AUTOMATED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

Abstract The present invention discloses an automated inventory management system for refrigerator. The system is compatible smart refrigerator using a data synchronization protocol. This connection provides real-time inventory data, eliminating manual input and ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. The system uses image recognition and machine learning algorithms to accurately identify fridge food and predict usage and expiration dates. Users receive timely notifications when items are low or expiring due to this predictive capability. The system uses a large database of recipes by cuisine and dietary restrictions to make personalized recipe recommendations based on refrigerator ingredients. It selects recipes based on user preferences to maximize resource efficiency and culinary creativity.

Specification

Description:AUTOMATED INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATOR

Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the inventory management system. More particularly, an automated inventory management system for refrigerator that combines elements of IoT (Internet of Things), artificial intelligence, and mobile interface to streamline food inventory management and recipe suggestions for users.

Background of the Invention
A refrigerator is a popular household appliance extensively used to store food materials across the world. The cold and controlled environment of the fridge increases the shelf life of the perishable materials and preserves the food items for a longer time. In the recent era, food wastage is a serious concern globally.
The below given cited paper is in relevance with the proposed invention-
• Bhadoriya, S. S., Kirkire, S., Vyas, R., Deshmukh, S., & Bandi, Y. (2022, April). SARA (Smart AI Refrigerator Assistant). In XVIII International Conference on Data Science and Intelligent Analysis of Information (pp. 499-510). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
• Eom, S., Zhou, H., Kaur, U., Voyles, R. M., & Kusuma, D. (2022). Tupperwareearth: Bringing intelligent user assistance to the "internet of kitchen things". IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 9(15), 13233-13249.
The below given cited patent is in relevance with the proposed invention-
• Turvey, R. R., Porchia, J., Singh, R., Musaliar, I. A., & Klemetsen, R. A. R. (2012). U.S. Patent Application No. 13/276,984.
Fridge-Cam" by Smarter, which is a camera device that can be installed inside a fridge to remotely monitor its contents via a mobile app.
However, it lacks the automated inventory tracking and recipe suggestion features of the Smart Fridge Recipe Assistant. Additionally, it requires manual input for inventory updates, making it less convenient and potentially prone to errors.
The present invention addresses the drawbacks of the prior arts through notification of low-stock or expiring items, and meal planning in a comprehensive and user-friendly manner. It automates inventory management by syncing with the refrigerator to provide real-time updates on food items.

