Containers with multiple sensors

What is this patent about?

’170 is related to the field of automated receptacle assemblies, specifically trashcans equipped with power-operated lids. The invention addresses the common engineering challenge of sensor calibration, where high sensitivity leads to accidental openings by passersby, while low sensitivity results in a frustrating user experience. By integrating sophisticated detection logic, the system aims to distinguish between a user’s intent to discard trash and environmental noise or stationary objects.

The underlying idea behind ’170 is the use of a multi-modal or multi-zone sensing strategy to validate user intent before actuating the motor. Rather than relying on a single trigger, the system employs a dual-axis sensing architecture that monitors both a vertical zone above the lid and a horizontal zone in front of the container. This spatial logic allows the controller to ignore transitory movements, such as someone walking past the unit, by requiring specific signal patterns across different transmission axes to confirm that a user has actually stopped to interact with the receptacle.

The claims of ’170 focus on a control system that triggers lid movement based on the sequential or concurrent detection of objects across multiple transmitters with different axes, as well as the integration of voice-activated command processing. Specifically, the independent claims cover a trashcan assembly that utilizes a controller to process indications from a first and second transmitter—positioned at an angle to one another—and a signal-processing assembly configured to actuate the drive mechanism in response to specific audio signals or data received from a wireless user device.

In practice, the invention utilizes a hyper-mode logic to manage power and sensitivity. In a standard ready state, the system may only monitor a narrow vertical region; however, once an initial presence is detected, it scales its sensing field to a wider horizontal area to keep the lid open while the user is standing nearby. This is further refined by an environmental calibration routine that periodically scans for stationary objects, such as furniture or walls, and adjusts the detection thresholds to treat these static reflections as the new baseline, effectively preventing the motor from cycling unnecessarily.

The system differentiates itself from prior art by combining these spatial infrared sensors with audio-based control and automated lens compensation. To ensure long-term reliability, the controller monitors for contaminants on the lens cover by identifying proximity measurements that are unnaturally close to the sensor. By distinguishing between a hand waving above the lid and a smudge of dirt on the housing, the assembly maintains operational accuracy in messy kitchen environments where traditional optical sensors typically fail.