JP3660576B2

JP3660576B2 - Distribution product temperature management device and distribution product temperature management method

Info

Publication number: JP3660576B2
Application number: JP2000275261A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 清治小田; 信治持田
Original assignee: Ikari Shodoku Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ikari Shodoku Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-09-11
Filing date: 2000-09-11
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-11
Also published as: JP2002087523A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、流通品温管理装置及び流通品温管理方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般的に流通品は、製造工場から店舗へ輸送されて消費者に渡るという流通経路を経る。この際、例えば、食品流通の場合、食品製造業者側（発送側施設）は工場内や保管庫内の気温や湿度等の物理的状態を調整して衛生管理に務め、輸送業者側は輸送車両の貨物室内を食品の保存状態に適した温度や湿度に調整して食品が傷まないように輸送している。また、店舗側（受取側施設）もショーケース内や保管庫内を食品の保存状態に適した温度や湿度に調整し、消費者に新鮮な食品を提供するよう務めている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような従来の食品流通では、例えば、細菌が多量に増殖したような異常のある食品を消費者が購入し、それによる苦情が起きた場合、何が原因で異常が発生したのかを究明することが極めて困難であった。つまり、食品流通の過程に於て、食品製造業者側と輸送業者側と店舗側とが夫々独自に食品管理を行い、また輸送業者側や店舗側では食品管理に関するデータも記録・保存されていない場合が多く、事故原因及び責任の所在を正確に知ることができなかった。従って、このような事故を繰り返さず、かつ、事故が発生した場合の迅速な調査や対処を行うことが急務であった。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明は、流通過程における流通品の状態を記録すると共に、流通品の状態の良否を判定し、事故発生の防止及び事故に対する迅速な対処と原因究明を行うことができる、流通品温管理装置及び流通品温管理方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上述の目的を達成するために、本発明に係る流通品温管理装置は、流通品の発送側施設に設けられると共に上記流通品の製造加工工程中及び／又は保管中の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶する発送側品温監視手段と、上記発送側施設から輸送された流通品を受取る受取側施設に設けられると共に受取って保管した流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶する受取側品温監視手段と、上記発送側品温監視手段からの品温データを受渡し可能でかつ輸送中の流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶すると共に上記受取側品温監視手段へ累積品温データを受渡し可能な輸送中品温監視手段と、を備え、さらに、上記輸送中品温監視手段及び／又は上記受取側品温監視手段にて、流通品の受取側施設への到着時の品温データをチェックして流通品の状態の良否を判定可能とすると共に、受取側品温監視手段から通信ネットワークを介して発送側品温監視手段へ流通品不良データを送信可能とし、さらに、上記輸送中品温監視手段が、時刻毎の品温グラフ線の管理基準温度線より高い部分と該管理基準温度線とで囲まれた範囲の総合計面積を品温測定時間面積として算出すると共に該測定時間面積と流通品の状態を良好であると見なす設定時間面積とを比較して流通品の状態の良否を判定する演算判定部を備えたものである。
【０００６】
このとき、発送側施設及び受取側施設に無線マーカーを各々設置し、該無線マーカーから出力された場所データを、輸送中品温監視手段にて受信し記憶するようにしても良い。
【０００７】
また、輸送中品温監視手段が、流通品の品温を検知する品温検知部と、該品温検知部からの品温データ及び無線マーカーからの場所データを記憶するデータ記憶部と、流通品の状態を良好であると見なす設定時間面積を入力可能なプログラム部と、を備えるも、好ましい。
【０００８】
さらに、通信ネットワークを介して複数の受取側品温監視手段に接続される情報収集センター用コンピュータを設け、該コンピュータにて複数の受取側品温監視手段に流通品不良データを送信可能とするも良い。
【０００９】
また、本発明に係る流通品温管理方法は、流通品の発送側施設に於て、発送側品温監視手段にて上記流通品の製造加工工程中及び／又は保管中の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶し、上記発送側品温監視手段からの品温データを輸送中品温監視手段に入力すると共に、該輸送中品温監視手段にて輸送中の流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶し、時刻毎の品温グラフ線の管理基準温度線より高い部分と該管理基準温度線とで囲まれた範囲の総合計面積を品温測定時間面積として算出し、該品温測定時間面積と流通品の状態を良好であると見なす設定時間面積とを比較して、流通品の状態の良否を継続的に判定し、受取側施設に到着した後、上記輸送中品温監視手段から上記累積品温データと流通品の状態の良否の判定データを受取側品温監視手段の荷受場用コンピュータへ受渡し、流通品の状態が良好であれば、流通品を受取側施設内に搬入し保管して上記受取側品温監視手段にて継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶し、流通品の状態が不良であれば、受取側施設での受取りを拒否すると共に、流通品不良データを通信ネットワークを介して受取側品温監視手段から発送側品温監視手段へ送信するものである。
【００１０】
このとき、発送側施設に設置した無線マーカーから発送側場所データを出力して輸送中品温監視手段にて記憶すると共に、受取側施設に設置した無線マーカーから受取側場所データを出力して輸送中品温監視手段にて記憶するようにしても良い。
【００１１】
また、流通品の異常発生時に於て、通信ネットワークを介して情報収集センター用コンピュータから複数の上記受取側品温監視手段に流通品不良データを送信するも、好ましい。
【００１２】
さらに、流通品の累積品温データに基づいてグラフ化される品温曲線と、予め測定された複数の微生物増殖パターンテスト曲線とを比較して、流通品の状態の良否を判定するも、好ましい。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、実施の形態を示す図面に基づき、本発明を詳説する。
【００１４】
図１は、本発明の流通品温管理装置の実施の一形態を示す。この流通品温管理装置は、主として食品流通における食品の品温を管理・記録する履歴装置（システム）である。ここで、本発明に於て、「品温」とは、「流通品の温度又は温湿度、及び流通品の周囲の環境温度をも包含するもの」と定義する。
【００１５】
具体的に説明すると、この流通品温管理装置は、流通品（特に食品）の発送側施設に設けられると共に流通品の製造加工工程中及び／又は保管中の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶する発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁と、発送側施設から輸送された流通品を受取る受取側施設に設けられると共に受取って保管した流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶する受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂と、を備え、さらに、後述で詳しく説明する輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃と、を具備している。
【００１６】
発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁は、例えば食品加工場等の発送側施設に設けられ、工場内に設置される工場用コンピュータ（ホストコンピュータ）１と、工場内で製造加工されている食品や保管庫内にて保管されている食品の品温を検知して品温データを工場用コンピュータ１に送信する品温センサ２…と、発送場（出荷場）に設置される発送場用コンピュータ３と、を備える。この発送場用コンピュータ３及びその他事務所等に設置されるコンピュータは、ＬＡＮにて工場用コンピュータ１と接続されている。また、工場用コンピュータ１は、各品温センサ２…からの品温データを継続的に時刻と共に記憶し保存すると共に、工場生産状況データ（環境、気温、作業員動向等）を記録し保存する。
【００１７】
受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂は、例えば店舗等の受取側施設に設けられ、店舗内に設置される店舗用コンピュータ（ホストコンピュータ）４と、店舗の保管庫内やショーケース内に保管されている食品の品温を検知して品温データを店舗用コンピュータ４に送信する品温センサ５…と、荷受場に設置される荷受場用コンピュータ６と、を備える。この荷受場用コンピュータ６及びその他事務所等に設置されるコンピュータは、ＬＡＮにて店舗用コンピュータ４と接続されている。また、店舗用コンピュータ４は、各品温センサ５…からの品温データを継続的に時刻と共に記憶し保存する。
【００１８】
