U.S. patent application number 14/287140 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for smart container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Suhasini Balachandran, Andrea Theresa Jersa. Invention is credited to Suhasini Balachandran, Andrea Theresa Jersa.
Application Number | 20150335184 14/287140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54555157 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150335184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Balachandran; Suhasini ; et
al. |
November 26, 2015 |
Smart Container
Abstract
A method and apparatus for coupling at least one electronic
component to a smart container is disclosed. A fluid level
indicator transducer coupled to the smart container for determining
a level of fluid in the smart container and a hollow casing coupled
to the smart container for storing at least one cigarette therein
are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Balachandran; Suhasini;
(Wildwood, MO) ; Jersa; Andrea Theresa; (Wildwood,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Balachandran; Suhasini
Jersa; Andrea Theresa |
Wildwood
Wildwood |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54555157 |
Appl. No.: |
14/287140 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/438 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2227 20130101;
Y10T 29/49828 20150115; A47G 2019/2244 20130101; A47G 2019/2238
20130101; A47G 19/2288 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A method for coupling at least one electronic component to a
smart container, said method comprising coupling at least one of: a
fluid level indicator transducer to the smart container for
determining a level of fluid in the smart container; and a hollow
casing to the smart container for storing at least one cigarette
therein.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling a magnetic compass to the smart container for
providing a directional guide to a user; and coupling a heart rate
sensor to the smart container for determining a user's heart
rate.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling at least one of a flash light and a laser pointer
to the smart container for emitting a beam of light; and coupling
at least one of an AM/FM radio receiver and a digital music player
to the smart container for playing a desired sound track for a
user.
4. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling at least one of a digital camera, and a motion
video recorder to the smart container for capturing high resolution
images and audio/video recordings; and coupling a pedometer to the
smart container for determining a plurality of parameters including
but not limited to a number of steps traversed by a user, a time
walked by the user, a distance that has been covered by the user, a
distance that remains to be covered after the user has walked a
certain distance, and a number of calories burnt by the user.
5. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling a fluid level monitoring sensor to the smart
container for monitoring a level of fluid in the smart container;
and coupling a USB port to the smart container for receiving an
electronic signal from an external electronic device.
6. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling an insulated storage lid to the smart container
for insulating fluid content in the smart container; and coupling a
toxicity sensor to the smart container for detecting a presence of
a toxin in the smart container.
7. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling a bump sensor to the smart container for
transmitting contact information of a user from the smart container
to an electronic device; and coupling at least one of a stop watch
and a strap to the smart container for timing an event and
fastening the smart container to a wrist of the user.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one of: coupling a temperature transducer to the smart container
for determining a temperature of fluid in the smart container; and
coupling a speaker to the smart container for emitting an audio
signal.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising coupling
an LED to the smart container for emitting a beam of light.
10. A smart container, said smart container comprising: a base
portion; a sidewall integrally formed with and extending upwardly
from said base portion, said sidewall surrounding an inner cavity
and having an upper edge defining an opening into the inner cavity;
and wherein one of an inner base portion and an inner sidewall of
said smart container is configured to be coupled to at least one of
an electrically powered heating element and an infrared heater,
said at least one of an electrically powered heating element and an
infrared heater configured to heat fluid content in said smart
container.
11. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to a proximity sensor, said
proximity sensor configured to determine if the smart container has
been placed on a substantially flat surface.
12. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: an
audible alarm, said audible alarm configured to emit an alarm when
a first electronic signal is received by said smart container; and
a vibrating unit, said vibrating unit configured to vibrate when
the first electronic signal is received by said smart
container.
13. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a
microphone, said microphone configured to communicate an audio
signal to said smart container; and a stirrer, said stirrer
configured to stir fluid content in said smart container.
14. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a
thermometer, said thermometer configured to measure a user's body
temperature; and an alcohol sensor, said alcohol sensor configured
to measure a concentration of alcohol consumed by a user.
15. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a fluid
level indicator transducer, said fluid level indicator transducer
configured to determine a level of fluid in said smart container;
and a hollow casing, said hollow casing configured to store at
least one cigarette therein.
16. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a
magnetic compass, said magnetic compass configured to provide a
directional guide to a user; and a heart rate sensor, said heart
rate sensor configured to determine a heart rate of a user.
17. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: at least
one of a flash light and a laser pointer, said at least one of a
flash light and a laser pointer configured to emit a beam of light;
and at least one of an AM/FM radio receiver and a digital music
player, said at least one of an AM/FM radio receiver and a digital
music player configured to facilitate playing a desired sound track
for a user.
18. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: at least
one of a digital camera and a motion video recorder, said at least
one of a digital camera and a motion video recorder configured to
capture high resolution images and audio/video recordings; and a
pedometer, said pedometer configured to determine a plurality of
parameters including but not limited to a number of steps traversed
by a user, a time walked by the user, a distance that has been
covered by the user, a distance that remains to be covered after
the user has walked a certain distance, and a number of calories
burnt by the user.
19. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a fluid
level monitoring sensor, said fluid level monitoring sensor
configured to monitor a level of fluid in said smart container; and
a USB port, said USB port configured to receive an electronic
signal from an external electronic device.
20. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: an
insulated storage lid, said insulated storage lid configured to
insulate fluid content in said smart container; and a toxicity
sensor, said toxicity sensor configured to detect a presence of a
toxin in said smart container.
21. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a bump
sensor, said bump sensor configured to facilitate transmission of
contact information of a user from said smart container to an
electronic device; and at least one of a stop watch and a strap,
said at least one of a stop watch and a strap configured to time an
event and fasten said smart container to a wrist of a user.
22. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to at least one of: a
temperature transducer, said temperature transducer configured to
determine a temperature of fluid in said smart container; and a
speaker, said speaker configured to emit an audio signal.
23. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 wherein one of an
outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a handle of said smart
container is configured to be coupled to an LED, said LED
configured to emit a beam of light.
24. A smart container in accordance with claim 10 further
comprising a lip formed on an upper edge of said smart container,
said lip comprising one of a triangular shaped projection, a lip
shaped depression, and a flat surface.
25. A smart container, said smart container comprising: a base
portion; a sidewall integrally formed with and extending upwardly
from said base portion, said sidewall surrounding an inner cavity
and having an upper edge defining an opening into the inner cavity;
and wherein one of an outer base portion, an outer sidewall, and a
handle of said smart container is configured to be coupled to one
of an electrical resistance coil and a flame burner.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a smart container, and more
particularly to a method and apparatus for connecting a container
to an electronic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Most consumers employ containers as a means for consumption
of beverages. A traditional container includes a base portion that
is formed with a cylinderical sidewall. A handle is provided on the
cylindrical sidewall for grasping by a user. Consequently, apart
from consuming a beverage, the user may not be able to utilize the
container for performing any other function. Moreover, during
circumstances in which it is required to heat the beverage in the
container, the user may be required to employ the services of an
external heating device. Consequently, the user may not be able to
exploit a utility value of the container in the best possible
manner. Therefore, there exists a need for a container with a
display panel that would enable the user to interactively use the
container for performing a number of electronic functions, as well
as for heating fluid content in the container.
[0003] The need has existed for many years, yet there is no fully
satisfactory system to meet the need. In accordance with a long
recognized need, there has been developed a smart container to
satisfy many users' communication and fluid heating requirements.
