JP2022551355A - Automated product cabinet for inventory control - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary automated product cabinet includes a housing defining a storage area configured to receive product, and a surface. The cabinet includes a plurality of slots each configured to receive a respective unit of product and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate the location of the unit of product. The cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing and a data capture device mounted on the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. include. The cabinet includes a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller is configured to inventory the product based at least in part on the information regarding the product and activate one or more of the visual indicators associated with the desired unit of the product.

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to automated product lockers and cabinets for ophthalmic lenses and, more particularly, to dispense ophthalmic objects, record and track patient information, determine different lenses for patients, and assist eye care professionals. A system for tracking and managing ophthalmic lens inventory in an office.

In a typical office of an eye care professional or ECP, many different ophthalmic lenses are stocked in inventory for distribution to patients entering the office. Typically, the patient determines whether corrective lenses are needed and, if so, undergoes an eye examination, for example, if the patient desires contact lenses. In order to dispense such lenses, the ECP will first test the suitability of a particular lens, and will have to place an order in its office to provide sufficient quantity to the patient until a complete order can be sent. I keep a lot of lenses. Additionally, in a surgical setting, a large number of different intraocular lenses are maintained in inventory for distribution to patients undergoing surgery.

Manual and automatic dispensing devices are known and are used to dispense a wide variety of items ranging from confectionery and hot meals to health-related items such as certain over-the-counter medications. Most of these dispensing machines are vending machines that are used as vending machines. Dispensers and vending machines are available in many areas, but they are not widely used in the medical market. In the eye care field, for example, eye care professionals still dispense trial contact lenses from drawers stocked manually by themselves and the lens manufacturer's sales representatives. These drawers require manual inventory management and simply hold contact lenses. Additionally, there is a need to develop a system for manually stocking lenses. Different inventory units or SKUs need to be separated by attributes such as power, wear regimen such as daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly wear; lens manufacturer, and lens material. This requires the use of many drawers that are not completely full to keep track of what is in stock and to more easily locate preferred lenses when selecting for a patient by a physician. 202020 Similarly, in a surgical setting, intraocular lenses are manually stored and dispensed from an inventory-controlled storage location.

However, as a tool to assist such professionals with means and methods to provide them with timely, real-time access to a wide variety of contact lenses (or intraocular lenses), A need exists for a system that can be utilized by eye health care professionals. Such machines can also be used to better manage large numbers of lenses, and can use automated inventory management to increase the number of SKUs that need to be kept in inventory. Such machines and systems will also be used by manufacturers of such lenses to provide ready access to lenses that meet each specific individual patient's needs. Additionally, the system can deliver product information and perform data analysis to better provide new products that better meet the needs of such patients.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices and methods that address the above clinical needs.

An exemplary automated product cabinet is described herein. The automated product cabinet can include a housing defining a storage area and a surface, the storage area configured to receive the product. The automated product cabinet can also include a plurality of slots disposed within the enclosure, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product and a product within the enclosure. and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of. Additionally, the automated product cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the enclosure and a data capture attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. and a device. The automated product cabinet can further include a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller may be configured to inventory the product based at least in part on the information regarding the product and activate one or more of the visual indicators associated with the desired units of the product.

Another example automated product cabinet is described herein. The automated product cabinet can include a housing defining a storage area configured to receive the product and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot containing a respective unit of product. configured to receive. Each respective unit of product may include a respective smart tag, and each smart tag stores information about each unit of product. The automated product cabinet may also include a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective locations and controllers of respective units of product within the enclosure. The controller receives information about each unit of product from each smart tag, inventories the product based at least in part on the information about each unit of product, and provides a visual indicator associated with the desired unit of product. may be configured to activate one or more of

An exemplary automated product system is also described herein. The system can include a housing defining a storage area configured to receive the product and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot receiving a respective unit of the product. configured as Further, the system can include an imaging device and a projector, each disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to the housing, and including a controller. The imaging device can be configured to capture information about the product. The controller may be configured to receive information about the product from the imaging device, inventory the product based at least in part on the information about the product, and cause the projector to illuminate a corresponding location of the desired product within the enclosure.

It should be understood that the above-described subject matter may also be implemented as an article of manufacture such as a computer controller, computer process, computing system, or computer-readable storage medium.

Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon consideration of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and protected by the accompanying claims.

Components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numbers refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.
1 is an exemplary operating environment for implementations described herein; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), side view (FIG. 3B), and isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), side view (FIG. 3B), and isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), side view (FIG. 3B), and isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein. 1 is an isometric view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 1 illustrates an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 5A is an isometric view showing an automatic product locker with enlarged windows showing storage areas of drawers. FIG. 5B shows an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers shown in FIG. 5A. 1 illustrates an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 5A is an isometric view showing an automatic product locker with enlarged windows showing storage areas of drawers. FIG. 5B shows an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers shown in FIG. 5A. 6A and 6B are a top view (FIG. 6A) and a side view (FIG. 6B) of a set of visual indicators 105 according to embodiments described herein. 6A and 6B are a top view (FIG. 6A) and a side view (FIG. 6B) of a set of visual indicators 105 according to embodiments described herein. 1 shows an isometric view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 1 shows multiple product packages, each having a label according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated product position according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 11A shows a view from the front of the automated product position without side panels. FIG. 11B shows a side view of the automatic product position without side panels. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated product position according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 11A shows a view from the front of the automated product position without side panels. FIG. 11B shows a side view of the automatic product position without side panels. 1 is an isometric view of an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to embodiments described herein; 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device; FIG. 4 is another example operating environment for implementations described herein. 1 is a block diagram of an automated product cabinet according to embodiments described herein; FIG. 1 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to embodiments described herein; Figure 17A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. 1 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to embodiments described herein; Figure 17A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. 1 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to embodiments described herein; Figure 17A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 18A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. FIG. 18C is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 18D is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 18A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. FIG. 18C is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 18D is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 18A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. FIG. 18C is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 18D is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 18A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. FIG. 18C is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 18D is the same as FIG. 18A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 19A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. FIG. 19C is the same as FIG. 19A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 19D is similar to FIG. 19A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 19A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. FIG. 19C is the same as FIG. 19A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 19D is similar to FIG. 19A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 19A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. FIG. 19C is the same as FIG. 19A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 19D is similar to FIG. 19A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; Figure 19A shows an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. FIG. 19C is the same as FIG. 19A. shows a side view of the automatic product cabinet of . FIG. 19D is similar to FIG. 19A. shows a front view of the automatic product cabinet of . 4 illustrates automated product cabinets having different sizes according to embodiments described herein. The illustrated automated product cabinets 20A, 20B, and 20C house 300, 304, and 507 products or product packages, respectively. 4 illustrates automated product cabinets having different sizes according to embodiments described herein. The illustrated automated product cabinets 20A, 20B, and 20C house 300, 304, and 507 products or product packages, respectively. 4 illustrates automated product cabinets having different sizes according to embodiments described herein. The illustrated automated product cabinets 20A, 20B, and 20C house 300, 304, and 507 products or product packages, respectively. Fig. 3 shows a module of slots for use with the automated product cabinet described herein; Figure 21A shows a unit of product loaded into a slot and Figure 21B shows an empty slot. Fig. 3 shows a module of slots for use with the automated product cabinet described herein; Figure 21A shows a unit of product loaded into a slot and Figure 21B shows an empty slot. 1 illustrates an exemplary slot for use with the automated product cabinets described herein. Fig. 4 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another embodiment described herein; 2 illustrates an automated product system according to yet another embodiment described herein;

In the description and claims herein, the term "about" indicates that the recited values may be changed somewhat so long as the change does not result in process or device incompatibilities. For example, with respect to some elements, the term "about" can refer to ±0.1%, variation for other elements, and the term "about" can refer to ±1% or ±10%, or can refer to the variation of any point in

As used herein, the terms "substantially" or "substantially" are negative expressions that refer to a complete or near-total absence of an act, property, property, condition, structure, article, or result. It is equally applicable when used. For example, a surface that is "substantially" flat may be perfectly flat or nearly flat, and the effect would be the same as if it were perfectly flat.

As used herein, terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to singular entities only, and specific examples are used for purposes of illustration. Including the general categories you get.

As used herein, terms defined in the singular are intended to encompass terms defined in the plural and vice versa.

When referring to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary example," etc. herein, although the described embodiment may include certain features, structures, or features, all implementations Indicates that form does not necessarily include that particular function, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with an embodiment, such features, structures, or characteristics may be referred to in connection with other embodiments, whether explicitly stated or not. The effect of is to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. For the purposes of the following description, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom" and derivatives thereof refer to the shall relate to the present invention as oriented in The terms “overlying,” “disposed on,” or “overlaid” mean that a first element resides on a second element, and the first element and the It means the intervening element interface between the second element. The term "direct contact" or "attached" means that the first element and the second element are connected without any intermediate element at the interface of the two elements.

Reference to any numerical range herein explicitly includes each numerical value (including fractions and integers) subsumed within that range. For purposes of illustration, ranges of "at least 50" or "at least about 50" as used herein include integers such as 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, including fractions 50.1, 50.2 50.3, 50.4, 50.5, 50.6, 50.7, 50.8, 50.9, etc. For further explanation, as used herein, the range "less than 50" or "less than about 50" includes integers 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, etc., and fractional 49.9, 49.8, 49.7, 49.6, 49.5, 49.4, 49.3, 49.2, 49.1, 49.0, etc.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations thereof is an open, non-limiting term used synonymously with the term "including" and variations thereof. "Optional" or "Optionally" means that the subsequently described event or situation may or may not occur, and the description includes instances in which such event or situation does and does not occur. It means that Although implementations are described for automatic product lockers for storing contact lenses, it is noted that these implementations are not limited to but applicable to automatic product lockers for storing other types of products. will be clear to those skilled in the art.

An automatic product storage locker is described herein. Such automatic product locking devices can be used to track/inventory products such as contact lenses. For example, the automatic product lockers described herein are designed to: (i) keep track of units of product that have been removed from storage; (ii) inform users who need inventory; including automatically placing orders, (iv) storage space for all regularly prescribed lenses, and/or (v) working during power outages.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary operating environment for implementations described herein is shown. As shown in Figure 1, the automated product lockers 100, client devices 102, and remote systems 104 are connected to one or more networks 200 . may be operably coupled by Automated product locker 100 is described in detail below. Further, client 102 may be computing such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone (eg, computing 700 in FIG. 14), and remote system 104 may be computing such as a server (eg, FIG. 14 computing 700). Optionally, in some implementations, the remote system 104 is one of cloud-based systems, such as processors and data storage allocated to serve the needs of the client device 102 on demand. These are computer system resources. Cloud-based systems are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. In some implementations, the remote system 104 stores databases 104A. or contains database 104A. can be accessed. Alternatively or additionally, remote system 104 may store electronic medical records (EMRs) 104B. contains or has access to

As described above, automated product lockers 100, client devices 102, and remote systems 104 are connected to one or more networks 200 . can be connected by This disclosure contemplates that network 200 is any suitable communication network. Networks may resemble each other in one or more respects. Alternatively or additionally, the networks may differ from each other in one or more respects. Network 200 can include a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc., any of the networks described above. including any part or combination of Automated product lockers 100, client devices 102, and remote systems 104 may be coupled to network 200 via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. Exemplary communication links include, but are not limited to LAN, WAN, MAN, Ethernet, Internet, or any other wired or wireless link such as WiFi, WiMax, 3G, 4G, or 5G.

The present disclosure contemplates that the automated product locker 100, client 102, and remote system 104 can interact to bring up inventory and shipping/delivery functions as described in US Pat. No. 100. do. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17, 2018, filed December 17, 2018, entitled "DISTRIBUTION AND INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME." 16/222,819, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A database 104A can be managed/maintained reflecting an inventory of products (e.g., contact lenses) sold by the remote system 104. By exchanging messages over the network 200, the remote system 104 can retrieve information from the automatic product locator 100. Messages with product inventory updates can be received The remote system 104 can also query the database 104A in response to requests from the automatic product locator 100 and/or the client device 102. The present disclosure , a user (e.g., a medical professional such as an eye care professional (ECP)) can interact with automated product locker 100 and/or remote system 104 using client device 102. For example, Client device 102 may run applications and/or interface with automated product locker 100 and/or remote system 104 using a web browser.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the automatic product locator 100 is shown according to embodiments described herein. The automatic product locator 100 includes a housing 101 and one or more drawers 103 . can include Each of the drawers 103 may define a storage area as shown (eg, storage area 104 of FIG. 1). 5A-5B) are configured to receive the product. As described herein, each of the drawers 103 includes a housing 101 . It is slidably receivable within. In other words, drawer 103 can be pulled out from housing 101 (eg, as shown in the figure). 7, 13B, 13C) provide access to products, for example. Drawer 103, on the other hand, may be housed within housing 101 (eg, as shown in the figure). 4, 5A, 13A).

The automatic product locator 100 may also include a plurality of visual indicators 105 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within the storage area. Additionally, the automatic product locator 100 can include a machine vision system 107 disposed within the housing 101 and configured to capture information about the product. Machine vision system 107 may include a data capture device. As discussed below, the data capture device may optionally be a barcode scanner or imaging device. Further, the automatic product locator 100 includes housings 101 . may include a controller 109 located within. Controller 109 may be computing (eg, computing 700 in FIG. 14). One exemplary controller for using the automated product locker 100 is the Raspberry PI from the Raspberry Pi Foundation (United Kingdom).

This disclosure contemplates that machine vision system 107 and controller 109 may be operatively coupled, for example, via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. Additionally, visual indicator 105 and controller 109 may be operatively coupled via one or more communication links, for example. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. This allows controller 109 to control machine vision system 107 and/or visual indicators 105 . can exchange data with

Optionally, in some implementations, the automatic product locator 100 includes a housing 101 . may include a power source 111 located within. For example, the automated product locator 100 may be configured to connect to grid power (eg, standard alternating current (A/C) power supplied to the home/bus) during normal operation. The present disclosure contemplates that power supply 111 may provide power to automated product location 100 in response to a disruption (eg, power outage). Power source 111 may optionally be a battery.

Optionally, in some implementations, the automated product locator 100 is located within the housing 101 and the drawers 103 . can include a locking device 113 configured to secure the For example, locking device 113 may be an electronic lock that secures drawer 103 with a release mechanism operable with a passcode, card, radio frequency identification (RFID), or biometrics (eg, authentication). . It should be appreciated that the client device 102 can send authentication information to the automated product location 100 over a network. Authentication can be performed locally at the automated product locker 100 and/or remotely at a remote system. Alternatively, locking device 113 may be a mechanical lock, which secures drawer 103 with a release mechanism operable by a physical key.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the automatic product locator 100 includes a drawer 103 . can be configured to detect movement of the As described below, machine vision system 107 includes drawers 103 . may be initiated in response to movement of In some implementations, the controller 109 controls the machine vision system 107 . can be configured to detect movement of the drawer 103 using . For example, the automatic product location 100 may be a drawer 103 . A location strip may be included that includes machine-readable code disposed therein. The location strips may be positioned along or adjacent to one or more of the compartments (eg, compartment 400 in the figure). 5A-5B). It should be appreciated that a machine-readable location code may be provided corresponding to each slot within the drawer that receives a unit of product. In this implementation, the machine vision system 107 (eg, imager or barcode scanner) may be configured to read/decode the location strip. This information may be transmitted to and received by controller 109 , which may be configured to detect movement of drawer 103 . Alternatively or additionally, the automatic product locator 100 includes a housing 101 . A position detector 115 configured to sense the position of the drawer 103 relative to the can also be included. For example, position detector 115 may be a through-beam photoelectric sensor. In this embodiment, plates with through holes are placed in automatic product lockers 100 . can be provided within As the drawer 103 is moved relative to the housing 101, the light beam is translated on the plate, and photoelectric sensors detect when the light beam passes through each of the through-holes. This information is stored in the relative position drawer 103 . can be sent to and received from controller 109, which can be configured to track Optionally, the automatic product locator 100 can include drawer cushions to stabilize the speed at which the drawers slide in and out of the enclosure.

Now refer to the figure. 3A-3C, a front view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG. 3B) and an isometric view of the automated product locker 100 (FIG. 3C) are shown. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in the figure. 3A-3C. Drawers 103 include four relatively small drawers (eg, top four drawers) and four relatively large drawers (eg, bottom four drawers). Different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the top four drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, while the bottom four drawers are three-pair (3p) or five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to accommodate the It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an isometric view of automated product locker 100 is shown according to embodiments described herein. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG. Drawer 103 includes three relatively small drawers (eg, three drawers) and three relatively large drawers (eg, three drawer bottoms). As noted above, different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the top three drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, while the bottom three drawers accommodate three-pair (3p) or five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Automated product locker 100 may also include a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 105 of FIG. 2). Each of the visual indicators can be a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED). It is understood that these values are merely exemplary. This disclosure contemplates that the visual indicator may be other elements including, but not limited to, graphical displays. As noted above, a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 105 of FIG. 2) can be operatively coupled to a controller (eg, controller 109 of FIG. 2). The visual indicators are automatic product locators 100 . provided to notify a user (eg, a health professional such as an eye care professional (ECP)) of the desired product's location within the system. As described herein, visual indicators may be placed on the exterior surface of the automated product location 100 (e.g., on and/or adjacent to a drawer) and/or within the storage area of the automated product location 100. (eg, adjacent to the product package). The controller may send an activation signal to one or more visual indicators to notify the user that the desired product is located (e.g., a location within the drawer and/or the drawer itself). can. As described herein, the controller can activate one or more visual indicators external to the automated product location 100 and/or activate one or more visual indicators within the drawer. . In some embodiments, a visual indicator can indicate an error, such as by changing color, blinking, or otherwise changing state to alert the user of the change in state. . Visual indicators may also guide users (e.g., ECPs, staff members, employees, third parties, or other users) to available locations within the locker when loading product into the locker. . In certain embodiments, the visual indicator may display different images, colors, or other representations to indicate which lead is indicated. For example, each user of the device may be associated with a particular icon, graphic, or text in the case of graphical displays. Or, in the case of an LED or other illuminated visual indicator, a particular user may be associated with a given color or blink sequence within a software application operably associated with the locker, thereby allowing multiple users to can be directed to the correct location within the locator following its assigned color on the visual indicator.

