Smart box and smart rack

Abstract

Smart box (1) for containing articles, the smart box (1) being connectable to a rack (2) in particular for manufacturing and / or retail purposes, the smart box (1) comprising a local control unit (3), in particular a microcontroller, for processing local signals, at least one sensor (4) for detecting or measuring a physical property related to the smart box (1) and / or the article, a box interface (5) to establish a signal connection with the rack (2), and at least a feedback indicator (6) for providing a feedback indication to a user related to the article based at least on a signal generated by the sensor (4).

Description

[0001] SMART BOX AND SMART RACK

[0002] The present invention relates to a smart box for containing articles and to a smart rack for placing a plurality of said smart boxes. Also, the present invention relates to a smart rack assembly comprising a plurality of said smart racks and a smart rack system comprising a plurality of said smart rack assemblies. In addition, the present invention relates to a smart assembly comprising a least one smart box and at least one smart rack. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process and / or in locating articles using said smart rack assembly or using said smart rack system, or using said smart assembly.

[0003] Today’s manufacturing and retail industry is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Most manufacturing organizations face the challenge of retaining highly skilled workers, by minimizing critical issues related to errors. The workforce size and often multiple locations across geographical distances make it essential for organizations to improve their ability to create and foster efficient work environments. In several circumstances, human and machine work together in the manufacturing or retail industry. Accordingly, an efficient organizational structure as well as safety of the human is of at most priority. In certain instances, last minute communication to the inventory can cause chaos and stress on supply chain teams. This makes open inventory / warehouse management and interoperability with the robot / AGVs / drones need of the future ready industry.

[0004] Efficiency and productivity of human operated inventory is always limited (by numbers and working hours). With the increased customer demands and varying lot sizes of components autonomous warehouse management can be important in the context of Industry 4.0 ready companies.

[0005] One of the main technical aspect affecting the manufacturing and retail industry is the lack of, or the low level of, automation thereby determining following challenges: a. Inventory management; b. Assistance system - level indication, location highlight and sequential process guidance through multiple sensory responses; c. Elimination of human effort; d. Elimination of errors and mistakes; and e. Improvements in efficiency and speed of the operations

[0006] Several solutions are present in prior art facing this problems. US20060058725A1 describes a smart tray for dispensing medicaments. In summary, the method of this document is used fortablet sorting mechanism in the manufacturing line where the pressed powder is automatically packed in the respective tray and packets. In other words, a rotary mechanism is described for sorting and control unit / CPU controls the movement and pitch of rotation. US 9779582 B1 describes smart chip tray assembly for managing conventional casino chips at a casino table by a dealer and at a casino supervisory location is disclosed. US20160187876A1 describes an automatic system level testing (ASLT) system for testing smart devices. EP3144614A1 describes a smart box for products subject to temperature controlled chain. WO2017183038A1 describes a system and a method for monitoring stocking shelves. US10121121 B1 describes smart shelves including interposer assemblies configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. US7515981B2 describes a light guided assembly system to provide visual indicators to an individual to guide sequential actions in the manufacturing assembling process. US20170228686A1 describes smart shelves for retail industry. Known are also systems and methods for a virtual reality showroom with autonomous storage and retrieval.

[0007] However, each of these solutions is specific for area of application and there is a gap in communication among different areas of commodity life cycle. For example, few solutions are very specific to manufacturing line or few are pertaining to retail shopfloor. The specific problem creates very hard constraints on communication between different stages of life cycle, for example between manufacturing and warehouse, or retail shelf and warehouse etc. This is mainly due to different communication protocols used in manufacturing line, warehouse management and retail shop. Furthermore, these solutions fail to address the problem of helping disabled users in manufacturing and / or retail processes.

[0008] Examples of the present disclosure seek to address or at least alleviate the above problems.

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a smart box for containing articles, the smart box being connectable to a rack in particular for manufacturing and / or retail purposes, the smart box comprising: a local control unit, in particular a microcontroller, for processing local signals; at least one sensor for detecting or measuring a physical property related to the smart box and / or the article; a box interface to establish a signal connection with the rack; and at least a feedback indicator for providing a feedback indication to a user related to the article based at least on a signal generated by the sensor.

