Freshub, Inc. et al v. Amazon.Com Inc. et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0542-12267080), filed by Freshub, Inc., Freshub, Ltd.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 13, # 14 Exhibit 14, # 15 Exhibit 15, # 16 Exhibit 16, # 17 Exhibit 17, # 18 Exhibit 18, # 19 Exhibit 19, # 20 Exhibit 20, # 21 Exhibit 21, # 22 Exhibit 22, # 23 Exhibit 23, # 24 Exhibit 24, # 25 Exhibit 25, # 26 Exhibit 26, # 27 Exhibit 27, # 28 Exhibit 28, # 29 Exhibit 29, # 30 Exhibit 30, # 31 Exhibit 31, # 32 Exhibit 32, # 33 Exhibit 33, # 34 Exhibit 34, # 35 Exhibit 35, # 36 Exhibit 36, # 37 Exhibit 37, # 38 Exhibit 38, # 39 Exhibit 39, # 40 Civil Cover Sheet)(Palmer, John)

EXHIBIT 13

US010232408B2

(12) United States Patent

(10) Patent No.: US 10 ,232,408 B2

Zsigmond et al.

(45) Date of Patent:

(54 ) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCANNING

(56 )

INFORMATION FROM STORAGE AREA

CONTENTS

(71 ) Applicant: IKAN HOLDINGS LLC , New York ,
NY (US )

(72) Inventors : Fabio Zsigmond, Riverside, CT (US );

Mar . 19, 2019

References Cited
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,636 ,950 A
1/1987 Caswell et al.
5 ,478 ,989 A 12 /1995 Shepley
(Continued )

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

Sion Elie Douer, New York , NY (US);
Frederico Wagner, New York , NY
(US )

Geraldo Yoshizawa, Sao Paulo (BR ) ;

100 17 503 Al 10 /2001

DE

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

(73) Assignee: IKAN HOLDINGS LLC , New York ,
NY (US)

( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this

Supplementary European Search Report; Application No. 04713957 .
1 ; dated Sep . 3 , 2008 .

(Continued )

patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U . S .C . 154 (b ) by 0 days .

Primary Examiner — Andrew Joseph Rudy

(21) Appl. No.: 16 /103,394

(74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Knobbe , Martens, Olson
& Bear LLP

(22 ) Filed : Aug . 14 , 2018
Prior Publication Data
(65 )
US 2018 /0353998 A1 Dec. 13, 2018
Related U .S . Application Data
(63 ) Continuation of application No. 15/ 905,591, filed on
Feb . 26 , 2018 , which is a continuation of application
(Continued )

(51) B07CCi7./04
Int.
B07C 5 /34

(52) U .S. CI.

ABSTRACT
(57)
The present invention is related to methods and systems for
collected item information for stored items. In one embodi
ment, a networked food storage system comprises a first
sensor configured to read information from item tags
coupled to items, wherein the items are stored or intended to
be stored in a storage unit . A data store is configured to store

food preferences for at least a first user. Instructions, stored

( 2006 . 01)

( 2006 .01)
( Continued )

in computer readable memory , are configured to : cause a
first user interface to be displayed to the first user via which
the first user can request a meal suggestion ; retrieve pref
erence information for the first user from computer readable

CPC ........... B07C 5 /34 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; G060 30 /0601
( 2013.01); G06Q 40 /04 ( 2013 .01); H04M

memory ; retrieve information read from at least a first item

1/6505 (2013.01); H04M 3/ 533 ( 2013 .01 )

preference information for the first user and item tag infor

(58 ) Field of Classification Search
CPC ...... B07C 5 /34 ; G06Q 40 /04 ; GO6Q 30 /0601 ;
H04M 1/6505 ; H04M 3 /533
(Continued )

tag ; and provide a meal suggestion based at least in part on

mation .

30 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets

802
DIGITIZE AND RECORD
SPOKEN ORDER

TRANSMIT ORDER TO

REMOTE SERVER

806

PERFORM VOICE

RECOGNITION

808

DISPLAY TEXT VERSION

OF VOICE ORDER TO
USER FOR VERIFICATION

810

TRANSMIT ORDER TO
ONE OR MORE
PROVIDERS

( 812
RECEIVE QUOTE AND
PROVIDE QUOTES TO
USER

816

RECEIVE ORDER
AUTHORIZATION TO
USER

PLACE ORDER

US 10 ,Page ,2408 B2
232
Related U .S . Application Data

6 ,643 ,624 B2

No . 15 /604 ,422 , filed on May 24 , 2017 , now Pat. No.
9 , 908 ,153 , which is a continuation of application No .
11/301, 291, filed on Dec . 12 , 2005, now Pat. No.
9 ,821,344.

(60 ) Provisional application No. 60/635 , 122 , filed on Dec .
10 , 2004 .

(51) Int. Cl.
G06Q 40 /04

( 2012 .01)

G060 30 / 06
( 2012 . 01)
H04M 3 /533
(2006 .01)
H04M 1 /65
( 2006 . 01)
(58 ) Field of Classification Search
USPC ........ 370 /352, 356 ; 379/88 . 1, 88 . 16 , 114 .01,
379/219; 455/ 150 . 1 , 405 , 406 , 414 . 1 ;

704 /231, 258 , 266 , 268, 270 . 1;
705 /28 – 30 ; 709/ 204, 217 – 219

See application file for complete search history .
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379 /88 .22

6 ,663,004
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H04M 3/ 50
379 /219

7 ,224 ,779 B2 * 5 /2007 Finnigan ... ........ H04M 3 / 533

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11 /2003 Philipps et al.

6 ,662 , 163 B1 * 12/ 2003 Albayrak .............. H04M 3 /493

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7 , 373 ,317 B1

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379 /211. 02

Hudnut et al.
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7 ,580 , 850
7 ,660 ,772
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7 ,734 ,729

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7 ,392, 193 B2 * 6 /2008 Mault . .. . . . .. . . .. G06F 19 /00
704 /275
7,472 ,075 B2 * 12 /2008 Odinak .............. G06Q 30 /0266
455 / 150 . 1

B2
B2
B23
B2

Lurie
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7 ,856 ,248 B1 * 12 /2010 Fujisaki ............... H04M 1575
455 /414 . 1

7 , 949 ,529 B2
8 , 131 , 093 B2

5 / 2011 Weider

3 / 2012 Kim

8 ,175 , 886 B2 * 5 /2012 Odinak .......... . GIOL 15 /26

8 , 320 ,958 B1 11 /2012
8 , 370 , 163 B2 * 2 / 2013
8 ,447 ,602 B25 / 2013
8 ,705 ,705 B2 4 / 2014
9 ,908 , 153 B2 * 3 /2018
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2003/ 0072488 Al

2003 /0164754
2003/0171944
2003/0195818
2004 /0100380

704 /270 . 1
Fujisaki
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....... B07C 5 /34
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232
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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Dietician -Healthy Eating Services, “ Transforming How Dietitians
Offer Advice,” AirClic, 2001-2003 .
International Search Report, International Appln . No. PCT-IB04

01076 , May 25 , 2005 .

