Smart material tracking

Apparatus and associated methods relate to tracking material based on configuring a container with a sensor adapted to measure the quantity of a material in the container, configuring a display to visually present as a function of time the material quantity relative to a predetermined threshold, determining the material quantity change within a predetermined time period based on captured sensor data, and automatically presenting in the display the material quantity performance displayed as a function of time based on the material quantity change and the predetermined threshold. In an illustrative example, the material may be water, and the container may be a bottle. The threshold may be a consumption performance goal. In various implementations, the container may be luggage, and the threshold may be an accumulation performance goal based on a weight limit. In some examples, the luggage may be, for example, a purse, tote, backpack, or lunchbox. Various embodiments may advantageously display consumption performance as a function of time, relative to a consumption goal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to material tracking.

BACKGROUND

A container is a receptacle. Some containers may retain material for human use. In various examples, a user may consume material from a container. For example, a container may be a water bottle. In some scenarios, a user may have a consumption goal to consume a predetermined quantity of water within a specified period of time. For example, a user may have a desire to maintain hydration, based on a fluid consumption rate determined as a function of ambient temperature or activity level.

In some examples, a container may be luggage. Luggage may be, for example, a purse, tote, backpack, or lunchbox. Some luggage may be subject to a weight limit. In an illustrative example, exceeding a luggage weight limit may increase transportation cost. In various scenarios, a luggage user may have an accumulation goal to avoid adding material to the luggage in excess of a transportation weight limit. For example, a user may limit accumulation of items in the luggage, based on the luggage weight and a weight limitation.

In various exemplary scenarios, consumption or accumulation goals may change with time. For example, a transportation weight limit may vary over time based on available transportation vehicle capacity. Some consumption goals may change with time, as a result of varying weather conditions and activity levels. In an illustrative example, a user seeking to maintain hydration may expend significant time and effort adjusting fluid intake to reach their consumption goal.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods relate to tracking material based on configuring a container with a sensor adapted to measure the quantity of a material in the container, configuring a display to visually present as a function of time the material quantity relative to a predetermined threshold, determining the material quantity change within a predetermined time period based on captured sensor data, and automatically presenting in the display the material quantity performance displayed as a function of time based on the material quantity change and the predetermined threshold. In an illustrative example, the material may be water, and the container may be a bottle. The threshold may be a consumption performance goal. In various implementations, the container may be luggage, and the threshold may be an accumulation performance goal based on a weight limit. Various embodiments may advantageously display consumption performance as a function of time, relative to a consumption goal.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example, some embodiments may improve a user's ease of maintaining adequate hydration. This facilitation may be a result of reducing the user's effort adjusting their fluid intake rate and replenishing fluid in the user's water bottle. In some embodiments, measured consumption relative to a predetermined consumption goal may be automatically displayed as a function of time on a user's water bottle. Such automatic visual presentation of a user's material consumption quantity performance with respect to time may reduce a user's exposure to inadequate hydration levels and insufficient fluid inventory. Some embodiments may track material quantity related to a user's luggage carrying accumulated items subject to a transportation weight limit, reminding the user to avoid adding items that may exceed the weight limit. Such accumulation quantity performance tracking of items added to luggage may improve the user's travel experience. For example, a traveler reminded of their material accumulation quantity performance may adjust their accumulation more quickly, reducing the user's exposure to increased transportation cost that may result from excess luggage weight.

In some embodiments, the effort required by a user to adjust consumption to the user's hydration requirements may be reduced. For example, a user who exercises outdoors may require increased consumption to maintain hydration on a hot day, and some embodiments may automatically remind the user to increase their consumption rate to maintain hydration in response to a quantity consumption performance deficit relative to a quantity performance goal in a period of time with elevated temperature. Other embodiments include maintaining consumption for users, such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and babies. In some embodiments, the container with consumption metrics could be used to track food consumption from the container. Some embodiments may improve the overall hydration levels and exercise recovery times for group. This facilitation may be a result of containers electronically identifiable as members of a group, and tracking the group hydration levels based on a group profile consolidating each group member's consumption quantity performance. For example, a group of athletes with varying hydration requirements based on their training programs may receive different reminders, or various supplements, determined as a function of individual consumption quantity performance relative to an individualized quantity performance goal, allowing a trainer to customize a hydration or supplementation plan adjusted to each group member's athletic performance goals. In some embodiments, such group performance may be used by an enterprise or corporation for employee wellness. In an illustrative example, other embodiment functions may be based on user body composition. For example, fluid consumption rate may be influenced by a user's body metrics, such as height, or weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows. First, tracking material quantity performance as a function of time in exemplary consumption and accumulation tracking scenarios is briefly introduced with reference toFIG. 1. Second, with reference toFIGS. 2-3, the discussion turns to exemplary embodiments that illustrate various material tracking system implementations. Specifically, embodiment material tracking network and material tracking device designs are disclosed. Third, with reference toFIGS. 4-5, illustrative process flows of an exemplary Material Tracking Engine (MTE) are described. Fourth, with reference toFIGS. 6-9, embodiment material tracking system container, base, cap, and handle component implementations are disclosed. Finally, with reference toFIG. 10, exemplary design of an embodiment material tracking system display is presented to explain improvements in material tracking technology.

FIG. 1depicts an illustrative operational scenario tracking material based on configuring a container with a sensor adapted to measure the quantity of a material in the container, configuring a display to visually present as a function of time the material quantity relative to a predetermined threshold, determining the material quantity change within a predetermined time period based on captured sensor data, and automatically presenting in the display the material quantity performance displayed as a function of time based on the material quantity change and the predetermined threshold. In the example depicted byFIG. 1, the user105employs the mobile device110via the network cloud115to track material quantity performance in the depicted material tracking system. In the illustrated example, the exemplary material tracking system includes the container120. In the illustrated example, the user105has a consumption goal to consume a predetermined quantity of material from the container120within a set period of time. For example, in the depicted embodiment the container120is a water bottle, and the user105has a consumption goal to consume a predetermined quantity of water within a set time period, to maintain adequate hydration. In an illustrative example, the quantity consumed relative to the user's consumption goal may be referred to as the user's consumption quantity performance, and the consumption goal may be determined as a function of a threshold quantity. Various embodiment implementations may determine consumption quantity performance as the ratio of measured amount consumed to a consumption goal. In various examples, a user's consumption performance may be ahead of, or behind, the user's consumption goal at any time. In some embodiments, the predetermined material quantity performance goal may be an accumulation goal. In an illustrative example, a user's accumulation goal may be an amount of material the user may accumulate relative to a predetermined weight limit. Some embodiments may determine accumulation quantity performance as the ratio of measured amount accumulated to an accumulation limit. For example, in some designs, the container120may be luggage, and an accumulation goal may track the weight of a traveling user's luggage container120relative to a transportation weight limit, as the user accumulates items in the luggage while traveling. In some examples, a user's accumulation performance may be ahead of, or behind, the user's accumulation goal at any time. Various embodiments may advantageously track a user's quantity performance in multiple time periods of a longer period of time, for each time period displaying on the container a visual indication of the degree to which performance is ahead of or behind goals.

In the depicted example, the container120is a water bottle operably and communicatively coupled via the network cloud115with the material tracking server125and the material tracking database130by the material tracking system base135. In the illustrated example, the material tracking database135provides retrievable storage for material quantity performance data, user profile data, and consumption quantity goals. In the illustrated example, the exemplary material tracking system includes the cap140configured to releasably secure material retained within the container120. In the depicted example, the base135includes a processor configured to measure the material quantity retained by the container120. In the illustrated embodiment, the material quantity retained by the container120is measured by a weight sensor configured in the base135. In some embodiments, the material quantity retained by the container120may be measured by a level sensor.

