Storage container with inventory control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems are complex, expensive, and inefficient, often requiring custom hardware and software, and lack effective user identification, leading to misuse and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A powered storage container with a verification component, cameras for user and item monitoring, and a wireless scanning system that uses biometric or other authentication methods to securely manage inventory, allowing for accurate tracking and efficient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open areas are used for inventory storage, then easy access to supplies is improved, but misuse or loss of supplies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated verification system as an intermediary between the user and the inventory. This system includes verification components that check user credentials and authorization before allowing access to items, thereby maintaining easy access while preventing misuse through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inventory access through automated verification and tracking. Users can independently access inventory items through the automated system without requiring manual approval, which maintains ease of access while the system automatically prevents unauthorized misuse.
2Loss of substance
If secure areas are used for inventory storage, then misuse or loss of supplies is reduced, but access to inventory is delayed and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated verification system enables users to independently access inventory without requiring additional personnel for manual verification. The system automatically checks credentials and authorization, eliminating the time loss associated with human intervention while maintaining security to prevent misuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual personnel verification with an automated electronic verification system. This substitution eliminates the time required for human interaction while maintaining the security function, allowing rapid access without compromising prevention of misuse.
3Measurement precision
If existing automated inventory systems are implemented, then inventory tracking is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: verification of user credentials, authorization checking, inventory tracking, and camera monitoring all operate through one integrated platform. This multi-functionality improves inventory tracking accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses camera imaging to create visual copies of inventory items and user interactions for tracking purposes. This optical copying method provides accurate inventory monitoring without requiring complex physical sensors or RFID tags on each item, thereby improving tracking while reducing system complexity.
4Extent of automation
If existing automated inventory systems are implemented, then inventory management is automated, but ease of use deteriorates due to complex hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be fully self-service, where users independently complete verification and access inventory without requiring training or interaction with complex interfaces. The automated system handles all complexity in the background, providing simple, intuitive access to users while maintaining high automation.
5Loss of substance
If existing inventory systems are used, then some inventory control is achieved, but user identification is insufficient leading to misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or simple identification methods with automated optical recognition systems including cameras and image processing. This substitution enables accurate automated user identification and tracking, preventing misuse while eliminating the information loss associated with manual identification methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.