Now refer to the figure. 5A-5B illustrate an automated product locator 100 according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 5A shows the drawer 103 . 1 is an isometric view of the automated product location 100 with an enlarged window showing the storage area 104 of the . A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG. 5A. Drawers 103 include two relatively small drawers (eg, top two drawers) and three relatively large drawers (eg, three drawer bottoms). As noted above, different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the top two drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, while the bottom three drawers accommodate three-pair (3p) or five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Further, each of the drawers 103 shown in FIG. 5A has its outer surface 103A. It includes a visual indicator 105 located thereon. In FIG. 5A, visual indicator 105 is positioned on exterior surface 103A of drawer 103 (eg, on or near the handle of the drawer). It should be understood that the placement of visual indicators 105 shown in FIG. 5A is provided as an example only. As described herein, the visual indicator 105 informs the user of the location of the desired product so that the visual indicator 105 directs a particular drawer 103 to the user's benefit (e.g., (when activated) may be placed anywhere in and/or near the drawer for visibility. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides drawers 103 . It is contemplated that a visual indicator 105 may optionally be provided adjacent the outer surface 103A of the drawer 103, opposite the outer surface 103A of the drawer. In FIG. 5A, one of the visual indicators 105 is the automatic product locator 100 . activate (eg, light up) a second visual indicator 105 from the top of the . This ensures that the desired product is in this particular drawer 103 . Inform 103 the user that it is located within.

The enlarged window in FIG. 5A is the drawer 103 . 1 shows a storage area 104 within. It should be appreciated that the storage area 104 receives products. In the examples described herein, the product is a contact lens. The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages 300 (eg, containers such as boxes, cartons, wrappers, etc.). For example, wire 300 may include one or more conductors. The automatic product locator 100 can accept multiple product packages 300, ie, multiple units of product. In FIG. 5A, product package 300 is stored in storage area 104 . are arranged side by side within the In other words, product packages 300 (sometimes referred to herein as "units of product") are arranged in a single row between compartments. In addition, a set of visual indicators 105 are stored in storage areas 104 . can be provided within Each visual indicator 105 is a product package 300 . provided adjacent to each of the As shown in the magnified window, respective visual indicators 105 adjacent two product packages 300 (ie, product packages being removed from storage area 104) are activated (eg, illuminated). As a result, the desired product is stored in storage area 104 . Inform the user 104 that they are located at these particular locations within the.

FIG. 5B shows an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers 103 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, drawer 103 includes storage areas 104 . It can further include a plurality of compartments 400 disposed therein. Additionally, the drawer 103 can further include a plurality of trays 420 configured to receive products, each of the trays 420 having an adjacent partition 400 . is placed between Each of the trays 420 can include a plurality of slots 440 for receiving units of product (eg, product package 300). As shown in FIG. 5B, each set of visual indicators 105 is associated with a section 400 . can be arranged along each of the The visual indicators 105 are arranged such that one visual indicator 105 corresponds to each slot 440 . can be arranged linearly along the section 400 such that it is positioned adjacent to the . In FIG. 5B, a set of visual indicators 105 are indicated by dashed boxes. Accordingly, visual indicators 105 are positioned adjacent each side of one of the product packages 300, which when activated (e.g., illuminated) identify the desired unit of product. emphasize the position of

Now refer to the figure. 6A-6B, a top view (FIG. 6A) and a side view (FIG. 6B) of a set of visual indicators 105 according to embodiments described herein are shown. As described herein, sets of visual indicators 105 may be arranged along a partition (eg, partition 400 of FIG. 5B). In some implementations, the visual indicators 105 are arranged linearly along the compartment. In the figures 6A-6B, the visual indicators 105 are evenly spaced. This is because the slot sizes are the same. This disclosure contemplates that visual indicators 105 may be unequally spaced, for example, when slot sizes are different. In other words, the visual indicators 105 may be sized and/or spaced such that one visual indicator 105 is provided adjacent each slot. It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or spacing between visual indicators 105 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an isometric view of automated product locker 100 according to embodiments described herein is shown. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown. In Figure 7, one of the drawers 103 is pulled out from the enclosure 101, exposing the product to the user.

Now refer to the figure. 8A-8C show front views of the automated product locker 100 according to embodiments described herein. Figures 8A-8C show different drawer configurations. FIG. 8A shows two drawers sized for one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, one drawer sized for three-pair (3p) contact lens packages, and five-pair (5p) contact lenses. The configuration with one drawer for the package is shown. FIG. 8B shows a configuration with six drawers sized for a five-pair (5p) contact lens package. FIG. 8C shows four drawers sized for one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, one drawer sized for three-pair (3p) contact lens packages, and five-pair (5p) contact lenses. Fig. 3 shows an arrangement with three drawers having the size of a package; It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers is provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

As described herein, a machine vision system (eg, machine vision system 107 of FIG. 2) can capture information about a product. The present disclosure contemplates that such information may be associated with product packaging and/or the product itself. For example, product packaging may include labels such as bar codes (1D, 2D, or 3D), universal product codes (UPC), and/or stock keeping units (SKU). Now refer to the figure. 9A-9C show exemplary labeling included in product packaging. In some implementations, label 500 is affixed to product package 300 (see figure). 9A-9C). In Figures 9A-9C, label 500 includes a 2D barcode (eg, QR code). In some implementations, label 600 is printed directly onto product package 300 (see FIG. 9C). In FIG. 9C, label 600 is UPC. In other embodiments, the label may be included on and/or affixed to the product itself (not shown). Further, the present disclosure does not disclose that information about the product may be included in the product packaging or the product itself and/or attached to the product packaging or the product itself in graphics (e.g., brand names, product names, product descriptions, etc.) and/or graphics. (eg, brand logo, product logo). 9B, 9C). Information associated with the product may be recognized by the computer vision system through machine learning algorithms, optical character recognition (OCR), or other means described in more detail herein. The present disclosure contemplates that each of the product packages stored in automatic product locator 100 may include a label. FIG. 10 shows labels 500 . A plurality of product packages 300, having The product package 300 can be stored inside the automatic product locking device described herein, and the machine vision system will display the label 300 . can capture information about the product by reading/decoding the .

Now refer to the figure. 11A-11B, isometric views of a portion of automated product location 100 according to embodiments described herein. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in the figure. 11A-11B. FIG. 11A shows a front view of the automatic product locator 100 without the side panels. One of the outer drawer faces is transparent in FIG. 11A for visibility. FIG. 11B shows a side view of the automatic product locator 100 without the side panels. 11A-11B illustrate housing 101 . shows a machine vision system placed within. The illustrated machine vision system 11A-11B includes a data capture device 107A and a light reflecting device 107B, collectively referred to as the illustrated "machine vision system". 11A-11B). The data capture device 107A may be an optical device such as a barcode reader or an imaging device such as a digital camera. One of many suitable cameras includes the E-Consystems model 3CAM_CU135_TC. A digital camera includes a lens, a sensor, and an image processor. Digital cameras are known in the art and therefore will not be described in further detail below. Data capture devices can also take the form of radio frequency devices such as RFID scanners. In the embodiment described with respect to the figures, at 11A-11B, data capture device 107A is an imaging device. It should be understood that the imaging device is provided as an example only, and that this disclosure contemplates using other types of data capture devices. Further, the light reflecting device 107B directs light reflected from at least a portion of the storage area to the data acquisition devices 107A . can be configured to direct the For example, light reflecting devices include, but are not limited to, mirrors, prisms, lenses, and the like. As shown, 11A-11B, data capture device 107A and light reflection device 107B are connected to drawers 103.n. are placed on both sides of the The light reflecting device 107B has a light reflecting surface similar to that of the data capturing device 107A. positioned at an angle such that it is oriented downward with respect to the axis of In this manner, light-reflecting surface 107B directs light reflected from a portion of the storage area of the drawer toward data capture device 107A, thereby allowing data capture device 107A to identify the products in the storage area. An image of the unit can be captured. It should be appreciated that the properties, size, and/or placement of data capture device 107A and light reflecting device 107B will depend on the desired image field. This disclosure contemplates that one or more data capture devices 107A and/or one or more light reflecting surfaces 107B can form a machine vision system. As mentioned above, this is determined by the desired image field. Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates that a machine vision system may include only one or more data capture devices 107A (ie, without light reflective surfaces 107A B). This depends, for example, on the size of the storage area, data capture device characteristics, number of data capture devices, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown an isometric view of the automated product locator 100 according to embodiments described herein. The housing 101 and the plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG. shown. FIG. 12 shows the drawer 103.n. shows a view from the front of the automated product position 100 without the outer surface of the . The machine vision system of Figure 12 includes a data capture device 107C. including. Data capture device 107C may be a barcode scanner. Barcode scanners can read and output printed machine-readable codes (eg, barcodes) to. Barcode scanners include, but are not limited to, laser scanners, charge-coupled device (CCD) scanners, and omni-directional scanners. Barcode scanners are known in the art and are therefore not described in further detail below.

As described herein, the automatic storage locator 100 can include multiple drawers and multiple machine vision systems. In some implementations, respective machine vision systems (eg, data capture device 107A/light reflection device 107B). 11A-11B or data capture device 107C of FIG. 12 may be provided for each drawer. In other words, each drawer can have its own machine vision system. Optionally, in some implementations, machine vision system 107 may include a single data capture device (eg, one camera per drawer as shown). 11A-11B).

Referring again to FIG. 2, the controller 109 inventories the product based at least in part on the information about the product and activates one or more of the visual indicators 105 associated with the desired unit of product. can be configured. An exemplary process will now be described with reference to the figures. 13A-13D. In FIG. 13A, a user (eg, ECP) accesses a client device 102 . to enter the request for the desired unit of the product. A client device 102 can send a request for a desired unit of product to the automated product location 100 via a network (not shown). 13A-13D). A controller (13A-13D of automated product locker 100, not shown) may be configured to receive a request for a desired unit of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product to a remote system over the network (not shown). 13A-13D). As described herein, a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1) can include and/or have access to an inventory database. The remote system queries the database to find automated product lockers 100 . The location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the product can be determined. The remote system can send a response over the network to the controller, and the controller can receive a response, the response including the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the storage area. . It should be understood that such location(s) may include particular drawer(s) and/or particular location(s) within a drawer. As described herein, the controller may be configured to send signals to activate visual indicators (not shown). 13A-13D) are user drawers 103 . 103. Assist in identifying the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within. Optionally, as described herein, the controller controls drawer 103 . can be unlocked. An open drawer 103 is shown in the figure. 13B and 13C, also show visual indicators 105 activated (eg, illuminated) by the controller. These visual indicators highlight the location of the desired unit of product for the benefit of the user. In FIG. 13D, the drawer 103 is put back into the housing. As described herein, this movement (e.g., pulling drawer 103 out of housing 101 and/or returning drawer 103 back into housing 101) is performed by automated product location 103, e.g. , a machine vision system and/or a position detector. This causes the controller to start the machine vision system. By initiating the machine vision system, the automatic product locator 100 can read/decode machine-readable labels (eg, barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The respective respective positions of the units of product can then be transmitted by the controller to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly. Optionally, as described herein, the controller controls drawer 103 . can be locked.

Alternatively or additionally, the automated product locker 100 can be effortlessly inventoried. For example, a user (eg, an ECP) can open one or more drawers and inventory products by placing a product package into any empty slot within the storage area. Unlike conventional storage systems, there is no need to organize storage in any arbitrary way, eg, by prescription, power, type, and so on. The product packages may alternatively be randomly placed within the storage area. Closing the drawer allows the controller to start the machine vision system. By initiating the machine vision system, the automatic product locator 100 can read/decode machine-readable labels (eg, barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The respective respective positions of the units of product can then be transmitted by the controller to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in some implementations, controller 109 controls drawers 103 . may be configured to provide an alarm depending on the state of the A host of conditions can serve to trigger alarms, including products being inserted incorrectly, such as upside down (as recognized by the computer vision system). Another possible alarm condition is that the controller 109 provides an alarm in response to the drawer 103 remaining open (e.g., unger) for longer than a preset period of time, e.g., to notify the user. may Additionally, the controller 109 can provide alarms depending on environmental conditions (eg, temperature, humidity, etc.) within the storage area. The present disclosure contemplates that drawer 103 may include various sensors for detecting environmental conditions.

As described herein, the data capture device 107C of the machine vision system 107 is a barcode scanner (see FIG. 12) capable of reading and decoding machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. ). The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein. Accordingly, inventorying products based at least in part on information about the products includes reading respective product identifiers associated with respective units of products using a barcode scanner; Decoding each product identifier associated with the unit may also be included. After reading/decoding the respective product identifiers, respective units of the product can be associated with respective locations within the storage area. The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 109 and/or a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1).

As described herein, data capture device 107A of machine vision system 107 may be an imaging device such as a digital camera (see FIG. 1). 11A-11B) can capture an image of a machine-readable product identifier such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU. The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. For example, text and/or graphics can include, but are not limited to, brand names, product names, product descriptions, logos, and the like. These implementations can use image processing techniques to decode the machine-readable product identifier. Accordingly, the step of inventorying a product based at least in part on information relating to the product may include receiving an image of the product captured by an imaging device, analyzing the image of the product to determine the identifying respective product identifiers associated with respective units of product; and decoding said respective product identifiers associated with said respective units of products. After analyzing/decoding each product identifier, each unit of product can be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 109 and/or a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1).

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product further comprises cropping a portion of the image of the product. By cropping the image, the portion of the image that is expected to contain the product identifier can be brought into focus. Therefore, the cutout portion of the image is analyzed to identify the respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product. In addition, controller 109 can be configured to transmit an image of the product over a network to a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1). In these implementations, images may be stored by the remote system for backup purposes, or image processing (part or all) may be offset from the controller 109 to the remote system. Alternatively or additionally, controller 109 may be configured to store the image of the product in memory. In some implementations, the image is temporarily stored (eg, to allow image processing) and then stored in the automated product locker 100 . may be written to minimize storage requirements in

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying products based at least in part on information about the products includes missing, unrecognized, or non-readable products. Further comprising identifying one or more of respective locations within the storage area associated with the identifier. Optionally, controller 109 may be configured to distinguish between missing units of product and units of product having unrecognized/non-readable product identifiers. The former may be restocked, while the latter may be repositioned (e.g., flipped, rotated, loosened, etc.) to correctly orient the product identifier for reading by the machine vision system. good). For example, using a machine learning algorithm, one or more of each location in the storage area associated with a missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifier contains a unit of product. can determine whether The present disclosure contemplates that in some implementations, a conventional vision system (e.g., pattern recognition) can be used to perform machine learning algorithms by the controller 109; It is contemplated that the algorithm may be executed by a remote system (ie, offset from automated product location 100). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks such as identifying lost, unrecognized, or unreadable product identifiers. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and are therefore not described in further detail below. An exemplary machine learning algorithm is TensorFlow, an open source machine learning algorithm known in the art. TensorFlow is just one example of a machine learning algorithm. The present disclosure contemplates using other machine learning algorithms, including but not limited to neural networks, support vector machines, nearest neighbor algorithms, supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms.

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product uses a machine learning algorithm to identify each unit of the product. Further including analyzing the image of the product to determine the source. This is particularly useful, for example, when products are supplied by multiple vendors or manufacturers. In other words, automated product locker 100 can be used to store products from different sources (eg, contact lenses from different manufacturers). As described above, the machine vision system 107, which includes an imaging device such as a camera, can be used to capture images of both machine-readable codes (barcodes, UPC, SKUs) and text and graphics. Processing techniques can be used to decode the product identifier. This disclosure contemplates that machine learning algorithms may be used to identify machine readable code associated with different vendors or manufacturers. This allows the automated product locker 100 to select the appropriate decryption rules. Alternatively or additionally, machine learning algorithms can be used to identify the source of a unit of product based on text and/or graphics (even in the absence of machine readable code). The present disclosure contemplates that in some implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the controller 109, and in other implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by a remote system (i.e. from an automated product location). offset). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying the source of a product's units. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and are therefore not described in further detail below. Exemplary machine learning algorithms are provided above.

The logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures may be implemented as (1) a sequence of computer-implemented operations or program modules (i.e., software) (e.g., computing, As interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (ie, hardware) in (2)) and/or as a combination of software and hardware in (3)). Thus, the disclosed technology is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. Implementation is a matter of choice depending on computing performance and other requirements. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, operations, or modules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, dedicated digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be understood that more or fewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures and described herein. These operations may also be performed in a different order than described herein.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown an exemplary computing 700 in which the methods described herein may be implemented. It should be appreciated that exemplary computing 700 is only one example of a suitable computing environment in which the methods described herein may be implemented. Optionally, computing 700 is a personal computer, server, handheld or laptop device, multiprocessor system, microprocessor-based system, network personal computer (PC), minicomputer, mainframe computer, embedded system, and/or A distributed computing environment containing multiple ones of the above systems or devices. Distributed computing environments enable remote computing connected to communications networks or other data transmission media to perform various tasks. In a distributed computing environment, program modules, applications and other data may be stored on local and/or remote computer storage media.

In its most basic configuration, computing 700 typically includes at least one processing unit 706 and system memory 704 . including. Depending on the exact configuration and type of Dependent, system memory 704 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. may This most basic configuration is shown by dashed lines 702 . is shown in FIG. The processing unit 706 includes the computing devices 700 . It may be a standard programmable processor that performs the arithmetic and logic operations necessary for the operation of the . computing 700 is also called computing 700 . may include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information between various components of the .

