DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring objects. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing an object quantity within an object monitoring device when the device is operatively configured to a container.

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] Prevalent approaches for object content tracking identify and track the object content through manual record keeping and according to written labels. Maintaining and managing the objects typically rely on a manual process of taking a physical inventory of the object and manually orders refills or restocking, while also eliminating the object that is nearing or passed its expiry.
[0004] There are numerous types of containers such as bottles, drums, jars, cans and the like that are used for storing various objects. However, the prevalent approaches require manual management and look out of the objects in the containers which is a time consuming and inefficient process. Further, the containers are not connected to any of another computing device there by limiting facilitation of determination of quantity of the object remaining within the container that needs to be ordered or needs to be replenished.
[0005] Hence, there is a need in the art to provide systems and methods that allow certain level of monitoring pertaining to the containers and the quantity of the objects stored therein.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring objects. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing object quantity within an object monitoring device when the device is operatively configured to a container.
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to facilitate providing a system and method for monitoring quantity of an object placed within an object monitoring device.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for monitoring and replenishing objects placed within an object monitoring device.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for activating an object monitoring device using a set of batteries that operate when an object monitoring device is docked off a container.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for generating a shopping list based on consumption of objects to indicate consumption trends in households, institutions and similar places.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for facilitating an entity to use a set of instructions to replenish an object being monitored when the objects is below a predefined threshold.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring objects. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing an object quantity within an object monitoring device when the device is operatively configured to a container.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object from an object measuring device. The system may include a set of set of sensors operatively coupled to the object measuring device. The set of sensors may be capable of monitoring and transmitting information about quantity of the object contained within the object measuring device. The set of sensors may be configured to measure the object quantity contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device and correspondingly generate a first set of signals. The set of sensors may be configured to measure the object quantity contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased, and can correspondingly generate a second set of signals. The system may include a processor operatively coupled to the set of sensors, where the processor may include a memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The processor may be configured to execute a difference in quantity by determining the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device, and the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased from the first set of signals and the second set of signals respectively. The processor may be configured to provide executed information to a remote computing device operatively coupled to the object measuring device, where the executed information can correspond to the object quantity being left in the object measuring device. The processor may be configured to display an ordering prompt for the object and a quantity of the object to be replenished; and automatically generate in response to detecting a selection of the ordering prompt at the computing device an ordering form for the object to be replenished.
[0014] In an aspect, the set of sensors may include any or a combination of a depth sensor, a time of flight depth sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor and an ambient light sensor.
[0015] In an aspect, the object measuring device may include a set of magnetic holders (304), and where the set of magnetic holders may facilitate attaching the object measuring device to a container.
[0016] In an aspect, the object measuring device may be attached to an inside or an outside body of the container.
[0017] In an aspect, the object measuring device may be connected to a communication module for transmitting the executed information to the computing device.
[0018] In an aspect, the object measuring device may be operatively configured to one or more interconnected computing devices of the communication module for procuring the object.
[0019] In an aspect, the object measuring device may be powered by a set of batteries that powers ON when the object measuring device is docked off from the container and powers OFF when the object measuring device is docked on the container.
[0020] In an aspect, the object measuring device may facilitate determining a usage pattern of the object by an entity operatively configured with the computing device.
[0021] In an aspect, the object measuring device may be identified uniquely using a unique identifier that is used to operatively configured to the object measuring device with the container.
[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object from an object measuring device. The method may include measuring, at a set of sensors, a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals, where the set of sensors may be configured to monitor and transmit the quantity of the object contained within the object measuring device. The method may include measuring, at the set of sensors, a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased, and correspondingly generate a second set of signals. The method may include executing, at a processor , where the processor may be operatively coupled to the set of sensors , and a memory, where the memory storing instructions executable by the processor , a difference in quantity by determining the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device , and the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased, from the first set of signals and the second set of signals. The method may include providing, at a remote computing device operatively coupled to the object measuring device, an executed information, where the executed information may corresponds to the object quantity being left in the object measuring device. The method may include displaying at the remote computing device, an ordering prompt for the object and a quantity of the object to be ordered and automatically generating in response to detecting a selection of the ordering prompt at the remote computing device an ordering form for the object to be ordered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] 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.
