US20200311666A1 - Encoding sensor data and responses in a distributed ledger - Google Patents

Abstract

Delivery routing for an item is dynamically changed based on environmental conditions the item experiences during transport. The item may be associated with thresholds describing environmental conditions which must be maintained to avoid damage to the item. If sensors associated with the item detect deviation from the set thresholds during transport, instructions to reroute the item may be dynamically generated and provided to a vehicle or shipping agent responsible for transporting the item. Options for rerouting the item include returning it to the sender, disposing of it in a nearby disposal facility, sending to an inspection facility, or sending it on to the original destination location. The environmental thresholds associated with an item, records of conditions measured by sensors during transport, and alternative delivery locations may be stored in a distributed ledger such as a blockchain. Entities associated with the shipment may have access to the distributed ledger.

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/825,710, filed Mar. 28, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
• Physical items can be damaged in various ways during shipping. For example, exposure to extremes of temperature, vibration, humidity, and other conditions can damage both containers and items within those containers. Some types of items, such as medicine and frozen food, may be rendered worthless if they become too warm. Other types of items such as live insects, like crickets or ladybugs, may be killed if the temperature becomes too low. Sensitive electronics may be damaged by vibration. High humidity may be damaging for some types of items like paper products, cigars, and dried powders. Low humidity may damage other types of items such as fruit and vegetables.
• Many shipping services provide tracking information that identifies a delivery date and may show the location of an item during transport. For example, a shipping agent may pack a global positioning system (GPS) sensor along with the item and utilize the GPS sensor to monitor locations of the item during shipment. Containers may be labeled with identifiers such as barcodes that are read by handheld readers, and the records of these read events can be used to create a record of the movements of the package. However, this type of tracking is generally limited to ensuring that an item reaches its intended destination location.
• Tracking the location of an item may fail to capture important events such as damage to the item during transport. Even sophisticated persons with significant experience within the shipping industry may not immediately recognize that an item has been damaged during transport—especially because shipping personnel frequently have little or no insight as to what types of items they are currently transporting. Knowing what happened to an item during shipping may be equally or more relevant than knowing where an item is during its journey. Without knowing what has happened to an item during transport, resources such as fuel may be wasted transporting an item to a destination that is inappropriate given the current condition of the item.
• Tracking information, including any records of potential damage, is typically created and controlled by the shipping agent. Access by other parties to this information may be limited and it may be difficult or impossible to independently verify the accuracy of records created by the shipping agent. Disseminating records describing events that happened to items during shipment in a way that is efficient and trusted by multiple parties is difficult.
• It is with respect to these and other considerations that the following disclosure is made.
SUMMARY
• This disclosure provides technologies for encoding environmental sensor data and pre-determined responses to deviations from environmental conditions in a block chain or other type of distributed ledger. The sensors monitor conditions experienced by items such as heat, humidity, vibration, etc. that may damage or destroy items during shipment. Implementing the thresholds for environmental conditions, records of measurement data collected by sensors during transport, and storing alternative destination locations in a blockchain provides enhanced safety, security, and transparency. For example, by knowing the history of temperature, it is known if a medicine or food has been safely stored. By knowing electronics have been shipped under safe conditions, it is known that the quality and functionality of the electronics should be assured. By knowing a secure history of locations an item has traversed, the security of the item can be verified. The disclosed technologies can also provide additional technical benefits such as improving logistical efficiency, reducing fuel usage, and saving wear-and-tear on vehicles.
• Data captured from the sensors may be recorded in a distributed ledger. A distributed ledger (also called a shared ledger or distributed ledger technology or DLT) is a consensus of replicated, shared, and synchronized digital data geographically spread across multiple sites and devices. One example of a distributed ledger is a blockchain system. Blockchain uses cryptography to link the data in each block to the previous block thereby creating a “chain.” Data in one block cannot be altered without severing the link to other blocks in the chain. It is trusted as a single source of truth by participants because the data is both immutable and cryptographically secure. With trust and transparency, the incorporation of blockchain into a system can simplify dispute resolution and ensure that all parties to agree in advance on actions to perform in response to data captured from the sensors.
• By identifying potential damage to an item during transport rather than after delivery, the item may be rerouted to a different, potentially closer, destination. This is more efficient than continuing to transport a damaged item to a destination where the item will be undesired or unusable. Technical benefits other than those specifically identified herein might also be realized through implementations of the disclosed technologies.
• Information regarding the acceptable environmental conditions for a given item as well as the actual measurements of environmental conditions recorded during transport may be recorded in data blocks of a blockchain. This provides an immutable record that may be accessed by a sender, a receiver, a shipping agent, or other parties associated with the transport of an item.
• Storing this record on a distributed ledger such as a blockchain allows many different entities to access the data and provides a reliable record that may be used to assign responsibility for damage that occurs to items during shipping. Additionally, creating a distributed ledger provides data redundancy in case one source of records (e.g., a data stored locally on a memory device in a vehicle) is irretrievably damaged. Data from the record stored in the blockchain may be aggregated for individual shipping agents to generate performance metrics for the shipping agents based on the quality of shipping provided. The performance metrics themselves may also be stored in the blockchain to provide widespread access and the technical benefits of cryptographic security and immutability.
• The sensors, which are included in a vehicle, in a container, and/or on the item being shipped, track one or more environmental conditions and provide a rich set of data that describes the quality of shipping. The quality of shipping includes not only the location of the item and timeliness of the delivery but also environmental conditions that the item was exposed to during shipping.
• The sensors may provide sensing capabilities, electronics, memory, processing, software, and network connectivity to items other than standard computing devices. For example, the sensors may be included in a vehicle, in packaging material, in a container holding the item, or attached to the item itself. The sensors may have the ability to communicate over a communications network so that they can provide sensed data to a remote computing system for storage and analysis.
• The sensors may capture any number of different types of environmental conditions that are relevant to an item being shipped. For example, location sensors (e.g., GPS), thermometers, vibration sensors, hygrometers, orientation sensors, and the like may be used to observe and record the location and environmental conditions experienced by an item during transport. Automatic data collection of signals sent from the sensors can prevent missed scans or measurements that may occur if human action is required to generate the data.
• Sensor data may be compared to thresholds that define acceptable conditions for an item in order to determine if the item was potentially damaged during shipping. These thresholds may be obtained from the profile data of an item. The threshold for an environmental condition may be associated with a single threshold (e.g. do not go above or do not go below) or there may be two thresholds that represent a range with an upper and lower limit on acceptable values.
• If an item was exposed to environmental conditions that deviated from acceptable thresholds, the destination location for the item may be modified during shipment. Thus, the recipient is saved the disappointment of receiving an item only to open it and learn that it has been damaged. The shipping agent is also saved with the expense and effort of transporting item to a location where it cannot be used. For example, a truck full of produce that has overheated may be redirected to a nearby composting facility rather than continuing to drive hundreds of miles to deliver unusable goods. The truck is then available to transport different items. If a replacement item is to be sent out, the replacement item can be sent out as soon as the damage is detected rather than waiting for the recipient to detect and report the damage.
• A damaged item may be returned to the sender or routed to a different location. The item may be inspected to determine if it was in fact damaged. If it is not damaged, then the item may be transported to its original destination. If the item is determined to be damaged either based on the sensor data or based on the later inspection, a replacement item may be shipped out.
• For example, a vaccine may need to be stored at a temperature below 3° C. in order to maintain efficacy. If a sensor detects that the package contained the vaccine has warmed to 6° C., exceeding the threshold, then the vaccine is no longer usable. The destination location for the vaccine may be changed to the original shipping agent's address so that is returned, or it may be changed to another location where there are suitable disposal facilities. Additionally, a new shipment of the vaccine may be sent out to the same destination as a replacement for the shipment that was damaged.
• It should be appreciated that the above-described subject matter may also be implemented as a computer-controlled apparatus, a computer-implemented process, a computing system, or as an article of manufacture such as a computer-readable medium. These and various other features will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description and a review of the associated drawings.
• This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended that this Summary be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numbers in different figures indicate similar or identical items.
• FIG. 1 is a computing system diagram showing an illustrative system for dynamically changing the routing of an item during transport based on sensed environmental conditions.
• FIG. 2 is an architectural diagram showing additional details and providing examples of communication between the computing devices shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an architectural diagram showing an illustrative example of a blockchain for maintaining a record of environmental measurement data.
• FIG. 4 is a data architecture diagram illustrating example data blocks in a blockchain ledger that maintains a record of environmental measurement data.
• FIG. 5A is a flowchart of an illustrative method for returning a shipped item back to an origination location after exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions.
• FIG. 5B is a flowchart of an illustrative method for shipping a replacement item after the original item was exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions.
• FIG. 5C is a flowchart of an illustrative method for determining a performance metric for a shipping agent based on aggregated performance data.
• FIG. 5D is a flowchart of an illustrative method for storing measurement data of environmental conditions in a blockchain and modifying delivery of an item based on the measurement data.
• FIG. 5E is a flowchart of an illustrative method for redirecting a shipped item to a disposal facility after exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions.
• FIG. 5F is a flowchart of an illustrative method for redirecting a shipped item to an inspection facility after exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions.
• FIG. 6 is a data architecture diagram showing an illustrative example of a user using an application programming interface to invoke a method in a data block on the environmental measurement blockchain.
• FIG. 7A is a data architecture diagram illustrating a simplified example of a blockchain ledger based on the data blocks of the environmental measurement data blockchain ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 7B is a data architecture diagram showing an illustrative example of smart contract code, transactions, and messages that are bundled into a block so that their integrity is cryptographically secure and so that they may be appended to a blockchain ledger.
• FIG. 8 is a computer architecture diagram illustrating an illustrative computer hardware and software architecture for a computing system capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein.
• FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a distributed computing environment capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein.
• FIG. 10 is a computer architecture diagram illustrating a computing device architecture for a computing device capable of implementing aspects of the techniques and technologies presented herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As discussed briefly above, the disclosure presented herein describes technologies for encoding sensor data and responses to deviations from set thresholds in a distributed ledger. In order to provide this functionality, shipped items may be associated with a particular set of thresholds for environmental conditions, and these thresholds are recorded in a distributed ledger such as a block chain. Records of data collected from the sensors may also be recorded in the same distributed ledger.
• Smart contracts implemented in the distributed ledger can generate instructions to change a parameter based on sensor data. As just one example, a delivery destination for an item based on the sensor data and the thresholds for that item. Implementations of the disclosed technologies provide the benefits of system that uses cryptographically secure and verifiable data source together with pre-established and known rules to efficiently adjust delivery routing for damaged items. Additional details regarding the various aspects of these and other features of this disclosure are provided below with respect to the accompanying figures.
• FIG. 1 shows the architecture of anillustrative system100 for changing delivery routes based on the condition of anitem102. In thesystem100, theitem102 is an item in transport, which may be any type of good or product. For example, theitem102 may be frozen goods, refrigerated goods, medicine, food, live animals, electronics, antiques, etc. Theitem102 may be sensitive to one or more environmental conditions such as pressure (e.g., being stacked under heavy items and/or subjected to unacceptable barometric pressure), acceleration (e.g., being shaken and/or dropped), humidity, temperature, light exposure (e.g., exposure to ultra-violet light), chemical exposure (e.g., exposure to oxygen and/or some other non-inert gas), and so on.
• During shipping, theitem102 may be placed or packed inside acontainer104. As used herein, “container” refers to an object that can be used to enclose or hold theitem102 such as a box, a package, an envelope, a packet, a mailing tube, bag, a can, a jar, a vial, a bucket, a crate, a cage, a palate, a shipping container, etc.
• To monitor environmental conditions during shipping, one or more item sensor(s)106A may be placed in proximity to theitem102. Theitem sensor106A may be placed on theitem102 itself, inside thecontainer104 with theitem102, or attached to thecontainer104.
• Item102 is transported byvehicle108 that may include onboard sensor(s)106B, which also measure environmental conditions. The onboard sensor(s)106B may be sensors located inside a cargo compartment of thevehicle108 in which thecontainer104 holding theitem102 is transported.
