Monitoring system and method

Abstract

A product monitoring system comprising: one or more near field communication (NFC) readers associated with a storage device; and a control system comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface, the control system in communication with the one or more NFC readers, wherein the memory has stored therein executable instructions, wherein the processor is configured to, without human intervention and by executing the executable instructions: control the one or more NFC readers to read one or more NFC tags associated with one or more products stored by the storage device; receive, from the one or more NFC readers, product identification data identifying the one or more products stored by the storage device; compare the product identification data to inventory data stored in the memory to determine at least one product that has been removed from the storage device, wherein the inventory data is indicative of a most recently determined inventory of the storage device; and transmit, via the communication interface, order data to a server processing system to order at least one new product to replace the at least one product that has been removed from the storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a product monitoring system and method, specifically to monitoring products in a closed environment.

[0002] This invention was primarily developed for monitoring one or more products stored in a refrigerator and identifying one or more products removed from the refrigerator over time, and will be described below with reference to the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this specific application. Background Technology

[0003] Several refrigerators have been developed that allow users to scan barcodes when storing new products. Furthermore, such refrigerators allow users to scan product barcodes after the product has been completely consumed. The scanned information can then be used to place an order to replenish the consumed product.

[0004] While these types of refrigerators allow for manual product tracking, they also have some drawbacks. In particular, users must remember to scan the barcode in each of these situations. If a user forgets to actively scan the product's barcode, they cannot place an order. Because operating the refrigerator's scanning device while inserting or removing the product is quite cumbersome, this system has not been widely adopted by consumers. Since the barcode must be aligned with the scanning device, the process can be time-consuming, causing users to skip the initial or subsequent scanning steps.

[0005] Other types of storage devices (such as pantry shelves, vending machines, and storage cabinets) also present similar problems. This includes monitoring the location of products when they are removed; for example, monitoring not only the removal of products from a refrigerator but also the location where the products are moved out. Furthermore, conventional systems with multiple antennas for RF tag detection are known to suffer from interference with other antennas, as well as a certain range of reduced tag reading performance.

[0006] Purpose of the invention One object of the present invention is to substantially overcome or at least improve one or more disadvantages of existing systems, or to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a product monitoring system is provided, comprising: At least one near-field communication (NFC) reader associated with the storage device; and The control system, including a processor, memory, and communication interface, communicates with each NFC reader. The memory contains executable instructions stored therein, and the processor is configured to: execute the executable instructions without human intervention. Control each NFC reader to read one or more NFC tags associated with one or more products stored in the storage device; Receive product identification data from each NFC reader to identify one or more products stored in the storage device; Product identification data is compared with inventory data stored in memory to identify at least one product that has been removed from the storage device, wherein the inventory data indicates the most recently determined inventory in the storage device; and The order data is transmitted to the server processing system via a communication interface to order at least one new product to replace at least one product that has been removed from the storage device; The control system includes a main controller that communicates with each NFC reader, an antenna switch, and at least one antenna array, enabling each antenna to be selectively demodulated. Multiple product locations, each with an associated product sensor, are provided, such that each antenna has multiple product locations associated with it. In response to a product sensor detecting the insertion or removal of a product from a product location, all antennas not associated with that product location are demodulated or deactivated, causing the associated antennas to record product details from their associated tags. Thus, the product identification data collectively represents identification data, which is then compared by a processor with inventory data to determine at least one product that has been removed from the storage device.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, each NFC reader includes multiple antennas, wherein the multiple antennas of each NFC reader are spaced apart from each other and form part of an antenna matrix.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the antenna matrix is ​​integrated with a bracket or shelf that supports the one or more products, wherein the bracket or shelf includes a plurality of support members defining a plurality of storage locations, each storage location being configured to store a single product, wherein the antenna matrix is ​​integrated together with the plurality of support members.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of support members includes a plurality of generally vertical support members and a plurality of generally horizontal support members.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, in order to control the one or more NFC readers to read one or more NFC tags, the processor is configured to: sequentially control different portions of the antenna matrix to read any product located within a corresponding location in the storage device, wherein the memory of the control system has location data stored therein indicating the location of the various different portions of the antenna matrix; receive multiple product identification data portions in response to the sequential control of the different portions of the antenna matrix, wherein the multiple product identification data portions collectively represent identification data; and use the multiple product identification data portions and the location data to determine the location of each identified product stored in the storage device.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is further configured to: receive a product location request via a communication interface; and transmit the location of each identified product stored in a storage device via the communication interface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is also configured to update inventory data based on at least one identified product that has been removed from the storage device.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is further configured to: identify one or more new products stored in a storage device based on a comparison of product identification data and inventory data; and update the inventory data stored in the memory to indicate the one or more new products.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is also configured to periodically control the one or more NFC readers to read one or more NFC tags associated with one or more products stored by the storage device.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, in response to determining that at least one product has been removed from the storage device, the processor is further configured to transmit a notification indicating that at least one product has been removed from the storage device via a communication interface.

