WO2025042923A1 - Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de stockage intelligent - Google Patents

Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de stockage intelligent Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025042923A1
WO2025042923A1 PCT/US2024/043112 US2024043112W WO2025042923A1 WO 2025042923 A1 WO2025042923 A1 WO 2025042923A1 US 2024043112 W US2024043112 W US 2024043112W WO 2025042923 A1 WO2025042923 A1 WO 2025042923A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
container
container module
items
weight
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Pending
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PCT/US2024/043112
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English (en)
Inventor
Quentin SAUVAGE
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Triton Equities LLC
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Triton Equities LLC
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Publication of WO2025042923A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025042923A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • G07F9/026—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G19/52—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to smart storage devices, systems, and methods enabling digital monitoring and/or sales, in real time, of contents stored within a container or system of containers.
  • Storage containers have been in use for quite some time and have been designed in various different shapes, various different sizes, and made from various different materials. Traditionally, regardless of the particular size, shape, and/or material, storage containers have been manual and limited to a singular function: storing items.
  • devices, systems, and methods facilitating the monitoring and/or sale, in real time, of contents stored within a smart storage device or system of smart storage devices.
  • a smart storage device includes a base module and a container module.
  • the base module includes a housing, a graphical user interface (GUI) disposed on the housing, at least one weight-measuring sensor disposed within the housing, an engagement mechanism disposed on the housing, an RFID reader disposed within the housing, and a processor disposed within the housing.
  • the container module is configured to releasably engage the base module via engagement of an engagement mechanism of the container module with the engagement mechanism of the base module and includes a container body including an RFID tag, the engagement mechanism disposed on the container body, and a lid movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively provide or prevent access to an interior of the container body.
  • the RFID reader is configured to read information from the RFID tag and the at least one weight-measuring sensor is configured to measure a weight of contents within the container body.
  • the engagement mechanism of the base module includes a first pair of slide rails and the engagement mechanism of the container module includes a second pair of slide rails.
  • the first and second pairs of slide rails are configured to slidable engage one another to enable sliding engagement of the container module onto the base module.
  • the base module and the container module include cooperating magnets that, when the container module is engaged on the base module, interact to retain the container module in engagement and orientation relative to the base module.
  • the RFID tag of the container module stores information relating to contents of the container module or information from which the contents of the container module can be determined.
  • the RFID tag of the container module stores information relating to a tare weight of the container module or information from which the tare weight of the container module can be determined.
  • the container module further includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the lid in the closed position.
  • the lock mechanism may wirelessly connect to the base module enabling the base module to output a wireless signal to the lock mechanism to unlock the lock mechanism.
  • the base module further includes a payment module configured to confirm at least one of payment details or credentials and wherein, in response to confirmation of the at least one of the payment details or the credentials, the base module is configured to output the wireless signal to the lock mechanism.
  • the container module is airtight in the closed position and is microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and freezer safe.
  • the processor is configured to output, for display on the GUI based on feedback from the at least one weight-measuring sensor, at least one of: a weight of items removed from the container module, a number of items removed from the container module, a weight of items remaining within the container module, a number of items remaining within the container module, a percentage of items, by weight or number, removed from the container module, a percentage of items, by weight or number, remaining within the container module, a price of items removed from the container module, or a comparison of the amount of items removed to a desired amount of items.
  • the base module further includes a microswitch configured to be actuated by the container module upon engagement of the container module with the base module. Actuation of the microswitch changes a state of the microswitch.
  • the processor is configured to detect the change in state of the microswitch, thereby detecting engagement of the container module with the base module.
  • the base module further includes a wireless interface configured to enable wireless communication with a computing device running an application associated with the smart storage device.
  • the wireless interface of the base module is configured to receive, from the computing device running the application, at least one of: setting information, payment information, or unlock instructions to unlock the lock mechanism.
