System and method for monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables, wherein said sanitary consumables are contained in a container such as a sanitary dispenser, and wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein said method comprises the steps of: - scanning, by a user equipment, a scan code scanned by said user equipment and provided on a consumable refill pack to be installed in said container for refill of said consumable units, and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack; - receiving, by said user equipment, from said control unit in said container, a level status, wherein said level status is determined by a control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units; - determining, by said user equipment, a change of said level status from empty to full; - determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized; - signaling, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

Description

[0001] Title: system and method for monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables

[0002] Description:

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention pertains to a system and method for monitoring the utilization of sanitary products, specifically sanitary consumables and disposable items, such as rolls or stacks of toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, soap, and similar products.

[0005] The present invention concerns sanitary consumables used in various hygienic environments, including toilets, restrooms, bathrooms, washrooms, and similar settings. These locations offer a range of products related to personal hygiene, such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, soap, and more. While the present invention is not limited to these specific examples, it encompasses any product or products used in such environments that are considered consumables and require periodic replenishment.

[0006] In public settings, dispensers are commonly used to house and dispense these consumables, e.g. toilet paper is provided as roll of toilet paper which is a consumable and which roll is housed in toilet paper dispenser. The dispensers play a crucial role in ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for users. They not only provide convenient access to necessary sanitary products but also contribute to maintaining order and efficiency within the facility.

[0007] Dispensers used in public environments face distinct requirements compared to those used in residential settings. Firstly, they must withstand more intensive use due to higher footfall and increased demand for sanitary consumables. The dispensers need to be designed to withstand frequent usage without compromising their functionality or structural integrity. Secondly, they are subjected to a harsher operating environment, which may involve exposure to moisture, cleaning agents, or other potentially damaging elements. Therefore, these dispensers must be durable, resistant to corrosion, and capable of withstanding various cleaning processes and environmental conditions and to maintain a high level of quality.

[0008] Additionally, dispensers in public environments are often susceptible to misuse and vandalism. Users may tamper with the dispensers, attempt to force them open, or deliberately damage them. Hence, the dispensers should be designed with robust security features and mechanisms to deter unauthorized access and prevent vandalism.

[0009] Furthermore, regulatory requirements may impose specific standards on dispensers used in public spaces. These regulations aim to ensure public safety and hygiene. Manufacturers must comply with relevant guidelines and standards to guarantee that their dispensers meet the necessary criteria. Compliance may involve aspects such as material safety, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and proper installation instructions.

[0010] The consumables themselves play a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in these environments. The availability of sufficient and easily accessible toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and soap is crucial for user comfort and effective personal hygiene. Proper replenishment of these consumables is necessary to avoid disruption or inconvenience to users.

[0011] Not only availability of the consumables plays a vital role, it is also and at least of similar importance, that the quality of the consumables is assured, not only upon installation, but for the full lifetime of the appliance.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek for a system and method for monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables to assure the requirements set for such appliances are met and maintained over time, as well as effective management of the dispensers and especially the consumables is assured to maintain the hygiene standards, high level of user satisfaction and quality over the full lifetime of the appliance.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables, wherein said sanitary consumables are contained in a container such as a sanitary dispenser, and wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein said method comprises the steps of: scanning, by a user equipment, a scan code scanned by said user equipment and provided on a consumable refill pack to be installed in said container for refill of said consumable units, and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack; receiving, by said user equipment, from said control unit in said container, a level status, wherein said level status is determined by a control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units; determining, by said user equipment, a change of said level status from empty to full; determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized; signaling, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

[0014] Sanitary consumables are consumable goods that can be found in restrooms, toilets, spa’s, pantries, cafeterias, dining areas, public transports, bathrooms and many more locations. These goods may comprise any one or more of, but are not limited to Toilet paper rolls, hand towels, soap bars, liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper toilet seat covers, air fresheners, disposable gloves, paper napkins, facial tissues, diapers, baby wipes, diaper disposal bags, dental floss, toothpicks, mouthwash, dental rinse cups, cotton swabs, shaving cream, razors, disposable hairnets, disinfectant sprays, urinal screens, urinal mats, nitrile gloves, cleaning cloths, insect repellent wipes, and sunscreen lotion are all examples of different sanitary consumables.

