U.S. patent application number 14/307365 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for logistic transport system for nutritional substances.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eugenio Minvielle. Invention is credited to Eugenio Minvielle.
Application Number | 20140290396 14/307365 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50065193 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140290396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minvielle; Eugenio |
October 2, 2014 |
Logistic Transport System for Nutritional Substances
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a preservation system for storage and
logistic transport of nutritional substances. The preservation
system obtains information about the nutritional substance to be
preserved, senses and measures the external environment to the
preservation system, senses and measures the internal environment
to the preservation system, senses and measures the state of the
nutritional substance, and stores such information throughout the
period of preservation. Using this accumulated information, the
preservation system can measure, or estimate, changes in
nutritional content (usually degradation) during the period of
preservation. Additionally, the preservation system can use this
information to dynamically modify the preservation system to
minimize detrimental changes to the nutritional content of the
nutritional substance, and in some cases actually improve the
nutritional substance attributes.
Inventors: |
Minvielle; Eugenio; (Rye,
NY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Minvielle; Eugenio |
Rye |
NY |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
50065193 |
Appl. No.: |
14/307365 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14059441 |
Oct 21, 2013 |
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14307365 |
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14051379 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
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14059441 |
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13485854 |
May 31, 2012 |
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14051379 |
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61624972 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
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61624948 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
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61624985 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/866 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23B 7/148 20130101;
G01N 33/02 20130101; A23L 3/003 20130101; A23B 7/152 20130101; A23L
3/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/866 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/02 20060101
G01N033/02 |
Claims
1. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance comprising the steps of: scanning a nutritional substance
provided with a unique identifier at a first time to obtain a first
scan-response related to a target attribute associated with a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property; and analyzing the
first scan-response and correlating it with a first value of the
particular nutritional or organoleptic property and to the unique
identifier; and scanning the nutritional substance at a subsequent
time to obtain a subsequent scan-response related to the target
attribute; and analyzing the subsequent scan-response and
correlating it with a subsequent value of the particular
nutritional or organoleptic property and to the unique identifier;
and determining a change in the particular nutritional or
organoleptic property between the first time and the subsequent
time; and communicating information related to said change in the
particular nutritional or organoleptic property referenced to the
unique identifier.
2. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 1 wherein: said analyzing is
accomplished by at least one of a statistical method and an
analytical algorithm.
3. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 1 wherein: the information related to
said change includes any two or more of the first value, the
subsequent value, and the change between the first value and the
subsequent value.
4. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 3 wherein: the values are expressed as
a percentage.
5. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 4 wherein: the percentage is relative
to a recommended daily requirement.
6. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 1 wherein: the information related to
said change includes at least one of a table, graph, and curve
showing the first and subsequent values.
7. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 6 wherein: the values are expressed as
a percentage.
8. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 7 wherein: the percentage is relative
to a recommended daily requirement.
9. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 1 wherein: the information related to
said change in the particular nutritional or organoleptic property
includes a dynamic indicator.
10. A method of determining and communicating an evolution of a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of a nutritional
substance according to claim 9 wherein: the dynamic indicator
comprises a .DELTA.N meter.
Description
RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/059,441, filed Oct. 21, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/051,379, filed Oct. 10, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,854, filed May 31, 2012,
which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/624,948 filed Apr. 16, 2012; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/624,972, filed Apr. 16,
2012; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application, 61/624,985, filed
Apr. 16, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present inventions relate to collection, transmission,
creation and use of information regarding preservation of
nutritional substances during logistic transport.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Nutritional substances are traditionally grown (plants),
raised (animals) or synthesized (synthetic compounds).
Additionally, nutritional substances can be found in a wild,
non-cultivated form, which can be caught or collected. While the
collectors and creators of nutritional substances generally obtain
and/or generate information about the source, history, caloric
content and/or nutritional content of their products, they
generally do not pass such information along to the users of their
products. Further, there is no information available to the
consumer regarding changes in nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic values of nutritional substances or regarding residual
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values of the nutritional
substance after they have been conditioned, and no way for the
consumer to know what conditioning protocol will achieve the
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values he desires. It would
be desirable for such information be available to the consumers of
nutritional substances at any desired moment, as well as all
participants in the food and beverage industry--the nutritional
substance supply system. An interactive system and data base,
including user-friendly dynamic nutritional substance labeling
allowing consumers, and any other member of the nutritional
substance supply system, to access information regarding changes in
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values of a nutritional
substance as well as creation and origin information for the
nutritional substance, at any moment during the life-cycle of the
nutritional substance up to the moment of consumption, would offer
great value to the nutritional substance supply system.
[0004] The nutritional content, also referred to herein as
nutritional value, of foods and beverages, as used herein, refers
to the non-caloric content of these nutritional substances which
are beneficial to the organisms which consume these nutritional
substances. For example, the nutritional content of a nutritional
substance could include vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other
non-caloric components which are necessary, or at least beneficial,
to the organism consuming the nutritional substances. Caloric
content refers to the energy in nutritional substances, commonly
measured in calories. The caloric content could be represented as
sugars and/or carbohydrates in the nutritional substances.
[0005] Consumers are starting to demand that the food and beverage
industry offer products which include higher nutritional content,
and/or at least information regarding the actual current
nutritional content of such products, also referred to herein as
the residual nutritional content. In fact, consumers are already
willing to pay higher prices for higher nutritional content. This
can be seen at high-end grocery stores which offer organic,
minimally processed, fresh, non-adulterated nutritional substances.
Further, as societies and governments seek to improve their
constituents' health and lower healthcare costs, incentives and/or
mandates will be given to the food and beverage industry to track,
maintain, and/or increase the nutritional content of nutritional
substances they handle. There will be a need for an industry-wide
solution to allow the management of nutritional content across the
entire cycle from creation to consumption. In order to manage the
nutritional content of nutritional substances across the entire
cycle from creation to consumption, the nutritional substance
industry will need tools to identify, track, measure, estimate,
preserve, transform, condition, record and communicate nutritional
content information for nutritional substances. Providing
nutritional substances with user friendly dynamic nutritional
substance labeling facilitating this type of information
connectivity and access will be a key in a system capable of such
functionality. Of particular importance is the measurement,
estimation, and tracking of changes in nutritional value, as well
as changes in organoleptic and aesthetic values of a nutritional
substance from creation to consumption. The changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values are individually and
collectively referred to herein as .DELTA.N. This .DELTA.N
information could be used, not only by the consumer in selecting
particular nutritional substances to consume, but could be used by
the other food and beverage industry participants and modules,
including creation, preservation, transformation, and conditioning,
to make decisions on how to create, handle and process nutritional
substances. Additionally, those who sell nutritional substances to
consumers, such as restaurants and grocery stores, could
communicate perceived qualitative values of the nutritional
substance in their efforts to market and position their nutritional
substance products. Further, a determinant of price of the
nutritional substance could be particular nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values, and if changes to those values,
also referred to herein as .DELTA.N, are perceived as desirable.
For example, if a desirable value has been maintained, improved, or
minimally degraded, it could be marketed as a premium product.
Still further, a system allowing creators, preservers and logistic
transporters, transformers, conditioners, and consumers of
nutritional substances to update labeling content to reflect the
most current information about the nutritional substance would
provide consumers with the information they need to make informed
decisions regarding the nutritional substances they purchase and
consume. Such information updates may include nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values of the nutritional substance, may
further include information regarding the source, creation and
other origin information for the nutritional substance, and may
further include information regarding adulteration of the
nutritional substance.
[0006] For example, the grower of sweet corn generally only
provides basic information as the variety and grade of its corn to
the packager. Information regarding actual baseline nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values of the corn is not likely to be
provided, and no information is provided regarding .DELTA.N values
resulting from logistic transport (i.e. changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values resulting from preservation
during bulk shipping to the packager). The packager, who preserves
the corn and ships it to a transformer for use in a ready-to-eat
dinner, may only tell the transformer that the corn has been frozen
as loose kernels of sweet corn. No information is provided
regarding baseline nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values,
.DELTA.N values occurring prior to receipt by the packager,
resulting from preservation and packaging by the packager, or
resulting from logistic transport to the transformer. The
transformer uses the corn as an ingredient in creating a
ready-to-eat frozen dinner, and ships it to a supermarket. However,
no information is provided to the supermarket regarding baseline
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic of the corn, .DELTA.N
values occurring prior to receipt by the transformer, resulting
from transformation, or resulting from logistic transport to the
supermarket (i.e. distribution via truck to the supermarket). The
supermarket places the ready-to-eat dinner in a freezer located in
the freezer isle of the supermarket, where it is selected by a
consumer for purchase. However, no information on baseline
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values, .DELTA.N of such
values, or corresponding residual nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic values of the ready-to-eat dinner is passed along to the
consumer. The consumer knows essentially nothing about baseline
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values of the corn, nor
does the consumer know what changes occurred (generally a
degradation, but could be a maintenance or even an improvement) to
the nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values, .DELTA.N, of
the sweet corn from creation, logistic transport to the packager,
preservation and packaging by the packager, logistic transport to
the transformer, transformation, logistic transport to the
supermarket, and preservation in the supermarket's freezer isle.
Further, the packaging of the ready-to-eat dinner may only provide
the consumer with rudimentary instructions regarding how to cook or
reheat the ready-to-eat dinner in a microwave oven, toaster oven or
conventional oven, and only identify that the dinner contains whole
kernel corn among the various items in the dinner, preparation by
consumer, and finally consumption by the consumer. The consumer of
the dinner will likely not express opinions on the quality of the
dinner, unless it was an especially bad experience, where the
consumer might contact the producer's customer support program to
complain. Unfortunately, today consumers have no way to access
information regarding the extent to which nutritional substances
have changed, the .DELTA.N (typically a degradation), at any moment
during their life-cycle. Accordingly, they cannot determine the
actual residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values of
the nutritional substance. Further, they have no access to
information regarding how a nutritional substance's nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values will further change (usually a
degradation) during local storage and conditioning, and no way to
access information regarding how to condition a nutritional
substance in order to achieve desired residual nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values. An interactive system and data
base including user friendly dynamic nutritional substance labeling
allowing consumers to access such information for nutritional
substances would offer great value to the nutritional substance
supply system.
[0007] Consumers' needs are changing as consumers are demanding
healthier foods, such as "organic foods." Customers are also asking
for more information about the nutritional substances they consume,
such as specific characteristics' relating not only to nutritional
content, but to allergens or digestive intolerances. For example,
nutritional substances which contain lactose, gluten, nuts, dyes,
etc. need to be avoided by certain consumers. However, the producer
of the ready-to-eat dinner, in the prior example, has very little
information to share other than possibly the source of the elements
of the ready-to-eat dinner and its processing steps in preparing
the dinner. Generally, the producer of the ready-to-eat dinner does
not know the nutritional content and organoleptic state and
aesthetic condition of the product after it has been reheated or
cooked by the consumer, cannot predict changes to these properties,
.DELTA.N, and cannot inform a consumer of this information to
enable the consumer to better meet their needs. For example, the
consumer may want to know what proportion of desired organoleptic
properties or values, desired nutritional content or values, or
desired aesthetic properties or values of the corn in the
ready-to-eat dinner remain after cooking or reheating, and the
change in the desired nutritional content or values, the desired
organoleptic properties or values, or the desired aesthetic
properties or values, .DELTA.N, (usually a degradation, but could
be a maintenance or even improvement). There is a need to preserve,
measure, estimate, store and/or transmit information regarding such
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values, including changes
to these values, .DELTA.N, throughout the nutritional substance
supply system.
[0008] The caloric and nutritional content information for a
prepared food that is provided to the consumer is often minimal.
For example, when sugar is listed in the ingredient list, the
consumer may not receive any information about the source of the
sugar, which can come from a variety of plants, such as sugarcane,
beets, or corn, which will affect its nutritional content.
Conversely, some nutritional information that is provided to
consumers is so detailed, the consumer can do little with it. For
example, this list of ingredients is from a nutritional label on a
consumer product: Vitamins--A 355 IU 7%, E 0.8 mg 4%, K 0.5 mcg,
1%, Thiamin 0.6 mg 43%, Riboflavin 0.3 mg 20%, Niacin 6.0 mg 30%,
B6 1.0 mg 52%, Foliate 31.5 mcg 8%, Pantothenic 7%; Minerals
Calcium 11.6 1%, Iron 4.5 mg 25%, Phosphorus 349 mg 35%, Potassium
476 mg 14%, Sodium 58.1 mg 2%, Zinc 3.7 mg 24%, Copper 0.5 mg 26%,
Manganese 0.8 mg 40%, Selenium 25.7 mcg 37%; Carbohydrate 123 g,
Dietary fiber 12.1 g, Saturated fat 7.9 g, Monosaturated Fat 2.1 g,
Polysaturated Fat 3.6 g, Omega 3 fatty acids 108 g, Omega 6 fatty
acids 3481, Ash 2.0 g and Water 17.2 g. (%=Daily Value). There is a
need for dynamic labeling of nutritional substances in order to
provide information about nutritional substances in a meaningful
manner. Such information needs to be presented in a manner that
meets the specific needs of a particular consumer. For example,
consumers with a medical condition, such as diabetes, would want to
track specific information regarding nutritional values associated
with sugar and other nutrients in the foods and beverages they
consume, and would benefit further from knowing changes in these
values or having tools to quickly indicate or estimate these
changes in a retrospective, current, or prospective fashion.
[0009] In fact, each module in the food and beverage industry
already creates and tracks some information, including caloric and
nutritional information, about their product internally. For
example, the farmer who grew the corn knows the variety of the
seed, condition of the soil, the source of the water, the
fertilizers and pesticides used, the chosen mode of logistic
transport to the packager, and can measure the caloric and
nutritional content at creation. The packager of the corn knows
when it was picked, how the corn was preserved and packaged before
being sent to the ready-to-eat dinner, what resulting change
(typically a degradation) to caloric and nutritional content has
occurred, the chosen mode of logistic transport to the transformer,
and when it was delivered to the ready-to-eat dinner transformer.
The ready-to-eat dinner transformer knows the source of the corn
and other ingredients of the ready-to-eat dinner, how it was
processed during transformation, including the recipe followed, how
it was preserved and packaged for the consumer, and the chosen mode
of logistic transport to the supermarket. Not only does such a
ready-to-eat dinner producer know what changes (typically
degradation) to caloric and nutritional content occurred, the
ready-to-eat dinner transformer can modify its processing and
post-processing preservation to optimize residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values (for example to minimize
degradation). The supermarket knows when they received the
ready-to-eat dinners, when they were put into their freezer in the
freezer isle, the temperature and other conditions inside the
freezer, and when the consumer purchased the ready-to-eat dinner.
Finally, the consumer knows how she locally stored and prepared the
ready-to-eat dinner for consumption, which can also change the
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values (typically a
degradation), what condiments were added, and whether she did or
did not enjoy it.
[0010] If there was a mechanism to share this information, the
quality of the nutritional substances, including caloric and
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic value, could be preserved
and improved. Consumers could be better informed about nutritional
substances they select and consume, including the state, and
changes in the state, .DELTA.N, of the nutritional substance
throughout its lifecycle from creation to consumption. The
efficiency and cost effectiveness of nutritional substances could
also be improved. Feedback within the entire chain from creator to
consumer could provide a closed-loop system that could improve
quality (taste, appearance, and caloric and nutritional content),
efficiency, value and profit. For example, in the milk supply
chain, at least 10% of the milk produced is wasted due to safety
margins included in product expiration dates. The use of more
accurate tracking information, measured quality information,
including .DELTA.N and corresponding residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values, and historical environmental
information could substantially reduce such waste. An interactive
system and data base including dynamic nutritional substance
labeling for collecting, preserving, measuring and/or tracking
information about a nutritional substance in the nutritional
substance supply system, would allow needed accountability. There
would be nothing to hide. Unfortunately, today there is no such
system or dynamic nutritional substance labeling.
