A simple cost-effective device with visual indication of period after opening (PAO) expiry of products

Abstract

The present invention provides a simple, cost-effective device with visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of products that can be pasted on product; said device comprising of micro- controller 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium coin cell battery 104, vibration switch 105, printed circuit board 106, pull tab 107, casing for micro controller 108, tamperproof frosted cover 109 and battery retainer 110; the device remains inactive and gains a positive start as pull tab is released while opening the product, the micro-controller 101 unit of the said device is pre- programmed and has many general purpose input and output pin. The said LED unit 102 is controlled by one of the output pins of the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101. To enhance the duration of visual indication, vibration switch 105 is used. Vibration Switch 105 ensures visual indication only as when user interaction with product is detected.

Description

[0001] Field of the Invention:

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and device for providing a visual indication on cosmetic products, food products, or medicines that have an expiry date and Period After Opening (PAO) Expiry.

[0003] More particularly the present invention relates to the visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) of cosmetic products or other products indicating that the product is not fit for use.

[0004] Even more particularly the present invention relates to the visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) of product in form of LED illumination indicating that the product has reached its Period After Opening (PAO) expiry.

[0005] Background of the Invention:

[0006] Beauty / cosmetic products are used with goals to improve the health of our skin and to look beautiful. But as a user we forget that cosmetics and beauty products have limited shelf life and their effectiveness and safety decreases over time especially once they are opened. Cosmetics products are provided with Period After Opening (PAO) timespan to understand how long a product can be safely used after it has been opened.

[0007] PAO is a graphic symbol of small open jar with number and letter M (for months) written next to it. The number indicates the number of months the product can be used safely after it has been opened. For example, symbol 12M means that the product can be safely used within 12 months of opening.

[0008] To ensure safety and effectiveness of beauty products, it is important to follow the PAO symbol and dispose of products that have exceeded the recommended usage period. As we open and use cosmetic products, we introduce microorganisms and oxygen to product. Preservatives lose their efficacy with time, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow, makings beauty products unfit to use. Using products after this time can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and other health concerns.

[0009] Period After Opening (PAO) is equally important in some food products and medicines. Though PAO symbol is not printed on their packages but "Discard after x months of opening" message is mentioned.

[0010] Though Period After Opening (PAO) is essential to follow but people have very limited information about it and most important there is no easy way to keep track of PAO expiry from the date that the product was first opened.

[0011] For instance, a user has purchased a cosmetic product with a PAO expiry of 6 months. The packaging has the PAO symbol of 6M. However, it is an impossible task to recall when the product was opened for the first time, making it difficult for the user to track its PAO expiry. It is therefore safe to assume that most of the time users end up using contaminated and expired products.

[0012] There is an urgent requirement for a visual indication that makes it easy for the user to identify the Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of a product. This device will thereby alert individuals that the product is not fit for use anymore and must be replaced. Many researchers and inventors have worked on the same concept and developed related works but those inventions are lacking in mechanism or missing one or more features. Some of such inventions are discussed below.

[0013] Reference has been made to EP03252565A titled "Determination of pharmaceutical expiration date" by HEWLETT PACKARD CO dated 2003-04- 23 claiming priority date of 2002-04-29, which discloses a temperature sensor (42) coupled to a supply of medication (16) measures the temperature of the medication. A real time clock circuit (40) is programmed with a start date and controller (24) integrated circuitry controls operation of the clock (40) and temperature sensor (42). The controller (24) is programmed with medication temperature profile data that is specific to the medication. The controller integrates temperature and time data with medication temperature profile data for the medication to calculate an expiration date that corresponds to a potency condition for the medication.

[0014] Another reference has been made to CA2008000118W titled "TIMING DEVICE" by 1281042 ALBERTA LTD and BRAKUS TONY GEORGE dated 2008-01-22 which discloses A timing device, for indicating to a user a characteristic of a consumable product related to consumption of the product, comprises a printed circuit integrally supporting a processor, a timer, an indicator and a movement sensor thereon. The movement sensor is arranged to sense motion or vibration of the product relative to its surroundings for determining a user interaction with the product. The processor is operable in one mode so that the indicator indicates expiry of the product responsive to detection of user interaction by the sensor once the time interval of the timer has expired. In another mode, the processor is operable so that the indicator is activated responsive to a dosage interval of the timer being expired. In this later mode, the indicator is deactivated responsive to detection of user interaction by the sensor indicative of a dosage being taken.