しかして、上述した発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁の工場用コンピュータ１と受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂の店舗用コンピュータ４は、例えば専用回線や公衆回線やインターネット等の（有線及び無線の全ての通信網を含む）通信ネットワークＮを介して相互に接続され、双方向通信可能とされている。また、７は情報収集センター用コンピュータであり、通信ネットワークＮを介して発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁及び受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂に接続されており、双方向通信可能とされている。通常、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７は、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁及び受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂から送信された品温関連データ（累積品温データや工場生産状況データ等）を記憶し蓄積する。この情報収集センター用コンピュータ７は、例えば発送側施設及び受取側施設と契約されている情報収集管理センター（施設）に設置される。
【００１９】
また、図１〜図３に示すように、上記輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃は、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁からの品温データを受渡し可能であり、かつ、輸送中の流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データ及び場所データを記憶する機能を有し、さらに、受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂へ累積品温データを受渡し可能であると共に、流通品の状態の良否を判定可能とされている。
【００２０】
さらに詳しく説明すると、輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃は、小さなボックス型の「移動型品温計測タグ」と呼ばれる装置であって、流通品の品温を検知する品温検知部８と、品温検知部８からの品温データ及び（後述する）無線マーカーＭからの場所データを記憶するデータ記憶部９と、流通品の状態を良好であると見なす設定値が入力されるプログラム部10と、累積品温データに基づいて測定値を算出すると共に上記設定値と測定値を比較して流通品の状態の良否を判定する演算判定部11とを備え、さらに、無線マーカーＭからの電波信号Ｗを受信する受信部12と、その電波信号Ｗを復調して場所データ信号をデータ記憶部９に送る信号復調部13とを具備している。また、演算判定部11から良判定信号が送られて点灯するＯＫランプ14と、演算判定部11から不良判定信号が送られて点灯するＮＯランプ15を設けるも、好ましい。
【００２１】
また、上記無線マーカーＭは、発送側施設及び受取側施設に各々設置される。具体的には、例えば発送側施設の発送場付近や受取側施設の荷受場付近、又は発送側施設及び受取側施設の輸送車両用出入口付近に、無線マーカーＭを設置する。この無線マーカーＭは、時刻校正部16と、認識信号発生部17と、電波発信部18とを備え、電波発信部18から場所データを含む電波信号Ｗが常時発信される。
【００２２】
次に、図１〜図３及び図４のフローチャート図を参照しつつ、この流通品温管理装置による基本的な流通品温管理方法について説明する。例えば、食品加工場のような発送側施設に於て、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁によって、例えば、現場環境情報・気温・作業員動向等の工場生産状況データを記憶（記録）し、かつ、流通品（食品）の製造加工工程中及び／又は保管中の品温を各品温センサ２…にて検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを記憶する。即ち、工場用コンピュータ１にて、これらのデータを収集し記憶・蓄積すると共に、このとき一意なロギングＩＤを有するデータも一緒に記憶される。なお、この一意なロギングＩＤデータは、例えば、公共機関が発行する統括管理番号や発送側施設（業者）の固有番号や流通品のロット番号等とされる。
【００２３】
そして、流通品の発送時に於て、発送場用コンピュータ３に輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃（以下タグＳ₃と言うことがある）を接続し、工場用コンピュータ１に記憶されている上記品温関連データ───即ち、工場生産状況データや品温データやロギングＩＤデータ等───をタグＳ₃に入力（受渡し）する。なお、タグＳ₃のプログラム部10には、予め流通品の状態（保存状態）を良好であると見なす設定値が入力されている。あるいは、品温関連データ等の入力時に設定値も入力するようにしても良い。
【００２４】
このようにしてタグＳ₃に品温関連データ等を入力すれば、タグＳ₃を流通品と共に輸送車両20の貨物室内に積込む。このとき、流通品を収納するための通い箱19内にタグＳ₃を設置するようにしても良い。その後、輸送車両20は受取側施設へ向けて出発するが、その際無線マーカーＭから発信された電波信号Ｗが（輸送車両20内の）タグＳ₃にて受信され、タグＳ₃はこの発送側施設の場所データを記憶する。
【００２５】
そして、輸送車両20による輸送中は、貨物室内が流通品の保存に適した温度や湿度に調整されると共に、流通品の品温をタグＳ₃にて検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データが記憶される。その後、輸送車両20が受取側施設（店舗）に到着すると、マーカーＭから発信された電波信号ＷをタグＳ₃にて受信し、受取側施設の場所データが記憶される。
【００２６】
そして、受取側施設の荷受場に於て、輸送車両20の貨物室内からタグＳ₃を取出し、タグＳ₃を受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂の荷受場用コンピュータ６に接続して、累積品温データや場所データや工場生産状況データ等の品温関連データを入力（受渡し）する。また、タグＳ₃では、その演算判定部11によって、累積品温データに基づいて測定値が算出され、かつ、プログラム部10に入力されている設定値と上記測定値を比較して流通品の状態の良否判定が継続的に行われていたので、この判定データも受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂に入力される。これによって、荷受場用コンピュータ６のディスプレーに、図５に示すような判定画面Ｊが表示され、輸送された流通品の状態が良好であるか不良であるかをチェックすることができる。
【００２７】
このとき、流通品の状態が良好であれば、そのタグＳ₃が監視していた流通品は保存状態が良好であると見なされるので、受取側施設にて流通品を受取って保管庫やショーケースに保管し、かつ、受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂の品温センサ２…にて流通品の品温を検知して継続的に時刻毎の品温データを店舗用コンピュータ４に記憶させる。なお、タグＳ₃及び空となった通い箱19は、次回に来る輸送車両20にて発送側施設へ返却すれば良い。
【００２８】
一方、流通品の保存状態が不良であると判定されれば、受取側施設での流通品の受取りが拒否されると共に、受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂（例えば荷受場用コンピュータ６）から通信ネットワークＮを介して発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁（例えば工場用コンピュータ１）へ流通品不良データが送信される。このとき、（上述した）情報収集センター用コンピュータ７へも流通品不良データが送信されて流通品の異常（事故）発生が報告される。そして、流通品が複数の受取側施設へ配送される場合、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７からその流通品不良データが他の受取側施設へ送信され、他の受取側施設は前もってその流通品（同じロットの流通品）が不良であることを知ることができる。なお、保存状態が不良であった流通品は、発送側施設へ送り返されて廃棄処分又は劣化の程度に応じて適切な方法（再利用など）で処置される。
【００２９】
ところで、タグＳ₃には、（図２と図３で説明したように）流通品の状態の良否判定を見ることができるＯＫランプ14及びＮＯランプ15が設けられており、一方のランプ14，15のみ点灯しているため、タグＳ₃だけでも良否判定を知ることができるが、上述のようにタグＳ₃から受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂の荷受場用コンピュータ６に累積品温データや判定データ等の品温関連データを入力することによって、ディスプレーに表示された判定画面Ｊ（図５参照）を見て判定結果の再確認や判定結果についての詳しい内容を知ることができると共に、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁及び情報収集センター用コンピュータ７へ自動的に流通品不良データを送信することができ、迅速に対応することができる。
【００３０】
ここで、流通品の状態の良否を判定する方法の一例を説明する。図３で説明したタグＳ₃は、（上述したように）受取側施設に到着して輸送車両20の貨物室内から取出されるときまでの累積品温データに基づいて測定値を算出し、測定値と設定値を比較して良否判定を決定するよう回路構成されているが、この測定値は、図５と図６で示す上記判定画面Ｊに表示された時間面積グラフＧの斜線部Ａの総合計面積であり、これを測定時間面積としている。この時間面積グラフＧは、時間経過に伴う管理基準温度（線Ｂ）に対する品温（グラフ線Ｃ）の変化を示し、品温（グラフ線Ｃ）が管理基準温度（線Ｂ）よりも高い部分が上記斜線部Ａである。また、測定値に対する設定値は、所定の設定時間面積とされている。
【００３１】
そして、設定時間面積をＥ₀とし、測定時間面積をＥ₁としたときに、Ｅ₀≧Ｅ₁であれば流通品の保存状態が良好であると判定し、Ｅ₀＜Ｅ₁であれば流通品の保存状態が不良であると判定している。即ち、設定時間面積Ｅ₀を流通品（飲食料品）の保存状態に影響がないとされる微生物数と見なし、測定時間面積Ｅ₁を流通品（飲食料品）内に含まれる微生物数と見なし、Ｅ₀ ≧Ｅ₁であれば流通品の保存状態に影響がないと判定している。この時間面積と微生物数との関係は、予め行われた実験結果に基づいている。また、良否判定のもう一つの条件として、品温上限温度（線Ｄ）を設定しており、品温（グラフ線Ｃ）が上限温度（線Ｄ）を越えれば、Ｅ₀≧Ｅ₁であっても流通品の保存状態は不良であると判定し、より厳しく品温管理・品質管理を行っている。なお、判定画面Ｊには判定結果（良好又は不良）が表示されると共に、設定時間面積、測定時間面積、品温上限温度、品温最高温度等のデータが表示される。また、判定画面Ｊの備考の欄には、例えば、発送側施設を出発した時間と受取側施設に到着した時間及び輸送時間等を含む場所データを表示するも、好ましい。
