Capacitive sensor based inventory control

A method, apparatus and system of capacitive sensor based inventory control is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inventory management system includes a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface substantially parallel to the first conductive surface, a sensor to generate a measurement based on a change in a distance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a scale formed with a set of plates having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface and a container placed above the scale such that an item (e.g., a liquid, a solid, a discrete part, a powder and/or a gas, etc.) of the container is weighed through the measurement. The inventory management system may further include a reference capacitor associated with the apparatus to enable the sensor to adjust the measurement based on the environmental condition.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This disclosure relates generally to the technical fields of measuring devices and, in one embodiment, to a method, apparatus and system of capacitive sensor based inventory control.

BACKGROUND

An inventory management may include checking an aggregate value of a stock of items (e.g., liquids, discrete parts, and/or goods) being used on-site and/or may replenish the stock when the aggregate value falls below a critical level (e.g., which may hamper a production and/or manufacturing schedule of a business entity). A worker may find that an item (e.g., a component, a quantity of liquid, etc.) is out of stock when a container (e.g., a bin, a shelf, a pallet, and/or other container type holding the item) runs out of the item.

When this happens, the worker may have to leave his/her post and obtain the item on his/her own and/or call a stock room to send someone with the item. This may delay a process of an ongoing production causing a waste of time and/or labor. Furthermore, the business entity (e.g., a manufacturing plant) may have to communicate with a supplier of the item when the business entity does not have the item in stock. This can delay the process of the ongoing production even more because it may take some time for the supplier of the item to deliver the item to the business entity.

Alternatively, the business may assign a person to check and/or replenish items being used on-site. The person may go around premises of the business entity (e.g., periodically and/or continually). However, a delay in replenishing some of the items may ensue when the person misses getting to containers holding the some of the items on time (e.g., especially when the business entity owns a large working area). The delay may also cause a stoppage in a process of an ongoing production of goods based on the some of the items.

Furthermore, the person may have to contact individual suppliers of the some of the items to make an order. The worker may end up risking a prompt delivery of the some of the items when the order is not conducted properly. In addition, the business entity having the large working area may have to assign more manpower to handle an inventory control of checking and/or replenishing the some of the items, contacting the individual suppliers and/or ordering the some of the components. Even when these plans may be implemented to improve the inventory control, there may be no guarantee that the inventory control will be done properly and/or efficiently.

The container may be an indiscrete volume dispenser (e.g., a beverage and/or liquid dispenser, a condiment dispenser, etc.) which can dispense (e.g., gives out) an indiscrete volume of a content to a user of the indiscrete volume dispenser. The user may press a dispense button of the indiscrete volume dispenser to obtain a desired amount of a content in the indiscrete volume dispenser, and the indiscrete volume dispenser may be repeatedly used by the user until the content runs out (e.g., out of the beverage, the condiment, etc.).

In addition, the indiscrete volume dispenser may lack a warning mechanism (e.g., automatic) when the content runs out. The user may learn of a depletion of the content when the user does not obtain a volume of the content desired by the user (e.g., when the user does not get any of the content and/or the content runs out in the middle of the dispensing).

The depletion of the content and/or inventory without any prior warning may burden the user when there is no replacement of the content at hand (e.g., especially when the user owns a business and/or the business is flooded with customers at the time the content runs out). In this case, the user may have to communicate with a supplier of the content for a quick delivery of the content to a residence and/or a business quarter of the user. The quick delivery may incur an extra cost to the user, and/or the user may incur other cost (e.g., time, inconvenience, and/or a part of the user's business if the user owns the business).

In addition, the content within the indiscrete volume dispenser may be affected by an environmental condition (e.g., a temperature, a humidity, and/or other environmental conditions exhumed by the content internal and/or external to the content of the indiscrete volume dispenser) and/or a structural feature of the content (e.g., a weight, a volume, a material, etc. of the content and/or a container holding the content). The environmental condition may affect a machine or a device that may be located inside of the indiscrete volume dispenser and/or change (e.g., spoil, heat up, cool down, etc.) a condition of the content.

SUMMARY

A method, apparatus, and system of capacitor sensor based inventory control is disclosed. In one aspect, an inventory management system includes a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface substantially parallel to the first conductive surface, a sensor to generate a measurement based on a change in a distance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a scale formed with a set of plates having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface and a container placed above the scale such that at least one item of the container (e.g., may include a liquid, a solid, a discrete part, a powder, and/or a gas) is weighed through the measurement.

The scale may indicate a shortage of the item when the measurement of the item may vary from a tolerance weight. The change in the distance may caused by a deflection (e.g., may be a compressive force and/or an expansive force) of the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface. In addition, the change in the distance may be caused by a change in thickness of at least one spacer between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface. The change in the distance may also be caused by a load applied to the surface above the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface.

The sensor applies an algorithm that converts a change in capacitance to at least one of a change in voltage and a change in frequency to generate the measurement. The measurement may be of a force applied to a surface above the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface.

The first conductive surface and the second conductive surface form a sensor capacitor. A change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor may be inversely proportional to the change in the distance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface.

In addition, the inventory management system includes a reference capacitor associated with the apparatus to enable the sensor to adjust the measurement based on at least one environmental condition (e.g., may be humidity in a gap between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a temperature of the apparatus and/or an air pressure of an environment surrounding the apparatus).

The first conductive surface and the second conductive surface may be fabricated in any geometric shape, including a rectangular shape, an oval shape and/or a shape having sides that are not all the same length. In addition, the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface may be painted on a plurality of nonconductive printed circuit boards forming the apparatus

In another aspect, an inventory management system includes a reference capacitor whose capacitance changes based on an environmental condition surrounding the apparatus, a sensor capacitor whose capacitance changes based on a deflection of at least one plate forming the sensor capacitor and the environmental condition and a circuit to determine a weight of the item of a bin when the bin having the item is placed on a surface of the sensor capacitor after removing an effect of the environmental condition from a capacitance of the sensor capacitor.

In addition, the inventory management system may include a housing that encompasses the reference capacitor, the sensor capacitor, and/or the circuit. The plate experiencing the deflection is integrated in the housing. The housing may be formed by metal plates (e.g., that are each laser etched and bonded together to create the housing). In addition, the housing may be formed by a single metal block that is milled to form the housing, and the deflection of the plate forming the sensor capacitor is caused by a load applied to the housing and the measurement is of a force applied to the housing.

The inventory management system may also include a shielding spacer between the reference capacitor and a bottom of the housing to minimize an effect of a stray capacitance affecting the measurement. A height of the shielding spacer is at least ten times larger than a plate spacer between plates of the reference capacitor and between plates of the sensor capacitor. An area of each plate forming the reference capacitor is at least ten times larger than an area of each plate forming the sensor capacitor to reduce the amount of amplification required in generating the measurement.