  • the computing device running the application is configured to receive, for display, at least one of: a weight of items removed from the container module, a number of items removed from the container module, a weight of items remaining within the container module, a number of items remaining within the container module, a percentage of items, by weight or number, removed from the container module, a percentage of items, by weight or number, remaining within the container module, a price of items removed from the container module, or a comparison of the amount of items removed to a desired amount of items.
  • a smart storage system in accordance with the present disclosure may include a plurality of the smart storage devices according to any of the aspects detailed above.
  • a smart storage system may include one or more base modules according to any of the aspects detailed above and a plurality of container modules according to any of the aspects detailed above.
  • the smart storage system further includes a computing device running an application configured to communicate with each of the smart storage devices to retrieve information relating to the contents of the container module of each smart storage device.
  • the application is configured to communicate with at least one other application on the computing device or connected to the computing device.
  • a method facilitating the sale of items in accordance with the present disclosure includes receiving, at a base module, payment information from a user; unlocking a container module releasably engaged with the base module in response to receipt of the payment information from the user; determining, based on a sensed weight change, at least one of a weight of items removed from the container module or a number of items removed from the container module; charging, using the payment information, a price based on the determined at least one of the weight of the items or the number of items; and locking the container module.
  • the base module may further include a camera, e.g., disposed on the housing, configured to capture an image (video or still) of a person interacting with the smart storage device.
  • the image data may be analyzed by the processor of the base module and/or transmitted to a remote server, e.g., the cloud, for facial recognition. Based on facial recognition, the identity of the person interacting with the smart storage device may be obtained.
  • the identity information may be compared, for example, to the payment information, credential information, etc., to ensure that the information matches.
  • the identity information may also be logged with the purchase information, e.g., items, amounts, prices, etc. for theft monitoring, tracking, and/or other purposes.
  • an automatic dispenser assembly may be provided.
  • the automatic dispenser assembly may be disposed within the container module, connected to the base module, or separate.
  • the automatic dispenser assembly is configured to obtain a selected amount, e.g., quantity or number, which may be input by the user or otherwise selected, and to automatically dispense that amount to the user.
  • the automatic dispenser assembly may include a robotic arm configured to access the interior of the container body and, in aspects, open the lid; an internal robotic, e.g., operating in a manner similar to a vending machine, an internal motor-driven propeller for gravity-assisted dispensing, and/or any other suitable automatic dispensing features.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smart storage device in accordance with the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the smart storage device of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a base module of the smart storage device of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a container module of the smart storage device of
  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system provided in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of another smart storage device provided in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and side views, respectively, of still another smart storage device in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B are front perspective and top views, respectively, of a base module of the smart storage device of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
  • a smart storage device 5 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally including a base module 10 and a container module 30 configured to releasably engage base module 10.
  • a base module 10 and a container module 30 configured to releasably engage base module 10.
  • container module 30 configured to releasably engage base module 10.
  • particular configurations are detailed below with respect to size, shape, materials, hardware, etc. of smart storage device 5, the present disclosure is not limited thereto as other suitable configurations are also contemplated.
  • reference herein to a “user” includes anybody that interacts with a smart storage device 5, physically or digitally, for the ultimate purpose of accessing the contents thereof and may include customers, employees, and non-commercial parties such as individuals, parents, children, etc.
  • base module 10 includes a housing 12 that supports the internal electronics of smart storage device 5. More specifically, housing 12 supports or encloses one or more load cells 14, a microswitch 16, a graphical user interface (GUI) 18, one or more magnets 20, an RFID reader 22, an engagement mechanism 24, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 26. In aspects, housing 12 of base module 10 further supports a payment module 28.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • Base module 10 may be battery powered, e.g., via a rechargeable battery pack (not shown) disposed on or within housing 12. Alternatively or additionally, base module 10 may be powered via connection to a wall outlet or other suitable power source, e.g., via a USB cable (not shown).
  • the one or more load cells 14 are configured to weigh the contents of container module 30 when container module 30 is engaged on base module 10, thus enabling monitoring of the items added to or removed from container module 30, as described in greater detail hereinbelow. Although four (4) load cells 14 are shown, any suitable number of load cells 14 may be provided.
