DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vaccination storage and usage logger. More particularly, it relates to a smart storage container and automatic monitoring device for vaccines or medicines.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Vaccines need to be stored in sub-zero temperatures until being used. Maintenance and monitoring of appropriate ambient temperature for all time remains a challenge as the temperature preserving freezer or container storing the vials/cartons are opened and closed repeatedly to roll out the vaccines. In addition, usages of vaccines need to be closely monitored to keep record of existing quantity of medicine, vaccine in vials/cartons and procurement of more vaccine vials/cartons when the quantity falls below a predetermined threshold value. Signals pertaining to information regarding usage of vaccines need to be transmitted wirelessly to a centralized storage or server for maintaining record that can be accessed by relevant authorities for generating a list of information, observation of usage trend, research and reporting to health consultants.
[0004] Therefore, there is need for an easy-to-use, automatic and independent device for appropriate storage of vaccine vials/cartons, monitoring their usage and updating the records pertaining to usage. The device preferably needs to be usable as is without requiring any separate personnel for installation, maintenance, surveillance, and record keeping.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed hereinbelow.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a smart storage container for storing articles, which is cost-effective.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a smart storage container for storing articles, which is cost-effective.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a smart storage container for storing articles, which is simple and easy to use.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a smart storage container for storing articles, which automatically keeps count of the number of articles present inside the storage container.

SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates to the field of vaccination storage and usage logger. More particularly, it relates to a smart storage container and automatic monitoring device for vaccines or medicines.
[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a storage container for storing an article. The storage container includes a box body. A lid adapted to be configured over the box body for closing the box body. A base plate, having a first sensing device, disposed inside the box body. An article holding tray, having at least one opening to hold the article, disposed above the base plate. The opening is positioned above the first sensing device, wherein the sensing device is configured to detect the presence of the article in the opening.
[0012] In an aspect, the first sensing device may comprise an infrared sensor.
[0013] In an aspect, the base plate may comprise a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature inside the storage container.
[0014] In an aspect, the base plate may comprise an ambient light sensor to sense if the storage container is open or closed.
[0015] In an aspect, the storage container may comprise a control unit having a processor operatively configured with the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor.
[0016] In an aspect, the processor may be configured to receive sensed information from the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor, and transmit the information to one or more mobile computing devices.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0019] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0020] FIG. 1A-B illustrates an exemplary representation of a storage container for storing articles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a network implementation for the storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of a module diagram for a control unit of the storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered 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.
[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0025] The present disclosure relates to the field of vaccination storage and usage logger. More particularly, it relates to a smart storage container and automatic monitoring device for vaccines or medicines.
[0026] The present disclosure elaborates upon a storage container for storing an article. The storage container includes a box body. A lid adapted to be configured over the box body for closing the box body. A base plate, having a first sensing device, disposed inside the box body. An article holding tray, having at least one opening to hold the article, disposed above the base plate. The opening is positioned above the first sensing device, wherein the sensing device is configured to detect the presence of the article in the opening.
[0027] In an embodiment, the first sensing device can comprise an infrared sensor.
[0028] In an embodiment, the base plate can comprise a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature inside the storage container.
[0029] In an embodiment, the base plate can comprise an ambient light sensor to sense if the storage container is open or closed.
[0030] In an embodiment, the storage container can comprise a control unit having a processor operatively configured with the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor.
[0031] In an embodiment, the processor can be configured to receive sensed information from the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor, and transmit the information to one or more mobile computing devices.
[0032] FIG. 1A-B illustrates an exemplary representation of a storage container for storing articles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] As illustrated, a storage container 100 for storing an article that can be but it not limited to a vaccine, medicine, a medicine vile, or like can includes a box body 102. A lid 104 can be adapted to be configured over the box body 102 for closing the box body 102. A depth of a cavity of the box body can be more than a height of the article supposed to be stored in the box body 102. A base plate 106 can be disposed inside the box body 102, and the base plate 106 can include a first sensing device 108. The first sensing device 108 can include but is not limited to an infrared sensor. An article holding tray 110 can be disposed above the base plate 108, and can include an opening 110-1. The opening 110-1 can be positioned above the first sensing device 108 when the article holding tray 110 is kept above the base plate 106 such that the article is kept inside the opening and is sensed by the infrared sensor 108. The first sensing device 108 can be configured to detect the presence of the article in the opening. When the article is present in the opening, infrared rays of the first sensing device can be reflected and the presence of the article can be detected.
