GB2623965A

GB2623965A - Container and system

Info

Publication number: GB2623965A
Application number: GB2216158.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Torres Parra Christian
Original assignee: Atj Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Atj Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-31
Filing date: 2022-10-31
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB202216158D0

Abstract

A container (100) for storing a material and monitoring the weight of the material in it. The container has a weight sensor (105) inside it that gives data based on the weight of the material within it. The container has a means to transmit the data from the sensor via a network and has a power source to power the weight sensor and the data transmission means. A stock management system that may have one or more of the containers and a processing means to receive the data from the container(s) via a network. The data may be analysed, and an output generated based on the analysis of the data. The system may have a router configured to receive sensor data from the one or more containers via a network and transmit the data to the processing means via a network. The weight sensor may generate data autonomously and/or on demand. The data produced by the sensor or that of the sensor data transmission means may be transmitted at least every second or may be at least every sixty seconds. The network may be a wireless communication network.

Description

Container and System The present invention concerns a container for storing material, monitoring the mass of material within the container and relaying data regarding the mass of that material to a user. Systems comprising one or more such containers and means for collecting and transmitting such data to a user are also provided.

It is widely known that monitoring inventory stored within containers is useful in a wide range of situations.

One method of monitoring inventory is manually inspect and quantify the inventory over intermittent time periods, with the results of the assessment then being fed back to the owner or controller of the stored materials. However, such assessments are labour intensive, costly and time consuming which can lead to irregular or inaccurate assessments being conducted.

It is therefore desirable to provide an efficient, accurate and cost effective means for monitoring levels of materials stored in containers.

Improvements to storage systems are known in the art. For example, U511358785 describes a silo system including a storage chamber, an intake pathway associated with the chamber, and a discharge pathway associated with the chamber. The system further includes one or more material sensors associated with the chamber, a plurality of actuators, and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the one or more material sensors and to the one or more actuators.

CN114001794 describes a storage container stock measurement device comprising a semiconductor strain gauge, a resistance measuring module, sample module and a processing module.

US2019303850 describes a computer system that monitors physical commodities based on sensor data using a virtual vault that defines a space. The computer system comprises a plurality of sensors, spatially positioned to cover a predefined delineated space containing an inventory of the physical commodities and includes a processor, coupled to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, and a memory that provides storage for sensor data.

However, there remains a need for monitoring inventory which is efficient, cost effective, without compromising on reliability. There is also a need for a system which conveniently provides real-time data on stock levels to a user, permitting timely re-ordering of stock and minimising waste.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing material and monitoring the weight of that material in the container, the container comprising: a container for storing material; a weight sensor comprised within the container for generating sensor data based on the weight of material stored in the container; sensor data transmission means configured to transmit the sensor data via a network; and a power source to provide energy to the weight sensor and sensor data transmission means.

The inventors have found that the container of the present invention is capable of autonomously providing updates regarding the mass of the contents within the container without the need for manual assessments of the levels of those contents. Thus, the invention provides a time-efficient solution for monitoring content levels of material and their subsequent consumption, enabling improved stock management.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a stock management system comprising: one or more containers of the invention; and processing means.

wherein the processing means are configured to receive sensor data from the one or more containers via a network and analyse the sensor data and generate an output based on the analysis of the sensor data.

The inventors have found that the container and system of the invention eliminate the need for manual stock checking and provide a more accurate and reliable inventory system. Therefore, such an arrangement allows for more efficient purchasing control, so that the desired amount of material is replenished, which in turn, reduces unnecessary waste, especially when the material stored within the container/s is perishable. Additionally, with use, the container and system may advantageously generate a historical data set to predict future demand and trends, thereby providing supply chain optimisation. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the system, for example, the processing means, be configured to store historic sensor data and / or re-ordering data.

As the container of the invention may store historic stock level and ordering data, the system of the invention may be utilised to schedule deliveries automatically. Thus, in embodiments, the system may comprise a commerce portal which may be configured to transmit order data to an ordering platform, e.g. a commerce platform (e.g. an e-commerce platform). The commerce portal may transmit order data upon user input or autonomously. Embodiments of the invention comprising this functionality may advantageously balance the supply of material and demand to reduce waste and prevent unnecessary costs.

