WO2014187484A1

WO2014187484A1 - Variable information displaying according to specific stimuli

Info

Publication number: WO2014187484A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/060555
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benoit DEFRASNE
Original assignee: Sicpa Holding Sa
Priority date: 2013-05-22
Filing date: 2013-05-22
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

Monitoring device and method for monitoring a status of an item. Monitoring device includes an information display (2) arranged to display a data carrier (3) conveying a first status of an item, at least one sensor (4) arranged to detect at least one external stimulus, and a processor (8) arranged to process the detected at least one external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item.

Description

VARIABLE INFORMATION DISPLAYING ACCORDING TO SPECIFIC STIMULI

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a device for monitoring items in a supply chain to ensure integrity and/or authenticity of the items.

2. DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Supply chain management is the management of a network of interconnected businesses involved in the supply or provisioning of product and/or service packages required by end customers in a supply chain. Many actors are involved along the supply chain. By way of non-limiting example, as a pharmaceutical product moves along the supply chain, various actors with specific tasks, e.g., preparing, transporting, refilling, aggregating, etc., act on the product, so that many procedures for moving the product along the supply chain occur. An item containing the pharmaceutical product, e.g., a product or package, will be subject to various actions, e.g., to affix a label, to apply a security feature, to provide an identifier when the item is at the first part of a supply chain. Further, actions include aggregating the item into a packaging or into a box, moving the corresponding packaging or box to one location from another etc.

[0003] Systems and devices are known from WO 2013/000082 and WO 2013/000087 for tracking products in the supply chain with nanostructures in order to confirm authenticity of the product. These systems include nanoparticles incorporated with a physical structure of a product, a processing unit and a tracking unit. Prior to entering the supply chain, identifying data for the product can be written on modifiable portions of the nanoparticles. As the product moves through the supply chain, the tracking unit, via the processing unit, can read the data stored in the nanoparticles to identify certain stored characteristics of the product. Moreover, tampering with the products can be determined by detecting a lack of data or other error when reading the nanoparticles on the product.

[0004] With regard to the transporting of food along the supply chain, a significant factor that should be considered is the fact that meat or fish, if not correctly handled, can become rancid and/or dangerous for consumption. For example, to keep food in transit safe and consumable by customers, a protective seal should be provided, if possible, and in order to maintain freshness, the food must be kept in a low temperature environment that does not drastically change or is kept within a certain range, to keep the food safe for consumption by the customers.

[0005] Clearly, it can be difficult to determine whether the cold chain requirements for transporting the fish or meat along the supply chain have been respected so that no adulteration of the food or any violation of the requisite temperatures or temperature ranges for safe transport of fish or meat have occurred.

[0006] A first solution is simply to place a device for measuring and controlling temperature with the fish or meat. If the measured temperature approaches the defined temperature limits for safe transport, the temperature can be adjusted to maintain the safe temperature.

Alternatively, if the measured temperature is found to be outside the defined temperature limits, the device should indicate that the fish or meat is no longer proper for consumption. This solution works well when the food and packaging is held in the same place. However, when the packaged product is moving from one place to another, even if the temperature seems correct, one cannot be certain of the temperatures to which the packages are exposed.

[0007] Attempts to solve this issue have been explored for many years. A further solution has been the use of thermochromic ink, which can vary either reversibly or irreversibly according to the variation of the temperature. The ink will change its original color (often black) to another color if a specific temperature has been overtaken. By way of example, such ink can be applied to print a barcode in accordance with U.S. Patent No. US 6,685,094 B2. As the barcode will change color if a certain range of temperature is exceeded, the ink color indicates whether a problem has occurred along the supply chain. However, this solution of a thermochromic ink barcode is not without drawbacks. For example, the barcode is static and responds to/identifies only one type of information or changed condition related to the item. A simple reprint of the original barcode with the same thermochromic ink and its replacement inside the packaging between two different locations will be useful to hide if a problem of temperature has occurred along the supply chain. As nobody will see the difference, this remains the same barcode with the same thermochromic ink.

[0008] Further, the European patent application with publication No. 2 551 797 describes a process and apparatus for producing and verifying a product identifier in order to identify forged products. The apparatus and process verify the product identifier solely using the product, such that connection to a database is not necessary. The apparatus includes a detection device to detect a change in the product or product packaging, a processing device to produce a product identifier based on the detected change, and an identification device to put the product identifier on the product or product packaging. The detected changes to the product/package are directed to at least one permanent, randomly distributed, physical changes, such as bends, scratches, tears, lettering, stains on the product/ packaging or chemical changes, such as material composition of the product/packaging. In order to determine whether the product is an original product, a comparison device compares the product identifier produced by the processing device with the original product identifier on the product/packaging. This apparatus and process can only discern whether a physical and/or chemical change has occurred in the product. However, it is understood that the product/packaging can be exposed to various damaging external stimuli, e.g., extreme temperature rendering a pharmaceutical product unsuitable for its intended use, which will not result in a physical or chemical change in the product/packaging readable by the apparatus.

[0009] Unfortunately, along the supply chain, simply monitoring a single temperature or range may not be sufficient, as there may be a number of variable parameters and factors that should be monitored to ensure the integrity and/or authenticity of items. However, in the known art, because very often only one identifier is provided to reflect the identity of the item, one cannot know exactly what happens along the supply chain for an item when various parameters or factors occur that have an impact on the integrity and/or the authenticity of the item.

