed to be involved in climate change

[0037] It is also estimated that 13% of food produced globally for human consumption was lost in 2023 between harvest and retail, while another 17% of total global food production was wasted in households, in the food service and in retail all together. Furthermore, it is estimated that food that is lost and wasted accounts for 38% of total energy usage in the global food system (e.g., due to ineffective refrigeration and inadequate cold chain management). In addition to food loss / waste, another damaging factor associated with deficient cold chain temperature continuity and associated food loss was that wasted energy consumption accounted for 4% of GHG.

[0038] Keeping an item (e.g., food and pharmaceuticals) at a required temperature range is critical to enhance overall supply chain resiliency, promote energy efficiency, regress climate change, and preserve freshwater resources in core food and pharmaceutical sectors (among others). In these core sectors, cold chain temperature variance can facilitate premature spoilage of an item, taint consumable items with toxins, and cause severe / harmful health effects.

[0039] A supply chain is a network of businesses, processes, and people that move a product from its raw materials to a customer. Supply chains include, but are not limited to, noncold chains and cold chains. A cold chain adds to a supply chain the use of temperature control, thermal packaging, sensors, tools, and data systems for gathering data, real-time temperature monitoring, and issue mitigation to maintain chilled / frozen / cryogenically frozen product integrity, regulatory compliance, and security. In some implementations, cold chain monitoring encompasses a range of colorimetric and other visible indicators for thaw sensing which utilize (among other materials) food safe and edible components for detection of thaw events in frozen items at any point in the cold chain. Described tools permit determination of whether an item’s package, or part thereof, has breached a given frozen temperature threshold (e.g., with a range from -90°C, or lower, to 0°C) and / or a given chilled temperature threshold (e.g., with a range from 0°C to 4°C) within the cold chain.

[0040] This disclosure is directed toward devices, methods, and procedures for supply chain monitoring, including, in some implementations and where appropriate, a cold chain ecosystem of a supply chain. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the disclosed devices, method, and procedures may be applicable to a supply chain, including noncold chains, cold chains, or other supply chain implementations consistent with this disclosure.

[0041] Most sensor applications utilize changes in color, charge, or any other signal to show the change in a property to be measured. Some sensors that are based on a color change (or“color-change sensors”) for power of hydrogen (pH), glucose, microbial growth, carbon monoxide, and many other analytes are common, familiar tools used in a range of industries and for consumer use. Visible color changes can be detected with a naked eye or a camera of a computing device (e.g., a smartphone). The color changes are directly proportional to the concentration of an analyte, a spectrophotometer can be used (and in most cases smartphone cameras) to provide numerical data in order to determine the concentration (e.g., a simple, binary color change interpreted as a ‘ 0’ or a ‘ 1’ or a complex change using a pattern, variation, or gradation in color change). The conceptual simplicity of color-change sensors is itself a limitation. While combinations of color-based sensors can be used to generate and store more complex responses, generating more complex data for interrogation and dissemination can be impractical. Another limitation can be related to the sensor visibility that is required for usage, the color-change sensors being by their nature not covert.

[0042] Some material change monitoring systems include security tags such as embossed holographic tags are widely applied in many industries as indicators of authenticity and can be manufactured with patterned adhesives making their removal and reapplication on to counterfeit goods (or fraudulent shipments) practically impossible. A lack of any smart sensor or variable functionality of hologram tags, and the simplicity with which very similar (if not nearly identical) tags can be manufactured, means that once deployed the holographic tags can be ignored and are of little practical worth in ensuring a product’s authenticity.

[0043] There are many means of preventing embossed holographic tags from being physically or optically copied. The lack of a smart sensor or variable functionality associated with holographic tags, and the simplicity with which very similar, if not nearly identical, tags can be produced, means that, once deployed, the holographic tags are often ignored. As a result, there is little to no value created by deployment of holographic tags. While a consumer may feel ‘safe’ when observing a holographic tag on the back of a newly issued bank card, or believe that a product is “genuine” when a hologram sticker is placed on packaging for high-value products (such as, software / game packages or sports / other trading cards), the holographic tags are often of little practical worth in ensuring a product’s authenticity. While an embossed holographic tag may, in theory, represent a brand or product identity in guaranteeing authenticity, in practice, the ease by which counterfeits of credible appearance can be produced coupled with users being largely untrained to determine a provenance of a “fake” hologram sticker, means that only limited practicalbenefit is obtained from inclusion of a holographic tag as part of an authentication solution.

[0044] In contrast to a holographic tag, a sensor-linked security holographic tag can become a necessary tool that a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-customer (B2C) customer expects to see to ensure authentication. A sensor-linked security holographic tag provides foundational and operational value in being able to prevent immediate rejection of an item as an obvious fake as well as actually providing reassurance of a product’s true authenticity.

[0045] It is important in supply chain monitoring to determine whether a packaged food and biopharmaceutical product (hereinafter, food product) has breached a given supply chain temperature threshold during supply chain transportation. A similar food safety concern is assuring that a food product has initially been properly frozen as the food product moves down a conveyor belt at cryogenic food processing line at a point of production. Current food safety sensor solutions involving supply chain temperature monitoring are based on a change in the properties of saline ice in response to a temperature increase. For example, in response to a thawing event, some sensors can be configured: 1) to indicate a visible color-shift on the exterior of a package or 2) to produce a detectable radio frequency (RF)-signal shift inside the package.

[0046] A frozen solution with known chemical properties will begin to thaw at an experimentally determinable temperature. The aqueous (and other solvent)-based ices can be manufactured with almost any set freezing point, such that an ice can be selected to freeze or thaw at set temperatures. Rapid freezing techniques can safely be applied to a solution to create thaw sensors based upon thawing of a shaped piece of ice at or above a set temperature. The ice can be frozen in different forms (e.g., block or thin film) or in complex shapes. By incorporating soluble dyes or pigments the ice can be made colored or opaque. Thawing of the ice can also be used to create different effects in a thaw sensor (e.g., change of color, change of shape, and / or appearance of a visual indication (such as, a print or pattern)).

[0047] Few sensors are constructed such that the physical change in location of an object forms the basis of detection, because the means by which the physical change can be monitored can be complex and computationally expensive. The described approach addresses limitations of such traditional sensors, by integrating a range of tools to transduce the physical movement of materials or change in state of materials such that they can be accurately detected by using a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone) and / or a detector. The detection can be triggered based on the movement of the object itself, or by a removal of objects that interact with a monitored object.

[0048] The described approach includes implementations based on near field communication (NFC) that facilitates a slow speed connection of devices over a short distance, typically up to around 4 cm. NFC relies on inductive coupling between two electromagnetic coils present on an NFC enabled device, such as a smartphone. The described NFC based implementations comply with NFC connection standards, as set by the NFC forum, covering communications protocols and data exchange format, based on existing radio frequency identification (RFID) standards. NFC devices are commonly used in wireless payments, setting up simple communications tools (such as, connecting to wireless networks) and cataloging. Being powered by induction (e.g., a coil outputting a radio frequency as an energy source harvested by a tag using induction), reading an NFC can be effectively prevented by the presence of a more conductive material within range of the coil, e.g., by use of a layer of aluminum or copper (as examples) above or below the tag.

[0049] Magnetic and NFC Thaw Technology

[0050] In some implementations, magnets are used in sensors for detecting temperature or thawing. For example, a magnet (such as a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet) can be attached to a flotation device frozen in a tube of saline or other solution with a tailored thaw point. The tube can be inverted. By measuring a magnetic field above the tube thaw can be detected based on the detected magnetic field of the magnet in the tube. A sensor for detecting magnetic field can be included in a top portion of the tube or affixed to a portion of the tube. Distance to the magnet can be measured using a magnetic sensor.

[0051] FIG. 1A shows an example of a magnetic sensing system 100a for incorporation into a freeze / thaw detection device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. IB shows an example of a magnetic sensing system 100b with the magnetic sensing system of FIG. 1 A inverted for use as a thaw detection device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0052] The example magnetic sensing systems 100a, 100b shown in FIGS. 1A and IB provide a possible configuration of a magnetic sensing system for incorporation into a freeze / thaw detection device - FIG. 1A: during freezing and FIG. IB: inverted for use.

[0053] The example magnetic sensing systems 100a, 100b include a magnet 102, a float 104, a frozen solution 106 and a container 108. The example magnetic sensing system 100b can also include a thawed solution 110. In some implementations, the magnet 102 can be attached toa float 104 frozen in a container 108 shaped as a linear tube including the frozen solution 106 including a saline (or similar) solution.

[0054] The example magnetic sensing system 100a can be inverted to form the example magnetic sensing system 100b. Thawing can be monitored, wherein a remaining frozen solution 106 floats on the thawed solution 110, such that the magnet 102 rises through the container 108, leading to an increase in signal of a magnetic detector 112 that can be located above.

[0055] In some implementations, the container 108 can have any another suitable shape. For example, the container 108 can be a u-shaped tube (e.g., with frozen saline solution in one side). Upon melting, the thawed solution 110 reaches the same height in both sides, floating the magnet 102 upwards in an otherwise empty tube. The float 104 can be configured to have a width that can limit a detection range of the detector 112.