Computing 700 may have additional features/functionality. For example, computing 700 may include additional storage devices such as removable storage device 708 and non-removable storage device 710 including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Computing 700 may also contain network connections 716 that allow the device to communicate with other devices. Computing 700 may also have input devices 714 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, and the like. Output devices 712 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. Additional devices are computing 700. may be connected to a bus to facilitate communication of data between the components of the. All of these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

Processing unit 706 may be configured to execute program code encoded on a tangible computer-readable medium. Tangible computer-readable medium refers to any medium that can provide data that causes computing 700 (ie, a machine) to operate in a specified manner. A variety of computer readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to processing unit 706 for execution. "Computer storage media" includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Non-removable media may be included. System memory 704, removable storage 708 and non-removable storage 710 are all examples of tangible computer storage media. Exemplary tangible computer-readable recording media include integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays or application-specific ICs), hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, holographic storage media, solid state devices. , RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), or other optical storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, Magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

In one embodiment, processing unit 706 stores system memory 704 . may execute program code stored in the For example, the bus may carry data to system memory 704, where processing unit 706 receives and executes instructions. Data received by system memory 704 is optionally processed by processing units 706 . may be stored in removable storage device 708 or non-removable storage device 710 before or after execution by .

The various techniques described herein may be implemented in conjunction with hardware or software, or, where appropriate, in conjunction with a combination of both. Thus, the methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented, or certain aspects or portions thereof, stored on a floppy diskette, CD-ROM, hard drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium ( may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in a tangible, non-transitory storage medium such as a computer readable storage medium) such that the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine such as a computer. The machine then becomes a device for performing the techniques described herein. When executing the program code on a programmable computer, the computing device comprises a processor, a processor-readable storage medium (including volatile and nonvolatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and At least one output device can be included. One or more programs can implement or utilize the processes described in relation to the subject matter of this disclosure, for example, by using application programming interfaces (APIs), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

An automated product cabinet is also described herein. Such automated product cabinets can be used to track/inventory products such as intraocular lenses. Referring now to Figure 15, a frequency graph 6290 is shown. Automated product cabinet 1000, client device 102, and remote system 104 are connected to one or more networks 200 . may be operably coupled by Automated product cabinet 1000, client 102, and remote system 104 can be coupled to network 200 via one or more communication links (eg, any suitable communication link). Client device 102, remote system 104, and network 200 are described above with respect to FIG. For example, client device 102 and/or remote system 104 may be computing (eg, computing 700 in FIG. 14). In some implementations, the remote system 104 may store databases 104A or EMRs 104B . contains or has access to Further, network 200 is any suitable communication network. Automated product cabinet 1000 is described in detail below. The present disclosure contemplates that multiple automated product cabinets 1000 may be included within the operating environment. For example, a user such as a surgeon or ECP may have multiple automated product cabinets 1000 in an office for storing inventory.

The present disclosure contemplates that automated product cabinet 1000, client 102, and remote system 104 can interact to bring up inventory and shipping/delivery functions as described in US Pat. No. 1000. do. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17, 2018, filed December 17, 2018, entitled "DISTRIBUTION AND INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME." 16/222,819, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A database 104A can be managed/maintained that reflects the inventory of products (eg, intraocular lenses) stored in the automated product cabinet 1000 by exchanging messages over the network 200. Messages with product inventory updates can be received from the remote system 104. The remote system 104 can also query the database 104A in response to requests from the automated product cabinet 1000 and/or the client device 102. The present disclosure is , a user (eg, a surgeon or a medical professional such as an ECP) can interact with the automated product cabinet 1000 and/or the remote system 104 using a client device 102. For example, client device 102. may run applications and/or interfaces with automated product cabinet 1000 and/or remote system 104 using a web browser.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a block diagram of automated product cabinet 1000 according to embodiments described herein. An exemplary automated product cabinet 1000 is also shown, for example, by way of illustration. 17A-19D. The automated product cabinet 1000 can include a housing 1001 that defines a storage area for receiving products. In the examples described below, the products stored in the automated product cabinet 1000 are intraocular lenses. The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes, cartons, wrappers, etc.). For example, a product package may contain one or more intraocular lenses. The automated product cabinet 1000 is capable of receiving multiple product packages, ie multiple units of product, within its storage area. For example, automated product cabinet 1000 can include a plurality of slots 1003 disposed within housing 1001, each slot 1003 configured to receive a respective unit of product. A user can access enclosures 1001 . The storage area and slot 1003 can be accessed through the plane of the . In this embodiment, the sides of housing 1001 are open to the environment for easy access to the product by the user. However, enclosure 1001 may alternatively be fully or partially closed via doors, drawers, or other covers, and may be transparent or opaque as desired. Optionally, the slots 1003 (and thus the units of product stored therein) may be arranged in rows and/or columns within the storage area (eg, see figure). 17A-19D). It should be appreciated that the automated product cabinet 1000 can accept products other than intraocular lenses, including but not limited to other types of ophthalmic lenses and/or surgical tools.

The automated product cabinet 1000 also includes enclosures 1001 . A plurality of visual indicators 1005 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within may be included. Further, the automated product cabinet 1000 includes enclosures 1001 . can include a scanning bar 1007 configured to be slidably repositioned along the plane of the . The automated product cabinet 1000 can also include a data capture device 1009 attached to the scanning bar 1007 and configured to capture information about the product. As described herein, data capture device 1009 can be a barcode scanner capable of reading and decoding machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein. Alternatively, as described herein, the data capture device 1009 is a digital camera capable of capturing images of machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, 3D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. and other imaging devices. The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. For example, text and/or graphics can include, but are not limited to, brand names, product names, product descriptions, logos, and the like. Imaging device implementations may use image processing techniques to decode the machine-readable product identifier.

Further, the automated product cabinet 1000 includes a controller 1111 . can include In some implementations, the controller 1111 is optionally connected to the housing 1001 . may be placed within Controller 1111 may be computing (eg, computing 700 in FIG. 14). One exemplary controller for using the automated product cabinet 1000 is the Raspberry PI from the Raspberry Pi Foundation (United Kingdom). This disclosure contemplates that data capture device 1009 and controller 1111 may be operably linked via one or more communication links, for example. Additionally, visual indicator 1005 and controller 1111 may be operatively coupled via one or more communication links, for example. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. This allows controller 1111 to control data capture device 1009 and/or visual indicators 1005 . can exchange data with

Optionally, in some implementations, the automated product cabinet 1000 includes enclosures 1001 . A power source 1113 located within may be included. For example, the automated product cabinet 1000 can be configured to connect to grid power (eg, standard alternating current (A/C) power) during normal operation. The present disclosure contemplates that power supply 1113 may provide power to automated product cabinet 1000 in response to a disruption (eg, power outage). Power source 1113 may optionally be a battery.

Optionally, in some implementations, the automated product cabinet 1000 includes enclosures 1001 . A position detector 1115 configured to sense the position of the scanning bar 1007 with respect to the plane of the can also be included. For example, position detector 1115 may be a through-beam photoelectric sensor. In this embodiment, a plate with through holes is positioned in the automated product cabinet 1000 . can be provided within As scanning bar 1007 moves relative to the aperture of housing 1001, the light beam moves over the plate, and photoelectric sensors detect when the light beam passes through each of the through-holes. This information is stored in scanning bars 1007 . can be sent to and received from a controller 1009, which can be configured to track the relative position of the It should be understood that a through-beam photoelectric sensor is provided as an example only. The present disclosure contemplates that position detector 1115 may be another type of sensor, including but not limited to magnetic sensors.

Now refer to the figure. 17A-19D, an exemplary automated product cabinet 1000 is shown. As mentioned above, the automated product cabinet 1000 includes a plurality of slots 1003, a plurality of visual indicators 1005, and scanning bars 1007 . can include The enclosure 1001 includes a surface 1002 and a storage area 1004 . define The user can see the face 1002 . You can access the product via As noted above, storage area 1004 is configured to receive a product such as an intraocular lens. In the figure, at 17A-17C, the first portion of the storage area is labeled with reference number 1004A and is also high in the dashed box, and the second portion of the storage area is labeled with reference number 1004B and is highlighted in the dashed box. be. The storage areas are collectively referred to herein as "storage areas 1004". It should be appreciated that storage area 1004 may include more portions (eg, three, four, etc. portions) or fewer portions (eg, one portion) than shown. 17A-17C. Further, each of slots 1003 is configured to receive a respective unit of product that may be contained within a product package (eg, a container such as a box, carton, wrapper, etc.). 17A and 17B show a perspective view of automated product cabinet 1000 without product inventory (ie, no products loaded into slots 1003). FIG. 17C shows a front view of an automated product cabinet with product inventory (ie products loaded in slots 1003). Optionally, the client device 102 is connected to the automated product cabinet 1000 . may be stored with and/or attached to. The automated product cabinet 1000 includes enclosures 1001 . A door 1006 configured to cover the face 1002 of the can optionally be included. This is shown in FIG. 17B. shown. The present disclosure contemplates that door 1006 may be a hinged, pivoting, or sliding door. Optionally, door 1006 may be transparent to allow the user to view products stored within automated storage cabinet 1000 when door 1006 is closed.

Automated product cabinet 1000 may also include a data capture device such as a barcode scanner or imager, and a controller (not shown). 17A-19D). A data capture device can be attached to the scanning bar 1007 so that the data capture device can capture information about the product. For example, as described herein, units of product stored in automated storage cabinet 1000 are contained within product packaging having machine-readable labels (e.g., barcode, UPC, SKU, text, graphics). can be Alternatively, a unit of product can have a machine-readable label affixed directly thereon, as opposed to being included in a product package having a machine-readable label. Accordingly, the data capture device can be attached to scan bar 1007 such that the machine-readable label is within the field of view of the data capture device. Additionally, as shown in the figures, at 17A-19D, slot 1003 has storage areas 1004 . may be arranged in rows and/or columns within the Optionally, automated product cabinet 1000 can include a plurality of data capture devices, eg, attached to scanning bar 1007, each data capture device being associated with housing 1001 . It corresponds to a single row or row of slots 1003 located within. Therefore, as will be explained below, scanning bar 1007 is aligned with surface 1002 . A row or rows of slots 1003 may be within the field of view of the respective data capture device when slidably repositioned along. It should be understood that the size of the automated product cabinet 1000 (eg, the number of rows and/or columns of slots 1003 within the storage area 1004) is provided as an example only. This disclosure contemplates that the size of automated product cabinet 1000 (eg, the number of rows and/or columns of slots 1003 within storage area 1004) may vary from that shown. 17A-19D. For example, Figures 20A-20C show different sized automated product cabinets.

Scan bar 1007 can be configured to be slidably repositioned in first and second directions along surface 1002 of housing 1001 . The present disclosure contemplates that the user can manually reposition scan bar 1007 in the first and second directions. Optionally, the first and second directions are relative directions. For example, the first and second directions may be vertical directions, such as up and down. This is shown in Figure 18B. shown. For example, in some implementations, scan bar 1007 can be fixed within a vertical track of housing 1001 such that a user can manually slide scan bar 1007 vertically. Optionally, in other implementations, scanning bar 1007 can be balanced by a counterweight connected to scanning bar 1007 using a pulley system. The counterweight and pulley system is housed in housing 1001 . can be hidden inside. Alternatively, the first and second directions may be vertical directions, such as left and right respectively. This is shown in FIG. 19B. shown. For example, in some implementations, scan bar 1007 can be fixed within a horizontal track of housing 1001 such that a user can manually slide scan bar 1007 horizontally. In some implementations, the automated product locator can optionally include multiple scan bars 1007A and 1007B (collectively referred to herein as "scan bars 1007A"), each scan bar 1007A and 1007B are the housings 1001 . is configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface 1002 of the . This disclosure contemplates that each of scan bars 1007A and 1007B may include one or more data capture devices. Scan bars 1007 may be fixed in a spaced apart relationship. For example, as shown in the figures, at 17A-17C, a first scan bar 1007A is positioned along face 1002 of housing 1001 relative to a first portion (eg, top half of storage area) of storage area 1004A. A second scanning bar 1007B is configured to be slidably repositioned on the surface of the housing 1001 relative to a second portion of the storage area 1004B (eg, the bottom half of the storage area). It can be configured to be slidably repositioned along 1002 . In this way, each scanning bar 1007 is connected to housing 1001 . need to traverse only half of the face 1002 of the . The number of scanning bars 1007 in the figure should be understood. 17A-17C (eg, 2) are provided as examples only. The present disclosure recognizes that the automated storage cabinet 1000 can include more scan bars (eg, 3, 4, etching bars) or scan bars (eg, 1 scan bar) than shown in the figures. intend to 17A-17C. Additionally, the placement and/or direction of movement (eg, up and down) of scanning bar 1007 in the figures should be understood. 17A-17C are provided as examples only. As shown, 19A-19D can be arranged such that the scanning bar moves left and right.

As mentioned above, the automated product cabinet 1000 has visual indicators 1005 . including. A visual indicator 1005 can be added to the automated product cabinet 1000 . provided to notify the user (eg, a surgeon or health professional such as an ECP) of the location of the desired product within. Visual indicators 1005 may be provided on the exterior surface of automated product cabinet 1000 and/or within storage area 1004 (eg, adjacent slot 1003). The controller sends an activation signal to one or more of the visual indicators 1005 to notify the user that the desired product is located (e.g., a location within the cabinet and/or the cabinet itself). be able to. For example, as shown in FIG. 17C, the housing 1001 can include an outer frame 1001A, and the visual indicator 1005A can be an outer frame 1001A. on or outside frame 1001A. may be placed adjacent to the A visual indicator 1005A is illuminated in FIG. 17C indicating that the desired product is in the automated product cabinet 1000.n. Can be used to indicate that it is stored within This allows the user to identify the cabinet in which the desired product is stored, which can be particularly useful when the product is stored in multiple cabinets. In addition, each visual indicator 1005B is associated with each slot 1003 . may be disposed on, within, or adjacent to each of the . As shown in FIG. 17C, six of the slots 1003 allow the desired product to be placed in the automated product cabinet 1000 . Illuminated by a visual indicator 1005B, which can be used to indicate the slot located within. This allows the user to access the automated storage cabinets 1000 . can identify the exact location of the desired product within the storage area. It should be appreciated that the placement of visual indicators 1005 in FIG. 17C is provided as an example only. Visual indicator 1005 may be placed on and/or near housing 1001 and/or slot 1003 for the benefit of the user, as visual indicator 1005 informs the user of the location of the desired product.

Each of the visual indicators 1005 can be a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED). It is understood that these values are merely exemplary. This disclosure contemplates that the visual indicator may be other elements including, but not limited to, graphical displays. As described above, a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 1005 of FIG. 16) can be operably coupled to a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 16). The controller can send an actuation signal to one or more of the visual indicators to notify the user where the desired product is located. As described herein, the controller activates one or more visual indicators 1005 outside the automated product cabinet 1000 and/or activates one or more visual indicators 1005 within the storage area 1004. can be made In some embodiments, a visual indicator can indicate an error, such as by changing color, blinking, or otherwise changing state to alert the user of the change in state. . Visual indicators may also direct a user (e.g., an ECP, staff member, employee, third party, or other user) to available locations within the cabinet when loading product into the cabinet. . In certain embodiments, the visual indicator may display different images, colors, or other representations to indicate which lead is indicated. For example, each user of the cabinet can be associated with a particular icon, graphic, or text in the case of graphical displays. or in the case of LEDs or other luminous visual indicators, a particular user could be associated with a given color or blink sequence within a software application operably associated with the cabinet, thereby allowing multiple users to: Automatic storage cabinets 1000 . can be directed to the correct location within the

Now refer to the figure. 21A-22, slots for receiving units of product are shown. Figures 21A and 21B show a plurality of slots 2005 arranged in columns and rows, each of the slots 2005 being associated with a product 2010 . houses each unit of Figure 21A shows a unit of product 2010 loaded in a slot, and Figure 21B shows an empty slot 2005 . indicates Figures 21A and 21B show a module with 8 columns and 10 rows (8x10 module). It should be understood that module sizes (eg, slot rows and/or number of rows) are provided as an example only. This disclosure contemplates that the size of the modules (eg, number of rows and/or rows of slots) may differ from that shown in the figures. 21A and 21B. The modules 21A and 21B shown in the figures can be provided within the automated storage cabinet described above in connection with the figures. 17A-19D.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the slots 2005 shown in the figure are shown. 21A and 21B are products 2010. can be configured to accommodate units of different sizes. In other words, different sized slots can accommodate different sized products and/or product packages. For example, dial 2005 may include an inner ring 2020 and an outer ring 2022, as shown in FIG. The ejection mechanism 2020 and the protruding member 2022 are inserted into slots 2005 . It can be configured to secure a unit of product 2010 located therein. Ejection mechanism 2020 optionally includes a unit of product 2010 on projecting members 2022 . It may be spring-loaded (i.e., including a spring) so that it is fixed against the The unit of product 2010 is formed by the edges of the unit of product 2010 and projecting members 2022 . can be released by disengaging the This allows the slots 2005 to accommodate units of product having different first linear dimensions, such as length. Alternatively or additionally, slot 2005 may be provided with a plurality of opposing elastic members 2024 . can include Opposing elastic members 2024 are positioned in slots 2005 . It may be configured to contact both sides of the unit of product 2010 located therein. The opposing elastic members 2024 can stretch and maintain contact with a unit of product having a different second linear dimension, such as width. Alternatively or additionally, automated product cabinet 1000 may optionally include slot sensors positioned in one or more of the slots. A slot sensor may be configured to sense the presence of a unit of product. For example, a slot sensor can include a light emitter and a photodetector (eg, light curtain). A light curtain includes a transmitter (eg, an emitter, such as an infrared emitter) and a receiver (eg, a photocell). When an object, such as a unit of product, cuts the emitted light beam, the photodetector sends a signal to the controller, which indicates the position of the object. Multiple light curtains (eg, spaced apart within the slot) can be used to detect the relative position of the product unit within the slot. It should be understood that the light emitters and photodetectors are provided as exemplary slot sensors only. The present disclosure uses other types of slot sensors to detect the presence of units of product in slots of automated product cabinets, including but not limited to mechanical switches, pressure sensors, or other product presence sensors. intend to The number, size and placement of slots 2005 in the figure should be understood. 21A-22 are provided as examples only.

