A lid for a container and a smart container
The smart container lid with a ToF sensor, IMU sensor, and microcontroller addresses the issues of unstable readings and power consumption in existing smart containers by ensuring readings are taken only when the container is stable and the lid is closed, enhancing accuracy and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2024/057062
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing smart containers with embedded electronic circuitry in the lid face issues with unreliable readings due to container movement and instability, and they often consume excessive power with periodic or continuous readings, while also not effectively separating the fluid from the electronic components for beverage safety.
The proposed solution involves a smart container lid with a ToF sensor covered by a transparent, hydrophobic-coated cover to prevent fluid contact, an IMU sensor to ensure stability and orientation, and a microcontroller that records readings only when the container is stable and the lid is closed, reducing power consumption and enhancing reading accuracy.
This approach provides reliable, real-time fluid level measurements only when the container is stable, reducing power consumption and ensuring the electronic components remain safe from fluid contamination, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of fluid consumption tracking.
Smart Images

Figure IB2024057062_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A LID FOR A CONTAINER AND A SMART CONTAINER
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to a smart container such as a beverage container and in particular to a smart container having a lid with an embedded electronic circuitry to measure the consumption from the smart container.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] Smart bottles with sensors to detect the amount of fluid in the bottles are known. Such smart bottles can connect to mobile applications on user’s smartphones and then the user can access data about how much fluid the user has consumed as well as receive reminders / alerts for consuming more fluid from the bottle. However, the current smart bottles may not provide reliable readings and may require frequent calibration. Also, the readings are mostly based on data taken from time of flight (ToF) sensors and may not take into account the actual real-time consumption from the bottle. Many of such smart bottles comprises of an electronic circuitry embedded lid in contact with the fluid inside the smart bottles which is undesirable for beverage consumption. Some of the prior art technologies related to the same applied technology are discussed below.
[0006] WO202203366A1, Title: SMART BOTTLE: The document discloses a smart bottle measuring the amount of liquid dispensed. The bottle contains a ToF sensor to measure water level. The amount of liquid dispensed is calculated based on difference in sensor readings. Additionally, the bottle also contains a temperature sensor which is used to determine if the liquid is hot or cold. The entire system, including the sensor, battery and evaluation unit is fitted in the cap of the bottle. The evaluation unit also communicated the data to a mobile app using BLE, WiFi or cellular (3G, 4G, 5G). The data displayed on the mobile application, mentions how many bottles have been dispensed. Based on the difference in ToF sensor readings and inclination sensor value, flow rate of water is estimated. The ToF sensor and temperature sensor get flipped along with the pivotable lid as the lid opens. This action is detected using IMU or a contact sensor. The ToF sensor and temperature sensor is then used to detect the user's face. If the face is near the lid and temperature is close to typical human body temperature, then this is validation for dispensation due to the drinking process. The swallowing movement causes a characteristic change in acceleration values, which can be used to verify dispensation due to drinking. Only if all the above conditions are satisfied, the amount of liquid dispensed is considered as valid. The inventors also mention a possibility to do this using audio analysis, by recording audio and applying machine learning algorithms to match it with swallowing sound. The inventors also mention a possibility of detecting whether the bottle’s spout has been enclosed by the user by using capacitive or resistive sensors.
[0007] However, the readings of the bottle can be misleading as there is no means to check if the container is stable or upright and shaking liquid along with the ToF sensor will cause unreliable readings. Also, there is no means to verify the time of taking the readings which is ideally when the container is stable and upright and the lid is closed after consumption.
[0008] US10378944B2 Title: Water intake tracker for a container: The system described is designed to determine the volume of a fluid in a container. The system includes a container with a side wall and a bottom wall, along with an aperture in the side wall. It also consists of a sensing device connected to the container, which includes an orientation sensor to detect the spatial orientation of the container, and a fluid sensor to measure the pressure of the fluid through the aperture. When the orientation sensor detects a change in the container's orientation, the sensing device generates an event dataset containing the fluid pressure and container orientation information. This dataset is transmitted to an electronic device. The electronic device uses the event dataset, along with the container shape, fluid pressure, and spatial orientation information, to determine the coverage of the fluid over the bottom wall of the container. If the coverage is partial, the electronic device calculates a first volume of the fluid. If the coverage is full, it determines a second volume, which is distinct from the first volume. Additional features of the system include accelerometers within the orientation sensor to detect the container's spatial orientation, and an identification system within the sensing device to store the container shape. The fluid sensor can also detect the ambient pressure of the fluid, allowing the electronic device to determine the maximum possible residual fluid in the container based on its shape and orientation.
[0009] In order to estimate the volume of fluid, in the above stated document, orientation sensor along with pressure transducers in the walls of the container is used.
[0010] US11603239B2, Title: Device for reminding and measuring material level inside a material container: The disclosed device is designed to measure the material level inside a container with a neck and an opening for dispensing material. The device consists of a housing unit that attaches to the container's cap, enclosing various components. These components include a first sensor situated between a printed circuit board and an indent on the cap, a battery, a battery holder, and a controller. The first sensor measures the material level, and the controller receives the sensor's signal, calculates the material amount, and issues reminder signals. An output unit releases corresponding output signals. The device may employ optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensors and can include audio, light, or vibration units in the output unit. It may also have wireless communication capabilities, a second sensor to detect cap detachment / attachment, a third sensor for environmental conditions, and a plate with bumpers to secure the housing unit over the cap. The device ensures material doesn't pass through when attached. US10329061B2, Title: System and methods for managing a container or its contents: The claimed invention is a container management system that includes a lid and a retainer. The lid consists of a lid shell element with a dispensing aperture and a lid support element with a lid support opening. These elements can be secured together using securement elements. Inside the lid, there is an interior lid compartment where internal computer elements, including a processor and system memory, are positioned. The lid support element supports a first sensor that detects information about the lid, retainer, or contents of the retainer. The retainer has a space to receive a beverage. The lid support element is designed to extend into the retainer space when the lid is connected to the retainer, allowing the first sensor to be exposed to the contents of the retainer while being supported. The first sensor can be a volume sensor, particularly an indirect capacitance volume sensor to measure the volume of liquid in the retainer. The system may also include a second sensor to measure a different characteristic and communicate with the computer elements. The internal computer elements can communicate with application software running on external computer systems, displaying the information detected by the first sensor. The lid may have additional features like an open / close lid opening assembly, mechanical push button assembly, and a button lock. The lid support element consists of an inner frame element and an outer frame element, with the outer frame element extending into the retainer space.