[0015] Another reference has been made to SE1430023A1 titled "Digital expiration date unit" by OLSSON MARTIN ANDREAS dated. 2014-02-24 which discloses A digital expiration date device (100,200) is disclosed comprising; a substrate. (101), a printed digit matrix (102) comprising a plurality of digit segments (112a, 112b) arranged on said substrate (101) to provide a variable expiration date, wherein said plurality of digit segments (112a, 112b) have a respective first illuminated or colored mode and a second off or uncolored mode; a display driver integrated circuit (120) disposed on said substrate electrically coupled to said plurality of digit segments for logical switching to said first or said second mode; a transponder (130) comprising a writable and readable digital medium for storing data on which of said digit segments are to be configured in said first position (112a) and said second position (112b), respectively, wherein said transponder is arranged on said substrate (101) electrically connected to said integrated display driver circuit (120), wherein said plurality of digit segments are configured for said writable and readable digital medium of said transponder (130), preferably where said substrate (101) comprises a adhesive surface for affixing to the outside of a package and wherein said digit matrix is configured to display at least one digit comprising 2-7 of said plurality of digit segments in said first position.

[0016] Another reference has been made to US89059404A titled "Method for displaying an environmentally modulated expiration date" by PITNEY BOWES INC dated. 2004-07-13 which discloses A system and method for dynamically adjusting expiration dates displayed on consumer products, the system and method utilizing an LCD display for displaying an expiration date and messages, sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, a clock for counting back the expiration date, and a controller for determining messages and adjustments to the displayed expiration date based on monitored environmental conditions.

[0017] Another reference has been made to IN202241057958 titled "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR. AUTHENTICATION OF PRODUCTS" by BHASKAR ARANI MUNICHANDRA dated. 10-10-2022 which discloses A system (100) for authentication of products is provided. The system includes a unique code (102) disposed on a product and a processing subsystem (104). The unique code includes information of the product. The processing subsystem includes a scanning module (110) to scan the unique code and generate a response message in relation to the authenticity of the product, and a comparison module (112) compares a plurality of unique parameters associated with the scanned unique code and validates for authenticating the product. The processing subsystem also includes a selection module (114) for selecting the plurality of random unique parameters, an image processing module (116) analyses of a plurality of predetermined features of the product, a tracking module (118) tracks the product consumption rate of the scanned product, and a recommendation module (120) recommends the quantity of the products to be purchased based on the tracked consumption rate.

[0018] Another reference has been made to EP21150668A titled "SYSTEM FOR. MONITORING THE EXPIRY DATE OF BOTTLED OR CANNED FOOD PRODUCTS" by H24INVENT SRL dated. 2021-01-08 the application discloses a system for monitoring the expiry date of food products contained in bottle or tin and, more particularly, a system configured to inform a user about the expiration of some food products.

[0019] Another reference has been made to EP18165036A titled "DEVICE FOR PRESERVING FOODSTUFFS" by H24INVENT SRL dated. 2018-03-29 the application discloses A device for preserving foodstuffs is described, said device comprising at least one wireless communication module communicating with a corresponding wireless communication module of an intelligent portable device.

[0020] Another reference has been made to GB2011050265W titled "TIMING DEVICE" by ELEGIO BV, FREIJSEN MARION and FINLAN MARTIN F dated. 2011-02-11 which discloses a timing device is used as a lifetime monitor for providing an indication of when the usable lifetime of a product has ended or as a usage monitor for indicating the timing of regular usage of a product. The timing device consists of a main body and a timing initiator (20). The main body consists of a power supply in the form of a membrane zinc air battery and a visual or audible indicator for indicating when the product has been opened for a predetermined duration of time corresponding to the recommended lifetime of the product or alternatively the timing or repeated use of a product such as toothpaste or medicaments. The timing initiator (20) is a tear-off air blocking membrane and the membrane zinc air battery comprises: a porous air input controlling layer

[0021] (21), which lets in air when the tear off film is removed; a porous air electrode, the anode (22) ;an interface containing electrolyte (23);a zinc electrode (24);and an outer adhesive film for attaching the timing device to a product package (25) .The timing device is capable of indicating a predetermined passage of time which is substantially independent of ambient temperature.

[0022] Another reference has been made to AU2019050434W titled "LABEL AND TIMING DEVICE" by SENVER. HOLDINGS PTY LTD dated. 2019-05-10 which A label including a fixing portion to fix the label to an object and a timing device. The timing device includes a timer to monitor a predetermined first time period, a signaling apparatus that provides an alert signal on expiry of the first time period, a power source to supply power to the timer and the signaling apparatus, a reset device operable to restart a monitoring of the first time period, and a reset controller configured to permit operation of the reset device only if it determines that one or more conditions are met. In an additional or alternative arrangement, the reset controller is configured to permit operation of the reset device based on receipt of an external signal from an external source.

[0023] Another reference has been made to US202118038853A titled "SMART LABEL DEVICE WHICH IS APPLICABLE TO A PACKAGING FOR PROVIDING AN INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RESIDUAL PERIOD OF LIFE OF A PERISHABLE PRODUCT INSIDE THE PACKAGING" by FLEEP TECH S R L dated. 2021-11-24 which discloses A smart label device applicable to a packaging for providing an information representative of a residual period of life of a perishable product inside the packaging has a flexible support substrate, an electronic control unit associated with the flexible support substrate, a sensor unit configured to detect data related to a perishability of the perishable product, an information signaling unit associated with the flexible support substrate and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, and a power supply unit associated with the flexible support substrate and operatively connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the information representative of the residual period of life of the perishable product based on the data related to the perishability of the perishable product provided by the sensor unit, and provide the information signaling unit with the determined information representative of the residual period of life of the perishable product.

