Patent Application
20220215339
Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inventory tracking and re-order systems and, more particularly to automatic household inventory tracking and re-order systems and methods for consumable products.
It is often difficult for household members to remember when to order or buy household consumable products (e.g., sheet product, such as tissue paper rolls and paper towel rolls; napkins; paper plates; bulk storage products, such as dog food, cereal, and garden and home maintenance products; fluid product, such as soap, juice, soda, and air freshener; etc.). Consumers have to keep track of their current supply of consumable products, keeping in mind when they will next be at the store or when to place an order. Further, in the case of online ordering, they have to account for delivery time. Some subscription based models that re-order after a certain period of time are difficult to use and often ship too much or too little of the consumable product—resulting in consumer frustration.
Embodiments of the present invention provide automatic tracking of inventory (e.g., consumable products) and re-ordering (such as automatically re-ordering or by notifying the user in some capacity) in an environment, such as a household. In this regard, various devices (e.g., manual dispensers, automated dispensers, various consumable product holders, spindles, storage devices, etc.) may be provided with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more characteristics regarding the consumable product. For example, in the case of tissue paper rolls and/or paper towel rolls, the tracked characteristic(s) may include: is the roll present, not present, has a dispensing roll been replaced, among other things. That information can be sent to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub, cloud server, etc. such as the wireless functionality, including WiFi) that determines whether or not a new order of the corresponding consumable product is needed. Though some of the description herein is focused on paper towel rolls and/or tissue paper rolls, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate usage with other types of household consumable products, such as fluid (e.g., hand soap, dishwashing liquid, fluids for wetted dispensers, air freshener, etc.), napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, such as dog food or cereal, or other types of consumable products for the household environment.
In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a household member in charge of ordering replacement inventory) may utilize a software application (e.g., stored on their mobile device, smart appliance, other computing device, and/or available via the internet) to provide preferences and/or settings for facilitating tracking and ordering of the replacement inventory. In some embodiments, a user may select the type of notification and/or automatic ordering functionality that is preferred, which may depend on the type of inventory. For example, upon determining that replacement consumable product is needed, the user may receive a notification of such without any other prompting (e.g., a manual re-order function). Alternatively, a user may receive a notification with a link and/or option to select and initiate an order for replacement consumable product (e.g., a semi-automated re-order function). Further, in some cases, the system may just automatically initiate the re-order with or without notifying the user (e.g., an automated re-order function).
Embodiments of the present invention contemplate many different types of devices, such as dispensers, spindles, consumable product holders, and storage devices (among other devices), that can be used with example systems to perform the inventory tracking. In some embodiments, the system is configured to receive sensor data from various devices and, such as through various logic, determine the overall inventory of the household environment (which may or may not include consumable product stored separately from the one or more devices). For example, the system may take into account an original inventory (e.g., set by the user and/or determined over time) and sensor data from two or more devices. In some cases, the system may account for previously ordered consumable product, such as from a recent online order. Then, based on a running inventory count/total (e.g., decrementing as the devices indicate accordingly), the system may determine it is time to initiate re-order functionality (e.g., notify the user, initiate a semi or automated re-order, etc.).
In an example embodiment, a system for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality for an environment is provided. The system comprises a first consumables device configured to hold a quantity or level of first consumables. The first consumables device comprises a first consumables sensor configured to determine occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the first consumables within the first consumables device and a first consumables communication interface configured to transmit first sensor data of the first consumables sensor to a remote device. The system comprises a second consumables device configured to hold a quantity or level of second consumables. The second consumables are different than the first consumables. The second consumables device comprises a second consumables sensor configured to determine occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the second consumables within the second consumables device and a second consumables communication interface configured to transmit second sensor data of the second consumables sensor to the remote device. The system further comprises the remote device comprising a processor configured to: receive the first sensor data and the second sensor data; determine a current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment; and determine a current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the second consumables currently in the environment. The processor is also configured to perform re-order functionality for the first consumables in an instance in which the current inventory status corresponds to a threshold re-order inventory status for the first consumables, wherein the re-order functionality comprises a semi-automated re-order function. The semi-automated re-order function corresponds to providing an option for a user to initiate the order to replenish the first consumables, wherein the option requires user interaction prior to initiating the order to replenish the first consumables. The processor is further configured to perform re-order functionality for the second consumables in an instance in which the current inventory status corresponds to a threshold re-order inventory status for the second consumables, wherein the re-order functionality comprises one of an automated re-order function, a semi-automated re-order function, or a manual re-order function. The automated re-order function corresponds to automatic initiation of an order to replenish the second consumables. The semi-automated re-order function corresponds to providing an option for a user to initiate the order to replenish the second consumables. The manual re-order function corresponds to providing a notification to the user that the current inventory status of the second consumables corresponds to threshold re-order inventory status of the second consumables so as to remind the user to replenish the second consumables.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises a software application installed on a user computing device. The remote device is configured to: transmit, in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the first consumables, a notification to the software application providing the option, via the software application, to initiate the order to replenish the first consumables. In some embodiments, in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the first consumables, the notification indicates that the current inventory status of the first consumables in the environment corresponds to the threshold re-order inventory status for the first consumables, and in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the second consumables, the notification indicates that the current inventory status of the second consumables in the environment corresponds to the threshold re-order inventory status for the second consumables. In some embodiments, the software application enables the user to modify the re-order functionality for the first consumables to select one of an automated re-order function, the semi-automated re-order function, or the manual re-order function. In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to determine the current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment based on the first sensor data and an estimated or inputted amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment. In some embodiments, the software application enables the user to input the amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment. In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to update the estimated or inputted amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment based on received shipments of replacement first consumables. In some embodiments, the remote device is further configured to update the amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment based on the occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the first consumables within the first consumables device.
In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to determine the current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment based on a plurality of first consumable devices within the environment. In some embodiments, the plurality of first consumable devices within the environment comprises at least one first type of first consumable device and at least one second type of first consumable device, wherein the first type of first consumable device and the second type of first consumable device comprise different types of sensors configured to sense first consumables. In some embodiments, the plurality of first consumable devices within the environment comprises at least one first type of first consumable device and at least one second type of first consumable device, wherein the first type of first consumable device is configured to store replacement first consumables, wherein the second type of first consumable device is configured to enable dispensing of first consumables.
In some embodiments, the occurrence of the change in the quantity or level of the first consumables corresponds to one of installation in or removal of a tissue paper roll from the first consumables device. In some embodiments, the second consumables are one of napkins or plates. In some embodiments, the second consumables are paper towel. In some embodiments, the second consumables are loose bulk storage products.
In some embodiments, the remote device comprises one of a remote server or a remote computing device positioned within the environment.
In some embodiments, corresponding methods and/or computer program product are provided.
In another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a stand portion configured to hold at least one sheet product roll. The stand portion comprises at least one reserve position, wherein each sheet product roll stored on the stand portion is positioned in a corresponding reserve position. The stand portion further comprises at least one sensor, wherein each sensor is positioned relative to a corresponding reserve position and configured to sense the presence or absence of a sheet product roll in the corresponding reserve position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a dispense portion configured to hold a sheet product roll in a dispensing position that enables a user to obtain a dispense from the sheet product roll in the dispensing position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device, wherein the sensor data is indicative of a number of sheet product rolls stored on the sheet product dispenser. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided.