The weight sensor may generate sensor data periodically, in real-time. The weight sensor may generate sensor data autonomously or on demand. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor data transmission means may be configured to transmit sensor data periodically, in real-time. The sensor data transmission means may be configured to transmit sensor data autonomously or on demand.

The frequency at which sensor data is generated and / or transmitted may be dependent on the data being obtained, the amount of containers being analysed, and / or the frequency that the stored materials are needed to be replenished. In embodiments, the frequency of which sensor data is generated by the weight sensor and / or transmitted by the sensor data transmission means may be fixed or may be variable.

The container and system of the invention may therefore provide real-time data to the user autonomously. In addition, or alternatively, the weight sensor may generate sensor data and / or the sensor data transmission means may transmit sensor data on demand, for example, when requested by the user. The sensor data transmitted by the sensor data transmission means may be used by the system to generate a report for the user. Thus, in embodiments, the system may comprise a reporting module configured to compare sensor data recorded at a first time point to sensor data recorded at a second time point and optionally presenting a recommendation to the user. For example, if the comparison of the sensor data from the first and second time points shows an increase in weight of the material in the container, then the recommendation may be to reduce or halt replenishment of the material in the container. Alternatively, if the comparison of the sensor data from the first and second time points shows a decrease in weight of material in the container, then the recommendation may be to replenish material in the container or order material from a supplier.

In some embodiments, the weight sensor may generate sensor data at least every 0.01 seconds, at least every 0.05 seconds, at least every 0.1 seconds, at least every 0.5 seconds, at least every 1 second, at least every 5 seconds, at least every 10 seconds at least every 30 seconds, at least every 1 minute, at least every 5 minutes, at least every 10 minutes, at least every 30 minutes, at least every hour, at least every 6 hours, at least every 12 hours or at least every day. In certain embodiments, the rate at which the weight sensor generates sensor data may be adjustable.

In embodiments, the sensor data transmission means may be configured to transmit sensor data at least every 0.01 seconds, at least every 0.05 seconds, at least every 0.1 seconds, at least every 0.5 seconds, at least every 1 second, at least every 5 seconds, at least every 10 seconds at least every 30 seconds, at least every 1 minute, at least every 5 minutes, at least every 10 minutes, at least every 30 minutes, at least every hour, at least every 6 hours, at least every 12 hours or at least every day. In certain embodiments, the rate at which the sensor data transmission means transmits sensor data may be adjustable.

Therefore, the container and system according to the invention may generate and provide real-time data relating to the weight of the material in the container. Thus, the weight sensor may be configured to generate real-time sensor data which is transmitted to the processing means. The data obtained may be used to generate a report and/or alert the user if the weight of the material in a container is below a predetermined level, this being suggestive of the potential need to reorder material.

The weight sensor may be a weighing scale, preferably an electronic weighing scale. Examples of such sensors which may be employed in the containers and systems of the present invention include strain gauge load cells, hydraulic load cells, pneumatic load cells, capacitive load cells, and piezoelectric transducers.

The weight sensor may be formed as part of the container or irreversibly coupled to the container which may be advantageous in certain applications, for example those in which the environment in which the container is to be used is subject to mechanical shock which could otherwise reposition the weight sensor. Alternatively, the weight sensor may be reversibly coupled to the container or positioned within the container, arrangements which may be preferable in certain applications where removal of the weight sensor may be beneficial, e.g. in applications in which the container needs to be cleaned or sterilised.

The weight sensor may be mounted using weight sensor mounting means. By configuring the weight sensor in this way, this ensures that the weight sensor is securely positioned and is prevented from movement within the container and therefore improves the consistency of the sensor data recorded. The weight sensor mounting means may be coupled (fixedly or releasably) to the container and! or be formed as part of the container. In embodiments, the weight sensor mounting means may comprise a base with one or more upstanding members onto which the weight sensor is mounted.