[0024] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 indicates a network implementation of a proposed object monitoring and replenishment system that facilitates monitoring availability of a quantity of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional components of the proposed object monitoring and replenishment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3A-B illustrates exemplary representation of the proposed object measuring device for determining quantity of an object placed in the object measuring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for proposed object monitoring and replenishment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system to implement the proposed system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of 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.
[0031] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring objects. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing object quantity within an object monitoring device when the device is operatively configured to a container.
[0032] FIG. 1 indicates a network implementation of an object monitoring and replenishment system 100 that facilitates monitoring availability of a quantity of an object in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] In an aspect, the object monitoring and replenishment system (102) (also referred to as the system (102), hereinafter) is disclosed and is configured with a plurality of entities (108) that can communicate with the system using one or more operatively coupled computing devices (106). The system (102) can facilitate transmitting set of instructions to a computing device. The system (102) implemented in any computing device can be configured/operatively connected with a server (110). As illustrated, the system (102) can be communicatively coupled with one or more entity devices (106-1), (106-2),..,(106-N) (individually referred to as the entity device (106) and collectively referred to as the entity devices (106), hereinafter) through a network (104). The one or more entity devices (106) are connected to the living subjects/ users /entities (108-1), (108-2),..., (108-N) (individually referred to as the entity (108) and collectively referred to as the entities (108), hereinafter). Furthermore, the entities (108) here can be such as a home maker, a consumer, a cook, an inventory manager and so forth.
[0034] In an embodiment, the system (102) can be implemented using any or a combination of hardware components and software components such as a cloud, a server, a computing system, a computing device, a network device and the like. Further, the system (102) can interact with any of the entity devices (106) through a website or an application that can reside in the entity devices (106). In an implementation, the system (102) can be accessed by website or application that can be configured with any operating system, including but not limited to, AndroidTM, iOSTM, and the like. Examples of the computing devices (106) can include, but are not limited to, a computing device (106) associated with industrial equipment or an industrial equipment based asset, a smart camera, a smart phone, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device and the like.
[0035] In an embodiment, the system (102) can include one or more processors (interchangeably can be referred to as processors, herein) of a processing unit which can be communicatively coupled to a memory and which can store one or more instructions to be executed by processors. The system (102) can include a container for storing one or more objects (such as perishable and non-perishable items such as milk, pulses, cereals, fruits, vegetables and the like). Further, the system (102) includes an object measuring device. The object measuring device can be a scoop or a spoon or an equivalent device to be used for extracting the objects from the container. The device can have a set of sensors, such that the set of sensors can be configured with the object measuring device. The set of sensors can sense one or more attributes associated with an object or multiple objects (the one or more objects can interchangeably be referred to herein as objects, henceforth) placed in the object measuring device. The one or more attributes can pertain to a weight and quantity of the object. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the set of sensors can include any or a combination of a depth sensor, a time of flight (ToF) depth sensor based on laser, infra-red, visible light, ultrasonic sound pulse or multiplicity of proximity sensors along the depth of the device. Optionally, as an example, the bottom of the device can have a load-cell/ strain-gauge based weight sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor can be a tilt/ motion sensor to detect when the device is being used to fill up with the object and to detect when the device is being emptied. Further, an ambient light sensor can be used to detect if the device is within the container or outside the container. Also, can be used are sensors for example, hall effect sensors or reed switch that can facilitate to detect when the device has been placed in a magnetic dock of the container and when the device has been removed from the container. By using the sensors, the device can be switched into a low-power sleep mode or a wake up mode.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, additional sensors such as temperature and pressure sensors can be incorporated in the system operatively configured to the device. The sensors can facilitate in providing additional data about the objects during transport and also about storage conditions of the object when the object measuring deviceis provided within the container. The data can enable determining state of such as perishable objects or medicines where the system can appropriately alert the associated entities (108), for example a consumer and a manufacturer of abnormal conditions, for example extreme heat or cold or rain that may spoil the object stored in the container.