[0011] US9981790B1, Title: Container lid with electronic sensors system: A lid system is disclosed with various features for containers such as mason jars or fitness supplement bottles. The lid system includes a lid component, a load sensor, a microprocessor, a display, and a communication module. The lid component has a floating plate as its top surface, and a threaded side for engagement with the container. A load sensor is placed beneath the top surface to detect the weight of an object placed on it. The microprocessor is connected to the load sensor and calculates the weight. It also communicates with a smart device through the communication module, which sends and receives signals. When an object is placed on the lid component, the load sensor detects the load and sends an input signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates the weight and sends an output command to the communication module to transmit the weight information to the smart device. Additionally, the microprocessor can send a command to the display to show the weight.
[0012] AU2015236545B2, Title: Hydration monitoring system: The document describes a hydration monitoring system designed for evaluating the hydration of athletes. The system includes a hydration bottle, a scale, a data communications hub, a computer, and a display. The hydration bottle contains a fluid and is equipped to measure the amount of fluid consumed within a specific time interval. It wirelessly transmits the measurement of fluid consumption. The scale measures the current weight of the athlete and wirelessly transmits the weight measurement. The data communications hub receives and forwards the transmitted measurements to a computer. The computer receives the data from the hub for analysis. It calculates whether the athlete should consume more fluid based on the weight deficit between the current weight and a starting weight. The results of the analysis, along with the measurements, are displayed on a display. Additionally, the system can transmit part of the analysis results to a second display, which can be an LED device located on the bottle itself. This second display provides an indication of whether additional fluid should be consumed. The hydration bottle may also have a fluid measurement device, such as an Archimedes screw turbine or a thermal mass flow meter. These devices assist in accurately measuring the fluid consumption.
[0013] US9311806B2, Title: Device and method for monitoring fluid consumption: The invention described is a device for monitoring the removal or consumption of fluid from a container. The device includes a container with a removable / replaceable base cap and a display screen housed in a flexible encasement attached to the container. Electrical adapters on the container base connect to the display screen. A variety of electrical components, such as a keypad, timer, power source, and processor, are housed within the removable / replaceable base cap. The processor contains computer instructions that activate upon device activation and indicate on the display screen the level of fluid that should have been removed or consumed based on the elapsed time since device activation. Additional features of the device include a volume / level sensor within the base cap to provide level or volume information to the processor. A sound generator can produce an audible alert if the required amount of fluid hasn't been consumed. The device may also have an electronic component, such as a Bluetooth™ transmitter, for remote control functionality. The method for monitoring fluid consumption involves filling the container, attaching the base cap with the electrical components, including the processor and display screen, and drinking the fluid from the container. The device notifies the user by displaying the expected level of fluid that should have been consumed based on the elapsed time since activation, providing information about fluid consumption. The method can include the use of a volume / level sensor, sound generator, and electronic component for remote control.
[0014] US10188230B2, Title: Wireless drink container for monitoring hydration:
[0015] The document discloses a container assembly designed to track and monitor the consumption of a liquid. The assembly includes a container with a cavity to hold the liquid, a liquid level sensor inside the cavity to measure the liquid level, a processor connected to the sensor to estimate changes in the liquid level, a visual indicator within the cavity to prompt the user to drink from the container, and an antenna to transmit information about the changes in the liquid level to a wireless device. Additional features of the assembly include an accelerometer to measure container acceleration, which helps determine the container's orientation and triggers liquid level measurements accordingly. The visual indicator can be controlled by commands received from the wireless device, based on factors such as time elapsed since the last visual indication or a target change in the liquid level. The assembly can also include a cap sensor to detect if the cap is attached to the container, and periodic measurements can be performed based on time of day, user schedule, or power level of the liquid level sensor. The processor can estimate a target liquid consumption rate based on the measured liquid level, and the visual indicator provides indications based on this target rate. The method involves periodically measuring the container's acceleration, estimating its orientation, measuring the liquid level if the orientation is within a predefined range, estimating changes in the liquid level, transmitting this information to a wireless device, and emitting light from a source within the container to prompt the user to drink.
[0016] In view of the above, it is seen that smart bottle / container with electronic circuitry embedded lids are known which periodically take readings of the liquid / fluid / beverage consumption from the smart bottle and also prompt the user to drink more from the smart bottle. However, the sensor systems employed in the above cases may not take reliable readings considering the orientation of the bottle as well as the stability and moving containers may cause erroneous readings. Moreover, periodic readings or continuous reading may unnecessarily consume more power and may not be the real-time reading of the actual consumption. Also, none of the prior art technologies specifically mention separating the fluid in the container from the electronic circuitry embedded lid which is desired for beverages.
[0017] Some of the prior art technologies related to the related area technology are listed below.