[0010] There is a need to have in almost real time or as accurate as possible monitoring of what happens to an item along a supply chain from the producer to the retailers and to have a history of all critical events that have occurred to an item in order to ascertain its authenticity and/or integrity.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a monitoring device and/or an identification device comprising an information display arranged to display a first data carrier conveying a first status of an item; at least one sensor arranged to detect at least one first external stimulus; and a processor arranged to process the detected at least one first external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for determining a condition of an item in or throughout a supply chain.

[0012] In particular, embodiments include a device that changes a displayed data carrier associated with a monitored item when storage and/or handling conditions for the monitored item in the supply chain have not been complied with.

The first data carrier may convey identification data for identifying the item.

The information display may be further arranged to display a second data carrier conveying an updated first status for the item.

The second data carrier may convey identification data for identifying the item.

The information display may be arranged to display the second data carrier in lieu of the first data carrier.

The processor may be arranged to compare sensor readings from the at least one sensor with one or more pre-determined thresholds.

The device may be configured to display the second data carrier on the information display when it is determined that at least one of the one or more predetermined thresholds has been exceeded.

The processor may be arranged to sample readings from the at least one external stimulus continuously, selectively, periodically, or at time intervals according to predefined rules.

The first data carrier and/or the second data carrier may comprise at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3 -dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof. The first data carrier and/or the second data carrier may comprise at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3-dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof outside of the visible spectrum.

The first data carrier and/or the second data carrier may comprise at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3-dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof with the visible spectrum and at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3-dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof outside of the visible spectrum.

The first data carrier and/or the second data carrier may be machine readable.

The at least one external stimulus may comprise at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure, mechanical stimuli, time, electromagnetic stimuli, a chemical stimuli, optical stimuli, and radiation stimuli.

The mechanical stimuli may comprise at least one of shock, vibration, orientation, compression and embossing.

The first data carrier may convey a second status of the item.

The device may further comprise a second sensor arranged to detect at least one second external stimulus.

The processor may be arranged to process the detected at least one second external stimulus to monitor the second status of the item.

The second data carrier may convey a current second status for the item.

The device may further comprise at least one memory.

The first data carrier may be stored in the at least one memory.

One or more readings from the at least one sensor may be stored in the at least one memory. The at least one memory may be arranged to store a temporal record of the one or more readings from the at least one sensor.

At least one of the first data carrier and the second data carrier may be stored for display in almost real time in the information display.

The device may further comprise a transmitter arranged to send data stored in the at least one memory to an external device.

The external device may comprise at least one of a memory device, a handheld device, a repository, database, server, datacenter, a mobile phone, a tablet or a computer.

The transmitter may send the data stored in the at least one memory in at least one of a wired and wireless manner.

The information display may comprise an electronic visual display.

The electronic visual display may comprise at least one of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode, electronic paper type of display, a plasma or other flat display, or a flexible display.

A driver application for the at least one sensor may be stored in the at least one memory and may be accessible by the processor.

A plurality of data carriers representing different states of the item may be stored in the at least one memory.

The different states may be defined by pre-established thresholds values stored in the at least one memory.

The device may further comprise a comparing unit arranged to compare sampled sensor readings from the at least one sensor to the pre-established thresholds, and, when at least one of the pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, the processor is arranged to select, based upon which of the at least one pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, one of the stored different states as a new state and to display the data carrier associated with the new state on the information display.

The device may be associated with at least one of a product, item, goods, or system, and the data carrier associated with the new state being readable to identify that the associated product, item, goods or system is no longer suited for its intended purpose based on the new state.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an item to which the device described herein is connected.

The device may be attached, affixed, embedded, contained within or integrated with the item or within a housing for housing the item.

The item may comprise one of a label, packaging, a cartridge, a container or a capsule arranged to contain or identify one of foodstuffs, beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cigarette, an aluminum foil, a commercial good, spare parts, watches, ink, powder, documents or bundled documents in a box and consumables.

In accordance with a further aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a process to monitor a status of an item with the device described herein, the process comprising displaying the first data carrier conveying the first status of the item; detecting the at least one first external stimulus; and processing the detected at least one first external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item.

The process may further comprise displaying a second data carrier conveying an updated first status for the item.

The second data carrier may be displayed in lieu of the first data carrier.

The at least one external stimulus may comprise at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure, mechanical stimuli, shock, vibration, orientation, time, electromagnetic stimuli, a chemical stimuli, and optical stimuli. The process may further comprise storing the first data carrier.

The process may further comprise storing one or more readings from the at least one sensor.

The process may further comprise transmitting at least some of the stored data to an external device.

The process may further comprise capturing the displayed data carrier with an AIDC device.

The process may further comprise storing a plurality of data carriers representing different states of the item.

The process may further comprise storing pre-established threshold values defining the different states.

The process may further comprise comparing sensor readings from the at least one sensor to the pre-established thresholds, and, when any of the pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, selecting, based upon which of the at least one pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, one of the stored different states as a new state and to display the data carrier associated with the new state on the information display.

The process may be associated with at least one of a product, item, goods, or system, and the data carrier associated with the new state being readable to identify that the associated product, item, goods or system is no longer suited for its intended purpose based on the new state.

Processing the detected at least one first external stimulus may comprise comparing readings from the at least one sensor with pre-established thresholds.

The process may further comprise displaying the second data carrier on the information display when it is determined that one or more of the predefined thresholds have been exceeded. In a further aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a process or method of monitoring an item in a supply chain, comprising the process described herein.

In a further aspect of this disclosure, there is provided for use of a device as described herein in monitoring an item in a supply chain.