  • An amplifier (not explicitly shown) coupled to load cells 14 is configured to receive the relatively low-level electrical signals from load cells 14 and increase the amplitude of the signals to appropriate levels to enable more accurate weight determination by a processor of PCB 26.
  • Microswitch 16 is disposed on or through a baseplate 13 of housing 12 such that, upon engagement of container module 30 on baseplate 13 of housing 12 of base module 10, microswitch 16 is switched from a first state, e.g., open, to a second state, e.g., closed. This state change is detectable by the processor of PCB 26, thus enabling the processor to detect when container module 30 is engaged on or disengaged from container module 30.
  • engagement of container module 30 on base module 10, as detected by microswitch 16 may “wake up” base module 10 from a sleep or battery conservation mode.
  • other suitable switches including contact and contactless switches (e.g., Hall effect switches) are also contemplated.
  • GUI 18 may be an LCD screen, LED screen, touch-screen display, or any other suitable display configured to visually output information to a user and/or receive input information from a user.
  • GUI 18 may convey visual information including, but not limited to, a quantity of units or weight of units within container module 30 and/or removed form container module 30, product information, the tarring status, setup instructions, pricing information, tax and/or fee information, payment information, and/or other information.
  • the one or more magnets 20 are positioned on or adjacent to baseplate 13 of housing 12, e.g., towards a rear end of baseplate 13, and are configured to interact with corresponding magnets 40 of container module 30 when container module 30 is engaged on base module 10, thus retaining container module 30 in engagement with and proper orientation relative to base module 10.
  • RFID reader 22 is configured to read information from a corresponding RFID tag 46 associated with container module 30 when container module 30 is engaged on base module 10 and to transmit the information to the processor of PCB 26.
  • the data may include an ID number of the container module 30, information about container module 30 (e.g., tare weight information), information pertaining to the items within container module 30, and/or other suitable information.
  • the processor of PCB 26 may be configured to set up smart storage device 5 for use with container module 30 based on the information retrieved from container module 30.
  • RFID reader 22 is further configured to write information to RFID tag 46 of container module 30 such as, for example, transaction information, information relating to base module 10, to update information associated with container module 30, etc.
  • Engagement mechanism 24 includes a slide rail 25 disposed along each opposing side of baseplate 13. Slide rails 25 are configured to slidably engage corresponding slide rails 45 of container module 30 as container module 30 is slid onto, and into engagement with, base module 10. Upon full sliding of container module 30 into engagement on base module 10, magnets 20, 40 interact, as detailed above, to retain container module 30 in engagement on base module 10.
  • engagement mechanism 24 defines a frame including slide rail 25 extending along opposing sides of the frame and magnets 20 disposed along a rear end of the frame. In such configurations, engagement mechanism 24 may be configured to engaged housing 12 and support baseplate 13 thereon or therein.
  • PCB 26 of base module 10 supports, among other electronic components, a processor, a memory storing instructions to be executed by the processor, a wireless interface, and any suitable busses or connections to establish electrical communication with the other electronic components of base module 10, e.g., load cells 14, microswitch 16, GUI 18, RFID reader 22, etc.
  • the wireless interface of PCB 26 is configured to enable wireless communication, e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and/or other suitable communication protocol, with other smart storage devices 5, a server, a computer (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc ), etc.
  • some or all of the above-noted components of PCB 26 may instead be separate from PCB 26 and/or PCB 26 may include plural boards connected to one another, e.g., via wires, ribbon cables, etc.
  • Payment module 28 may include a swipe reader 29 configured to read a magnetic strip of a card swiped through swipe reader 29.
  • payment module 28 may include an insert reader configured to read a chip of a card inserted into the insert reader and/or a tap to pay reader configured to read a chip of a card in close proximity to the reader and/or other electronic device (smartphone, smartwatch, wristband, dongle, etc.) in close proximity to the reader.
