Smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) for real-time inventory tracking, freshness analysis, and automated dispensing. The system comprises a pantry cabinet (101) housing modular trays (101a) and inverted container modules (101b) with a motorized dispensing mechanism (110), a vibration module (112) for smooth flow, and a refrigerator module (111) for temperature-controlled storage. A sensor module (102) incorporates an RGB camera (102a), depth sensor (102b), thermal camera (102c), gas sensor (102d), smell sensor (102e), and air quality sensor (102f) for visual, volumetric, thermal, and environmental monitoring. The cabinet further includes a T-slot rail (101e) enabling sensor mobility for multi-shelf scanning. A lighting module (103) ensures optimal imaging, while a control module (105) performs sensor fusion, regulates dispensing, vibration, and refrigeration, and generates alerts. A user interface (106) with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (106b) connectivity stores historical data locally, provides real-time analytics, and supports predictive inventory management.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a smart storage and inventory management systems, and more particularly to a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts designed for optimized storage, automated inventory tracking, controlled dispensing, and environmental monitoring of dry goods in the kitchen.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. The field of pantry and grocery management has seen incremental technological interventions, yet several challenges persist in real-world applications, particularly in domestic kitchens, commercial kitchens, and retail environments. Traditional pantry management systems rely heavily on manual checks or basic containers with minimal automation, which often results in issues like overstocking, understocking, food spoilage, and inefficient space utilization. Although prior art has introduced smart containers and basic IoT integrations, they fail to offer a comprehensive, modular, and intelligent solution that manages multiple commodities with real-time tracking, environmental monitoring, and automated control. For instance, the prior art IN202211034160A discloses an IoT-based smart kitchen container using a piezoelectric sensor placed at the bottom to monitor quantity and trigger mobile alerts when a threshold is reached. However, it lacks modular detachable jars, a plug-and-play rod system, compartmentalized trays, RFID integration, and environmental controls like temperature and humidity sensing. Similarly, prior art WO2019008425A1 discusses smart jars with microcontrollers for tracking food parameters and expiration dates, but it omits critical components such as load sensors, pressure sensors, automated dispensing mechanisms, and tray-based environmental management. Another prior art US20220096330A1, a smart pill dispenser, while including wireless control and automated dispensing, is specific to pharmaceutical use and lacks applicability to pantry management, as it does not address features such as RFID, smart shelving, environmental sensors, or flexible integration for multiple dry commodities. The prior art, WO2021202240A1 describes an inventory system for alcoholic beverages using load cells and barcode scanning. Though relevant in terms of weight tracking and remote updates, this system does not support modular pantry items, RFID-based item identification, or customizable compartments for varied storage needs. US8997588B2 presents a flexible force-detecting mat using piezo capacitance, designed for healthcare applications to detect body pressure on surfaces. While it involves force sensors, it does not pertain to pantry systems, nor does it support commodity weight analysis, smart integration, or environmental control. These prior arts collectively reveal significant gaps in addressing a modern, intelligent dry pantry cabinet that incorporates features such as detachable smart jars with load cells and barcode readers, a plug-and-play rod for modularity, a smart flexible mat with optical and RFID sensors for weight-based item analysis, temperature and humidity-controlled compartments, and a unified controller with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Furthermore, existing systems lack comprehensive mobile app integration that offers spoilage detection, freshness check, automatically optimally managing temperature as per commodity per cabinet, real-time inventory updates, usage analytics, smart alerts, and automated shopping list generation. Therefore, the present invention overcomes these limitations by offering an end-to-end IoT-based pantry management solution that is modular, scalable, and tailored for real-time monitoring, automated control, and optimized storage, ensuring significant advancements over prior art. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be constructed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The principal objective of the present disclosure is to provide an IoT-based pantry management system that automates inventory tracking, dispensing, and environmental monitoring of dry goods and more particularly a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts. Another objective of the present disclosure is to offer a modular and scalable solution using detachable smart jars equipped with load cells, pressure sensors, object detection sensor and barcode readers to measure quantity, track expiry dates, and dispense commodities in defined quantities. Still another objective of the present disclosure is to introduce a plug-and-play rod mechanism for easy installation and reconfiguration of jars in various orientations. Yet another object is to provide a sensor-equipped flexible mat or tray with multiple compartments capable of analyzing stored commodity quantities through RFID, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, AQI sensors, optical sensors, and weight-based detection and innovative mini refrigeration system to auto pick and maintain the temperature as per the cabinet and commodity requirements. Still another objective of the present disclosure is to incorporate environmental controls, including temperature and humidity sensors, along with an optional mini refrigeration system to preserve the shelf life of stored items. Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to enable real-time data synchronization through a central controller hub integrated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless communication with a companion mobile application. Still another objective of the present disclosure is to design a mobile application to enhance user convenience by offering inventory analytics, smart alerts for low stock or nearing expiration, and automated shopping list generation, thus reducing food waste and optimizing storage efficiency. SUMMARY This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form to be further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention discloses an intelligent kitchen inventory monitoring system designed to automate the storage, sensing, dispensing, and management of dry food commodities in domestic or commercial pantry environments. The system comprises a structurally enclosed cabinet housing modular trays that serve as the primary platform for storing multiple commodity containers. These trays are embedded with pressure-sensing elements capable of detecting the placement and removal of containers, thereby enabling automatic activation of the system's monitoring functionalities. In an aspect, the proposed invention is robust, each container is designed to be mounted in an inverted position to facilitate gravity-assisted dispensing. The containers incorporate a dispensing mechanism, which may be manual or motor-driven, allowing controlled release of stored materials in predefined quantities. The containers are further embedded with weighing elements and data-reading components, such as camera and AI based image processing, to measure commodity levels (weight and quantity) and extract product-specific information. In an aspect the present invention comprises a multi-sensor module integrated into the cabinet to monitor various parameters of the stored goods. This module includes a visual sensor for capturing images and label information, a depth sensor for estimating commodity volume based on spatial measurements, a thermal sensor to detect surface temperature anomalies associated with spoilage, and a gas sensor configured to detect the presence of volatile compounds such as ethylene or ammonia that indicate freshness degradation. In an aspect, these sensors and the camera can traverse in a T slot provided the cabinet to travel to a different shelf to check the spoilage and operate synergistically under the illumination of an internal lighting system designed to provide shadow-free, uniform lighting to ensure accurate imaging and detection. In an aspect all sensor data is transmitted to a central control unit, which performs real-time sensor fusion and analytics. The control unit processes data from the visual, thermal, gas, and pressure sources to assess both the quantity and freshness of stored commodities. Based on predefined thresholds or user-configured rules, the control unit generates alerts for low stock levels, nearing expiration, or spoilage. It also executes dispensing operations in response to user commands or automated schedules. In an aspect the system includes a user interface implemented via a mobile application or web dashboard, which allows users to monitor real-time inventory, receive alerts, control dispensing, and access analytics such as usage patterns, consumption trends, and automated shopping list generation. The user interface supports wireless communication through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling local control during offline scenarios and cloud-based synchronization when internet access is available. The system supports API integrations for third-party ordering platforms, facilitating predictive and autonomous inventory management. In an aspect the invention offers a modular, sensor-rich, and intelligent solution for managing pantry inventory, combining IoT, AI, and automation to reduce food waste, optimize storage, and enhance and empower users with their consumption insights to manage their health and budget through smart data-driven insights and remote