Wine bottle tracking and temperature monitoring apparatus

Abstract

A wine bottle tracking and temperature monitoring label and methods of use thereof. The label can passively monitor temperature and other environmental conditions and provide a visual indication of proper or improper storage and handling. The label also includes or comprises an element enabling communication with a blockchain that stores, tracks, and records information about the labelled product. During a transaction, ownership information can be updated and a validated using the blockchain to verify authenticity and value. Similar, storage conditions can be validated through the visual indication provided by the label, providing further proof of product quality, safety, and value.

Description

Docket No. 6327.1000001Wine Bottle Tracking and Temperature Monitoring ApparatusRELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 689,123, filed on August 30, 2024. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Increasingly complicated logistics and lengthening supply chains create difficulties in tracking and monitoring products. This is compounded when a product needs to be kept in (or avoid) a particular environment to retain its value, avoid spoilage, or maximize its benefit. These difficulties are compounded again when a product is transferred or sold by individuals or small entities operating outside established logistical chains of traditional business to customer sales. This is the case for many items, such as wine, that are often traded or sold among individual collectors long after the original business to consumer sale. In these types of transactions, it can be difficult to track an item’s history and to verify that it was cared for in a manner that retains its value or efficacy. A need exists for a low- cost apparatus and method that can both verify a perishable item’s storage conditions and provide a way to track its ownership history and other logistical data.SUMMARY

[0003] Products are often traded, sold, or distributed outside of large logistical chains that utilize centralized tracking systems. When these products are delicate or require particular environmental conditions, it is difficult to verify that they have been handled in a manner that retains / optimizes their value and efficacy. As a non-limiting example, these issues are often encountered in the wine reseller market. Wine has a large post-sale market where individual collectors and enthusiasts sell and trade bottles among themselves. These sales, despite the possibility of extreme high prices, often occur in informal settings or through third party websites such as eBay and lack established systems for logistical tracking and product verification that would normally be found in traditional business to consumer sales. The lack of ability to track and monitor products can have a huge impact on the value of those product.- 1 -4203297. vlDocketNo. 6327.1000001Proof that a wine bottle has been properly handled and stored along with confirmation of its authenticity can greatly increase its value and resale price.

[0004] Embodiments disclosed herein provide a low-cost decentralized methods and apparatuses to monitor, track, and verify products, such as wine, in a manner that can improve their valuation, ensure lack of spoilage, and verify authenticity.

[0005] A label comprising a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range and a computer readable image, the computer readable image configured to connect a computing device to an immutable ledger to record logistical data. The label can be affixed to a wine bottle and the temperature range may be an optimal range for storing wine.

[0006] The notice provided by the temperature indicator can be irreversible. The notice provided by the temperature indicator can also be a change in color.

[0007] The recorded logistical data can be utilized as input data for a machine learning model, the machine learning model configured to output calculated properties regarding a product.

[0008] The logistical data may include at least one of ownership information, location information, transportation information, price information, product information, and proof of validity.

[0009] The temperature indicator can form the computer readable image.

[0010] The immutable ledger is a block in a blockchain. In such embodiment, the blockchain can store a history of recorded logistical data.

[0011] A method of determining information regarding a labeled product, the method comprising observing a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range and determining, based on the observed temperature indicator, if the labeled product was properly stored. The method also comprising accessing, using a computing device to interface with a computer readable image, an immutable ledger comprising recorded logistical data for the labeled product.

[0012] The method can further include storing logistical data in the immutable ledger using a computing device and the computer readable image. The immutable ledger can be a block in a blockchain and the blockchain may store a history of recorded logistical data.

[0013] The logistical data can include at least one of ownership information, location information, transportation information, price information, product information, and proof of validity.- 2 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001

[0014] The method may also include calculating, using a machine learning module, properties of the labeled product based on the obtained information. In such embodiments, the method can also include interfacing with the machine learning module using an indicator on the label. In these embodiments, the method can further comprise generating a training dataset from the recorded logistical data; and training the machine learning module using the generated training dataset.

