FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a IOT Smart Label system tentatively named“WIZT” used with a mobile phone application/program as an interface that records data of articles including their storage location and images of the articles, said data being uploaded and stored in the Cloud or a Server and which allows a user to search, retrieve, view or share data on articles with other users, using mobile phone and other electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Storage of articles be it on a personal level or for businesses is time consuming. What is more frustrating to a person is the time to locate the article that is stored or put away. Due to passage of time, the person may not remember where the article was stored. Even if the person may remember the article was stored somewhere in a location, such as a room, the person may not be able to readily locate the article because the said article may have been stored in a box or container and could not be readily and easily identified.

There is also a trend for people and businesses storing articles in a 3 ^rd party storage provider due to lack of space in their residences and offices. Arising from use of such storage facilities, there is a need for people and businesses to properly record the items stored and readily retrieve information on whereabouts of such items stored so that the items may be easily located and retrieved.

Smartphones are getting larger in memory and operating speed. Since most smartphones comes with a camera, the Inventor has proposed to utilize the power of the smartphone and camera function to capture data of articles as the articles are being stored so that there are electronic records containing data of these articles being stored including location details of such articles. The electronic records would then be maintained in the Cloud or on a Computer Server and accessed as and when there is a need to locate any article. Some of the data captured in the electronic records would also be stored in the Smart Labels used in this Storage System, bridging details of physical articles stored in a storage area with the electronic records kept and maintained in the Storage System of the stored articles. Smartphones with cameras with the capability to read and recognize electronic data using its scanning function would be able to scan and read electronic data from other devices or Smart Labels containing embedded electronic data. Smartphones with camera and scanning and handwriting conversion/reading function would also be able to scan, convert handwritten notes to electronic data and“read” such handwritten data. Arising from all these developments, smartphones with scanners would be able to scan Smart Labels for data and act as a communication interface between the physical entity and the smartphone. Furthermore once the electronic data is captured by the smartphone, the electronic data would be stored, processed and communicated to other electronic devices and storage mediums such as servers and the Cloud.

A IOT Smart Label System making use of a Mobile Phone to capture data and involving a Mobile App to capture data on articles which are being stored would allow such data to be kept in a database and the same database may be accessed later on to enable a user to search for any article and retrieve data on articles to enable the user to locate the stored items.

The use of a database to keep storage records of articles would increase productivity and reduce time spent in locating articles since the search for a specific article would be much reduced and the actual time spent in retrieving the specific article would similarly be reduced .

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART There are existing smart phone applications for storage of articles. An internet website at https://ca-ton.com _[d] provides plastic boxes of different fixed sizes which allows a user to use an Mobile App to locate and see articles stored in the plastic boxes. Another Mobile App providing storage solution is Sortly at https://www.sortiy.com/. This Mobile App allows users to create entries for each item, add photographs and detailed product information for proper inventory management. However, this Mobile App does not allow users to find out exact location and identity of storage container where the article is stored.

It is desirable that all disadvantages and problems presently faced by existing apps be overcome by a IOT Smart Label System using Smart Labels and a Mobile App which allows a user to record the article to be stored, upload details of storage including location and identity of storage container so that searching for the same article and retrieving it is made easier.

It is further desirable for such a IOT Smart Label System to be used on multiple software platforms and on all electronic devices so that users may be able to access data on location of their articles or personal effects anywhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary introduces, in a simplified form, concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claims.

A first objective of the Invention for a IOT Smart Label System for storage management of articles is to provide:-

(a) a Smart Label containing an unique computer readable code (which may be embedded);

(b) utilizing a smart phone or other electronic devices to read the Smart Label of the IOT system with the capability to capture and record data of stored articles and for scanning the data embedded on the Smart Label to read the data and communicating said data to the system; and

(c) a Mobile App as an interface to capture, organise and store data on stored articles.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System uses a Smart Label to organise and record data of the article and location of the article in a storage facility.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System provides for the articles to be stored in a storage space in the storage facility, and the storage space is identified by the Smart Label.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System uses a smartphone to scan the Smart Label to read/record the identification details (written or printed) on the Smart Label.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System provides a Mobile App to carry out functions for search function, add label function, and view floor plan function.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System stores data of stored articles which are searcheable via database containing information of the stored articles.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System contains data of stored articles in the database which is searcheable.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System has an add label function which allows a user to add a new label which contains new details of stored article, and stored space, content data and a location marker.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System uses a location marker to identify the location of the stored article within the storage facility.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System has a view, edit and add floor plan function which allows a user to add floor plans of the storage facility for viewing and editing of stored articles in the said floor plan.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System allows the floor plans to be uploaded in the form of an image of an actual floor plan.