[0015] In accordance with the present disclosure, a consumable refers to an item that is designed to be used up or depleted over time in order to fulfil a specific function or purpose. Consumables are typically designed for single or limited use and need to be replaced once they are fully utilized or no longer effective. In the context of sanitary products, consumables include items such as toilet paper, hand towels, soap bars, sanitary pads, and other similar items as the examples listed above.

[0016] On the other hand, non-consumable hardware, such as a dispenser, is a device or apparatus, used to hold and dispense the consumable sanitary products. Unlike consumables, non-consumable hardware is not designed to be depleted or used up. Instead, it serves as a long-lasting or reusable infrastructure for storing and providing access to the consumables. Dispensers are commonly used in various settings, including restrooms, kitchens, and public spaces, to provide a convenient and organized way of dispensing consumable sanitary products.

[0017] The relationship between consumables and non-consumable hardware is complementary. The non-consumable hardware, such as a dispenser, is responsible for securely housing and facilitating the controlled dispensing of the consumables. It provides a functional and hygienic means for users to access the consumables as needed. The consumables, on the other hand, are the actual products that fulfil the intended purpose, such as cleaning, personal hygiene, or sanitization.

[0018] The use of non-consumable hardware, such as a dispenser, offers several advantages in the field of sanitary products, as compared to the direct use of the consumable without the non-consumable hardware like the dispenser. A dispenser, for example, allows for efficient and controlled dispensing of the consumables, reducing waste and ensuring proper utilization. Additionally, such a dispenser or other type of container, may incorporate features such as sensors, mechanisms, or refill indicators that assist in monitoring usage levels and facilitate timely replacement of the consumables. This combination of consumables and dispensers or other containers, helps maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and convenience in various environments.

[0019] Monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables may assure that the requirements set for such appliances are met and maintained over time, as well as effective management of the dispensers and especially the consumables is assured to maintain the hygiene standards, high level of user satisfaction and quality over the full lifetime of the appliance.

[0020] Meeting such high levels of user satisfaction, quality and hygiene standards may apply for all products offered by any manufacturer. To this end, especially in commercial environments, outside of domestic use, facility management carefully select which manufacturer to select for the dispensers and the consumables, to assure these requirements are met. Such manufacturers are often assigned to sell and install these appliances on a contract-basis.

[0021] It has been found that over time, local maintenance which is responsible for replacing the consumables and refilling the dispensers, may have the tendency to select non-authenticated and thus non-contracted consumables, as these typically cost less.

[0022] Such non-authenticated and counterfeit consumables may be cheaper on the one hand, but are typically of a lower quality on the other. This means that the requirements as stated above are at stake and that, especially over time, the quality expected from the original and authentic manufacturer is at stake. Moreover, the dispensers are often supplied at low prices or even at or below cost price, so that the manufacturer's income is partly or wholly dependent on the consumables. It is therefore important to recognize such non-authentic consumables and to offer a simple solution to such counterfeit. At present, the use of such non-authentic consumables is typically manually checked, often on the basis of compliance with an agreement. However, such control is labour-intensive and the cost is disproportionate to the value of the consumables. Such checks are therefore only sporadically carried out on a sample basis.

[0023] However, it appears that due to this sporadic control, the use of nonauthenticated consumables is a major problem, for which the present invention provides a method to at least counteract or prevent it altogether.

[0024] The method provides for effectively monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables, specifically those contained in a refillable container, such as a sanitary dispenser. The method allows for the detection of non-authorized consumable refill packs being used with the container. By employing user equipment and a control unit within the container, the method ensures proper monitoring and alerts the user to the presence of non-authorized refill packs.

[0025] The method comprises several steps that are executed by the user equipment and the control unit within the container. These steps are as follows and may be performed in a different order as presented below:

[0026] In a first step, the Scan Code is scanned. The user equipment scans a unique scan code provided on a consumable refill pack that is intended to refill the consumable units within the container. The scan code serves as an identifier associated with a single consumable refill pack, providing a means for tracking and differentiating between authorized and non-authorized refill packs.

