Simple and inexpensive device with visual indication of product post-opening cycle (PAO) expiration

Abstract

The present invention provides a simple, inexpensive device having a visual indication of post-product-opening period (PAO) that can be affixed to a product. The device comprises a microcontroller 101, an LED 102, a capacitor 103, a lithium button battery 104, a vibration switch 105, a printed circuit board 106, a pull tab 107, a housing 108 of the microcontroller, a tamper-proof frosted cover 109 and a battery holder 110, when the product is opened, the pull tab is released, and the device remains inactive and obtains positive start-up. A microcontroller 101 unit of the device is pre-programmed and has a number of general purpose input and output pins. The LED unit 102 is controlled by one of the output pins of a microcontroller unit (MCU) 101. In order to enhance the duration of the visual indication, a vibration switch 105 is used. The vibration switch 105 ensures that a visual indication is provided only when a user's interaction with the product is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing visual indications on cosmetics, food or pharmaceuticals having an expiration date and a period after opening (PAO).

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a visual indication of the post-opening cycle (PAO) of cosmetics or other products, which can indicate that the product is not suitable for use.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a visual indication of the Post-Opening Period (PAO) of a product in the form of LED lighting, which indicates that the product has reached the end of its Post-Opening Period (PAO). Background Technology

[0004] The purpose of using beauty / cosmetic products is to improve the health of our skin and make us look beautiful. However, as users, we forget that cosmetics and beauty products have a limited shelf life, and their effectiveness and safety decrease over time, especially once they are opened. Cosmetics come with an Open After Cycle (PAO) time span to understand how long a product can be safely used after opening.

[0005] PAO is a graphic symbol. It is indicated by a number followed by the letter M (months). The number indicates the number of months the product can be safely used after opening. For example, the symbol 12M means the product can be safely used for 12 months after opening.

[0006] To ensure the safety and effectiveness of beauty products, it is crucial to follow the PAO label and dispose of products past their recommended shelf life. When we open and use cosmetics, we introduce microorganisms and oxygen into the product. Preservatives lose their effectiveness over time, allowing bacteria and fungi to proliferate, rendering the beauty product unsuitable for use. Using the product after this period may lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other health problems.

[0007] In some food and pharmaceutical products, the Post-Opening Period (PAO) is equally important. Although the PAO mark is not printed on the packaging, it does indicate "discard after x months of opening".

[0008] Although Post-Opening Period (PAO) is mandatory, information about it is very limited, and most importantly, there is no easy way to track the PAO expiration date from the first opening of the product.

[0009] For example, a user purchases cosmetics with a PAO expiration date of 6 months. The packaging bears the 6M PAO logo. However, recalling when the product was first opened is an impossible task for the user, making it difficult to track its PAO expiration date. Therefore, it can be reasonably assumed that most of the time, the user will end up using contaminated and expired products.

[0010] There is an urgent need for a visual indicator that allows users to easily identify a product's Post-Opening Cycle (PAO). This device would then warn the individual that the product is no longer suitable for use and must be replaced. While many researchers and inventors have investigated the same concept and developed related work, these inventions often lack a mechanism or one or more features. Some such inventions are discussed below.

[0011] Referring to patent application EP03252565A filed by HEWLETT PACKARD CO on 2003-04-23, with a priority date of 2002-04-29, entitled "Determination of pharmaceutical expiration date," a temperature sensor (42) connected to a drug supply (16) is disclosed for measuring the temperature of the drug. A real-time clock circuit (40) is programmed with a start date, and a controller (24) integrated circuit controls the operation of the clock (40) and the temperature sensor (42). The controller (24) is programmed with drug-specific drug temperature profile data. The controller combines the temperature and time data with the drug temperature profile data to calculate the expiration date corresponding to the drug's potency conditions.

[0012] Reference is also made to patent application CA2008000118W, filed on January 22, 2008, by ALBERTA LTD and BRAKUS TONY GEORGE (1281042), entitled "TIMING DEVICE," which discloses a timing device for informing a user of the characteristics of a consumable related to product consumption. This timing device includes printed circuitry integrating a processor, a timer, an indicator, and a motion sensor. The motion sensor is arranged to sense the movement or vibration of the product relative to its surrounding environment to determine user interaction with the product. The processor can operate in one mode such that once the timer interval has expired, the indicator indicates the product's expiration in response to the sensor's detection of user interaction. In another mode, the processor is operable such that the indicator is activated in response to the timer's dose interval expiring. In the latter mode, the indicator is deactivated in response to user interaction detected by the sensor indicating that a dose is being taken.

[0013] Reference is also made to OLSSON MARTIN ANDREAS's patent application SE1430023A1 filed on 2014-02-24 entitled "Digital expiration date unit," which discloses a digital expiration date device (100, 200) comprising: a substrate (101); a printed digital array (102) including a plurality of digital segments (112a, 112b) arranged on the substrate (101) to provide a variable expiration date, wherein the plurality of digital segments (112a, 112b) have each a first luminous or colored mode and a second non-luminous or non-colored mode; a display driver integrated circuit (120) disposed on the substrate, electrically coupled to the plurality of digital segments for logical switching to the first or second mode; and a transponder (130). It includes a writable and readable digital medium for storing data, on which digital segments are respectively configured in a first position (112a) and a second position (112b), wherein the transponder is arranged on a substrate (101) electrically connected to the integrated display driver circuit (120), wherein the plurality of digital segments are configured for the writable and readable digital medium of the transponder (130), preferably wherein the substrate (101) includes an adhesive surface for attaching to the outside of a package, and wherein the digital array is configured to display at least one digit including 2 to 7 of the plurality of digital segments at the first position.