[0011] As consumers are demanding more information about what they
consume, they are asking for products that have higher nutritional
content and more closely match good nutritional requirements, and
would like nutritional products to actually meet their specific
nutritional substance requirements. While grocery stores,
restaurants, and all those who process and sell food and beverages
may obtain some information from current nutritional substance
tracking systems, such as existing non-dynamic nutritional
substance labeling, these current systems can provide only limited
information.
[0012] Current packaging materials for nutritional substances
include plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, and synthetic materials.
Generally, the packaging material is chosen by the producer to best
preserve the quality of the nutritional substance until used by the
customer. In some cases, the packaging may include some information
regarding type of nutritional substance, identity of the producer,
and the country of origin. Such packaging generally does not
transmit source information of the nutritional substance, such as
creation information and baseline nutritional, organoleptic, and
aesthetic values, current or historic information as to the
external conditions of the packaged nutritional substance during
storage or logistic transport, current or historic information as
to the internal conditions of the packaged nutritional substance
during storage or logistic transport, or corresponding .DELTA.N
information and residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic
values.
[0013] Nutritional substance collectors and/or producers, such as
growers (plants), ranchers (animals) or synthesizer (synthetic
compounds), routinely create and collect information about their
products, however, that information is generally not accessible by
their customers. Even if such producers wished to provide such
information to their customers, there is no current method of
labeling, encoding or identifying each particular product to
provide such information (even though all plants, animals and in
general, nutritional substances have a natural fingerprint). While
there are limited methods and systems available, they are
excessively costly, time consuming, and do not trace, or provide
access to, the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic state
across the product's lifecycle. Current labels for such products
include package labels, sticker labels and food color ink labels.
These labels generally are applied to all similar products and
cannot identify each particular product, only variety of products,
such as apple banana, but not a particular banana.
[0014] An important issue in the creation, preservation,
transformation, conditioning, and consumption of nutritional
substances are the changes in nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic values, .DELTA.N, that occur in nutritional substances
due to a variety of internal and external factors. Because
nutritional substances are composed of biological, organic, and/or
chemical compounds, they are generally subject to degradation. This
degradation generally reduces the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values of nutritional substances. While not always true,
nutritional substances are best consumed at their point of
creation. However, being able to consume nutritional substances at
the farm, at the slaughterhouse, at the fishery, or at the food
processing plant is at least inconvenient, if not impossible.
Currently, the food and beverage industry attempts to minimize the
loss of nutritional value (often through the use of additives or
preservatives), and/or attempts to hide this loss of nutritional
value from consumers.
[0015] It is understood that nutritional substances may experience
one, or several, preservation modalities on their journey from
creation to consumption. Such preservation modalities include all
known forms of storage. Further, such preservation modalities
include all known forms of logistic transport. Modes of logistic
transport may include, but are in no way limited to: containers for
maritime, rail, highway, and air-freight; enclosed
tractor-trailers; box trucks; rail and highway tankers; hoppers;
pallets; boxes; bags; drums; and so forth. .DELTA.N resulting
during logistic transport of nutritional substances can be
significant. Accordingly, the ability to track .DELTA.N (or
corresponding residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic
values) resulting during logistic transport and communicate it to
others in the nutritional substance supply system would provide a
great benefit to all participants in the nutritional substance
supply system.
[0016] Overall, the examples herein of some prior or related
systems and their associated limitations are intended to be
illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of existing or
prior systems will become apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reading the following Detailed Description.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In an object of the present invention, a nutritional
substance is preserved such that its source information and
historical preservation information, including information
regarding storage, packaging, logistic transport, and any other
external influences on the nutritional substance which may have
caused changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
values of the nutritional substance, herein collectively and
individually referred to as .DELTA.N, and information regarding
such .DELTA.Ns or a resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value, are available to users and/or consumers of
the nutritional substance, as well as all entities of the
nutritional substance supply system, including those who create,
transform, preserve and provide logistic transport, and condition
nutritional substances.
[0018] In a further object of the present invention, preservation
systems, including packaging, storage systems and containers, and
logistic transport, can dynamically interact with a nutritional
substance being preserved, in order to maintain and/or improve
and/or minimize degradation of the nutritional substance in order
to maintain, improve, or minimize degradation of a nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value, or otherwise favorably
influence a .DELTA.N related to the nutritional substance.
[0019] In an object of the present invention, a nutritional
substance is preserved such that its source information and/or
historical preservation information, including information
regarding storage, packaging, logistic transport, and any other
external influences on the nutritional substance which may have
caused changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
values of the nutritional substance, herein collectively and
individually referred to as .DELTA.N, and information regarding
such .DELTA.Ns or a resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value, are available to entities outside of the
nutritional substance supply system.
[0020] In an object of the present invention, the packaging or
label of a nutritional substance tracks creation and historical
information of nutritional substance, including .DELTA.N
information as well as current information about the state of a
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of the
nutritional substance.
[0021] In an object of the present invention, a unique attribute of
a nutritional substance tracks creation and historical information
of nutritional substance, including .DELTA.N information as well as
current information about the state of a nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance.
[0022] In a further object of the present invention, preservation
systems, including storage, packaging and logistic transport, can
dynamically interact with a nutritional substance to maintain
and/or improve and/or minimize degradation of the nutritional
substance being preserved, in order to maintain, improve, or
minimize degradation of a nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic value, or otherwise favorably influence a .DELTA.N
related to the nutritional substance, and transmit information
regarding such dynamic interaction with the nutritional
substance.
[0023] In an object of the present invention, a nutritional
substance is preserved such that its source information and/or
historical preservation information, including information
regarding storage, packaging, logistic transport, and any other
external influences on the nutritional substance which may have
caused changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
values of the nutritional substance, herein collectively and
individually referred to as .DELTA.N, and information regarding
such .DELTA.Ns or a resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value, are available by reference to a unique
identifier provided with the nutritional substance.
[0024] In an object of the present invention, .DELTA.N information
of a nutritional substance is referenced to a unique identifier
associated with the nutritional substance and the .DELTA.N
information is tracked and/or collected and/or stored and/or
minimized and/or transmitted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a preservation
system for a nutritional substance, including, but not limited to,
storage, packaging, and logistic transport systems, may allow the
tracking of source information, information as to the history of
the nutritional substance from the point it was preserved and/or
current information on external influences on the preserved
nutritional substance which may have caused changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values of the nutritional substance,
herein collectively and individually referred to as .DELTA.N. In a
further embodiment, the current information on the external
influences on the preserved nutritional substance is utilized to
provide .DELTA.N values or resulting residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values to users and/or consumers of
the nutritional substance as well as all entities of the
nutritional substance supply system, including those who create,
preserve (including logistic transport), transform, condition, and
consume nutritional substances.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, packaging or
labeling for a nutritional substance can facilitate the provision
of information to any entity inside or outside of the nutritional
substance supply system, but preferably the consumer, related to a
.DELTA.N value or resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, a unique
attribute of a nutritional substance can facilitate the provision
of information to any entity inside or outside of the nutritional
substance supply system, but preferably the consumer, related to a
.DELTA.N value or resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, a preservation
system for a nutritional substance, including, but not limited to,
storage, packaging and logistic transport systems, may dynamically
interact with the nutritional substance to maintain, improve, or
minimize degradation of a nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic value, or otherwise favorably influence a .DELTA.N
related to the nutritional substance.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, a preservation
system for a nutritional substance, including, but not limited to,
storage, packaging and logistic transport systems, may allow the
tracking of source information, information as to the history of
the nutritional substance from the point it was preserved and/or
current information on external influences on the preserved
nutritional substance which may have caused changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values of the nutritional substance,
herein collectively and individually referred to as .DELTA.N. In a
further embodiment, the current information on the external
influences on the preserved nutritional substance is utilized to
provide .DELTA.N values or resulting residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values to entities outside of the
nutritional substance supply system.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, packaging or
labeling for a nutritional substance references information related
to a .DELTA.N value or resulting residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance
by a unique identifier provided by the packaging or labeling for
the nutritional substance. Alternatively, information related to a
.DELTA.N value or resulting residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance may be
referenced by a unique property of the nutritional substance. Such
packaging or labeling may be applicable to nutritional substances
that are preserved individually or in bulk.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a preservation
system for a nutritional substance, including, but not limited to,
storage, packaging, and logistic transport systems, can dynamically
interact with the nutritional substance to maintain, improve, or
minimize degradation of a nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic value, or otherwise favorably influence a .DELTA.N
related to the nutritional substance, and transmits information
related to the interaction, the .DELTA.N, or the corresponding
residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, a preservation
system for a nutritional substance, including, but not limited to,
storage, packaging, and logistic transport systems, can allow the
tracking of source information, information as to the history of
the nutritional substance from the point it was preserved and/or
current information on external influences on the preserved
nutritional substance which may have caused changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values of the nutritional substance,
herein collectively and individually referred to as .DELTA.N. In a
further embodiment of the present invention, the current
information on the external influences on the preserved nutritional
substance is referenced to a unique identifier provided with the
preservation system, or a property unique to the nutritional
substance. Such a unique identifier may be applicable to
nutritional substances that are preserved individually or in
bulk.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, a system is
provided for the creation, collection, storage, transmission,
and/or processing of information regarding a dynamically labeled
nutritional substance so as to improve, maintain, or minimize
degradation of nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of
the nutritional substance. Additionally, such information may be
provided for use by creators, preservers (including logistic
transporters), transformers, conditioners, and consumers of the
nutritional substance. In a preferred embodiment, this information
is openly available and openly integrated at any point in time to
all constituents in the nutritional substance supply system. It is
preferred that dynamic labeling provided with the nutritional
substance enables the integration and availability of the
information and that this information becomes openly available and
openly integrated as soon as it is created. The nutritional
information creation, preservation, and transmission system of the
present invention may allow the nutritional substance supply system
to improve its ability to minimize degradation of nutritional,
organoleptic and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance,
and/or inform the consumer, creator, preserver (including logistic
transporter), transformer, conditioner, or consumer about such
degradation, or .DELTA.N. While the ultimate goal of the
nutritional substance supply system can be to minimize degradation
of nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic values, or as it
relates to .DELTA.N, minimize the negative magnitude of .DELTA.N,
an interim goal may be providing consumers with significant
information regarding any change, particularly degradation, of
nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic values of nutritional
substances, and/or component nutritional substances thereof,
consumers select and consumer, the .DELTA.N, such that desired
information regarding specific residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values can be ascertained using the .DELTA.N.
Entities within the nutritional substance supply system that
provide such .DELTA.N information regarding nutritional substances,
particularly regarding degradation, will be able to differentiate
their products from those who obscure and/or hide such information.
Additionally, such entities should be able to charge a premium for
products which either maintain their nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value, or supply more complete information about
changes in their nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value,
the .DELTA.N.
[0034] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention
further provide a logistic transport system for preservation of
nutritional substances comprised of a mobile container for
preserving a nutritional substance associated with a unique
identifier. The mobile container includes a gas sensor and an
optical sensor for dynamically sensing attribute information of the
nutritional substance indicating a change in value of a specific
nutritional or organoleptic property; and a temperature and
humidity sensor for dynamically sensing environmental information
of the container indicating a change in value of the specific
nutritional or organoleptic property. A device is provided to
dynamically provide location, date, and time information, and
information storage is provided for storing the dynamically sensed
attribute information, the environmental information, the location,
date and time information, and the unique identifier.
[0035] In some embodiments, a method is provided for determining
and communicating an evolution of a particular nutritional or
organoleptic property of a nutritional substance, comprising
scanning a nutritional substance provided with a unique identifier
at a first time to obtain a first scan-response related to a target
attribute associated with a particular nutritional or organoleptic
property. The first scan-response is analyzed and correlated with a
first value of the particular nutritional or organoleptic property
and to the unique identifier. The nutritional substance is scanned
at a subsequent time to obtain a subsequent scan-response related
to the target attribute. The subsequent scan-response is analyzed
and correlated with a subsequent value of the particular
nutritional or organoleptic property and to the unique identifier.
A change is determined in the particular nutritional or
organoleptic property between the first time and the subsequent
time, and information related to the change in the particular
nutritional or organoleptic property referenced to the unique
identifier is communicated.
[0036] Other advantages and features will become apparent from the
following description and claims. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, exemplify the embodiments
of the present invention and, together with the description, serve
to explain and illustrate principles of the invention. The drawings
are intended to illustrate major features of the exemplary
embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended
to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative
dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to
scale.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic functional block diagram of a
nutritional substance supply relating to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a graph representing a value of a nutritional
substance which changes according to a change of condition for the
nutritional substance;
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 10 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 12 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a schematic functional block diagram of the
preservation module 300 according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 14 shows a logistic transport system according to
embodiments of the present invention; and
[0052] FIGS. 15a and 15b show formats of a dynamic indicator by
which a .DELTA.N, and related residual and initial nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values, may be expressed.
[0053] In the drawings, the same reference numbers and any acronyms
identify elements or acts with the same or similar structure or
functionality for ease of understanding and convenience. To easily
identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most
significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the
Figure number in which that element is first introduced.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Various examples of the invention will now be described. The
following description provides specific details for a thorough
understanding and enabling description of these examples. One
skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the
invention may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise,
one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the
invention can include many other obvious features not described in
detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or
functions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.
[0055] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its
broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in
conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific
examples of the invention. Indeed, certain terms may even be
emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be
interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and
specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description
section.
[0056] The following discussion provides a brief, general
description of a representative environment in which the invention
can be implemented. The present invention enables a nutritional
substance to interact and communicate with its preservation system
in a dynamic manner through the natural changes .DELTA.N it
experiences, and further enables the preservation system to convey
information associated with those changes to the consumer. As used
herein, preservation modules, also referred to as preservation
systems, may include, but are not limited to, any internal or
external portion of a nutritional substance package, container,
carton, bottle, bulk storage system, logistic transport system,
box, bag, vessel, cup, plate, wrapper, label, or any other
apparatus used to preserve, store, transfer, present, or serve a
nutritional substance.
[0057] An example of the present invention is provided of bottled
wine interacting, or communicating, with a portion of its
container. As the wine in the container ages it naturally
experiences many changes .DELTA.N, including changes in acidity,
tannin content, gas emission, sugar content, alcohol content, and
others, which occur at various rates depending on factors intrinsic
to the wine, for example the variety of grape, and further
depending on factors extrinsic to the wine, such as container
materials, storage temperature, exposure to light, exposure to
oxygen, and any other environmental conditions that may occur in an
embodiment, at least a portion of the container contacting the
wine, such as a cork, a cap, a submerged coupon or indicator, or
any part of the surface of the bottle contacting the wine can
monitor one or more .DELTA.N and convey to a consumer at least one
of the .DELTA.N, a corresponding rate of change of the .DELTA.N, or
a corresponding current state (corresponding current nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value), of the wine at any moment the
consumer wants to know, such as when he is deciding to purchase or
open the container.
[0058] A container may be provided with the ability to variably
adapt its internal environment in response to the monitored
.DELTA.N information, so as to alter the corresponding rate of
change of the monitored .DELTA.N. In one embodiment, a means for
variably adapting conditions in the container to alter the rate of
change of a monitored .DELTA.N includes at least one of a chemical,
photochemical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, dissolution,
absorption, swelling, shrinkage, component addition, component
subtraction, component binding, component conversion, electrolytic,
ionic, osmotic, reverse osmotic, or thermal means to variably
control the gaseous environment in the container in response to
monitoring of the gaseous environment in the container.
[0059] In another example, a milk carton containing milk could have
a small area on its side with encapsulated gel in direct contact
with the milk. As the milk ages, its bacteria count naturally
increases, also resulting in a reduced ph. The bacteria will be
able to penetrate the gel and the gel will gradually change color
in response to the increasing bacteria content or concentration,
indicating the increase in bacteria within the milk, and therefore
a current state of the milk. For example, the gel may change from
green, wherein green represents an acceptable bacteria level and
associated shelf life, to yellow, wherein yellow represents a
higher acceptable bacteria level and associated shorter shelf life,
to red, wherein red represents the milk has an unacceptably high
bacteria level and is not apt for drinking any more.