The smart container itself is compact and easily interchangeable
with electronic devices of various types such as cell phones, smart
containers, remote control devices, computer systems, Etc. It is a
versatile device which can be used to receive/transmit electronic
signals from/to an electronic device, as well as perform the
function of heating the fluid content therein. Importantly, the
smart container is efficient in operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, a method is provided for receiving an
electronic signal in a smart container and notifying a user of the
electronic signal. The method comprises coupling an electronic
receiver to the smart container, and coupling a display panel to
the electronic receiver. The method also includes receiving the
electronic signal by the electronic receiver from an electronic
device transmitter, and digitally displaying the electronic signal
on the display panel of the smart container to notify the user of
the electronic signal.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a smart container is
provided. The smart container comprises a base portion and a
sidewall integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the
base portion. The sidewall surrounds an inner cavity, and has an
upper edge that defines an opening into the inner cavity. An
electronic receiver is coupled to one of the base portion and the
sidewall and is configured to receive an electronic signal. A
display panel is coupled to the electronic receiver and is
configured to digitally display the electronic signal.
[0006] In a further aspect, a smart container is provided. The
smart container comprises a base portion and a sidewall integrally
formed with and extending upwardly from the base portion. The
sidewall surrounds an inner cavity, and has an upper edge that
defines an opening into the inner cavity. An electrical resistance
coil/flame burner is coupled to one of an outer sidewall, an outer
base portion, and a handle of the smart container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a smart container in
electronic communication with an electronic device.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication system that
exists between the electronic device and the smart container shown
in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary control method
between the electronic device and the smart container shown in FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary control method
between the electronic device and the smart container shown in FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a smart container
and electronic device 10. More specifically, in the exemplary
embodiment, a smart container 30 is in electronic communication
with an electronic device 40. The smart container 30 comprises a
base portion and a sidewall 35 integrally formed with and extending
upwardly from the base portion. The sidewall 35 surrounds an inner
cavity and has an upper edge 36 defining an opening into the inner
cavity. The smart container 30 may be any container known in the
art that is capable of retaining a fluid therein. The smart
container 30 includes but is not limited to a bottle, a jar, a can,
a box, a drum, a receptacle, a cup, a mug, a tumbler, a bowl, a
vase, a jug, a pot, a vessel, a flask, a bucket, a cap, and a
holder.
[0012] The electronic device 40 may be a cell phone, a remote
control wireless device, a smart container, or any other wireless
electronic communication device known in the art that is capable of
transmitting an electronic signal to the smart container 30. The
electronic device 40 includes an electronic receiver (not shown)
that is configured to receive electronic communication including an
electronic text message from a sender or a telephone call from a
caller. On receiving electronic communication, electronic device 40
is configured to transmit an electronic signal to the smart
container 30. More specifically, electronic device 40 is configured
to transmit the electronic signal to the smart container 30 through
an electronic transmitter (not shown) coupled to the electronic
device 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic signal
includes an electronic text message with identifying information
including a telephone number and/or an associated name of a sender,
or identifying information including a telephone number and/or an
associated name of a caller. In addition, the electronic signal may
be any type of electromagnetic signal that facilitates operation of
the smart container and electronic device 10 as described
herein.
[0013] In the exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 includes an
electronic receiver 34 coupled to the smart container 30.
Electronic receiver 34 is configured to be electronically coupled
to the electronic transmitter that is coupled to the electronic
device 40 and is configured to receive the electronic signal
transmitted from the electronic transmitter. In an exemplary
embodiment, electronic receiver 34 may be a wireless radio
receiver, a wireless Bluetooth.RTM. receiver, a wireless CDMA
receiver, Etc. depending on a signal range required by the user for
receiving the electronic signal from the electronic transmitter
coupled to the electronic device 40. Alternatively, electronic
receiver 34 may be any type of wireless electronic receiver known
in the art that may be configured to receive an electromagnetic
signal from the electronic transmitter coupled to the electronic
device 40.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 includes a
vibrating unit 38 that is electronically coupled to the electronic
receiver 34 and is configured to vibrate when the electronic signal
is received from the electronic device 40. More specifically,
electronic receiver 34 is configured to facilitate actuating the
vibrating unit 38 when the electronic signal is received from the
electronic transmitter coupled to the electronic device 40. As a
consequence of the vibrations sensed by the user, the user is
cognizant of the electronic signal received by the electronic
receiver 34 of the smart container 30 and consequently of the
electronic communication received by the electronic device 40.
Alternatively, an audible alarm 99 may be coupled to the electronic
receiver 34 and emits an alarm that enables the user to be
cognizant of the electronic signal received by the electronic
receiver 34 of the smart container 30. The audible alarm 99 may
emit an alarm to alert the user of a location of the smart
container 30 in the event that the smart container 30 has been
misplaced within a certain location such as within a residential
home when the electronic device 40 is operated by the user. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the audible alarm 99 may be
substituted with an LED 39 that emits light and enables the user to
be cognizant of the electronic signal received by the electronic
receiver 34 of the smart container 30. In addition, in the
exemplary embodiment, a display panel 50 is electronically coupled
to the electronic receiver 34. The display panel 50 is configured
to digitally display the electronic signal that includes the
electronic text message with identifying information including the
telephone number and/or the associated name of the sender, or
identifying information including the telephone number and/or the
associated name of the caller.
[0015] Smart container 30 includes a memory unit 52 coupled to the
smart container 30. Memory unit 52 is electronically coupled to the
electronic receiver 34 and is configured to acquire and store the
electronic signal from the electronic receiver 34. More
specifically, memory unit 52 is configured to acquire and store a
finite list of entries that includes a finite number of electronic
text messages with identifying information including the telephone
numbers and/or the associated names of the senders, and a finite
number of telephone numbers and/or the associated names of the
callers. Memory unit 52 is further configured to automatically
delete the oldest of the stored electronic text messages and
telephone numbers in chronological order as the latest electronic
text messages and telephone numbers are continuously acquired and
stored by the memory unit 52 from the electronic receiver 34. The
memory unit 52 is also adapted to store games, customizable time
displays, alarm clock, calendar, calculator Etc. which may be
displayed on the display panel 50 when required by the user. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the memory unit 52 may be
substituted by any memory device such as but not limited to a
computer chip, an integrated circuit, a memory card, a memory
stick, and a magnetic medium. In an exemplary embodiment, the smart
container 30 may be provided with a slot (not shown) on the outer
sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 for receiving the memory
device therein.
[0016] In the exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 includes a
selector option switch 56. Selector option switch 56 may be
operated by the user to select a recipient telephone
number/associated recipient name from the list of telephone numbers
acquired and stored by the memory unit 52 where an electronic text
message is required to be delivered. More specifically, the user
may select the recipient telephone number/associated recipient name
from the list of entries acquired and stored by the memory unit 52
by operating the selector option switch 56. Thereafter, the user
may electronically scroll and select an electronic text message
from a plurality of pre-programmed electronic text messages stored
in the memory unit 52 of the smart container 30. In addition, after
the electronic text message has been selected, the user may confirm
the selected electronic text message by operating a confirming
option switch (not shown). Alternatively, the selector option
switch 56 and confirming option switch may be substituted with a
touch screen selector and a touch screen confirming option
respectively.
[0017] The smart container 30 includes a feature wherein an
electronic text message may be typed using a touch screen key pad
provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 includes a
feature wherein the user can speak an electronic text message into
a microphone (not shown) provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the
smart container 30. The message that may be spoken into the
microphone may be deciphered within the smart container 30 and
displayed on the display panel 50.