The circuit may include a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver and the apparatus may communicate through a network with a data processing system that analyzes data generated by various operations of the apparatus.

In yet another aspect, a method includes automatically generating a measurement of weight based on a change in a distance between a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface forming a variable capacitor when an item is placed on a surface of at least one of the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface and communicating the measurement to an inventory management system associated with the variable capacitor.

In addition, the method includes forming a scale formed with a set of plates having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, placing a container adjacent to the scale such that item of the container (e.g., may include a liquid, a fluid, a solid, a discrete part, a powder, and/or a gas) is weighed through the measurement and indicating a shortage of the item when the measurement of the item varies from a tolerance weight.

The change in the distance may be caused by a deflection (e.g., may be a compressive force and/or an expansive force) of the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface. In addition, the change in the distance may be caused by a change in thickness of spacer between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface.

The method may include applying an algorithm that converts a change in capacitance to at least one of a change in voltage and a change in frequency to generate the measurement and the measurement may be of a force applied to a surface above the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface, adjusting the measurement based on environmental condition (e.g., may be humidity in a gap between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a temperature of the apparatus and/or an air pressure of an environment surrounding the apparatus) by analyzing data of a reference capacitor, fabricating the variable capacitor and the reference capacitor in any geometric shape, including a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and a shape having sides that are not all the same length and painting the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface on a plurality of nonconductive printed circuit boards.

The change in the distance may be caused by a load applied to the surface above the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface (e.g., a force vector). A change in capacitance of the variable capacitor may be inversely proportional to the change in the distance between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method, apparatus and system of capacitive sensor based inventory control is disclosed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

FIG. 1is a system diagram of a local inventory module102associated with a plurality of container modules106based on capacitive sensor modules108, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 1illustrates a network100, the local inventory module102, a supplier inventory module104, a manufacturer inventory module105, the container module106, the capacitive sensor module108, a local inventory database110, a supplier inventory database112, and/or a manufacturer inventory database114.

The network100may be an Internet, an Ethernet, a Radio Frequency (RF) network, a telecommunications (e.g., mobile) network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN) (e.g., using USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.), a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc.), and/or a storage area network (SAN), etc. The local inventory module102may be an on-site database management system which oversees an inventory control of parts and/or components necessary for a production of goods being manufactured locally. The local inventory module102may include a communication module to interact (e.g., transmit and/or receive data) with the container module106(e.g., especially with the capacitive sensor module108) and a data processing system (e.g., a data processing system804ofFIG. 8) as well as the local inventory database110. For example, the communication module may use technology such as USB, Bluetooth, WiFi and/or Zigbee, etc. to communicate between the capacitive sensor modules108, the container modules106, interface devices and the data processing system804.

The supplier inventory module104may be a database management system of a supplier which oversees an inventory control of parts and/or components necessary for a production of goods being manufactured in a business entity (e.g., a manufacturing plant, a laboratory, etc. using goods and/or services of the supplier). The supplier inventory module104may include a communication module to interact (e.g., transmit and/or receive data) with the local inventory module102as well as the supplier inventory database112.

The manufacturer inventory module105may be a database management system kept by a manufacturer which oversees an inventory control of parts and/or components necessary for a supply of parts and/or goods being used in a business entity (e.g., a supplier). The manufacturer inventory module105may include a communication module to interact (e.g., transmit and/or receive data) with the supplier inventory module104as well as the manufacturer inventory database114.

The container module106may be a bin (e.g., the bin200ofFIG. 2), a shelf (e.g., the shelf300ofFIG. 3), a pallet (e.g., the pallet400ofFIG. 4), and/or other containers, each having a capacitive sensor module108. The capacitive sensor module108may be a load-sensing (e.g., weight, force, etc.) device using capacitive sensing techniques, as illustrated inFIGS. 5,6, and/or7. In alternate embodiments, the capacitive sensor module108(e.g., the load sensing device used for inventory control) may be based on various capacitive load sensing techniques (e.g., area-change, gap-change and/or cylindrical capacitive sensors).

The capacitive sensor module108may include an alarm circuit which may initiate an alarm sound (e.g., light a warning light and/or communicates an email and/or instant message alert) when the parts and/or components in the container module106having the capacitive sensor module108fall below a critical value (e.g., which may be set by an administrator).

The local inventory database110may be a database (e.g., relational, hierarchical, etc.) detailing a quantity, a status, and/or order information of parts and/or components located in the container module106(e.g., based on a measurement data of the capacitive sensor module108).

The supplier inventory database112may be a database (e.g., relational, hierarchical, etc.) detailing a quantity, a status, and/or order information of parts and/or components of the business entity (e.g., based on a measurement data of the capacitive sensor module108and/or a partiality and/or an entirety of the local inventory database110). The manufacturer inventory database114may be a database (e.g., relational, hierarchical, etc.) detailing a quantity, a status, and/or order information of parts and/or components by a supplier.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the capacitive sensor module108A of the container module106A may communicate a status (e.g., a quantity of parts in the container module106A) to a local inventory module102wirelessly and/or through a wire. A data (e.g., which may be based on an analog signal and/or a digital signal) containing the status of the local inventory module102may be processed through the data processing system (e.g., which may convert, decipher, format, etc.) to store into the local inventory database110.

The local inventory database110may indicate any shortage of the parts and/or the components when the capacitive sensor module108A senses a weight of the parts and/or a load of the parts in the container module106A goes below a critical value (e.g., which may be used to determine a time to replenish the container module106A with the parts).

The local inventory module102may communicate with the supplier inventory module104through the network100. When an order of any component shortage is communicated from the local inventory module102to the supplier inventory module104, the supplier inventory module104may initiate a command for a vehicle to deliver the order to a client which initiated the order. In an alternative example, when an order of any component shortage is communicated from the supplier inventory module104to the manufacturer inventory module105, the manufacturer inventory module105may initiate a command for a vehicle to deliver the order to the supplier which initiated the order.

FIG. 2is a three-dimensional view of a bin200having a capacitive sensor device208, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 2illustrates a bin200having a cylindrical body202, a bottom surface204, a capacitive sensor device208, a contact zone210, and/or a sensor mounting kit212. The bin200may be a container to measure (e.g., automatically and/or continuously) a weight of a discrete component (e.g., a nut, a bolt, a screw, etc.) and/or an indiscrete volume (e.g., a beverage, a liquid chemical, etc.) and/or communicate (e.g., via a cable, via a wireless RF network, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.) its inventory level (e.g., of the discrete component and/or the indiscrete volume) to the local inventory module102ofFIG. 1. The bin200may also alert for specific conditions which includes a threshold value (e.g., for reordering of the discrete component and/or the indiscrete volume), an out of stock warning, a malfunction of the bin200, etc.