Preferably, the view floor plan function of the IOT Smart Label System allows a user to create floor plans customized to personal preferences by manually drawing a layout of a floor plan.

Preferably, the IOT Smart Label System further comprises a print label function which allows the user to print the Smart Label.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System allows a user to use a smartphone and a Mobile App downloadable from the Google Playstore™ or Apple Store™ and said Mobile App is also registered with Mobile App provider.

A second objective of the Invention is a method of recording storage of an article using the IOT Smart Label System of the invention, comprising the steps of:

(i) preparing a Smart Label for identification of a storage space in a storage facility;

(ii) affixing the Smart Label onto a storage container, wherein the Smart Label is scanned by a smart phone;

(iii) recording the identification details of the Smart Label;

(iv) recording details of the article using the smart phone; and

(v) saving and uploading the recorded details in step (iii) onto a server linked to the IOT Smart Label System.

Preferably the method of searching an article from a database using the IOT Smart Label System comprising the steps of:

(i) opening the search function of the Mobile App;

(ii) typing a word of the article or tag or label name, wherein an icon of a storage container that contains that word appears;

(iii) placing the cursor to interact with the icon, wherein an image of the article appears;

(iv) browsing through the list of previously saved labels and tags; and interacting with the icon to open up the details of the Smart Labels. Preferably this method of searching an article from database uses the scanning function of the IOT Smart Label System, comprising the steps of:

(i) scanning the Smart Label affixed on each of the container having a stored article;

(ii) identifying the storage container containing stored articles;

(iii) retrieving the data for ^details of the container;

(iv) displaying the picture of the stored article.

Preferably the method includes showing a locality function of the IOT Smart Label System of the invention comprising the steps of:

(i) drawing a location map for a stored location using a drawing Mobile App or drawing function of a Mobile App;

(ii) showing a grid layout and downloading details of all stored locations/container;

(iii) assigning each stored location to a specific location in the location map by moving an icon which identified a particular stored container; and

(iv) saving the location of the stored container in the database/server.

Preferably the method of using a locality function of the IOT Smart Label System comprises the steps of:

(i) scanning /upload a floor plan of a stored location /container into the Mobile

App;

(ii) downloading from a Cloud/server a file containing the floor plan;

(iii) selecting the floor plan, wherein the layout of the location is shown;

(iv) downloading the details of all the stored location/containers and assigning each stored container to each location in the floor plan; and

(v) placing an icon in a specific location, wherein the Mobile App will save and the location of the stored container updated in the database/server.

Preferably, the method of using a locality function of the IOT Smart Label System includes using an icon of a faded box which appears on the smartphone to indicate an available empty stored space which does not contain any article. Preferably, the method of searching a stored article in a stored location using the IOT Smart Label System comprises the steps of

(i) opening the Mobile App to use the search function of the IOT Smart Label

System;

(ii) typing the name/description/tag/label name of an article to be searched;

(iii) displaying all storage containers that contained the searched name/description and showing the layout of a floor plan;

(iv) selecting the storage container that has the specific item;

(v) interacting with the location icon to show the layout of the floor plan and where the container is located.

Preferably the method of multi-user function using the IOT Smart Label System comprises the steps of

(i) authorizing by a main user of another user or more users full or restricted access of the system;

(ii) giving full access to each user an access to all functions and tasks allowed in the Mobile App; and

(iii) giving restricted access to each user a selected access to the data of the

Mobile App.

Preferably the method of using a multi-user function allows a user to use the functions of the Mobile App including scanning, searching, adding label, viewing floor plan, uploading photo or image file of a floor plan and drawing floor plan manually.

Preferably the method of using a restricted access multi-user function allows the user permission of restricted function of scanning, searching, adding label, viewing floor plan, uploading photo ot image file of a floor plan and drawing floor plan manually as dictated by the main user.

Preferably the IOT Smart Label System is web based and uses a Mobile App and a smartphone to record data on storage of stored articles and retrieve data on same data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS

For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects attained by its use, reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the description herein, serve to explain the workings and principles of the invention. The diagrams by no means restrict the invention to only what is shown.