Use of the device may further comprise capturing the displayed data carrier at one or more locations of the supply chain with a capture device, for example a AIDC device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The embodiments of the invention are further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to embodiments;

[0034] Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate examples of data carriers that represent different conditions for a same item or different states of the same item;

Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of the data conveyed by data carriers;

Fig 4 A and 4B illustrate examples of the data conveyed by data carriers;

[0035] Fig. 5 is an exemplary representation of the supply chain through which an item is transported;

[0036] Fig. 6 is an example of the monitoring of an item as it is transported through the supply chain

[0037] Fig. 7illustrates an exemplary processing system for implementing the processes of the embodiments of the invention; and

[0038] Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process for operating the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0039] In the following description, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to the enclosed drawings.

[0040] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description is taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the present invention, including embodiments of flakes and films, may be embodied in practice.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, a reference to a compound or component includes the compound or component by itself, as well as in combination with other compounds or components, such as mixtures of compounds.

[0042] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a magnetic material" would also mean that mixtures of one or more magnetic materials can be present unless specifically excluded.

[0043] Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not to be considered as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding conventions.

[0044] The various embodiments disclosed herein can be used separately and in various combinations unless specifically stated to the contrary. [0045] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for monitoring an item or items 7 introduced into the supply chain, and preferably throughout the item's transit throughout the supply chain. By way of non-limiting example, item 7 can include, e.g., a label, packaging, a cartridge, a container or a capsule structured and arranged to contain or identify one of foodstuffs, beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cigarette, an aluminum foil, and a commercial good, spare parts, watches, ink, powder, documents and consumables. Device 1 includes a display 2 for displaying a data carrier 3, and in particular, a machine readable data carrier. Display 2 can be, e.g., an electronic visual display, such as a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display, a plasma display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a flexible display or other suitable display having a resolution sufficient to display data carrier 3 for reading, e.g., by a data carrier reader, such as an Auto-Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) device (not shown). Of course, it is understood that data carrier 3 can also be visually readable by an individual in the supply chain without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.

Further, data carrier 3 can be structured as, e.g., at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3 -dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof. Moreover, the displayed data carrier 3 can be encrypted, e.g., by additionally displaying on display 2 a second data carrier or indicia readable from display 2 with a suitable reading device that operates in a different frequency range than that of the reading device for the data carrier 3. The second data carrier can be displayed in the infrared range or can be displayed in such a ma ner that luminescence, fluorescence, vibration of the second data carrier can be read when stimulated by a source within or associated with the suitable reading device.

[0046] Device 1 can also include at least one sensor 4 arranged to detect at least one external stimulus to which item 7 may be exposed during transit through the supply chain, e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, mechanical stimuli (such as shock, vibration, compression, acceleration, embossing, orientation), time, electromagnetic stimuli, chemical stimuli, optical stimuli, etc. Further, a plurality of sensors 4 can be provided so that each individual sensor is structured to detect a different one of the above-noted external stimuli. By way of non-limiting example, specially designed sensors can be fashioned for coupling to device 1 or known external stimulus sensors can be coupled to device 1 to effect the detection, on a respective sensor, a monitored external stimulus to which item 7 may be adversely exposed.

[0047] The device 1 includes at least one processor 8 arranged or configured to process the detected external stimuli. At least one memory 6 can be included in device 1 , and the at least one processor 8, e.g., a programmable logic controller, can be coupled to actuate and control at least one memory 6, display 3 and each at least one sensor 4. Further, processor 8 can include a timer or a separate timer (not shown) can be coupled to processor 8 so that an elapsed time or duration of the occurrence of a respective external stimulus detected by a respective one of the at least one sensor 4 can be recorded. In this manner, when at least one sensor 4 of device 1 detects that item 7 has been exposed to a respective monitored external stimulus, processor 8 can store the detected stimulus, e.g., a magnitude or duration of the stimulus, in memory 6.

[0048] Memory 6 can also store at least one application program associated with the monitoring of item 7, e.g., throughout its travel in the supply chain, for execution by processor 8. In this regard, device 1 can be reusable and/or usable in association with any number of distinct items 7 for which suitable at least one sensors 4 are provided for monitoring the requisite respective at least one external stimulus to which item 7 may be adversely exposed. Thus, if device 1 is moved to monitor a different item 7, perhaps in a different supply chain, a different application program may be accessed from memory 6 for execution by processor 8. Memory 6 can be structured to store a number of potential application programs or device 6 can be designed so that a single application program associated with item 7 can be downloaded, e.g., from an external storage device, including a computer, hard drive, server, etc., coupled to a communication port 5 of device 1, e.g., a micro-USB, USB, RCA jack, Firewire connector, etc., or wirelessly through a suitable wireless network, such as a wireless local area network, a wireless wide area network, the Internet or Bluetooth.

[0049] To reduce production and retail costs for device 1, device 1 can be produced with one or a limited number of sensors 4, each intended to monitor a respective external stimulus that adversely affects the condition of item 7. That is, if a manufacturer of item 7 only requires a sensor 4 to detect an external temperature stimulus, a device 1 having only a temperature sensor 4 would likely be less costly to produce and purchase than a device produced with, e.g., six sensors 4 for monitoring six respective and distinct stimuli, which are not applicable to the particular application program for monitoring the manufacturer's item 7. For example, if device 1 is intended to detect and/or capture whether a maximum temperature of 20°C is exceeded in transit, it would not be necessary to include, in addition to a temperature sensor, a mechanical shock sensor.

[0050] However, in contrast to the above discussion, it may be advantageous for other manufacturers of item 7 to obtain and use devices 1 having multiple sensors 4 for monitoring respective and distinct external stimuli, so that a same device 1 can be used for selectively monitoring wholly distinct items 7 in the supply chain simply by accessing or downloading a different application program associated with item 7 for which monitoring is desired. In this manner, for a device 1 having, e.g., a temperature sensor and a shock sensor, an application program can be accessed to monitor only temperature to ensure safe transport of vegetables or an application program can be accessed to monitor temperature and shock to ensure safe transport of certain explosive items. As discussed above, even if suitable for storing more than one executable application program, memory 6 can be designed so that the user can select one of the stored application programs for execution by device 1 or so that the user can download a desired application program to be saved in memory 6 or to be executed by processor 8 at the time of intended use.