[0018] 1. WO2022249031A1, EP4096106A1, Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING A LEVEL OF LIQUID INSIDE A HERMETICALLY CLOSED CONTAINER;
[0019] 2. W02009026672A1, CA2644410C, Title: LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR PROPANE TANKS AND OR THE LIKES;
[0020] 3. US6925870B2, Title: Ultrasonic fill level device and method; 4. US2018298798 Al, Title: REAL TIME FLUID LEVEL MONITORING
[0021] SYSTEM
[0022] 5. US2019170560A1, Title: ALERT SYSTEM FOR DETECTING CONTENTSWITHIN A CONTAINER
[0023] 6. US2011091330A1, Title: CONDENSATE REMOVAL PUMP CONTROLLER USING ACOUSTIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR
[0024] 7. DE1010174A1
[0025] 8. US2022003588A1, Title: INVISIBLE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET-OF-
[0026] THINGS
[0027] 9. EP1480021B 1, Title: METHOD FOR FLUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT
[0028] 10. JP2017053867A, Title: SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF
[0029] DETERMINING QUALITY AND / OR DEPTH OF DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID
[0030] 11. DEI 12015003705T5, Title: Wall passage ultrasonic transducer for tanks
[0031] 12. DE10110230A1
[0032] 13. DE10217934A1
[0033] 14. CN106415217B, US10444057B2
[0034] 15. GB2585228A
[0035] 16. CA2910443A1
[0036] 17. CA3050975A1
[0037] 18. US2022252444A1
[0038] 19. US10329061B2
[0039] SUMMARY
[0040] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to the proposed invention for providing a container whose lid contains an embedded electronic circuit. The embedded electronic circuit comprises a sensor system for measuring the fluid level consumption from the container and to understand the fluid consumption pattern, and ensure that more fluid is consumed. Herein, the terms, “liquid”, “fluid”, “beverage” shall be used interchangeably and are understood to have the same meaning. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lid for a container is disclosed. The lid comprises of a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to determine if the container is in a stable position based on orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor, a sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, and a microcontroller configured to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container, wherein the sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings.
[0041] In one embodiment, the ToF sensor has a cover to separate the ToF sensor from the fluid in the container, wherein the cover is curved shaped and the cover is covered with a hydrophobic coating over it.
[0042] In accordance with another embodiment, a smart container having a lid is disclosed. The smart container may be a smart bottle. The lid comprises of a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to determine if the container is in a stable position based on orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor, a sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, and a microcontroller configured to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container, wherein the sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings.
[0043] One of the other main objectives of the present invention is to provide a sensing mechanism to ensure that the container is stable before taking the reading and to sense when the lid is opened and the lid is closed to take a reading thereby reducing power consumption. The above aspects and the advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0045] To further clarify the advantages and aspects of the 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 construed as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings, which are listed below for quick reference.
[0046] Fig. la illustrates a schematic representation of a top view of a lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] Fig. lb illustrates a schematic representation of a lid along with a cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a lid embedded with an electronic circuitry cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a smart bottle comprising a lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Fig. 4 illustrates pictorial representations of a lid of a smart bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] Fig. 5 illustrates a highO level logic diagram of the operation of a smart bottle / container with a lid in an application scenario of the present invention Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. Also, the shapes and configuration are only for example purposes and not to be taken as limitations to the present disclosed invention. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.
[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0053] The following clearly describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparently, the described embodiments are merely a part rather than all of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured. The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, as a process, an apparatus, a system, a composition of matter, a computer readable medium such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer network wherein program instructions are sent over optical or electronic communication links. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0055] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0056] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and / or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and / or memories or other information non-transitory storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and / or processes.
[0057] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.
[0058] The present disclosure relates to a lid for a container. The lid is configured to be opened and closed with respect to an opening of a container. The lid may also be referred to as a “cap” and the container may also be referred to as a “bottle” in context of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lid is embedded with a sensor system, and the container is a smart container, also referred to as a “smart bottle”. The sensor system is configured to operate to detect data pertaining to the fluid inside the container. In one embodiment, the sensor system is configured to communicate the data to an external device via a communication link established by the sensing system with the external device. Further, the data may be analyzed by the external device and the analysis and / or instructions may be shared with the sensor system in the lid and further indicated to the user of the container. In an alternate embodiment, the sensing system of the lid may be configured or include further components configured to perform such analysis and indicate to the user of the container.
[0059] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing system is provided in the lid of the container by embedded an electronic circuitry in the lid. Fig. 1 depicts a schematic representation of a lid 10 embedded with an electronic circuitry 12. Further. Fig. 2 depicts the components of sensing system implemented vide the embedded electronic circuitry inside the lid.
[0060] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate erroneous readings for example due the movement of fluid level as a result of acceleration, jerks, vibrations etc. It is an object of the present invention to determine readings pertaining to the fluid inside the container when the container is in an upright position and stable. It is also an object of the present invention to ensure that the readings are up to date and also less power is consumed. Referring to Fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the lid 10 comprises of a time of flight (ToF) sensor 21, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor 22, a sensor 23 configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, and a microcontroller 24. The IMU sensor 22 determines the orientation and motion stability of the container based on which the readings of the ToF sensor 21 are accepted or rejected by the microcontroller 24.
[0061] The fluid in the container may be referred to as “liquid”, “beverage”, “drink” or other suitable terms. The fluid in the context of the present invention is a beverage for consumption. In context of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to separate the sensor system provided in the lid of the container from the fluid inside the container thereby making the fluid safe for consumption.
[0062] In one implementation, the ToF sensor 21 is configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container. Using IR based ToF 21 allows to protect the sensor system of the lid by a cover. In accordance with an embodiment, a cover is provided with the lid to separate the ToF sensor from the fluid in the container. The cover may be curved shaped. For example, the cover may be concave shaped cover, or convex shaped. The cover may be an optically transparent material which may include, for example, a glass. The cover is then also referred to as ‘glass cover’. In one example, the cover is a concave shaped glass cover that is optically transparent that enclosed the sensor system inside the lid. Fig. 3 depicts such an example of a glass cover 14. In accordance with a further embodiment, the cover has a hydrophobic coating over it so that there are no remnant water droplets which may cause erroneous readings.