【００３２】
以上、基本的な流通品温管理方法の一例を説明したが、次に実際的な流通過程における流通品温管理方法及び流通品温管理装置を説明する。図７は、加工場にて製造した食料品（例えば惣菜類）を、スーパーやコンビニエンスストア等に輸送する場合の流通過程を示している。このとき、加工場の仕入先として原料工場や食肉工場や魚市場等が存在し、また、加工場と店舗の間には配送センターが存在している。従ってこの場合、仕入先は加工場に対して発送側施設（加工場は仕入先に対して受取側施設）となり、加工場は配送センターに対して発送側施設（配送センターは加工場に対して受取側施設）となり、配送センターは店舗に対して発送側施設（店舗は配送センターに対して受取側施設）となるが、ここでは仕入先を第１発送側施設とし、加工場を第２発送側施設とし、配送センターを第３発送側施設とし、店舗を受取側施設として説明する。
【００３３】
図１と図７に示すように、第１・第２・第３発送側施設には各々発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁が設けられ、受取側施設には受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂が設けられ、これらは通信ネットワークＮにより相互に接続されると共に、通信ネットワークＮを介して情報収集センター用コンピュータ７と接続されている。また、第１・第２・第３発送側施設及び受取側施設には、各々無線マーカーＭが設置される。
【００３４】
図４を参照しつつこのような流通品温管理装置における流通品温管理方法を説明すると、第１発送側施設に於て、原料工場や食肉工場や魚市場では各々の品温監視手段Ｓ₁により加工中及び／又は保管中の食品材料（ハム、食肉、魚等）の品温が測定・記憶される。そして出荷時には、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁から品温データ等の品温関連データをタグＳ₃（輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃）に入力し、そのタグＳ₃を食品材料と共に輸送車両20へ積込む。このとき、一つの発送側施設が複数の加工場へ配送する場合は、少なくとも加工場と同じ個数のタグＳ₃…が必要となる。そして、各第１発送側施設から輸送車両20…が出発する際に、各無線マーカーＭ…からの場所データが各タグＳ₃…に入力される。
【００３５】
各輸送車両20…の貨物室内のタグＳ₃…によって、輸送中の各食品材料の品温が継続的に測定・記憶されると共に、各輸送車両20…が第２発送側施設（加工場）に到着する際に無線マーカーＭからの場所データが記憶される。そして、第２発送側施設の発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁に各タグＳ₃…の累積品温データ及び場所データ等を入力し、各食品材料の保存状態の良否を判定し、良好であれば食品材料を積降し、不良であれば受取りが拒否されると共に、第１発送側施設へ流通品不良データが送信される。このとき、流通品不良データが情報収集センター用コンピュータ７を経由して他の加工場へ送信されるようにしても良い。
【００３６】
その後、加工場に積降した食品材料は工場内に搬送され、加工されて製品となり、保管庫内に保管される。このときの加工中の食品材料や保管中の製品は、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁によって品温が測定・記憶される。
【００３７】
そして出荷時には、（図４の※に示すように）発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁からタグＳ₃へこれまでの累積品温データ及び場所データ等を入力し、そのタグＳ₃を製品と共に輸送車両20へ積込む。このとき、製品が前もって複数の店舗毎に（通い箱19…等にて）振り分けられる場合は、複数のタグＳ₃…が各店舗毎に振り分けられる。そして、第２発送側施設から輸送車両20が出発する際に無線マーカーＭからの場所データが各タグＳ₃…に入力される。
【００３８】
その後、輸送車両20内のタグＳ₃…によって、輸送中の各製品の品温が継続的に測定・記憶されると共に、輸送車両20が第３発送側施設（配送センター）に到着する際に無線マーカーＭからの場所データが記憶される。そして、第３発送側施設の発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁に各タグＳ₃…の累積品温データ及び場所データ等を入力し、各製品の保存状態の良否を判定し、良好な製品は積降し、不良な製品は受取りが拒否されると共に、第２発送側施設へ流通品不良データが送信される。このとき、流通品不良データが情報収集センター用コンピュータ７へも送信されるようにしても良い。そして、配送センターへ積降した製品は、保管庫内に保管され、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁によって保管中の品温が測定・記憶される。
【００３９】
その後の配送時には、（図４の※に示す如く）発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁からタグＳ₃へこれまでの累積品温データ及び場所データ等を入力し、そのタグＳ₃を製品と共に輸送車両20へ積込む。このとき、製品は複数の店舗毎に（通い箱19…等にて）振り分けられるため、複数のタグＳ₃…が各店舗毎に振り分けられる。そして、第３発送側施設から輸送車両20が出発する際に無線マーカーＭからの場所データが各タグＳ₃…に入力される。
【００４０】
その後、輸送車両20内のタグＳ₃…によって、輸送中の各製品の品温が継続的に測定・記憶されると共に、輸送車両20が受取側施設（店舗）に到着する際に無線マーカーＭからの場所データが記憶される。そして、受取側施設の受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂にタグＳ₃の累積品温データ及び場所データ等を入力し、製品の保存状態の良否の判定結果を見る。そして、判定が良好であれば製品を積降し、判定が不良であれば受取りが拒否されると共に、受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂から通信ネットワークＮを介して発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁（配送センター側乃至加工場側）及び情報収集センター用コンピュータ７に流通品不良データが送信される。なおこの間、他の店舗に配送する製品の品温計測及び記録は継続されている。積降した製品は、店舗内の保管庫やショーケースに収納保管され、受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂によって保管中の品温の測定と記憶が継続される。
【００４１】
そして、１件目の店舗への配送が終われば、続いて２件目以降の店舗へも同様に、製品の保存状態が良好であれば送り渡し、不良であればそのまま引き取る。なお、配送終了後、保存状態が不良であった製品は配送センターを経由して加工場へ送り返され、廃却又は劣化の程度に応じて適切に処置される。
【００４２】
なお、タグＳ₃の受渡しと回収は、第１・第２発送側施設の間、第２・第３発送側施設の間、及び第３発送側施設と受取側施設の間で行うようにすれば良い。また、回収されたタグＳ₃は、リセットして再使用される。
【００４３】
ところで、一つの店舗で製品の不良（流通品の異常）が発見されると、配送センターや加工場、及び情報収集センターへ製品不良が報告されるが、情報収集センターへ製品不良が報告されることによって、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７から他の店舗の受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂…へ直ちに流通品不良データが送信され、他の店舗側は不良製品と同じロットの製品が配送される前に不良であることを知ることができ、店舗側でも迅速に在庫調整等に対応することができる。また、配送センターや加工場へ製品不良が報告されることによって、不良製品と同じロットの在庫品及び関連製品等の出荷停止や製造停止を直ちに判断することができる。
【００４４】
また、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７は、各発送側施設───原料工場、食肉工場、魚市場等と、加工場と、配送センター等───の発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁…及び各受取側施設（複数の店舗）の受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂…からの品温データや場所データ等を記憶・蓄積することができるため、原料から店舗まで一貫した衛生管理が可能であり、流通経路の途中で流通品に異常（事故）が発生した場合に、迅速に対応することができると共に、累積品温データや場所データ等を検証してどの時点で異常が発生したかを確実に知ることができ、迅速に原因を究明することができる。従って、特に、細菌が発生し易い食料品の場合、このように消費者へ渡るまでの品温管理を行うことによって衛生的に安全な食品流通を図ることができる。
【００４５】
以上は、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁と受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂と情報収集センター用コンピュータ７とを、有線通信網の通信ネットワークＮで接続して双方向通信可能とした場合を図１等で説明したが、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁と受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂と情報収集センター用コンピュータ７とが有線通信網の通信ネットワークＮで接続されない場合、無線（通信ネットワークＮ）で情報収集センター用コンピュータ７へ流通品の品温データを送信し、かつ、品温データを上記コンピュータ７にて評価して流通品の状態の良否判定を行うようにしても良い。
【００４６】