[0018] Smart container 30 includes an electronic transmitter 42
that is electronically coupled to the memory unit 52 of the smart
container 30. Electronic transmitter 42 is configured to be
electronically coupled to an electronic receiver coupled to the
electronic device 40 and is configured to transmit the selected
electronic text message/the typed electronic text message/the
spoken electronic text message as well as the recipient telephone
number/associated recipient name in the form of an electromagnetic
signal to the electronic receiver. In an alternate embodiment, the
spoken electronic text message may be transmitted to the electronic
device 40 using the electronic transmitter 42 where it may then be
deciphered by the electronic device 40. In an exemplary embodiment,
electronic transmitter 42 may be a wireless radio transmitter, a
wireless CDMA transmitter, or a wireless Bluetooth.RTM. transmitter
depending on a signal range required by the user for transmitting
the selected electronic text message/the typed electronic text
message/the spoken electronic text message as well as the recipient
telephone number/associated recipient name to the electronic device
40. Alternatively, electronic transmitter 42 may be any type of
wireless electronic transmitter known in the art that may be
configured to transmit an electronic signal to the electronic
receiver coupled to the electronic device 40. In an exemplary
embodiment, the electronic receiver 34 and electronic transmitter
42 may be replaced by an integrated electronic receiver/transmitter
that is capable of receiving/transmitting electronic signals
from/to the electronic device 40.
[0019] Electronic device 40 is further configured to automatically
transmit the selected electronic text message/the typed electronic
text message/the spoken electronic text message to the recipient's
telephone through an electronic transmitter coupled within the
electronic device 40. A copy of the transmitted electronic text
message with an optional recipient's name/recipient's telephone
number is saved within a memory unit that is coupled to the
electronic device 40. In an exemplary embodiment, a single
electronic receiver coupled to the electronic device 40 may be used
to receive electronic signals from a variety of external electronic
signal transmitting sources as well as the electronic transmitter
42. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, a single electronic
transmitter coupled to the electronic device 40 may be used to
transmit electronic signals to the electronic receiver 34 as well
as to the telephone of the recipient.
[0020] Smart container 30 is further configured to receive an
electronic signal in real-time by the electronic receiver 34 from
the electronic transmitter that is coupled to the electronic device
40. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic signal received by
the electronic receiver 34 in real-time comprises a current date
and time. The electronic signal comprising the current date and
time may be digitally displayed on the display panel 50 of the
smart container 30. Moreover, smart container 30 may be further
configured to receive a variety of continuous/intermittent
electronic signals by the electronic receiver 34 from the
electronic transmitter coupled to the electronic device 40. The
continuous/intermittent electronic signals received by the
electronic receiver 34 comprises a variety of electronic signals
such as but not limited to a calendar appointment notification
signal, an email notification signal, a current local weather
signal, a current altitude signal, a current local temperature
signal, a current local pressure signal, a current stock ticker
signal, a ring tone signal, a current sport score signal, a current
news flash signal, a video conferencing signal, an advertisement
signal, a photographic image signal, a motion video signal, an
audio signal, a social media notification signal, and a current GPS
navigation signal.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the
continuous/intermittent electronic signals may be selectively
digitally displayed on the display panel 50 of the smart container
30 to be observed by the user. More specifically, in an exemplary
embodiment, a variety of continuous/intermittent electronic signals
may be received from a variety of external, transmitting sources to
the electronic receiver coupled to the electronic device 40. In an
exemplary embodiment, electronic receiver 34 may be configured to
receive any electronic signal from the electronic device 40 that is
received from the variety of external transmitting sources to the
electronic receiver coupled to the electronic device 40. In a
further exemplary embodiment, electronic receiver 34 may be
programmable to receive a desired selection of electronic signals
from the electronic device 40. More specifically, electronic
receiver 34 may be programmable to receive a desired selection of
electronic signals using software applications from a variety of
electronic devices including a cell phone, a remote control device,
a personal computer, a smart container, or any other electronic
device known in the art.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 includes a
transparent storage chamber for receiving fluid within the cavity
of the smart container 30. The transparent storage chamber may have
graduated markings from the upper edge 36 of the smart container 30
to the base portion of the smart container 30 to indicate a volume
of fluid present within the cavity of the smart container 30.
[0023] Smart container 30 includes an electrically powered heating
element (not shown) coupled to or proximate to an inner base
portion of the smart container 30. Thus, as the heating element of
the smart container 30 is powered by electricity, the heating
element generates heat. The heat generated by the heating element
naturally rises and warms the fluid content in the smart container
30. A temperature of the heating element immersed in the fluid will
require a short time to begin rising after the heating element is
powered by electricity. This is due to thermal inertia of the
heating element. The heating element temperature will then increase
at a substantially constant rate until a boiling point of the fluid
is attained during which time a rate of heat transfer between the
heating element and fluid will be slow. This is because the fluid
temperature needs to catch up with the heating element temperature,
and will finally attain a state of thermal equilibrium as the
heating element temperature stabilizes. When the heating element is
switched on with no fluid in the smart container 30, there is a
much more rapid rate of temperature rise in the heating element, as
might be expected, as there is no levelling off of the rate of
temperature rise as a boiling point temperature of the fluid is
approached. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, an infrared
heater (not shown) may be coupled to an inner sidewall and/or the
inner base portion of the smart container 30 to heat the fluid
content in the smart container 30. The heating element may be
substituted by any other heating source known in the art to
facilitate heating the fluid content in the smart container 30.
[0024] The heating element may be controlled by the user for a
range of operations from simmering to quick heating the fluid
within the cavity of the smart container 30. More specifically, the
smart container 30 may be provided with ascending power levels 1-5.
By selecting the power level 1, the fluid in the smart container 30
may be gradually heated to its boiling point by supplying the
heating element with low power. By selecting the power level 5, the
fluid in the smart container 30 may be heated rapidly to its
boiling point by supplying the heating element with high power.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 includes a
proximity sensor 65 coupled to an outer base portion 31 of the
smart container 30. More specifically, the proximity sensor 65 may
be coupled within coupled to the heating element. Proximity sensor
65 determines if the smart container 30 is placed on a
substantially flat surface. More specifically, proximity sensor 65
a recessed portion defined in the outer base portion 31 of the
smart container 30 and may be facilitates automatically powering
the heating element when the smart container 30 is placed on a
substantially flat surface such as on a desk. Proximity sensor 65
facilitates automatically turning off the power supply to the
heating element when the smart container 30 is lifted from the
substantially flat surface by the user. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, proximity sensor 65 facilitates automatically turning
off the power supply to the heating element when the smart
container 30 is placed on the substantially flat surface. Proximity
sensor 65 facilitates automatically powering the heating element
when the smart container 30 is lifted from the substantially flat
surface by the user. This function that is performed by the
proximity sensor 65 facilitates the user from using the smart
container 30 efficiently by heating the fluid only when the user
desires to pick up and consume the fluid in the cavity of the smart
container 30.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 may be
configured to minimize heat losses due to conduction, convection,
and radiation effects. More specifically, smart container 30 may be
formed from a double walled construction. The spacing between the
two walls of the double walled construction of the smart container
30 includes a vacuum-gap to minimize heat losses due to convection.
Moreover, the smart container 30 may be constructed from a
synthetic resin, plastic material, ceramic material, composite
material, fibreglass material, wood, or any other suitable
insulating material known in the art that would minimize heat
losses from the smart container 30 due to conduction. In addition,
the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 may be
circumferentially surrounded by a band manufactured from an
insulated material to minimize heat losses due to conduction.