[0060] Alternatively, the gel may gradually change color in
response to a reduction in pH, wherein changes in pH are surrogates
for changes in bacteria levels. As the milk ages, its bacteria
count naturally increases, reducing its pH. For example, the gel
may change from green, wherein green represents a pH level
corresponding to an acceptable bacteria level and associated shelf
life, to yellow, wherein yellow represents a lower pH level and
corresponding higher acceptable bacteria level and associated
shorter shelf life, to red, wherein red represents a still lower pH
and corresponding unacceptably high bacteria level and is not apt
for drinking any more.
[0061] It is understood that nutritional substances, as used
herein, include, but are not limited to, synthetic compounds such
as medicaments, supplements, and other substances intended for
consumption or introduction into a consumer. The present invention
may include embodiments wherein a portion of the nutritional
substance interacting or communicating with its container is
segregated from a portion of the nutritional substance to be
consumed. This would be of particular benefit for packaged goods
including synthetic compounds such as medicaments, in which case it
would be desirable to segregate the portion of medicament
interacting or communicating with the container from the portion of
the medicament for consumption. In this case, the portion of the
medicament interacting or communicating with the container would
serve as a parallel sample of the medicament provided for
consumption. This might be accomplished by providing a separate,
permanently sealed cavity on or within the medicament container,
its cover, its label, or any permanently sealed cavity structure
known in the art, wherein the structure contains the portion of
medicament intended to interact or communicate with the container.
The permanently sealed cavity can interact with the portion of
medicament communicating with it to convey desired .DELTA.N
information regarding the medicament. Such .DELTA.N information may
be associated with a degradation of the medicament, a residual
value of the medicament, an expiration date of the medicament, or
utilized in any other way to ensure the medicament's safety and
efficacy when a consumer uses it.
[0062] Other examples of the present invention could include, but
are not limited to, containers like jars, glasses, or cups that
could detect when there is an unhealthy level of toxins,
antibiotics, fungus, bacteria, pesticides, or other undesirable
components in tap water intended for consumption, or if the coffee
poured into a cup has caffeine or not. The principle at work is
that of symbiosis, similar to that which occurs between a banana
and its peel. The banana peel has a natural evolution from green to
black that conveys the level of maturity of the banana. The peel
reacts to the natural .DELTA.N that occurs during the banana's
maturation process, wherein the .DELTA.Ns may include changes in
acidity, sugar content, and bacteria level. The .DELTA.Ns of the
banana independently and collectively have an effect on the
aesthetic values of the banana peel, which in turn conveys to the
consumer when and how the banana may best be consumed. For example,
a green peel indicates that the banana is not yet ripe and should
not be eaten. Yellow indicates that it may be suitable for
consumption, but will not be very sweet. Yellow with a few black
spots indicates that it is suitable for consumption, and will be
sweat. Mostly black indicates that it is suitable for use in baked
goods or to be fried. Very black indicates that it is no longer
suitable for consumption. In this same manner when the peel has
been punctured or torn and the maturating process is accelerated as
more oxygen than normal contacts the banana, the banana peel
quickly turns black alerting the consumer. Therefore the consumer
does not have to rely on a static expiration date to determine the
banana's suitability for consumption.
[0063] Although not required, aspects of the invention may be
described below in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as routines executed by a general-purpose data
processing device (e.g., a server computer or a personal computer).
Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the
invention can be practiced with other communications, data
processing, or computer system configurations, including: wireless
devices, Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including personal
digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all manner of
cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top
boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the
like. Indeed, the terms "controller," "computer," "server," and the
like are used interchangeably herein, and may refer to any of the
above devices and systems.
[0064] While aspects of the invention, such as certain functions,
are described as being performed exclusively on a single device,
the invention can also be practiced in distributed environments
where functions or modules are shared among disparate processing
devices. The disparate processing devices are linked through a
communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide
Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules may be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0065] Aspects of the invention may be stored or distributed on
tangible computer-readable media, including magnetically or
optically readable computer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed
chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory,
biological memory, or other data storage media. Alternatively,
computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen
displays, and other data related to the invention may be
distributed over the Internet or over other networks (including
wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagation medium
(e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a
period of time. In some implementations, the data may be provided
on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuit
switched, or other scheme).
[0066] In some instances, the interconnection between modules is
the internet, allowing the modules (with, for example, WiFi
capability) to access web content offered through various web
servers. The network may be any type of cellular, IP-based or
converged telecommunications network, including but not limited to
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE),
Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX), Universal Mobile Telecommunications
System (UMTS), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), Long Term Evolution
(LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), etc.
[0067] The modules in the systems can be understood to be
integrated in some instances and in particular embodiments, only
particular modules may be interconnected.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows the components of a nutritional substance
industry 10. It should be understood that this could be the food
and beverage ecosystem for human consumption, but could also be the
feed industry for animal consumption, such as the pet food
industry. A goal of the present invention for nutritional substance
industry 10 is to create, preserve, transform and trace change in
nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic values of nutritional
substances, collectively and individually also referred to herein
as .DELTA.N, through their creation, preservation (including
logistic transport), transformation, conditioning and consumption.
While the nutritional substance industry 10 can be composed of many
companies or businesses, it can also be integrated into
combinations of business serving many roles, or can be one business
or even individual. Since .DELTA.N is a measure of the change in a
value of a nutritional substance, knowledge of a prior value (or
state) of a nutritional substance and the .DELTA.N value will
provide knowledge of the changed value (or state) of a nutritional
substance, and can further provide the ability to estimate a change
in value (or state).
[0069] Module 200 is the creation module. This can be a system,
organization, or individual which creates and/or originates
nutritional substances. Examples of this module include a farm
which grows sweet corn; a ranch which raises beef; an aquaculture
farm for growing shrimp; a factory that synthesizes nutritional
compounds; a collector of wild truffles; or a deep sea crab
trawler.
[0070] Preservation module 300 is a preservation system (including
storage and logistic transport systems) for preserving and
protecting the nutritional substances that are created by one
module and transferred to another module or entity. Once the
nutritional substance has been created, generally, it will need to
be packaged in some manner for its transition to other modules in
the nutritional substances industry 10. Transition to other modules
is commonly accomplished by some form of logistic transport. While
preservation module 300 is shown in a particular position in the
nutritional substance industry 10, following the creation module
200, it should be understood that the preservation module 300
actually can be placed anywhere nutritional substances need to be
preserved during their transition from creation to consumption. For
example, the creator of the sweet corn may choose enclosed, bulk
non-refrigerated rail cars as a logistic transport modality for
shipping his corn to a preserver. The preserver of the sweet corn
may choose a package format comprising 50 lb boxes containing 10 ea
individually sealed 51b plastic bags of frozen corn kernels shipped
in refrigerated tractor trailers as a logistic transport modality
for shipping his corn to a transformer.
[0071] Transformation module 400 is a nutritional substance
processing system, such as a manufacturer who processes raw
materials such as grains into breakfast cereals. In the example of
the sweet corn kernels, the transformation module 400 could be a
ready-to-eat frozen dinner manufacturer who receives the
components, or ingredients, also referred to herein as component
nutritional substances, for a ready-to-eat frozen dinner from
preservation module 300 and prepares them into a frozen dinner. In
this example, the transformer 400 receives the frozen sweet corn
kernels from the preservation module 300 as 501b boxes containing
10 individually sealed 51b plastic bags of frozen corn kernels
shipped in refrigerated tractor trailers. While transformation
module 400 is depicted as one module, it will be understood that
nutritional substances may be transformed by a number of
transformation modules 400 on their path to consumption. In the
example of the ready-to-eat dinner, the sweet corn is incorporated
as an ingredient in ready-to-eat frozen dinners, and shipped to
various supermarkets by the transformer's chosen logistic transport
modality, which may be cartons containing 24 ready-to-eat frozen
dinners each, delivered by the transformers chosen logistic
transport modality, such as a refrigerated box truck. When the
refrigerated box truck reaches a supermarket that has ordered the
ready-to-eat frozen dinners, the product may be directly placed
into the freezers of the frozen food isle, where it can be selected
by a consumer.
[0072] Conditioning module 500 is a consumer preparation system for
preparing the nutritional substance immediately before consumption
by the consumer. Conditioning module 500 can be a microwave oven, a
blender, a toaster, a convection oven, a cook, etc. It can also be
systems used by commercial establishments to prepare nutritional
substance for consumers such as a restaurant, an espresso maker,
pizza oven, and other devices located at businesses which provide
nutritional substances to consumers. Such nutritional substances
could be for consumption at the business or for the consumer to
take out from the business. Conditioning module 500 can also be a
combination of any of these devices used to prepare nutritional
substances for consumption by consumers. In the example of the
ready-to-eat frozen dinner, the conditioning module typically may
be the consumer's microwave oven or his convection oven.
[0073] Consumer module 600 collects information from the living
entity which consumes the nutritional substance which has passed
through the various modules from creation to consumption. The
consumer can be a human being, but could also be an animal, such as
pets, zoo animals and livestock, which are they themselves
nutritional substances for other consumption chains. Consumers
could also be plant life which consumes nutritional substances to
grow. In the example of the ready-to-eat frozen dinner, the
consumer is the individual who purchases, conditions, and consumes
the ready-to-eat frozen dinner.
[0074] Information module 100 receives and transmits information
regarding dynamically labeled nutritional substances between each
of the modules in the nutritional substance industry 10 including,
the creation module 200, the preservation module 300 (which
includes logistic transport modalities), the transformation module
400, the conditioning module 500, and the consumer module 600. The
nutritional substance information module 100 can be an
interconnecting information transmission system which allows the
transmission of information between various modules. It is
preferred that the information module 100 collects, tracks, and
organizes information regarding the dynamically-labeled nutritional
substances from each stage of the production of the nutritional
substances from creation to consumption and that the information
regarding the dynamically-labeled nutritional substances is openly
available and openly integrated at any point in time to all modules
of the nutritional substance supply system, preferably as soon as
it is created. The integration and availability of the information
is enabled by dynamic labeling provided with the nutritional
substances, which includes a unique nutritional substance
identifier, also referred to herein as a dynamic information
identifier. Information module 100 contains a database, also
referred to herein as a dynamic nutritional value database, where
the information regarding the dynamically labeled nutritional
substance resides and can be referenced or located by the
corresponding dynamic information identifier. The dynamic
nutritional value database may comprise: one database openly
accessible to all modules of the nutritional substance supply
system, or one database wherein specific types of data are
selectively accessible to particular modules of the nutritional
substance supply system. For example, information regarding
particular logistic transport information may only be available to
the preservation module, or alternatively, may be available to the
preservation module and at least one of the creation,
transformation, conditioning, or consumer modules. Alternatively,
the dynamic nutritional value database may comprise: multiple
individual databases openly accessible to all modules of the
nutritional substance supply system, or multiple individual
databases wherein specific individual databases are selectively
accessible to one or more particular modules of the nutritional
substance supply system. For example, information regarding
logistic transport may reside in a preservation database and may
only be available to the preservation module, or alternatively, may
be available to the preservation module and at least one of the
creation, transformation, conditioning, or consumer modules.
Information module 100 can be connected to the other modules by a
variety of communication systems, such as paper, computer networks,
and Internet and telecommunication systems, such as wireless
telecommunication systems.
[0075] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the function of how a nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value of a nutritional substance varies
over the change in a condition of the nutritional substance.
Plotted on the vertical axis of this graph can be a nutritional
value, organoleptic value, or an aesthetic value of a nutritional
substance (indicated as "Nutritional/Organoleptic/Aesthetic
Value"). Plotted on the horizontal axis can be the change in a
condition that the nutritional substance is exposed to, such as
time, temperature, location, and/or exposure to environmental
conditions (indicated as "Change in Condition such as
Time/Temperature/Exposure). This exposure to environmental
conditions can include, but is not limited to: exposure to air,
including the air pressure and partial pressures of oxygen, carbon
dioxide, water, or ozone; airborne chemicals, pollutants,
allergens, dust, smoke, carcinogens, radioactive isotopes, or
combustion byproducts; exposure to moisture; exposure to energy
such as mechanical impact, mechanical vibration, irradiation, heat,
or sunlight; elapsed time; or exposure to materials such as
packaging. Also shown in FIG. 2 is .DELTA.N for nutritional
substance A and B (indicated as ".DELTA.N: Change in nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value") and the corresponding residual
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value for nutritional
substance A and B (indicated as "Residual nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value"). The function plotted as
nutritional substance A could show a .DELTA.N for milk, such as the
degradation of a nutritional value of milk during logistic
transport by modality L.sub.1. Any point on this curve can be
compared to another point to measure and/or describe the change in
nutritional value, or the .DELTA.N of nutritional substance A,
during logistic transport by modality L.sub.1. The plot of the
degradation in the same nutritional value of nutritional substance
B, also milk, describes the change in nutritional value, or the
.DELTA.N of nutritional substance B, during logistic transport by
modality L.sub.2. As the graph shows, nutritional substance B
starts out with a higher nutritional value than nutritional
substance A, but degrades during logistic transport by modality
L.sub.2 more quickly than nutritional substance A during logistic
transport by modality L.sub.1.
[0076] In this example, where nutritional substance A and
nutritional substance B are milk, this .DELTA.N information
regarding the nutritional substance degradation profile of each
milk during logistic transport can be accessed and used by a
transformer, such as a commercial homogenizer/bottler of milk, in
the selection of the milk they wish to purchase for transformation,
because nutritional substance A and nutritional substance B are
provided with dynamic labeling, which includes a dynamic
information identifier for each nutritional substance. Using the
dynamic information identifier obtained from the dynamic labeling
provided with each nutritional substance, the transformer could
retrieve desired .DELTA.N information, such as the nutritional
substance degradation profile during logistic transport referenced
to each of the milks, from a dynamic nutritional value database in
information module 100. If the transformer has this information at
time zero when selecting a milk product for purchase, the
transformer could consider when the transformation of the milk will
occur and whether that is on one occasion or multiple occasions.
For example, if the transformer planned to transform all of the
milk prior to the point when the curve represented by nutritional
substance B crosses the curve represented by nutritional substance
A, then the transformer would be likely to choose the milk
represented by nutritional substance B because it has a higher
nutritional value until it crosses the curve represented by
nutritional substance A. However, if the transformer expects to
transform at least some of the milk at a point in time after the
time when the curve represented by nutritional substance B crosses
the curve represented by nutritional substance A, then the
transformer might choose to select the milk represented by the
nutritional substance A, even though milk represented by
nutritional substance A has a lower nutritional value than the milk
represented by nutritional substance B at an earlier time. This
change to a desired nutritional value in a nutritional substance,
.DELTA.N, over a change in a condition of the nutritional substance
described in FIG. 2 can be measured and controlled throughout the
nutritional substance supply system 10 in FIG. 1. This example
demonstrates how dynamically generated information regarding a
.DELTA.N of a dynamically labeled nutritional substance, in this
case a change in nutritional value of milk during logistic
transport, can be used to understand a rate at which that
nutritional value changes or degrades; when that nutritional value
expires; and a residual nutritional value of the nutritional
substance over a change in a condition of the nutritional
substance, in this example a change during logistic transport. This
.DELTA.N information could further be used to determine a best-use
date for nutritional substance A and B, which could be different
from each other depending upon the dynamically generated
information for each.
