[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of a smart electronic circuit. In
particular, the present disclosure pertains to a device and method for determination of an
amount of consumable in a container and triggering an alert.
Background
[0002] The 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] Generally, there are several containers of various dimensions, types,
manufacturing material to carry different consumables or substances. These containers
have broad spectrum of applications depending on inventory set up. For example, the
inventory set up can be kitchen, hospital, laboratories, etc. However, all the set ups
require substance to be available whenever required for the application.
[0004] Discourse in keeping track that the amount of the consumable remaining in the
container is inadequate actually frustrates user at the time of application. Improper
monitoring of consumables results in various problems, some instances are described
below:
(1) When a user wakes up in the morning and realizes that required essential is
over or inadequate, it is difficult for user to handle as the user needs to get
ready for work but now user would have to run for shopping, thereby user gets
grumpy at the very start of the day.
(2) Another scenario is that when the user is away at work, the elders in the family
who should probably be resting would take it upon themselves to go to the
3
store and shop for supplies. Moving out of the house in the scorching heat or in
rainy season or a cold winter can be tiring for the elders.
(3) Additionally, everybody wishes to spent their evening in the comfort but a
large percentage of working people go for shopping in the evening which is
pretty hectic after a long day at work.
(4) Also, some people have a tendency of shopping for everything in one go.
People generally make a list but sometimes they forget to add an item or two in
it and then spend minutes thinking about what they could have missed.
(5) Another issue is that after coming back from the store, user needs to sort out
the items and segment them into kitchen which can again be time-consuming.
(6) One more problem is that those people who choose to shop from the online
marketplace would fill up their shopping carts with products and then wait for
a week or two until items are delivered to their door.
[0005] In order to solve aforementioned problems, many solutions have been
proposed in past. The patent documents CA2251794C, US6271753B1,
US20050051624A1 and EP1506523B1 have been filed by different applicants to
contribute as solution to aforementioned problems. However, none of the patent
document discloses or addresses solution for the issues illustrated above.
[0006] Currently, there is no recognized method that efficiently and objectively caters
above problems. There is therefore a need for a method and system that can automatically
determine amount of consumable in container. More specifically, placing order to the
nearby store for the desired consumable.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if
each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually
indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an
incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided
herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term
in the reference does not apply.
4
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,
properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and
claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in
some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical
parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations
that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular
embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in
light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the
broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical
values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The
numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain
errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing
measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes
“in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can
be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.
“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to
better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the
invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
5
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed
herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and
claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other
elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted
from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion
or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified
thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Objects of the Invention
[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more disadvantages
associated with conventional systems and methods.
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to automatically determine the
consumable left in the container.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to ease ordering of consumables from
nearby store.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to make user free from micro
management of the consumables in inventory.
[0016] An advantage of the present invention is to ensure on time delivery from the
nearest store, thereby productivity is increased manifold.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present disclosure relates to the field of a smart electronic circuit. In
particular, the present disclosure pertains to a device and method for determination of an
amount of consumable in a container and triggering an alert.
[0018] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a smart electronic circuit (SEC),
the SEC comprises: an associating means to associate the SEC on an outer surface of a
container, wherein the container comprises a consumable which is in contact with an
6
inner surface of the container; a non-transitory storage device comprises: one or more
executable routines; and one or more processing means coupled to the non-transitory
storage device and operable to execute the one or more routines, wherein the one or more
routines include: an input engine, to receive a pre-set threshold level corresponding to the
consumable; a level sensing engine, to determine a level of the consumable stored in the
container; a level matching engine, to match the determined level of the consumable with
the pre-set threshold level; an alert transmission engine, to transmit an alert to at least one
computing device.
[0019] In an embodiment, the computing devices are configured to receive command
from a user to determine if the notification is to be transmitted, to an electronic device
associated with at least one nearby store.
[0020] In an embodiment, the SEC is associated with a unique identification code
which corresponds to the stored consumable.
[0021] In an embodiment, the SEC is arranged at a predetermined height from bottom
of the outer surface.
[0022] In an embodiment, the sensing engine is arranged to determine the level of the
consumable can be based on measuring a capacitance value, a time of flight (TOF) data, a
manganic field, a light reflection, a temperature difference, a light absorption, a weight,
an acoustical sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a
resistive sensor, an evaporative gas sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a float
sensor, an infrared sensor, a strain gauge sensor, a distance sensor, and a force sensor.