In the depicted embodiment, the base includes display145configured to visually present as a function of time material quantity change relative to a predetermined material quantity performance goal. In the illustrated embodiment, the base135includes the controls150configured with buttons adapted to permit a user to configure and activate various features of the exemplary material tracking system. In the illustrated embodiment, the display145includes a lighting element array configured in the base135. In some embodiment material tracking system implementations, the display145may include a multiple dot display configured to visually present a user's consumption performance based on selectively illuminating each dot of the display145multiple dot display as a metrics display. In some embodiments, the display145lighting element array may be configured in the container120. In the depicted embodiment, the mobile device110is operably and communicatively coupled via the depicted wireless link with the material tracking system base135. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless link coupling the mobile device110with the material tracking system base135is a Bluetooth® link. In some embodiments, the mobile device110may be configured with a mobile app adapted to operate the material tracking system.

In the depicted example, the user105begins tracking material consumption with the material tracking system measuring the first material quantity155retained within the container120. In the illustrated example, the material tracking system retrieves the user105consumption goal from the material tracking database130. In the depicted example, while the user105fills the container120, the material tracking system flashes the display145. In the illustrated example, the material tracking system flashes the display145to indicate the user105should continue to fill the container120to the quantity needed to reach the user105consumption goal. In the depicted example, when the user105fills the container120to the second material quantity160, the material tracking system stops flashing the display145, to indicate the material quantity in the container120is adequate to reach the user105consumption goal. In the illustrated example, the user105consumes the material from the container120, resulting in third material quantity165during an exemplary user105material tracking period. In the depicted example, the user105places the container120in the base135, and the material tracking system determines the user105material quantity consumption performance based on comparing the measured third material quantity165with the measured second material quantity160. In the depicted example, the material tracking system determines the user105material quantity consumption performance is inadequate, relative to the user105consumption goal. In the illustrated example, the material tracking system activates the visibly displayed alert170in the display145to notify the user105of the inadequate consumption. In some embodiments, the material tracking system may send an alert to the user105via the mobile app configured in the mobile device110. In the depicted example, the material tracking system is also tracking consumption of the second user175. In the illustrated example, the second user175places the second water bottle180on the base135. In the depicted example, the base135is configured to sense encoded data identifying a container placed on the base. In the illustrated example, the water bottle180is configured with water bottle identification means185including encoded data identifying the water bottle180. In the depicted embodiment, the encoded data identifying the water bottle180is accessible to the base135when the water bottle180is placed on the base135. In the depicted example, the material tracking system identifies the water bottle180based on the water bottle identification means185. In the illustrated example, the material tracking system associates the water bottle180with the second user175material quantity consumption goal retrieved from the material tracking database130. In the depicted example, the material tracking system measures the quantity of water in the water bottle180as a function of the material weight based on the fourth water level190. In the illustrated embodiment, the material tracking system determines the second user175material quantity consumption performance is on track with the second user175consumption goal, and the material tracking system activates the display145to present steady colored lights indicating adequate second user175consumption performance.

In an illustrative example, the display145lighting element array may be a strip of lighting elements in which each lighting element's illumination is controllable by the processor to present a visually distinct indication based on generating a unique color, pattern, or intensity combination activated by the processor. In the depicted embodiment, each lighting element of the display145lighting element array is illuminated to visually present as a function of time the user's measured water consumption relative to the user's water consumption goal in one time period. In an example illustrative of various embodiments' design and usage, the user's material consumption quantity performance over an eight-hour day may be visually presented by four lighting elements configured in the display145, wherein each lighting element may represent a two-hour period of the eight hour day. For example, during the third two-hour consumption tracking period of an eight-hour day, the user may have been far behind the consumption goal in the first two-hour consumption tracking period, and the lighting element configured to present the user's material consumption quantity performance in the first two-hour period may flash bright red indicating a severe deficit during that historical time period. Continuing this illustrative example, the user may have increased consumption during the second time period without catching up to the consumption goal, and the lighting element configured to present the user's material consumption quantity performance in the second two-hour period may be steady yellow indicating a moderate deficit during that historical time period. In the third and current two-hour time period, the user may have caught up to the consumption goal as of the current time, and the lighting element configured to present the user's material consumption quantity performance in the current period may flash green, indicating that although the consumption performance relative to the consumption goal is adequate as of the present time, the current two-hour period is not complete, and the consumption quantity performance determination is ongoing for the current period.

FIG. 2depicts a schematic view of an exemplary material tracking network. InFIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, data may be transferred to the system, stored by the system and/or transferred by the system to users of the system across local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). In accordance with various embodiments, the system may include numerous servers, data mining hardware, computing devices, or any combination thereof, communicatively connected across one or more LANs and/or WANs. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous manners in which the system could be configured, and embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with any configuration. Referring toFIG. 2, a schematic overview of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the depicted embodiment, an exemplary system includes the exemplary mobile device110. In the illustrated example, the mobile device110is a smartwatch configured to control and monitor an embodiment material tracking system. In the illustrated embodiment, the material tracking server125is a computing device configured to provide user account, activation, and material tracking support services to a network of embodiment material tracking systems. In the depicted embodiment, the material tracking database130is a network storage device providing retrievable storage to material quantity performance goals, quantity performance measurements, and material tracking system user account profiles. In the depicted example, the exemplary material tracking system base135includes a computing device configured to track material retained within a container placed on the material tracking system base135. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device110is communicatively and operably coupled by the wireless access point201and the wireless link202with the network cloud115(for example, the Internet) to send, retrieve, or manipulate information in storage devices, servers, and network components, and exchange information with various other systems and devices via the network cloud115. In the depicted example, the illustrative system includes the router203configured to communicatively and operably couple the material tracking server125to the network cloud115via the wireless access point204and the wireless communication link205. In the illustrated example, the router203also communicatively and operably couples the material tracking database130to the network cloud115via the wireless access point204and the wireless communication link206. In the depicted embodiment, the material tracking system base135is communicatively and operably coupled with the network cloud115by the wireless access point207and the wireless communication link208. In various examples, one or more of: the mobile device110, the material tracking server125, the material tracking database130, or the material tracking system base135may include an application server configured to store or provide access to information used by the system. In various embodiments, one or more application server may retrieve or manipulate information in storage devices and exchange information through the network cloud115. In some examples, one or more of: the mobile device110, the material tracking server125, the material tracking database130, or the material tracking system base135may include various applications implemented as processor-executable program instructions. In some embodiments, various processor-executable program instruction applications may also be used to manipulate information stored remotely and process and analyze data stored remotely across the network cloud115(for example, the Internet). According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, exchange of information through the network cloud115or other network may occur through one or more high speed connections. In some cases, high speed connections may be over-the-air (OTA), passed through networked systems, directly connected to one or more network cloud115or directed through one or more router. In various implementations, one or more router may be optional, and other embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may or may not utilize one or more router. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous ways any or all of the depicted devices may connect with the network cloud115for the exchange of information, and embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with any method for connecting to networks for the purpose of exchanging information. Further, while this application may refer to high speed connections, embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized with connections of any useful speed. In an illustrative example, components or modules of the system may connect to one or more of: the mobile device110, the material tracking server125, the material tracking database130, or the material tracking system base135via the network cloud115or other network in numerous ways. For instance, a component or module may connect to the system i) through a computing device directly connected to the network cloud115, ii) through a computing device connected to the network cloud115through a routing device, or iii) through a computing device connected to a wireless access point. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous ways that a component or module may connect to a device via network cloud115or other network, and embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with any network connection method. In various examples, one or more of: the mobile device110, the material tracking server125, the material tracking database130, or the material tracking system base135could include a personal computing device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, wearable computing device, cloud-based computing device, virtual computing device, or desktop computing device, configured to operate as a host for other computing devices to connect to. In some examples, one or more communications means of the system may be any circuitry or other means for communicating data over one or more networks or to one or more peripheral devices attached to the system, or to a system module or component. Appropriate communications means may include, but are not limited to, wireless connections, wired connections, cellular connections, data port connections, Bluetooth® connections, near field communications (NFC) connections, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous communications means that may be utilized with embodiments of the present disclosure, and embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with any communications means.