[0051] In accordance with an executing application program, processor 8 can be arranged to continuously receive or sample sensor readings from each at least one sensor 4 under control or actuated by the executing application program. Alternatively, the executing application program can be designed so that processor 8 can receive sensor readings at a selected or preset time or can receive sensor readings in accordance with predefined rules for the application program.

[0052] Memory 6 can be structured to store data about item 7 to which it is affixed, attached, embedded or associated. The data may comprise fixed, constant or static data or information that includes, by way of non-limiting example, identification data for identifying the item 7, such as a part number, or identification of the contents of item 7, e.g., fish;

cigarettes; explosives; etc. Additionally or alternatively, the data may comprise a

production/manufacturing date, a product serial number, etc. Processor 8 can use this data to generate and store two distinct data carriers 3 and 3', as shown in Fig. 2 A and Fig 2B respectively. These distinct data carriers 3 and 3' can be understood to represent two different states of the item. Data carrier 3 may comprise information about the condition of item 7 or the status of the item 7, e.g., that the item is acceptable/safe for use (and/or that the storage and handling conditions are in compliance with the requirements of the supply chain) and data carrier 3', may comprise information about the condition of item 7, e.g., that the item is not acceptable/safe for use(and/or that the storage and handling conditions are not in compliance with the requirements of the supply chain). Still further, data carriers 3 and 3' can include respective associated messages (or no message) to the user/reader to inform them of action to take in response to the condition of item 7.

[0053] When device 1 is initially applied to item 7, the data carrier 3 confirming that the condition of item 7 is acceptable/safe for use is displayed on display 2. In this way, when data carrier 3 is read by a suitable reading device, such as an AIDC reader, the data associated with item 7 or with the contents of item 7 is displayed to the reading device user, including the condition of item 7, i.e., whether it is acceptable/safe for use, and any associated message to the user. When external stimuli acting on item 7, and therefore on at least one sensor 4, renders the condition of item 7 no longer acceptable/safe for use, processor 8 displays data carrier 3' on display 2, which will confirm that item 7 is no longer acceptable/safe for use when read by the user.

By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 3A illustrates an example of the data conveyed by a first data carrier 301. The first data carrier 301 may be a bar code, for example a QR code. The first data carrier 301 conveys a first status 304 of the item, for example that the temperature of the item is okay. The first data carrier further conveys identification data 303 for identifying the item, for example a product serial number or a manufacturing date of the item. In an alternative embodiment, the first data carrier does not convey identification data.

The processor processes a detected external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item. When it is determined that one or more thresholds have been exceeded, a second data carrier 302 is displayed on the information display to reflect the new and updated first status 305. The second data carrier 302 may be displayed in lieu of the first data carrier 301. This means that when an operator scans the data carrier on the display, they will capture the current state of the item. The detected external stimulus may be temperature. When it is determined that the temperature has been, for example, greater than 20°C for more than 20 minutes, the first status may be updated to an updated first status 305 conveyed by the second data carrier 302, for example to convey that the condition of the item may not be okay.

The second data carrier further conveys the identification data 303 which was also conveyed by the first data carrier 301. In an alternative embodiment, the second data carrier does not convey identification data. By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 4A illustrates a further example of the data conveyed by a first data carrier 306. The first data carrier 306 may be a bar code, for example a QR code. The first data carrier 306 conveys a first status 309 of the item, for example that the temperature of the item is okay. The first data carrier further conveys identification data 308 for identifying the item, for example a product serial number or a manufacturing date. In an alternative embodiment, the first data carrier does not convey identification data.

The first data carrier 306 also conveys a second status 310 of the item, for example that the humidity of the item is okay, a third status 31 1 for the item, for example that the radiation exposure of the item is okay, and a fourth status 312 for the item, for example that the pressure experienced by the item is okay.

The processor processes detected external stimuli to monitor the first status, the second status, the third status and the fourth status of the item. In the present example, the external stimuli are temperature, humidity, radiation, and pressure, for the first status, the second status, the third status and the fourth status respectively. When it is determined that one or more thresholds have been exceeded for any of the first, second, third and fourth statuses, a second data carrier 307 is displayed on the information display to reflect the current state of the item. For example, when it is determined that the item has been exposed to levels of humidity which exceed a predetermined value, a second data carrier 307 is displayed which conveys an updated second status 314 indicating that the humidity of the item is not ok. The second data carrier further conveys the identification data 303 which was also conveyed by the first data carrier 301, and the first, third and fourth statuses which in this case have not been updated since they have not changed.