つまり、発送側施設に於て、工場用コンピュータ１や発送場用コンピュータ３や輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃（タグＳ₃）に無線送受信手段Ｓ₄を接続し、加工中や保管中や発送直前の流通品の品温データ等を無線送受信手段Ｓ₄から無線で情報収集センター用コンピュータ７へ送信する。この無線送受信手段Ｓ₄は、ボックス型の装置であって、電波発信部と受信部を有する。この無線送受信手段Ｓ₄から品温データ等を送信された情報収集センター用コンピュータ７は、その品温データを評価した後、判定データを無線送受信手段Ｓ₄へ送信（返信）し、無線送受信手段Ｓ₄から工場用コンピュータ１や発送場用コンピュータ３にその判定データを入力すれば判定画面Ｊ（図５参照）を見ることができる。一方、受取側施設に於ても同様に、タグＳ₃又は荷受場用コンピュータ６又は店舗用コンピュータ４に無線送受信手段Ｓ₄を接続して、荷受前やすでに保管中の流通品の累積品温データを情報収集センター用コンピュータ７に送信し、コンピュータ７からの判定データを無線送受信手段Ｓ₄にて受信し、判定データを荷受場用コンピュータ６又は店舗用コンピュータ４に入力すれば判定画面Ｊを見ることができる。従って、特に輸送後の流通品の良否判定を行う場合、輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃であれば記憶容量も小さく複雑な判定処理をするにも困難性を伴うが、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７であれば記憶容量も膨大であり、複雑で高度な判定処理も迅速に行うことができ、受取側施設へも短時間（例えば数分）で判定結果を返送することができる。
【００４７】
また、本発明における流通品の状態の良否を判定する他の方法としては、図８に示すように、流通品の累積品温データに基づいてグラフ化される品温曲線Ｃと、予め測定された複数の微生物増殖パターンテスト曲線Ｆ…とを比較して、流通品の状態の良否を判定する方法がある。この微生物増殖パターンテスト曲線Ｆは、恒温槽等にてある特定の微生物を培養したときの温度曲線であり、一つの温度曲線についてどのように微生物が増殖するか（総数や増殖率等）を調べ、多数の異なるパターンの温度曲線について総数や増殖率等を調べる。さらに、このような測定を複数種類の微生物について行う。これにより、温度曲線と微生物の増殖傾向の関係が分かり、どのような温度曲線の場合は微生物が増殖し易いということが分かる。即ち、不良温度曲線Ｆ′が分かる。そして、これら複数の微生物増殖パターンテスト曲線Ｆ…（温度曲線）及びその測定結果等のデータを、例えば情報収集センター用コンピュータ７に予め入力しておき、発送側品温監視手段Ｓ₁や受取側品温監視手段Ｓ₂からの品温データに基づく品温曲線Ｃと比較する。そして、例えば、品温曲線Ｃが不良温度曲線Ｆ′にある程度近似した波形であれば不良と判定する。
【００４８】
なお、本発明は上述の実施の形態に限定されず、例えばタグＳ₃（輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃）にディスプレイを設け、文字により判定結果やその内容を表示できるよう構成するも良い。
また、本実施の形態では加工食料品をスーパーやコンビニエンスストアへ輸送する流通経路を例に挙げて説明したが、その他のあらゆる飲食料品（例えば、青果類や食肉類や鮮魚類や牛乳など）のあらゆる流通経路（例えば、学校や企業等へ給食用の食料品を輸送する場合等）における品温衛生管理に適用することができ、これら複数の流通経路における流通品の品温管理を情報収集センター用コンピュータ７にて同時に集中管理することができる。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
本発明は上述の如く構成されるので、次に記載する効果を奏する。
【００５０】
（請求項１又は５によれば）発送側施設における流通品の製造加工時及び／又は保管時の品温管理を行うことができると共に、引き続いて流通品の輸送時の品温管理を行うことができ、さらに、発送側施設に到着した際に流通品の保存状態の良否を判定することができると共に、発送側施設における流通品の保管時の品温管理を行うことができる。従って、特に、細菌が発生し易い飲食料品業界への導入に好適であり、保存状態が不良の飲食料品を受取側施設（店舗）内に搬入するのを未然に防止し、品温管理（衛生管理）の行き届いた安全な飲食料品のみを消費者に提供することができる。
また、万が一流通品が不良と判定された異常発生時には、直ちに発送側施設に流通品の不良が報告されるので、この流通品の在庫品の出荷停止や製造停止等の対策を迅速に行うことができると共に、累積品温データが記録・保存されているため異常原因の所在を明確にでき、迅速に異常原因を分析して再発防止に役立てることができる。
【００５１】
（請求項２又は６によれば）場所データにより発送側施設の出発時刻と受取側施設への到着時刻を記録することができると共に、輸送時間を算出し記録することができる。従って、受取側施設に輸送された流通品の流通経路を確認することができると共に、流通品の異常が発生した場合には、異常発生場所がどこであるかを正確に把握することができ、輸送車両20による輸送中に異常発生した場合は輸送時間も検証することができる。
【００５２】
（請求項３によれば）輸送中品温監視手段Ｓ₃にて流通品の保存状態の良否を判定することができるため、輸送車両20の乗務員が輸送中の流通品の保存状態をチェックをすることができる。従って、例えば、長距離輸送の途中で流通品の異常発生が確認された場合、発送側施設へ引き返すことを乗務員が独自に判断して、労力や輸送コストの無駄を省略することができる。
【００５３】
（請求項４又は７によれば）発送側施設から複数の受取側施設へ流通品を配送する場合、例えば１件目の店舗で流通品の異常が確認されれば、２件目以降の店舗にはその流通品の不良報告が直ちに伝えられ前もって状況を知ることができるので、店舗側は迅速に在庫調整等を対処することができる。
また、情報収集センター用コンピュータ７によって原料から消費者に渡るまで流通品を一貫して品温管理しデータを蓄積することができ、衛生的に安全な食品流通を実現することができる。
（請求項８によれば）容易かつ迅速に流通品の良否の判定を行うことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る流通品温管理装置の実施の一形態を示す構成説明図である。
【図２】輸送中品温監視手段を示す斜視図である。
【図３】輸送中品温監視手段及び無線マーカーを示すブロック図である。
【図４】本発明に係る流通品温管理方法を説明するフローチャート図である。
【図５】受取側品温監視手段のディスプレイに表示された判定画面を示す図である。
【図６】時間面積グラフを示すグラフ図である。
【図７】具体的な流通過程における流通品温管理方法を説明する説明図である。
【図８】流通品の良否判定を説明するグラフ図である。
【符号の説明】
６荷受場用コンピュータ
７情報収集センター用コンピュータ
８品温検知部
９データ記憶部
10 プログラム部
11 演算判定部
Ｓ₁ 発送側品温監視手段
Ｓ₂ 受取側品温監視手段
Ｓ₃ 輸送中品温監視手段
Ｎ通信ネットワーク
Ｍ無線マーカー
Ｂ管理基準温度線
Ｃ品温グラフ線
Ｅ ₀ 設定時間面積
Ｅ ₁ 測定時間面積 [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a distribution product temperature management device and a distribution product temperature management method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Generally, a distribution product passes through a distribution route in which it is transported from a manufacturing factory to a store and then passed to a consumer. In this case, for example, in the case of food distribution, the food manufacturer side (shipping facility) adjusts physical conditions such as temperature and humidity in the factory and storage to manage the hygiene, and the transporter side transports the vehicle. The cargo compartment is adjusted to a temperature and humidity suitable for the storage condition of the food so that the food is not damaged. The store side (receiving facility) also adjusts the temperature and humidity in the showcase and storage to suit the food preservation conditions, and strives to provide fresh food to consumers.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in such a conventional food distribution, for example, when a consumer purchases an abnormal food product in which a large amount of bacteria have grown and a complaint has occurred, what is the cause of the abnormality? It was extremely difficult to investigate. In other words, in the process of food distribution, the food manufacturer side, the transporter side, and the store side carry out food management independently, and the transporter side and the store side also do not record or store food management data. In many cases, the cause of the accident and the location of the responsibility could not be known accurately. Therefore, there is an urgent need not to repeat such an accident and to conduct a quick investigation and countermeasure when an accident occurs.
