WO2004049160A1

WO2004049160A1 - Downloading data

Info

Publication number: WO2004049160A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/005141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toby Dickenson; James Wilson
Original assignee: ORION HOLDINGS (CHICHESTER) Ltd
Current assignee: ORION HOLDINGS (CHICHESTER) Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-26
Filing date: 2003-11-25
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2005-05-26
Also published as: AU2003285522A1

Abstract

A package (1), of temperature critical perishable goods (2), incorporates a data logger (3), programmed to record the temperature of the goods using an in-built temperature transducer at regular intervals. The package was packed at a consignor’s establishment (4) for transit to a consignee’s establishment (5). The data logger has a serial port female connector (11) and a label (12) with the following instructions: “for temperature verification of the goods consigned with this data logger, please connect it to the serial port of your internet computer and access www.geminidatamanager.com. Follow the screen prompts.” When the logger is connected to the consignee’s remote computer (13), internet connection is made to the consignor’s or a service provider’s server computer (14). Software enabling the data logger to download its data to the consignee’s computer (13) for uploading to the consignor’s computer (14) is downloaded from the computer (14) to the computer (13). The software controls the downloading of the data and its uploading without operator intervention. The computer (14) analyses the data. The result of the analysis, typically as a REJECT/ACCEPT, message is sent in accordance with the invention to the computer (13) for display to the operator, as shown (15) in figure 3.

Description

DOWNLOADING DATA

The present invention relates to downloading of data from a data logger.

Typically, a data logger can be used to monitor temperature, for instance of a consignment of food, to ensure that the food does not overheat during transit, such overheating being liable to cause the food to deteriorate.

The consignee of the food is likely to be receiving diverse consignments and a variety of data loggers with them. This can lead to complication in downloading of the data from the loggers. Where the latter have to be mailed back to the consignor, this can result in delay which further affects the marketability of the food. Where the consignee has download software, or it is sent with the logger, he has still to interpret the data. For instance, does a particular temperature-time graph indicate that the food is acceptable or not? Again the consignee may have to send the data away for analysis, for traceability purposes or for storage.

The object of the present invention is to provide improvements in the dow oading of logger data and its interpretation. They are based on the concept of real time downloading by the consignee of logger interrogation software from a remote server, transmission of the data to the server, processing of the data at the server and normally but not always transmission of an analysis of the data to the consignee.

According to the invention there is provided a programmed server computer adapted to perform the following steps: i. receive a signal from a remote computer; ii. download to the remote computer data logger interrogation software; and iii. - receive data from a data logger via the remote computer..

Preferably, the server computer is adapted to receive and download via an Internet connection. Preferably, the server computer is adapted to receive raw data as read from the data logger to the remote computer and to convert the raw data to readings, that is to say to data giving a direct indication of the measured parameter, such as temperature, where the logger is logging temperature of goods with which the logger was consigned.

Alternatively, the interrogation software can be capable of adapting the remote computer by means of a downloaded algorithm to convert the raw data to readings, that is to say to data giving a direct indication of the measured parameter, for uploading of the data to the server computer.

Whilst it can be envisaged that the server computer may merely store the data or transmit it elsewhere for storage and/or analysis, normally the server computer will: iv. analyse the data; and v. transmit a result of the analysis to the remote or another computer.

Whilst it is conceivable that the server computer may be adapted to return the readings for the remote computer to perform a verification that consigned goods have been subjected to acceptable conditions in transit; normally, the analysis will include an acceptable conditions verification.

Whilst it can be envisaged that the result of the analysis may comprise a detailed analysis of the data recorded by the data logger, normally it will comprise a verification that consigned goods have been subjected to acceptable conditions in transit and not to an exception to a business model. The verification will usually include a GO / NO GO decision according to whether logged data has exceeded a maximum value or not reached a minimum value of the reading per se or of its integral over time or exceeded a tolerance from a reading/time curve.

The server computer may also analyse the data, for for instance long term statistical purposes, without returning the result of this analysis. The invention is particularly applicable to whether the temperature of consigned goods, or the temperature/time integral thereof, has exceeded a maximum permitted temperature, or a maximum temperature/time integral. It is also applicable to other conditions, such as g-shock, humidity, time in transit, etc. Further, it is applicable also to monitoring transport tractors/vehicles as well transport containers.

Further the invention is applicable to stationary data loggers, such as used for meteorological observations.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a data logger having a common computer interface and instructions to connect to a computer and access an analysis server computer via an internet address given with the data logger.

The common computer interface can be for instance a serial port connector or USB port.