Referring again to FIG. 16, the controller 1111 inventories the products based at least in part on the information about the products and activates one or more of the visual indicators 1005 associated with the desired units of the products. can be configured to For example, controller 1111 may display one or more visual indicators 1005 . A signal can be sent to one or more of the visual indicators 1005 to activate the . An exemplary process is now described. A user (eg, a surgeon or ECP) uses a client device (eg, client device 102 of FIG. 15) to enter a request for a desired unit of product. A client device can send a request for a desired unit of product to the automated product cabinet 1000 over a network (eg, network 200 of FIG. 15). Controller 1111 may be configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, controller 1111 may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product to a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 15) over the network. As described herein, the remote system can include and/or have access to an inventory database. The remote system queries the database to find automated product cabinets 1000 . can determine the location of the desired unit(s) of product within. The remote system can send a response over the network to the controller, and the controller 1111 can receive the response, which indicates the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product in the storage area. include. It should be appreciated that such location(s) may include the particular slot(s) 1003 in which the desired unit of product is located. As described herein, the controller 1111 allows the user to access the automated storage cabinets 1000 . may be configured to transmit a signal to assist in identifying the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within. This is shown in Figure 17C. activating visual indicators 1005A and 1005B as shown in FIG. These visual indicators highlight the location of the desired unit of product for the benefit of the user. In some implementations, the controller 1111 controls the scanning bars 1007 . may be further configured to initiate the data capture device 1009 in response to movement of the . By initiating data capture device 1009 based on movement, automated product cabinet 1000 can read/decode machine-readable labels (e.g., barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. can be done. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The respective respective positions of each of the units of product can then be transmitted by the controller 1111 to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory to the remote system over the network, and the database may be updated accordingly.

The automated product cabinet 1000 can be stocked without the need for effor. For example, a user (eg, surgeon or ECP) can restore a product by placing the product package into any empty slot 1003 within the storage area. Unlike conventional storage systems, there is no need to organize storage in any arbitrary way, eg, by prescription, power, type, and so on. The product packages may alternatively be randomly placed within the storage area. Once inventory replenishment is complete, scanning bar 1007 can be moved and automated product cabinet 1000 will read/decode machine-readable labels (e.g., barcode, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with the unit of product. can do. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The respective respective positions of each of the units of product can then be transmitted by the controller 1111 to the remote system. In other words, the controller 1111 may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly.

As described herein, data capture device 1009 can be a barcode scanner capable of reading and decoding machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein. Accordingly, inventorying products based at least in part on information about the products includes reading respective product identifiers associated with respective units of products using a barcode scanner; Decoding each product identifier associated with the unit may also be included. After reading/decoding the respective product identifiers, respective units of the product can be associated with respective locations within the storage area. The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 1111 and/or remote systems.

As described herein, the data capture device 1009 can capture an image of a machine-readable product identifier, such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU, such as a digital camera. It can be an imaging device. The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. These implementations can use image processing techniques to decode the machine-readable product identifier. Accordingly, the step of inventorying a product based at least in part on information about the product may include receiving an image of the product captured by an imaging device, analyzing the image of the product to determine the identifying respective product identifiers associated with respective units of product; and decoding said respective product identifiers associated with said respective units of products. After analyzing/decoding each product identifier, each unit of product can be associated with a respective location within the storage area. The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 1111 and/or remote systems.

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product further comprises cropping a portion of the image of the product. By cropping the image, the portion of the image that is expected to contain the product identifier can be brought into focus. Therefore, the cutout portion of the image is analyzed to identify the respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product. Additionally, the controller 1111 can be configured to transmit the image of the product to a remote system over the network. In these implementations, images may be stored by the remote system for backup purposes, or image processing (part or all) may be offset from controller 1111 to the remote system. Alternatively or additionally, controller 1111 may be configured to store the image of the product in memory. In some implementations, the images are temporarily stored (eg, to allow image processing) and then stored in the automated product cabinet 1000 . may be written to minimize storage requirements in

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying products based at least in part on information about the products includes missing, unrecognized, or non-readable products. Further comprising identifying one or more of respective locations within the storage area associated with the identifier. Optionally, controller 1111 may be configured to distinguish between missing units of product and units of product having unrecognized/non-readable product identifiers. The former may be restocked, while the latter may be used by data capture devices 1009 . It should be understood that it may be repositioned (e.g., flipped, rotated, loosened) to properly orient the product identifier for reading by. For example, using a machine learning algorithm, one or more of each location in the storage area associated with a missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifier contains a unit of product. can determine whether This disclosure contemplates that in some implementations, a conventional vision system (e.g., pattern recognition) can be used to perform machine learning algorithms by the controller 1111; The algorithm can be run by a remote system (ie, offset from automated product cabinet 1000). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks such as identifying lost, unrecognized, or unreadable product identifiers. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and are therefore not described in further detail below. An exemplary machine learning algorithm is TensorFlow, an open source machine learning algorithm known in the art. TensorFlow is just one example of a machine learning algorithm. The present disclosure contemplates using other machine learning algorithms, including but not limited to neural networks, support vector machines, nearest neighbor algorithms, supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms.

Optionally, in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product uses a machine learning algorithm to identify each unit of the product. Further including analyzing the image of the product to determine the source. This is particularly useful, for example, when products are supplied by multiple vendors or manufacturers. In other words, the automated product cabinet 1000 can be used to store products from different sources (eg, intraocular lenses from different manufacturers). As noted above, a camera can be used to capture images of both machine readable codes (barcodes, UPC, SKU) and text and graphics, and then image processing techniques can be used to identify product identifiers. can be decrypted. This disclosure contemplates that machine learning algorithms may be used to identify machine readable code associated with different vendors or manufacturers. This allows the automated product cabinet 1000 to select the appropriate decoding rule. Alternatively or additionally, machine learning algorithms can be used to identify the source of a unit of product based on text and/or graphics (even in the absence of machine readable code). The present disclosure contemplates that in some implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the controller 1111, and in other implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by a remote system (i.e. from an automated product location). offset). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying the source of a product's units. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and are therefore not described in further detail below. Exemplary machine learning algorithms are provided above.

Referring now to Figure 23, there is shown an automated product cabinet 1500 according to another embodiment described herein. The automated product cabinet 1500 includes a storage area 1504 configured to receive products, and enclosures 1501 . It can include a housing 1501 defining a plurality of slots 1503 disposed therein. Multiple units of product can be inserted into slots 1503 . can be placed within The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes, cartons, wrappers, etc.). Each unit of product may include a respective smart tag. Each smart tag stores information about its respective unit of product. The present disclosure contemplates that smart tags may be applied to products and/or product packaging. For example, each smart tag can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ultra high frequency (UHF) tag, or a near field communication (NFC) tag. It should be understood that RFID, UHF, or NFC tags are provided as exemplary smart tags only. The present disclosure contemplates that smart tags may be any type of tag having memory for storing information, an antenna, and the ability to transmit data to a controller. In the implementation shown in FIG. 23, smart tags are used instead of providing data capture devices configured to read machine-readable labels attached to products and/or product packaging.

The automated product cabinet 1500 also includes enclosures 1501 . A plurality of visual indicators 1505 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within may be included. Visual indicators 1505 may be on or adjacent to the outer frame of housing 1501 and/or in slots 1503 . may be located on, within, or adjacent to each one of the . As described herein, the visual indicator 1505 indicates that the desired product is in the automated product cabinet 1500 . can be used to indicate whether it is stored within In FIG. 23, the outer frame of housing 1501 and six of slots 1503 are provided with visual indicators 1505 . illuminated by

Automated product cabinet 1500 may also include a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 15). In some implementations, the controller optionally resides in housing 1501 . may be placed within This disclosure contemplates that controller 1111 may be operatively coupled to smart tags and/or visual indicators 1505, eg, via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. The controller receives information about each unit of product from each smart tag, inventories the product based at least in part on the information about each unit of product, and displays a visual indicator associated with the desired unit of product. It can be configured to activate one or more of indicators 1505 . Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to transmit the product inventory to the remote system via the network. Optionally, the remote system can be a database, as described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for a desired unit of product over the network to a remote system and receive a response from the remote system, the response being the slot in which the desired product unit is located. including.

Referring now to FIG. 24, there is shown an automated product system 1700 according to another implementation described herein. Automated product system 1700 can include a housing 1701 defining a storage area configured to receive a product and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing. As described herein, multiple units of product can be placed in the slot. The present disclosure contemplates that the slots of housing 1701, and units of product may be similar to those described above with respect to the figures. 15-23. Further, as described herein, the product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes, cartons, wrappers, etc.). The automated product system 1700 also includes enclosures 1701 . An imaging and projector unit 1703 may be included that is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to. Imaging and projector unit 1703 may include an imaging device and a projector. In some implementations, the imaging device and projector are provided within a single housing. In other implementations, the imaging device and projector are provided in separate enclosures.

The imaging device can be a digital camera capable of capturing an image of a machine-readable product identifier such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU. The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. These implementations can use image processing techniques to decode the machine-readable product identifier. A projector may be a device comprising a light source and/or one or more lenses and configured to project a light beam (eg, an image) onto a surface (eg, a projection surface). In FIG. 24, housing 1701 (eg, a surface of housing 1701) is a raised surface. Optionally, the projector may be a short throw projector or an ultra short throw projector. A short throw projector has a throw ratio of less than 1, and the throw ratio is calculated as the distance from the projector to the screen size. A short throw projector is about 0.6-0.8. has a throw ratio of Ultra short throw projectors have a pitch of about 0.4. has a throw ratio of less than Projectors, including short throw projectors, are known in the art. An exemplary projector is the Epson POWERLITE projector from Seiko Epson Corporation (Suwa, Nagano, Japan). In FIG. 24, the positioning of the ultra short throw, short throw and long throw projectors are indicated by reference numerals 1705, 1707 and 1709, respectively. Optionally, automated product system 1700 can include optical element 1711 to further reduce the throw ratio. The present disclosure contemplates that optical element 1711 may include lenses, mirrors, or combinations thereof.

Automated product system 1700 can also include a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 15). In some implementations, the controller is optionally located within the housing 1701 or within the imaging and projector unit 1703 . may be placed within This disclosure contemplates that controller 1111 may be operatively coupled to imaging and projector unit 1703, eg, via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. The controller may be configured to receive information about the product from the imaging device, inventory the product based at least in part on the information about the product, and cause the projector to illuminate a corresponding location of the desired product within the enclosure. In other words, the projector is built into housing 1701 . It is used to illuminate (eg, with light) the location of the desired product and/or product package stored therein. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to transmit the product inventory to the remote system via the network. Optionally, the remote system can be a database, as described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for a desired unit of product over the network to a remote system and receive a response from the remote system, the response being the slot in which the desired product unit is located. including. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, projectors are used instead to provide visual indicators for illuminating the location of the desired product and/or product package within the system.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. It should be understood that the Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. For example, while the use case-related embodiments herein involve ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses and contact lenses, automated product cabinets and methods of use within them provide improved storage, inventory, , and/or apply equally to any type of product or other object that could benefit from collection.

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(Field of Invention)
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to automated product lockers and cabinets for ophthalmic lenses and, more particularly, to dispense ophthalmic objects, record and track patient information, determine different lenses for patients, and assist eye care professionals. A system for tracking and managing an inventory of ophthalmic lenses in an office.

A typical office of an eye care professional or ECP holds many different ophthalmic lenses in inventory for distribution to patients entering the office. Typically, the patient determines whether corrective lenses are needed and, if so, undergoes an eye examination, eg, if the patient desires contact lenses. In order to dispense such lenses, the ECP will first test the suitability of a particular lens, and will have to place an order in its office to provide sufficient quantity to the patient until a complete order can be sent. We keep a large inventory of lenses. Additionally, in a surgical setting, a large number of different intraocular lenses are maintained in an inventory for distribution to patients undergoing surgery.

Manual and automatic dispensing machines are known and are used to dispense a wide variety of items ranging from sweets and hot meals to health-related items such as certain over-the-counter medications. Most of these dispensing machines are vending machines used as point-of- sale devices. Dispensers and vending machines are available in many areas, but they are not widely used in the medical market. In the eye care field, for example, eye care professionals still dispense trial contact lenses from drawers stocked manually by themselves and the lens manufacturer's sales representatives. These drawers require manual inventory management and simply hold contact lenses. Additionally, there is a need to develop a system for manually stocking lenses. Different inventory units or SKUs should be separated by attributes such as power, wear regimen such as daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly wear; lens manufacturer, and lens material. This requires the use of many drawers that are not completely full to keep track of what is in stock and to more easily locate preferred lenses when selecting for a patient by a physician. Similarly, in a surgical setting, intraocular lenses have been manually stored and dispensed from an inventory inventory .

However, as a tool to assist such professionals with means and methods to provide patients with real-time access to a wide variety of contact lenses (or intraocular lenses) in a timely manner, ophthalmic health care has been developed. A need exists for a system that can be utilized by professionals in the field . Such machines can also be used to better manage the multitude of lenses and growing number of SKUs that need to be maintained in inventory using automated inventory management. Such machines and systems may also be used by manufacturers of such lenses to provide ready access to lenses that meet each specific individual patient's needs. Additionally, the system can deliver product information and perform data analysis to better provide new products that better meet the needs of such patients.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices and methods that address the above clinical needs .

An exemplary automated product cabinet is described herein . The automated product cabinet can include a housing defining a storage area and a surface, the storage area configured to receive product. The automated product cabinet is a plurality of slots arranged within the enclosure, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of product and each of the products within the enclosure. and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate the position of each of the units of. Additionally, the cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing and a data capture device mounted on the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. , including. The automated product cabinet can further include a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller is configured to inventory the product based at least in part on the information regarding the product and to activate one or more of the visual indicators associated with the desired unit of product.

Another example automated product cabinet is also described herein . The automated product cabinet can include a housing defining a storage area configured to receive the product, and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing , each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a respective unit of product. is configured to receive Each unit of product may include a respective smart tag, and each smart tag stores information about the respective unit of product . The automated product cabinet can further include a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within the enclosure and a controller . The controller receives information about each unit of product from each smart tag, creates an inventory of the product based at least in part on the information about each unit of product, and displays a visual associated with the desired unit of product. may be configured to activate one or more of the target indicators.

An exemplary automated product system is also described herein . The system can include a housing defining a storage area configured to receive the product, and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot to receive a respective unit of the product. is configured to Further, the system can include an imaging device and a projector, each positioned in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the housing, and a controller. The imaging device may be configured to capture information regarding the product. The controller is configured to receive information about the products from the imaging device, create an inventory of the products based at least in part on the information about the products, and cause the projector to illuminate respective locations of the desired products within the enclosure. obtain.

It should be understood that the above technical subject matter may be implemented as an article of manufacture such as a computer controller, computer process, computing system, or computer readable storage medium.

Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon consideration of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and protected by the accompanying claims.

Components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numbers refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.
1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment for implementations described herein; FIG . 1 is a block diagram of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG. 3B), and an isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG. 3B), and an isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . FIG. 3A is a front view (FIG. 3A), a side view (FIG. 3B), and an isometric view (FIG. 3C) of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . 1 is an isometric view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . FIG . 10 illustrates an automated product locker according to implementations described herein ; FIG. 5A is an isometric view showing an automatic product locker with an enlarged window showing the drawer storage area . Figure 5B is an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers shown in Figure 5A. FIG . 10 illustrates an automated product locker according to implementations described herein ; FIG. 5A is an isometric view showing an automatic product locker with an enlarged window showing the drawer storage area . Figure 5B is an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers shown in Figure 5A. 6A and 6B are a top view (FIG. 6A) and a side view (FIG. 6B) of a set of visual indicators 105 according to implementations described herein . 6A and 6B are a top view (FIG. 6A) and a side view (FIG. 6B) of a set of visual indicators 105 according to implementations described herein . 1 is an isometric view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 1 is a front view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . 8A-8C each show a different drawer configuration. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 4 illustrates exemplary labeling included in product packaging. 1 shows multiple product packages, each having a label according to implementations described herein . 1 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . FIG. 11A shows a view from the front of an automatic product locker without side panels. FIG. 11B shows a side view of an automatic product locker without side panels. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . FIG. 11A shows a view from the front of an automatic product locker without side panels. FIG. 11B shows a side view of an automatic product locker without side panels. 1 is an isometric view of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . 4 illustrates an exemplary process of using an automated product locker according to implementations described herein . 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device; FIG. 2 is another exemplary operating environment for implementations described herein ; 1 is a block diagram of an automated product locker according to implementations described herein; FIG . FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to implementations described herein ; Figure 17A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to implementations described herein ; Figure 17A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to implementations described herein ; Figure 17A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 17B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A, including doors. Figure 17C shows a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 17A with products stored therein. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 18A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. Figure 18C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. Figure 18D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 18A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. Figure 18C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. Figure 18D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 18A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. Figure 18C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. Figure 18D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 18A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 18B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A with the scanning bar displaced vertically. Figure 18C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. Figure 18D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 18A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 19A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. Figure 19C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. Figure 19D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 19A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. Figure 19C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. Figure 19D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 19A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. Figure 19C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. Figure 19D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; Figure 19A is an isometric view of an automated product cabinet. Figure 19B shows the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A with the scanning bar displaced horizontally. Figure 19C is a side view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. Figure 19D is a front view of the automated product cabinet of Figure 19A. [0014] Figure 4 illustrates automated product cabinets having different sizes according to implementations described herein ; Automated product cabinets A, B, and C contain 300, 304 and 507 products or product packages, respectively. FIG. 11 shows a module of slots for use with the automated product cabinet described herein . Figure 21A shows a unit of product loaded into a slot and Figure 21B shows an empty slot. FIG. 11 shows a module of slots for use with the automated product cabinet described herein . Figure 21A shows a unit of product loaded into a slot and Figure 21B shows an empty slot. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary slot for use with the automated product cabinet described herein ; FIG . 12 illustrates an automated product cabinet according to another implementation described herein ; FIG . 10 illustrates an automated product system according to yet another implementation described herein ;

In the description and claims herein , the term "about" indicates that the recited values may vary somewhat so long as such variation does not result in process or device incompatibilities. For example, with respect to some elements the term "about" refers to a variation of ±0.1%, with respect to other elements the term "about" refers to ±1% or ±10 % or any amount therein. point variation.

