“IoT ENABLED MULTI STORAGE UNITS FOR OBJECT PRESENCE
DETECTION”
ANNEXURE I
PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION
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The objective of this invention is to detect the presence of an object placed
inside a storage unit with the help of a microcontroller and infrared sensors (IR
sensors). The existing traditional system that industries follow to keep track of supplies
is complicated and requires a lot of manpower, time, and paperwork. To reduce the
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time taken for such a long process a system has been designed with multiple racks
consist of a microcontroller, infrared sensors, relays that are used to detect the
presence of an object and send data to the dashboard. The microcontroller considered
for this requirement is an ARDUINO MEGA 2560 to accommodate 54 possible input
or output ports. The micro-controller receives its input from the number of sensors
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connected across the various racks and output has been sent to the relays connected
across the output port with the help of embedded code, which is further updated from
the micro-controller itself, facilitating the Internet of Things (IoT). The relays are
connected to two different colored LED lights red and green. One color (Red) signifies
the detection of an object through an infrared sensor, while the other (Green) indicates
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an empty rack. This data can be easily imported into an Excel sheet, providing a live
data feed from the controller. The sensor data is then made available on the
dashboard, which greatly simplifies the process of tracking and tracing individual parts
stored in the racks.
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Page 1 of 12
ANNEXURE 2
DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to a storage unit, which can be categorized as a real5
time industrial supply management system. The core concept involves the conversion
of presence or absence of the objects in each individual storage unit into real-time
binary data, allowing for the seamless integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology
within an automated rack system. This innovation is particularly well-suited for boxtype storage units. Specifically, this storage unit can efficiently transmit up-to-the-
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minute data about the presence of objects, even at high frequencies, to a central
database. The key advantage of this storage unit is that it simplifies the identification
of vacant storage units and streamline inventory management with maximum human
involvement. Additionally, it is cost-effective in terms of both implementation and
maintenance, making it a compelling solution for object presence detection, thereby
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enhancing inventory management within industrial settings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficiency and resource
optimization have become paramount concerns for companies across various sectors.
Traditional methods of managing and monitoring industrial supplies often involve
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manual labor, which is not only time-consuming but also prone to human errors.
Recognizing this challenge, a new wave of innovation has emerged, focusing on
leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform the way industrial supplies are
managed. Historically, inventory management has been a labor-intensive task,
requiring workers to periodically inspect industrial racks to ensure the availability of
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essential supplies. These manual processes not only consume valuable time but can
lead to inefficiencies, production delays, and even stockouts that disrupt operations.
As industries strive to optimize their supply chains and reduce operational costs, there
is an increasing need for a solution that eliminates the drawbacks associated with
manual labor. This innovation draws inspiration from the principles of automation, real-
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time data processing, the Internet of Things(IoT), and digital connectivity to create a
revolutionary Real-time Industrial Supply Management System (RISMS).
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This automated rack system can be employed at any type of accommodating
unit since this system is able to provide visual communication and spontaneous
updates in the database simultaneously. This system can be implemented in a
custom-designed new storage unit and also can be implemented in the existing
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storage facilities offering easier and minimum maintenance. This system is not only
efficient in manufacturing industries but also can be used in textile storage,
warehouses, and even medical pharmacies.
The foundation of this innovation lies in the integration of Infrared (IR) sensor
technology, microcontrollers such as Arduino, and Python-based data processing.
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These elements work in harmony to create an intelligent system that continuously
monitors the status of the storage unit in real-time. By strategically placing IR sensors
within industrial racks, the system detects changes in inventory levels as objects are
added or removed. These sensors transmit signals to microcontrollers, which serve as
the brains of the operation, the microcontroller transmits the signal to the relay, based
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data the relay converting it into actionable insights and also the microcontroller is
responsible for integration of data with the database through the Internet of Things.
The existing system which is currently used in the industries is not automated
and requires a lot of manual work to check the existing stocks of the products where
labours are tend to go and check the stocks each time and update in the sheet of stock
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list paper or a book, whereas this system is automated, and real-time data can be
monitored using various dashboards and also the visual system gives information
whether there is a product in the rack or is an empty one.
OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The principal objective of this innovation is to replace conventional manual
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methods with an automated and intelligent system that offers real-time visibility into
supply levels.
Another objective is to design and develop a rack system that should be
capable of detecting the presence of the object and simultaneously updating the same.
Another objective of this innovation is to design a rack system which should
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provide visual communication for user friendly approach.
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Another objective is to reduce the risk of stockouts, enhance operational agility
in industrial settings and to reduce operational costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE DRAWINGS
The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent and
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descriptive in the description when considered together with figures presented. The
circuit connection involving all the below mentioned components have been presented
with the figure presented.
Figure1 shows the Circuit connection of a single storage system
Figure 2 Shows the actual Prototype
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Figure 3 shows the Parts Representation Diagram
Figure 4 shows the CAD Model for the Storage Unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The setup is supported by a cuboidal shaped rack system [1] placed in a
sequential manner made up of wooden boards. The infrared sensor [2] is held by the
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use of adhesives along with the wooden boards, for support. The microcontrollers [3]
and the bread board [4] are placed over the wooden racks. Jumper cables are used
for maintaining connection between the utilities. A single storage rack must be
employed with an Infrared Sensor and a relay [5] each connected along with the
microcontroller and the bread board. Arduino board can be connected with an
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electronic device such as a laptop [6] in order to receive the timely data with the help
of a spreadsheet. The same can be further updated in the database with the help of a
python program. The output obtained from the relay is indicated using LED Indicators
[7] showing the presence of the object.