The term“Storage Space” refers to any storage medium, be it a box or a cupboard or any container or even a cabinet to store articles. The storage space is identified in the IOT Smart Label System by a specific Smart Label, the Smart Label containing information of the storage space including its location marker and an unique identifier assigned to the IOT Smart Label system, indicating that the storage space is part of the IOT Smart Label System.

The articles may be personal effects or files or personal or business assets. The IOT Smart Label System may be accessed using a smartphone and Mobile App as well as any other electronic device such as tablet or Personal Computer or other hand held electronic device.

Fig 1 shows a system architecture of the IOT Smart Label System for storage of articles and to organise, record data and retrieve data of items stored and their locations.

Fig 2 is a flowchart of the steps by a user of the IOT Smart Label System using a Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System for storage of articles, in organising and recording data of items and their location. Fig 3 shows how a user prepares a Smart Label to record the identification of the storage space and articles to be stored in the storage space using the Smart Label of the IOT Smart Label System. Fig 4 shows the steps taken by a user to identity the storage space and stored articles using the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System.

Fig 5 shows the steps taken by the same user to identify and store another series of stored articles in another storage location/storage space using the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System.

Fig 6 and 7 shows 2 search methods showing the steps for each search method by the user to search for an item using the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System. Fig 8 shows another search method using the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System whereby the user physically scans the Smart Label on each storage space using the mobile phone | _[c3] in order to see the articles in the storage space.

Fig 9 shows an example of an unauthorised computer readable code not registered in the database created in the IOT Smart Label System. The same result would arise if the smartphone used to scan the Smart Label is unauthorised or an unauthorised label is scanned by an authorised smartphone.,

Fig 10 shows another search method using the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System whereby the user browses the list of stored items in the database and see which one or more location/storage space these items are in.

Fig 11 shows how a locality function of the IOT Smart Label System using the Mobile App works. In this example, a location map of the location/storage space is self drawn. Fig 12 shows how a locality function of IOT Smart Label System using the Mobile App works. In this example, a floor plan of the stored location/space is scanned or uploaded into the System using the Mobile App. Fig 13 shows how a search of a stored item in a stored location recorded within the IOT Smart Label System using the Mobile App. In the first example using a hand drawn location map and in a second example using a floor plan.

Fig 14 shows the multi-user function of the IOT Smart Label System using the Mobile App wherein two or more users are allowed secondary and shared access.

Fig 15 shows another feature of the multi-user function with limited access to the IOT Smart Label System using the Mobile App.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The features of the IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App (24) to interface with the IOT Smart Label System (26), how the IOT Smart Label System (26) works and its various functions would be explained with reference to the drawings. The Application interface of IOT Smart Label System (26) would work with multiple mobile phone systems (20) as well as in other non-mobile phone software platforms and other types of electronic devices (20) such as tablets and PCs (20). The IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App (24) to interact with the IOT Smart Label System (26) is suited for either personal use or business use.

The articles referred herein could be personal effects (in the case of personal use) or files and business assets (in the case of use of the Mobile App (24) for business). The Mobile App (24) may operate on any system for electronic devices including Android and Iphone mobile phone systems (20) as well as software for Personal Computers, Tablets and other forms of electronic communication devices (20). A Smart Label (10) is used to identify each storage container (40). The Smart Label (10) would have a unique computer readable data as well as writable/written headers to describe details of articles stored in the storage spaces, including a location marker.

The storage container (40) referred herein could be a box or any container including a cabinet or cupboard.

Fig 1 shows a system architecture of the IOT Smart Label System (26) for storage of articles and to organise, record data and retrieve data of items stored and their locations. The IOT Smart Label System (26) uses a Smart Label (10) to organise and record data of items and location. The user would store items in each storage space (40) physically (such as a box or cabinet) and each storage space would be identified by a Smart label (10). The Smart Label (10) would contain details of the container including an unique computer readable code (such as QR code, RFID or NFC). A user would use the Smartphone (20) and Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) to capture images of the stored articles in a specific location and record the description of the articles using the camera (22) in the mobile phone (20). Once the data of each stored item is captured by the Mobile App (24), the data would be uploaded to the cloud or server and stored for future retrieval and reference.

The IOT Smart Label System (26) allows the user to perform the following functions, using either a Smartphone (20) and the Mobile App (24) or any electronic device (20) using software application using the IOT Smart Label System (26) :-

• Scan (30),

• Search (32),

• Add or edit label and data of articles (34),

· View Floor plan including upload of floor plan, view floor plan, edit floorplan and adding other floor plans (36).