  • payment module 28 may be configured to pre-authorize and/or charge a credit card, debit card, account card, etc. and/or to recognize credentials to enable access to certain administrative functionality, depending upon the credentials recognized.
  • container module 30 includes a container body 32, a lid 34, one or more hinges 38, one or more magnets 40, an engagement mechanism 42, an RFID tag 46, and a lock mechanism 48.
  • Container body 32 may be formed from any suitable material in any size or shape and generally includes a closed bottom 33a, one or more side walls 33b, and an open top 33c.
  • container body 32 defines a generally rectangular prism-shaped configuration, although cylindrical and/or other suitable shape configurations are also contemplated.
  • at least a portion of container body 32 may be formed from a visually transparent material to enable viewing the contents within the interior of container body 32.
  • another portion of container body 32 opposite the transparent portion is provided with a less transparent or opaque background to provide contrast to facilitate viewing the contents of container body 32.
  • Lid 34 is configured to selectively provide and prevent access to the interior of container body 32 via movement of lid 34 relative to container body 32 between an open and a closed position.
  • Lid 34 includes a seal 35 such as a gasket, o-ring, etc., to sealing engage container body 32 in the closed position of lid 34, thus establishing an air-tight seal.
  • seal 35 may be omitted.
  • hinges 38 such as, for example, a pair of spaced-apart hinges 38, couple lid 34 and container body 32, thus enabling lid 34 to pivot relative to container body 32 and about hinges 38 between the open and closed positions.
  • Hinges 38 may be configured as frictional hinges 38, wherein hinges 38 retain lid 34 in position in the absence of sufficient urging of lid 34.
  • hinges 38 may be configured as biased hinges 38 configured to bias lid 34 towards the closed position in the absence of sufficient urging of lid 34 to overcome the bias, or may be configures as bistable hinges 38, wherein lid 34 is maintained in its end position, whether the closed position or the open position, in the absence of sufficient urging of lid 34.
  • the one or more magnets 40 of container module 30 are disposed at or near the closed bottom 33a of container body 32, e.g., at a rear end of container body 32, and are positioned to align with corresponding magnets 20 of base module 10 when container module 30 is engaged on base module 10.
  • Engagement mechanism 42 defines a frame including slide rails 45 extending along opposing sides of the frame and magnets 40 disposed along a rear end of the frame, although other configurations are also contemplated.
  • the frame of engagement mechanism 42 may be formed with or separate from the closed bottom 33a of container body 32.
  • Slide rails 45 are configured to slidably engage corresponding slide rails 25 of base module 10 as container module 30 is slid onto, and into engagement with, base module 10.
  • magnets 20, 40 Upon full sliding of container module 30 into engagement on base module 10, as noted above, magnets 20, 40 interact to retain container module 30 in engagement on base module 10, and microswitch 16 is actuated to switch states, thus enabling detection of engagement of container module 30 on base module 10.
  • RFID tag 46 is disposed on or within closed bottom 33a of container body 32, although other positions are also contemplated, and is configured to substantially align with RFID reader 22 of base module 10 when container module 30 is engaged on base module 10 to enable RFID reader 22 to read/write information to/from RFID tag 46.
  • RFID tag 46 may be passively powered, e.g., via RFID reader 22, or may include an on-board power source such as a battery.
  • RFID tag 46 may include data such as an ID number of the container module 30, information about container module 30 (e.g., tare weight information), information pertaining to the items within container module 30, and/or other suitable information.
  • Lock mechanism 48 includes a lock base 49a disposed on a side wall 33b of container body 32 towards open top 33c thereof and a lock insert 49b (FIG. 2) disposed on lid 34 and depending from a side edge thereof.
  • Lock insert 49b is configured for receipt within lock base 49a.
  • lock base 49a retains lock insert 49b in engagement therewith to inhibit opening of lid 34.
  • lock base 49a permits withdrawal of lock insert 49b and, thus, permits opening of lid 34.
  • Lock base 49a further includes any suitable gears, keying, and/or other suitable structures to enable mechanical locking and unlocking, corresponding to the locked and unlocked conditions, respectively.
