Paper Dispenser Image-Based Detection for Usage and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for consumable paper products struggle to accurately determine the remaining amount without increasing costs or disrupting the dispensing operation, and lack verification mechanisms to ensure authorized products are dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing digital imagers and processors to capture and analyze images of the paper product within the dispenser, calculating the remaining amount based on pixel counts or dimensional changes, and integrating a lock-out feature to ensure only authorized products are dispensed by recognizing proprietary marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor units (infrared, mechanical, capacitive, ultrasonic) are used to detect paper product levels, then the dispensing operation can be controlled, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient to accurately determine remaining amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors (lever switches, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors) with a digital imaging system. The imager captures images of the paper product, and image processing algorithms analyze pixel data to determine the amount of paper remaining. This substitution of mechanical/electrical sensing with optical imaging and digital processing provides more accurate measurements while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the paper product formation and processes this copy to determine the amount of paper remaining. By working with image data rather than direct physical sensing, the system achieves high measurement precision. The image serves as a replica that can be analyzed without physically contacting or disrupting the paper product.
2Reliability
If digital imagers and processors are integrated into the dispenser, then measurement precision and verification capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital imager serves multiple functions: it detects the amount of paper remaining, verifies that authorized paper products are being dispensed, and can identify the specific type of paper product. By consolidating these multiple detection and verification functions into a single imaging system, the patent improves reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity. The same hardware platform supports both quantity measurement and product authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the paper product's own visual characteristics (color, pattern, markings) as the verification mechanism. The imager captures images of the paper product itself, and the processing system analyzes these images to verify authorization. This self-verification approach, where the product's inherent features are used for authentication, eliminates the need for separate complex verification hardware.
3Measurement precision
If the dispenser opens to determine remaining paper product, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of opening the dispenser to visually inspect or physically measure the paper product with an optical imaging system. The imager captures images through the closed dispenser, and digital processing determines the remaining amount. This substitution allows accurate measurement without disrupting the dispensing operation or requiring manual intervention to open the dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary (the digital imager and image processing system) that enables measurement of the paper product without direct physical access. The imager acts as a mediator that can 'see' through the closed dispenser, providing measurement capability while maintaining the closed state of the dispenser and ensuring continuous operation.
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.