[0034] In an embodiment, the base plate 106 can include a temperature sensor 112 for sensing a temperature inside the storage container 100. The base plate 106 can further include an ambient light sensor 114 that can be configured to sense if the storage container 100 or the lid 104 is open or closed. In an embodiment, the storage container can include a control unit 116 having a processor. The processor can be operatively configured with the first sensing device 108, the temperature sensor 112, and the ambient light sensor 114.
[0035] In an embodiment, the processor can be configured to receive sensed information from the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor, and transmit the information to one or more mobile computing devices. The information can include the presence or absence of the article inside the opening 110-1, the temperature inside the storage container, and information about if the storage container is open or closed. The processor can transmit this information to one or more mobile computing devices that can be associate with one or more user. The user can keep track of the number of article available inside the storage container. The storage container 100 can include a GPS sensor for tracking location of the storage container.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a network implementation for the storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] As illustrated, the control unit can be disposed of either inside the storage container itself and also can be remotely configured with the storage container 100. There can be more than one storage unit 100-1, 100-2,..,100-N (collectively referred to as storage units 100, and individually referred to as storage unit 100m hereinafter). The storage container 100 can be communicatively coupled to a central storage unit or a server 106 through a secured communication network 204. In an embodiment, the control unit of the storage container 100 can be configured to have one or more interface units for transmission of signals to the network 204, the interface units being any or a combination of communication hardware including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Li-Fi, ZigBee, Radio Frequency Transceivers, GSM/GPS and the likes.
[0038] In an embodiment, the communication network 204 can be configured to include any or a combination of Wireless local area network (WLAN), Wide area network (WAN), Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), Wireless fidelity (Wi-fi), Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and the likes. Further, the communication network 104 can either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network can represent an association of the different types of networks that can use variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the likes.
[0039] In an embodiment, server 206 can be configured to store information pertaining to each of the storage devices 100. The information can be related to the tracked location of the device 102, look-up tables pertaining to opening and closing events of the storage container 100, changes in ambient temperature and light in the storage container 100, a number of vaccine vials/cartons/medicines consumed or remaining in the storage container 100, functioning status of the storage container 100 and the likes.
[0040] In an embodiment, server 204 can be configured to perform the functionalities of an Application Program Interface (API) involving the devices 202. The APIs can be implemented in the server 204 in the form of the following types including but not limited to representational state transfer protocol, simple object access protocol, ASP.net, public API, partner API, and remote procedure call.
[0041] In an embodiment, one or more computing devices 208-1. 208-2,..,.208-N (collectively referred to as mobile computing devices 208, and individually referred to as mobile computing device 208, hereinafter) can be communicatively coupled to the server 206. The mobile computing devices 208 can be associated with one or more users. The user can monitor the storage container and the article stored therein through the mobile computing device 108. The storage container 100 can include a refrigerator unit disposed inside the storage container, and a temperature setting of the refrigerator unit can be controlled by the user through the mobile computing device 208. The storage container 100 can include a rechargeable power unit for providing input power to the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, the ambient sensor, and the control unit. The power source can include but is not limited to a battery. In an embodiment, the mobile computing device 208 can include but cannot be limited to a computer, a computing device, a laptop, a tablet, a PDA, and a smartphone.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of a module diagram for a control unit of the storage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] As illustrated, a module diagram 300 of the control unit 116 can include one or more processor(s) 302. The one or more processor(s) 302 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, one or more processor(s) 302 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 304 of the control unit 116. The memory 304 can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which can be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 304 can comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0044] The control unit 116 can also comprise an interface(s) 306. The interface(s) 306 can comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 306 can facilitate communication of control unit 116. The interface(s) 306 can also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the control unit 116. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 308 and data 310. For example,
[0045] The processing engine(s) 308 can be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 308. In the examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming can be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 308 can be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 308 can comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium can store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 308. In such examples, control unit 116 can comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium can be separate but accessible to control unit 116 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 308 can be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0046] The data 310 can comprise data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 308 or the control unit 116. The control unit 116 can further include a communication unit 312 than can be operatively configured to receive from the first sensing device 108, the temperature sensor, and the ambient sensor information pertaining to the storage container 100. The communication unit 312 can be configured to transmit the received information to one or more mobile computing devices 208.