• “Vehicle” includes any means of conveyance capable of transporting anitem102 orcontainer104. For example, a vehicle may be a train, a truck, a car, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, a boat, a ship, etc. As used herein, vehicle also includes any onboard computing devices, navigation systems, and the like used to receive data from the item sensor(s)106A and/or the onboard sensor(s)106B (collectively sensor(s)106) to guide or control operation of thevehicle108. Thevehicle108 may additionally include alocation sensor110 such as, for example, a GPS sensor that detects the location of thevehicle108 and, thus, the location of theitem102 being transported within.
• Thevehicle108 is operated by a shipping agent. A “shipping agent” as used herein refers to an entity that is responsible for transporting theitem102 from itsorigination location116 to its destination location118. The shipping agent may be an individual or a business entity. For example, the shipping agent may be a commercial shipping service such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, a government shipping service such as the United States Postal Service, etc. As a further example, a shipping agent may be an individual working as a contracted service provider such as for Amazon Flex or Uber Freight. The shipping agent may be a human driver of thevehicle108 or a different person or entity. Thevehicle108 may be implemented as a driverless vehicle, drone, or the like without a human driver.
• The sensor(s)106 may include, without limitation, thermocouples, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers, strain gauges, micro switches, fuses, photovoltaic cells, mercury levels, thermal sensors, microphones, seals, audiometers, electromagnetic monitors, chromatographers, etc. The sensor(s)106 may measure one or more types of environmental conditions such as, but not limited to, temperature, barometric pressure, vacuum, humidity, orientation, pressure on the packaging, vibration, light, presence or absence of a chemical, ultraviolet radiation exposure, ionizing radiation exposure, atmospheric gas levels (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone), etc.
• Thesensors106 may have the ability to provide measurement data to anetwork112. Connection between thesensors106 and thenetwork112 may be accomplished utilizing a variety of wired and wireless means, such as, for example and without limitation, direct connections by well-known electro-optical means, or indirect connections via radio frequency, microwaves, internet, acoustic coupling, laser, thermal, infrared, and other means well known to a person skilled in the art. Thenetwork112 may be any type of communication networks such as the Internet, a wide area network, an ad hoc network, a peer-to-peer network, a cellular phone network, or the like.
• Each of thesensors106 may have its own sensing capabilities, electronics, memory, processor(s), software and/or firmware, and an antenna to provide network connectivity. Eachsensor106 may provide data continuously or intermittently. If equipped, thesensors106 may use their memory to store or capture data for intermittent transmission. Thesensors106 may or may not be able to receive data from thenetwork112. Eachsensor106 may be associated with its own sensor identifier (ID). Measurement data provided by thesensors106 may include metadata such as the sensor ID, a timestamp, and location obtained from thesensor106 itself or thelocation sensor110 on thevehicle108.
• In an implementation, one or more of the sensor(s)106 may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor. An RFID sensor is an automated data collection device having an integrated environmental sensor. As is known in the art, RFID sensor technology provides for wireless, automated data collection without the need for a direct line of sight between a data reader and the RFID tag. This allows the RFID sensor to be placed anywhere on or in theitem102 or thecontainer104. In other words, an RFID sensor can be placed inside thecontainer104, it can be affixed to an outer surface of thecontainer104, or it can be positioned directly on theitem102 that is inside thecontainer104. Thevehicle108 may contain one or more RFID tag readers that can interrogate the RFID sensors and obtain measurement data to send to thenetwork112 using network connectivity provided by thevehicle108.
• If thesensors106 are unable to access thenetwork112 to upload data, the data may be stored in the memory of thesensors106 and uploaded when a network connection is reestablished. In an implementation, the measurement data may be captured intermittently (e.g., every five minutes) and uploaded intermittently at a less frequent interval (e.g., every hour). For example, anonboard sensor106B connected to a power supply of thevehicle108 may be used to send a temperature reading every minute to track the temperature of theitem102 during shipment in near real-time. A lower frequency of data capture and data transmission reduces energy consumption and can improve battery life for a battery-powered sensor such as, for example, anitem sensor106A.
• Measurement data from thesensor106 may be provided to aremote computing system114 via thenetwork112. Theremote computing system114 may be implemented as any type of computing system such as, for example, a server, a server cluster, a cloud-based or distributed computing system, or the like. Theremote computing system114 may be operated or controlled by a sender of theitem102, a recipient of theitem102, a shipping agent, an insurer, or other entity. Theremote computing system114 may compare measurement data received from thesensors106 with thresholds for theitem102 to determine if the environmental conditions deviate from acceptable thresholds. If so, theremote computing system114 may provide shipping instructions that alter the delivery route and/or destination for theitem102.
• The ability to modify shipping instruction en route based on sensor data collected from within thevehicle108 allows for real-time or near real-time adaptation based on the environmental conditions encountered by theitem102. Real-time change to a delivery destination for anindividual container104 usingsensors106 and aremote computer system114 without direct human intervention enables more efficient use of transportation resources such as thevehicle108, fuel, and the like. This also allows for more efficient use of warehouse and other storage facilities because, for example, rather than storing a damaged item as part of a shipping process it may be disposed of making storage space available for other items that are not damaged.
• In thesystem100, transport of theitem102 begins at anorigination location116. Theorigination location116 is the location that theitem102 shipped from. This may be the location at which theitem102 was created (e.g., a factory) or packaged (e.g., a warehouse) or where theitem102 entered the shipping stream. Alternatively, theorigination location116 may be the start of a portion but not the entire shipping route for theitem102. For example, theorigination location116 may be a port but theitem102 may have previously been transported from a factory on another continent to the port.
• Transportation of theitem102 begins with a destination location118 where theitem102 is intended is to be transported or delivered. The destination location118 may be the final destination such as the residential address of a purchaser or end user. Alternatively, the destination location118 may be the destination for only a portion of the route along which theitem102 is transported. For example, the destination location118 may be a warehouse at a distribution hub even though theitem102 will be later shipped out from that warehouse. Although theitem102 is shipped out with the intent of delivery to the destination location118, the location to which theitem102 is delivered may be changed to an alternate destination based on actual or suspected damage that occurs to theitem102 during transport.
• In one implementation, theitem102 may be returned to theoriginal location116 if exposed to one or more environmental conditions that are outside the established thresholds foritem102. At theoriginal location116, theitem102 may be inspected and processed according to the type of damage, if any. For example,item102 may be disposed of, it may be repackaged in anew container104, it may be repaired, refurbished, or rebuilt.
• In one implementation,item102 may be sent toinspection facility120 for inspection to determine the type and extent of damage. Theitem102 may be dynamically routed to thenearest inspection facility120, which may save time and transport expenses as compared to returning theitem102 to theorigination location116.
• At theinspection facility120,item102 may be inspected to determine if theitem102 and/or thecontainer104 are in fact damage and any remediation necessary to address the damage. If theitem102 is not damaged, it may be forwarded on to the destination location118. If, however,item102 is damaged, it may be returned to theorigination location116 or, if unsuitable for repair or refurbishment, sent to adisposal facility122 for recycling or disposal.
• In one implementation, theitem102 may be sent directly to anearby disposal facility122 if it is determined that the item was exposed to environmental conditions outside of established thresholds. For example, perishable items such as frozen food may be unusable if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Thus, there may be no point in inspecting theitem102 and the decision to dispose of theitem102 may be made based on the sensor data alone.
• Thenearest disposal facility122 may be identified in real time when the measurement data from thesensors106 deviates from an established threshold. Using thenearest disposal facility122 may reduce transportation costs and time. Thedisposal facility122 may also be selected based on the type ofitem102 and the appropriate way to dispose of thatitem102. For example, food that must be disposed of may be sent to a composting facility while broken electronics may be sent to adisposal facility122 that processes e-waste.
• In any of the rerouting embodiments described herein, theitem102 may be removed from thevehicle108 and placed on a different vehicle. Identifiers of theitem102 such as an RFID tag and/or labels placed on theitem102 orcontainer104 may be used to route theitem102 to the new destination. The new destination may be theorigination location116, aninspection facility120, or adisposal facility122.
• If theitem102 is damaged or presumed damaged during transport because it was exposed to environmental conditions that deviated from the established thresholds for theitem102, areplacement item124 may be sent out from the original location116 (or other location such as an alternate warehouse). Thereplacement item124 may be the same or similar to theoriginal item102 that was damaged. For example, thereplacement item124 may be the same model of item or the same type and weight of item. By shipping thereplacement item124 to the destinate location118 shortly after damage is detected to theoriginal item102, thereplacement item124 will arrive sooner than if it was not shipped until the recipient discovered the damage and filed a claim.
• FIG. 2 shows anillustrative architectural200 of computing devices that may be present in thesystem100 ofFIG. 1. Thevehicle108 may include one or more onboard computing device(s)202. The onboard computing device(s)202 on thevehicle108 may be implemented as built-in computing systems integrated into thevehicle108 electronic systems. Alternatively, one or more of the on onboard computing device(s)202 may be portable or mobile devices such as a GPS unit, a smartphone, a laptop computer, etc. that are not permanently coupled to thevehicle108. The onboard computing device(s)202 may include multiple different functionalities related to operation of thevehicle108, communications, entertainment, and the like.
• Anavigation module204 may be present in one or more of the onboard computing device(s)202. Thenavigation module204 may provide directions or navigation assistance to an operator of thevehicle108. For some types ofvehicles108, thenavigation module204 may be responsible for operation and controlling movement of thevehicle108. Thenavigation module204 may receiveshipping instructions208 or directions from theremote computing system114 indicating the destination location118 for theitem102.
• The onboard computing device(s)202 may also include atag reader206 for reading an RFID, barcode, QR code, or other type of tag attached to theitem102 or thecontainer104. Thetag reader206 may be used to identify theitem102 so that the onboard computing device(s)202 can communicate presence of theitem102 to theremote computing system114. Thetag reader206 may also be used to query the sensors106 (e.g., RFID sensors) and obtainmeasurement data210.
• The onboard computing device(s)202 may in some implementations include ablockchain module211 for maintaining records ofmeasurement data210 that is received from thesensors106 that monitor the environmental conditions surrounding theitem102. For example, instances of themeasurement data210 that correspond to sensor measurements which deviate from defined threshold levels may be recorded in a plurality of distributed ledgers of ablockchain222. Theblockchain module211 may be implemented as a program module running on theonboard computing device202 and/or as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within theonboard computing device202.
• Theremote computing system114 may be communicating continuously or intermittently with the onboard computing device(s)202 via thenetwork112 during transport of theitem102. Theremote computing system114 may provide adelivery routing service212 that analyzesmeasurement data210 provided from thesensors106 in conjunction with the profile data214 for theitem102 to determine if there has been a deviation from one or more threshold value(s)216 predetermined for theitem102. Thedelivery routing service212 can be implemented as any number of different types of computing resources and/or other distributed computing functionality that can be configured to execute any aspects of the components contained within thedelivery routing service212.
• Depending on the type and nature of deviation, thedelivery routing service212 may use ashipping instruction module218 to generate theshipping instructions208 which can then be sent to thevehicle108. Theshipping instructions208 may, for example, instruct thenavigation module204 to route thevehicle108 and/or theitem102 to an alternate destination location, such as theorigination location116, aninspection facility120, or adisposal facility122.
• The profile data214 contains data about theitem102 including data defining one or more threshold value(s)216. “Profile data” as used herein indicates one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on the container, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or atmospheric gas level) and one or more threshold values which that environmental condition must not deviate from. Deviation from the environmental condition may be recognized by a measurement value exceeding the threshold value, a measurement value dropping below the threshold value, or a measurement value falling outside a range of threshold values.
• The profile data214 may also include a description of theitem102 and a unique identifier for the item. The threshold value(s)216 may be based on combinations of multiple environmental conditions and on time. For example, a problem with shipping may only be identified if two ormore sensors106report measurement data210 that deviates from their respective thresholds.
• For example, temperature and humidity may both be measured to determine a dew point when condensation on the surface of theitem102 is likely. Thus, a triggering event may be a combination of temperature and humidity that indicates water in the air has condensed because the dew point was reached. A triggering event may also be initiated if asensor106 detects a particular environmental condition deviating from a threshold for more than a specified amount of time. For example, a triggering event may be temperature exceeding 37° C. for more than 10 minutes.
• Themeasurement data210 indicating the measurement of the environmental condition may be compared to thecorresponding threshold value216 for the environmental condition. This comparison may occur many thousands of times during transport of theitem102. For example, the comparison may occur everytime measurement data210 is received from thesensor106. Depending on the environmental conditions that theitem102 is exposed to during transport, it may be determined that the value of themeasurement data210 deviates from thethreshold value216. For example, a thermometer may detect a temperature higher than the maximum threshold temperature set for theitem102.
• The profile data214 may also define rules for eachthreshold value216 and corresponding environmental condition. For example, afrozen item102 having freeze/thaw behavior similar to water may have a “frozen” range (from −40° to −1° C.), a “thaw” range (from +0° to +5° C.), a “warm” range (from +6° to +15° C.), and a “hot” range (from 16° C. and over). Depending on its type (meat, produce, and dairy, etc.), different products may have profile data214 with one or more ranges of threshold values216. Thus, for example, if theitem102 is frozen meat, then when it is at −5° C. or below it is in the “frozen” range, and thus, it is considered in a satisfactory state and there is no triggering event.
