Indication system, milk storage system and monitoring system

Abstract

The utility model relates to an indication system, a milk storage system and a monitoring system. A system is provided for indicating use suggestions for a product stored in a container, such as milk of an infant, and the system takes into account perishable products stored in other containers. For example, the use suggestion is whether the product is most suitable for use in a group of perishable products. Temperature is monitored, and temperature information (or data derived from that temperature information) is received from other containers. Using suggestions are provided by comparing the sensor data, such as determining whether the perishable product in the container should be the next product to be used. Preferably, temperature information (or data derived therefrom) is also sent to other containers such that they can make similar determinations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the storage of perishable products, for example expressed milk or formula in containers such as baby bottles for infant feeding. In particular, the present invention relates to an indicator system for such containers. Background Art

[0002] As is known to all, breast milk is the best choice for feeding babies. If the mother cannot breastfeed every time the baby needs to be fed, a breast pump is used to express the milk for storage so that the baby can be fed at different times. Breast milk is precious, so parents do not want it to spoil or be wasted. Therefore, the milk must be stored until the baby is fed, preferably refrigerated or frozen, otherwise the storage time is limited.

[0003] Storage of milk in a refrigerator or freezer creates problems for milk management, especially when the stored milk must be fed. Different storage temperatures give different shelf lives. For example, using the 6-6-6 rule as a guide, breast milk goes bad after 6 hours at room temperature, 6 days in the refrigerator, and 6 months in the freezer.

[0004] In order to be able to determine the age of the stored milk, containers of stored breast milk are often identified by the day or even the time of day when the milk was expressed. Some common labeling methods include labels made by hand from masking tape, made from adhesive label material, or a piece of paper secured to the side of the container with a rubber band.

[0005] The problem with masking tape and sticky labels is that they must be covered or removed for reuse of the container. The rubber band breaks or loses the attached note. Therefore, a more robust method is needed.

[0006] For example, it is known to provide bottles with electronic identification and then track storage and associated expiry dates elsewhere. This is a complex system and does not allow for easy identification of which milk has expired based on a simple quick view of the bottle, for example.

[0007] It would be nice to be able to determine which bottle of milk should be selected for the next feeding without complicated apps, labels or paper tracking systems and know that the milk is not spoiled.

[0008] US2003 / 317445 discloses a storage unit particularly for storing temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products. A location for product containers is provided within a temperature controlled environment. A robot is used to store and retrieve the product. An alarm is provided in the event of a temperature deviation.

[0009] US2022 / 375320 discloses a storage container that tracks and indicates the state of spoilage. Alarms are used to provide indications of various stages of food spoilage. Utility Model Content

[0010] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to an example of the present invention, an indication system is provided for providing usage suggestions for a perishable product stored in a container, the product being one of a group of perishable products, the group of perishable products including other perishable products, each of the other perishable products being stored in a corresponding other container, the other containers having their corresponding other indication systems, the indication system comprising:

[0012] a sensor for collecting sensor data including a monitored temperature of a perishable product;

[0013] A receiving unit, the receiving unit is used to receive data from the indicator system of other containers;

[0014] A processor configured to:

[0015] performing a comparison based on the collected sensor data and the received data to determine a usage recommendation for the perishable product in the container; and

[0016] An output device that indicates usage recommendations.

[0017] Considering other perishable products that also have an indication system, the system provides suggestions to the user regarding the use (e.g., consumption) of the perishable product. For example, for edible products, the indication system indicates to the user when the contents of a particular container (of a group) are the contents that should be consumed next. For perishable products, such as medicines (to be used rather than consumed), the indication system indicates to the user when the contents of a particular container (of a group) are the contents that should be consumed next. This avoids the need for the user to perform any complex calculations, and avoids the need to fill and apply labels or other markings.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, an indication system located at the container itself provides an indication to the user. For example, for a group of containers, an output will be generated to show that the contents are the next to be used. In this case, the output device can be a display unit such as an LED or LED device at the container itself. This avoids the need to use an application.

[0019] However, in another embodiment, the output device is a transmitter for transmitting the determination to a remote external display unit.The remote external display unit may, for example, use a numbering system for the indication system to identify the container that should be used next.

[0020] The system preferably also includes a sending unit, which is used to send the data derived from the sensor data to the indicator systems of other containers. Like this, the indicator systems of those other containers can also be compared, so that multiple containers and associated indicator systems are used as a network of communication sensor systems.