[0056] In some implementations, the detector 112 can be a computing device, such as a mobile computing device or smartphone that includes a magnetic sensor 114 (e.g., a magnetometer, three-way magnetometer, or other magnetic sensing capability). A three-way magnetometer can be used, e.g., to allow detection by a computing device of the Earth’s magnetic field in any orientation and is useful as a navigational tool for mapping and navigation applications. In some implementations, the computing device includes a processor that executes an application that receives input from magnetic sensor 114 on a device and processes the input for thaw detection. For example, an application can be configured to determine a detection of a magnetic field, such as a magnetic field caused by the magnet 102 reaching a set (threshold) position in the container 108, which is indicative of a thawing of a portion of frozen solution 106. In some implementations, more than one or more than one type of magnetic sensor can be used.

[0057] In other implementations, one or more sensors are combined with one or more other sensor subcomponents. For example, a magnetic sensor 114 can be combined with QR codes as subcomponents or other bar code symbols as subcomponents to indicate characteristics of an item (e.g., identifier of the container 108). In some implementations, data from magnetic sensors 114 can be processed with data from other sensors, e.g., data from color changing sensors, data from QR sensors, among others. In some implementations, data from sensors can be included in a representation with codes or symbols, such as a QR code, to function as a single indicator for authentication and quality of an item (e.g., solution 106, 110 within the container 108).

[0058] In some implementations, the magnet 102 can include a small (e.g., approximately1 cm2or less, with magnets as small as 1mm radius and 1mm thick being detectable using a smartphone, while the upper size limit is really only dictated by available space) NdFeB magnet that is connected to the float 104 and is embedded beyond a sensing threshold of a magnet detector 114, such as a phone. In response to the magnet 102 being detected, a sensor that includes the magnet detector 114 can transmit the signal to a processor to process the signal and to indicate that a volume of the frozen solution 106 has thawed. The detector 112 can generate an alert to notify that the item has likely thawed, or a temperature threshold has been breached. In some implementations, in response to determining that temperature threshold has been breached, the system can automatically trigger a condition adjustment (e.g., initiate a cooling cycle of a refrigerator) to reduce risk of substance destruction due to temperature variation outside set temperature interval.

[0059] In some implementations, the magnetic sensing system 100a, 100b can include an NFC tag (not illustrated). In some implementations, the NFC tag can be attached to the magnet 102 on the side of the magnet 102 opposite to that the float 104 is attached. In some implementations, the NFC tag can be restricted by the float 104, such that a range of detection of the NFC tag can be limited by the float 104. Any sensor based upon the movement thereof can be utilized to determine whether the NFC tag has moved into or out of range of a detector (such as a smartphone).

[0060] In some implementations, multiple NFC tags can be used in combination with freeze / thaw sensors similar to the illustrated magnetic sensing systems 100a, 100b, with different programmed messages or tasks associated with each NFC tag. In some implementations of using multiple NFC tags, magnet 102 can be omitted from the magnetic sensing system lOOa / lOOb. For example, in some implementations (not illustrated) two NFC tags can be used, one NFC tag attached to a float 104 and the other NFC tag attached to an additional dense material that can sink in a solution 106, 110 in which they are frozen. When the sensor is inverted, the NFC tags can be situated such that only one of the two NFC tags can be read when frozen (the NFC tag attached to the sinker), and the other NFC tag read when thawed (the NFC tag attached to the float 104). The temperature at which thawing occurs can be tailored by changing the solution 106, 110 (e.g., the salinity or inclusion of anti-freeze elements) in which the NFC tags are frozen.

[0061] Measuring Distance to Magnet Using a Smartphone (Exemplification)

[0062] As an example of using a magnet detector, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 Aand IB, in a smartphone as a mobile communications device, the following shows results for a 10 mm circular ferrite magnet clamped above a top left corner of a Google Pixel 4a smartphone where the lower surface of the magnet is kept constant, e.g., the magnet being kept the same way up. The magnet was held above the phone from 10mm to 110 mm, directly above the backward facing camera. An application, called TOOLBOX by MAXCOM, was downloaded and used to process magnetic signals of the maximum magnetic field, and display the recorded data. The described experiment was conducted in triplicate. Results are shown in FIG. 1C.

[0063] FIG. 1C shows examples of measurement results 100c using a magnetic sensor included in a mobile device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. For convenience (because the included error bars are too small to see) raw data of magnetic sensor measurements with a magnet at set distances above a smartphone (note: individual experimental runs and averages) is included in Table 1. The experimental measurements can be validated using a validation setup that can include a ruler and a clamp, this is a simple way of determining how far away the magnet is. Usage of a stronger magnet can facilitate greater accuracy over a longer distance (e.g., greater than 60 mm).Table 1

[0064] Detection of Thaw Using NFC (Exemplification)

[0065] The following is an example of using programmable NFC tags (NTAG215 NFC Stickers Black, Blank NFC 215 Tags Round, 25 mm Labels with 504 Bytes Memory 13.56MHz NFC Chip Programmable) for detection of thaw. One was programmed with a message “defrosted,” and the other with the message “thawed” using a Google Nexus 4 smartphone. It was found that the tags can be read at a range of 28 mm from the phone. Additionally, the tags can be embedded in a sensor for quality or authentication tracking.

[0066] The tag marked “frozen” was attached to a strip of adhesive putty (e g., Blue-Tac), and the one marked “defrosted” was attached to a 2 mm thick slice of cork board. The tags were both placed in a container containing 50% saturated saline solution with a depth of 26 mm, NFC side down, and frozen at -18°C. Once the sample was frozen, the container was removed from the freezer and inverted. The NFC labelled “frozen” can be read with the same phone that was used to write it, whereas that labelled “thawed” cannot. The sample was allowed to thaw, after which the (sunk) “frozen” sensor became unreadable, and the (floating) “thawed” sensor became detectable. After re- freezing, the same “thawed” sensor remained on top of the ice and can be read, whereas the “frozen” sample is unreadable.

[0067] Tailoring Thaw Detection Distance Using Shielding (Exemplification)

[0068] Continuing the example shown in FIG. IB, aluminum foil was affixed to 30 mm squares of card, NFC tags as described above were suspended at different heights above this. The minimum distance for detection thereof using a Google Nexus 4 smartphone (as described above) was measured. The results are shown in FIG. ID. FIG. ID shows examples of measured minimum distance lOOd for detection using a smartphone, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0069] Foil was glued to the inside base of a plastic container, and the experiment described with reference to FIG. 1C was repeated, using 3 mm thick cork floats and Blue-Tac sinkers formed into a 3mm disc, with a 15 mm depth of saline. The sunk sample was labelled “frozen”, and the float sample was labelled “thawed.” After freezing, the frozen saline (containing both samples)was removed from the box and inverted, placing the frozen sample 15 mm above the foil, and the thawed sample in close proximity with the foil.

[0070] Only the sample returning the response “frozen” was detectable. After thawing, the ‘frozen’ sample (now being proximal to the foil) became undetectable, whereas the ‘thawed’ sample became detectable. The overall thickness of the sensor strip (including the ice) can be modified by use of foil shielding underneath the NFC tag(s).

[0071] The principles discussed in the above examples can be used in the described techniques for temperature detection for authentication or quality tracking of items. For example, sensors using magnets or NFCs can be used to determine a depth to which higher temperatures have penetrated larger shipments of food. A tube running along one side of a shipment might defrost quite quickly, whereas one sunk into the center might be surrounded by frozen product and would thus only thaw alongside the food next to it. In some implementations, longer tubes can be located at various points, perhaps reaching to the center of a pallet load of frozen food, where the magnet may be well beyond the detection of the magnetic sensor but giving a clear reading if the load has at any time been thawed. The minimum distance for detection results indicate that the described magnetic sensing systems 100a, 100b may provide a solution for use in some applications.

[0072] Conductivity Measurement for Thaw Detection

[0073] Saline solutions can be conductive even when frozen, although freezing can reduce the conductivity thereof. Flexible printed circuits, produced by etching or printing conductive materials on thin films, can be used for thaw sensing.

[0074] In some implementations, samples of frozen saline solution can be used to complete circuits with either direct contact to electrical contact points on the outside of the package, or as part of an NFC tag interrogated from outside. In the former case, a conductivity probe might be used to determine whether tags within a package have thawed, with attachment points at different locations on the parcel allowing a device to be attached that can detect whether or not the tags are still intact by completing the circuit. The sensing systems can be complex (e.g., conductivity meters) or less complex, e.g., an LED and a battery. In the latter, any NFC tag not responding to interrogation from outside can show thawing (defined here as increasing temperature above the specified temperature from -20°C to 0°C) at that location.

[0075] Alternatively, depending on the volume used, melting saline might be allowed topool in a well above a gap in a circuit, making an electrical connection. Thawing can be detected by the circuit being completed, which may be detected by, for example, an NFC tag becoming detectable.

[0076] NFC Shielding, Further Exemplification

[0077] The sensing systems can include NFC masking (or shielding). The sensing systems can have applications in communications, data storage, entertainment, sensing, and security applications and is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations.

[0078] By incorporating a tear- or peel-off conductive strip above or below an NFC, a device is constructed whereby the NFC cannot be read without removing the strip. A short program, message, link to a web site, story, sound, or any of a broad number of predetermined activities triggered by reading an NFC using a smartphone or other device are made possible by removing of the shielding layer from the NFC or the NFC from the shielding layer. A user may choose to remove the shielding layer to authenticate an item, record or confirm a sensor reading, further part of a narrative story or interactive game, obtain hidden or extra information about a product post-purchase, or reversibly or irreversibly change a perceived identity or value of an object. The removal of a tag, allowing a user to access information contained within the NFC that can add value or interest to when using the tagged device, be a means for the provision of further value-added content, or provide insight into a sensor reading or authenticity of the device.

