INTEGRATED IOT AND BLOCKCHAIN SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY CHAIN MONITORING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

Abstract

This invention provides an IoT and blockchain-based system for real-time agricultural supply chain monitoring, quality assurance, and traceability. IoT devices collect environmental data, which is securely stored on a blockchain, and smart contracts automate compliance checks and payments. The system promotes transparency, reduces spoilage, and builds consumer trust in product quality and safety.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural supply chain technology, focusing on an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain-based system designed for real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and transparency in the supply chain of agricultural products. This system leverages IoT devices for continuous environmental data collection and blockchain technology for secure, verifiable data storage, ensuring product quality from farm to consumer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Agricultural supply chains face significant challenges in maintaining product quality, traceability, and compliance with regulatory standards. Perishable goods, such as fresh produce, are vulnerable to spoilage due to suboptimal storage and handling conditions, while limited transparency can lead to inefficiencies, fraud, and reduced consumer trust. Traditional supply chains often rely on manual record-keeping, which is prone to errors, lacks real-time insight, and can be manipulated. This invention addresses these issues by integrating IoT and blockchain technology into a cohesive system. IoT sensors monitor environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity, while blockchain provides an immutable, decentralized ledger for data storage. Additionally, smart contracts within the blockchain automate compliance and quality assurance checks, offering a secure, transparent, and reliable solution for stakeholders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides an integrated IoT and blockchain system designed to enhance the agricultural supply chain by offering real-time monitoring, traceability, and quality assurance. IoT devices placed along critical points in the supply chain collect data on factors such as temperature, humidity, and location, which are transmitted to a blockchain for secure storage. Smart contracts automate actions, such as payment release, based on predefined conditions, ensuring that products meet quality standards at every stage. By enabling end-to-end visibility and traceability, the system promotes transparency, reduces spoilage, and builds consumer trust in product safety and quality.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE OVERALL ARCHITECTURE OF THE IOT AND BLOCKCHAIN INTEGRATION, SHOWING DATA FLOW FROM SENSORS TO THE BLOCKCHAIN.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Integrated IoT and Blockchain System for Agricultural Supply Chain Monitoring and Quality Assurance is a multi-layered solution that combines IoT sensors, blockchain technology, and smart contracts to enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency. IoT devices are deployed at key stages along the supply chain, including farms, storage facilities, and transportation vehicles. These devices continuously monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light levels to ensure optimal product conditions and prevent spoilage. Data from these sensors is automatically collected and transmitted to a central system for analysis, providing real-time insight into crop quality and supply chain conditions.
Blockchain technology is used to securely store data from IoT sensors on a decentralized ledger. Each data point, from the initial harvest to final delivery, is recorded immutably, creating a verifiable chain of custody for the product. The blockchain ledger ensures data integrity, making it tamper-proof and providing stakeholders with a reliable record of the product's journey. This feature is especially valuable for compliance audits and quality certifications, as it offers a transparent, secure history of all supply chain transactions.
Smart contracts within the blockchain automate specific actions, such as triggering payments or ownership transfers, based on the conditions set in the system. For example, payments to transporters can be automatically released if the temperature and humidity levels remain within acceptable ranges throughout transportation. This feature reduces the need for manual checks and minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring that only high-quality, compliant products reach the consumer.
At the retail stage, consumers can scan a QR code or use NFC to access product information directly from the blockchain. This information includes details about the product's origin, transportation conditions, and compliance with quality standards. By offering verifiable data on the product's journey, the system builds consumer confidence in the safety and authenticity of the food they purchase, promoting informed and trustworthy buying decisions.
The integration of IoT and blockchain in this system not only supports effective supply chain management but also promotes sustainable practices by minimizing waste, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. This innovative approach addresses key challenges in agricultural supply chains, enabling better quality control, reduced spoilage, and greater transparency for all stakeholders.
, Claims:1. An integrated system for agricultural supply chain monitoring, utilizing IoT sensors for real-time environmental data collection and blockchain for secure, transparent data storage.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein IoT devices monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, and location, ensuring optimal conditions for agricultural produce throughout the supply chain.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein blockchain technology provides an immutable, decentralized ledger that records all stages of the agricultural process, from farm to consumer.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein smart contracts automate actions such as payment release and compliance checks, based on predefined conditions stored on the blockchain.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a consumer interface, using QR code or NFC, provides end-users with verifiable information regarding the product's quality, origin, and compliance with safety standards.
6. A method for agricultural supply chain monitoring as claimed in Claim 1, involving the integration of IoT sensors for data collection and blockchain technology for data security and traceability.

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