The processor continues to monitor the first status, the third status and the fourth status of the item. Should any of these statuses change then a new data carrier is displayed on the information display to reflect the current state of the item. For example if a temperature threshold is exceeded them the new data carrier will convey an updated first status

(temperature not ok), the updated second status (humidity not ok), the third status (radiation ok) and the fourth status (pressure ok). A third data carrier may be displayed in lieu of the second data carrier. This means that when an operator scans the data carrier they will capture the current state of the item. The first, the second and the third data carriers may be stored in a memory. It can be seen that the first, the second and the third data carriers represent different states of the item. [0054] By way of a non-limiting example, exemplary events in a supply chain 20 are illustrated in Fig. 5. The supply chain 20 can include a number of stages, e.g., a stage 20.1 as the product progresses through the manufacturing plant, a stage 20.2 as the product progresses through the distribution plant, and a stage 20.3 as the product progresses through the retailer. Further, between each stage the products can be transported via a suitable transporter vehicle, such as a truck, train, aircraft, ship, etc. When the product is manufactured in stage 20.1 , it can be placed into a box or suitable packaging or transported in a non-contained or open manner, as an item 7. The device 1 to be affixed, adhered, connected, contained within, integrated with or associated with item 7 can be programmed with data about the product, for example identification data identifying the item or contents of the item e.g., a part number and a serial number. To program the data, the application program stored in memory 6 can be executed by processor 8 to monitor the progress and condition of item 7 through supply chain 20 or the application program for monitoring the progress and condition of item 7 through supply chain 20 can be downloaded from an external memory or source (not shown) for execution by processor 8. Further, data carriers 3 and 3' associated with the different states of the item 7 can then be generated by processor 8 and stored in memory 6, and data carrier 3 associated with the acceptable/safe condition for item 7 can be displayed on display 2 by processor 8. Device 1 can be applied onto item 7, i.e., the box or packaging of the manufactured/produced product, in order to identify and monitor item 7 and, e.g., storage and handling conditions of the product along supply chain 20.

[0055] At each event along the supply chain 20, a suitable reader, such as AIDC equipment, can be used to read the displayed data carrier to determine whether the condition of item 7 is still suitable and safe for use. As shown in supply chain 20, the events for monitoring the product in supply chain 20 in stage 20.1 can include manufacturing, packaging, storing and distributing of the product to the transporter for delivery to the distributor in stage 20.2. As noted above, at the manufacturing event(s), the manufactured product can be put into a box or suitable packaging and the device is applied to the box or suitable packaging. It is also understood that the device can be applied or attached to the product itself. The device can be integrated in the item or located within the item, or located within the item's housing or packaging. The packaging event can include aggregating multiple boxed products or individual products onto pallets or into storage/transport containers. The distribution event can include loading the pallets or storage/transport containers onto a transport device, such as a truck, train, plane, etc. for delivery to the distributor. In stage 20.2, the events at which the product can be monitored can be receiving, storing, repackaging, and distributing of the product to a transporter for delivery to the retailer. The repackaging event(s) can include de- aggregating the multiple boxed products or individual products on the pallets or in the storage/transport containers and re-aggregating the boxed products or individual products onto pallets or into storage/transport containers after identifying suitable products. The distribution event can include loading the pallets or storage/transport containers onto a transport device, such as a truck, train, plane, etc. for delivery to the retailer. The events for monitoring the product in stage 20.3 can include receiving, storing and selling of the product to a customer. At each event where device 1, and more particularly, the displayed data carrier, is read, compliance with the requisite storage and handling conditions for item 7 are discernible and/or readable from the displayed data carrier.

[0056] When data carrier 3', which confirms that item 7 is not acceptable/safe (and/or that the storage and handling conditions are not in compliance with the requirements of the supply chain), device 1 can stop further processes from being done, inform the person reading the data carrier and the system of the failed condition of item 7, and inform other individuals located remotely from item 7's current location by transmitting the data collected through at least one sensor 4 and the timer, if applicable, and stored in memory 6 to a remote location through action of the executing application program. Further, a standard operating procedure to be performed and a message, which can be predefined by the manufacturer, can be read from data carrier 3' to inform the reader of how to proceed with the unacceptable item 7, e.g., quarantine, withdraw, recall, destroy, re-introduce into the distribution channel, etc.

[0057] Further, device 1 can optionally be programmed so that hidden coded stimuli (via sensor 4) or run routines (via communication unit 5) can interact with processor 8 in order to modify the displayed information and reset or force a non-reversible status displayed on the device, without losing track of events (stored in the memory 6). This can be restricted to manufacturer authorized body (e.g., quality director).

[0058] A further non-limiting example of embodiments of the invention can be explained with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 illustrates a supply chain 30 having a number of events at which the status of the item or product is identified. According to this exemplary

embodiment, a predetermined number of frozen shrimp can be placed in a box or package, as item 7, at the manufacturing event. The initial data for item 7 (the boxed frozen shrimp) can include a part number (PNR) and serial number (SNR). Further, a data carrier 3 including the initial data, can also include a confirmation or indication of the condition of item 7 is acceptable, such that the current status and handling conditions are acceptable, and include an optional message corresponding to the acceptable status of item 7. Moreover, a data carrier 3', can also include a confirmation or indication that the condition of item 7 is not acceptable, such that the status and handling conditions are likewise not acceptable, and include an optional message corresponding to the unacceptable condition or status of item 7. Data carriers 3 and 3' can be generated by processor 8 and stored in memory 6. Moreover, in this initial manufacturing event, the data carrier 3 corresponding to an acceptable condition or status for item 7 can be displayed on display 4.

[0059] To ensure that the shrimp in the containers are safely transported from the manufacturing location to the customer (final destination) along the supply chain, the application program monitors a temperature sensor of device 1 to ensure, e.g., that the package is not exposed to temperatures above 0°C for more than 20 consecutive minutes. As discussed above, the application program can be already stored in memory 6 or can be downloaded into memory 6 prior to being coupled to, e.g., attached, affixed or connected to or embedded in, item 7 at the packaging location. By way of further example, as the critical temperature must be sustained over a predetermined period of 20 minutes, the application program can actuate processor 6 to continuously sample (temperature) sensor 4.