In yet another example embodiment, a spindle for enabling dispensing of a sheet product roll is provided. The spindle comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion is sized and configured to be received in a telescoping manner by the first body portion to enable the spindle to extend and compress between a fully extended state and a fully compressed state. The spindle further includes at least one installation protrusion configured to mate with a spindle holder to enable installation of the spindle in the spindle holder such that the spindle defines an installed state, wherein the spindle is configured to define different widths in the installed state. The spindle further includes a first spring configured to bias the first body portion to extend away from the second body portion so as to bias the spindle to the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of when the spindle is in an installed state or when the spindle is in the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a second spring attached to the sensor and configured to bias the sensor toward a fully extended sensor position. The sensor is movable within at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion such that the sensor is configured to sense when the spindle is in the installed state over a range of widths of the spindle. The sensor is not configured to sense that the spindle is in the installed state when the spindle is in the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided.
In yet another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a stand portion configured to fit within an installed sheet product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a base portion extending radially outward from the stand portion. The base portion is configured to support the stand portion such that the stand portion extends vertically from the base portion. The base portion comprises a sensor configured to sense the installed sheet product roll. The sheet product further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device, wherein the sensor data indicates presence or absence of the installed sheet product roll. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
As used herein, the term “consumable” or “consumable product” may be any type of product that is capable of being used up/depleted and replaced. Some example consumable products contemplated herein include sheet product, such as tissue paper rolls and paper towel rolls, napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, such as dog food or cereal, fluid product, such as soap or air freshener, among other things.
As used herein, the term “sheet product” may include a product that is relatively thin in comparison to its length and width. Further, the sheet product may define a relatively flat, planar configuration. In some embodiments, the sheet product is flexible or bendable to permit, for example, folding, rolling, stacking, or the like. In this regard, sheet product may, in some cases, be formed into stacks or rolls for use with various embodiments described herein. Some example sheet products include towel, bath tissue, facial tissue, napkin, wipe, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, or other sheet-like products. Sheet products may be made from paper, cloth, non-woven, metallic, polymer or other materials, and in some cases may include multiple layers or plies. In some embodiments, the sheet product (such as in roll or stacked form) may be a continuous sheet that is severable or separable into individual sheets using, for example, a tear bar or cutting blade. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet product may include predefined areas of weakness, such as lines of perforations, that define individual sheets and facilitate separation and/or tearing. In some such embodiments, the lines of perforations may extend along the width of the sheet product to define individual sheets that can be torn off by a user.
As used herein, a “user” may be a maintainer (e.g., an orderer, a maintenance person or inventory/device manager, etc.) or a consumer (e.g., a person receiving the consumable product).
Consumers today are faced with endless tasks to upkeep their home and current solutions are not meeting their needs. Keeping accurate inventory of household consumable products, such as sheet product like tissue paper and paper towel, may be a major pain point because the consumable product is constantly in need of restocking and it can be a pain to obtain the consumable product from the store. Many consumers have turned to subscription models for their consumable products but have been let down because they are now subject to over/under stocking and price/product changes (or even a skipped delivery) without adequate warning or control.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide automatic tracking of inventory (e.g., consumable product) and re-ordering (such as automatically re-ordering or by notifying the user in some capacity) in an environment, such as a household. Notably, while some example embodiments are described herein with respect to a household environment, any sort of environment is contemplated, such as an office building, office space, commercial space, multiple homes, etc. In this regard, maintaining track of item inventory within an environment can be difficult or timing consuming. Thus, example tracking and re-order systems provided herein utilize various devices and sensors with remote logic to provide automatic tracking and re-order functionality for households.
In this regard, various devices (e.g., manual dispensers, automated dispensers, holders, bulk storage devices, spindles, storage devices, etc.) may be provided with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more characteristics regarding a consumable product. For example, some example systems provide a suite of devices that can be purchased and utilized with the example systems to provide for automatic tracking and re-order functionality.
In some embodiments, the system 11, 11′ is configured to receive sensor data from various devices within the household environment 10. For example, the system 11, 11′ may be utilized with one or more tracking devices that are configured to track usage of one or more types of consumable products (and may include providing tracking and/or re-order functionality for multiple different consumable products at the same time in the same household environment). As an example,
The system 11, 11′ may be configured to receive sensor data from the various tracking devices and, such as through various logic, determine the overall inventory of the household environment (which may or may not include consumable product stored separately from the one or more devices). For example, the system 11, 11′ may take into account an original inventory (e.g., set by the user and/or determined over time) and sensor data from two or more devices. That information can be sent to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub 18 within the household environment 10 (shown in
In some embodiments, the system 11, 11′ may be configured to determine that it is time to initiate re-order functionality in various manners. Various example logic/algorithms for use in determining when to initiate re-order functionality are described herein. For example, the system may determine that it is time to initiate re-order functionality in response to determining that an inventory count for the household environment 10 has reached and/or passed a certain re-order threshold. In some embodiments, the re-order threshold may be based on a user preference. In some embodiments, the re-order threshold may be based on one or more factors, such as available re-order options, estimated delivery time, user preferences, user order history, a certain amount of time passing, etc.
As detailed herein, various functionality may be performed according to the systems 11, 11′ via one or more of the tracking devices, smart hub 18, remote device 20, and/or mobile device 15.
The controller 140 may be any means configured to execute various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory device such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the controller 140 as described herein
The controller 140 may comprise one or more suitable electronic device(s)/server(s) capable of executing described functionality via hardware and/or software control. In some embodiments, the controller 140 may include one or more user interfaces (not shown), such as for displaying information and/or accepting instructions. The controller 140 can be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, microcomputer, a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, a complex instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analog computer, a digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer, a cellular computer, a solid-state computer, a single-board computer, a buffered computer, a computer network, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a hybrid of any of the foregoing.
The controller 140 may include one or more processors coupled to a memory device (e.g., memory 144). Controller 140 may optionally be connected to one or more input/output (I/O) controllers or data interface devices (not shown). The memory 144 may be any suitable form of memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) chip, a flash memory chip, a disk drive, or the like. As such, the memory 144 may store various data, protocols, instructions, computer program code, operational parameters, etc. In this regard, controller may include operation control methods embodied in application code. These methods are embodied in computer instructions written to be executed by one or more processors, typically in the form of software. The software can be encoded in any suitable language, including, but not limited to, machine language, assembly language, VHDL (Verilog Hardware Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC Hardware Description Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++, Visual C++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and any combination or derivative of at least one of the foregoing. Additionally, an operator can use an existing software application such as a spreadsheet or database and correlate various cells with the variables enumerated in the algorithms. Furthermore, the software can be independent of other software or dependent upon other software, such as in the form of integrated software. In this regard, in some embodiments, the controller 140 may be configured to execute computer program code instructions to perform aspects of various embodiments of the present invention described herein.
The memory 144 may be configured to store instructions, computer program code, sensor data, inventory data, subscription data, online order data, and other data/information associated with the system 11, 11′ in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by the controller 140.
