# US 10,504,059 B2 · Storage container with inventory control

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- Number: US 10,504,059 B2
- Document ID: US10504059B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/843,368
- Filed: 2017-12-15
- Published: 2018-04-19
- Granted: 2019-12-10
- Earliest claimed: 2013-03-26
- Assignees: 3 Strike, LLC
- Applicants: 3 Strike, LLC
- Inventors: Leonard M. Bashkin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10504059B2

## CPC

- G06Q 10/087: Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
- G06Q 10/08724: {by shelf level inventory management, e.g. planograms}
- A47B 57/04: with means for adjusting the inclination of the shelves
- A47B 57/06: with means for adjusting the height of the shelves (A47B57/04, A47B57/30 take precedence)
- A47B 57/16: consisting of hooks coacting with openings (ladder type A47B57/12)
- A47B 81/00: Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
- A47B 96/02: Shelves (movable shelves coupled to doors A47B96/16)
- A47F 3/002: {Devices for protection against sunlight or theft}
- A47F 3/02: with dispensing arrangements ({A47F1/04 takes precedence; for cigars or cigarettes A24F15/04; for cigarette papers A24F17/00; for hand towels or toilet paper A47K10/24; for photographic paper G03B; } coin-freed G07F)
- A47F 3/06: with movable or removable shelves {or receptacles (A47F3/0486 takes precedence; display racks with movable parts A47F5/0081)}
- A47F 10/00: Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for (conveyor aspects B65G; building aspects E04H; coin-freed apparatus G07F)
- A47F 10/02: for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets (A47F10/06 takes precedence; hand-carts B62B; baskets B65D)
- E05B 39/00: Locks giving indication of {authorised} or unauthorised unlocking {(with key identification means E05B35/001; alarm locks E05B45/00)}
- E05B 41/00: Locks with visible indication as to whether the lock is locked or unlocked {(indicator lights E05B17/10)}
- E05B 47/0001: {with electric actuators; Constructional features thereof (for vehicles E05B81/04)}
- E05B 65/0075: {for safes, strongrooms, vaults, fire-resisting cabinets or the like (safes, closures and fastenings therefor E05G)}
- E05B 65/06: for swing doors {or windows, i.e. opening inwards and outwards}
- F16B 1/00: Devices for securing together, or preventing relative movement between, constructional elements or machine parts
- G06F 3/14: Digital output to display device {; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units}
- G06Q 10/0877: {by inventory control or reporting using inventory tracking or counting}
- G06V 20/52: Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects (recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69)
- G06V 40/70: Multimodal biometrics, e.g. combining information from different biometric modalities
- G07C 9/00174: {Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys (mechanical locks with electric permutation E05B49/00; arrangements for sensing or reading record carriers G06K7/00; electronic switching H03K17/00)}
- G07C 9/00896: {specially adapted for particular uses}
- G07C 9/30: not involving the use of a pass
- H04N 7/181: {for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources}
- H04N 23/90: Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
- A47F 2010/025: {using stock management systems}
- B65D 50/00: Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
- E05B 2047/0067: {Monitoring}
- E05B 2047/0072: {Operation}
- F16B 2200/83: Use of a magnetic material
- G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A47B: TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE (furniture jointing F16B)
- A47F: SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G06V: IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
- G07C: TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES

## Abstract

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An inventory system, comprising:
a storage container having within a security sector, a first shelf and a second shelf, wherein the first shelf is above the second shelf;
the security sector having a front side, a backside opposite thereto, a first security sector door, a second security sector door, and an interior for storing secured contents;
the storage container includes a first storage container door and a second storage container door, wherein the first storage container door is hinged on a side of the storage container and the second storage container door is hinged on an opposite side of the side of the storage container;
a first camera that is affixed to an exterior surface of the storage container;
a second camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door, wherein the second camera is positioned on a corner of the interior side of the first storage container door and is focused on the first shelf;
a third camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door or the second storage container door, wherein the third camera is focused on the second shelf;
a verification component that is configured to receive a portion of data from a user to complete a verification of the user;
a lock mechanism for the storage container that selectively unsecures and resecures an access to the first storage container door and the second storage container door based upon the verification of the user having first verification credentials;
the security sector comprises a sector locking component that selectively unsecures and resecures access to the interior of the security sector based upon the verification of the user having second verification credentials;
a camera system that comprises:
the first camera focused at a position in front of the first storage container door and the second storage container door to capture image data of the user;
the second camera focused on at least a first item on the first shelf; and
the third camera focused on a second item on the second shelf;
a controller component that is configured to record media from the first camera, the second camera, and the third camera;
a scanning device configured to provide a scan of a portion of the first item or a portion of the second item to indicate a removal from the storage container;
the controller component is configured to monitor at least one of a first amount of the first item or a second amount of the second item based on at least one of the scan or recorded media; and
the controller component stores at least one of the portion of data, the scan, or the recorded media.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The inventory system of claim 1, wherein the first shelf has a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the first shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the first shelf being lower than the backside of the first shelf in comparison to the groundlevel; and
the second shelf has a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the second shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the second shelf being lower than the backside of the second shelf in comparison to the groundlevel.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The inventory system of claim 1, further comprising:
a first container that is supported by the first shelf and the first container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the first shelf, wherein the first container houses the first item; and
a second container that is supported by the second shelf and the second container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the second shelf, wherein the second container houses the second item.