operability. To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view diagram of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates the block diagram of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates the flow process chart of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non - claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) for environmental monitoring and data logging applications, specifically for monitoring scour around bridge piers in riverine environments. In an aspect, various embodiments of the system (100) are:101. Pantry Cabinet Module101a. Pantry tray module101b. Container module101c. Multistorage compartments101d. Pantry slab101e. T slots 102. Sensor module102a. RGB Camera102b. Depth sensor102c. Thermal camera102d. Gas sensor102e. Pressure sensor102f. Smell sensor102g. AQI sensor103. Lighting module104. Data processing module105. Control module106. User interface module107. Load cells108. RFID tags109. Barcode reader110. Dispensing mechanism111. Refrigeration mechanism112. Vibrator module In an embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup (100) for real-time stock tracking, environmental monitoring, and controlled dispensing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The setup comprises a pantry cabinet (101) configured as structural housing for multiple integrated modules. The upper section of the cabinet (101) accommodates a set of detachable container modules (101b) mounted in an inverted orientation; each provided with a motorized dispensing mechanism (110) configured to dispense predefined quantities of stored commodities. These container modules (101b) further incorporate load cells (107) for real-time weight measurement and barcode readers (109) for product identification and expiration tracking. Below the containers (101b), one or more pantry tray modules (101a) are positioned, each designed to hold smaller jars or packaged goods. The trays (101a) are embedded with pressure sensors (102e) and RFID tags (108) to detect placement, removal, and identity of stored items for precise inventory tracking. Additional pantry slabs (101d) may also be provided as alternative storage spaces to accommodate larger containers or variable commodity sizes. A sensor module (102) is mounted inside the cabinet and includes an RGB camera (102a) configured to capture high-resolution images for visual analysis, a depth sensor (102b) for estimating commodity volume, a thermal camera (102c) for detecting temperature variations, a gas sensor (102d) and smell sensors (102e) for identifying volatile organic compounds associated with spoilage, and an air quality sensor (102f) for monitoring the surrounding environment. These sensors (102) operate synergistically to provide accurate, comprehensive data on commodity status. To enable multi-level monitoring, the cabinet is equipped with a T-slot mechanism (101e), allowing the camera and sensors to traverse across different shelves for holistic scanning and spoilage detection. The pantry cabinet also comprises a lighting module (103) integrated within the structure to provide uniform, adjustable illumination, ensuring optimal imaging conditions for the RGB and depth sensors under varying lighting environments. The design further incorporates a refrigerator module (111) to maintain a controlled temperature environment for temperature-sensitive commodities, using cooling systems driven by real-time sensor feedback or user-defined profiles. Additionally, the system features a vibration module (112) to agitate stored commodities during dispensing operations, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth material flow; this module is actuated by the control module (105) as needed.The entire setup is governed by a control module (105), which performs sensor fusion, environmental analysis, inventory tracking, and operational control of dispensing, vibration, and cooling functionalities. A user interface module (106) in the form of a mobile or web application (106a) provides interactive dashboards for inventory visibility, spoilage alerts, and dispensing control. This interface also enables data storage on the user's mobile device, allowing historical trend analysis, previous consumption patterns, and predictive restocking analytics even in offline conditions. The system communicates via Bluetooth for local connectivity and Wi-Fi for cloud synchronization and API integrations.The pantry cabinet (101) is constructed using durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or high-quality engineered wood to ensure structural strength and long-term reliability. The internal surfaces of the cabinet are integrated with thermal insulation materials such as polyurethane foam, mineral wool, or equivalent insulating layers. This insulation provides effective thermal separation between temperature-controlled zones and ambient areas within the cabinet, thereby maintaining energy efficiency and preventing condensation. Such construction ensures that compartments equipped with the refrigeration module (111) can sustain low temperatures for perishable commodities without affecting other sections designed for dry storage. Additionally, the combination of metal and wood elements offers both functional durability