[0023] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method to determine level of a
consumable in a container through a smart electronic circuit (SEC), the method
comprises; associating the SEC on an outer surface of a container, wherein the container
comprises a consumable which is in contact with an inner surface of the container;
receiving an input corresponding to a pre-set threshold level of the consumable; sensing
to determine a level of the consumable stored in the container; matching the determined
level of the consumable with the pre-set threshold level; and transmitting an alert to one
7
or more computing devices, if the determined level of the consumable is lesser than the
pre-set threshold level.
[0024] In an aspect, the consumable is selected from a group of a solid, semi-solid,
gel, liquid, gaseous, powder.
[0025] 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 The Drawing
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates architecture of triggering an alert on computing device by
smart electronic device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of smart electronic circuit, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary database arrangement depicting identifiers of
smart electronic circuit, consumable and container, in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4A-4C illustrates exemplary consumable level determination, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram depicting steps involved in
determining level of a consumable in a container through a smart electronic circuit
(SEC), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scenario of SEC working environment, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[0032] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the
inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of
inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
8
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A,
B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive
subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0033] The present disclosure relates to the field of a smart electronic circuit. In
particular, the present disclosure pertains to a device and method for determination of an
amount of consumable in a container and triggering an alert.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates architecture 100 of triggering an alert on computing device
by smart electronic device, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] As illustrated, the architecture 100 includes the smart electronic device (SEC)
102 that can be associated with container 104 to measure level of consumable 106 which
is contained/left in container 104. The SEC 102 utilizes first communication network 108
to communicate with the computing device 110. The computing device 110 utilizes the
second communication network 112 for being operatively coupled with the electronic
devices 114-1, 114-2, 114-3….114-n (collectively referred to as electronic device(s) 114
hereinafter) which are carried by the one or more stores 116-1, 116-2, 116-3….116-n
(collectively referred to as store(s) 116 hereinafter). In simple terms, the SEC 102
communicates with the electronic device 114 via computing device 110.
[0036] In an embodiment, the container 104 include multiple inner surfaces and outer
surfaces. The SEC 102 can be associated on any outer surface/wall through appropriate
associating means. The associating means can be, including but not limited to, a
Velcro®, a magnet, rivets, joints etc. Arrangement can also be made on the outer surface
to place/fit/arrange/associate the SEC 102 via a recess formed in the arrangement or the
protruded part of container 104.
[0037] The associating means also enable the detachable association of the SEC 102
with the container 104. Either of the SEC 102 or container 104 is not tampered while
disassociating the SEC 102 from the container 104. Alternatively, the SEC 102 can be
permanently associated with the container 104.
9
[0038] In an embodiment, the consumable 106 is a substance placed within the
container 104. Such consumable 106 can be in any form, selected from a group of a solid,
semi-solid, gel, liquid, gaseous, powder. Notably, the consumable 106 is in contact with
the inner surface of container 104 and the SEC 102 is placed on the outer surface of the
container 104.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules 200 of smart electronic circuit,
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0040] As illustrated, the functional modules 200 which may form part of disclosure
include: an input engine 202, a level sensing engine 204, a level matching engine 206,
and an alert transmission engine 208. The engines are included as routines in the nontransitory storage that is incorporated in the SEC 102. These engines are mutually
coupled with each other and when executed by the processing means (i.e. microprocessor
or microcontroller), performs the following tasks.
[0041] In an aspect, an input engine 202 is configured to receive a pre-set threshold
level corresponding to the consumable 106. The pre-set threshold of the consumable 106
relates to an amount which when left in the container 104, an alert is triggered by the
SEC 102 to the computing device 110. The pre-set threshold can be set by the user, say
alert needs to be triggered when consumable 106 is 5% left in container 104, alert needs
to be triggered when consumable 106 is 15% left, alert needs to be triggered when
consumable 106 is 20% left, alert needs to be triggered when consumable 106 is 61%
left, alert needs to be triggered when consumable 106 is 77.3% left, alert needs to be
triggered when consumable 106 is 95% left, and the like. Whatever the threshold level is
at any moment, same can be communicated to the user through a display and/or the voice
command means, both display and/or the voice command means can be configured on the
SEC 102.
[0042] Aforementioned threshold can be set either by user or by manufacturer (of SEC
102) during manufacturing process. The user can set pre-set threshold level by utilizing
any means such as a voice command means, a keypad, a touchscreen, a button, a rotating
10
knob, a relay, a gesture-based input device, and the like. Once the pre-set threshold level
is set, it can be altered as per user choice.