FIG. 3depicts a structural view of an exemplary computing device adapted with an MTE (Material Tracking Engine) configured to track material. InFIG. 3, the block diagram of the exemplary material tracking system base135includes processor305and memory310. The processor305is in electrical communication with the memory310. The depicted memory310includes program memory315and data memory320. The depicted program memory315includes processor-executable program instructions implementing the MTE (Material Tracking Engine)325. In various embodiment designs, a functional equivalent to the material tracking system base135disclosed with reference toFIG. 3may be implemented in other component parts of an exemplary material tracking system, including, for example, in a container, or a cap. In some embodiments, the illustrated program memory315may include processor-executable program instructions configured to implement an OS (Operating System). In various embodiments, the OS may include processor executable program instructions configured to implement various operations when executed by the processor305. In some embodiments, the OS may be omitted. In some embodiments, the illustrated program memory315may include processor-executable program instructions configured to implement various Application Software. In various embodiments, the Application Software may include processor executable program instructions configured to implement various operations when executed by the processor305. In some embodiments, the Application Software may be omitted. In the depicted embodiment, the processor305is communicatively and operably coupled with the storage medium330. In the depicted embodiment, the processor305is communicatively and operably coupled with the I/O (Input/Output) interface335. In the depicted embodiment, the I/O interface335includes a network interface. In various implementations, the network interface may be a wireless network interface. In some designs, the network interface may be a Wi-Fi interface. In some embodiments, the network interface may be a Bluetooth interface. In an illustrative example, the material tracking system base135may include more than one network interface. In some designs, the network interface may be a wireline interface. In some designs, the network interface may be omitted. Various I/O interface335implementations may include lighting element array control outputs adapted to drive a strip of lighting elements in which each lighting element's illumination is controllable by the processor305to present a visually distinct indication based on generating a unique color, pattern, or intensity combination activated by the processor305. In the depicted embodiment, the processor305is communicatively and operably coupled with the user interface340. In various implementations, the user interface340may be adapted to receive input from a user or send output to a user. In some embodiment implementations, the user interface340may include a vibration motor operably coupled with the processor305for control of the vibration intensity and vibration frequency of the vibration motor. In some embodiments, the user interface340may be adapted to an input-only or output-only user interface mode. In various implementations, the user interface340may include an imaging display. In some embodiments, the user interface340may include an audio interface. In some designs, the audio interface may include an audio input. In various designs, the audio interface may include an audio output. In some implementations, the user interface340may be touch-sensitive. In some designs, the material tracking system base135may include an accelerometer operably coupled with the processor305. In various embodiments, the material tracking system base135may include a GPS module operably coupled with the processor305. In an illustrative example, the material tracking system base135may include a magnetometer operably coupled with the processor305. In some embodiments, the user interface340may include an input sensor array. In various implementations, the input sensor array may include one or more imaging sensor. In some designs, the input sensor array may include a weight sensor. Some input sensor array implementations may include a material level sensor. Various material level sensor designs may include a liquid level sensor. In various designs, the input sensor array may include one or more audio transducer. In some implementations, the input sensor array may include a radio-frequency detector. In an illustrative example, the input sensor array may include an ultrasonic audio transducer. In some embodiments, the input sensor array may include image sensing subsystems or modules configurable by the processor305to be adapted to provide image input capability, image output capability, image sampling, spectral image analysis, correlation, autocorrelation, Fourier transforms, image buffering, image filtering operations including adjusting frequency response and attenuation characteristics of spatial domain and frequency domain filters, image recognition, pattern recognition, or anomaly detection. In various implementations, the depicted memory310may contain processor executable program instruction modules configurable by the processor305to be adapted to provide image input capability, image output capability, image sampling, spectral image analysis, correlation, autocorrelation, Fourier transforms, image buffering, image filtering operations including adjusting frequency response and attenuation characteristics of spatial domain and frequency domain filters, image recognition, pattern recognition, or anomaly detection. In some embodiments, the input sensor array may include audio sensing subsystems or modules configurable by the processor305to be adapted to provide audio input capability, audio output capability, audio sampling, spectral audio analysis, correlation, autocorrelation, Fourier transforms, audio buffering, audio filtering operations including adjusting frequency response and attenuation characteristics of temporal domain and frequency domain filters, audio pattern recognition, or anomaly detection. In various implementations, the depicted memory310may contain processor executable program instruction modules configurable by the processor305to be adapted to provide audio input capability, audio output capability, audio sampling, spectral audio analysis, correlation, autocorrelation, Fourier transforms, audio buffering, audio filtering operations including adjusting frequency response and attenuation characteristics of temporal domain and frequency domain filters, audio pattern recognition, or anomaly detection. In the depicted embodiment, the processor305is communicatively and operably coupled with the multimedia interface345. In the illustrated embodiment, the multimedia interface345includes interfaces adapted to input and output of audio, video, and image data. In some embodiments, the multimedia interface345may include one or more still image camera or video camera. In various designs, the multimedia interface345may include one or more microphone. In some implementations, the multimedia interface345may include a wireless communication means configured to operably and communicatively couple the multimedia interface345with a multimedia data source or sink external to the material tracking system base135. In various designs, the multimedia interface345may include interfaces adapted to send, receive, or process encoded audio or video. In various embodiments, the multimedia interface345may include one or more video, image, or audio encoder. In various designs, the multimedia interface345may include one or more video, image, or audio decoder. In various implementations, the multimedia interface345may include interfaces adapted to send, receive, or process one or more multimedia stream. In various implementations, the multimedia interface345may include a GPU. In some embodiments, the multimedia interface345may be omitted. Useful examples of the illustrated material tracking system base135include, but are not limited to, personal computers, servers, tablet PCs, smartphones, or other computing devices. In some embodiments, multiple material tracking system base135devices may be operably linked to form a computer network in a manner as to distribute and share one or more resources, such as clustered computing devices and server banks/farms. Various examples of such general-purpose multi-unit computer networks suitable for embodiments of the disclosure, their typical configuration and many standardized communication links are well known to one skilled in the art, as explained in more detail in the foregoingFIG. 2description. In some embodiments, an exemplary material tracking system base135design may be realized in a distributed implementation. In an illustrative example, some material tracking system base135designs may be partitioned between a client device, such as, for example, a phone, and, a more powerful server system, as depicted, for example, inFIG. 2. In various designs, a material tracking system base135partition hosted on a PC or mobile device may choose to delegate some parts of computation, such as, for example, machine learning or deep learning, to a host server. In some embodiments, a client device partition may delegate computation-intensive tasks to a host server to take advantage of a more powerful processor, or to offload excess work. In an illustrative example, some devices may be configured with a mobile chip including an engine adapted to implement specialized processing, such as, for example, neural networks, machine learning, artificial intelligence, image recognition, audio processing, or digital signal processing. In some embodiments, such an engine adapted to specialized processing may have sufficient processing power to implement some features. However, in some embodiments, an exemplary material tracking system base135may be configured to operate on a device with less processing power, such as, for example, various gaming consoles, which may not have sufficient processor power, or a suitable CPU architecture, to adequately support material tracking system base135. Various embodiment designs configured to operate on a such a device with reduced processor power may work in conjunction with a more powerful server system.