[0079] The sensing systems can include sensors that are based on a color change (or “colorchange sensors”) for power of hydrogen (pH), glucose, microbial growth, carbon monoxide, and many other analytes are common, familiar tools used in a range of industries and for consumer use. The color-shift sensors have some key advantages over nonvisible sensor systems. As an example, if the color change is sufficient to be visible (e.g., universal indicator paper), or as binary indicators (e.g., spots in domestic carbon monoxide sensors turning from yellow to black), one can detect these gradations of change by the naked eye or with a camera on a computing device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0080] When changes are directly proportional to the concentration of an analyte, a spectrophotometer can be used (and in most implementations smartphone cameras) to provide numerical data in order to determine the concentration. In some implementations, sensors can be based on fluorescence, appearance or disappearance of color, or a change in color intensity orwavelength, which can be measured in reflectance, transmittance, or absorbance. The sensors may exist in the form of an indicator dye added to liquid, in solid form as a film, or as particulates added to either a solution or a surface. In that the sensors report on the change of analyte concentration or the presence thereof, the sensors may be interpreted as numerical devices, producing either a simple, binary color change (e.g., one color changes to another and is interpreted as a ‘O’ or a ‘ 1’) or a complex change (e.g., a pattern, variation, or gradation in color change that cannot be reduced to a binary choice).

[0081] FIG. 2A illustrates an example system 200a including an arrangement on a package of a foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram rendering an NFC tag undetectable by a NFC reader device, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates an example system 200b including an arrangement on a package of a removed foil-backed sensor- linked security hologram of FIG. 2A rendering an NFC tag detectable by a NFC reader device, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The example systems 200a, 200b include a computing device 202 including an NFC reader 204, an NFC tag 206 that can be covered by a foil 208 and can be attached to a monitored object 210.

[0082] The use of NFC tags 206 can be masked by the presence of visible indicators. The indicators may be color-change sensors, quick response (QR) codes, holographic tags, or any other visual indicator proximally matching where an NFC tag is located (e.g., in or on) an object (e.g., a package). By using foil-backed sensors or sensors coupled with other electrically conductive surfaces, embossed holographic tags, or authenticity markers, an NFC tag 206 beneath is rendered unreadable until the conductive material is removed or compromised.

[0083] NFC Tag Sensors

[0084] NFC tags 206 are in most respects similar to any other radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. The NFC tag 206 can be detected by an NFC reader 204 (such as a smartphone or other mobile computing device) wirelessly exchange information using a standard NFC interface format. The NFC tag 206 contains a radio transponder that transmits information to an NFC reader 204 (included in the computing device 202) using radio waves, and the recipient NFC reader 204 validates the data to complete information exchange. As NFC tags 206 do not contain batteries, the reader-to-tag “handshake” is powered by a coil in the NFC tag 206 drawing power, wirelessly, from another device (e.g., the NFC reader), harvesting an RF impulse to do so. For example, a range of detection of an NFC tag is restricted (e g., typically less than 4 inches),but when using other NFC type specifications (e.g., an NFC Type 5 specification), the RFID operational range is about 60 inches.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 2A, the example system 200a can include an arrangement on a package of a foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram 208 rendering the NFC tag 206 undetectable by the NFC reader 204, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0086] The hologram includes a security mechanism indicative of tampering contamination or counterfeiting of the item. For example, by masking the presence of an NFC coil in the NFC tag 206 (e.g., using the foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram 208, it is possible to obscure the presence of the NFC tag 206 to an NFC reader 204 included in a computing device 202 (e.g., a smartphone), as the NFC coil fails to energize to supply power to the NFC tag 206. In some implementations, the foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram 208 includes a conductive material, such as aluminum foil. If a better (more conductive) route exists for electrical conduction than through the NFC tag 206, (e.g., within range of the NFC reader device), then the NFC tag 206 cannot be read.

[0087] In practice, placing a conductive layer under the NFC reader 204, or above the NFC tag 206 precludes the NFC communication, meaning that the NFC tag 206 can be rendered entirely inaccessible until the added conductive layer is either removed or sufficiently damaged to allow the NFC tag 206 to be read. Coupling the NFC tag readability with a sensor can alert a user to the presence of the NFC tag 206, which allows it to be read. Removal of the foil-backed sensor-linked hologram 208 attached to a monitored object 210 (e.g., a package) can render the NFC tag sensor readable to the NFC reader 204.

[0088] FIG. 2B illustrates an arrangement on a monitored object 210 (e.g., a package) of a removed foil -backed sensor-linked security hologram rendering an NFC tag 206 detectable by an NFC reader 204 included in a computing device 202 configured to process the NFC signals, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2B, the foil-backed sensor-linked security hologram has been removed exposing the NFC tag 206 attached to the monitored object 210. As a result, the NFC tag 206 is detectable by the NFC reader 204 included in the computing device 202 (here, a smartphone).

[0089] FIG. 3A illustrates an example system 300a including a foil-backed water sensor strip masking an NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag unreadable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 3B illustrates an example system 300b including the foil-backed water sensor strip of FIG. 3A changing color and informing a user to tear off the foil-backed water sensor strip masking the NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag unreadable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 3C illustrates an example system 300c including the foil-backed water sensor strip of FIGS. 3A and 3B removed from the NFC tag and rendering the NFC tag readable, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0092] In the example system 300a, 300b of FIGS. 3A and 3B, an NFC tag 302 has a metallic (e.g., aluminum foil) strip 304 attached to its surface to mask the NFC tag 302, and a colorimetric sensing device 306 (e.g., water detection paper, pH sensor paper, a holographic sensor, or any other sensing device) is attached to the combination of the NFC tag and metallic strip. Upon the colorimetric sensing device changing color, which, for example, may involve revealing a simple color change or exposure of a QR code, a user can remove the metallic strip and attached colorimetric sensing device, rendering the prior-masked NFC tag readable. In some implementations, the NFC tag can contain information about a product or shipment or use the NFC reader device to relay information to another site using short message service (SMS), email, or another communication protocol).

[0093] In another implementation, multiple NFC tags 302 can be used. If multiple color sensors 306 are employed, each linked to a distinct NFC tag 302, then a particular identity of the color change sensor used can be recorded in the linked NFC tag 302, allowing only one of a number of tags to be read. As an example, using multiple NFC tags 302 with multiple temperature sensors can be useful to determine a maximum temperature a shipment has been exposed to.

[0094] Colorimetric Sensors and Sensor-Linked Security Holograms

[0095] As described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the example systems 300a, 300b, 300c can include metallized embossed holographic tags for product authentication. For example, the metallic strip 304 can provide conductivity (e.g., can be made of the aluminum coating) and can be initially adopted to maximize reflection as to create a sensor-linked security hologram with a relatively thick aluminum layer masking the presence of the NFC tag 302 to provide a simple and irreversible means for adding more covert information regarding a monitored object. In response to the holographic tag being irreversibly peeled off (considered a key feature of sensor- linked security hologram), the NFC tag 302 can be read, facilitating access to a more complexinformation source, or facilitating information being sent using the NFC reader device within a supply chain.

[0096] In another implementation, the metallic strip 304 can include a hologram that is degraded or modified by a (temperature) change in the respective environment. For example, a surface grating constructed in tempered white chocolate with an appropriate cocoa butter content loses its diffraction at around 37°C (e.g., body temperature). If an item using tempered white chocolate has been raised above 37°C, no diffraction is visible. In other implementations, palm oils or other food safe fats can be used. A temperature range for loss of diffraction can be tailorable based on content of fats, sugars, and cocoa solids (e.g., 37°C - 50°C).

[0097] Similarly, a surface grating hologram constructed in a highly water-soluble material like sugar is rapidly degraded when exposed to liquid water. In the presence of thawing, fluid loss of color is instantly visible, which alerts a user to a need to remove the metallic strip 304 to access a masked NFC tag 302.

[0098] Scratch Card NFC Revelation Sensors

[0099] The example systems 300a, 300b, 300c can include or be linked to a color changing sensor to the NFC tag 302, and masking the presence of the NFC 302 with the metallic strip 304 (which may include a logo, image, embossed hologram, or any other visible feature) can prevent reading the NFC tag 302. If the metallic strip 304 is removed by scratching off (e.g., when a conductive paint layer is scraped off with a coin) or pulling, then the NFC tag 302 can be revealed, allowing a previously covert dataset stored within the NFC tag 302 to be read.

[0100] Blister Pack / Foil Packaging Obfuscation of NFC Tag Sensors

[0101] FIG. 4A illustrates a foil-topped pill blister pack 400a with an NFC tag sensor on the underside of the foil-topped layer, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The NFC tag is unreadable while the foil is intact.

[0102] FIG. 4B illustrates a foil-topped pill blister pack 400b with the foil-topped pill blister pack of FIG. 4A having foil peeled from empty pill blisters, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The NFC tag is readable once the foil is torn from the tablet blisters immediately above it.