Moreover, minimizing heat loss from the fluid in the smart
container 30 facilitates maintaining substantially constant
temperature of various electronic components that are coupled
to/integrally formed in the smart container 30. In an exemplary
embodiment, the smart container 30 may have silvered internal
surfaces on all sides excluding a narrow display panel portion of
transparency that extends from the upper edge 36 of the smart
container 30 to the base portion of the smart container 30 to
minimize heat losses due to radiation. The narrow display panel
portion of transparency may be provided for the user to
continuously monitor a level of fluid in the cavity of the smart
container 30.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 may be
shatter resistant. More specifically, the smart container 30 may be
manufactured from any material known in the art that prevents the
smart container 30 from shattering if it is dropped from a height
and impacts on a hard surface.
[0028] The smart container 30 includes a control unit 12 that may
be coupled to the smart container 30. The control unit 12 is
coupled to a temperature transducer (not shown) such as a
thermocouple positioned proximate to the inner base portion of the
smart container 30 through a control flow path. More specifically,
the control unit 12 may be configured to receive an electronic
signal from the temperature transducer that may be indicative of a
temperature of fluid in the cavity of the smart container 30. The
control unit 12 may be coupled to the display panel 50. The control
unit 12 facilitates digitally displaying the temperature of fluid
in the cavity of the smart container 30 in the display panel 50 to
notify the user of the temperature of fluid in the cavity of the
smart container 30.
[0029] The control unit 12 may be coupled to an electrical circuit
that is connected to the heating element. More specifically, the
control unit 12 may be programmable by the user using the PSET
switch, upper/lower arrow switches, and SET switch that may be
provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 to set
an upper temperature limit and a lower temperature limit of the
heating element. Therefore, the upper temperature limit and the
lower temperature limit of the heating element defines the upper
and lower temperature limits of the fluid content in the smart
container 30. The heating element may be automatically controlled
by the control unit 12 to turn on when the fluid content in the
smart container 30 attains the lower temperature limit and turn off
when the fluid content in the smart container 30 attains the upper
temperature limit. In an exemplary embodiment, if the fluid in the
smart container 30 is not consumed, the temperature of fluid in the
smart container 30 gradually decreases. When the temperature of
fluid in the smart container 30 attains the lower temperature
limit, the control unit 12 activates the heating element to
automatically turn on, thereby heating the fluid in the smart
container 30. If the fluid is not consumed by the user a second
time, the control unit 12 does not control the heating element
thereby allowing the temperature of fluid to decrease below the
lower temperature limit until it attains thermal equilibrium.
Therefore the control unit 12 facilitates controlling the heating
element to turn on only once automatically during a heating cycle.
An electronic signal may be displayed on the display panel 50 that
the heating element will not be activated until initiated by the
user.
[0030] The smart container 30 may be remotely programmed by the
electronic device 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless
receiver 34 may be coupled to the control unit 12. More
specifically, the electronic device 40 facilitates programming the
upper temperature limit, the lower temperature limit, and
activating the heating element of the smart container 30 from a
remote location by transmitting an electronic signal to the
electronic receiver 34. The audible alarm 99 may be coupled to the
control unit 12. The audible alarm 99 may be activated to emit an
alarm by transmitting an electronic signal from the electronic
device 40 remotely to the electronic receiver 34 when the smart
container 30 has been misplaced.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, an LED 11 may be coupled to the
smart container 30. LED 11 may be coupled to the control unit 12
through a control flow path (not shown). More specifically, the LED
11 may be configured to turn on when the heating element is powered
by electricity and the fluid content in the smart container 30 is
heating up. The LED 11 may be configured to turn off/display
another color when the fluid content in the smart container 30
attains the upper temperature limit that is programmed in the
control unit 12 by the user. In an alternate exemplary embodiment,
the audible alarm 99 emits an alarm that enables the user to be
cognizant of the upper temperature limit that has been attained by
the fluid content in the cavity of the smart container 30.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 may be
provided with a stirrer (not shown) that may be coupled within the
cavity of the smart container 30. The stirrer may be a
mechanical/magnetic stirrer that may be activated by a switch (not
shown). More specifically, the stirrer may be activated by the
switch to facilitate stirring the fluid content in the smart
container 30. The agitation caused by the stirrer causes the fluid
content in the smart container 30 to mix, thereby allowing the
fluid to attain a homogenous constitution as well as maintain
uniform temperature. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the
stirrer may be substituted with any type of agitator device known
in the art that facilitates the fluid in the smart container 30
from attaining a homogenous constitution while maintaining uniform
temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the stirrer may be coupled
to the control unit 12 through a control flow path.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a thermometer 27 may be coupled
to the smart container 30. More specifically, a sensor 45 of the
thermometer 27 may be provided as a projection on the upper edge 36
of the smart container 30 and may be configured to measure the
user's body temperature. The user may position the sensor 45 of the
thermometer 27 within his mouth for a pre-determined time interval,
allowing the sensor 45 to sense his body temperature. The control
unit 12 may be coupled to the sensor 45 of the thermometer 27
through a control flow path (not shown). An electronic signal from
the sensor 45 of the thermometer 27 may be transmitted to the
control unit 12 that may be indicative of the user's body
temperature. The control unit 12 facilitates digitally displaying
the user's body temperature in the display panel 50 to notify the
user of the user's body temperature. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, the thermometer 27 may be positioned anywhere on the
outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 and may be configured
to determine the user's body temperature from a user's body portion
that is in contact with the sensor 45 of the thermometer 27. In a
still further alternate embodiment, the thermometer 27 may be
substituted by a thermometer that may be configured to determine an
ambient air temperature.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, an alcohol sensor (not shown)
may be coupled to the smart container 30. More specifically, the
alcohol sensor may be configured to measure a concentration of
alcohol consumed by the user. More specifically, the user may
position the alcohol sensor within proximity of his mouth for a
pre-determined time interval, allowing the alcohol sensor to sense
the content of alcohol in a user's breath. The control unit 12 may
be coupled to the alcohol monitoring sensor through a control flow
path. An electronic signal from the alcohol monitoring sensor may
be transmitted to the control unit 12 that may be indicative of the
content of alcohol in the user's breath. The control unit 12
facilitates digitally displaying the content of alcohol in the
user's breath in the display panel 50 to notify the user. The
control unit 12 facilitates digitally displaying a safe/legal
permissible content of alcohol in the display panel 50 to notify
the user of the acceptable content of alcohol for safe driving. If
the content of alcohol in the user's breath is greater than the
acceptable content of alcohol for safe driving/legal limit, the
control unit 12 transmits an electronic signal to the audible alarm
99 to notify the user that the content of alcohol in the user's
breath is greater than the acceptable content of alcohol for safe
driving/legal limit.
[0035] The smart container 30 includes a lip 47 that may be
provided on the upper edge 36 of the smart container 30. More
specifically the lip 47 facilitates easy transfer of the fluid from
the cavity of the smart container 30 into the mouth of the user
when the fluid is being consumed. In an embodiment, the lip 47 may
be but is not limited to a triangular shaped projection, a lip
shaped depression, or flat surface defined on the upper edge 36 of
the smart container 30.
[0036] Control unit 12 may be further configured to be coupled to a
fluid level indicator transducer (not shown) through a control flow
path. Control unit 12 may be configured to determine a level of
fluid in the smart container 30. Control unit 12 transmits an
electronic signal to the audible alarm 99 when a level of fluid in
the smart container 30 decreases below a threshold fluid level.