[0037] In an embodiment, the object measuring device can be operated via a set of batteries for measuring the quantity of the object and for connecting to a computing device. The batteries configured to the object measuring device can be switched ON when the object measuring device is taken off from the container for extracting the object, and is switched OFF when the device is attached to the container.
[0038] In an embodiment, the attributes of the objects present within the device can be determined and compared with a preconfigured threshold value, where the preconfigured threshold value can be discrete for each of the one or more objects. Based on comparison, when it is determined that the set of attributes are less than the preconfigured threshold value it is determined that the object is about to finish and needs to replenished. Further, the processing unit can generate and transmit a control signal (for instance, placing an order for procuring the object) to a computing device which is operatively coupled with the processing unit. Furthermore, a first set of signals (for instance, an order placing form) can be generated and displayed on the computing device for further action of procuring the object by the entity.
[0039] Further, the network (104) can be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof that can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, and the like. Further, the 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 a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like.
[0040] In an embodiment, the object measuring device can connect to multiple remote and local computing devices for exchange of the information. The multiple remote and local computing devices can be connected to each other over a wireless network. The multiple remote and local computing devices can be collectively referred to herein as Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The IoT devices can be intended to represent devices with wired or wireless interfaces through which the IoT devices can send and receive data over wired and wireless connections. Examples of IoT devices include mobile devices, sensory devices, and functionality performing devices. The IoT devices can include unique identifiers which can be used in the transmission of data through a network. Unique identifiers of the IoT devices 104 can include identifiers created in accordance with Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), or identifiers created in accordance with Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Depending upon implementation-specific or other considerations, the IoT devices can include applicable communication interfaces for receiving and sending data according to an applicable wireless device protocol. Examples of applicable wireless device protocols include Wi-Fi, ZigBee®, Bluetooth®, and other applicable low-power communication standards.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional components (200) of the object monitoring and replenishment system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] In an aspect, the system (102) may comprise one or more processor(s) (202). The one or more processor(s) (202) may 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, the one or more processor(s) (202) are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (204) of the system (102). The memory (204) may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory (204) may 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.
[0043] The system (102) may also comprise an interface(s) (206). The interface(s) (206) may 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) (206) may facilitate communication of the system (102) with various devices coupled to the system (102) such as an input unit and an output unit. The interface(s) (206) may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system (102). Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing unit(s) (208) and database (210).
[0044] The processing engine(s) (208) 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) (208). In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) (208) may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) (208) may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) (208). In such examples, the system (102) may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system (102) and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) (208) may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0045] The database (210) may comprise data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) (208).
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing engine(s) (208) may comprise an object monitoring unit (212), an object replenishment unit (214), and other units(s) (216). It would be appreciated that units being described are only exemplary units and any other unit or sub-unit may be included as part of the system (102). These units too may be merged or divided into super- units or sub-units as may be configured.
[0047] In an embodiment, the processor (202) can be configured to receive a first set of signals and a second set of signals from a set of sensors in electrical form, where the processor (202) can be configured to convert the electrical signals into machine readable form or binary form.