[0063] The ToF / TOF sensor 21 which is IR based is facing downwards to determine the level of fluid surface from the top. Without prejudice to the present disclosure, the ToF sensor 21 may employ emitting waves other than IR waves to determine the level of fluid in the container. However, in context of the present invention, the readings are accepted only when the container is stable and in an upright position. The ToF sensor 21 comprises an emitter adapted to emit at least one of a sound wave and lightwave, receive a reflection of the wave, and calculate the distance from the emitter to the reflective surface based on time elapsed between the emitting and receiving of the wave. In one implementation, the ToF sensor emits IR waves for time of flight measurement.
[0064] The IMU sensor 22 is configured to determine if the container is in a stable / rested position based on orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor 22. If the IMU sensor 22 detects that the container is not stable while placed or not in an upright position, the readings are rejected. By way of one application implementation, the fluid level measurement is taken only when the stability and the orientation of the container is within a preprogrammed range. This helps eliminate erroneous readings.
[0065] The sensor 23 configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, may include a light sensitive (LUX) sensor or a phototransistor. A LUX sensor or a phototransistor is used to detect if the lid is closed or open. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the sensor system is configured to record readings based on the activity of the sensor 23 and the IMU sensor 22. In one implementation, the sensor 23 is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor 22 to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings. The IMU sensor 22 detects the orientation of the bottle, checks if the bottle is stable while placed and the sensor 23 detects if the if the lid was opened. Based on the activity of the IMU sensor 22 and the sensor 23, the system wakes up and takes readings and eliminates erroneous readings. The sensor 23 along with the IMU 22 provide an interrupt to the microcontroller 24 to wake up, and wait for the lid to close. When the lid is closed, the readings are taken. In accordance with further embodiments of the present, when the lid is closed, the readings are updated to a connected electronic device / remote device. Thus, it is more real time, and less power consuming compared to just periodically taking the readings. However, in an alternate embodiment, the readings may be recorded and updated periodically.
[0066] The microcontroller 24 records readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the controller. In accordance with further embodiments the microcontroller 24 may process the readings. In accordance with further embodiments, the microcontroller 24 may communicate the recordings to an external device. The microcontroller 24 may be configured to store the readings. The electronic circuitry / sensing system 10 may further comprises of a communication unit. The microcontroller 24 may establish communication link with the external device via the communication unit and exchange data / information with the external device. The microcontroller 24 may record readings and communicate the same to the external device when the container is determined to be stable by the IMU sensor 22 and the lid has been closed after opening as determined by the sensor 23. In another embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to periodically wake up, independent of the interrupt, to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container.
[0067] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 24 is configured to record the readings upon receiving at least one of additional interrupts. In one specific implementation, the additional interrupts include a connection interrupt generated when the lid is in a connected mode with an external device and a charging status interrupt generated when a charging status of a chargeable unit of the lid is not connected and a voltage level of the chargeable unit is not low. However, other additional interrupts are envisaged upon which the microcontroller 24 may wake up and record the readings and which contribute to reducing power consumption. In a further implementation, an additional interrupt may include one such interrupt which when generated may cause the microcontroller 24 to enter sleep mode to save power. Such interrupts that cause the microcontroller 24 to enter sleep mode may include a disconnection interrupt generated when the lid is in a disconnected mode with an external device, a charging ON interrupt generated when a battery of the lid is in charging mode and the microcontroller 10 does not monitor or accept readings, a battery low level interrupt, a movement interrupt that is caused when the container is not stable and movement is detected and likewise other interrupts in which the microcontroller can enter sleep mode to save power.
[0068] These additional interrupts along with the detection activity of the IMU sensor and the other sensor that ensure that the container is stable, are taken into consideration by the microcontroller 24 before taking the reading and sensing when the lid is opened and closed again. An application scenario of employing additional interrupts is shown in an example illustrated in Fig. 5.
[0069] The lid may comprise of a communication unit configured to connect to an external device and communicate the recorded readings to the external device. The communication unit is configured to communicate the recorded readings to the external device based on the interrupt generated upon opening and closing the lid. The communication unit may be configured to communicate the recorded readings to the external device periodically based on a predefined interval. The lid may comprise of a reprogrammable memory unit to store timestamped values received from the external device and to store the recorded readings received from the microcontroller with timestamp. When the external device is disconnected, the readings are stored in the reprogrammable memory along with timestamp and the when the connection is established again, the data / readings along with the timestamps are communicated to the external device. The external device may also be configured to periodically communicate the timestamps to the lid which may be stored in the reprogrammable memory. These timestamps are useful if the external device is disconnected. The readings corresponding to the timestamps are recorded and stored in the reprogrammable memory and thereafter communicated to the external device when connected.
[0070] In accordance with further embodiment of the present invention, the external device is configured to receive the recorded readings from the communication unit on establishing a connection with the communication unit, and the external device is configured to perform analysis on the recorded readings with respective timestamps and send instructions to the communication unit to control lid functions based on the analysis.
[0071] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the readings are recorded by the microcontroller 24 when the communication unit of the lid establishes a connection with the external device. In one specific implementation, the readings are recorded by the microcontroller 24 only upon establishing a connection with the external device.
[0072] In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the lid may comprise of an indicator configured to receive instructions from the external device via the communication unit to prompt an indication to consume fluid from the container, the indicator comprising at least one of a visual indicator, an audio indicator and a haptic indicator and the indication comprising at least one of a visual indication, an audio indication and a haptic indication, respectively. The visual indicator may indicate information corresponding to fluid consumption from the container, the information including at least one of volume of fluid consumed, values indicating progress towards daily goal consumption of the fluid. In addition to the information / data pertaining to fluid consumption, the visual indicator may indicate / signal of the lid is open. Further, the visual indicator may indicate data / information indicative of connection / disconnection to the external device. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the visual indicator may indicate data / information indicative of a charging level / remaining battery level / power level which is used to provide power source to the lid comprising the sensing system and other electronic components.
