Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Intelligent Lockbox: Multi-Industry Tracking Solution

Publication ID: 24-11857017_0002_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Lockbox: Multi-Industry Tracking Solution,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857017_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857017_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,017.

Background and Problem Solved

The original intelligent laboratory lockbox system was designed to address the limitations of specimen tracking and storage in laboratory settings. However, the core technology has broader applications in other industries, where inventory management, supply chain logistics, food waste reduction, and security are critical concerns. The present invention adapts the original technology to tackle these challenges in new and innovative ways.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in its application of the original intelligent laboratory lockbox system's core technology to entirely new industries and use cases. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for this technology to address significant challenges in inventory management, supply chain logistics, food waste reduction, and security across multiple industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include variations in lockbox design, temperature control systems, and biometric authentication methods. Additionally, the system could be integrated with other technologies, such as IoT sensors, blockchain, or artificial intelligence, to enhance its capabilities and adapt to specific industry needs.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent lockbox system for diverse industry applications has significant commercial potential across various industries, including retail, grocery, museums, and pharmacies. The system's ability to address inventory management, supply chain logistics, food waste reduction, and security challenges could lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The market for this technology is substantial, with potential applications in thousands of retail stores, grocery stores, museums, and pharmacies worldwide.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A42 A42B1/225
G G06 G06Q10/0633
G G06 G06Q10/0832
G G06 G06Q10/0833
Y Y10 Y10T24/32

Field of Art

Inventory management systems, logistics tracking, and environmental monitoring technologies with a focus on IoT-enabled secure storage and tracking solutions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A technical professional with expertise in computer systems, sensor technologies, logistics management, and software integration, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field with 3-5 years of experience in IoT and tracking systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of the intelligent laboratory lockbox system - specifically temperature monitoring, secure storage, and real-time tracking - are directly transferable to multiple industry contexts. The source patent's fundamental innovations in secure, monitored storage provide a clear technological framework that can be systematically adapted to different inventory and tracking scenarios with predictable results.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Temperature monitoring of a vault unit using internal sensors
PTD Variation
Applying temperature monitoring to food inventory in grocery stores to prevent spoilage
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of sensor-based environmental monitoring, directly applicable to preserving temperature-sensitive goods with predictable results in preventing food waste
Source Patent Element
Real-time communication of storage unit status to remote computing devices
PTD Variation
Extending communication protocols to museum artifact tracking and security systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing communication infrastructure to solve similar tracking and monitoring challenges across different high-value asset contexts
Source Patent Element
Biometric and electronic authentication for accessing storage units
PTD Variation
Implementing advanced authentication for pharmaceutical inventory management
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing security technologies to high-security environments with known techniques for access control and tracking
Source Patent Element
Scheduled pickup workflows for specimens
PTD Variation
Adapting workflow management to supply chain logistics tracking
Obviousness Reasoning
Systematic translation of existing workflow management principles to optimize logistics tracking with predictable technological outcomes
Source Patent Element
Electronic health record integration for specimen tracking
PTD Variation
Central database integration for cross-industry inventory management systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Known method of database integration that can be generalized across different tracking and management contexts with expected technological interoperability
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857017, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed variations in inventory tracking, environmental monitoring, and secure storage systems to be obvious extensions of the existing technological framework, rendering potential claims in these domains anticipated and non-patentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,017
TitleIntelligent laboratory lockbox system
Assignee(s)CERNER INNOVATION, INC.