PCT International Search Report dated Feb . 24 , 2003.
Shop Smart, Eat Right — Sample Grocery List, “ Guide Yourself to

Healthier Eating,” Beeline Shopper, 2001 - 2002 .

Shop Smart, Eat Right — Sample Recipes, “ Great Meals Made

Easy,” Beeline Shopper, 2001 - 2002.
Shop Smart , Eat Right, “ Healthier, More Nutritious Meals,” Beeline
Shopper, 2001- 2003.

* cited by examiner

U . S . Patent

++ +++

+++ +

NETWORK
INTERFACE

Mar . 19, 2019

Sheet 1 of 8

mm801

US 10,232 ,408 B2

Tannrennnnnnn

INTERFACE

INTERFACE

DDDDDDDDDD

106
NAN

RECIPIES

CONTENTS
TE

USER PREFS.

FIG . 1

U.S.Patent mann mom
U . S . Patent

Mar . 19 , 2019

121,

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2

Sheet 2 of 8

208

7210
SCANNER

SCREEN

SCANNER

206

204

VAN

LOCAL

COMPUTER

REFRIGERATOR

- 202

REFRIGERATOR
1220

MICROPHONE / 1203
CAMERA

REMOTE SYSTEM
LY

(scanner)

Shelf 1
Shelf 1

(scanner )

Shelf 1

212

( scanner )

?????????????????????????

CABINET

FIG . 2

U . S . Patent

Mar. 19 , 2019

Sheet 3 of 8

US 10 , 232 , 408 B2

302
PRESENT MEAL
PARTICPANT

SELECTION MENUE

304
RETRIEVE CONTENT
INFORMATION FOR

STORAGE UNITS

306
RETRIEVE MEAL
PARTICPANT

PREFERENCES WITH
AVAILABLE ITEMS

308
VIEW SIDE - BY - SIDE
CONTENTS
CONTENTS

DISPLAY OF SEGMENT
310
DISPLAY POTENTIAL
MEAL SELECTIONS
M

ivvy

RECEIVE USER
SELECTION

DISPLAY DETAILED

MENU AND RECIPE
FOR SELECTED MEAL

FIG . 3

2312

U . S . Patent

Mar . 19 , 2019

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2

Sheet 4 of 8

402
RETRIEVE EXPIRATION

FOR AVAILABLE ITEMS
404

RETRIEVE PREFERENCE

INFORMATION FOR ITEM
ORDERING

406
COMPARE

PREFERENCES WTH
EXPIRATION DATES

408
PRESENT ORDER LIST
RECEIVE USER
SELECTION AND PLACE
ORDER

FIG . 4

Patent

Mar. 19 , 2019

MEAL SELECTION
O Breakfost

Sheet5of8

US 10 , 232,408 B2

Sheet 5 of 8

COURSES

O SOUP

O Brunch

SALAD

m Lunch

MAIN COURSE

Dinner

DESERT

O Late night snack
MEAL

PARTICIPANTS
? MOM

DAD

BOBBY
JANE

PROVIDE

O NANNY
O GRANDMA

RECOMMENDATIONS

O GRANDPA
GUEST

O NUMBER OF GUEST

FIG . 5

U . S . Patent

Mar. 19 , 2019

Sheet 6 of 8

US 10 ,232,408 B2

SALADS

TOMATO SALAD
D GREEN SALAD
MAIN COURSE

OROASTED CHICKEN
GRILLED SALMON

DESSERT
SORBET
O CHOCOLATE CAKE

PROVIDE RECIPES
V

AAAAAAA

PROVIDE ADDITIONAL

PROVIDE RECIPES

SUGGESTIONS

FIG . 6

U . S . Patent

Mar. 19, 2019

Sheet 7 of 8

X MILK

US 10 ,232,408 B2

O QUANTITY

ORANGE JUICE
YOGURT

O QUANTITY
O QUANTITY
O QUANTITY

O SODA

SUBMIT ORDER

FIG . 7

U . S . Patent

Mar . 19 , 2019

Sheet 8 of 8

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2

DIGITIZE AND RECORD
SPOKEN ORDER
man 804

TRANSMIT ORDER TO

REMOTE SERVER

806
PERFORM VOICE

RECOGNITION

-808
DISPLAY TEXT VERSION
OF VOICE ORDER TO
USER FOR VERIFICATION

( 810
TRANSMIT ORDER TO

ONE OR MORE
PROVIDERS

812
RECEIVE QUOTE AND

PROVIDE QUOTES TO
USER

816

RECEIVE ORDER
AUTHORIZATION TO

PLACE ORDER

USER

FIG . 8

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCANNING
INFORMATION FROM STORAGE AREA
CONTENTS

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

suggestion ; retrieve preference information for the first user

from computer readable memory ; retrieve information read
from at least a first item tag; and provide a meal suggestion
based at least in part on preference information for the first
5 user and item tag information .
Still another embodiment provides a method of providing
meal suggestions , comprising : electronically receiving data

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as
filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by 10
reference under 37 CFR 1 .57 .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

read , via a first sensor, from a first item , the data including
information related to the first item ' s ingredients ; identifying
a first user requesting a meal suggestion ; reading from
computer readable memory food preferences for at least the
first user ; and providing a meal suggestion based at least in
part on preference information for the first user and item tag
information .

Yet another example embodiment provides a networked
15 food storage system , comprising: a first sensor configured to
read expiration date information from item tags , wherein the
items are stored or intended to be stored in a storage unit; a
data store configured to store expiration date information ;
and instructions , stored in computer readable memory , con

The present invention is related to sensor systems and
processes, and in particular for sensing items stored in

storage units and performing related automated processes.
Description of the Related Art

20 figured to : read expiration date information from the data
store ; determine if a first item has an expiration date within

Perishable items are often stored in refrigerated storage
units , such as refrigerators . Such perishable items often have

within a first time window , identify the item on a shopping

a first time window ; if the first item has an expiration date

& 10

list.

on 25 Still
expiration dates or “ best used by dates” printed thereon . 25 system ,another example embodiment provides an electronic
comprising :memory
digitized
However, because perishable items are often densely packed voice recording from a userconfigured to store , a stored in
; and instructions
into a refrigerated storage unit, and because the expiration computer readable memory , configured to : read the digitized
dates are sometimes faintly or poorly printed , users often are

voice
not able to conveniently monitor the expiration dates . spondsrecording ; identify a productinidentifier that corre
to a first
the
Hence , items are often retained in the refrigerated storage 30 recording ; present aitem referred to the user digitized voice
shopping list to
that includes at
unit past their expiration date , taking up valuable storage

least the first item .

space . In addition , because the user is often unaware ofwhen
an item has reached its expiration date , the user often does

