Interactive inventory storage device, system, and method

A smart container comprising:

• a plurality of sides and a floor that collectively form a container space having an open top;
• a lid cover assembly comprising:
• a first lid cover half configured to couple to a first edge of the open top, the first lid cover half comprising a lock actuator and a retractable lock embedded therein;
• a second lid cover half configured to couple to a second edge of the open top, the second lid cover half comprising a lock receptacle embedded therein,
• wherein the first lid cover half and the second lid cover half, when the lid cover assembly is in a closed position, form a uniform lid having a flush surface that seals the open top and encloses the container space, and wherein the lock receptacle is configured to receive the retractable lock when the retractable lock is actuated out from within first lid cover half to secure the lid cover assembly in the closed position;
• an access control device recessed within the first lid cover half, wherein the access controller device is flush with a top surface of the first lid cover such as to provide the flush surface when the lid cover assembly is in the closed position, the flush surface being configured to receive another container stacked on top of the flush surface,
• wherein the access control device comprises:
• a non-transitory memory;
• a communication interface;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• receive user credentials for accessing the container space;
• validate the user credentials for accessing the container space;
• trigger, based on validating the user credentials, the lock actuator to open the retractable lock, thereby allowing the lid cover assembly to be opened;
• trigger the lock actuator to close the lock after the lid is closed, thereby securing the lid cover assembly in the closed position, wherein the lock actuator is operable to, responsive to a signal from the access controller device, while the lid cover assembly is in the closed position, actuate the retractable lock to releasably secure the lid cover assembly in the closed position to prevent access to the container space;
• and
• record the user credentials and a timestamp in an access log within the non-transitory memory.