• Draw floor plan manually, view floor plan, edit and add new floorplan (36). • Multi-user interface and access with various levels of security with restriction of access to authorised users.

• Multi platform enabling the user and authorised users to access the stored data from a variety of electronic devices (22).

The scan function (30) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) allows the user to use the Mobile Phone (20) and Mobile App (24) to read physical labels (10) consisting of computer readable codes for authorisation of use, allow Mobile App (24) to read the data/label (10) and retrieve data from server related to the Smart Label/header (10) as well as data on stored articles recorded as being stored in the storage space (40) and location details.

The Search function of the IOT Smart Label Sytem (26) allows the user to search the database of stored items and storage spaces (40) using specific keywords or name of articles as well as viewing the list of stored articles.

The Add/edit labelfunction of the IOT Smart Label System (26) allows the user to add a new description or Smart Label (10) and content data stored including new details of description or label of stored items and identity of stored space. This function also allows content data to be organised in the Header of Data. A location marker is also added to identify the location of the storage container (40) within the premises (for home or personal Mobile App use (24) or the location of the storage container (40) like a cabinet within a specific department or floor of an office (for business Mobile App (24) users). This function would also enable the user to edit the contents of the storage space (40) and data header of the Smart Label (10).

The View/Add Floor Plan function of the IOT Smart Label System (26) allows the user to add floor plans of the premises (for home or personal Mobile App use) or within a specific department or floor of an office (for business Mobile App users). The Floor plans may be in the form of an image of an actual floor plan by scanning or uploading an actual floor plan, or could be sketched by the user (hand drawn). This would allow specific storage containers (40) to be placed in the floor plans to reflect their actual location. Once a specific storage container (40) is moved to a spot in the Floor Plan, the floor plan (updated with location of the storage space (40) with its associated data on articles stored in the said storage space (40) would be saved and uploaded through the Mobile App (24) onto the Cloud or a Server. The View /Add Floor Plan function also allows users to create floor plans customized according to the user’s preferences or specifics. The view floor plan function allows the user to view previously stored floor plans. The edit floor plan function of the IOT Smart Label System (26) allows the user to edit previous floor plans” The IOT Smart Label System (26) would have an option featuring a Print Label Function whenever the software is linked to a printer device. The Print Label Function would enable the user to print the Smart Label (10) with computer readable code for the Scanning Function to work. The paper to be used for the printing of Smart Label (10) may be of any good quality paper, preferably with an adhesive on the other side, for ready affixing onto the surface of the storage space. Alternatively the details may be written as another option for users.

In order to use the Mobile App (24), a user must download the Mobile App (24) from either Google Playstore™ or Apple Store™. After download, the user would have to register with the Mobile App provider, providing basic personal (or business information). The user or each user (in the case of business Mobile App (24)) would have to sign up - via Google™ or Facebook™ or email and create a username.

Software applications of the IOT Smart Label System (26) for use on tablets (20) or Personal Computers (20) may likewise be downloaded from the Internet from the developer of the IOT Smart Label System (26).

Fig 2 is a flowchart of the steps by a user of IOT Smart Label System (26) using a Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) for storage of articles, in organising and recording data of articles and their location. The following would be the sequence of actions by a user when placing an article into a specific container for the purpose of recording storage (40) of the article in the IOT Smart Label System (26) :-

1. Prepare an Authorised Smart Label (10) for identification of the Storage Space (40).

2. affixing the Smart Label (10) onto a storage container (40), wherein the smart label (10) is scanned by a smart phone (20).

3. record the identification details of the Smart Label (10).

4. Proceed to pack an article into the storage container (40).

5. Record details of the article using the smartphone (20).

6. Save and upload recorded data (relating to the article which had been stored as well as label details) onto the server used by the IOT Smart Label System (26).

Detailed steps of the sequence of action would now be described. The user would begin by affixing a Smart Label (10) to a specific storage space (40) e.g. cabinet or cardboard box or wardrobe. The Smart Label (10) consists of unique computer readable codes (which may be embedded)^ _]. If a new container is used for the first time, a Smart Label (10) would be affixed to the new container. Details of identity of stored container (40) includes an unique computer readable code. Without the authorised computer readable code, the data written on the Smart Label (10) cannot be scanned and read. This function of adding a new Smart Label (10) ensures that content data are recorded and organised in the Header of Data. A location marker is also added to identify the location of the storage space (40).