[0047] In an embodiment, the process engine 308 can include an extraction unit that can be configured to extract a computer readable binary stream pertaining to the first set of electric signals. A comparison unit that can be configured to compare the binary stream corresponding to the first set of electric signals with a first set of predetermined threshold values. In an embodiment the first set of predetermined threshold values may be stored in a database 310, operatively coupled to the one or more processors 302. The comparison unit may be configured to generate a first set of digital signals pertaining to number and position of occupied and empty opening(s) 110-1 in the article holding tray 110. By way of example, the occupied openings may be associated with digital ‘high’ values and the empty slots may be associated with digital ‘low’ values, the digital ‘high’ and ‘low’ values being predetermined in nature.
[0048] In an embodiment, the one or more processors 302 may include an action generation unit that can be configured to transmit the first set of digital signals to the network 204 to facilitate further transmission of the first set of digital signals to the server 206.
[0049] In an embodiment, the one or more processors 302 may be configured to receive a second set of data packets from the second array of a level sensors (not shown) coupled to the array of openings 110-1 of the article holding tray(s) 110. The second set data packets may pertain to a second set of electric signals, the second set of electric signals representing level of vaccine or medicine in individual vaccine vials present in the array of openings 110-1 in the article holding tray 110 or in the one or more cartons containing the set of vaccine vials. In an embodiment, level of vaccine, detected by the second array of level sensors in vaccine vials (also referred as articles) present in the array of openings 110-1 or in the one or more cartons containing the set of vials may be represented by a second set of electric voltages corresponding to a second set of predetermined values.
[0050] In an embodiment, the extraction unit may be configured to extract a computer-readable binary stream pertaining to the second set of electric signals. The comparison unit may be configured to compare the binary stream corresponding to the second set of electric signals with a second set of predetermined threshold values. In an embodiment, the second set of predetermined threshold values may be stored in the database 310. The comparison unit may be configured to generate a second set of digital signals pertaining to level of vaccine in individual vials of the set of vials/cartons present in the array of openings 110-1 of the article holding tray 110. By way of example, level of vaccine in the individual vial may be represented by digital ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’ values, the digital ‘high’, ‘low’ and ‘medium’ values being predetermined in nature.
[0051] In an embodiment, the action generation unit that may be configured to transmit the second set of digital signals to the network 204 and may facilitate further transmission of the second set of digital signals to the server 206.
[0052] In an embodiment, the one or more processors 302 may be configured to receive a third set of data packets from the temperature sensor 112. The third set data packets may pertain to a third set of electric signals, the third set of electric signals representing ambient temperature variations inside the box body 102. The temperature sensor can include but is not limited to a resistance temperature detector, thermistor, thermocouple, MEMS temperature sensor and the likes.
[0053] In an embodiment, the extraction unit may be configured to extract a computer readable binary stream pertaining to the third set of electric signals. The comparison unit may be configured to compare the binary stream corresponding to the third set of electric signals with a third set of predetermined threshold values. In an embodiment, the third set of predetermined threshold values may be stored in the database 310. The comparison unit may be configured to generate a third set of digital signals pertaining to temperature fluctuations inside the box body 102. By way of example, the third set of threshold values may pertain to a predetermined digital ‘high’ and ‘digital low’ values corresponding to extreme values of the allowable range of temperature variation.
[0054] In an embodiment, the action generation unit may be configured to transmit the third set of digital signals to the network 204 and may facilitate further transmission of the third set of digital signals to the server 206.
[0055] In an embodiment, the one or more processors 302 may include an alarm generation unit that can be configured to generate an alarm signal if the binary stream corresponding to the third set of electric signals surpass the third set of threshold values. In an exemplary embodiment, the alarm signal may indicate that the ambient temperature inside the box body 102 can be inappropriate for maintaining the sterility and usability of the vaccines due to repeated opening and closing events of the box body 102 and/or possibility of a malfunction of the box body 102.
[0056] In another embodiment, the alarm signal generated corresponding to temperature variation in the storage box 100 may be used to trigger the action generation unit. The action generation unit, through the mobile computing device 208, can activate an actuator such as a temperature controller, a compressor and the likes by the one or more processing units (302) for retaining the predetermined default temperature.
[0057] In an embodiment, the one or more processors 302 may be configured to receive a fourth set of data packets from the ambient light sensor 114. The fourth set data packets may pertain to a fourth set of electric signals, the fourth set of electric signals representing ambient light intensity variations inside the storage container 100. By way of example the light intensity sensor may be a photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor and the likes.