[0015] A method of recording information regarding a labeled product, the method comprising affixing a label to a product, the label comprising a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range and a computer readable image, the computer readable image configured to connect a computing device to an immutable ledger. The method also comprising recording, using a computing device to interface with the computer readable image, product information on the immutable ledger.

[0016] The recorded product information can be the output of a machine learning model.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 A is a schematic illustration of a blockchain utilized by embodiments of the invention.

[0019] FIG. IB is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system for creating and managing transactions on the blockchain of FIG. 1 A.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example embodiment of a label for monitoring a product’s environment and recording logistical data.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a label for monitoring a products environment and recording logistical data.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which the present embodiments may be implemented.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the internal structure of a computer (e.g., client processor / device or server computers) in the computer system of FIG. 4.- 3 -4203297. vlDocketNo. 6327.1000001DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A description of example embodiments follows.

[0025] Embodiments of the disclosed invention enable individuals to store logistical data and product information as well as verify proper storage and handling of delicate products without requiring a centralized, complicated, and high-cost logistical system. Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a label, configured to be affixed to a product or its packaging. The label functions as both an environmental monitoring system and a connection to a logistical tracking system hosted on the blockchain. Together these dual functions provide the capability to securely establish validity, proper storage, and lack of spoilage of products during individual-to-individual transactions without dependance on a centralized system. The label can be produced at low cost and be added to a product’s packaging without materially affecting the product’s total price or product chain.

[0026] As a non-limiting example, the disclosed invention is applicable to the collection and aftermarket sale of wine and other expensive aged liquids. These products are especially sensitive to temperature and proper storage has a strong effect on their quality and price. The ability to immutably validate storage conditions using the incorporated environmental monitoring system of the disclosed invention, instead of relying on seller reputation or other less tangible indicia of quality, can greatly increase product value. A product whose storage conditions are validated using an embodiment of the invention can be sold at a premium price and hold or even increase its value over time. These environment monitoring capabilities are highly desired in the wine collection communities and post commercial sale market as well similar markets involving other sensitive and / or perishable goods.

[0027] Similarly, the distributed logistical data storage and tracking functions of the disclosed invention also preserve and increase the value of products as they provide a way to establish authenticity, track previous owners and locations, confirm price information, and verify sales. Importantly, these functions can be provided without the cost of a centralized system, be utilized for individual transaction, and, due to the security provided by the blockchain, be trusted by future owners and sellers.

[0028] Uses of the disclosed embodiments of the invention are not limited to wine industry or the resale market. The invention’s environmental monitoring functions can add value and reduce spoilage for any manner of perishable or sensitive products, including but not limited to, foodstuffs, medicine, chemicals, dairy products, or produce. The invention’s- 4 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 logistical tracking functions can also be adopted by larger retailers and used to track a product throughout its supply chain and provide records of direct business to customers sales. Product “pre-sale” information can be stored and accessed, for example using the blockchain, during later sales to prove that the product has been properly cared for throughout its entire production period, shelf life, transportation time, and / or post-sale storage as well as allow for its authenticity and identity to be validated.

[0029] Further applications of embodiment of the invention include tracking and monitoring sensitive individual components. As a non-limiting example, in the olive oil industry it is not uncommon for source of olives to be difficult to verify and track and often the end-products can have misleading or even false labels. It is possible for a bottle labeled “100% Greek Olive Oil” to not be made with 100% Greek olives or even use majority nonolive components such as vegetable, soybean, palm, and canola oil. Logistically, ensuring proper components can be difficult as companies often source their olives from individual external distributors located around the globe and who do not use a unified tracking system. The monitoring and decentralized tracking capabilities, provided by embodiments of the invention can be enable many different entities to track and verify the origin of components essential to the veracity and value of the final product, such as olives. These tracking capabilities are directly tied to a particular product, through an attached label, which enables them to be easily accessed and used even if the product is transported or changes custodians. Other example use cases, include, monitoring dairy products for spoilage, verifying the origin of fruits and vegetables, monitoring environmental factors that affect the efficacy of medicine, and validating organic, kosher, or halal status of food. Even if the supply chain includes multiple entities that lack their own tracking / monitoring functionalities, embodiment of the invention can be used to track, monitor, and create a verifiable record for products and / or their components universally accessible on the blockchain.

