Method and system for determining usage and authentication of a paper product in a dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for consumable paper products struggle to accurately determine the remaining amount without opening the dispenser, and there is a need for a system that can verify authorized products while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving digital imaging and processing to analyze features such as dimensions or marks on the paper product, which changes as the product is depleted, allowing for remote monitoring and ensuring only authorized products are dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor systems (infrared, mechanical, capacitive, ultrasonic) are used to detect paper product levels, then the dispenser can determine remaining product, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital image copy of the paper product formation as a surrogate for direct physical measurement. Instead of using complex sensors to detect paper levels, the system captures an image of the paper product and analyzes it to determine remaining quantity. This replaces complex sensing hardware with simpler imaging and processing, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the dispenser remains closed to maintain hygiene and security, then product contamination is prevented, but accurate determination of remaining product becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a digital image as an intermediary between the closed dispenser and the monitoring system. The image sensor captures visual information through the dispenser structure without requiring opening it, and the image processing system analyzes this intermediary representation to determine paper product levels. This mediator enables measurement while maintaining the closed state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
3Productivity
If digital imaging and processing is implemented to monitor paper product levels, then accurate remote monitoring is achieved, but the cost of the dispenser system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the digital imaging system multi-functional by using it for both paper product level monitoring and authorization verification. The same image capture and processing infrastructure serves dual purposes: tracking remaining product quantities and authenticating paper product formations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining productivity benefits.
4Reliability
If authorization verification is added to ensure only authorized products are dispensed, then product authenticity is ensured, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authorization verification function with the existing digital imaging and processing system. Instead of adding a separate authorization detection mechanism, the system uses the same image capture and analysis infrastructure to verify authorized paper product formations. By combining multiple functions (level monitoring and authorization verification) into a single integrated system, the patent avoids the complexity that would result from separate systems while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and control method for determining an amount of paper product dispensed from a dispenser or remaining in the dispenser is provided. The paper product is initially loaded in the dispenser as a paper product formation, such as a roll or stack of the product. At defined intervals, a digital image of an aspect of the paper product formation in the dispenser is taken and transmitted to a digital imager processor. A feature of the digital image that changes as the paper product formation decreases in size as the paper product is dispensed is analyzed and compared with a predetermined value of the feature at a predefined size of the paper product formation to determine an amount of the paper product dispensed or remaining in the dispenser.