• If themeasurement data210 is within acceptable parameters, thesensor106 may takemeasurement data210 less frequently such as only once every hour. In case the meat reaches a temperature of 3° C., then it is considered in the “thawed” range, and thus, the temperature may be reported more frequently such as every 10 minutes. At that point, thedelivery routing service212 may issue an alert. In case that meat reaches a temperature of 25° C. for more than a predetermined length of time, then thedelivery routing service212 may identify theitem102 or disposal.Shipping instructions208 generated by theshipping instruction module218 may instruct that the meat be taken to thenearest disposal facility122.
• As further illustrated, thedelivery routing service212 includes ablockchain module220. Theblockchain module220, like theblockchain module211 on thevehicle108, is configured to access data stored on ablockchain222 as well as to add additional data blocks to theblockchain222. Theblockchain222, as a distributed ledger, does not exist wholly within theblockchain module211 or theblockchain module220 but is potentially distributed across many different blockchain modules on many different computing devices. Each of theblockchain module211 and theblockchain module220 may maintain updated copies of theblockchain222.
• Blockchain222 can be a publicly available blockchain that supports scripting, such as the ETHEREUM blockchain, which supports a SOLIDITY scripting language, or BITCOIN, which supports a scripting language called SCRIPT.Blockchain222 can also each be a private blockchain, or a combination of public and private blockchains can be utilized.
• Whenmeasurement data210 from asensor106 is uploaded it may be recorded in theblockchain222. A unique blockchain may be created for eachitem102 that is shipped. Alternatively, there may be one or more existing blockchains that storemeasurement data210 from multiple items. For example, one shipping provider may have its own blockchain for recording sensor and other shipment data for all packages that it handles. As an additional example, a given shipping agent such as a retailer or a manufacturer may use a blockchain22 for all its outgoing shipments. Also,blockchains222 may be vehicle specific.Measurement data210 and other data for all theitems106 shipped on thesame vehicle108 may be recorded in thesame blockchain222.
• Each set of uploadedmeasurement data210 may be identified by a timestamp and a sensor ID to enable later correlation with thespecific item102 that is monitored by thesensor106. By recording raw sensor data in ablockchain222 it provides many different parties access to the data because of the distributed nature of the blockchain record. It also prevents intentional or accidental modification or deletion of data due to the immutability of records recorded in ablockchain222.
• In some embodiments, each of theindividual blockchain modules211,220 may maintain a corresponding ledger. In this way, the multiple instances of the ledger are decentralized and distributed so as to provide various interested parties with their own record of themeasurement data210. In this way, the record of themeasurement data210 is highly resistant to tampering (e.g., malicious modifications) and will persist even if any individual one of the ledgers becomes corrupted or otherwise unusable (e.g., via a catastrophic failure of a storage medium).
• It will be appreciated that recording the “raw”measurement data210 in a distributed fashion across the multiple ledgers provides multiple different parties with access to the “raw”measurement data210 while also preventing intentional or accidental modification or deletion of themeasurement data210. A reliable record of environmental conditions to which theitem102 has been subjected that is stored in ablockchain222 can be used to determine the entity at fault in subjecting theitem102 to an environmental condition rendering it unfit for use during shipment.
• In some embodiments, aunique blockchain222 may be created for theitem102. Alternatively, there may be one or more existingblockchains222 that are used to storemeasurement data210 that is received in association with multipledifferent items102. For example, one shipping agent may have defined itsown blockchain222 for recordingmeasurement data210 received fromvarious sensors106 and other shipment data for all packages that it handles.
• As an additional example, a retailer or a manufacturer may use itsown blockchain222 for all its outgoing shipments. As yet an additional example, theblockchain222 may be vehicle specific such that allmeasurement data210 for all theitems102 being shipped on thevehicle108 may be recorded in the same set of ledgers. In some embodiments, each instance ofmeasurement data210 that is uploaded and/or stored in theblockchain222 may be identified by a timestamp and a sensor ID. This can enable later correlation with thespecific item102 that is being monitored by the correspondingsensors106.
• Theblockchain222 may be implemented as one type of asystem database224 that records themeasurement data210 uploaded by thevarious sensors106. Thesystem database224 may be implemented using other technologies besidesblockchain222 such as other distributed ledger technology or another database technology. Any or all of the information and data that is available to thedelivery routing service212 may additionally or alternatively be stored in thesystem database224. Thus, thesystem database224 may be thought of as a part of theremote computing system114.
• Reports on the environmental condition of theitem102 may be generated during transport based on themeasurement data210 sent from thesensors106. In an implementation, themeasurement data210 from thesensors106 may be recorded in theblockchain222 first and then a report generated from theblockchain222. The reports may function as alerts that indicate whenmeasurement data210 deviates from one of the set threshold value(s)216. For example, a report may be generated when anitem102 becomes too hot or too cold. Thus, the reports may provide indications when environmental conditions for theitem102 are unfavorable.
• The reports may be provided as email messages, text messages, alerts on a website, or by any other communication technology. In an implementation, the reports may be provided to a driver or operator of avehicle108 currently transporting theitem102. The reports may be provided to the shipping agent, recipient, insurer or other party associated with theitem102.
• Theblockchain222 or an alternate blockchain may be used to register one or more of thesensors106. Registering thesensors106 that provide themeasurement data210 as approved devices in a blockchain protects the equipment that ultimately determines the quality of shipping from tampering and can be used to implement standards for sensor quality and reliability. Allowing certificates forsensors106 to be issued only by approved vendors is a way to protect the integrity of thesensors106 by using theblockchain222 to govern the entre lifecycle including attested patching and updates. With this protection it will be difficult or impossible to inject asensor106 or binary module without having it attested and approved to be on theblockchain222. Theentire sensor106 will thus be protected hardware and software throughout its use. Examples of using blockchain to secure a device are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/384,362 filed on Apr. 15, 2019 and titled “Resource Trust Model for Securing Component State Data for A Resource Using Blockchains” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• Theblockchain222 may include one or more smart contract(s)226. Thus, theblockchain222 may store additional information beyond simply being a repository formeasurement data210. The threshold value(s)216 may also be recorded in theblockchain222 in association with a unique ID for theitem102. Thus, the threshold value(s)216 against whichmeasurement data210 is compared may be stored in thesame blockchain222 that records themeasurement data210 itself.
• Theblockchain222 may include code for implementing one or moresmart contracts226 related to various environmental conditions that are suitable for theitem102, destination locations118 and other information related to shipping of theitem102. Computer code in asmart contract226 may cause implementation of any number of actions based on specific triggering data. For example, sending out a report to a specified email or other electronic communication address when an environmental condition exceeds athreshold value216 may be implemented with a smart contract. Communicating shipping instructions that change the destination location for anitem102 in response to measurement data deviating from a threshold value may also be represented by a smart contract.
• Smart contracts226 may also be used to change the destination location118 for anitem102. The triggering event can be asensor106 reading that exceeds a definedthreshold value216 for the environmental condition sensed by thatsensor106. A destination location118 stored in the blockchain may be changed to a different location. For example, if theitem102 is to be returned to the sender after potential damage during transport, the original destination location118 may be replaced with theorigination location116 so that theitem102 is dynamically rerouted back to the sender.
• This dynamic change to delivery routing may be performed automatically in that the triggering condition and the new destination location are encoded in thesmart contract226 prior to the start of shipment and the change is implemented during transport without direct human intervention. The change may be implemented by replacing the current destination location in a record within thesystem database224 with a different location. Thus, thenavigation module204 may still look to the same record in thesystem database224, but the value of that record may be changed to indicate a different address.
• Smart contracts226 may be used to initiate other responses to sensed environmental conditions that deviate from specified threshold values216. For example, areplacement item124 may be shipped out following a determination thatmeasurement data210 indicates damage to the original item.Shipping instructions208 may cause a second item to be shipped from theorigination location116 to the destination location118. In this implementation, theshipping instructions208 may be sent to theorigination location116. The second item may be sent out as a replacement for theitem102 that was damaged during transport.
• Thereplacement item124 may be sent out before transport of theoriginal item102 was scheduled to be complete. Thus, thereplacement item124 will arrive at the destination location118 sooner than if it was not shipped out until after delivery of the damaged,first item102. Thereplacement item124 may be identical to thefirst item102 or it may be similar such as a newer model of the same product.
• Similarly, for certain types of items, if the sensed environmental conditions go outside of a set parameter, a smart contract may reduce the price to be paid for theitem102. For example, there may be certain types of food products that are not spoiled by being stored at temperatures that are higher or lower than optimal, but the variation in temperature may reduce the quality or flavor, and thus the ultimate market price of theitem102. This could be encoded in asmart contract226 by associating values for environmental conditions with one or more different pricing levels.
• Smart contracts226 may also be used to implement a full refund of the purchase price, if paid in advance, for theitem102 based onmeasurement data210 showing environmental conditions outside of the threshold values216.Smart contracts226 may also be associated with location data such that the payment for anitem102 may be collected automatically upon delivery of theitem102 to the destination location118 of the purchaser. Other implementations are also possible, such as collection of payment once theitem102 has been placed on board thevehicle108.
• Themeasurement data210, as well as other data such as delivery timeliness collected from the transport of multiple individual items, may be aggregated. The aggregated data may include themeasurement data210 and the threshold values216 associated with transportation of multiple different items. This aggregated data may be analyzed to multiple different ways such as, for example, by shipping agent. Thus, a shipping agent, such as a freight transporting company, may have aggregated performance data that can include metrics for timeliness and/or compliance with specified thresholds for environmental conditions. A performancemetric calculator228 in thedelivery routing service212 may analyze the aggregate data for each of a plurality of different shipping agents in order to calculate aperformance metric230 for each one.
• Theperformance metrics230 may be used to compare one shipping agent to another on the basis of not only the speed of delivery but also on the quality of delivery and compliance with shipping requirements represented by environmental condition thresholds. The evaluation of a shipping agent may be represented in terms of a percentage of shipments delivered on time, a percentage of shipments delivered without deviation from the specified requirements for environmental conditions, a percentage of shipments for which themeasurement data210 deviated from one or more threshold value(s)216, and the like. The metrics for a shipping agent may be reduced or abstracted to a quality rating such as high, medium, low, or a star rating such as from 1 to 5 stars.
• Analysis of the performance by various shipping agents may identify which environmental conditions are difficult for one or more of the shipping agents to satisfy. For example, a first shipping agent may have difficulty maintaining the temperature of its shipments, and so environmental conditions related to temperature may be reported as exceeding the threshold more often than other shipping agents. While a second shipping agent may have difficulty isolating shipped items from vibration, so thresholds related to shaking or vibration of the items may be more frequently exceeded by this shipping agent than others. A third shipping agent may have a good record for complying with specified environmental conditions, but timeliness may be poor. Thus, individual ratings for shipping agents may be determined based on the aggregate performance data and aperformance metric230 may identify which environmental conditions the shipping agent has more difficulty maintaining for its shipments as compared to other shipping agents.
• FIG. 3 is an architectural diagram showing an illustrative example of asystem architecture300 wherein ablockchain platform302 maintains an environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304. The environmental measurement data blockchain304stores measurement data210 fromsensors106A-C and binds the record ofmeasurement data210 to aspecific item102. The environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304 may be theblockchain222 and it may be accessed by anyblockchain module211,220 via thenetwork112. In this example,remote computing system114stores measurement data210 in data blocks306A-E of environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304.
• Whennew measurement data210 is received from one ormore sensors106A-C, a new data block306 can be created and linked to the environmental measurement data blockchain304 to store the mostcurrent measurement data210. A data block306 may store data frommultiple sensors106A-C and may also storemeasurement data210 for multiple environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, and vibration).
• In this example, theremote computing system114 is a trusted entity that controls the environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304. Theremote computing system114 can add data blocks306 toblockchain304 that containmeasurement data210. The data blocks306 require the cryptographic signature of theremote computing system114 to be validated and added to theblockchain304.
• Theremote computing system114, such as one or more servers, is controlled by a trusted entity that creates theblockchain304. Theblockchain304 can be established and maintained, for example, when an item is shipped out from anorigination location116. Also, when a sender purchases shipping services it can provide the profile data214 for theitem102, which theremote computing system114 maintains and encodes in theblockchain304.
• In the example ofFIG. 3, theremote computing system114 initiates an environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304 by creatinggenesis block306A when a shipping order for anitem102 is created. In other examples, the data blocks306 can be added to an existing blockchain (e.g., a blockchain associated with a shipping agent or a vehicle108) when anitem102 is newly placed into a shipping network. A data block306 can include methods or function calls that are executed byblockchain platform302 to obtain access to themeasurement data210 stored onblockchain304.