[0010] In a second aspect there is provided a smart rack for placing a plurality of smart boxes according to the first aspect, the rack comprising: a plurality of seats arranged one close to the other along a longitudinal direction to form a tray structure, each seat being configured to receive a corresponding smart box and comprising a seat rack interface for establishing a signal connection with said corresponding smart box (1); a central processing unit to process signals from the smart boxes; and a main plate arranged at a first end of the tray structure, wherein in particular the central processing unit is housed in the main plate.

[0011] In a third aspect there is provided a smart rack assembly comprising: a plurality smart racks according to the second aspect; wherein the main plate of a first smart rack comprises at least a spring loaded contact to allow an electrical and communication contact with a second smart rack, in particular with the main plate of said second smart rack.

[0012] In a fourth aspect there is provided a smart rack system comprising: a plurality of smart rack assemblies according to the third aspect, wherein each smart rack assembly is connected to a platform through a wireless and / or Ethernet connection.

[0013] In a fifth aspect there is provided a smart assembly comprising: at least a smart box according to the first aspect; and at least a smart rack according to the second aspect, or a smart rack assembly according to the third aspect, or a smart rack system according to the fourth aspect; wherein the smart box is placed on a seat of the smart rack, thereby establishing a signal connection between the smart box and the smart rack.

[0014] In a sixth aspect there is provided a method for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process using the smart rack assembly according to the third aspect or using the smart rack system according to the fourth aspect, or using the smart assembly according to the fifth aspect, the method comprising: selecting step instructions from a list of process assembling instructions; starting the assembling process; providing the smart box with a feedback indication based on the step instructions; continuously capturing an image of the smart box containing articles and of the articles during the process; checking the correct position of the articles taken from the smart box; repeating the checking step until all the instructions from the step instructions are completed.

[0015] In a seventh aspect there is provided a method for a cognitive assistance in locating articles using the smart rack assembly according to the third aspect or using the smart rack system according to the fourth aspect, or using the smart assembly according to the fifth aspect, the method comprising: capturing an image of an item list; analyzing the contents in the image; retrieving contents of the image; checking a match between the content of the image and the articles contained in the smart boxes; identifying a smart box, if the match is detected; sending a signal to the identified smart box and providing the smart box with a feedback indication.

[0016] Other aspects and features are defined in the appended claims.

[0017] Examples of the disclosure may provide a cognitive assembly assistance. As a matter of fact, it is possible to provide the necessary articles in the respective box / container as per sequence of instructions. In addition, examples of the disclosure may provide a smart inventory controller. An automatic instruction to warehouse / inventory is based on article’s availability and easy communication between automatic guided vehicles and Drones. Furthermore, examples of the disclosure may provide a smart box for retail application. Using for example the power of natural language automatic highlight of the location of the storage on the rack and multiple feedback indications (along with visual, audio and motion response) may help user or customer with disability to reach the article easily.

[0018] Examples of the disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like references refer to like parts, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the smart box according to an example;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the smart rack according to an example;

[0021] Figure 3A is a schematic representation of the smart assembly according to an example;

[0022] Figure 3B is a schematic representation of the smart rack assembly according to an example;

[0023] Figure 3C is a schematic representation of the smart rack system according to an example; Figure 4 is a perspective representation of the smart rack according to an example;

[0024] Figure 5A is a lateral view of a perspective representation of the smart rack assembly according to an example;

[0025] Figure 5B is a top view of a perspective representation of the smart rack assembly according to an example

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the smart rack assembly and smart assembly according to an example;

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the smart rack system and smart assembly according to an example;

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the smart assembly according to an example;

[0029] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a configuration process of a smart box according to an example;

[0030] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process according to an example;

[0031] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a process of operation for manufacturing use case according to an example;

[0032] Figure 12 is a flow chart of a method for a cognitive assistance in locating articles according to an example;

[0033] Figure 13 is a flow chart of a process in locating commodities inside a retail store according to an example; and

[0034] Figure 14 is a flow chart of a process in locating medicines as per prescription inside a medical store according to an example.

