Sensor Container Orientation Detection for Opaque Remaining Amount Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the remaining amount of contents in containers, such as drink refill timing detection and remaining amount measurement, are limited in accuracy and convenience, especially when containers are opaque and the remaining amount is not visibly apparent.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that includes a container sensor to detect the orientation of a container, a communication interface to transmit this information, and a controller to calculate and transmit the remaining amount to an external device, with the system presenting presentation information to indicate low remaining amounts, thereby enabling proactive refills without direct visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the remaining amount of contents is determined based on container orientation using sensors, then the measurement capability for opaque containers is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary component that bridges the sensor container and external devices. This intermediary handles the complex data transmission and processing tasks, allowing the core measurement function to remain simple while enabling sophisticated remaining amount determination through orientation sensing and calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple container and as a measurement device with integrated sensors and communication capabilities. This universal design allows the same device to perform both storage and precise measurement functions, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment
2Ease of operation
If continuous monitoring of remaining amount is performed, then the service quality and convenience are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring rather than continuous monitoring, where the communication interface transmits remaining amount information at predetermined intervals. This periodic action maintains adequate service quality by providing regular updates while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the sensor container autonomously monitors its own contents and automatically transmits status information when thresholds are reached or at scheduled intervals, eliminating the need for manual checking while optimizing energy usage through event-driven communication
3Loss of information
If the sensor container transmits orientation information continuously, then the data availability for remaining amount calculation is improved, but the communication load and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits only the necessary portion of information - specifically, orientation data is collected continuously but transmission occurs selectively based on predetermined conditions such as threshold crossings or scheduled intervals. This partial transmission approach maintains data availability for accurate calculation while minimizing communication load by avoiding redundant data transmission
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
Enhances convenience and service quality by allowing staff to recognize low drink levels in opaque containers, improving customer experience and reducing wait times for refills.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to acquire information indicating an orientation of the container
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a communication interface and a controller. The communication interface receives, from a sensor container, information indicating an orientation of the sensor container. The controller, based on the information indicating the orientation of the sensor container, calculates a calculated value indicating a remaining amount of contents of the sensor container. The controller determines an estimated value of the remaining amount on the basis of the calculated value. The communication interface transmits the estimated value indicating the remaining amount to an external device. When the calculated value indicating the remaining amount decreases by a first predetermined value or more within a predetermined time period, the controller does not perform the determination of the estimated value on the basis of the calculated value.