The cylindrical body202may prevent the discrete component and/or the indiscrete component from escaping the bin200. The bottom surface204may be a medium between the discrete component (e.g., and/or the indiscrete component) and the capacitive sensor device208. A weight of the discrete component may depress the bottom surface which may in turn press down the contact zone210of the capacitive sensor device208. The capacitive sensor device208may be a variable sensor based on a measurement of capacitance as will be illustrated more in details inFIGS. 5,6and/or7.

The contact zone210may be a junction point (e.g., which may be a nut mounted on the capacitive sensor device208, a single and/or multiple mounds of the capacitive sensor device208, etc.) which may be depressed when a weight of discrete and/or indiscrete components is applied on the bin200. The sensor mounting kit212may be a mechanical mechanism (e.g., which may includes fasteners, chambers, supports, etc.) to mount the capacitive sensor device208under the bottom surface204such that an optimum contact may be realized between the bottom surface204and the contact zone210when a weight (e.g., of the discrete components and/or indiscrete volume) is applied on the bottom surface204.

FIG. 3is a three-dimensional view of a shelf300having a capacitive sensor device308, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 3illustrates the shelf300having a shelf space302, a shelf support304, a capacitive sensor device308, a contact zone310, and/or a sensor mounting kit312. The shelf300(e.g., which may be in multiple levels) may determine a number of components on the shelf300based on a weight of the components using the capacitive sensor device308. The shelf300may also communicate (e.g., via a cable, via a wireless RF network, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.) its inventory level (e.g., of the components, contents and/or parts) to the local inventory module102ofFIG. 1. The shelf300may also alert for specific conditions which includes a threshold value (e.g., for reordering of components), an out of stock warning, a malfunction of the shelf300, etc.

The shelf space302may be a surface (e.g., made of a rectangular, square, round and/or other shapes of a steel, wooden, plastic, etc. material) where the components may be placed. The shelf support304may be used to support the shelf space302, and there may be three or more supports (e.g., legs, poles, beams, etc.) supporting the shelf300. Each of the shelf support304may be made up of one and/or more parts. The capacitive sensor device308may be placed below the shelf space302but above a part of the shelf support304. The contact zone310may be a junction point which may be pressed down when the shelf space302is depressed due to a weight of the components placed on the shelf space302. The sensor mounting kit312may be a mechanism which may be used to mount the capacitive sensor device308such that the contact zone310of the capacitive sensor device308makes an optimum contact with the shelf space302.

FIG. 4is a three-dimensional diagram of a pallet400having a capacitive sensor device408, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 4illustrates a pallet400having a top surface402, a pallet support404, a capacitive sensor device408, and/or a contact zone410. The pallet400may be a small, low, portable platform on which goods are placed for storage or moving (e.g., as in a warehouse or vehicle). The pallet400may determine a number of the goods on the pallet400based on a weight of the goods using the capacitive sensor device408. The pallet400may also communicate (e.g., via a cable, via a wireless RF network, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc.) its inventory level (e.g., of the goods) to the local inventory module102ofFIG. 1.

The top surface402may be a surface (e.g., made of a rectangular, square, round and/or other shapes of a steel, wooden, plastic, etc. material) where the goods may be placed. The pallet support404may be used to support the top surface402, and there may be three or more supports (e.g., legs, poles, beams, etc.) supporting the pallet400. The capacitive sensor device408may be placed below each corner of the top surface402. The contact zone410may be a junction point which may be pressed down when the top surface402is depressed due to a weight of the goods placed on the top surface402.

FIG. 5is a three-dimensional view of a capacitive sensor device500having at least one sensor capacitor (e.g., a sensor capacitor614) and a reference capacitor (e.g., a reference capacity616), according to one embodiment.

The capacitive sensor device500includes a top plate502, a bottom plate504, a contact zone508, a cable510, and a stress relief512(e.g., made of plastic, elastomeric material, etc.). As illustrated inFIG. 5, the contact zone508may provide a substantial contact surface for a force (e.g., a force506) being applied on the capacitive sensor device500. The cable510may be used to harvest (e.g., read, analyze, process, communicate, etc.) a measurement of the sensor capacitor where the stress relief512may be used to promote longevity of the cable510by absorbing a stress (e.g., shock, strain, etc.) applied on the cable510.

In one example embodiment, the force506(e.g., a load, a weight, a pressure, etc.) may be applied on each of the contact zone508of the capacitive sensor device500. For instance, the force506may be applied on the contact zone508. The contact zone508contacted by the force506may move down an upper conductive surface the sensor capacitor614toward a lower conductive surface of the sensor capacitor614producing a change in capacitance. In another embodiment, a housing (e.g., which may include the top plate502, the bottom plate504, the contact zone508, and/or a different structure) may be made of a conductive and/or a nonconductive material. In case the nonconductive material is being used, the nonconductive material may be painted (e.g., sputtered, coated, etc.) with the conductive material. The various components of the capacitive sensor device500may be best understood with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6Ais a two dimensional cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor device (e.g., the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1, the capacitive sensor device800ofFIG. 8, etc.), according to one embodiment. The capacitive sensor device encompasses a sensor capacitor, a reference capacitor, and a layered circuit in a housing (e.g., made of a conductive material and/or a nonconductive material to isolate any electronic module in the housing from an external electromagnetic noise).

In an example embodiment, a housing600includes a printed circuit board1(PCB1)602, an upper conductive surface604, a PCB2606, a lower conductive surface608, a upper reference surface610, a lower reference surface612, a PCB3613, a fastener614, a PCB4616, and/or a groove620. The sensor capacitor may be formed between the upper conductive surface604and the lower conductive surface608. The housing600, the PCB2606, and/or the PCB3613may be adjoined together via fastening with the fastener614.

A deflection of a top part of the housing600may cause a change in a distance between two parallel conductive surfaces of the sensor capacitor when a force618is applied on the top part of the housing600. The change in the distance may bring about a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor. In one embodiment, the two parallel conductive surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and have the same physical area and/or thickness. The change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor may be inversely proportional to the change in the distance between the two parallel conductive surfaces in one embodiment.

In another example, a reference capacitor may be formed between the upper reference surface610and the lower reference surface612. The reference sensor may experience a change in capacitance only for environmental factors (e.g., humidity in a gap between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a temperature of the capacitive sensor device, and an air pressure of an environment surrounding the capacitive sensor device, etc.). Therefore, the environmental factors can be removed from a measurement of a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor when the force618is applied to the capacitive sensor device (e.g., thereby allowing a user to determine the change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor more accurately).

In yet another example embodiment, the PCBs where the sensor capacitor and the reference capacitor are formed (e.g., the PCB2606and the PCB3613) may be suspended in the air such that a measurement of the sensor capacitor as well as a measurement of the reference capacitor may be minimally affected by an expansion and/or a compression of the housing600(e.g., a bottom part of the housing600) due to the environmental factors.

