DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING A HYGIENE PRODUCT AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF OPERATING

Abstract

A dispenser is provided for dispensing a hygiene product. The dispenser includes, comprising a time-of-flight sensor for measuring a position of an object relative to the dispenser; and a controller configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser. A method of operating at least one function of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product is also provided. The method includes measuring with a time-of-flight sensor a position of an object relative to the dispenser; and using a controller to selectively operate the at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser.

Claims

1. A method of operating at least one function of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product, the method comprising: measuring with a time-of-flight sensor a position of an object relative to the dispenser; and using a controller to selectively operate the at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring further comprises: establishing a first measuring zone extending along a first zone axis from a first point (R) located adjacent a front face of a housing of the dispenser to a second point (R1) located a first distance (R-R1) away from the first point (R); establishing a second measuring zone extending along a second zone axis from the second point (R1) to a third point (R2) located a second distance (R1-R2) away from the first measuring zone; and measuring the position of the object based on its location with respect to the first, wherein the first measuring zone is closer to the dispenser than the second measuring zone.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein selectively operating the at least one function of the dispenser comprises: operating a first function of the at least one function when the measured position is in a first measuring zone located relative to a housing of the dispenser; and operating a second function of the at least one function when the measured position is in a second measuring zone, wherein the first function is a dispensing function, and the second function is one or both of a power-up function to power up the dispenser and a display function.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the dispensing function includes dispensing a first amount of hygiene product.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one function further includes a communication function which communicates with an external entity.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the measuring comprises: operating the time-of-flight sensor at a first sample rate when the measured position is in a first measuring zone; and operating the time-of-flight sensor at a second sample rate different from the first sample rate when the measured position is in a second measuring zone.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first sample rate is greater than the second sample rate.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein selectively operating the at least one function comprises: calculating, by the controller, a velocity of the object relative to the dispenser based on measured positions of the object; and operating the first function of the at least one function when the velocity is within a first predetermined range of velocities.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein selectively operating the at least one function comprises: operating the second function of the at least one function when the velocity is within a second predetermined range of velocities.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a magnitude of at least some of the velocities of the first predetermined range of velocities is smaller than a magnitude of at least some of the velocities of the second predetermined range of velocities, and wherein the first amount is smaller than the second amount.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising operating the at least one function of the dispenser only when a direction of the velocity is towards the dispenser.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein the display function includes displaying at least one piece of information on a display located on a face of the housing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one piece of information includes an operating status of the dispenser.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0162] For a better understanding of the objectives and features of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried out, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, explain the one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0163] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dispenser for dispensing a sheet hygiene product in accordance with one embodiment.

[0164] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a dispenser for dispensing a liquid hygiene product in accordance with another embodiment.

[0165] FIG. 3a is a top plan view of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product in accordance with yet another embodiment.

[0166] FIG. 3b is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 3a.

[0167] FIG. 4a is a top plan view of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product in accordance with another embodiment.

[0168] FIG. 4b is a side view of the dispenser of FIG. 4a.

[0169] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product in accordance with yet another embodiment.

[0170] FIG. 6 is a side view of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product in accordance with a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0171] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hygiene product dispenser 10 configured to dispense a hygiene product in the form of sheets (not shown).

[0172] The dispenser 10 has a housing 11 defining an interior volume for receiving a stack of sheet products therein (not shown).

[0173] The housing 11 has a front face 11a that is configured to face toward the user of sheet product dispenser 10, a top face 11b, a bottom face (not shown), two side faces 11c (only one shown in FIG. 1), and a rear face (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0174] The front face 11a of the housing 11 defines a dispensing opening 12 for dispensing one or more of the sheet products therethrough. The dispenser 10 further includes a dispensing mechanism (not shown) that is actuatable to dispense one or more of the sheet products through the dispensing opening 12.

[0175] The dispenser 10 also includes a display 13. The display 13 may be an LCD display or LED panel on which information id displayed. The displayed information may, for example, relate to operation of the dispenser 10, such as an indication of whether or not the dispenser 10 is operational and/or the amount of sheet product remaining in the dispenser 10.