[0017] In a preferred aspect, a system is provided, comprising: product monitoring according to the first aspect; and a storage device, wherein the storage device is a refrigerator including a door having an electrically operable lock operable in the following states: a locked state, such that the door is restricted from opening; and an unlocked state, such that the door is not restricted from opening; wherein a processor of the control system of the product monitoring system is further configured to: receive user identification data of a user attempting to open the refrigerator door; use user data stored in a memory to determine whether the user is authorized to open the lockable door; and in response to determining that the user is authorized, control the lock to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, enabling the user to open the door and access one or more products stored in the refrigerator.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more products are one or more wine bottles. Preferably, the refrigerator includes an input device for receiving user identification data from a user; and the control system receives user identification data from a mobile communication device via a communication device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a mobile communication device with a biometric sensor, wherein the mobile communication device is configured to capture a user's biometric data via the biometric sensor, wherein the user identification data is generated by the mobile communication device based on the biometric data.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is further configured to: determine one or more product types of one or more products stored in the refrigerator based on product identification data; use the product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator to query temperature storage data accessible by the control system to determine one or more desired storage temperatures for the one or more products, wherein the product storage temperature data indicates multiple desired temperatures for multiple product types; and control the operating temperature of the refrigerator or a portion thereof according to the one or more desired storage temperatures.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the processor is further configured to: determine one or more product types of one or more products stored in the refrigerator based on product identification data; query temperature supply data accessible by the control system using the one or more product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator to determine one or more desired supply temperatures of the one or more products, wherein the product supply temperature data indicates multiple desired supply temperatures for multiple product types; and control the operating temperature of the refrigerator or a portion thereof based on the one or more desired supply temperatures.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a server processing system, wherein the server processing system includes a data repository in which profile data is stored, and wherein the server processing system is configured to determine at least one new product based on the profile data and order data.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the server processing system modifies the profile data based on the order data.

[0024] Therefore, it can be seen that the present invention advantageously allows location to be determined by reading product RF tag data—where the product RF tag is not predefined or precisely aligned, and can be placed at any desired point on it. Neither the product nor its RF tag needs to have any specific orientation or antenna alignment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1This is a functional block diagram of an example system for monitoring products stored by storage devices.

[0026] Figure 2 It means by Figure 1 The flowchart shows an example product monitoring process performed by the product monitoring system.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example system that includes a product monitoring system for identifying products stored in storage devices.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a storage device provided in the form of a refrigerator, which includes an example of a product monitoring system.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic representation of a system for monitoring stored products according to a second preferred embodiment; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The system's operation flowchart; and Figure 7 It is based on Figure 5 A schematic representation of an array of products according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following patterns are described by way of example only to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of one or more preferred embodiments. Features of the exemplary embodiments are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts throughout the drawings.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 An example system 100 is shown, comprising a product monitoring system 105 and a control system 107. The product monitoring system 105 includes one or more Near Field Communication (NFC) readers 160. The one or more NFC readers 160 are associated with a storage device 180 for storing one or more products 190. The control system 107 communicates with the NFC readers 160. The control system 107 is a computerized control system 107, comprising at least one processor 110, at least one memory 120, and a communication interface 150 coupled together via a bus 140. The memory 120 has executable instructions stored therein, which are executed by the processor 110 to perform the product monitoring process. The system 100 also includes a server processing system 170, which communicates with the product monitoring system 105 via the communication interface 150. In one particular form, the communication interface 150 between the server processing system 170 and the product monitoring system 105 communicates via one or more computer networks 360, such as a wide area network like the Internet.