FIG. 4depicts an illustrative process flow of an embodiment MTE (Material Tracking Engine) tracking material quantity performance as a function of time in exemplary consumption and accumulation tracking scenarios. The method depicted inFIG. 4is given from the perspective of the MTE325implemented via processor-executable program instructions executing on the material tracking system base135processor305, depicted inFIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the MTE325executes as program instructions on the processor305configured in the MTE325host material tracking system base135, depicted in at leastFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3. In some embodiments, the MTE325may execute as a cloud service communicatively and operatively coupled with system services, hardware resources, or software elements local to and/or external to the MTE325host material tracking system base135. The depicted method400begins at step405with the processor305determining a material quantity performance goal. In various designs, the material quantity performance goal may be associated to a user through a database of user profiles including goals and performance measurements, permitting material tracking customized to the user by the processor305. Then, the method continues at step410with the processor305measuring a first material quantity determined as a function of container quantity sensor data. In some implementations the processor305may determine material quantity based on a weight sensor integrated with the material tracking system base135. In various embodiments, the processor305may determine material quantity based on a material level sensor integrated with a container component of a material tracking system. The method continues at step415with the processor305determining if the material quantity in the container may have changed, based on container activity sensor data. In various embodiment implementations, the container activity sensor may include accelerometer data indicative of container activity such as, for example, user consumption activity. At step420the processor305performs a test to determine if the material quantity in the container may have changed, based on the container activity sensor data. Upon a determination at step420by the processor305the material quantity in the container should not have changed, the method continues at step405with the processor305determining a material quantity performance goal. Upon a determination at step420by the processor305the material quantity in the container may have changed, the method continues at step425with the processor measuring a second material quantity determined as a function of the container quantity sensor data. Then, the method continues at step430with the processor305calculating the material quantity change, determined as a function of the first material quantity measured by the processor305at step410, and the second material quantity measured by the processor305at step425. At step435the processor305performs a test to determine if the material quantity change calculated by the processor305at step430was a material quantity consumption change. In an illustrative example, the processor305may determine a quantity change was a consumption change if the second material quantity was less than the first material quantity. Upon a determination at step435by the processor305the quantity change was not a consumption change, the method continues at step450with the processor305performing a test to determine if the material quantity change calculated by the processor305at step430was a material quantity accumulation change. In an illustrative example, the processor305may determine a quantity change was an accumulation change if the second material quantity was greater than the first material quantity. Upon a determination at step450by the processor305the quantity change was not an accumulation change, the method continues at step405with the processor305determining a material quantity performance goal. Upon a determination at step435by the processor305the quantity change was a consumption change, the method continues at step440with the processor305calculating consumption performance determined as a function of time based on quantity consumed and the consumption goal. Then, the method continues at step445with the processor305displaying the consumption performance calculated at step440by the processor305as a function of time relative to the consumption performance goal, and the method continues at step405with the processor305determining a material quantity performance goal. Upon a determination at step450by the processor305the quantity change was an accumulation change, the method continues at step455with the processor305calculating accumulation performance determined as a function of time based on quantity added and the accumulation performance goal. Then, the method continues at step460with the processor305displaying the accumulation performance calculated at step455by the processor305as function of time relative to the accumulation performance goal, and the method continues at step405with the processor305determining a material quantity performance goal.

FIG. 5depicts an illustrative process flow of an embodiment MTE (Material Tracking Engine) tracking material consumption quantity performance as a function of time in an exemplary group consumption performance tracking scenario. The method depicted inFIG. 5is given from the perspective of the MTE325implemented via processor-executable program instructions executing on the material tracking system base135processor305, depicted inFIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the MTE325executes as program instructions on the processor305configured in the MTE325host material tracking system base135, depicted in at leastFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3. In some embodiments, the MTE325may execute as a cloud service communicatively and operatively coupled with system services, hardware resources, or software elements local to and/or external to the MTE325host material tracking system base135. The depicted method500begins at step505with the processor305detecting a container on the material tracking system base135. In various designs, the processor305may detect the container based on various sensor data captured by the processor305, including, for example, a weight sensor, a motion sensor, or an accelerometer. Then, the method continues at step510with the processor305identifying the container as a function of encoded data configured in the container. In various embodiments, the encoded data configured in the container may include an electromagnetic element encoding a unique container identifier. Then, the method continues at step515with the processor305associating the identified container to container user profile data and a user consumption quantity performance goal. In various examples, the processor305may associate the container to a user profile through a database. Then, the method continues at step520with the processor305determining the previous material quantity in the container, that is, the material quantity in the container before the container was detected on the base in this process instantiation. Then, the method continues at step525with the processor305measuring the material quantity determined as a function of container quantity sensor data. Then, the method continues at step530with the processor305determining if material was consumed, determined as a function of measured material quantity and previous material quantity. In some scenarios, the previous material quantity may not have been measured; for example, the user, or a system administrator, may have manually configured the previous material quantity. At step535the processor305performs a test to determine if material was consumed, based on the measured material quantity and previous material quantity evaluated at step530by the processor305. Upon a determination at step535by the processor305material was not consumed, the method continues at step560with the processor305performing a test to determine if the user's material quantity performance is deficient relative to the user's material quantity performance goal. Upon a determination at step560by the processor305the user's material quantity performance is not deficient relative to the user's material quantity performance goal, the method continues at step505with the processor detecting another container on the base. Upon a determination at step560by the processor305the user's material quantity performance is deficient relative to the user's material quantity performance goal, the method continues at step565with the processor305displaying a deficit alert and consumption performance as a function of time relative to the consumption performance goal, and the method continues at step505with the processor detecting another container on the base. Upon a determination at step535by the processor305material was consumed, the method continues at step540with the processor305calculating consumption performance determined as a function of quantity consumed and the user's consumption performance goal. Then, the method continues at step545with the processor305displaying the consumption performance as a function of time relative to the consumption performance goal. At step550the processor305performs a test to determine if the user is a member of a material tracking group, such as, for example, an athletic club or exercise class. In some embodiments, such group performance may be used by an enterprise or corporation for employee wellness. In various examples, the processor305may determine the user is a member of a group based on associating the container identification determined by the processor305at step510with a user group database record. Upon a determination at step550by the processor305the user is a member of a material tracking group, the method continues at step555with the processor305updating the group profile data with the user's consumption performance, and the method continues at step505with the processor detecting another container on the base.

FIGS. 6A-6Ctogether depict illustrative exploded views of an exemplary material tracking system. In the embodiment depicted byFIG. 6A, the exemplary material tracking system600includes the container120, the base135, and the cap140. In the illustrated embodiment, the base135includes the control buttons150configured to permit a user to configure and activate various features of the exemplary material tracking system. The depicted base135embodiment includes the exemplary display145multiple dot display configured to visually present a user's consumption performance based on selectively illuminating each dot of the display145multiple dot display as a metrics display. In the depicted example, the container120is a bottle configured with the ridge605adapted to removably secure the cap140to the container120. In the illustrated example, the base135is configured with the support610adapted to stabilize the container120on the base135. In the depicted embodiment, the support610includes the locking tab615configured to engage the container with the base135.

In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 6B, the exemplary material tracking system600container120ridge605is positioned to removably secure the cap140to the container, permitting a user to easily access material in the container120. In the depicted embodiment, the base135includes the display145configured to visually present as a function of time the material quantity change in the container120relative to a predetermined consumption goal. In some embodiments, the display145may include a strip of lighting elements in which each lighting element's illumination is controllable by a processor to present a visually distinct indication based on generating a unique color, pattern, or intensity combination activated by the processor. In the depicted embodiment, the base135includes the control buttons150. The depicted base135embodiment also includes the exemplary display145multiple dot display configured to visually present a user's consumption performance based on selectively illuminating each dot of the display145multiple dot display as a metrics display. In the depicted embodiment, each lighting element of the display145may be illuminated to visually present as a function of time a user's measured water consumption relative to the user's water consumption goal in a predetermined time period. In the illustrated example, the container120bottom620includes the container adaptor625configured to engage the support610, depicted inFIG. 6A. In the depicted embodiment, the container adaptor625includes the container securing slot630adapted to rotatably engage the container120with the locking tab615, depicted inFIG. 6A. In the illustrated embodiment, the container securing slot630includes the container lock635configured to secure the container120with the base135locking tab615. The depicted embodiment base135includes the controls150configured with buttons adapted to permit a user to configure and activate various features of the exemplary material tracking system600.

In the embodiment illustrated byFIG. 6C, exemplary material tracking system600components are depicted in an illustrative exploded side perspective view.

FIGS. 7A-7Ctogether depict various illustrative views of an exemplary material tracking system base. InFIG. 7A, the illustrative top perspective view of the depicted embodiment material tracking system base135includes the support610adapted to stabilize a container on the base135. The embodiment material tracking system base135illustrated byFIG. 7Aalso includes the display145configured to visually present as a function of time the material quantity change in a container relative to a predetermined consumption goal. In the illustrated embodiment, the base135includes the exemplary display145multiple dot display configured to visually present a user's consumption performance based on selectively illuminating each dot of the display145multiple dot display as a metrics display. The depicted embodiment material tracking system base135also includes the control buttons150.

InFIG. 7B, the illustrative material tracking system base135top view includes the support610configured with the locking tab615to engage a container with the base135. The illustrated embodiment material tracking system base135includes the control buttons150.