In addition, a thickness of the PCB1602may be same as a thickness of the PCB2606and a distance between the upper conductive surface604and the lower conductive surface608may be equal to a distance between the upper reference surface610and the lower reference surface612. This may minimize an error in the measurement of the sensor capacitor as well as the reference capacitor due to the expansion and/or the compression of the housing600due to the environmental factors. Furthermore, the groove620may minimize an effect of a deflection of the housing600(e.g., the top part) on the PCB1602when the force618is applied on the housing600such that a downward movement of the upper conductive surface604may be minimized.

FIG. 6Bis a two dimensional cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor device (e.g., the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1, the capacitive sensor device800ofFIG. 8, etc.) having a single printed circuit board (PCB)652, according to one embodiment. The capacitive sensor device encompasses a sensor capacitor, a reference capacitor, and a layered circuit in a housing (e.g., made of a conductive material and/or a nonconductive material to isolate any electronic module in the housing from an external electromagnetic noise).

In an example embodiment, a housing650includes a printed circuit board (PCB)652, a lower conductive surface654, an upper reference surface656, a conductive surface658, a fastener660, and/or a groove664. The sensor capacitor may be formed between an inner side of a top part of the housing650and the lower conductive surface654. The housing650, the PCB652, and/or the conductive surface658may be adjoined together via fastening with the fastener660.

A deflection of a top part of the housing650may cause a change in a distance between two parallel conductive surfaces of the sensor capacitor when a force662is applied on the top part of the housing650. The change in the distance may bring about a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor. In one embodiment, the two parallel conductive surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and have the same physical area and/or thickness. The change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor may be inversely proportional to the change in the distance between the two parallel conductive surfaces in one embodiment.

In another example, a reference capacitor may be formed between the upper reference surface656and a top part of the conductive surface658. The reference sensor may experience a change in capacitance only for environmental factors (e.g., humidity in a gap between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a temperature of the capacitive sensor device, and an air pressure of an environment surrounding the capacitive sensor device, etc.). Therefore, the environmental factors can be removed from a measurement of a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor when the force662is applied to the capacitive sensor device (e.g., thereby allowing a user to determine the change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor more accurately).

In yet another example embodiment, the PCB652and the conductive surface658where the sensor capacitor and the reference capacitor are formed may be suspended in the air such that a measurement of the sensor capacitor as well as a measurement of the reference capacitor may be minimally affected by an expansion and/or a compression of the housing650(e.g., a bottom part of the housing650) due to the environmental factors. In addition, the groove664may minimize an effect of a deflection of the housing650(e.g., the top part) on the PCB656when the force662is applied on the housing650such that a downward movement of the upper conductive surface (e.g., formed on the inner side of the top part of the housing650) may be minimized.

FIG. 7is a process view of measuring a force706, according to one embodiment. InFIG. 7, an electronic circuitry (e.g., a software and/or hardware code) may apply an algorithm to measure a change in a distance702between two conductive plates of the sensor700(e.g., the sensor capacitor614ofFIG. 6) when the force706is propagated to the sensor700. In an alternate embodiment, a change in area between the plates may be considered rather than the change in the distance.

Next, a change in capacitance704may be calculated based on the change in the distance702between the two plates forming the sensor700. The change in capacitance704, a change in voltage708, and/or a change in frequency710may also be calculated to generate a measurement (e.g., an estimation of the force706applied to the sensor700). The change in capacitance704may be changed into the change in voltage708using a capacitance-to-voltage module. The change in capacitance704may also be converted into the change in frequency710using a capacitance-to-frequency module.

Furthermore, the capacitance-to-frequency module may be based on a circuit which produces a wave data with a frequency proportional to the change in capacitance704. Thus, a higher resolution of the measurement may be possible when the frequency results in a high value (e.g., in million cycles per second) and/or is modulated to the high value. Thus, one may be able to obtain the change in frequency710of the sensor700by subtracting a number of wave forms per second when there is no force present from a number of wave forms per second when the force706is applied on the sensor700.

Data which encompasses the change in capacitance704, the change in voltage708, and/or the change in frequency710may be provided to a digitizer module712(e.g., an analog-to-digital converter). Lastly, the digitizer module712may work with the processing module714(e.g., a microprocessor which may be integrated in a signaling circuit of the layered PCB ofFIG. 6) to convert the change in capacitance704, the change in voltage708, and/or the change in frequency710to a measurement716(e.g., a measurement of the force706applied to the sensor700).

FIG. 8is a network enabled view of a capacitive sensor device800, according to one embodiment. The capacitive sensor device800A is connected to a data processing system804through a cable802as illustrated inFIG. 8. The capacitive sensor device800A is also connected to a network (e.g., an internet, a local area network, etc.). The capacitive sensor device800B is wirelessly connected to the network through an access device806(e.g., a device which enables wireless communication between devices forming a wireless network).

The capacitive sensor device800B includes a transmitter/receiver circuit808and a wireless interface controller810(e.g., for wireless communication), a battery812(e.g., to sustain as a standalone device), and an alarm circuit814(e.g., to alert a user when a force to the capacitive sensor device800B is greater than a threshold value and/or when the battery is almost out). The transmitter/receiver circuit808and/or the wireless interface controller810may be integrated into the processing module714ofFIG. 7.

A data processing system804may receive data (e.g., output data measuring a force and/or a load, etc.) from the capacitive sensor device800A and/or the capacitive sensor device800B through the network. In one embodiment, the data processing system804analyzes data (e.g., measurements) generated by various operation of the capacitive sensor device800. In another example embodiment, a universal serial bus (USB) may be included in the circuitry of the capacitive sensor device800. The USB (e.g., a USB port or hub with mini sockets) may allow a hardware interface (e.g., user-friendly) for a data processing system (e.g., the data processing system804) and/or a hardware interface for attaching peripheral devices (e.g., a flash drive).

FIG. 9is a diagrammatic representation of a computer system900capable of processing a set of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies herein, according to one embodiment. In various embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device and/or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server and/or a client machine in server-client network environment, and/or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch and/or bridge, an embedded system and/or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential and/or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually and/or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one and/or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system900includes a processor902(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or both), a main memory904and a static memory906, which communicate with each other via a bus908. The computer system900may further include a video display unit910(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system900also includes an alphanumeric input device912(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device914(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit916, a signal generation device918(e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device920.

The disk drive unit916includes a machine-readable medium922on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software924) embodying any one or more of the methodologies and/or functions described herein. The software924may also reside, completely and/or at least partially, within the main memory904and/or within the processor902during execution thereof by the computer system900, the main memory904and the processor902also constituting machine-readable media.

The software924may further be transmitted and/or received over a network926via the network interface device920. While the machine-readable medium922is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium and/or multiple media (e.g., a centralized and/or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding and/or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the various embodiments. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

FIG. 10is a system view of an inventory control system using a capacitive sensor device and a database management program, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 10illustrates a network1000, a plant1002, a supplier1004, a manufacturer1005, a bin1006, a shelf1008, a pallet1010, a data processing system1012, a laptop1014, a bin1016, a shelf1018, a data processing system1020, a desktop1022, a bin1024, a telephone1026, a desktop1028, a telephone1030, a vehicle1032, a desktop1034, and/or a telephone1036.