  • Lock mechanism 48 further includes an electronics unit 49c (FIG. 4) including a processor or suitable circuitry, a wireless interface, a motor or other suitable drive source, and a power source such as a battery.
  • lock mechanism 48 is configured to communicate with base module 10 and, more specifically, to receive instructions from base module 10 for driving motor to transition lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked conditions.
  • lock mechanism 48 is configured to automatically lock upon closure of lid 30 or after a predetermined time and/or a predetermined event. For example, lock mechanism 48 may automatically lock three (3) seconds after lid 34 is closed, although other times and/or trigger events are also contemplated. In other aspects, lock mechanism 48 is omitted.
  • smart storage device 5 in obtaining, e.g., purchasing, one or more items is detailed. With respect to monitoring items removed/remaining (and ultimately, for example, calculating a price of those items), smart storage device 5 is operable in each of a weight mode and a unit mode. The mode may be automatically selected based upon the container module 30 engaged with the base module 10, e.g., based upon information read from RFID tag 46 of container module 30, may be selected, e.g., via input on GUI 18 or an associated application, or may be selected in any other suitable manner.
  • the weight mode may be selected, for example, in instances where the items stored in container module 30 do not have a uniform weight and/or are impractical to weight on an individual item scale. Examples of this include, without limitation, cannabis products, grains, seasonings, liquids, assorted items (candies, toys, and the like), etc. Where the contents of the container module 30 are included in or determinable from the information read from RFID tag 46, smart storage device 5 may automatically set the mode to the weight mode, although other configurations are also contemplated.
  • the processor of base module 10 continuously calculates the weight of the items removed and/or remaining (based on feedback from load cells 14) and outputs the weight(s) for display on GUI 18.
  • the price corresponding to the weight of items removed may be displayed, and/or other information may be provided.
  • a desired weight (or price) is first input into GUI 18 and the weight of items removed is compared to the desired weight to indicate when the desired weight of items has been removed (or the desired price has been reached).
  • GUI 18 may blink or flash the weight removed and subsequently steadily display the weight remaining.
  • Other configurations are also contemplated.
  • the unit mode may be used, for example, where all items in the container module 30 are of substantially uniform weight and/or where it is practical to count items individually. Examples of this are, without limitation, pills, hardware items (e.g., nails, screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) standardized candy, jewelry and stones, etc. Similarly as detailed above, the unit mode may be selected and/or automatically set (with the option for override, in aspects). In aspects, rather than pre-determining the contents and corresponding weight of an individual item, a set up process may be employed wherein a single item is weighed and that weight stored in base module 10 for use in subsequently determining the number of items removed/remaining.
  • the processor of base module 10 continuously calculates the number of items removed and/or remaining (based on the stored weight and feedback from load cells 14) and outputs the number(s) for display on GUI 18.
  • the price corresponding to the number of items removed may be displayed, and/or other information may be provided.
  • a desired number of items (or price) is first input into GUI 18 (or an associated application) and the number of items removed is compared to the desired number to indicate when the desired number of items has been removed (or the desired price has been reached).
  • GUI 18 may blink or flash the number removed and subsequently steadily display the number remaining.
  • Other configurations are also contemplated.
  • the user can proceed to utilize payment module 28 to pay for the items obtained and complete the transaction.
  • payment may be completed through an associated application, e.g., running on a smartphone, tablet, etc. that is connected to smart storage device 5 directly or over the Internet.
  • base module 10 may be configured to calculate any applicable local, state, or other sales taxes and/or fees. Such taxes and fees may be input during set up, or may be automatically obtained based upon location information determined from the processor of PCB 26 of base module 10.
  • the currency or currency options
  • various receipt options such as text or email may be presented in the application and/or on GUI 18 for selection.
  • Additional features of smart storage device 5 include an anti-theft feature wherein administrators can, from the same application noted above or a separate administrator application, monitor what items were removed, in what quantity (by weight or number), and at what time. Further, the payment information entered (if any) or other information provided to gain access is also associated with this information.