[0058] In an embodiment, the extraction unit may be configured to extract a computer readable binary stream pertaining to the fourth set of electric signals. The comparison unit may be configured to compare the binary stream corresponding to the fourth set of electric signals with a fourth set of predetermined threshold values. In an embodiment the fourth set of predetermined threshold values may be stored in the database 310. The comparison unit may be configured to generate a fourth set of digital signals pertaining to light intensity fluctuations inside the storage container 100. By way of example, the fourth set of threshold values may pertain to a predetermined digital ‘high’ and digital ‘low’ values corresponding to closing and opening events of the storage container 100.
[0059] In an embodiment, the action generation unit may be configured to transmit the fourth set of digital signals to the network 204 and may facilitate further transmission of the fourth set of digital signals to the server 206.
[0060] In an embodiment, the alarm generation unit may be configured to generate an alarm signal if the number of vaccine vials/cartons remaining in the refrigerated box (also referred as storage container 100) falls below a predetermined threshold value, the predetermined threshold value being stored in the database 310. This event of alarm generation may indicate low quantity of vaccine vials/cartons remaining in the refrigerated box (206) and that more vaccine vials/cartons need to be procured.
[0061] In an embodiment, the action generation unit of the processing engine can be configured to scan the first sensing device 108 in any or a combination of methods including but not limited to continuously, periodically, in event-triggered way, parallelly and sequentially. In an embodiment, the size of the array of openings 110-1 in the article holding tray 110 may be dependent on the scanning capabilities of the processing engine 308. By way of example, one processor 302 may be enabled to scan the first sensing device 108 associated with an array of openings having 8 rows and 16 columns or vice versa. In another embodiment, the size of the array of openings may be increased in blocks of 8 by using one or more processors 302 and additional electronic circuitry. In yet another embodiment, one or more processors 302 may be configured to scan the first array of first sensing device 108, associated with one or more base plates 106 corresponding to one or more article holding trays 110.
[0062] In an embodiment, determination of the presence of the set of vaccine vials/cartons in the array of openings of the one or more article holding trays 110 may be done by a periodic scanning of the first sensing device 108 associated with the array of openings 110-1. In another embodiment, determination of the presence of the set of vaccine vials/cartons in the array of openings of the one or more article holding trays 110 may be done by event based activation of the individual sensors of the first array of first sensing device 108 (108-1, 108-2,…, 108-N), the event being related to placement or removal of the set of vaccine vials/cartons in and from the array of openings 110-1.
[0063] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (302) may include a display unit (318), configured to display current status information of the storage container 100. The current status information of the storage container 100 may be related but not limited to a number of vaccine vials/cartons present in the storage container 100, location of empty openings 110-1 in the array of openings of the tray 110, number and location of partially used vaccine vials/cartons in the array of slots of the tray 110, ambient temperature inside the storage container 100 and ambient light inside the storage container 100. The one or more processors 302 may include other units 314 that may be configured to implement functionalities that supplement actions performed by the one or more processors 302.
[0064] The present disclosure provides for a smart storage solution for vaccines that can keep a record of events related to maintenance of appropriate ambient conditions that can provide an idea regarding shelf life and usability of the vaccines. The proposed device also provides an automatic facility for monitoring the usage of vaccines and updating records of usage in centralized storage or server. The proposed smart storage and monitoring device for vaccines is a low-power, plug-and-play device that can be portable and easy to set up and use, thus making it efficient for transportation and usage even in remote areas lacking permanent vaccine storage facilities.
[0065] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0066] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0067] The proposed invention provides a smart storage container for storing articles, which is cost-effective.
[0068] The proposed invention provides a smart storage container for storing articles, which is simple and easy to use.
[0069] The proposed invention provides a smart storage container for storing articles, which automatically keeps count of the number of articles present inside the storage container.
,CLAIMS:1. A storage container for storing an article, the storage container comprising:
a box body;
a lid adapted to be configured over the box body for closing the box body;
a base plate, having a first sensing device, disposed inside the box body; and
an article holding tray, having at least one opening to hold the article, disposed above the base plate, wherein the opening is positioned above the first sensing device, wherein the sensing device is configured to detect the presence of the article in the opening.

2. The storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensing device comprises an infrared sensor.

3. The storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature inside the storage container.

4. The storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises an ambient light sensor to sense if the storage container is open or closed.

5. The storage container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage container comprises a control unit having a processor operatively configured with the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor.

6. The storage container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to receive sensed information from the first sensing device, the temperature sensor, and the ambient light sensor, and transmit the information to one or more mobile computing devices.