[0027] In the second step, a level status is received. The user equipment receives a level status from the control unit within the container. The level status is determined by the control unit and indicates the current state of the consumable units within the container. Specifically, it distinguishes between the empty status, which indicates that the consumable units have been fully depleted, and the full status, which indicates that the consumable units have been replaced by the refill pack. Then, the a change in the level status is detected. The user equipment determines if there has been a change in the level status from empty to full. This determination is based on the received level status and enables the method to identify when the refill pack has been used to replenish the consumable units within the container.

[0028] After that, the scan code authorization is determined. The user equipment verifies if the scanned scan code is authorized or non-authorized. This determination is made by comparing the scan code against a database or predefined list of authorized scan codes. If the scan code is determined to be non-authorized, it indicates that the refill pack is not authorized for use with the container.

[0029] Finally, presence of a non-authorized refill pack is signaled if detected. If the level status has changed from empty to full, and the scan code is determined to be non-authorized, the user equipment signals the presence of the non-authorized consumable refill pack to the user. This signaling can be achieved through various means, such as visual or auditory alerts, to inform the user about the potential use of an unauthorized refill pack.

[0030] By implementing this method, the usage of sanitary consumables can be effectively monitored within refillable containers, enabling the detection of nonauthorized consumable refill packs, i.e. counterfeit. This ensures that only authorized and appropriate refill packs are used, enhancing safety, hygiene, and compliance with regulatory standards.

[0031] In an example, the step of determining said scan code comprises: determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized by comparing said scan code with a predefined list of authorized scan codes.

[0032] In an example, the step of determining said scan code comprises: determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized by regenerating said scan code with a predefined scan code algorithm to determine if said scan code is generated by a an authorized scan code algorithm. In the process of detecting counterfeit using a QR code or other types of codes on a consumable, the first step according to the present disclosure or an example thereof is to scan the scan code using a scanning device or mobile application, or in the example and aspects described, with a user equipment or user device. Examples of such devices are a mobile phone, cell phone, tablet or a dedicated device especially configured for such use. Once scanned, the code is then processed to extract the data encoded within it. This data may include a unique identifier or other relevant details associated with the consumable, its manufacturer, or its authenticity.

[0033] Next, the code or extracted code data is compared to a predefined list of authorized codes. This list serves as a reference and contains codes that have been verified as legitimate and authorized for use. The comparison process is performed using algorithms or matching techniques to determine if there is a match or similarity between the scanned code and the codes in the authorized list.

[0034] If the scanned code matches an authorized code from the list, the new refill consumable is considered genuine and legitimate. However, if the scanned code does not match any code in the authorized list, it raises suspicion of being potentially counterfeit or unauthorized and thus is signaled as such. This detection of a nonmatching or suspicious code is an indication that further investigation or authentication measures may be required to confirm the authenticity of the consumable, or that the direct conclusion in drawn that it is non-authorized and thus counterfeit.

[0035] Upon detecting a non-matching or suspicious code, appropriate actions can be taken to address the situation. This may involve generating an alert or notification to the user, through the user equipment and in particular the application running on the device. However such signaling may also involve notification messages pushed directly, through any type of communication means such as an alert, email, phonecall or direct interface to the manufacturer or a relevant authority. With such signaling the presence of a potential counterfeit product is recognized and alerted. Additional steps can be initiated to verify the authenticity of the consumable, such as conducting physical inspections, utilizing advanced authentication techniques, or involving law enforcement agencies if necessary.

[0036] Alternative to the comparing and matching the code or data extracted from the code, the code may also be a code which is the output of a particular authentication algorithm. The algorithm may only output codes with certain characteristics or according to a certain mathematical equation or hashing or the like. Such implementation may not require conventional matching routines, but can be used to determine of the code is the output of a authorized and thus legit algorithm.

[0037] In an example, comparing of said scan code with said predefined list or said predefined scan code algorithm is performed by said user equipment.

[0038] In an example, comparing of said scan code with said predefined list or said predefined scan code algorithm is performed by a remote server and communicated to said user equipment.

