CA2829535A1 - Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda - Google Patents

Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2829535A1
CA2829535A1 CA 2829535 CA2829535A CA2829535A1 CA 2829535 A1 CA2829535 A1 CA 2829535A1 CA 2829535 CA2829535 CA 2829535 CA 2829535 A CA2829535 A CA 2829535A CA 2829535 A1 CA2829535 A1 CA 2829535A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
data
placing space
match result
main control
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2829535
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Scott Keirstead
Jonathan Percival
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2829535 priority Critical patent/CA2829535A1/en
Publication of CA2829535A1 publication Critical patent/CA2829535A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01GWEIGHING
    • G01G23/00Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
    • G01G23/18Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
    • G01G23/36Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
    • G01G23/37Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
    • G01G23/3707Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting using a microprocessor
    • G01G23/3721Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting using a microprocessor with particular representation of the result, e.g. graphic
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/087Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)

Abstract

There is shown a food inventory control system comprising one or more weigh scales located within refrigerator which transmit the weight or volume of the food on the scale and other pertinent information to a computer application which displays such information on a mobile device. The user is then informed when he/she is running low of a particular item.

Description

ELECTRONIC SCALE AND INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A PDA
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an inventory control system for use with a PDA. In particular, this invention relates to the use of one or more weigh scales and a system of displaying pertinent information obtained from the weigh scales to a user by means of a device such as a PDA.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to enable better tracking of stored foodstuffs, there are several devices available to consumers. These devices range from simple indicators or timers to more complex computerized systems. In one example, a dial indicator is provided on a container lid. The dial indicator enables a consumer to establish a date, e.g., month/day, that the foodstuff was placed into the container and refrigerated.
Alternatively, the consumer can set a date that the foodstuff is expected to expire. In another example, a timer having an LCD display is attached to a container. The timer counts down lapsed days, hours and minutes. In yet another example, food items are provided with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are scanned by an RFID reader. The RFID
reader forwards information obtained from the RFID tags to a console provided on the refrigerator which stores relevant information, such as food type, the date of refrigeration and an anticipated date of expiration.
Regardless of these prior proposed arrangements, there still exists a need for a food and beverage product management system that can easily and accurately track the inventory of food and beverage items, and the shelf life of food and beverage items.
More specifically, there exists a need for a simple, low cost food and beverage monitoring and management system that requires little interaction from a consumer to set, monitor and read expiration information pertaining to particular food and beverage items and the amounts of the food and beverage items in question.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is shown one or more electronic scales which remotely delivers information to the user's mobile device, in the effort to monitor one's perishables/valuables in reference to its' amount (g, L, or even as simple as its presence, etc.) and/or date of expiry.
The electronic scale will communicate wirelessly with one's mobile device or any form of device for computing as the user has chosen. The information is displayed to the user on a companion application software available with the product being purchased via download.
The computer software paired with the electronic scale will allow the consumer to monitor the contents that they wish to monitor in regard to its presence on the scale, or the precise amount of said product being monitored, that remains. Also, the application will provide a manageable time for monitoring a possible date of expiry, or a date which the consumer wishes to replenish said product on the scale. Multiple scales may be used in conjunction with the application. The settings in the application allow for a range of alterations to levels importance, units of measurement, dates and times of notifications, and statistics based on the usage of the application, and in accordance to the products one may use the scale for.
The scale itself would function a stand-alone device, and or a built in component to an existing piece of furniture or applicant. This device could function equally as well in a residential, or commercial setting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic of the components of the inventory control system according to one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic of the displays on an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 there is shown one or more weigh scales on which an item, such as a carton of milk, is placed. The weigh scale transmits the weight of the item using a wireless communication system to a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other electronic device (such as a computer). Alternatively, a wired communication system could be used.
The weight of the item is stored in an inventory control computer program system which is used by the end user consumer. The end user consumer uses the computer program system to enter details concerning the item (such as initial volume or weight, date of purchase, expiry date) such that the computer program system will display pertinent information such as whether the item is full, half-full, or empty, whether the item is nearing its expiry date, It will be understood that the weigh scales could be sold on their own as a stand-alone unit, as an accessory to be installed, or as a pre-installed item in an already existing product such as a refrigerator.
Where the weigh scales are a stand-alone unit, the end consumer may place the weigh scale wherever they wish, inside or out of a fridge ie. milkmaid, wine rack, spice rack, inventory in a bar, etc.
Where the weigh scales are an addition to an already existing product a unit developed from the ground up, as a replacement for the shelving in a refrigerator, or a shelf for a safe they already own, or to install on a shelf they already have (furniture).
Where the weigh scales are as a complete product sold as is, inside of another's product, a refrigerator company has it in sections of the fridge for possible use so the end result is an appliance with our system already built in Referring to Figure 2, there is shown the display as shown on a PDA.
The initial display shows Heading 1 entitled "Live"; Heading 2 entitled "Expirations"; and Heading 3 entitled "Settings.
When the user presses Heading 1 entitled "Live" the user is brought to a sub-display which lists all the items located on each individual electronic scale in the refrigerator. In the example shown, there are three electronic scales in the refrigerator which have containers or packages of milk, juice, and cheese. The "Live"
display shows how much milk, juice, and cheese is in the refrigerator. The data could be displayed in terms of overall amount (i.e. 2 liters) or in terms of % remaining.
When the user presses Heading 2 entitled "Expirations" the user is brought to a sub-display which lists all the items located on each individual electronic scale in the refrigerator. In the example shown, there are three electronic scales in the refrigerator which have containers or packages of milk, juice, and cheese. The "Expirations" display shows the expiration date of each item, or the number of days remaining until expiry for each item.