[0030] Embodiment of the invention can also include or interface with artificial intelligence (Al) technology or modules. These Al modules, for example, machine learning agents, can utilized the data or information about labeled products stored on the blockchain or otherwise recording or accessed using the distributed logistical tracking system to provide real-time analysis regarding product value, safety, efficacy, or other key properties. Al modules can be configured to use stored blockchain data as a training dataset to predict properties of the labeled product and these predictions can be integrated into both the stored blockchain data and the training dataset. As more data, related to sales and transactions of- 5 -4203297. vlDocketNo. 6327.1000001 the labeled products, is added to the blockchain the Al modules can be updated with this new data to improve their predicted functions.

[0031] As a non-limited example, an Al agent may be configured to assist with product trading and evaluation and use data stored on the blockchain regarding previous transactions of the product and / or similar products to automatically calculate and output an evaluation of a products value. In other words, the Al agent functions as a data aggregation and analysis module that can gather and analyze product information stored on the blockchain. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that many different Al or learning machine algorithms and functions could be utilized to create these capabilities. The Al agents may be accessed through an element of the product label and utilized by any computing device capable of interfacing with that element of the product label. Alternatively, the Al agents may be accessed independently of the product label, for example using a provide smartphone App or webpage.

[0032] Another benefit provided by embodiments of the invention is that they lower the barrier of entry into post-sale collectable markets. Historically, it required a great deal of knowledge or risk tolerance to enter an expensive collectable market such as wine. A novice collector would find it difficult to identify high value products, avoid inauthentic or improperly verified goods, or ensure proper storage and handling pre and post-purchase. Often a novice collector would have to rely on personal connections, take on the burden of sufficiently educating themselves, or suffer increased risk before becoming an experienced collector, purchaser, or seller with sufficient knowledge to easily navigate the market and avoid common pitfalls. These barriers artificially limit the market to those with enough time, connections, or money to overcome them. However, embodiments of the invention greatly increase the amount of information regarding a product easily available to inexperienced collectors or consumers, through either a direct inspection of the environmental monitoring element, through accessing the information stored on the blockchain using the blockchain communication enabling element, or other uses of the decentralized logistical tracking system. Furthermore, this information is trustworthy and reliable for a potential purchaser regardless of their preexisting knowledge which reduces investment risk. Therefore, use of embodiments of the invention can help grow a market by providing sources of reliable information and knowledge about products to new market participants, reducing risk and encouraging participation.- 6 -4203297. vlDocketNo. 6327.1000001

[0033] FIG. 1 A is a schematic illustration of a blockchain 100 utilized by embodiments of the invention. In particular, methods and systems embodying the present invention utilize blocks 101 of a blockchain 100 to store logistical data regarding a labeled product, for example ownership records, transfer history, value, location, origin, and certification of validity. Embodiments of the invention may also allow that stored data to be viewed and verified by third parties, such as potential sellers and purchasers or an Al module. A blockchain 100 is a public, secure, distributed, cryptographically proven ordered list. Illustrated blockchain 100 is comprised of multiple blocks lOla-lOln (generally referenced 101 throughout this disclosure). A blockchain 100 may be associated with a particular product with a label enabling users to interface and interact with the blockchain 100. The first block 101a is known as the genesis block. After the genesis block 101a, each block refers back to the previous block (its predecessor block 101) in the chain. This is illustrated with arrows between the blocks 101. For example, block 101b refers back to block 101a and so on. Referring back can be done in a variety of ways, e.g., by including some part of the previous block, e.g., an identifier or its consensus proof, or a value computed over the previous block, e.g., a hash, a signature, etc. A blockchain is often used for a specific type of ordered list, an ordered list of transactions, monies paid and owed, called a ledger. In such a use case, each block 101 may include a record of a transaction or other logistical data / activity regarding its associated labeled product or component. A block 100 may include records of one or more transactions. Some embodiments may allow blocks 101 with zero transactions, e.g., to support timely delivery of new blocks. The transactions may be transactions related to the purchase and sale of a product, but this is not required. When used as a ledger, a blockchain 100 can provide verification for a sequence of transactions and provide verification of information related to those sequence of transactions.