[0014] Reference is also made to US89059404A, an invention patent application filed by Pitney Bowes Inc on July 13, 2004, entitled "Method for displaying an environmentally modulated expiration date," which discloses a system and method for dynamically adjusting the expiration date displayed on a consumer product. The system and method utilize an LCD display to display the expiration date and a message, utilize sensors to monitor environmental conditions, utilize a clock to count down the expiration date, and utilize a controller to determine the message and adjust the expiration date displayed based on the monitored environmental conditions.

[0015] Reference was also made to BHASKAR ARANI MUNICHANDRA's patent application IN202241057958, filed on 2022-10-10 entitled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATION OF PRODUCTS," which discloses a system (100) for product authentication. The system includes a unique code (102) set on the product and a processing subsystem (104). The unique code includes product information. The processing subsystem includes a scanning module (110) for scanning the unique code and generating a response message related to product authenticity; a comparison module (112) for comparing multiple unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code and verifying product authenticity. The processing subsystem also includes a selection module (114) for selecting multiple random unique parameters, an image processing module (116) for analyzing multiple predetermined features of the product, a tracking module (118) for tracking the product consumption rate of the scanned product, and a recommendation module (120) for recommending the quantity of product to purchase based on the tracked consumption rate.

[0016] Reference is also made to H24INVENT SRL’s patent application EP21150668A filed on 2021-01-08 entitled “SYSTEM FORMONITORING THE EXPIRY DATE OF BOTTLED OR CANNED FOOD PRODUCTS”, which discloses a system for monitoring the expiry date of food contained in bottles or cans, and more specifically, a system configured to notify a user of the expiry date of some food products.

[0017] Reference is also made to H24INVENT SRL’s patent application EP18165036A, filed on 2018-03-29, entitled “DEVICE FORPRESERVING FOODSTUFFS”, which discloses a device for preserving food, the device including at least one wireless communication module that communicates with a corresponding wireless communication module of a smart portable device.

[0018] Reference is also made to ELEGIO BV, FREIJSEN MARION, and FINLAN MARTIN F, in their invention patent application GB2011050265W entitled "TIMING DEVICE," filed on 2021-02-11, which discloses a timing device. This timing device functions as a lifespan monitor, providing an indication of when a product's lifespan ends; or as a usage monitor, indicating the duration of regular product use. The timing device consists of a main body and a timing starter (20). The main body comprises a power source in the form of a thin-film zinc-air battery and a visual or auditory indicator. This indicator indicates when the product has been opened for a predetermined duration corresponding to the product's recommended lifespan; or alternatively, indicates the timed or repeated use of a product (such as toothpaste or a medication). The timing initiator (20) is a tearable air-barrier membrane, and the thin-film zinc-air battery includes: a porous air inlet control layer (21) that allows air to enter when the torn membrane is removed; a porous air electrode, an anode (22); an interface containing an electrolyte (23); a zinc electrode (24); and an external adhesive film for attaching the timing device to the product packaging (25). The timing device is capable of indicating the elapsed time of a predetermined period of time, which is substantially independent of ambient temperature.

[0019] Reference is also made to SENVER HOLDINGS PTY LTD's patent application AU2019050434W, filed on 2019-05-10, entitled "LABEL ANDTIMING DEVICE". The tag includes a fixed portion for attaching the tag to an object and a timing device. The timing device includes: a timer for monitoring a predetermined first time period; a signaling device for providing an alarm signal when the first time period expires; a power supply for supplying power to the timer and the signaling device; a reset device for restarting monitoring of the first time period; and a reset controller configured to allow operation of the reset device only when one or more conditions are determined to be met. In an additional or alternative arrangement, the reset controller is configured to allow operation of the reset device based on receiving an external signal from an external source.

[0020] Reference was also made to FLEEP TECH SRL's patent application US202118038853A filed on 2021-11-24 entitled "SMART LABELDEVICE WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO A PACKAGING FOR PROVIDING AN INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RESIDUAL PERIOD OF LIFE OF A PERISHABLE PRODUCT INSIDETHE PACKAGING", which discloses a smart label device suitable for packaging for providing information indicating the remaining lifespan of a perishable product within the packaging. The smart label device has a flexible support base, an electronic control unit associated with the flexible support base, a sensor unit configured to detect data related to the perishability of the perishable product, an information signal unit associated with the flexible support base and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, and a power supply unit associated with the flexible support base and operatively connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine information representing the remaining lifespan of the perishable product based on data related to the perishability of the perishable product provided by the sensor unit, and to provide the determined information representing the remaining lifespan of the perishable product to the information signal unit.