The communication interface 146 may be configured to enable connection to external systems (e.g., an external network, one or more tracking devices, mobile device(s), a computer server, the controller(s), and/or one or more other system(s)/device(s)). In some embodiments, the communication interface 146 may comprise one or more transmitters configured to transmit, for example, one or more signals according to example embodiments described herein. Likewise, the communication interface 146 may include at least one receiver configured to, for example, receive data according to example embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver may be combined as a transceiver. In this regard, the food request system may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication. In some embodiments, the communication interface 146 may comprise wireless capabilities for WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols.
The user interface 148 may be configured to receive input from a user and/or provide output to a user. The user interface 148 may include, for example, a display, a keyboard, keypad, function keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touch screen, or any other mechanism by which a user may interface with the system. Although the user interface 148 is shown as being directly connected to the controller 140 and within the device 120, the user interface 148 could alternatively be remote from the controller 140 and/or device 120. Likewise, in some embodiments, other components of the device 120 could be remotely located.
The one or more sensors 150 may be any type of sensor configured to enable detection of one or more characteristics of consumable product in relation to one or more tracking devices, such as described herein. In some embodiments, multiple sensors and different types of sensors may be utilized in the same tracking device. Some example sensors include, for example, time-of-flight sensors, infrared sensors, optical sensors, weight-based sensors, capacitance sensors, mechanical switch type sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, laser-based sensors, cameras, among many others. In this regard, various sensor(s) described herein may be configured with appropriate hardware to enable the corresponding desired sensing. For example, the sensor may comprise one or more transmitters and one or more receivers such as for transmitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal accordingly (e.g., for a time-of-flight sensor (which may also include a time component), infrared sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensor may include a receiver for receiving/detecting an intensity of a received signal, such as for an optical sensor or infrared sensor.
In some embodiments, other features may be provided, such as a “push to reorder” button. For example, the device may include a button (or other user input) thereon that enables a user to simply provide the appropriate user input, which will send a signal to a remote device to cause initiation of a re-order for the correlated consumable product.
As described herein, various example devices of the system monitor consumable product usage (e.g., tissue or towel roll replacement, amount of product used, etc.). Then, based on various user preferences in a software application, the system may be configured to determine when to initiate re-order functionality. Finally, the re-order occurs and delivery is scheduled and achieved. Example logic/algorithms and re-order functionality are described in greater detail herein.
In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a household member in charge of ordering replacement inventory) may utilize a software application (e.g., stored on their mobile device) to provide preferences and/or settings for facilitating tracking and ordering of the replacement inventory. In this regard, a user may indicate various preferences, such as the type/amount of consumable product (e.g., the type/amount of tissue paper roll and/or paper towel roll), preferred ordering method(s) (e.g., shipping details, a preferred ordering website, shipping address, billing specifics, etc.), pricing preferences and/or guidelines, a preferred amount of consumable product (e.g., number of replacement rolls) to have on hand, the user's WiFi code and password for the device(s) to use, what the standard re-order is (e.g., brand, amount (4-pack, 12-pack, etc.)), when to re-order or trigger a notification to re-order (e.g., when only 1 reserve tissue or towel roll remains), among other things.
In some embodiments, a user may select the type of notification and/or automatic re-order functionality that is preferred, which may depend on the type of inventory being tracked (e.g., different re-order functionality may be selected for different consumable products being tracked). For example, upon determining that replacement consumable product is needed, the user may receive a notification of such without any other prompting (e.g., a manual re-order function). Alternatively, a user may receive a notification with a link and/or option to select and initiate an order for replacement consumable product (e.g., a semi-automated re-order function). Further, in some cases, the system may just automatically initiate the re-order with or without notify the user (e.g., an automated re-order function). Further detail regarding example re-order functionality is described in greater detail herein.
In some embodiments, other types of notifications are also contemplated, such as notifying the user any time replacement of a consumable product occurs, such as when a tissue or towel roll is changed and/or used. In some embodiments, the user may be given an option as to whether to decrement an overall inventory, so as to help maintain an accurate overall inventory count (e.g., the triggered event may not be an event that should result in decrementing the overall inventory, such as the user just removing and reinstalling the same tissue or towel roll). Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate any type of notification to a user, such as a text message, instant message within the software application, email, call, stored message, audible alert, visual indication, etc., which may occur on the device or a remote device (e.g., the user's mobile device, a smart hub in the household, other computing device, etc.). Some additional notifications are detailed herein, such as with respect to the example software application.
Contemplated example systems may provide various beneficial functions/features. For example, the various tracking devices may be tested and provide reliable technology to help ensure accurate and seamless use; the software application (such as described further herein) may enable entry of customized user preferences; a user can lock in their price and duration for the re-ordered product; a user can select which retailer to use for the re-ordering; and the system can automatically search through a listing of pre-approved retailers for a best price to ensure that the lowest cost option is utilized with the re-order.
In some embodiments, the system may be configured to operate according to various re-order functionality. For example, once a re-order trigger occurs (e.g., there is only a certain amount of consumable product (e.g., inventory) remaining), re-order functionality may occur according to one of the following preferences:
Manual: At the re-order trigger, a user may receive a notification (e.g. text, email, application push notifications, etc.) that they should purchase the replacement product by initiating a re-order. The user is then responsible to fulfill the order however they wish to.
Semi-Automatic: At the re-order trigger, a user may receive a notification to initiate, confirm, or cancel a pre-set re-order to purchase the replacement product. If they confirm the re-order, the system will generate an order for their preferred product to be delivered to their preferred address.
Automatic: At the re-order trigger, the system may automatically generate an order for the preferred product to be delivered to the user's preferred address, with no interaction required of the user. A notification may or may not occur. If a notification does occur, it may occur after the order is placed.
Notably, there are many different factors for the logic/algorithms that could be used to cause a re-order trigger. The following provides some example logic/algorithm factors for tissue paper and paper towel roll replacement.
Example Reorder Logic 1, Household Consumable Product Remaining: User chooses a specific level of consumable product remaining for their combined household. For example, a user has 3 tissue stands, capable of tracking up to 12 tissue rolls combined. They can configure a combined household level of between 0-11 rolls remaining to trigger the reorder. The individual devices report their corresponding number of rolls, and the system counts those rolls to determine when to trigger re-order functionality.
Example Reorder Logic 2, Device Consumable Product Remaining: User chooses a specific level of consumable product remaining for each device in their household. For example, each device could be configured for between 0-3 rolls remaining to trigger the reorder. The delivery could then be associated with a specific device, or bathroom, in the household. The device itself could issue the reorder trigger because it needs no knowledge of other devices in the household.
Example Reorder Logic 3, Space Remaining: Rather than tracking consumable product remaining, the number of empty slots available for storage (e.g., in a storage device) is tracked. When there are enough storage slots to accommodate a preferred reorder, the reorder is triggered. For example, a household has 4 tissue stands (16 available slots), and has configured a 12 pack of rolls as their preferred reorder. When there are 12 empty slots available on the combined 4 tissue stands, the order is triggered. An alternative is that the order could be triggered at a threshold slightly below the reorder size. For the example above, since the user has 4 tissue stands and each tissue stand also has a roll in use that is not being tracked, the roll in use could also be considered a storage slot (e.g., 16 tracked slots, and 4 “roll in use” untracked slots for 20 storage slots total). So the system could trigger the reorder of a 12 pack when there are between 8-12 or more slots available with the assumption that some of the rolls in use will need to be replaced when the order arrives.