[0103] The example foil-topped pill blister pack 400a, 400b can be applicable to various applications, including packaging for computer chips and components as well as pharmaceutical and food products. Incorporating an NFC tag 402 behind, or proximal to, a foil layer 404 thereinrenders it unreadable, and removal of the foil can make it easily accessible to an NFC reader device (e g., a smartphone, or other computing device). As a tool for both authentication and stock control, the presence of NFC tags 402 in packaging can form part of a process for managing a product both in a supply chain for verification and for an end user’s authentication. For example, incorporating NFC tags 402 in cardboard boxes containing full or partially full pharmaceutical blister packs 400a, 400b within pharmacies can allow the pharmacy to instantly read an NFC tag 402 in an empty box and automatically reorder the product. In some implementations, incorporating an NFC tag 402 on the inside of a box that can contain a conductive foil layer 404 can allow reordering the product with a single swipe, providing that the NFC tag 402 is programmed appropriately to facilitate the triggering of the placement of the order.

[0104] FIG. 5 A illustrates an example system 500a including a pill packet box, intact and with foil-topped blister packs inside the pill packet box, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates an example system 500b including the pill packet box of FIG. 5A with the foil-topped blister packs removed, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The example systems 500a, 500b include a computing device 502 including an NFC reader 504, an NFC tag 506 that can be attached to and, optionally, covered by a pill packet 508. The pill packet 508 can include the foil-topped blister packs, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. With the foil-topped blister packs proximate to the NFC tag 506 in the pill packet 508, the NFC tag 506 is masked by the presence of the foil and is unreadable by the NFC reader 504 included in the computing device 502. With the foil-topped blister packs removed, as shown in FIG. 5B, the NFC tag 506 in the pill packet box 508 is unmasked and readable by the NFC reader 504 included in the computing device 502.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-implemented System 600 used to provide computational functionalities associated with described algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In the illustrated implementation, computer-implemented system 600 includes a Computer 602 and a Network 630.

[0106] The illustrated Computer 602 is intended to encompass any computing device, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop / notebook computer, wireless data port, smart phone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computer, one or more processors within these devices, or a combination of computing devices, including physical or virtual instances of the computingdevice, or a combination of physical or virtual instances of the computing device. Additionally, the Computer 602 can include an input device, such as a keypad, keyboard, or touch screen, or a combination of input devices that can accept user information, and an output device that conveys information associated with the operation of the Computer 602, including digital data, visual, audio, another type of information, or a combination of types of information, on a graphical -type user interface (UI) (or GUI) or other UI.

[0107] The Computer 602 can serve in a role in a distributed computing system as, for example, a client, network component, a server, or a database or another persistency, or a combination of roles for performing the subject matter described in the present disclosure. The illustrated Computer 602 is communicably coupled with a Network 630. In some implementations, one or more components of the Computer 602 can be configured to operate within an environment, or a combination of environments, including cloud-computing, local, or global.

[0108] At a high level, the Computer 602 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated with the described subject matter. According to some implementations, the Computer 602 can also include or be communicably coupled with a server, such as an application server, e-mail server, web server, caching server, or streaming data server, or a combination of servers.

[0109] The Computer 602 can receive requests over Network 630 (for example, from a client software application executing on another Computer 602) and respond to the received requests by processing the received requests using a software application or a combination of software applications. In addition, requests can also be sent to the Computer 602 from internal users (for example, from a command console or by another internal access method), external or third-parties, or other entities, individuals, systems, or computers.

[0110] Each of the components of the Computer 602 can communicate using a System Bus603. In some implementations, any or all of the components of the Computer 602, including hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, can interface over the System Bus 603 using an application programming interface (API) 612, a Service Layer 613, or a combination of the API 612 and Service Layer 613. The API 612 can include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 612 can be either computer-language independent or dependent and refer to a complete interface, a single function, or even a set of APIs. The Service Layer 613 provides software services to the Computer 602 or other components (whetherillustrated or not) that are communicably coupled to the Computer 602. The functionality of the Computer 602 can be accessible for all service consumers using the Service Layer 613. Software services, such as those provided by the Service Layer 613, provide reusable, defined functionalities through a defined interface. For example, the interface can be software written in a computing language (for example JAVA or C++) or a combination of computing languages, and providing data in a particular format (for example, extensible markup language (XML)) or a combination of formats. While illustrated as an integrated component of the Computer 602, alternative implementations can illustrate the API 612 or the Service Layer 613 as stand-alone components in relation to other components of the Computer 602 or other components (whether illustrated or not) that are communicably coupled to the Computer 602. Moreover, any or all parts of the API 612 or the Service Layer 613 can be implemented as a child or a sub-module of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0111] The Computer 602 includes an Interface 604. Although illustrated as a single Interface 604, two or more Interfaces 604 can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602. The Interface 604 is used by the Computer 602 for communicating with another computing system (whether illustrated or not) that is communicatively linked to the Network 630 in a distributed environment. Generally, the Interface 604 is operable to communicate with the Network 630 and includes logic encoded in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. More specifically, the Interface 604 can include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with communications such that the Network 630 or hardware of Interface 604 is operable to communicate physical signals within and outside of the illustrated Computer 602.

[0112] The Computer 602 includes a Processor 605. Although illustrated as a single Processor 605, two or more Processors 605 can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602. Generally, the Processor 605 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the Computer 602 and any algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in the present disclosure.

[0113] The Computer 602 also includes a Database 606 that can hold data for the Computer 602, another component communicatively linked to the Network 630 (whether illustrated or not),or a combination of the Computer 602 and another component. For example, Database 606 can be an in-memory or conventional database storing data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, Database 606 can be a combination of two or more different database types (for example, a hybrid in-memory and conventional database) according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602 and the described functionality. Although illustrated as a single Database 606, two or more databases of similar or differing types can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602 and the described functionality. While Database 606 is illustrated as an integral component of the Computer 602, in alternative implementations, Database 606 can be external to the Computer 602. The Database 606 can hold and operate on at least any data type mentioned or any data type consistent with this disclosure.

[0114] The Computer 602 also includes a Memory 607 that can hold data for the Computer 602, another component or components communicatively linked to the Network 630 (whether illustrated or not), or a combination of the Computer 602 and another component. Memory 607 can store any data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, Memory 607 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (for example, a combination of semiconductor and magnetic storage) according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602 and the described functionality. Although illustrated as a single Memory 607, two or more Memories 607 or similar or differing types can be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602 and the described functionality. While Memory 607 is illustrated as an integral component of the Computer 602, in alternative implementations, Memory 607 can be external to the Computer 602.

[0115] The Application 608 is an algorithmic software engine providing functionality according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the Computer 602, particularly with respect to functionality described in the present disclosure. For example, Application 608 can serve as one or more components, modules, or applications. Further, although illustrated as a single Application 608, the Application 608 can be implemented as multiple Applications 608 on the Computer 602. In addition, although illustrated as integral to the Computer 602, in alternative implementations, the Application 608 can be external to the Computer 602.

[0116] The Computer 602 can also include a Power Supply 614. The Power Supply 614 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can be configured to be either user- or non-user-replaceable. In some implementations, the Power Supply 614 can include power-conversion or management circuits (including recharging, standby, or another power management functionality). In some implementations, the Power Supply 614 can include a power plug to allow the Computer 602 to be plugged into a wall socket or another power source to, for example, power the Computer 602 or recharge a rechargeable battery.

[0117] There can be any number of Computers 602 associated with, or external to, a computer system containing Computer 602, each Computer 602 communicating over Network 630. Further, the term “client,” “user,” or other appropriate terminology can be used interchangeably, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates that many users can use one Computer 602, or that one user can use multiple computers 602.

[0118] Example Implementations

[0119] The following example sensor implementations are based on the prior description and figures. While providing detailed implementation examples, the described implementations are not meant to limit the disclosure to the particular implementations and, as previously mentioned, various modifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and can be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined can be applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] Sensor Example 1

[0121] NFC tags (standard ISO 14443-3A, NXP MIFARE ULTRALIGHT) and holographic sensors (tamper-proof) were purchased from AMAZON.

[0122] Three holographic sensors were adhered to identical width strips of foil, which were in turn attached to the top of the three NFC tags using double-sided tape. The NFC tags cannot be read or written to using a GOOGLE PIXEL smartphone, while the tags and foil were attached to them. Upon removal of the foil (also destroying the adhered holographic sensor in the process), all three NFC tags can be read or written to using a smartphone or other NFC reader / writer device.

[0123] For example, see the prior discussion associated with FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 4C.

[0124] Sensor Example 2

[0125] Cobalt chloride detector paper strips were purchased from AMAZON.

[0126] The cobalt chloride detector paper strips were attached to strips of aluminum foil using double-sided tape, and the foil likewise attached to NFC tags as described with respect to Sensor Example 1. The NFC tags were masked and cannot be read or written using a smartphone while the foil was attached.

[0127] The NFC tags with attached foil and water detector paper were left in a humid environment for one hour, at which point it was observed that the water detector paper had changed color (indicating a presence of water). At this point, the foil was stripped off. The NFC tags can then be read and written to by a smartphone or other NFC reader / writer device. For example, see the prior discussion associated with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C.

[0128] Sensor Example 3

[0129] A polyester holographic surface grating (diffraction grating sheet 13,500 lines / inch, double axis) was purchased from RAINBOW SYMPHONY using AMAZON, and a contact copy made using SYLGARD 184 (DOW CORNING). This was cured at 80°C for 12 hours, and then removed from the polyester master, revealing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) copy of the holographic surface grating.

