Abstract: A storage unit such as a refrigerator applies object identification technology automatically to identify items as they are placed in and removed from the storage unit. Embodiments further include weight sensors enabling the device to determine an item's weight. A means is provided for deriving an expiry date for an item identified as perishable. Inventory records are created and stored in a structured database, comprising the identities and quantities of items and providing a means for deriving an expiry date if the item is perishable. An interactive display enables actionable and supervisory information exchange between the user and the storage unit. A provider interface enables item ordering transactions with item providers.

Abstract: A system directed to inventory in an enclosure employs sensors and data processing to provide real time inventory management without requiring additonal user action. Adaptable to storage units such as refrigerators, cabinets and pantries, and particularly useful for tracking perishable items, object recognition rechnology generates time-stamped data identifying objects as they are placed in and removed from the enclosure, thereby enabling an associated database to maintain inventory of objects in the enclosure in real time. Embodiments further comprise sensors providing weight data for an object as it is placed in the enclosure, enabling the inventory database to track item weights. The system database enables software means to provide users actionable information such as expiration alerts, recipes, shopping lists, dietary recommendations and other information concerning food items in the enclosure.