Apparatus, system, and method of providing a content level monitor

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for providing a consumable level monitor for association with a content-filled consumable. The embodiments may include a sensing module suitable to sense the consumable level; and a communications module suitable for receiving the consumable level from the sensing module, and for communicating the consumable level to a user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A level monitoring system for association with a content-filled container, comprising:
 a sensing module suitable to sense a content level; and   a communications module suitable for receiving a content level from a sensing module, processing data and system state, and for communicating a consumable level to a user.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power module for powering at least the sensing module and communications module. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing module comprises a plurality of sensors that sense at least one of proximity, light, weight, pressure, moisture, capacitance, oscillation frequency, and/or resistance. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one module is embedded in a label. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein a label is applied via an in-mold labeling process. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein a label is applied by an end user. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein a label consists of printed electronics. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein a sensor itself is printed directly onto a label. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the shape and size of the sensor is tailored to the shape and size of a container. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a consumable container. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a durable component for association with a consumable container. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a durable component functions as a dispenser for the content. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein a dispenser comprises of a crank, a spout, or a spigot. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a durable component is electrically connected to the consumable. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a durable component supplies power. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein a durable component provides a communication and processing module. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein a communication module includes a visual indicator located directly on a durable component. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the sensing module is, in part, in a durable component and, in part, on a consumable container. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content is a liquid. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content is a bulk solid. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the content is comprised of moist sheets. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the content level comprises a count of uniformly sized individual units or packets. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 1 , in which the container is agnostic to content form factor. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a communications module comprises firmware for converting signals associated with content level. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a communication module includes a visual indicator located directly on a container. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein communication to a user comprises a client service that receives device data over at least one network. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26  wherein a client comprises a smartphone app. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 26  wherein a client comprises a web dashboard.