• In some embodiments, theremote computing system114 can be replaced by another computing node, such as a computer on a peer-to-peer network, or other computing device controlled by a trusted entity. Although theremote computing system114 can maintain control over the environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304, theblockchain304 can be made accessible to other entities, such as the onboard computing device(s)202. These entities can obtain, trace, or audit the relevant environmental measurement data stored in the data blocks306 in theblockchain304.
• FIG. 4 is a data architecture diagram illustrating a simplified example of an environmental measurementdata blockchain ledger400 based on theblocks306A-E of the environmental measurement data blockchain304 ofFIG. 3. The environmental measurementdata blockchain ledger400 ofFIG. 4 is simplified to show block headers, metadata, and signatures ofblocks410A-E in order to demonstrate storage of environmental measurement data using a blockchain. In outline, a blockchain ledger may be a globally shared transactional database. Signatures can, in some examples, involve all or part of the data stored in the data theblocks306A-E and can also involve public key addresses corresponding tosensors106 involved in the creation of themeasurement data210.
• Theblockchain ledger400 may be arranged as a Merkle tree data structure, as a linked list, or as any similar data structure that allows for cryptographic integrity. Theblockchain ledger400 allows for verification that the environmental measurement data has not been corrupted or tampered with because any attempt to tamper will change a Message Authentication Code (or hash) of a block, and other blocks pointing to that block will be out of correspondence. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 4, each block may point to another block. Each block may include a pointer to the other block and a hash (or Message Authentication Code function) of the other block.
• Each block in theblockchain ledger400 may optionally contain a proof data field. The proof data field may indicate a reward that is due. The proof may be a proof of work, a proof of stake, a proof of research, or any other data field indicating a reward is due. For example, a proof of work may indicate that computational work was performed. Transportation of anitem102 may also be used as a proof of work. Identifying anitem102 by its unique item ID and a geographic location such as generated by GPS at a first time point and then identifying the same unique item ID at a different geographical location at a second time point may be used as a proof of work for anonboard computing device202 of avehicle108 transporting theitem102.
• As another example, a proof of stake may indicate that an entity has held an amount of cryptocurrency for a certain amount of time. For example, if 10 units of cryptocurrency have been held for 10 days, a proof of stake may indicate 10*10=100 time units have accrued. A proof of research may indicate that research was performed. In one example, a proof of research may indicate that a certain amount of computational work was performed—such as exploring whether molecules interact a certain way during a computational search for an efficacious drug compound.
• The blocks410 of environmental measurementdata blockchain ledger400 in the example ofFIG. 4 may store data that specifies one or more thresholds for environmental conditions. The thresholds may be limit on temperature being within the range equal to or greater than 4° C. and less than equal to 30° C., in agenesis data block410A. Theremote computing system114 may sign the genesis data block410A and the blockchain system within whichblockchain ledger400 is created verifies that each data block410 based on a proof function.
• Alternatively, theonboard computing device202 may provide a digital certificate independently or in conjunction with data such as a code provided by one of the sensor(s)106 that generated a specific instance ofmeasurement data210. Measurement data blocks410B-E for successive additions of environmental measurement data can be created and linked to genesis data block410A such that a history of the environmental measurements is immutably and traceably stored using theblockchain ledger400.
• It is to be appreciated that a variety of approaches may be utilized that remain consistent with the disclosed technology. In some examples relating to environmental measurement, a trusted entity other than theremote computing system114, such as theonboard computing device202 and or one ormore sensors106 that generate environmental measurement data, can create, verify or validate measurement data blocks410A-E. In other examples, multiple entities can be involved in verifying measurement data blocks410, such as by requiring signatures from theremote computing system114 and theonboard computing device202 of thevehicle108 transporting theitem102 to verify or validate measurement data blocks410A-E.
• In the example ofFIG. 4, measurement data blocks410 of measurementdata blockchain ledger400 includes sensor identifiers and measurement data along with a signature. To add another data block for the same or adifferent item102, theremote computing system114 creates data block410B, which identifies the sensor SENSOR_ID_1 and includes the measurement data, temperature in this example, TEMP_data_2. Theremote computing system114 signs data block410B and commits block410B to theblockchain ledger400 for verification by theblockchain platform302. To add a data block for an additional temperature measurement,remote computing system114 creates measurement data block410C to add measurement data TEMP_data_3 for sensor SENSOR_ID_1.
• Measurement data from multiple sensors may be added to thesame blockchain ledger400. In the example ofFIG. 4,remote computing system114 adds data block410D to store temperature data TEMP_data_4 obtained from a second sensor SENSOR_ID_2. Likewise, measurements of different types of environmental conditions such as temperature, and humidity, as well as other conditions may be added to thesame blockchain ledger400.
• FIGS. 5A-E illustrate flow diagrams of multiple variations ofprocesses500 which may be implemented in conjunction with elements ofFIGS. 1-4. The processes are illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.
• Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform or implement particular functions. The order in which operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Processes described throughout this disclosure shall be interpreted accordingly.
• FIG. 5A illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in which an item is returned to itsorigination location116. At502, profile data214 defining athreshold value216 for an environmental condition associated with theitem102 is received. The profile data214 may be received by thedelivery routing service212 ofFIG. 2 at or around the time shipment of theitem102 begins. The environmental condition may comprise temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on acontainer104 holding the item, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, atmospheric gas level, or any other type of measurable environmental condition that may negatively affect anitem102 during transport. The environmental condition is measured by asensor106 that is asensor106A that is located on theitem102 or on acontainer104 or anonboard sensor106B that is located on or within avehicle108 transporting theitem102.
• The profile data214 defining thethreshold value216 for the environmental condition may be stored in a blockchain such as theblockchain222 in thedatabase system224 ofFIG. 2. For example, the profile data214 may be stored in adata block410A in ablockchain ledger400 as shown inFIG. 4. Theitem102 itself may be associated with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag encoding a blockchain address of thedata block410A that provides the profile data214.
• At504,measurement data210 indicating a measurement of the environmental condition from asensor106 associated with theitem102 while theitem102 is en route from anorigination location116 to a destination location118 is received. Themeasurement data210 may be received by thedelivery routing service212 as shown inFIG. 2. The frequency with which thesensor106 samples and provides themeasurement data210 may depend upon the nature of theitem102 and its sensitivity to exposure to the environmental condition.
• In general, the sampling period of thesensor106 is less than the time required for theitem102 to become damaged or destroyed when exposed to the environmental condition. Thus, for example, if theitem102 will be spoiled by exposure to an unacceptable environmental condition for a few seconds, then the sensor should be capable of taking environment data readings at least every second or less. Similarly, if theitem102 will spoil if exposed to an unacceptable environmental condition continuously over several hours, then thesensor106 may be configured to take environment data readings on an hourly or minutely basis, for example.
• At506, themeasurement data210 is determined to deviate from thethreshold value216. Themeasurement data210 may deviate from thethreshold value216 by exceeding thethreshold value216, falling below thethreshold value216, or otherwise varying in magnitude and/or direction that is contrary to thepre-established threshold value216. The determination that themeasurement data210 deviates from thethreshold value216 may be made by asensor106, theonboard computing device202, or theremote computing system114. Determining that themeasurement data210 deviates from thethreshold value216 is an example of a triggering event.
• At508, ashipping instruction208 causing asystem database224 to change the destination location118 to theorigination location116 is communicated directly or indirectly to thevehicle108 transportingitem102. The change may be first communicated to thesystem database224 which is then accessed by theonboard computing device202 to receive the updated destination for theitem102. Thesystem database224 may be implemented with ablockchain222 as shown inFIG. 2. Thus, a change to the destination location118 may be implemented by adding an additional block to theblockchain222 with the new destination location.
• Additionally, asmart contract226 in theblockchain222 may store logic that causes thesystem database224 to change the destination location118 to theorigination location116 when themeasurement data210 deviates from thethreshold value216. Thus, the change of the delivery route for theitem102 may happen automatically based on readings detected by thesensors106 and logic encoded in theblockchain222.
• FIG. 5B illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in which areplacement item124 is shipped out upon detecting that an original item was exposed to unfavorable environmental conditions.Steps502,504, and506 ofprocess500 are the same as described forFIG. 5A.
• At510, ashipping instruction208 causing initiation of shipment of areplacement item124 from theorigination location116 to the destination location118 are communicated. Theshipping instructions208 in this instance may be communicated to theremote computing system114, theorigination location116, the sender of theitem102, and/or another entity or system capable of initiating a second shipment. In an implementation, theshipping instruction208 causing the initiation of shipment of thereplacement item124 from theorigination location116 to the destination location118 are stored in asmart contract226 in ablockchain222.
• FIG. 5C illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in which aperformance metric230 for a shipping agent is determined based on aggregate performance data.Steps502,504, and506 ofprocess500 are the same as described forFIG. 5A. At512, shippinginstructions208 modifying delivery of theitem102 are communicated. Theshipping instructions208 may be communicated, for example, to anavigation module204 onboard avehicle108 transporting theitem102.
• At514, themeasurement data210 indicating the measurement of the environmental condition is aggregated with other measurement data obtained from other sensors associated with other items to create aggregated performance data. All of the measurement data may be obtained from sensors that are associated with items being transported by the same shipping agent. Thus, the aggregated performance data is a record of the environmental conditions experienced by many different items transported by the same shipping agent. Aggregating themeasurement data210 in this way provides insights into trends and commonalities in the way that a particular shipping agent handles items in its care. The aggregation of thevarious measurement data210 may be performed by thedelivery routing service212.
• At516, aperformance metric230 for a shipping agent is determined based on the aggregated performance data. This determination may be made by the performancemetric calculator228. Theperformance metric230 may be used to represent a quality of shipping provided by the shipping agent. This type ofperformance metric230 is not based merely on timeliness of delivery or subjective evaluations provided by customers but is based on objective data collected by numerous sensors during the transportation of many different items.
• FIG. 5D illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in whichmeasurement data210 of environmental conditions is stored in ablockchain222 and delivery of anitem102 is modified based on themeasurement data210.Steps502,504, and506 ofprocess500 are the same as described forFIG. 5A and step512 is the same as described forFIG. 5C. At518, a new data block306,410 that stores themeasurement data210 indicating the measurement of the environmental condition is created. The new data block306,410 may includemeasurement data210 from multipledifferent sensors106 and may even include data associated with multipledifferent items102. For example, avehicle108 transporting a large number ofitems102 each with multiple associatedsensors106, may create a new data block306,410 at a regular frequency (e.g., every five minutes) that includes all of the data from all of thesensors106 in thevehicle108.
• At520, the new data block306,410 is linked to a previous data block in ablockchain222,304,400 associated with theitem102. The linking may be performed by any conventional technique for linking data blocks in a blockchain.
• At506, is determined that themeasurement data210, which is now recorded in a data block of theblockchain222,304,400, deviates from thethreshold value216. At512, shippinginstructions208 modifying delivery of theitem102 are communicated. As described above, theshipping instructions208 may be generated based on logic or rules encoded in asmart contract226 in theblockchain222,304,400.
• FIG. 5E illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in which anitem102 is sent to adisposal facility122 after exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions.Steps502,504, and506 ofprocess500 are the same as described forFIG. 5A. At522, adisposal facility122 closest to a location of avehicle108 transporting theitem102 is identified.
• The location of thedisposal facility122 may be identified by thenavigation module204 in theonboard computing device202. Theonboard computing device202, or a different computing device such as theremote computing system114, may have access to a database (e.g., system database224) that includes locations ofdisposal facilities122 and indications of the types of items that can be disposed of at those facilities. Reference to this database and to a location obtained by thelocation sensor110 on thevehicle108 may be used to identify theclosest disposal facility122 capable of disposing of theitem102.
• At524, once theclosest disposal facility122 has been identified, anadditional shipping instruction208 causing asystem database224 to change the destination location118 to thedisposal facility122 may be communicated. Theshipping instructions208 may be communicated to thenavigation module204 of theonboard computing device202.
• FIG. 5F illustrates a variation ofprocess500 in which anitem102 is sent to aninspection facility120 after exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions.Steps502,504, and506 ofprocess500 are the same as described forFIG. 5A. At526, aninspection facility120 closest to a location of avehicle108 transporting theitem102 is identified.
• The location of theinspection facility120 may be identified by thenavigation module204 in theonboard computing device202. Theonboard computing device202, or a different computing device such as theremote computing system114, may have access to a database (e.g., system database224) that includes locations ofinspection facilities120 and indications of the types of items that can be inspected of at those facilities. Reference to this database and to a location obtained by thelocation sensor110 on thevehicle108 may be used to identify theclosest disposal facility122 capable of disposing of theitem102. In some instances, theorigination location116 may be theclosest inspection facility120.