As used herein, the terms "substantially" or "substantial" are used in negative terms to refer to a complete or near-total absence of an act, feature , property, condition, structure, item , or result. is also applicable . For example, a surface that is "substantially" flat is perfectly flat or nearly flat with the same effect as if it were perfectly flat .

As used in this application , terms such as "a,""an," and "the" are not intended to refer to singular entities only, and specific examples are used for illustration. Including the general categories you get.

As used in this application , terms defined in the singular are intended to encompass terms defined in the plural and vice versa.

When referring to "one embodiment,"" an embodiment,""someembodiments," or "an embodiment," or the like herein, the embodiment(s) being described may have particular features or characteristics. Features may be included, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature , structure, or feature. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with an embodiment, such features, structures, or characteristics may be referred to in connection with other embodiments, whether explicitly stated or not. is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. For the purposes of the following description, the terms "top", "bottom ", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom" and derivatives thereof are shall relate to the invention as oriented in the drawings. The terms "superimposed", "atop", "positioned" or " atop " mean that a first element resides on a second element such that the intervening elements overlap the first element and the first element. 2 elements . The terms "direct contact" or " attached" mean that the first element and the second element are connected without any intermediate element at the interface of the two elements.

Reference to any numerical range in this application explicitly includes each numerical value (including fractions and integers) encompassed within the range . Illustratively , herein reference to a range of "at least 50 " or "at least about 50 " includes integers such as 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 , including fractions such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4, 50.5, 50.6, 50.7, 50.8, 50.9. For further explanation, as used herein, references to ranges " less than 50" or " less than about 50" refer to integers such as 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, etc. and fractions such as 49.9, 49.8, 49.7, 49.6, 49.5, 49.4, 49.3, 49.2, 49.1, 49.0 .

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "comprising" and variations thereof used herein are used synonymously with the term "including" and variations thereof and are open and non-limiting. terminology. As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the feature, event or circumstance described thereafter may or may not occur, and that the description does not imply that such feature, event or circumstance occurs. It means that cases that do and cases that do not occur are included. Although implementations are described for automated product lockers for storing contact lenses, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these implementations are not limited and are applicable to automated product lockers for storing other types of products. One thing is clear .

This application describes an automated product storage locker . Such automated product lockers can be used to track/ inventory products such as contact lenses. For example, the automated product lockers described herein can: (i) keep track of units of product that have been removed from storage ; (ii) notify users of inventory needs ; (iv) including storage space for all regularly prescribed lenses; and/or (v) working during power outages .

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary operating environment for implementations described herein is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, automated product lockers 100 , client devices 102 , and remote systems 104 may be operatively coupled by one or more networks 200 . The automatic product locker 100 is described in detail below . Client device 102 may be a computing device such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone (e.g., computing device 700 of FIG. 14) , and remote system 104 may be a computing device such as a server (e.g., , computing device 700 of FIG. Optionally , in some implementations , remote system 104 is a cloud-based system, e.g., one or more processors and data storage devices, such as processors and data storage devices , allocated to meet the needs of client device 102 on demand. A computer system resource. Cloud-based systems are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. In some implementations , remote system 104 may include or have access to database 104A . Alternatively or additionally, the remote system 104 may include or have access to an electronic medical record (EMR) 104B .

As mentioned above, automated product lockers 100 , client devices 102 , and remote systems 104 may be connected by one or more networks 200 . This disclosure contemplates that network 200 is any suitable communication network. Networks may resemble each other in one or more respects. Alternatively or additionally, the networks may differ from each other in one or more respects. Network 200 can include a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc., any of the networks described above. including any part or combination of Automated product lockers 100 , client devices 102 , and remote systems 104 may be connected to network 200 via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. Exemplary communication links include, but are not limited to, LAN, WAN, MAN, Ethernet, Internet, or any other wired or wireless link such as WiFi , WiMax , 3G, 4G, or 5G.

This disclosure is subject to a U.S. patent filed on Dec. 17, 2018, entitled "DISTRIBUTION AND INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME," the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The ability of automated product lockers 100, client devices 102, and remote systems 104 to interact to perform inventory and shipping/delivery functions, as described in application Ser. No. 16/222,819; intend to For example, as described below , remote system 104 may manage/maintain database 104A that reflects an inventory of products (eg, contact lenses) stored within automated product locker 100. FIG . By exchanging messages over network 200 , remote system 104 can receive messages from automated product lockers 100 with up-to-date product inventories . Remote system 104 may also query database 104A in response to a request from automated product locker 100 and/or client device 102 . The present disclosure contemplates that a user (eg, a medical professional such as an eye care professional (ECP)) may use client device 102 to interact with automated product locker 100 and/or remote system 104 . For example, client device 102 may run an application and/or interface with automated product locker 100 and/or remote system 104 using a web browser.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , there is shown a block diagram of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein . Automated product locker 100 may include enclosure 101 and one or more drawers 103 . Each drawer 103 can define a storage area (eg, storage area 104 of FIGS. 5A-5B) configured to receive products . As described herein, each drawer 103 may be slidably received within housing 101 . In other words, the drawer 103 can be pulled out of the housing 101 (eg, shown in FIGS. 7, 13B, 13C) to provide access to products, for example . Drawer 103, on the other hand, may be housed within housing 101 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 13A) .

Automated product locker 100 may further include a plurality of visual indicators 105 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within the storage area . Additionally, the automated product locker 100 can include a machine vision system 107 disposed within the enclosure 101 and configured to capture information regarding the product. Machine vision system 107 may include a data capture device. The data capture device may optionally be a barcode scanner or imaging device , as described below. Additionally, the automated product locker 100 can include a controller 109 located within the enclosure 101 . Controller 109 may be a computing device (eg, computing device 700 of FIG. 14). One exemplary controller for using the automated product locker 100 is the RASPBERRY PI from the Raspberry Pi Foundation (UK) .

This disclosure contemplates that machine vision system 107 and controller 109 may be operably coupled via one or more communication links, for example. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. Additionally, visual indicator 105 and controller 109 may be operably coupled via one or more communication links, for example. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. This allows controller 109 to exchange data with machine vision system 107 and/or visual indicator 105 .

Optionally, in some implementations , automated product locker 100 may include power supply 111 located within enclosure 101 . For example, automated product locker 100 may be configured to connect to grid power (eg, standard alternating current (A/C) power supplied to a home/office ) during normal operation. The present disclosure contemplates that power supply 111 may power automated product locker 100 in response to a disruption (eg, power outage). Power source 111 may optionally be a battery.

Optionally , in some implementations , automated product locker 100 can include locking device 113 disposed within enclosure 101 and configured to secure drawer 103 . For example, locking device 113 may be an electronic lock, securing drawer 103 with a release mechanism operable with a passcode, keycard , radio frequency identification (RFID), or biometrics (eg, authentication). It should be appreciated that the client device 102 can send authentication information to the automated product locker 100 over a network. Authentication can be performed locally at the automated product locker 100 and/or remotely with a remote system. Alternatively, locking device 113 may be a mechanical lock, securing drawer 103 with a release mechanism operable by a physical key.

Optionally , in some implementations , automated product locker 100 may be configured to detect movement of drawer 103 . As described below, machine vision system 107 may be initiated in response to movement of drawer 103 . In some implementations , controller 109 may be configured to detect movement of drawer 103 using machine vision system 107 . For example, automated product locker 100 may include a location strip containing machine-readable code located within drawer 103 . The location strips may be positioned along or adjacent to one or more of the partitions (eg, partition 400 in FIGS. 5A-5B). It should be appreciated that a machine readable location code may be provided corresponding to each slot in the drawer that receives a unit of product. In this implementation, machine vision system 107 (eg, an imager or barcode scanner) may be configured to read/decode the location strip. The information may be sent to and received by controller 109, and controller 109 may be configured to detect movement of drawer 103 based on the information . Alternatively or additionally, automated product locker 100 may further include position detector 115 configured to sense the position of drawer 103 relative to housing 101 . For example, position detector 115 may be a through -beam photoelectric sensor. In this implementation , a plate with through holes may be provided in the automated product locker 100 . As the drawer 103 moves relative to the housing 101, the light beams move over the plate and the photoelectric sensors detect when the light beams pass through their respective through-holes . Information may be sent to and received from controller 109 , which may be configured to track relative positions of drawers 103 . Optionally , the automated product locker 100 can include drawer cushions to stabilize the speed of drawers entering and exiting the enclosure.

3A-3C , there are shown front (FIG. 3A), side (FIG. 3B), and isometric (FIG. 3C) views of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein . A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C . Drawers 103 include four relatively small drawers (eg, four upper drawers) and four relatively large drawers (eg, four lower drawers). Different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the four upper drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, and the four lower drawers may accommodate three-pair (3p) or five - pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to accommodate the It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , an isometric view of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein is shown. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG . Drawers 103 include three relatively small drawers (eg, three upper drawers) and three relatively large drawers (eg, three lower drawers ). As noted above, different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the three upper drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, and the three lower drawers may accommodate three-pair ( 3p ) or five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to accommodate the It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Automated product locker 100 may include a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 105 of FIG. 2). Each visual indicator may be a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED). It should be understood that light emitters are provided as an example only . This disclosure contemplates that the visual indicator may be other elements including, but not limited to, graphical representations. As noted above, a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 105 of FIG. 2) may be operably coupled to a controller (eg, controller 109 of FIG. 2). A visual indicator is provided to notify the user (eg, a medical professional such as an eye care professional (ECP)) of the desired product's location within the automated product locker 100 . As described herein , visual indicators may be provided on the exterior surface of automated product locker 100 (e.g., on and/or adjacent to drawers) and/or within the storage area of automated product locker 100 (e.g., adjacent to the product package). The controller can send an activation signal to one or more of the visual indicators to notify the user where the desired product is located (eg, which drawer and/or position within the drawer). . As described herein , the controller can activate one or more visual indicators on the exterior of the automated product locker 100 and/or activate one or more visual indicators within the drawer. In some embodiments, the visual indicator can indicate an error, such as by changing color, blinking , or otherwise changing state to alert the user of the change in state. . Visual indicators may also guide users (e.g., ECPs, staff members, employees, third parties, or other users) to available locations within the locker when loading product into the locker. . In some embodiments, the visual indicators may display different images, colors, or other indications to designate who the directions are directed to . For example, each user of the device may be associated with a particular icon, graphic, or text in the case of graphical representations. In the case of LEDs or other luminous visual indicators, a particular user may be associated with a given color or blink sequence in a software application operably associated with the locker, whereby multiple users may By following the assigned color on the visual indicator to the correct location within the locker, one can simultaneously be directed to each desired product .

5A-5B , there is shown an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein . FIG. 5A is an isometric view showing an automatic product locker 100 with an enlarged window showing storage area 104 of drawers 103. FIG. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG. 5A. Drawers 103 include two relatively small drawers (eg, two upper drawers) and three relatively large drawers (eg, three lower drawers ). As noted above, different sized drawers 103 may be provided to accommodate different sized products. For example, the two top drawers may be sized to accommodate one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, and the three bottom drawers may accommodate three-pair ( 3p ) or five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. may be sized to accommodate the It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or arrangement of drawers 103 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Additionally, each drawer 103 shown in FIG. 5A includes a visual indicator 105 disposed on its outer surface 103A . In FIG. 5A, visual indicator 105 is positioned on outer surface 103A of drawer 103 (eg, on or near the handle of the drawer). It should be understood that the placement of visual indicators 105 shown in FIG. 5A is provided as an example only. As described herein , because the visual indicator 105 informs the user of the location of the desired product, the visual indicator 105 may indicate a particular drawer 103 (e.g., when activated) to the benefit of the user . It can be placed anywhere on and/or near the drawer for emphasis . Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates that visual indicator 105 may optionally be provided adjacent outer surface 103A of drawer 103, as opposed to outer surface 103A of drawer 103. FIG. In FIG. 5A, one of the visual indicators 105 , the second visual indicator 105 from the top of the automated product locker 100, is activated (eg, illuminated ). This has informed the user that the desired product is located in this particular drawer 103 .

The enlarged window in FIG. 5A shows storage area 104 within drawer 103 . It should be appreciated that storage area 104 receives products. In the examples described herein , the product is a contact lens. The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages 300 (eg, containers such as boxes , cartons, wrappers, etc.). For example, product package 300 may contain one or more contact lenses . The automated product locker 100 is capable of receiving multiple product packages 300 , ie multiple units of product. In FIG. 5A, product packages 300 are arranged in side-by-side rows within storage area 104 . In other words, product packages 300 ( sometimes referred to herein as "units of product ") are arranged in a single row between compartments . Additionally, a set of visual indicators 105 may be provided within the storage area 104 . A respective visual indicator 105 is provided adjacent each product package 300 . As shown in the magnified window, respective visual indicators 105 adjacent two product packages 300 (i.e., product packages being removed from storage area 104 ) are activated (e.g., illuminated). ). This has informed the user that the desired product is located at these specific locations within the storage area 104 .

FIG. 5B is an isometric view showing a portion of one of the drawers 103 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, drawer 103 may further include a plurality of dividers 400 positioned within storage area 104 . Additionally, the drawer 103 can further include a plurality of trays 420 configured to receive products, each tray 420 positioned between adjacent dividers 400 . Each tray 420 can include multiple slots 440 for receiving units of product (eg, product package 300). Each set of visual indicators 105 may be arranged along a respective divider 400 , as shown in FIG. 5B. Visual indicators 105 may be arranged linearly along partition 400 such that one visual indicator 105 is positioned adjacent each slot 440 . In FIG. 5B, a set of visual indicators 105 are indicated by dashed boxes. Accordingly, visual indicators 105 are positioned adjacent each side of one of the product packages 300 to assist the user in identifying the desired unit of product that is activated (e.g., illuminated). emphasize the position of

6A-6B, shown are top (FIG. 6A) and side (FIG. 6B) views of a set of visual indicators 105 according to implementations described herein. As described herein , a set of visual indicators 105 can be placed along a divider (eg, divider 400 in FIG. 5B). In some implementations , visual indicators 105 are arranged linearly along the partition . 6A-6B , the visual indicators 105 are evenly spaced. This is because the slot sizes are the same. This disclosure contemplates that visual indicators 105 may be unequally spaced, for example, when slot sizes are different. In other words, the visual indicators 105 may be sized and/or spaced such that one visual indicator 105 is provided adjacent each slot. It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or spacing between visual indicators 105 are provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an isometric view of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein is shown. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown. In Figure 7, one of the drawers 103 has been pulled out of the housing 101 exposing the product to the user .

8A-8C, there are shown front views of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein . Figures 8A-8C show different drawer configurations. FIG. 8A shows two drawers sized for one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, one drawer sized for three-pair (3p) contact lens packages, and five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. 1 shows a configuration with one drawer sized for a contact lens package of FIG . FIG. 8B shows a configuration with six drawers sized for a five-pair (5p) contact lens package. FIG. 8C shows four drawers sized for one-pair (1p) contact lens packages, one drawer sized for three-pair (3p) contact lens packages, and five-pair (5p) contact lens packages. 1 shows a configuration with three drawers sized for a contact lens package of FIG . It should be appreciated that the number, size, and/or placement of drawers is provided as an example only, and that other configurations are possible.

As described herein , a machine vision system (eg, machine vision system 107 of FIG. 2) can capture information about the product. The present disclosure contemplates that such information may be associated with product packaging and/or the product itself. For example, product packaging may include labels such as bar codes (1D, 2D, or 3D), universal product codes (UPC), and/or stock keeping units (SKU). 9A-9C , exemplary labeling included in product packaging is shown. In some implementations , label 500 is affixed to product package 300 (see FIGS. 9A-9C ). 9A-9C , label 500 includes a 2D barcode (eg, QR code). In some implementations , label 600 is printed directly onto product package 300 (see FIG. 9C). In FIG. 9C, label 600 is UPC. In other implementations , the label may be included on and/or affixed to the product itself (not shown). In addition, the present disclosure does not provide information about the product in text contained in and/or affixed to the product packaging or the product itself (e.g., brand name, product name, product description , etc.) and/or Or it is contemplated that it may be a graphic (eg, brand logo, product logo) (see Figures 9B-9C ). Information associated with the product may be recognized by a computer vision system using machine learning algorithms, optical character recognition (OCR), or other means described in more detail herein. The present disclosure contemplates that each product package stored in automated product locker 100 may include a label . FIG. 10 shows multiple product packages 300 each having a label 500 . Product packages 300 can be stored in the automated product lockers described herein , and the machine vision system can capture information about the product by reading/decoding the label 300 .

11A-11B , shown are isometric views of a portion of the automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein . A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIGS. 11A-11B. FIG. 11A shows a view from the front of the automatic product locker 100 without side panels. One of the outer drawer faces is transparent in FIG. 11A for visibility. FIG. 11B shows a side view of the automatic product locker 100 without side panels. 11A-11B show the machine vision system disposed within housing 101. FIG. The machine vision system of FIGS. 11A-11B includes a data capture device 107A and a light reflector 107B (collectively referred to as the "machine vision system" of FIGS. 11A-11B). The data capture device 107A may be an optical device such as a barcode reader or an imaging device such as a digital camera. One of many suitable cameras includes the E-Consystems model 3CAM_CU135_TC. A digital camera includes a lens, a sensor, and an image processor. Digital cameras are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. Data capture devices can also take the form of radio frequency devices such as RFID scanners. In the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 11A-11B , data capture device 107A is an imaging device. It should be understood that the imaging device is provided as an example only, and that this disclosure contemplates using other types of data capture devices. Further, light reflector 107B may be configured to direct light reflected from at least a portion of the storage area to data capture device 107A . For example, light reflecting devices include, but are not limited to, mirrors, prisms, lenses, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B , data capture device 107A and light reflector 107B are positioned on opposite sides of drawer 103. FIG. Light reflecting device 107B is positioned at an angle such that the light reflecting surface is oriented downward with respect to the axis of data capturing device 107A. In this manner, light reflective surface 107B directs light reflected from a portion of the storage area of the drawer toward data capture device 107A, which in turn directs light toward data capture device 107A, which in turn directs light toward the unit of product within the storage area. Images can be captured. It should be appreciated that the features, sizes, and/or placements of data capture device 107A and light reflection device 107B will depend on the desired image field. This disclosure contemplates that one or more data capture devices 107A and/or one or more light reflecting surfaces 107B can form a machine vision system . As mentioned above, this is determined by the desired image field. Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates that a machine vision system may only include one or more data capture devices 107A (ie, not have light reflective surfaces 107B ). This depends, for example, on the size of the storage area, the characteristics of the data capture devices, the number of data capture devices, and the like.