Another example embodiment provides an electronic sys

tem , comprising : memory configured to store a digital

not replace the expired item in a timely fashion .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

product image from a user ; and instructions, stored in

35 computer readable memory , configured to : perform object

The present invention is related to sensor systems and

processes, and in particular for sensing items stored in

storage units and performing related automated processes . 40

The following embodiments are intended to be illustrative
examples , and not to limit the scope of the invention .
One example embodiment provides a networked refrig

eration system comprising a first sensor configured to read

recognition with respect to the product image; select a

product identifier that corresponds to the product in the

image ; present a shopping list to the user that includes at
least the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention are described

herein with reference to the drawings summarized below .

herein the 451 drawings and
These
description are
information from item tags coupled to items, wherein the 45 to illustrate example the associated of the invention ,provided
and not
items are stored or intended to be stored in a refrigeration to limit the scope of embodiments .
the invention
unit ; a data store configured to store food preferences for a
FIG . 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an item
plurality of household members ; instructions, stored in

tracking and recommendation processing system .
interface to be displayed to the first user, the first user 30 sto FIG . system . an example embodiment of a networked
50 storage 2 illustrates
interface listing household members ; receive a user input
FIG . 3 illustrates an example meal suggestion process.
indicating which household members will participate in a
FIG . 4 illustrates an example order generation process.
first meal; retrieve preference information for at least a
FIG . 5 illustrates a first example meal suggestion request
portion of the household members thatwill participate in the user interface .
first meal; retrieve information read from at least a first item 55 FIG . 6 illustrates a second example meal suggestion
tag ; select at least a first recipe stored in computer readable
request user interface.
memory based at least in part on preference information for
FIG . 7 illustrates an example user interface for ordering
at least one meal participant and item tag information , and items.
provide the recipe to a first user.
FIG . 8 illustrates an example method for processing a
Another example embodiment provides a networked food 60 voice order.
computer readable memory , configured to : cause a first user

storage system , comprising: a first sensor configured to read

information from item tags coupled to items, wherein the
items are stored or intended to be stored in a storage unit ; a
data store configured to store food preferences for at least a

first user ; instructions, stored in computer readable memory, 65
configured to : cause a first user interface to be displayed to
the first user via which the first user can request a meal

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

Example systems and methods for scanning and obtaining
product information and processing such scanned informa
tion will be described herein .

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
Throughout the following description , the term “ Web
site ” is used to refer to a user-accessible network site that

implements the basic World Wide Web standards for the
coding and transmission of hypertextual documents . These

user prefers foods having a certain characteristic or that are
in a certain category, such as vegetarian , low fat , low

sodium , and /or kosher food products.
The scanner system can include or be coupled to one or

standards currently include HTML (the Hypertext Markup 5 more user input and /or output devices, such as a touch
Language ), HTTP (the Hypertext Transfer Protocol), Java ,
screen device , a non -touch screen display, an on / off switch ,

and XML. It should be understood that the term “ site ” is not
intended to imply a single geographic location , as a Web or
other network site can , for example , comprise multiple

a mechanical keyboard , voice recognition system , a voice

output system , a camera , a character recognition device , a
printer, and/ or other types of user interfaces . The system

geographically distributed computer systems that are appro - 10 optionally can include one or more function - specific hard

priately linked together. Furthermore , while the following
description relates to an embodiment utilizing the Internet
and related protocols, other networks , such as networked

keys and/ or soft keys displayed on a touch screen . The key
functions can be software programmable .
An example tag can include some or all of the following

interactive televisions, and other protocols may be used as

information : product code, expiration date, nutrition infor

well. In addition , unless otherwise indicated , the functions 15 mation , dietary classification information (e . g ., low sodium ,

described herein are preferably performed by executable

code and instructions running on one or more generalpurpose computers . For example , program code stored in
non - volatile and /or volatile memory can include one or more

low cholesterol, low carbohydrate , non - fat, peanut-free,

gluten - free , sugar - free , non - dairy , vegetarian ), ingredient
content, supplier , product, storage temperature range ,
dimensions ( height, length , width , weight ), cooking tem

instructions, which can optionally be straight-line code 20 perature and time, a unique item /tag identifier , etc . Option

and/ or organized as modules or objects configured to receive

ally , the tag can further include an identifier associated with

and process inputs, provide outputs , and to selectively store

an intended user.

data . However, the present invention can also be imple -

mented using special purpose computers , state machines,

If the tag is an RFID tag , the tag can include a RFID chip ,

with associated memory , an antenna , and optionally a bat

and / or hardwired electronic circuits . While certain example 25 tery . Optionally , an RFID tag can be a chipless tag , that does

processes are described herein , not all the process states
need to be performed , and the order of the process can be
varied . While several example embodiments are described
with reference to RFID tags and RFID scanners , other tags

not use integrated circuit technology to store information ,
but that does use materials (e . g . fiber ) that reflects a portion
of the scanner 's signal back to the scanner, which can then
be used as an identifier. By way of further example , if the tag

( e . g ., barcodes ) and scanners ( e . g ., a laser barcode scanner ), 30 is an RFID tag, the tag can be powered via a battery ,
electromagnetically by the RFID scanner , or otherwise .

can be used

In an example embodiment, a networked system includes
one or more scanning devices that can scan product infor -

mation . For example, a scanning system can optionally

As will be described below , the scanning system scans
item tags and optionally stores some or all of the scanned

information in a computer readable data store, such as a

include one or more of an optical barcode scanner , an RFID 35 database . Optionally , a user can then view some or all of the

(radio frequency identifier ) scanner, a character recognition

stored information via a display coupled to the scanning

scanner, a camera , and/or other scanner types . The scanning

system .

system can be configured to scan / read opticalmarkings such

By way of further example , the system can read or scan

as barcodes (printed or lasered onto the item packaging or product information located on or in item tags for items
the consumable item itself), RFID tags ( e .g ., a radio fre - 40 stored , or that are in the process of being stored , inside a
quency transponder ), solid state memory tags , and /or mag - refrigerator and /or stored in different household locations
netic tags. The foregoing data devices are generally refer - including shelves, cabinets, dry storage rooms, pantries ,

enced herein tags. By way of further example , the scanning
system can take electronic , digital pictures of product pack

automobile trunks, etc . The scanning can optionally be
performed utilizing a network of scanners and / or repeaters

aging or markings , or scan /read other information storage 45 in the house .
Thus, for example, one or more scanners, such as an RFID
In certain example embodiments , one or more scanning scanner can be placed in , or adjacent to a home refrigerator,

devices .

devices and / or related processing systems can be fixedly

as well as on or in proximity with food storage shelves

coupled or removably coupled to a utility device , such as a
and /or cabinets . The scanner location can be based on the
refrigerator , a conventional oven , a microwave oven , or 50 scanner range , wherein the scanner is placed within a
other device . Optionally, one or more scanning devices useable range of the items to be scanned , and the location

and / or related processing systems can be mounted to a wall ,

inside or outside of a cabinet, or on a stand .
The scanner system can include or be coupled to a local

can be further selected so that a barrier does not interfere

with the scanner' s ability to read item tags .