• At528, once theclosest inspection facility120 has been identified, anadditional shipping instruction208 causing asystem database224 to change the destination location118 to theinspection facility120 may be communicated. Theshipping instructions208 may be communicated to thenavigation module204 of theonboard computing device202. Theinspection facility120 may also be notified to expect thatitem102 to be delivered and to prepare for inspection. The routing of theitem102 to aninspection facility120 may be included in ablockchain222 associated with thatitem102 so that there is a permanent record thatitem102 was inspected.
• At theinspection facility120, theitem102 may be inspected to determine if it is in fact damaged. For example, electronics that were exposed to vibration which exceeds a predetermined threshold level may be inspected by powering on and test usage. If the electronics still function correctly, they may be returned to the shipping agent and sent on to the original destination location118. If theitem102 was damaged but can be repaired,item102 may be repaired or refurbished at theinspection facility120.
• FIG. 6 is a data architecture diagram600 showing an illustrative example of an interface for modifying a delivery route based on data recorded in an environmental measurement blockchain on ablockchain platform602, such as the data blocks306,410 inFIGS. 3 and 4. In this example, a smart contract Application Program Interface (API)604 provides an interface to theblockchain platform602 that supports the environmental measurement blockchain. Theblockchain platform602 supports asmart contract606, such as thesmart contract226 inFIG. 2. Thesmart contract606 includes a Change_Destination( )script608 with code that, when executed by theblockchain platform602, operates to change a destination location for delivery of an item in a database system such as thesystem database224 ofFIG. 2.
• The Change_Destination( )script608 may, for example, change the destination location in response to an indication of athreshold deviation610 from acomputing device612 which indicates that measurement data from a sensor deviates from a threshold value set for an item monitored by that sensor. Thecomputing device612 may be thedelivery routing service212 or theonboard computing device202 ofFIG. 2. The Change_Destination( )script608 communicates the new destination back to thecommunication device612 as shown bypath614. Thepath614 may carryshipping instructions208 with the modified delivery route and destination to anavigation module204 onboard avehicle108 as shown inFIG. 2. For example, an original destination location118 may be changed to adisposal facility122 if measurement data added to the environmental measurement blockchain indicates that the temperature of an item has exceeded a threshold temperature.
Blockchain Ledger Data Structure
• FIG. 7A is a data architecture diagram illustrating a simplified example of ablockchain ledger700 based on theblocks306A-E of the environmental measurement data blockchain304 ofFIG. 3. Theblockchain ledger700 example ofFIG. 7A is simplified to show block headers, metadata, and signatures ofblocks306A-E in order to demonstrate an environmental measurement ledger using a blockchain. In outline, a blockchain ledger may be a globally shared transactional database.
• FIG. 7A is an illustrative example of ablockchain ledger700 with a data tree holding permission data that is verified using cryptographic technologies. InFIG. 7A, each block710 includes a block header712 with information regarding previous and subsequent blocks and stores a transaction root node714 to a data tree720 holding transactional data. Permission data may store smart contracts, data related to transactions, or any other data. The elements of smart contracts may also be stored within transaction nodes of the blocks.
• In the example ofFIG. 7A, a data tree720 such as a Merkle tree is used to cryptographically secure the permission data. For example,Transaction Tx1 node734A ofdata tree720A ofblock710A can be hashed toHash1 node732A,Transaction Tx2 node738A may be hashed toHash2 node736A.Hash1 node732A andHash2 node736A may be hashed toHash12 node730A. A similar subtree may be formed to generateHash34 node740A.Hash12 node730A andHash34 node740A may be hashed toTransaction Root714A hash sorted in thedata block710A. By using a Merkle tree, or any similar data structure, the integrity of the transactions may be checked by verifying the hash is correct.
• FIG. 7B is a data architecture diagram750 showing an illustrative example of smart contract code, transactions, and messages that are bundled into a block so that their integrity is cryptographically secure and so that they may be appended to a blockchain ledger. InFIG. 7B, smart contracts742 are code that executes on a computer. More specifically, the code of a smart contract may be stored in a blockchain ledger and executed by nodes of a distributed blockchain platform at a given time. The result of the smart code execution may be stored in a blockchain ledger. Optionally, a currency may be expended as smart contract code is executed. In the example ofFIG. 7B, smart contracts742 are executed in avirtual machine environment760, although this is optional.
• InFIG. 7B, the aspects of smart contracts742 are stored in data nodes in data tree720 in the blocks710 of the blockchain ledger ofFIG. 7A. In the example ofFIG. 7B,Smart Contract742A is stored in data blockTx1 node734A ofdata tree720A inblock710A,Smart Contract742B is stored inTx2 node738A,Contract Account754 associated withSmart Contract742B is stored inTx3 node744A, and External Account is stored inTx4 node748B.
Storage of Smart Contracts and Permission Data in the Blockchain Ledger
• To ensure the smart contracts are secure and generate secure data, the blockchain ledger must be kept up to date. For example, if a smart contract is created, the code associated with a smart contract must be stored in a secure way. Similarly, when smart contract code executes and generates permission data, the permission data must be stored in a secure way.
• In the example ofFIG. 7B, two possible embodiments for maintenance of the blockchain ledger are shown. In one embodiment, untrusted miner nodes (miners)780 may be rewarded for solving a cryptographic puzzle and thereby be allowed to append a block to the blockchain. Alternatively, a set of trustednodes790 may be used to append the next block to the blockchain ledger. Nodes may execute smart contract code, and then one winning node may append the next block to a blockchain ledger.
• Though aspects of the technology disclosed herein resemble a smart contract, in the present technologies, the policy of the contract may determine the way that the blockchain ledger is maintained. For example, the policy may require that the validation or authorization process for blocks on the ledger is determined by a centralized control of a cluster of trusted nodes. In this case, the centralized control may be a trusted node, such as theremote computing system114, authorized to attest and sign the transaction blocks to validate them and validation by miners may not be needed.
• Alternatively, the policy may provide for validation process decided by a decentralized cluster of untrusted nodes. In the situation where the blockchain ledger is distributed to a cluster of untrusted nodes, mining of blocks in the chain may be employed to validate the blockchain ledger.
• Blockchains may use various time-stamping schemes, such as proof-of-work, to serialize changes. Alternate consensus methods include proof-of-stake, proof-of-burn, proof-of-research may also be utilized to serialize changes.
• As noted above, in some examples, a blockchain ledger may be validated by miners to secure the blockchain. In this case, miners may collectively agree on a validation solution to be utilized. However, if a small network is utilized, e.g. private network, then the solution may be a Merkle tree and mining for the validation solution may not be required. When a transaction block is created, e.g. a data block306 for environmentalmeasurement data blockchain304 or data block410, the block is an unconfirmed and unidentified entity. To be part of the acknowledged “currency,” it may be added to the blockchain, and therefore relates to the concept of a trusted cluster.
• In a trusted cluster, when a data block306,410 is added, every node competes to acknowledge the next “transaction” (e.g. a new environmental measurement data or delivery destination). In one example, the nodes compete to mine and get the lowest hash value: min{previous_hash, contents_hash, random_nonce_to_be_guessed}→result. Transaction order is protected by the computational race (faith that no one entity can beat the collective resources of the blockchain network). Mutual authentication parameters are broadcast and acknowledged to prevent double entries in the blockchain.
• Alternatively, by broadcasting the meta-data for authenticating a secure ledger across a restricted network, e.g. only the signed hash is broadcast, the blockchain may reduce the risks that come with data being held centrally. Decentralized consensus makes blockchains suitable for the recording of secure transactions or events. The meta-data, which may contain information related to the data file, may also be ciphered for restricted access so that the meta-data does not disclose information pertaining to the data file.
• The mining process may be utilized to deter double accounting, overriding or replaying attacks, with the community arrangement on the agreement based on the “good faith” that no single node can control the entire cluster. A working assumption for mining is the existence of equivalent power distribution of honest parties with supremacy over dishonest or compromised ones. Every node or miner in a decentralized system has a copy of the blockchain.
• No centralized “official” copy exists, and no user is “trusted” more than any other. Transactions are broadcast to thenetwork112 using software. Mining nodes compete to compute a validation solution to validate transactions, and then broadcast the completed block validation to other nodes. Each node adds the block to its copy of the blockchain with transaction order established by the winning node.
• Note that in a restricted network, stakeholders who are authorized to check or mine for the data file may or may not access the transaction blocks themselves, but would need to have keys to the meta-data (since they are members of the restricted network, and are trusted) to get the details. As keys are applied on data with different data classifications, the stakeholders can be segmented.
• A decentralized blockchain may also use ad-hoc secure message passing and distributed networking. In this example, the environmental measurement data blockchain ledger may be different from a conventional blockchain in that there is a centralized clearinghouse, e.g. authorized central control for validation. Without the mining process, the trusted cluster can be contained in a centralized blockchain instead of a public or democratic blockchain. One way to view this is that a decentralized portion is as “democratic N honest parties” (multiparty honest party is a cryptography concept), and a centralized portion as a “trusted monarchy for blockchain information correction.” For example, there may be advantages to maintaining the data file as centrally authorized and kept offline.
• In some examples, access to a resource and access control rule on a blockchain can be restricted by cryptographic means to be only open to authorized servers. Since the permission data or environmental measurement data blockchain ledgers are distributed, the authorized servers can validate it. A public key may be used as an address on a public blockchain ledger.
• Note that growth of a decentralized blockchain may be accompanied by the risk of node centralization because the computer resources required to operate on bigger data become increasingly expensive.
• The present technologies may involve operations occurring in one or more machines. As used herein, “machine” means physical data-storage and processing hardware programed with instructions to perform specialized computing operations. It is to be understood that two or more different machines may share hardware components. For example, the same integrated circuit may be part of two or more different machines.
• One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a wide variety of approaches may be utilized and combined with the present approach involving an environmental measurement data blockchain ledger. The specific examples of different aspects of an environmental measurement data blockchain ledger described herein are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Smart Contracts
• Smart contracts are defined by code. As described previously, the terms and conditions of the smart contract may be encoded (e.g., by hash) into a blockchain ledger. Specifically, smart contracts may be compiled into bytecode (if executed in a virtual machine), and then the bytecode may be stored in a blockchain ledger as described previously. Similarly, permission data executed and generated by smart contracts may be stored in the blockchain ledger in the ways previously described.
Computer Architectures for Use of Smart Contracts and Blockchain Ledgers
• Note that at least parts of processes ofFIGS. 5A-F,smart contract226 ofFIG. 2,smart contract606 ofFIG. 6, smart contracts742 ofFIG. 7B and other processes and operations pertaining to blockchain distributed ledger technology described herein may be implemented in one or more servers, such ascomputer architecture800 inFIG. 8 or the cloud. Data defining the results of user control input signals translated or interpreted as discussed herein may be communicated to a user device for display. Alternatively, the environmental measurement blockchain ledger processes may be implemented in a client device. In still other examples, some operations may be implemented in one set of computing resources, such as servers, and other steps may be implemented in other computing resources, such as a client device.
• It should be understood that the methods described herein can be ended at any time and need not be performed in their entireties. Some or all operations of the methods described herein, and/or substantially equivalent operations, can be performed by execution of computer-readable instructions included on a computer-storage media, as defined below. The term “computer-readable instructions,” and variants thereof, as used in the description and claims, is used expansively herein to include routines, applications, application modules, program modules, programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Computer-readable instructions can be implemented on various system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based, programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like.
• Thus, it should be appreciated that the logical operations described herein are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance and other requirements of the computing system. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as states, operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These operations, structural devices, acts, and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof.
• As described herein, in conjunction with the FIGURES described herein, the operations of the routines (e.g. processes ofFIGS. 5A-F,smart contract226 ofFIG. 2,smart contract606 ofFIG. 6, smart contracts742 ofFIG. 7B) are described herein as being implemented, at least in part, by an application, component, and/or circuit. Although the following illustration refers to the components ofFIGS. 5A-F,6, and7B, it can be appreciated that the operations of the routines may be also implemented in many other ways. For example, the routines may be implemented, at least in part, by a computer processor or a processor or processors of another computer. In addition, one or more of the operations of the routines may alternatively or additionally be implemented, at least in part, by a computer working alone or in conjunction with other software modules.
• For example, the operations of routines are described herein as being implemented, at least in part, by an application, component and/or circuit, which are generically referred to herein as modules. In some configurations, the modules can be a dynamically linked library (DLL), a statically linked library, functionality produced by an application programming interface (API), a compiled program, an interpreted program, a script or any other executable set of instructions. Data and/or modules, such as the data and modules disclosed herein, can be stored in a data structure in one or more memory components. Data can be retrieved from the data structure by addressing links or references to the data structure.
• Although the following illustration refers to the components of the FIGURES discussed above, it can be appreciated that the operations of the routines (e.g. processes ofFIGS. 5A-F,smart contract226 ofFIG. 2,smart contract606 ofFIG. 6, smart contracts742 ofFIG. 7B) may be also implemented in many other ways. For example, the routines may be implemented, at least in part, by a processor of another remote computer or a local computer or circuit. In addition, one or more of the operations of the routines may alternatively or additionally be implemented, at least in part, by a chipset working alone or in conjunction with other software modules. Any service, circuit or application suitable for providing the technologies disclosed herein can be used in operations described herein.