[0035] A smart box, a smart rack, a smart rack assembly, a smart rack system, a smart assembly, and methods for a cognitive assistance are disclosed. In the following description, a number of specific details are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples of the disclosure. It will be apparent however to a person skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed in order to practice the examples of the disclosure. Conversely, specific details known to the person skilled in the art are omitted for the purposes of clarity in presenting the examples.

[0036] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a smart box 1 for containing articles according to the present disclosure. The smart box 1 is a container that could be of any shape, in particular rectangular or squared, and is configured to store and / or transport items. The smart box 1 is placeable on a shelving unit such as a rack 2. Specifically, the smart box 1 can be connectable to the rack 1. The connection can be both mechanical and electrical. For this purpose, the smart box 1 comprises a box interface 5 in order to establish a signal connection with the rack 2. Through this box interface 5, the smart box 1 and the rack 2 can exchange information and data. The smart box 1 comprises a local control unit 3 that can be a microcontroller on a single integrated circuit chip containing a processor, a memory and input / output peripherals. The local control unit 3 is configured to control and monitor specific applications of the smart box 1.

[0037] Connected to the local control unit 3, the smart box 1 comprises one or more sensors 4. According to examples, the smart box 1 comprises at least one of:

[0038] - weight sensor to detect the amount of articles present in the smart box 1 ;

[0039] - an infrared sensor to detect the presence or absence of an object inside the smart box 1 ;

[0040] - a current sensor to detect the power consumption;

[0041] - a humidity sensor to detect the moisture level inside the smart box 1 ;

[0042] - a sensor to read QR codes and / or for a near field communication to setup connections with the rack 2; and

[0043] - a camera.

[0044] Other types of sensors 4 can be suitably used for specific purposes.

[0045] In order to provide a feedback indication to a user related to the article based at least on a signal generated by the sensor 4, the smart box 1 comprises at least a feedback indicator 6. The feedback indicator s can be for example a device configured to provide information to a user through a dedicated signal. This is extremely useful in case of a disabled user with limited detection abilities. The feedback indicators can be activated by an external signal provided to the smart box 1.

[0046] According to an example, the feedback indicator 6 is a light source, in particular a multichromatic LED, for providing a visual indication to the user. Advantageously, the light source can indicate with different colors if a particular process step is completed, if the box 1 needs to be refilled, if the article can be picked-up, etc. The light source can indicate this information also by a different and specific light output sequence.

[0047] In another example, the feedback indicator 6 can be (additionally or alternatively) an audio source, in particular a speaker, for providing an audio indication to the user. In particular, different types or sequences of audio signals can be used by the smart box 1 to inform the user regarding specific process conditions or articles information. Recorded voice commands or information can also be used for this purpose.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the feedback indicator 6 can be a vibrational source, in particular a vibration motor, for providing a vibrational indication to the user. By touching the surface of the smart box 1 , the user is able to obtain similar information as provided with visual or audio signals.

[0049] Other types of feedback indicators 6 can be suitably used for specific purposes. Figure 1 shows for example four sensors 4 and three feedback indicators 6 arranged in different locations of the box 1 and connected to the local control unit 3. It is noted that the local control unit 3 performs several tasks as per need of the user. For example, by combining the information form the sensors 4 and feedback indicators 6, in addition to provide information regarding article details in each box 1 or the configuration to specific process step, the smart box 1 allows sensing of content weights in each box 1 , detecting the removal and insertion of articles, controlling the light sources activation (sequence and glow time) as well as the color provided.

[0050] The local control unit 3 can be an edge embedded device that is connected to multiple components, such as the sensors 4 or the feedback indicators 6. This makes it easy for assembly and servicing. By using weigh signals and configurations setting, the user can set the article type, the quantity, the density, etc., thereby making sure that the right article is inserted into the box 1 and providing an anomaly alert when the wrong weight and article is detected.