[0073] In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention the lid comprises of a a chargeable unit and a charging circuit to charge the chargeable unit, the chargeable unit configured to power the ToF sensor, the IMU sensor, the sensor and the microcontroller unit. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the visual indicator may indicate data / information indicative of a charging level / remaining battery level / power level which is used to provide power source to the lid comprising the sensing system and other electronic components. By way of an implementation, the visual indicator may be a display, or it may be a LED array / ring, and / or an audio output unit, etc.
[0074] In one implementation, electronic circuitry, i.e., the sensing system, the communication unit, the reprogrammable memory unit, display, if any, and / or other electronic circuit implemented in the lid may be battery operated with a charging circuitry. The battery may be enclosed in the lid, or there may be a port for charging for example USB type C, and the battery may additionally be charged using solar power or kinetic energy harvesting. In one such case, the battery may be charged by solar charging, the solar panel could be placed on top of the lid. See, for example, a pictorial representation in Fig. 4. In another implementation, the battery may be charged wirelessly using wireless charging techniques.
[0075] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the readings are recorded by the microcontroller 24 when the communication unit of the lid establishes a connection with the external device and a charging level of the battery is not low. In one specific implementation, the readings are recorded by the microcontroller 24 only upon establishing a connection with the external device and the charging level of the battery is not low. In another implementation, the readings are recorded by the microcontroller 24 only upon establishing a connection with the external device, the charging level of the battery is not low and the battery is currently not in charging mode. An application scenario of employing these specific implementations is shown in an example illustrated in Fig. 5. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, referring to Fig. 3, a smart container having a lid is disclosed. The lid may include the lid 10 as disclosed above which may further comprise the sensing system 12 as disclosed above. The lid comprises of a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to determine if the container is stable position based on the orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor, a sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container and a microcontroller configured to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container. The sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings.
[0076] The lid of the smart bottle may comprise of a communication unit configured to connect to an external device and communicate the recorded readings to the external device. Further, the lid of the smart bottle may comprise an indicator configured to receive instructions from the external device via the communication unit to prompt an indication to consume fluid from the container, the indicator comprising at least one of a visual indication, an audio indication, a haptic indication.
[0077] In context of the present invention, the external device may be an electronic device which may include, for example, a mobile device, smartphone, desktop, personal gadget, etc., that is configured to establish a connection and connect to the lid 10 of the present invention via the communication unit of the lid 10. Such communication link may be based on communication technology such as Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WiFi, RFID, internet, etc. protocols and may include any other wired / wireless link that is known to a person skilled in the art. Further, the external device is configured to receive timestamped data values corresponding to the fluid consumption from the container comprising the lid 10. Such data values are received only when detected and recorded as per the activity of the IMU sensor and the sensor for detecting the opening and the closing of the lid 10, as explained above. The external device can also periodically communicate timestamps to the bottle which is useful for a scenario when the external device is disconnected from the lid 10.
[0078] Further, the external device can perform various analysis on the data received from the lid and accordingly generate detailed analysis, daily report, etc. The data analysis may be based on machine learning techniques, or suitable technical methods applied in the context of the present invention. The external device may display the daily quantity of fluid consumed and also store a historic record of the fluid consumption from the container comprising the lid 10. The external device is further configured to indicate an alert / reminder to fluid consumption from the container comprising the lid 10 and / or daily / weekly reports, goal completion activity etc. The external device is further configured to connect to an external server and share the data pertaining to the fluid consumption with an online community for tracking, blogs, articles etc. The external device may also indicate the charging status of the battery / chargeable unit of the lid 10. To perform the required actions, the external device may include electronic processor, electrical circuits, modules, procedures, components, units and / or circuits that have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. In one implementation, the external device may host a mobile application, also referred to as “app” which performs the actions in context of the present invention.
[0079] In another embodiment, the external device performs the analysis and communicates the results of the analysis to the lid 10 which may include means to indicate the same. In one implementation, the lid 10 may include a visual indicator that may be, for example, nut not limited to a display, a LED array / ring etc. In another implementation, the lid 10 may include an audio indicator that may ring sound / alarm feedback. In another implementation, the indicator may be a haptic indicator / sensor that may vibrate. The external device may communicate a reminder / alert for fluid consumption to the lid 10 which indicates the reminder / alert according to the indicator implemented for the lid 10.
[0080] By way of an example of an implementation of the present invention, a smart container whose lid contains an embedded electronic circuit is disclosed. The smart container is shown in Fig. 3. The lid is understood to be a lid 10 and the embedded electronic circuit is understood to be implementing the sensing system 12 as disclosed in Fig. 1. A pictorial representation of the embedded electronic circuit is shown in Fig. 4b and 4C, by way of an example. Fig. 4a depicts a pictorial representation of the top of the lid of the smart container has a solar panel of the top of the lid. Fig. 4b depicts a pictorial representation of the electronical circuitry inside the solar panel along with the cover glass and Fig. 4 depicts a pictorial representation of the bottom view of the smart container’s lid. In the present example, the embedded electronic circuit comprises of:
[0081] 1. A time of flight sensor (IR based) facing downwards to determine level of fluid surface from the top. The ToF sensor will be covered with a cover glass which is used to separate the sensor and the fluid. An optically transparent material is used as cover glass. Further, the cover glass is concave / convex in shape with hydrophobic coating over it.
[0082] 2. An IMU to detect orientation, stability of the container, vibrations and reject the readings if the container is not upright and steady.
[0083] 3. A LUX sensor or a phototransistor is used to detect if the lid is closed or open along with the IMU and generate an interrupt to wake up the microcontroller and take the readings. Apart from these interrupt-based readings, the sensor system shall go to sleep in order to conserve power and may periodically wake up to take readings independent of interrupt.