[0034] Blockchain 100 is also provable. Using cryptography, it can be ensured that each block 101 is complete before the next block (its successor block 101) is initiated. For example, if the blockchain 100 is an ordered ledger with blocks 101 representing individual transactions, then the blockchain verifies that the transaction recorded by block 101b is completed before verifying that the transaction recorded by block 101c is completed. This is extremely useful in creating records for transactions that have cause and effects, e.g., a first user purchases a product, recorded in block 101b, and then the first or a second user pays for and received control of that product, recorded in block 101c. To accomplish this, blockchains 100 use cryptography to create proof that a block 101 is complete and is- 7 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 followed by its subsequent block. Typically, each of the blocks 101 comprises a consensus proof, computed over one or more transactions. The consensus proof is a cryptographic signature that establishes each block's completeness and location in the blockchain 100. In some embodiments of the invention, the consensus proof is created by using a cryptographic kernel that generates a public / private key pair. Various equivalent Cryptographically Secured Distributed Ledger technologies may be used such as: Blockchain, Hashgraph, Directed Acyclic Graph, etc., as such technologies support the same concepts: consensus algorithms, cryptocurrencies, tokens, etc. Blockchain 100 remains provable and the data stored on blocks 101 verifiable without the requirement of a centralized governing protocol or unified data storage location making it ideal to record transactions between individuals or many different entities. The provable nature of blockchain 100 can help generate trust and encourage market participation for new purchasers and the ensure fidelity of training dataset

[0035] Another key feature of blockchains 100 is that they are distributed. Blocks 101 may be stored on difference devices in different locations. However, these blocks are still connected in the blockchain 100 due to their cryptographic signature. Additionally, blocks 101 may be accessed and viewed from difference devices in different locations. This enables parties not part of a transaction recorded on the blockchain to view and verify that a transaction has occurred as well as to view and verify all previous transactions. Additionally, because of the security provided by the block’s cryptographic signatures, the blockchain 100 and its component blocks 101 cannot be altered and remain trusted, even if located on an unsecure or third party device. This enables the blockchain 100 and individual blocks 101 to be reliable and trustable records despite their distributed nature. Another level of security is added due to the public nature of blockchain 100 and its blocks 101. Since the blockchain 100 is public, may copies of it and / or its component blocks can be created. These copies would naturally also have the cryptographic signatures in the blocks 101. Therefore, even if one copy of the blockchain 100 or blocks 101 was manipulated by a bad faith actor, the other copies could be used as a verification tool to exclude incorrect data as manipulating all public copies would be difficult if not impossible.