The scanner can be powered via a battery , AC power or

content database and / or can be connected to a remote 55 otherwise . The scanner can optionally be mounted in or to a

database via a network , such as the Internet. In addition , the
scanner system can be coupled to a suggestion application

refrigerator wall. The RFID scanner optionally includes an
antenna or coil, a transceiver, and a decoder. The transceiver

and database that stores food and / or meal preferences for

produces signals that are emitted by the antenna as radio

one ormore users . For example , a user can specify types of
signals . The radio signals are optionally used to activate the
foods, dishes , or other products that the user prefers or will 60 RF tag and to read and optionally write data to the tag . The
not eat, wherein the user specifications are stored in the

RFID scanner is optionally shielded by a substantially RF

database , optionally in association with an identifier ( e. g ., a

user ID and /or password ).

transparent cover to protect the sensor from dirt and /or
moisture .
The scanner can periodically ( e. g ., every 30 seconds ,

By way of further illustration , the user can specify that the

closing a refrigerator door), and /or other trigger (e.g., a

By way of illustration , the user can specify that the user
does not want to eat foods containing pork , poultry, beef, 65 every 15 minutes , every hour , or other regular or irregular
fish , gluten , wheat, eggs, nuts , strawberries, and /or seafood. time period ), in response to a user action (e . g ., opening or

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
weight change detected via a weight sensor ) read items tags

able in the house, including the contents inside the refrig

for items stored within the refrigerator. Optionally , between

erator and on other various locations in the house .

scans , the scanner can enter into a power down /low power
consumption state to conserve power. Optionally, the user

The system can compare the available products or con
tents ( e .g ., those stored in the refrigerator and/ or in other

can manually cause an item tag to be scanned . For example, 5 storage locations ) with stored recipes, a serving size speci
if the tag is an optical barcode, the user can manually press fied by the user, and/or user preferences, such as: special
a scan button and /or pass the barcode in front of a barcode diets , including fat free diet, low carb , diet, vegetarian diet ,
Kosher food only , or other special diet.
scanner.
In addition to scanners that read tag information , one or
The system can suggest one or more recipes that more

more sensors can be provided that sense the presence of an
item without necessarily reading an item tag . For example ,

closely match the user ' s preferences, the available ingredi
ents , and the desired serving size , and the recipe can then be

one ormore pressure sensors can be coupled to one or more

prepared by or for the user. Because the system may not be

shelves to detect if the shelve has an item stored thereon .
aware of all the ingredients in the user ' s possession , the user
Other sensors , such as capacitor sensors , millimeter wave 15 can manually specify that the user does or does not have
certain ingredients available , and the foregoing information

sensors , or infrared sensors can be used as well.

A local and /or remote computer processing system can

can affect the recipes recommended to the user .

access the stored information , and based on some or all of
By way of further example , the system can present on a
display a list of recipe titles ( e . g., teriyaki chicken , fried
examples of which are described below . Optionally, a user 20 chicken , butter chicken , etc.), optionally with a brief listing
can specify how at least a portion of the information is to be of the main ingredients . The user can then select a listed
recipe, the complete recipe (including a complete ingredient
used .
Based on the scanned tag information , the system can listing, ingredient quantities, cooking temperature , etc.) is

the stored information , perform one or more of processes,

determine when products that are inside the refrigerator, on

then displayed , and the user can optionally print out the

dry products shelves , and/ or other selected locations , will 25 recipe . Because system may not be aware of all the ingre

expire and will remind or suggest to the user (through a user
interface , such as a touch screen display , a voice print, a
hardcopy printout, etc .) that the products be consumed on or
before the expiration date. The suggestion or reminder can
first be provided by the system a number of days before the 30

dients in the user 's possession , the user can manually specify
that the user does or does not have certain ingredients
available . By way of example , some or all of recipe infor
mation ( e . g ., cooking temperature and time) can be trans
mitted to a cooking device , such as an oven , which can use

expiration date , wherein the number of days can be a default the information in the cooking process .
value stored in computer readable memory and / or can be
By way of further example , as similarly discussed above ,
based on a value set by the user and stored in computer
the system optionally reminds the user to replace a product
readable memory. Optionally, in addition , the user can before the expiration date gathered through products tags .
specify that expiration notices are to be provided for certain 35 The system can optionally be configured by the user to
specified items and / or the user can specify that expiration
automatically trigger orders within a predetermined amount
notices are not to be provided for certain specified items
of time prior to the expiration date . Optionally, the order
Optionally, when a suggestion or reminder is provided , timing can be based in part on the time it takes to deliver the
the user can instruct the system not to provide further order once the order is placed , where , for example , the order
reminders regarding the expiring product or can instruct the 40 will be placed to ensure the order will arrive on , or shortly
system to provide another reminder at or after a specified
time or period (e . g ., a snooze instruction ).
The system will optionally suggest the reordering of

before the expiration date . In addition , the user can option

products based on one or more of expiration dates , con

charge is greater than a certain cost, the order should not yet

item inventory , and user preferences, such as : special diets,

been removed from a storage area (e . g ., a refrigerator ) by

as fat free diet, low carb . diet , vegetarian diet , Kosher food

comparing previous scanned information with current scan
information . If the system does not locate the item within a

ally specify , via a user interface , that for future orders if an

order value is below a certain amount and/ or a delivery

sumption patterns, delivery schedules , current household 45 be placed . Optionally , the system determines if an item has

only , or other special or selected diet.
As similarly described above , the suggestion or reminder

storage area within a predetermined amount of time (e . g., an

can first be provided a number of days before the expiration 50 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours , 12 hours, or 24 hours ), the system
date, wherein the number of days can be a default value
optionally infers that the item has been fully consumed , and
stored in computer readable memory and / or can be based on

adds the item to an order. Optionally , the predetermined

a value set by the user and stored in computer readable

amount of time is settable by a user.

reminders regarding the product or can instruct the system to
provide another reminder at a specified time or period .
Other consumer food -related information can also be
accessed and utilized by the system from computer memory.

memory . By way of example , the configuration information
includes the placement, depth , width and height dimensions
of the refrigerator and/ or freezer storage areas . The configu
ration information can also store information regarding

memory. Optionally, when a suggestion is provided , the user
The physical configuration of the refrigerator storage
can optionally instruct the system not to provide further 55 areas can be stored in computer local or remote physical

For example , recipes can be stored on a local and / or a remote 60 storage areas intended to store a particular type of food

information system . The recipes can include ingredients ,

quantities , and instruction of preparation . Optionally , the
system can store and /or calculate from stored information ,
recipe ingredient quantity information for different serving
sizes

Optionally, the recipes can be selected or downloaded

from another computer system based on the products avail-

product. For example , information (e .g., dimensions, special

temperature settings, etc .) regarding vegetable drawers, fruit
drawers , dairy product storage areas , and the like can be
stored . Shelve and drawer weight limitations (e . g ., recom

65 mended maximum weight) are optionally stored as well.
Certain configuration information can optionally be down

loaded over a network from a remote computer system (e. g.,

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
from a Web site associated with the refrigerator or the

Optionally , a user interface is provided via which the user

tional storage.
The system can compare some or all of the foregoing
information with product and packaging information (such

profiles and preferences of the meal participants, as well as

the item tag , enables the system , and determine one or more

laundry company or a newspaper /magazine service pro

system provider ) based on , for example , the refrigerator

can indicate which type of meal ( e . g ., breakfast, brunch ,
lunch , dinner ), meal courses ( e. g ., salad , soup, appetizer ,
model or serial number.
In addition , the system can record which storage locations main course , dessert), and a food -type category (e . g ., fish ,
are occupied , and which locations are available for addi- 5 meat, etc .) the user wants . The system will then access the

the item inventory , and provide a corresponding meal rec

ommendation .