Referring now to Figure 12, an isometric view of an automated product locker 100 according to implementations described herein is shown. A housing 101 and a plurality of drawers 103 are shown in FIG . FIG. 12 shows a view from the front of the automatic product locker 100 without the drawer 103 exterior. The machine vision system of Figure 12 includes a data capture device 107C. Data capture device 107C may be a barcode scanner. A barcode scanner can read printed machine-readable codes (eg, barcodes) and output to a computing device . Barcode scanners include, but are not limited to, laser scanners , charge-coupled device (CCD) scanners, and omni-directional scanners . Barcode scanners are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below.

As described herein , the automated storage locker 100 can include multiple drawers and multiple machine vision systems . In some implementations , a respective machine vision system (eg, data capture device 107A/light reflector 107B of FIGS. 11A-11B or data capture device 107C of FIG. 12) may be provided for each drawer . In other words, each drawer can have its own machine vision system . Optionally, in some implementations , machine vision system 107 may include a single data capture device (eg, one camera per drawer, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B ) .

Referring again to FIG. 2, the controller 109 creates an inventory of products based at least in part on the information about the products and activates one or more of the visual indicators 105 associated with the desired units of products. can be configured to allow An exemplary process will now be described with reference to Figures 13A-13D . In FIG. 13A , a user (eg, ECP) uses client device 102 to enter a request for a desired unit of product. The client device 102 can send a request for the desired unit of product to the automated product locker 100 via a network (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13D ). A controller (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13D) of automated product locker 100 may be configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product over the network to a remote system (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13D) . As described herein , a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1) may include and /or access an inventory database. The remote system can query the database to determine the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the automated product locker 100 . The remote system can send a response over the network to the controller, and the controller can receive the response including the location(s) of the desired unit (s) of product within the storage area . It should be appreciated that such location(s) may include a particular drawer(s) and/or a particular location(s) within a drawer . As described herein , the controller sends signals to activate visual indicators (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13D) to indicate the position of the desired unit (s) of product within the drawer 103. may be configured to assist the user in identifying the (s). Optionally, the controller can unlock the drawer 103 as described herein . An open drawer 103 is shown in FIGS. 13B-13C which also illustrate a visual indicator 105 activated (eg, illuminated) by the controller. These visual indicators highlight the location of the desired unit of product for the user . In Figure 13D, the drawer 103 has been put back into the housing. As described herein , this movement (eg, withdrawal of drawer 103 from enclosure 101 and/or return of drawer 103 to enclosure 101 ) is controlled by automated product locker 100 , for example, by a machine vision system and/or Or it can be detected using a position detector. This causes the controller to start the machine vision system . By initiating the machine vision system , the automated product locker 100 can read/decode machine-readable labels (eg, barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The respective positions of the respective units of product can be transmitted by the controller to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly. Optionally, the controller can lock the drawer 103 as described herein .

Alternatively or additionally, the automated product locker 100 can be conveniently restocked . For example, a user (eg, an ECP) can refill products by opening one or more drawers and placing product packages into any empty slots in the storage area . Unlike conventional storage systems , there is no need to organize storage in any way, eg by prescription, power, type, etc. Product packages may alternatively be placed randomly within the storage area. Closing the drawer allows the controller to initiate the machine vision system . By initiating the machine vision system , the automated product locker 100 can read/decode machine-readable labels (eg, barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The respective positions of the respective units of product can be transmitted by the controller to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in some implementations controller 109 may be configured to provide an alert depending on the status of drawer 103 . A number of conditions, including the product being inserted incorrectly, such as upside down (as recognized by the computer vision system ), can serve to trigger an alarm. Another possible alert condition is that the controller 109 alerts the user , for example, in response to the drawer 103 remaining open (eg, half-open) for longer than a preset period of time. may provide. Additionally, the controller 109 can provide alerts depending on environmental conditions (eg, temperature, humidity, etc.) within the storage area . The present disclosure contemplates that drawer 103 may include various sensors for detecting environmental conditions.

As described herein , the data capture device 107C of the machine vision system 107 is a barcode scanner (see FIG. 12) capable of reading and decoding machine readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. could be. The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed to and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein . Accordingly, the step of having a product inventory based at least in part on information about the product comprises using a barcode scanner to read respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product; Decoding each product identifier associated with each unit may also be included. After reading/decoding each product identifier, each unit of product can be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 109 and/or a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1).

As described herein , the data capture device 107A of the machine vision system 107 is a digital barcode that can capture images of machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes , 2D barcodes, 3D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. It can be an imaging device such as a camera (see FIGS. 11A-11B) . The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. For example, text and/or graphics can include, but are not limited to, brand names, product names, product descriptions, logos, and the like. In these implementations, image processing techniques may be used to decode the machine-readable product identifier. Accordingly, the step of having a product inventory based at least in part on information relating to the product includes: receiving images of the product captured by the imaging device ; identifying respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product; and decoding respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product . After analyzing/decoding each product identifier, each unit of product can be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 109 and/or a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1).

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, having the product inventory based at least in part on the information about the product further includes cropping a portion of the image of the product. By cropping the image, the portion of the image that is expected to contain the product identifier can be brought into focus. Therefore, the cropped portion of the image is analyzed to identify each product identifier associated with each unit of product. In addition, controller 109 may be configured to transmit an image of the product over a network to a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 1). In these implementations, the images may be stored by the remote system for backup purposes, or image processing (some or all) may be offloaded from the controller 109 to the remote system. Alternatively or additionally, controller 109 may be configured to store images of products in memory . In some implementations , images may be stored only temporarily (eg, to allow image processing) and then overwritten to minimize storage requirements in automated product locker 100 .

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of having the product inventory based at least in part on the information about the product includes missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifiers. analyzing the image of the product to identify one or more of the respective locations within the storage area associated with the storage area. Optionally , controller 109 may be configured to distinguish between missing units of product and units of product having unrecognized/non-readable product identifiers. The former may be replenished and the latter may be repositioned (e.g., flipped, rotated, relabeled) to correctly orient the product identifier for reading by a machine vision system. It should be understood that For example, using a machine learning algorithm, one or more of each location in the storage area associated with a missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifier contains a unit of product. It is possible to determine whether or not The present disclosure indicates that in some implementations using a conventional vision system (e.g. pattern recognition) the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the controller 109 and in other implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the remote system (i.e. offloaded from the automated product locker 100). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying missing , unrecognized, or unreadable product identifiers. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. An exemplary machine learning algorithm is TensorFlow, an open source machine learning algorithm known in the art . TensorFlow is just one example of a machine learning algorithm. The present disclosure contemplates using other machine learning algorithms, including but not limited to neural networks, support vector machines, nearest neighbor algorithms, supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms.

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product uses a machine learning algorithm to identify each respective unit of the product. Further including analyzing the image of the product to determine the source. This is particularly useful, for example, when products are supplied by multiple vendors or manufacturers. In other words, automated product locker 100 can be used to store products from different sources (eg, contact lenses from different manufacturers). As mentioned above, the machine vision system 107, which includes an imaging device such as a camera, can be used to capture images of both machine readable codes (barcodes, UPC, SKU) and text and graphics to identify product identifiers. Image processing techniques can be used to decode. This disclosure contemplates that machine learning algorithms may be used to identify machine readable code associated with different vendors or manufacturers. This allows the automated product locker 100 to select the appropriate decryption rules. Alternatively or additionally, machine learning algorithms may be used to identify the source of a unit of product based on text and/or graphics (even in the absence of machine readable code ). This disclosure recognizes that in some implementations the machine learning algorithms may be executed by the controller 109 and in other implementations the machine learning algorithms may be executed by remote systems (i.e. offloaded from automated product lockers ). intend to Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying the source of a unit of product . Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. Exemplary machine learning algorithms are provided above.

The logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures are performed by: (1) computer-implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) executing on a computing device (e.g., the computing device depicted in FIG. 14); (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e., hardware) within a computing device; and/or (3) as a combination of software and hardware in a computing device. It should be understood that Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software . Implementation is a matter of choice dependent on computing device capabilities and other requirements. Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts , or modules. These operations, structural devices , acts and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be understood that more or fewer operations than shown and described herein may be performed. These operations may also be performed in a different order than described herein .

Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary computing device 700 is shown on which the methods described herein may be performed. It should be appreciated that exemplary computing device 700 is only one example of a suitable computing environment in which the methods described herein may be implemented . Optionally, computing device 700 is a personal computer, server, handheld or laptop device, multiprocessor system, microprocessor-based system, networked personal computer (PC), minicomputer, mainframe computer, embedded system, and/or or any known computing system, including, but not limited to, a distributed computing environment containing a plurality of any of the above systems or devices . Distributed computing environments enable various tasks to be performed by remote computing devices that are linked through communications networks or other data transmission media. In a distributed computing environment, program modules, applications and other data may be stored on local and/or remote computer storage media.

In its most basic configuration, computing device 700 typically includes at least one processing unit 706 and system memory 704 . Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device , system memory 704 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. It may be a combination. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 14 by dashed line 702 . Processing unit 706 may be a standard programmable processor that performs the arithmetic and logic operations required to operate computing device 700 . Computing device 700 may also include a bus or other communication mechanism for communicating information between various components of computing device 700 .

Computing device 700 may have additional features/functionality . For example, computing device 700 may include additional storage such as removable storage 708 and non-removable storage 710 including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Computing device 700 may also contain network connections 716 that allow the device to communicate with other devices. Computing device 700 may also have input devices 714 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, and the like. Output devices 712 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. Additional devices may also be coupled to the bus to facilitate communication of data between the components of computing device 700 . All of these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.

The processing unit 706 may be configured to execute program code encoded on a tangible computer readable medium. Tangible computer- readable media refers to any medium that can provide data that causes a computing device 700 (ie, machine ) to operate in a specified manner. A variety of computer readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to processing unit 706 for execution. Exemplary tangible computer storage media include volatile, nonvolatile, or nonvolatile media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Includes, but is not limited to, media, removable media, and non-removable media . System memory 704 , removable storage 708 and non-removable storage 710 are all examples of tangible computer storage media. Exemplary tangible computer- readable storage media include integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays or application-specific ICs), hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, holographic storage media, solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read -only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic Examples include, but are not limited to, disk storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices.

In one exemplary implementation , processing unit 706 may execute program code stored in system memory 704 . For example, a bus may carry data to system memory 704 and processing unit 706 may receive and execute instructions from system memory 704 . The data received by system memory 704 may optionally be stored on removable storage 708 or non-removable storage 710 either before or after execution by processing unit 706 .

It will be appreciated that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in conjunction with hardware or software, or, where appropriate , in conjunction with a combination of both . As such, the methods and apparatus of the present technical subject matter , or certain aspects or portions thereof, may be embodied in a tangible medium such as a floppy diskette, CD-ROM, hard drive, or any other machine-readable storage medium. program code ( i.e. , instructions) that, when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computing device , for the machine to carry out the subject matter of the present application. becomes . When executing the program code on a programmable computer , the computing device includes a processor, a processor-readable storage medium (including volatile and nonvolatile memory and /or storage elements), at least one input device , and at least It can contain one output device . One or more programs can perform or utilize the processes described in connection with the technical subject matter of this application, for example, by using application programming interfaces (APIs), reusable controls, etc. . Such programs can be implemented in high-level procedural or object oriented programming languages to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language , if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

The present application also describes an automated product cabinet. Such automated product cabinets may be used to track/inventory products such as intraocular lenses. Referring now to Figure 15 , an exemplary operating environment is shown. Automated product cabinet 1000 , client device 102 , and remote system 104 may be operatively coupled by one or more networks 200 . Automated product cabinet 1000 , client device 102, and remote system 104 may be coupled to network 200 via one or more communication links (eg, any suitable communication link). Client device 102 , remote system 104 , and network 200 are described above with respect to FIG. For example, client device 102 and/or remote system 104 may be a computing device (eg, computing device 700 of FIG. 14). In some implementations , remote system 104 may include or have access to database 104A or EMR 104B . Further, network 200 is any suitable communication network. The automated product cabinet 1000 is described in detail below . The present disclosure contemplates that multiple automated product cabinets 1000 may be included within the operating environment. For example, a user such as a surgeon or ECP may have multiple automated product cabinets 1000 in an office to keep an inventory .

This disclosure is subject to a U.S. patent filed on Dec. 17, 2018, entitled "DISTRIBUTION AND INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME," the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is contemplated that automated product cabinet 1000, client device 102, and remote system 104 may interact to perform inventory and shipping/delivery functions, as described in application Ser. No. 16/222,819 . do. For example, as described herein , the remote system 104 can manage/maintain a database 104A that reflects an inventory of products (eg, intraocular lenses) stored within the automated product cabinet 1000 . By exchanging messages over network 200 , remote system 104 can receive messages with up-to-date product inventories from automated product cabinet 1000 . Remote system 104 can also query database 104A in response to requests from automated product cabinet 1000 and/or client device 102 . The present disclosure contemplates that a user (eg, a medical professional such as a surgeon or ECP) may use client device 102 to interact with automated product cabinet 1000 and/or remote system 104 . For example, client device 102 may run an application and/or interface with automated product cabinet 1000 and/or remote system 104 using a web browser.

Referring now to Figure 16, there is shown a block diagram of an automated product cabinet 1000 according to implementations described herein . An exemplary automated product cabinet 1000 is also illustrated, for example, by Figures 17A-19D . Automated product cabinet 1000 can include enclosure 1001 that defines a storage area for receiving products. In the examples described below, the products stored in the automated product cabinet 1000 are intraocular lenses. The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes , cartons, wrappers, etc.). For example, a product package may contain one or more intraocular lenses. The automated product cabinet 1000 can receive multiple product packages, ie multiple units of product, in its storage area . For example, automated product cabinet 1000 can include a plurality of slots 1003 disposed within housing 1001, each slot 1003 configured to receive a respective unit of product. A user can access storage areas and slots 1003 through the face of housing 1001 . In this embodiment, the sides of housing 1001 are open to the environment for easy access to the product by the user . However, enclosure 1001 may be fully or partially closed via doors , drawers, or other covers, and may be transparent or opaque as desired. Optionally , the slots 1003 (and thus the units of product stored therein) can be arranged in rows and/or columns within the storage area (see, eg, FIGS . 17A-19D ). It should be appreciated that the automated product cabinet 1000 can accept products other than intraocular lenses, including but not limited to other types of ophthalmic lenses and/or surgical tools.

Automated product cabinet 1000 may also include a plurality of visual indicators 1005 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within enclosure 1001 . Additionally, the automated product cabinet 1000 can include a scanning bar 1007 configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing 1001 . The automated product cabinet 1000 can also include a data capture device 1009 attached to the scanning bar 1007 and configured to capture information about the product. As described herein , data capture device 1009 can be a barcode scanner capable of reading and decoding machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed to and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein . Alternatively, as described herein , the data capture device 1009 can capture an image of a machine readable product identifier such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU, such as a digital camera. It can be an imaging device . The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. For example, text and/or graphics can include, but are not limited to, brand names, product names, product descriptions, logos, and the like. Imaging device implementations may use image processing techniques to decode the machine-readable product identifier.

Additionally, automated product cabinet 1000 may include controller 1111 . In some implementations , controller 1111 may optionally be located within housing 1001 . Controller 1111 may be a computing device (eg, computing device 700 of FIG. 14). One exemplary controller for using the automated product cabinet 1000 is the RASPBERRY PI from the Raspberry Pi Foundation (UK) . This disclosure contemplates that data capture device 1009 and controller 1111 may be operably linked via one or more communication links, for example. Additionally, visual indicator 1005 and controller 1111 may be operably coupled via one or more communication links, for example. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. For example, communication links may be implemented by any medium that facilitates data exchange including, but not limited to, wired, wireless and optical links. This allows controller 1111 to exchange data with data capture device 1009 and/or visual indicator 1005 .

Optionally , in some implementations , automated product cabinet 1000 can include power supply 1113 located within enclosure 1001 . For example, the automated product cabinet 1000 may be configured to connect to grid power (eg, standard alternating current (A/C) power supplied to a home/office ) during normal operation. The present disclosure contemplates that power supply 1113 may provide power to automated product cabinet 1000 in response to a disruption (eg, power outage). Power source 1113 may optionally be a battery.

Optionally , in some implementations , the automated product cabinet 1000 can further include a position detector 1115 configured to sense the position of the scanning bar 1007 relative to the surface of the housing 1001. For example, position detector 1115 may be a through -beam photoelectric sensor. In this implementation , a plate with through holes can be provided in the automated product cabinet 1000 . As the scanning bar 1007 moves relative to the aperture of the housing 1001, the light beam moves over the plate and the photoelectric sensors detect when the light beam passes through each through-hole . Information may be sent to and received from controller 1009 , which may be configured to track the relative position of scanning bar 1007 . It should be understood that the through- beam photoelectric sensor is provided as an example only. The present disclosure contemplates that position detector 1115 may be another type of sensor , including but not limited to magnetic sensors.