[0021] It also references EFSTAOU THEO and CLANCHIN OLIVIER SOJASUN TECHNOLOGIES, which filed an application on August 10, 2009, entitled "Device for indicating at least one piece of information representative of the expiry date of a liquid food product contained in..." Patent application EP2009060341W for “avessel” discloses a removable device (10, 60) for indicating at least one piece of information representing the shelf life of a liquid food after the first opening of a container (12, 63) containing a liquid. The container is bottle-shaped, having a portion defining a neck (70) and including a cap (11, 64) for closing the neck (70). The indicating device (10, 60) includes a hollow body (20, 61) that houses: means for triggering the determination of at least one piece of information representing a duration; means for determining a piece of information representing the duration elapsed since the triggering; and means for conveying at least one piece of information representing the elapsed duration. The hollow body (20, 61) has means (51, 52, 53, 62) for reversibly and rigidly connecting to the cap (11, 64).

[0022] Reference is also made to ZAMBALA LLLP’s patent application US201514640785A, filed on March 6, 2015, entitled “ELECTRICAL TIMERATTACHABLE TO PERISHABLE,” which discloses various embodiments related to a micro-timer that can be used to measure fixed or variable time periods using a combination of various physical effects. These effects typically include, for example, (1) charges generated by an array of piezoelectric crystals by applying force, movement of a permanent magnet through an induction coil, photoelectric elements, or by harvesting local energy (e.g., heat, radio frequency waves, or acoustic energy); (2) the effect of storing charges in a capacitor; and (3) the effect of certain materials indicating the presence of charges, such as liquid crystal arrays, organic LED arrays, electroluminescent materials, or other materials.

[0023] Reference is also made to US88053907A, patent application filed on July 23, 2007, entitled "Perishable product electronic label including time and temperature measurement," which discloses an electronic component that can be included in a label. This label performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates when a time and / or temperature level has been reached that could jeopardize the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label can be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and / or time before use. The labeling system includes circuitry for measurement and calculation, as well as one or more indicators indicating when a sale has occurred and later indicating when a processing, rather than a sale, time has arrived. Optionally, the circuitry can act as an "over-temperature alarm" system to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred, the magnitude of which immediately classifies the item as damaged or destroyed. The label can take the form of a flexible, disposable label, typically powered by a small battery. The method may include providing a temperature-variable oscillator or time base, counting the periods of the oscillator within logic circuitry to determine when one or more preset total period counts are reached, and signaling when one or more of the total period counts are reached. Additional sensing, timing, memory storage, and / or communication interface circuitry may be incorporated to enhance the capabilities of the electronic components and the method.

[0024] Reference was also made to Innoscentia AB's patent application SE2015000010W, filed on February 24, 2015, entitled "PRINTED GASSENSOR AND DIGITAL EXPIRY DATE THEREOF," which discloses a printed gas sensor with first and second modes, comprising a metalloporphyrin dye and a nanoporous support material containing multiple particles smaller than 5 μm, wherein the multiple particles have multiple pores with a pore size in the range of 5-50 nm, and wherein the metalloporphyrin dye is bound to the nanoporous support material. This invention also discloses a method for preparing a gas-sensitive composition for detecting the state of food and a digital expiration date device system. The digital expiration date device system includes packaging material having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first transponder disposed on the inner surface and a second transponder disposed on the outer surface; a sensor portion electrically connected to the first transponder for detecting the food state and transmitting the state to the second transponder, wherein the sensor portion includes a metalloporphyrin dye to configure an impedance change of the sensor portion when a gaseous analyte binds to the metalloporphyrin dye; and a printed digital array.

[0025] Reference is also made to INOVIA LTD's patent application US20150048938, filed on March 19, 2013, entitled "Expiration of Product Monitoring & Indicating Circuit," which discloses a monitoring system for perishable products. This monitoring system includes a sensor assembly, an indicator, a user input, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether the perishable product has expired based on the output of the sensor assembly, and in response to activation by the user input, to cause the indicator to indicate whether the perishable product has expired.

[0026] Reference is also made to LEUTI GIOVANNI and NINI CLAUDIO's patent application WO2001082006, filed on 2001-04-20, entitled "PERISHABLE GOODS TIMER DEVICE," which discloses a perishable expiration date indicator characterized by including means for altering its appearance by visually and automatically indicating the arrival of a predetermined expiration date. The invention primarily comprises a thin "tape" capable of being adhered to or secured to the packaging of perishable products and having an area that noticeably changes color or brightness upon reaching the predetermined expiration date. The visual indicator is preferably composed of thermal paper (T) or other iridescent temperature-sensitive materials heated by a microresistor (R) controlled by a known type of chip or integrated circuit (C), the operation of which is substantially analogous to a timing relay with a clock. Alternatively, LEDs or liquid crystal diodes are provided to increase or decrease brightness within the expiration date.