[0077] There is also the .DELTA.N as two or more nutritional
substances combine. For example, when lemon is added to guacamole
it keeps the avocado in the guacamole from turning black. Referring
again to FIG. 2, the function plotted as nutritional substance A
could show a .DELTA.N for guacamole made by a first transformer,
such as the degradation of an aesthetic value of guacamole during
logistic transport by modality L.sub.1, in this case a degradation
of its green color. Any point on this curve can be compared to
another point to measure and/or describe the change in aesthetic
value, or the .DELTA.N of nutritional substance A during logistic
transport by modality L.sub.1. The plot of the degradation in the
same aesthetic value of nutritional substance B, a guacamole made
by a second transformer, describes the change in the same aesthetic
value, or the .DELTA.N, of nutritional substance B during logistic
transport by the same modality L.sub.1. Nutritional substance B
starts out with a higher aesthetic value than nutritional substance
A, but degrades during logistic transport by modality L.sub.1 more
quickly than nutritional substance A during logistic transport by
modality L.sub.1. The more rapid degradation of nutritional
substance B during logistic transport by the same logistic
transport modality L.sub.1 is a consequence of the transformer of
nutritional substance B adding less lemon juice to their guacamole
in order not to distract from the flavor of the avocado. If
nutritional substance A and nutritional substance B are provided
with dynamic labeling, which may include a dynamic information
identifier for each nutritional substance A and B referencing the
information regarding the degradation of aesthetic values of the
respective nutritional substances, a retailer making a purchasing
decision regarding the nutritional substances A and B could
retrieve desired .DELTA.N information, such as the aesthetic
degradation profile referenced to each guacamole, from a dynamic
nutritional value database in information module 100. For example,
if the retailer is purchasing the guacamole to sell at a time
before the two curves intersect, and the decision is based on
superior aesthetic value, the retailer is likely to choose
nutritional substance B. If the retailer is purchasing the
guacamole to sell after the time the two curves intersect, and the
decision is based on superior aesthetic value, the retailer is
likely to choose nutritional substance A, even though it has lower
aesthetic value at the time of purchase.
[0078] In another example, lemon juice is added to sliced apples
during processing to keep the sliced apples from turning black. The
function plotted as nutritional substance A could show a .DELTA.N
for sliced apples processed by a particular transformer, such as
the degradation of the aesthetic value of the sliced apples during
logistic transport by modality L.sub.1, in this case a degradation
of its pale color. Any point on this curve can be compared to
another point to measure and/or describe the change in aesthetic
value, or the .DELTA.N of nutritional substance A during logistic
transport by modality L.sub.1. The plot of the degradation in the
same aesthetic value of nutritional substance B, a different lot of
sliced apples processed by the same transformer using the same
process, describes the same change in the aesthetic value, or the
.DELTA.N, of nutritional substance B during logistic transport by
modality L.sub.2. Nutritional substance B starts out with a higher
aesthetic value than nutritional substance A, but degrades during
logistic transport more quickly than nutritional substance A, for
instance because preservation conditions of logistic transport by
modality L.sub.2 result in more rapid degradation of similarly
processed sliced apple's aesthetic value than the preservation
conditions of logistic transport by modality L.sub.1. The
information available is related to the interaction of the apples
and lemon juice during the respective logistic transport by
modalities. If nutritional substance A and nutritional substance B
are provided with dynamic labeling, which would include a dynamic
information identifier for each nutritional substance, a retailer,
such as a natural food market, can make purchasing decisions
related to the aesthetic value of the sliced apples at a given
point in time. Using the dynamic information identifier obtained
from the dynamic labeling provided with each nutritional substance,
the retailer could retrieve desired .DELTA.N information, such as
the aesthetic degradation profile referenced to the different lots
of sliced apples shipped by logistic transport by modality L.sub.1
and L.sub.2, from a dynamic nutritional value database. For
example, if the retailer is purchasing the sliced apples to sell
before the time the two curves intersect, and the decision is based
on superior aesthetic value, the retailer will likely choose
nutritional substance B. If the retailer is purchasing the sliced
apples and plans to sell at least some of them after the time the
two curves intersect, and the decision is based on superior
aesthetic value, the retailer may choose nutritional substance A,
even though it has lower aesthetic value at the time of
purchase.
[0079] In FIG. 1, Creation module 200 can dynamically encode
nutritional substances, as part of the nutritional substance
dynamic labeling, to enable the tracking of changes in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance,
or .DELTA.N. This dynamic encoding, also referred to herein as a
dynamic information identifier, can replace and/or complement
existing nutritional substance marking systems such as barcodes,
labels, and/or ink markings. This dynamic encoding, or dynamic
information identifier, can be used to make nutritional substance
information from creation module 200 available to information
module 100 for use by preservation module 300 (which includes
storage and logistic transport), transformation module 400,
conditioning module 500, and/or consumption module 600, which
includes the ultimate consumer of the nutritional substance. A key
resource also available through module 100 is recipe information
regarding meals that may utilize the nutritional substances as
components. The .DELTA.N information combined with recipe
information from module 100 will not only be of great benefit to
the consumer in understanding and accomplishing the nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values desired, it will even help
dispel misunderstandings that consumers may have about particular
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values of nutritional
substances or the combination or nutritional substances. One method
of providing dynamically labeled nutritional substances with a
dynamic information identifier by creation module 200, or any other
module in nutritional supply system 10, could include an electronic
tagging system, such as the tagging system manufactured by Kovio of
San Jose, Calif., USA. Such thin film chips can be used not only
for tracking nutritional substances, but can include components to
measure attributes of nutritional substances, and record and
transmit such information. Such information may be readable by a
reader including a satellite-based system. Such a satellite-based
nutritional substance information tracking system could comprise a
network of satellites with coverage of some or all the surface of
the earth, so as to allow the dynamic nutritional value database of
information module 100 real time, or near real time updates about a
.DELTA.N of a particular nutritional substance. In turn, this
information is openly available and openly integrated at any point
in time to all constituents in the nutritional substance supply
system. It is also preferred that this information becomes openly
available and openly integrated as soon as it becomes
available.
[0080] Preservation module 300 includes packers and shippers (also
referred to herein as logistic transporters) of nutritional
substances. The tracking of changes in nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values, or a .DELTA.N, during the preservation
period within preservation module 300 allows for dynamic expiration
dates for nutritional substances. For example, expiration dates for
dairy products are currently based generally only on time using
assumptions regarding minimal conditions at which dairy products
are maintained. This extrapolated expiration date is based on a
worst-case scenario for when the product becomes unsafe to consume
during the preservation period. In reality, the degradation of
dairy products may be significantly less than this worst-case. If
preservation module 300 could measure or derive the actual
degradation information such as .DELTA.N, an actual expiration
date, referred to herein as a dynamic expiration date, can be
determined dynamically, and could be significantly later in time
than an extrapolated expiration date. This would allow the
nutritional substance supply system to dispose of fewer products
due to expiration dates. This ability to dynamically generate
expiration dates for nutritional substances is of particular
significance when nutritional substances contain few or no
preservatives. Such products are highly valued throughout
nutritional substance supply system 10, including consumers who are
willing to pay a premium for nutritional substances with few or no
preservatives. Consumers of nutritional substances provided with
dynamic labeling comprising dynamic information identifiers can
readily access information regarding dynamic expiration dates for
the nutritional substances, and such dynamic expiration dates could
take into consideration changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and
aesthetic values occurring during logistic transport.
[0081] It should be noted that a dynamic expiration date need not
be indicated numerically (i.e., as a numerical date) but could be
indicated symbolically as by the use of colors--such as green,
yellow and red employed on semaphores--or other designations. In
those instances, the dynamic expiration date would not be
interpreted literally but, rather, as a dynamically-determined
advisory date. In practice a dynamic expiration date will be
provided for at least one component of a single or multi-component
nutritional substance. For multi-component nutritional substances,
the dynamic expiration date could be interpreted as a "best" date
for consumption or "best-use" date for particular components.
Consumers of nutritional substances provided with dynamic labeling
comprising dynamic information identifiers could readily access
this type of information regarding dynamic expiration dates for the
nutritional substances, even taking into consideration changes in
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values occurring during
logistic transport. It is understood that all entities in the
nutritional substance supply system can access such
information.
[0082] By law, in many localities, food processors such as those in
transformation module 400 are required to provide nutritional
substance information regarding their products. Often, this
information takes the form of a nutritional table applied to the
packaging of the nutritional substance. Currently, the information
in this nutritional table is based on averages or minimums for
their typical product. Using the nutritional substance information
from information module 100 provided by creation module 200,
preservation module 300, and/or information from the transformation
of the nutritional substance by transformation module 400, the food
processor could include a dynamically generated nutritional value
table, also referred to herein as a dynamic nutritional value
table, for the actual dynamically-labeled nutritional substance
being supplied. The information in such a dynamic nutritional value
table could be used by conditioning module 500 in the preparation
of the dynamically-labeled nutritional substance, and/or used by
consumption module 600, so as to allow the ultimate consumer the
ability to select the most desirable dynamically-labeled
nutritional substance which meets their needs, and/or to track
information regarding dynamically-labeled nutritional substances
consumed. It is understood that nutritional substances may
experience more than one preservation or more than one
transformation on their journey from creation to consumption, and
it is further understood that the nutritional substance information
from information module 100 may be openly available to all modules
including creation module 200, preservation module 300 (including
logistic transport), transformation module 400, conditioning module
500, and consumer module 600.
[0083] Information about changes in nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values of nutritional substances, or .DELTA.N, is
particularly useful in the conditioning module 500 of the present
invention, as it allows knowing, or estimating, the
pre-conditioning state of the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values of the dynamically labeled nutritional substance,
and allows for estimation of a .DELTA.N associated with proposed
conditioning parameters. The conditioning module 500 can therefore
create conditioning parameters, such as by modifying existing or
baseline conditioning parameters, which can exist as recipes and
conditioning protocols available through the information module 100
or may be available locally available through the conditioning
module 500, to deliver desired nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values after conditioning. The pre-conditioning state of
the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of a
nutritional substance is not tracked or provided to the consumer by
existing information systems or conditioners, nor is the .DELTA.N
expected from a proposed conditioning tracked or provided to the
consumer either before or after conditioning. However, using
information provided by information module 100 from creation module
200, preservation module 300 (including logistic transport),
transformation module 400, and/or information measured or generated
by conditioning module 500 and/or consumer information from the
consumer module 600, conditioning module 500 could provide the
consumer with the actual, and/or estimated change in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values of a dynamically-labeled
nutritional substance, or .DELTA.N. Such information regarding the
change to nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic value of the
dynamically-labeled nutritional substance, or .DELTA.N, could be
provided not only to the consumer, but could also be provided to
information module 100 for use by creation module 200, preservation
module 300 (including logistic transport), transformation module
400, so as to track, and possibly improve nutritional substances
throughout the entire nutritional substance supply system 10.
[0084] The information regarding nutritional substances provided by
information module 100 to consumption module 600 can replace or
complement existing information sources such as recipe books, food
databases like www.epicurious.com, and Epicurious apps. Through the
use of specific information regarding a dynamically-labeled
nutritional substance from information module 100, consumers can
use consumption module 600 to select nutritional substances
according to their residual nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values. This will further allow consumers to make
informed decisions regarding nutritional substance additives,
preservatives, genetic modifications, origins, traceability,
adulteration, and other nutritional substance attributes that may
also be tracked through the information module 100. This
information can be provided by consumption module 600 through
personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, and/or
smartphones. Software running on these devices can include
dedicated computer programs, modules within general programs,
and/or smartphone apps. An example of such a smartphone app
regarding nutritional substances is the iOS ShopNoGMO from the
Institute for Responsible Technology. This iPhone app allows
consumers access to information regarding non-genetically modified
organisms they may select. Additionally, consumption module 600 may
provide information for the consumer to operate conditioning module
500 in such a manner as to optimize residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values of a dynamically-labeled
nutritional substance and/or component nutritional substances
thereof according to the consumer's needs or preference, and/or
minimize degradation of, preserve, or improve residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of a dynamically-labeled
nutritional substance and/or component nutritional substances
thereof.
[0085] Through the use of nutritional substance information
available from information module 100 nutritional substance supply
system 10 can track nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
value of dynamically-labeled nutritional substances. Using this
information, dynamically-labeled nutritional substances travelling
through nutritional substance supply system 10 can be dynamically
valued and priced according to residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values. For example, nutritional substances with
longer dynamic expiration dates (longer shelf life) may be more
highly valued than nutritional substances with shorter expiration
dates. Additionally, nutritional substances with higher
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values may be more
highly valued, not just by the consumer, but also by each entity
within nutritional substance supply system 10. This is because each
entity will want to start with a nutritional substance with higher
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value before it
performs its function and passes the nutritional substance along to
the next entity. Therefore, both the starting nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value and the .DELTA.N associated
with those values are important factors in determining or
estimating an actual, or residual, nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value of a nutritional substance, and accordingly
are important factors in establishing dynamically valued and priced
nutritional substances.
[0086] During the period of implementation of the present
inventions, there will be nutritional substances being marketed
including those benefiting from dynamic labeling and the tracking
of dynamic nutritional information such as .DELTA.N, also referred
to herein as information-enabled nutritional substances, and
nutritional substances which do not benefit from dynamic labeling
or the tracking of dynamic nutritional information such as
.DELTA.N, which are not information enabled and are referred to
herein as dumb nutritional substances. Information-enabled
nutritional substances would be available in virtual internet
marketplaces, as well as traditional marketplaces. Because of
information provided by information-enabled nutritional substances,
entities within the nutritional substance supply system 10,
including consumers, would be able to review and select
information-enabled nutritional substances for purchase. It should
be expected that, initially, the information-enabled nutritional
substances would enjoy a higher market value and price than dumb
nutritional substances. However, as information-enabled nutritional
substances become more the norm, the cost savings from less waste
due to degradation of information-enabled nutritional substances
could lead to their price actually becoming less than dumb
nutritional substances. Ultimately, an information system will
evolve wherein information module 100 has the ability for creating
traffic and signing on the address of users to not only facilitate
the rapid adoption and utilization of better nutritional substance
information, but also be a key source of business and revenue
growth.
[0087] In the example of the ready-to-eat frozen dinner, the
transformer of the ready-to-eat frozen dinner would prefer to use
corn of a high nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value in
the production of its product, the ready-to-eat frozen dinner, so
as to produce a premium product of high residual nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value. Depending upon the post
transformation levels of the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values, the ready-to-eat frozen dinner producer may be
able to charge a premium price and/or differentiate its product
from that of other transformers. When selecting the corn to be used
in the ready-to-eat frozen dinner, the transformer will seek corn
of high nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value from
preservation module 300 that meets its requirements for
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value. The
packager/shipper of preservation module 300 would also be able to
charge a premium for corn which has high nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values. Accordingly, the packager/shipper of
preservation module 300 will select corn that is received from the
grower of creation module 200 with high nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic value and transfer the corn to the transformer by
logistic transport that best maintains those values. In turn, the
grower of creation module 200 will also be able to charge a premium
for corn of high nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
values, and will endeavor to grow corn with high initial
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values and transfer the
corn to the packager/shipper by logistic transport that best
maintains those values.
[0088] The change to nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
value for an information-enabled nutritional substance, or
.DELTA.N, tracked through nutritional substance supply system 10
through nutritional substance information from information module
100 can be preferably determined from measured information.
However, some or all such nutritional substance .DELTA.N
information may be derived through measurements of environmental
conditions of the nutritional substance as it travels through
nutritional substance supply system 10. Additionally, some or all
of the information-enabled nutritional substance .DELTA.N
information can be derived from .DELTA.N data of other
information-enabled nutritional substances which have travelled
through nutritional substance supply system 10. Information-enabled
nutritional substance .DELTA.N information can also be derived from
laboratory experiments performed on other nutritional substances,
which may approximate conditions and/or processes to which the
actual information-enabled nutritional substance has been exposed.
Further, consumer feedback and updates regarding observed or
measured changes in the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
value of information-enabled nutritional substances can play a role
in updating .DELTA.N information. Also, a creator, preserver
(including logistic transporters), transformer, or conditioner may
revise .DELTA.N information, or information regarding other
attributes of information-enabled nutritional substances they have
previously created or processed, based upon newly acquired
information affecting the .DELTA.N or the other attributes.