[0051] In examples, the smart box 1 is made of translucent material, in particular translucent plastic such as acrylic, polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate glycol, PETG, or translucent resin. The translucent material can be extremely useful in combination with multichromatic LED to glow the box 1 and provide a visual indication to the user. In fact, by coupling a light source to the smart box 1 made of translucent material, the entire box 1 (or part of it) can illuminate based on the activation of said light source. In particular, if multicolor light sources are used (such as multicolor LEDs), the smart box 1 can assume different colors. In other words, the LEDs can be assembled inside the translucent smart box 1 and are used as means of feedback to the user to pick up the articles / items from these specific boxes 1 . These LED's can be monochromatic and can be configured to glow with specific color as per the convenience of the user.

[0052] In examples, the smart box 1 further comprises a communication sub-module 7 for signal transmission between the local control unit 3 and the at least one sensor 4. In particular, the communication sub-module 7 facilitates the communication between the smart box 1 with the microcontroller 3. The signal from various sensors 4 in the smart box 1 is combined and sent to the local control unit 3 through the aid of this unit 3. It is noted that - for sake of clarity - figure 1 shows the communication sub-module 7 without any connection to the other components of the smart unit 1. However, it is clear that based on different configurations, the communication submodule 7 can suitably be connected to any of the sensors 4 and / or the local control unit 3, and / or any of the feedback indicators 6.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a rack for placing one or more boxes. Since the rack 2 of figure 2 is configured to place smart boxes as in figure 1 , the rack can be named as smart rack 2. The smart rack 2 comprises a plurality of seats 8 arranged one after the other along a longitudinal direction to form a tray structure 12. For example, the tray structure 12 is made of six seats 8. Specifically, each seat 8 is provided with a seat rack interface 9 placed for example on a portion of the surface of the seat 8. The seat rack interface 9 can comprise a power contact and / or a signal contact to establish an electric signal connection between the smart rack 2 and the smart box 1. It is noted that figure 2 shows a smart box 1 marked with a dashed line for illustrative purposes only. The smart box 1 is in particular located on the seat rack interface 9 of a corresponding seat 8 to create a bidirectional electrical connection. To control and process signals coming from - and going to - the smart box 1 , the smart rack 2 is provided with a central processing unit 11. The central processing unit 11 is advantageously housed inside a mail plate 10 arranged at one side, i.e. the first end 15, of the tray structure 12. The configuration settings and the details of the articles contained in each smart box 1 , are stored locally in the memory storage connected to central processing unit 11.

[0054] In addition, the smart rack 2 further comprises a communication module 13 for signal transmission between the smart rack 2 and a user, wherein in particular the communication module 13 is housed in the main plate 10. The communication module 13 allows the user to configure the smart rack 2 as per the user needs. Specifically, the communication module 13 allows a communication between a user’s personal device and the central processing unit 11 of the smart rack 2. To establish the connection, short- and long-range communication technologies can be used. The communication protocols and related libraries are installed in a cache memory.

[0055] In examples, the smart rack 2 further comprises a power supply unit 14 to supply power to the smart boxes 1 , wherein in particular the power supply unit 14 is housed in the main plate 10. The smart rack 2 and therefore the smart box 1 can be powered either by AC or DC supply. A power converter module can be used to convert incoming AC supply into DC as needed by the components of the smart box 1 , such as the local control unit 3, the sensors 4, feedback indicators 6 and eventually the communication sub-module 7.

[0056] In one example, the smart rack 2 further comprises an end plate 16 arranged at a second end 17 of the tray structure 12, wherein in particular the end plate 16 is removable from the tray structure 12. The end plate 16 has a similar structure as the main plate 10 but it does not house any processing unit. The end plate 16 can be removed for changing the structural configuration of the smart rack 2, for example extending the length of the tray structure 12 by adding or removing seats 8. In this way, it is possible to extend the boxes to "n" number of smart boxes 1 . In other words, the smart rack 2 has a frame which has the definite structure for easy and correct assembly. To make it extensible, stackable and expandable there are dedicated components, such as spring loaded switches, once assembled the connection is established. In particular, each seat

[0057] 8 can comprise connecting means 19 for establishing a removable connection with a close seat 8. The connecting means 19 can be configured to establish a mechanical connection and / or an electrical connection between to consecutive seats 8. For example, the connecting means 19 can comprise interlocking elements so that the length of the tray structure 12 can be varied according to requirements. The interlocking elements can be placed on each lateral side of the seat 8. The connecting means 19 can also comprise spring loaded switches to ensure all the electrical connections among the several seats 8.