  • the above-noted anti-theft tracking is not limited to customer-side actions but also applies to employee-side actions.
  • an employee badge, card, or other device is required to enable payment module 28 to signal locking mechanism 48 to unlock and enable lid 34 to be opened.
  • the employee device information as well as information regarding the employee is logged along with the items removed, the quantity (by weight or number), and time information for future review, if necessary.
  • smart storage device 5 is detailed above as including one base module 10 and one container module 30, it is also contemplated that a system in accordance with the present disclosure may include one or more base modules 10 and a plurality of container modules 30.
  • any one container module 30 when any one container module 30 is engaged, e.g., docked, on a base module 10, the base module 10 determines the appropriate information and sets the system for use with that container module 30.
  • a plurality of container modules 30 including various different products may be provided.
  • the user can retrieve the desired container module 30, engage it with the base module 10, and complete the transaction similarly as detailed above.
  • the container module 30 may then be removed and returned to its storage location.
  • Such a configuration is advantageous in not only eliminating the need for duplicative capital equipment, but also for products that have storage condition requirements such as, for example, requiring refrigeration, freezing, etc.
  • Various different size and shape container modules 30 are also contemplated, all with a compatible engagement mechanism for releasably engaging a base module 10.
  • a system 100 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally including one or more smart storage devices 5, one or more first, e.g., local, computing devices 200, and one or more second, e.g., remote, computing devices 300.
  • the one or more first computing devices 200 may include, for example, a graphical user interface 210, tablet or smartphone 220, laptop or desktop computer 230, server 240, and/or router 250.
  • the one or more second computing devices 300 may include a laptop or desktop computer 310 and a server 320, although it is contemplated that other suitable devices 200, 300 are also contemplated and/or that the devices 200, 300 are at least partially interchangeable or one and the same.
  • Devices 200, 300 are configured to receive, store, and/or transmit information between one another and to/from smart storage devices 5. In this manner, monitoring smart storage devices 5, individually or collectively, may be accomplished locally and/or remotely. Further, in aspects, users may be able to view the available items and quantities of such items remotely, e.g., before visiting the point of sale, may be able to reserve particular quantities of items, and/or may be able to find locations where desired items (or quantities) may be located. Some or all of the above may be performed through the application noted above.
  • System 100 further enables administrators to monitor the quantities of items in smart storage devices 5 to ensure appropriate stock is maintained and/or to rebalance stock between different smart storage devices 5 if needed, view sales data (e.g., items sold by location, time, date, etc.) For non-commercial administrators, monitoring inventory remotely enables determination of what items are available, whether replenishment is needed, etc.
  • sales data e.g., items sold by location, time, date, etc.
  • System 100 also enables tracking inventory during shipping or other relocation. For example, by connecting plural base modules 10 to one another, directly or via a common application, a container module 30 may be weighed prior to shipping by a first base module 10 and re-weighed after shipping by a second base module 10, to ensure the amount shipped equals the amount received.
  • Alert/notification functionality is also contemplated.
  • the application may enable setting of an alert parameter in the event that the contents of a container module 30 reaches a set level (by weight or number of items). If the container moule 30 reaches that level, the application will send a notification and/or alert. Progressive alerts or notifications including overriding native device settings may be implemented such that, as further alert parameters are reached, the frequency and/or manner of alert/notification is escalated. Some or all of the alerts/notifications may be mobile push notifications, email alerts, or desktop alerts.
  • the above-noted application may include a mobile application and/or a web-based application, thus enabling access from any suitable computing device connected to the internet.
  • an application may be accessed by scanning a QR code associated with a smart storage device 5, either on the user-side, e.g., to view information, enter purchase information, etc., or on the administrator side, e.g., to set up smart storage devices 5, set prices or taxes, add additional information, monitor sales, etc.
  • Location tracking e.g., via GPS, Wi-Fi location tracking, or other suitable location tracking, may be employed to locate a smart storage device 5 and/or provide directions to the smart storage device 5.