[0024] Another reference has been made to EP2009060341W titled "Device for indicating at least one piece of information representative of the expiry date of a liquid food product contained in a vessel" by EFSTATHIOU THEO and CLANCHIN OLIVIER. SOJASUN TECHNOLOGIES, dated. 2009-08-10 which discloses a removable device (10, 60) for indicating at least one piece of information representative of the expiry date of a liquid food product after a first opening of the vessel (12, 63) in which said liquid is packaged, the vessel being of the bottle type having a portion defining a neck (70) and including a cap (11, 64) for closing said neck (70), wherein the indicating device (10, 60) includes a hollow body (20, 61) that houses: a means for triggering the determination of at least one piece of information representative of a duration; a means for determining a piece of information representative of a duration elapsed since said triggering; a means for communicating at least one piece of information representative of said elapsed duration, wherein the hollow body (20, 61) has means (51, 52, 53, 62) for reversibly and rigidly connecting to said cap (11, 64).

[0025] Another reference has been made to US201514640785A titled "ELECTRICAL TIMER ATTACHABLE TO PERISHABLE GOODS" by ZAMBALA LLLP dated. 2015-03-06 which discloses Various embodiments relating to miniature timers, which may be used to measure a fixed or variable period of time using a combination of multiple physical effects. These effects generally include, for example, (1) the charge generated by a matrix of piezoelectric crystals by the application of kinetic force, the motion of a permanent magnet through an inductive coil, a photovoltaic element, or by the harvesting of local energies such as heat, radio frequency waves or sonic energy; (2) the effect of storing a charge in a capacitor; and (3) the effect of certain materials to indicate the presence of an electrical charge, such as liquid crystal matrix, organic LED matrix, electroluminescent material or other material.

[0026] Another reference has been made to US88053907A dated. 2007-07-23 titled "Perishable product electronic label including time and temperature measurement" the application discloses An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and / or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and / or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an "over-temperature alarm" system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled. The label may take the form of a flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery. Methods may include providing a temperature-variable oscillator or time-base, counting cycles of said oscillator within a logic circuit to determine when one or more preset total cycle counts is / are reached, and signaling when said total cycle count(s) is / are reached. Extra sensing, time-keeping, memory storage, and / or communication interface circuits may be incorporated to augment the electronic assemblies and method's capabilities.

[0027] Another reference has been made to SE2015000010W titled "PRINTED GAS SENSOR AND DIGITAL EXPIRY DATE THEREOF" by INNOSCENTIA AB dated. 2015-02-24 which discloses a printed gas sensor comprising a metalloporphyrin dye, having a first and second mode, and a nanoporous carrier material comprising a plurality of particles with a size less than 5pm, said plurality of particles having a plurality of pores with a pore size in the range 5-50nm, wherein said metalloporphyrin dye is bound to said nanoporous carrier material. The invention further discloses a method of preparing a gas sensing composition for detection of food status as well as a digital expiry date device system. The digital expiry date device system comprises a packaging material having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first transponder disposed on said inner surface and a second transponder disposed on said outer surface; a sensor portion electrically connected to said first transponder for detecting food status and communicate said status to said second transponder, wherein said sensor portion comprises a metalloporphyrin dye to configure said sensor portion for an impedance change upon binding of a gaseous analyte to said metalloporphyrin dye; and a printed numerical array.

[0028] Another reference has been made to US20150048938 titled "EXPIRATION OF PRODUCT MONITORING & INDICATING CIRCUIT" by INOVIA LTD dated. 2013-03-19 which discloses A monitoring system for use with a perishable product. The monitoring system comprises a sensor assembly, an indicator, a user input, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine from 5 the output of the sensor assembly whether or not the perishable product has expired, and, in response to activation of the user input, to cause the indicator to indicate whether the perishable product has expired.

[0029] Another reference has been made to W02001082006 titled "PERISHABLE GOODS TIMER DEVICE" by LEUTI GIOVANNI and NINI CLAUDIO dated. 2001-04-20 which discloses A perishable expiry date indicator, characterized in that it includes means for modifying its exterior aspect by indicating the reaching of a predetermined expiry date visually and automatically. The invention includes essentially a thin 'plaster' able to be stuck or secured to the package of the perishable product and provided with an area that clearly changes color or brightness when the predetermined expiry date is reached. The visual indicating means consists preferably of thermal paper (T) or other iridescent temperature-sensitive material which is heated by a micro resistance (R) controlled by a chip or integrated circuit (C) of the known type which operates essentially like a timing relay provided with a clock. As an alternative, a LED or a liquid crystal diode increasing or decreasing in brightness at the expiry date is provide.