In the bottom perspective view depicted byFIG. 7C, the exemplary material tracking system base135includes the display145multiple dot display and the control buttons150.

FIGS. 8A-8Dtogether depict various illustrative views of an exemplary material tracking system container cap. InFIG. 8A, the exemplary cap140bottom perspective view includes the top805and outer side wall810. In the illustrated example, the cap140includes the container plug815configured in the cap140inner side wall820. In the depicted embodiment, the cap140includes the seal825configured in the container plug815. The cap140embodiment illustrated byFIG. 8Aalso includes the groove830configured to secure the cap140to a threaded container opening by the plug outer side slot835when the cap140is inserted in the container opening.

FIG. 8Bdepicts an illustrative side view of the exemplary cap140depicted byFIG. 8A.

InFIG. 8C, the illustrated embodiment cap140plug outer side slot835is visible between the cap140outer side wall810and the container plug815.

FIG. 8Dillustrates an interior view of an exemplary cap140structural implementation.

FIGS. 9A-9Btogether depict illustrative side views of an exemplary material tracking system container handle. In the example depicted byFIG. 9A, the exemplary material tracking system assembly900includes the band905wrapped around the base of the cap140. In the example depicted byFIG. 9A, the band905has been extended by a user pulling on the band905to form loop910, creating the useful container handle915. The exemplary material tracking system assembly depicted byFIG. 9Aalso includes the base135configured with the display145. In the illustrated embodiment, the band905when retracted may secure at fastening point920to the material tracking system assembly920. In the depicted example, the band905is attached to the cap140. In various examples, the band905may be attached to the container120. The example depicted byFIG. 9Billustrates the band905in an exemplary retracted configuration including the material tracking system assembly900base135supporting the container120.

FIGS. 10A-10Dtogether depict illustrative operational views of an embodiment material tracking system display configured to visually present as a function of time material quantity change relative to a predetermined material quantity performance goal. In the embodiments illustrated byFIGS. 10A-10D, the exemplary display145is depicted in illustrative embodiment material tracking display configurations. In the embodiments depicted byFIGS. 10A-10D, the display145includes a lighting element array configured as a strip of lighting elements wherein each lighting element's illumination is controllable by a processor to present a visually distinct indication based on generating a unique color, pattern, or intensity combination activated by the processor. In an illustrative example, various embodiment material tracking system display145implementations may include the exemplary multiple dot display depicted in at leastFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, and 7C. In various embodiment material tracking system designs, an embodiment material tracking system display145may be the display145lighting element array depicted in at leastFIGS. 10A-10D. In some embodiment material tracking system implementations, an embodiment material tracking system display145may be the display145multiple dot display depicted at least inFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, and 7C. In some examples, an embodiment material tracking system display145may include both the display145lighting element array and the display145multiple dot display. In an illustrative example, the display145multiple dot display may be configured as a metrics display. For example, each dot of the display145multiple dot display may be selectively illuminated as a metrics display to visually present a user's consumption performance. For example, each dot of the display145multiple dot display may correspond to 1 time period (for example, one day) and the user drinking a predetermined consumption quantity unit of a specified fluid (for example 64 oz) during that time period. In an illustrative example, if the user drank one such consumption quantity unit of the fluid in the first time period (for example Sunday), the first dot lights up; if the user does not drink at least the predetermined consumption quantity unit in the second time period (for example Monday), then the second dot does not light up. In the depicted embodiment, each lighting element of the display145lighting element array may be illuminated to visually present as a function of time a user's measured material quantity consumption or accumulation relative to the user's material quantity goal in one time period. In some examples, an embodiment material tracking system may illuminate each lighting element of the display145with a different color or pattern to indicate varying degrees of material quantity consumption relative to a consumption goal in the time period represented by the lighting element. In an example illustrative of various embodiments' design and usage, the user's material quantity performance over a period of time such as, for example, an eight-hour day, may be visually presented by multiple lighting elements configured in the display145, wherein each lighting element may represent the user's material quantity performance during a period subset of the eight-hour day. In some embodiments, the display145lighting element strip may be configured to wrap around a storage container such as a bottle. In some embodiment designs, the display145multiple dot display may be configured to wrap around a storage container. In various examples, the display145lighting element strip may be configured in an embodiment material tracking system base.

In the embodiment depicted byFIG. 10A, the exemplary display145includes the three lighting elements1010illustrated as illuminated in an exemplary ‘On’ configuration displaying an exemplary first indication pattern. In the illustrated example, each of the eight lighting elements1005and1010represent one eight-ounce unit of water. In the depicted example, the user's material quantity consumption goal is to consume eight eight-ounce units of water per day, or sixty-four ounces of water per day. In the illustrated example, an embodiment material tracking system tracks the user's consumption based on sensor data, and visually presents as a function of time the measured material quantity consumed relative to the consumption goal, to display the user's material quantity consumption performance as a function of time in the display145. In the depicted embodiment, as the embodiment material tracking system determines the user has consumed each eight-ounce unit of water, the embodiment material tracking system illuminates one of the lighting elements configured in the display145. In the depicted example, the three lighting elements1010are ‘On,’ indicating the material tracking system has determined the user's consumption is twenty-four ounces of water. In some embodiments, when the material tracking system determines the user reached the sixty-four ounce consumption goal (with all eight lighting elements illuminated), the material tracking system may turn off and restart the display145lighting element indications, in a color or lighting pattern different from the depicted first indication pattern displayed by lighting elements1010. In the depicted embodiment, the exemplary display145includes the lighting elements1005illustrated in an exemplary ‘Off’ configuration indicating material quantity performance has not yet been tracked for the quantities or time slots represented by the lighting elements1005.

In the embodiment depicted byFIG. 10B, the exemplary display145includes the three lighting elements1015illustrated as illuminated in an exemplary ‘On’ configuration displaying an exemplary second indication pattern. In the depicted example, the embodiment material tracking system determined the user exceeded the sixty-four ounce level depicted byFIG. 10A, and restarted the display145lighting element indications using the exemplary second indication pattern illuminated in the lighting elements1015to indicate the user has consumed eighty-eight ounces of water. In the depicted embodiment, the exemplary display145includes the lighting elements1005illustrated in an exemplary ‘Off’ configuration indicating material quantity performance has not yet been tracked for the quantities or time slots represented by the lighting elements1005.

In the embodiment depicted byFIG. 10C, the exemplary display145includes the three lighting elements1020illustrated as illuminated in an exemplary ‘On’ configuration displaying an exemplary third indication pattern. In the depicted example, the embodiment material tracking system determined the user exceeded the one-hundred-twenty-eight ounce level depicted byFIG. 10B, and restarted the display145lighting element indications using the exemplary third indication pattern illuminated in the lighting elements1020to indicate the user has consumed one-hundred-fifty-two ounces of water. In the depicted embodiment, the exemplary display145includes the lighting elements1005illustrated in an exemplary ‘Off’ configuration indicating material quantity performance has not yet been tracked for the quantities or time slots represented by the lighting elements1005.

In the embodiment depicted byFIG. 10D, the exemplary display145includes the three lighting elements1025illustrated as illuminated in an exemplary ‘On’ configuration displaying an exemplary fourth indication pattern. In the illustrated example, the embodiment material tracking system determined the user exceeded the one-hundred-ninety-two ounce level depicted byFIG. 10C, and restarted the display145lighting element indications using the exemplary fourth indication pattern illuminated in the lighting elements1025to indicate the user has consumed two-hundred-sixteen ounces of water. In the depicted embodiment, the exemplary display145includes the lighting elements1005illustrated in an exemplary ‘Off’ configuration indicating material quantity performance has not yet been tracked for the quantities or time slots represented by the lighting elements1005.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the Figures, other embodiments are possible. For example, some embodiment designs may provide a smart water bottle that 1) tracks water intake by tracking water consumption from the bottle itself, 2) displays water intake on the bottle itself via LED lights that wrap around the circumference of the bottle, and 3) vibrates to remind the user to drink water. In an example illustrative of various embodiments' design and usage, some implementations may include outward facing metrics of the container's contents on the outside of the container via LED lights, configured so a user may see on the bottle itself how much water they have consumed over time. Various embodiment material tracking system implementations may include a lid configured with a vacuum seal to maintain interior temperature. Some embodiment lid designs may include ridges to make the lid easy to twist on and off a bottle. Some embodiments may include a bottle holding mechanism configured from a band wrapped around the base of the lid, that the user can tug at to hold the bottle (for example, while walking). In an illustrative example, the band does not have to be attached to the lid; in some examples, the band may be attached to the bottle itself, snapping back to the lid when the band is not being used, similar to a rubber band snapping (slowly, unpainfully) into place. In some examples, the band may be pulled on with a little force, so that the user's hand doesn't touch the bottle as they're holding the bottle. In some designs, an embodiment band may be a thick elastic band similar to a silicone band, to snap back into place when not in use. In some designs, the band may be secured with a steel fastener, or, there may be no fastener, and half the band may be glued to the bottle, whereas the other half may be pulled off the bottle.

