Sheet Dispenser Authentication Using Phosphorescent Core Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet product dispensers lack the capability to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized products, leading to unreliable operation and potential misuse, as they often disable when unauthorized products are used, which can negatively impact user experience and brand reputation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses phosphorescent pigments with a defined intensity signature on the sheet product core, detectable by a sensor, to authenticate authorized products and prevent unauthorized use by measuring light intensity changes over time, allowing the dispenser to function reliably even with unauthorized products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock-out scheme is used to disable the dispenser when unauthorized sheet product is detected, then the reliability of product authentication is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to the appearance of unreliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of lock-out (disabling the dispenser) into a beneficial effect by using the same authentication mechanism to simply detect and identify unauthorized products without preventing operation. The sensor detects reference indications on the core, and when unauthorized products are detected, the system identifies them rather than disabling, thus maintaining user experience while ensuring authentication reliability.
2Ease of operation
If no authentication capability is provided, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability of operation with authorized products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical authentication systems with an optical sensing system. A sensor detects reference indications (such as reflective marks or patterns) on the core of authorized products through non-contact optical means, eliminating the need for mechanical verification while maintaining operational simplicity and improving reliability.
3Reliability
If a complex authentication system is implemented, then the product authentication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from the main dispenser mechanism, implementing it as a separate, independent sensing system. The sensor and its associated reference indications on the core are isolated from the primary dispensing mechanism, allowing authentication to occur independently without adding complexity to the overall system operation.
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 seamless authentication of authorized products while discouraging unauthorized use by maintaining dispenser functionality, thereby maintaining user trust and brand reputation, as it prevents counterfeiting and ensures consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
the core includes at least one reference indication containing a phosphorescent pigment having a defined intensity signature
Implementation Method 2
A first light intensity is measured of the second light at a first time. A second light intensity is measured of the second light at second time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing product includes determining by a processor if product loaded into a dispenser is authorized for use in the dispenser by identifying a reference indication associated with the product; in response to determination that the product is authorized, dispense a first amount of product; and in response to determination that the sheet product is unauthorized, dispense a second amount of sheet product, wherein the second amount of sheet product is different than the first amount. To determine if the sheet product is authorized, a pigment is excited to emit a light with an intensity signature. A portion of the intensity signature is measured and compared to a desired value. If the portion is substantially equal to the desired value, the sheet product is authenticated.