### Claim 4

An inventory system, comprising: a storage container having within a first shelf, a second shelf and a security sector;
the first shelf having a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the first shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the first shelf being lower than the backside of the first shelf in comparison to the groundlevel;
the second shelf having a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the second shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the second shelf being lower than the backside of the second shelf in comparison to the groundlevel;
the security sector having a front side, a backside opposite thereto, a first security sector door, a second security sector door, and an interior for storing secured contents;
the storage container includes a first storage container door and a storage container second door, wherein the first storage container door is hinged on a side of the storage container and the second storage container door is hinged on an opposite side of the side of the storage container;
a first camera that is affixed to an exterior surface of the storage container;
a second camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door, wherein the second camera is positioned on a corner of the interior side of the first storage container door and is focused on the first shelf;
a third camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door or the second storage container door, wherein the third camera is focused on the second shelf;
a verification component that is configured to receive a portion of biometric data from a user to complete a verification of the user having first and second verification credentials;
the security sector comprises a sector locking component that selectively unsecures and resecures access to the interior of the security sector based upon the verification of the user having the second verification credentials;
a lock mechanism for the storage container that selectively unsecures and resecures an access to the first storage container door and the second storage container door based upon the verification of the user having the first verification credentials;
a camera system that comprises:
the first camera focused at a position in front of the first storage container door and the second storage container door to capture image data of on the user;
the second camera focused on at least a first item on the first shelf; and
the third camera focused on a second item on the second shelf;
a controller component that is configured to record media from the first camera, the second camera, and the third camera;
a scanning device configured to provide a scan of a portion of the first item or a portion of the second item to indicate a removal from the storage container;
the controller component is configured to monitor at least one of a first amount of the first item or a second amount of the second item based on at least one of the scan or recorded media; and
the controller component stores at least one of the portion of data, the scan, or the recorded media.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The inventory system of claim 4, wherein the portion of biometric data is facial data.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The inventory system of claim 4, further comprising:
a first container that is supported by the first shelf and the first container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the first shelf, wherein the first container houses the first item; and
a second container that is supported by the second shelf and the second container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the second shelf, wherein the second container houses the second item.

### Claim 7 (depends on 4)

The inventory system of claim 4, further comprising:
a scale system that measures a weight associated with at least one of the first item or the second item to determine at least one of the first amount or the second amount; and
a signal representing the at least one of the first amount or the second amount is transmitted after the weight remains stable for a preset time.

### Claim 8 (depends on 4)

The inventory system of claim 4, further comprising:
a display component configured to locally display a status of the storage container, the first item, or the second item; and
a notification component that is configured to communicate a notification via a network based upon the status of the storage container, the first item, or the second item.

### Claim 9 (depends on 4)

The inventory system of claim 4, wherein the controller component is further configured to monitor a return of at least one of the first item or the second item based on a scan of a portion of the first item or a portion of the second item performed by the scanning device upon the user returning the first item or the second item.

### Claim 10

An inventory system, comprising:
a storage container having within a first shelf, a second shelf and a security sector;
the first shelf having a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the first shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the first shelf being lower than the backside of the first shelf in comparison to the groundlevel;
the second shelf having a front side and a backside opposite thereto, the second shelf is positioned at an angle in comparison to a groundlevel, wherein the angle is created from the front side of the second shelf being lower than the backside of the second shelf in comparison to the groundlevel;
the security sector having a front side, a backside opposite thereto, a first security sector door, a second security sector door, and an interior for storing secured contents;
the storage container includes a first storage container door and a second storage container door, wherein the first storage container door is hinged on a side of the storage container and the second storage container door is hinged on an opposite side of the side of the storage container;
a first camera that is affixed to an exterior surface of the storage container;
a second camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door, wherein the second camera is positioned on a corner of the interior side of the first storage container door and is focused on the first shelf;
a third camera that is affixed to an interior side of the first storage container door or the second storage container door, wherein the third camera is focused on the second shelf;
a verification component that is configured to receive a portion of data from a user to complete a verification of the user;
a lock mechanism for the storage container that selectively unsecures and resecures an access to the first storage container door and the second storage container door based upon the verification of the user having first verification credentials;
the security sector comprises a sector locking component that selectively unsecures and resecures access to the interior of the security sector based upon the verification of the user having second verification credentials;
the storage container includes a motor component configured to automatically open at least one of the first storage container door or the second storage container door based on the verification of the user;
a camera system that comprises:
the first camera focused at a position in front of the first storage container door and the second storage container door to capture image data of the user;
the second camera focused on at least a first item on the first shelf; and
the third camera focused on a second item on the second shelf;
a controller component that is configured to record media from the first camera, the second camera, and the third camera;
a scanning device configured to provide a scan of a portion of the first item or a portion of the second item to indicate a removal from the storage container;
the controller component is configured to monitor at least one of a first amount of the first item or a second amount of the second item based on at least one of the scan or recorded media; and
the controller component stores at least one of the portion of data, the scan, or the recorded media.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, wherein the portion of data from the user is biometric data.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The inventory system of claim 11, wherein the biometric data is facial data.

### Claim 13 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, further comprising:
a first container that is supported by the first shelf and the first container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the first shelf, wherein the first container houses the first item; and
a second container that is supported by the second shelf and the second container having a magnet affixed thereto to restrict movement on the second shelf, wherein the second container houses the second item.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, wherein the motor component is activated to open or close at least one of the first storage container door or the second storage container door based on feedback from the camera system.

### Claim 15 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, further comprising:
a scale system that measures a weight associated with at least one of the first item or the second item to determine at least one of the first amount or the second amount; and
a signal representing the at least one of the first amount or the second amount is transmitted after the weight remains stable for a preset time.

### Claim 16 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, further comprising:
a display component configured to locally display a status of the storage container, the first item, or the second item; and
a notification component that is configured to communicate a notification via a network based upon the status of the storage container, the first item, or the second item.

### Claim 17 (depends on 10)

The inventory system of claim 10, wherein the controller component is further configured to monitor a return of at least one of the first item or the second item based on a scan of a portion of the first item or a portion of the second item performed by the scanning device upon the user returning the first item or the second item.