[0021] The transmission may be wireless, or the containers may be connected by a common supporting bracket that provides an electrical (wired) interconnection between the indicating units of the containers.

[0022] The processor may also be configured to determine from the sensor data whether the perishable product has expired. Accordingly, the output device may give a warning that the contents should no longer be used.

[0023] The processor may also be configured to determine from the sensor data whether the perishable product can continue to be stored.

[0024] The indicator system and the respective other indicator systems form, for example, a mesh network. This means that all indicator systems can be identical and no master unit is required. This simplifies the implementation. It avoids the need to connect to an external network.

[0025] The indicator system and the respective other indicator systems are, for example, configured to communicate at predetermined intervals over the mesh network. This saves power.

[0026] The processor is for example configured to control the output device to periodically indicate the usage suggestion. This also saves power. Alternatively, the indication may be generated by an output device in the form of a bi-stable display element, so that power is consumed only when the output changes.

[0027] The system is preferably a battery operated system, including a battery for powering the sensor, the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, the processor and the output device.

[0028] The processor is, for example, configured to determine a degree of spoilage based on storage temperatures over time and associated durations at these storage temperatures. For example, the storage temperature may indicate whether the perishable product is stored at room temperature, at refrigerator temperature, or at freezer temperature. Each unit of time at these different temperatures (or different temperature categories) may then contribute a different amount of spoilage, and when a threshold is reached, the perishable product may be considered spoiled.

[0029] The processor may be configured to determine that the perishable product should be the next product to be used when the perishable product has a maximum degree of spoilage and does not exceed a spoilage threshold.

[0030] The system comprises, for example, an adapter for fitting to a milk storage bottle. Thus, the system is used to monitor milk storage, such as breast milk or formula. However, more generally, the invention may be applied to any perishable product to reduce waste by ensuring that food or beverages are consumed before they spoil or other perishable products are used before they go bad.

[0031] The present invention also provides a milk storage system comprising a milk container and an indicator system as defined above, wherein the sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the milk.The system may be formed as an integral part of the container.

[0032] The present invention also provides a monitoring system for monitoring perishable products stored in a set of containers, the monitoring system comprising a plurality of indicator systems, each indicator system being as defined above and each indicator system being associated with a respective container.

[0033] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to more clearly show how the invention may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 A milk bottle and an adapter used as an indicator system are shown;

[0036] Figure 2 shows in schematic form a group of milk bottles with integrated indicator units connected to form a mesh network; and

[0037] Figure 3 A method for indicating whether a perishable product stored in a container is most suitable for use is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar components.

[0040] The present invention provides a system for indicating usage recommendations for perishable products (e.g., edible products such as baby food or milk, or perishable products such as medicines) stored in a container, and the system takes into account perishable products stored in other containers. For example, the usage recommendation is whether the product is most suitable for use in a group of perishable products. Temperature is monitored, and temperature information (or data derived from the temperature information) is received from other containers. By comparing sensor data, usage recommendations are provided, such as determining whether the perishable product in the container is the next product to be used. Preferably, the temperature information (or data derived therefrom) is also sent to other containers so that they can make similar determinations.

[0041] Figure 1 A feeding bottle and an adapter are shown which function as an indication system, in particular providing instructions to help the user decide when the contained milk should be consumed.

[0042] The milk bottle 10 in this example is placed on an adapter 20 in the form of a base. The adapter acts as an indicator system. The indicator system comprises a sensor 22 which measures at least the temperature of the bottle over time (and therefore assumes that the bottle contents are of a stable temperature). Other sensors may be included, such as a volume sensor to measure the volume of milk in the container, or a motion sensor to measure the movement of the bottle.

[0043] The processor 24 receives the temperature measurement data (and other sensor data, if any) and has an internal timing device to monitor the temperature over time. The memory can be used to store data over time, although it can simply store the current corruption level, as explained further below.

[0044] The transceiver 26 comprises a sending unit for sending the sensor data, or more specifically information derived from the sensor data, to the indicator systems of other containers, and a receiving unit for receiving the sensor data, or more specifically information derived from the sensor data, from the indicator systems of other containers. Thus, information derived from the temperature monitoring data is shared among a group of indicator systems, each indicator system being associated with a respective container and, therefore, with a respective perishable product (i.e., in this example, a milk sample).