In some designs, an embodiment material tracking system may include a mobile app configured to permit a user to track individual or group goals, and input personal health metrics to get a more individualized experience (so the goals and outwards facing metrics are dependent on how much a certain individual needs to drink per day).

Some embodiment implementations may include a stainless steel bottle with a detachable base (with lights/battery/processor configured in the base, separate from the bottle itself). Various embodiment material tracking system designs may include a filtration system in the material container. Some designs may utilize pH detection to determine water quality. Various implementations may include a self-cleaning bottle. Some designs may be configured for self-temperature setting or self-temperature control. Applications of various embodiment material tracking system implementations may include using a weight sensor in luggage, to implement a self-weighing luggage bag. Various designs may include lunchbox implementations that track the quantity of the lunchbox contents. In an illustrative example, containers other than water bottles or bottles in general may be used with embodiment tracking or outward facing metrics features.

Various designs may include an embodiment liquid level sensor. In some designs, an embodiment liquid sensor may permit tracking fluid level fluctuation constantly. Some embodiments may include a load or weight sensor, and an accelerometer. Some embodiment material tracking system implementations may include a base that is essentially a scale configured to measure the weight of a container placed on the base, and track the container contents. Various embodiment designs may reset sensor measurement every day at a set time, for example 12:00 AM. Some embodiment implementations may calibrate sensor measurements when set on a flat surface.

Some embodiment display designs may include more than one lighting element strip, configured one above the other on a bottle. For example, a top strip that wraps around the bottle may be illuminated one lighting element at a time as an embodiment material tracking system determines a user has consumed each tracked unit of water. Some examples may implement a celebration display feature flashing multicolored light around a lighting element strip when a user reaches predetermined goals. In various scenarios, a lighting element strip wrapped around a bottle may be referred to as a light ring. Some embodiments may flash a top ring (White) when the user is filling up the bottle, and when filling is done (to prevent the user overflowing the bottle when filling) flash a light to warn a user to stop filling the bottle. Various designs may flash a bottom ring when a battery is low, or to alert the user of an error condition.

Some embodiment material tracking system display designs may employ dots on the bottom of a bottle to visually present a user's consumption performance. For example, on the bottom of the bottle, each dot may correspond to 1 day of the user drinking at least 64 oz (at least 8 glasses of water). In an illustrative example, if the user drank 8 glasses of water on Sunday, the first dot lights up; if the user does not drink at least 8 glasses of water on Monday, then the second dot does not light up.

Sleep Mode

Some embodiments may include a sleep mode. In illustrative non-limiting examples:If the user has not consumed any water for more than 2 hours, the lights go to sleep but the bottle will still vibrateIf the user has not consumed any water for more than 4 hours, the lights go to super sleep and the bottle will not vibrate (in an effort to save battery life)When the user drinks water (when the sensor detects water fluctuation), the lights turn back on.

Vibration Reminder

Some embodiments may include a vibration reminder. In illustrative non-limiting examples:The bottle vibrates every 2 hours to remind the user to drink more waterThe bottle vibrates even during sleep mode but not during super sleep mode (past 4 hours)The bottle vibrates at the same time as the celebration light featureThe strength of the vibration should be felt if the bottle is in a bagVibration may be turned on/offThe bottle vibrates when the user is behind the consumption goal.

Buttons

Some embodiments may include buttons. In illustrative non-limiting examples:On the bottom of the bottle (facing the ground)—out of sightOn the base of the bottle facing upHave to be held for 4 seconds→to avoid accidental pressing of the buttonSome sort of indication that the button has been activated (this can be some type of buzz or light). That way the user knows that something happened after pressing the button for 4 secondsHard Clear needs to be held for 8 secondsThe container can have many different inputs, such as buttons that can take many forms, shapes, sizes, and functions. One example is a capacitive sensing button, these can be located anywhere inside or outside the container or inside or outside the lid. The button functionalities can include but are not limited to a reset functionality that can reset all data collected in the last hour, switch functionalities that control the displays/lighting temporarily and that control the vibration intensity and whether it is on or off.Buttons are inverted, so they are harder to accidentally pressExemplary Button Configurations (Bottom of Bottle)Vibration on/off: turns vibration on/off indefinitelyLight On/Off: turns lights off for 2 hours MAXSoft Clear: Clears all data collected in the last 1 hour (this is to mitigate the case of a spill or washing the bottle)Hard Clear: Clears all data from the past 24 hours (Needs to be pressed for 8 seconds)

Some embodiments may include a charger/battery. In illustrative non-limiting examples:Minimum four day lifeReusable batteryMicro B type USBFull battery charge less than one hourCharging is on the bottom side of the bottle, where the removable bottom may result in the bottle being easier to chargeBottom light ring flashes red when battery lowThe container can be charged in a variety of different ways. One instance is using a cable wire and/or wall charger to charge a part of the bottle, such as the base of the bottle. The container can use a variety of different batteries that are reusable and/or replaceable. The battery could also be charged wirelessly, such as with the Qi wireless charger. The battery could be housed in the base of the container or in the lid or in a different part of the container.The base may have Qi wireless charging.The battery and container can feature design elements that allow for the conversation of battery and product life as can be done by utilizing accelerometer/gyroscope data/information, container usage, container battery life. For instance, the display system(s) or sensors may decrease in intensity/luminosity/viewing in the case of the inactivity of the container and it is possible for the container to enter a “sleep” state.The battery may indicate that it is low through the use of flashing lights on the bottle itself or other means of communicating that information through the display or vibration or a host of other solutions.

Various embodiment implementations may provide a bottle that tracks liquid fluctuation. Some embodiments may include a container that tracks and measures contents. In an illustrative example, some embodiment designs may monitor and reports the amount of liquid consumed by a user from a bottle. In some embodiment configurations, sensors in the bottle may track the varying levels of liquid in the bottle over the course of time. Via processors, the sensor communicates with exterior display lights on the bottle that represent the amount of liquid consumed from the bottle. In some embodiments, if certain amounts of liquid are not consumed over the course of time and in other instances/situations, the display lights will change in composition/color and the vibration mechanism in the bottle will be activated.

Container

Some embodiments include a container. In illustrative non-limiting examples:The container may be made out of durable stainless steel, dish washable, and/or can handle extreme heat and cold. The container could also be made out of a variety of other materials (i.e. plastic, glass). The container could be washed in a variety of different ways (i.e. dishwashing, handwashing). The container and its lid can also clean itself through an ultraviolet sensor, UV-C LED light, and a variety of other sterilization technologies. In addition, the contents of the container upon entrance can be filtered by a variety of different filtration technologies. The container size can be a multitude of sizes. The container can be used to hold any liquid or solid. The container can take any shape (i.e. can be a rectangular prism, sphere).One example of the container is a multi-parted bottle. This bottle has multiple lids, the bottle itself, multiple sensors, and removable bottom piece(s) that include but are not limited to batteries, additional sensors, charging functionalities, LED displays, displays made from other materials.The container can also have sensing capabilities on the interior and exterior of itself. For instance, tapping the container may elicit a response or system change.The container can receive information and commands from outside sources that can then impact the container functionality and output.The container and its lids can feature solar panels that power the container technology and surrounding devices. The container and/or lid can implement photovoltaic (PV) systems and use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The container can use and generate renewable and other types of energy. The containers are sustainably made and sustainably focused. For instance, the movement of liquids can generate hydraulic-based energy and hydroelectric power.The container can impact the taste, texture, and other aspects of the contents based on inputted user preferences. The user can add in their preferred flavors to the contents, which could come with (be sold with) the container.Temperature control: The container and/or lid (and user) can control the temperature of the container contents and the container itself. The container can heat and/or cool itself.Location tracking: The container and/or lid can be tracked by the user through the use of an external device. This can be done, for instance, with Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy tracking.