17A-19D , an exemplary automated product cabinet 1000 is shown. As noted above , the automated product cabinet 1000 can include a housing 1001, a plurality of slots 1003 , a plurality of visual indicators 1005 , and a scanning bar 1007. Enclosure 1001 defines surface 1002 and storage area 1004 . A user can access the product through surface 1002 . As noted above, storage area 1004 is configured to receive products such as intraocular lenses. 17A-17C, the first portion of the storage area is labeled with reference number 1004A and is also raised in the dashed box, and the second portion of the storage area is labeled with reference number 1004B and is also raised in the dashed box. emphasized in The storage areas are collectively referred to herein as "storage areas 1004". It should be appreciated that storage area 1004 may include more portions (eg, three, four portions) or fewer portions (eg, one portion) than shown in FIGS . 17A-17C. . Further , each slot 1003 is configured to receive a respective unit of product that may be contained within a product package (eg, a container such as a box , carton, wrapper, or the like). 17A and 17B show a perspective view of automated product cabinet 1000 without product inventory (ie, no product loaded in slot 1003). FIG. 17C shows a front view of an automated product cabinet with an inventory of products (ie products loaded in slots 1003) . Optionally , client device 102 may be stored with and/or attached to automated product cabinet 1000 . Automated product cabinet 1000 can optionally include door 1006 configured to cover face 1002 of enclosure 1001 . This is shown in FIG. 17B. The present disclosure contemplates that door 1006 may be a hinged, pivotal , or sliding door. Optionally , door 1006 may be transparent to allow the user to view products stored within automated storage cabinet 1000 when door 1006 is closed.

Automated product cabinet 1000 may also include a data capture device, such as a barcode scanner or imaging device, and a controller (not shown in FIGS. 17A-19D ) . A data capture device can be attached to the scanning bar 1007 so that the data capture device can capture information about the product. For example, as described herein , a unit of product stored within automated storage cabinet 1000 may be contained within a product package having a machine-readable label (eg, barcode, UPC, SKU, text, graphics). . Alternatively, a unit of product may have a machine-readable label directly applied thereon, as opposed to being contained in a product package having a machine-readable label . Thus, the data capture device can be attached to scanning bar 1007 such that the machine-readable label is within the field of view of the data capture device. In addition, slots 1003 may be arranged in rows and/or columns within storage area 1004 , as shown in FIGS. 17A-19D . Optionally , automated product cabinet 1000 may include multiple data capture devices attached to scanning bar 1007 , for example, each data capture device may be a single data capture device in slot 1003 disposed within housing 1001. rows or single columns. Thus, as described below, when scanning bar 1007 is slidably repositioned along surface 1002, rows or columns of slots 1003 may be within the field of view of each data capture device. It should be appreciated that the size of the automated product cabinet 1000 (eg, the number of rows and/or columns of slots 1003 within the storage area 1004) is provided as an example only. The present disclosure contemplates that the size of the automated product cabinet 1000 (eg, the number of rows and/or columns of slots 1003 within the storage area 1004) may differ from that shown in FIGS. 17A-19D. . For example, Figures 20A-20C show different sized automated product cabinets.

Scan bar 1007 may be configured to be slidably repositioned in first and second directions along surface 1002 of housing 1001 . The present disclosure contemplates that a user can manually reposition scan bar 1007 in a first direction and a second direction. Optionally, the first direction and the second direction are opposite relative directions. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be vertical directions, such as up and down, respectively . This is shown in FIG. 18B. For example, in some implementations , scan bar 1007 can be fixed within a vertical track of housing 1001 such that a user can manually slide scan bar 1007 vertically. Optionally , in other implementations , scanning bar 1007 can be balanced by a counterweight coupled to scanning bar 1007 using a pulley system. The counterweight and pulley system can be hidden within housing 1001 . Alternatively, the first direction and the second direction may be vertical directions, such as left and right respectively. This is shown in FIG. 19B . For example, in some implementations , scanning bar 1007 can be fixed within a horizontal track of housing 1001 such that a user can manually slide scanning bar 1007 horizontally. In some implementations , the automated product locker can optionally include multiple scan bars 1007A and 1007B ( collectively referred to herein as "scan bars 1007 "), each scan bar 1007A and 1007B , is configured to be slidably repositioned along surface 1002 of housing 1001 . This disclosure contemplates that each of scan bars 1007A and 1007B may include one or more data capture devices. Scan bars 1007 may be fixed in a spaced apart relationship. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A-17C , first scan bar 1007A is positioned on face 1002 of enclosure 1001 relative to a first portion (eg, top half of storage area) of storage area 1004A. Second scan bar 1007B may be configured to be slidably repositioned along side 1002 of housing 1001 relative to a second portion (eg, bottom half of the storage area) of storage area 1004B. may be configured to be slidably repositioned along. In this way, each scan bar 1007 need only traverse half of the face 1002 of housing 1001 . It should be understood that the number (eg, two) of scan bars 1007 in FIGS. 17A-17C is provided as an example only. The present disclosure allows automated storage cabinet 1000 to have more scan bars (eg, three, four, etc. ) or fewer scan bars (eg, one scan bar) than shown in FIGS. scanning bar) may be included. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the placement and/or direction of movement (eg, up/down) of the scanning bar 1007 in FIGS. 17A-17C is provided as an example. As shown in Figures 19A-19D, the scanning bar 1007 can be arranged such that the scanning bar moves in a left-to-right direction.

As noted above, automated product cabinet 1000 includes visual indicators 1005 . A visual indicator 1005 is provided to notify the user (eg, a surgeon or medical professional such as an ECP) of the desired product's location within the automated product cabinet 1000 . Visual indicators 1005 may be provided on the exterior surface of automated product cabinet 1000 and/or within storage area 1004 (eg, adjacent slot 1003). The controller may send an activation signal to one or more of the visual indicators 1005 to notify the user where the desired product is located (eg, which cabinet and/or location within the cabinet ). can. For example, as shown in FIG. 17C, housing 1001 can include an outer frame 1001A, and visual indicator 1005A can be positioned on or adjacent to outer frame 1001A . Visual indicator 1005 A is illuminated in FIG. 17C and may be used to indicate that the desired product is stored within automated product cabinet 1000 . This allows the user to identify the cabinet in which the desired product is stored, which can be particularly useful when the product is stored in multiple cabinets . Additionally, each visual indicator 1005B may be positioned over, within, or adjacent to each slot 1003 . As shown in FIG. 17C, six of the slots 1003 are illuminated by visual indicators 1005B that can be used to indicate the slot in which the desired product is located within the automated product cabinet 1000. FIG. This allows the user to pinpoint the exact location of the desired product within the storage area of automated storage cabinet 1000 . It should be appreciated that the placement of visual indicators 1005 in FIG. 17C is provided as an example only. Because the visual indicator 1005 informs the user of the location of the desired product, the visual indicator 1005 can be placed anywhere on and/or near the housing 1001 and/or the slot 1003 for the user .

Each visual indicator 1005 may be a light emitter , such as a light emitting diode (LED). It should be understood that light emitters are provided as an example only . This disclosure contemplates that the visual indicator may be other elements including, but not limited to, graphical representations. As described above, a visual indicator (eg, visual indicator 1005 of FIG. 16) can be operably coupled to a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 16). The controller can send an actuation signal to one or more of the visual indicators to notify the user where the desired product is located. As described herein , the controller activates one or more visual indicators 1005 outside the automated product cabinet 1000 and/or activates one or more visual indicators 1005 within the storage area 1004. can be done. In some embodiments, the visual indicator can indicate an error, such as by changing color, blinking, or otherwise changing state to alert the user of the change in state. . Visual indicators may also guide users (e.g., ECPs, staff members, employees, third parties, or other users ) to available locations within the cabinet when loading products into the cabinet. . In some embodiments, the visual indicators may display different images, colors, or other indications to designate who the directions are directed to . For example, each user of the cabinet can be associated with a particular icon, graphic, or text in the case of graphical representations . In the case of LEDs or other illuminated visual indicators, a particular user may be associated with a given color or blink sequence in a software application operably associated with the cabinet, whereby multiple users can automatically By following the assigned color on the visual indicator to the correct location within the storage cabinet 1000, one can simultaneously be directed to each desired product.

Referring now to Figures 21A-22, there is shown a slot for receiving a unit of product . 21A- 21B show a plurality of slots 2005 arranged in rows and columns, each slot 2005 containing a respective unit of product 2010. FIG. FIG. 21A shows a unit of product 2010 loaded into a slot and FIG. 21B shows an empty slot 2005. FIG. Figures 21A- 21B show modules of 8 columns and 10 rows (8x10 modules). It should be understood that module sizes (eg, number of rows and/or columns of slots) are provided as an example only. This disclosure contemplates that the size of the modules (eg, number of rows and/or columns of slots) may differ from that shown in FIGS. 21A-21B . The modules shown in Figures 21A-21B may be provided within the automated storage cabinet described above in connection with Figures 17A-19D.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the slots 2005 shown in FIGS. 21A-21B may be configured to accommodate different sized units of product 2010 . In other words, different sized slots can accommodate different sized products and/or product packages. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, slot 2005 may include ejection mechanism 2020 and projection member 2022 . Ejection mechanism 2020 and projection member 2022 may be configured to secure a unit of product 2010 located within slot 2005 . Ejection mechanism 2020 may optionally be spring-loaded (ie, include a spring) such that the unit of product 2010 is fixed relative to projecting member 2022 . The unit of product 2010 can be released by disengaging the edge of the unit of product 2010 and the projecting member 2022 . This allows the slots 2005 to accommodate units of product having different first linear dimensions, such as length. Alternatively or additionally, slot 2005 may include a plurality of opposing elastic members 2024 . Opposing elastic members 2024 may be configured to contact opposite sides of a unit of product 2010 located within slot 2005 . The opposing elastic members 2024 can be stretched to maintain contact with a unit of product having a different second linear dimension, such as width. Alternatively or additionally, automated product cabinet 1000 may optionally include slot sensors positioned in one or more of the slots. A slot sensor may be configured to sense the presence of a unit of product. For example, a slot sensor can include a light emitter and a photodetector (eg, light curtain). A light curtain includes a transmitter (eg, an emitter, such as an infrared emitter) and a receiver element (eg, a photocell). When an object, such as a unit of product , cuts the emitted light beam, the photodetector sends a signal to the controller indicating the position of the object . Multiple light curtains (eg, spaced apart within the slot) can be used to detect the relative position of the unit of product within the slot. It should be understood that the light emitters and photodetectors are provided as exemplary slot sensors only. The present disclosure uses other types of slot sensors , including but not limited to mechanical switches, pressure sensors, or other product presence sensors , to detect the presence of a unit of product within a slot of an automated product cabinet. intended to be used. It should be understood that the number, size, and placement of slots 2005 in FIGS. 21A-22 are provided as examples only .

Referring again to FIG. 16, the controller 1111 creates a product inventory based at least in part on the information regarding the product and activates one or more of the visual indicators 1005 associated with the desired unit of product. can be configured as For example, controller 1111 can send a signal to one or more of visual indicators 1005 to activate one or more visual indicators 1005 . An exemplary process is now described. A user (eg, a surgeon or ECP) uses a client device (eg, client device 102 of FIG. 15) to enter a request for a desired unit of product. A client device can send a request for a desired unit of product to the automated product cabinet 1000 over a network (eg, network 200 of FIG. 15). Controller 1111 may be configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, controller 1111 may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product to a remote system (eg, remote system 104 of FIG. 15) over the network. As described herein , the remote system may contain and /or access an inventory database. A remote system can query the database to determine the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the automated product cabinet 1000 . The remote system can send a response over the network to the controller, and the controller 1111 can receive the response including the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the storage area. . It should be appreciated that such location(s) may include the particular slot(s) 1003 in which the desired unit of product is located. As described herein , the controller 1111 sends a signal to activate the visual indicator 1005 for the user to identify the location(s) of the desired unit(s) of product within the automated storage cabinet 1000. can be configured to assist in This may include activating visual indicators 1005A and 1005B as shown in FIG. 17C. These visual indicators highlight the location of the desired unit of product for the user . In some implementations , controller 1111 may be further configured to initiate data capture device 1009 in response to movement of scan bar 1007 . By initiating the data capture device 1009 based on movement, the automated product cabinet 1000 reads/decodes machine readable labels (e.g. barcodes, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with units of product. be able to. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The respective positions of the respective units of product can then be transmitted by the controller 1111 to the remote system. In other words, the controller may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly.

The automated product cabinet 1000 can be conveniently restocked . For example, a user (eg, surgeon or ECP) can replenish product by placing a product package into any empty slot 1003 in the storage area . Unlike conventional storage systems , there is no need to organize storage in any way, eg, by prescription, power, type, and so on. Product packages may alternatively be placed randomly within the storage area. Once replenishment is complete, scanning bar 1007 can be moved and automated product cabinet 1000 will read/decode machine-readable labels (e.g., barcode, UPC, SKU, text, graphics) associated with the unit of product. can do. Each unit of product may then be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The respective positions of the respective units of product can then be transmitted by the controller 1111 to the remote system. In other words, the controller 1111 may be configured to transmit the updated product inventory over the network to the remote system, and the database may be updated accordingly.

As described herein , data capture device 1009 can be a barcode scanner capable of reading and decoding machine-readable product identifiers such as 1D barcodes, UPCs, or SKUs. The machine-readable product identifier may be affixed to and/or printed directly on the product packaging and/or the product itself, as described herein . Accordingly, the step of having a product inventory based at least in part on information relating to the product comprises using a barcode scanner to read respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product; Decoding each product identifier associated with each unit may also be included. After reading/decoding the respective product identifiers, the respective units of the product can be associated with their respective locations within the storage area . The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 1111 and/or remote systems.

As described herein , the data capture device 1009 is an imaging device such as a digital camera capable of capturing an image of a machine readable product identifier such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU. can be The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. In these implementations, image processing techniques may be used to decode the machine-readable product identifier. Accordingly, the step of having a product inventory based at least in part on information relating to the product includes: receiving images of the product captured by the imaging device ; identifying respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product; and decoding respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product . After analyzing/decoding each product identifier, each unit of product can be associated with a respective location within the storage area . The present disclosure contemplates performing this association with either controller 1111 and/or remote systems.

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, having the product inventory based at least in part on the information about the product further comprises cropping a portion of the image of the product. By cropping the image, the portion of the image that is expected to contain the product identifier can be brought into focus. Therefore, the cropped portion of the image is analyzed to identify each product identifier associated with each unit of product. In addition, controller 1111 may be configured to transmit images of products to remote systems over a network. In these implementations, the images may be stored by the remote system for backup purposes, or image processing (some or all) may be offloaded from the controller 1111 to the remote system . Alternatively or additionally, controller 1111 may be configured to store the image of the product in memory . In some implementations , images may be stored only temporarily (eg, to allow image processing) and then overwritten to minimize storage requirements in the automated product cabinet 1000.

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of having the product inventory based at least in part on the information about the product includes missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifiers. analyzing the image of the product to identify one or more of the respective locations within the storage area associated with the storage area. Optionally , controller 1111 may be configured to distinguish between missing units of product and units of product having unrecognized/non-readable product identifiers. The former may be replenished and the latter may be repositioned (e.g., flipped, rotated, repositioned) to properly orient the product identifier for reading by the data capture device 1009. labeled ). For example, using a machine learning algorithm, one or more of each location in the storage area associated with a missing, unrecognized, or non-readable product identifier contains a unit of product. It is possible to determine whether or not The present disclosure indicates that in some implementations using a conventional vision system (e.g. pattern recognition) the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the controller 1111, and in other implementations the machine learning algorithm may be executed by the remote system (i.e. offloaded from the automated product cabinet 1000). Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying missing , unrecognized, or unreadable product identifiers. Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below . An exemplary machine learning algorithm is TensorFlow, an open source machine learning algorithm known in the art . TensorFlow is just one example of a machine learning algorithm. The present disclosure contemplates using other machine learning algorithms, including but not limited to neural networks, support vector machines, nearest neighbor algorithms, supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms.

Optionally , in some implementations using an imaging device, the step of inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product uses a machine learning algorithm to identify each respective unit of the product. Further including analyzing the image of the product to determine the source. This is particularly useful, for example, when products are supplied by multiple vendors or manufacturers. In other words, the automated product cabinet 1000 can be used to store products from different sources (eg, intraocular lenses from different manufacturers). As mentioned above, cameras can be used to capture images of both machine readable codes (barcodes, UPC, SKU) and text and graphics, and image processing techniques are used to decode product identifiers. get . This disclosure contemplates that machine learning algorithms may be used to identify machine readable code associated with different vendors or manufacturers. This allows the automated product cabinet 1000 to select the appropriate decoding rules. Alternatively or additionally, machine learning algorithms may be used to identify the source of a unit of product based on text and/or graphics (even in the absence of machine readable code ). This disclosure recognizes that in some implementations the machine learning algorithms may be executed by the controller 1111 and in other implementations the machine learning algorithms may be executed by remote systems (i.e. offloaded from automated product lockers ). intend to Machine learning algorithms can be trained using existing data sets to perform specific tasks, such as identifying the source of a unit of product . Machine learning algorithms are known in the art and will not be described in further detail below. Exemplary machine learning algorithms are provided above.

Referring now to Figure 23, there is shown an automated product cabinet 1500 according to another implementation described herein . Automated product cabinet 1500 can include a housing 1501 defining a storage area 1504 configured to receive products, and a plurality of slots 1503 disposed within housing 1501 . Multiple units of product may be placed in slot 1503 as described herein . The product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes , cartons, wrappers, etc.). Each unit of product may include a respective smart tag. Each smart tag stores information about its respective unit of product. The present disclosure contemplates that smart tags may be applied to products and/or product packaging. For example, each smart tag can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ultra high frequency (UHF) tag, or a near field communication (NFC) tag. It should be understood that RFID, UHF, or NFC tags are provided as exemplary smart tags only. This disclosure contemplates that smart tags may be any type of tag that has a memory for storing information, an antenna, and the ability to transmit data to a controller. In the implementation shown in FIG. 23, smart tags may be used instead of providing data capture devices configured to read machine-readable labels affixed to products and/or product packaging.