[0004]
  Accordingly, the present invention records the status of the distribution product in the distribution process, determines the quality of the distribution product, and can prevent the occurrence of an accident and quickly deal with the accident and investigate the cause. An object is to provide a management device and a distribution product temperature management method.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a distribution product temperature management device according to the present invention is provided in a distribution product shipping-side facility and detects the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution product. The product temperature monitoring means for continuously storing the product temperature data for each time and the temperature of the distribution product received and stored at the receiving facility for receiving the distribution product transported from the above-mentioned shipping facility are detected. The product temperature monitoring means for continuously storing the product temperature data for each time and the product temperature data from the above-mentioned delivery-side product temperature monitoring means can be delivered and the product temperature of the goods in transit can be detected. In-transport product temperature monitoring means capable of continuously storing the product temperature data for each time and delivering the accumulated product temperature data to the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means, and further comprising the in-transportation product temperature monitoring means And / or the receiving side product temperature monitoring means The product temperature data at the time of arrival at the side facility can be checked to determine the quality of the distribution product, and the defective product distribution data from the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means to the sending-side product temperature monitoring means via the communication network Can be sentIn addition, the product temperature monitoring means during transportation uses the total area of the range surrounded by the management reference temperature line of the product temperature graph line at each time and the management reference temperature line as the product temperature measurement time area. A calculation determination unit that calculates and compares the measurement time area with a set time area that regards the state of the distribution product as good and determines whether the state of the distribution product is good or notIt is a thing.
[0006]
  At this time, wireless markers may be installed at the sending facility and the receiving facility, respectively, and the location data output from the wireless marker may be received and stored by the product temperature monitoring means during transportation.
[0007]
  In addition, the product temperature monitoring means during transport detects the product temperature of the distribution product, a data storage unit that stores the product temperature data from the product temperature detection unit and the location data from the wireless marker, and the distribution Consider the product in good conditionSet time areaAnd a program part that can inputWithIs also preferred.
[0008]
  Furthermore, an information collection center computer connected to a plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means via a communication network is provided, and the computer can transmit distribution product defect data to the plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means. good.
[0009]
  Further, the distribution product temperature management method according to the present invention detects the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution product at the distribution product temperature monitoring means in the distribution product shipping facility. The product temperature data for each time is continuously stored, and the product temperature data from the sending side product temperature monitoring means is input to the product temperature monitoring means in transit, and the product temperature monitoring means in transit is being transported. The product temperature data of each time is memorized by detecting the product temperatureCalculate the total area of the range surrounded by the management reference temperature line of the product temperature graph line for each time and the management reference temperature line as the product temperature measurement time area, and the product temperature measurement time area and the distribution product Compared with the set time area that considers the state of the product to be good, continuously determine the quality of the distribution product,After arriving at the receiving facility, eitherAboveCumulative product temperature dataAnd judgment data of the condition of the goods in circulationIs delivered to the computer for receiving goods at the receiving-end product temperature monitoring meansThe flowIf the condition of the goods is good, the goods in circulation are brought into the receiving facility and stored, and the temperature data for each time is continuously stored in the receiving goods temperature monitoring means. If it is defective, the receipt at the receiving facility is rejected and the distribution defect data is transmitted from the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means to the sending-side product temperature monitoring means via the communication network.
[0010]
  At this time, the shipping side location data is output from the wireless marker installed at the sending side facility and stored in the product temperature monitoring means during transportation, and the receiving side location data is output from the wireless marker installed at the receiving side facility for transportation. You may make it memorize in medium article temperature monitoring means.
[0011]
  MaIt is also preferable to transmit the defective product data to the plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means from the information collection center computer via the communication network when an abnormality occurs in the distributed product..
[0012]
  TheIn addition, comparing the product temperature curve graphed based on the accumulated product temperature data of the distribution product and a plurality of microbial growth pattern test curves measured in advance, whether the state of the distribution product is good, preferable.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments.
[0014]
  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a distribution product temperature management device of the present invention. This distribution product temperature management device is a history device (system) that mainly manages and records the product temperature of food in food distribution. Here, in the present invention, “product temperature” is defined as “including the temperature or temperature / humidity of the distribution product and the ambient temperature around the distribution product”.
[0015]
  More specifically, this distribution product temperature management device is provided at a facility for sending distribution products (especially food) and continuously detects and detects the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution products. Shipment-side product temperature monitoring means S for storing product temperature data for each time₁Receiver temperature monitoring, which is provided at the receiving facility that receives the distribution goods transported from the shipping facility and also detects the temperature of the distribution goods received and stored, and continuously stores the temperature data for each time Means S₂And a transportation temperature monitoring means S which will be described in detail later._ThreeAnd.
[0016]
  Shipping side product temperature monitoring means S₁Is installed in a shipping facility such as a food processing plant, and is stored in a factory computer (host computer) 1 installed in the factory, food processed and processed in the factory, and a storage. A product temperature sensor 2 that detects the product temperature of the food and transmits the product temperature data to the factory computer 1 and a shipping site computer 3 installed at the shipping site (shipping site). The shipping station computer 3 and other computers installed in the office are connected to the factory computer 1 via a LAN. Further, the factory computer 1 continuously stores and stores product temperature data from each product temperature sensor 2 with time, and records and stores factory production status data (environment, temperature, worker trends, etc.). .
[0017]
  Receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂For example, a store computer (host computer) 4 installed in a receiving facility such as a store and the temperature of food stored in the store storage or showcase is detected. Product temperature sensors 5 for transmitting the product temperature data to the store computer 4 and a cargo receiving place computer 6 installed in the receiving place. The receiving place computer 6 and other computers installed in the office are connected to the store computer 4 via a LAN. Further, the store computer 4 continuously stores and stores the product temperature data from the product temperature sensors 5.
[0018]
  Thus, the above-mentioned shipping-side product temperature monitoring means S₁Factory computer 1 and receiving side product temperature monitoring means S₂The store computers 4 are connected to each other via a communication network N (including all wired and wireless communication networks) such as a dedicated line, a public line, and the Internet, and are capable of bidirectional communication. Reference numeral 7 denotes a computer for an information collection center.₁And receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂Are connected to each other and are capable of bidirectional communication. Usually, the computer 7 for the information collection center is used for the product temperature monitoring means S on the sending side.₁And receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂Stores and accumulates product temperature related data (cumulative product temperature data, factory production status data, etc.) transmitted from. The information collection center computer 7 is installed, for example, in an information collection management center (facility) that is contracted with the sending facility and the receiving facility.
[0019]
  In addition, as shown in FIGS._ThreeIs the shipment side product temperature monitoring means S₁Product temperature data can be delivered, and there is a function to detect the product temperature of the goods in transit and continuously store the product temperature data and location data for each time. Temperature monitoring means S₂Accumulated product temperature data can be delivered to the product, and the quality of the distribution product can be determined.
[0020]
  More specifically, the product temperature monitoring means S during transportation_ThreeIs a small box-type device called a “movable product temperature measurement tag”, which detects the product temperature of the distribution product, product temperature data from the product temperature detection unit 8 (described later) ) A data storage unit 9 for storing location data from the wireless marker M, a program unit 10 to which a set value for considering the state of the distribution product as good is input, and a measurement value is calculated based on the accumulated product temperature data And an arithmetic determination unit 11 that compares the set value and the measured value to determine the quality of the state of the distribution product, and further includes a reception unit 12 that receives the radio signal W from the wireless marker M, and the radio signal W And a signal demodulating unit 13 for transmitting a location data signal to the data storage unit 9. It is also preferable to provide an OK lamp 14 that is turned on when a good determination signal is sent from the calculation determination unit 11 and an NO lamp 15 that is turned on when a defect determination signal is sent from the calculation determination unit 11.
[0021]
  The wireless marker M is installed in each of the sending facility and the receiving facility. Specifically, for example, the wireless marker M is installed in the vicinity of the shipping site of the sending side facility, the vicinity of the receiving site of the receiving side facility, or in the vicinity of the entrance / exit for the transportation vehicle of the sending side facility and the receiving side facility. The wireless marker M includes a time calibration unit 16, a recognition signal generation unit 17, and a radio wave transmission unit 18. A radio wave signal W including location data is constantly transmitted from the radio wave transmission unit 18.
[0022]
  Next, a basic distribution product temperature management method using the distribution product temperature management device will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 4. For example, in a shipping side facility such as a food processing plant, the shipping side product temperature monitoring means S₁For example, factory production status data such as on-site environmental information, temperature, and worker trends is stored (recorded), and the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution product (food) is stored in each product temperature. Sensor temperature data is detected and continuously stored for each time. That is, the factory computer 1 collects, stores, and accumulates these data, and also stores data having a unique logging ID at this time. The unique logging ID data is, for example, a general management number issued by a public institution, a unique number of a shipping facility (trader), a lot number of a distribution product, or the like.