The data logger can be: i. a temperature logger and the readings give a direct indication of temperature; or ii. an acceleration logger and the readings give a direct indication of g-shock; or iii. a humidity logger and the readings give a direct indication of humidity; or iv. an elapsed time logger and the readings give a direct indication of time in transit; or v. a meteorological logger and the readings give a direct indication of meteorological readings; or vi. an electronic signal logger for logging voltage, current or count signals from a separate sensor; or vii. an event logger for logging the time of an event or the opening of a switch.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of servicing at a server computer of data recorded on a remote data logger which is to be connected to a remote computer, the method comprising: i. receiving a signal from the remote computer; ii. connecting the server computer to the remote computer in response to the signal iii. downloading, from the server computer to the remote computer, software enabling the data logger to download its data and the remote computer to upload the data to the server computer; iv. servicing the uploaded date.

Whilst the servicing may comprise mere storage of the data by the server computer or transmission of the data elsewhere for storage and/or analysis, normally the method will include: v. analysing the data at the server computer; and vi. downloading a result of the analysis from server computer to the remote or another computer.

This method is appropriate where the analysis is performed at an establishment separate from a goods consignment depot, in particular by a third party.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a consignor's method of verifying consigned goods, the method comprising: i. packaging a data logger with the goods, the data logger having instructions to the consignee to connect the logger to a consignee's remote computer and access a consignor's server computer; ii. despatching the goods with the data logger; iii. downloading in response to such access, from the consignor's server computer to the consignee's remote computer to which the data logger is by now connected, software enabling the data logger to download its data and the consignee's remote computer to upload the data to the consignor's server computer; iv. receiving the data at the consignor's server computer; and v. servicing the data to verify the consigned goods.

The servicing can comprising storage local or remote from both the consignor's and the consignee's computers and or analysis of the data. However, normally the method will include: vi. analysing the data at the server computer; and vii. downloading a result of the analysis from server computer to the remote or another computer.

This method is appropriate where the analysis is performed by the server computer at a goods consignor's depot.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a consignee's method of verifying consigned goods, the method comprising: i. receiving goods having a data logger packaged with them, the data logger having instructions to the consignee to connect the logger to a consignee's remote computer and access a server computer; ii. connecting the data logger to a consignee's remote computer; iii. causing the consignee's remote computer to communicate with a server computer both for downloading of software enabling the data logger to download its data and the consignee's computer to upload the data to the server computer and for uploading the data; and iv. receiving a verification of the goods in accordance with the analysis from server computer.

Preferably the communication between the server/consignor's computer and the remote/consignee's computer is via the internet in all the aspects of the invention.

Preferably the data received and analysed is raw data, i.e. data in its format as stored in the data logger and communicated by the logger to the remote/consignee' computer.

To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a data logged package in transit;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a data logger of the invention; and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of an ACCEPT message being displayed in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, it shows a package 1, typically of temperature critical perishable goods 2, incorporating a data logger 3, typically programmed to record the temperature of the goods using an in-built temperature transducer (not shown) at regular intervals. The package was packed at a consignor's establishment 4 and is in transit to a consignee's establishment 5.

The data logger shown in Figure 2 is substantially conventional, save having a serial port female connector 11 and a label 12 with the following instructions:

"For temperature verification of the goods consigned with this data logger, please connect it to the serial port of the your internet computer and access www. geminidatamanager. com. Follow the screen prompts."

When the logger has been so connected to the consignee's remote computer 13, see Figure 3, internet connection is made to the consignor's or a service provider's server computer 14. Software enabling the data logger to download its data to the consignee's computer 13 for uploading to the consignor's computer 14 is downloaded from the computer 14 to the computer 13. The software controls the downloading of the data and its uploading without operator intervention. It is believed that the writing of the software as such will be within the abilities of the man skilled in the art and will not be described. However, it should be noted that the software can be communicated by use of the Microsoft ActiveX ™ protocol.

It is anticipated that the only intervention by the consignee's operator after connection of the logger and access to the instructed web site will be to click on a "Get Data" icon which will be displayed once the software has been downloaded.

The computer 14 analyses the data in a manner which is conventional as such.

The result of the analysis, typically as a REJECT / ACCEPT, message is sent in accordance with the invention to the computer 13 for display to the operator, as shown 15 in Figure 3. It should be noted that the software to be downloaded can be as small as 1 OOkbytes. This compares with 2Mbytes which would be required if sufficient software were to be downloaded for local analysis by the computer 13, bearing in mind that the software would require both to interpret the protocol in accordance with which the data is stored in and downloaded from the data logger and to analyse the data for verification of the consigned goods and to generate the REJECT / ACCEPT message. Thus it is believed that the invention will shorten the time for analysis of the data and display of the verification, even allowing for the communication with the remote server. Further the consignee's computer will require less disk space to be occupied by the download, with the advantages attendant on this.

In addition to the above advantages, the invention, at least in the above embodiment, removes the necessity for the consignee to manage, actively install, physically receive or already have download software. In other words, the software installation is automated.

The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above described embodiment. For instance, the analysis computer can be installed remotely from the consignment depot and even possibly in a third party's premises. Further the logger can of course log parameters other than temperature; and the analysis/verification can be varied in accordance with the type of logger and its use, details of which will normally be uploaded with the data. Again, a record of the verifications can be kept either at the consignor's or the consignee's computer.