[0089] For example, laboratory experiments can be performed on
bananas to determine effect on or change in nutritional,
organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value, or .DELTA.N, for a variety of
environmental conditions bananas may be exposed to during packaging
and shipment in preservation module 300. Using this experimental
data, tables and/or algorithms could be developed which would
predict the level of change of nutritional, organoleptic, and/or
aesthetic values, or .DELTA.N, for a particular information-enabled
banana based upon information collected regarding the environmental
conditions to which the information-enabled banana was exposed
during its time in preservation module 300. While the ultimate goal
for nutritional substance supply system 10 would be the actual
measurement of nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values
to determine .DELTA.N, use of derived nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values from experimental data to determine
.DELTA.N would allow improved logistics planning because it
provides the ability to prospectively estimate changes to
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values, or .DELTA.N,
and because it allows more accurate tracking of changes to
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic values, or .DELTA.N,
while technology and systems are put in place to allow actual
measurement.
[0090] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the preservation module of the
present invention. Preservation system 300 includes a container 310
which contains nutritional substance 320. Also included in
container 310 is information storage module 330 which can be
connected to an external reader 340. In this embodiment,
information storage module 330 contains information regarding the
nutritional substance 320. This information can include creation
information from the creation of the nutritional substance 320.
Additionally, information in the information storage module 330
might include unique nutritional substance identification
information, including but not limited to a dynamic information
identifier, information regarding prior transformation or
preservation of the nutritional substance 320, information related
to .DELTA.N, and other historic information. A shipper, or user, of
container 310 can operatively connect to information storage module
330 using reader 340 to retrieve information stored therein. It is
understood that reader 340 can additionally transmit information
retrieved from information storage module 330 to information module
100, wherein such information is referenced to the unique
nutritional substance identification information.
[0091] In another embodiment, reader 340 can also write to
information storage module 330. In this embodiment, information
regarding the container 310 and/or nutritional substance 320 can be
modified or added to information storage module 330 by the user or
shipper, such as a storage facility or logistic transporter. In a
further embodiment, such information is sensed or detected by the
reader 340.
[0092] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of preservation system 300
wherein container 310 contains nutritional substance 320 as well as
controller 350. Controller 350 is connected to external sensor 360
located either inside, on the surface of, or external to container
310 such that external sensor 360 can obtain information regarding
the environment external to container 310. Controller 350 and
exterior sensor 360 can take the form of electronic components such
as a micro-controller and an electronic sensor. However, the
controller-sensor combination may also be chemical or organic
materials which perform the same function, such as a liquid crystal
sensor/display.
[0093] When the shipper or user (such as a storage facility or
logistic transporter) of container 310 desires information from
external sensor 360 the shipper or user can use reader 340 to query
the controller 350 as to the state of external sensor 360. A unique
nutritional substance identifier, such as a dynamic information
identifier referenced to the nutritional substance 320, may be
associated with at least one of the external sensor 360, the
controller 350, or the container 310, such that when reader 340
queries controller 350 as to the state of external sensor 360, the
information received is associated with the unique nutritional
substance identifier. The external sensor, controller, and reader
may take any known forms, including but not limited to, an
electronic component embodiment where reader 340 could be a user
interface device such as a computer which can be electronically
connected to controller 350, or a liquid crystal sensor/display
embodiment, where the reader could be a human looking at the
display.
[0094] In one embodiment, reader 340 can be directly connected to
external sensor 360 to obtain the information from external sensor
360 without need of a controller 350. In another embodiment,
external sensor 360 provides information to controller 350 which is
presented as a visual display to the shipper or user.
Alternatively, external sensor 360 could provide information
directly to the user or shipper by visual means such as a
temperature sensitive liquid crystal thermometer. It is understood
that reader 340 may additionally transmit information retrieved
from controller 350 or external sensor 360, along with the
associated unique nutritional substance identifier, to information
module 100, wherein such information is referenced to the unique
nutritional substance identifier.
[0095] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310, so as to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N of the nutritional substance. For example, if the exterior
environment of container 310 would adversely affect the nutritional
substance 320, controller 350 could adjust the internal environment
of container 310 to better preserve the nutritional substance. If
nutritional substance needs to be kept within a desired temperature
range to preserve its nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
properties, and the external sensor 360 provides exterior
temperature information to controller 350 that it is currently
outside the desired range or may potentially fall outside the
desired range, controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to
maintain nutritional substance 320 within the desired temperature
range.
[0096] In FIG. 5, preservation system 300 includes container 310
which contains nutritional substance 320, controller 350, and
information storage module 330. External sensor 360 is positioned
such that it can provide information on the exterior environment to
container 310. Information from the external sensor 360 and
information storage module 330 can be retrieved by connecting
reader 340 to container 310, so as to obtain the information via
the controller 350. It is understood that connecting reader 340 to
container 310 includes any known contact or non-contact formats
that facilitate data transfer.
[0097] In this embodiment, information regarding the external
environment sensed by external sensor 360 and provided to
controller 350 can be stored in information storage module 330.
This storage of external environment can be used to record a
history the external environment container 310 has been subjected
to. This would allow the shipper or user of container 310 to
understand the external environment the container has been
subjected to during the time it has preserved the nutritional
substance. Such information can be used to determine any number of
.DELTA.N values for the nutritional substance and if the
nutritional substance has been degraded such that it is no longer
in an optimal state or if it is no longer safe for consumption.
Additionally, the user of the nutritional substance could modify
its transformation, conditioning, or consumption according to any
changes, or .DELTA.Ns, that may have occurred because of the
external conditions of the container.
[0098] Additionally, in this embodiment, information storage module
330 could contain other information regarding the nutritional
substance 320, including, but not limited to, creation information,
and prior transformation or preservation information. Additionally,
information in the information storage module 330 might include
unique nutritional substance identification information, including
but not limited to a dynamic information identifier. In this way,
the information obtained by reader 340 is associated with the
unique nutritional substance identifier. It is understood that
reader 340 may additionally transmit information retrieved from
information storage module 330, including the associated unique
nutritional substance identifier, to information module 100,
wherein such information is referenced to the unique nutritional
substance identifier.
[0099] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310, so as to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N of the nutritional substance. For example, if the exterior
environment of container 310 would adversely affect the nutritional
substance 320, controller 350 could adjust the internal environment
of container 310 to better preserve the nutritional substance.
Controller 350 can analyze the historic information from external
sensor 360, stored in information storage module 330 to determine
any long-term exterior conditions environmental If nutritional
substance needs to be kept within a desired temperature range to
preserve its nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic properties,
and the external sensor 360 provides exterior temperature
information to controller 350 indicating that it is outside the
desired range or at risk of going outside the desired range,
controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to maintain
nutritional substance 320 within the desired temperature range.
[0100] In another embodiment, reader 340 can also write to
information storage module 330 via controller 350. In this
embodiment, information regarding the container 310 and/or
nutritional substance 320 can be modified or added to information
storage module 330 by the user or shipper, such as a storage
facility or logistic transporter. In a further embodiment, such
information is sensed or detected by the reader 340.
[0101] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of preservation system 300
wherein container 310 contains nutritional substance 320 as well as
internal sensor 370 located either inside, or on an inner surface
of, container 310, such that internal sensor 370 can obtain
information regarding the environment internal to container 310.
Reader 340 can obtain information regarding the interior conditions
of container 310 from internal sensor 370. Internal sensor 370 and
reader 340 can take many known forms, including but not limited to
electronic components such as an electronic sensor and electronic
display, or chemical or organic materials which perform the same
function, such as a liquid crystal sensor/display.
[0102] When the shipper or user of container 310 desires
information from internal sensor 370, it can be retrieved by
connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to obtain the
information from the internal sensor 370 as to the state of
internal sensor 370. It is understood that connecting reader 340 to
container 310 includes any known contact or non-contact formats
that facilitate data transfer. A unique nutritional substance
identifier, such as a dynamic information identifier referenced to
the nutritional substance 320, may be associated with at least one
of the internal sensor 370 or the container 310, such that when
reader 340 queries as to the state of internal sensor 370, the
information obtained is associated with the unique nutritional
substance identifier. It is understood that reader 340 may
additionally transmit information retrieved from internal sensor
370, including the associated unique nutritional substance
identifier, to information module 100, wherein such information is
referenced to the unique nutritional substance identifier.
[0103] FIG. 7 shows embodiment of preservation system 300 wherein
container 310 contains nutritional substance 320 as well as
controller 350. Controller 350 is connected to internal sensor 370
located either inside, or on an inner surface of, container 310,
such that internal sensor 370 can obtain information regarding the
environment internal to container 310. Controller 350 and internal
sensor 370 can take any known form, which include but are not
limited to electronic components such as a micro-controller and an
electronic sensor, or chemical or organic materials which perform
the same function, such as a liquid crystal sensor/display.
[0104] When the shipper or user of container 310 desires
information from internal sensor 370, it can be retrieved by
connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to obtain the
information via controller 350 as to the state of internal sensor
370. It is understood that connecting reader 340 to container 310
includes any known contact or non-contact formats that facilitate
data transfer. A unique nutritional substance identifier, such as a
dynamic information identifier referenced to the nutritional
substance 320, may be associated with at least one of the internal
sensor 370, the controller 350, or the container 310, such that
when reader 340 queries as to the state of internal sensor 370, the
information obtained is associated with the unique nutritional
substance identifier. It is understood that reader 340 may
additionally transmit information obtained from internal sensor
370, including the associated unique nutritional substance
identifier, to information module 100, wherein such information is
referenced to the unique nutritional substance identifier. In an
example of an electronic component embodiment, reader 340 could be
a user interface device such as a computer which can be
electronically connected to internal sensor 370 via controller
350.
[0105] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310, so as to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N of the nutritional substance. For example, if the interior
environment of container 310 would adversely affect the nutritional
substance 320, controller 350 could adjust the internal environment
of container 310 to better preserve the nutritional substance. If
nutritional substance needs to be kept within a desired temperature
range to preserve its nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
properties, and the internal sensor 370 provides internal
temperature information to controller 350 indicating that it is
outside the desired range or may potentially go outside the desired
range, controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to maintain
nutritional substance 320 within the desired temperature range.
[0106] In FIG. 8, preservation system 300 includes container 310
which contains nutritional substance 320, controller 350, and
information storage module 330. Internal sensor 370 is positioned
such that it can provide information on the internal environment to
container 310. Information from the internal sensor 370 and
information storage module 330 can be retrieved by connecting
reader 340 to container 310, so as to obtain the information via
the controller 350. It is understood that connecting reader 340 to
container 310 includes any known contact or non-contact formats
that facilitate data transfer.
[0107] In this embodiment, information regarding the internal
environment sensed by internal sensor 370 and provided to
controller 350 can be stored in information storage module 330.
This storage of internal environment can be used to record a
history the internal environment container 310 has been subjected
to. This would allow the shipper or user of container 310 to
understand the internal environment the container has been
subjected to during the time it has preserved the nutritional
substance. Such information can be used to determine any number of
.DELTA.N values of the nutritional substance, such as if the
nutritional substance has been degraded such that it is no longer
in an optimal nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic state, or if
it is no longer safe for consumption. Additionally, the user of the
nutritional substance could modify its transformation,
conditioning, or consumption according to any changes, or
.DELTA.Ns, that may have occurred because of the internal
conditions of the container.
[0108] Additionally, in this embodiment, information storage module
330 could contain other information regarding the nutritional
substance 320, including, but not limited to, creation information,
and prior transformation or preservation information. Additionally,
information in the information storage module 330 might include
unique nutritional substance identification information, including
but not limited to a dynamic information identifier. In this way,
the information obtained by reader 340 is associated with the
unique nutritional substance identifier. It is understood that
reader 340 may additionally transmit information retrieved from
information storage module 330, including the associated unique
nutritional substance identifier, to information module 100,
wherein such information is referenced to the unique nutritional
substance identifier.
[0109] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310. For example, if the internal
environment of container 310 would adversely affect the nutritional
substance 320, controller 350 could adjust the internal environment
of container 310, so as to favorably influence a .DELTA.N of the
nutritional substance. Controller 350 can analyze the historic
information from internal sensor 370, stored in information storage
module 330, to determine any long-term internal environmental
conditions. If the nutritional substance needs to be kept within a
desired temperature range to preserve its organoleptic and/or
nutritional properties, and the internal sensor 370 provides
internal temperature information to controller 350 indicating that
it is currently or potentially outside the desired range,
controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to maintain
nutritional substance 320 within the desired temperature range.
[0110] In another embodiment, reader 340 can also write to
information storage module 330 via controller 350. In this
embodiment, information regarding the container 310 and/or
nutritional substance 320 can be modified or added to information
storage module 330 by the user or shipper, such as a storage
facility or logistic transporter. In a further embodiment, such
information is sensed or detected by the reader 340.
[0111] FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the present
invention. Preservation system 300 includes container 310 which
contains nutritional substance 320, nutritional substance label
325, controller 350, and information storage module 330. Internal
sensor 370 is positioned such that it can provide information on
the internal environment to container 310. Information from the
internal sensor 370 and information storage module 330 can be
retrieved by connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to
obtain the information via the controller 350. It is understood
that connecting reader 340 to container 310 includes any known
contact or non-contact formats that facilitate data transfer.
Nutritional substance label 325 is attached to nutritional
substance 320 so as to sense, measure, and/or indicate a current
state of nutritional substance 320. Nutritional substance label 325
can be read by reader 340. Nutritional substance label 325 could be
any known type of biosensor, including but not limited to a
material/chemical tag that, through a physical reaction with the
surface of nutritional substance 320, provides information
regarding the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic state of
the nutritional substance, or information regarding changes in the
nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values of the nutritional
substance, including where nutritional substance 320 is in its life
cycle. As an example, this label/tag could change color as a fruit,
cheese or wine matures across time. It could also indicate if it
detects traces of pesticides, hormones, allergens, harmful or
dangerous bacteria, or any other substances.
[0112] In this embodiment, information regarding the internal
environment sensed by internal sensor 370 and provided to
controller 350 can be stored in information storage module 330.
This storage of internal environment can be used to record a
history the internal environment container 310 has been subjected
to. This would allow the shipper or user of container 310 to
understand the internal environment the container has been
subjected to during the time it has preserved the nutritional
substance. Such information can be used to determine any number of
.DELTA.N values for the nutritional substance, including if the
nutritional substance has been degraded such that it is no longer
in an optimal state, or if it is no longer safe for consumption.
Additionally, the user of the nutritional substance could modify
its transformation, conditioning, or consumption according to any
changes, or .DELTA.Ns, that may have occurred because of the
internal conditions of the container.
[0113] Additionally, in this embodiment, information storage module
330 could contain other information regarding the nutritional
substance 320, including, but not limited to, creation information,
and prior transformation or preservation information. Additionally,
information in the information storage module 330 might include
unique nutritional substance identification information, including
but not limited to a dynamic information identifier. In this way,
the information obtained by reader 340 is associated with the
unique nutritional substance identifier. It is understood that
reader 340 may additionally transmit information retrieved from
information storage module 330, including the associated unique
nutritional substance identifier, as well as information retrieved
from nutritional substance label 325, to information module 100,
wherein such information is referenced to the unique nutritional
substance identifier.
[0114] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310, so as to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N of the nutritional substance. For example, if the internal
environment of container 310 would adversely affect the nutritional
substance 320, container 310 could adjust the internal environment
of container 310 to better preserve the nutritional substance.
Controller 350 can analyze the historic information from internal
sensor 370, stored in information storage module 330 to determine
any long-term internal environmental conditions. If nutritional
substance needs to be kept within a desired temperature range to
preserve its nutritional, organoleptic and/or aesthetic properties,
and the internal sensor 370 provides internal temperature
information to controller 350 indicating that it is currently or
potentially outside the desired range, controller 350 could modify
container 310 so as to maintain nutritional substance 320 within
the desired temperature range.