[0043] Since the device SEC 102 pre-set threshold level is crucial and can be reset,
one or more suitable encryption mechanism, passwords, authentication mechanism can be
deployed. These encryption mechanisms ensure only authenticated users can access the
SEC 102. Once the SEC 102 is accessed, a notification message can be received at the
computing device 110. In an embodiment, the pre-set threshold level is utilized by the
level matching engine 206.
[0044] In an aspect, the level sensing engine 204 is configured to determine a level of
the consumable 106 stored, at any moment, in the container 104. Usually, whenever
required, some amount of the consumable 106 is dispensed or removed of the container
104 and remaining amount of the consumable 106 is left for further use. For instance, if
the consumable 106 is sugar which is completely filled in the container 104 whose
capacity is 4kgs, in case 500 grams is dispensed or removed, still 3.5 kg remains in the
container 104. Every time whenever the sugar is dispensed or removed from the container
104 at every moment the level sensing engine 204 determines the amount left in the
container 104. Next time, when 1kg sugar is dispensed from the 3.5 kgs of sugar, 2.5 kg
sugar remains in the container 104 and the level sensing engine 204 determines the
amount left in the container 104 now. The amount of the consumable 106 left in the
container 104 is utilized by the level matching engine 206.
[0045] In an aspect, the level matching engine 206 matches the preset-threshold
(received via the input engine 202) with the determined (by the level sensing engine 204)
amount of the consumable 106 left in the container 104. In case, the threshold level is
lesser than the consumable 106 left in the container 104, no action is performed.
Alternatively, if the threshold level is equal or greater than the consumable 106 left in the
container 104, the alert transmission engine 208 is activated.
[0046] As an example, if the threshold level is set at 45% and the amount of the
consumable 106 remained in the container 104 is 52% of total capacity, no action is
performed by the SEC 102. However, if the threshold level is set at 45% and the amount
11
of the consumable 106 remained in the container 104 is 45% of total capacity, an alert
transmission engine 208 is activated. Moreover, if the threshold level is set at 45% and
the amount of the consumable 106 remained in the container 104 is 41.6% of total
capacity, an alert transmission engine 208 is activated
[0047] In an embodiment, the alert transmission engine 208 is configured to transmit
an alert to at least one computing device 110. The alert is transmitted by one or more
transmitters/transceivers, through first communication network 108, to the computing
device 110.
[0048] The computing device 110 is configured to receive command from user.
Notably, the command is provided by the user to perform certain action on the alert. The
command can be:
(i) “NO”, which when opted by the user, no further processing is done;
(ii) “SNOOZE”, which when opted by the user, snoozes alert notification for
certain time, say 3 days or 12 hours or 4 weeks; Such notifications can be
snoozed either manually or by sending a command from the computing
device 110. Such command may include the time period during which the
user wishes to pause the triggering of notification. The time period can be
in minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years.
(iii) “YES”, which when opted by the user, the alert is further transmitted to at least
one or more electronic devices 114 carried by the nearby stores 116.
[0049] In an alternate embodiment, the alert transmission engine 208 can transmit
alert, from the SEC 102 to computing device 110, through a server. Such server can
receive the transmitted alert and forwards to the computing device 110 for user
command. The user can provide command “Yes” or “No” or “Snooze” on the computing
device 110. The received command is transmitted to the server which analyses the
command and act accordingly. For an instance, if the received command at the
computing device is “Yes”, the server communicates with the electronic device 114 for
placing an order. In case, user opts for “Snooze” for 10 minutes, server waits for the said
time interval 10 minutes and after that again communicates with the computing device
12
110. In case, user opts for “No”, server mutes such communication until next time server
receives alert from the SEC 102.
[0050] In another alternate embodiment, the alert transmission engine 208 can
transmit alert, from the SEC 102 to the server, which is operatively coupled with the
electronic device 114. In such implementation, based on alert which is transmitted from
the SEC 102 to the server, the server places an order of the consumable 106 to the
electronic device 114. Order placement notification can be transmitted to the computing
device 110.
[0051] The alert is transmitted by computing device 110, through the second
communication network 112, to the electronic devices 114. The alert may include unique
identifiers of each of the SEC 102, container 104, consumable 106, images/video of the
consumable 106, quantity required, payment status, user rating, timestamp of order,
address of user etc.
[0052] In an embodiment, the nearby stores 116 list can be pre-configured within the
SEC 102 and/or computing device 110. The selection of store 116 from the store list can
be prioritized over each other based on any or combination of the consumable 106 type,
user priority, previous history, online rating of nearby store 116, previous user
experience, consumable 106 price in each store, proximity between the SEC 102 and the
nearby stores 116 etc.