In embodiments of the invention, the container may comprise or a weighing plate. In use of the container, material stored therein will be loaded on the weighing plate enabling the weight sensor to generate sensor data. The weighing plate may be coupled to or be comprised as port of the weight sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the weighing plate may be unconnected to the weight sensor but the container may be configured such that when material is stored in the container, the weighing plate (or a component thereof or coupled thereto) is brought into contact with the weight sensor, enabling sensor data to be generated).

In embodiments, the weighing plate may be substantially planar. In preferred embodiments of the invention, in use of the container, the plane of the weighing plate is generally horizontal, e.g. it is about 10° or less from the horizontal plane, about 5° or less from the horizontal plane, or about 2° or less from the horizontal plane. Additionally or alternatively, the plane of the weighing plate may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, for example the plane of the weighing plate may be about 80° to 100° from the longitudinal axis of the container, about 85° to 95° from the longitudinal axis of the container or about 88° to 92° from the longitudinal axis of the container.

The weight sensor may be provided in the lower end of the container. In such embodiments, the weight sensor may be separated from the interior of the container via a base cap. In embodiments in which the container comprises a weighing plate, the base cap may be comprised as part of the weighing plate or may be positioned on top of the weighing plate. This arrangement is advantageous as it prevents contact between the weight sensor and the material to be stored in the container.

In addition to the weight sensor, the container may comprise additional components, for example location sensing means (e.g. a GPS device), an accelerometer, means for assessing humidity, temperature sensing means, means for detecting the presence of specific compounds (e.g. contaminants). These components may be configured so as to transmit data recorded by those components to the processing means via the sensor data transmission means.

The sensor data transmission means may be any component capable of transmitting sensor data generated by the weight sensor to a network. Preferably, the sensor data transmission means is one which is capable of transmitting sensor data wirelessly. Examples of such devices include wifi transmitters and Bluetooth transmitters.

The weight sensor and sensor data transmission means may be in wired communication and / or in wireless communication.

The functionality of the processing means, the router (if used) or any of the other components may be established by programming those components. Advantageously, owing to the simplicity of the containers and system of the present invention, programming of the components of the system can be achieved using conventional programming language, for example Arduino.

Any energy source may be employed in the container and system of the present invention. The energy source may for example include batteries, wireless power receivers, or an external power source. In one embodiment, the energy source may be a battery. Additionally or alternatively, the energy source may be rechargeable. In such embodiments, the battery life of the energy source (i.e. the minimum period in which it may provide sufficient energy to the weight sensor and sensor data transmission means to enable them to effective operate before having to be recharged) may be 1 week or greater, 2 weeks or greater, 3 weeks or greater, 4 weeks or greater, 2 months or greater, 3 months or greater, 6 months or greater or one year or greater.. Rechargeable energy sources employed in the containers and systems of the present invention may be rechargeable using any technology or components known to those skilled in the art, for example, via a USB port, a charging array, a mains power lead or the like.

In embodiments of the invention, the energy consumption of the energy source is about 10000 mAH / hour or less, about 5000 mAH / hour or less or about 2000 mAH / hour or less, about 1000 mAH / hour or less, about 500 mAH / hour or less, about 200 mAH / hour or less, about 100 mAH / hour or less, about 50 mAH / hour or less or about 20 mAH / hour or less. Additionally or alternatively, the energy source may have an operational life of about 1 week or longer, about 2 weeks or longer, about 1 month or longer, about 2 months or longer about 3 months or longer, about 6 months or longer or about 1 year or longer. The term operational life is used to mean the period in which the energy source is capable of providing sufficient energy to the container to maintain it as being fully operational before having to be recharged or replaced.

The sensor data transmitted from the container to the router (if used), from the container to the processing means or from the router (if used) to the processing means may be in the form of mass units representing the mass of the material stored in the container, e.g. grams, kilograms, tons, ounces, pounds, etc. Alternatively, where the material stored in the container is provided in the form of units (e.g. tablets in a medicine container, packaged items in a crate, etc), then the sensor data may be transmitted in the form of unit numbers, i.e. the number of units stored within the container. In such embodiments, the weight sensor, the router (if used) and / or the processing means may be configurable to permit the user to input the mass of the units.

