Refill Container Labeling via Optical Indicia Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems lack an efficient method to ensure that only authorized and correct refill containers are recognized and operated, leading to potential misuse or incorrect dispensing of materials.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing system that utilizes labels with specific indicia, such as color, shape, and texture, which are detected by visual detectors and compared to a dispensing key, to enable or disable the operation of the refill container, ensuring only authorized and correct containers are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a distributor manually installs refill containers into dispensing systems, then installation flexibility is maintained, but the risk of incorrect container installation increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect container installationVSAvoidlabel detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical installation verification with an automated optical detection system. The label detection system uses optical sensors to read codes and verify container characteristics, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing human error in installation correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing system performs self-verification of container compatibility through automated label detection. The system automatically checks whether the installed refill container matches the required specifications without requiring external intervention or manual verification, enabling the system to ensure correct installation independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple refill containers are stored and distributed, then product variety increases, but the risk of misuse and incorrect dispensing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill container varietyVSAvoidmisuse and incorrect dispensing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The label detection system provides immediate feedback on container compatibility before dispensing begins. The optical sensors detect label characteristics and provide real-time verification that the installed container matches the required specifications, preventing incorrect dispensing and misuse by blocking operation of incompatible containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a label detection system as an intermediary between the dispensing system and refill containers. This intermediary component verifies container authenticity and compatibility before allowing material dispensing, acting as a protective layer that prevents misuse while allowing legitimate container variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If visual detection of label indicia is implemented, then authentication accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel indicia detection accuracyVSAvoidillumination energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system uses periodic illumination rather than continuous lighting. The illuminator activates only during the label verification process, and the detection occurs in discrete cycles when containers are installed or replaced, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high detection accuracy during active measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures that only authorized and correct refill containers are recognized and operated, preventing misuse and ensuring the correct dispensing of materials, thereby enhancing security and accuracy in material distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a first visual detector, such as a red, green, blue light-emitting diode (RGB LED), may conduct based upon the detection of light interacting with the first region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight interaction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9120106B2Refill container labeling

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 GOJO IND INC

AI summary

Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type).