[0053] In an exemplary implementation, a default value (example “0”) can be set for
the SEC 102 which is set when the amount of consumable 106 in the container 104 is
more than the pre-set threshold. For an instance, the amount of consumable 106 is 33% in
the container 104, which is more than the pre-set threshold, then default value would
remain same i.e. “0”. However, if the threshold value becomes equal or greater than the
present amount of consumable 106, the default value would change to new value (for
example “1”). The values “0” and “1” are mere examples, other indications such as LED
blink color, audio message etc. are well in the scope of present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary database arrangement 300 depicting identifiers of
smart electronic circuit, consumable and container, in accordance with embodiments of
13
the present disclosure. In an embodiment, each of the SEC 102, container 104 and
consumable 106 have unique identification numbers. The unique identification numbers
302, 304 and 306 indicate the SEC 102, consumable 106 and container 104 respectively.
The identification numbers can be in any format, say for instance, identification numbers
may include numerals, special characters, alpha numerals, characters, and the like.
[0055] Although, the depicted database arrangement 300 illustrates only exemplary
unique identification numbers of the SEC 102, container 104 and consumable 106,
however, other fields, including but not limited to, nearby stores 116, container 104
maximum capacity, shape and dimensions of the SEC 102 etc. completely forms part of
the disclosure. Also, above details shown in database can be expressed in any data
structure such as linked list, array, graphs etc.
[0056] The SEC 102 can be designed as per user preferred shape. Person ordinarily
skilled in the art would appreciate that the shape can be circular, semicircular,
rectangular, square, polygon, rhombus etc. Similarly, the dimension can be of any range
depending on shape, for an instance, rectangular shape can be designed .5x.5 cms;
circular shape can be designed of 1 cm radius; and the like.
[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the SEC 102 can include an outer layer of metal,
semiconductor, wooden, polymeric layer etc. The other electronic components such as a
power source, a battery, a non-transitory storage, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an
antenna, a location sensor, a camera, LEDs, a display screen, a knob, a voice i/o, a
gesture i/o, an authentication means, a keypad, a relay, a transceiver/transmitter etc. can
be configured in the SEC 102. It should be noted that battery can be charged through any
power source. Exemplary battery can be, including but not limited to, primary,
secondary, solid-state battery, and the like.
[0058] Further, any or a combination of sensors which can determine the level of the
consumable 106 can be configured in the SEC 102, such sensors may include
functionality of measuring a capacitance value, a time of flight (TOF) data, a manganic
field, a light reflection, a temperature difference, a light absorption, a weight, an
acoustical sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive
14
sensor, an evaporative gas sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a float sensor, an
infrared sensor, a strain gauge sensor, a distance sensor, and a force sensor. Additionally,
the second sensor can also be deployed to sense at least one of temperature, color
changes, odor, texture, density, consistency, variability of color or texture, imaging, pH,
viscosity, and the presence of specific gases.
[0059] In an embodiment, the power source can be selected from a group of a battery,
a fuel cell, a solar cell, an RFID circuit, an inductive generator, a piezoelectric generator,
a thermoelectric generator, and a kinetic micro generator. All the required electronic
components can be embedded in a single chip or selected components can be configured
separately in the SEC 102.
[0060] FIG. 4A-4C illustrates exemplary consumable level determination, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0061] As illustrated in Fig. 4A, the SEC 102 is attached on the outer surface of the
container 104. The SEC 102 can comprise the sensing means 402 (i.e. optical transmitter
such as laser, LED lamp etc.) to determine the level of the consumable 106 which is
stored within the container 104. On the outer surface of the SEC 102, one or more light
detectors 404-1, 404-2, 404-3,…404n can be arranged. The position of the light detectors
corresponds to the filling level (e.g. 80% or 70% or40% and the like) of the consumable
106. The light, transmitted by the sensing means 402 can be received by the light
detectors 404-1, 404-2, 404-3,…404n. One may appreciate that selective light detectors
(say 404-1 and 404-2) can only receive light as others will not due to inhibition imposed
by the filled consumable 106.