[0032] Each product 190 has an associated NFC tag 195. For example, the NFC tag 195 may be adhered to the outer surface of the product 190. In a particular example, the product 190 is a bottle of wine, wherein the NFC tag 195 is adhered to the outer surface of the wine bottle 190. In a particular form, the storage device 180 is a refrigerator, such as a wine refrigerator. In a particular embodiment, the wine refrigerator 180 may be a multi-zone wine refrigerator 180, wherein different parts or zones of the wine refrigerator 180 have different operating temperatures.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 , showing the representation by Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates the product monitoring process 200 performed by the product monitoring system 105. Specifically, at step 210, the product monitoring process 200 includes a processor 110 controlling one or more NFC readers 160 to read one or more NFC tags 195 associated with one or more products 190 stored by the storage device 180.

[0034] In step 220, the product monitoring process 200 includes the processor 110 receiving product identification data from the one or more NFC readers 160, which identifies one or more products 190 stored in the storage device 180.

[0035] In step 230, the product monitoring process 200 includes processor 110 comparing product identification data with inventory data stored in memory 120 to determine at least one product that has been removed from storage device 180, wherein the inventory data indicates the most recently determined inventory of storage device 180.

[0036] In step 240, the product monitoring process 200 includes transmitting order data to the server processing system 170 via the communication interface 150 to order at least one new product to replace the at least one product that has been removed from the storage device 180. The server processing system 170 may arrange for the at least one product to be sent to the location of the storage device 180.

[0037] The product monitoring process 200 is executed by the processor 110 without human intervention. This is highly advantageous because the user does not need to align a scanning device to scan the barcode of a product that has been removed from the storage device 180. Instead, the control system 107 automatically controls (without human intervention) one or more NFC readers 160 located at one or more storage locations 182 in the storage device 180 to read the identification data of the individual products 190 located therein. Therefore, the user can remove the product 190 from the storage device 180, and the control system 107 is configured to automatically scan any remaining products 190 in the storage device 180 without requiring any input or instructions from the user to the product monitoring system 105.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the product monitoring process 200 is executed repeatedly. For example, the processor 110 is configured to execute the product monitoring process 200 after a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 seconds) following the most recent execution of the product monitoring process 200.

[0039] Processor 110 is also configured to update inventory data stored in memory 120 based on at least one identified product removed from storage device 180. Processor 110 of control system 107 can also maintain historical inventory data indicating changes in inventory over time.

[0040] It should be understood that the above-described process 200 can be similarly operated to identify one or more new products 190 located within storage device 180. Advantageously, the product monitoring process 200, performed by product monitoring system 105, operates without human intervention, such that one or more new products 190 are identified shortly after they are located within storage device 180 without human input. Specifically, the processor 110 of control system 107 is configured to identify one or more new products 190 stored in storage device 180 based on a comparison of product identification data and inventory data, and to update the inventory data stored in memory 120 to indicate the one or more new products 190.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 A more specific functional block diagram of system 100, including product monitoring system 105, is shown. The product monitoring system 105 includes... Figure 1 The components described herein will not be repeated for clarity. However, the product monitoring system 105 includes additional or sub-components, which will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The product monitoring system 105 includes multiple NFC readers 160, each of which includes multiple antennas 312 and 322. Each NFC reader 160 includes NFC chips 318 and 328 coupled to the spaced-apart antennas 312 and 322. The multiple antennas 312 and 322 of the multiple NFC readers 160 together form an antenna matrix 395. Figure 4 As shown, the antenna matrix 395 is integrated with a bracket or rack located within the storage device 180 that supports one or more products 190 (see Figure 190). Figure 4 The antenna matrix 395 effectively forms a three-dimensional antenna. (For example...) Figure 4As shown, the bracket or shelf includes multiple support members 310, 320 defining multiple storage locations 182, wherein the structure and dimensions of each storage location 182 are designed to store a single product 190. The support members may have a plate profile. An antenna matrix 395 is integrated with the multiple support members of the bracket or shelf. The multiple support members include multiple generally vertical support members 320 and multiple generally horizontal support members 310.