[0048] In an embodiment, the object monitoring unit (212) can include a set of sensors which can be configured to the object monitoring device operatively configured to a container. The container can be such as a box, a basin, a can, a vessel, a vase, and the like. In another embodiment, the set of sensors can be an integral part of object monitoring device configured to the container. The set of sensors can include any or a combination of a depth sensor, a time of flight (ToF) depth sensor based on laser, infra-red, visible light, ultrasonic sound pulse or multiplicity of proximity sensors along the depth of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be a weight sensor. Optionally, as an example, the bottom of the device can have a load-cell/ strain-gauge based weight sensor. The sensors can be an image capturing sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a scanner, an image acquisition unit. In an embodiment, the sensor can be a tilt/ motion sensor to detect when the device is being used to fill up with the object and to detect when the device is being emptied.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the set of sensors can be configured to sense one or more attributes associated with quantity of the objects placed in the container. The set of sensors can be configured to sense quantity of each of the object present within the container by determining depth of content of the object placed on the object measuring device. In another embodiment, the sensors can be adapted to calculate absolute quantity of the objects placed on the object measuring device. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensors can be adapted to sense relative quantity of the object with respect to the objects placed on the object measuring device. The quantity can be determined by comparing captured quantity of the object on the object measuring device with a predefined quantity. In an embodiment, this can be done by comparing the object determined while being present on the object measuring device when the object is being extracted from the container and when the object being extracted ceased to exist. The comparison can be used determine a difference that can be used to determine the quantity of the object left within the container.
[0050] In an embodiment, the predefined quantity can be a specific count or weight-age associated with the object that should be present in the container. For example, how many kilograms of the object or how many packets of the object are present and stored in the container.
[0051] In an embodiment, the object measuring device may have a container pre-linked and configured for example, through a factory configuration. As an example, the container can be paired, linked and can be ready to work by reporting a first measurement and typically marking a full state. In an embodiment, the entity using the object monitoring device can perform the following activities for operatively coupling the device with the container. For example, this can be done by scanning a UPC / a barcode coupled with the container. For example, this can be a special QR code sticker on the container, done by taking a photograph of the container and performing an artificial intelligence based object matching and suggesting the object(s) to the entity about the object requirement. Further, in an embodiment, the object name and quantity can be determined manually.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, the object measuring device can be attached to the container via for example a magnetic holder. When the object measuring device is removed from the magnetic holder, the device activates itself and begins to check for the object motion for example using appropriate sensors. Further, the object detects a quantity of the object content present within the device. Also, the content of the device can be determined when the device has been emptied, done by using appropriate motion sensors.
[0053] In an embodiment, the device can determine a quantity of the object content still remaining within the device and uses a difference to arrive at a quantity of the object content removed from the container. This difference is determined and transmitted wirelessly to a remote server or an application. The determined difference can also be indicated appropriately using such as a LED or a LCD or an audio notification if present.
[0054] In an embodiment, the system can continuously monitor such content consumption of the object and can over time build up a consumption history of each of the object content being consumed and remaining. The determined history information can be further be used to generate, for example a shopping list automatically to indicate a consumption trend of a household. In an embodiment, the system can be coupled with an ordering unit that facilitates to automatically order replenishments and manage related payments for the objects under consideration. For example this can be done and monitored by the entity through an application or a web interface.
[0055] In an embodiment, the object replenishment unit (214) can be configured based on the determined quantity of the object being left within the container after being extracted using the object measuring device facilitates in determining an amount of the object to be replenished. In an embodiment, the object replenishment unit (214) can determine information about the objects stored in the container, where the information can include, for example, weight, name, price, level, and volume of the objects, and the like. Furthermore, the object replenishment unit (214) can determine based on amount of the object present within the container connect to one or more IoT devices. The connected IoT devices can be any of a remote computing device that can be used for placing an order for the object that needs to be replenished. In an embodiment, when, for example, the determined quantity, weight, count and volume of the object falls below a predefined threshold, the object replenishment unit (214) can send a signal to one of the computing unit thereby leading to generation of a fresh list of objects that need to be ordered from a super market or an online grocery store using the computing unit.
[0056] In an embodiment, the comparison unit (216) can compare the extracted first set of attributes with a preconfigured threshold value, where the predefined threshold value can be discrete for each object of the one or more objects. On comparing, if the first set of attributes is less than the preconfigured threshold values then the comparison unit (216) can generate and transmit a control signal to the computing device thereby alerting an entity about the low quantity of objects.