• FIG. 8 shows additional details of anexample computer architecture800 for a computer, such as thecomputing devices114 andcomputing systems202 ofFIGS. 1 and 2, capable of executing the program components described herein. Thus, thecomputer architecture800 illustrated inFIG. 8 illustrates an architecture for a server computer, mobile phone, a PDA, a smartphone, a desktop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, an onboard computer, a game console, and/or a laptop computer. Thecomputer architecture800 may be utilized to execute any aspects of the software components presented herein.
• Thecomputer architecture800 illustrated inFIG. 8 includes a central processing unit802 (CPU), asystem memory804, including a random access memory806 (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM)808, and asystem bus810 that couples thememory804 to theCPU802. A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between sub-elements within thecomputer architecture800, such as during startup, is stored in theROM808. Thecomputer architecture800 further includes amass storage device812 for storing anoperating system813, data (such as a copy of measurement data blockchaindata820 or permissions data store822), and one or more application programs.
• Themass storage device812 is connected to theCPU802 through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to thebus810. Themass storage device812 and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for thecomputer architecture800. Although the description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a solid-state drive, a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable media can be any available computer storage media or communication media that can be accessed by thecomputer architecture800.
• Communication media includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics changed or set in a manner so as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
• By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. For example, computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), HD-DVD, BLU-RAY, Ultra HD 4K BLU-RAY, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by thecomputer architecture800. For purposes the claims, the phrase “computer-readable storage media,” “computer-readable storage medium” and variations thereof, does not include waves, signals, and/or other transitory and/or intangible communication media, per se.
• According to various configurations, thecomputer architecture800 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through thenetwork856 and/or another network (not shown). Thecomputer architecture800 may connect to thenetwork856 through anetwork interface unit814 connected to thebus810. It should be appreciated that thenetwork interface unit814 also may be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. Thecomputer architecture800 also may include an input/output controller816 for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, mouse, game controller, television remote or electronic stylus (not shown inFIG. 8). Similarly, the input/output controller816 may provide output to a display screen, a printer, or other type of output device (also not shown inFIG. 8).
• It should be appreciated that the software components described herein may, when loaded into theCPU802 and executed, transform theCPU802 and theoverall computer architecture800 from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing system customized to facilitate the functionality presented herein. TheCPU802 may be constructed from any number of transistors or other discrete circuit elements, which may individually or collectively assume any number of states. More specifically, theCPU802 may operate as a finite-state machine, in response to executable instructions contained within the software modules disclosed herein. These computer-executable instructions may transform theCPU802 by specifying how theCPU802 transitions between states, thereby transforming the transistors or other discrete hardware elements constituting theCPU802.
• Encoding the software modules presented herein also may transform the physical structure of the computer-readable media presented herein. The specific transformation of physical structure may depend on various factors, in different implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to, the technology used to implement the computer-readable media, whether the computer-readable media is characterized as primary or secondary storage, and the like. For example, if the computer-readable media is implemented as semiconductor-based memory, the software disclosed herein may be encoded on the computer-readable media by transforming the physical state of the semiconductor memory. For example, the software may transform the state of transistors, capacitors, or other discrete circuit elements constituting the semiconductor memory. The software also may transform the physical state of such components in order to store data thereupon.
• As another example, the computer-readable media disclosed herein may be implemented using magnetic or optical technology. In such implementations, the software presented herein may transform the physical state of magnetic or optical media, when the software is encoded therein. These transformations may include altering the magnetic characteristics of particular locations within given magnetic media. These transformations also may include altering the physical features or characteristics of particular locations within given optical media, to change the optical characteristics of those locations. Other transformations of physical media are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present description, with the foregoing examples provided only to facilitate this discussion.
• In light of the above, it should be appreciated that many types of physical transformations take place in thecomputer architecture800 in order to store and execute the software components presented herein. It also should be appreciated that thecomputer architecture800 may include other types of computing devices, including hand-held computers, embedded computer systems, personal digital assistants, and other types of computing devices known to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that thecomputer architecture800 may not include all of the components shown inFIG. 8, may include other components that are not explicitly shown inFIG. 8, or may utilize an architecture completely different than that shown inFIG. 8.
• FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative distributedcomputing environment900 capable of executing the software components described herein for maintaining a blockchain ledger. Thus, the distributedcomputing environment900 illustrated inFIG. 9 can be utilized to execute many aspects of the software components presented herein. Also, the distributedcomputing environment900 may represent components of the distributed blockchain platform discussed above.
• According to various implementations, the distributedcomputing environment900 includes acomputing environment902 operating on, in communication with, or as part of thenetwork904. Thenetwork904 may be or may include thenetwork856, described above. Thenetwork904 also can include various access networks. One ormore client devices906A-806N (hereinafter referred to collectively and/or generically as “clients906) can communicate with thecomputing environment902 via thenetwork904 and/or other connections (not illustrated inFIG. 9).
• In one illustrated configuration, the clients906 include acomputing device906A, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or other computing device; a slate or tablet computing device (tablet computing device)906B; amobile computing device906C such as a mobile telephone, a smartphone, an onboard computer, or other mobile computing device; aserver computer906D; and/orother devices906N, which can include a hardware security module. It should be understood that any number of devices906 can communicate with thecomputing environment902. Two example computing architectures for the devices906 are illustrated and described herein with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. It should be understood that the illustrated devices906 and computing architectures illustrated and described herein are illustrative only and should not be construed as being limited in any way.
• In the illustrated configuration, thecomputing environment902 includesapplication servers908,data storage910, and one or more network interfaces912. According to various implementations, the functionality of theapplication servers908 can be provided by one or more server computers that are executing as part of, or in communication with, thenetwork904. Theapplication servers908 can host various services, virtual machines, portals, and/or other resources.
• In the illustrated configuration, theapplication servers908 host one or morevirtual machines914 for hosting applications or other functionality. According to various implementations, thevirtual machines914 host one or more applications and/or software modules for a data management blockchain ledger. It should be understood that this configuration is illustrative only and should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Theblockchain services922 can include services for participating in management of one or more blockchains, such as by creating genesis blocks or data blocks, and performing validation.
• As shown inFIG. 9, theapplication servers908 also can host other services, applications, portals, and/or other resources (other resources)924. Theother resources924 can include, but are not limited to, data encryption, data sharing, or any other functionality.
• As mentioned above, thecomputing environment902 can includedata storage910. According to various implementations, the functionality of thedata storage910 is provided by one or more databases or data stores operating on, or in communication with, thenetwork904. The functionality of thedata storage910 also can be provided by one or more server computers configured to host data for thecomputing environment902. Thedata storage910 can include, host, or provide one or more real orvirtual data stores926A-926N (hereinafter referred to collectively and/or generically as “datastores926). The datastores926 are configured to host data used or created by theapplication servers908 and/or other data. Aspects of the datastores926 may be associated with services for an environmental measurement data blockchain. Although not illustrated inFIG. 9, the datastores926 also can host or store web page documents, word documents, presentation documents, data structures, algorithms for execution by a recommendation engine, and/or other data utilized by any application program or another module.
• Thecomputing environment902 can communicate with, or be accessed by, the network interfaces912. The network interfaces912 can include various types of network hardware and software for supporting communications between two or more computing devices including, but not limited to, the clients906 and theapplication servers908. It should be appreciated that the network interfaces912 also may be utilized to connect to other types of networks and/or computer systems.
• It should be understood that the distributedcomputing environment900 described herein can provide any aspects of the software elements described herein with any number of virtual computing resources and/or other distributed computing functionality that can be configured to execute any aspects of the software components disclosed herein. According to various implementations of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, the distributedcomputing environment900 may provide the software functionality described herein as a service to the clients using devices906.
• It should be understood that the devices906 can include real or virtual machines including, but not limited to, server computers, web servers, personal computers, mobile computing devices, smartphones, and/or other devices, which can include user input devices. As such, various configurations of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein enable any device configured to access the distributedcomputing environment900 to utilize the functionality described herein for creating and supporting an environmental measurement data blockchain ledger, among other aspects.
• Turning now toFIG. 10, an illustrativecomputing device architecture1000 for a computing device that is capable of executing various software components is described herein for supporting a blockchain ledger and applying environmental measurement data to the blockchain ledger. Thecomputing device architecture1000 is applicable to computing devices that can manage a blockchain ledger. In some configurations, the computing devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, onboard computers, tablet devices, slate devices, portable video game devices, traditional desktop computers, portable computers (e.g., laptops, notebooks, ultra-portables, and netbooks), server computers, game consoles, and other computer systems. Thecomputing device architecture1000 is applicable to theremote computing system114 shown inFIG. 1, theonboard computing device202 shown inFIG. 2, andcomputing device906A-N shown inFIG. 9.
• Thecomputing device architecture1000 illustrated inFIG. 10 includes aprocessor1002,memory components1004,network connectivity components1006,sensor components1008, input/output components1010, andpower components1012. In the illustrated configuration, theprocessor1002 is in communication with thememory components1004, thenetwork connectivity components1006, thesensor components1008, the input/output (I/O)components1010, and thepower components1012. Although no connections are shown between the individual components illustrated inFIG. 10, the components can interact to carry out device functions. In some configurations, the components are arranged so as to communicate via one or more busses (not shown).
• Theprocessor1002 includes a central processing unit (CPU) configured to process data, execute computer-executable instructions of one or more application programs, and communicate with other components of thecomputing device architecture1000 in order to perform various functionality described herein. Theprocessor1002 may be utilized to execute aspects of the software components presented herein and, particularly, those that utilize, at least in part, secure data.
• In some configurations, theprocessor1002 includes a graphics processing unit (GPU) configured to accelerate operations performed by the CPU, including, but not limited to, operations performed by executing secure computing applications, general-purpose scientific and/or engineering computing applications, as well as graphics-intensive computing applications such as high-resolution video (e.g., 620P, 1080P, and higher resolution), video games, three-dimensional (3D) modeling applications, and the like. In some configurations, theprocessor1002 is configured to communicate with a discrete GPU (not shown). In any case, the CPU and GPU may be configured in accordance with a co-processing CPU/GPU computing model, wherein a sequential part of an application executes on the CPU and a computationally-intensive part is accelerated by the GPU.
• In some configurations, theprocessor1002 is, or is included in, a system-on-chip (SoC) along with one or more of the other components described herein below. For example, the SoC may include theprocessor1002, a GPU, one or more of thenetwork connectivity components1006, and one or more of thesensor components1008. In some configurations, theprocessor1002 is fabricated, in part, utilizing a package-on-package (PoP) integrated circuit packaging technique. Theprocessor1002 may be a single core or multi-core processor.
• Theprocessor1002 may be created in accordance with an ARM architecture, available for license from ARM HOLDINGS of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Alternatively, theprocessor1002 may be created in accordance with an x86 architecture, such as is available from INTEL CORPORATION of Mountain View, Calif. and others. In some configurations, theprocessor1002 is a SNAPDRAGON SoC, available from QUALCOMM of San Diego, Calif., a TEGRA SoC, available from NVIDIA of Santa Clara, California, a HUMMINGBIRD SoC, available from SAMSUNG of Seoul, South Korea, an Open Multimedia Application Platform (OMAP) SoC, available from TEXAS INSTRUMENTS of Dallas, Tex., a customized version of any of the above SoCs, or a proprietary SoC.
• Thememory components1004 include a random-access memory (RAM)1014, a read-only memory (ROM)1016, an integrated storage memory (integrated storage)1018, and a removable storage memory (removable storage)1020. In some configurations, theRAM1014 or a portion thereof, theROM1016 or a portion thereof, and/or some combination of theRAM1014 and theROM1016 is integrated in theprocessor1002. In some configurations, theROM1016 is configured to store a firmware, an operating system or a portion thereof (e.g., operating system kernel), and/or a bootloader to load an operating system kernel from theintegrated storage1018 and/or theremovable storage1020.