The network1000may be an Internet, an Ethernet, a Radio Frequency (RF) network, a telecommunications (e.g., mobile) network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc.), and/or a storage area network (SAN), etc. The plant1002may be a building and/or group of buildings for the manufacture of a product. The supplier1004may be a person and/or an entity engaging in a business to supply a particular service and/or commodity. The manufacturer1005may be someone and/or an entity whose business is to manufacture a particular part and/or component. The bin1006(e.g., the bin200ofFIG. 2) may be the container module106(e.g., wireless) ofFIG. 1having the capacitive sensor module108(e.g., the capacitive sensor device800B ofFIG. 8).

The capacitive sensor module108may be a sensor based on a capacitive sensing technique as was illustrated in more details inFIGS. 5,6, and/or7. The shelf1008(e.g., the shelf300ofFIG. 3) may be the container module106(e.g., wireless) having the capacitive sensor module108. The pallet1010(e.g., the pallet400ofFIG. 4) may the container module106(e.g., wireless) having the capacitive sensor module108. The data processing system1012may receive data (e.g., output data measuring a force and/or a load, etc.) from a capacitive sensor device (e.g., the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1) through the network1000.

The laptop1014may be a computer (e.g., a data processing system as illustrated inFIG. 9) which may run a database management program (e.g., the local inventory module102ofFIG. 1) to conduct an inventory control of parts and/or components being used by the plant1002A. An application server may be needed when the database management program requires a larger memory space and/or an extended operational capability.

The bin1016(e.g., the bin200ofFIG. 2) may be the container module106(e.g.; wired via an interface cable) ofFIG. 1having the capacitive sensor module108(e.g., the capacitive sensor device800A ofFIG. 8). The capacitive sensor module108may be a sensor based on a capacitive sensing technique as was illustrated in more details inFIGS. 5,6, and/or7. The shelf1018(e.g., the shelf300ofFIG. 3) may be the container module106(e.g., wired through an interface cable) having the capacitive sensor module108.

The data processing system1020may receive data (e.g., output data measuring a force and/or a load, etc.) from a capacitive sensor device (e.g., the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1) through the network1000. The desktop1022may be a computer which may runs a database management program (e.g., the local inventory module102ofFIG. 1) to conduct an inventory control of parts and/or components being used by the plant1002B.

The bin1024(e.g., the bin200ofFIG. 2) may be the container module106(e.g., wireless enabled) ofFIG. 1having the capacitive sensor module108(e.g., the capacitive sensor device800B ofFIG. 8). The capacitive sensor module108may be a sensor based on a capacitive sensing technique as was illustrated in more details inFIGS. 5,6, and/or7. The telephone1026may be used to order parts and/or services from the supplier1004.

The desktop1028may be a computer which may runs a database management program (e.g., the supplier inventory module104ofFIG. 1) to obtain and/or execute an order of the plant1002. The telephone1030may be used to communicate with the plant1002to receiver an order of parts and/or services. The vehicle1032may be used to deliver the parts and/or the services to the plant1002. The desktop1034may be a computer which may runs a database management program (e.g., the manufacturer inventory module105ofFIG. 1) to obtain and/or execute an order of the supplier1004. The telephone1036may be used to communicate with the supplier1004to receiver an order of parts and/or services.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the bin1006, the shelf1008, and/or the pallet1010may continuously and/or periodically communicate (e.g., wirelessly) a signal data indicating a status of parts and/or goods associated with them. The signal data may determine the status based on a weight measurement of the parts and/or the goods (e.g., against a threshold value). The signal data may be processed via the data processing system1012.

The signal data then may be processed via the laptop1014which may have a database management program overseeing an inventory control of the parts and/or the goods. The database management program may display a status of the parts and/or the goods and/or warns the plant1002A to replenish and/or order the parts. A local inventory data maintained by the database management program may be shared with the supplier1004through the network1000. This may allow the supplier1004to promptly deliver the parts using the vehicle1032.

In another example embodiment, the bin1016and/or the shelf1018may continuously and/or periodically communicate (e.g., using an interface cable) a signal data indicating a status of components associated with them. The signal data may determine the status based on a weight measurement of the components (e.g., against a threshold value). The signal data may be processed via the data processing system1020.

The signal data then may be processed via the desktop1022which may have a database management program overseeing an inventory control of the parts and/or the goods. The database management program may display a status of the parts and/or warns the plant1002B to replenish and/or order the parts. A local inventory data maintained by the database management program may be shared with the supplier1004through the network1000. This may also allow the supplier1004to promptly deliver the parts using the vehicle1032.

In yet another example embodiment, the bin1024may continuously and/or periodically oversee a status of components contained in the bin1024and/or warn a user of the bin1024when a number of the components falls below a critical value. When the user is alerted, the user may replenish the bin1024. Alternatively, the user may call out via the telephone1026to order more components from the supplier1004. In addition, the manufacturer1005may interact with the supplier1004to replenish the parts where an order of the supplier1004may be processed automatically through an inventory system shared between the manufacturer1005and the supplier1004. Furthermore, the plant1002, the supplier1004, and the manufacturer1005may share an inventory control system to automatize a replenishment of the parts and/or the components.

FIG. 11is a three-dimensional view of a capacitive sensor device1100having at least one sensor capacitor (e.g., a sensor capacitor1214) and a reference capacitor (e.g., a reference capacity1216), according to one embodiment.

The capacitive sensor device1100includes a top plate1102, a bottom plate1104, a contact zone1108, a cable1110, and a stress relief1112(e.g., made of plastic, elastomeric material, etc.). As illustrated inFIG. 11, the contact zone1108may provide a substantial contact surface for a force (e.g., a force1106) being applied on the capacitive sensor device1100. The cable1110may be used to harvest (e.g., read, analyze, process, communicate, etc.) a measurement of the sensor capacitor where the stress relief1112may be used to promote longevity of the cable1110by absorbing a stress (e.g., shock, strain, etc.) applied on the cable1110.

In one example embodiment, the force1106(e.g., a load, a weight, a pressure, etc.) may be applied on each of the contact zone1108of the capacitive sensor device1100. For instance, the force1106may be applied on the contact zone1108(e.g., may be a vector force). The contact zone1108contacted by the force1106may move down an upper conductive surface the sensor capacitor1214toward a lower conductive surface of the sensor capacitor1214producing a change in capacitance. In another embodiment, a housing (e.g., which may include the top plate1102, the bottom plate1104, the contact zone1108, and/or a different structure) may be made of a conductive and/or a nonconductive material. In case the nonconductive material is being used, the nonconductive material may be painted (e.g., sputtered, coated, etc.) with the conductive material. The various components of the capacitive sensor device1100may be best understood with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12is a two dimensional cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor device1200, according to one embodiment. The capacitive sensor device1200encompasses a sensor capacitor1214, a reference capacitor1216, and a layered circuit in a housing (e.g., made of a conductive material and/or a nonconductive material to isolate any electronic module in the housing from an external electromagnetic noise).