Objectives of the Invention
The prime objective of the present invention is to provide an automated inventory management system for refrigerator.
Another object of this invention is to provide the automated inventory management system for refrigerator that facilitates automated inventory management by syncing with the refrigerator to track food items in real-time.
Another object of this invention is to provide the automated inventory management system for refrigerator that comprises a mobile interface integrated with the refrigerator.
Another object of this invention is to provide the automated inventory management system for refrigerator that offers personalized recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, optimizing kitchen efficiency and reducing food waste.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide automated inventory management system for refrigerator that has a user-friendly interface, easy to use, cost effective, durable and easy to manufacture.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Every object of the invention is attained by at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention
In one of the aspects of the invention, it provides an automated inventory management system for refrigerator that uses an interface to streamline the process of tracking food items by synchronizing with the refrigerator, eliminating the need for manual input and reducing the risk of errors.
In one of the aspects of the present invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator has notification system for low stock and expiring items that notifying users when items are running low or nearing expiration, the interface helps prevent food waste and ensures timely replenishment of essential items.
In one of the aspects of the present invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator has recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, it addresses the challenge of meal planning by suggesting recipes that utilize ingredients already stocked in the refrigerator, thereby promoting efficient use of resources and inspiring culinary creativity.
Brief Description of Drawings
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further objectives and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the block diagram according to preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to".
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The present invention discloses an automated inventory management system for refrigerator, it addresses the challenges of food inventory management, notifies of low-stock or expiring items, and meal planning in a comprehensive and user-friendly manner.
In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to like numerals refer to like features of the invention.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator has following steps and processes:
• Data synchronization protocol development,
• Machine learning algorithm implementation,
• Image recognition methods integration,
• Expiration date prediction method,
• Recipe database creation.
According to preferred embodiment of the invention, referring to Figure 1, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator works in the following steps:
• Initial setup: Users uses the interface and install it on their mobile devices, then connect the interface to their compatible refrigerator by following the setup instructions provided.
• Data synchronization: Once connected, the interface synchronizes with the refrigerator to retrieve real-time inventory data. This synchronization process ensures that users have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the items stored in their refrigerator.
• Inventory management: The interface utilizes image recognition technology to identify food items inside the refrigerator, eliminating the need for manual input. Users can view a categorized list of their inventory directly on the refrigerator, making it easy to monitor what items they have and their quantities.
• Notification system: The interface continuously monitors the inventory and sends notifications to users when items are running low or nearing their expiration dates. These proactive alerts help users avoid food waste and ensure that they replenish essential items in a timely manner.
• Recipe suggestions: Leveraging machine learning algorithms, the interface analyzes the available ingredients in the refrigerator and suggests personalized recipes based on user preferences and dietary restrictions. Users can browse through a variety of recipe options directly within the interface, selecting ones that appeal to them.
• User interaction: The interface features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to interact with it effortlessly. Users can input additional information such as dietary preferences or allergies to further customize the recipe suggestions.
• Feedback improvement: The interface includes a feedback mechanism where users can provide input on the suggested recipes and inventory management. This feedback loop allows the interface to continuously improve its recommendations and algorithms over time, ensuring a better user experience.
• Data security and privacy: The interface prioritizes the security and privacy of user data by implementing robust encryption protocols and following industry best practices. User information is securely stored on a cloud-based infrastructure, protecting it from unauthorized access.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator where the refrigerator is a smart refrigerator.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator where the mobile devices are selected from the group of smart phones, smart watches, laptops, smart TV, and alike.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator has following features that sets it apart from existing prior arts:
• Real time inventory synchronisation: The ability to synchronize with a refrigerator in realtime, providing users with up-to-date inventory information directly on their mobile devices.
• Predictive inventory management: Utilizing machine learning algorithms to predict usage patterns and expiration dates, ensuring timely notifications for low-stock or expiring items.
• Personalized recipe suggestions: Generating personalized recipe recommendations based on available ingredients in the refrigerator, user preferences, and dietary restrictions.
• Image recognition technology: Incorporating image recognition technology to accurately identify food items, enabling seamless inventory management without manual input.
• Efficient resource utilisation: Encouraging efficient resource utilization by suggesting recipes that maximize the use of available ingredients, thereby reducing food waste.
• Cross platform compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with a wide range of refrigerator models and mobile devices, allowing users to access the interface regardless of their device preferences.
• User friendly interface: Designing an intuitive and user-friendly interface with features such as barcode scanning and voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Feedback loop integration: Implementing a feedback mechanism to continuously improve the accuracy of inventory management and recipe suggestions based on user interactions and preferences.
• Data security and privacy: Prioritizing data security and privacy by employing robust encryption protocols and adhering to industry standards for handling sensitive user information.
• Scalable cloud infrastructure: Leveraging a scalable cloud-based storage infrastructure to handle large volumes of data and user interactions, ensuring reliability and performance as the user base grows.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the automated inventory management system for refrigerator has industrial use in the food retail industry, particularly for grocery stores and supermarkets. Retailers can leverage this technology to enhance the shopping experience for their customers and optimize their inventory management processes.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will at once be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention includes advantages and features over and beyond the specific illustrated construction. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited solely by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification, when interpreted in light of the relevant prior art.
, Claims:We Claim;
1. An automated inventory management system for refrigerator comprising the processes:
• Data synchronization protocol development,
• Machine learning algorithm implementation,
• Image recognition methods integration,
• Expiration date prediction method,
• Recipe database creation.
2. The automated inventory management system for refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system works in the following steps:
• Initial setup: Users instal the interface on their mobile devices, then connect the interface to their compatible refrigerator by following the setup instructions;
• Data synchronization: Once connected, the interface synchronizes with the refrigerator to retrieve real-time inventory data, ensuring that users have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the items stored in their refrigerator;
• Inventory management: The interface utilizes image recognition method to identify food items inside the refrigerator, categorized list of their inventory directly on the refrigerator, eliminating the need for manual input;
• Notification system: The interface continuously monitors the inventory and sends notifications to users when items are running low or nearing their expiration dates;
• Recipe suggestions: Leveraging machine learning algorithms, the interface analyzes the available ingredients in the refrigerator and suggests personalized recipes based on user preferences and dietary restrictions;
• User interaction: The interface features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to interact with it, input additional information;
• Feedback improvement: The interface includes a feedback mechanism where users can provide input on the suggested recipes and inventory management;
• Data security and privacy: The interface prioritizes the security and privacy of user data by implementing robust encryption protocols and user information is securely stored on a cloud-based infrastructure, protecting it from unauthorized access.
3. The automated inventory management system for refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the refrigerator is a smart refrigerator.
4. The automated inventory management system for refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein additional information are dietary preferences, allergies, customize the recipe suggestions;
5. The automated inventory management system for refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile devices are selected from the group of smart phones, smart watches, laptops, smart TV, and alike.

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