[0084] 4. Ability to connect to an external device for example a mobile phone, tablet, iPad, computer, laptop or any other computational device using Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WiFi, RFID, internet, etc. protocols. 5. A microcontroller to process the readings, and communicate to external device.
[0085] 6. The circuit will be battery operated, the battery will be enclosed in the bottle lid, with charging circuitry, a port for charging for example USB type C, and the battery may additionally be charged using solar power or kinetic energy harvesting. In case of solar charging, the solar panel could be placed on top of the lid. In another case, the battery may be charged wirelessly using wireless charging techniques.
[0086] 7. Visual, audio, vibration-based indicator that can prompt the user to consume more fluid.
[0087] 8. The bottle may have a display on the top that can display the volume of fluid consumed and progress towards daily goal etc. This display may be activated using a single / double tap on the display, or with a push button.
[0088] The smart container in the example can be used in case of storing and consuming beverages for example a water bottle. The entire setup is present in the lid of the smart container.
[0089] Working of ToF (Time-of-Flighf) sensor: The ToF sensor comprises an emitter adapted to emit at least one of a sound wave and light wave, receive a reflection of the wave, calculate the distance from the emitter to the reflective surface based on time elapsed between the emitting and receiving of the wave. In the present example, infrared light waves are used, but one can also use audio waves for time- of-flight measurement.
[0090] Communication between mobile app to bottle: The external device hosts a mobile app that will receive the following information / data from the lid, on being connected with the smart container / lid:
[0091] 1. Absolute distance readings
[0092] 2. IMU / LUX activity in case the reading was discarded.
[0093] 3. Battery voltage level
[0094] 4. Signal that the lid is open The mobile app in return communicates changes in settings to the smart container. The settings include whether to activate audio, visual or vibration alerts. These can be turned off individually using the mobile app. The mobile app also periodically communicates timestamps to the bottle. These values are stored to the EEPROM, or any other reprogrammable memory unit, of the smart container. This is useful in case the mobile device is disconnected from the bottle. The reminders, alerts aspect of the bottle will function as normal. During this time, the fluid level readings shall be taken and stored to the EEPROM along with the timestamp. The subsequent timestamps shall be calculated based on sleep duration. When the smart container is connected to the mobile device / external device again, then the data shall be recovered. The communication from mobile app to smart container can be less frequent, say every hour or every day. However, the communication from the smart container to the mobile app is based on lid opening interrupt or periodic with a predefined interval. The mobile app shall display the daily quantity of fluid consumed. It can also keep a historic record of the quantity of the fluid consumed. It can have sections for detailed analysis, daily report, etc. The fluid level values can be analyzed using machine learning techniques to reject an outlier or unlikely data point. The app may also have a section for community-based tracking, blogs, articles, challenges with friends etc. The mobile app shall also provide reminders related to water consumption or bottle, i.e., the smart container charging status, daily, weekly report, completion of daily goals, etc.
[0095] In one application scenario, the mobile app is capable of analyzing data / metrics received from the lid with a container / a smart container / a smart bottle and generate / raise various app notifications / alerts which may be generated on the electronic device hosting the mobile app, or sent to the lid which is configured to generate audio / visual / haptic alerts to notify the user of the various operations associated with the fluid consumption / reminders. Also, the alerts / notifications provided on the electronic device or the lid may be in relation to the microcontroller waking up from a sleep mode, or a connection establishing / established between the lid / smart bottle and the electronic device, battery charging status, battery voltage / power level and various other notification alerts in context of the present application.
[0096] The app notifications include drinking reminder; battery charging status-battery low, battery critically low, shutting down, battery full; IMU sensor related notifications if the bottle is not oriented correctly or too much unstable, microcontroller (uC) status related notifications if the uC wakes up however is not reading, memory settings update notifications. The mobile app may maintain an internal log which is updated as per the real time data / metrics received from the smart bottle. The internal log stores the metrics / data with a timestamp.
[0097] Technical Advantages:
[0098] 1. There is an IMU sensor to understand orientation of the container, check if the container is stable while placed and also a sensor to check if the see if the container was opened. Based on these, the system (i.e., the sensor system in context of the present invention) wakes up and takes readings, eliminating erroneous readings. The sensor which monitors the opening and the closing of the lid with the activity of the IMU sensor provides an interrupt to the microcontroller to wake up, and wait for the lid to close. When the lid is closed, the readings are taken and updated on the remote device. Thus, it is more real time, and less power consuming compared to just periodically taking the readings. There is no need for additional hardware, for example RTC on the container itself. This will reduce cost as well as power consumption. The readings will be marked with the timestamp as they will be received on the mobile application. Apart from these interrupt-based readings, the sensor system shall go to sleep in order to conserve power and may periodically wake up to take readings independent of interrupt.
[0099] 2. The ToF sensor is covered with a transparent material to protect it from coming in contact with the fluid in the container. This shall protect the sensor as well as the electronic circuitry and battery. It shall also prevent the potable fluid, for e.g., water or a similar beverage, from possibly getting contaminated. The crosstalk compensation is ensured by the sensor so that the transparent cover does not interfere with the liquid level readings. The outer surface of the ToF sensor may also have a hydrophobic coating to prevent the fluid droplets from gathering. The cover glass can accordingly be concave in shape to slide off any remnant fluid droplets blocking the ToF sensor.
[0100] 3. The major idea of measuring the liquid level consumption is to understand the fluid consumption pattern, and ensure that more fluid is consumed. This can be ensured by the visual or audio-based indication on the bottle as well as notification / widgets on the mobile app. For e.g., it can be ensured that water is being consumed in more uniform intervals.