[0062] Upon receiving the transmitted light by the selective light detectors (say 404-1
and 404-2), a signal can be triggered to the processing means. The processing means
receives the signal and performs analysis by utilizing the level sensing engine 204, to
determine the minimum amount of consumable 106 left in the container 104. For
example, on exposure of the light from the sensing means 402, the light detectors 404-1
and 404-2 transmit signal to the processing means. The 404-1 corresponds to 80% and
404-2 corresponds to 70% level. Based on the received signal, the processing means
15
utilizes the level sensing engine 204 to determine that the amount of the consumable 106
is less than 70%. Further, processing means can determine that the signal from 404-3
(which is corresponds to 60% filing level) is not received. Hence, based on the data from
404-2 and 404-3, the processing means can help the level sensing engine 204 to
determine that the container 104 may comprise consumable 106 in a range of 60-70%. In
case, if the pre-set threshold level is higher than the determined amount (i.e. 60-70%),
alert can be transmitted to the one or more computing device 110.
[0063] As illustrated in Fig. 4B, only one light detector 404-3 can be arranged on the
outer surface of the container 104. If the filling level of the consumable material 106
drops below the light detector 404-3 (i.e. 45% level), the transmitted light from the
sensing means may reach to the detector 404-3, which may transmit signal to the
processing means for analysis.
[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 4C, the sensing means 402 can transmit light towards the
consumable 106, which may reflect the transmitted light towards the light detector 404.
Based on Time of Flight (TOF) data of the reflected data, the processing means may
calculate the amount of the consumable 106 within the container 104.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram 500 depicting steps involved in
determining level of a consumable in a container through a smart electronic circuit
(SEC), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0066] In an aspect, the proposed method can include the steps of, at step (502),
associating the SEC 102 on an outer surface of a container 104, wherein the container
104 comprises a consumable 106 which is in contact with an inner surface of the
container 104; at step (504), receiving an input corresponding to a pre-set threshold level
of the consumable 106; at step (506), sensing to determine a level of the consumable 106
stored in the container 104; at step (508), matching the determined level of the
consumable 106 with the pre-set threshold level; and at step (510), transmitting an alert to
one or more computing devices 110, if the determined level of the consumable 106 is
lesser than the pre-set threshold level.
16
[0067] In an embodiment, the user can make settings to receive certain number of
products at a time on the display screen of computing device 110. For an instance, if there
are 5 products to be ordered then all the 5 products can be displayed in one screen or all 5
products can be scattered to be displayed on multiple screens. The screens can be scrolled
up, down, right and left.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scenario of SEC working environment, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, John has a
kitchen set up in which he has configured the SEC 102 on outer wall of polymer based
container 104 which carries coffee beans 106. The SEC 102 triggers an alert, through
WIFI108, on John’s smartphone 110. The smartphone 110 further utilizes Internet 112 to
transmit coffee beans request to store 116. Although the SEC 102 is depicted close to
bottom, however it can be associated at any point on the outer wall. The SEC 102 can be
arranged at a predetermined height from a bottom of the outer surface.
[0069] In an embodiment, the container 104 may or may not include a lid. Among
others, container can be glass container, polymeric container, metallic (steel, aluminum,
copper etc.) container, ceramic container, oil container, silicone container, fuel container,
and the like. In a non-limiting example, shape of the container 104 can be round, square
etc. Various sizes such as 2C, 3C, 1Qt, 2Qt, 3.5Qt, 4Qt, 6Qt, 8Qt, 12Qt, 18Qt, and 22Qt;
graduations printed or etched on exteriors of the container 104; stain proof coating, are
part of present disclosure.
[0070] In an aspect, any or a combination of machine learning mechanisms such as
decision tree learning, Bayesian network, deep learning, random forest, supervised vector
machines, reinforcement learning, prediction models, and the like can be employed to
learn sensor/hardware components typically used/activated by different users, and
accordingly predict behavioral/usage patterns.
[0071] As shown, the disclosure incorporates a plurality of computing devices 110
and/or electronic devices 114, wherein the device 110 and/or 114 may or may not be
portable. The computing devices 110 and electronic devices 114 can be same or different,
wherein the device 110 and/or 114 can be selected from mobile phone, a game console, a
17
cellular telephone, a smart phone, a fitness tracker, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a
tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable computing device, all of which are
well within the scope of the present disclosure. The computing devices 110 and/or
electronic devices 114 can be same or different during implementation.