[0039] The comparing step may be implemented in several manners, of which two are described in more detail above. Depending on for example the level of computational power that is required for this step, the step may be performed by the user equipment, the control unit in the container or a central processing unit which is located at a different location, e.g. a cloud based server with a configuration designed for such use.

[0040] In an example, both said container and said user equipment comprises a wireless communication unit arranged for wireless communication between said user equipment and said container.

[0041] Preferably, the container and the user equipment communicate wirelessly, most preferably through a local wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE. Alternative protocols may also be used such as and not limited to Wi-Fi, NFC, Zigbee, Z-Wave, IR, Li-Fi, UWB. The skilled person will appreciate which other protocols may be used as well. In an example, the user equipment is arranged for wireless communication with a remote server.

[0042] Similar to the communication between the user equipment and the container, the communication between the user equipment and the remote server may also be wirelessly and through similar protocols.

[0043] In an example, the step of receiving said level status comprises: receiving, by said user equipment, from said control unit in said container, a level status, a period counter and a total counter, wherein said level status is determined by a control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units, and wherein said period counter defining a number of individual consumable units consumed over a set period of time, and said total counter defining a number of total individual consumable units consumed since the installation of said container; and wherein said step of signaling comprises: displaying, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the period counter, total counter and level status; signaling, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

[0044] Preferably, the container is arranged to measure a period counter and a total counter, such in addition to the level status. The period counter is a counter that counts the use of each individual or pack of consumable items or units, and is reset once the consumables have been refilled. This also indicates the number of units consumed per refill or since the last refill. Typicially, there may be some differences between each cycle of refills but the difference should be little. When the refill counter exceeds a certain threshold value, for example defined by the average value of units consumed between recent refill cycles, or by a value configured by the manufacturer, exceeding the threshold may be an indication that something is wrong. For example, that the container if refilled with a non-authenticated consumables pack. The container may in such situation be switched to a blocked operational modus in which no consumables may be dispensed anymore. The container may also signal the user equipment for further signaling towards a manufacturer or facility management. In particular the control unit may be configured to perform such operations. The period counter may only be reset to a zero value when the refill consumable pack is determined to be authentic and thus not a counterfeit product. Determining whether the pack is a counterfeit, is done with scanning the code as explained above. Despite the use of counterfeit or original, authentic consumable refill packs, the total counter will count each and every used item, as an indication for the total amount of items used since the installation of the container.

[0045] In an example, the method further comprising the step of: transmitting, by said user equipment, to said control unit in said containing, a reset command for resetting said period counter upon determining, said wherein said period counter is consumable refill pack is an authorized consumable refill pack.

[0046] In an example, the user equipment is a mobile phone.

[0047] In an example, the scan code is any one or more of a bar code, a QR code, Near Field Communication, NFC tag, a Radio Frequency Identifier, RFID tag, a beacon, shorted URL, text based code, and character string code.

[0048] In an example, the scan code comprises information regarding one or more of date of the production of said consumable refill pack, plant of manufacturing of said consumable refill pack, batch number of production of said consumable refill pack.

[0049] In an example, the scan code comprises any one or more of a hashed code, encrypted code, check-summed code, digital representation of a code, a derivative of a code.

[0050] The code may be a typical scan code such as a barcode, a QR code, URL or any other computer readable code. The code may comprise a direct representation of the code data which is verified to determine is authenticity, or may be a derivative of the code. Such a derivative may be generated by an algorithm or by a hash function or encryption routine to assure that the code is safe, cannot be copied easily and cannot be generated by non-authenticated user or applications.

[0051] The code may comprise data relating to manufacturer info such as the plant of the manufacturing, the date on which it has been produced, and the batch number in which it has been produced. The code may however also comprise additional information such as information relating to the user, e.g. location, contract information, service level agreement, etc.

[0052] Each code cannot be copied or created in this way and can thus only be considered authentic if it is scannable. The code can be registered so it cannot be reused as well.

[0053] In an example, the consumable refill pack comprises a plurality of consumable units, said consumable units comprising any one or more of toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins and soap.