[0058] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate possible configurations of the smart box 1 and the smart rack 2. Figure 3A shows in particular a smart assembly 24 comprising the smart rack 2 of figure 2 combined with a plurality of six smart boxes 1 of figure 1. Each smart box 1 is placed on a corresponding seat 8 of the smart rack 2, thereby establishing a signal connection between the smart box 1 and the smart rack 2. Figure 3B shows a smart rack assembly 18 comprising two smart assemblies 24 of figure 3A (or two smart racks of figure 2) connected together. In particular, the main plate 10 of the first smart assembly 24 (or first smart rack 2) comprises at least a spring loaded contact 21 to allow an electrical and communication contact with the second smart assembly 24 (or second smart rack 2). In particular, spring loaded contact 21 is configured to connect two consecutives main plates 10. Figure 3C shows a smart rack system 22 comprising two smart rack assemblies 18. The first smart rack assembly 18 is connected to the second smart rack assembly 18 via a platform 23, for example through a wireless and / or Ethernet connection

[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective representation of the smart assembly 24 having a smart rack with six seats 8 and three smart boxes 1 placed on three of the available seats 8. The six seats 8 are connected one after the other and form a tray structure 12 that is a kind of a strip between a first end 15 at the main plate 10 and a second end 17 at the end plate 16. One seat 8 is divided from the other seat 8 by a separation element 25 and comprises a seat rack interface

[0060] 9 including power and signal contacts 26. Once the smart box 1 is placed on one seat 8, a connection is established between the smart box 1 and the smart rack 2 through said power and signal contacts 26. It is noted that the seat rack interface 9 can also include a light source (e.g. a colored LED) able to illuminate the smart box 1 from the bottom. This can be an alternative (or additional) configuration to that described in figure 1 , wherein a visual feedback indicator 6, such as a LED, is embedded in the smart box 1. A QR code tag 27 can be placed on the main plate

[0061] 10 for setting configuration.

[0062] Figures 5A and 5B show a combination of two smart assemblies 24 to form a smart rack assembly 18, wherein the first smart assembly 24 is placed above the second smart assembly 24. It is noted that differently for the modularity of the smart rack 2 and smart boxes 1 , it is possible to configure the smart assembly 24 according to the user’s requirements. As a matter of fact, six smart boxes 1 can be arranged along a single a tray structure 12, as in figure 4, or on a stacked structure of two tray structures 12 each comprising three smart boxes 1 , as in figures 5A and 5B. The main plate 10 of each smart rack 2 is provided with connecting means 19, for example interlocking elements and / or snap lock features, to connect (mechanically and electrically) the first smart assembly 24 to the second smart assembly 24. In examples, each seat 8 comprises guiding means 20 in particular, grooves and step features, for guiding and maintaining the smart box 1 on place.

[0063] According to an example, the plurality of seats 8 forms two or more tray structures 12 arranged one close to the other in an horizontal direction and / or in a vertical direction. A schematic illustration is shown in figure 6. In this case, a smart rack 2 comprises two rows of seats 8 forming two tray structures 12 which are connected to a single main plate 10. In particular, each smart box 1 can communicate using the local control unit 3 with the central processing unit 11 present in the main plate 10. The connection can be a bidirectional serial communication.