[0176] The dispenser 10 further comprises a time-of-flight sensor TF (schematically shown in FIG. 1). The time-of-flight sensor in the sample dispenser of FIG. 1 is located behind the dispensing opening 12, although other locations are similarly contemplated.

[0177] The time-of-flight sensor TF measures a position of an object 100 relative to the dispenser 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor TF may determine the position of an object 100 in three dimensions.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 1, the position of the object 100 relative to the dispenser 10 may be represented by a three-component vector (r, θ, φ) in a spherical coordinate system. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the spherical coordinate system may have its origin located at the dispensing opening 12 on the front face 11a of the dispenser 10.

[0179] As also shown in FIG. 1, a location relative to the dispenser may be defined by a vector (x, y, z) in a Cartesian coordinate system with the origin disposed on the front face 11a of the dispenser 10, where the positive x axis extends perpendicularly away from the front face 11a of the dispenser 10. As shown, the y axis aligns with a horizontal axis of the dispenser and the z axis aligns with a vertical axis of the dispenser 10.

[0180] In the spherical coordinate system, and referring particularly to FIG. 1, θ is an acute angle defined on the X-Y plane, between a line projecting from the origin to the position of the object 100 and an axis that extends perpendicularly away from the front face 11a i.e., the x axis. The symbol y represents an acute angle defined on the X-Z plane, between a hypothetical line projecting from the origin to the position of the object 100 and an axis that extends in the plane of the front face 11a and which is aligned with the vertical axis of the dispenser 10 i.e., the z axis.

[0181] The dispenser 10 has a controller CT (schematically shown), which is configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser 10 based on the measured position of the object 100 relative to the dispenser 10. Specifically, the controller CT may be configured to operate the at least one function when the measured position of the object 100 meets certain predetermined criteria. To that end, the controller CT is communicatively coupled to the time-of-flight sensor TF such that the time-of-flight sensor TF can provide data relating to the measured position of the object 100 to the controller CT. Examples of various predetermined criteria are described below in connection with FIGS. 3a to 6.

[0182] The functions of the dispenser 10 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0183] For example, a dispensing function of the dispenser 10 may be to dispense an amount (e.g., a number of sheets) of the hygiene product from the dispenser 10 such that this amount of the hygiene product is delivered to the user or is ready for the user to retrieve from the dispenser 10. In this embodiment, the dispensing function of dispenser 10 is such that the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser 10 is actuated to thereby cause a predetermined amount of the sheet product to be delivered through the opening 12 of the dispenser 10.

[0184] As another example, the dispenser 10 may have a display function. The display function of the dispenser 10 includes displaying information to the user on the display 13.

[0185] In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 further includes a battery (not shown) for supplying power to the various elements of the dispenser 10, such as the time-of-flight sensor, controller, dispensing mechanism, and/or display 13.

[0186] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of a hygiene product dispenser 20 configured for dispensing a liquid hygiene product (not shown).

[0187] The dispenser 20 includes features similar to those in dispenser 10 (FIG. 1). For ease of understanding, those features are given similar reference signs and numerals.

[0188] Dispenser 20 has a housing 21 that defines an interior volume for receiving a liquid therein (not shown).

[0189] The housing 21 has a front face 21a that is configured to face toward the user of the dispenser 20, a top face 21b, a bottom face (not shown), two side faces 21c (only one shown in FIG. 2), and a rear face (not shown in FIG. 2).

[0190] The housing 21 defines a dispensing opening 22 for dispensing an amount of the liquid therethrough. The dispenser 20 further includes a dispensing mechanism (not shown) that is actuatable to thereby dispense the liquid through the dispensing opening 22.

[0191] The dispenser 20 also includes a display 23. The display 23 may be an LCD display or LED panel on which information is displayed related to operation of the dispenser 20. The displayed information may for example be an indication as to whether or not the dispenser 20 is operational and/or the amount of liquid remaining in the dispenser 20.

[0192] The dispenser 20 further includes a time-of-flight sensor TF (schematically shown in FIG. 2) similar to that described in relation to the dispenser 10 (FIG. 1). The time-of-flight sensor TF in dispenser 20 is located behind the dispensing opening 22, although other locations are similarly contemplated.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 2, in a similar manner to dispenser 10, the position of the object 100 relative to the dispenser 20 may be represented by a three-component vector (r, θ, φ) in a spherical coordinate system. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the spherical coordinate system may have its origin located at the dispensing opening 22 on the front face 21a of the dispenser 20.