and aesthetic compatibility with modern modular kitchen designs, while ensuring hygiene, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning.A key advantage of the present invention is its adaptability for both retrofitting in existing kitchen cabinets and integration into newly designed smart kitchens or commodity kitchens. The modular nature allows scalable implementation, from compact home kitchens to large-scale food storage facilities. The illustrated configuration emphasizes an ergonomic design and the seamless convergence of IoT, AI-based sensing, and automation technologies to optimize inventory management, reduce wastage, and enhance convenience. In an embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates the block diagram of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes a pantry cabinet module (101) serving as a structural enclosure and housing all internal components, including trays (101a), container modules (101b), sensors (102), lighting elements (103), and auxiliary modules. This design ensures modularity and adaptability, enabling integration in existing kitchen layouts, new kitchen installations, and commodity kitchens without extensive structural modifications. The pantry tray module (101a) comprises one or more modular trays integrated with load cells (107) for weight measurement, RFID tags (108) for identification, and pressure sensors (102e) for detecting item placement and removal. These trays can accommodate both containers and packaged goods. Pantry slabs (101d) are also provided for additional storage flexibility.The container module (101b) consists of detachable, sensorized jars configured in an inverted orientation for gravity-assisted dispensing. Each container is equipped with a motorized dispensing mechanism (110) for precise material output, barcode readers (109) for product data extraction, and integrated load cells (107) for real-time weight analysis. To prevent clogging during dispensing, the container includes a vibration module (112), which is controlled automatically by the control module (105) during dispensing events. The system further includes a refrigerator module (111) integrated within the pantry cabinet (101) for maintaining temperature-controlled storage zones. This module uses thermal feedback from sensors to optimize cooling profiles based on commodity type or user settings.- A sensor module (102) is mounted in the pantry cabinet and includes:- RGB Camera (102a) for high-resolution imaging and label recognition,- Depth Sensor (102b) for volume estimation,- Thermal Camera (102c) for temperature mapping,- Gas Sensor (102d) for detecting spoilage-indicating gases,- Smell Sensors (102e) for odor-based quality checks, and- Air Quality Sensor (102f) for monitoring storage environment conditions.To enhance coverage, the cabinet includes a T-slot rail (101e) allowing the sensor module (102) and cameras to traverse multiple shelves for comprehensive monitoring. The lighting module (103) provides uniform illumination through adjustable LED sources, ensuring accurate image capture by the RGB and depth sensors. The control module (105) functions as the central processing unit, aggregating data from sensors, managing refrigeration cycles, triggering the vibration and dispensing mechanisms, and generating real-time alerts. This module supports Bluetooth for offline control and Wi-Fi for cloud integration and API connectivity, enabling predictive inventory management. The user interface module (106) in the form of a mobile / web application (106a) provides access to real-time inventory, freshness analytics, spoilage alerts, and consumption trends. The interface stores historical inventory data locally on the user's device, enabling offline access and previous usage analysis.The illustrated block diagram demonstrates the logical arrangement and interaction between sensing, storage, cooling, dispensing, and control subsystems, emphasizing the adaptability of this smart pantry solution for various modern and retrofit kitchen environments. In an embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates the flow process chart of a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The process begins when one or more container modules (101b) loaded with commodities are placed onto pantry tray modules (101a) or slabs (101d) within the pantry cabinet (101). Placement is detected by pressure sensors (102e) and RFID tags (108) embedded in the trays, which trigger activation of the integrated sensor module (102). Once activated, the RGB camera (102a) captures high-resolution images for label recognition, visual freshness estimation, and surface defect detection, while the depth sensor (102b) calculates commodity volume and fill level. In parallel, the thermal camera (102c) monitors surface temperature distribution, detecting anomalies that indicate possible spoilage or unsafe storage conditions. Simultaneously, the gas sensor (102d) and smell sensors (102e) analyze the air inside the cabinet for volatile compounds such as ethylene and ammonia, correlating gas concentration with freshness status. An air quality sensor (102f) further evaluates environmental conditions affecting commodity preservation. For enhanced coverage, the