[0130] A solution of sugar (sucrose) was heated until the water dissolving it had evaporated and the solution reached 138°C. The solution was allowed to cool and set prior to removal, revealing a copy of the original holographic surface grating in the sugar-glass, and placed in a tightly sealed plastic bag to avoid moisture contamination.

[0131] A saturated saline solution was prepared by heating salt (sodium chloride) in excess in water and allowing it to cool. The supernatant was decanted and diluted 1: 1 with water. 5ml samples of the diluted supernatant were frozen in plastic containers (48mm diameter, flat, shallow, open plastic dishes) at -18°C with NFC tags at the base of the containers (standard ISO 14443-3 A, NXP MIFARE ULTRALIGHT).

[0132] Once frozen, a strip of aluminum film was placed on top of the ice (approximately 90mm above the tag) with a small amount of saline and re-frozen, to keep it in place under a thin film of saline ice.

[0133] Once frozen, the sugar grating was placed on top of the saline / foil / NFC sample, tightly covered, and once again frozen.

[0134] After removal from the freezer and the cover removed, the sugar grating was visible through the obverse side of the sugar glass. The foil layer made it impossible to read the NFC tagusing a GOOGLE PIXEL smartphone. Once the sample started to thaw the sugar hologram was lost immediately as liquid water started to dissolve the surface of the sugar. Subsequently, peeling the aluminum foil from the sample (bringing with it the sugar layer) meant that the NFC tag can be accessed and read / written by the smartphone or other NFC reader / writer device.

[0135] Sensor Example 4

[0136] NFC tags (standard ISO 14443-3 A, NXP MIFARE ULTRALIGHT) were attached to 21mm thick carboard cubes constructed by layering multiple strips of cardboard together and gluing them, and four layers of “LIQUIWIRE” graphite containing Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) compliant conductive paint were applied to the opposite side of each of the three cubes in relation to the NFC tag. Once dried, the cubes were arranged with the conductive side at the top and the tag on the underside of the cubes. The NFC tags cannot be read from above using a GOOGLE PIXEL smartphone. Upon scratching the paint layer off of the carboard cube using a coin, the NFC tags were unmasked and can be accessed and read / written by the smartphone or other NFC reader / writer device.

[0137] For example, see the previous discussion associated with “Scratch Card NFCRevelation Sensors ”

[0138] Sensor Example 5

[0139] A PARACETAMOL blister pack with eight (8) tablets was used. Four of the pills were removed and the aluminum foil covers peeled back. NFC tags (standard ISO 144433A, NXP MIFARE ULTRALIGHT) were stuck on the underside of pairs of pill blisters, with either 0, 1, or 2 of the pill blisters above them being emptied as described.

[0140] Whether read from above or below the blister pack, a GOOGLE PIXEL smartphone can read and write to the NFC tag attached to 2 empty pill blisters, but not an NFC tag attached to 1 or 0 empty pill blisters (e.g., if sufficient contiguous aluminum above remained, the sensor is unreadable).

[0141] For example, see the prior discussion associated with FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0142] Sensor Example 6

[0143] An NFC tag (standard ISO 14443-3 A, NXP MIFARE ULTRALIGHT) was affixed to the inside of a box of PARACETAMOL containing two 2 blister packs, each containing eight 8 pills. When the pack was closed, with both blister packs in the box, it was not possible to read or write to the NFC tag from outside the box using a GOOGLE PIXEL smartphone. When both blisterpacks were removed, the NFC tag can be read, because the more conductive aluminum layer was no longer interfering with reading the NFC tag.

[0144] For example, see the prior discussion associated with FIGS. 5A and 5B. Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Software implementations of the described subject matter can be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is, one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, a computer or computer-implemented system. Alternatively, or additionally, the program instructions can be encoded in / on an artificially generated propagated signal, for example, a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to a receiver apparatus for execution by a computer or computer-implemented system. The computer- storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine- readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of computer- storage mediums. Configuring one or more computers means that the one or more computers have installed hardware, firmware, or software (or combinations of hardware, firmware, and software) so that when the software is executed by the one or more computers, particular computing operations are performed. The computer storage medium is not, however, a propagated signal.

[0145] Cryo-activation Sensors and Modified Ideal Gas Thermometers for Irreversible Thaw Sensing

[0146] The following detailed description describes supply chain cryo-activation sensors for frozen verification and thaw detection monitoring. The cryo-activation sensors include sensors that monitor temperature changes (freezing and thawing cycles), accurately collecting data within set temperature ranges, including extremely low temperature ranges of cryogenic environments. For example, the cryo-activation sensors are built to withstand and function reliably in conditions that can reach temperatures as low as -196°C. The described cryo-activation sensing technology is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, andpermutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and can be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined can be applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some instances, one or more technical details that are unnecessary to obtain an understanding of the described subject matter and that are within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art may be omitted so as to not obscure one or more described implementations. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the described principles and features.

[0147] The described approach is applicable to supply chain monitoring to determine whether a packaged food and biopharmaceutical product (hereinafter, food product) has breached a given supply chain temperature threshold during supply chain transportation. A similar food safety concern is assuring that a food product has initially been properly frozen as the food product moves down a conveyor belt at cryogenic food processing line at a point of production.

[0148] In some implementations, deploying a comprehensive food safety sensor solution involving supply chain temperature monitoring includes applicable sensors based upon a change in the properties of saline ice in response to a temperature increase. Current sensor solutions are: 1) formulated to indicate a visible color shift on the exterior of package in response to an externally detected thawing event or 2) constructed to produce a radio frequency (RF)-signal shift (e.g., using NFC and / or a magnetic sensor device) inside the package in response to an internally detected thawing event.

[0149] The previously described supply chain sensors are formulated to provide irreversible shifts in response to a supply chain temperature shift caused by thawing. To provide a complete, end-to-end supply chain sensor solution in the food and biopharmaceutical industries, other sensor solutions can be useful.

[0150] Described are various implementations of supply chain cryo-activation sensors (here defined as sensors that are activated by the freezing process such that they subsequently become sensitive to thawing) for freeze verification and thaw detection monitoring. While providing detailed implementation examples, the described implementations are not meant to limit the disclosure to the particular implementations and, as previously mentioned, various modifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and can be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined canbe applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] NFC / Magnetic Inversion Sensor Methods

[0152] In an implementation, movement of a magnetic device or an NFC tag within a column of thawing liquid (e.g., a saline solution) indicates whether a thawing event has occurred. A necessary part of a production process is to invert a sensor device after freezing, which may also be used to determine whether the shipment has initially frozen. The sensor can be frozen on the inside of a package / box prior to inversion, and simply inverted afterwards. If freezing is successful (e.g., to a prescribed temperature for a required length of time), then an initial “frozen” response can be obtained. However, if freezing is incomplete, on inversion, a “thaw” response can be obtained. In the case of a “thaw” response, an alert (e.g., a text, email, phone call, computer display icon, or audio tone) can be generated to indicate a need to investigate associated products and freezing processes before food products leave a production location.

[0153] In an implementation, an NFC-based sensor or a magnetic-based sensor can be constructed as a simple lever, or rotating device, to be manually manipulated prior to reading (e.g., by a NFC sensor device reader, such as a smartphone). The sensor device reader can be integrated into cryogenic production line process to facilitate automated cryo-activated verification (CAV) at point-of-origin production plants. The CAV capability can be combined with broader food safety sensor monitoring capabilities to strategically enhance customer-centric food safety and quality assurance and global food supply chain management from sourcing through processing and distribution product deployment using logistics.

[0154] A sensor-tagged asset (e.g., a food product) can be supply chain activated with CAV at the point of origin (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) verified supply chain storage environment). The sensor-tagged asset moves along a multi-point supply chain to a final last mile terminal delivery (e.g., a GPS-verified supply chain storage environment) and off-loaded from a transport vehicle to a supply chain endpoint, where GPS sensor endpoint data reconciliation can occur for external and internal sensors.

[0155] In some implementations, and as part of an endpoint temperature / location data reconciliation process, each sensor can be deactivated during a final sensor reading (e.g., by a reader device, such as a smartphone). At point-of-origin activation, each CAV sensor can be preprogrammed with a precise GPS endpoint for each particular package when accessed using thereader device interface(s) before each package departs from the point-of-origin.

[0156] NFC / Magnetic Detachment

[0157] One concern in supply chain food processing plants, and indeed one of the most complex areas in the chemistry, thereof, is adhesion. Glues and sticking agents that operate well at room temperatures (e.g., approximately 20°C) may fail in a cryo-environment (in the -20°C range). The knowledge of failure in the cryo-environment permit creation of an NFC / Magnetic sensing device that relies upon failure of attachments in the cryo-range.

[0158] In an implementation, a saline solution filled device that, for example, contains two NFC devices (e.g., one stuck to the interior of a top surface of a vessel and the other stuck to the interior of a lower surface of the vessel). Upon rapid freezing, each NFC device can become detached from the interior surfaces of a vessel containing saline of a specified concentration and therefore freezing / thawing point (e.g., tailorable from 0°C to -20°C), but still remain at the top and bottom of the vessel because of newly formed ice, the top tag (attached to a sinker, programmed with “frozen” falling on to the top of the ice, and the bottom one (attached to a float, programmed with “thawed” remaining where it is). A device that can generate freeze / thaw data both at the point of freezing, and at any point, thereafter, can be constructed.