Example Reorder Logic 4, Inventory Management: In this logic example, a household inventory is managed. The user would establish the current household inventory, and the threshold of that inventory that would trigger a reorder (and/or base the trigger on preferred product, i.e. I prefer 12 packs of tissue rolls, and keep my household inventory between 8 and 32 rolls, so at 7 rolls remaining inventory, an order of 2, 12 packs occurs). The device would then track consumption of the inventory to decrement it, and the system would trigger the reorder, and increment the household inventory based on the reorder quantity. There could also be a means for the user to adjust their household inventory themselves (such as via a software application, such as described herein).
Example Reorder Logic 5, Predictive Reorder: For this logic example, the system may be configured to predict when to generate a reorder based on monitoring consumption and reorder trends over time for a particular user. Machine learning algorithms can be used where a user can be in manual or semi-auto mode for a training period and the system then switches them to fully automated based on learning the specifics of when a user confirms or cancels an order notification during the training period. This system could adapt over time to refine the accuracy of keeping the users inventory at optimum level by adjusting the reorder frequency to minimize manual requests for product reorder (e.g., user detected their inventory is too low) and to also minimize auto reorders from being cancelled by the user (e.g., user detected that a reorder would make their inventory too high).
Example Reorder Logic 6, Consumption Based: For this logic example, the system tracks consumption of the consumable products, and indicates to the remote device when a quantity of product is consumed. The remote device can then reorder product based on a set level of consumption. The user may have the option of choosing an arbitrary reorder level (e.g. reorder every X consumable product consumed), or the system may choose an arbitrary reorder level based on the product specified for reorder (e.g. if a user chooses a 12 pack of consumable product as their preferred reorder, the system could generate a reorder when it sees consumption of 9 consumable products, giving a buffer of three consumable products remaining). These two logic flows could also be combined where the user chooses the “product remaining” value (e.g. Reorder quantity is 12 consumable products, user chooses “2 Product Remaining” so that the remote device will reorder after 12−2=10 consumable product consumed).
Example Reorder Logic 7, Always Have a Spare: For this logic example, the consumable products may be sold in bundles of discrete refills where there would be at least 2 refills in what is reordered, and the tracking and reorder system may know the number of refills in the reorder. For example, a device that is a liquid soap dispenser that is refilled with a new bottle of liquid soap by the user when the bottle in use becomes empty may have sensors to detect when the user changes the bottle. In addition, the refill for such a device may be a 2 bottle pack. The device itself could come with a refill pack so that a known starting inventory of 2 can be assumed by the device. The reorder trigger may then ensure the user always has a spare bottle on hand to change out when the current bottle becomes empty, or said another way the trigger may occur when the last remaining spare is placed into the device. So for this example, the user places one of the 2 starting bottles in the device and begins using it. When the device detects that the user swaps to the 2nd bottle, it may trigger a reorder. Since it knows that the refill pack has two bottles, the subsequent reorder trigger may wait for 2 bottle changes to occur and then reorder the next 2-pack refill, and so on. The logic example could be extended to refill packs that have more than two by using, for example, the general rule: Trigger reorder after RefillSize−1 consumption events for the first refill order, and then after every RefillSize consumption events thereafter. This logic example may be useful for types of products that have a low consumption rate (e.g., the user is not likely to consume their last spare before the reorder arrives) and where a spare refill pack is small and easily stored with or near the device. In some embodiments of the logic example, the tracking and reorder system may be configured to enable device specific tracking as opposed to tracking household inventory, such that each device may trigger reorder functionality.
Various example tracking and reorder system described herein may provide further features/functionality.
In some embodiments, when a user has multiple tracking devices for the same consumable product type, the system may be configured to inform the user how to distribute the received consumable product their multiple tracking devices. This can be done based on each tracking device's available capacity and/or based on consumption history. The basis of such example logic may be to help a user distribute the consumable product in their house when they receive a new product order, so they don't have the burden of redistributing it later if they put more or less than needed at a single location. For example, a user has 3 tissue stands in their household. Tissue Stand 1 has 3 open slots, Tissue Stand 2 has 2 open slots, and Tissue Stand 3 has 1 open slot. Based on historical data for this user, the system may determine that on average each tissue stand will consume the following amounts before it is time to kick off the next reorder: Tissue Stand 1: 2 rolls, Tissue Stand 2: 4 rolls, and Tissue Stand 3: 6 rolls. Upon receiving their 12 pack of tissue when in this state, the algorithm could tell the user to distribute these rolls to ensure each stand will not run out prior to the next reorder as follows: Tissue 1 gets 3 new rolls since it has space for them. Tissue 2 gets 2 rolls to fill the device, and user is told to put an additional roll in that bathroom as a spare. Tissue 3 gets 1 new roll to fill it, and user is told to put at least 3 additional rolls in that room as spares. The user then can distribute the remaining 2 rolls as they see fit. In such a regard, in some embodiments, the logic example helps prevent running out of consumable product on an individual tracking device between replenishment cycles, thus avoiding the need for the user to redistribute their spare product in their household.
In some embodiments, the system may be configured to aggregate products that are being tracked. In this regard, a user may have multiple tracking devices monitoring and replenishing consumable products in their household environment or business. In this case, the user may wish to aggregate product re-ordering, for example to reduce shipping costs or various inconveniences associated with multiple orders. In such an example embodiment, the system may be configured to aggregate all two or more auto-replenishment orders and release the orders according to logic. In an example embodiment, the logic may be specified by the user. For example, the user may specify critical consumable product for which the order should be fulfilled immediately, and the user may specify non-critical consumable product for which the order may be delayed. For example, the user may specify that tissue paper is a critical consumable product that must be fulfilled immediately upon the order trigger, whereas paper towels and napkins are non-critical consumable products that should wait to be fulfilled the next time a critical consumable product is ordered. In another example embodiment, the user may specify that the non-critical consumable product should be fulfilled after a maximum elapsed time (e.g., 3 days) if no critical consumable products have been ordered during that time. In another example embodiment, the system may automatically or have pre-set one or more of these parameters, such as elevating a consumable product to critical status, aggregating and fulfilling orders before the maximum elapsed time, etc.
In some embodiments, the system may be configured to integrate the tracked consumable product orders with orders for non-tracked products. In this regard, as an example, a user may wish to have additional product replenished in the same order as products that are monitored by tracking device(s) and automatically replenished, for example to reduce shipping costs or various inconveniences associated with multiple orders. In an example embodiment, the system may allow the user to include additional items in the next order. For example, a user might wish to purchase a toaster or a pair of shoes. The system may be configured to allow that user to select those items (e.g., a toaster and a pair of shoes) and place them into a virtual shopping cart so that those items will be purchased and fulfilled for the user the next time the auto-replenished consumable products are ordered.