In preferred embodiments, the container of the present invention advantageously has a low power consumption and thus does not require frequent charging. This is a simple arrangement and allows the container to be easily portable and conveniently deployed in a range of applications.

The material from which the container is manufactured will depend on the requirements of its intended application. For example, the container may be manufactured from plastics material, metal, or the like.

In embodiments, it may be desirable for the container to be manufactured from a heat resistant material. Thus, in embodiments, the material from which the container of the invention is produced may have a melting point greater than about 90°C, greater than about 100°C, greater than about 120°C, or greater than about 130°C.

In certain embodiments, the material from which the container of the invention is produced may not be structurally impaired by exposure to temperatures of less than 0°C, less than -5°C, less than -10°C or less than -20°C.

Additionally or alternatively, the container may be air tight and / or leak-resistant. Such properties are preferable when the container is used to store perishables such as foodstuffs.

The material from which the container of the invention is produced container may comprise polypropylene. The inventors have found that the use of polypropylene provides the container with structural integrity, temperature resistance and recyclability to permit the storage of a wide range of materials in a wide range of environments.

In embodiments of the invention the container is stackable, permitting the efficient arrangement of multiple containers, e.g. when the system of the invention is employed, using minimal footprint and volume.

The container may be of any shape. For example, the container may be substantially cylindrical, e.g. in the form of a medicine container, a food jar or can, or a barrel. Alternatively, the container may be substantially cuboid, e.g. in the form of a match box, a shoe box, a crate or a shipping container.

In embodiments of the invention, the container has an interior in which material can be stored, a lower end, an upper end and a side wall disposed between the lower and upper ends and enclosing the interior of the container. The lower end may be enclosed by a lower wall. The upper end may be enclosed by an upper wall. Additionally or alternatively, the upper end of the container may be enclosed by opening means, such as a cap, lid or door. In some embodiments, opening means (such as a cap, lid or door) may be located in the side wall.

The container may a longitudinal axis running through the interior of the container and through the lower and upper ends of the container. In embodiments, the longitudinal axis may be parallel to the plane of the side wall. Additionally or alternatively, the container may be configured such that in use of the container, the longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

In embodiments each container within the system may comprise identification means. The identification means may be unique for each container and / or be unique for a subset of containers comprised within the system. The identification means may be electronic and / or may be visible on or in the container.

In certain embodiments, each container may be allotted an expiry date. This may be stored or marked on the container itself, in the processing means and / or in some other component of the stock management system of the invention. Such functionality may be useful where the material to be stored in the container is perishable (e.g. for foodstuffs) or has a shelf life (e.g. for pharmaceutical products or other healthcare products). In such embodiments, the processing means may alert the user when the expiry date is reached, or when a predetermined timepoint in advance of the expiry date is reached.

Additionally or alternatively, each container may be allotted a replenishment date, i.e. the date on which material was added into the container. This may be stored or marked on the container itself, in the processing means and / or in some other component of the stock management system of the invention.

The container may have a volume of 1cm3 or more, 2cm3 or more, 5cm3 or more, 10cm3 or more, 20cm3 or more, 50cm3 or more, 100cm' or more, 200cm' or more, 500cm3 or more, 1000cm' or more, 2000cm' or more, 5000cm' or more or 10000cm' or more. Additionally or alternatively, the container may have a volume of 10000cm' or less, 50003 or less, 2000cm' or less, 1000cm' or less, 500cm3 or less, 200cm3 or less, 100cm3 or less, 50cm3 or less, 20cm3 or less or 10cm3 or less.

Additionally or alternatively, the container may have a height of about 1cm or more, about 2cm or more, about 3cm or more, about 5cm or more, about 10cm or more, about 20cm or more, about 50cm or more, about 100cm or more, about 200cm or more or about 500cm or more. In embodiments, the container may have a width of about 1cm or more, about 2cm or more, about 3cm or more, about 5cm or more, about 10cm or more, about 20cm or more, about 50cm or more, about 100cm or more, about 200cm or more or about 500cm or more. In embodiments in which the container has a diameter (e.g. in embodiments in which the container is generally cylindrical), the container may have a diameter of about 1cm or more, about 2cm or more, about 3cm or more, about 5cm or more, about 10cm or more, about 20cm or more, about 50cm or more, about 100cm or more, about 200cm or more or about 500cm or more.