Optionally , a
trigger or
as volume and dimensions including depth , width and 10 through a systemuser caninterface to provide a command
om
user
communicate to the
height), that can be read from the item tag or retrieved from
central system or directly to a service provider, such as a
a local or remote database using an item identifier read from

vider, to
order
or to trigger a
ways to organize items on shelves and in drawers. Option servicingdirectly as the their servicepicking up or request for
, such
service of
delivering
ally , the system can provide a user with suggestions of 15 goods, and /or to suspend a service , such as to suspend
or
Stionsand
recommendations on how to organize the refrigerator

freezer by suggesting placement of products with respect to

storage shelves and drawers .

By way of illustration , the system can compare product

newspaper delivery for a specified period of time.
Optionally , the system can further include a voice record

ing device and/or the voice recording device can be inde

pendent of the system . The voice recording device can

dimensions and /or weight with the refrigerator or shelf 20 include digital memory ( e.g ., a disk drive, FLASH memory,
configuration and /or available locations, and using the com
parison results , suggest where a product or products should

etc .) or analog memory (e . g ., a cassette tape). A user can
record a product description on the device by activating a

be placed via a user interface. This information can be

record control, which can be in the form of a button , a

presented in a touch screen display or other user interface .

switch , a voice recognition command or other record trig

By way of example , the system can display a three dimen - 25 gering method . In an example embodiment, the device

sional representation of items already on storage shelves,
and then highlight items that are first to be removed as part

records a product description verbally provided by the user
and creates a digital file . The description can be provided as

of the reorganization process . Once the user has removed the

part of a verbally provided product order. Optionally , a

indicated items, the system displays where each of the

different file is created for each recorded production descrip

removed items are to be placed on the storage shelves . 30 tion . The device transfers the file to a remote database over

Optionally , the system provides a printout of stored items

a network such as the Internet . The transfer can be per

and the storage locations so that the user can easier locate
items and determine if the user has a certain items, and
withouthaving to physically search for items. Optionally , an

command , or on a scheduled basis .

formed substantially immediately, in response to a user
A remote computer processing system receives , stores,

" expired ” control is provided , which , when activated , causes 35 and accesses such files, which can be received from a

the system to display and / or printout a list of expired items

plurality of voice recording devices . The remote computer

and their locations.
Optionally , the system provides a user interface with a
search field , wherein the user can enter in the name of an

system then utilizes voice recognition software to translate
the voice recording files into text files . Optionally , the voice

recognition software increases recognition accuracy by,

item or an item type . The system then searches its database 40 when there are more than one potential word matches ,
to locate matches or near matches , and display search results placing more weight on words related to the types items
to the user . The search results can include a list of the

being purchased (produce, cereal, milk , etc . ) and the users

matches or near matches, the quantity of the matching and

past purchase history. The remote computer system can

near matching items, and their storage locations .

optionally match the spoken order with a SKU ( Stock

recommendations to the user. For example , the system can

a SKU database . The SKU database optionally stores SKUS

As similarly described above , optionally , the system , via 45 Keeping Unit, e .g ., an identifier, such as a unique numeric
a suggestion user interface , provides item suggestions and identifier associated with a specific product) retrieved from

suggest items to be consumed ( e . g ., via a meal recommen -

in association with a text description of the corresponding

dation including one or more of an appetizer , a main course , item . For example, if the user verbally ordered a cereal by
dessert, and/ or a drink ) based on item availability in the 50 name, the remote computer system translates the name into
user ' s house and /or on information input by one or more
text or other computer readable form , and matches the text

users (e .g., members of the household , one or more physi

with text stored in association with a SKU (or other iden

information can include food preferences, special diets ,

recognition and/or SKU matching and identification can be

ally, when a user wants the system to provide a meal
suggestion icon or button. The system then retrieves the
names of household members from its database , and pres-

sion of the order. For example , the remote computer system
web site, telephone, fax , short messaging system , or via
other communication techniques. Thus, for example , the

suggestions user interface , optionally in addition to an

verbally with one or more product suppliers and/ or with the

cians of a household member, etc . ). For example , the user tifier ) to locate the correct SKU . Optionally , the voice

modes , etc ., input by the user via a keyboard , a touch screen , 55 performed instead or additionally by the user' s local system .
The remote computer processing system optionally shares
voice recognition , or other input method .
Optionally, the system stores different profiles and pref - a text version (e . g ., the textual representation of the order
erences for different users in the same household . Option and /or the corresponding SKU ) and / or recorded verbal ver
recommendation , the user activates a physical or a soft meal 60 can share the text and / or verbal version of the order via a
ents the names of the household members on the meals

system can textually share an order that had been placed

" entire household ” control. In order to indicate who will be 65 user. For example , the remote system can add the item (s )
participating in the meal, the user can select one or more of

the household member names, or the “ entire household ” .

identified in the verbal order to the user 's shopping cart or

other shopping list, optionally in association with a digital

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
10
file that includes the user 's spoken order. Users can then

preference information , user account information, etc .)

verify the text conversion of the spoken order. For example ,

across a network , such as the Internet, a local network ,

the user can click on an item in an order list for which
verification is requested , hear the user 's previously recorded

and /or other network . The interface 108 can optionally
include one or more of a digital subscriber line (DSL )

order, and determine if the written description in the shop- 5 interface , a Ti line interface, a satellite link , a cable hookup ,
ping list matches the user's spoken order. Optionally, the a dial-up modem , etc . The system 100 can further include
system uses individual consumer information , such as the wired and /or wireless digital and /or analog input/output

user' s location and the user's account information and

interfaces to receive and /or transmit information to
preference profile to better match the user' s spoken order more tag scanning sensors and / or presence sensors . one or
with a product. The system uses the product identification 10 The system 100 can include and/ or be coupled to one or
( e.g., SKU ) generated from the verbal order to request more user interface devices ( e .g ., a touch screen display , a
quotes from providers, provide quotes to the user, and to
printer, a keyboard , dedicated mechanical keys, voice
offer additional or alternative products to the user. The user recorder, etc .). For example , the system 100 can be coupled
can then place an order for the identified product.
to one or more user interface devices, sensors , scanners,
Optionally , the system does not provide voice recognition . 15 and /or other systems via a USB or FireWire bus, via a wired
Instead , an icon corresponding to the voice recording