[0194] In the spherical coordinate system, and referring to FIG. 2, 0 is an acute angle—defined on the X-Y plane—between a line projecting from the origin to the position of the object 100 and an axis x that extends perpendicularly away from the front face 21a. The symbol φ refers to an acute angle defined—on the X-Z plane—between a line projecting from the origin to the position of the object 100 and an axis z that extends in the plane of the front face 11a and that is aligned with the vertical axis of the dispenser 20.

[0195] The dispenser 20 further includes a controller CT (schematically shown in FIG. 2) similar to that described in relation to the dispenser 10 of FIG. 1. Again, examples of the various predetermined criteria are described below in relation to FIGS. 3a to 6.

[0196] The functions of the dispenser 20 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0197] For example, a dispensing function of the liquid product dispenser 20 may include dispensing an amount (e.g., a predetermined weight or volume) of the liquid hygiene product from the dispenser 20, with that amount being delivered to the user or making that amount ready for retrieval by the user from the dispenser. In this example embodiment, the dispensing function includes actuation of the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser 10 such that a predetermined amount of the liquid product is delivered through the opening 22 of the dispenser 20.

[0198] As another example, the dispenser 20 also has a display function similar to that described in relation to the dispenser 10 of FIG. 1.

[0199] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 20 also includes a battery (not shown) for supplying power to the various elements of the dispenser 20, such as the time-of-flight sensor, controller, dispensing mechanism, and/or display 23.

[0200] Various configurations of the controller and the time-of-flight sensor are contemplated. For ease of explanation and understanding, the generic dispensers shown in FIGS. 3a to 6 may refer to a sheet product dispenser such as dispenser 10 (FIG. 1) or to a liquid product dispenser such as dispenser 20 (FIG. 2), and each may include all of the elements described above in connection to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. Similar reference numerals denote similar elements.

[0201] With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a dispenser 30 is configured for dispensing a hygiene product.

[0202] FIG. 3a shows a front face 31a, a top face 31b, and two side faces 31c of the housing 31. FIG. 3b shows the front face 31a, the top face 31b, and one of the two side faces 31c of a housing 31 of dispenser 30. FIG. 3b also shows a dispensing opening 32 of the dispenser 30.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, a controller of dispenser 30 is configured to operate a first function of the at least one function of the dispenser 30 when the measured position of an object 100 is in a first zone Z1. The controller is also configured to operate a second (different) function of the at least one function of the dispenser 30 when the measured position of the object 100 is in a second zone Z2. The functions operated in the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0204] As can be seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the first zone Z1 is closer to the dispenser than is the second zone Z2.

[0205] In this embodiment, the first zone Z1 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at an origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 31a (i.e., coincident with the x axis).

[0206] The second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region having the shape defined by a spherical cone of radius r.sub.2 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 31a and excluding the volume occupied by the spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 31a. Accordingly, the second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region defining a circular shell having a thickness of r.sub.2—r.sub.1, the axis of the circular shell being coincident with the axis of the spherical cone of the first zone Z1.

[0207] Accordingly, in the spherical coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and partially shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b), the first zone Z1 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=−θ.sub.1 to θ=+θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.1 to φ=φ.sub.1′. For example, r.sub.1=5 cm or 10 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.1=45° and φ.sub.1′=135°.

[0208] The second zone Z2 extends from r=r.sub.1 to r=r.sub.2, from θ=−θ.sub.2 to θ=+θ.sub.2, and from φ=φ.sub.2 to φ=φ.sub.2′. For example, r.sub.1=5 cm or 10 cm, r.sub.2=100 cm, θ.sub.2=45°, φ.sub.2=45° and φ.sub.2′=135°.

[0209] Turning now to FIGS. 4a and 4b. those figures show a dispenser 40 for dispensing a hygiene product.

[0210] FIG. 4a shows a front face 41a, a top face 41b, and two side faces 41c of a housing 41 of dispenser 40. FIG. 4b shows the front face 41a, the top face 41b, and one of the two side faces 41c of the housing 41. FIG. 4b also shows a dispensing opening 42 of the dispenser 40.