[0030] Another reference has been made to US201917284736A titled "CONTAINER FOR COSMETICS AND OTHER PRODUCTS WITH A LIMITED PERIOD OF USE, OR FOR THE TIME-CONTROLLED PRESENTATION OF PRODUCTS, WITH INTEGRATED CLOCK, ELECTRONICS SYSTEM AND TIMER FUNCTION" by YVES SWISS AG dated. 2019-09-15 which discloses a container (5) includes a mechanical, wind-up clock or an electronic clock with an accumulator or battery, both with a stopwatch and alarm clock function for displaying the lifespan, for example of a cosmetic product, or also other displays such as applications, ingredients, orders, product information and other information. The container (5) can include a receiving cylinder for introducing an exchangeable refill-capsule containing the cosmetic product in the case of an electronic clock, same is fitted with an electronic display (2) and provides at least the following functions: A: setting the current date and the current lime; B: setting an expiration date; C: clock function : displaying the calendar year, the month, the day and the time; D: stopwatch and alarm clock function, so that product shelf lives of cosmetics and other products with a limited period of use can be monitored, wherein an acoustic alarm signal sounds when the shelf life limit is reached, and the exposure times can also be monitored in this way.

[0031] Another reference has been made to GB0816002A titled "Elapsed time indication means" by BROWN JASON dated. 2008-09-03 which discloses an elapsed time indication means for a perishable product is activated on opening the packaging of the product. After a predetermined safety time limit the indication means changes to a second state to indicate that the time has elapsed. The means may take the form of a liquid in a tube, which evaporates over the given time by capillary action (fig. 1). The means may be a digital electronic device with an alarm. The means change color over time.

[0032] DIFFERENCES WITH PRIOR ART

[0033] Most of earlier inventions target perishable food products and medicines. Inventions EP03252565A, US89059404A, US20150048938 either track the time elapsed since manufacturing or expiry on the basis of exposure to temperature or humidity. The expiry on the basis of temperature and humidity is only indicative as every food product has different behavior to exposure and there is no set formula to calculate the rate of degradation. There are many packaged food products with storage instructions and Period After Opening expiry warning. These products get spoiled despite being stored under prescribed conditions e.g., Cheese Spread. How ever beauty products and cosmetics are formulated to remain stable in wide range of temperature and humidity. But as cosmetic products are opened, microorganisms and oxygen are introduced to the product. Preservatives used to keep harmful microorganisms at bay eventually lose their efficacy, allowing microorganisms to proliferate rapidly in opened product. The Period After Opening (PAO) becomes vital.

[0034] Inventions like US202118038853A, SE2015000010W Uses Printing technology which is still in developing stage and makes product very expensive.

[0035] Some inventions in same category such as EP21150668A, EP18165036A require external intelligent device to check the status makes them limited to use.

[0036] Inventions like EP2009060341W are dependent on inputs from consumer for activation and status delivery.

[0037] Time indicators inventions like AU201905043W, US88053907A require a skilled person to program the indicator before every use limiting usage and permanent visual indication is subject to battery life.

[0038] Use of expiry indicator in W02001082006 is limited to colder places as the thermal paper changes color at 40 degrees.

[0039] Usable lifetime indicator GB2011050265W uses zinc air battery and has to be customized for every lifetime period.

[0040] Timer US201514640785A depends on combination of physical effects to measure time. The timer might not function as desired if product with timer is left untouched for longer period of time. Indicator CA2008000118W is an expiry indicator and is factory activated. The visual indication comes after completion of preprogrammed expiry period even if product expires before due to completion of product after opening timespan. Coin cell diameter of 20mm limits the usage on products with smaller heads and use of external crystal oscillator for timekeeping adds to the cost.

[0041] However, none of the above discussed inventions relates to a small, simple and cost-effective device that can be pasted on any cosmetic / beauty product and alerts user for Period After Opening (PAO) expiry with clear visual indication for longer period of time. The said device is programmed with the duration of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of product. The present invention monitors the time elapsed since product is first opened and provides visual indication using LED illumination when a user attempts to use the product past its expiration date, signaling that the product is no longer safe for use.

[0042] Objective of the Invention:

[0043] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a small, simple and cost-effective device with visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of products.

[0044] Another objective of present invention is to provide a device that is preprogrammed with the PAO data of the product.

[0045] Another objective of present invention is to provide a visual indication in the form of LED illumination once a product has reached its defined Period After Opening (PAO) date.

[0046] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device for consumer safety and well-being. Another objective of present invention is to solve the problem of not being comprehended with information of period after opening of a product that is provided in a symbolic form.

[0047] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an indication regarding the fitness of the product for consumption in the form of LED illumination.

[0048] Another objective of the present invention is to provides a LED illumination regarding the Period After Opening of a product whenever user interaction is detected.

[0049] Another objective of the present invention is to prevent small kids from consuming the spoiled or degraded products.

[0050] Summary of the Invention:

[0051] The present invention provides a small, simple and cost-effective device that alerts user of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of a cosmetic products, food products and medicines with noticeable visual indication. The said device remains inactive till first opening of the product. As product is opened and pull tab is released, the device gains a positive start and starts counting down to Period After Opening (PAO) expiry. As PAO time span elapses, the device alerts with blinking LED illumination whenever user interaction with the product is detected.