[0159] Contraction Method

[0160] In some implementations, another CAV method can utilize contraction / expansion of gases when cooled / heated, respectively. This approach, and particular volume change is the gases can be calculated by using the ideal gas law.

[0161] Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates a graph 700 of the ideal gas law calculation of a percent volume change in a gas, from 20°C to -20°C (where gas volume is a percentage of volume at 20°C), according to an implementation of the present disclosure. As shown, as temperature rises, volume loss decreases. For example, at 15°C (702), percentage volume loss is less than 2%, while at -20°C (704), percentage volume loss is slightly less than 14%.

[0162] A real-world example to consider is the effect of temperature upon air in balloons (e.g., if balloons inflated on a cold day are immediately taken into a warm room, they can be seen to expand). Another example is to place a well stoppered glass syringe with a volume of air in a freezer. If the gas seal is good and the movement of the plunger unhindered, then the syringe plunger can move inward due to contraction of the air in the syringe as the air becomes colder. The plunger can push outward if the syringe is removed from the freezer and the air allowed to becomewarmer and expand.

[0163] Leveraging the known contraction / expansion of gases, devices known as ideal gas thermometers can be created. For example, in an implementation, a simple piston (or plunger) can be used as a visible indicator in a gas-tight container.

[0164] FIG. 8 A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 800a with a simple piston 802 for cryofreeze determination and indicating a frozen state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 8A, a colored indicator 804 is recessed inside the sensor 800a and invisible, indicating the object (e.g., a food product) associated with the sensor is safely frozen. The sensor 800a includes an air chamber (or gas chamber) 806 containing a gas (e.g., air or any inert gas), retained in the air chamber using a gas seal. The gas in the air chamber 806 contracts / expands depending on the temperature of the sensor and pulls / pushes, respectively, on the bottom gas seal.

[0165] FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 800b with the sensor of FIG. 8A indicating a thawed state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 8B, the colored indicator 804 of simple piston 802 has been pushed out of the sensor 800b and is visible due to expanding gas in the air chamber 806, indicating the object associated with the sensor is not frozen. Note that if the gas in the air chamber 806 cools, the simple piston 802 can also move downwards. Reading a change in the visible indicator with a smartphone facilitates creation of visible, auditory, and / or network-based feedback, e.g., a loud tone, a flashing light or an email / text message warning an operative that the product has not been correctly frozen. In some implementations, the signal may be sent to any participant in the supply chain, including, but not limited to, a manufacturer and retailer.

[0166] Further CAV implementations of contraction / expansion of gases may be considered. For example, an addition to the piston 802 of FIGS. 8A and 8B of a pin or similar device can be used to enact a color change in a sensor by bursting a pocket containing a colored oil with a low freezing point (e.g., linseed oil, which freezes at -24°C) by an action of the plunger moving downwards. The CAV implementation creates an irreversible color change in response to a sub-zero temperature freezing process using liquefied gases, such as nitrogen and helium to freeze a food product. The color change can be used to indicate the food product has reached a defined temperature (e.g., at least -24°C when using of linseed oil in the CAV implementation).

[0167] FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 900a with an oil-soluble dyefor cryo-freeze determination, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 9A, the sensor 900a is shown in a prerelease state that is maintained while the temperature in a chamber 902 is below a set threshold temperature for contracting air in the air chamber 902 to pull the gas seal 904 downward such that a point (puncturing component) 904 of the gas seal punctures an oil-soluble dye pocket 908 containing an oil-soluble dye 910. The point 904 can be configured to break or pierce the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 containing the oil-soluble dye 910. The point 904 can be sharp or pointed to ensure it can effectively puncture the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 when activated by the temperature variation. In the prerelease state, before the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 is punctured, the oil soluble dye 910 is not visible from the top of the sensor (e.g., it is hidden underneath the piston / gas seal).

[0168] FIG. 9B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 900b with the sensor of FIG. 9A having a punctured oil-soluble dye pocket, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 9B, the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 containing the oil-soluble dye 910 has been punctured by a point 904 on the gas seal 904 in response to a sufficiently low temperature of air in the air chamber 902 pulling the gas seal 904 downward toward the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 containing the oil-soluble dye 910. In response to the oil-soluble dye pocket 908 being punctured, the oil soluble dye 910 spreads out in the chamber 902 of the sensor 900b and being visible for a color detecting sensor, such as a top positioned sensor. The release of the oil soluble dye 910 serves as an indicator, used to show that the gas seal 904 has been compromised or to mark a specific event in the system.

[0169] Modified Gas Thermometer Solutions Method

[0170] In another CAV implementation, a modified ideal gas thermometer concept can be combined to create a sensor using a dual air / solution (e.g., a saline solution) chamber with tailored freeze points. For example, a piston can move into a solution and become frozen into solution ice if the temperature is below a set point, and only be released if the temperature has risen above a point where both the solution ice melts (releasing the piston) and an air volume inside the chamber has raised in temperature sufficiently to expand and push the piston upwards.

[0171] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 1000a with a piston 1002 and dual air / solution chamber 1004 for cryofreeze determination, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The sensor 1000a shown in FIG. lOAis in a frozen state.

[0172] It can be visually determined (e.g., by a lack of color showing on the piston) thatthe piston 1002 is descended into the dual air / solution chamber 1004 including a gas volume 1006 and a solution volume 1008. The piston 1002 can include a gas seal 1010 to prevent the gas or the solution to be released or to leak from the dual air / solution chamber 1004. By applying force to the piston 1002 to pull on the piston 1002 and encountering resistance, it can also be determined that the dual air / solution chamber 1004 (storing an associated food product) is still below a set threshold temperature point. For example, if the saline solution thaws at -10°C, the piston can be embedded in the saline ice and it should not be possible (e.g., with reasonable effort) to pull the piston outward from the sensor if the temperature within the dual air / solution chamber 1004 is not greater than -10°C.

[0173] FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 1000b including the sensor of FIG. 10A with an extended piston 1002 indicating an unfrozen state, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 10B, the piston 1002 is partially expelled from the sensor 1000a due to the saline solution thawing and the volume of air expanding to the increased temperature of the air in the air / solution chamber.

[0174] In some implementations, dual air / solution chamber 1004 including saline reservoirs can also be used in combination with other sensing techniques (e.g., use of magnets and NFC devices floating or sinking, therein) to indicate whether: 1 ) a product has been suitably frozen and 2) if subsequent thaw events have occurred. Additionally, or alternatively, a supply chain specialist may have an initial visible indicator on a sensor that a freezing process has been successful, and may access the same sensor later for more information about the identity at an additional colder or warmer temperature point to surveil a thaw state for the food product.

[0175] Gas Piston Design

[0176] In CAV implementations using gas pistons, it is important that friction does not become an overwhelming force preventing the piston from moving as required. Designs leveraging various aspects of well -understood gas handling syringes and other tools are envisioned.

[0177] FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 1100a for cryofreeze determination that uses a flexible membrane seal instead of a piston gas seal as in FIGS. 8A-8B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10B, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The sensor 1100a shown in FIG. 11A includes a flexible membrane seal 1102 that seals off an upper portion 1106a of an air chamber 1104. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion 1106b of the chamber 1104 increases in temperature and expands, the flexible seal 1102 pushes against a pin indicatorassembly 1108, which allows the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly 1108 to push out of the sensor 1100a to indicate a thawed state. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion 1106b of the chamber 1104 decreases in temperature and contracts, the flexible membrane seal 1102 retracts the pin indicator, which causes the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly to retract into the sensor 1100a to indicate a frozen state. A pin guide portion of the pin indicator assembly 1108 (e.g., the illustrated plug coupled to the pin) is used to keep the pin straight and to guide the pin indicator assembly upward or downward depending on a frozen or unfrozen state, respectively.

[0178] FIG. 11B illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 1100b for cryofreeze determination that uses a bistable deformable seal instead of a piston gas seal as in FIGS. 8A-8B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10B, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 11B, the bistable deformable seal seals off an upper portion 1106a of the air chamber 1104. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion of the chamber increases in temperature and expands, the bistable deformable seal pushes against a pin indicator assembly 1108, which allows the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly to push out of the sensor to indicate a thawed state. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion 1106b of the chamber 1104 decreases in temperature and contracts, the bistable deformable seal 1102 retracts the pin indicator, which causes the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly to retract into the sensor 1100b to indicate a frozen state. A pin guide is used to keep the pin straight and to guide the pin indicator assembly 1108 upward or downward depending on a frozen or unfrozen state, respectively.

[0179] FIG. 11C illustrates a schematic diagram of a sensor 1100c for cryofreeze determination that uses a flexible bellows seal 1102 instead of a piston gas seal as in FIGS. 8A- 8B, 9A-9B, and 10A-10B, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 11 C, the flexible bellows seal seals the air chamber. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion 1106b of the chamber 1104 increases in temperature and expands, the flexible bellows seal pushes against a pin indicator, which allows the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly 1108 to push out of the sensor 1100c to indicate a thawed state. When the temperature of the air in the lower portion of the chamber decreases in temperature and contracts, the flexible bellows seal 1102 retracts the pin indicator, which causes the colored portion of the pin indicator assembly to retract into the sensor to indicate a frozen state.