Some embodiments include a display. In illustrative non-limiting examples:On or in the container there is a display or multiple displays that track different metrics ranging from the weight of the contents in the container and other metrics of the liquid and/or solid contents in the container (this can include the amount of the contents in the container, health information, calorie count, ingredients, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, vitamin count, among other nutrients). This information can be displayed in a variety of different ways on or in the container, on or in the lid or closure of the container, and/or on a different device (i.e. phone, tablet, computer) via an application or applet or another way. One example that may be used to display the tracking of the amount of water in a container or tracking of the amount of water that has entered or exited (via consumption or otherwise), is via a ring LED display on or in the container. For instance, the container may have one or more LED rings that wrap the circumference of the container and display the tracking of liquid consumption from the bottle or tracking of liquid fluctuation in the bottle by means of a progress bar or other display. This display could be with numbers or words/letters. One instance of a possible display is two rings that go around the container. The top ring has eight different ticks/eight different led lights, that light up according to how much liquid or solid (such as water) has been consumed from the container by the user. Each tick or LED light would correspond to eight oz. The second ring would have x number of ticks that correspond to a unit of time, such as a day, and would light up accordingly to the user drinking or consuming a certain amount of the liquid or solid in the container. For instance, if there were seven ticks in the ring, each would light up in accordance with whether or not the user had consumed a certain amount of the liquid and/or solid that was in the container. In the specific case of water, on the days that the user had drunk at least sixty-four ounces of water, the LED light would light a specific color or not light at all and a similar or different action would occur on the days the user had not drunk at least sixty-four ounces of water. Also, the lights/display can be used to indicate other information about the contents, such as the amount in the container, or information on the health of the product in terms of battery or sensor life for example. The container could have multiple displays in different locations. The display could also be on the lid or closure of the container. The displays can be a variety of sizes and can come in different shapes and colors. The display could be featured via an application on a phone or elsewhere, through Bluetooth or other technological capabilities in the container.When the user is filling up the container with any substances, the display flashes a color to indicate that it is getting to the point of being too full.

Reminders

Various embodiments include a reminder. In illustrative non-limiting examples:

The containers, coupled perhaps with external devices, can elicit reminders and send other messages to the user in the form of vibrations, lights, audio, lettering, and/or a combination of those means or another means of communication. For instance, the container shaped like the bottle can vibrate periodically or based on some correspondence with the container's contents, such as liquid and/or solid level of the contents in the container.

Some embodiments include one or more sensor configured to capture various measurements to facilitate material tracking. In illustrative non-limiting examples:The container contents can be tracked in a variety of different ways. An accelerometer and/or a gyroscope can be used to measure and track the orientation of the container.(1) A sensor stick can run the length or width of the bottle and it can be used to track the contents of the container. In the case of liquid in a container (like a bottle), the sensor stick tracks the amount of liquid in the container at different time intervals to calculate, for instance, consumption.(2) A camera or multiple cameras or other variations of devices that record visual images can be placed inside or outside the container to capture the contents and composition of the contents(3) An ultrasonic sensor or another instrument transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals in the lid or in another location in or outside of the container can be placed in, outside, or around the container, such as in the lid to measure and get information on the contents of the container.(4) Different types of capacitors and other types of technologies that may or may not be based on capacitive coupling can be placed in or outside of the bottle. This can take the place of a copper conductive capacitive structure or a parallel plate capacitor. This can be used to detect and measure proximity, pressure, position and displacement, force, humidity, fluid level, and acceleration. The capacitive sensors can be used for both tracking contents, replacing mechanical buttons, as an input device, among other uses.(5) Weight sensor on or in the container that tracks the contents' weight among other features.(6) Sensors can be used to track the flow of liquids and/or solids exiting and entering the container.(7) Sensors can be used to track the use pattern of the user. The drinking or eating or overall consuming pattern of the user can be recorded and analyzed. Machine learning may be applied here to understand and predict a user's consumption pattern.(8) Light detector sensor, among other photoelectric sensors, can be used to detect the presence or the absence of solids and/or liquids in the bottle. This includes other light-emitting sensors.(9) Electrode level sensors and level switches, as well as other configurations of sensors and devices, can use electrodes to detect liquid levels. This includes conductive level controllers and other types of electronic liquid level detectors that can be coupled with different types of circuits, such as the self-holding circuit. Different level controllers and electrode holders can be used as well. These sensors can take different shapes, forms, and sizes, such as a capacitive structure.(10) Float Level switches and sensors can be used, among other technologies/devices that involve float(s) and magnet(s). With the float rising or falling with the liquid level, there is a magnetic field generated from within the float, potentially with a magnetic reed switch as well.Liquid Content Sensor is a sensing element that's resistance changes with temperature. The additional power used to maintain the constant temperature of the device is used to measure the liquid content striking the wire. This is another methodology for sensing the liquid in a container.Other examples of possible proximity sensors include an optical sensor, magnetic sensor, capacitive sensor, sonar sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, infrared IR technology, Radio-Frequency (RFID) sensors, Inductive sensors, and any sensor or device that utilizes the Hall Effect.All sensors can be made out of different materials, can be of different shapes and sizes, can vary in their use cases, and can be used in multiple settings. Sensors, devices, and technologies can include different considerations, involving but not limited to the nature of the substance (percentage solid and/or liquid), viscosity, temperature, and pressure. The sensors, LEDs, displays, lights and other devices in and on the container are subject to waterproofing technology, such as but not limited to, applying water-repellent coatings or by sealing seams with gaskets or O-rings. The container, and sensors can be connected to a timer/clock.An antenna may be placed in/on the container/lid for outside communication, such as with a (portable) computing device via a local area network, like a Wi-Fi network, a hotspot, a personal network or curated company network, or a wide area network, like the Internet.The container/lid has a memory unit.The container/lid has a processor/processing unit, which is sealed with waterproofing. It can be located anywhere in/on the container/lid.The container/lid also includes a microcontroller unit (MCU)In some embodiments, a weight sensor may include a load cell. Some embodiment load cell configurations may employ a single point load cell design.

Clock Chip

Various embodiment material tracking system implementations may include a clock chip configured to provide accurate time to the material tracking system. In an illustrative example, an embodiment material tracking system may use data provided by a weight sensor to track fluctuation in the weight of contents in a container over time. Time may be tracked by a clock chip providing the correct time to configure the metrics display, for example, the 7 Dot Lights=7 days of the week (on the front of the base). The clock knows when to reset the daily and weekly content tracking. The LED Light Strip tracks the content fluctuation over the course of the day and resets every single day at 12:00 AM.

Types of Lids

Various embodiments include a lid. In illustrative non-limiting examples:(1) the container could have a smart lid that displays information about the contents of the container and can take inputs from the user that change the mechanisms of the container. The smart lid can be combined with any other type of lid.(2) the active lid: the active lid opens in one-click, making it easier to consume container contents on the go(3) screw lid: regular screw lid that user twists on/off to consume/drink from the container(4) straw lid: there is a hole in the lid that allows for a straw to be placed for the user to drink fromThe container can have many different variations of lids. These are a few examples of which may or may not be used. The container could most likely function without the lid in place. The lid may be made from a variety of different materials (not limited to plastic, steel, wood, etc.). The lid can be in many different sizes, shapes, colors, and the lid can serve different functions outside of closing the container. For instance, the lid can have the attachments of sensors, like the ultrasonic sensor, that can track the amount of contents within the container. The lid could potentially feature solar panel or panels that produce energy for the container to function its technology or technologies.The lid and/or container opening could potentially feature sensor(s) or (an)other device(s) that sense when the container is open/closed and to what extent, how much of the contents has exited or entered the container, and other information on the contents of the container or the container itself.