[0115] In another embodiment, reader 340 can also write to
information storage module 330 via controller 350. In this
embodiment, information regarding the container 310 and/or
nutritional substance 320 can be modified or added to information
storage module 330 by the user or shipper, such as a storage
facility or logistic transporter. In a further embodiment, such
information is sensed or detected by the reader 340, and may
include information obtained from nutritional substance label 325
by reader 340. It is understood that controller 350 may modify the
container 310 in response to information that reader 340 writes to
information storage module 330, including, but not limited to,
information read from nutritional substance label 325.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows embodiment of preservation system 300 wherein
container 310 contains nutritional substance 320 as well as
nutritional substance sensor 380 in contact with nutritional
substance 320, such that nutritional substance sensor 380 can
obtain information regarding the nutritional substance 320 in
container 310. Nutritional substance sensor 380 and reader 340 can
take any known forms, including but not limited to, biosensors and
associated handheld scanners, electronic components such as an
electronic sensors and electronic display, or chemical or organic
materials which perform the same function, such as a liquid crystal
sensor/display.
[0117] When the shipper or user of container 310 desires
information from nutritional substance sensor 380, it can be
retrieved by connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to
obtain the information from the nutritional substance sensor 380 as
to the state of nutritional substance 320. It is understood that
connecting reader 340 to container 310 includes any known contact
or non-contact formats that facilitate data transfer. A unique
nutritional substance identifier, such as a dynamic information
identifier referenced to the nutritional substance 320, may be
associated with at least one of the nutritional substance sensor
380 or the container 310, such that when reader 340 queries as to
the state of nutritional substance sensor 380, the information
obtained is associated with the unique nutritional substance
identifier. It is understood that reader 340 may additionally
transmit information retrieved from nutritional substance sensor
380, including the associated unique nutritional substance
identifier, to information module 100, wherein such information is
referenced to the unique nutritional substance identifier.
[0118] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of preservation system 300
wherein container 310 contains nutritional substance 320 as well as
nutritional substance sensor 380 in contact with nutritional
substance 320, such that nutritional substance sensor 380 can
obtain information regarding the nutritional substance 320 in
container 310, as well as controller 350. Controller 350 is
connected to nutritional substance sensor 380. Controller 350 can
take any known form, including but not limited to an electronic
micro-controller. Nutritional substance sensor 380 and reader 340
can take any known forms, including but not limited to, biosensors
and associated handheld scanners, electronic components such as an
electronic sensor and display, or chemical or organic materials
which perform the same function, such as a liquid crystal
sensor/display.
[0119] When the shipper or user of container 310 desires
information from nutritional substance sensor 380, it can be
retrieved by connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to
obtain the information from the nutritional substance sensor 380
via controller 350, as to the state of nutritional substance 320.
It is understood that connecting reader 340 to container 310
includes any known contact or non-contact formats that facilitate
data transfer. A unique nutritional substance identifier, such as a
dynamic information identifier referenced to the nutritional
substance 320, may be associated with at least one of the
nutritional substance sensor 380, the controller 350, or the
container 310, such that when reader 340 queries as to the state of
nutritional substance sensor 380, the information obtained is
associated with the unique nutritional substance identifier. It is
understood that reader 340 may additionally transmit information
retrieved from nutritional substance sensor 380, including the
associated unique nutritional substance identifier, to information
module 100, wherein such information is referenced to the unique
nutritional substance identifier.
[0120] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310, so as to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N of the nutritional substance. For example, if the interior
environment of container 310 is adversely affecting the nutritional
substance 320, as indicated by information provided by nutritional
substance sensor 380, controller 350 could adjust the nutritional
substance environment of container 310 to better preserve the
nutritional substance. For example, if nutritional substance 320
needs to be kept within a desired temperature range to best
preserve its nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
properties, and the nutritional substance sensor 380 provides
nutritional substance information to controller 350 indicating its
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic properties are
degrading too rapidly and likely to be outside the desired range
soon, controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to maintain
the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic properties of
nutritional substance 320 within the desired range.
[0121] In FIG. 12, preservation system 300 includes container 310
which contains nutritional substance 320, as well as nutritional
substance sensor 380 in contact with nutritional substance 320 such
that nutritional substance sensor 380 can obtain information
regarding the nutritional substance 320, controller 350, and
information storage module 330. Information from the nutritional
substance sensor 380 and information storage module 330 can be
retrieved by connecting reader 340 to container 310, so as to
obtain the information via controller 350, as to the state of
nutritional substance 320. It is understood that connecting reader
340 to container 310 includes any known contact or non-contact
formats that facilitate data transfer.
[0122] In this embodiment, information regarding the nutritional
substance sensed by nutritional substance sensor 380, and provided
to controller 350, can be stored in information storage module 330.
This storage of nutritional substance information can be used to
record a history the nutritional substance. This would allow the
shipper or user of container 310 to understand the nutritional
substance during the time it has been preserved. Such information
can be used to determine any number of .DELTA.N values of the
nutritional substance and if the nutritional substance has been
degraded such that it is no longer in an optimal state, or if it is
no longer safe for consumption. Additionally, the user of the
nutritional substance could modify its transformation,
conditioning, or consumption according to any changes, or
.DELTA.Ns, that may have occurred as evidenced by the information
from nutritional substance sensor 380 stored in information storage
module 330.
[0123] Additionally, in this embodiment, information storage module
330 could contain other information regarding the nutritional
substance 320, including, but not limited to, creation information,
and prior transformation or preservation information. Additionally,
information in the information storage module 330 might include
unique nutritional substance identification information, including
but not limited to a dynamic information identifier. In this way,
the information obtained by reader 340 is associated with the
unique nutritional substance identifier. It is understood that
reader 340 may additionally transmit information retrieved from
information storage module 330, including the associated unique
nutritional substance identifier, to information module 100,
wherein such information is referenced to the unique nutritional
substance identifier.
[0124] In an additional embodiment, controller 350 can modify the
operation of container 310 so as modify the preservation
capabilities of container 310. For example, if the nutritional
substance 320 is being adversely affected, as indicated by data
provided by nutritional substance sensor 380, controller 350 could
adjust the container 310 to better preserve the nutritional
substance. Controller 350 can analyze the historic information from
nutritional substance sensor 380 stored in information storage
module 330 to determine any long-term nutritional substance
conditions that need to be changed. For example, if nutritional
substance 320 needs to be kept within a desired temperature range
to best preserve its nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic
properties, and the nutritional substance sensor 380 provides
nutritional substance information to controller 350 indicating its
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic properties are
degrading too rapidly and likely to be outside the desired range
soon, controller 350 could modify container 310 so as to maintain
the nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic properties of
nutritional substance 320 within the desired range.
[0125] In another embodiment, reader 340 can also write to
information storage module 330 via controller 350. In this
embodiment, information regarding the container 310 and/or
nutritional substance 320 can be modified or added to information
storage module 330 by the user or shipper, such as a storage
facility or logistic transporter. In a further embodiment, such
information is sensed or detected by the reader 340.
[0126] FIG. 13 shows the preferred embodiment of preservation
module 300. Within container 310 is nutritional substance 320, as
well as nutritional substance sensor 380 in contact with
nutritional substance 320 such that nutritional substance sensor
380 can obtain information regarding the nutritional substance 320,
internal sensor 370, information storage module 330, and controller
350. External sensor 360 is located outside or on the surface of
container 310. In operation, controller 350 receives information
from nutritional substance sensor 380, internal sensor 370, and
external sensor 360. Additionally, controller 350 can store the
information received from the three sensors in information storage
module 330. Controller 350 can retrieve such stored information and
transmit it to reader 340. Reader 340 can also transmit
instructions to controller 350, or write information to information
storage module 330.
[0127] Controller 350 is operably connected to container 310 so as
to use the information obtained from the sensors 360, 370, and 380
and/or information stored in the information storage module 330 to
modify the operation of container 310 to affect the state of
nutritional substance 320, that is, to favorably influence a
.DELTA.N for the nutritional substance. In addition to the stored
information from sensors 360, 370, and 380, information storage
module 330 could contain other information regarding the
nutritional substance 320, including, but not limited to, creation
information, and prior transformation or preservation information.
Additionally, information in the information storage module 330
might include unique nutritional substance identification
information, including but not limited to a dynamic information
identifier. In this way, the information obtained by reader 340 is
associated with the unique nutritional substance identifier. It is
understood that reader 340 may additionally transmit information
retrieved from information storage module 330, including the
associated unique nutritional substance identifier, to information
module 100, wherein such information is referenced to the unique
nutritional substance identifier.
[0128] As an example, nutritional substance 320 could be bananas
being shipped to a distribution warehouse. Bananas are in container
310 which is capable of controlling its internal temperature,
humidity, and the level of certain gasses within the container.
Creation information as to the bananas is placed in information
storage module 330 prior to shipment, as well as a dynamic
information identifier. During shipment, external sensor 360
measures the temperature and humidity outside container 310. This
information is stored by controller 350 in information storage
module 330. Controller 350 also receives information on the
internal environment within container 310 from internal sensor 370
and stores this information in information storage module 330. This
information includes the internal temperature, humidity, and
certain gas levels within container 310. Finally, nutritional
substance sensor 380, which is attached to the surface of the
bananas, provides information as to the state of the bananas to
controller 350. This information could include, but is not limited
to, surface temperature, surface humidity, gasses being emitted,
color, and surface chemicals. At any time during its shipment and
delivery to the distribution warehouse, reader 340 can be used to
retrieve both current information and historic information stored
within information storage module 330 and may additionally transmit
the information retrieved, including the associated unique
nutritional substance identifier, to information module 100,
wherein such information is referenced to the unique nutritional
substance identifier.
[0129] During shipment, container 310 modifies its internal
conditions according to instructions provided by controller 350.
Controller 350 contains instructions as to how to preserve, and
possibly ripen, the bananas using information stored in information
storage module 330 about the creation of the bananas, as well as
historical information received from the three sensors, as well as
current information being received from the three sensors, as well
as information that may have been written to information storage
module 330 from reader 340. In this manner, preservation module 300
can preserve and optimize and minimize degradation of the bananas.
In other words, preservation module 300 can operate in a way to
variably adapt conditions in the container to favorably influence
changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic
values/attributes, .DELTA.Ns, of the bananas, by variably altering
the rate of change of the corresponding .DELTA.Ns while they are
being shipped and stored.
[0130] In one embodiment, a means for variably adapting conditions
in the container to variably alter the rate of change of a
monitored .DELTA.N, includes at least one of a chemical,
photochemical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, dissolution,
absorption, swelling, shrinkage, component addition, component
binding, component subtraction, component conversion, electrolytic,
ionic, osmotic, reverse osmotic, or thermal means to variably
control the gaseous environment in the container in response to
information regarding the gaseous environment in the container
provided by internal sensor 370, external sensor 360, or
nutritional substance sensor 380.
[0131] It will be understood that subsets of the embodiment
described herein can operate to achieve the goals stated herein. In
one embodiment, nutritional substance sensor 380, internal sensor
370, external sensor 360, information storage module 330,
controller 350, reader 340, and parts of container 310 are each
electrical or electromechanical devices which perform each of the
indicated functions. However, it is possible for some or all of
these functions to be done using chemical and/or organic compounds.
For example, a specifically designed plastic wrap for bananas can
sense the exterior conditions of the package, the interior
conditions of the package, and adapt the conditions of the package
to control gas flow through its surface so as to preserve and ripen
the bananas. In one embodiment of such a package, a means for
adapting gaseous conditions in the package to variably alter the
rate of change of a monitored .DELTA.N, includes at least one of a
chemical, photochemical, mechanical, hydraulic, absorption,
shrinkage, swelling, pneumatic, dissolution, component addition,
component binding, component subtraction, component conversion,
electrolytic, ionic, osmotic, reverse osmotic, or thermal
means.
[0132] Sensors capable of measuring and collecting data related to
visual appearance, optical properties, electrical properties,
mechanical properties, taste, smell, volatiles, texture, touch,
sound, chemical composition, temperature, weight, volume, density,
hardness, viscosity, surface tension, and any other detectable
attributes of nutritional substances, may be utilized. Nutritional
substance attribute sensors may include, but are not limited to,
optical sensors, laser sensors, cameras, electric noses,
microphones, olfactory sensors, surface topography measurement
equipment, three dimensional measuring equipment, chemical assays,
hardness measuring equipment, non-invasive imaging equipment
including ultrasound, x-ray, millimeter wave, and other known
non-invasive imaging techniques, impedance detectors, temperature
measuring equipment, weight measurement equipment, and any known
sensor capable of providing data regarding a detectable attribute
of a nutritional substance.
[0133] At this juncture it can be understood that a nutritional,
organoleptic or aesthetic value of a nutritional substance can be
indicated by its olfactory values or its taste values. Typically,
but not necessarily, olfactory values and taste values are
detectable by the human sense of smell. However, nutritional
substances may emit or produce gaseous components that are not
detectable or discernible by the human sense of smell, or
components not detectable or discernible by human sense of taste,
but, nevertheless, may be indicative of a particular nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic state of the nutritional substance. In
addition, olfactory values and taste values can be indicative of
adulteration of nutritional substances, such as by spoilage,
contamination, or substitution of other nutritional substances.
[0134] Sensors for detecting gasses and smells may be used to
provide .DELTA.N information regarding nutritional substances
during their logistic transport. Such sensors include, but are not
limited to, nutritional substance sensors discussed in Journal of
Food Engineering 100 (2010) 377-387 "Biomimetric-based odor and
taste sensing systems to food quality and safety characterization:
An overview on basic principles and recent achievements"; sensing
described in Chem. Sci., 2012, 3, 2542 "Fluorescent DNAs printed on
paper: sensing food spoilage and ripening in the vapor phase"; the
use of a Silicon Integrated Spectrometer to sense food for ripeness
and other qualities is described in IEEE Photonics Journal, 1 (4),
p. 225-235 (2009); a review on nano-biosensors to measure tastes
and odors discussed in Bio-Nanotechnology: A revolution in food
biomedical and health sciences, first edition, 2013, John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd. "Nano-Biosensors for mimicking gustatory and
olfactory senses"; ethylene sensors discussed in Anal. Chem., 2011,
83 (16), pp 6300-6307, doi: 10.1021/ac2009756 "Electrochemical
sensing of ethylene employing a thin ionic-liquid layer";
commercially available Ethylene Analyser sensor from Absorger
Company, for sensing ethylene, O2, and CO2 levels, www.absoger.fr;
a single-chip electrochemical sensor for ethylene monitoring
demonstrated by Imec and Holst Centre with a detection limit of
200-300 ppb and potentially, May 15, 2012,
http://www2.imec.be/be_en/press/imec-news/ethylenesensor.html.
[0135] In an example, and not intended to be limiting in any way,
the ripening of fruit during logistic transport can be monitored by
sensed values provided by such gas and smell sensors inside a
logistic transport container, and can further be controlled
responsive to the sensed values. It is understood that the logistic
transport container may take any known form, including, but not
limited to, transport containers on a ship, rail car, airplane,
trailer, or truck. Such containers may comprise one compartment, or
may comprise multiple segregated compartments, wherein each
compartment may independently provide the benefits of the
inventions disclosed herein. Alternatively, the logistic transport
container may take the form of a cardboard box shipped via ship,
rail car, airplane, trailer, or truck. In yet another alternative,
the logistic transport container may take the form of a ship's
hold, rail box-car, airplane hold, closed trailer, or closed
box-truck.
[0136] In this example, ethylene levels are monitored by ethylene
sensors inside of a logistic transport container containing fruit.
Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone, produced by fruit, crops,
flowers, and plants. In the case of fruit, ethylene is a gaseous
hormone responsible for ripening, and the ripening process can not
only be monitored by sensing ethylene levels, the ripening rate can
be optimized by controlling the ethylene levels responsive to the
sensed ethylene levels. For instance, if sensed ethylene levels are
determined to be too low, the controller of the logistic transport
container may seal the container to allow ethylene concentrations
to increase, or may add ethylene gas to achieve desired levels.