When the user presses Heading 3 entitled "Settings' the user is brought to a sub-display from which the user can tailor the sub-displays based on their own particular preferences. For example, the user could change the unit of measurement for milk to display in litres or in number of glasses. The user could change the expiration and notifications to display the number of days remaining until the expiration date, or set an electronic reminder for the day before, the day of expiry, or the day after expiry of the product. The user could program additional notifications to show when a particular item is absent.
There are many possible uses and settings for this invention. For example = To monitor one's consumption and expiry of perishables = To monitor one's inventory in a commercial/business setting (e.g. bar, restaurant, office supplies) = To monitor the spices on a spice rack = To monitor the bottles on a wine rack, timing of good years, and best time to consume = To monitor the inventory and theft in a commercial or business setting = To monitor supplies in a hospital or clinical setting.
Detailed scenarios are possible where this invention could be used.
1. Milk in the fridge. You are at a grocery store, you are wondering how much milk is currently in your refrigerator. You check your mobile device's application which is connected wirelessly to the scale in your fridge, which your milk is currently sitting on. It tells you that you have 240m1 remaining, and it expires tomorrow, You now know, or have made the decision, that you would like to buy more milk.
2. Bottles on the bar shelf. You own a pub. You wish to simplify the way you track your inventory and the statistics of consumption of each individual product.
You install the scales on your shelf along with your inventory. You check your computing device of preference, and find on the companion application , connection to the scales on your bar shelf that you are out of whiskey, rum, and vodka. You now know it is time to order more of these. Also, you now see statistically that scotch is your most popular product, and decide to order more that as well just in case.
3. Wine on the rack. You are on your way home from a particularly stressful day.
You receive a blaring notification on your mobile device, that the cabernet you have been aging on your wine rack for several years, has finally hit its peak.

Tonight you enjoy the best, and most rewarding glass of wine you have ever had, and more than likely would have forgotten about.
4. Hospital/medical setting. You were in a hectic environment on relief duty in a third world country. There are only a handful of you who are able to be there and help. Your most valuable products are syringes. You have a scale under them to monitor when you are halfway through using them all. You now have one less thing to worry about, knowing that you will be notified via your wireless device when it is time to request more.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (5)