[0036] Blockchains provide the ability to track and settle balances and transactions for networks with thousands or even millions of geographically dispersed entities or people who might not know, let alone trust, each other. Blockchains enables trustless transactions without the need for a centralized authority. Embodiments of the invention utilize blockchains as part of a novel and unique approach to create verifiable records comprising- 8 -4203297. vlDocketNo. 6327.1000001 logistical data or environmental data related to the purchase, transportation, storage, and ownership of labeled products. Data memorializing or detailing the purchase, sale, or ownership of labeled products can be stored on one or multiple blockchain 100 blocks 101. The payment for and transfer of these labeled products can also be stored on one or multiple blockchain 100 blocks 101. In addition, the blocks 101 may be ordered to require the payment be completed, transaction verified, or product condition approved before the ownership is transferred. Finally, because of the transparency, security and verifiability of the data stored in blocks 101 in the blockchain 100, it can be used to verify the authenticity, condition, or ownership of the labeled products increasing their value. Blockchain 100 and blocks 101 may be accessed and operated on by individuals, for example during a transaction involving a labeled product, using a code or similar indicator on the label affixed to a product. The label’s element associated with the blockchain 100 storing data related to the labeled product and memorializing transactions thereof.

[0037] Blockchain 100 and blocks 101 may also serve as sources for training datasets and inputs for Al machine learning modules. Al machine learning modules, accessed by or hosted on computing devices may interface with blockchain 100 and blocks 101 to access or store data related to or regarding labeled products, including but not limited to inputs and outputs of the Al machine learning modules.

[0038] FIG. IB is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system for creating and managing transactions on a blockchain 100 utilized by embodiments of the invention. The system comprises a blockchain network 110 with a plurality of nodes 105. The nodes 105 may be in peer-to-peer communication with each other and implemented by computer nodes (clients, servers, devices, etc.) 50, 60 in a computer-based network described later in FIG 4. This computer-based network can be comprised of individual unrelated devices and does not require the existence of a centralized governing entity. The nodes 105 may be or be connected to a smartphone or other mobile device and be configured to access and interact with blockchain 100 in response to the scanning of a code or similar indicator included on a product label. Each node 105 in the blockchain network 110 may contain a distributed ledger 107 that includes a copy of the blockchain 100. Transactions, that are recorded on the blockchain 100 are recorded in the distributed ledgers 107. The transactions and data recorded on the blockchain 100 may be initiated, verified, completed, or authorized by the scanning of a code or similar indicator included on a product label. Nodes 105 may view and verify the distributed ledgers 107 located on other nodes 105. One or more node 105, may- 9 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 further host, access, train, or utilize Al machine learning modules that access or utilize blockchain network 110 and information storied in distributed ledger 107.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, the blockchain 100 utilized is the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a vibrant, battle-tested ecosystem that facilitates trustless transactions. However, a person skilled in the art should understand that embodiments of the invention could be implemented on a wide variety of currently existing blockchains and be adapted for blockchains developed in the future.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example embodiment of a label 200 for monitoring a products environment and recording logistical data. Label 200 includes two parts, environmental monitoring element 201 and a blockchain communication enabling element 202. Some embodiments of the invention may also include elements for interfacing with Al machine learning modules. Environmental monitoring element 201 may be a temperature range indicator that undergoes a physical transformation if label 200 is exposed to temperature outside a set range. Environmental monitoring element 201 can also track other environmental factors such as pressure, movement, orientation, rate of temperature change, and other variables that could negatively affect a labeled product.

[0041] As a non-limiting example, environmental monitoring element 201 may change colors, from green to red, if exposed to undesired temperatures for a prolonged period of time. This change may be induced by the physical, chemical, or other properties of the components of environmental monitoring element 201. A person skilled in the art should understand that any desired temperature range or period of time can be selected by selecting different properties of the components of environmental monitoring element 201. A person skilled in the art should further understand that other ways of providing an indication, such as tactile indicators, digital indicators, visual indicators other than color, olfactory indicators, and the like can also be utilized based on different compositions of environmental monitoring element 201. Environmental monitoring element 201 can be configured to indicate when the product affixed with label 200 has been improperly stored or exposed to environmental conditions detrimental to its value, efficacy or known to induce spoilage.