[0043] Return to Figure 3 The control system 107 includes a master controller 305 that communicates with a plurality of first microcontrollers 319 and a plurality of second microcontrollers 329. In one example, the master controller 305 may be provided as a Raspberry Pi controller. In one example, the plurality of first microcontrollers 319 and the plurality of second microcontrollers 329 may be provided as a plurality of Arduino microcontrollers. It should be understood that other controllers and microcontrollers may be used. Each first microcontroller 319 communicates with a corresponding first multiplexer 318, which in turn communicates with a row of antennas 314a-314d of the antenna matrix 395. Each second microcontroller 329 communicates with a corresponding second multiplexer 328, which in turn communicates with a column of antennas 324a-324f of the antenna matrix 395.

[0044] The main controller 305 is configured to transmit read commands to each of the first and second microcontrollers 319 and 329, which in turn control the antennas 314a-314d of the corresponding rows and the antennas 324a-324d of the corresponding columns via corresponding first and second multiplexers 318 and 328 to read one or more NFC tags 195 of one or more products 190. Each of the first and second microcontrollers 319 and 329 transmits row product identification data and column product identification data to the main controller 305, wherein the row product identification data and column product identification data together represent identification data, which is compared by the processor 110 of the main controller 305 with inventory data stored in the memory 120 of the main controller 305 or accessible by the main controller 305 to determine at least one product 190 that has been removed from the storage device 180.

[0045] Because each NFC reader 160 includes multiple antennas, a significantly larger footprint can be covered with a smaller number of NFC chips 318, 328. Specifically, the product monitoring system 105 includes a greater number of individually readable storage locations compared to the number of NFC chips 318, 328. For example, in Figure 4 The refrigerator includes 24 storage locations that can be read by 10 NFC chips.

[0046] Furthermore, since each NFC reader 160 includes multiple antennas 314, 324, it can selectively read specific product storage locations within the storage device 180. Specifically, to selectively read multiple or one NFC tags 195, the processor 110 of the control system 107 is configured to sequentially control different portions of the antenna matrix 395 to read any product located within a corresponding location in the storage device 180, wherein the memory 120 of the control system 107 has location data already stored therein indicating the locations of the various different portions of the antenna matrix 395. The processor 110 is then configured to receive multiple product identification data portions in response to the sequential control of the different portions of the antenna matrix 395, wherein the multiple product identification data portions collectively represent identification data.

[0047] Processor 110 is configured to then use the plurality of product identification data portions and location data to determine the location of each identified product stored within storage device 180. In one example, processor 110 is also configured to receive product location requests via communication interface 150 and to transmit the location of one or more products stored within storage device 180 via communication interface 150. In one example, a user operating a mobile communication device 370 having a computer program 375 (i.e., an “application”) stored in memory 120a can be provided with a user interface presenting a list of products stored within refrigerator 180. The user can select one of the products from this user interface, wherein, in response, mobile communication device 370 generates a product location request, which is transmitted via communication interface 150 to control system 107 of product monitoring device 105. After determining the location of the selected product as described above, processor 110 of control system 107 transmits the location of the selected product to mobile communication device 370 via communication device 150. In response, user interface of mobile communication device 370 can display a graph showing the location of the selected product 190 within refrigerator 180.