The container of the invention may be used to store a broad range of materials. For example, in one embodiment, the material to be stored within the container may be pharmaceutical products, such as tablets, capsules, granules, powders or other types of unit dosage forms. In such embodiments, the system of the invention may monitor medication storage in a patient's home or care centre such that a pharmacy is alerted when re-prescription is needed, or the system may alert a medical practitioner in the event that an incorrect amount of medication over a given period of time (indicative of a patient being underdosed or overdosed) has been removed from the container. Thus, in embodiments, the user may be a medical practitioner or a pharmacist.

A container according to an embodiment of the invention may be a storage container for storing perishable goods and foodstuff. The container may for example monitor household perishable goods and foodstuff such that management of goods and automatic replenishment can occur.

The inventors have advantageously found that the container according to the present invention can be used for a variety of applications.

The system may comprise a plurality of containers. The system may comprise at least two containers, at least three containers, at least four containers. The system may comprise at least 10 containers, at least 20 containers, at least 30 containers. The plurality of containers may transmit sensor data to the same router (if used) and/or processing means. This arrangement advantageously allows the user to monitor a plurality of containers at the same time, in real time, without requiring additional equipment. This feature eliminates the need for stock taking and makes inventory control more accurate and time efficient. Furthermore, the ability to monitor a plurality of containers at the same time reduces waste.

In embodiments, the containers within the system are identical, optionally with the exception of the identification means. In some embodiments, the material contained within the containers of the system is the same or different for each container.

Therefore, the system according to the invention therefore allows the user to monitor a large number of containers in real-time, at the same time, without sacrificing the accuracy of the data.

As explained above, in the stock management system of the present invention, the processing means are configured to receive sensor data from the one or more containers via a network. In embodiments, the processing means may receive the sensor data directly from the one or more containers. In alternative embodiments, the sensor data may be relayed via an intermediate component such as a router comprised in the system. In such embodiments, the router may be configured to receive sensor data from the one or more containers via a network and transmit the sensor data to the processing means via a network.

The purpose of the router is to collate sensor data transmitted from the container/s via the sensor data transmission means and relay this to the processing means via a network.

The router may be connected to the network in any suitable manner. As used herein "router" encompasses any type of device capable of receiving sensor data from the containers and relaying this to the processing means via the network. Examples of such devices include modems, mobile telephones or other access points with wifi and / or 802.11ac functionality.

The transmission of sensor data to the router and/or the processing means occurs via a network. As used herein "network" is used to encompass wireless communication networks. As non-limiting examples, the wireless communication network may be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or some other wireless protocol. In one embodiment, the wireless communication network is Wi-Fi. The term "network" also encompasses wired networks. For the avoidance of doubt, in embodiments in which the containers transmit sensor data to a router via a network, and the router transmits sensor data to the processing means via a network, the network used to transmit sensor data to the router does not have to be the same type of network as the network used to transmit sensor data from the router to the processing means.

In embodiments, the network allows the router, processing means and/or the weight sensor to communicate with one another.

The processing means may be comprise a display means via which the output of the processing means can be displayed to a user. In embodiments, the output generated by the processing means may be a report, an alert and/or display information on the display means derived from the sensor data. For example, a user may be alerted via the display means if the sensor data transmitted to the processing means is below a specific value. Advantageously, the alert may inform the user when levels of the material stored in the container are below a predetermined weight. Additionally or alternatively, the display means may inform the user when the level of the material stored in the container is above a predetermined weight. The system may be further configured to reorder material stored in the container if the sensor data is below a predetermined value. Therefore, replenishment of the material may be ordered, either automatically or manually by the user, only when necessary, thereby reducing the chance of waste and providing a cost-effective system. Other information that may be displayed via the display means may include, weight sensor data, shopping lists, prices of materials or the like.