[0052] The present invention comprises of the following components.

[0053] 1. Pre programable Microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0054] 2. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0055] 3. LED unit

[0056] 4. Vibration Sensor 5. Lithium Coin cell battery supported by a battery retainer.

[0057] Brief Description of Drawings:

[0058] Figure 1: Shows the proposed device which is pasted on the product, where the device is consisting of micro- controller, capacitor, LED, lithium coin cell battery, vibration switch, printed circuit board, pull tab, casing for micro controller, translucent cover and battery retainer.

[0059] Figure 2: Shows the front view, back view of microcontroller and device that pasted onto a bottle with a pull tab.

[0060] Figure 3: Shows the operational workflow of a device.

[0061] The figures are merely for illustration purpose and shall not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

[0062] Detailed description of the Invention:

[0063] It should be noted that the particular description with features, designs, components, construction, working and embodiments set forth in the specification below are merely exemplary of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of present invention. Various modifications or substitutions are also possible without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that this specification has been described by way of the most preferred embodiments and for the purposes of illustration and not limitation.

[0064] The present invention relates to a simple cost-effective device that provides visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of the product in the form of blinking of LED 102. The said device represents the shelf life of the opened product. The Period after opening expiry of the product is dynamic and starts from the day of its first opening. Therefore, in the present invention the day product expires is decided on the day of opening of product by user rather than on the day of packaging by manufacturer.

[0065] The present invention provides a simple cost-effective device with visual indication comprising of micro- controller 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium coin cell battery 104, vibration switch 105, printed circuit board 106, pull tab 107, casing for micro controller 108, tamperproof frosted cover 109 and battery retainer 110. The said micro controller 101 is preprogrammed, and powered by the CR.927 lithium coin cell battery 104. The microcontroller 101 is preprogrammed with Period After Opening (PAO) time of a product. As the product completes Period After Opening (PAO), the MCU 101 activates LED 102 to give visual indication in the form of blinking six times as and when vibration switch senses any movement.

[0066] The present invention provides a visual indication device comprising a microcontroller unit (101) pre-programmed to control the blinking period of an LED (102). Upon product opening, a capacitor (103) stores energy for the LED unit, which emits a light once the product's predetermined expiry period is reached. A CR.927 lithium battery 104 powers the device, providing charge to its components. A battery retainer 110 supports the battery unit 104. The CR.927 is a 3V lithium-based button cell with a capacity of approximately 25mAh to 30mAh. This battery provides the necessary 3V-DC power supply to the MCU, vibration switch, and LED. All components of the device are connected to a printed circuit board. A pull tab is sealed to the product. The device is started as pull tab is released while opening the product. The said device is supported by tamperproof casing 109 to protect its components. The said microcontroller 101 is the main processor or decision-making component of the device, that keeps a track of Period After Opening (PAO) of products from the date of its first opening, the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101 of the device is connected to vibration switch 105 and LED unit 102. It has several general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins, of which one is configured as an input to sense the vibration switch signal and receive user interaction signals. Another GPIO pin is configured as an output to activate and deactivate the LED unit 102 based on user interaction with the product.

[0067] The Microcontroller unit consist of the main processing or decision-making block. It comprises of tiny ATTINY402 8-bit ultra-low power AVR. based micro-controller. The said MCU will be connected / interfaced with the vibration switch and LED. It has many GPIOs (general purpose input and output pins) pins out of which one GPIO is configured as an input for sensing vibration switch signal and another GPIO is configured as an output for activating or deactivating the LED. The device is designed to function independently of user behavior. The device neither has any activation switch nor requires user input to tell the status. It activates automatically when tab is pulled out while opening the bottle cap for the first time. Once activated, the MCU will keep track of time and on completion of PAO period LED will be activated to blink as and when vibration switch senses any movement. Irrespective of user behavior the device will warn the user of expiry of PAO. When opening the bottle cap for the first time, a tab will be pulled out, which will activate the PAO indicator and it gives positive start to the said indicator. The present invention provides a visual indication device that remains inactive until the product is opened. As insulation tab 107 is pulled out, the device powers on and starts counting the time to reach PAO. Once this period is achieved, the microcontroller unit 101 activates its general- purpose input / output (GPIO) unit. One GPIO pin is configured to receive a signal from the device's vibration switch 105, and another one is configured to activate the LED light unit 102.

[0068] The present invention provides a visual indication device, the microcontroller 101 of said device keeps track record of time of period after opening and is connected with vibration switch 105, battery and LED light unit 102, The said vibration switch 105 consists of 2 legs, one i.e. body pin which is for powering the 3V-DC supply and other i.e. spring pin which is used as a sensing pin. Both the pins are separated and are not in contact with each other, they are separated from each other using air as an insulator. It has a vertical spring installed in a metal body cylinder which moves when it is subjected to vibration or jerk. This spring movement makes or breaks the connection between both its legs if there is any vibration activity. The vibration switch is instrumental in conserving battery life and enhancing the period of visual indication by making LED blink, which otherwise remains off, only when product is handled by user.