The GO / NO GO or ACCEPT / REJECT decision can be based on:

• a simple occurrence of a single excessive reading, such as a single temperature above freezing for a frozen product or a single excessive g-shock for a fragile product; or

• any excessive value of a reading-time integral, such as a time temperature-time integral; or indeed

• a more complex tolerance excess from a reading/time curve, such as including for instance an overall reading excess, excesses during certain periods, integral or gradient excesses.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A programmed server computer adapted to perform the following steps: i receive a signal from a remote computer; ii download data logger interrogation software to the remote computer; and iii receive data from a data logger via the remote computer.

2. A programmed server computer as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the server computer is further adapted to receive and download via an internet connection.

3. A programmed server computer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the server computer is further adapted to store the data and/or transmit it elsewhere for storage and/or analysis.

4. A programmed server computer as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the server computer is adapted to receive raw data as read from the data logger to the remote computer and to convert the raw data to readings, that is to say to data giving a direct indication of the measured parameter.

5. A programmed server computer as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the interrogation software is capable of adapting the remote computer by means of a downloaded algorithm to convert the raw data to readings, that is to say to data giving a direct indication of the measured parameter, for uploading of the data to the server computer.

6. A programmed server computer as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the server computer is further adapted to: iv analyse the data; and v transmit a result of the analysis to the remote or another computer.

7. A programmed server computer as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the analysis includes a verification that consigned goods have been subjected to acceptable conditions in transit.

8. A programmed server computer as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the server computer is adapted to return the readings for the remote computer to perform a verification that consigned goods have been subjected to acceptable conditions in transit.

9. A programmed server computer as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the verification includes a GO / NO GO decision according to whether logged data has exceeded a maximum value or not reached a minimum value of the reading per se or of its integral over time or exceeded a tolerance from a reading/time curve.

10. A data logger including a common computer interface and instructions to connect to a computer and access an analysis server computer via an internet address given with the data logger.

11. A data logger as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the common computer interface is a serial port connector or USB port.

12. A data logger as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the data logger is: i a temperature logger and the readings give a direct indication of temperature; or ii an acceleration logger and the readings give a direct indication of g-shock; or iii a humidity logger and the readings give a direct indication of humidity; or iv an elapsed time logger and the readings give a direct indication of time in transit; or v a meteorological logger and the readings give a direct indication of meteorological readings; or vi an electronic signal logger for logging voltage, current or count signals from a separate sensor; or vii an event logger for logging the time of an event or the opening of a switch.

13. A method of servicing, at a server computer, data recorded on a remote data logger, which is to be connected to a remote computer, the method comprising: i receiving a signal from the remote computer; ii connecting the server computer to the remote computer in response to the signal; iii downloading, from the server computer to the remote computer software enabling the data logger to download its data and the remote computer to upload the data to the server computer; iv uploading the data; v servicing the uploaded data.

14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherem the servicing comprises mere storage of the data by the server computer or transmission of the data elsewhere for storage and/or analysis.

15. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the servicing includes: vi analysing the data at the server computer; and vii downloading a result of the analysis from server computer to the remote or another computer.

16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the logger was consigned with goods from a depot and the analysis is performed at an establishment separate from the goods consignment depot.

17. A consignor's method of verifying consigned goods, the method comprising: i packaging a data logger with the goods, the data logger having instructions

- to the consignee to connect the logger to a consignee's remote computer and access a consignor's server computer; ii despatching the goods with the data logger; iii downloading in response to such access, from the consignor's server computer to the consignee's remote computer to which the data logger is by now connected, software enabling the data logger to download its data and the consignee's remote computer to upload the data to the consignor's server computer; iv receiving the data at the consignor's server computer; and v servicing the data to verify the consigned goods.

18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the servicing comprises storage local or remote, from both the consignor's and the consignee's computers, and/or analysis of the data.

19. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the servicing comprises: vi analysing the data at the server computer; and vii downloading a result of the analysis from server computer to the remote or another computer.

20. A method as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the analysis is performed by the server computer at a goods consignor's depot.

21. A consignee's method of verifying consigned goods, the method comprising: i receiving goods having a data logger packaged with them, the data logger having instructions to the consignee to connect the logger to a consignee's remote computer and access a server computer; ii connecting the data logger to a consignee's remote computer; iii causing the consignee's remote computer to communicate with a server computer both for downloading of software enabling the data logger to download its data and the consignee's computer to upload the data to the server computer and for uploading the data; and iv receiving a verification of the goods in accordance with the analysis from server computer.

22. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 21, wherein the communication between the server/consignor's computer and the remote/consignee's computer is via the internet.

23. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 22, wherein the data received and analysed is raw data, i.e. data in its format as stored in the data logger and communicated by the logger to the remote/consignee' computer.