[0060] As processor 8 samples sensor 4, the readings are associated with timer and stored in memory 6 as additional data. The additional data can be stored in memory 6 and may be associated with data from each applicable at least one sensor 4. However, this additional data does not change the initial data stored in memory 6. While the temperature detected or read by sensor 4 may fluctuate while item 7 is in transit, as long as the temperature does not exceed the critical temperature of 0°C for 20 continuous minutes, the shrimp in transit in package item 7 can be considered safe for consumption. In this regard, a comparator can be provided to monitor whether the predetermined limit for each monitored sensor is exceeded. Of course, it should be understood that the transit of package 7 may not occur entirely within a refrigerated carrier, and that device 1 continues to operate while item 7 is off-loaded from a transport vehicle and during movement of item 7 to another vehicle or to the freezer of the distributor or retailer or way station along supply chain 30. However, at each event along supply chain 30, the displayed data carrier of device 1 can be read to confirm that the condition of item 7 is still acceptable/safe. If the critical temperature has not been exceeded for the specified time, data carrier 3 associated with the initial data of item 7 remains displayed on display 2, so that the driver of the supplier or a recipient of item 7 can read data carrier 3, e.g., with a suitable reading device, in order to display the initial data, to confirm the condition of item 7, and to read any messages associated with data carrier 3 (in this case: no message).

[0061] As discussed above, data carrier 3', which may include identification data for item 7 or for contents of item 7, is also stored in memory 6. Data carrier 3' includes data about the condition or state of item 7 or the contents of item 7, and more particularly, data indicating that the integrity of item 7 or the contents of item 7 has/have been compromised based upon exposure to at least one external stimulus in excess of a predetermined level. However, data carrier 3 ' is not displayed until processor 8 determines that the external stimuli, in this case temperature, exceeds the predefined limits for item 7 as defined in the application program. As shown in Fig. 6, item 7 remains acceptable/safe and displaying data carrier 3, until some point between the storing and repackaging events in the distributor channel of supply chain 30. At this point, processor 8 detects that item 7 has not been maintained in a suitably cool environment for a period of time that exceeds the maximum duration set forth in the application program. In response to this detection, processor 8 displays data carrier 3' on display 2 instead of data carrier 3, so that, when item 7 is checked at the next event, i.e., for repackaging, data carrier 3' will be read and the user will discern that item 7 is no longer acceptable/safe for use. Further, data carrier 3' can include a message, such as "send data to responsible person." In response to this message, the user can, e.g., wirelessly transmit the initial data and additional data associated with item 7 to a responsible person, e.g., located at a remote location.

[0062] Thus, in the above-noted example, assuming that, while item 7 is in transit, a comparator provides a signal to processor 8 indicating that sensor 4 was providing a reading in excess of 0°C for more than 20 minutes, the application program would instruct the processor 8 to display data carrier 3' on display 2 in lieu of data carrier 3. As noted above, once item 7 arrives at its final destination, the supplier or a recipient of item 7 can read the displayed data carrier, i.e., data carrier 3', with a suitable reading device, in order to display the data associated with the displayed second data carrier. Thus, the distributor or purchaser of item 7 would be alerted that the integrity of item 7 or the contents of item 7 have been compromised and no longer safe for consumption. [0063] Of course, the above example is a simplified embodiment for ease of explanation and should certainly not be construed as limiting in any way. In fact, through the use of multiple sensors for detecting and/or capturing per sensor external stimuli and a suitable application program that monitors the critical characteristic for each sensor to determine whether the integrity of the item in transport has been compromised. Moreover, it is understood that the application program can be a listing or table of conditions and responses to execute rules for monitoring safe handling of items.

[0064] Further, communication unit 5 of device 1 can also include a transmitter/receiver device, which can be embodied as a single unit or as two separate units. The

transmitter/receiver device can be coupled to processor 8 so that, e.g., data stored in memory 6 can be transmitted, either in a wired or wireless manner, including Bluetooth, to an external device, e.g., an external memory device, a handheld device, such as a mobile telephone, laptop or tablet computer, a repository, a server, etc. The transmitted data can include, but is certainly not limited to, the additional data, so that problems in the supply chain can be identified and corrected for future transporting of items. The receiver can be used to receive, via a wired or wireless transmission from an external source, an application program or the identification data, the status data, the updated status data and the associated data carriers for each. Additionally or alternatively, the identification data, the status data and the updated status data and the associated data carriers for each can be input to memory 6 via the connectors on device 1 for wired transmission of data.

SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT

[0065] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a supply chain monitoring/management system, a method or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

[0066] Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following:

an electrical connection having one or more wires,

a portable computer diskette,

a hard disk,

a random access memory (RAM),

a read-only memory (ROM),

an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,

a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM),

an optical storage device,

a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, a magnetic storage device

a USB key, and/or

a certificate.

[0067] In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with the computer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

[0068] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network. This may include, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). Additionally, in embodiments, the present invention may be embodied in a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0069] Fig. 7 shows an illustrative environment 500 for managing the processes in accordance with the invention. To this extent, the environment 500 includes a server or other computing system 505 that can perform the processes described herein. In particular, the server 505 includes a computing device 510. The computing device 510 can be resident on a network infrastructure or computing device of a third party service provider (any of which is generally represented in Fig. 7).

[0070] The computing device 510 can include a processor 518, memory 516, an I/O interface 513, and a bus 515. The memory 516 can include local memory employed during actual execution of program code, bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution. In addition, the computing device includes random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an operating system (O/S).

[0071] The computing device 510 is in communication with the external I/O

device/resource 511 and the storage system 519. For example, the I/O device 511 can comprise any device that enables an individual to interact with the computing device 510 or any device that enables the computing device 510 to communicate with one or more other computing devices using any type of communications link. The external I/O device/resource 535 may enable two-way wireless or wired communication between computing device 510 and a user, e.g., via a handheld device, PDA, handset, mouse, microphone, keyboard, smartphone, etc.