[0042] Environmental monitoring element 201 can be designed to have two useful properties. First, that its indication is irreversible. The allows individuals, such as potential purchasers, to easily inspect the labelled product and rely upon environmental monitoring element 201 to verify that it has been properly stored and that it remains in optimal condition. Making the indication irreversible increases the value of properly stored products with a- 10 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001“good” indication while also preventing tampering intended to pass off or restore a “bad” indication. For products, such as wine, that can be increase in value when stored properly over a long period of time, environmental monitoring element 201 provides validation of proper storage. For other products, prone to quick spoilage, environmental monitoring element 201 can provide validation that they remain safe to consume or use and / or effective.

[0043] Second, environmental monitoring element 201 is passive and relies on its or its components’ innate properties to monitor the labeled product. Because it is passive and is only triggered to provide an indication in response to particular chosen negative environmental conditions it avoids wasteful monitoring actions during “good” storage conditions. As an example, an active temperature sensor, such as a digital thermometer, that may spend years measuring and recording “good” readings and therefore needs to be designed to be working and active for a long time, increasing complexity and cost. The passive environmental monitoring element 201 because it is selectively triggered by “bad” it only needs to function once, to record the transition from “good” to “bad.” This simplification greatly reduces the complexity and cost of environmental monitoring element 201 and consequently label 200.

[0044] Environmental monitoring element 201 can be considered the equivalent of a safety seal or cork but able to monitor and provide information regarding many aspects of a product’s storage instead of just if it has been open / exposed. Like a safety seal, it is useful to keep environmental monitoring element 201 as low-cost and unintrusive as possible to facilitate its use on as many products as possible without negatively impacting product cost.

[0045] Blockchain communication enabling element 202 is configured to enable a user to connect to and interact with blockchain 100 to record data related to labeled product in blocks 101. This recorded data may evidence a transaction of label product and include, the identity of the seller, the identity of the buyer, price, product condition, location, status of environmental monitoring element 201, and / or other logistical data related to the labeled product or transaction thereof. Blockchain communication enabling element 202 enables the creation of a verifiable record of the transactions of labeled products in blocks 101 of blockchain 100. Blocks 101 of blockchain 101 can also store data and information verifying the authenticity or other status, such as organic, kosher, halal, or the like, of the labeled product. Blockchain communication enabling element 202 may be further configured to enable a user to view data stored on blocks 101 of blockchain 101 to verify previous transactions, authenticity or other status of the labeled product. When combined in label 200,- 11 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 blockchain communication enabling element 202 and environmental monitoring element 201 allow individuals to verify key properties of the labeled product to increase its value, establish its safety, or confirm logistical or product information. This functionality is independent of any larger tracking or logistic system and can still be used in individual consumer-to-consumer sales or for a chain of sales between multiple disparate entities.

[0046] Blockchain communication enabling element 202 can be a QR code or other similar visual indicator configured to cause a mobile device that scans it to connect to or function as a node 105 in blockchain network 110. Computer readable instructions may be downloaded onto a mobile device or other computer to enable it to utilize blockchain communication enabling element 202 function as a node 105 in blockchain network 110. Blockchain communication enabling element 202 can provide a scanning device with the ability to generate a transaction recorded by a block 101 on blockchain 101. This generated transaction can record logistical or ownership data regarding the labeled product. For example, when the labeled product is sold interacting with blockchain communication enabling element 202 can allow for an individual to record the change in ownership and details regarding that change on the blockchain 101. This creates a trackable and verifiable record of ownership stored on the blockchain 101. Blockchain communication enabling element 202 may also enable an individual to verify a transaction, for example a seller may authorize data recording the transfer of ownership to a buyer.

[0047] A person skilled in the art should understand that blockchain communication enabling element 202 may be any manner of element that can store data readable by a computing device that enables that computing device to function as, or interface with, a node 105 of blockchain network 107.