[0069] The working of a visual indication device comprising: The micro-controller unit 101 is pre-programmed with a counter value, which depends on number of days after which product expires after opening. The said microcontroller unit 101 is programmed to be in a deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan period to conserve the power consumption from the battery 104. The said micro-controller 101 is programmed to have wakeup interrupt at every 12 hours. After every 12 hour the MCU 101 wakes up and increments a counter and compare the counter value with the desired counts required for period after opening expiry and, if the counter value lower than desire counter value it will go back to sleep. For example, if the desired PAO (Period after opening) period is of 3 months then the counter value programmed into the MCU will be approximately 184 counts. Once the internal counter reaches 184, MCU 101 activates the input signal to be received from vibration switch and wakes up whenever a vibration signal is detected on its pin. As MCU 101 wakes up, it activates its LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern in the form of blinking of LED six times and returns to sleep mode to conserve power.

[0070] Figure 1 represents a visual indication device comprising micro- controller 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium coin cell battery 104, vibration switch 105, printed circuit board 106, pull tab 107, casing for micro controller 108, tamperproof frosted cover 109 and battery retainer 110.

[0071] All components are interconnected, said pull tab 107 of a device is placed between battery 104 and printed circuit board 106, the micro-controller

[0072] 101, vibration switch 105, battery 104, LED light unit 102 and capacitor 103 are connected with the printed circuit board 106. The said LED light unit 102 is connected with micro- controller 101 through printed circuit board 106 and is regulated from one of the general purpose output pin of the micro controller 101, the LED 102 also has a resistor in series connection with it to control the amount of current to be passed from LED

[0073] 102, micro controller 101 is the core component of present invention that is interconnected with both of vibration switch 105 and LED light unit 102, the micro controller 101 is pre-programmed and powered by a CR.927 lithium cell battery 104, the vibration switch 105 is connected with microcontroller 101 and is regulated by one of the general purpose input pin of the micro-controller 101, the micro-controller 101 receives power supply from battery 104 where the battery is a 3V-DC lithium based cell coin battery and supported by battery retainer 110; said device is covered by casing 108 and a tamperproof frosted cover 109 which provide protection to the components of device from external factors.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the front view 2(b), back view 2(a) of microcontroller and device that pasted onto a bottle 2(c) with a pull tab 107. The back view of the device shows a lithium cell battery 104 and a vibration switch 105. The front view of the device shows a micro-controller 101, LED light unit 102, and a capacitor 103.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, said a simple and cost- effective device with visual indication of completion of period after opening (PAO) of products, that can be pasted on the products and the said device comprising microcontroller 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, lithium coin cell battery 104, vibration switch 105, printed circuit board 106, pull tab 107, casing for micro controller 108, tamperproof frosted cover 109 and battery retainer 110; said micro-controller 101 is interconnected with a vibration sensor switch, LED 102 and with battery 104; the said microcontroller 101 is programmed with the defined Period After Opening (PAO) for a product.

[0076] In exemplary embodiment, said the working of a visual indication device comprising steps of: a) The micro-controller unit 101 is pre-programmed and interconnected with vibration switch 105 and LED light unit 102; b) said micro-controller unit 101 is programmed to be in a deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan period to conserve the power consumption from the battery 104; c) said micro-controller 101 is programmed with defined counter value for Period After Opening (PAO) and programmed to have wake up interrupt at after every 12 hours; d) after every 12 hour the MCU 101 wakes up, increments a counter and compares the counter value with the desired counts required for Period After Opening (PAO) expiry and, if the counter value lower than desire counter value it will go back to sleep; e) once the internal counter value reaches the desired counter value, micro-controller 101 activates general purpose input and output pin for sensing vibration switch signal and activating / deactivating the LED 102; f) the MCU 101 wakes up whenever a vibration signal is detected on its pin; the MCU 101 activates LED 102 to provide a visual indication pattern in the form of Blinking of LED six times and returns to sleep mode to conserve power.

[0077] In another embodiment, said device can be used to indicate Period Of Fitness. Period Of Fitness can be defined as period before Period After Opening (PAO) expiry. As insulating tab 107 is pulled out while first opening of product, MCU 101 activates the LED 102 to give visual indication pattern in the form of blinking of LED six times as and when Vibration switch 105 senses user interaction with the product. MCU 101 tracks record of period after opening, once the product has reached its Period After Opening (PAO) expiry, the micro-controller unit 101 deactivates LED 102 to give any visual indication.

[0078] In another embodiment, said device can be used to indicate period before and after Period After Opening (PAO) expiry with 2 different color LEDs. As insulating tab 107 is pulled out while first opening of product, MCU 101 activates the LED 'A' to give blinking visual indication pattern as and when Vibration switch 105 senses user interaction with the product to indicate Period Of Fitness. MCU 101 tracks record and when product reaches its Period After Opening (PAO) expiry, the micro-controller unit 101 deactivates LED 'A' and activates LED 'B' to give blinking visual indication pattern of Expiry.