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates a possible configuration of a smart rack system 22. In this case, a plurality of smart racks 2 (or smart assemblies 24) similar to those of figure 6 are connected together through a platform 23. This configuration can be very useful in case of using smart racks 2 / smart assemblies 24 for different purposes. For example, one smart rack 2 / smart assembly 24 can be used in a manufacturing process and another smart rack 2 / smart assembly 24 can be used in retail process, whereas the two smart racks 2 / smart assemblies 24 are still connected to each other via the platform 23.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 show a high level schematic design of the software and communication components. All the software components would be run using the processing unit 11 inside base / first tray structure 12 and the processing unit 11 acts as a gateway by providing necessary software and communication components to external users to interact with smart boxes 1 . A local database copy 28 would also be present in the same processing unit 11 which would be synchronized with a cloud storage at regular intervals. Each smart box 1 contains multiple sensors 4 and a microcontroller 3 that collects data from all sensors 4, combines and formats it in a standard format and sends it to the processing unit 11 of tray structure 12 using the bidirectional serial communication protocols like RS-232 / l2C / SPI / Ethernet. Visual / audio / vibratory feedback signals would also be sent through the same bidirectional communication channel to specific box microcontroller 3 that redirects the feedback to specific feedback indicators 6 (like speaker, LED, or haptic device). Any additional tray structure 12 would be connected to the processing unit 11 of base / first tray structure 12. In examples, the smart rack 2 (or smart assembly 24) further comprises an external vision sensor 27, in particular a camera connected to the central processing unit 11 to continuously capture images of at least the smart boxes 1. A possible configuration, is illustrated in figure 8. The external vision sensor 17 can be advantageously used for monitoring the smart rack 2 and the smart boxes 1 for example to control the correctness of the process steps.

[0066] Figure 9 shows a workflow of a process for configuring the smart box 1. To start the setup / configuration, a user scans a QR code pasted on the rack 2 using for example a mobile device with camera and QR Code scanner. The QR code contains an URL that redirects user to dashboard of the smart rack 2 in consideration. Subsequently, the user can click on 'Add Box' button in the dashboard and a program would run in the background that waits for a smart box 1 to be added. When the box 1 is added to the rack 2, the local control unit 3 (i.e. the microcontroller) in the smart box 1 gets powered on and sends a unique device / box ID to the program that is waiting for the addition of box 1 . After the program receives an unique device / box ID, a new entry for the smart box 1 would be created in the local database / storage and the user will be prompted to give extra details, such as name, unit weight and properties of the article (like dimension, color, etc.) that will be contained in the smart box 1 . After submission of required details, the smart box 1 will be in a working state.

[0067] Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of a method 100 for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process. The method 100 can be employed using the smart rack assembly 18, the smart rack system 22, or the smart assembly 24.

[0068] At step S010, the method comprises selecting step instructions from a list of process assembling instructions. The assembling process can be started at step S102 and at step S103, a feedback indication is provided based on the step instructions. The smart rack 2 and the smart box 1 can be monitored by continuously capturing one or more images (step S104). The images will inform the user about the articles used during the assembling process, in particular their position. At step S105, the method comprises checking the correct position of the articles taken from the smart box 1. The checking step is repeated until all the instructions from the step instructions are completed (step S106).

[0069] Figure 11 illustrates a practical usage of smart box 1 as a cognitive assistant in assembly process. Before the process begins, the users must choose a 'step instruction' from the list in dashboard that appears after scanning a QR code pasted on the smart rack 2. The step instructions here refers to ordered list of steps to be performed to complete a process. The central processing unit 11 in the smart rack 2 could be configured with an external sensor 27 like camera / vision sensor whenever required. After selecting the step instruction and clicking on start process, the software / program selects an instruction from step instruction and for every instruction it sends signal to respective smart box 1 to give visual / audio / vibratory feedback through a suitable feedback indicator 6. The external vision sensor 27 continuously captures image of the assembly process and an Al (Artificial intelligence) / computer vision program checks if the article picked from smart box 1 is placed in the correct position on the board. This process continues till all the instructions from step instruction are completed for all boards to be assembled.

[0070] Fig 12 shows a flow diagram of a method 200 for a cognitive assistance in locating articles. The method 200 can be employed using the smart rack assembly 18, the smart rack system 22, or the smart assembly 24.