• Theintegrated storage1018 can include a solid-state memory, a hard disk, or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. Theintegrated storage1018 may be soldered or otherwise connected to a logic board upon which theprocessor1002 and other components described herein also may be connected. As such, theintegrated storage1018 is integrated into the computing device. Theintegrated storage1018 is configured to store an operating system or portions thereof, application programs, data, and other software components described herein. For example, theintegrated storage1018 may include ablockchain module1019 for accessing data stored on a blockchain and for generating new data blocks for addition to the blockchain. Theblockchain module1019 may be the same or similar to theblockchain modules211 and220 shown inFIG. 2.
• Theremovable storage1020 can include a solid-state memory, a hard disk, or a combination of solid-state memory and a hard disk. In some configurations, theremovable storage1020 is provided in lieu of theintegrated storage1018. In other configurations, theremovable storage1020 is provided as additional optional storage. In some configurations, theremovable storage1020 is logically combined with theintegrated storage1018 such that the total available storage is made available as a total combined storage capacity. In some configurations, the total combined capacity of theintegrated storage1018 and theremovable storage1020 is shown to a user instead of separate storage capacities for theintegrated storage1018 and theremovable storage1020.
• Theremovable storage1020 is configured to be inserted into a removable storage memory slot (not shown) or other mechanism by which theremovable storage1020 is inserted and secured to facilitate a connection over which theremovable storage1020 can communicate with other components of the computing device, such as theprocessor1002. Theremovable storage1020 may be embodied in various memory card formats including, but not limited to, PC card, CompactFlash card, memory stick, secure digital (SD), miniSD, microSD, universal integrated circuit card (UICC) (e.g., a subscriber identity module (SIM) or universal SIM (USIM)), a proprietary format, or the like.
• It can be understood that one or more of thememory components1004 can store an operating system. According to various configurations, the operating system may include, but is not limited to, server operating systems such as various forms of UNIX certified by The Open Group and LINUX certified by the Free Software Foundation, or aspects of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) architectures, such as MICROSFT AZURE from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. or AWS from Amazon Corporation of Seattle, Washington. The operating system may also include WINDOWS MOBILE OS from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., WINDOWS PHONE OS from Microsoft Corporation, WINDOWS from Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS or IOS from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., and ANDROID OS from Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. Other operating systems are contemplated.
• Thenetwork connectivity components1006 include a wireless wide area network component (WWAN component)1022, a wireless local area network component (WLAN component)1024, and a wireless personal area network component (WPAN component)1026. Thenetwork connectivity components1006 facilitate communications to and from thenetwork1056 or another network, which may be a WWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN. Although only thenetwork1056 is illustrated, thenetwork connectivity components1006 may facilitate simultaneous communication with multiple networks, including thenetwork1056 ofFIG. 10. For example, thenetwork connectivity components1006 may facilitate simultaneous communications with multiple networks via one or more of a WWAN, a WLAN, or a WPAN.
• Thenetwork1056 may be or may include a WWAN, such as a mobile telecommunications network utilizing one or more mobile telecommunications technologies to provide voice and/or data services to a computing device utilizing thecomputing device architecture1000 via theWWAN component1022. The mobile telecommunications technologies can include, but are not limited to, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) ONE, CDMA7000, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Moreover, thenetwork1056 may utilize various channel access methods (which may or may not be used by the aforementioned standards) including, but not limited to, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), CDMA, wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), and the like.
• Data communications may be provided using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) protocol family including High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Enhanced Uplink (EUL) or otherwise termed High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved HSPA (HSPA+), LTE, and various other current and future wireless data access standards. Thenetwork1056 may be configured to provide voice and/or data communications with any combination of the above technologies. Thenetwork1056 may be configured to or be adapted to provide voice and/or data communications in accordance with future generation technologies.
• In some configurations, theWWAN component1022 is configured to provide dual-multi-mode connectivity to thenetwork1056. For example, theWWAN component1022 may be configured to provide connectivity to thenetwork1056, wherein thenetwork1056 provides service via GSM and UMTS technologies, or via some other combination of technologies. Alternatively,multiple WWAN components1022 may be utilized to perform such functionality, and/or provide additional functionality to support other non-compatible technologies (i.e., incapable of being supported by a single WWAN component). TheWWAN component1022 may facilitate similar connectivity to multiple networks (e.g., a UMTS network and an LTE network).
• Thenetwork1056 may be a WLAN operating in accordance with one or more Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and/or future 802.11 standards (referred to herein collectively as WI-FI). Draft 802.11 standards are also contemplated. In some configurations, the WLAN is implemented utilizing one or more wireless WI-FI access points.
• In some configurations, one or more of the wireless WI-FI access points are another computing device with connectivity to a WWAN that are functioning as a WI-FI hotspot. TheWLAN component1024 is configured to connect to thenetwork1056 via the WI-FI access points. Such connections may be secured via various encryption technologies including, but not limited to, WI-FI Protected Access (WPA), WPA2, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), and the like.
• Thenetwork1056 may be a WPAN operating in accordance with Infrared Data Association (IrDA), BLUETOOTH, wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), Z-Wave, ZIGBEE, or some other short-range wireless technology. In some configurations, theWPAN component1026 is configured to facilitate communications with other devices, such as peripherals, computers, or other computing devices via the WPAN.
• Thesensor components1008 include amagnetometer1028, an ambient light sensor1030, aproximity sensor1032, anaccelerometer1034, agyroscope1036, and a Global Positioning System sensor (GPS sensor)1038. It is contemplated that other sensors, such as, but not limited to, temperature sensors or shock detection sensors, also may be incorporated in thecomputing device architecture1000.
• The I/O components1010 include adisplay1040, atouchscreen1042, a data I/O interface component (data I/O)1044, an audio I/O interface component (audio I/O)1046, a video I/O interface component (video I/O)1048, and acamera1050. In some configurations, thedisplay1040 and thetouchscreen1042 are combined. In some configurations, two or more of the data I/O component1044, the audio I/O component1046, and the video I/O component1048 are combined. The I/O components1010 may include discrete processors configured to support the various interfaces described below or may include processing functionality built-in to theprocessor1002.
• The illustratedpower components1012 include one ormore batteries1052, which can be connected to abattery gauge1054. Thebatteries1052 may be rechargeable or disposable. Rechargeable battery types include, but are not limited to, lithium polymer, lithium ion, nickel cadmium, and nickel metal hydride. Each of thebatteries1052 may be made of one or more cells.
• Thepower components1012 may also include a power connector, which may be combined with one or more of the aforementioned I/O components1010. Thepower components1012 may interface with an external power system or charging equipment via an I/O component.
Illustrative Embodiments
• The following examples described multiple possible embodiments for implementing the features described in this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are not limiting nor is every feature from any given embodiment required to be present in another embodiment. Any two or more of the embodiments may be combined together unless context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein in this document “or” means and/or. For example, “A or B” means A without B, B without A, or A and B. As used herein, “comprising” means including all listed features and potentially including addition of other features that are not listed. “Consisting essentially of” means including the listed features and those additional features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the listed features. “Consisting of” means only the listed features to the exclusion of any feature not listed.
• Clause 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving profile data (214) defining a threshold value (216) for an environmental condition associated with an item (102); receiving measurement data (210) indicating a measurement of the environmental condition from a sensor (106) associated with the item (102) while the item (102) is en route from an origination location (116) to a destination location (118); determining that the measurement data (210) deviates from the threshold value (216); and communicating a shipping instruction (208) causing a system database (224) to change the destination location (118) to the origination location (116).
• Clause 2. The computer-implemented method ofclause 1, wherein the environmental condition comprises temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on a container holding the item, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or atmospheric gas level.
• Clause 3. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the system database comprises a blockchain and wherein causing the system database to change the destination location to the origination location comprises adding as a data block to the blockchain.
• Clause 4. The computer-implemented method ofclaim3, wherein the profile data defining the threshold value for the environmental condition is stored in the blockchain.
• Clause 5. The computer-implemented method ofclaim3, wherein causing the system database to change the destination location to the origination location is based on logic stored in a smart contract in the blockchain.
• Clause 6. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1-5, further comprising: aggregating the measurement data indicating the measurement of the environmental condition with other measurement data obtained from other sensors associated with other items to create aggregated performance data; and determining a performance metric for a shipping agent based on the aggregated performance data.
• Clause 7. The computer-implemented method of clause 6, wherein the performance metric identifies the environmental condition as deviating from the threshold value more frequently than a second environmental condition deviates from a second threshold value.
• Clause 8. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving profile data (214) defining a threshold value (216) for an environmental condition associated with an item (102); receiving measurement data (210) indicating a measurement of the environmental condition from a sensor (106) associated with the item (102) while the item (102) is en route from an origination location (116) to a destination location (118); determining that the measurement data (210) deviates from the threshold value (216); and communicating a shipping instruction (208) causing initiation of shipment of a replacement item (124) from the origination location (116) to the destination location (118).
• Clause 9. The computer-implemented method ofclause 8, wherein the environmental condition comprises temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on a container holding the item, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or atmospheric gas level.
• Clause 10. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 8-9, wherein the profile data is stored in a data block in a blockchain and wherein the item is associated with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag encoding a blockchain address of the data block.
• Clause 11. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 8-10, wherein the shipping instruction causing the initiation of shipment of the replacement item from the origination location to the destination location are stored in a smart contract in a blockchain.
• Clause 12. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 8-11, further comprising: creating a new data block that stores the measurement data indicating the measurement of the environmental condition; and linking the new data block to a previous data block in a blockchain associated with the item.
• Clause 13. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 8-12, further comprising: identifying a disposal facility closest to a location of a vehicle transporting the item; and communicating an additional shipping instruction causing a system database to change the destination location to the disposal facility.
• Clause 14. A system comprising: a sensor (106) associated with an item (102), the sensor (106) configured to collect measurement data (210) indicating a measurement of an environmental condition; one or more processors (1002); and one or more memory components (1004) in communication with the one or more processors (1002), the memory components (1004) having computer-readable instructions stored thereupon that, when executed by the one or more processors (1002), cause the one or more processors (1002) to perform operations comprising: retrieving, from a data block (410A) associated with a blockchain, profile data (214) defining a threshold value (216) for the environmental condition; receiving the measurement data (210) from the sensor (106) while the item (102) is en route from an origination location (116) to a destination location (118); determining that the measurement data (210) of the environmental condition deviates from the threshold value (216); and initiating, based on a smart contract (226) in the blockchain (222), a response.
• Clause 15. The system of clause 14, wherein the sensor associated with the item is attached to the item, included in a container holding the item, or present on a vehicle transporting the item.
• Clause 16. The system of any of clauses 14-15, wherein the response includes generating a shipping instruction indicating an alternate destination location.
• Clause 17. The system of clause 16, wherein the response further comprises communicating an alternate destination location to a vehicle transporting the item.
• Clause 18. The system of any of clauses 14-17, wherein the response includes communicating a shipping instruction causing initiation of shipment of a replacement item from the origination location to the destination location.
• Clause 19. The system of any of clauses 14-18, wherein the operations further comprise: creating a new data block that stores a record indicating the measurement data of the environmental condition deviated from the threshold value; and linking the new data block to a previous data block in a blockchain associated with a performance metric of a shipping agent.
• Clause 20. The system of any of clauses 14-19, wherein the response comprises communicating a blockchain address of the smart contract to a vehicle transporting the item.
CONCLUSION
• Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
• The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “based on,” “based upon,” and similar referents are to be construed as meaning “based at least in part” which includes being “based in part” and “based in whole,” unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “portion,” “part,” or similar referents are to be construed as meaning at least a portion or part of the whole including up to the entire noun referenced. As used herein, “approximately” or “about” or similar referents denote a range of ±10% of the stated value.
• Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Skilled artisans will know how to employ such variations as appropriate, and the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced otherwise than specifically described. Accordingly, all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto are included within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