Automated product cabinet 1500 can also include a plurality of visual indicators 1505 configured to indicate respective positions of respective units of product within enclosure 1501 . Visual indicators 1505 may be positioned on or adjacent to the exterior frame of housing 1501 and/or over, within or adjacent to each slot 1503 . As described herein , visual indicators 1505 may be used to indicate where desired products are stored within automated product cabinet 1500 . In FIG. 23, the exterior frame of housing 1501 and six of the plurality of slots 1503 are illuminated by visual indicators 1505. In FIG.

Additionally, automated product cabinet 1500 can include a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 15). In some implementations , the controller may optionally be located within housing 1501 . This disclosure contemplates that controller 1111 may be operatively coupled to smart tags and/or visual indicators 1505, eg, via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. The controller receives information about each unit of product from each smart tag, builds a product inventory based at least in part on the information about each unit of product, and creates a visual display associated with the desired unit of product. It can be configured to activate one or more of indicators 1505 . Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to transmit the product inventory to a remote system over a network. Optionally, the remote system can be a database, as described herein . Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product over the network to the remote system and receive a response from the remote system including the slot in which the desired product unit is located .

Referring now to Figure 24, an automated product system 1700 is shown according to another implementation described herein . Automated product system 1700 can include a housing 1701 defining a storage area configured to receive products, and a plurality of slots disposed within the housing. As described herein , multiple units of product may be placed within the slot. The present disclosure contemplates that the housing 1701 , slot, and unit of product may be similar to those described above with respect to Figures 15-23 . Further , as described herein , the product may optionally be contained in one or more product packages (eg, containers such as boxes , cartons, wrappers, etc.). Automated product system 1700 can include an imaging and projector unit 1703 positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to housing 1701 . Imaging and projector unit 1703 may include an imaging device and a projector. In some implementations , the imager and projector are provided within a single enclosure. In other implementations , the imager and projector are provided in separate enclosures.

The imaging device can be a digital camera capable of capturing an image of a machine readable product identifier such as a 1D barcode, 2D barcode, 3D barcode, UPC, or SKU. The imaging device can also capture textual and/or graphic images that can serve as machine-readable product identifiers. In these implementations, image processing techniques may be used to decode the machine-readable product identifier. A projector may be a device that includes a light source and/or one or more lenses and is configured to project a light beam (eg, an image) onto a surface (eg, a projection surface ). In FIG. 24, the housing 1701 (eg, the surface of the housing 1701) is the projection plane . Optionally, the projector can be a short throw projector or a super slow distance projector. A short-throw projector has a throw ratio of less than 1, where the throw ratio is calculated as the projector-to-surface distance to the screen size . A short throw projector has a throw ratio of about 0.6 to about 0.8. Ultra short throw projectors have a throw ratio of less than about 0.4. Projectors, including short throw projectors , are known in the art . An exemplary projector is the EPSON POWERLITE projector from Seiko Epson Corporation ( Suwa, Nagano, Japan ). In FIG. 24 the positioning of the ultra-short throw, short throw and long throw projectors is indicated by reference numerals 1705, 1707 and 1709 respectively. Optionally , automated product system 1700 can include optical element 1711 to further reduce the throw ratio. The present disclosure contemplates that optical element 1711 may include lenses, mirrors, or combinations thereof.

Automated product system 1700 can also include a controller (eg, controller 1111 of FIG. 15). In some implementations , the controller may optionally be located within housing 1701 or within imaging and projector unit 1703 . This disclosure contemplates that controller 1111 may be operably coupled to imaging and projector unit 1703, eg, via one or more communication links. This disclosure contemplates that the communication link is any suitable communication link. The controller is configured to receive information about the products from the imaging device, create an inventory of the products based at least in part on the information about the products, and cause the projector to illuminate respective locations of the desired products within the enclosure. obtain. In other words, the projector is being used to illuminate (eg, with light) the location of the desired product and/or product packaging stored within enclosure 1701 . Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to transmit the product inventory to a remote system over a network. Optionally, the remote system can be a database, as described herein . Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be further configured to receive requests for desired units of product. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to send a request for the desired unit of product over the network to the remote system and receive a response from the remote system including the slot in which the desired product unit is located . In the implementation shown in FIG. 24, projectors are used instead of providing visual indicators to illuminate the location of the desired product and/or product package within the system.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. It should be understood that the Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. For example, although embodiments of the present application relating to use cases relate to ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses and contact lenses, the claimed automated product cabinets and methods of their use provide improved storage, inventory , It should be understood that it applies equally to any type of product or other object that could benefit from tabulation and/or recovery.

[Mode of implementation]
(1) An automated product cabinet comprising:
a housing defining a storage area and a surface, wherein the storage area is configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of the respective units of the product within the enclosure;
a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing;
a data capture device attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product;
A controller operably coupled to the data capture device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein computer-executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the to the controller,
causing an inventory of the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
and a controller that activates one or more of the visual indicators associated with desired units of the product.
2. The automated scanning device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of data capture devices attached to said scan bar, each data capture device corresponding to a row or column of said slots disposed within said housing. product cabinet.
Aspect 3. The automated product of aspect 1, wherein the scanning bar is configured to be slidably repositioned in a first direction and a second direction along the surface of the housing. cabinet.
(4) The automated product cabinet of claim 3, wherein said first direction and said second direction are opposite relative directions.
(5) The automated product cabinet of Claim 4, wherein said first direction and said second direction are upward and downward, respectively.

(6) The automated product cabinet of embodiment 4, wherein said first direction and said second direction are leftward and rightward directions, respectively.
Clause 7. The automated product cabinet of clause 1, further comprising a plurality of scanning bars, each scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing.
(8) The automated product cabinet of claim 7, wherein said scanning bars are fixed in a spaced apart relationship.
(9) a first scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing with respect to the first portion of the storage area; 9. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 8, configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the enclosure relative to the second portion of the storage area.
Aspect 10. The automated product cabinet of aspect 7, further comprising a plurality of data capture devices, at least one data capture device attached to each of said scanning bars.

Aspect 11. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes an exterior frame, and wherein at least one of the visual indicators is located on or adjacent to the exterior frame.
Aspect 12. The automated product cabinet of aspect 1, wherein each visual indicator is disposed on, within, or adjacent to each slot.
(13) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to instruct said controller, via a network, to provide an inventory of said product to a remote system; 2. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 1, wherein the automated product cabinet is sent to.
Aspect 14. The automated product cabinet of aspect 13, wherein the remote system includes a database.
(15) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to cause said controller to receive a request for said desired unit of said product; The automatic product cabinet according to claim 1.

(16) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to cause said controller to:
causing said request for said desired unit of said product to be sent to a remote system over a network;
16. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 15, wherein a response is received from said remote system including the slot in which said desired unit of said product is located.
17. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 16, wherein said remote system includes a database.
Clause 18. The automated product cabinet of Clause 1, wherein said data capture device is a bar code scanner.
(19) having an inventory of said product based at least in part on said information about said product;
reading each product identifier associated with each unit of the product;
decoding the respective product identifiers associated with the respective units of the product; and
19. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 18, comprising associating said respective unit of said product with said respective slot using said respective product identifier.
Aspect 20. The automated product cabinet of aspect 19, wherein each of said respective product identifiers is a one-dimensional (1D) barcode, universal product code (UPC), or stock keeping unit (SKU).

Aspect 21. The automated product cabinet of Aspect 1, wherein the data capture device is an imaging device.
(22) having an inventory of said product based at least in part on said information about said product;
receiving an image of the product captured by the imaging device;
analyzing the image of the product to identify respective product identifiers associated with respective units of the product;
decoding the respective product identifiers associated with the respective units of the product; and
22. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 21, comprising associating said respective unit of said product with said respective slot using said respective product identifier.
(23) each of said respective product identifiers comprises a one-dimensional (1D) barcode, a two-dimensional (2D) barcode, a three-dimensional (3D) barcode, a universal product code (UPC), an inventory keeping unit (SKU); 23. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 22, which is text or graphics.
(24) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to instruct said controller to perform said data acquisition in response to movement of said scanning bar; 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein the device is started.
Clause 25. The automated product cabinet of clause 24, further comprising a position detector configured to sense the position of the scanning bar relative to the surface of the enclosure.

Aspect 26. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one of said slots is configured to accommodate different sized units of said product.
Aspect 27. The automated product cabinet of aspect 26, wherein said at least one of said slots includes an ejection mechanism and a projecting member.
Clause 28. The automated product cabinet of claim 27, wherein the ejection mechanism and the projecting member are configured to secure a unit of product located in the at least one of the slots.
Clause 29. The automated product cabinet of clause 26, wherein said at least one of said slots includes a plurality of opposed resilient members.
Clause 30. The automated product cabinet of claim 29, wherein said opposing resilient members are configured to contact opposite sides of a unit of product located in said at least one of said slots.

(31) further comprising a slot sensor positioned in at least one of said slots, said slot sensor configured to sense the presence of a unit of product located in said at least one of said slots; 2. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 1, wherein:
Aspect 32. The automated product cabinet of aspect 31, wherein the slot sensor comprises a light emitter and a light detector.
Aspect 33. The automated product cabinet of aspect 1, further comprising a door configured to cover said face of said enclosure.
Aspect 34. The automated product cabinet of aspect 1, further comprising a power source located within said enclosure.
Aspect 35. The automated product cabinet of aspect 1, wherein each of the visual indicators is at least one of a light emitter or a graphical display.

Aspect 36. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein each of said respective units of said product is a product package.
Aspect 37. The automated product cabinet of aspect 36, wherein the product package includes a surgical implant.
(38) The automated product cabinet of Clause 37, wherein said surgical implant is an intraocular lens.
(39) The automated product cabinet of Clause 36, wherein the product package includes surgical tools.
(40) A system comprising:
a client device;
a remote system;
an automated product cabinet according to embodiment 1;
A system, wherein said client device, said remote system, and said automated product cabinet are operatively linked via a network.

(41) An automated product cabinet comprising:
a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of the respective units of the product within the housing;
A controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein computer-executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the controller comprises:
receiving information about the respective units of the product from respective smart tags storing information about the respective units of the product;
causing an inventory of the product based at least in part on the information about the respective unit of the product;
and a controller that activates one or more of the plurality of visual indicators associated with desired units of the product.
Clause 42. The automated product cabinet of clause 41, wherein each said smart tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near field communication (NFC) tag.
(43) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to instruct said controller, via a network, to provide an inventory of said products to a remote system; 42. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 41, wherein the automated product cabinet is sent to.
44. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 43, wherein said remote system includes a database.
(45) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to cause said controller to receive a request for said desired unit of said product; 42. The automated product cabinet according to claim 41.

(46) further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said further computer-executable instructions being executed by said processor to cause said controller to:
causing said request for said desired unit of said product to be sent to a remote system over a network;
46. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 45, wherein a response is received from said remote system including the slot in which said desired unit of said product is located.
47. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 46, wherein said remote system includes a database.
(48) further comprising said plurality of units of said product disposed within said slots, each respective unit of said product comprising a respective smart tag, said respective smart tag having a respective respective unit of said product; 42. The automated product cabinet of embodiment 41, wherein information about is stored.
(49) An automated product system comprising:
a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
an imaging device positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the housing, the imaging device configured to capture information about the product;
a projector arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to the housing;
A controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein computer-executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the controller comprises:
receive information about the product from the imaging device;
causing an inventory of the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
and a controller that causes the projector to illuminate each location of a desired unit of the product within the enclosure.

Claims (49)

An automatic product cabinet,
a housing defining a storage area and a surface, wherein the storage area is configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of the units of the product within the enclosure;
a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing;
a data capture device attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product;
A controller operably coupled to the data capture device, the controller comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing computer-executable instructions, the instructions being executed by the processor, causing the controller to:
inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
and a controller for activating one or more of said visual indicators associated with desired units of said product. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of data capture devices attached to said scanning bar, each data capture device corresponding to a row or column of said slots disposed within said housing. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein the scanning bar is configured to be slidably repositioned in a first direction and a second direction along the face of the housing. 4. The automated product cabinet of claim 3, wherein said first and second directions are opposite relative directions. 5. The automated product cabinet of claim 4, wherein said first and second directions are upward and downward, respectively. 5. The automated product cabinet of claim 4, wherein said first and second directions are leftward and rightward, respectively. 3. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of scanning bars, each scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing. 8. The automated product cabinet of claim 7, wherein said scanning bars are fixed in a spaced apart relationship. A first scanning bar is configured to be slidably repositioned along the surface of the housing with respect to a first portion of the storage area, and a second scanning bar is configured to reposition the storage area. 9. The automated product cabinet of claim 8, configured to be slidably repositioned along said surface of said housing with respect to a second portion of. 8. The automated product cabinet of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of data capture devices, at least one data capture device attached to each of said scanning bars. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes an exterior frame, and wherein at least one of the visual indicators is located on or adjacent to the exterior frame. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein each visual indicator is positioned over, within, or adjacent to each said slot. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said instructions, when executed by said processor, causing said controller to transmit said product inventory to a remote system over a network. automatic product cabinet. 14. The automated product cabinet of claim 13, wherein said remote system includes a database. 2. The automated product of claim 1, wherein further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said instructions, when executed by said processor, causing said controller to receive a request for said desired unit of said product. product cabinet. Further computer-executable instructions are stored in the memory, the instructions being executed by the processor to cause the controller to:
causing said request for said desired unit of said product to be sent to a remote system over a network;
16. The automated product cabinet of claim 15, receiving a response from said remote system comprising a slot in which said desired unit of said product is located. 17. The automated product cabinet of claim 16, wherein said remote system includes a database. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein said data capture device is a bar code scanner. inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
reading a respective product identifier associated with each unit of said product;
decoding the respective product identifiers associated with the respective units of the product;
19. The automated product cabinet of claim 18, comprising associating each said unit of said product with each said slot using said respective product identifier. 20. The automated product cabinet of claim 19, wherein said respective product identifier is a one-dimensional (1D) barcode, universal product code (UPC), or stock keeping unit (SKU). 3. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein said data capture device is an imaging device. inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
receiving an image of the product captured by the imaging device;
analyzing the image of the product to identify a respective product identifier associated with each unit of the product;
decoding the respective product identifiers associated with the respective units of the product;
22. The automated product cabinet of claim 21, comprising associating each said unit of said product with each said slot using said respective product identifier. wherein the respective product identifier is a one-dimensional (1D) barcode, a two-dimensional (2D) barcode, a three-dimensional (3D) barcode, a universal product code (UPC), or an inventory keeping unit (SKU), text, or 23. The automated product cabinet of claim 22, which is a graph. 2. Further computer-executable instructions are stored in said memory, said instructions, when executed by said processor, causing said controller to initiate said data capture device in response to movement of said scanning bar. Automatic product cabinet as described in . 25. The automated product cabinet of claim 24, further comprising a position detector configured to sense the position of said scanning bar relative to said face of said enclosure. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one of said slots is configured to accommodate different sized units of said product. 27. The automated product cabinet of Claim 26, wherein said at least one of said slots includes an ejection mechanism and a projecting member. 28. The automated product cabinet of Claim 27, wherein said ejection mechanism and said projecting member are configured to secure a unit of product located in said at least one of said slots. 27. The automated product cabinet of claim 26, wherein at least one of said slots includes a plurality of opposing resilient members. 30. The automated product cabinet of claim 29, wherein said opposing resilient members are configured to contact opposite sides of a unit of product located in said at least one of said plurality of slots. 4. The claim further comprising a slot sensor positioned in at least one of said slots, said slot sensor configured to sense the presence of a unit of product located in at least one of said slots. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1. 32. The automated product cabinet of claim 31, wherein said slot sensor comprises a light emitter and a light detector. 3. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a door configured to cover said face of said enclosure. 3. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a power supply located within said enclosure. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein each of said visual indicators is at least one of a light emitter or a graphical display. 2. The automated product cabinet of claim 1, wherein each said unit of said product is a product package. 37. The automated product cabinet of claim 36, wherein the product package includes surgical implants. 38. The automated product cabinet of claim 37, wherein said surgical implant is an intraocular lens. 37. The automated product cabinet of claim 36, wherein the product package includes surgical tools. a system,
a client device;
a remote system;
an automated product cabinet according to claim 1;
A system wherein said client device, said remote system, and said automated product cabinet are operatively linked via a network. An automatic product cabinet,
a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate respective positions of the respective units of the product within the housing;
A controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the controller to:
receiving information about the respective units of the product from respective smart tags storing information about the respective units of the product;
inventorying the products based at least in part on information regarding the respective units of the products;
and a controller for activating one or more of said plurality of visual indicators associated with desired units of said product. 42. The automated product cabinet of claim 41, wherein each smart tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near field communication (NFC) tag. 42. The method of claim 41, further computer-executable instructions stored in said memory, said instructions, when executed by said processor, causing said controller to transmit said product inventory over a network to a remote system. automatic product cabinet. 44. The automated product cabinet of claim 43, wherein said remote system includes a database. 42. The automation of claim 41, further computer-executable instructions stored in said memory, said instructions, when executed by said processor, causing said controller to receive a request for said desired unit of said product. product cabinet. Further computer-executable instructions are stored in the memory, the instructions being executed by the processor to cause the controller to:
causing said request for said desired unit of said product to be sent to a remote system over a network;
46. The automated product cabinet of claim 45 receiving a response from said remote system comprising a slot in which said desired unit of said product is located. 47. The automated product cabinet of claim 46, wherein said remote system includes a database. further comprising said plurality of units of said product disposed within said slots, each unit of said product comprising a respective smart tag, said respective smart tag storing information about each unit of said product; 42. The automated product cabinet of claim 41. An automated product system,
a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product;
a plurality of slots disposed within the housing, each slot configured to receive a respective unit of the product;
an imaging device positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the housing, the imaging device configured to capture information about the product;
a projector arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to the housing;
A controller comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions, the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the controller to:
receive information about the product from the imaging device;
inventorying the product based at least in part on the information about the product;
and a controller for causing a projector to illuminate each location of a desired unit of said product within said enclosure.

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