Some embodiments of the present invention contemplate many different types of tracking devices, such as dispensers, spindles, holders, and storage devices (among other devices) that can be used with example systems to perform the inventory tracking. Such devices may include various sensors for tracking usage of the household consumable products (e.g., paper towel rolls, tissue paper rolls, napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, soap, air freshener, batteries, other “wear” materials, etc.) as well as wireless and/or wired communication interfaces that enable transmitting the sensed data to a remote computing device for use in the system. In this regard, various types of devices are contemplated for use with various embodiments described herein.
Notably, in some embodiments, any such tracking devices may be paired to a software application, such as for a mobile device. The tracking devices may communicate with each other, the mobile device, a smart hub for the household, and/or to a remote device (e.g., cloud server) such as described with respect to
Example tissue paper storage devices/dispensers (e.g., stands, bins, baskets, etc.) may include one or more sensors that are configured to determine how many rolls are stored therein and/or when a roll is removed (such as for replacement/usage). Although the following is described in conjunction with tissue rolls, some embodiments contemplate the same or similar features/functions with respect to other sheet product rolls (such as paper towel rolls, napkin rolls, etc.).
The example of
The stand portion 234 may include multiple sensors (e.g., sensors 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d—as shown in
In some embodiments, the sensors 250 may be configured as any type of sensor, such as an optical or time-of-flight sensor to sense whether a reserve roll is present. Additionally, however, other ways of monitoring the amount of replacement rolls in the dispenser are also contemplated. For example, the base portion 236 may include a weight sensor that senses the weight applied to the base portion, where more weight may indicate that more rolls are stored thereon.
In some embodiments, a user may be able to slide a reserve tissue roll from its reserve position on the stand portion 234 into the dispensing position on the dispense portion 232. For example, the dispense portion 232 may be configured to rotate or otherwise move/change positions between a dispensing orientation (shown in
In some embodiments, a wake-up sensor 266 may be used to trigger powering on of the sensors, transmission of information, and/or re-order checking functionality. To explain, in some cases, if the logic for determining whether to re-order replacement rolls is always functioning, that could be a significant power drain on the batteries. Thus, in some embodiments, a wake-up sensor 266 may be positioned in the dispenser 230 to cause the device to wake-up and check if re-order functionality is needed. Thus, the power drain would be reduced. An example wake-up sensor includes a light sensor (e.g., for sensing when the bathroom lights turn on). Another example wake-up sensor 266 may be positioned to determine when rotation of the dispense portion 232 occurs, such that the sensors are only checked when a reserve roll is theoretically moved to the dispensing position.
In some example embodiments, wake-up functionality can be initiated, such as on-demand or at various set points (e.g., during the commissioning process (described more herein)). For example, when a tracking device is first commissioned for use with the tracking and reorder system, instructions could be sent to the tracking device to check the amount of product stored thereon. In some embodiments, the frequency of product checking (e.g., utilizing wake-up functionality) may be increased, as users are more interested in confirming that the tracking device is operating properly during the commissioning process. In some embodiments, a wake-up instruction could be sent when it is determined that the user is utilizing the software application (described in more detail herein) and proximate the tracking device. In some embodiments, the tracking device may connect directly (e.g., wirelessly) to the user device to provide an update to the software application for the amount of product stored therein (e.g., instead of providing the data through an external network—which may delay such reporting to the user).
As shown in
Notably, with reference to
In some embodiments, the sensors 250, 250′ may be configured to point in a direction that provides less opportunity for a false reading. For example, with reference to
In another example embodiment, the stand portion may include a time-of-flight sensor aimed toward the dispense portion such that the time-of-flight sensor is configured to measure a time-of-flight of a signal emitted toward an outer circumference of an installed tissue roll in the dispensing position. The amount of time between emission of the signal and receipt of a reflected signal corresponding to the emitted signal correlates to an amount of tissue paper remaining on the installed tissue roll.
In some embodiments, the storage device may be sized to enclose a stand portion and stored replacement tissue rolls stored thereon—e.g., providing a cover for the stand portion. Along similar lines, in some embodiments, a dispenser 230, 230′ may include a cover or a portion of a cover for protecting tissue rolls stored on the stand portion 234, 234′. In some embodiments, a top portion of the cover (e.g., the top 213) may open to enable one or more tissue rolls to be removed.
In some embodiments, the storage device 210 may be adapted, and instead of extending vertically, can extend horizontally (e.g., with adjacent tissue rolls being lined up next to each other instead of being stacked on top of each other). In such an embodiment, the storage device may include one or more mounting features that enable it to be mounted, such as over the back of a toilet.
With reference to
The spindle 340 is configured to fit within conventional tissue spindle holders, such as are likely positioned near a toilet in a bathroom of a household. For example, the spindle 340 may include installation protrusions 341a, 341b on each side that extend outwardly in a longitudinal direction. The installation protrusions 341a, 341b may be designed to fit within corresponding installation holes of tissue spindle holders. Further, the spindle 340 may include a main body spring 342 and two telescoping body portions (e.g., main body portion 347 and sensor body portion 349) that enable the spindle 340 to be retracted (e.g., compressed) and extended along a longitudinal axis of the spindle. In such a manner, a user may compress the spindle 340 to enable insertion of the installation protrusions 341a, 341b into the corresponding installation holes of the tissue spindle holder. The bias of the main body spring 342 of the spindle 340 may be configured such that the spindle is biased to a fully extended state (
In the illustrated embodiment of
The sensor 350 may be any type of sensor configured to sense entrance of the spindle into the fully extended state and/or into an installed state. For example, a magnetic switch sensor (e.g., a reed switch) may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a first sensor part 350a is positioned within the sensor body portion and is biased via a sensor spring 348 toward the fully extended state (e.g., the first sensor part 350a is biased to a fully extended sensor position). A second sensor part (e.g., contained within the electronics shuttle 346) may be positioned within the main body portion 347 and may be attached (such as via the electronics shuttle) to an end of the main body portion 347 opposite the sensor body portion 349. In some embodiments, the electronics shuttle 346 may be configured with a diameter and/or width (if non-cylindrical) that is less than the internal width of the sensor body portion 347 such that at least a portion of the electronics shuttle 346 may fit within the sensor body portion when the spindle 340 is compressed (such as in the fully compressed state shown in
When the first sensor part 350a is within a certain distance of the second sensor part, the sensor 350 may enter a closed state indicating that the spindle 340 is in an installed state. Examples of this are shown in
In some embodiments, the spindle 340 may include one or more communication interfaces configured to transmit data (e.g., sensor data) to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub, the user's mobile device (such as through the software application), a remote server, etc.). In some embodiments, the communication interface may comprise a transmitter and/or receiver to enable transmission of the data. In some embodiments, the communication interface may utilize Z-Wave or Zigbee communication protocol for the data transmission (or other communication protocol or options, such as cellular, etc.). In some embodiments, the communication interface may be housed within the electronics shuttle.
In some embodiments, a battery (e.g., power source) and/or other electronics (e.g., a processor) may be stored within the electronics shuttle 346 along with the communication interface and/or second part of the sensor. In some embodiments, the spindle may be configured with some wake-up functionality that limits when the spindle communicates the data. For example, the spindle may only transmit data once the sensor senses an event.