[0054] In a second aspect, there is provided a container for dispensing sanitary consumables contained in a container, wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein container comprises: a container housing, arranged for receiving and housing said consumable refill pack of sanitary consumables; a control unit, arranged for wireless communication with a user equipment; wherein said control unit is arranged for wirelessly receiving from said user equipment, a scan code uniquely associated with a single consumable refill pack, and wherein said control unit is further arranged for wirelessly transmitting to said user equipment a level status, wherein said level status is determined by said control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units, and wherein said control unit is arranged to determine a change of said level status from empty to full, and to communicate said change of said level status from empty to full to said user equipment, for said user equipment to signal to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

[0055] In a third aspect, there is provided, a consumable refill pack for a container according to the second aspect, and arranged for signaling presence of a nonauthorized consumable refill pack in a container for dispensing consumable units of said consumable refill pack, wherein said consumable refill pack comprises a scan code and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack.

[0056] In another aspect, there is provided, a container for dispensing sanitary consumables, wherein said container is arranged for refill by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once substantially fully consumed, the container comprising: a container housing, arranged for receiving and housing said consumable refill pack of sanitary consumables; a control unit, arranged for wireless communication with user equipment, wherein said control unit is arranged for wirelessly receiving from said user equipment a scan code uniquely associated with a single consumable refill pack; wherein said control unit is further arranged for wirelessly transmitting to said user equipment a level status, said level status being determined by said control unit in said container and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units; wherein said control unit is arranged to determine a change of said level status from empty to full, and to communicate said change of said level status from empty to full to said user equipment, for said user equipment to signal to a user the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be nonauthorized. In yet another aspect, there is provided a consumable refill pack for a container according to claim 15, and arranged for signalling the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in a container for dispensing consumable units of said consumable refill pack, wherein said consumable refill pack comprises a scan code, and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack, the scan code being used to determine the authorization of the consumable refill pack when scanned by user equipment in communication with the control unit of the container.

[0057] In yet another aspect, there is provided, a container for dispensing sanitary consumables contained in a container, wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein container comprises: a container housing, arranged for receiving and housing said consumable refill pack of sanitary consumables; a control unit, arranged for wireless communication with a user equipment; wherein said control unit is arranged for wirelessly receiving from said user equipment, a unique scan code uniquely associated with a single consumable refill pack, and wherein said control unit is further arranged for wirelessly transmitting to said user equipment a level status, wherein said level status is determined by said control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units, and wherein said control unit is arranged to determine a change of said level status from empty to full, and to communicate said change of said level status from empty to full to said user equipment, for said user equipment to perform the method of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0058] In yet another aspect, there is provided, a consumable refill pack for a container according to claim 15, and arranged for signalling presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in a container for dispensing consumable units of said consumable refill pack, wherein said consumable refill pack comprises a scan code and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack, for a user equipment to perform the method of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0059] Each example in relation to the first aspect may also be applicable for the second, third and further aspects of the present disclosure. Hence, any effects and advantages of these examples of the first aspect therefore also apply to the second, third and further aspect.

[0060] The above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, figures, and claims. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0061] Brief description of the drawings

[0062] In the drawings,

[0063] Fig. 1 shows the steps of the method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0064] Fig. 2 and 3 show different states of the another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0065] Detailed description of the drawings

[0066] Corresponding reference numerals in the drawing denote identical or similar components.

[0067] Fig. 1 shows the first aspect of the present disclosure of a method 100 of monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables. The method is used for sanitary consumables which are contained in a container such as a sanitary dispenser or the like. The container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed. The method 100 comprises a series of steps executed by a user equipment device to ensure efficient monitoring and detection of non-authorized consumable refill packs. The steps may be executed primarily by the user equipment, e.g. a mobile phone, or all step may be executed thereby. Some steps may however also be executed by a remote server or by the control unit within the container.

[0068] The steps 110-150 involved in the method are as follows:

[0069] Scanning of scan code 110. The user equipment scans a unique scan code that is provided on the consumable refill pack. This scan code serves as a unique identifier associated with a single consumable refill pack intended for installation in the container to refill the consumable units.

[0070] In the next step, the level status is received 120. The user equipment receives a level status from the control unit located within the container. The level status is determined by the control unit and defines various states of the consumable units within the container. These states include at least an empty status, indicating that the consumable units are fully consumed, and a full status, indicating that the consumable units have been replaced by the refill pack.