The user would then pack selected articles and items into the storage space (40) and record data of these selected items as these are being packed into the storage space (40), including using the camera (22) of the mobile phone (20) to take a photo of the item being placed into the storage space (40). The picture of each item would also be tagged e.g. #shoes, #heels. The user would then record the location of the storage space (40) using either a hand drawn location map or a floor plan (downloaded into the mobile phone (20)).

The stored data of the article - description of the item, identity of storage container (40) may be shared with other users authorised by the user. The user may also invite other authorised users to collaborate in organising the stored items (in the case of a Smart Label (10) Mobile App (24) for business/office use) or just to view on a selective limited access basis. The authorised users may be allowed to make changes or be authorised to view selected storage spaces [40] on a selective limited access basis.

Fig 3 shows how a user prepares a Smart Label (10) to record the identification of the storage (40) space and articles to be stored in the storage (40) space using the Smart Label (10) of the IOT Smart Label System (26). The user writes on the target area of a label (10) and affixes it on the desired storage container (40). The Smart Label (10) is embedded with a unique computer readable code (such as QR code, RFID or NFC). The computer readable code (which may be embedded) would contain an authorised encryption! M Without the computer readable code, the Smart Label (10) cannot be scanned. Each Smart Label (10) is unique and may optionally be used on holographic background in order to prevent counterfeiting such as photocopying or other misuse. The Smart Label (10) would also have space for the user to write some details or identification or description of the storage container (40). The Smartphone (20) and Mobile App (24) would be able to convert hand written or printed details into electronic data.

Fig 4 shows the steps taken by a user to identity the storage container (40)] and stored articles using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26). In this example, the user wishes to store these items - a pair of shoes, a pair of heels, a phone and a CD in Storage container[40] identified in the Smart Label as“ Box 1“. Firstly the user would scan the QR code, RFID or NFC on the Smart Label of Box 1 to have authorised access to use the Smart Label (10). As the user places each item into Box 1 , the user would take a photo of each item using the camera (22) in his mobile phone (20). After that, the user would identify each item placed into the storage container (40)“Box 1” by tagging the photo of each item e.g. #shoes, #heels. After the storage (40) exercise is completed, the user may upload as well as update the details of the storage container[40] and stored items onto the Cloud or server. The details uploaded would now include details of the items in the storage container (40) (identified as Box 1 ) in a specific storage location (as identified in the Smart

Label of Box 1 ) which would be designated by an icon for the storage container (40) in the Floor Plan.

Fig 5 shows the steps taken by the same user to identify and store another series of stored articles in another storage location/storage (40) space using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26). In this example, the user wishes to store these items in another container identified in the Smart Label as“Box 2“ - a pot, a pair of shoes and a mug in Storage (40) space. Firstly the user would scan the QR code, RFID or NFC on the Smart Label (10) of Box 2 to have authorised access to use the Smart Label, including the location marker. As the user places each item into Box 2, the user would take a photo of each item using the camera (22) in his mobile phone (20). After that, the user would record then identify each item placed into the storage container (40)“Box 2” by tagging the photo of each item e.g. # pot, # shoe # mug. After the storage (40) exercise is completed, the user may upload as well as update the details of the storage container (40) and stored items onto the Cloud or server. The details uploaded would now include details of the items in the storage container (Box 2) in a specific storage location (as identified by the Location Marker stored in the Smart Label of Box 2.) Fig 6 and 7 shows steps of two different search methods taken by the user to search the database for an item stored in the premises using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26). The two different search methods are illustrative of the searching capability of typical databases known in the art and are not exhaustive. Fig 6 shows the steps taken by the user to search for an item using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) a first search method - using tags. The user would open the Mobile App (24) and use the “Search” Function. The user then types in the item he is searching for. In this example, the user types in“# shoe”. The screen of the Mobile App (24) would display the icons of the Storage containers (in this case, Box 1 and Box 2). The user interacts with the icon Box 1 by placing the cursor on Box 1. The screen of the Mobile Phone (20) would now display the contents in Box 1 which are a pair of shoes, a CD, a phone and a pair of heels with each item identified as # shoe, #cd, # phone, # heels.

If the user moves the cursor to interact with the icon Box 2, the screen of the Mobile Phone would now display the contents in Box 2 which are a pot, a pair of shoes and a mug with each item identified as # pot, # shoe, # mug.