[0072] In an aspect, aforementioned first computing network 108 and/or second
computing network 112 can be same or different, either of which can be selected from
combination of a short range communication and a long range communication. Such
communications may be a Bluetooth® network, an infrared network, a wireless network,
an internet, a wired network, a telecommunication network, WIFI® network, a LIFI®
network, or a ZigBee® network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network
(WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a
wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a
WiFi® network, the internet, a visible light communication (VLC) network, a thirdgeneration (3G) telecommunication network, a fourth-generation (4G)
telecommunication network, a fifth-generation (5G) telecommunication network, or a
worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX®) network. The networks
108 and 112 can be a combination of different server components or can comprise a load
balancer for balancing the requests from multiple devices 110 and 114. As would be
understood, the proposed architecture is only an exemplary architecture and any other
change in configuration such as incorporation of one or more network security devices
such as firewalls, gateway devices, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion
Prevention Systems (IPS), among other like devices are well within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary servers deployed in the networks 108 and 112 can be a
web server, an application server, a real-time communication server, a file transfer
protocol (FTP) server, a collaboration server, a cloud server, a telnet server, a virtual
server, an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) server, a database server, a proxy server or an opensource server. The server arrangement 108 can comprise the microprocessor and the
computer-readable storage device. The computer-readable medium may include, but is
not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact
18
disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor
memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable
read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable
PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of
media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing executable instructions (e.g.,
computer programming code, such as software or firmware). The executable instructions
executed by the microprocessor to perform various operations such as analysis of the
database arrangement 300.
[0073] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to"
is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to
each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and
"coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean
“communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to
exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary
device.
[0074] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive
concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in
the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the
claims, 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, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the
specification claims refers 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.
19
20
Advantages of the Invention
[0075] An advantage of the present disclosure is to overcome one or more
disadvantages associated with conventional systems and methods for determination of
consumable left in the container.
[0076] An advantage of the present disclosure is to automatically determining the
consumable left in the container in lesser quantity.
[0077] An advantage of the present disclosure is to ease ordering of consumables from
nearby store.
[0078] An advantage of the present disclosure is to make user free from micro
managing the consumables in inventory.
[0079] An advantage of the present invention is to ensure on time delivery from the
nearest store, thereby productivity is increased manifold.

We Claim:

1. A smart electronic circuit (SEC), the SEC comprises:
an associating means to associate the SEC on an outer surface of a
container, wherein the container comprises a consumable which is in
contact with an inner surface of the container;
a non-transitory storage device comprises:
one or more executable routines; and
one or more processing means coupled to the non-transitory storage device
and operable to execute the one or more routines, wherein the one or more
routines include:
an input engine, to receive a pre-set threshold level corresponding to
the consumable;
a level sensing engine, to determine a level of the consumable stored
in the container;
a level matching engine, to match the determined level of the
consumable with the pre-set threshold level;
an alert transmission engine, to transmit an alert to at least one
computing device.
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2. The SEC of claim 1, wherein the computing devices are configured to receive
command from a user to determine if the notification is to be transmitted, to an
electronic device associated with at least one nearby store.
3. The SEC of claim 1, wherein the SEC is associated with a unique identification
code which corresponds to the stored consumable.
4. The SEC of claim 1, wherein the SEC is arranged at a predetermined height from
bottom of the outer surface.
5. The SEC of claim 1, wherein the sensing engine is arranged to determine the level
of the consumable based on measuring a capacitance value, a time of flight (TOF)
data, a manganic field, a light reflection, a temperature difference, a light
absorption, a weight, an acoustical sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor,
an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, an evaporative gas sensor, an image sensor,
a pressure sensor, a float sensor, an infrared sensor, a strain gauge sensor, a
distance sensor, and a force sensor.
6. A method to determine level of a consumable in a container through a smart
electronic circuit (SEC), the method comprises;
associating the SEC on an outer surface of a container, wherein the
container comprises a consumable which is in contact with an inner surface
of the container;
receiving an input corresponding to a pre-set threshold level of the
consumable;
sensing to determine a level of the consumable stored in the container;
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matching the determined level of the consumable with the pre-set threshold
level; and
transmitting an alert to one or more computing devices, if the determined
level of the consumable is lesser than the pre-set threshold level.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the computing devices are configured to receive
command from a user to determine if the notification is to be transmitted, to an
electronic device associated with at least one nearby store.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the method utilizes a unique identification code
corresponding to the stored consumable.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the sensing is performed to determine the level of
the consumable based on measuring a capacitance value, a time of flight (TOF)
data, a manganic field, a light reflection, a temperature difference, a light
absorption, a weight, an acoustical sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor,
an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, an evaporative gas sensor, an image sensor,
a pressure sensor, a float sensor, an infrared sensor, a strain gauge sensor, a
distance sensor, and a force sensor.
10.The method of claim 6, wherein the consumable is selected from a group of a
solid, semi-solid, gel, liquid, gaseous, powder.