Receptacle Content Sensing via Optical Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centralized inventory systems for medical products rely on user compliance for tracking dispensation, leading to errors and inaccuracies due to manual counting and human oversight.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically determines the contents of closed containers by analyzing optical and acoustic signals associated with the container during predetermined trigger events, eliminating the need for user compliance and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting of inventory is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical sensing system. Emitters transmit optical signals through the container wall and sensors detect the transmitted light to determine inventory levels, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of inventory levels without requiring user intervention. The optical sensing system automatically detects container contents and triggers notifications when thresholds are reached, making the system self-sufficient and reducing reliance on user compliance.
2Measurement precision
If automated optical sensing is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system serves multiple functions: it monitors inventory levels, detects container opening/closing events, and provides automated notifications. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple tracking needs into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary to non-invasively monitor inventory through the container wall. This approach avoids direct contact with contents while providing accurate measurements, and the system includes processing logic to interpret sensor data and generate appropriate notifications.
3Reliability
If manual tracking logs are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to user compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors inventory levels through optical sensing and generates notifications without requiring user action. This eliminates reliance on user compliance for tracking dispensation, as the system self-monitors and alerts when thresholds are reached, significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors inventory levels and provides feedback through automated notifications when thresholds are breached. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable tracking by immediately alerting users to low-stock conditions, eliminating the need for manual tracking logs.
4Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then productivity improves through automated warnings, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating emitters and sensors at scheduled intervals to monitor inventory levels. This periodic operation maintains productivity by providing timely inventory information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the accuracy and reliability of inventory tracking, reduces errors, and enables automated warnings for low-stock or out-of-stock situations.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a non-radio based transmission of one or more waves to an internal space within the container
Implementation Method 2
receiving a measurement of the one or more waves from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing device monitors a plurality of containers for a change event, including at least one of: a fill order or a dispense of an item unit stored within the container, an opening or closing of the container, sensing a user within a predetermined proximity of the container, or a predetermined time. Based on an occurrence of the change event, the device causes an emission of a non-radio based transmission of one or more waves to an internal space of the container. A sensor with the container measures the one or more waves, and a supply level of an item unit within the container is determined based on the measurement and training data pertaining to measurements associated with past supply levels for the container. A notification is generated when the supply level satisfies a predetermined threshold.