[0023]
  At the time of shipment of the distribution product, the product temperature monitoring means S during transportation is sent to the shipping site computer 3._Three(Hereafter tag S_ThreeThe above product temperature related data stored in the factory computer 1, that is, factory production status data, product temperature data, logging ID data, etc._ThreeInput (delivery). Tag S_ThreeThe program unit 10 is preliminarily inputted with a set value for presuming that the state (stored state) of the distribution product is good. Alternatively, the set value may be input when the product temperature related data or the like is input.
[0024]
  In this way, tag S_ThreeIf you input product temperature related data, etc., tag S_ThreeAre loaded into the cargo compartment of the transport vehicle 20 together with the distribution goods. At this time, the tag S is placed in the returnable box 19 for storing the distribution items._ThreeYou may make it install. Thereafter, the transport vehicle 20 departs toward the receiving facility, and at this time, the radio signal W transmitted from the wireless marker M is transmitted to the tag S (in the transport vehicle 20)._ThreeReceived by the tag S_ThreeStores the location data of this shipping facility.
[0025]
  During transportation by the transport vehicle 20, the cargo compartment is adjusted to a temperature and humidity suitable for storing the distribution goods, and the product temperature of the distribution goods is set to the tag S._ThreeThe product temperature data for each time is continuously stored. Thereafter, when the transport vehicle 20 arrives at the receiving facility (store), the radio wave signal W transmitted from the marker M is changed to the tag S._ThreeThe location data of the receiving facility is stored.
[0026]
  The tag S is then received from the cargo compartment of the transport vehicle 20 at the receiving site of the receiving facility._ThreeTake out the tag S_ThreeReceiving side product temperature monitoring means S₂The product temperature related data such as accumulated product temperature data, location data, and factory production status data are input (delivered). Tag S_ThreeThen, the calculation determination unit 11 calculates a measurement value based on the accumulated product temperature data, and compares the set value input to the program unit 10 with the measurement value to determine whether the state of the distribution product is good or bad. Since this has been continuously performed, this determination data is also received on the receiving side product temperature monitoring means S.₂Is input. Thereby, a determination screen J as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display of the computer 6 for receiving goods, and it is possible to check whether the state of the transported goods being transported is good or bad.
[0027]
  At this time, if the state of the distribution product is good, the tag S_ThreeSince the distribution product monitored by the company is considered to be in a good storage state, the distribution product is received at the receiving facility and stored in a storage or a showcase, and the receiving product temperature monitoring means S is used.₂The product temperature sensor 2 detects the product temperature of the distribution product, and continuously stores the product temperature data for each time in the store computer 4. Tag S_ThreeThe returnable box 19 that has been emptied may be returned to the shipping facility by the next transport vehicle 20.
[0028]
  On the other hand, if it is determined that the stored state of the distribution product is bad, the reception of the distribution product at the receiving facility is rejected and the receiving product temperature monitoring means S is used.₂The product temperature monitoring means S on the sending side via the communication network N (for example, the computer 6 for receiving goods)₁Distribution product defect data is transmitted to (for example, factory computer 1). At this time, the distribution item defect data is also transmitted to the information collection center computer 7 (described above) to report the occurrence of an abnormality (accident) in the distribution item. When the distribution product is delivered to a plurality of receiving facilities, the defective product distribution data is transmitted from the information collection center computer 7 to the other receiving facilities, and the other receiving facilities have the distribution products (same as before). It is possible to know that the lot distribution product is defective. In addition, the distribution product in which the preservation | save state was unsatisfactory is sent back to the sending side facility, and is treated by an appropriate method (reuse etc.) according to the degree of disposal or deterioration.
[0029]
  By the way, tag S_ThreeIs provided with an OK lamp 14 and an NO lamp 15 (as explained in FIGS. 2 and 3), which can be used to check the quality of the state of the distribution product, and only one of the lamps 14 and 15 is lit. Tag S_ThreeIt is possible to know pass / fail judgment only by using the tag S as described above._ThreeTo receiver temperature monitoring means S₂By inputting product temperature related data such as accumulated product temperature data and judgment data into the computer 6 for receiving goods, the judgment screen J (see FIG. 5) displayed on the display is viewed and the judgment result is reconfirmed and the judgment result You can know the detailed contents about the product temperature monitoring means S₁In addition, the distribution product defect data can be automatically transmitted to the information collection center computer 7 and can be dealt with quickly.
[0030]
  Here, an example of a method for determining the quality of the state of the distribution product will be described. Tag S described in FIG._ThreeCalculates the measured value based on the accumulated product temperature data until it arrives at the receiving facility (as described above) and is taken out of the cargo compartment of the transport vehicle 20, and compares the measured value with the set value. The circuit is configured to determine pass / fail judgment, but this measured value is the total area of the shaded area A of the time area graph G displayed on the judgment screen J shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. It is the measurement time area. This time area graph G shows the change of the product temperature (graph line C) with respect to the management reference temperature (line B) over time, and the part where the product temperature (graph line C) is higher than the management reference temperature (line B). Is the shaded area A. The set value for the measured value is a predetermined set time area.
[0031]
  And set time area is E₀And the measurement time area is E₁When E₀≧ E₁If it is determined that the stored state of the distribution product is good, E₀<E₁If it is, it will determine with the preservation | save state of distribution goods being unsatisfactory. That is, the set time area E₀Is regarded as the number of microorganisms considered to have no effect on the storage state of the distribution product (food and beverage), and the measurement time area E₁Is regarded as the number of microorganisms contained in the distribution product (food and beverage), and E₀ ≧E₁If so, it is determined that there is no effect on the storage state of the distribution product. The relationship between the time area and the number of microorganisms is based on the results of experiments performed in advance. In addition, as another condition for pass / fail judgment, the product temperature upper limit temperature (line D) is set, and if the product temperature (graph line C) exceeds the upper limit temperature (line D), E₀≧ E₁Even so, it is determined that the stored state of the distribution product is bad, and the product temperature management and quality control are performed more strictly. The determination screen J displays a determination result (good or defective) and data such as a set time area, a measurement time area, a product temperature upper limit temperature, and a product temperature maximum temperature. In the remarks column of the determination screen J, it is also preferable to display location data including, for example, the time of departure from the sending facility, the time of arrival at the receiving facility, and the transportation time.
[0032]
  An example of a basic distribution product temperature management method has been described above. Next, a distribution product temperature management method and a distribution product temperature management device in an actual distribution process will be described. FIG. 7 shows a distribution process in the case of transporting food products (for example, side dishes) manufactured at the processing plant to a supermarket or a convenience store. At this time, there are a raw material factory, a meat factory, a fish market, and the like as suppliers of the processing plant, and a distribution center exists between the processing plant and the store. Therefore, in this case, the supplier is a facility on the sending side with respect to the processing site (the processing site is a receiving side facility with respect to the supplier), the processing site is on the shipping side with respect to the delivery center (the delivery center is on the processing site). The delivery center is a shipping facility for the store (the store is the receiving facility for the delivery center), but here the supplier is the first shipping facility and the processing site is A description will be given assuming that the facility is the second shipping facility, the delivery center is the third shipping facility, and the store is the receiving facility.
[0033]
  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, each of the first, second, and third shipping side facilities has a shipping side product temperature monitoring means S.₁The receiving side facility temperature monitoring means S is provided at the receiving side facility.₂Are connected to each other by a communication network N, and are connected to the information collection center computer 7 via the communication network N. In addition, a wireless marker M is installed in each of the first, second, and third shipping facilities and the receiving facility.
[0034]
  The distribution product temperature management method in such a distribution product temperature management device will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the first shipping facility, each product temperature monitoring means S is used in the raw material factory, meat factory, and fish market.₁The product temperature of food materials (ham, meat, fish, etc.) being processed and / or stored can be measured and stored. At the time of shipment, the product side temperature monitoring means S₁Tag S for product temperature related data such as product temperature data_Three(Transport temperature monitoring means S_Three) And the tag S_ThreeIs loaded into the transport vehicle 20 together with food materials. At this time, when one shipping-side facility delivers to a plurality of processing plants, at least the same number of tags S as the processing plants are used._Three…Is required. And when the transport vehicles 20 depart from each first shipping facility, the location data from each wireless marker M ..._ThreeIt is input to….