Figure 1 shows the Circuit connection of a single storage system. The working
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of parts is as follows:
Storage Unit [1]: It is the base of the whole system. The products are placed
inside the storage unit and the storage unit can be made of wood or any other
material.
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IR Sensor [2]: It is used to detect whether there is an object present nearby.
When a product or an object placed in the storage unit, the sensor detects its presence
and send the signal to the microcontroller in binary format.
Arduino Mega 2560 [3]: It is used for the reception, processing, and
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subsequent transmission of signals originating from the infrared (IR) sensor to the
relay module. Notably, this microcontroller boasts a substantial count of input and
output ports, thereby affording the capacity to oversee a greater quantity of racks.
Furthermore, it facilitates the real-time transmission of data to spreadsheets and
dashboards, thereby enabling the monitoring of the ongoing processes.
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Bread Board [4]: It is used to establish electrical connections between the
wires originating from the Arduino Mega 2560 and to distribute power to the remaining
components within the system. Notably, the Arduino Mega possesses a limited
number of two 5-volt ports and two ground ports. The breadboard plays a crucial role
in facilitating the provision of 5-volt and ground supplies to the entirety of the system.
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Electrical Relay [5]: It is used to receive the signal from the Arduino mega
2560 and based on the signal the output is shown in the form of LED indicators.
Laptop [6]: It is used to receive the timely data sent by the microcontroller to
the spreadsheet and further used in integration along with the dashboard.
LED Indicators [7]: It is used to visually convey various output signals through
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the use of illumination, enabling the user to ascertain the presence of a product or
object within the system and facilitating visual inspection.
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ANNEXURE 3
CLAIMS
WE CLAIM:
1. The object presence detection system consists of a predesigned rack system
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[1], Infrared Sensors [2], microcontroller (Arduino Mega 2560) [3], bread board
[4], relays [5], Light Emitting Diode (LED) [6] along with the connecting wires.
The rack [1] system contains all these above-mentioned utilities acting as a
carrier. While an object is placed inside the rack, the Infrared sensor [ 2] sense
the presence of object. The sensed signal to be transmitted to the
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microcontroller [3] and then the microcontroller processes the input signal which
is obtained from the sensor and transmit that signal to the electrical relay [5]
and the output data depicting the presence and absence of the object is
exported in the form of a spreadsheet with the help of an electronic device such
as a laptop [6] which can be preserved in the database. Based on the signal
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the relay activates the LED [7], which is helpful for visual inspection.
2. This integration enhances the system's functionality and also empowers in
tracking the presence, availability in automated manner which reduces the
human power to check the same.
3. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
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cuboidal shaped rack system that can be made of steel/wood is designed in
such a way that houses and hold all components.
4. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
microcontrollers, bread board and relays can be fixed beneath the racks in
sequence to achieve limited use of wires.
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5. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein python
code has been used to achieve user friendly environment for the need of
modifications if required to be.
6. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, python code also
offers easier integration with the database than many other programming
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languages, such that easier integration of Internet of Things can be achieved.
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7. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
microcontroller “ARDUINO MEGA 2560” offers higher number of input and
output ports thus reducing the number of microcontrollers to be used.
8. The object presence detection system as claimed in claim 1, the data can be
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used to make informed decisions regarding inventory management and
resource allocation and also helpful in trend analysis and long-term supply
chain management.
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Dated this 03rd day of August, 2023
Applicant Signature
PSG College of Technology
Page 7 of 12
ANNEXURE 4
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
“IoT ENABLED MULTI STORAGE UNITS FOR OBJECT
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PRESENCE DETECTION”
Followed by the increased demand of inventory management in industries, an
IOT-based rack system has been developed. The system is built on the idea of realtime monitoring via an approachable computer-based dashboard. This is
accomplished by incorporating Infrared (IR) sensors into each rack and connecting
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them to microcontrollers, preferably Arduino. The microcontroller processes the
corresponding signals when these IR sensors detect changes in the contents of the
rack. The output of the IR sensor is transmitted to the microcontroller as a
microcontroller input. The output from the microcontroller is then translated to signal
of the relay receiving the response. LED lights has been positioned to indicate the
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placement of the objects. If the red light is on, it appears that the storage unit has been
occupied; if the green light is on, it appears that the respective storage unit is yet to
occupied. In parallel, an Excel sheet is being operated upon by Python code that has
been integrated with the microcontroller. Python code has been employed to integrate
along with the dashboard. The dashboard allows to view an accurate update of the
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location of things over the internet.
Figure 1 shows the circuit connection of an individual storage system.
Figure 3 shows the representation of parts and their connections.
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Page 8 of 12
Application No.:
Applicant
: PSG College of Technology
Total No. of Sheets-4
Sheet No.- 1
ANNEXURE 5
LIST OF FIGURES
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Figure 1 shows the Circuit Connection of an individual storage system
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Inventor:
Applicant Signature
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PSG College of Technology
Page 9 of 12
Application No.:
Applicant
: PSG College of Technology
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Total No. of Sheets-4
Sheet No.- 2
Figure 2 shows the actual prototype
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Inventor:
Applicant Signature
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PSG College of Technology
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Page 10 of 12
Application No.:
Applicant
: PSG College of Technology
5
Total No. of Sheets-4
Sheet No.- 3
Figure 3 shows the parts representation diagram.
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Inventor:
Applicant Signature
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PSG College of Technology
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Page 11 of 12
Application No.:
Applicant
: PSG College of Technology
Total No. of Sheets-4
Sheet No.- 4
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Figure 4 shows the CAD model for the storage unit.
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Inventor:
Applicant Signature
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PSG College of Technology
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