receiving profile data defining a threshold value for an environmental condition associated with an item;

receiving measurement data indicating a measurement of the environmental condition from a sensor associated with the item while the item is en route from an origination location to a destination location;

determining that the measurement data deviates from the threshold value; and

communicating a shipping instruction causing a system database to change the destination location to the origination location.

2. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the environmental condition comprises temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on a container holding the item, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or atmospheric gas level.

3. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the system database comprises a blockchain and wherein causing the system database to change the destination location to the origination location comprises adding as a data block to the blockchain.

4. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 3, wherein the profile data defining the threshold value for the environmental condition is stored in the blockchain.

5. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 3, wherein causing the system database to change the destination location to the origination location is based on logic stored in a smart contract in the blockchain.

6. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

aggregating the measurement data indicating the measurement of the environmental condition with other measurement data obtained from other sensors associated with other items to create aggregated performance data; and

determining a performance metric for a shipping agent based on the aggregated performance data.

7. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 6, wherein the performance metric identifies the environmental condition as deviating from the threshold value more frequently than a second environmental condition deviates from a second threshold value.

8. A computer-implemented method comprising:

receiving profile data defining a threshold value for an environmental condition associated with an item;

receiving measurement data indicating a measurement of the environmental condition from a sensor associated with the item while the item is en route from an origination location to a destination location;

determining that the measurement data deviates from the threshold value; and

communicating a shipping instruction causing initiation of shipment of a replacement item from the origination location to the destination location.

9. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein the environmental condition comprises temperature, humidity, moisture, barometric pressure, pressure on a container holding the item, orientation, vibration, shock, light, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, or atmospheric gas level.

10. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein the profile data is stored in a data block in a blockchain and wherein the item is associated with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag encoding a blockchain address of the data block.

11. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein the shipping instruction causing the initiation of shipment of the replacement item from the origination location to the destination location are stored in a smart contract in a blockchain.

12. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, further comprising:

creating a new data block that stores the measurement data indicating the measurement of the environmental condition; and

linking the new data block to a previous data block in a blockchain associated with the item.

13. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, further comprising:

identifying a disposal facility closest to a location of a vehicle transporting the item; and

communicating an additional shipping instruction causing a system database to change the destination location to the disposal facility.

14. A system comprising:

a sensor associated with an item, the sensor configured to collect measurement data indicating a measurement of an environmental condition;

one or more processors; and

one or more memory components in communication with the one or more processors, the memory components having computer-readable instructions stored thereupon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:

retrieving, from a data block associated with a blockchain, profile data defining a threshold value for the environmental condition;

receiving the measurement data from the sensor while the item is en route from an origination location to a destination location;

determining that the measurement data of the environmental condition deviates from the threshold value; and

initiating, based on a smart contract in the blockchain, a response.

15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the sensor associated with the item is attached to the item, included in a container holding the item, or present on a vehicle transporting the item.

16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the response includes generating a shipping instruction indicating an alternate destination location.

17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the response further comprises communicating an alternate destination location to a vehicle transporting the item.

18. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the response includes communicating a shipping instruction causing initiation of shipment of a replacement item from the origination location to the destination location.

19. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the operations further comprise:

creating a new data block that stores a record indicating the measurement data of the environmental condition deviated from the threshold value; and

linking the new data block to a previous data block in a blockchain associated with a performance metric of a shipping agent.

20. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the response comprises communicating a blockchain address of the smart contract to a vehicle transporting the item.

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