[0057] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art a set of instructions can be such as an application or a web application that can be used to view an amount of the object consumed, perform analytics and can also be used to generate for example, a shopping list automatically based on the object consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, the object quantity measured and determined can be synced with for example existing applications such as calendars and notes that can facilitate in automatically inserting and sending shopping reminders intelligently for the entity to the remote computing device.
[0058] In yet another embodiment, the object measuring device can either directly order replacement or refill for the object directly from are more entity such as a manufacturer, third-party aggregators or e-commerce entities. In addition, for example there can be an option where the application scans for a best price and/or fastest delivery combinations (such as from a list of online stores) to suggest and/or automatically buy the refills for the objects for the entity.
[0059] FIG. 3A-B illustrates exemplary representation of an object measuring device for determining quantity of an object placed in the object measuring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] As is illustrated in FIG. 3A-B is the object measuring device (306) as is placed inside a container (300), with a lid shown at (302). The container has a smart magnetic holder (304) for holding the object monitoring device. The object monitoring device can be used to measure a quantity of the object present within the content and is illustrated at (308) present within the container (300). In an embodiment, the system (102) can use data generated by the object monitoring device and enable online monitoring of consumption and automated or semi-automated re-ordering of the object based on a determined consumption pattern. Further the object monitoring device can interact with other IoT devices that are connected to each other via a network or operatively coupled with each other wirelessly.
[0061] In an embodiment, as is illustrated at (300) is the object monitoring device (306) that can be used to scoop an object content from within the container and place the object outside the container. The object monitoring device can have visual markers or windows for optically indicating a level of the objet content taken or being hold within the device. In an embodiment, the object measuring device (306) can have a microcontroller that can store an embedded program and control multiple available sensors, transceivers and output indicators as present on the object monitoring device. A wireless module for communication is provided in the device (306) which may be any of a Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz, 400Mhz, LoRa™, WiFi, Zigbee and so forth.
[0062] In an embodiment, the device (306) can include a power-supply module to monitor an available power source for the device and condition the device appropriately for the microcontroller and sensors. The device (306) can communicate and can be used to interface with one or more chargers when rechargeable batteries are provided.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, the device (306) can have one or more sensors. The sensors can be used to determine a quantity of the object within the device (300). The sensors can be any of a ToF (Time of Flight) depth sensor based on laser, infra-red, visible light, ultrasonic sound pulse or multiplicity of proximity sensors present along a depth of the device. For example, bottom of the device may have a load-cell/ strain-gauge based weight sensor. In addition the device (300) can have tilt or motion sensors that can be used to detect when the device is being used to fill up with the object quantity and to detect when the object content is being emptied. Furthermore, an optional ambient light sensor can be used to detect if the device is present within the container or is placed outside the container.
[0064] In an embodiment, a magnetic connector is provided on the object measuring device (306) so as to attach the device to an inside of the container or outside of the container in a docking position when the device is not in use. One or more sensors can be used to detect when the device has been placed in a magnetic dock, for example using hall effect sensors or reed switch. Further the magnetic dock can be monitored to determine when the device has been removed from the dock. On determining that the device is on the dock the device is put into a low-power sleep mode, and upon determining that the device has been taken off the dock the device can be put to a wake mode. Subsequently, activities of the device (306) to indicate an activity level of the device can be communicated to a remote computing device through optionally using an LED or an LCD or a set of audio speakers.
[0065] In an embodiment, the object measuring device (306) can be operatively coupled with a set of magnetic holders that can be magnetically or using double-sided glue tape, be attached to inside or outside body of the container. Each of the magnetic dock can enable mechanical docking of the object measuring device. In an embodiment, the magnetic dock can contain an electronic aspect that is capable of storing and transmitting to the object measuring device - a unique id. By using the unique id the device is attached and paired to the dock. Further, the object measuring device can be configured to be connected to a wireless network depending on any of a protocol such as via a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and so forth.