[0035]
  Tag S in the cargo compartment of each transport vehicle 20_Three…, The temperature of each food material being transported is continuously measured and stored, and the location data from the wireless marker M when each transport vehicle 20 arrives at the second shipping facility (processing plant). Is memorized. And the shipping side product temperature monitoring means S of the second shipping side facility₁Each tag S_ThreeInput cumulative product temperature data and location data, etc., determine the quality of each food material in storage, load and unload food materials if good, and reject if the food material is bad. Distribution goods defect data is transmitted to the shipping facility. At this time, the defective product distribution data may be transmitted to another processing site via the information collection center computer 7.
[0036]
  Thereafter, the food material loaded and unloaded at the processing site is transported into the factory, processed into a product, and stored in the storage. The food material being processed and the product being stored at this time are the product temperature monitoring means S on the sending side.₁The product temperature is measured and memorized.
[0037]
  At the time of shipment, the product temperature monitoring means S on the sending side (as indicated by * in FIG. 4)₁To tag S_ThreeEnter the accumulated product temperature data and location data, etc._ThreeIs loaded into the transport vehicle 20 together with the product. At this time, if the product is distributed in advance for each of a plurality of stores (such as the returnable box 19), a plurality of tags S_Three... are sorted for each store. When the transport vehicle 20 departs from the second shipping facility, the location data from the wireless marker M is stored in each tag S._ThreeIt is input to….
[0038]
  Thereafter, the tag S in the transport vehicle 20_Three..., the temperature of each product in transit is continuously measured and stored, and the location data from the wireless marker M is stored when the transport vehicle 20 arrives at the third shipping facility (delivery center). The And the shipping side product temperature monitoring means S of the third shipping side facility₁Each tag S_ThreeInput cumulative product temperature data and location data, etc., determine the quality of each product's storage status, load and unload good products, refuse to receive defective products, and go to the second shipping facility Distribution goods defect data is transmitted. At this time, the distribution product defect data may also be transmitted to the information collection center computer 7. The products loaded and unloaded to the distribution center are stored in the storage, and the product temperature monitoring means S on the sending side is stored.₁The product temperature during storage is measured and stored.
[0039]
  At the time of subsequent delivery (as indicated by * in FIG. 4), the shipping side product temperature monitoring means S₁To tag S_ThreeEnter the accumulated product temperature data and location data, etc._ThreeIs loaded into the transport vehicle 20 together with the product. At this time, since the products are distributed to a plurality of stores (by the return box 19), a plurality of tags S_Three... are sorted for each store. When the transport vehicle 20 departs from the third shipping facility, the location data from the wireless marker M is stored in each tag S._ThreeIt is input to….
[0040]
  Thereafter, the tag S in the transport vehicle 20_Three..., the temperature of each product being transported is continuously measured and stored, and the location data from the wireless marker M is stored when the transport vehicle 20 arrives at the receiving facility (store). And the receiving side product temperature monitoring means S of the receiving side facility₂Tag S_ThreeEnter the accumulated product temperature data and location data, etc., and see the judgment result of product storage status. If the determination is good, the product is loaded and unloaded, and if the determination is bad, the receipt is rejected and the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means S₂Dispatch side product temperature monitoring means S via communication network N₁Distribution product defect data is transmitted to the distribution center side or processing site side and the information collection center computer 7. During this period, the product temperature measurement and recording of products delivered to other stores are continued. The loaded and unloaded products are stored and stored in a storeroom or showcase in the store, and the receiving side product temperature monitoring means S₂This keeps measuring and storing the product temperature during storage.
[0041]
  When delivery to the first store is completed, the product is subsequently delivered to the second and subsequent stores if the product is in a good storage state, and if it is defective, it is taken over as it is. In addition, after the delivery is completed, the product having a poor storage state is sent back to the processing site via the delivery center, and appropriately treated according to the degree of disposal or deterioration.
[0042]
  Tag S_ThreeThe delivery and collection may be performed between the first and second shipping facilities, between the second and third shipping facilities, and between the third shipping facility and the receiving facility. In addition, the collected tag S_ThreeWill be reset and reused.
[0043]
  By the way, if a product defect (abnormality of distribution goods) is found in one store, the product defect is reported to the distribution center, processing site, and information collection center, but the product defect is reported to the information collection center. By means of the information collection center computer 7, the receiving side product temperature monitoring means S of another store₂The distribution goods defect data is immediately sent to…, and other stores can know that the product of the same lot as the defective product is delivered before it is delivered, and the store can quickly respond to inventory adjustment etc. be able to. In addition, by reporting a product defect to the distribution center or processing site, it is possible to immediately determine whether to stop shipment or production stop of inventory products and related products in the same lot as the defective product.
[0044]
  In addition, the computer 7 for the information collection center is used to monitor the product temperature monitoring means S on the shipping side of each shipping facility: raw material factory, meat factory, fish market, processing plant, distribution center, etc.₁... and receiving side product temperature monitoring means S of each receiving side facility (multiple stores)₂It is possible to store and store product temperature data, location data, etc. from ..., so it is possible to manage hygiene consistently from raw materials to stores. In addition to being able to respond quickly, the accumulated product temperature data, location data, and the like can be verified to reliably know when an abnormality has occurred, and the cause can be investigated quickly. Therefore, in particular, in the case of a food product that easily generates bacteria, it is possible to achieve a hygienic and safe food distribution by performing the product temperature control until the product is delivered to the consumer.
[0045]
  The above is the shipment side product temperature monitoring means S₁And receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂1 and the information collection center computer 7 are connected by a communication network N of a wired communication network to enable two-way communication.₁And receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂And the information collection center computer 7 are not connected by the communication network N of the wired communication network, the product temperature data of the distribution product is transmitted to the information collection center computer 7 wirelessly (communication network N), and the product temperature data May be evaluated by the computer 7 to determine the quality of the distribution product.
[0046]
  In other words, in the shipping facility, the factory computer 1, the shipping site computer 3, and the product temperature monitoring means S during transportation._Three(Tag S_Three) Wireless transmission / reception means S_FourWireless transmission / reception means S for the temperature data of the distribution goods during processing, storage and just before shipment_FourTo the information collection center computer 7 wirelessly. This wireless transmission / reception means S_FourIs a box-type device having a radio wave transmitting unit and a receiving unit. This wireless transmission / reception means S_FourThe information collection center computer 7 to which the product temperature data has been transmitted from the device evaluates the product temperature data, and then transmits the determination data to the wireless transmitting / receiving means S._FourTo the wireless transmission and reception means S_FourIf the determination data is input to the factory computer 1 or the shipping site computer 3, the determination screen J (see FIG. 5) can be viewed. On the other hand, the tag S is similarly applied to the receiving facility._ThreeAlternatively, the wireless transmission / reception means S is connected to the computer 6 for receiving goods or the computer 4 for shops._FourIs connected, and the accumulated product temperature data of the circulated product before receipt of goods or already stored is transmitted to the computer 7 for information collection center, and the judgment data from the computer 7 is transmitted to the wireless transmission / reception means S._FourThe judgment screen J can be viewed by inputting the judgment data into the cargo receiving computer 6 or the store computer 4. Therefore, in the case of determining the quality of the distribution product after transportation, the product temperature monitoring means S during transportation_ThreeIf so, the information storage center computer 7 has a huge storage capacity and can perform complicated and advanced determination processing quickly. The determination result can be returned to the receiving facility in a short time (for example, several minutes).
[0047]
  In addition, as another method of determining the quality of the state of the distribution product in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, a product temperature curve C graphed based on the accumulated product temperature data of the distribution product is measured in advance. In addition, there is a method for comparing the plurality of microorganism growth pattern test curves F. This microorganism growth pattern test curve F is a temperature curve when a certain microorganism is cultured in a thermostatic bath or the like, and it is examined how the microorganisms grow (total number, growth rate, etc.) with respect to one temperature curve. Investigate the total number, growth rate, etc. for a number of different temperature curves. Further, such a measurement is performed for a plurality of types of microorganisms. As a result, the relationship between the temperature curve and the growth tendency of the microorganism can be understood, and it can be understood that in any temperature curve, the microorganism is likely to grow. That is, the defective temperature curve F ′ is known. Then, data such as a plurality of microbial growth pattern test curves F (temperature curves) and the measurement results thereof are input in advance to the information collection center computer 7, for example, and the shipping side product temperature monitoring means S₁And receiving product temperature monitoring means S₂Compared with the product temperature curve C based on the product temperature data from For example, if the product temperature curve C is a waveform that approximates the defect temperature curve F ′ to some extent, it is determined as defective.