[0079] In another embodiment, said the duration of blinking of LED 102 to give visual indication can be programmed from six times to any number of times as required.

[0080] In another embodiment, said the vibration switch can be removed. Once activated by MCU 101, LED 102 will give visual indication indefinitely till battery is exhausted. The device can be used widely in ware houses to alert about older packages in FIFO system.

[0081] In another embodiment, said MCU 101 can be replaced with Chip-on-board covered with epoxy to give same functionality.

[0082] In another embodiment, said when LED 102 gives blinking visual indication after PAO (Period After Opening) is achieved, indicating expiry, comprises following steps and shown with reference to flowchart in figure 3(a): a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device; b) The controller 101 compares the internal counter value with the preprogrammed counter value to achieve Period After Opening (PAO) expiry; c) if period after opening (PAO) is achieved the controller activates LED 102. LED 102 gives visual indication in the form of blinking pattern six times as and when Vibration Switch 105 senses user interaction with product. d) if Period After Opening (PAO) is not achieved, the controller continues to track the number of days. In another embodiment, said when visual indication by LED 102 indicates period of fitness in which product is safe to use; Period of fitness is defined as period before Period After Opening (PAO) expiry; LED 102 stops when PAO is achieved, the operational features are shown with reference of flow chart in figure 3(b): a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device; b) Preprogrammed MCU 101 activates LED 102 to give blinking visual indication pattern as and when User disturbs the product package; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the preprogrammed counter value required for PAO expiry; d) If counter is achieved, the MCU 101 deactivates LED 102 to give any visual indication; e) If counter is less, LED 102 remains activated to give blinking visual indication pattern and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until expiry of Period After Opening (PAO) is achieved.

[0083] In another embodiment, said different color LEDs are used to indicate period before and after PAO (Period After Opening) expiry, The operational features are shown with reference of flow chart in figure 3(c): a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device; b) Preprogrammed MCU 101 activates only LED 'A' to give visual indication pattern as and when User disturbs the product package; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the preprogrammed counter value required for PAO expiry; d) If counter is achieved, the MCU 101 deactivates LED 'A' and activates LED 'B' to give blinking visual indication to indicate expiry; e) If counter is less, only LED 'A' remains activated to give blinking visual indication pattern and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until expiry of Period After Opening (PAO) is achieved.

[0084] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the present invention is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[0085] Advantages of the Invention:

[0086] 1. Simple and cost effective.

[0087] 2. Compact size.

[0088] 3. Visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry with LED blinking pattern.

[0089] 4. The device can be used in wide range of temperatures from -5 to 50° C.

[0090] 5. Enhanced battery life with the use of vibration sensor. No switch required to start the device. Positive start when product is opened for the first time. The device can be programmed in multiple ways as per the requirement of product. Easy to spot: The visual indication of LED illumination of the said device can be easily detected. Indicates the fitness of a product for use or consumption. Prevents small kids from consuming the expired products. No need for skilled operator to program the device. Device is preprogrammed. Does not require external electronic device to alert status. The device does not need any user input to show the status. Indicates status irrespective of user behavior. Easy operation to be understood by people from all walks of life equally.

Claims

laim:

1. A simple and cost- effective device with visual indication of Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of products that can be pasted on the products and the said device comprises of Micro- Controller (MCU) 101, LED 102, capacitor 103, Lithium coin cell battery 104, Vibration Switch 105, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 106, Pull tab 107, Casing for MCU 108, Tamperproof Frosted Cover 109 and Battery retainer 110; said micro-controller 101 is interconnected with a Vibration sensor switch 105, LED light unit 102 and battery unit 104; the said Micro-controller 101 is pre-programmed and activate LED 102 to give Visual indication in the form of blinking pattern six times as Period After Opening (PAO) expiry of a product is achieved.

2. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a Micro- controller 101, LED 102, Capacitor 103, Lithium coin cell battery 104 and Vibration switch 105 of the said device is connected to a printed circuit board and capacitor is provided to store the energy; said device is covered by Casing 108 and tamperproof frosted cover 109 which provide protection to the components of device from external factors.

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

4. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Vibration switch 105 consists of 2 legs, one i.e. body pin which is forpowering the 3V-DC supply and other i.e. spring pin which is used as a sensing pin; both the pins are separated and are not in contact with each other, they are separated from each other using air as an insulator; said Vibration switch 105 has a vertical spring installed in a metal body cylinder which moves when it is subjected to vibration or jerk; this spring movement makes or breaks the connection between both its legs if there is any vibration activity.

5. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said LED unit 102 functions as a visual indicator for the period after opening; it has a resistor in series connection to control the current flowing through it; said LED unit 102 is controlled by one of the output pins of the microcontroller unit (MCU) 101 and to enhance the period of visual indication, Vibration switch 105 is used so that visual indication comes only when user interaction is detected which otherwise remains off.

6. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the battery 104 is in form of a lithium coin-cell battery and gives 3V-DC power supply to the micro-controller 101, LED light unit 102, and to the vibration switch 105; the said lithium coin-cell battery 104 is supported by a battery retainer 110 which holds the battery.

7. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said LED 102 is activated by one general purpose output of the microcontroller 101 and gives visual indication pattern when Period After Opening (PAO) expiry is achieved and user interaction is detected.

8. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device be pasted on the Beauty / Cosmetic products, food products, or medicines that have Period After Opening (PAO) expiry after opening of sealed pack, and the visual indication pattern of LED 102can be Only after expiry period, only before expiry period or different color LED indication for before and after expiry period.

9. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Insulating Pull tab 107 is sealed to the product 2(c); said device function independently of user behavior, when the bottle cap is opened for the first time, insulating tab 107 is pulled out, which activates the PAO indicator and it gives positive start to the said device.

10. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device remains inactive until the product is opened; upon opening, tab 107 is pulled out, the device powers on and starts counting the remaining time to reach the Period After Opening (PAO); once this period is achieved, the microcontroller unit 101 activates its general- purpose input / output (GPIO) unit; one GPIO pin is configured to receive a signal from the device's vibration switch 105, and another one is configured to activate / deactivate the LED light unit 102.

11. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working of a visual indication device comprising steps of: a) the Micro-controller unit 101 is pre-programmed to activate LED 102 to give visual indication pattern as PAO expiry is achieved and is interconnected with vibration switch 105 and LED light unit 102; b) said micro-controller unit 101 is programmed to be in a deep sleep mode for almost its entire lifespan period to conserve the power consumption from the battery 104; c) said micro-controller 101 is programmed with defined counter value for period after opening and is programmed to have wake up interrupt at after every 12 hours;d) After every 12 hour the MCU 101 wakes up, increments a counter and compares the counter value with the desired counts required for Period After Opening (PAO) expiry and, if the counter value lower than desired counter value MCU 101 goes back to sleep mode; e) As internal counter value matches the desired counter value, micro-controller 101 activates general purpose input and output pin for sensing vibration switch signal and activates / deactivates the LED 102; f) MCU 101 wakes up whenever a vibration signal is detected on its pin; upon waking up, the MCU 101 activates its LED 102 to provide blinking visual indication pattern six times; It returns to sleep mode to conserve power.

12. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual indication pattern can be programmed in 3 different ways. The operational events are shown by: a) flow chart 2(a) when visual indication comes only after PAO (Period After Opening) is achieved, indicating expiry; b) when LED 102 blinks only during the period product is fit to use. LED 102 stops when PAO expiry is achieved; c) Different color LEDs used for visual indication of before and after PAO (period after opening) expiry.

13. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 11, said LED 102 gives visual indication after PAO (Period After Opening) is achieved, indicating expiry, comprises following steps and shown with reference to flowchart in figure 2(a) : a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device;b) the controller 101 is pre-programmed and tracks the internal counter value with the desired counter value to achieve expiry date period after opening; c) if period after opening (PAO) is achieved the controller activates LED 102. LED 102 gives blinking visual indication pattern as and when Vibration Switch 105 senses user interaction with product. d) if Period After Opening (PAO) is not achieved, the controller continues to track the number of days. e) gives LED illumination whenever someone disturb the product; f) if the expiry period after opening has not been reached, the controller continues to track the number of days until the expiry of the period after opening is achieved.

14. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 11, said when visual indication by LED 102 indicates period of fitness in which product is safe to use; Period of fitness is defined as period before Period After Opening (PAO) expiry; LED 102 stops when PAO is achieved, the operational features are shown with reference of flow chart in figure 3(b): a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device; b) Preprogrammed MCU 101 activates LED 102 to give blinking visual indication pattern as and when User disturbs the product package; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the preprogrammed counter value required for PAO expiry;d) If counter is achieved, the MCU 101 deactivates LED 102 to give any visual indication; e) If counter is less, LED 102 remains activated to give blinking visual indication pattern six times and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until expiry of Period After Opening (PAO) is achieved.

15. The visual indication device as claimed in claim 11, said different color LEDs are used to indicate period before and after PAO (Period After Opening) expiry, The operational features are shown with reference of flow chart in figure 3(c): a) Battery Insulation tab 107 between the battery unit 104 and printed circuit board 106 is pulled out as product is opened for the first time, the removal of pull tab 107 gives a positive start to the device; b) Preprogrammed MCU 101 activates only LED 'A' to give blinking visual indication pattern as and when User disturbs the product package; c) MCU 101 compares the counter value with the preprogrammed counter value required for PAO expiry; d) If counter is achieved, the MCU 101 deactivates LED 'A' and activates LED 'B' to give blinking visual indication to indicate expiry; e) If counter is less, only LED 'A' remains activated to give visual indication pattern and MCU 101 continues to track the number of days until expiry of Period After Opening (PAO) is achieved.

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