[0066] In yet another embodiment, the entity operatively configured with the object measuring device (306) can link the device such as a holder or a scoop to the object present inside the container. This link can be created by a photograph taken from the entity’s phone or by manually keying in this information in for example an application or a web-interface while also providing a unique identifier for the device. For example, this can be used to determine that the container X is tied with an object measuring device with id Y and contains for example rice and has a capacity to hold for example 2 Kg and that it is currently about 50% full and has a capacity to hold additional amount of the object such as rice.
[0067] In an illustrative embodiment, the object measuring device (306) can be like a mechanical cup configured to scoop content (308) from the object container, where the object container can be configured with visual markers or windows for optically indicating level of the conten taken within the scoop. In another illustrative embodiment, the processor can be configured to store embedded programs and control the set of sensors (310), transceivers, and output indicator with help of communication module like Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz, 400Mhz, LoRa™, WiFi, Zigbee, and the like. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the set of sensors (310) can include ToF (Time of Flight) depth sensor configured to determine quantity of the content within the scoop, where the ToF depth sensor can be based on laser, infra-red, visible light, and ultrasonic sound pulse.
[0068] In an illustrative embodiment, one or more proximity sensors can be used along with depth of the scoop. In another illustrative embodiment, bottom of the scoop can include load-cell/ strain-gauge based weight sensor. In another illustrative embodiment, tilt or motion sensor can be configured to detect when the scoop is being used to fill up with the content (308) and to detect when the content (308) is being emptied. In another illustrative embodiment, ambient light sensor can be configured to detect if the scoop is within the container or outside the container. In yet another illustrative embodiment, magnetic system can facilitate attaching the scoop inside the container/ outside in a docking position when not in use.
[0069] In an illustrative embodiment, Hall Effect sensor or reed switch can be configured to detect when the scoop is been placed in the magnetic dock and when the scoop is remove from the container. In another illustrative embodiment, Hall Effect sensor and the reed switch can help in putting the device (306) in low power sleep mode or to activate the device (306). In yet another illustrative embodiment, the device (306) can include an alert unit communicatively coupled to the processor, where the processor can be configured to actuate the alert unit, where the alert unit can include any or a combination of light emitting diode, audio speaker, liquid crystal display, and the like, where the alert unit can enable in indicating activity or level of the content inside the object compartment.
[0070] In an illustrative embodiment, a power supply module can be configured to monitor available power source and condition the device (306) for the processor and the set of sensors (310). In another illustrative embodiment, the user can be provided with a set of magnetic holder, where the magnetic holder can be magnetically attached to inside or outside of the object compartment or can be attached with help of double-sided glue tape. Each of the magnetic holder can include a transceiver for storing and transmitting an unique identification associated with the magnetic holder to the scoop. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the scoop can be attached or paired to the magnetic holder, and where the scoop can be configured to connect with the communication module depending on type of protocol used, where the protocol can include any or a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless local area network (WLAN), but not limited to the like.
[0071] In an illustrative embodiment, when the scoop is removed from the magnetic holder, the device (306) can be activated and begin to check for scoop motion with help of at least one of set of sensors from the set of sensors (310). In another illustrative embodiment, the motion sensor can be configured to detect quantity of the content (310) within the scoop, where the motion sensor can be configured to determine quantity of content (308) still remaining within the scoop and a difference can be calculated for quantity of the content (308) removed from the object compartment, where information pertaining to difference quantity can be transmitted to the processor (202) through the communication module. The processor can be configured to indicate the difference in quantity using light emitting diode or liquid crystal display with audio to inform the user for quantity of the content (308) left inside the object compartment.
[0072] In an illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can facilitate monitoring the content (308) consumption and over time builds up a consumption history of each content consumed/ remaining with help of the processor, where the consumption history of content consumed and remaining can be stored in database of the processor (202), and where the processor (202) can facilitate analyzing consumption history and accordingly can generate a shopping list for the user based on the consumption history. In another illustrative embodiment, information pertaining to consumption history can be further be used to generate a shopping list automatically, to indicate consumption trends within the household/ institution, and similar places.