Fig 7 shows the steps taken by the user to search for an item using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) employing the second search method using Smart Label name. The user would open the Mobile App (24) and use the“Search” Function. The user then types in the Smart Label name to begin the search. In this example, the user types in “Box 1”. The screen of the Mobile App would display the icons of the Storage containers (in this case, Box 1 and Box 2). The user interacts with the icon Box 1 by placing the cursor on Box 1. The screen of the Mobile Phone would now display the contents in Box 1 which are a pair of shoes, a CD, a phone and a pair of heels with each item identified as # shoe, #cd, # phone, # heels.

If the user moves the cursor to interact with the icon Box 2, the screen of the Mobile Phone would now display the contents in Box 2 which are a pot, a pair of shoes and a mug with each item identified as # pot, # shoe, # mug.

Fig 8 shows another search method using the computer readable code scanning function of the Mobile App of the IOT Smart Label System (26) which the user may find the need to verify or see the contents of a container. In such circumstances, the user physically scans the Smart Label (10) on each stored container (40) using the mobile Mobile App (24) in order to see the contents of each storage container (40). When the mobile phone (20) scans the Smart Label affixed on the stored container (Box 1 ), using the computer readable code scanning function of the Mobile Phone, the computer readable code scanner would identify and recognises the M unique computer readable code and proceeds to retrieve the data of the Smart Label (10). The Mobile App (24) would then identify the container as Box 1 , and downloads the details of Box 1. The screen of the Mobile App would then display the contents in Box 1 - a pair of shoes, a CD, a phone and a pair of heels with each item identified as # shoe, #cd, # phone, # heels.

Fig 9 shows an example of an unauthorised computer readable code not registered in the database of the IOT Smart Label System[10]. In this example, someone (not the user) uses another smartphone to physically scan an unauthorised label on the storage space in an attempt to see the contents of Storage space (Box 1 ). In this instance, the person’s mobile phone (20) using the computer readable code scanner would not be able to recognise the computer readable code of Box 1. As a result, this person would not be able to see the contents of Box 1. This function would be useful for Business applications where items are stored by different users and only the authorised users are given access to the contents of each storage container (40) by means of the company unique QR, RFID or NFC code. The same results would arise if the user uses the smartphone (20) to scan the Smart Label (10) (containing authorised computer readable code) but the user is not authorised in the IOT Smart Label System (26).

Fig 10 shows another search method using the Mobile App (24) of the IOT Smart Label System (26) whereby the user browses the list of all recorded labels (10) and tags in the database. The user would then pinpoint the tags they are looking for and select the Smart Label (10) it is linked to. The screen of the Mobile App would then display the full data of the Smart Label (10) such as location and other items stored in it. In this example, the user scrolls through all the recorded labels (10) and tags and pinpoints the tag #shoes in label <Box 1 > and <Box 2>. The user then interacts with <Box 1 > label and the Mobile App displays the data of the contents in it as well as the location marker. Similarly with <Box 2>, the data of the contents and location marker of

<Box 2> would be displayed on the screen. Fig 11 shows how a locality function of IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App works. In this example, a location map of the stored location/storage space (40) is self drawn. The location map may be drawn using another drawing Mobile App (24) or using the drawing function of the Mobile App (24). When the locality function is used, and Drawing is selected, the screen would show a Grid layout and the user may insert squares and rectangles and other geometric shapes to prepare the layout of a locality such as a room or a section of a building (if the Mobile App is for business use). Once the self drawn locality is confirmed, the user may then download details of all stored location/containers and assigned each stored container (40) to a specific location in the location map. The placement of each stored container (40) in each location may be carried out by moving the icon identified as the particular stored container (40), e.g. Box 1 to the desired location in the Floor Plan. Once the icon is placed in a specific location, the Mobile App (24) would be saved and the location of the stored container (40) updated in the database/server. In this Drawing, a faded box is shown. This shows the user that there is an empty and available stored space which does not contain any item yet.