[0048] Blockchain communication enabling element 202 may also be configured to provide access to and enable use of Al machine learning modules configured to utilize data stored on blocks 101 on blockchain 101. A user may use a computing device to interface with blockchain communication enabling element 202 and train or execute a Al machine learning module configured to access and use data stored on blocks 101 on blockchain 101. The Al machine learning module may be trained using a training dataset drawn from data stored on blocks 101 on blockchain 101 and be configured to update as more data is added to blockchain 101. The Al machine learning module may output a calculation or prediction regarding properties of the labeled product, such as price, using data stored on blocks 101 on- 12 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 blockchain 101 as inputs. The Al machine learning module may also store outputted calculations or predictions on blocks 101 on blockchain 101.

[0049] Al machine learning modules may be accessed and utilized by any manner of computing device, such as a computer, smartphone, or similar apparatus, capable of interacting with data stored on blocks 101 on blockchain 101. Al machine learning modules may require blockchain communication enabling element 202 of label 200 to be authorized to access, use, or add to data stored on blocks 101 on blockchain 101.

[0050] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a label for monitoring a products environment and recording logistical data. In some embodiments, blockchain communication enabling element 302 and environmental monitoring element 301 may be combined into a single element 310a, 310b. Ink, or other components that have the environmentally sensitive properties of environmental monitoring element 301 may be used to construct a QR Code, or other visual indicator, that functions as blockchain communication enabling element 302. In one version 310a, the entirety of the QR Code is utilized for environmental monitoring element 301 and blockchain communication enabling element 302. In an alternative version 310b, only a section (the border) of QR Code is utilized for environmental monitoring element 301. A person skilled in the art would understand that there are a multitude of ways to combine blockchain communication enabling element 302 and environmental monitoring element 301 or to create blockchain communication enabling element 302 with components that function, in whole or in part, as environmental monitoring element 301.

[0051] The combined single element 310a, 310b can allow both the blockchain communication enabling element 302 and environmental monitoring element 301 to be affixed to a larger label 300 that is generated separately and contains traditional product information.

[0052] Digital Processing Environment

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a computer network or similar digital processing environment in which the present embodiments may utilize implemented as elements of blockchain network 110. Client computer(s) / devices 50 and server computer(s) 60 provide processing, storage, and input / output devices executing application programs and the like (including but not limited to machine learning modules) and function server as nodes 105, store ledgers 107, and enable communications and interactions with blockchain 100. Client computer(s) / devices 50 and server computer(s) 60 are also enabled to interface with- 13 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 blockchain communication enabling element 202, 302. Client computer(s) / devices 50 can also be linked through communications network 70 to other computing devices, including other client devices / processes 50 and server computer(s) 60. Communications network 70 can be part of a remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), cloud computing servers or service, a worldwide collection of computers, Local area or Wide area networks, and gateways that currently use respective protocols (TCP / IP, Bluetooth, etc.) to communicate with one another. Other electronic device / computer network architectures are suitable.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the internal structure of a computer (e.g., client processor / device 50 or server computers 60) in the computer system of FIG. 4. Each computer 50, 60 contains system bus 79, where a bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer among the components of a computer or processing system. Bus 79 is essentially a shared conduit that connects different elements of a computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory, input / output ports, and network ports) that enables the transfer of information between the elements. Attached to system bus 79 is I / O device interface 82 for connecting various input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, displays, printers, and speakers) to the computer 50, 60. Network interface 86 allows the computer to connect to various other devices attached to a network (e.g., network 70 of FIG. X). Memory 90 provides volatile storage for computer software instructions 92 and data 94 used to implement embodiments (e.g., blocks 101 of a blockchain, blockchain network nodes 105, distributed ledgers 107, method 200, smart contracts, valuation algorithm(s), machine learning modules, and user interface(s) described above). Disk storage 95 provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92 and data 94 used to implement many embodiments. Central processor unit 84 is also attached to system bus 79 and provides for the execution of computer instructions.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor routines 92 and data 94 are a computer program product (generally referenced 92), including a computer readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as one or more DVD-ROM’s, CD-ROM’s, diskettes, and tapes) that provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the system. Computer program product 92 can enable interaction with blockchain communication enabling element 202, 302 and the functions of blockchain network 110. Computer program product 92 can be installed by any suitable software installation procedure, as is well known in the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software instructions may also be downloaded over a- 14 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 cable, communication and / or wireless connection. In other embodiments, the programs are a computer program propagated signal product 75 embodied on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., a radio wave, an infrared wave, a laser wave, a sound wave, or an electrical wave propagated over a global network such as the Internet, or other network(s)). Such carrier medium or signals provide at least a portion of the software instructions for the routine s / program 92.