In an example embodiment, the housing includes a top plate1202, a bottom plate1204, a contact zone1208, a printed circuit board1210, a spacer1212, a sensor capacitor1214, and/or a reference capacitor1216. The sensor capacitor1214may be formed between a painted conductor surface on a top center of the printed circuit board (PCB)1210and a painted cavity created on a bottom surface of the top plate1202. The top plate1202, the PCB1210, and the spacer1212may be adjoined together via fastening with a screw.

A deflection of the top plate1202may cause a change in a distance between two parallel conductive surfaces of the sensor capacitor1214. The change in the distance may bring about a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor1214. In one embodiment, the two parallel conductive surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and have the same physical area and/or thickness. The change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor1214may be inversely proportional to the change in the distance between the two parallel conductive surfaces in one embodiment.

In another example, the reference capacitor1216may be formed between a painted conductor surface on a bottom center of the PCB1210and a painted cavity created on a top surface of the bottom plate1204. The reference sensor may experience a change in capacitance only for environmental factors (e.g., humidity in a gap between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, a temperature of the capacitive sensor device1200, and an air pressure of an environment surrounding the capacitive sensor device1200, etc.). Therefore, the environmental factors can be removed from a measurement of a change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor when the force1206is applied to the capacitive sensor device1200(e.g., thereby allowing a user to determine the change in capacitance of the sensor capacitor more accurately).

FIG. 13is a process view of measuring a force1306, according to one embodiment. InFIG. 13, an electronic circuitry (e.g., a software and/or hardware code) may apply an algorithm to measure a change in a distance1302between two conductive plates of the sensor1300(e.g., the sensor capacitor1214ofFIG. 12) when the force1306is propagated to the sensor1300. In an alternate embodiment, a change in area between the plates may be considered rather than the change in the distance.

Next, a change in capacitance1304may be calculated based on the change in the distance1302between the two plates forming the sensor1300. The change in capacitance1304, a change in voltage1308, and/or a change in frequency1310may also be calculated to generate a measurement (e.g., an estimation of the force1306applied to the sensor1300). The change in capacitance1304may be changed into the change in voltage1308using a capacitance-to-voltage module. The change in capacitance1304may also be converted into the change in frequency1310using a capacitance-to-frequency module.

Furthermore, the capacitance-to-frequency module may be based on a circuit which produces a wave data with a frequency proportional to the change in capacitance1304. Thus, a higher resolution of the measurement may be possible when the frequency results in a high value (e.g., in the order of million cycles per second) and/or is modulated to the high value. Thus, one may be able to obtain the change in frequency1310of the sensor1300by subtracting a number of wave forms per second when there is no force present from a number of wave forms per second when the force1306is applied on the sensor1300.

Data which encompasses the change in capacitance1304, the change in voltage1308, and/or the change in frequency1310may be provided to a digitizer module1312(e.g., an analog-to-digital converter). Lastly, the digitizer module1312may work with the processing module1314(e.g., a microprocessor which may be integrated in a signaling circuit of the layered PCB1210ofFIG. 12) to convert the change in capacitance1304, the change in voltage1308, and/or the change in frequency1310to a measurement1316(e.g., a measurement of the force1306applied to the sensor1300).

FIG. 14is a three-dimensional view of a capacitive sensor assembly1450which may be used to weigh an indiscrete volume of a dispenser, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 14illustrates the capacitive sensor assembly1450having a capacitive sensor1400(e.g., the capacitive sensor device1100ofFIG. 11), a contact zone1408, a strip spacer1412, a body strip1414, a head strip1416, and an assembly rest1418. The capacitive sensor device1400may have a sensor capacitor (e.g., the sensor capacitor1214ofFIG. 12) and/or a reference capacitor (e.g., the reference capacitor1216). The contact zone1408may provide a junction point where a load and/or a force may be applied so that a capacitance may be measured on the capacitive sensor device1400.

The strip spacer1412may be a block (e.g., which may be a same material as the body strip1414and the head strip1416) which is used to form a gap between the body strip1414and the head strip1416. The gap may be adjusted to provide an optimal position of the capacitive sensor device1400which may be used to weigh a measurement of an indiscrete volume. The body strip1414may be a board (e.g., made of a plastic, a metal, a wood, a plexiglass, etc.) where the capacitive sensor device1400may be mounted (e.g., using a fastener). The head strip1416may be a board (e.g., which may and/or may not be made of a same material as the body strip1414) which may be smaller in size than the body strip1414such that the head strip1416may come in contact with a bottom of an upper housing (e.g. an upper housing1560ofFIG. 15) of a dispenser device (e.g., a dispenser device1780) to provide a grip of one end of the capacitive sensor assembly1450.

The assembly rest1418(e.g., which may be made of a plastic, a plexglass, a metal, a wood, etc.) may provide a grip for the other end of the capacitive sensor assembly1450. In one embodiment, the assembly rest1418may be a single flap which may be folded underneath of the capacitive sensor assembly1450. In another embodiment, the capacitive sensor assembly1450may be multiple flaps (e.g., the assembly rest1418A, the assembly rest1418B, etc.) which may be folded underneath of the capacitive sensor assembly1450.

FIG. 15is a three-dimensional view of an upper housing1560of a dispenser device, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 15illustrates an upper housing1560having a capacitive sensor device1500, a cavity1502, a partition1504, a body strip1514, a head strip1516, an assembly rest1518, and/or a capacitive sensor assembly1550. The upper housing may be an upper part of a dispenser device (e.g., a dispenser device1780ofFIG. 17). The capacitive sensor device1500, the body strip1514, the head strip1516, the assembly rest1518, and/or the capacitive sensor assembly1550may be associated (e.g., same and/or similar in functions and/or features) with the capacitive sensor device1400ofFIG. 14, the body strip1414, the head strip1416, the assembly rest1418, and/or the capacitive sensor assembly1450, respectively.

The cavity1502may provide an opening of a container holding a content (e.g., which may be in an indiscrete volume as in the container1606ofFIG. 16) where the content may be dispensed through the cavity1502. The partition1504may separate one discrete volume (e.g. of the container1606) from another discrete volume. A number of the partition1504used may be in multiple numbers. In one example embodiment, if four discrete volumes are in a dispenser device, three partitions may be used to separate the four discrete volumes.

