US 9,731,853 B2 · Networked notification for dispensable units

Abstract

A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for controlling distribution of sensitive dispensable units comprising:

a container holding a plurality of dispensable units subject to managed distribution according to a number of rules, the number of rules including a tracking rule for a misuse based on a predetermined number of dispensable units dispensed within a predetermined time period;
an optical sensor operable to detect different types of dispensable units in the plurality of dispensable units based on an optical property of the different types of dispensable units, the tracking rule specifically tailored to a particular dispensable unit detected in the plurality of dispensable units by the optical sensor;
a dispensing system operable to dispense the plurality of dispensable units from the container;
a processor and a memory operatively connected to the container and the dispensing system, the processor configured to dispense one or more of the plurality of dispensable units according to a predetermined schedule and the number of rules;
and
a network interface coupling the processor to a data network, wherein the processor is configured to receive an update to the predetermined schedule or the number of rules from a remote resource through the data network.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Networked notification for dispensable units

Life of this patent

Networked notification for dispensable units

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20