Fig 12 shows another type of use of the locality function of IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App[24] works. In this example, a floor plan of the stored location/container is scanned/uploaded into the Mobile App (24). A file containing the floor plan may also be downloaded from the Cloud/Server. When the locality function is used, and Floor Plan using a picture is selected, the screen would show the layout as downloaded. Then the user download details of all stored location/containers and assign each stored container (40) to each location in the Floor Plan. The placement of each stored container (40) to a specific location in the Floor Plan may be by moving the icon identified as the particular stored container (40) to the location in the layout. Once the icon is placed in a specific location, the Mobile App (24) would be saved and the location of the stored container (40) updated in the database/server. In this Drawing, a faded box is shown. This shows the user that there is an empty and available stored space which does not contain any item yet. Fig 13 shows how a search of a stored item in a stored location recorded within the IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App (24) is made in the example of a hand drawn location map and in a second example using a floor plan. The user would open the Mobile App (24) and use the“Search” Function of the IOT Smart Label System (26). The user then types in the item he is searching for. In this example, the user types in“# shoe”. The Mobile App (24) would display the icons of the Storage containers (in this case, Box 1 and Box 2). Since the layout has been updated into the database, the screen would now show the hand drawn location map or a layout of the Floor Plan (as the case may be).

Whichever layout is shown on the screen, the user would place the cursor on Box 2. The screen of the Mobile Phone would now display the contents in Box 2 which are a pot, a pair of shoes, and a mug with each item identified as # pot, # shoe and # mug.

Since the layout is shown, the user would be able to proceed straight to the location of the stored container or Box. The user would then be able to walk to the specific container and scan the Smart Label (10) on the stored space and be able to identify the contents just as shown in the screen of the Mobile Phone.

Fig 14 shows the multi-user function of the IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App (24) works in a situation where two or more users are allowed secondary and shared access. The main user would have to authorised other users to view as well as update contents of the stored space as well as stored items. Each user may be given specific or all access to all functions and tasks allowed in the Mobile App.

In the example, User A (main user) has access to all functions and may authorise User B to have full access to the all storage containers (40) in the entire Floor Plan and the entire premise. If User B is authorised full access, User B would be able to perform all tasks and access all Functions -

• Scan (30), • Search (32),

• Add label (34),

• View Floor plan including upload of floor plan, view floor plan, edit floorplan and adding other floor plans(36).

· Draw floor plan manually, view floor plan, edit and add new floorplan (36). through multi platforms enabling the authorised user to access the stored data from a variety of electronic devices (20). User A and User B would decide on which labels are to be listed as“ Public“ - for all authorised users to view or Private (restricted to main user and not accessible to others). Friends (if the Mobile App is for personal use) or colleagues of User A and User B (if the Mobile App is for business use) may be authorised as users and given full access to public labels or restricted access to just view all articles in all storage locations/stored spaces (40). Access rights of authorised users may be given at different levels e.g. rights to change or update details such as items, labels[10] and locations in some locations or rights to view in some locations.

If the Mobile App (24) is used for business, User A and User B may decide that colleagues from other departments may search and view the stored items in some locations but not all locations. User A and User B may allow some designated colleagues in the same department to change and update stored items within all stored locations in their department only. The multi-user feature would be beneficial to an office environment.

The multi-user feature could also be accessed by authorised users using other electronic devices (20).

Fig 15 shows another features of the multi-user function of the IOT Smart Label System (26) using the Mobile App. User A may decide which labels (10) would be listed as Public (For authorised users to view) or Private (for only Main user to view, change and update). User A would then choose specific labels to send invitation by e mail to friends to view by clicking on a link. The link may last for 24 hours or longer as specified according to the settings. Invitation to view will open up a web browser to locate and view contents of a specific label. After 24 hours, the link and data will not be valid and not viewable.

Numerous variations on the IOT Smart Label System and Mobile App described above will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in view of the description and drawings provided herein. For example, the Mobile App may have additional functions like the feature of printing reports of all sorts extracting data from the database. Such reports may also be produced electronically and email to others (users as well as non-users). The Smart Label is not limited to computer readable code. The various methods of search, data transfer using QR code, RFID or NFC, scanning technology are not to be limited to the methods and technology decribed herein.

As previously indicated, the invention is not limited to use in conjunction with Android or Iphone phone systems. The invention is similarly not limited to smartphones and other electronic devices. These and other variations and permutations of the above described devices and operations fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the invention as set forth in the claims.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The IOT Smart Label System which is web based and which enables users with a Mobile App and a smartphone to interface with the said Smart Label System to record data of storage of articles while in the act of storing articles in storage containers and to search data of storage of articles during the process of locating and retrieving articles from storage spaces easily would empower users to keep track of their articles seamlessly and save time for such users. The IOT Smart Label System with the Mobile App interfrace using a Smartphone using the same Mobile App or other electronic devices using similar software applications would provide users with real time information on whereabouts of their articles, , be it for personal use or for work in managing their businesses.