sensor assembly traverses multiple levels of the cabinet using the T-slot rail mechanism (101e), scanning different trays and shelves to maintain updated inventory and spoilage detection. During the scanning process, the lighting module (103) provides uniform illumination, eliminating shadows and enhancing image accuracy even under low-light conditions.Data storage module (104) enables both local and cloud-based storage of inventory and environmental data for robust tracking and predictive analytics. The system logs all sensor outputs, including images from the RGB camera (102a), volume estimations from the depth sensor (102b), temperature readings from the thermal camera (102c), gas concentration levels from the gas sensor (102d), freshness indicators from the smell sensor (102e), and air quality metrics from the air quality sensor (102f). This data, along with weight measurements from load cells (107) and user interactions through the interface module (106a), is processed by the control module (105) and stored locally within the device memory or on the user's mobile application for offline access. When internet connectivity is available, the stored data is synchronized with cloud servers via Wi-Fi (106b), enabling remote access and creating a comprehensive historical database. This synchronization supports predictive analytics, allowing the system to forecast consumption trends, generate automated shopping lists, and predict spoilage timelines using AI algorithms. The data storage module also aids in temperature control optimization by maintaining historical records of refrigeration performance and commodity-specific shelf-life patterns, ensuring intelligent adjustment of the refrigeration module (111). To maintain privacy and security, the system incorporates encrypted storage and secure data transmission protocols for cloud communication. The combination of local and cloud storage ensures that users retain access to historical data, even in offline scenarios, while benefiting from advanced cloud-based insights when connected. Thus, data storage functionality transforms the system from a reactive inventory monitor to a predictive, self-learning kitchen assistant. The barcode reader (109) embedded in the container lids decodes product identifiers, cross-referencing data with captured images for authentication and expiration tracking. Weight data is simultaneously obtained from load cells (107) in the trays and containers. All collected information is transmitted to the control module (105), which performs sensor fusion, combining inputs from optical, thermal, gas, and weight sensors to derive accurate commodity freshness scores and quantity metrics. Once analysis is complete, the control module executes event-driven decisions based on predefined thresholds or user preferences:- If commodity weight falls below a threshold, a low-stock alert is issued via the user interface (106).- If freshness degradation is detected (based on thermal or gas anomalies), a spoilage alert is sent.- For temperature-sensitive goods, the refrigerator module (111) is activated to maintain preset cooling profiles.- If dispensing is requested via the mobile / web application (106a), the dispensing mechanism (110) is actuated, and the vibration module (112) operates to prevent clogging and ensure smooth material flow.Post-dispensing, the system recalculates inventory by updating weight data through load cells and logs the event in the local and cloud databases. The user interface module (106) displays real-time inventory, freshness scores, usage patterns, and predictive analytics such as automated shopping lists and expense trends. Data is stored locally on the user's mobile device for offline access and historical analysis, while cloud synchronization occurs once internet connectivity is restored. During offline scenarios, Bluetooth-based control (106b) ensures local functionality, and upon reconnection, the system syncs with API-integrated platforms for automated ordering or external data sharing.The smart kitchen inventory monitoring system (100) is engineered to provide complete flexibility for installation in both existing kitchens and new modular kitchen designs. In the case of existing kitchens, the system can operate as a standalone intelligent pantry unit, requiring minimal structural modifications. It is self-contained with a dedicated pantry cabinet (101) that houses all integrated modules, including pantry trays (101a), inverted containers (101b), sensor suite (102), lighting (103), refrigeration module (111), and control electronics (105). This standalone design ensures that homeowners can upgrade their kitchens without dismantling existing cabinetry or countertops. The system connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (106b), eliminating the need for complex wiring or data ports. Additionally, the compact modular design allows it to be placed alongside existing storage units, working independently while maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the kitchen.For new modular kitchens, the system can be fully integrated during the design phase for seamless space utilization and improved ergonomics. The pantry cabinet (101) can be customized to match