[0027] Reference is also made to US201917284736A, an invention patent application filed by YVES SWISS AG on 2019-09-15 entitled "CONTAINER FORCOSMETICS AND OTHER PRODUCTS WITH A LIMITED PERIOD OF USE, OR FOR THE TIME-CONTROLLED PRESENTATION OF PRODUCTS, WITH INTEGRATED CLOCK, ELECTRONICSSYSTEM AND TIMER FUNCTION", which discloses a container (5) comprising a mechanical clock or electronic clock with a rechargeable battery or battery, both the mechanical clock and the electronic clock having stopwatch and alarm clock functions for displaying, for example, the shelf life of the cosmetic, or also displaying other information such as application, ingredients, order, product information and other information. The container (5) may include a receiving cylinder for introducing a replaceable refill capsule containing the cosmetic. In the case of an electronic clock, the container is equipped with an electronic display (2) and provides at least the following functions: A. setting the current date and time; B. setting the expiration date; C. clock function, displaying the calendar year, month, day and time; D. stopwatch and alarm clock function, thereby enabling the monitoring of the product shelf life of cosmetics and other products with limited shelf life, wherein an audible alarm signal is sounded when the shelf life limit is reached, and the exposure time can also be monitored in this way.

[0028] Reference was also made to BROWN JASON's patent application GB0816002A, filed on 2008-09-03, entitled "Elapsed time indication means," which discloses an elapsed time indication device for perishable products. This device is activated when the product packaging is opened. After a predetermined safe time limit, the indicator changes to a second state to indicate that time has elapsed. The device can take the form of liquid in a tube, which evaporates within a given time through capillary action (…). Figure 1 The device can be a digital electronic device with an alarm. The device changes color over time.

[0029] Differences from existing technologies Most early inventions targeted perishable foods and pharmaceuticals. Inventions EP03252565A, US89059404A, and US20150048938 tracked the elapsed time since manufacturing or expiration date based on exposure to specific temperatures or humidity levels. Temperature and humidity-based expiration dates are only indicative, as each food product behaves differently upon exposure, and there is no fixed formula to calculate degradation rates. Many packaged foods have storage instructions and post-opening expiration warnings. These products, such as cheese spreads, can spoil even when stored under specified conditions. However, beauty products and cosmetics are formulated using various methods to remain stable over a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. But when cosmetics are opened, microorganisms and oxygen are introduced into the product. Preservatives used to block harmful microorganisms eventually become ineffective, allowing microorganisms to multiply rapidly in the opened product. Post-opening cycles (PAOs) become crucial.

[0030] Inventions like US202118038853A and SE2015000010W use printing technology that is still under development and make the products very expensive.

[0031] Some similar inventions, such as EP21150668A and EP18165036A, require external smart devices to check their status, which limits their use.

[0032] Inventions like EP2009060341W rely on inputs from consumers for activation and status transfer.

[0033] Time indicator inventions described in inventions such as AU201905043W and US88053907A require technicians to program the indicator before each use, which limits its use, and the permanent visual indication is subject to battery life.

[0034] The use of the expiration indicator in W02001082006 is limited to colder environments because the thermal paper changes color at 40 degrees Celsius.

[0035] The available life indicator for GB2011050265W uses a zinc-air battery and must be customized for each life cycle.

[0036] The timer in US201514640785A relies on a combination of physical effects to measure time. If the product with the timer is not used for an extended period, the timer may not function properly.

[0037] The indicator on the CA2008000118W is a factory-activated expiration indicator. A visual indication appears after the pre-programmed expiration date, indicating the end of the specified time interval even if the product was used before its expiration. The 20mm diameter button cell battery limits its use on products with smaller heads, and using an external crystal oscillator for timing increases cost.

[0038] However, none of the inventions discussed above involve a small, simple, and inexpensive device that can be attached to any cosmetic / beauty product and provides a clear visual indication to the user when the product's Post-Opening Period (PAO) expires, over a longer period. The device is programmed to have a duration for the product's PAO expiration. This invention monitors the time elapsed since the product was first opened and provides a visual indication using LED lighting when a user attempts to use a product past its expiration date, signaling that the product is no longer safe to use.

[0039] The purpose of this invention The main objective of this invention is to provide a small, simple and low-cost device with a visual indication of the product open-after-occurrence (PAO) expiration.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for pre-programming PAO data of a product.

[0041] Another object of the present invention is to provide a visual indication in the form of LED lighting once the product has reached its specified post-opening period (PAO).

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for consumer safety and health.

[0043] Another objective of this invention is to address the problem of not being able to understand the time period information after a product is opened, which is provided in symbolic form.

[0044] Another object of the present invention is to provide an indication of whether a product is suitable for consumption in the form of LED lighting.

[0045] Another objective of this invention is to provide LED lighting for a period of time after the activation whenever user interaction is detected.

[0046] Another objective of this invention is to prevent children from consuming spoiled or degraded products. Summary of the Invention

[0047] This invention provides a small, simple, and inexpensive device that uses clear visual cues to remind users of the Post-Opening Period (PAO) expiration of cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The device remains inactive until the product is first opened. When the product is opened and the pull tab is released, the device receives a positive start and begins a countdown until the PAO expires. As the PAO time elapses, the device flashes an LED warning whenever user interaction with the product is detected.

[0048] The present invention includes the following components.