Control unit 12 may be configured to break the electrical circuit
of the heating element thereby eliminating the supply of
electricity to the heating element when the level of fluid in the
smart container 30 decreases below the threshold fluid level. The
fluid level indicator transducer may be any type of commercially
available transducer that operates on the principle described
above. The threshold fluid level may be manually/remotely
programmable at a control unit terminal of the control unit 12 by
the user.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 may be
provided with an electrical resistance coil 53. Electrical
resistance coil 53 may be coupled within a recess defined in the
outer base portion 31 of the smart container 30. In an alternate
exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance coil 53 may be
coupled to any portion of the outer sidewall 35 of the smart
container 30 using any fastening means known in the art. More
specifically, the electrical resistance coil 53 may be coupled to a
switch (not shown) that may be activated by the user to power the
electrical resistance coil 53. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, the electrical resistance coil 53 may be coupled to the
control unit 12 via a control flow path (not shown) and may be
activated by the user to power the electrical resistance coil 53.
The electrical resistance coil 53 may therefore be operated to
function as a cigarette lighter by the user. In an alternate
exemplary embodiment, the electrical resistance coil 53 may be
substituted by a flame burner (not shown) that may be coupled to a
fuel storage tank. The fuel storage tank may be used to supply fuel
to the flame burner, which when ignited generates a flame, when the
switch is activated by the user. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, the electrical resistance coil 53/flame burner that is
coupled to the fuel storage tank may be substituted by coupling any
device known in the art to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart
container 30 that facilitates lighting a cigarette or any other
flammable material. A spring actuated/mechanically actuated/sliding
mechanism flap (not shown) may be provided on the outer sidewall 35
of the smart container 30 to cover the electrical resistance coil
53. More specifically, the flap may be actuated to open/close,
thereby allowing the user to gain access to the electrical
resistance coil 53 only when it is required. In an embodiment, the
electrical resistance coil 53 may be configured to be activated
only when the flap is actuated to open. The flap that may be
provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30
facilitates the user to avoid any potential accidents which may
otherwise result if the hot electrical resistance coil 53 is
uncovered while it is in a heated state.
[0038] The smart container 30 may be provided with a hollow casing
(not shown). More specifically, the hollow casing may be coupled to
the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 and may be used to
store a plurality of cigarettes therein. Each cigarette may be
placed back to back against each other for easy withdrawl from an
opening defined proximate to the upper edge 36 of the smart
container 30. On withdrawing each cigarette from the casing through
the opening, the cigarette may automatically be lit using a lighter
that may be coupled proximate to the upper edge 36 of the smart
container 30. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the casing may
be coupled to the outer base portion 31 of the smart container
30.
[0039] The smart container 30 includes a magnetic compass (not
shown) coupled to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30.
More specifically the magnetic compass consists of a small,
lightweight needle balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point.
One end of the needle is marked "N" for North, or colored to
indicate that it points towards North. The magnetic compass
facilitates providing a directional guide to the user. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the magnetic compass may be
integrally formed on the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container
30. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic compass may be coupled
to the control unit 12 through a control flow path.
[0040] The smart container 30 includes a heart rate sensor (not
shown) that may be coupled to the smart container 30. More
specifically, the heart rate sensor may be coupled to the outer
sidewall 35 of the smart container 30, and determines the user's
heart rate. The user may position the heart rate sensor against his
thumb or any other portion of his body for a pre-determined time
interval, allowing the heart rate sensor to sense the user's heart
rate. The heart rate sensor may be coupled to the control unit 12
through a control flow path. An electronic signal from the heart
rate sensor may be transmitted to the control unit 12 that is
indicative of the user's heart rate. The control unit 12 may be
configured to determine the user's heart rate from the electronic
signal that may be received from the heart rate sensor. The control
unit 12 facilitates digitally displaying the user's heart rate in
the display panel 50 to notify the user.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 may be
provided with a flash light 17. More specifically, the flash light
17 may be coupled to the outer base portion 31 of the smart
container 30 and may be configured to emit a beam of light from a
light source (not shown). More specifically, the flash light 17 may
be coupled to a switch (not shown) and illuminates an object when
the switch is operated by the user. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, the control unit 12 may be coupled to the flash light
17 via a control flow path (not shown). The flash light 17
comprises a light bulb mounted on a reflector and a transparent
cover to protect the light source. The reflector may be used to
reflect the beam of light that is emitted from the light
source.
[0042] The smart container 30 may be provided with a laser pointer
13. More specifically, the laser pointer 13 may be coupled to the
outer base portion 31 of the smart container 30 and may be
configured to emit a visible light from the laser pointer 13. A
lens is configured to collimate the visible light emitted from the
laser pointer 13. A reflector may be utilized which contains a
plurality of independent, controllable reflective surfaces. Each
surface may be configured to independently steer a portion of the
collimated visible light. in an embodiment, the reflector may be a
MEMS micro mirror array, a liquid crystal optical phased array, or
a piezo controlled mirror. Applications of the laser pointer 13 may
include presentations, demonstrations, classroom training,
entertainment, manufacturing, or any other application where it may
be necessary to point to, or indicate to an object. The laser
pointer 13 may coupled to a switch (not shown) and illuminates an
object when the switch may be operated by the user. In an alternate
exemplary embodiment, the control unit 12 may be coupled to the
laser pointer 13 via a control flow path (not shown).
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 may be
provided with a stop watch (not shown). More specifically, the stop
watch may be coupled to the smart container 30 for timing an event.
The user may activate the stop watch timer when an event begins,
and deactivate the stop watch tinier after the event is complete.
The stop watch may be coupled to the control unit 12 via a control
flow path. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop watch may be
remotely controlled by the user by transmitting an electronic
signal from the electronic device 40 to the electronic receiver
34.
[0044] The smart container 30 may be provided with an AM/FM radio
receiver (not shown) that may be coupled to the display panel 50.
More specifically, the user may monitor a current radio station
through the display panel 50, and toggle between various AM/FM
radio stations using the touch screen selector provided on the
outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30. In an exemplary
embodiment, the AM/FM radio receiver may be integrally or removably
coupled to the smart container 30. The AM/FM radio receiver
comprises a radio tuner having a radio frequency input and an audio
output for providing a radio audio signal. The AM/FM radio receiver
may be coupled to a speaker. The radio audio signal may be
transmitted from the AM/FM radio receiver to the speaker via a
plurality of electronic modulating components for communicating the
radio audio signal to the user. The volume level of the speaker may
be increased or decreased using the touch screen selector provided
on the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30. In an alternate
exemplary embodiment, an AM/FM radio signal may be transmitted from
the electronic device 40 to the electronic receiver 34 that is
coupled to the smart container 30. The AM/FM radio receiver may be
coupled to the control unit 12 through a control flow path.
[0045] The smart container 30 may be provided with a digital music
player (not shown) that may be coupled to the display panel 50.
More specifically, the user may select a desired song track from a
plurality of songs tracks stored in the memory unit 52 using the
touch screen selector provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the
smart container 30. The digital music player may be coupled to the
speaker. A desired song track signal may be transmitted from the
digital music player to the speaker in order to play the desired
song track for the user. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the
digital music player may be remotely controlled by the user by
transmitting an electronic signal from the electronic device 40 to
the electronic receiver 34 of the smart container 30. The digital
music player may be coupled to the control unit 12 through a
control flow path.