[0073] In an illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can be coupled with a smart ordering system to automatically order replenishments and manage related transfer of token for the same, where the token can include virtual currency, digital currency, and the like. In another illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can facilitate viewing consumption information, analytics, and can also be used to generate shopping list automatically based on consumption. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can be sync with existing system of calendars and notes and can facilitate inserting shopping reminders intelligently. The system (102) can facilitate in direct order replacement/ refill directly from manufacturer, third party aggregators, and similar entities.
[0074] In an illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can be configured to scan for best price or fast delivery combination from a list of online stores to suggest/ automatically buy the refills of the content (308) for the entity like customer. In another illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can enable showing relevant and appropriate advertisements based on multiple advertisers signed up and who can bid for sending very targeted consumption-based messages to the customer. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the system (102) can facilitate monitoring battery level of the scoop and can alert the customer when the battery level is found within a threshold limit.
[0075] As is disclosed, the system facilitates to provide a simple user experience of measuring objects quantity using the object measuring device 306 and providing a consumption pattern information to the entities. The system can facilitate to raise alerts or notify the entities of adverse consumption conditions by tracking expiry or use-by or use of the object within X days of opening of the container.
[0076] In addition, the system enables performing operations in a low power consumption requirement as the device coupled to the system performs an activity when the device has been un-docked from the container. While the device is docked, the system can effectively power down or enter a deep sleep state for the device leading to extremely low current consumption such as a few micro-ampere or nano-ampere. This feature enables providing a portable and efficient system that can be used for a longer span of time before the battery discharges. In addition, the disclosed system can be easily integrated into existing similar systems by easily pre-packaging the system into goods being sold at a manufacturing unit or a factory. Further, the system can set up an eco-system to enable entities such as manufacturers, intermediaries and advertisers to have richer data, insights and better targeting for their products, by better understanding of customers and capturing repeat usage of their products while reducing usage of non-eco-friendly containers.
[0077] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for proposed object monitoring and replenishment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0078] In an embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates a method (400) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object from an object measuring device. The method (400) can include a step (402) of measuring, at a set of sensors (310), a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device, and correspondingly generate a first set of signals, where the set of sensors (310) can be configured to monitor and transmit the quantity of the object contained within the object measuring device.
[0079] In an embodiment, the method (400) can include a step (404) of measuring, at the set of sensors (310), a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased, and correspondingly generate a second set of signals.
[0080] In an embodiment, the method (400) can include a step (406) of executing, at a processor, where the processor can be operatively coupled to the set of sensors, and a memory, where the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, a difference in quantity by determining the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device and the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device has ceased from the first set of signals and the second set of signals.
[0081] In an embodiment, the method (400) can include a step (408) of providing, at a remote computing device (106) operatively coupled to the object measuring device, an executed information, where the executed information can correspond to the object quantity being left in the object measuring device.
[0082] In an embodiment, the method (400) can include a step (410) of displaying, at the remote computing device (106), an ordering prompt for the object and a quantity of the object to be ordered and automatically generating in response to detecting a selection of the ordering prompt at the remote computing device an ordering form for the object to be ordered.
[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system 400 to implement the proposed system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, computer system can include an external storage device (510), a bus (520), a main memory (530), a read only memory (540), a mass storage device (550), communication port (560), and a processor (570). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor (570) include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors. Processor (570) may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port (560) can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port (560) may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects.
[0085] Memory (530) can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read only memory (540) can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 470. Mass storage (550) may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.
[0086] Bus (520) communicatively couples processor(s) (570) with the other memory, storage and communication blocks. Bus (520) can be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor (570) to software system.