[0071] At step S201 an image is taken of an item list. The content of the image is analyzed at step S202 and the contents of the image are retrieved at step S203.

[0072] At step S204, a match is checked between the content of the image and the articles contained in the smart boxes 1. If the match is detected, a smart box 1 is identified (step S205). Accordingly, a signal is sent to the identified smart box 1 and the smart box 1 is provided with a feedback indication (step S206).

[0073] Figure 13 shows the usage of a smart box 1 as cognitive assistant in locating commodities inside a retail store and figure 14 is a specific use case for locating medicines inside a medical store. In this scenario, a specially developed mobile application would be used to capture the image of medicine prescription document. Captured image will be then analyzed by SOTA (State- of-the-Art) computer vision models to retrieve contents (text or any other structured data) and will be matched against items stored in all smart boxes 1 inside medical store to identify a specific box & rack where required medicine is present. Software in the mobile application will send signal to software running in respective smart rack 2 to send signal to the identified smart box 1 to give visual / audio / vibratory feedback to the user. In the specific use case of figure 14, a medical prescription is automatically read by NLP (natural language processing) engine and assist the pharmacists by gloving the correct smart box container 1 and providing a audio signal to reach the box 1 .

[0074] Examples of the disclosure may provide a mart box, a smart rack a smart rack assembly, a smart rack system, a smart assembly, and a method for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process and / or locating articles leading at least to the following advantages: i. Reconfigurable manufacturing line with easily extendable local storage for robot / human worker to pick the items / components; ii. Easy configuration (e.g. using software and compatible hardware) of the mart boxes using for example QR code, which allows to each box to hold items details such as its total weight, volume, item type, serial number, level etc.):

[0075] Hi. During configuration, communication can be established with inventory CPU so that articles availability is known to inventory; iv. Intelligence on such application (both industrial and retail market) can be built-in from the box / container rather than from the rack / shelf; v. Minimization of the communication load, by using for example edge devices on the frames where only communication comes from central CPU; vi. Intelligent spring-loaded connector can enable the addition of new smart boxes; vii. The bottom-up intelligent device can be easily customized and extended without compromising on the interoperability; viii. Autonomous system that can identify needed items from printed / digital / handwritten texts or speech of the user. ix. Once the box is identified, multiple response are provided for identifying the object, or path planning for robot or drones to reach the respective container. This may help customer with disability to reach the component easily; x. Detection of anomaly - placement of wrong items in the smart box can be detected based on multiple sensors and stored item details.

[0076] Specifically, the present disclosure describes an expandable and configurable smart box 1 and storage rack system used for storing, indicating and include in pre-configured sequence of instruction. This invention can be used at the manufacturing line with assembly assistant, smart warehouse management with automatic inventory indication and in retail shop multi modal instruction can be used to highlight the commodity items in the smart racks 2. This invention is also intended to solve seamless communication between different stages of life cycle of finished goods.

[0077] Although a variety of techniques and examples of such techniques have been described herein, these are provided by way of example only and many variations and modifications on such examples will be apparent to the skilled person and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Smart box (1) for containing articles, the smart box (1) being connectable to a rack (2) in particular for manufacturing and / or retail purposes, the smart box (1) comprising: a local control unit (3), in particular a microcontroller, for processing local signals; at least one sensor (4) for detecting or measuring a physical property related to the smart box (1) and / or the article; a box interface (5) to establish a signal connection with the rack (2); and at least a feedback indicator (6) for providing a feedback indication to a user related to the article based at least on a signal generated by the sensor (4).

2. Smart box (1) according to claim 1 , wherein: a. the feedback indicator (6) is a light source, in particular a multichromatic LED, for providing a visual indication to the user; and / or b. the feedback indicator (6) is an audio source, in particular a speaker, for providing an audio indication to the user; and / or c. the feedback indicator (6) is a vibrational source, in particular a vibration motor, for providing a vibrational indication to the user.