[0211] In this example embodiment, a controller of dispenser 40 is configured to operate a first function of the at least one function of the dispenser 40 when the measured position of an object 100 is in a first zone Z1. The controller is also configured to operate a second (different) function of the at least one function of the dispenser 40 when the measured position of the object 100 is in a second zone Z2. The controller is further configured to operate a third (different) function of the at least one function of the dispenser 40 when the measured position of the object 100 is in a third zone Z3. The functions operated in the first zone Z1, the second zone Z2, and the third zone Z3 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0212] As can be seen in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the first zone Z1 is closer to the dispenser 40 than is the second zone Z2 and the second zone Z2 is closer to the dispenser 40 than is the third zone Z3.

[0213] In this illustrated embodiment, the first zone Z1 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at an origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 41a.

[0214] The second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region having the shape defined by a spherical cone of radius r.sub.2 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 41a and excluding the volume occupied by a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 41a. Accordingly, the second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a circular shell having a thickness of r.sub.2-r.sub.1, the axis of the circular shell being coincident with the axis of the spherical cone of the first zone Z1.

[0215] The third zone Z3 is a three-dimensional region having the shape defined by a spherical cone of radius r.sub.3 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 41a and excluding the volume occupied by a spherical cone of radius r.sub.2 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 41a. Accordingly, the third zone Z3 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a circular shell having a thickness of r.sub.3-r.sub.2, the axis of the circular shell being coincident with the axis of the spherical cone of the first zone Z1.

[0216] Accordingly, in the spherical coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and partially shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b), the first zone Z1 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=−θ.sub.1 to θ=+θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.1 to φ=φ.sub.1′. For example, r.sub.1=5 cm or 10 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.1=45° and φ.sub.1′=135°.

[0217] The second zone Z2 extends from r=r.sub.1 to r=r.sub.2, from θ=−θ.sub.2 to θ=+θ.sub.2, and from φ=φ.sub.2 to φ=φ.sub.2′. For example, r.sub.1=5 cm or 10 cm, r.sub.2=50 cm, θ.sub.2=45°, φ.sub.2=45° and φ.sub.2′=135°.

[0218] The third zone Z3 extends from r=r.sub.2 to r=r.sub.3, from θ=−θ.sub.3 to θ=+θ.sub.3, and from φ=φ.sub.3 to φ=φ.sub.3′. For example, r.sub.2=50 cm, r.sub.3=100 cm, θ.sub.3=45°, φ.sub.3=45° and φ.sub.3′=135°.

[0219] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which shows a dispenser 50 for dispensing a hygiene product.

[0220] FIG. 5 shows a front face 51a, a top face 51b, and two side faces 51c of a housing 51 of dispenser 50.

[0221] In this example embodiment, a controller of dispenser 50 is configured to operate a first function of the at least one function of the dispenser 50 when the measured position of an object 100 is in a first zone Z1. The controller is also configured to operate a second function of the at least one function of the dispenser 50 when the measured position of the object 100 is in a second zone Z2. The functions operated in the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first zone Z1 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a half of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at an origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 51a, and which lies on the positive y side of the xz-plane.

[0223] The second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a half of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 51a, and which lies on the negative y side of the xz-plane.

[0224] In this embodiment, there is no overlap between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 and the combined three dimensional regions of the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 form a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 51a.

[0225] Accordingly, in the spherical coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and partially shown in FIG. 5), the first zone Z1 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=0° to θ=+θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.1 to φ=φ.sub.1′. For example, r.sub.1=100 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.1=45° and φ.sub.1′=135°.

[0226] The second zone Z2 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=0° to θ=−θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.1 to φ=φ.sub.1′. For example, r.sub.1=100 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.1=45° and φ.sub.1′=135°.

[0227] The time-of-flight sensor (not shown) of the dispenser 50 may comprise two time-of-flight sensors spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction (i.e. along a horizontal (y) axis of the dispenser 50).

[0228] The detection regions of the two time-of-flight sensors may at least partially overlap.