[0049] 1. Preprogrammable microcontroller unit (MCU); 2. Printed Circuit Board (PCB); 3. LED unit; 4. Vibration sensor; 5. A lithium button battery supported by a battery holder. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 The device proposed in this application is shown attached to a product, wherein the device comprises a microcontroller, a capacitor, an LED, a lithium button battery, a vibration switch, a printed circuit board, a pull tab, a microcontroller housing, a translucent cover, and a battery holder.

[0051] Figure 2 The front and rear views show the microcontroller and the device that attaches to the bottle using a pull tab.

[0052] Figure 3 The operating process of the device is displayed.

[0053] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] It should be noted that the specific descriptions of features, designs, components, constructions, operations, and embodiments set forth in the following specification are merely examples of a wide variety and arrangement of instructions that can be used in this invention. The invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features that perform similar, identical, or equivalent purposes. Therefore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, they are all within the scope of this invention. Various modifications or substitutions are also possible without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Therefore, it should be understood that this specification has been described by way of most preferred embodiments and is for illustrative purposes rather than limiting.

[0055] This invention relates to a simple, cost-effective device that provides a visual indication of the product's Post-Opening Period (PAO) expiration in the form of flashing LED 102. The device indicates the shelf life of the opened product. The PAO expiration date is dynamic, calculated from the date of first opening. Therefore, in this invention, the product's expiration date depends on the date the user opens the product, rather than the date the manufacturer packaged it.

[0056] This invention provides a simple, low-cost device with visual indication, comprising a microcontroller 101, an LED 102, a capacitor 103, a lithium button battery 104, a vibration switch 105, a printed circuit board 106, a pull tab 107, a microcontroller housing 108, a tamper-evident frosted cover 109, and a battery holder 110. The microcontroller 101 is pre-programmed and powered by the CR927 lithium button battery 104. The microcontroller 101 is pre-programmed by the product's Post-Opening Cycle (PAO) time. When the product reaches the PAO, the MCU 101 activates the LED 102, providing a visual indication by flashing six times when the vibration switch senses any movement.

[0057] This invention provides a visual indication device including a microcontroller unit (101) pre-programmed to control the blinking cycle of an LED (102). When the product is opened, a capacitor (103) stores energy for the LED unit, which then illuminates once the product's predetermined shelf life is reached. A CR927 lithium battery 104 powers the device and charges its components. A battery holder 110 supports the battery unit 104. The CR927 is a 3V lithium button cell battery with a capacity of approximately 25 mAh to 30 mAh. This battery provides the necessary 3V DC power to the MCU, vibration switch, and LED. All components of the device are connected to a printed circuit board. A pull tab seals the product. When the product is opened, the device is activated as the pull tab is released. The device is supported by a tamper-proof housing 109 to protect its components. The microcontroller 101 is the main processor or decision-making unit of the device, tracking the Product Opening After Occurrence (PAO) from the date the product is first opened. The microcontroller unit (MCU) 101 is connected to the vibration switch 105 and the LED unit 102. It has several general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins, one of which is configured as an input for detecting vibration switch signals and receiving user interaction signals. Another GPIO pin is configured as an output to activate and deactivate LED unit 102 based on user interaction with the product.

[0058] The microcontroller unit consists of a main processing module or a decision module. It is constructed from a tiny ATTINY402 8-bit ultra-low-power AVR microcontroller. The MCU will connect / interface with the vibration switch and LED. It has numerous GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) pins, one of which is configured to detect the vibration switch signal as input, and another GPIO is configured to activate or deactivate the LED as output. The device is designed to operate independently of user behavior. The device has neither an activation switch nor requires user input to indicate the status. Upon first opening of the bottle cap, the pull tab is pulled out, which automatically activates the device. Once activated, the MCU records the time, and at the end of the PAO cycle, the LED will be activated and flash when the vibration switch detects any movement. Regardless of user behavior, the device will warn the user that the PAO has expired. When the bottle cap is first opened, a pull tab will be pulled out, which will activate the PAO indicator and provide a positive start for the indicator.

[0059] This invention provides a visual indication device that remains inactive until the product is opened. As the insulating sheet 107 is pulled out, the device is powered on and begins calculating the time to reach the PAO (Program Angle of Occurrence). Once this cycle is reached, the microcontroller unit 101 activates its general purpose input / output (GPIO) units. One GPIO pin is configured to receive a signal from the device's vibration switch 105, and another is configured to activate the LED unit 102.

[0060] This invention provides a visual indication device in which a microcontroller 101, after being turned on, maintains a time-lapse tracking record and is connected to a vibration switch 105, a battery, and an LED unit 102. The vibration switch 105 consists of two legs: a main pin for powering a 3V DC power supply and a spring pin serving as a sensing pin. The two pins are separate and do not contact each other, using air as an insulator. It has a vertical spring mounted within a metal cylinder that moves when subjected to vibration or impact. Any vibration activity establishes or breaks the connection between its two legs. The vibration switch helps extend battery life and prolongs the visual indication time by causing the LED to flash only when the user touches the product, remaining off the rest of the time.