[0046] The smart container 30 may be provided with a digital camera
and/or motion video recorder (not shown). More specifically, the
digital camera and/or motion video recorder may be coupled to the
outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 and allows the user to
capture high quality images and/or audio and video recordings. In
an alternate exemplary embodiment, the digital camera and/or motion
video recorder may be integrally coupled to the outer sidewall 35
of the smart container 30. The digital camera and/or motion video
recorder may be activated and deactivated by the user using the
touch screen selector provided on the outer sidewall 35 of the
smart container 30. The digital camera and/or motion video recorder
may be coupled to the memory unit 52. More specifically, the memory
unit 52 may be configured to store the captured images and/or audio
and video recordings. Electronic transmitter 42 may be configured
to transmit the captured images and/or audio and video recordings
from the memory unit 52 to the electronic receiver that is coupled
to the electronic device 40. In an alternate exemplary embodiment,
the captured images and/or audio and video recordings may be
transmitted to the electronic receiver that is coupled to the
electronic device 40 wirelessly from the digital camera and/or
motion video recorder. The captured images and/or audio and video
recordings may also be transmitted from the digital camera and/or
motion video recorder to any electronic device known in the art
such as but not limited to a personal computer, a wireless router,
a Bluetooth.RTM. device, a smart phone, and a smart container. The
digital camera and/or motion video recorder may be coupled to the
control unit 12 through a control flow path.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, smart container 30 may be
provided with a pedometer (not shown). More specifically, the
pedometer may be coupled to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart
container 30. The user may carry the smart container 30 in his
person, thereby allowing the pedometer to sense a number of
parameters. The pedometer may be coupled to the control unit 12
through a control flow path. An electronic signal from the
pedometer may be transmitted to the control unit 12 that is
indicative of the parameters that have been sensed by the
pedometer. The control unit 12 may be configured to determine the
parameters from the electronic signal received from the pedometer.
The parameters include but are not limited to a number of steps
traversed by the user, a time walked by the user, a distance that
has been covered by the user, a distance that remains to be covered
after the user has walked a certain distance, and a number of
calories burnt by the user. The control unit 12 facilitates
digitally displaying the parameters on the display panel 50 to
notify the user of the parameters determined by the control unit
12.
[0048] The smart container 30 includes a battery compartment 57.
More specifically, the battery compartment 57 may be provided
within a recess defined within the smart container 30. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the battery compartment 57 may be
coupled to the smart container 30. The battery compartment 57
comprises at least one pair of positive and negative polarity
electrical leads (not shown). The positive and negative polarity
electrical leads are configured to receive a rechargeable battery
therein. The control unit 12 may be coupled to the positive and
negative polarity electrical leads through a control flow path to
constitute a closed loop electrical circuit. In an exemplary
embodiment, power supplied by the rechargeable battery to the
positive and negative polarity electrical leads powers the control
unit 12. Therefore, all electronic components that have been
integrated/coupled to the smart container 30 and coupled to the
control unit 12 may be electrically powered by the power supplied
to the positive and negative polarity electrical leads by the
rechargeable battery.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 includes
a plurality of battery charging ports 21 that may be coupled to the
outer base portion 31 of the smart container 30. More specifically,
the battery charging ports 21 may be coupled to each pair of the
positive and negative polarity electrical leads through control
flow paths. More specifically, the battery charging ports 21 of the
smart container 30 may be placed on a battery charging station for
charging the rechargeable battery. In an alternate exemplary
embodiment, any battery charger known in the art may be
electrically coupled to the battery charging ports 21 for charging
the rechargeable battery. In yet another alternate exemplary
embodiment, power may be supplied directly to the control unit 12
using an external power source through a control flow path.
[0050] An inductive battery charger (not shown) may be provided
which is platform shaped and which is provided with a charging
coil. When the charging coil in the inductive battery charger is
energized, the charging coil creates magnetic flux lines. The
battery charging ports 21 of the smart container 30 is in a
non-direct electrical contact relationship with respect to the
inductive battery charger. The battery charging ports 21 includes a
pick-up coil which will have an electrical current induced therein
when the battery charging ports 21 are positioned adjacent to the
inductive battery charger, and the inductive battery charger is
energized. The smart container 30 includes circuit means for
rectifying the induced current in the pick-up coil to charge the
rechargeable battery received within the positive and negative
polarity electrical leads. The circuit means includes a rectifier
and a current limiting resistor so that the rechargeable battery is
self regulating in terms of current and overcharge.
[0051] The smart container 30 includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
port 29. The Universal Serial Bus port 29 may be electronically
coupled to the control unit 12 through a control flow path (not
shown). The control unit 12 may be electronically coupled to the
memory unit 52. In an exemplary embodiment, a battery charging
device or an external data transmitting device such as a Universal
Serial Bus memory device may be coupled to the Universal Serial Bus
port 29. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment the battery
charging device that is coupled to the Universal Serial Bus port 29
may be used to charge the rechargeable battery that is in
electrical communication with the positive and negative polarity
electrical leads. In an exemplary embodiment, an external power
source may be used to supply electrical power to the control unit
12 directly by bypassing the battery compartment S7of the smart
container 30. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the external
data transmitting device that is coupled to the Universal Serial
Bus port 29 may be used to transmit audio files, video files, image
files, and multimedia files. The audio file formats may include,
but are not limited to MP3, AIFF, WAV, MPEG-4, AAC, and Apple
Lossless. Example file formats for media content include, but are
not limited to files having extensions doc, dot, wpd, txt, xls,
pdf, ppt, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, gif, html, htm, zip, tif, tiff, and
wmf. In an exemplary embodiment, the files that are transmitted
from the external data transmitting device are stored within the
memory unit 52 of the smart container 30.
[0052] The smart container 30 includes an insulated storage lid
(not shown). More specifically, the insulated storage lid may be
coupled to the smart container 30 using a flexible attachment
device and is used to cover the opening of the smart container 30
that is exposed to the atmosphere. The insulated storage lid that
is used to cover the opening of the smart container 30 thermally
insulates the fluid in the cavity of the smart container 30, and
prevents excessive heat from dissipating into the atmosphere. In an
exemplary embodiment, the insulated storage lid may be provided
with an opening to facilitate consuming the fluid content in the
smart container 30. The insulated storage lid may be manufactured
from any insulating material known in the art that mitigates
excessive heat dissipating from the smart container 30 to the
atmosphere. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulated storage lid
may be coupled to the control unit 12 through a control flow path
and may be rotated to cover/uncover the opening defined in the
insulated storage lid.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 includes
a digital display screen (not shown) that may be circumferentially
coupled to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30. More
specifically, a touch screen selector may be coupled to the digital
display screen and may be operated by the user to display motion
videos and photographic images on the digital display screen. The
digital display screen may be coupled to the control unit 12. The
motion videos and photographic images that may be displayed on the
digital display screen may be received from the memory unit 52 of
the smart container 30. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the
motion videos and photographic images that may be displayed on the
digital display screen may be received from an external Universal
Serial Bus memory device that may be coupled to the Universal
Serial Bus port 29. In an exemplary embodiment, the digital display
screen may be an LCD screen, TFT screen, TFT active matrix screen,
black and white screen, CSTN screen, and a plasma screen.
Alternatively, the digital display screen may be any display
screeen known in the art that is capable of displaying motion
videos and photographic images therein. More typically, the digital
display screen includes speakers, head phones or similar devices
for producing an audio signal for the content displayed on the
digital display screen. The digital display screen has a resolution
from about 240.times.320 to 480.times.640 and preferably is a 16-48
bit color screen for displaying motion videos and photographic
images therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 50
may be substituted by coupling the digital display screen to the
smart container 30. The digital display screen may be coupled
circumferentialy to the smart container 30 such that a portion of
the smart container 30 that includes various electronic sensors,
display screen 50, switches, Etc. do not constitute a portion of
the digital display screen. In an alternate exemplary embodiment,
all user selector options for running any application may be
performed using the touch screen selector that is coupled to the
digital display screen.