[0087] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus (520) to support direct operator interaction with computer system. Other operator and administrative interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port (560). External storage device (510) can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA® Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc - Re-Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk - Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0088] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
[0089] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0090] 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
[0091] The present disclosure relates to the field of monitoring objects. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for accessing object quantity within an object monitoring device and the device is operatively configured to a container.
[0092] The present disclosure provides a system and method for monitoring quantity of an object placed within an object monitoring device.
[0093] The present disclosure provides a system and method for monitoring and replenishing objects placed within an object monitoring device.
[0094] The present disclosure provides a system and method for activating an object monitoring device using a set of batteries that operate when an object monitoring device is docked off a container.
[0095] The present disclosure provides a system and method for generating a shopping list based on consumption of objects to indicate consumption trends in households, institutions and similar places.
[0096] The present disclosure provides a system and method for facilitating an entity to use a set of instructions to replenish an object being monitored when the objects is below a predefined threshold.
,CLAIMS:1. A system for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object from an object measuring device (306), said system comprising:
a set of set of sensors (310) operatively coupled to the object measuring device (306), wherein the set of sensors (310) are capable of monitoring and transmitting information about quantity of the object contained within the object measuring device (306), and wherein the set of sensors (310) configured to:
measure the object quantity contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device (306), and correspondingly generate a first set of signals;
measure the object quantity contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device (306) has ceased, and correspondingly generate a second set of signals;
a processor (202) operatively coupled to the set of sensors, wherein the processor includes a memory storing instructions executable wherein the processor (202) is configured to
execute a difference in quantity by determining the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device (306), and the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device (306) has ceased from the first set of signals and the second set of signals respectively;
provide an executed information to a remote computing device (106) operatively coupled to the object measuring device (306), where the executed information corresponds to the object quantity being left in the object measuring device (306);
display an ordering prompt for the object and a quantity of the object to be replenished; and automatically generate in response to detecting a selection of the ordering prompt at the computing device (306) an ordering form for the object to be replenished.
2. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of sensors (310) include any or a combination of a depth sensor, a time of flight depth sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor and an ambient light sensor.
3. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object measuring device (306) includes a set of magnetic holders (304), and wherein the set of magnetic holders (304) facilitate attaching the object measuring device (306) to a container.
4. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) is being attached to an inside or an outside body of the container.
5. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) is connected to a communication module for transmitting the executed information to the computing device (106).
6. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) is operatively configured to one or more interconnected computing devices of the communication module for procuring the object.
7. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) is powered by a set of batteries that powers ON when the object measuring device (306) is docked off from the container and powers OFF when the object measuring device (306) is docked on the container.
8. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) facilitates determining a usage pattern of the object by an entity (108) operatively configured with the computing device (106).
9. The system (102) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object, wherein the object measuring device (306) is identified uniquely using a unique identifier that is used to operatively configure the object measuring device (306) with the container.
10. A method (400) for monitoring and replenishing quantity of an object from an object measuring device (306) comprising:
measuring, at a set of sensors (310), a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device (306), and correspondingly generate a first set of signals, wherein the set of sensors (310) are configured to monitor and transmit the quantity of the object contained within the object measuring device (306);
measuring, at the set of sensors (310), a quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device (306) has ceased, and correspondingly generate a second set of signals;
executing, at a processor (202), wherein the processor (202) is operatively coupled to the set of sensors (310), and a memory, wherein the memory storing instructions executable by the processor (202), a difference in quantity by determining the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment prior to the object being extracted from the object measuring device (306), and the quantity of the object contained within the object compartment after the extraction of the object from the object measuring device (306) has ceased from the first set of signals and the second set of signals,
providing, at a remote computing device (106) operatively coupled to the object measuring device (306), an executed information, wherein the executed information corresponds to the object quantity being left in the object measuring device (306);

displaying at the remote computing device (106), an ordering prompt for the object and a quantity of the object to be ordered and automatically generating in response to detecting a selection of the ordering prompt at the remote computing device (106) an ordering form for the object to be ordered.