[0056] In alternate embodiments, the propagated signal is an analog carrier wave or digital signal carried on the propagated medium. For example, the propagated signal may be a digitized signal propagated over a global network (e.g., the Internet), a telecommunications network, or other network. In one embodiment, the propagated signal is a signal that is transmitted over the propagation medium over a period of time, such as the instructions for a software application sent in packets over a network over a period of milliseconds, seconds, minutes, or longer. In another embodiment, the computer readable medium of computer program product 92 is a propagation medium that the computer system 50 may receive and read, such as by receiving the propagation medium and identifying a propagated signal embodied in the propagation medium, as described above for computer program propagated signal product. Generally speaking, the term “carrier medium” or transient carrier encompasses the foregoing transient signals, propagated signals, propagated medium, storage medium and the like. In other embodiments, the program product 92 may be implemented as a so-called Software as a Service (SaaS), or other installation or communication supporting end-users.

[0057] While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.- 15 -4203297. vl

Claims

Docket No. 6327.1000001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A label, the label comprising: a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range; and a computer readable image, the computer readable image configured to connect a computing device to an immutable ledger to record logistical data.

2. The label of claim 1 wherein the label is affixed to a wine bottle.

3. The label of claim 2 wherein the temperature range is an optimal range for storing wine.

4. The label of claim 1 wherein the notice provided by the temperature indicator is irreversible.

5. The label of claim 1 wherein the notice provided by the temperature indicator is a change in color.

6. The label of claim 1, wherein the recorded logistical data is utilized as input data for a machine learning model, the machine learning model configured to output calculated properties regarding a product.

7. The label of claim 1 where logistical data includes at least one of ownership information, location information, transportation information, price information, product information, and proof of validity.

8. The label of claim 1 wherein the temperature indicator forms the computer readable image.

9. The label of claim 1 wherein the immutable ledger is a block in a blockchain.

10. The label of claim 9 wherein the blockchain stores a history of recorded logistical data.- 16 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.100000111. A method of determining information regarding a labeled product, the method comprising; observing a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range; determining, based on the observed temperature indicator, if the labeled product was properly stored; and accessing, using a computing device to interface with a computer readable image, an immutable ledger comprising recorded logistical data for the labeled product.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising, storing logistical data in the immutable ledger using a computing device and the computer readable image.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the immutable ledger is a block in a blockchain.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the blockchain stores a history of recorded logistical data.

15. The method of claim 11 where logistical data includes at least one of ownership information, location information, transportation information, price information, product information, and proof of validity.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising calculating, using a machine learning module properties of the labeled product based on the obtained information.

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising, interfacing with the machine learning module using an indicator on the label.

18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: generating a training dataset from the recorded logistical data; and training the machine learning module using the generated training dataset.

19. A method of recording information regarding a labeled product, the method comprising; affixing a label to a product, the label comprising:- 17 -4203297. vlDocket No. 6327.1000001 a temperature indicator configured to provide notice if the label was exposed to at least one temperature outside a temperature range; and a computer readable image, the computer readable image configured to connect a computing device to an immutable ledger. recording, using a computing device to interface with the computer readable image, product information on the immutable ledger.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the recorded product information is the output of a machine learning model.- 18 -4203297. vl

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