Alternatively, if sensed ethylene levels are determined to be too
high, the controller of the logistic transport container may
ventilate the container, allowing ethylene concentrations to
decrease by dilution, or may add specific gasses to achieve desired
ethylene levels.
[0137] In another alternative, such gas and smell sensors may be
used to monitor ripeness of a single fruit, wherein the single
fruit serves as an indicator for a batch of fruit subjected to the
same logistic transport environment. For instance, a jar containing
a single piece of fruit chosen as a representative of a
corresponding batch of fruit can be continuously sampled to measure
the rate of ethylene production. In this way, the ethylene
production rate of fruit during logistic transport may be
determined, and accordingly, their current state of ripeness.
[0138] FIG. 14 shows embodiments wherein the logistic transport
container comprises a container being transported by
tractor-trailer. The container has four side walls, a bottom wall,
and a top wall, defining an interior space. In an example, the
container's contents is a bulk shipment of produce, for instance,
fruit (not shown). The container is provided with a sensing module,
as shown in Detail B of FIG. 14. The sensing module is placed in
any suitable fashion inside the container, for instance, as
indicated by "B" in Section A-A of FIG. 14, fixed to an interior
surface of the container's top wall at a distance "1" relative to a
first side wall of the container, and a distance "w" from a second
side wall of the container. The sensing module may comprise: a gas
or smell sensor, in this example, an ethylene sensor, as indicated
by "Ethylene sensor chips" (it is understood that gas or smell
sensors may be provided to sense any gas, such as, but not limited
to O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2, any airborne volatiles, and any number or
combination thereof); other sensors, in this example, a temperature
sensor, as indicated by "Temperature chip" (it is understood that
these other sensors may be provided to sense any environmental
condition, or combination of environmental conditions, inside the
container, including, but not limited to pressure, humidity, time,
temperature and humidity, and so forth); optical sensors, not shown
in FIG. 14 (it is understood that such optical sensors may include,
but are not limited to, Raman, hyper-spectral, and near infra-red
spectrometers, and may sense a target attribute associated with a
particular nutritional or organoleptic property of the contents of
the logistic transport container, such as by scanning the contents
to provide a corresponding scan-response); a GPS device, which may
further comprise a time and date device to provide a time and date
stamp corresponding to when GPS and sensor information is obtained,
as indicated by "GPS Device", which may further be provided with a
remote antenna, as indicated by "GPS Antenna"; an information
storage device, indicated by "Storage info chip", wherein the
information storage device may store, manage, and transmit
information sensed by the various gas and smell sensors, optical
sensors, and other sensors, the GPS device, and a unique identifier
associated with the contents of the container; and a power source,
indicated by "Battery device", which may comprise a battery,
connection for external power, or both.
[0139] The sensing module may further be provided with an air
exchange capability, indicated by "Ventilator", wherein the
atmosphere within the container is passively or actively exposed to
some or all of the various gas and smell sensors, optical sensors,
and other sensors, having sensor probes in local proximity to the
sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the various
gas and smell sensors, optical sensors, and other sensors of the
sensing module may communicate with corresponding sensor probes
placed remotely from the sensing module at locations within the
container. Remotely placed gas and smell sensor probes are
indicated by "Ethylene sensor probe", and other remotely placed
sensor probes are indicated by "Temperature sensor probe". Optical
sensor probes may be provided remotely as well, and may further be
provided on a track allowing movement in one, two, or three axes
relative to the contents. Communication with a remote sensor probe
may be accomplished by hardwire connection of a corresponding
sensor to connectors provided on an exterior of the sensing module,
indicated by "Sensor wires", and further by plugging the wire of
the sensor probe into the connector. It is understood that
communication between a sensor and a remotely placed sensor probe
may be accomplished in any known wired or wireless fashion, and the
wired example provided herein is only provided for illustrative
purposes.
[0140] The sensing module may further be provided with a user
interface, indicated as "Information Screen", wherein various
current or stored information may be displayed related to the
container, its contents, and the sensing module. The information
displayed may be related to: the unique identifier associated with
the contents of the container; information provided by the various
gas and smell sensors and optical sensors, as indicated by "Storage
Info"; information provided by the other sensors, as indicated by
"Temperature"; information regarding a .DELTA.N or corresponding
residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value of the
container's contents; a current state of the power source, as
indicated by "Battery"; and a current location of the container, as
determined by the GPS device. Additionally, or alternatively, the
sensing module may be provided with the capability to communicate
the various current or stored information with a computer or other
external information system, such as by connection of the
information storage device to a USB port available externally of
the sensing module, as indicated by "USB port for PC". It is
understood that such communication capability may be accomplished
in any known wired or wireless fashion, and the example of a USB
port provided herein is provided only for the purpose of
illustration. Such communication capability may include, but is not
limited to, any know type of active or passive transmitter for
transmitting information stored in the information storage device.
Transmission may occur at or upon one or more of: predetermined
times; predetermined sensor limits; external query, and proximity
to an information receiving system. Information receiving systems
causing transmission to occur based on proximity of the container
relative to the information receiving system may be located at any
point of departure, transit (such as in close proximity to
roadways), transfer, inspection, or receipt of the logistic
transport container.
[0141] In a preferred embodiment, a logistic transport container is
provided with a sensing module including: separate or combined
ethylene and CO.sub.2 sensors; separate or combined temperature and
humidity sensors; one or more stationary optical sensors, including
Raman or hyper-spectral spectrometers; device for information
storage, management, and transmission, wherein such transmission
may be accomplished by an RF antenna; and a GPS device to provide a
location, time, and date stamp corresponding to when sensor
information is obtained. It is understood that any part of the
information stored by the sensing module may additionally be stored
remotely. For example, the sensing modules device for information
storage may have limited storage capacity, in which case it may be
useful to periodically transmit the information contained therein
to a remote database, such as the dynamic nutritional value
database. Such periodic transmission might occur at specific
locations, at specific times, upon data capacity thresholds, or in
any other fashion known to one skilled in the art.
[0142] In an alternative embodiment, the sensing module includes
one or more track mounted Raman or hyper-spectral spectrometers,
such that the corresponding one or more spectrometers can move in
one, two, or three axes with respect to the contents of the
logistic transport container. It is understood that any other known
type of sensor may be track mounted such that it may move in one,
two, or three axes with respect to the contents of the
container.
[0143] In another embodiment, the sensing module is not provided
with a Raman or hyper-spectral spectrometer, rather, a separate
Raman or hyper-spectral spectrometer is used to sense the contents
of the logistic transport container when the contents are loaded
into the container, and a separate Raman or hyper-spectral
spectrometer is used to sense the contents of the logistic
transport container when the contents arrive at a particular
destination, such as a point of inspection or delivery. It is
understood that any other known type of sensor, including Raman
spectrometers, for example, may be used to sense the contents of
the logistic transport container when the contents are loaded into
the container and when the contents arrive at a particular
destination. Information obtained by the various sensors, whether
part of the sensing module or separate, including information
obtained upon loading the logistic transport container, throughout
its transit, and at particular interim or final destinations, can
be used to understand the evolution of nutritional, organoleptic,
or aesthetic values of the contents. If the information provided by
any particular sensor provides a contradictory understanding of the
evolution, it may indicate that the particular sensor is suspect,
and may further result in a notification to verify the particular
sensor or other sensors.
[0144] In further embodiments, the sensing module is provided as a
removable unit. In this way, it may be placed into a container not
equipped with a sensing module so as to enable the container to
function according to the inventions described herein. The
removable sensing module may subsequently be removed from the
container, for example, for use in another container, for service,
or for any other reason.
[0145] In further embodiments, the sensing module is provided with
an information screen, wherein various current or stored
information may be displayed related to the container, its
contents, and the sensing module. The information displayed may be
related to the unique identifier associated with the contents of
the container, information provided by the various sensors of the
container, a current state of the power source, a current location,
time, or date, or information regarding a .DELTA.N or corresponding
residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value of the
container's contents. Information regarding a .DELTA.N or
corresponding residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic
value may be communicated by a dynamic indicator.
[0146] FIGS. 15a and 15b show formats of a dynamic indicator
according to the present invention by which a .DELTA.N, and related
residual and initial nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic
values, may be expressed. The ear of corn shown on a microphone
stand and labeled "INNIT" in FIGS. 15a and 15b represents a
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value associated with a
nutritional substance. While any object may be chosen to represent
a nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value, in a preferred
embodiment, the chosen object corresponds to a logo, symbol,
mascot, or other object associated with a Brand. Such a Brand might
be associated with a nutritional substance information system
according to the present inventions, a Measurement, Inspection,
Engineering, Regulatory, Certification, or other Standard, or any
other Brand associated with the nutritional substance and
information industry. The object chosen to represent a nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value is also referred to herein as a
.DELTA.N meter. In the following examples, the .DELTA.N meter is
the ear of corn shown on a microphone stand and labeled "INNIT"
shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, and corresponds to the logo of the
provider of a nutritional substance information system according to
the present inventions.
[0147] In FIG. 15a, a .DELTA.N meter according to the present
invention communicates various items regarding a nutritional value,
for instance Vitamin-C value, in a corresponding nutritional
substance, for instance, a carton of orange juice provided with a
dynamic information identifier. A consumer desiring information
regarding Vitamin-C values of the orange juice can use his
smartphone to scan the dynamic information identifier and determine
the desired information. In this example, the information is
presented to the consumer on the screen of his smartphone in the
form of the .DELTA.N meter shown in FIG. 15a. The .DELTA.N meter of
this example communicates symbolically through color, and color
changes, the initial Vitamin-C value, the current Vitamin-C value,
and an expired Vitamin-C value. The values may be shown as relative
values without units of measure, as shown, or may further be
provided with actual units of measure. In this example, the
consumer is provided with a conceptual indicator regarding how much
the Vitamin-C value has degraded relative to its initial value and
where its current Vitamin-C value is relative to the expiration
value of the Vitamin-C.
[0148] In FIG. 15b, a .DELTA.N meter according to the present
invention communicates various items regarding a nutritional value,
for instance Vitamin-C value, in a corresponding nutritional
substance, for instance, a carton of orange juice provided with a
dynamic information identifier. A consumer desiring information
regarding Vitamin-C levels of the orange juice can use his
smartphone to scan the dynamic information identifier and determine
the desired information. In this example, the information is
presented to the consumer on the screen of his smartphone in the
form of the .DELTA.N meter shown in FIG. 15b. The .DELTA.N meter of
this example communicates symbolically through percent fill-level,
and percent fill-level changes, the initial Vitamin-C value, the
current Vitamin-C value, and an expired Vitamin-C value. The values
may be shown as relative values without units of measure, as shown,
or may further be provided with actual units of measure. In this
example, the consumer is provided with a conceptual indicator
regarding how much the Vitamin-C value has degraded relative to its
initial value and where its current Vitamin-C value is relative to
the expiration value of the Vitamin-C.
[0149] It is understood that .DELTA.N meters may take many forms
and communicate various messages regarding a .DELTA.N value or a
residual nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value of
nutritional substances, and the examples provided above are for
illustrative purposes and not intended to be limiting in any way.
It is further understood that .DELTA.N meters may be utilized to
communicate .DELTA.N values and residual nutritional, organoleptic,
and/or aesthetic values determined or estimated in any fashion.
Dynamic indicators such as .DELTA.N meters may be communicated
through the user interface of the readers of preservation modules
of the present inventions, through the sensors or sensing modules
of the present invention, through any user interface provided for
the creation, transformation, conditioning, consumption, and
information modules of the present inventions, and thought any
other known format capable of communicating such information. In
preferred embodiments, the .DELTA.N value or the residual
nutritional, organoleptic, and/or aesthetic value are determined
utilizing the nutritional substance information systems disclosed
herein, including systems utilizing dynamic information identifiers
and corresponding nutritional substance database, systems utilizing
nutritional attribute sensors and corresponding nutritional
substance attribute library, or a combination of both.
[0150] In an embodiment, a method is provided for determining and
communicating the evolution of a nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic value of a nutritional substance. In the method, a first
value of a particular nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic
property is determined at a first time. Determination is made by
scanning a nutritional substance at a first time to obtain a first
scan-response related to a target attribute, then analyzing the
scan-response, by any methods known to those skilled in data
processing and analysis, including the application of statistical
methods and creation of analytical algorithms, and correlating the
first scan-response to the first value of the particular
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic property of the nutritional
substance and to a dynamic information identifier associated with
the nutritional substance. At a second time, a second value of the
particular nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic property is
determined. Determination is made by scanning the nutritional
substance at a second time to obtain a second scan-response related
to the target attribute and analyzing the second scan-response, by
any methods known to those skilled in data processing and analysis,
including the application of statistical methods and creation of
analytical algorithms, and correlating the second scan-response to
the second value of the particular nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic property of the nutritional substance and to the dynamic
information identifier associated with the nutritional substance.
At a subsequent time, a subsequent value of the particular
nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic property is determined.
Determination is made by scanning the nutritional substance at a
subsequent time to obtain a subsequent scan-response related to the
target attribute and analyzing the subsequent scan-response, by any
methods known to those skilled in data processing and analysis,
including the application of statistical methods and creation of
analytical algorithms, and correlating the subsequent scan-response
to the subsequent value of the particular nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic property of the nutritional substance
and to the dynamic information identifier associated with the
nutritional substance. The difference between any two of the first,
second, and subsequent values of the particular nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic property of the nutritional substance
describes a .DELTA.N occurring between the corresponding times and
can be referenced to the dynamic information identifier associated
with the nutritional substance. Further, any two of the first,
second, and subsequent values of the particular nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic property of the nutritional substance
can be used to create a table, graph, or curve showing the change
in the particular nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic property
occurring over the corresponding times, and can be referenced to
the dynamic information identifier associated with the nutritional
substance. In a further embodiment, the first, second, and
subsequent scan-responses may each be referenced to the dynamic
information identifier of the nutritional substance and transmitted
when first obtained.
[0151] Communicating the evolution of the particular nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance can
be accomplished in any fashion known to one skilled in the art.
Examples include, but are not limited to: simply providing the
first value, the second or subsequent value, and the change between
the first value and the second or subsequent value, expressed in
the corresponding unit of measure; providing the first value, the
second or subsequent value, and the change between the first value
and the second or subsequent value, expressed as a percentage;
providing the first value, the second or subsequent value, and the
change between the first value and the second or subsequent value,
expressed as a percentage of a recommended daily requirement (for
instance, % RDA could express such values as a percentage of the
FDA's Recommended Daily Allowance); providing a table, graph, or
curve showing the first and second values, wherein the values may
be expressed in a corresponding unit of measure, as a percentage,
as a percentage of a recommended daily requirement, or in any known
graphical fashion; and providing a .DELTA.N meter.
[0152] There are many examples of sensor technology that might be
utilized as a nutritional substance attribute sensor, including,
but not limited to: Surface plasmon resonance sensors (SPR) such as
a cell phone based sensor platform disclosed by Preechaburana et
at, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012,51,11585-11588, "Surface plasmon
resonance chemical sensing on cell phones"; SPR sensors such as
those disclosed by Zhang, et al, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou
310058, P.R. China "Detection of penicillin via surface plasmon
resonance biosensor"; the combination of microfluidics with
Lab-on-a-Chip and Lab-on-a-Foil solutions disclosed by Focke, et
al, www.rsc.org/loc, 19 Mar. 2010, "Lab-on-a-Foil: microfluidics on
thin and flexible films"; Localized surface plasmon response
sensors (LSPR) such as those disclosed by Roche, et al, Journal of
Sensors, volume 2011, article ID 406425, doi: 10.1155/2011/406425,
"A camera phone localized surface plasmon biosensing platform
towards low-cost label-free diagnostic testing"; printed sensors
such as those available from Thin Film Electronics ASA, for example
the Thinfilm Time-Temperature Sensor; wireless pH sensors such as
those discussed in IEE Sensors Journal, Vol 12, No. 3, March 2012
487 "A passive radio-frequency pH sensing tag for wireless food
quality monitoring"; sensing of biological quantities such as that
discussed in Appl Microbiol Biotechnol (2013) 97:1829-1840 "An
overview of transducers as platform for the rapid detection of
foodborne pathogens"; cell phone based E. Coli sensor using
florescent imaging to detect bacteria in food and water, developed
at UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science;
sensors discussed in Journal of Food Engineering 100 (2010) 377-387
"Biomimetric-based odor and taste sensing systems to food quality
and safety characterization: An overview on basic principles and
recent achievements"; sensors discussed in Sensors 2010, 10,
3411-3443, doi 10.3390/s100403411 "Advanced Taste Sensors Based on
Artificial Lipids with Global Selectivity to Basic Taste Qualities
and High Correlation to Sensory Scores"; sensing described in Chem.