appears in the user 's online shopping list (e.g., an electronic

local network , such an Ethernet network , and / or a wireless

Optionally, in addition or instead , a picture of an item the

preferences, item ordering preferences, payment prefer

network , such as an iEEE 802. 11b or IEEE 802. 11g com
shopping cart). Optionally , the icon has an associated
pliant network , or a Bluetooth network .
recording date displayed therewith . The user can click on the
The example database 106 includes recipes, content infor
icon , the system will play the recording to the user, and the 20 mation for one or more item storage units ( e .g ., refrigerator
user can manually key in the product name and /or search an
(s ), pantry , etc .), household members and /or frequent visit
online catalog .
ing meal participants , user preferences (e . g ., food
user wants to order can be taken using a camera coupled to

ences , etc . of household members and/ or frequent visitors ),
the system , a cell phone camera , a standalone camera , or 25 a system serial number, and the like. The database 106 ,
other camera . The picture can be transmitted by the system
optionally also includes dimensional and configuration

or otherwise to the remote system . The remote system can

information for one or more storage units (e.g ., available
fruit drawers, dairy product
drawer
locate a corresponding SKU from a SKU database, which 30 weight limitations, etc.). Forstorage areas, shelve and 106 can
example , the database
optionally stores image signature information and /or an store a mapping of product codes or SKUs to product names,
then perform image recognition to come up with a “ signa
ture” identifying the item . The remote system can then

image , in association with a corresponding SKU . The
remote system uses the product identification ( e. g ., SKU )
generated from the image to request quotes from providers,
provide quotes to the user, and to offer additional or alter - 35

native products to the user. The user can then place an order
for the identified product. While the foregoing verbal and

temperature settings , the existence of vegetable drawers ,

sizes, and packaging materials, as well as content informa

tion regarding items placed into storage units . Optionally,
the database 106 stores shopping lists , passwords and /or
unique identifiers for accessing remote databases and ser

vices.

The following is an example database schema that

photographic order processes can be used with a variety of includes fields for payment preferences, storage unit iden
item types, it can be particularly useful with respect to items tifiers for one or more storage units ( e .g ., one or more
that often do not have bar codes , such as fresh fruits ( e .g ., a 40 refrigerators ), storage unit shelf dimensions. food prefer
single apple ) or vegetables.
ences for one or more users (e . g ., food preferences for
Optionally, the system does not provide image recogni breakfast, brunch , lunch , dinner, food avoidances, medical
tion . Instead , a thumbnail (or larger image size ) version of or other dietary restrictions , etc .), and order generation /
the picture of the item , corresponding to the image captured
trigger preferences .
by the camera , appears in the user 's online shopping list 45
( e.g., an electronic shopping cart ), displayed on the user's
User Database Schema
local display . Optionally, the displayed picture has an asso

ciated image capture date displayed therewith . The user can

click on the picture , and the system will optionally display
a larger version of the picture . Thus , the picture acts as a 50 FIELD

reminder to the user. The user can then manually key in the

product name and /or search an online catalog and /or the

user ' s purchase history for the product to thereby add the
product to the order list.

Alternative Form

of Payment

Example embodiments will now be described with refer- 55
ence to the figures . Referring to FIG . 1 , an item tracking and Refrigeration

recommendation processing system 100 includes a central

Unit 1 Identifier

removable and/ or fixed : volatile memory , such as RAM ,

Refrigeration
Unit 1 Capacity

processing unit 102 , computer readable memory 104 (e . g .,

non - volatile memory, such as FLASH EEPROM , a hard disk 60
drive , an optical drive , etc .), and a database 106 , which can

Shelf 1

Shelf 2

be stored , in whole or in part in the computer readable Shelf n
memory 104 . A network interface 108 (e .g ., a wireless or User 1 Food
Preferences
wired network interface ) is provided to enable the item
tracking and recommendation processing system 100 to 65

access and /or transmit data ( e.g., dimensionaldata regarding

a refrigerator or other item storage system , recipes, user

DATA DESCRIPTION
Alternative form of payment (credit card ,

electronic fund transfer, check , place on
account, etc . ), and corresponding payment
information (credit card number, and credit
card expiration date , bank account number,
checking account number, etc .)
Unique identifier, such as a serial number ,

associated with a first of the user 's disposal

units

The capacity in units ofmeasurement

(gallons, liters, etc .) of Disposal Unit 1
Shelf 1 dimensions
Shelf 2 dimensions
Shelf n dimensions

Food preferences -Breakfast

Food avoidance -Breakfast
Food preferences-Brunch

Food avoidance -Brunch

Food preferences -Lunch

11

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
12

-continued
FIELD

DATA DESCRIPTION

Food avoidance -Lunch

Food preferences-Dinner
User n Food
Preferences

Order
Generation
Preference

Food avoidance -Dinner
Dietary restrictions

Food preferences- Breakfast
Food avoidance -Breakfast
Food preferences-Brunch
Food avoidance-Brunch
Food preferences -Lunch
Food avoidance -Lunch
Food preferences-Dinner
Food avoidance -Dinner
Dietary restrictions
Generate/submit order preferences

FIELD

Ingredient 1
Ingredient 2
5 Ingredient n
Cooking Instructions
Calories/serving
Salt, carbohydrates, protein ,
fiber, fat, vitamins/ serving
10

DATA DESCRIPTION

Name and amount per serving
Name and amount per serving
Name and amount per serving

Cooking method (s ), time, temperature , etc .

FIG . 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a networked
storage system . A computer system 202 (which can be in the
form of system 100 illustrated in FIG . 1 ), is coupled to a

local scanner 204 , a screen 206 ( e . g., a touch screen that can
15 receive user inputs via finger and /or pen ), and optionally a

microphone and / or camera 203 . The microphone is option
ally coupled to a digitizer which converts spoken language

into a digital representation . The camera can be a digital still

The following is an example contents database schema
that stores item information for the contents of one or more 20
storage units . The information , or selected portions thereof,
may have been scanned by one or more scanners from an
item tag , manually entered by the user , or retrieved from a
remote database using the item SKU or other identifier. The 25

example schema includes fields for a product code, ingre
dients, calories, a diet category , a product name, dimensions,
weight, an expiration date , a manufacturer, item location ,
item storage temperature , and cooking guidelines .

and/or video camera that captures images and stores them
digitally and/ or in analog form . The computer system 202 ,
scanner, 204, and /or screen 206 optionally are physical, and

optionally removably , mounted to a refrigerator 208 . The
computer system 202 , scanner , 204 , and /or screen 206 can

optionally be mounted on a wall , a stand, or other supporting

structure . The computer system 202 is optionally coupled to

remote scanners via networks 218, 220 (e . g ., WiFi net
works) . The remote scanners are mounted to and /or config
ured to scan one or more other storage units , such as

refrigerator 210 and cabinet 212 . Optionally , a storage unit,

30 such as cabinet 212 , includes multiple shelves with corre
sponding scanners . Thus, optionally, one computer system

Contents Database Schema

FIELD

DATA DESCRIPTION

Product code

The item SKU
The item ingredients

Calories

The number of calories in the item or the number
of calories per item unit
low sodium , low cholesterol, low carbohydrate ,
non- fat, peanut- free , gluten - free , sugar-free ,

Ingredients

Diet Category
Product name
Dimensions

Weight
Expiration date

Manufacturer
Location
Information

Storage
Temperature
Cooking
Information

non -dairy, vegetarian , etc .
The text name of the item

can collect and store information scanned from items stored

in multiple storage units. Optionally, each storage unit can
have a computer system that incorporates some or all of the
35 elements of system 100 .