[0045] Within each indicator system, sensor data is collected, stored locally, and processed locally with algorithms to determine the freshness level (hereinafter referred to as the "spoilage level"). The spoilage level at that moment is sent to the indicator systems of all other containers. Based on the spoilage level of other containers at that moment, the container can therefore indicate whether it is a preferred container for use.

[0046] The output device 28 is used to indicate to the user usage suggestions, in a preferred example, the usage suggestions are that the contents of a particular container should be consumed next. The output device can be a display or LED device at the container adapter, but alternatively, the output device can be a communication system that communicates with a remote display device.

[0047] The battery 29 provides power to the electronics (sensors, processor, memory and output devices).

[0048] The processor 24 controls the communication with other indicator systems, and in one example, this implements a mesh network. The processor runs a program that compares the data received from other containers (i.e., the degree of spoilage) with the locally derived degree of spoilage, and based on the comparison determines whether the container should be used for the next feeding schedule.

[0049] Analysis of locally collected sensor data also enables determination of whether perishable products have expired or can continue to be stored.

[0050] In this way, the indicator system of each container records the temperature of the contents and the duration of the contents in the container. The duration at different temperatures can then be used to derive the degree of spoilage.

[0051] For example, a maximum score of 600 may indicate minimal spoilage. Each hour at room temperature would result in an increase in spoilage equivalent to a deduction of 100 points. Each day in the refrigerator and each month in the freezer may also be equivalent to the same 100 points. Thus, the above 6-6-6 rule is applied, but in a manner that allows for combinations of room temperature, refrigerator temperature, and freezer temperature.

[0052] Temperature monitoring can be packed into three bins corresponding to room (e.g., 10 to 25 degrees), refrigerator (e.g., 0 to 10 degrees), and freezer (e.g., below 0 degrees). However, the actual temperature can be fed into a more precise formula that applies weights to the measured temperatures more finely.

[0053] In all cases, a degree of spoilage can be derived and a threshold (in this example, the threshold is zero) is reached when the perishable product is spoiled. Of course, the degree of spoilage can be counted upwards rather than downwards, such as from a minimum of zero to a maximum of 600, for example.

[0054] When the degree of spoilage reaches a level corresponding to maximum spoilage, the contents are spoiled and should not be used. The indication system will indicate this visually using, for example, a red LED or display.

[0055] The indicator systems share their corruption scores at regular intervals on the mesh network. Therefore, each indicator system in the network knows the scores of other indicator systems.

[0056] When the indicator system scores the highest level of corruption (lowest score in the above example) but does not exceed the threshold (ie, not negative in the above example), the output device indicates to the user the correct container to pick up for the current feed instance.

[0057] By using a mesh network, the system does not rely on an Internet connection and a server, which is difficult to achieve inside a refrigerator / freezer with the door closed, but the mesh network works well inside a refrigerator or freezer.

[0058] The system can be powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries. Although battery efficiency will be reduced by the low temperatures in a freezer or refrigerator, they can provide enough energy to power the electronics, especially if the electronics can use low-energy components and can also only operate at certain intervals.

[0059] A typical CR2032 coin cell, for example, is sufficient for this application and has an operating range from -30°C to +80°C.

[0060] When the output device comprises a local display device, it comprises, for example, an LED display. To save energy, the LED display may be activated only for a short period of time (e.g., every 10 seconds). Alternatively, the display may be a bi-stable display element, such as that used in an electronic reader. Such a display requires only short pulses of energy to change the information displayed thereon.

[0061] If a remote external display device is used, the indicator systems at the container can be clearly numbered and the external display device can display the number of the indicator system that has been determined.

[0062] The indicator system is coupled to the container in use, thereby monitoring the local temperature. However, the indicator system is also removable for cleaning the container. As shown, the indicator system can be externally attached to the container, but it can also be alternatively part of the container design, for example incorporated in a removable additional compartment at the bottom of the container.

[0063] The indicator system may alternatively also be carried by the bottle, for example as a sleeve or label. In principle, the indicator system may also be provided inside the bottle, but this is less preferred because the electronics housing needs to be designed to allow contact with the milk, and this increases cost and complexity.

[0064] The container may be any suitable perishable product container, for example made of plastic, glass, metal or silicone.