[0072] In general, the processor 518 executes computer program code (e.g., program control 517), which can be stored in the memory 516 and/or storage system 519. Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the invention, the program control 517 can include program code to be executed by processor 518 to perform processes in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. While executing the computer program code, the processor 518 can read and/or write data to/from memory 516, storage system 519, and/or I/O interface 513. The program code executes the processes of the invention. The bus 515 provides a communications link between each of the components in the computing device 510.

[0073] The computing device 510 can comprise any general purpose computing article of manufacture capable of executing computer program code installed thereon (e.g., a personal computer, server, etc.). However, it is understood that the computing device 510 is only representative of various possible equivalent-computing devices that may perform the processes described herein. To this extent, in embodiments, the functionality provided by the computing device 510 can be implemented by a computing article of manufacture that includes any combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware and/or computer program code. In each embodiment, the program code and hardware can be created using standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively.

[0074] Similarly, the computer server 505 is only illustrative of various types of computer infrastructures for implementing the invention. For example, in embodiments, the server 505 can comprise two or more computing devices (e.g., a server cluster) that communicate over any type of communications link, such as a network, a shared memory, or the like, to perform the process described herein. Further, while performing the processes described herein, one or more computing devices on the server 505 can communicate with one or more other computing devices external to the server 505 using any type of communications link. The communications link can comprise any combination of wired and/or wireless links; any combination of one or more types of networks (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a virtual private network, etc.); and/or utilize any combination of transmission techniques and protocols.

FLOW DIAGRAM

[0075] Fig. 8 shows exemplary flows for performing aspects of the present invention. The steps of Fig. 8 may be implemented in the environment of Fig. 7, for example. The flow diagrams may equally represent a high-level block diagrams of the invention. The flowchart and/or block diagrams in Fig. 8 illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Each block of each flowchart, and combinations of the flowchart illustrations can be implemented by special purpose hardware- based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions and/or software, as described above. Moreover, the steps of the flow diagrams may be implemented and executed from either a server, in a client server relationship, or they may run on a user workstation with operative information conveyed to the user workstation. In an embodiment, the software elements include firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. The software and/or computer program product can be implemented in the environment of Fig. 7. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk - read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc - read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.

[0077] Fig. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process 600 for operating the exemplary device depicted in Fig. 1. A program corresponding to an item to which the device is or will be associated is selected for execution or a program corresponding to an item to which the device is or will be associated is uploaded into the memory and selected for execution at 601. The program is executed by the process at 602. By way of example, the program can receive and process signals from sensors structured to detect external stimuli to be monitored according to the program store, e.g., temperature and light. Further, when the program is initially executed, the initial data is loaded into the memory at 603 and a data carrier associated with the initial data is displayed at 604. It is further noted that the displayed data carrier can be encrypted, e.g., with a second data carrier or indicia that is readable from the display with a suitable reading device that operates in a different frequency range than that of the reading device for the visible data carrier. The second data carrier can be displayed in the infrared range or can be displayed in such a manner that luminescence, fluorescence, vibration of the second data carrier can be read when stimulated by a source within or associated with the suitable reading device.

[0078] The sensors can continuously read external stimuli, can be periodically sampled or combinations of continuous reading and periodic sampling at 605. Additional data detected by the sensors and processed by the processor are stored in the memory at 606 and the additional data is compared to predefined limits for the item being monitored at 607. If the limits are not exceeded, the process can return to 605 to continue sensing the external stimuli acting on the item. If any of the limits are exceeded, the display will replace the data carrier indicative of an acceptable item with the data carrier indicative of an unacceptable item at 609. Of course, it is understood that in certain embodiments, even though a predefined limit is exceeded, the item may still be acceptable if other monitored stimuli are maintained within certain acceptable limits. Further, as discussed above with regard to the display of the data carrier at 604, the data carrier indicative of an unacceptable item can be encrypted, e.g., with a second data carrier or indicia that is readable from the display with a suitable reading device that operates in a different frequency range than that of the reading device for the visible data carrier. Again, this second data carrier for the unacceptable item can be displayed in the infrared range or can be displayed in such a manner that luminescence, fluorescence, vibration of the second data carrier can be read when stimulated by a source within or associated with the suitable reading device. Moreover, it would be advantageous if the second data carrier for the unacceptable item is different from the second data carrier for the acceptable item. In this way, even if an unscrupulous user modified the display to change the visible data carrier for the unacceptable item to the data carrier for the acceptable item, this change could be identified by reading the second data carrier, which would not correspond with displayed data carrier.

[0079] This process can continue as the item is transported through the supply chain. That is, while the sensors continuously or periodically sample for external stimuli acting on the item, the display may only be read at certain points along the supply chain, as shown in Fig. 4. Moreover, in the event the item is deemed unacceptable, such that the data carrier for the unacceptable item is displayed, the data read by the reading device can instruct the user to contact a responsible person and/or connect the device to a network to allow the data stored in the memory to be transmitted to the responsible person.

[0080] While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention.