[0048] Product monitoring system 105 can also be configured to provide safety features related to the removal of product 190 from storage device 180. This may be particularly advantageous if an underage person removes a bottle of alcohol 190 from refrigerator 180. Specifically, in response to determining that at least one product has been removed from storage device 180, processor 110 of control system 107 is also configured to transmit a notification via communication interface 150 indicating that the at least one product has been removed from storage device 180. Memory 120 of control system 107 may store one or more registered mobile communication devices 370, wherein the notification may be transmitted to one or more of the registered mobile communication devices 370 stored in memory 120. The notification may indicate identification data of the removed product.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the control system 107 can communicate with the electrically operable lock 340 of the storage device 180 via its input / output (I / O) interface. The refrigerator 180 includes a door having an electrically operable lock 340, which is operable in two states: a locked state, restricting the door from opening, and an unlocked state, allowing the door to be opened without restriction. The processor 110 of the control system 107 of the product monitoring system 105 is configured to receive input data from a user attempting to open the door of the refrigerator 180. The processor 110 is then configured to use authentication data stored in memory 120 and the received input data to determine whether the user is authorized to open the lockable door. In response to determining that the user is authorized, the processor 110 is configured to control the lock 340 to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state, enabling the user to open the door and access one or more products 190 stored within the refrigerator 180.

[0050] In one example, refrigerator 180 includes an input device 350 to receive input data from a user. For example, refrigerator 180 may include a keypad 350 that allows a user to enter a password to open the door. In another system, the input device may be another NFC reader, where an NFC device (e.g., a card) can be read by another NFC reader to authorize the user to access one or more products 190. In another example, control system 107 receives input data from mobile communication device 370 via communication interface 150. Specifically, mobile communication device 370 includes a biometric sensor, wherein mobile communication device 370 is configured to capture a user's biometric data via the biometric sensor, wherein the input data is generated by mobile communication device 370 based on the biometric data.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the control system 107 can electrically communicate with the refrigerator's temperature control system 390 via I / O interface 130. The control system 107 can be configured to electrically communicate with the temperature control system 390 to control the operating temperature of the refrigerator 180 based on the preferred storage temperature of one or more products 190 identified as stored within the refrigerator 180. Specifically, the processor 110 of the control system 107 is configured to determine one or more product types of the one or more products 190 stored within the refrigerator 180 based on product identification data.

[0052] Processor 110 is configured to subsequently query temperature storage data accessible to control system 107 using the product type of one or more products 190 stored within refrigerator 180, to determine one or more desired storage temperatures for the one or more products 190, wherein the product storage temperature data indicates multiple desired temperatures for multiple product types. Processor 110 is then configured to control the operating temperature of refrigerator 180 or a portion thereof based on the one or more desired storage temperatures. It should be understood that the temperature storage data may be stored in memory 120 of control system 107 or accessible from a remote storage device via communication interface 150.

[0053] In some cases, one or more products 190 stored in a refrigerator may be stored at a first desired temperature, but ideally supplied at a different second desired temperature. In this case, the user can configure or request that the refrigerator 180 operate at a second desired temperature determined based on the one or more products stored therein when one or more products are expected to be removed from the refrigerator. To achieve this change in operating temperature, the processor 110 is configured to determine one or more product types of the one or more products 190 stored in the refrigerator 180 based on product identification data. The processor 110 is then configured to query temperature supply data accessible to the control system 107 using the one or more product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator to determine one or more desired supply temperatures for those one or more products, wherein the product supply temperature data indicates multiple desired supply temperatures for multiple product types.

[0054] Processor 110 is configured to subsequently control the operating temperature of the refrigerator or a portion thereof based on one or more desired supply temperatures. In some cases, processor 110 may be configured to receive a supply temperature command via communication interface 150, instructing the refrigerator 180 to switch from operating in storage temperature mode to operating in supply temperature mode for a period of time. This periodic operation also operates the refrigerator in an energy-efficient manner. The supply temperature command may be received from a user's mobile communication device 370. In another form, the memory 120 of the control system 107 may have preference data stored therein, including predetermined temperature control data indicating operating temperatures at different times.