7The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An inventory control system comprising:
(a) one or more weigh scales;
(b) a portable electronic device (PDA);
(c) electronic means for transmitting information from the weigh scale to the portable electronic device (PDA).
2. A computer readable medium for use electronically with one or more weigh scales comprising computer instructions that when executed by a portable electronic device touch screen displays a graphical user interface displaying on the touch screen:
- a first region appearing at the top of the screen;
- a second region appearing at the middle of the screen;
- a third region appearing at the bottom of the screen;
- each region displaying information received electronically from the weigh scales;
wherein the touch screen is configured to recognize a pinching motion touch command by the user, and wherein the touch command enables the user to access further screens having input boxes for accepting user input.
3. An object management cabinet with multi-weighing structure, comprising:
a base having an object placing space for containing an object; a weighing structure installed at the bottom of the object placing space according to position of the object placing space and measuring object weight to generate measured data; and a portable electronic device reading the object data and the measured data to generate a match result.
4. The object management cabinet with multi-weighing structure as recited in claim 3, further comprising a memory for the main control unit to store the match result, wherein the main control unit accesses the match result of the object in the memory to match the object data and the measured data of the object for another time to obtain another match result to calculate consumption of the object.
5. An object management cabinet with multi-weighing structure, comprising: a base including an object placing space for containing an object; a weighing structure installed at the bottom of the object placing space according to position of the object placing space and measuring weight of the object to generate measured data, and the weighing structure having built-in position data corresponding to the object placing space; and a main control unit including built-in corresponding data of the object and the object placing space, and the main control unit receiving the measured data and matching the position data and the corresponding data to generate a match result.
6. The object management cabinet with multi-weighing structure as recited in
claim 5, further comprising a memory for the main control unit to store the match result, wherein the main control unit accesses the match result of the object in the memory to match the object data and the measured data of the object for another time to obtain another match result to calculate consumption of the object.
CA 2829535 2013-10-10 2013-10-10 Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda Abandoned CA2829535A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2829535 CA2829535A1 (en) 2013-10-10 2013-10-10 Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2829535 CA2829535A1 (en) 2013-10-10 2013-10-10 Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2829535A1 true CA2829535A1 (en) 2015-04-10

Family

ID=52824809

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2829535 Abandoned CA2829535A1 (en) 2013-10-10 2013-10-10 Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2829535A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017091183A1 (en) 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Oleksandr Serhiiovych Mytskevych Method for automated receiving and processing inventory levels data on at least one item type at sales outlets
WO2017091185A1 (en) 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Oleksandr Serhiiovych Mytskevych Method for automated receiving and processing inventory level data on at least one item type at sales outlets
US10410177B2 (en) * 2012-06-30 2019-09-10 At&T Mobility Ii Llc Interactive inventory systems and methods
GB2600521A (en) * 2020-08-24 2022-05-04 Inventor E Ltd Configuring communicating weight sensor units with portable wireless devices

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10410177B2 (en) * 2012-06-30 2019-09-10 At&T Mobility Ii Llc Interactive inventory systems and methods
WO2017091183A1 (en) 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Oleksandr Serhiiovych Mytskevych Method for automated receiving and processing inventory levels data on at least one item type at sales outlets
WO2017091185A1 (en) 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Oleksandr Serhiiovych Mytskevych Method for automated receiving and processing inventory level data on at least one item type at sales outlets
GB2600521A (en) * 2020-08-24 2022-05-04 Inventor E Ltd Configuring communicating weight sensor units with portable wireless devices
GB2600521B (en) * 2020-08-24 2023-06-21 Inventor E Ltd Configuring communicating weight sensor units with portable wireless devices

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3011283B1 (en) Weighing scale system
US10378944B2 (en) Water intake tracker for a container
US9691114B2 (en) Consumables inventory management method
US8226414B2 (en) Generating policy driven meal plans
US9477962B2 (en) Monitoring food products
US7292146B1 (en) Advanced food and or drink organization and or handling system
JP6224065B2 (en) Storage device for goods having a filling state detection device for detecting removal, filling and / or filling state of the storage device
US20100106626A1 (en) System and method for tracking inventory history
US20100262554A1 (en) In-store wireless shopping network using hand-held devices
CA2829535A1 (en) Electronic scale and inventory control system for use with a pda
US20150379463A1 (en) Systems and Methods for a Receptacle and Related Devices
US20100106624A1 (en) Method of inventory management
KR20200043316A (en) smart refrigerator with food material mangement functions
CN112132567A (en) Get meal system as required based on RFID
CN100375880C (en) Food automatic ordering system for network refrigerator
KR20150038974A (en) Tumbler possible Capacity Measurement of Contents.
FI127190B (en) Procedure for administering a user's medication
KR20150054303A (en) Management System for Selling Drink in Restaurant
JP2022071658A (en) Food management system
Bayya Low cost smart refrigerator
KR20180045286A (en) System for managing refrigerator using electric scale and mobile deivce
JP6894671B2 (en) Home appliances system
WO2021094791A1 (en) Food weighing system inside kitchen cabinets
US20240185314A1 (en) System and method for managing the content in a storage assembly
WO2017091184A1 (en) Method for automated receiving and processing inventory level data on at least one item type at sales outlets

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead

Effective date: 20171011