[0081] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the embodiments of the present invention. While the embodiments have been described with reference to particular non- limiting examples, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A monitoring device comprising:

an information display arranged to display a first data carrier conveying a first status of an item;

at least one sensor arranged to detect at least one first external stimulus; and a processor arranged to process the detected at least one first external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first data carrier conveys identification data for identifying the item.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information display is further arranged to display a second data carrier conveying an updated first status for the item.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second data carrier conveys identification data for identifying the item.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the information display is arranged to display the second data carrier in lieu of the first data carrier.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is arranged to compare sensor readings from the at least one sensor with one or more predetermined thresholds.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device is configured to display the second data carrier on the information display when it is determined that at least one of the one or more predetermined thresholds has been exceeded.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is arranged to sample readings from the at least one external stimulus continuously, selectively, periodically, or at time intervals according to predefined rules.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first data carrier and/or the second data carrier comprises at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3 -dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first data carrier and/or the second data carrier comprises at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3 -dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof outside of the visible spectrum.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first data carrier and/or the second data carrier comprises at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3 -dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof with the visible spectrum and at least one of a linear barcode, a matrix barcode, a 3- dimensional barcode, and an alphanumeric chain of characters or a mixture thereof outside of the visible spectrum.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first data carrier and/or the second data carrier is machine readable.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one external stimulus comprises at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure, mechanical stimuli, time, electromagnetic stimuli, a chemical stimuli, optical stimuli, and radiation stimuli .

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the mechanical stimuli comprises at least one of shock, vibration, orientation, compression and embossing.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first data carrier conveys a second status of the item.

16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising a second sensor arranged to detect at least one second external stimulus.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the processor is arranged to process the detected at least one second external stimulus to monitor the second status of the item.

18. The device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second data carrier conveys a current second status for the item.

19. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one memory.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the first data carrier is stored in the at least one memory

21. The device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein one or more readings from the at least one sensor are stored in the at least one memory.

22. The device according to claim 21 , wherein the at least one memory is arranged to store a temporal record of the one or more readings from the at least one sensor.

23. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first data carrier and the second data carrier are stored for display in almost real time in the information display.

24. The device according to any of claims 19 to 23, further comprising a transmitter arranged to send data stored in the at least one memory to an external device.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein the external device comprises at least one of a memory device, a handheld device, a repository, database, server, datacenter, a mobile phone, a tablet or a computer.

26. The device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the transmitter sends the data stored in the at least one memory in at least one of a wired and wireless manner.

27. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the information display comprises an electronic visual display.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the electronic visual display comprises at least one of a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode, electronic paper type of display, a plasma or other flat display, or a flexible display.

29. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a driver application for the at least one sensor is stored in the at least one memory and is accessible by the processor.

30. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of data carriers representing different states of the item are stored in the at least one memory.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein the different states are defined by pre-established thresholds values stored in the at least one memory.

32. The device according to claim 31 , further comprising a comparing unit arranged to compare sampled sensor readings from the at least one sensor to the pre- established thresholds, and,

when at least one of the pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, the processor is arranged to select, based upon which of the at least one pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, one of the stored different states as a new state and to display the data carrier associated with the new state on the information display.

33. The device according to claim 32 being associated with at least one of a product, item, goods, or system, and the data carrier associated with the new state being readable to identify that the associated product, item, goods or system is no longer suited for its intended purpose based on the new state.

34. An item to which the device according to any of claims 1 to 33 is connected.

35. The item of claim 34, wherein the device is attached, affixed, embedded, contained within or integrated with the item or within a housing for housing the item.

36. The item according to claim 34 or 35 comprising one of a label, packaging, a cartridge, a container or a capsule arranged to contain or identify one of foodstuffs, beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cigarette, an aluminum foil, a commercial good, spare parts, watches, ink, powder, documents or bundled documents in a box and

consumables.

37. A process to monitor a status of an item with the device according to any of claims 1 - 33, the process comprising:

displaying the first data carrier conveying the first status of the item;

detecting the at least one first external stimulus; and

processing the detected at least one first external stimulus to monitor the first status of the item.

38. The process according to claim 37, further comprising displaying a second data carrier conveying an updated first status for the item.

39. The process according to claim 38, wherein the second data carrier is displayed in lieu of the first data carrier.

40. The process according to claim 37, 38 or 39, wherein the at least one external stimulus comprises at least one of temperature, humidity, pressure, mechanical stimuli, shock, vibration, orientation, time, electromagnetic stimuli, a chemical stimuli, and optical stimuli.

41. The process according to any one of claims 37 to 40, further comprising storing the first data carrier.

42. The process according to any of claims 37 to 41, further comprises storing one or more readings from the at least one sensor.

43. The process according to claim 41 or 42, further comprising transmitting at least some of the stored data to an external device.

44. The process according to any of claims 37 - 43, further comprising capturing the displayed data carrier with an AIDC device.

45. The process according to any of claims 37 - 44, further comprising storing a plurality of data carriers representing different states of the item.

46. The process according to claim 45, further comprising storing pre-established threshold values defining the different states.

47. The process according to claim 46, further comprising comparing sensor readings from the at least one sensor to the pre-established thresholds, and,

when any of the pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, selecting, based upon which of the at least one pre-established thresholds has been exceeded, one of the stored different states as a new state and to display the data carrier associated with the new state on the information display.

48. The process according to claim 47 being associated with at least one of a product, item, goods, or system, and the data carrier associated with the new state being readable to identify that the associated product, item, goods or system is no longer suited for its intended purpose based on the new state.

49. The process of any one of claims 37 to 48, wherein processing the detected at least one first external stimulus comprises comparing readings from the at least one sensor with pre- established thresholds.

50. The process of claim 49, further comprising displaying the second data carrier on the information display when it is determined that one or more of the predefined thresholds have been exceeded.

51. A process of monitoring an item in a supply chain, comprising the process of any one of claims 37 to 50.

52. Use of a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 33 in monitoring an item in a supply chain.

53. Use of a device as defined in claim 52, further comprising capturing the displayed data carrier at one or more locations of the supply chain with a capture device, for example a

AIDC device.