[0101] 4. If the connection with the external device gets disconnected, for example, a Bluetooth connection, then the smart container will keep storing the readings along with timestamp. These values will be recovered upon reconnecting. The settings related to alerts, etc. are also stored.
[0102] 5. The calibration (i.e. conversion of the fluid level to the volume of fluid) for a measured fluid level can be done on the external device. This makes the same hardware and code to be used for smart containers / bottles with different sizes.
[0103] Fig. 5 illustrates a high level logic diagram of one implementation of the lid 10 as disclosed in the present invention in an application scenario. The lid 10 belongs to a smart bottle / container which is configured to be connected to an electronic device, for e.g., a smart phone via establishing Bluetooth pairing as a wireless connection option provided in the lid 10. In the example, the lid may be enabled with wireless charging for its battery. As illustrated in the Fig. 5, a microcontroller (uC) wakes up either on receiving an additional interrupt or the uC may wake up without an interrupt, i.e., periodically or a predefined time interval. In the depicted example of Fig. 5, the uC wakes up after a predefined interval of 15 minutes, or after being in sleep mode for 15 minutes. Here the additional interrupt depicted implies one or more interrupts. The additional interrupts may cause the uC to wake up or enter a sleep mode to save power.
[0104] Examples of one or more additional interrupts that may be included in the application scenarios of the present invention, may include:
[0105] Bluetooth Interrupt or Bluetooth Disconnected Interrupt: This is an example for an application scenario shown in Fig. 5 which include Bluetooth connection as a communication link between the lid 10 of the smart bottle / container and the electronic device. However, another communication link may be employed and an interrupt may be generated to imply a connected mode or a disconnected mode in context of the communication link between the lid 10 and the electronic device.
[0106] Charging ON Interrupt / Charging status ON Interrupt: This interrupt is generated when a charging status of the battery of the lid is ON and the battery is currently being charged. Connected. A battery / voltage low level interrupt is generated when battery / voltage level of the chargeable unit is low. The same may be detected by a charging status interrupt.
[0107] Movement Interrupt: This interrupt is generated when a movement of the container is detected in addition to that the container is not stable. This may be detected by the IMU sensor which generated the interrupt.
[0108] A User Interrupt: This interrupt is generated on detecting an input from the user on the lid which causes the uC to wake up, for example, a single / double-tap on the top of the lid, or a single / double tap on a display on the top of the lid, or a push button, etc. For example, a display which displays a reminder or other parameters related to the fluid consumption from the container with the lid 10 may be may be activated using a single / double tap on the display, or with a push button. This in turn generates an interrupt to wake the uC. In another example, when communication link is required to be established with the electronic device, the double-tap interrupt may be attached to the uC to enable pairing mode. A Sensor Interrupt: This interrupt is generated when it is detected that the lid has been opened and closed. In the above disclosure, it is disclosed that the sensor 23 is configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, and may include a light sensitive (LUX) sensor or a phototransistor. A LUX sensor or a phototransistor is used to detect if the lid is closed or open and accordingly generates an interrupt to cause the uC to wake up.
[0109] Once the uC wakes up, it checks the battery level and the charging status of the battery of the lid. In the application scenario of Fig. 5, in order to fetch and record the ToF (time of flight) sensor’s readings and send the readings to the electronic device, the battery should have sufficient voltage level, i.e., not low and it should be in charging connected mode. Therefore, prior to fetching readings, the uC checks if the battery voltage level (VL) and the charging status of the battery. If the voltage level is low then the battery dead alert is raised. In the meantime, the charging interrupt may be attempted and the uC can enter the sleep mode indefinitely until the battery is sufficiently charged. Similarly depending upon the charging status and the battery level, the battery low alert, the battery charging alert or a battery fully charging alert can be generated.
[0110] The alerts may be composed of one or more of an audio / visual or vibration alert by the lid 10 of the smart bottle / container. The alerts may also be used upon updating settings in the memory storage of the lid, e.g., EEPROM settings and on sending confirmation to the electronic device, e.g. the smartphone hosting the mobile app.
[0111] In case, the battery is sufficiently charged, and the voltage level is sufficient to power the battery and it is detected that the charging status of the battery is OFF, the uC checks the Bluetooth pairing status with the smartphone. If an established stable communication link is detected, the lid 10 generates drinking reminder for the user. As explained through different implementations of the invention, the drinking reminder may be an indicator / alert which may be audio / visual / vibration. The visual indicator / alert may be displayed on the lid and / or the display of the electronic device, depending upon different possible implementation of the present invention.
[0112] In case, the uC detects that the Bluetooth link has not been established yet, i.e., the pairing status us not enabled, then the pairing mode enablement may be alerted or alternatively, upon attaching double tap interrupt / charging interrupt, uC may sleep indefinitely. The pairing alert may be generated for a preset time, for e.g., 1 min. For example, the visual alert for pairing mode may be generated for 1 min.
[0113] In order to fetch readings from the IMF sensor, the uC will first check if the lid has been opened and closed and then detect stability and orientation of the bottle. In the example, if the bottle is determined to be correctly oriented and stable for at least 30 seconds, the ToF readings may be fetched by the uC and thereafter enter the sleep mode again. Upon fetching the ToF readings if stable Bluetooth connection is established with the paired electronic device, the readings may be sent to the smartphone which may host a mobile app to perform the analysis. Before entering the sleep mode by the uC, the additional interrupts, except double-tap for Bluetooth pairing, may be attached to the uC. The sleep duration of the uC may be preset, for e.g., 15 mins. The duration of the sleeping can be fetched from the memory storage unit of the sensor system of the lid, for e.g., EEPROM. The duration can also be updated based on instructions received from the electronic device or the mobile app.