[0055] For example, a user can use a computer program 375 running on a mobile communication device 370 to set preference data to instruct the refrigerator to maintain its operating temperature at a desired supply temperature for one or more products stored in the refrigerator for a specified period of time (e.g., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), and for other periods of time when the refrigerator will maintain its operating temperature at an equal desired storage temperature. The preference data is stored in the memory 120 of the control system 107. In this configuration, once the user sets the preference data, no further human intervention is required for the refrigerator to operate in this manner.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, server processing system 170 may include or have access to a data repository 175 where profile data is stored. The profile data may be profiles of one or more users of storage device 180, indicating one or more preferences for products stored within storage device 180. Server processing system 170 is configured to determine, based on the profile data and order data, the at least one new product to replace the removed product. For example, in the case of a wine refrigerator, the profile data may indicate one or more wine preferences. In a more specific example, order data may indicate that a bottle of 190 Shiraz has been removed, and one or more preferences indicate a preferred wine producer. Using this information, server processing system 170 may search product repository 175 to identify a bottle of 190 Shiraz available from the preferred wine producer. Server processing system 170 then arranges for the new product to be sent to the refrigerator user. In some cases, server processing system 170 may modify the profile data based on order data. For example, trends in consumption habits over time may indicate changes in the preferences of refrigerator users. Server processing system 170 may include one or more probing or machine learning programs stored in the memory of the server processing system to analyze received order data and modify profile data so that a better replacement product is sent to the user of the refrigerator.

[0057] While some examples of custom refrigerators with integrated product monitoring systems 105 have been described above, it is feasible to modify a regular refrigerator with integrated product monitoring systems 105 by placing a portable bracket or shelf assembly inside the refrigerator.

[0058] Although an example of a refrigerator for storing wine bottles 190 has been described above, it should be understood that the above example can be applied in the same way to other types of storage devices 180, such as food pantry, vending machine and storage cabinet.

[0059] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The figure illustrates a system 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, and it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the same reference numerals are used as above to refer to the same components. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the number of NFC readers is minimized, and interference between NFC readers is reduced or eliminated.

[0060] like Figure 5 As best seen in the embodiment, this includes a master controller 305 that communicates with one or more slave controllers 329. The master controller 305 and the slave controllers (one or more) 329 each communicate with an array of bottle detectors 520. Figure 5The refrigerator uses a tagged bottle sensor array to detect the insertion and removal of bottles. Detectors 520 are positioned at individual bottle locations to determine the presence or absence of a bottle. Preferably, reflective optical elements such as infrared sensors and transmitters form each bottle detector 520; however, it should be understood that mechanical switches or any preferred conventional arrangement may be used. Figure 5 LED indicators 540 located at or adjacent to each bottle sensor 520 are also shown for providing visual indications to the user.

[0061] Each main controller 305 and sub-controller 329 communicates with each NFC tag reader 505. An antenna selection switch 500 is associated with each antenna 324 to select one antenna from the antenna array 329. Each antenna 324 or its array can be associated with the main controller 305 and one or more sub-controllers 329, as shown; however, the sub-controllers can be discarded, and it is desirable to use the main controller 305 to control each antenna 324 (not shown). The array of each sub-controller 329 and its associated bottle detector 520, together with the NFC reader 505 and the associated antenna 324, forms module 550, which can detect bottles (…). Figure 5 The system inserts and removes bottles (not shown in the diagram) and reads bottle tag 195 information associated with an “NxM” bottle array within a certain area of ​​the refrigerator. That is, the bottle refrigerator may include one or more modules 550, one of which includes a main controller 305 while other modules use a secondary controller 329.

[0062] Figure 7 An example is illustrated where the modular array 550 can have a size of 15 bottles 190. In this way, refrigerators of various sizes can be built by connecting several modules together. For example, to manufacture a refrigerator that can hold 45 bottles, three modules would be needed.