[0065] The indicator system may, for example, be able to detect when it is connected to a container, for example using a simple electrical or optical switch mechanism that is activated by the coupling between the indicator system and the container. When the indicator system is attached to the container, the system starts counting. Then, when the system is removed from the container, typically when the container is heated and used or cleaned, the system will reset.

[0066] The indicator system may also generate a signal, such as a flashing LED, indicating that the battery needs to be replaced.

[0067] Figure 2 In schematic form a group of milk bottles (which may be assumed to include an integrated indicator unit, not shown separately) are shown which are connected to form a mesh network. Wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Zigbee, is used. In principle, any other communication means may be used, such as optical communication or high frequency audio, but these have self-evident inherent disadvantages and are therefore not preferred.

[0068] The mesh network does not need to communicate constantly, but can exchange information at regular intervals. The mesh network constantly maintains connections in the background at regular intervals, such as every few hundred milliseconds, for example. The containers in the network will send their current corruption levels at regular intervals, such as every 10 seconds. When the indicator system of a particular container stops sending any corruption level data, such that a given number of reports are lost, the associated container can be removed from the comparison result list.

[0069] Instead of independent mesh networks, a centralized network can also be used, such as a WiFi-based mesh network. When a centralized network is used, it is then possible to perform the classification of the degree of corruption centrally, for example on the application.

[0070] Other features can be added. For example, the level of spoilage and consumption can be read out using the app (but still without the need for a centralized system). Consumption can be derived from containers that are removed from the group because their contents are being consumed. In the app, the user can also see the amount of milk added to the group of containers each day and the consumption. Thus, the user can get a clear picture if more milk expression is needed or if less milk expression should be done.

[0071] Figure 3 A method for indicating whether a product stored in a container is most suitable for use is shown. The container is one of a group of containers, and each container has a corresponding indication system.

[0072] In step 30, local sensor data is collected, including the temperature of the perishable product monitored over time.

[0073] In step 32, the information derived from the sensor data (ie, the degree of spoilage) is sent to the indicator systems of the other containers.

[0074] In step 34, data is received from the indicator systems of other containers.

[0075] In step 36, the collected sensor data is compared with the received sensor data to determine whether the perishable product in the container is the product to be used next.

[0076] In step 38, the output determines that the perishable product in the container should be the next product to be used.

[0077] The invention has been described with reference to milk bottles. However, the invention can be applied to different perishable products. They can all be identical, but there can also be different perishable products with different storage possibilities, and the system can then provide recommendations on which perishable products should be used to avoid them spoiling. In particular, by making a comparison between spoilage levels, different types of food can be compared, even if they have very different storage requirements and recommended durations. In this way, food storage can be managed to reduce food waste.

[0078] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0079] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0080] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0081] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An indication system (20) for providing usage advice for a perishable product stored in a container, characterized in that include: a sensor (22) for collecting sensor data, the sensor data comprising a monitored temperature of the perishable product; a receiving unit for receiving data, wherein the data comprises indication data from an indication system of other containers, the other containers storing other perishable products, wherein the perishable products stored in the container and the other perishable products stored in the other containers together form a group of perishable products; A processor (24), the processor being configured to: performing a comparison based on the collected sensor data and the received data to determine a usage recommendation for the perishable product in the container, wherein the usage recommendation is a determination that the perishable product in the container should be the next product in the group of perishable products to be used; and An output device (28) is used to indicate the usage suggestion.

2. The indication system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a sending unit for sending data derived from the sensor data.

3. The indicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The processor (24) is also configured to determine from the sensor data whether the perishable product is expired.

4. The indicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The system comprises a portion of a mesh network, wherein the mesh network comprises an indicator system of the other containers, and wherein the indicator system is configured to communicate over the mesh network at predetermined intervals.

5. The indicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The processor (24) is configured to control the output device to periodically indicate the usage suggestion.

6. The indicator system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The processor (24) is configured to determine a degree of spoilage based on storage temperatures over time and associated durations at those storage temperatures.

7. The indicator system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The processor (24) is configured to determine that the perishable product should be the next product to be used when the perishable product has a maximum degree of spoilage and does not exceed a spoilage threshold.

8. A milk storage system, characterized in that: It comprises a milk container (10) and an indicator system (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the milk.

9. A monitoring system for monitoring perishable products stored in a group of containers, characterized in that: A plurality of indicator systems (20) are included, each indicator system being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 and each indicator system being associated with a respective container.

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