FIG . 3 illustrates an example meal suggestion process. At
state 302 , a user interface is displayed by an item tracking
and recommendation processing system ( ITRP ), via which a
user can indicate who is going to participate in a meal and
40 the meal type (breakfast, lunch , dinner ). Optionally, the
system can infer the meal type based on the time of day by

One or more of length , width , height, diameter,

reading a real time clock ( e. g ., if the request is at 8 :00 , the
system infers the meal is breakfast). At state 304 , the ITRP

Original pre -use weight
Item expiration or “ best if used by ” date
The name of the manufacturer or other
manufacturer identifier
Storage unit and /or shelf identifier of where item

45 available ( e . g ., in one or more household storage units ). At
state 306 , the system retrieves food preference information
for selected meal participants . At state 308 , the system
matches user preferences and item availability for the meal

retrieves information regarding which items are currently

volume

is stored

The temperature or temperature range at which the

item is to be stored

type. At state 310 the system displays information regarding
50 one or more meals that meet the user preferences and that

The temperature or temperature range at which the

can be prepared using the available food items. At state 312,

item is to be cooked , cooking time, cooking method
(boiling, roasting, broiling , frying, microwave, etc.)

the system receives a user selection of the displayed meals.
55

Recipe Database Schema

At state 314 , the system displays a detailed menu corre
sponding to the user selection .

FIG . 4 illustrates an example order generation process . At

state 402, the system retrieves expiration date information

for items within one or more storage units (e.g., a refrig
erator and / or cabinet ). At state 404 , the system retrieves a

The following is an example recipe database schema. The

user preference regarding when an order should be gener

dient names , and amount per serving or per a specified

prior to an expiration date selected by the user wherein the

ing , and other nutritional information , such as the amount of
one or more of salt , carbohydrates, protein , fiber, fat, vita -

referred to as a time window ). At state 406 , the system
compares the user preference with the expiration date infor

example schema includes fields for ingredients ( e .g ., ingre - 60 ated relative to at least item expiration dates (e . g ., a time

number of servings), cooking instructions , calories per serv -

system is to ask the user if an item should be placed , also

mins, etc . per serving and /or the % percentage of a recom - 65 mation and determines which items have expiration dates

mended daily amount of the foregoing a serving will pro vide.

that fall within the window . By way of example and not

limitation , the time window can be one day or less , greater

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
13

14

than one day, and /or selected based upon a projected deliv -

the user can be provided with an “ extend recording time”

ery date or time. At state 408 , the system presents to the user

control, via which the user can cause the system to provide

via a display device a list of items identified at state 406 and

additional recording time. At the end of the recording time,

asks the user to select which items are to be ordered . At state

the user is optionally provided the opportunity to review the

selected items from a provider selected by the user.

delete and re -record the shopping list if the previous record

410 , the system receives the user selections and orders the 5 recording ( e . g ., have the recording played back ), and to

FIG . 5 illustrates an example meal suggestion request user

ing was unsatisfactory .

interface . The interface includes a Meal Selection section ,
For example , the user can speak the order to the micro
wherein the user can indicate for which meal the user wants
phone 203 , illustrated in FIG . 2 . The system then digitizes
suggestions. In the illustrated example , the user can select 10 and records the spoken order in a file . At state 804 , the

from : breakfast, brunch , lunch , dinner, and a late night
snack . A courses section allows the user to indicate what
courses suggestions are to be provided for. The course
selection optionally changes depending on the meal selec -

system transmits the digitized verbal order to a remote
system , such as remote system 214 . At state 806 , the remote
system performs voice recognition on the order in order to
interpret the spoken order and converts the spoken order into

tion . For example , if the user selects breakfast, optionally, 15 text. By way of example , the remote system can use gram

the course selection will not include soup or salad options.

mar constrained recognition and /or natural language recog

indicate who is going to participate in the meal. The example

ing. At state 808 , the remote system transmits the text

A " meal participants” user interface enables the user to

nition . The voice recognition system optionally uses train

list is based on user set -up information , wherein the user version of the order to the user so that the user can verify if
specifies household members and others that will be par - 20 text version is an accurate interpretation of the spoken order.

ticipating in the meal. In this example , a guest field is
attending for which food preference information is not

For example, the remote system can transmit the text version
user. Optionally, if the user determines that the order was not

provided wherein the user can specify the number of guests

to the system 202 or another user computer for display to the

available in the system database . The system can use the

correctly translated , the user can provide a corrected order

guest number information when providing ingredient quan - 25 ( e . g ., via a keyboard , or by speaking the order again , to the

tities as part of recipes . Referring back to FIG . 5 , a " provide

remote system .

recommendations” control is provided , which , when acti

At state 810 , the remote system transmits the translated

vated will cause the system to provide one or more meal
recommendations.

version of the order ( e . g ., the text version ) to one or more

providers (e .g ., supermarkets , wholesale establishments ,

FIG . 6 illustrates another example meal suggestion 30 etc.) in order to receive quotes . The remote system can
request user interface. The interface provides one or more
optionally match the translated version of the spoken order
course suggestions in response to the user selections made with a SKU retrieved from a SKU database , which stores
via the interface illustrated in FIG . 5 , user food preferences,

and item availability . In this example , suggestions are pro

SKUs in association with a text description of the corre

sponding item , and transmit the SKU to the providers. At

vided for a salad , a main course, and a dessert . Once the user 35 state 812 , the remote system receives quotes from the

selects the desired suggestions, the user can activate a
“ provide recipe ” control, and the system will then provide

potential providers, and transmits the quotes to the user. At
state 814 , the user selects a provider and authorizes place

the corresponding recipes , with the recipe portions scaled to

ment of the order. At state 816 , the remote system places the

the number of meal participants. The user can optionally

order with the selected provider.

activate a " provide additional suggestions ” control, and the 40
system will provide additional suggestions for courses

It should be understood that certain variations and modi

fications of this invention would suggest themselves to one

of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the present invention

wherein the user has not yet made a selection .
FIG . 7 illustrates an example user interface for ordering

is not to be limited by the illustrations or the foregoing

items. The example list includes items whose expiration

descriptions thereof.