Additionally, the system may further comprise a commerce portal. The commerce portal may evaluate markets and provide information to the user, optionally via the display means, on price information and / or lead times to prompt the use where the material can be ordered from in the most cost-effective and efficient way. The commerce portal, for example, may maintain historical sensor data (or may be in communication with the processing means in which historical sensor data is maintained and transmitted to the commerce portal) and may be configured to provide information on the most cost-effective purchasing option for the user.

Furthermore, based on historical sensor data and current sensor data, consumption rates may be calculated by the commerce portal and / or the processing means and used to forecast re-order timepoints by the commerce portal and / or the processing means. Therefore, the commerce portal may display a real-time, dynamic shopping list or purchase requisition system.

In some embodiments the processing means and / or the commerce portal may be configured to store historical sensor data.. Advantageously, historical sensor data may be used by the commerce portal and / or the processing means to predict when material stored in the container will fall below a predetermined level and / or the price of material. Therefore, unnecessary waste and overspending may be avoided. The system of the invention is therefore able to provide improved, reliable insights and accurate forecasts.

The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following example.

Example 1

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a cylindrical container according to the present invention. The container 100 comprises an cap 101, an external cover 102 an inner container 103, a base cap 104, weight sensor 105, card holder 106 and a base 107.

The container 100 is heat-resistant, leak-proof and made from polypropylene. The base cap functions as a barrier to separate the interior of the container in which material will be stored from the weigh sensor 105. Component 106, known as a card holder, comprises a base with four upstanding arms onto which the weight sensor is mounted. An energy source (a rechargable battery) is stored within the base 107.

The weight sensor 105 weighs the contents of the container 100 every 50 milliseconds seconds and transmits the data to a router via a Wi-Fi connection (not shown).

The card holder mounts the weight sensor securely and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the container to ensure consistent weight measurements In use, as the material stored within the container 100 is consumed, the revised weight of the material within the container is transmitted to the router as sensor data and then to the processing means, where the rate of consumption of material is compiled. This sensor data is recorded as a historical data set. Using the compiled data the processing means facilitiates automatic replenishment of consumed material and alerts the user when the material stored within the container falls below a predetermined level. The display means displays to the user price comparisons and evaluated lead times.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for storing material and monitoring the weight of that material in the container, the container comprising: a container for storing material; a weight sensor comprised within the container for generating sensor data based on the weight of material stored in the container; sensor data transmission means configured to transmit the sensor data via a network; and a power source to provide energy to the weight sensor and sensor data transmission means.
2. A stock management system comprising: one or more containers of Claim 1; and processing means; wherein the processing means are configured to receive sensor data from the one Or more containers via a network and analyse the sensor data and generate an output based on the analysis of the sensor data
3. The system of Claim 2 further comprising a router configured to receive sensor data from the one or more containers via a network and transmit the sensor data to the processing means via a network
4. The container of Claim 1 or the system of Claim 2 or 3, wherein the weight sensor generates sensor data autonomously and! or on demand.
5. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the weight sensor generates sensor data and / or the sensor data transmission means transmits data to the network at least every second.
6. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the weight sensor generates sensor data and / or the sensor data transmission means transmits data to the network at least every sixty seconds.
7. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the network is a wireless communication network.
8. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the container is made from heat-resistant material.
9. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the container is formed of polypropylene.
10. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the container has a volume of about 5cm3 to about 50cm3.
11. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the weight sensor is positioned in the lower end of the container.
12. The container or the system of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises one or more additional components, for example location sensing means (e.g. a GPS device), an accelerometer, means for assessing humidity, temperature sensing means and / or means for detecting the presence of specific compounds (e.g. contaminants).
13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the output generated by the processing means is a report, an alert and / or display information on a displaying means of the analysed data.
14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to store a historical sensor data set.
15. The system of any preceding claim wherein the system comprises a commerce portal which is configured to transmit order data.
16. The system of any preceding claim wherein the system comprises display means.