[0071] Then, in the third step, a level status change is determined 130. The user equipment determines a change in the level status from empty to full, indicating that the consumable units have been successfully replaced by the refill of the consumable units.

[0072] Then, in the fourth step, the scan code authorization is determined 140. The user equipment further determines if the scanned scan code is authorized by comparing it with a predefined list of authorized scan codes. This determination ensures that only authorized consumable refill packs are accepted for use.

[0073] Finally, in the last step, the presence of non-authorized refill pack is signaled 150. In the event that the level status changes from empty to full and the scan code is determined to be non-authorized, the user equipment signals the presence of a non- authorized consumable refill pack to the user. This signaling can be in the form of visual or auditory alerts, informing the user about the potential use of a non-authorized refill pack.

[0074] In Fig. 2, a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in which a system 200 is disclosed for monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables, wherein said sanitary consumables are contained in a container such as a sanitary dispenser, and wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed.

[0075] The system 200 consists of a dispenser 240 as an example of a container. The dispenser is arranged to house or contain one or several consumable refill pack(s) 250 within the central part of the housing 242. In this example a pack of toilet paper or tissues is shown as a consumable refill pack according to the present disclosure. The dispenser 240 is equipped with a power supply, either trough a battery or the like, or through a wired power supply or both. The dispenser further comprises a control unit 241 which comprises circuitry configured for wireless communication with at least a mobile phone 220, which is an example of a user equipment in accordance with the present disclosure. The control unit 240 is further arranged to perform several measurements. To this end the dispenser is equipped with one or several sensors, i.e. a sensor to measure the remaining number of consumables, which sensor is at least arranged to detect a full and an empty status of the consumables. The control unit is further arranged to determine the number of consumables used, and is arranged to count these in a total counter which counts the number of consumable items used since the installation of the dispenser, and a period counter, which is considered to be reset after the consumable replacement pack 250 is replaced.

[0076] However, the period counter will only successfully reset if a correct and authentic consumable replacement pack 250 is used, and will not reset and signal the presence of a counterfeit product in case of non-authentication. To this end, the system also consists of a user equipment, such as a mobile phone 220. The mobile phone 220 is used by a user and communicates wirelessly with the control unit 241 of the dispenser 240. This way the counters can be read easily and presence of non-authorized consumable packs can be signaled through the mobile phone 220 as well.

[0077] All data may be communicated and stored in a cloud based 230 server environment. The server environment 230 may also host part of the software application that the user 210 is executing on the mobile phone 220. The application may be a native application or downloaded application in an app store or app store like environment, or may be executed as a webservice by visiting a certain website or URL address.

[0078] The process and steps of checking whether or not the consumable refill pack 250 is authentic or not, is shown in Fig 3.

[0079] In Fig. 3 the user 210 may use his or her mobile phone 220 to scan a code, in the example shown a QR code 251 , which is visible on the consumable refill pack 250. By scanning the code, an prior to that communicating with the control unit of the dispenser to receive the level status and counter values, the consumable refill pack 250 is verified on authenticity. In the first step, 310 the display of the mobile phone 220 shows the current values of the counters and the fact that the consumable refill pack is used, i.e. the paper fill status indicates empty.

[0080] Then, the mobile phone 220 is used to scan the QR-code 251 and the code is verified for authenticity. If the consumable refill pack is authentic, an approval sign is shown 320a on the display of the mobile phone. If the consumable refill pack is however non-authentic, a disapproval sign will appear, as shown in step 320b.

[0081] If the consumable refill pack is approved, 320a, the mobile phone 220 communicates this towards the control unit such that the paper fill status is set to “Full” as shown in step 330a. The period counter is also reset to zero. If the consumable refill pack is however not-approved, 320b, the mobile phone 220 communicates this towards the control unit as well, thereby indicating that the paper fill status is set to “non authentic!!”, and the period counter is also not reset to zero. This is shown in step 330b of Fig. 3.