[0180] Low Boiling Point Materials in Ideal Gas Piston Thermometers

[0181] In another implementation of prior described concepts, materials with boiling points in discussed temperature ranges can be used. For example, the use of butane in a small container with a colored piston can facilitate a large volume shift, moving the piston as the butane evaporates at around the freezing point of water (e.g., at -1°C), whereas isobutane has a lower boiling point (e.g., -12°C), and by careful selection of one or more of such materials, it is possible to create a variant of an ideal gas thermometer with piston that indicates multiple points of failure. This principle can be employed both below and above the freezing point of water using, for example, neopentane (e.g., with a boiling point of 9.5°C) and isopentane (e.g., with a boiling point of 29°C).

[0182] Gas Production During Thawing Events and Interface with Gas Piston Thermometers

[0183] Baking powder contains tartaric acid and bicarbonate of soda. The combination of tartaric acid and bicarbonate of soda can be exploited to produce carbon dioxide by the reaction of acid and carbonate when the two powdered agents become wet. Taking into account the chemical reaction, the gas piston sensor designs described with reference to FIGS. 8-11 can be employed with reservoirs containing frozen saline that is in contact with powdered carbonates (e.g., sodium bicarbonate or sodium percarbonate) and acids (e.g., tartaric acid, citric acid, or malic acid) that produce carbon dioxide when they react.

[0184] The powdered agents can, for example, be placed adjacent to each other, on top of saline ice, or deposited in paper that is in contact with the saline ice. To use the chemical reaction principle alongside saline ice containing sensors for freezing efficacy as described above, such a sensor can be employed to determine whether a package has subsequently thawed. The sensor can also be placed on the lower part of a piston that lowers into the saline ice as it freezes. The sensor cannot react and raise the plunger out of the ice until the sensor begins to melt, mobilizing both the acid and the carbonate.

[0185] It should be noted that the selection of sensors, whether based on visible changes or parameters that can only be measured using a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone or other device), can be based on specific use-case scenarios. A choice of a visible sensor on or near the outer surface of a package, along with sensors providing more information as to the contents thereof, can be made to aid in a rational choice of how to handle the package. For example, the presence of a sensor indicating that thaw has occurred on the outside of a package may prompt auser to use a smartphone to access a sensor for specific temperature violations therein based on the thaw facilitated movement of an NFC tag or magnet therein. The purpose of multiplexing sensors can be for verification (e.g., multiple sensors of the same type to confirm a reading), to convey further information (e.g., a color based sensor alerting a user to a thaw such that they can access another sensor that contains more information, such as an NFC tag), for the determination of more complex thaw information (e.g., how long a package has been above a given temperature or the highest temperature to which it has been raised), and can be overt (e.g., with the arrangement and location of sensors being clearly apparent) or covert (e.g., with the location and arrangement of sensors being hidden or not apparent). The distinct advantages of each sensor type (e.g., color changes being very simple to use and very visible, NFC’s and magnetic sensors being ideal for determining thaw events within unopened packages, etc.) have use case scenarios both individually and in combination.

[0186] Package security and thermal integrity with respect to the interior and exterior of a package can be ensured through the use of one or more of the described implementations. For example, one or more of the previously described temperature / thaw detection sensors can be arranged on one or more surfaces of a package as well as in different zones of the interior / contents of the package. In this way, temperatures of all surfaces of the exterior of a package can be determined to ensure consistent storage temperature for an entire package. Similarly, multiple sensors on the interior of a package can be used to ensure that all zones of the interior of a package have maintained expected temperatures (e.g., the product itself may be packed with dry ice or other cooling means and be at a lower temperature than the surrounding packing material in a package itself). The sensors can indicate thermal condition of a package (and interior / contents) with respect to a temperature range from frozen, to chilled, and to un-chilled. By using multiple sensors, package security can also be ensured. For example, contents of a package can have multiple sensors applied in particular known positions or in a particular order. If it is discovered when the package has been opened that sensor locations have been disturbed or that the sensors indicate unexpected temperatures, package security and / or thermal integrity can be questioned. Using one or more of the previously described sensors, color change, shape change, display of codes (e.g., QR codes and bar codes), RF signals, and / or other described indications can make determination of package security / thermal integrity efficient and obvious. Additionally, computer-based devicescan be used to read / monitor a condition of sensors both on the exterior and in the interior of packages.

[0187] Described implementations of the subject matter can include one or more features, alone or in combination.

[0188] For example, in a first implementation, a system for thaw detection comprises: a sensor included in a container, the container comprising a fluid; a sensor blocking mechanism preventing detection of the sensor while a portion of the of the fluid in the container is in a frozen state; and a detector configured to detect the sensor while the portion of the fluid in the container is in a thawed state, wherein the thawed state deactivates the sensor blocking mechanism by activating a movement of the sensor.

[0189] The foregoing and other described implementations can each, optionally, include one or more of the following features:

[0190] A first feature, combinable with any of the following features, wherein the sensor comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag and wherein in the frozen state the NFC tag is at a first distance from the sensor outside a detection range of the sensor and in the thawed state the NFC tag is at a second distance from the sensor within the detection range of the sensor.

[0191] A second feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the NFC tag is attached to a float or a sinker at a fixed position within the fluid in the frozen state.

[0192] A third feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of NFC tags, wherein a first NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is attached to a float and a second NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is attached to a sinker.

[0193] A fourth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein each NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is indicative of a respective temperature.

[0194] A fifth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, comprising a conductive material attached to the container, the conductive material shielding the sensor by reducing a detection of the sensor.

[0195] A sixth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the conductive material can be peeled off or scratched off.

[0196] A seventh feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the conductive material can be peeled off or scratched off.

[0197] An eighth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the container comprises a blister pack and the conductive material covers the blister pack.

[0198] A nineth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the hologram comprises a security mechanism indicative of tampering, contamination, or counterfeiting of the container.

[0199] A tenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the conductive material can be peeled off or scratched off.

[0200] An eleventh feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the sensor comprises a magnet and the detector comprises a mobile computing device.

[0201] A twelfth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the sensor comprises a magnet and the detector comprises a mobile computing device.

[0202] A thirteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the fluid comprises a gas and a saline solution.

[0203] A fourteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the container comprises electrical contact points and the saline solution completes an electrical circuit in the thawed state.

[0204] A fifteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, comprising an alarm activated by a completion of the electrical circuit in the thawed state, the alarm generating any of a light or a sound signal.

[0205] A sixteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the fluid comprises a temperature activated reagent generating the gas.

[0206] A seventeenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the sensor blocking mechanism comprises a piston pushed by the gas generated by the temperature activated reagent.

[0207] An eighteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the temperature activated reagent comprises tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

[0208] A nineteenth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein the sensor blocking mechanism comprises a pierceable membrane that is intact in the frozen state and is pierced by a sharp element in the thawed state.

[0209] A twentieth feature, combinable with any of the previous or following features, wherein a rupture of the pierceable membrane releases a color-coded dye within the container.

[0210] Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Software implementations of the described subject matter can be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is, one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, a computer or computer-implemented system. Alternatively, or additionally, the program instructions can be encoded in / on an artificially generated propagated signal, for example, a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to a receiver apparatus for execution by a computer or computer- implemented system. The computer- storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of computer-storage mediums. Configuring one or more computers means that the one or more computers have installed hardware, firmware, or software (or combinations of hardware, firmware, and software) so that when the software is executed by the one or more computers, particular computing operations are performed. The computer storage medium is not, however, a propagated signal.

[0211] The term “real-time,” “real time,” “realtime,” “real (fast) time (RFT),” “near(ly) real-time (NRT),” “quasi real-time,” or similar terms (as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art), means that an action and a response are temporally proximate such that an individual perceives the action and the response occurring substantially simultaneously. For example, the time difference for a response to display (or for an initiation of a display) of data following the individual’s action to access the data can be less than 1 millisecond (ms), less than 1 second (s), or less than 5 s. While the requested data need not be displayed (or initiated for display) instantaneously, it is displayed (or initiated for display) without any intentional delay, taking into account processing limitations of a described computing system and time required to, for example, gather, accurately measure, analyze, process, store, or transmit the data.

[0212] The terms “data processing apparatus,” “computer,” “computing device,” or “electronic computer device” (or an equivalent term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) refer to data processing hardware and encompass all kinds of apparatuses, devices, andmachines for processing data, including by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The computer can also be, or further include special-purpose logic circuitry, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field- programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In some implementations, the computer or computer-implemented system or special-purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of the computer or computer-implemented system and special-purpose logic circuitry) can be hardware- or software-based (or a combination of both hardware- and software-based). The computer can optionally include code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, for example, code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use of a computer or computer-implemented system with an operating system, for example LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS, or a combination of operating systems.

[0213] A computer program, which can also be referred to or described as a program, software, a software application, a unit, a module, a software module, a script, code, or other component can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including, for example, as a stand-alone program, module, component, or subroutine, for use in a computing environment. A computer program can, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files, for example, files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0214] While portions of the programs illustrated in the various figures can be illustrated as individual components, such as units or modules, that implement described features and functionality using various objects, methods, or other processes, the programs can instead include a number of sub-units, sub-modules, third-party services, components, libraries, and other components, as appropriate. Conversely, the features and functionality of various components can be combined into single components, as appropriate. Thresholds used to make computationaldeterminations can be statically, dynamically, or both statically and dynamically determined.