3. Smart box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising at least one of: a. a weight sensor to detect the amount of articles present in the smart box (1); b. an infrared sensor to detect the presence or absence of an object inside the smart box (1); c. a current sensor to detect the power consumption; d. a humidity sensor to detect the moisture level inside the smart box (1); e. a sensor to read QR codes and / or for a near field communication to setup connections with the rack (2); and f. a camera.

4. Smart box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smart box (1) is made of translucent material, in particular translucent plastic such as acrylic, polycarbonate or polyethylene terephthalate glycol, PETG, or translucent resin.

5. Smart box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication sub-module (7) for signal transmission between the local control unit (3) and the at least one sensor (4).

6. Smart rack (2) for placing a plurality of smart boxes (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the rack (2) comprising: a plurality of seats (8) arranged one close to the other along a longitudinal direction to form a tray structure (12), each seat (8) being configured to receive a corresponding smart box (1) and comprising a seat rack interface (9) for establishing a signal connection with said corresponding smart box (1); a central processing unit (11) to process signals from the smart boxes (1); and a main plate (10) arranged at a first end (15) ofthe tray structure (12), wherein in particular the central processing unit (11) is housed in the main plate (10).

7. Smart rack (2) according to claim 6, further comprising a communication module (13) for signal transmission between the smart rack (2) and a user, wherein in particular the communication module (13) is housed in the main plate (10).

8. Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising a power supply unit (14) to supply power to the smart boxes (1), wherein in particular the power supply unit (14) is housed in the main plate (10).

9. Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising an end plate (16) arranged at a second end (17) of the tray structure (12), wherein in particular the end plate (16) is removable from the tray structure (12).

10. Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each seat (8) comprises connecting means (19) for establishing a removable connection with a close seat (8).11 . Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein each seat (8) comprises guiding means (20) in particular, grooves and step features, for guiding and maintaining the smart box (1) on place.

12. Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 11 , further comprising an external vision sensor (27), in particular a camera connected to the central processing unit (11) to continuously capture images of at least the smart boxes (1).

13. Smart rack (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the plurality of seats (8) forms two or more tray structures (12) arranged one close to the other in an horizontal direction and / or in a vertical direction.

14. Smart rack assembly (18) comprising: a plurality smart racks (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 13; wherein the main plate (10) of a first smart rack (2) comprises at least a spring loaded contact (21) to allow an electrical and communication contact with a second smart rack (2), in particular with the main plate (10) of said second smart rack (2).

15. Smart rack system (22) comprising: a plurality of smart rack assemblies (18) according to claim 14, wherein each smart rack assembly (18) is connected to a platform (23) through a wireless and / or Ethernet connection.

16. Smart assembly (24) comprising: at least a smart box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and at least a smart rack (2) according to any one of claim 6 to 13, or a smart rack assembly (18) according to claim 14, or a smart rack system (22) according to claim 15; wherein the smart box (1) is placed on a seat (8) of the smart rack (2), thereby establishing a signal connection between the smart box (1) and the smart rack (2).

17. Method (100) for a cognitive assistance in an assembling process using the smart rack assembly (18) according to claim 14 or using the smart rack system (22) according to claim 15, or using the smart assembly (24) according to claim 16, the method (100) comprising: selecting (S101) step instructions from a list of process assembling instructions; starting (S102) the assembling process; providing (S103) the smart box (1) with a feedback indication based on the step instructions; continuously capturing (S104) an image of the smart box (1) containing articles and of the articles during the process; checking (S105) the correct position of the articles taken from the smart box (1); repeating the checking step (S106) until all the instructions from the step instructions are completed.

18. Method (200) for a cognitive assistance in locating articles using the smart rack assembly (18) according to claim 14 or using the smart rack system (22) according toclaim 15, or using the smart assembly (24) according to claim 16, the method (200) comprising: capturing (S201) an image of an item list; analyzing (S202) the contents in the image; retrieving (S203) contents of the image; checking (S204) a match between the content of the image and the articles contained in the smart boxes (1); identifying (S205) a smart box (1), if the match is detected; sending (S206) a signal to the identified smart box (1) and providing the smart box (1) with a feedback indication.

Images