[0061] The workflow of the visual indication device includes: a microcontroller unit 101 pre-programmed with a counter value depending on the number of days the product is past its expiration date after opening. The microcontroller unit 101 is programmed to remain in deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan to conserve power of the battery 104. The microcontroller 101 is programmed to have a wake-up interrupt every 12 hours. After every 12 hours, the MCU 101 wakes up and increments the counter, comparing the counter value with the expected count required for the period after the expiration date. If the counter value is lower than the expected count, it returns to sleep. For example, if the expected PAO (Post-Opening Period) is 3 months, the counter value programmed into the MCU will be approximately 184 counts. Once the internal counter reaches 184, the MCU 101 activates the input signal received from the vibration switch and is woken up whenever a vibration signal is detected on its pin. When the MCU 101 wakes up, it activates its own LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern by flashing the LED six times and returns to sleep mode to conserve power.

[0062] Figure 1 This refers to a visual indicator device, which includes a microcontroller 101, an LED 102, a capacitor 103, a lithium button battery 104, a vibration switch 105, a printed circuit board 106, a pull tab 107, a housing 108 for the microcontroller, a tamper-evident frosted cover 109, and a battery holder 110.

[0063] All components are interconnected. The pull tab 107 of the device is placed between the battery 104 and the printed circuit board 106. The microcontroller 101, vibration switch 105, battery 104, LED lamp unit 102, and capacitor 103 are connected to the printed circuit board 106. The LED lamp unit 102 is connected to the microcontroller 101 via the printed circuit board 106 and is regulated by one of the general-purpose output pins of the microcontroller 101. The LED 102 also has a resistor connected in series with it to control the amount of current passing through the LED 102. The microcontroller 101 is the core component of the invention, interconnected with both the vibration switch 105 and the LED lamp unit 102. The microcontroller 101 is pre-programmed and powered by the CR927 lithium battery 104. The vibration switch 105 is connected to the microcontroller 101 and is regulated by one of the general-purpose input pins of the microcontroller 101. The microcontroller 101 receives power from the battery 104, which is a 3V DC lithium-based button cell battery and is supported by a battery holder 110. The device is covered by a housing 108 and a tamper-evident frosted cover 109, which provides protection for the components of the device from external factors.

[0064] Figure 2 The front view of the microcontroller and device attached to bottle 2(c) by pull tab 107 is shown. Figure 2 (b) and rearview Figure 2 (a). The rear view of the device shows the lithium battery 104 and the vibration switch 105. The front view of the device shows the microcontroller 101, the LED lamp unit 102, and the capacitor 103.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the simple and low-cost device has a visual indication of the product open-after-occurrence (PAO) expiration. It can be affixed to a product, and the device includes a microcontroller 101, an LED 102, a capacitor 103, a lithium button battery 104, a vibration switch 105, a printed circuit board 106, a pull tab 107, a housing 108 for the microcontroller, a tamper-evident frosted cover 109, and a battery holder 110. The microcontroller 101 is interconnected with the vibration sensor switch, the LED 102, and the battery 104. The microcontroller 101 is programmed with a defined product open-after-occurrence (PAO).

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the visual indication device includes the following steps: a) The microcontroller unit 101 is pre-programmed and interconnected with the vibration switch 105 and the LED lamp unit 102; b) The microcontroller unit 101 is programmed to be in a deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan in order to save power consumption of the battery 104; c) The microcontroller 101 is programmed to have a counter value defined by the after-on cycle (PAO) and is programmed to wake up an interrupt every 12 hours; d) Every 12 hours, MCU 101 wakes up, increments the counter, and compares the counter value with the expected count required for the Open After Cycle (PAO) period to expire. If the counter value is lower than the expected counter value, it returns to sleep. e) Once the internal counter value reaches the desired counter value, the microcontroller 101 activates the general purpose input and output pins to sense the vibration switch signal and activate / deactivate the LED 102; f) Whenever a vibration signal is detected on the MCU 101 pin, the MCU 101 is woken up; the MCU 101 activates the LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern in the form of six LED flashes, and returns to sleep mode to save power.

[0067] In another embodiment, the device can be used to indicate a usability period. The usability period can be defined as the period preceding the expiration of the Post-Opening Period (PAO). Upon first opening of the product and pulling out the insulating sheet 107, when the vibration switch 105 senses the interaction between the user and the product, the MCU 101 activates the LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern (in the form of six LED flashes). The MCU 101 tracks the PAO record, and once the product reaches the end of its PAO, the microcontroller unit 101 turns off the LED 102 to avoid providing any visual indication.

[0068] In another embodiment, the device can be used to indicate the time period before and after the Post-Opening Period (PAO) expires using two different colored LEDs. As the product is first opened and the insulating sheet 107 is pulled out, when the vibration switch 105 senses the interaction between the user and the product, the MCU 101 activates LED 'A' to provide a flashing visual indication pattern to indicate the adaptation period. The MCU 101 tracks and records, and when the product reaches its Post-Opening Period (PAO) expiration, the microcontroller unit 101 deactivates LED 'A' and activates LED 'B' to provide a flashing visual indication pattern indicating the expiration.

[0069] In another embodiment, the flashing duration of the LED 102, which provides a visual indication, can be programmed from six times to any number of times as needed.

[0070] In another embodiment, the vibration switch can be removed. Once activated by the MCU 101, the LED 102 will provide a visual indication indefinitely until the battery is depleted. This device can be widely used in warehouses to alarm for old packages in a FIFO system.