[0215] Described methods, processes, or logic flows represent one or more examples of functionality consistent with the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the described or illustrated implementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent with described principles and features. The described methods, processes, or logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output data. The methods, processes, or logic flows can also be performed by, and computers can also be implemented as, specialpurpose logic circuitry, for example, a CPU, an FPGA, or an ASIC.

[0216] Computers for the execution of a computer program can be based on general or special-purpose microprocessors, both, or another type of CPU. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions and data from and write to a memory. The essential elements of a computer are a CPU, for performing or executing instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer can also include, or be operatively coupled to, receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, for example, magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable memory storage device, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, to name just a few.

[0217] Non-transitory computer-readable media for storing computer program instructions and data can include all forms of permanent / non-permanent or volatile / non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic devices, for example, tape, cartridges, cassettes, internal / removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical memory devices, for example, digital versatile / video disc (DVD), compact disc (CD)-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, high-definition / density (HD)-DVD, and BLU-RAY / BLU-RAY DISC (BD), and other optical memory technologies. The memory can store various objects or data,including caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories storing dynamic information, or other appropriate information including any parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, or references. Additionally, the memory can include other appropriate data, such as logs, policies, security, or access data, or reporting files. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0218] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), or plasma monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, for example, a mouse, trackball, or trackpad by which the user can provide input to the computer. Input can also be provided to the computer using a touchscreen, such as a tablet computer surface with pressure sensitivity or a multi-touch screen using capacitive or electric sensing. Other types of devices can be used to interact with the user. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (such as, visual, auditory, tactile, or a combination of feedback types). Input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a client computing device that is used by the user (for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user’s mobile computing device in response to requests received from the web browser).

[0219] The term “graphical user interface (GUI) can be used in the singular or the plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces and each of the displays of a particular graphical user interface. Therefore, a GUI can represent any graphical user interface, including but not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command line interface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents the information results to the user. In general, a GUI can include a number of user interface (UI) elements, some or all associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, and buttons. These and other UI elements can be related to or represent the functions of the web browser.

[0220] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, for example, as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, for example, an application server, or thatincludes a front-end component, for example, a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of wireline or wireless digital data communication (or a combination of data communication), for example, a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) using, for example, 802.1 lx or other protocols, all or a portion of the Internet, another communication network, or a combination of communication networks. The communication network can communicate with, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, frame relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or other information between network nodes.

[0221] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0222] While this specification contains many particular implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventive concept or on the scope of what can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that can be specific to particular implementations of particular inventive concepts. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented, in combination, in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations, separately, or in any sub-combination. Moreover, although previously described features can be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some implementations, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0223] Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the described implementations are within the scope of the following claims as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While operations, steps,or actions are depicted in the drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations, steps, or actions be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations, steps, or actions be performed (some operations, steps, or actions can be considered optional), to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) can be advantageous and performed as deemed appropriate.

[0224] The separation or integration of various components and / or system modules in the previously described implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all implementations. In some implementations, described components and system modules can be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0225] Accordingly, the previously described example implementations do not define or constrain the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0226] Furthermore, any claimed implementation may be applicable to a computer- implemented method; a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions to perform the computer-implemented method; and / or a computer system comprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to perform the computer-implemented method or the instructions stored on the non-transitory, computer-readable medium.

[0227] In view of the above-described implementations of subject matter this application discloses the following list of embodiments, wherein one feature of an embodiment in isolation or more than one feature of said embodiment taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more further embodiments are further embodiments also falling within the disclosure of this application.

[0228] Embodiment 1 : A method comprising: providing a sensor capable of changing a color characteristic responsive to an altered temperature; generating a secure code dependent on the color characteristic of the sensor; and attaching the secure code to a package such that, during shipping of the package, the altered temperature can cause the color characteristic of the sensor to change, thereby rendering the secure code inoperable.

[0229] Embodiment 2: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein thesensor is provided adjacent to a frozen volume such that, when the frozen volume thaws in response to the altered temperature, the sensor is exposed, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of: a colorimetric sensor or a hologram.

[0230] Embodiment 3: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor comprises a colorimetric sensor that is enzyme sensitive.

[0231] Embodiment 4: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the changed color characteristic comprises one or more of: a presence or absence of a discernable color, a changed luminance level, or a change response to incident light of a given wavelength.

[0232] Embodiment 5: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the secure code encodes at least one of: a data of manufacturing, a place of manufacturing, an identity of the manufacturer, a date of shipping, or a temperature at packaging.

[0233] Embodiment 6: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the secure code comprises at least one of: a QR code, a bar code, or a covert code.

[0234] Embodiment 7: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the secure code is generated by including the sensor in the secure code, or by presenting the sensor alongside the secure code.

[0235] Embodiment 8: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein attaching the secure code comprises at least one of: enclosing the secure code inside the package, printing the secure code on the package, and tagging the secure code outside the package.

[0236] Embodiment 9: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the package is a food product package.

[0237] Embodiment 10 : One or more non-transitory computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any preceding claim.

[0238] Embodiment 11 : A system comprising one or more computers and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more computers, to cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0239] Embodiment 12: A method comprising: obtaining data from one or more sensors attached to a package, the one or more sensors including a temperature reading device; generating a data package that includes the data from the one or more sensors attached to the package; andtransmitting the data package to a receiving system.

[0240] Embodiment 13: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the temperature reading device comprises a color changing element that indicates when a temperature threshold has been reached.

[0241] Embodiment 14: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining the data from the one or more sensors attached to the package comprises: receiving signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors include near-field communication (NFC) systems configured to communicate using LoRa wireless modulation.

[0242] Embodiment 15: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, comprising: encrypting the data package prior to transmitting the encrypted data package to the receiving system.

[0243] Embodiment 16: One or more non-transitory computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0244] Embodiment 17: A system comprising one or more computers and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more computers, to cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0245] Embodiment 18: The method of the preceding embodiment, further comprising generating a biochemical change in response to a temperature change using biochemical or microbiological agents.

[0246] Embodiment 19: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein biochemical or microbiological agents comprises enzymes or microbial cells.

[0247] Embodiment 20: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein agents such as enzymes or microbial cells are utilized to generate a biochemical change in response to a temperature change, this being visualized or detected by a chemical color change or a change in turbidity.

[0248] Embodiment 21 : The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising edge computing using a mobile-device application.

[0249] Embodiment 22: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a smartphone includes the mobile-device application.

[0250] Embodiment 23: A method comprising: obtaining, using a reader, a signal from a secure code attached to a package, wherein the secure code comprises (i) a first portion indicating shipping information of the package and (ii) a second portion indicating quality information of the package; and determining, using the signal from the secure code, whether the package satisfies an authenticity or quality threshold.

[0251] Embodiment 24: The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the signal from the secure code comprises an image of the secure code taken by a camera of the reader.

[0252] Embodiment 25: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second portion of the secure code comprises a color changing element that indicates when a temperature threshold has been reached.

[0253] Embodiment 26: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the signal from the secure code comprises a radio frequency signal.

[0254] Embodiment 27: The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the reader comprises a smartphone.

[0255] Embodiment 28: One or more non-transitory computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0256] Embodiment 29: A system comprising one or more computers and one or more storage devices on which are stored instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more computers, to cause the one or more computers to perform the method of any of the preceding embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for thaw detection, the system comprising: a sensor included in a container, the container comprising a fluid; a sensor blocking mechanism preventing detection of the sensor while a portion of the of the fluid in the container is in a frozen state; and a detector configured to detect the sensor while the portion of the fluid in the container is in a thawed state, wherein the thawed state deactivates the sensor blocking mechanism by activating a movement of the sensor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a near field communication (NFC) tag and wherein in the frozen state the NFC tag is at a first distance from the sensor outside a detection range of the sensor and in the thawed state the NFC tag is at a second distance from the sensor within the detection range of the sensor.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the NFC tag is attached to a float or a sinker at a fixed position within the fluid in the frozen state.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of NFC tags, wherein a first NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is attached to a float and a second NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is attached to a sinker.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein each NFC tag of the plurality of NFC tags is indicative of a respective temperature.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, comprising a conductive material attached to the container, the conductive material shielding the sensor by reducing a detection of the sensor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the conductive material can be peeled off or scratched off.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the container comprises a blister pack and the conductive material covers the blister pack.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a visible sensor comprising a dye-based sensor, a hologram or a grating based sensor.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the hologram comprises a security mechanism indicative of tampering, contamination, or counterfeiting of the container.

11. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a magnet and the detector comprises a mobile computing device.

12. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a magnet and the detector comprises a mobile computing device.

13. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid comprises a gas and a saline solution.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the container comprises electrical contact points and the saline solution completes an electrical circuit in the thawed state.

15. The system of claim 14, comprising an alarm activated by a completion of the electrical circuit in the thawed state, the alarm generating any of a light or a sound signal.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid comprises a temperature activated reagent generating the gas.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor blocking mechanism comprises a piston pushed by the gas generated by the temperature activated reagent.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the temperature activated reagent comprises tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

19. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor blocking mechanism comprises a pierceable membrane that is intact in the frozen state and is pierced by a sharp element in the thawed state.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein a rupture of the pierceable membrane releases a color- coded dye within the container.

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