Various embodiment material tracking system designs may inform the user of how much water they have consumed, and how far they are from their hydration goal on the bottle itself, with visual user metrics updated on the bottle, based on tracking hydration levels and providing audiovisual cues to remind users to stay hydrated. Various embodiments may indicate to the user how much water they have consumed so far, and how far they are from their hydration goals.

Some embodiment examples may include the following three elements: (1) a water bottle, (2) a liquid level sensor, and a (3) metrics monitor. In an illustrative example, Element 2 (Liquid level sensor) is attached to Element 1 (Water bottle) so that Element 2 can sense the amount of water in Element 1 and then send those results to Element 3 (Metrics Monitor), which then displays the results in relation to water level goals set by the user. For example, Element 1 (Water Bottle) is filled with water by the user. Element 2 (Liquid Level Sensor) is placed inside Element 1 (Water Bottle), records the water levels inside, and sends the data/results to Element 3 (Metrics Monitor) which displays how much water has been consumed by the user.

Various embodiment designs may be constructed by attaching a liquid level sensor to a water bottle and constructing a monitor that accepts transmissions from the liquid level sensor. The monitor displays the results of the liquid level sensor.

In various examples illustrative of exemplary embodiments' design and usage, a person would add water to the water bottle, the level of water in the water bottle would be recorded, and as the person drinks water throughout the day, their water intake is monitored by the sensor and sent to the monitor to visually represent the person's water intake, based on a water bottle that tracks hydration levels and reminds user to drink water from a system that has user metrics on the bottle and is made of environmentally-friendly products.

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of embodiments of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to the extent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

In the present disclosure, various features may be described as being optional, for example, through the use of the verb “may;”, or, through the use of any of the phrases: “in some embodiments,” “in some implementations,” “in some designs,” “in various embodiments,” “in various implementations,”, “in various designs,” “in an illustrative example,” or “for example;” or, through the use of parentheses. For the sake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does not explicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional features. However, the present disclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such permutations. For example, a system described as having three optional features may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just one of the three possible features, with any two of the three possible features or with all three of the three possible features.

In various embodiments, elements described herein as coupled or connected may have an effectual relationship realizable by a direct connection or indirectly with one or more other intervening elements.

In the present disclosure, the term “any” may be understood as designating any number of the respective elements, i.e. as designating one, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements. Similarly, the term “any” may be understood as designating any collection(s) of the respective elements, i.e. as designating one or more collections of the respective elements, a collection comprising one, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements. The respective collections need not comprise the same number of elements.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the configuration, operation and form of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In particular, it is noted that the respective features of embodiments of the invention, even those disclosed solely in combination with other features of embodiments of the invention, may be combined in any configuration excepting those readily apparent to the person skilled in the art as nonsensical. Likewise, use of the singular and plural is solely for the sake of illustration and is not to be interpreted as limiting.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C. F. R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In the present disclosure, all embodiments where “comprising” is used may have as alternatives “consisting essentially of,” or “consisting of.” In the present disclosure, any method or apparatus embodiment may be devoid of one or more process steps or components. In the present disclosure, embodiments employing negative limitations are expressly disclosed and considered a part of this disclosure.

Many suitable methods and corresponding materials to make each of the individual parts of embodiment apparatus are known in the art. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the parts may be formed by machining, 3D printing (also known as “additive” manufacturing), CNC machined parts (also known as “subtractive” manufacturing), and injection molding, as will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Metals, wood, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, resins and elastomers as may be described herein-above may be used. Many suitable materials are known and available and can be selected and mixed depending on desired strength and flexibility, preferred manufacturing method and particular use, as will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Recitation in a claim of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system and method may be accomplished through the use of one or more computing devices. As depicted, for example, at least inFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that an exemplary system appropriate for use with embodiments in accordance with the present application may generally include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), a storage medium (e.g., hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, cloud storage), an operating system (OS), one or more application software, a display element, one or more communications means, or one or more input/output devices/means. Examples of computing devices usable with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, proprietary computing devices, personal computers, mobile computing devices, tablet PCs, mini-PCs, servers or any combination thereof. The term computing device may also describe two or more computing devices communicatively linked in a manner as to distribute and share one or more resources, such as clustered computing devices and server banks/farms. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any number of computing devices could be used, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any computing device.

In various embodiments, communications means, data store(s), processor(s), or memory may interact with other components on the computing device, in order to effect the provisioning and display of various functionalities associated with the system and method detailed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous configurations that could be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any appropriate configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communications means of the system may be, for instance, any means for communicating data over one or more networks or to one or more peripheral devices attached to the system. Appropriate communications means may include, but are not limited to, circuitry and control systems for providing wireless connections, wired connections, cellular connections, data port connections, Bluetooth connections, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous communications means that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any communications means.

Throughout this disclosure and elsewhere, block diagrams and flowchart illustrations depict methods, apparatuses (i.e., systems), and computer program products. Each element of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, as well as each respective combination of elements in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, illustrates a function of the methods, apparatuses, and computer program products. Any and all such functions (“depicted functions”) can be implemented by computer program instructions; by special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems; by combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions; by combinations of general purpose hardware and computer instructions; and so on—any and all of which may be generally referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

While the foregoing drawings and description may set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.

Each element in flowchart illustrations may depict a step, or group of steps, of a computer-implemented method. Further, each step may contain one or more sub-steps. For the purpose of illustration, these steps (as well as any and all other steps identified and described above) are presented in order. It will be understood that an embodiment can contain an alternate order of the steps adapted to a particular application of a technique disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. The depiction and description of steps in any particular order is not intended to exclude embodiments having the steps in a different order, unless required by a particular application, explicitly stated, or otherwise clear from the context.

Traditionally, a computer program consists of a sequence of computational instructions or program instructions. It will be appreciated that a programmable apparatus (i.e., computing device) can receive such a computer program and, by processing the computational instructions thereof, produce a further technical effect.

A programmable apparatus may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors, programmable devices, programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, memory devices, application specific integrated circuits, or the like, which can be suitably employed or configured to process computer program instructions, execute computer logic, store computer data, and so on. Throughout this disclosure and elsewhere a computer can include any and all suitable combinations of at least one general purpose computer, special-purpose computer, programmable data processing apparatus, processor, processor architecture, and so on.

It will be understood that a computer can include a computer-readable storage medium and that this medium may be internal or external, removable and replaceable, or fixed. It will also be understood that a computer can include a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), firmware, an operating system, a database, or the like that can include, interface with, or support the software and hardware described herein.

Embodiments of the system as described herein are not limited to applications involving conventional computer programs or programmable apparatuses that run them. It is contemplated, for example, that embodiments of the invention as claimed herein could include an optical computer, quantum computer, analog computer, or the like.

Regardless of the type of computer program or computer involved, a computer program can be loaded onto a computer to produce a particular machine that can perform any and all of the depicted functions. This particular machine provides a means for carrying out any and all of the depicted functions.

Computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner. The instructions stored in the computer-readable memory constitute an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing any and all of the depicted functions.

The elements depicted in flowchart illustrations and block diagrams throughout the figures imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented as parts of a monolithic software structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these. All such implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context, the verbs “execute” and “process” are used interchangeably to indicate execute, process, interpret, compile, assemble, link, load, any and all combinations of the foregoing, or the like. Therefore, embodiments that execute or process computer program instructions, computer-executable code, or the like can suitably act upon the instructions or code in any and all of the ways just described.

The functions and operations presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will be apparent to those of skill in the art, along with equivalent variations. In addition, embodiments of the invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It is appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the present teachings as described herein, and any references to specific languages are provided for disclosure of enablement and best mode of embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the invention are well suited to a wide variety of computer network systems over numerous topologies. Within this field, the configuration and management of large networks include storage devices and computers that are communicatively coupled to dissimilar computers and storage devices over a network, such as the Internet.