[0229] The time-of-flight sensor may be configured to operate at a first sample rate when the measured position is in the first zone Z1, and at a second sample rate when the measured position is in the second zone Z2, the first sample rate being higher than the second sample rate.

[0230] In another embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor may be configured to switch from operating at a second sample rate to operating at a first sample rate when the position of the object 100 is first measured to be in the first zone Z1, the first sample rate being higher than the second sample rate. In one embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor is configured to remain operating at the first sample rate until a predetermined condition is met. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is an elapsed amount of time from when the object 100 is first measured to be in the first zone Z1. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a measurement of the object 100 outside the first zone Z1. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a measurement of the object 100 in the second zone Z2. In one embodiment, once the predetermined condition is met, the time-of-flight sensor is configured to switch from operating at the first sample rate to operating at the second sample rate.

[0231] Referring now to FIG. 6, that figure shows a dispenser 60 for dispensing a hygiene product and having.

[0232] a front face 61a, a top face 61b, and two side faces 61c of a housing 61 of dispenser 60. FIG. 6 also shows a dispensing opening 62 of the dispenser 60.

[0233] In this example embodiment, a controller of dispenser 60 is configured to operate a first function of the at least one function of the dispenser 60 when the measured position of an object 100 is in a first zone Z1. The controller is also configured to operate a second function of the at least one function of the dispenser 60 when the measured position of the object 100 is in a second zone Z2. The functions operated in the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 may be any one or combination of the functions described herein.

[0234] In this embodiment, the first zone Z1 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a half of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 61a, and which lies on the negative z side of the xy-plane.

[0235] The second zone Z2 is a three-dimensional region having the shape of a half of a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 61a, and which lies on the positive z side of the xy-plane.

[0236] In this embodiment, there is no overlap between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 and the combined three dimensional regions of the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2 form a spherical cone of radius r.sub.1 centered at the origin O and having an axis extending perpendicularly away from the front face 61a.

[0237] Accordingly, in the spherical coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (and partially shown in FIG. 6), the first zone Z1 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=−θ.sub.1 to θ=+θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.1 to φ=φ.sub.1′. For example, r.sub.1=100 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.1=45° and φ.sub.1′=90°.

[0238] The second zone Z2 extends from r=0 to r=r.sub.1, from θ=−θ.sub.1 to θ=+θ.sub.1, and from φ=φ.sub.2 to φ=φ.sub.2′. For example, r.sub.1=100 cm, θ.sub.1=45°, φ.sub.2=90° and φ.sub.2′=135°.

[0239] The time-of-flight sensor (not shown) of the dispenser 60 may comprise two time-of-flight sensors spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction (i.e. along a vertical (z) axis of the dispenser 60).

[0240] The detection regions of the two time-of-flight sensors may at least partially overlap.

[0241] The time-of-flight sensor may be configured to operate at a first sample rate when the measured position is in the first zone Z1, and at a second sample rate when the measured position is in the second zone Z2, the first sample rate being higher than the second sample rate.

[0242] In another embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor may be configured to switch from operating at a second sample rate to operating at a first sample rate when the position of the object 100 is first measured to be in the first zone Z1, the first sample rate being higher than the second sample rate. In one embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor is configured to remain operating at the first sample rate until a predetermined condition is met. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is an elapsed amount of time from when the object 100 is first measured to be in the first zone Z1. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a measurement of the object 100 outside the first zone Z1. In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a measurement of the object 100 in the second zone Z2. In one embodiment, once the predetermined condition is met, the time-of-flight sensor is configured to switch from operating at the first sample rate to operating at the second sample rate.

[0243] The dispensers shown in FIGS. 3a to 6 may be, for example and without limitation, in the form of a dispenser of sheet products such as dispenser 10 of FIG. 1, or a dispenser of liquid product, such as dispenser 20 of FIG. 2. The dispenser described with reference to those figures may be provided in a suitable location for use by a user requiring a hygiene product.

[0244] As an object 100, for example a hand of a user, moves toward a dispensing opening of a dispenser, the time-of-flight sensor measures the position of the user's hand relative to the dispenser. The controller selectively operates at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the user's hand relative to the dispenser.