[0054] Smart container 30 may be further configured to
place/receive a telephone call to/from the recipient through the
electronic device 40. More specifically, the user may type a
telephone number/select a recipient telephone number from a list of
telephone numbers stored in the memory unit 52 using the touch
screen selector that is coupled to the digital display screen. The
telephone number may be transmitted to the electronic receiver that
is coupled to the electronic device 40 via the electronic
transmitter 42, and hence place the telephone call to the
recipient. Alternatively, the user may accept an incoming telephone
call from the recipient through the electronic transmitter that is
coupled to the electronic device 40. The user may then communicate
with the recipient by speaking into the microphone that may be
coupled to the smart container 30. The user may listen to the
recipient speaking through a speaker (not shown) that may be
coupled to the smart container 30.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 includes
a fluid level monitoring sensor (not shown) that may be coupled to
the control unit 12. More specifically, the fluid level monitoring
sensor may be coupled to the inner sidewall of the smart container
30 and monitors the level of fluid in the smart container 30.
Therein, the fluid level monitoring sensor transmits an electronic
signal to the digital display screen through the control unit 12
that displays the level of fluid in the smart container 30.
Thereby, the user may be provided with a digital representation of
the level of fluid in the smart container 30.
[0056] The digital display screen of the smart container 30 may be
configured to receive a plurality of electronic signals from the
electronic receiver 34 through the control unit 12. More
specifically, the plurality of electronic signals received from the
electronic receiver 34 comprises a plurality of pop up
advertisements that may be transmitted by a number of vendors. The
pop up advertisements may be transmitted by various vendors such as
coffee shops, fast food establishments, confectionary stores,
airports, railway stations, book stores, Etc. with special
offers/promotional coupons/product deals/advertisements to the
electronic receiver 34 that is coupled to the smart container 30.
The pop up advertisements may be transmitted to the electronic
receiver 34 from a remote computer server or from the electronic
receiver that may be coupled to the electronic device 40. In an
exemplary embodiment, the pop up advertisements that may be
displayed on the digital display screen are a function of a time of
day, a user's geographical location, a user's preference, Etc. In
an exemplary embodiment, when the user is proximate to a coffee
shop on an early morning, the coffee shop advertisement/promotional
offer may be transmitted by a coffee shop computer server to the
electronic device 40/electronic receiver 34. After the user has
selected the advertisement/promotional offer using the touch screen
selector that may be coupled to the digital display screen, a GPS
navigation map may be provided on the digital display screen
directing the user from his current geographical location to the
coffee shop. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, when the user is
within an airport, the business establishments that are located
within the airport may transmit advertisements/groupons/discount
offers on various products and services offered by the business
establishments to the electronic receiver 34 from a remote computer
server. In an exemplary embodiment, if the user has a (preference
for a certain business establishment, advertisements from that
specific business establishment may be transmitted frequently to
the electronic receiver 34 from the remote computer server.
Therefore, the smart container 30 may be adapted to learn the
user's product preferences over time and receive special
offers/promotional coupons/product deals/advertisements from only
those business establishments that appeal to the user. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the smart container 30 may be
manually customizable by the user to receive and display special
offers/promotional coupons/product deals/advertisements from select
business establishments that appeal to the user. In another
embodiment, the pop up advertisements may be stored within the
memory unit 52 and displayed on the digital display screen when the
smart container 30 is in an offline mode.
[0057] In addition to providing special offers/promotional
coupons/product deals/advertisements, Etc. the electronic receiver
34 may be configured to receive alerts from a variety of sources.
As an example, alerts from an airport terminal server may be
transmitted to the electronic receiver 34 and displayed on the
digital display screen regarding the user's current flight timing,
flight delay alerts, alert messages for flight boarding, Etc. The
alerts from the airport terminal server may be transmitted in real
time to the electronic receiver 34 thereby allowing the user to
track and stay updated on the current status of his flight.
[0058] The smart container 30 may be coupled to an internet network
through a Wi-Fi network/wireless router. More specifically, the
electronic receiver 34 of the smart container 30 may be coupled to
the Wi-Fi/wireless router and may be configured to receive data
over the internet. In an embodiment, the digital display screen
that may be coupled to the smart container 30 may be used to browse
through websites, social media, read e-mail, compose e-mail
messages, make product selections, and purchase products/services
online through a web browser that may be displayed on the digital
display screen. The electronic transmitter 42 of the smart
container 30 may be coupled to the Wi-Fi/wireless router and may be
configured to transmit data over the internet.
[0059] The digital display screen of the smart container 30 may be
used to display a plurality of screen savers when the smart
container 30 is not in use. More specifically, a timer device
coupled to the smart container determines if the smart container 30
has not been used for a pre-determined time interval. If the smart
container 30 has not been used by the user for the pre-determined
time interval, the digital display screen displays a plurality of
screen savers. Examples of screen savers include changing color of
the digital display screen at periodic time intervals, screen saver
pictures, photographs, Etc. Moreover, the digital display screen
may be configured to display different colors when different
electronic signals are received by the electronic receiver 34. More
specifically, the digital display screen may be configured to
display a different color for each sender that transmits an
electronic text message/makes a telephone call to the electronic
device 40, wherein the electronic device 40 is electronically
coupled to the smart container 30. The digital display screen may
also be configured to display a different color when different
notifications, advertisements, Etc. may be received by the
electronic receiver 34 of the smart container 30.
[0060] The smart container 30 includes a bump sensor (not shown)
that may be coupled to the smart container 30. The bump sensor may
be coupled to the control unit 12. In an exemplary embodiment, when
the bump sensor conies in contact with a bump sensor of another
smart container, the contact information of the user may be
transmitted from the smart container 30 to the other smart
container. More specifically, the contact information of the user
may be retrieved from the memory unit 52 and transmitted via the
transmitter 42 to an electronic receiver that may be coupled to the
other smart container and vice versa. In an exemplary embodiment,
any electronic information contained in the memory unit 52 of the
smart container 30 may be programmed by the user to be transmitted
via the transmitter 42 to the electronic receiver that may be
coupled to the other smart container.
[0061] The smart container 30 includes a toxicity sensor (not
shown) that may be coupled to the inner sidewall. The toxicity
sensor may coupled to the control unit 12. In an embodiment, if a
toxic drug is added to the smart container 30, the toxicity sensor
detects the presence of the toxin and transmits an electronic
signal to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 may then
activate the audible alarm 99 or an LED coupled proximate to the
LED 11 to warn the user of the toxin in the smart container 30.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, a strap (not shown) may be
coupled to the smart container 30. The strap that may be coupled to
the smart container 30 may be coupled to a wrist of the user using
any fastening means known in the art such as but not limited to a
buckle. The smart container 30 may be programmed to store maps of a
venue such as but not limited to an amusement park within the
memory device 52. A computer server of the venue may transmit
electronic signals to the electronic receiver 34 of the smart
container 30 containing venue information, agenda for a day, venue
map, the user's current geographical location within the venue,
venue events, when the user's spot in a line comes up, venue
closing time, provide directions to a hot spot, hot spots in
proximity to the current geographical location of the user,
advertisements, emergency information, Etc. Linked smart
containers/linked electronic devices belonging to other users may
be displayed on the map of the digital display screen of the smart
container 30 to facilitate the user from locating other users who
may belong to the same group. The link between the smart
containers/linked electronic devices and the smart container 30 may
be but not limited to a venue's network.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, a handle 48 may be coupled to
the smart container 30. More specifically, the handle 48 may be
coupled to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 for
grasping by the user. In addition, the rechargeable battery may be
shaped in a form of the handle 48 and coupled to the outer sidewall
35 of the smart container 30. The handle 48 may be secured to the
outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 by welding electrical
terminals of the handle 48 to electrical leads provided on the
outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30. In an alternate
exemplary embodiment, the electrical terminals of the handle 48 may
be secured to the outer sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 using
any mechanical fastening means known in the art such as but not
limited to a screw. The electrical leads provided on the outer
sidewall 35 of the smart container may be electrically coupled to
the control unit 12. The handle 48 that may be coupled to the smart
container 30 may have a left hand/right hand grasping feature
therein. More specifically, when the user grasps the handle 48 with
his right hand, the digital display screen may be configured to
display on a first portion of the digital display screen facing the
user. When the user grasps the handle 48 with his left hand, the
digital display screen may be configured to display on a second
portion of the digital display screen facing the user.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a block diagram 100 of a communication system
between the electronic device 40 and smart container 30. In the
exemplary embodiment, electronic transmitter 130 is coupled to the
electronic receiver 140 and is configured to transmit an electronic
signal when communication is received by the electronic device 40.