dates are within a predetermined window and /or items were 45

What is claimed is :

system has determined is no longer in the storage unit ( e . g .,

a networks interface ;

has been removed from the storage unit and not replaced
within a predetermined amount of time). The user can select
which items are to be ordered and the quantity of the items. 50
Optionally , the system defaults by placing check marks for

a computer ;
non -transitory memory that stores instructions that when

present in a storage unit ( e.g., a refrigerator ), butwhich the

each item and the user unchecks the item if the user does not

want to order the item . Optionally , the system provides a

1. A voice processing system comprising:
executed by the computer cause the computer to per

form operations comprising:
receive , using the network interface, a digitized order

of a user from a remote system configured to receive

default quantity , which can be based on a previous user

user spoken words, the remote system comprising a
microphone, a wireless network interface , and a

By way of illustration , the user may press a " record shop

digitizer is configured to convert spoken words into
a digital representation ;

specified value and /or on consumption patterns.
55
FIG . 8 illustrates an example method for processing a
voice order. At state 802, the user verbally provides an order.

ping list " control. In response , the system can prompt the
user via a system display and/ or via spoken instruction to 60

verbally record a shopping list or a portion thereof. The

recording can be intended as a reminder. The user may be
given a limited amount of time ( e . g ., 5 seconds, 10 seconds,
30 seconds , 1 minute ) to speak the order. The system can
inform the user of the limited time, and provide a clock or 65
other indicator ( e . g ., a countdown timer ) that continuously
displays the time remaining to record the order. Optionally ,

digitizer coupled to the microphone, wherein the

translate at least a portion of the digitized order to text ;
match the text, translated from the digitized order, to a
text description stored in a database comprising text

descriptions of items and associated unique product

identifiers;
based at least in part on the identified match of the text
translated from the digitized order to the textdescrip
tion stored in a database , identify an item corre
sponding to the text description ;

US 10 ,232 ,408 B2
15
add the identified item to a set of items associated with
the user; and
enable the set of items, including the identified item , to
be displayed via a user display .

16
20 . A computer - implemented method , the method com
prising :
receiving over a network at a network interface a digitized

wherein identifying the item corresponding to the text is
based in part on location information of the user.
3 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,

a digitizer coupled to the microphone, wherein the

2 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1, 5

order of a user from a remote system configured to
receive user spoken words, the remote system com
prising a microphone, a wireless network interface , and

digitizer is configured to convert spoken words into a

wherein identifying the item corresponding to the text is
10
based in part on preference information of the user.

digital representation;

6 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
wherein the system is configured to increase recognition 20

translated from the digitized order, identifying, using
the processing system , an item corresponding to the

translating, using a processing system comprising at least
one processing device and configured to perform trans
4 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
lation of voice orders to text, at least a portion of the
wherein identifying the item corresponding to the text is
digitized order to text;
based in part on a purchase history of the user.
translated
5 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 , 15 matching, using the processing system , the text,associated
from the digitized order, to a text description
wherein the system is configured to increase recognition
with a unique product identifier ;
accuracy by placing more weight on words related to types
based at least in part on the unique product identifier
of itemsbeing purchased by the user.
associated with the text description matched to the text
accuracy by, when there are more than one potential matches

to the text, placing more weight on words related to the
user' s purchase history .
7 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
wherein the system is configured to cause the set of items to 25

be audibly provided to the user via a website , short mes

21. The method as defined in claim 20 , wherein identi

saging service , or telephone .
8 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
wherein the system is configured to cause the set of items to
be provided to the user via a website .
9 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,

text;

causing the identified item to be placed on an item set
associated with the user ; and
enabling the item set, including at least the identified item ,
to be displayed via a user display remote from the
processing system .
fying the item corresponding to the text is based in part on
location information of the user.

30

wherein the system is configured to cause the set of items to
be provided to the user via a telephone .

10 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1,

wherein the system is configured to cause the set of items to 35

be provided to the user via a short messaging system .

22. The method as defined in claim 20 , wherein identi

fying the item corresponding to the text is based in part on

preference information of the user, or purchase history of the
user, or both preference information of the user and purchase

history of the user.

23 . The method as defined in claim 20 , the method further

comprising placing more weight on words related to types of
11 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
items being purchased by the user when performing recog
wherein the system is configured to :
nition of spoken words of the user.
provide to at least one user device a first identifier
24 . The method as defined in claim 20 , the method further
determined by the voice processing system as corre - 40 comprising placing more weight on words related to the
sponding to a first item in a given user order and
identifiers corresponding to alternative items from
which the user can choose .

12 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1,

user 's purchase history when performing recognition of
spoken words of the user.
25 . The method as defined in claim 20 , the method further

comprising causing the item set to be audibly provided to the

wherein the system is configured to use the identification of 45 user via at least one user device .

the item to offer the user an additional or alternative item and
to enable the user to order the additional or alternative item .

26 . The method as defined in claim 20 , the method further
comprising providing to at least one user device a first

13 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,

identifier determined by the voice processing system as

wherein the voice processing system is configured to enable

corresponding to a first item in a given user order and

the user to add a reminder with respect to at least one item . 50 identifiers corresponding to alternative items from which the
wherein the order comprises an item name.

14 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
15 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,

at least one user can choose .
27 . The method as defined in claim 20 , the method further
comprising enabling the user to cause the processing system

wherein an item description from the user is recorded at least

to add a verbal reminder.

partly in response to a verbal user command .
55 28 . The method as defined in claim 20 , wherein an item
16 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 , description from the user is recorded at least partly in
wherein a separate digital file is used to store respective response to a verbal user command .
digitized item descriptions from the user.
29 . Themethod as defined in claim 20 , the method further

17 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1,

comprising enabling the user to verify that text conversion

wherein the system is configured to enable the user to verify 60 of the spoken order via a user interface .

that text conversion of the spoken order via a user interface .
18 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,

30 . Non -transitory memory that stores instructions that
when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform

wherein the system is configured to enable the user to select

operations comprising:

among a plurality of providers, a provider to supply the

65
identified item .
19 . The voice processing system as defined in claim 1 ,
wherein the set of items is associated with a shopping cart.

receive a digitized voice communication of a user from a
remote system

configured to receive user spoken

words, the remote system comprising a microphone , a

wireless network interface, and a digitizer coupled to

US 10 ,232 , 408 B2
the microphone , wherein the digitizer is configured to

convert spoken words into a digital representation ;
translate at least a portion of the digitized voice commu
nication to text;

match the text, translated from the digitized voice com - 5
munication , to a text description associated with a

unique product identifier, wherein the text description
is accessed from a data store ;
based at least in part on the unique product identifier
associated with the text description matched to the text 10
translated from the digitized voice communication ,
identify an item corresponding to the text;

cause the identified item to be included in an item set
associated with the user ; and

enable the item set, including the identified item , to be 15
displayed via a user display.