[0048]
  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, For example, tag S_Three(Transport temperature monitoring means S_Three) Is provided with a display so that the determination result and its contents can be displayed by characters..
  MaIn this embodiment, the distribution route for transporting processed food products to supermarkets and convenience stores has been described as an example. However, all other food and beverage products (for example, fruits and vegetables, meat, fresh fish, and milk) It can be applied to temperature and hygiene management in all distribution channels (for example, when transporting food for school supplies to schools, companies, etc.) and collects information on the product temperature management of these distribution channels The central computer 7 can perform centralized management at the same time.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
  Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0050]
  (According to claim 1 or 5) It is possible to manage the product temperature at the time of manufacturing and / or storage of the distribution product at the shipping side facility, and subsequently to manage the product temperature at the time of transportation of the distribution product. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the quality of the stored state of the distribution product when it arrives at the shipping facility, and to manage the product temperature during storage of the distribution product at the shipping facility. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for introduction into the food and beverage industry, where bacteria are likely to be generated, and prevents food and beverages with poor storage conditions from being brought into the receiving facility (store), thereby managing the product temperature. Only safe food and drinks with good (sanitary control) can be provided to consumers.
  Also, in the unlikely event that a distribution product is determined to be defective, a defect in the distribution product will be reported immediately to the shipping facility. In addition, since the accumulated product temperature data is recorded and stored, the location of the cause of the abnormality can be clarified, and the cause of the abnormality can be quickly analyzed to help prevent recurrence.
[0051]
  (According to claim 2 or 6) The departure time of the sending facility and the arrival time at the receiving facility can be recorded by the location data, and the transportation time can be calculated and recorded. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the distribution route of the goods that have been transported to the receiving facility, and when there is an abnormality in the goods, it is possible to know exactly where the abnormality has occurred, If an abnormality occurs during transportation by the vehicle 20, the transportation time can also be verified.
[0052]
  (ClaimsTo 3According to)transportMedium temperature monitoring means S_ThreeSince it is possible to determine whether the stored state of the distribution product is good or not, the crew of the transport vehicle 20 can check the storage state of the distribution product being transported. Therefore, for example, when the occurrence of an abnormality in the distribution product is confirmed during the long-distance transportation, the crew can independently determine to return to the shipping-side facility, and waste of labor and transportation costs can be omitted.
[0053]
  (Claim 4 or7For example, if a distribution product is delivered from a sending facility to a plurality of receiving facilities, for example, if there is an abnormality in the distribution product at the first store, Since the defect report is immediately transmitted and the situation can be known in advance, the store side can quickly cope with inventory adjustment and the like.
  In addition, the information collection center computer 7 can consistently manage the product temperature and store data from the raw material to the consumer, and can realize sanitary and safe food distribution..
  (Claim8According to the above, it is possible to easily and quickly determine the quality of the distribution product.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view showing an embodiment of a distribution product temperature management device according to the present invention.
[Figure 2]transportIt is a perspective view which shows a medium product temperature monitoring means.
[Fig. 3]transportIt is a block diagram which shows a medium product temperature monitoring means and a wireless marker.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a distribution product temperature management method according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a determination screen displayed on the display of the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a time area graph.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution product temperature management method in a specific distribution process;
FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining quality determination of a distribution product.
[Explanation of symbols]
  6 Computer for receiving goods
  7 Computer for information collection center
  8 Product temperature detector
  9 Data storage
  10 Program section
  11 Calculation judgment section
  S₁  Shipping temperature monitoring means
  S₂  Receiver temperature monitoring means
  S_Three  Means for monitoring product temperature during transportation
  N communication network
  M wireless marker
  B  Control temperature line
  C  Product temperature graph line
  E ₀  Set time area
  E ₁  Measurement time area

Claims

Shipment-side product temperature monitoring means (S) that is provided at the delivery-side facility of the distribution product and detects the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution product and continuously stores the product temperature data for each time. ₁ ) and the receiving side which is provided in the receiving side facility for receiving the distribution goods transported from the above-mentioned shipping side facility and continuously stores the temperature data for each time by detecting the temperature of the distribution goods received and stored. Product temperature data from the product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ) and the above-mentioned delivery-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₁ ) can be delivered, and the product temperature of the circulating goods being transported is detected, and the goods at every time In-transport product temperature monitoring means (S ₃ ) capable of storing temperature data and delivering accumulated product temperature data to the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ), and further comprising the in-transport product temperature monitoring means (S ₃₎ and / or said at receiving side product temperature monitoring means (S _2), the recipient of the circulation item With checking the product temperature data upon arrival to set to allow determining the acceptability of the state of the circulation item, sending side product temperature monitoring from the receiving side product temperature monitoring means (S ₂₎ via a communication network (N) The product defect data can be transmitted to the means (S ₁ ), and the product temperature monitoring means (S ₃ ) during transportation is higher than the management reference temperature line (B) of the product temperature graph line (C) for each time. The total area of the range enclosed by the part and the management reference temperature line (B) is calculated as the product temperature measurement time area (E ₁ ) and the measurement time area (E ₁ ) and the condition of the distribution product are good. A circulating product temperature management apparatus comprising an operation determination unit ( 11 ) that compares a set time area (E ₀ ) that is considered to be present and determines whether the state of the circulating product is good or bad .

A wireless marker (M) is installed in each of the sending-side facility and the receiving-side facility, and the location data output from the wireless marker (M) is received and stored by the product temperature monitoring means (S ₃ ) during transportation. The distribution product temperature management device according to claim 1.

The product temperature monitoring means (S ₃ ) during transportation detects the product temperature of the distribution product, the product temperature data from the product temperature detection unit (8), and the wireless marker (M). The distribution according to claim 2 , further comprising: a data storage unit (9) for storing location data; and a program unit (10) capable of inputting a set time area (E ₀ ) for regarding the state of the distribution product as good. Product temperature management device.

An information collection center computer (7) connected to a plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ) via a communication network (N) is provided, and a plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means are provided in the computer (7). (S ₂₎ transmittable and the distribution product temperature management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation item bad data.

At the facility on the delivery side of the distribution product, the product temperature monitoring means (S ₁ ) detects the product temperature during the manufacturing process and / or storage of the distribution product, and continuously monitors the product temperature at each time. storing data, and inputs the product temperature data from the sending side product temperature monitoring means (S ₁₎ for the transport of product temperature monitoring means (S _3), in the transport of product temperature monitoring means (S ₃₎ The product temperature data for each time is detected by detecting the product temperature of the distribution goods during transportation, and the part higher than the management reference temperature line (B) of the product temperature graph line (C) for each time and the management standard total total area of ranges surrounded by the temperature line (B) is calculated as the product temperature measurement time area (E _1), regarded as the state of 該品temperature measurement time area (E ₁₎ and distribution products to be good is compared with the set time area (E _0), continuously determine the quality of the state of the circulation item, after arriving at the receiving facility, the in shipment temperature monitoring hand (S ₃₎ or al the delivery to the consignee field computer (6) of the cumulative product temperature data and distribution products quality of the state of the decision data to the receiving product temperature monitoring means (S _2), good condition of the flow passage article If so, the distribution product is brought into the receiving facility and stored, and the product temperature data for each time is continuously stored in the receiving product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ). If there is, the receipt at the receiving facility is rejected, and the defective product distribution data is transmitted from the receiving-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ) to the sending-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₁ ) via the communication network (N). A distribution product temperature management method characterized by:

The sending side location data is output from the wireless marker (M) installed at the sending facility and stored in the product temperature monitoring means (S ₃ ) during transportation, and the receiving side from the wireless marker (M) installed at the receiving facility. distribution product temperature management method according to claim 5, wherein which is adapted to store at outputs location data transport in product temperature monitoring means (S _3).

6. The distribution product defect data is transmitted from the information collection center computer (7) to the plurality of receiving-side product temperature monitoring means (S ₂ ) via the communication network (N) when a distribution product abnormality occurs. Or the distribution goods temperature management method of 6.

The product temperature curve graphed based on the accumulated product temperature data of the distribution product is compared with a plurality of microbial growth pattern test curves measured in advance, and the quality of the distribution product is determined. Or the distribution product temperature management method according to 7.