[0063] In use, each controller 305 or 329 continuously scans its associated array of bottle detectors 520 to detect the insertion and removal of bottles 190. When a bottle 190 is inserted, controller 329 determines the position of the new bottle 190 in the refrigerator based on the activity detector 520 and communicates with its associated antenna tuning / demodulation switch 510 and connection switch to connect one antenna 329 from its antenna array in module 550 to NFC reader 505, which is the antenna most suitable for positioning to read the tag 195 of the new bottle 190. All other antennas 324 in the array are configured to remain demodulated and disconnected so as not to interfere with the operation of the single active antenna. Controller 329 or 305 then communicates with NFC reader 505 to read the tag of the new bottle 190.

[0064] When bottle 190 is removed from the bottle array, the controller 305 or 329 associated with the array will detect the removal and determine the location of the removed bottle during its bottle scanning process. Each sub-controller 329 transmits its bottle insertion and removal information to the main controller 305. The main controller 305 collects / stores all bottle information (its own or that of the sub-controllers) and manages communication with the network / cloud 360.

[0065] If necessary, for example in Figure 7 As shown, a preferred embodiment may include a magnetic field suppressor, which is disposed, for example, in the middle of adjacent antenna arrays by means of a high-permeability alloy (mu-metal) sheet 560 or other extremely high permeability material, to limit the columns and read tags in the space that a single antenna in the array can detect.

[0066] It should be understood that, in this preferred embodiment, utilizing all but one of the antennas in the array of demodulation control 510 demodulating antenna 324 allows a single desired antenna to perform optimally without being affected by other nearby antennas within the array. Therefore, a single optimally performing antenna can be used to read tags from multiple bottles within the storage array, thereby minimizing the number of antennas and associated support hardware required to achieve complete refrigerator coverage. For example, in Figure 7 In this configuration, each antenna 324 has three bottles positioned adjacent to each of its sides, allowing it to be integrated with detector 520 to ensure the correct label 195 is read. Continuously probing or scanning the condition of detector 520 allows for the detection of bottle removal or addition many times per second.

[0067] Therefore, this invention advantageously solves the technical problem of determining the position of a product within a refrigerator and reading data from an RF tag attached to the product, where the tag is not predefined or precisely aligned. The tag can be mounted on either side of the product, and the refrigerator user does not need to store the product in any particular orientation or otherwise align the tag with the antenna. Therefore, an antenna array is required, where each antenna has sufficient RF range to read tags from nearby products, regardless of their orientation (long tag reading range). The antenna array is arranged such that all internal space within the refrigerator that might be occupied by the tag is within the RF signal range of at least one antenna.

[0068] Furthermore, it should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be used in situations where products may be tightly packaged in a refrigerator, and a 1:1 relationship between the tag and the antenna is not possible; each antenna may potentially detect and read several nearby tags from several different products at any given time. Moreover, since the antennas forming the array are very close to each other, and since each antenna must have an RF signal range that allows tag reading in any direction, mutual interference may exist between the antennas, reducing their tag reading range performance. The preferred embodiments of the present invention overcome this limitation.

[0069] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A product monitoring system, comprising: At least one near-field communication (NFC) reader associated with a storage device; and A control system, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface, communicates with each NFC reader, wherein the memory has executable instructions stored therein, and the processor is configured to, without human intervention and through the execution of the executable instructions, perform the following: Control each NFC reader to read one or more NFC tags associated with one or more products stored by the storage device; Receive product identification data from each NFC reader to identify the one or more products stored in the storage device; The product identification data is compared with inventory data stored in the memory to identify at least one product that has been removed from the storage device, wherein the inventory data indicates the most recently determined inventory of the storage device; and The order data is transmitted to the server processing system via the communication interface to order at least one new product to replace the at least one product that has been removed from the storage device; The control system includes a main controller communicating with each NFC reader, an antenna switch, and at least one antenna array, enabling each antenna to be selectively demodulated. Multiple product locations, each with an associated product sensor, such that each antenna has multiple product locations associated with it. In response to a product sensor detecting that a product is inserted or removed from a product location, all antennas not associated with that product location are demodulated or deactivated, causing the associated antennas to record product details from their associated tags. Thus, product identification data collectively represents identification data, which is compared by the processor with inventory data to determine at least one product that has been removed from the storage device.