Notably, however, the installed state may occur over a wide variation of widths of tissue spindle holders, as some embodiments are designed to work with many different bathroom tissue spindle holders—which may come in varying widths. To explain, the illustrated embodiment is configured to provide the automatic tracking and re-order functionality with tissue spindle holders that have a wide variation in widths, to include widths varying from a first distance corresponding to the spindle's fully compressed state (shown in
In some cases, a user may want to install an oversized tissue roll into a recess-mounted tissue holder in a wall. Unfortunately, the recess-mounted tissue holder may be designed to only hold a smaller-sized tissue roll. In order to enable oversized tissue rolls to be installed in such recess-mounted tissue holders, some tissue spindles may be formed with installation protrusions that are offset from a center axis of the spindle. Notably, some spindles and offset installation protrusions still together define a circumferential footprint that allows insertion in and through a central opening of the tissue roll (e.g., installation of the tissue roll onto the spindle) before installing the spindle and installed tissue roll into the tissue holder. However, due to the need for electronics being contained in the spindle, such a spindle and offset installation protrusions would together form too large a circumferential footprint to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll (e.g., consider the circumferential footprint FC2 in
For example,
In some embodiments, automated and manual paper towel dispensers may include one or more sensors that are configured to sense when a paper towel roll is replaced and/or how much paper towel is dispensed. Although the following describes the holders and dispensers in conjunction with paper towel rolls, some embodiments contemplate the same or similar features/functions with respect to other sheet product rolls (such as tissue rolls, napkin rolls, etc.).
The paper towel holder 470 may include a hole 477 extending through the base portion 474 and the installation portion 472. The hole 477 may be configured to removably receive a stand portion 452 of a paper towel roll dispenser 450 therethrough (e.g., shown in
In some embodiments, the base portion 474 defines a bottom surface that is configured to enable an installed paper towel roll 405 to be supported on a surface by the base portion 474 in a vertical orientation without any portion of the installed paper towel roll needing to touch the surface (e.g., the ground, the counter surface, etc.). In this regard, the paper towel holder 470 may include a friction surface 479, such as a rubber surface, that may help maintain the position of the holder 470 when it is placed on the surface. In such a regard, the paper towel holder 470 may enable hygienic use (e.g., avoid the installed paper towel roll from contacting the surface).
In some embodiments the paper towel holder 470 may include a magnet 476 that may be used for positioning of the paper towel holder 470. For example, the paper towel holder 470 could be stuck against a corresponding magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator.
In some embodiments, a “collar” or similar device may be utilized with other types of products (e.g., toilet tissue, aluminum foil, tape, plastic wrap, gift wrap, etc.). In this regard, the “collar” may be designed to be held by such other products and may, in some embodiments, be configured to work with corresponding dispensers for such products (e.g., similar to as described with respect to paper towel dispensers below).
In some embodiments, the paper towel holder 470 may be configured to interact with and/or form a part of a paper towel dispenser 450, such as illustrated in
The base portion 454 includes at least one sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of the installed paper towel roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the paper towel dispenser 450 includes two sensors 490, 492. Each sensor 490, 492 is oriented vertically toward the side of the installed paper towel roll to detect the presence or absence of paper towel. Notably, the first sensor 490 (“S1”) positioned a first radial distance from the stand portion 452 such that the first sensor 490 is configured to detect the presence or absence of paper towel at the first radial distance (e.g., when the amount of paper towel on the installed paper towel roll is greater than or equal to an amount corresponding to a radius of a paper towel roll that extends to the sensor 490). The second sensor 492 (“S2”) is also oriented vertically toward the side of the installed paper towel roll and is positioned a second radial distance from the stand portion 452 such that the second sensor 492 is configured to detect the presence or absence of paper towel at the second radial distance, wherein the first radial distance is different (e.g., shorter) than the second radial distance. In this regard, the second sensor 492 may detect the paper towel on the installed paper towel roll when the amount is greater than or equal to an amount corresponding to a radius of the roll that extends to the sensor 492.
In some embodiments, by utilizing the difference in distance between the sensors from the stand portion 452, a controller can determine different threshold amounts off paper towel on an installed roll. For example, when both sensors 490, 492 indicate that paper towel is present, then the amount of paper towel is known to be at least an amount equivalent to an amount corresponding to the paper towel roll having a radius extending to the second sensor 492, which may for example correspond to 50% of the original amount of paper towel (although other percentages are contemplated). However, when only the first sensor 490 indicates that paper towel is present (and the second sensor 492 indicates that paper towel is not present), then the controller may determine that there is a different amount of paper towel on the roll—such as may be equal to an amount corresponding to when a roll has a radius equal to the distance to the first sensor 490—such as may correspond to 15% of the original amount of paper towel (although other percentages are contemplated). Such information (e.g., sensor data) can be communicated to a remote device, such as through a communication interface. Thereafter, the sensor data can be utilized by the tracking and re-order system accordingly, such as to decrement inventory and/or notify a user (e.g., send a notification that a replacement paper towel roll is (or will be) needed).
In the illustrated embodiment, the paper towel dispenser 450 also includes a paper towel holder 470′. The paper towel holder 470′ may include the same or similar features/components as the paper towel holder 470 described with respect to
In some embodiments, utilizing the data of the holder position sensor may enable determining whether or not the paper towel holder is “lost or missing”. In such an example, the sensors 490, 492 may indicate that paper towel is present, but the holder position sensor may indicate that the paper towel holder 470′ is not present.
The following TABLE 1 provides some example determinations that can be made based on sensor data received from the various sensors of the paper towel dispenser 450.
In some embodiments, the paper towel holder 470 may comprise one or more non-continuous magnets that wrap around a portion of the circumference of the paper towel holder 470 (such as the base portion 474). Multiple magnets may be separated by spaces. A magnet sensor may be positioned on the base portion 454 of the paper towel dispenser 450 and configured to sense the one or more non-continuous magnets as the paper towel roll 405 rotates to measure the rotation of the paper towel roll 405 as it is consumed. A two magnetic sensor approach can also be used to measure rotational direction. Further, in some embodiments, the speed of rotation of the magnet(s) may also help detect whether the paper towel roll 405 is large (few rotations within a time period) or small (many rotations within the time period).
In some embodiments, the two optical sensors can be spaced (such as instead of 2 magnetic sensors) so they are out of phase. For this optical encoder approach, the paper towel holder 470 could have holes spaced around the circumference that can block the light or let light through (e.g., similar to a slotted disk).