Sci., 2012, 3, 2542 "Fluorescent DNAs printed on paper: sensing
food spoilage and ripening in the vapor phase"; the use of a
Silicon Integrated Spectrometer to sense food for ripeness and
other qualities is described in IEEE Photonics Journal, 1 (4), p.
225-235 (2009); numerous sensing techniques described in analytica
chima acta 605 (2007) 111-129 "A review on novel developments and
applications of immunosensors in food analysis"; numerous sensing
techniques described in J. Biophotonics 5, No. 7, 483-501
(2012)/doi 10.1002/jbio.201200015 "Surface plasmon resonance based
biosensor technique: A review"; LSPR techniques to sense bitterness
of tea described in Agric. Food Chem., 2010, 58 (14), pp 8351-8356
"B-Cyclodextrin/Surface plasmon response detection system for
sensing bitter astringent taste intensity of green tea catechins";
a review on nano-biosensors to measure tastes and odors discussed
in Bio-Nanotechnology: A revolution in food biomedical and health
sciences, first edition, 2013, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
"Nano-Biosensors for mimicking gustatory and olfactory senses";
techniques described in Science Daily,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130214111612.htm, 14
Feb. 2013 "World's most sensitive plasmon resonance sensor inspired
by the ancient roman cup"; ethylene sensors discussed in Anal.
Chem., 2011, 83 (16), pp 6300-6307, doi: 10.1021/ac2009756
"Electrochemical sensing of ethylene employing a thin ionic-liquid
layer"; multiplex SPR techniques described in Anal Bioanl Chem
(2011) 400: 3005-3011, doi 10.1007/s00216-011-4973-8 "Imaging
surface plasmon resonance for multiplex microassay sensing of
mycotoxins"; a review of noble metal nono-optical sensors based on
LSPR by Zhao, et al, "Localized surface plasmon resonance
biosensors"; colorimetric plasmon resonance imaging described by
Garda, et al, Advanced Optical Materials 2013, 1, 68-76, doi:
10.1002/adom.201200040 "Colorimetric plasmon resonance imaging
using nano Lycurgus cup arrays"; sensor using multiplex fiber-optic
biosensor implemented by integrating multiple particle plasmon
resonances (PPRs), molecular bioassays, and microfluidics is
disclosed by Lin, et al, Proc. SPIE 8351, Third Asia Pacific
Optical Sensors Conference, 835125 (Jan. 31, 2012), doi:
10.117/12.914383 "Multiplex fiber-optic biosensor using multiple
particle plasmon resonances"; sensor based on multilayered graphene
SPR-based transmission disclosed by Kim, et al, J. Nonosci.
Nanotechnol, 2012 July 12(7):5381-5 "Evaluation of multi-layered
graphene surface plasmon resonance-based transmission type fiber
optic sensor"; sensors to detect Mercury values such as the
biosensors, chemical sensors, conductometric sensors,
microcantilevel sensors, SAW sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and
nanosensors similar to those described by: Selid et al, Sensors
2009, 9, 5446-5459; doi: 10.3390/s90705446; and Katherine Davies,
Royal Society of Chemistry, Chemistry World, New chemosensor for
mercury detection
(http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/Issues/2005/July/mercury
detection.asp); sensors to detect caffeine values may be similar to
those described by: Chung I C, et al, J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2011
December; 11(12): 10633-8, A portable electrochemical sensor for
caffeine and (-)epigallocatechin gallate based on molecularly
imprinted poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) recognition element; or
Ebarvia, et al, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, March 2004,
Volume 378, Issue 5, pp 1331-1337, Biomimetic piezoelectric quartz
sensor for caffeine based on a molecularly imprinted polymer; or
Zhao, et al, http://www.researchgate.net/publication/225410860,
Department of Material and Chemistry Engineering, Henan Institute
of Engineering, Zhengzhou, 450007 China, Article-Voltammetric
sensor for caffeine based on a glassy carbon electrode modified
with Nafion and graphene oxide; sensors to detect sugar values may
be similar to those described by: Kumar, et al,
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/225803614, Study of fiber
optic sugar sensor; or Scampicchio, et al, Nanotechnology 20 135501
doi:10.1088/0957-4484/20/13/135,501, Issue 13, 1 Apr. 2009, Optical
nanoprobes based on gold nanoparticles for sugar sensing; sensors
to detect temperature values may be similar to those manufactured
by MICRO-EPSILON, and described at www.micro-epsilon as miniature
non-contact IR sensors thermoMETER CSmicro and non-contact IR
sensors with laser aiming thermoMETER CSlaser; sensors for
detecting temperature values may also include any thermocouple type
sensor suitable for contact sensing of temperature. It is
understood that sensors may be configured to perform multiple test
assays in a single use to develop a multidimensional dataset from
each use.
[0153] Other examples of sensor technology that might be utilized
includes sensors similar to those manufactured by MICRO-EPSILON and
described at www.micro-epsilon as fixed lens color sensors color
SENSOR OT-3-GL and OT-3-LU. These sensors illuminate a surface with
white light and sense the reflected color values, and are
particularly useful for color recognition of non-homogeneous
targets and glossy targets, for instance, a piece of beef or other
animal tissue packaged in clear cellophane, packaged in
shrink-wrap, or not currently packaged. These sensors can also
provide useful information regarding the turbidity of liquids.
Alternatively, sensors may be similar to those manufactured by
MICRO-EPSILON and described at www.micro-epsilon as fiber color
sensors, color SENSOR LT-1-LC-20, WLCS-M-41, and LT-2. These
sensors use a modulated white light LED to project a spot onto or
through a target, and focusing part of the reflected or transmitted
light with fiber optic onto a color detector element. Common
sensing techniques include, but are not limited to: projecting a
spot directly on and normal to an inspection target and focusing
part of the back-scattered light with fiber optic onto a color
detector; projecting a spot indirectly, that is at an angle to, an
inspection target and focusing part of the reflected light with
fiber optic onto a color detector; and projecting a spot directly
through an inspection target and focusing part of the transmitted
light with fiber optic onto a color detector. Such a nutritional
substance attribute sensor may be configured to include a white
light source and color detector as a permanent part of a detector,
and a coupler that enables attachment of the detector to the mating
coupler of various fiber optic probe configurations to project
light from the light source onto or through a target and to focus
reflected or transmitted light from the target onto the color
detector. Such fiber optic probes may be provided as a permanent
part of a sealed nutritional substance package, wherein the
portions of the probe required to interface with the nutritional
substance are in direct contact with the nutritional substance, and
the mating coupler that allows removable attachment to the sensor
coupler provided with the detector is available externally of the
package. Permanently incorporating the sensor probe into the
package has many benefits. The portion of the sensor probes in
contact with the nutritional substance can be tailored to the
specific product and package, while the mating coupler on the
outside of the package is always provided in the configuration
compatible with the sensor coupler on the detector. This enables
sensing of a wide array of packaged nutritional substances without
disrupting package integrity. It also simplifies the task greatly
for a user, and ensures consistent and accurate sensing
technique.
[0154] Sensing technologies utilizing hyper-spectral imaging are
potentially useful as nutritional substance attribute sensors, and
because of their speed and ability to provide high volume,
in-line/in-process detection, may be particularly useful for
applications during logistic transport. Hyper-spectral imaging has
been utilized, for example, for in-line inspection of produce such
as apples and strawberries, and has also been utilized for rapid
inspection of meat products such as poultry and seafood. This
technology is particularly useful for identifying anomalies in
nutritional substances without disrupting the nutritional
substance. All substances have unique spectral signatures, which
can be saved in a library. Libraries including the spectral
responses of known nutritional substances in known nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic conditions, and further including known
sources of adulteration, such as fecal matter, chemical
contamination, micro-organisms and other pathogens or disease
conditions, can be used for comparison to spectral responses of
nutritional substances currently being sensed, and in this way the
currently sensed nutritional substance can be quickly characterized
according to desired characterization criteria. Hyper-spectral
sensing may further be utilized for plant and crop phenotyping,
whereby a composite of a nutritional substance's observable
characteristics provides a unique fingerprint. This can be
particularly beneficial to rule out adulteration such as by partial
or total ingredient substitution.
[0155] Still other examples of optical sensor technology that might
be utilized include, but are not limited to: handheld Raman
spectrometers available from Serstech, www.serstech.com;
PinPointer.TM. handheld Raman spectrometer available from Ocean
Optics, www.oceanoptics.com; TruScan RM handheld Raman spectrometer
available from Thermo Fisher Scientific; near infra-red sensor
available from Thermo Fisher Scientific; Xantus Mini.TM. remote
controlled, smartphone compatible Raman spectrometer available from
Rigaku, www.rigaku.com; Lighting Passport handheld or remote
smartphone compatible spectrometer from Asensetek,
www.alliedscientificpro.com.
[0156] In preferred embodiments, packaged nutritional substances
are sensed by nutritional substance attribute sensors without
disrupting the integrity of the package. As used herein, a
nutritional substance package is any type of nutritional substance
container, storage device or recipient, including, but not limited
to, cups, bottles, glasses, bags, boxes, wrappers, caps, lids,
covers, logistic transport containers, and so forth. In some
embodiments this is accomplished with existing packaging. In other
embodiments, nutritional substance packaging is provided to enable
sensing of nutritional substance attribute values without opening
the package. Such packaging may incorporate non-contact interface
ports, such as a glass or plastic window of known refractive index,
into the nutritional substance packaging, wherein such ports allow
interaction between a nutritional substance attribute sensor and
the nutritional substance without disrupting the package integrity.
This may also be accomplished by incorporating product contact
portions of a nutritional substance attribute sensor into the
nutritional substance packaging, and providing ports allowing
interaction between the product content portion and the nutritional
substance attribute sensor without disrupting the package
integrity. Alternatively, this may be accomplished by further
providing the product contact portion with the ability to transmit
sensed values to a device equipped to receive such transmission,
such as a detector. Alternatively, such transmission of sensed
values may be provided by a signal generated by a passive RFID tag
when it is in proximity to a corresponding RF scanner, by the
signal generated by an active RFID tag and received by a
corresponding RF scanner, or by any known formats for transmitting
data. In an example, and not to be limiting in any way, thin film
chips such as the tagging system manufactured by Kovio of San Jose,
Calif., USA, can be used not only for tracking nutritional
substances, but can include components to measure attributes of
nutritional substances, and record and transmit such information.
Such information may be readable by a reader including a
satellite-based system. Such a satellite-based nutritional
substance information tracking system could comprise a network of
satellites with coverage of some or all the surface of the earth,
so as to allow the dynamic nutritional value database of
information module 100 real time, or near real time updates about a
.DELTA.N of a particular nutritional substance.
[0157] The ability to determine corroborating evidence of the
authenticity of nutritional substances packaged with known
packaging, and the residual nutritional, organoleptic, and
aesthetic values, such as by sensing nutritional substance
attribute values without disrupting the integrity of the package
and providing packages that widely expand the ability to do so,
provides great utility and benefit for the nutritional substance
supply system.
[0158] It is understood that the present inventions are not limited
in scope by the examples of sensors and sensor probes disclosed
herein. Nutritional substance packages may be provided with sensor
probe portions of any known sensing technology in contact with the
nutritional substance contained therein, and further provided with
the ability to communicate sensed values by any known mechanism,
including, but not limited to, optic coupling, electronic coupling,
acoustic coupling, mechanical coupling, non-contact coupling such
as RF, Bluetooth, inductive field, or any other non-contact
coupling, and so forth.
[0159] Further, it is understood that many other sensing
capabilities and sampling formats may be employed. It is also
understood that the current inventions enable users of packaged
nutritional substances to determine corroborating evidence of the
authenticity of the nutritional substances and current values for
dynamically changing and evolving nutritional, organoleptic, and
aesthetic values of the nutritional substances. Such changes and
evolution may be through expected degradation, such as orange juice
loosing vitamin-C or yogurt loosing active Lactobacillus, may be
through unexpected degradation, such as oxidation resulting from a
broken package seal, or may be through maturation, such as evolving
sugar, alcohol, and tannin content of wine, or the maturation of
cheese. Determination of a current nutritional, organoleptic, and
aesthetic value of a nutritional substance provides information
regarding changes that have occurred in corresponding nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic values, as well as the corresponding
residual nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values. Further,
this provides useful information regarding best-use, maturation,
stabilization, or expiration of the corresponding nutritional,
organoleptic, and aesthetic value, and can even be utilized to
indicate adulteration of the nutritional substance.
[0160] Systems with the ability to periodically or continuously
sense and communicate residual nutritional, organoleptic, or
aesthetic values of packaged nutritional substances, the ability to
rule out adulteration of the packaged nutritional substances, and
the ability to provide corroborating evidence of the authenticity
of the packaged nutritional substances, without disrupting the
integrity of the package (which includes any form of preservation,
storage, or logistic transport) is particularly beneficial during
logistic transport. For example, the time, labor, and expense
associated with logistic transport of produce and other nutritional
substances through agricultural check points could be dramatically
reduced by such systems. As an example, and not to be limiting in
any way, such a system could be utilized by a highway, rail, or
maritime produce shipper, wherein the residual nutritional,
organoleptic, or aesthetic values of packaged nutritional
substances, the ruling out of adulteration, and corroborating
evidence of the authenticity of the packaged nutritional substances
is provided at an agricultural check point instantly, without
disrupting the integrity of the package, and without the manual
verification, delay, and product holds currently experienced. For
instance, RFID tags associated with the packaged nutritional
substance, in this case the logistic transport system of the
highway, rail, or maritime produce shipper, automatically transmit
the residual nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic values of
packaged nutritional substances, the ruling out of adulteration,
and corroborating evidence of the authenticity, when in proximity
to RFID sensors positioned next to a fast-track lane provided at
the check point.
[0161] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense (i.e., to
say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to"), as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection
or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more
elements. Such a coupling or connection between the elements can be
physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and
not to any particular portions of this application. Where the
context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the
singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular
number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two
or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the
word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,
and any combination of the items in the list.
[0162] The above Detailed Description of examples of the invention
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the
invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various
equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the
invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize
While processes or blocks are presented in a given order in this
application, alternative implementations may perform routines
having steps performed in a different order, or employ systems
having blocks in a different order. Some processes or blocks may be
deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to
provide alternative or sub-combinations. Also, while processes or
blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these
processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in
parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any
specific numbers noted herein are only examples. It is understood
that alternative implementations may employ differing values or
ranges.
[0163] The various illustrations and teachings provided herein can
also be applied to systems other than the system described above.
The elements and acts of the various examples described above can
be combined to provide further implementations of the
invention.
[0164] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the
invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,
functions, and concepts included in such references to provide
further implementations of the invention.
[0165] These and other changes can be made to the invention in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description describes certain examples of the invention, and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific
implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention
disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to
be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects
of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In
general, the terms used in the following claims should not be
construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed
in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section
explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the
invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all
equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under
the claims.
[0166] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below
in certain claim forms, the applicant contemplates the various
aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. For example,
while only one aspect of the invention is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth
paragraph, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a
means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being
embodied in a computer-readable medium. Any claims intended to be
treated under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6 will begin with the words
"means for." Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add
additional claims after filing the application to pursue such
additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
* * * * *
References