the dimensions and finishes of modern kitchen layouts, with compartments, trays, and slabs (101d) designed for specific storage requirements. Advanced features such as the T-slot rail (101e) for sensor traversal, integrated refrigeration zones (111) for perishable items, and vibration-assisted dispensing (112) can be incorporated into pre-designed cabinet structures without visible external hardware. Insulation layers can be embedded into panels to maintain thermal efficiency for refrigerated sections, while dry storage remains unaffected. This integration allows architects and kitchen designers to offer a smart kitchen solution as part of premium modular packages, enhancing user convenience through IoT-based monitoring, automated alerts, and AI-driven inventory control.In both scenarios, whether as a retrofit solution or integrated system, the smart kitchen setup (100) maintains its full functionality, including real-time monitoring through the user interface (106a), predictive analytics for shopping lists, freshness alerts, and automated dispensing with vibration support. Thus, the system addresses diverse user needs-enabling a smooth transition for existing kitchen owners while providing an advanced feature set for modern modular kitchen buyers.This feedback-rich, adaptive process ensures optimized inventory management, predictive spoilage prevention, and user convenience through IoT-driven automation and AI-based decision logic. The modular architecture supports integration in existing kitchens, new kitchen designs, and commodity kitchens, making it a scalable solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.Advantages of the Invention:Comprehensive Inventory MonitoringThe system enables real-time monitoring of multiple commodities, combining weight, image, and environmental data for accurate inventory management.- Automated Spoilage Detection: Integrated sensors such as thermal cameras, gas sensors, and smell detection units identify early signs of spoilage, ensuring food safety and reducing waste.- Controlled Dispensing Mechanism: The motorized dispensing mechanism, coupled with a vibration module, provides precise and smooth dispensing of dry commodities without clogging or manual handling.- Temperature-Controlled Storage: The integrated refrigerator module allows selective cooling based on commodity type, extending shelf life for temperature-sensitive goods.- Sensor Mobility for Multi-Level Scanning: The T-slot rail system enables cameras and sensors to traverse across shelves, improving scanning accuracy for large or multi-shelf storage configurations.- Enhanced Lighting for Accurate Imaging: The adjustable lighting module ensures uniform illumination for optimal functioning of the RGB and depth sensors, even in low-light environments.- User-Friendly Digital Interface: A dedicated mobile / web application provides real-time alerts, analytics, and control, enhancing user convenience.- Offline Functionality and Data Storage: The system supports Bluetooth-based local control during offline conditions and stores inventory data on the user's device for historical analysis.- Predictive Analytics and Auto-Replenishment: AI-driven consumption trend analysis and API integration enable automatic shopping list generation and proactive replenishment.- Adaptability and Scalability: The modular design allows easy integration into existing kitchens, new kitchen setups, and commodity kitchens, making it suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial use.- IoT-Enabled Cloud Synchronization: Seamless Wi-Fi connectivity supports remote monitoring, data backup, and integration with third-party services for automated ordering.- Reduced Food Waste and Enhanced Hygiene: By maintaining optimal storage conditions and enabling precise dispensing, the system minimizes wastage while promoting hygienic handling of commodities. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims. While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) for inventory monitoring in kitchen, comprising: a pantry cabinet (101) made of metal, wood, or a combination thereof to ensure structural strength, temperature insulation, and aesthetic integration with modular kitchen designs; at least one pantry tray module (101a) positioned within the pantry cabinet (101), the tray module embedded with at least one pressure sensor (102e) configured to detect the placement of a container module (101b); at least one container module (101b) placed in an inverted position on the tray module (101a), the container module comprising a motorized dispensing mechanism (110) for controlled dispensing of commodities, a barcode reader (109) for product identification, and a vibration module (112) configured to prevent clogging during dispensing; at least one multistorage compartment (101c); at least one pantry slab (101d) to hold the packed kitchen items; a T slot (101e) positioned inside the pantry cabinet (101) to enable the RGB camera (102a) and associated sensors to traverse across pantry trays (101a), containers (101b), multiple compartments (101c), and slabs for comprehensive monitoring; a sensor module (102) operatively coupled to the pantry cabinet (101), the sensor module comprising an RGB camera (102a), a depth sensor (102b), a thermal camera (102c), a gas sensor (102d), a pressure sensor (102e), smell detection sensor (102f) and AQI sensor (102g) the sensor module configured to capture image, volume, temperature, gas emission, and weight data related to the commodities; a lighting module (103) disposed within the pantry cabinet (101) and configured to provide adjustable illumination for enhanced imaging by the RGB camera (102a) and depth sensor (102b); A data processing module (104) configured to store inventory data locally (106a) and synchronize with cloud servers (106b) for backup, analytics, and predictive inventory management; a control module (105) communicatively connected to the sensor module (102), lighting module (103), refrigerator module (111), vibration module (112), and the container module (101b), the control module (105) configured to perform sensor fusion to estimate commodity freshness and quantity, control the dispensing mechanism (110), and generate alerts based on predefined conditions; a user interface module (106) comprising a mobile and / or web application (106a) configured to display inventory and freshness data, store historical data locally, and transmit user commands via bluetooth (106b) for offline and Wi-Fi for online connectivity; a refrigeration module (111) integrated within the pantry cabinet (101) and configured to maintain temperature-controlled zones for commodities, wherein temperature profiles are set based on sensor inputs and AI-driven logic for maximizing shelf life; and Characterized in that wherein the setup is configured to operate independently as a standalone system or be integrated within an existing modular kitchen.

2. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the RGB camera (102a) is configured to detect labels, surface characteristics, and discoloration of the stored commodities, and is further configured to identify the commodity type and set the temperature of the storage zone by communicating with the control module (105), wherein the control module (105) employs AI-based decision logic to ensure optimal shelf life of the commodities present.

3. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depth sensor (102b) is configured to estimate the fill level and volume of commodities stored inside the container module (101b).

4. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal camera (102c) is configured to detect thermal anomalies indicative of spoilage based on surface temperature variations.

5. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas sensor (102d) is configured to detect spoilage-indicating volatile gases including ethylene and ammonia.

6. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container module (101b) comprises a barcode reader (109) configured to extract product data, and a load cell (107) configured to determine real-time quantity.

7. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control module (105) is configured to generate alerts when commodity weight falls below a threshold or when spoilage is predicted based on combined sensor data.

8. The smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup with controlled dispensing and real-time mobile alerts (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface module (106a) is configured to generate consumption analytics, expiration alerts, and automatic shopping list recommendations.

9. A method for monitoring and managing kitchen inventory using a smart kitchen inventory monitoring setup (100), the method comprising: detecting placement of one or more container modules (101b) on pantry tray modules (101a) within a pantry cabinet (101) using at least one pressure sensor(102e); capturing image data of stored commodities using an RGB camera (102a), detecting labels, surface characteristics, discoloration, and identifying the commodity type using AI-based image recognition; measuring commodity volume using a depth sensor (102b), detecting thermal anomalies using a thermal camera (102c), and identifying spoilage-indicating volatile gases using a gas sensor (102d) and a smell sensor (102f); determining air quality in the pantry cabinet using an AQI sensor (102g); moving the RGB camera (102a) and associated sensors along a T-slot (101e) to scan across pantry trays (101a), containers (101b), compartments (101c), and slabs (101d) for comprehensive monitoring; performing sensor fusion at a control module (105) to estimate commodity freshness and quantity, and setting the temperature of the storage zone via a refrigerator module (111) based on AI-driven commodity identification; actuating a dispensing mechanism (110) and a vibration module (112) upon receiving a dispensing command through a user interface module (106); generating and transmitting alerts for low stock or spoilage to the user interface module (106), storing historical data locally on the user device; and synchronizing data with a cloud service when connected via Wi-Fi (106b) for predictive analytics and automated shopping list generation.

10. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein temperature profiles are dynamically adjusted by the control module (105) based on commodity type detected through AI-based image recognition.