The radius from the stand portion 452′ that the first sensor 490′ (“S1”) and the second sensor 492′ (“S2”) are placed at, rs1 and rs2, may be important for the optimal operation of the device in order to detect the operating states noted in TABLE 2. For example, a single sensor, S1, could be used to save cost, but then there may be corner cases that arrive, such as when a roll is close to the same radius that the S1 sensor is at, and because the stand portion 452′ is smaller than the core 408 of the roll 405, the position of the roll 405 around the stand portion 452′ can vary. This could cause the same roll to block S1 (such that S1 registers paper towel) or not block S1 (such that S1 registers no paper towel) depending on the position of the core 408 around the stand portion 452′. In this regard, the roll can shift by: rollShift=dcore−dpole, as shown in
By going to a second sensor, S2, at a different radius than S1, the system now has hysteresis to account for this shift. By making rS2>rS1 by more than rollShift, you can guarantee that a roll won't cover both S1 and S2 just due to the roll placement around the stand portion 452′. Note that although
In some embodiments, the first sensor 490′ and second sensor 492′ may be positioned along different directions extending radially outward from the stand portion 452′. For example, in order to account for a shifting position of the core 408 of the installed roll 405 around the stand portion 452′, the first direction (for the first sensor 490′) may be angularly separated from the second direction (for the second sensor 492′) such as by an angle of 45 degrees or greater (although any angle is contemplated). In this regard, when the sensors 490′, 492′ are not aligned, the difference between the sensors may account for the shifting of the roll such as to enable a more accurate estimation of the remaining amount of paper towel on the roll.
In some embodiments, a time-of-flight sensor may be used. In some such embodiments, the time-of-flight sensor may be positioned in the base and angled upwardly and toward the installed paper towel roll to enable fuel gauging. For example,
In some embodiments, this sort of fuel gauging may be useful for determining if a user has simply removed and replaced the same paper towel roll—which could otherwise falsely effect the overall household inventory. For example, if a removal event occurs, then the time-of-flight sensor could be used to see if a less than a full paper towel roll was put back (it could also be less than the previous reading). If however, too big of a fuel gauge difference occurs or more paper towel is on the “new” paper towel roll, then the system may determine that a paper towel roll was indeed replaced.
In some embodiments, a napkin holder is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. Notably, while the napkin holder described herein is described with respect to napkins, other sheet product or stackable consumable products (e.g., non-sheet product) may be tracked using the same or similar features for a consumable products holder.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the sensor 590 may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals 591a, 592a so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal 591a and receiving the return signal 592a is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of napkins 505a is present in the receptacle portion 552. However, if an insufficient level of napkins 505b is present in the receptacle portion 552 (such as shown in
In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be oriented differently within the napkin holder 550. For example, a sensor may be positioned at an angle (e.g., at least partially downwardly) toward the supply of napkins 505. In such example embodiments, by utilizing a time-of-flight sensor, the amount of time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal to receiving the return signal can be used, such as by a controller, to determine/estimate the amount of napkins within the receptacle portion 552.
In some embodiments, the napkin holder 550 may use a weight-based sensor, such as positioned in the base portion 554 to measure an amount of napkins in the receptacle portion 552 (e.g., based on the sensed weight). In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors can be oriented to measure down to the top surface of the supply of napkins to determine the amount of napkins in the receptacle portion 552. In some embodiments, a mechanical arm or lever can sit on top of the supply of napkins, and the change of angle can be used to measure the consumption and/or current amount of napkins in the receptacle portion 552. In some embodiments, a conductive plate can be used to hold down the supply of napkins, and an inductive or magnetic sensor can be positioned within the napkin holder 550 and used to monitor the level of the supply of napkins accordingly. In some embodiments, the napkins may be stacked horizontally, and a linear potentiometer is pushed against the last of the supply (such as via a spring bias)—and the linear potentiometer may indicate the amount of napkins remaining.
In some embodiments, a paper plate holder is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. Notably, while the paper plate holder described herein is described with respect to paper plates, non-paper plates (e.g., Styrofoam, plastic, etc.) or stackable consumable products (e.g., non-plates) may be tracked using the same or similar features.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the sensor 690 may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals 691a, 692a so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal 691a and receiving the return signal 692a is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of paper plates 605a is present in the receptacle portion 652. However, if an insufficient level of paper plates 605b is present in the receptacle portion 652 (such as shown in
In some embodiments, the paper plate holder 650 may be configured to adjust the size of the receptacle portion 652 so as to receive a supply of differently sized plates. For example, with reference to
With reference to
In some embodiments, the button 665 may be biased (e.g., via a spring) to the position shown in
In some embodiments, a bulk storage product holder (e.g., for bulk storage product, such as pet food, cereal, candy, flour, batteries, coffee, nails, etc.) is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the sensor 790 may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals 791a, 792a so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal 791a and receiving the return signal 792a is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of bulk storage product 705a is present in the receptacle portion 752. However, if an insufficient level of bulk storage product 705b is present in the receptacle portion 752 (such as shown in
In some embodiments, such as utilizing a time-of-flight sensor, the amount of time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal 791b to receiving the return signal 792b can be used, such as by a controller, to determine/estimate the amount of bulk storage product 705b within the receptacle portion 752. In this regard, since the bulk storage product may be loose within the receptacle portion 752, the level of the bulk storage product may not be uniform, such as having a top that is higher in the back 797b of the receptacle portion 752 than the front 797a. Thus, the amount of time that has elapsed between transmission of signal 791b and receipt of return signal 792b may correlate to the amount of bulk storage product within the receptacle portion 752. In this regard, a formula and/or look-up table could be prepared that provides an estimate as to the amount of bulk storage product within the receptacle portion 752 based on the time the elapses from transmission of signal 791b to receipt of return signal 792b—which may be provided to the remote device for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein.
In some embodiments, the sensor may be oriented to transmit a signal vertically down into the receptacle portion. In this regard, the time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal and receiving the return signal may be used to estimate the amount of bulk storage product in the receptacle portion—such as similar to that described herein with respect to
In some embodiments, other sensor arrangements may be utilized. For example, the time-of-flight sensor may be angled into the container, such as downwardly and into the container from an upper corner or side. This may provide a more accurate reading. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight sensors, each positioned to emit and receive signals to and from a different portion of the container may be used to create a more accurate reading.
In some embodiments, other types of sensors may be utilized. For example, a camera may be utilized with image recognition technology to determine the amount of consumable product remaining. In some embodiments, sonar or radar may be utilized. In some embodiments, a weight-based sensor may be positioned beneath the consumable product and used to measure the amount of consumable product remaining. In some embodiments, two different types of sensors may be utilized to provide a double check system.
In some embodiments, the device may include a “push to reorder” button. For example, the device may include a button thereon that enables a user to simply push the button, which causes initiation of a re-order for the correlated consumable product.
In addition to the above noted devices, other household item devices are contemplated, such as a “placemat” for bathroom essentials, jars for bathroom and kitchen essentials. In such example devices, one or more sensors or other features as described in other devices herein may be utilized, such as a weight-based sensor.
Further additional tracking device embodiments, system features, and other related functionality that may be utilized with various embodiments described herein are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/912,751, which was filed Oct. 9, 2019, entitled “Systems and Methods for Inventory Tracking of Sheet Product Rolls”, which is incorporated herein in reference in its entirety.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a software application, such as may be usable with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. In this regard, the software application may be stored on a user's mobile or other device (e.g., in the memory of the user's device) and usable to interact with and/or control functionality of such example tracking and re-order systems. As noted herein, the software application may interact with, such as via various communication protocols, various devices and components of the tracking and re-order system—such as various tracking devices, remote devices, smart hub, etc.
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to self-discover one or more tracking devices, such as within BLE range that are of the correct type. This approach may provide less setup and registration time for the tracking devices and an easier user experience. Additionally, other configuration options may be provided, such as enabling a user to enter details of a tracking device.
