Patent attributes
A container assembly includes sensors to detect events that occur in proximity to the container including thermal energy changes, light variances, and movement. For example, an item placed in or removed from an open end of the container, movement of the container, and shadows that pass over an open end of the container. The sensors detect the event then transmit a signal to a measuring or control instrument to trigger a predetermined illumination and/or audio signal. The sensors embed in a base portion of the container, operatively joining with a processor. Sensors include photocells for light, passive infra-red for temperature, and omni-directional sensors for movement. In this manner, movement, changes in temperature and light cause an illumination portion to emit light, and an audio portion to emit an audio signal to provide animation and safety features for the container.