[0245] In particular, as the user's hand moves toward the dispenser, the controller may be configured to selectively operate a second function of the at least one function of the dispenser when the measured position of the user's hand is in a second zone Z2. This second function may be a display function, for example.

[0246] As the user's hand continues to move toward the dispenser, the user's hand may enter a first zone Z1 which is closer to the dispenser than is the second zone Z2. The controller may be configured to selectively operate a first function of the at least one function of the dispenser when the measured position of the user's hand is in the first zone Z1. The first function may be a dispensing function, for example.

[0247] The dispensing function of the dispenser actuates the dispensing mechanism of the dispenser such that a predetermined amount of the hygiene product is delivered to the dispensing opening of the dispenser ready for the user to retrieve from the dispenser. The extent of the first zone Z1 may be such that the user's hand is in close proximity to the dispensing opening when the dispensing function is operated by the controller.

[0248] The user may then manually retrieve or receive the hygiene product from the dispensing opening of the dispenser.

[0249] Although the above explanation is considered to fully clarify how the present invention may be put into effect by those skilled in the art, it is to be regarded as purely illustrative.

[0250] In particular, there are a number of variations which are possible, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0251] For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3a to 6, the controller is configured to operate a first function of the at least one function when the measured position of the object 100 is in a first zone Z1, and the controller is configured to operate a second function of the at least one function when the measured position of the object 100 is in a second zone Z2 and, optionally, the controller is configured to operate a third function of the at least one function when the measured position of the object 100 is in a third zone Z3.

[0252] In alternative embodiments, the controller may not activate the functions based on the position of the object being within a specified zone. Specifically, the controller may additionally or alternatively be configured to calculate a velocity of the object relative to the dispenser based on measured positions of the object, and to operate a first function of the at least one function if the velocity is within a first predetermined range of velocities. Optionally, the controller may be further configured to operate a second function of the at least one function if the velocity is within a second predetermined range of velocities.

[0253] In a further alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser in accordance with any suitable algorithm or determination process, provided that it is based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser.

[0254] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the controller may be configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser based only on the measured position of the object 100 relative to the dispenser.

[0255] In an alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser if the direction of the velocity of the object is toward the dispenser. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser based on both the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser and any other suitable factor.

[0256] By way of further example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispenser 10, 20 is a dispenser 10, 20 for dispensing either a hygiene product in the form of sheets or a liquid hygiene product.

[0257] In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser may be a dispenser for dispensing napkins in the form of rolls, feminine hygiene articles or any other hygiene product that is suitable for provision to a user by a dispenser.

[0258] In a further example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the time-of-flight sensor may be configured to operate at a single sample rate.

[0259] In the above embodiments, the time-of flight sensor operates at one sample rate. However, in an alternative embodiment, the time-of-flight sensor may be configured to operate at a first sample rate when the measured position is in a first zone and at a second sample rate when the measured position is in a second zone, the first sample rate being higher than the second sample rate. The time-of-flight sensor may be configured to operate at a third sample rate when the measured position is in a third zone, the second sample rate being higher than the third sample rate.

[0260] Alternatively, the selected sample rate may be based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser or any other suitable factor.

[0261] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the controller is configured to selectively operate a dispensing function or a display function.

[0262] In an alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to operate any suitable function or any suitable combination of functions. The function may be a power-up function, a communication function, a sound function or a settings function.

[0263] Alternatively, the controller may be configured to operate a plurality of dispensing functions based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser, with each dispensing function including the dispensing of a different amount of hygiene product.

[0264] In a further alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to operate a plurality of display functions based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser, with each display function including the display of a different piece of information.

[0265] By way of further example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3a to 6, the controller is configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser when the measured position of the object 100 is in one of either two zones Z1, Z2 or three zones Z1, Z2, Z3.

[0266] In an alternative embodiment, the controller may be configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser when the measured position of the object is in one of four or more zones.

[0267] In light of this, there will be many alternatives that implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit particular circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure, while retaining some or all technical effects of same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of the common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptations fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0268] The embodiments described above are only descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various variations and modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention by those of ordinary skills in the art, without departing from the design and spirit of the present invention. The variations and modifications should all fall within the claimed scope defined by the claims of the present invention.