2. The product monitoring system according to claim 1, comprising at least one secondary controller communicating with and controlled by the primary controller, each secondary controller being configured to control a plurality of antennas and bottle detectors associated therewith.

3. The product monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An antenna matrix is ​​formed by a plurality of associated antennas and is integrated with a bracket or shelf that supports the one or more products, wherein the bracket or shelf includes a plurality of support members defining a plurality of storage locations, each storage location being configured to store a single product, wherein the antenna matrix is ​​integrated with the plurality of support members.

4. The product monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of support members include a plurality of generally vertical support members and a plurality of generally horizontal support members.

5. The product monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein, In order to control the at least one NFC reader to read one or more NFC product tags, the processor is configured to: Different parts of the antenna matrix are sequentially controlled to read any product located in a corresponding position within the storage device, wherein the memory of the control system has location data stored therein indicating the positions of the various different parts of the antenna matrix; In response to sequential control of different portions of the antenna matrix, multiple product identification data portions are received, wherein the multiple product identification data portions collectively represent the identification data; and The location of each identified product is determined using the plurality of product identification data portions and the location data stored in the storage device.

6. The product monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Receive product location requests through the communication interface; and The location of each identified product stored in the storage device is transmitted via a communication interface.

7. The product monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is also configured to update the inventory data based on at least one identified product that has been removed from the storage device.

8. The product monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is also configured to: One or more new products stored in the storage device are identified by comparing the product identification data with the inventory data. and Update the inventory data stored in the memory to indicate the one or more new products.

9. The product monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is also configured to periodically control the at least one NFC reader to read one or more NFC tags associated with one or more products stored in the storage device.

10. The product monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In response to determining that at least one product has been removed from the storage device, the processor is also configured to transmit a notification indicating that at least one product has been removed from the storage device via the communication interface.

11. A system comprising: Product monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and A storage device, wherein the storage device is a refrigerator including a door, the door having an electrically operable lock operable in the following states: a locked state, such that the door is restricted from opening; and an unlocked state, such that the door is not restricted from opening; The processor of the control system of the product monitoring system is further configured as follows: Receive user identification data of a user attempting to open the refrigerator door; The user data stored in the memory is used to determine whether the user is authorized to open the lockable door; and In response to determining that a user is authorized, the lock is controlled to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state, enabling the user to open the door and access one or more products stored inside the refrigerator.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more products mentioned are one or more wine bottles.

13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The refrigerator includes an input device for receiving the user identification data from the user.

14. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The control system receives the user identification data from the mobile communication device through the communication device.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The system includes a mobile communication device with a biometric sensor, wherein the mobile communication device is configured to capture a user's biometric data via the biometric sensor, wherein the user identification data is generated by the mobile communication device based on the biometric data.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Based on the product identification data, determine one or more product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator; Using the product type of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator, the system queries temperature storage data accessible to determine one or more desired storage temperatures for the one or more products, wherein the product storage temperature data indicates multiple desired temperatures for multiple product types; and The operating temperature of the refrigerator or a portion thereof is controlled according to one or more desired storage temperatures.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Based on the product identification data, determine one or more product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator; Using the one or more product types of the one or more products stored in the refrigerator, the system queries temperature supply data accessible to determine one or more desired supply temperatures for the one or more products, wherein the product supply temperature data indicates multiple desired supply temperatures for multiple product types; and The operating temperature of the refrigerator or a portion thereof is controlled based on one or more desired supply temperatures.

18. The system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The system includes the server processing system, wherein the server processing system includes a data repository storing profile data, and wherein the server processing system is configured to determine the at least one new product based on the profile data and order data.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The server processing system modifies the profile data based on the order data.

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