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to help a user select a local network for use by the tracking device to connect to an external network. In some cases, certain local networks may be better suited for the tracking device (e.g., as opposed to the user's device). This could be due to the different locations of the tracking device versus the user's device and/or due to different wireless capabilities (e.g., the user's device may be configured to work with a different wireless network). In some embodiments, the software application may enable identification and registration of a local network through one or more commissioning options, such as manual commissioning, automatic user device commissioning, and/or automatic tracking device commissioning.
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable manual commissioning. For example, the user may manually enter various details regarding the local network the tracking device should use for connection. For example, the user may enter the network name, network security type, and/or the network security password. This information may then be passed to the tracking device (e.g., via a direct wireless connection between the user device and the tracking device, such as BLE, although WiFi could also be used) for utilization by the tracking device. In some embodiments, the tracking device may store the network information in non-volatile memory such that the information won't be lost if a power loss occurs.
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable automatic user device commissioning. For example, the user device may identify available local networks for itself. The user may then select the desired available network and that information may be passed to the tracking device for use (an example screen illustrating available networks is shown in
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable automatic tracking device commissioning. For example,
Returning to
Notably, a user may sign up for multiple different order options through the same or different subscription or reorder services. In some embodiments, the system may compare available pricing for each preset order option and choose the best available when placing an order. In some embodiments, user preferences may be accounted for in the decision as to which order option to use. In some embodiments, upon initiation of re-order functionality, the user may be presented with available order options for selection by the user.
In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may be configured to enable tracking and reorder functionality for batteries that are used to power the various tracking devices. In some such embodiments, the tracking devices may be configured to monitor their battery level and report that to the tracking and reorder system. Once the battery level is below a threshold level, then re-order functionality may be implemented (such as various types of re-order functionality described herein).
Screen 940 may also include an option for a user to select the threshold amount of consumable product on the tracking device that will cause initiation of re-order functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, a user can move a marker 955 along a track 950 to select a number between “0” 951 and “3” 953—which may correspond to the number of dispensing or reserve positions for the consumable product being monitored by the tracking device (although it could be less than the full number of dispensing or reserve positions). Once selected, the user may select “Save” 956. Alternatively, the user can further “Edit” 957 the device settings.
In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may also enable tracking of “extra inventory”. In this regard, a user may store extra inventory that does not fit on the one or more tracking devices (e.g., the user may store the inventory in one or more places in their home). For example, a user may purchase a 12-pack of tissue rolls, but only have room to put 7 of the tissue rolls on their utilized tracking devices, leaving 5 rolls remaining. The user may input that amount (e.g., “5 Rolls”) as extra inventory (e.g., such as described with respect to the screen 980 illustrated in
In some embodiments, the extra inventory may be automatically updated depending on various events that occur within the tracking and reorder system. For example, upon a tracking device updating to include a new number of rolls (such as due to the user positioning a new replacement roll on a tracking device and the tracking device sensing the new roll), the extra inventory may be updated (e.g., decremented) accordingly. In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may update the extra inventory based on received orders from the subscription service (e.g., based on an actual receipt of delivery, based on an estimated delivery date, etc.). For example, once the ordered 12-pack arrives, the extra inventory may be updated to indicate the addition of 12 rolls. Thereafter, the extra inventory may be further updated once the rolls are placed on the tracking devices (and those new rolls are sensed on the tracking devices accordingly).
Returning to
In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to provide other notifications/functionality to a user. For example, the following lists some example notifications:
As detailed herein, in some embodiments, the software application may apply various factors in determining re-order and tracking functionality. For example, the software application can factor in the anticipated delivery time of consumable products, minimum desired levels, monitored or inputted consumer usage patterns, preferred minimum product quantity sizes, or other factors. In some embodiments, the software application may determine and provide consumable product “ahead of time” or for the “extra inventory”.
In some embodiments, the software application may allow a user the ability to pick and choose which tracking devices and/or which consumable products are enabled for re-order functionality. In some embodiments, the type of re-order functionality (e.g., manual, semi-automatic, automatic) may be selected for each tracking device and/or consumable product.
In some embodiments, the software application may provide consumer incentives based on program participation, or the number of automatic or manual retail orders placed. In this manner, users can be rewarded (through financial or other incentives) for purchases through the system. In some cases, the reward may include volume discounts being applied.
In some embodiments, the software application may allow for or factor in incentives or customer preferences for which order is placed, such as in conjunction with the re-order functionality. For example, consumers can select their fulfillment channel or retailer from the available choices based on retailers who may participate in various such programs (including, for example, an incentive program for the software application), and replenishment consumable products (including quantity and size) can be selected from available products in the software application for that retailer.
Similarly, as detailed herein, in some embodiments, other factors, such as lowest cost or best value or best rated product may be accounted for when recommending or selecting an order option.
In some embodiments, the software application can capture and provide the user with data on past purchases, such as may include time frames of the purchases, amount, pricing, etc. This can give the user perspective on the time frames since the last purchase and amount purchased to allow the user to use that data to determine if the replenishment order is appropriate.
In some embodiments, the software application can capture and provide the user with data concerning past consumption of consumable products from each tracking device over specified time ranges. This can give the user perspective on usage of a consumable product in the household environment to help determine if they are ordering too much or too early, for example.
In some embodiments, the software application can allow users to create a shopping cart of items, which may allow users to save items identified for replenishment by the tracking devices in a bulk order. This order can be stored on the software application and released manually by the user later for fulfillment by a specified retailer. In an example embodiment, the order can be released after a specified time (e.g. 2 days).
In some embodiments, the software application can allow users to add additional products not identified by the tracking devices to a shopping list for a specific retailer. This may allow users to add products not tracked by tracking devices to a shopping list of items tracked by tracking devices—thereby potentially saving time and/or shipping costs.
In some embodiments, the software application can identify which items on a shopping list were specifically flagged for replenishment from each specific tracking device. This may allow the user to determine which replenishment orders were derived from tracking devices vs. added manually by the user.
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses and computer program products for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality according to various embodiments described herein. Various examples of the operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be provided with reference to
The method 1000 may include receiving sensor data at one or more tracking device(s) at operation 1002, such as described in various embodiments herein. At operation 1004, the method may include providing the sensor data to a remote device, such as described in various embodiments herein. At operation 1006, the method may include determining an inventory for a corresponding one or more consumable products for a household environment, such as described in various embodiments herein. Then, the method may include comparing the inventory count to a threshold amount for triggering re-order functionality at operation 1008, and, at operation 1010, initiating the re-order functionality if the threshold is satisfied, such as described in various embodiments herein.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein may come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
This application claims priority to and is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US2020/033944, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Devices, Systems, and Methods”, filed May 21, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/971,501, filed Feb. 7, 2020, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/914,645, filed Oct. 14, 2019, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/850,650, filed May 21, 2019, entitled “Automatic Household Sheet Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; the contents of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2020/033944 | 5/21/2020 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62914645 | Oct 2019 | US | |
| 62850650 | May 2019 | US | |
| 62971501 | Feb 2020 | US |