Electronic transmitter 130 is in electronic communication with the
electronic receiver 140 that is coupled to the smart container 30.
More specifically, electronic receiver 140 is configured to receive
the electronic signal from the electronic transmitter 130 when
communication in the form of a telephone call or electronic text
message is received by the electronic device 40. Electronic
receiver 140 is coupled to the vibrating unit 150. More
specifically, electronic receiver 140 is configured to facilitate
actuating the vibrating unit 150 when the electronic signal is
received in the electronic receiver 140 to alert the user of the
received electronic signal. Electronic receiver 140 is further
configured to be coupled to the display panel 160. More
specifically, electronic receiver 140 is configured to facilitate
displaying the electronic signal on the display panel 160 to notify
the user of the telephone number of the caller or the electronic
text message from the sender that has been received by the
electronic device 40.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary control method
200 of operating the smart container and electronic device 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the
exemplary embodiment, method 200 includes receiving 210
communication at the electronic device 40. More specifically,
electronic device 40 includes an electronic receiver coupled within
the electronic device 40 and is configured to receive the telephone
call from the caller or the electronic text message from the
sender.
[0066] Method 200 includes transmitting 220 an electronic signal to
the smart container 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the electronic
transmitter coupled to the electronic device 40 is electronically
coupled to the electronic receiver 34 and is configured to transmit
the electronic signal to the electronic receiver 34. More
specifically, the electronic transmitter coupled to the electronic
device 40 is configured to transmit the electronic signal
comprising the electronic text message with identifying information
including the telephone number and/or an associated name of the
sender, or identifying information including the telephone number
and/or an associated name of the caller to the electronic receiver
34.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, method 200 includes actuating
230 the vibrating unit 38 to alert the user of the received
electronic signal. More specifically, the electronic receiver 34 is
coupled to the vibrating unit 38 and is configured to facilitate
actuating the vibrating unit 38 when the electronic signal is
received by the electronic receiver 34. The vibrations generated by
the vibrating unit 38 are conductively transmitted to the outer
sidewall 35 of the smart container 30 that is in physical contact
with a skin of the user. Consequently, the user is cognizant of the
electronic signal received by the electronic receiver 34.
[0068] Method 200 includes displaying 240 an electronic message on
the display panel 50 of the smart container 30 to notify the user
of the received electronic signal. More specifically, display panel
50 is coupled to the electronic receiver 34 and is configured to
display the electronic signal comprising the electronic text
message with identifying information including the telephone number
and/or the associated name of the sender, or identifying
information including the telephone number and/or the associated
name of the caller.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary control method
300 of operating the smart container and electronic device 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the
exemplary embodiment, method 300 includes selecting 310 an
electronic text message from a list of stored electronic text
messages from the memory unit 52 of the smart container 30 by
operating the selector option switch 56. The selected electronic
text message may be subsequently confirmed by operating the
confirming option switch. In addition, method 300 includes
selecting the telephone number of the recipient/associated
recipient name from the finite list of telephone numbers/associated
recipient names acquired by the memory unit 52 by operating the
selector option switch 56 and subsequently confirmed by operating
the confirming option switch.
[0070] Method 300 includes transmitting 320 the selected electronic
text message and telephone number/associated recipient name to the
electronic receiver coupled to the electronic device 40. More
specifically, the electronic transmitter 42 coupled to the memory
unit 52 is configured to transmit the selected electronic text
message and telephone number/associated recipient name to the
electronic receiver coupled to the electronic device 40. In an
alternate exemplary embodiment, the recipient telephone
number/associated recipient name that is transmitted from the
electronic transmitter 42 to the electronic receiver that is
coupled to the electronic device 40 may be substituted with any
other identifier known in the art that would enable the electronic
device 40 to be cognizant of the destination to which the
electronic text message is required to be transmitted.
[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, method 300 includes
transmitting 330 the selected electronic text message from the
electronic device 40 to the telephone of the recipient. More
specifically, the electronic transmitter coupled to the electronic
device 40 is configured to automatically transmit the selected
electronic text message received from the electronic transmitter 42
to the telephone of the recipient.
[0072] The smart container and electronic device 10 facilitates
remotely receiving an electronic signal by a smart container 30
from an electronic device 40. Moreover, the vibration induced by
the smart container 30 enables the user to be cognizant of
communication received by the electronic device 40 while remaining
discreet at the same time in certain situations such as in private
meetings, social gatherings, Etc.
[0073] The smart container and electronic device 10 may be used to
conserve battery power in the electronic device 40. As a
consequence of the user being alerted by the smart container 30 of
the communication received in the electronic device 40, the audible
alarm in the electronic device 40 may be deactivated, thereby
enabling the user to conserve on battery power. In addition,
transmitting a continuous electronic signal comprising the date and
time to the smart container 30 enables the user to travel between
various national/international time zones, and still be equipped to
receive the current date and time at a specific geographical
location. Moreover, transmitting a variety of
continuous/intermittent electronic signals at user desired ranges
that include a calendar appointment notification signal, an e-mail
notification signal, a current weather signal, a current altitude
signal, a current temperature signal, a current pressure signal, a
current stock ticker signal, a current sport score signal, a
current news flash signal, a ring tone signal, a video conferencing
signal, a current GPS navigation signal, an advertisement signal, a
photographic image signal, a motion video signal, an audio signal,
a social media notification signal, Etc, from the electronic device
40 to the electronic receiver 34 of the smart container 30
eliminates the requirement of integrated transducer devices for
measuring, determining, and notifying a few of the parameters
mentioned above to the user. Therefore a cost incurred to the user
may be substantially reduced, while simultaneously enhancing the
utility value of the smart container 30. Moreover, applications
created in the electronic device 40 for the smart container 30 may
be transmitted to the electronic receiver 34 of the smart container
30 such that the applications may be accessed by the user using the
digital display screen that may be coupled to the smart container
30.
[0074] The above described smart container and electronic device 10
is cost effective and highly reliable. In addition, the modular
nature of each sub-system of the smart container and electronic
device 10 facilitates easy disassembly and replacement of
individual system components as required.
[0075] Exemplary embodiments of a smart container and electronic
device are described above in detail. The system is not limited to
the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components
of each system may be utilized separately and independently from
other components described herein.
[0076] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modifications within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
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