  • An application in accordance with the present disclosure may further leverage artificial intelligence (Al) and/or machine learning.
  • Artificial intelligence Al
  • real-time amounts of ingredients stored in smart storage device 5 may be automatically uploaded to a Kitchen Al application to provide real-time information with respect to available ingredients without requiring user data input.
  • a user can browse and select recipes for which all ingredients, in adequate amounts, are present, without the worry for out of date data.
  • nutritional and caloric information for the amount of each ingredient utilized can be precisely determined and utilized to provided nutritional and caloric data for prepared meals. The above is not limited to cooking; rather, as another example, the types, amounts, and costs of raw materials can be calculated and utilized for jewelers, machinists, wood workers, welders, etc. to track inventory, inform customers, and/or set pricing.
  • Smart storage device 605 may include any or all of the features of smart storage device 5 (FIG. 1). Thus, only differences therebetween are detailed hereinbelow.
  • Smart storage device 605 may be integral in that base module 610 and container module 630 are fixedly engaged with one another, although module configurations are also contemplated. Further, smart storage device 605 includes a multi-snap lid 634 rather than a hinged lid, which may provide better access to the contents of device 605 in certain uses. Further, the payment functionality may be removed from device 605. In aspects, smart storage device 605 is configured for domestic use, e.g., to store food stuffs, ingredients, etc., in a pantry, cabinet, and/or refrigerator of a user.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B another smart storage device 705 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Whereas device 605 (FIGS. 6A-6C) defines a relatively shallow bowl-like configuration, device 705 defines a tall cannister-like configuration, but may otherwise be similar to and include any of the features of 605 (FIGS. 6A-6C).
  • base module 710 may be configured to receive and engage container module 730 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) via a drop-in or top-down engagement, rather than the sliding engagement detailed above, although sliding or other suitable engagement is also contemplated.
  • Container module 630 in aspects, may be configured to engage base module 610 in a similar manner (see FIGS. 6A-6C).

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  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des dispositifs, des systèmes et des procédés de stockage intelligent comprenant un module de base et un module de récipient conçu pour venir en prise de manière amovible avec le module de base. Le module de base comprend une interface graphique utilisateur (IUG) disposée sur un boîtier, au moins un capteur de mesure de poids disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier, un mécanisme de mise en prise disposé sur le boîtier, un lecteur RFID disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier, et un processeur disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier. Le module de récipient comprend un corps de récipient avec une étiquette RFID et un mécanisme de mise en prise, et un couvercle mobile entre une position ouverte et une position fermée pour permettre ou empêcher sélectivement l'accès à l'intérieur du corps de récipient. Le module de récipient vient en prise avec le module de base, le lecteur RFID est configuré pour lire des informations à partir de l'étiquette RFID, et le ou les capteurs de mesure de poids sont configurés pour mesurer un poids de contenu à l'intérieur du corps de récipient.
PCT/US2024/043112 2023-08-21 2024-08-20 Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de stockage intelligent Pending WO2025042923A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202363533736P 2023-08-21 2023-08-21
US63/533,736 2023-08-21
US202463652960P 2024-05-29 2024-05-29
US63/652,960 2024-05-29
US202463665130P 2024-06-27 2024-06-27
US63/665,130 2024-06-27

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WO2025042923A1 true WO2025042923A1 (fr) 2025-02-27

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200410433A1 (en) * 2019-06-27 2020-12-31 Carefusion 303, Inc. Secure smart container assembly, systems, and methods
US20200410446A1 (en) * 2019-06-27 2020-12-31 Carefusion 303, Inc. Interactive inventory storage device, system, and method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200410433A1 (en) * 2019-06-27 2020-12-31 Carefusion 303, Inc. Secure smart container assembly, systems, and methods
US20200410446A1 (en) * 2019-06-27 2020-12-31 Carefusion 303, Inc. Interactive inventory storage device, system, and method

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