[0114] In case, the uC detects that the bottle is not correctly orientated or unstable, any new IMU readings may not be fetched. The stored recorded readings from the EEPROM may be sent to the electronic device, if the pairing is enabled without fetching new readings. Thereafter, the uC may enter sleep mode without attaching any interrupts because the bottle is already unstable and the uC is not required to wake up. In the above-described scenario, if the Bluetooth interrupt is sensed by the uC, before fetching the readings the uC will also check if the settings in the memory / storage unit of the sensor system of the lid has to be updated. If the settings are already updated, the drinking reminder is generated depending upon battery level and the charging status. If the settings are not updated, the EEPROM settings are first updated and the settings updated alert may also be generated using a visual / haptic, or auditory indicator.
[0115] Fig. 5 depicts many possible embodiments in an application scenario of using a smart container with a lid disclosed in the present invention. The lid as disclosed embodies a smart sensor system comprising a microcontroller (uC) that is configured to attach and detach interrupts to enter sleep mode thereby saving battery power.
[0116] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that for the purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the foregoing system, apparatus, and unit, reference may be made to a corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and details are not described herein again.
[0117] While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.
[0118] In addition, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the Scope disclosed herein.
[0119] Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The discussion of a reference in the disclosure is not an admission that it is prior art, especially any reference that has a publication date after the priority date of this application.
[0120] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. A lid for a container comprising: a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to determine if the container is in a stable position based on orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor; a sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container; a microcontroller configured to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container; wherein the sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings.
2. The lid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ToF sensor has a cover to separate the ToF sensor from the fluid in the container, wherein the cover is curved shaped and the cover is covered with a hydrophobic coating over it.
3. The lid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container, is a light sensitive (LUX) sensor or a phototransistor.
4. The lid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microcontroller is configured to periodically wake up, independent of the interrupt, to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container.
5. The lid as claimed in claim 1 comprising a communication unit configured to connect to an external device and communicate the recorded readings to the external device.
6. The lid as claimed in claim 5 wherein the communication unit is configured to communicate the recorded readings to the external device based on the interrupt generated upon opening and closing the lid.
7. The lid as claimed in claim 5 wherein the communication unit is configured to communicate the recorded readings to the external device periodically based on a predefined interval.
8. The lid as claimed in claim 5 comprising a reprogrammable memory unit to store timestamped values received from the external device and to store the recorded readings received from the microcontroller with timestamp.
9. The lid as claimed in claim 5 wherein the external device is configured to receive the recorded readings from the communication unit on establishing a connection with the communication unit, and the external device is configured to perform analysis on the recorded readings with respective timestamps and send instructions to the communication unit to control lid functions based on the analysis.
10. The lid as claimed in claim 9 comprising an indicator configured to receive instructions from the external device via the communication unit to prompt an indication to consume fluid from the container, the indicator comprising at least one of a visual indicator, an audio indicator and a haptic indicator and the indication comprising at least one of a visual indication, an audio indication and a haptic indication, respectively.
11. The lid as claimed in claim 10 comprising a visual indicator to indicate information corresponding to fluid consumption from the container, the information including at least one of volume of fluid consumed, values indicating progress towards daily goal consumption of the fluid.
12. The lid as claimed in claim 1 comprising a chargeable unit and a charging circuit to charge the chargeable unit, the chargeable unit configured to power the ToF sensor, the IMU sensor, the sensor and the microcontroller unit.
13. The lid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microcontroller is configured to record the readings upon receiving at least one of additional interrupts to wake the microcontroller.
14. The lid as claimed in claim 13 wherein the additional interrupts include a connection interrupt generated when the lid is in a connected mode with an external device and a charging status interrupt generated when a charging status of a chargeable unit of the lid is not connected and / or a voltage level of the chargeable unit is not low.
15. The lid as claimed in claim 1 the microcontroller is configured to enter a sleep mode to save power upon receiving at least one of additional interrupts including at least one of: a disconnection interrupt when the lid is in a disconnected mode with an external device, a charging status ON interrupt generated when a charging status of a chargeable unit of the lid is connected, a battery / voltage low level interrupt generated when battery / voltage level of the chargeable unit is low and a movement interrupt that is generated when it is detected by the IMU that container is not stable and / or when movement of the container is detected.
16. A smart container having a lid, the lid comprising: a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to emit infrared (IR) waves for determining level of fluid in the container; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to determine if the container is stable position based on the orientation and vibrations detected by the IMU sensor; a sensor configured to detect if the lid is closed or open with respect to the container;a microcontroller configured to record readings corresponding to the level of fluid in the container; wherein the sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the IMU sensor to detect if the lid is opened and closed and to further generate an interrupt to wake the microcontroller to record readings.
17. The smart bottle as claimed in claim 16 wherein the lid comprising a communication unit configured to connect to an external device and communicate the recorded readings to the external device.
18. The smart bottle as claimed in claim 17 wherein the lid comprising an indicator configured to receive instructions from the external device via the communication unit to prompt an indication to consume fluid from the container, the indicator comprising at least one of a visual indication, an audio indication, a haptic indication.
19. The smart bottle as claimed in claim 16 wherein the microcontroller is configured to record the readings upon receiving at least one of additional interrupts.
20. The smart bottle as claimed in claim 19 wherein the additional interrupts include a connection interrupt generated when the lid is in a connected mode with an external device and a charging status interrupt generated when a charging status of a chargeable unit of the lid is not connected and a voltage level of the chargeable unit is not low.
21. The lid as claimed in claim 16 wherein the microcontroller is configured to enter a sleep mode to save power upon receiving at least one of additional interrupts including at least one of: a disconnection interrupt when the lid is in a disconnected mode with an external device, a charging status ON interrupt generated when a charging status of a chargeable unit of the lid is connected, abattery / voltage low level interrupt generated when battery / voltage level of the chargeable unit is low and a movement interrupt that is generated when it is detected by the IMU that container is not stable and / or when movement of the container is detected.
Citation Information
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