Furthermore, the capacitive sensor assembly1550may be placed at bottom of the upper housing1560where the capacitive sensor device1500may be facing downward. The capacitive sensor device1500may have a single contact zone (e.g., the contact zone1108ofFIG. 11, the contact zone1208ofFIG. 12and/or the contact zone1408ofFIG. 14) or multiple contact zones which may be pressed when a load (e.g., an indiscrete volume of the container1606ofFIG. 16) is applied on top of the capacitive sensor assembly1550.

The head strip1516may provide a grip which may be used to prevent the capacitive sensor assembly1550from slipping laterally (e.g., when the load is applied on top of the capacitive sensor assembly1550) and/or to provide an optimum contact between the capacitive sensor device1500and a bottom surface of the upper housing1560. The assembly rest1518may provide another grip which may be used to prevent the capacitive sensor assembly1550from slipping laterally (e.g., when the load is applied on top of the capacitive sensor assembly1550) and/or to provide an optimum contact between the capacitive sensor device1500and the bottom surface of the upper housing1560.

FIG. 16is a three-dimensional view of an upper housing1660having a container1606of a dispenser device, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 16illustrates an upper housing1660having a capacitive sensor device1600, a cavity1602, a partition1604, a container1606, and/or a capacitive sensor assembly1650. The container1606may have a neck1608and/or a fastener1610. The capacitive sensor assembly1650may include a capacitive sensor device1600, a body strip1614, a head strip1616, and/or an assembly rest1618.

The capacitive sensor device1600, the body strip1614, the head strip1616, the assembly rest1618of the capacitive sensor assembly1650may be associated (e.g., same and/or similar in functions and/or features) with the capacitive sensor device1500ofFIG. 15, the body strip1514, the head strip1516, the assembly rest1518of the capacitive sensor assembly1550, respectively. The cavity1602and the partition1604of the upper housing1660may be similar and/or identical with the cavity1502and the partition1504of the upper housing1560ofFIG. 15.

The container1606may be used to hold an indiscrete volume of a content (e.g., a beverage, a liquid, a fluid, a condiment, etc.). The container1606may be made of a vinyl, a plastic, a synthetic material, and/or other materials which may vary its shape due to the nature of the content (e.g., having an indiscrete volume). The neck1608of the container1606may extend out of the upper housing1660through the cavity1602. The fastener1610(e.g., a cap, a cork, etc.) may be used to control a flow of the content (e.g., a beverage, a condiment, etc.). Thus, when a dispenser device (e.g., a coffee dispensing machine, a soda dispensing machine, a milk dispensing machine, etc.) is on, the fastener1610may remain open.

FIG. 17is a three-dimensional view of a dispenser device1780having a data processing system1704, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 17illustrates a dispenser device1780having an upper housing1760and/or a lower housing1770. The upper housing1760may have a capacitive sensor device1700, a cavity1702, a fastener1710, and/or other components (e.g., SeeFIG. 16).

The lower housing1770may have a data processing system1704, a volume indicator1706, and/or a status indicator1708. The data processing system1704may process a measurement data from the capacitive sensor device1700. The volume indicator1706may be a light emitting diode (LED) (e.g., and/or other lighting source) which may be turned on when a volume of a content (e.g., in the container1606ofFIG. 16) in the dispenser device1780is less than a threshold value (e.g., a weight which may be set by a user and/or a maintenance person of the dispenser device1780). The status indicator1708may be a light emitting diode (LED) (e.g., and/or other lighting source) which may be turned on when the dispenser device1780is in use.

In one example embodiment, the capacitive sensor device1700may communicate (e.g., periodically and/or continually) with the data processing system1704of the dispenser device1780when the dispenser device1780is active (e.g., which may be indicated by the status indicator1708). The capacitive sensor device1700may communicate a measurement (e.g., which may be an analog and/or a digital signal in a form of a capacitance, a voltage, and/or a frequency value of the content being measured by the capacitive sensor device1700) to the data processing system1704.

The data processing system1704may then process the measurement (e.g., through comparing the measurement with a threshold value set by the user) and communicate a command data to control the volume indicator1706. The status indicator1708may be turned on when a load applied on top of the capacitive sensor device1700(e.g., mounted on the capacitive sensor assembly1650) is measured to be less than a threshold value (e.g., which may be 1/10thof the load in full capacity).

In another example embodiment, the data processing system1704may be positioned outside of the dispenser device1780. The capacitive sensor device1700in this case may communicate the measurement to the data processing system1704wirelessly, and the data processing system1704may control the status indicator1708wirelessly once the data processing system1704processes the measurement as will be illustrated inFIG. 18.

FIG. 18is a network enabled view of a capacitive sensor device1800, according to one embodiment. The capacitive sensor device1800A is connected to a data processing system1804through a cable1802as illustrated inFIG. 18. The capacitive sensor device1800A is also connected to a network (e.g., an internet, a local area network, etc.). The capacitive sensor device1800B is wirelessly connected to the network through an access device1806(e.g., a device which enables wireless communication between devices forming a wireless network).

The capacitive sensor device1800B includes a transmitter/receiver circuit1808and a wireless interface controller1810(e.g., for wireless communication), a battery1812(e.g., to sustain as a standalone device), and an alarm circuit1814(e.g., to alert a user when a force to the capacitive sensor device1800B is greater than a threshold value and/or when the battery is almost out). The transmitter/receiver circuit1808and/or the wireless interface controller1810may be integrated into the processing module1314ofFIG. 13.

A data processing system1804may receive data (e.g., output data measuring a force and/or a load, etc.) from the capacitive sensor device1800A and/or the capacitive sensor device1800B through the network. In one embodiment, the data processing system1804analyzes data (e.g., measurements) generated by various operation of the capacitive sensor device1800. In another example embodiment, a universal serial bus (USB) may be included in the circuitry of the capacitive sensor device1800. The USB (e.g., a USB port or hub with mini sockets) may allow a hardware interface (e.g., user-friendly) for a data processing system (e.g., the data processing system1804) and/or a hardware interface for attaching peripheral devices (e.g., a flash drive).

FIG. 19is a conceptual diagram of a service associated with a dispenser device, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 19illustrates a service headquarters1900, a transceiver1902, a service vehicle1904, a transceiver1906, a school1908, a beverage machine1910, a transmitter1912, a vending machine1914, a transmitter1916, a convenience store1918, a condiment dispenser1920, a transmitter1922, a restaurant1924, a beverage dispenser1926, a transceiver1928, a hospital1930, a beverage dispenser1932, a transmitter1934, a vending machine1936, and/or a transmitter1938.

The service headquarters1900may be a place where the service (e.g., installment, and/or maintenance of the dispenser device and/or delivery of supply items associated with the dispenser device) is conducted. The service vehicle1904may be a transportation device which may be used by an agent of a service provider associated with the dispenser device. The transceiver1906may be a communication device on the service vehicle which may be used to communicate between the service vehicle1904and the service headquarter1900.