[0082] Determining if the control unit should be operated into the modus according to step 330a (authentic) or 330b (non-authentic) may also be configured according to default and even more tamper-proof modus in which the default is that the period counter is not reset and the fill status is set at non authentic, and only into the reset of the period counter and full fill status in case of successfully scanning, processing and validating the scan code on the pack installed in the container.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of monitoring the usage of sanitary consumables, wherein said sanitary consumables are contained in a container such as a sanitary dispenser, and wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein said method comprises the steps of: scanning, by a user equipment, a scan code scanned by said user equipment and provided on a consumable refill pack to be installed in said container for refill of said consumable units, and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack; receiving, by said user equipment, from said control unit in said container, a level status, wherein said level status is determined by a control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units; determining, by said user equipment, a change of said level status from empty to full; determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized; signaling, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

2. The method of monitoring according to claim 1 , wherein said step of determining said scan code comprises: determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized by comparing said scan code with a predefined list of authorized scan codes.

3. The method of monitoring according to claim 1 , wherein said step of determining said scan code comprises:determining, by said user equipment, if said scan code is non-authorized by regenerating said scan code with a predefined scan code algorithm to determine if said scan code is generated by a an authorized scan code algorithm.

4. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims 2 or 3, wherein said comparing of said scan code with said predefined list or said predefined scan code algorithm is performed by said user equipment.

5. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims 2 or 3, wherein said comparing of said scan code with said predefined list or said predefined scan code algorithm is performed by a remote server and communicated to said user equipment.

6. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein both said container and said user equipment comprises a wireless communication unit arranged for wireless communication between said user equipment and said container.

7. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said user equipment is arranged for wireless communication with a remote server.

8. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said step of receiving said level status comprises: receiving, by said user equipment, from said control unit in said container, a level status, a period counter and a total counter, wherein said level status is determined by a control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units, and wherein said period counter defining a number of individual consumable units consumed over a set period of time, and said total counter defining a number of total individual consumable units consumed since the installation of said container; and wherein said step of signaling comprises: displaying, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the period counter, total counter and level status;signaling, by said user equipment, to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

9. The method of monitoring according to claim 8, said method further comprising the step of: transmitting, by said user equipment, to said control unit in said containing, a reset command for resetting said period counter upon determining, said wherein said period counter is consumable refill pack is an authorized consumable refill pack.

10. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said user equipment is a mobile phone.

11. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said scan code is any one or more of a bar code, a QR code, Near Field Communication, NFC tag, a Radio Frequency Identifier, RFID tag, a beacon, shorted URL, text based code, and character string code.

12. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said scan code comprises information regarding one or more of date of the production of said consumable refill pack, plant of manufacturing of said consumable refill pack, batch number of production of said consumable refill pack.

13. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein said scan code comprises any one or more of a hashed code, encrypted code, checksummed code, digital representation of a code, a derivative of a code.

14. The method of monitoring according to any of the previous claims, wherein consumable refill pack comprises a plurality of consumable units, said consumable units comprising any one or more of toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins and soap.

15. A container for dispensing sanitary consumables contained in a container, wherein said container is arranged for refill of the container by replacing said sanitary consumables with a consumable refill pack once being substantially fully consumed, wherein container comprises: a container housing, arranged for receiving and housing said consumable refill pack of sanitary consumables; a control unit, arranged for wireless communication with a user equipment; wherein said control unit is arranged for wirelessly receiving from said user equipment, a scan code uniquely associated with a single consumable refill pack, and wherein said control unit is further arranged for wirelessly transmitting to said user equipment a level status, wherein said level status is determined by said control unit in said container, and defining at least an empty status when said consumable units are consumed in said container, and a full status when said consumable units are replaced by said refill of said consumable units, and wherein said control unit is arranged to determine a change of said level status from empty to full, and to communicate said change of said level status from empty to full to said user equipment, for said user equipment to signal to a user of said user equipment, the presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in said container when said level status is determined to change from empty to full and said scan code is determined to be non-authorized.

16. A consumable refill pack for a container according to claim 15, and arranged for signaling presence of a non-authorized consumable refill pack in a container for dispensing consumable units of said consumable refill pack, wherein said consumable refill pack comprises a scan code and wherein said scan code is a unique code associated with a single consumable refill pack.

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