[0071] In another embodiment, the MCU 101 may be replaced by an on-board chip covered with epoxy resin to provide the same functionality.

[0072] In another embodiment, when the LED 102 provides a flashing visual indication (indication expiration) after the PAO (post-on cycle) is reached, reference is made. Figure 3 The flowchart shown in (a) includes the following steps: a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) Controller 101 compares the internal counter value with the pre-programmed counter value to determine the expiration of the Open After Period (PAO); c) If the Post-Opening Cycle (PAO) is reached, the controller activates LED 102. When the vibration switch 105 senses interaction between the user and the product, LED 102 provides a visual indication six times in the form of a flashing pattern.

[0073] d) If the Post-Opening Period (PAO) is not reached, the controller continues to track the number of days.

[0074] In another embodiment, the visual indication of LED 102 represents the service life during which the product can be safely used. The service life refers to the period before the Post-Opening Period (PAO) expires. When the PAO is reached, LED 102 stops. Figure 3 The flowchart in (b) illustrates the operational characteristics: a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) When the user disturbs the product packaging, the pre-programmed MCU 101 activates LED 102 to give a flashing visual indication pattern; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the pre-programmed counter value required for PAO expiration; d) If the count is reached, MCU 101 turns off LED 102 to avoid giving any visual indication; e) If the counter is small, LED 102 remains active to provide a flashing visual indication pattern, and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until the Post-On-Operation (PAO) expires.

[0075] In another embodiment, the different colored LEDs are used to indicate the time periods before and after the PAO (Post-Opening Period) expires. (Operating Characteristics Reference) Figure 3 The flowchart in (c) shows: a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) The pre-programmed MCU 101 activates only LED “A” to provide a visual indication pattern when the user disturbs the product packaging; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the pre-programmed counter value required for PAO expiration; d) If the count is reached, MCU 101 deactivates LED "A" and activates LED "B" to provide a flashing visual indication of the expiration date; e) If the count is small, only LED “A” remains active to give a flashing visual indication pattern, and MCU101 continues to track the number of days until the Post-On-Operation (PAO) expires.

[0076] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. Therefore, the object of the invention is to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

[0077] Advantages of this invention: 1. Simple and inexpensive.

[0078] 2. Compact size.

[0079] 3. The expiration of the Post-Opening Period (PAO) is visually indicated by the flashing LED pattern.

[0080] 4. This device can be used in a wide temperature range from -5℃ to 50℃. 5. Use vibration sensors to extend battery life.

[0081] 6. No switch is required to start this device. It can be started in the forward direction the first time the product is opened.

[0082] 7. The device can be programmed in various ways according to product requirements.

[0083] 8. Easy to detect: The visual indication of the LED lighting of the device is easy to detect.

[0084] 9. Indicate whether the product is suitable for use or consumption.

[0085] 10. It can prevent children from consuming expired products.

[0086] 11. No skilled operator is required to program the device. The device is pre-programmed.

[0087] 12. No external electronic device is required to indicate the status.

[0088] 13. This device does not require any user input to display its status. It can indicate a status independent of user behavior.

[0089] 14. It is easy to operate and can be understood equally by people from all walks of life.

Claims

1. A simple and low-cost device having a visual indication of Product Opened After-Operation (PAO) expiration that can be affixed to a product, and the device comprising: The microcontroller (MCU) 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium button battery 104, vibration switch 105, printed circuit board (PCB) 106, pull tab 107, MCU housing 108, tamper-evident frosted cover 109, and battery holder 110 are included. The microcontroller 101 is interconnected with the vibration sensor switch 105, LED unit 102, and battery unit 104. The microcontroller 101 is pre-programmed to activate LED 102 to provide a visual indication in the form of a six-flash pattern when the product open-after-occurrence (PAO) period expires.

2. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The microcontroller 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium button battery 104, and vibration switch 105 of the device are connected to a printed circuit board and provide energy storage for the capacitor; the device is covered by a housing 108 and a tamper-evident frosted cover 109, thereby providing protection for the components of the device from external factors.

3. The visual indication device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101 of the device is connected to the vibration switch 105 and the LED unit 102; the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101 has a plurality of general purpose input / output (GPIO) pins, one of which is configured as an input to sense the vibration switch signal and receive a user interaction signal, and another GPIO pin is configured as an output to activate and deactivate the LED unit 102 based on user interaction with the product.

4. The visual indication device of claim 1, wherein the vibration switch 105 comprises two legs, one leg being the main body pin for being powered by a 3V DC power supply, and the other leg being the spring pin for being used as a sensing pin; the two pins are separate and do not contact each other, they are separated from each other using air as an insulator; the vibration switch 105 has a vertical spring mounted in a metal cylinder, which moves when subjected to vibration or impact; if any vibration activity occurs, this spring movement establishes or breaks the connection between its two legs.

5. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The LED unit 102 serves as a visual indicator during the on-cycle; it has a series resistor controlling the current flowing through it; the LED unit 102 is controlled by one of the output pins of the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101, and a vibration switch 105 is used to enhance the cycle of the visual indicator, so that the visual indicator only appears when user interaction is detected, otherwise it remains off.

6. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The battery 104 is in the form of a lithium button battery and provides 3V DC power to the microcontroller 101, the LED lamp unit 102 and the vibration switch 105; the lithium button battery 104 is supported by a battery holder 110 that holds the battery.

7. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The LED 102 is activated by a general output of the microcontroller 101 and provides a visual indication pattern when the Post-On-Operation (PAO) period expires and user interaction is detected.

8. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device is affixed to a sealed package containing a cosmetic, food, or pharmaceutical product that has an expiration date after opening (PAO), and the visual indicator pattern of LED 102 may be an LED indicator with different colors only after the expiration date, only before the expiration date, or before and after the expiration date.

9. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The insulating pull tab 107 is sealed to product 2(c); the function of the device is independent of the user’s behavior, and when the cap is opened for the first time, the insulating tab 107 is pulled out, thereby activating the PAO indicator and giving the device a positive start.

10. The visual indication device of claim 1, wherein the device remains inactive until the product is opened; upon opening, the chip 107 is pulled out, the device is powered on and begins to calculate the remaining time to reach the Post-Opening Cycle (PAO); once the cycle is reached, the microcontroller unit 101 activates its general purpose input / output (GPIO) units; one GPIO pin is configured to receive a signal from the device's vibration switch 105, and another is configured to activate / deactivate the LED unit 102.

11. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The workflow of a visual indication device includes the following steps: a) The microcontroller unit 101 is pre-programmed to activate the LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern when the PAO expires, and is interconnected with the vibration switch 105 and the LED lamp unit 102. b) The microcontroller unit 101 is programmed to be in a deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan in order to save power consumption of the battery 104. c) The microcontroller 101 is programmed to have a defined counter value for a period of time after being turned on, and is programmed to have a wake-up interrupt after every 12 hours; d) Every 12 hours, MCU 101 wakes up to increment a counter and compares the counter value with the expected count required for the Open After Cycle (PAO) to expire. If the counter value is lower than the expected counter value, MCU 101 returns to sleep mode. e) When the internal counter value matches the expected counter value, the microcontroller 101 activates the general-purpose input and output pins for sensing the vibration switch signal and activates / deactivates the LED 102; f) Whenever a vibration signal is detected on a pin of MCU 101, MCU 101 is woken up; upon waking, MCU 101 activates its LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern of six flashes; MCU 101 returns to sleep mode to save power.

12. The visual indication device according to claim 1, wherein, The visual indication pattern can be programmed in three different ways, and the running events are shown as follows: a) Flowchart 2(a), the indication expires when the visual indication only appears after the PAO (post-open cycle) is reached; b) LED 102 only flashes during the period when the product is suitable for use; when the PAO expires, LED 102 stops; c) LEDs of different colors are used for visual indication before and after the PAO (post-open cycle) expires.

13. The visual indication device of claim 11, wherein the LED 102 provides a visual indication upon reaching the PAO (post-on cycle) to indicate expiration, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG2(a), comprising the following steps: a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) The controller 101 is pre-programmed and tracks the internal counter value with the desired counter value until the expiration date after it is turned on; c) If the Post-Opening Cycle (PAO) is reached, the controller activates LED 102; when the vibration switch 105 senses interaction between the user and the product, LED 102 provides a flashing visual indication pattern; d) If the Post-Opening Period (PAO) is not reached, the controller continues to track the number of days; e) The LED will emit light as long as it interferes with the product; f) If the expiration time after opening has not yet been reached, the controller continues to track the number of days until the expiration period after opening is reached.

14. The visual indicator device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the visual indicator of the LED 102 indicates the usable period during which the product can be safely used, the usable period being defined as a period of time before the expiration of the Post-Opening Period (PAO); when the PAO is reached, the LED 102 stops, and the operating characteristics are shown in the flowchart in FIG3(b): a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) When the user disturbs the product packaging, the pre-programmed MCU 101 activates LED 102 to give a flashing visual indication pattern; c) The MCU 101 compares the counter value with the pre-programmed counter value required for the PAO to expire; d) If the count is reached, the MCU 101 deactivates the LED 102 to avoid giving any visual indication; e) If the count is low, LED 102 remains active to give a flashing visual indication pattern six times, and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until the Post-On-Operation (PAO) expires.

15. The visual indication device of claim 11, wherein the different colored LEDs are used to indicate the time periods before and after the expiration of the PAO (Post-Opening Period), and the operating characteristics are shown in the flowchart in FIG3(c): a) When the product is opened for the first time, the battery insulating sheet 107 between the battery cell 104 and the printed circuit board 106 is pulled out, and the removal of the sheet 107 gives the device a positive start. b) The pre-programmed MCU 101 activates only LED "A" to provide a flashing visual indication pattern when the user disturbs the product packaging; c) The MCU 101 compares the counter value with the pre-programmed counter value required for the PAO to expire; d) If the count is reached, MCU 101 deactivates LED "A" and activates LED "B" to provide a flashing visual indication of the expiration date; e) If the count is small, only LED "A" remains active to provide a visual indication pattern, and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until the Post-On Cycle (PAO) expires.

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