The school1908may be a private and/or public educational institution. The beverage machine1910may be an electromechanical apparatus which may be used to vend a beverage (e.g., coffee, orange juice, cola, etc.). The transmitter1912may communicate a status (e.g., the machine on, the machine off, the beverage running out, the beverage filled, etc.) of the beverage machine1910to the service headquarter1900. The vending machine1914may be a dispenser device having a capacitive sensor device weighing a load in indiscrete volume (e.g., a beverage measured in units of cups) and/or in discrete volume (e.g., a beverage measured in units of cans, bottles, etc.). The transmitter1916may communicate a status (e.g., the machine on, the machine off, beverage running out, beverage filled, etc.) of the beverage machine1910to the service headquarter1900.

The convenience store1918may be a private (e.g., retail) business. The condiment dispenser1920may be an electromechanical apparatus which may be used to dispense one or more condiments (e.g., a ketchup, a mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, etc.). The transmitter1922may communicate a status (e.g., the machine on, the machine off, the beverage running out, the beverage filled, etc.) of the condiment dispenser1920to the service headquarter1900.

The restaurant1924may be a business entity where a food and/or a beverage may be served for profit. The beverage dispenser1926may be an electromechanical apparatus which may be used to dispense a beverage (e.g., a coffee, an orange juice, a cola, etc.). The beverage dispenser1926(e.g., which may not have a wireless communication capability) may be monitored by the user (e.g., the owner and/or the employee of the restaurant1924). The transceiver1928of the restaurant1924may be used to communicate with the service headquarter1900.

The hospital1930may be a profit and/or nonprofit health organization. The beverage dispenser1932may be an electromechanical apparatus which may be used to vend a beverage (e.g., coffee, orange juice, cola, etc.). The transmitter1934may communicate a status (e.g., the machine on, the machine off, beverage running out, beverage filled, etc.) of the beverage dispenser1932to the service headquarter1900.

The vending machine1936on a street corner may be a dispenser device having a capacitive sensor device weighing a load in indiscrete volume (e.g., a beverage measured in units of cups) and/or in discrete volume (e.g., a beverage measured in units of cans, bottles, etc.). The transmitter1938may communicate a status (e.g., the machine on, the machine off, the beverage running out, the beverage filled, etc.) of the vending machine1936to the service headquarter1900.

In one example embodiment, a service headquarter1900may be a branch office of a service provider who may be in a business of installing and/or maintaining a number of dispenser devices (e.g., the dispenser device1780ofFIG. 17) and/or supplying contents (e.g., a beverage, a condiment, etc.) of the dispenser devices. The service headquarter1900may provide a service of a partial and/or an entire area of a city. When a signal data indicating a low level of a content of any one of the beverage devices is communicated from a client's place (e.g., the school1908, the convenience store1918, the restaurant1924, etc.) to the service headquarter1900through a transmitter (e.g., transmitter1912, the transmitter1916, the transmitter1922, the transmitter1938, etc.) and/or a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver1928, etc.), the service headquarter1900may communicate with the service vehicle1904(e.g., which may and/or may not be on the road) to deliver the content to the client's place through the transceiver1902and/or the transceiver1906.

In another example embodiment, a user of the beverage dispenser1926may communicate with the service headquarter1900through a wireless device and/or a telephone when the user learns that a content of the beverage dispenser1926has run out of the content. The example embodiments illustrate a cost and/or time-efficient way of maintaining dispenser devices as well as providing clients of products dispensed through the dispenser devices in fresh and/or better quality.

FIG. 20is a three-dimensional view of an inventory management system2050having a container2006(e.g., a receptacle, a transportable bin, etc.) to measure a weight of at least one item2008(e.g., a liquid, a solid, a discrete part, a fluid, a gas, a powder, etc.). The container is illustrated as being placed above a base2002(e.g., a base plate, a floor, a surface, a sidewall, etc.) having a scale2004(e.g., a platform). A shortage of the item2008may be indicated by the inventory management system when the measurement of the item varies (e.g., from a tolerance weight). A force (e.g., the force1106ofFIG. 11) may be applied when items are placed in the container and a top surface of the scale is deflected. This may cause a distance between capacitive plates forming the capacitive sensor in the scale (as illustrated inFIG. 22) to change, thereby causing a change in capacitance.

FIG. 21is a three-dimensional view of the inventory management system2150having a scale2004formed with a set of plates having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface (e.g., creating the capacitive sensor1100as illustrated inFIG. 21), according to one embodiment. The scale2004may include a set of conductive plates having the capacitive sensor device (e.g., the capacitive sensor device1100ofFIG. 11). For example, the capacitive sensor device may be created through an upper conductive surface and a lower conductive surface that is inserted (e.g., sandwiched) in the scale2004ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 22Ais a process flow of generating a measurement of weight based on change in distance between the conductive surfaces (e.g., of a capacitive sensing device such as the capacitive sensor device1100ofFIG. 11and/or the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1, etc.), according to one embodiment. In operation2202, a measurement of weight (e.g., load, force, etc.) may be generated automatically based on a change in a distance between a first conductive surface and a second conductive surface forming a variable capacitor when an item is placed on a surface of the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 3).

In operation2204, the measurement (e.g., a data signal) may be communicated (e.g., via cable, through a network, wirelessly, etc.) to an inventory management system associated with the variable capacitor (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 8). In operation2206, a scale formed with a set of plates (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 21) may be formed having inserted between the set of plates the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B.

In operation2208, a container (e.g., the container1606ofFIG. 16) may be placed adjacent to (e.g., on, in contact with, etc.) the scale such that an item of the container1606(e.g., may include a liquid, a solid, a discrete part, a powder, and a gas) is weighed through the measurement (e.g., may be of a force applied to a surface above the first conductive surface with respect to the second conductive surface) as illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 20. In operation2210, a shortage of the item may be indicated when the measurement of the item varies from a tolerance weight.

FIG. 22Bis a continuation of the process flow ofFIG. 22Aillustrating additional processes, according to one embodiment. In operation2212, an algorithm may be applied that converts a change in capacitance to a change in voltage and a change in frequency to generate the measurement (e.g., using the capacitive sensor module108ofFIG. 1). In operation2214, the measurement based on environmental condition (e.g., humidity, temperature, air pressure, etc.) may be adjusted by analyzing data of a reference capacitor (e.g., the reference capacitor216ofFIG. 2). In operation2216, the variable capacitor and the reference capacitor may be fabricated in any geometric shape, including a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and a shape having sides that are not all the same length. In operation2218, the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface may be painted on nonconductive printed circuit boards (PCBs), as illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B.

Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, analyzers, generators, etc. described herein may be enabled and operated using hardware circuitry (e.g., CMOS based logic circuitry), firmware, software and/or any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g., embodied in a machine readable medium).

In addition, it will be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g., a computer system), and may be performed in any order (e.g., including using means for achieving the various operations). Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.