US20140231449A1 - Refill container labeling - Google Patents

Abstract

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).

Description

RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/770,504 filed on Feb. 19, 2013, entitled “REFILL CONTAINER LABELING”, at least some of which is hereby incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The instant application is generally directed towards dispensing systems. For example, the instant application is directed to a dispensing system that enables operation of a refill container based upon a label of the refill container satisfying a dispensing key, such as a color key component, a shape key component, and/or a texture key component.
BACKGROUND
• Many locations, such as hospitals, factories, restaurants, homes, etc., utilize dispensing systems to dispense material. For example, a dispensing system may dispense a liquid material, powder material, aerosol material, and/or other materials (e.g., soap, anti-bacterial gels, cleansers, disinfectants, lotions, etc.). Some dispensing systems utilize a refill container for ease of maintenance, environmental concerns, etc. The refill container may, for example, comprise a pump and/or nozzle mechanism that can be used by a dispensing system to dispense material from the refill container.
• A manufacturer of a material may utilize one or more distributors to install dispensing systems at various end-user locations, and to install refill containers provided by the manufacturer into corresponding dispensing systems. The manufacturer may rely upon a distributor to install a correct refill container into a dispensing system. For example, a distributor may be required to install a refill container such that a dispensing system in an operating room of a hospital would dispense anti-bacterial soap, as opposed to moisturizer.
SUMMARY
• This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
• Among other things, one or more labels for use with refill containers, one or more dispensing systems for controlling operation of refill containers, and/or one or more techniques for labeling refill containers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a label used to satisfy a dispensing key of a dispensing system is provided. In an example, the label may comprise a direct label that is printed, such as through an in-line printing technique, onto a refill container. In another example, the label may comprise a label that is attached to the refill container. The label comprises a first region having first indicia that is detectable by the dispensing system. In an example, the first indicia comprises a first color, a first shape, and/or a first texture. If the first indicia satisfies a dispensing key (e.g., an acceptable color or color range, an acceptable shape or shape range, and/or an acceptable texture or texture range, etc.), then the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container (e.g., installation of the refill container and/or dispensing of material from the refill container, etc.), otherwise the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., because the refill container is not of a correct type, is not genuine, etc.). It will be appreciated that “indicia” and/or the like as used herein are generally intended to include one or more. That is, although indicia may be regarded as plural in the general vernacular, a single color, a single shape, etc. may be regarded as indicia as used herein.
• In an example, 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, which may be identified as detected color levels that may be compared with acceptable color levels specified by the dispensing key. For example, the detected color levels and the acceptable color levels may be compared based upon cylindrical color coordinates corresponding to a hue, saturation, and luminance (HSL) model or other color model. In another example, the label comprises a second region having a second indicia, such as a second color, a second shape, and/or a second texture. If the first indicia and the second indicia satisfy the dispensing key, then the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container, otherwise the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container. In this way, the label may comprise one or more regions having indicia that may be compared with the dispensing key to determine operability of the refill container.
• In some embodiments, a dispensing system for controlling operation of a refill container is provided. The dispensing system comprises a dispenser configured to dispense a material, such as a liquid, powder, or aerosol, from the refill container. The dispensing system comprises a first illuminator configured to emit light substantially towards a first region of a label applied to the refill container (e.g., a label directly printed onto the refill container, a label affixed to the refill container, a label integrally formed with the refill container, etc.). For example, the refill container may be positioned within a housing of the dispensing system, such that the first illuminator can emit light substantially towards the label. A gasket or other device may be used to block ambient light. The dispensing system comprises a first visual detector that is configured to detect a first indicia of the first region based upon interaction of the emitted light with the first region. It may be appreciated that various types of visual detectors may be used, such as photodiodes, cameras, optical sensors, active pixel sensors, etc. In an example, the first visual detector comprises an RGB LED configured to detect one or more detected color levels, such as a blue, green, and/or red color levels, associated with the first region. The one or more detected color levels may, for example, be converted into cylindrical color coordinates based upon an HSL model or other color model, for example.
• The dispensing system comprises a validator configured to compare the first indicia with a dispensing key, such as acceptable cylindrical color coordinates derived from acceptable color levels and the HSL model. Responsive to the first indicia satisfying the dispensing key, the validator enables operation of the refill container such that the dispenser accepts installation of the refill container and/or the dispenser dispenses material from the refill container, for example. Otherwise, the validator does not enable operation of the refill container. In an example, the dispensing system comprises multiple illuminators and/or visual detectors, such that multiple regions of the label may be evaluated to determine whether to enable operation of the refill container. The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of keying a refill container for a dispensing system, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of a label, applied to a refill container, comprising a first region, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 3 is an illustration of a label, applied to a refill container, comprising a first region and a second region, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a label, applied to a refill container, comprising a first region on a first surface of the refill container, a second region on a second side of the refill container, and an inactive region on the first surface of the refill container, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 5 is an illustration of a label, applied to a refill container, comprising a first region, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of a 3D label, applied to a refill container, comprising a first 3D region and a second 3D region, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 7 is a component block diagram illustrating a system for controlling operation of a refill container, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 8 is a component block diagram illustrating a system for controlling operation of a refill container, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of an illuminator, a visual detector, and a validator, according to some embodiments.
• FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example computer-readable medium wherein processor-executable instructions configured to embody one or more of the provisions set forth herein may be comprised.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.
• An embodiment of keying a refill container for a dispensing system is illustrated by anexemplary method100 ofFIG. 1, and one or more labels formed by such a methodology are illustrated inFIGS. 2-6. At102, the method starts. The dispensing system may be configured to dispense material, such as liquid, from a refill container based upon a label of the refill container satisfying a dispensing key, such as a color key component (e.g., cylindrical color coordinates derived from a hue, saturation, luminance (HSL) model), a shape key component, a texture key component, etc. It may be appreciated that the refill container may function to dispense material contained therein. In an example, the dispensing system and the refill container may act in concert to dispense material to a user. At104, the label is applied to the refill container. In an example, the label is affixed or attached to the refill container. In another example, the label is directly printed onto the refill container. In another example, such as where the label comprises a texture, for example, the label is formed within or as part of the refill container. For example, where the refill container is formed from a molded plastic, the label (e.g., and/or indicia thereof) may be incorporated into the mold used to form the refill container. The label may, however, be made as part of the refill container in other manners as well. It will be appreciated that any one or more of the foregoing and/or other label creation, application, etc. techniques may be used alone or in combination with one another (e.g., where a label has a first region comprising color indicia and second region comprising texture indicia, where a first label has a first region with a first type of indicia and a second label has a second region with a second type of indicia, etc.). Application of a label, a label that is applied and/or like verbiage is intended to comprise any one or more of foregoing scenarios (e.g., attached, printed on, integral with, etc.).
• The label comprises one or more regions having indicia (e.g., color, shape, texture, etc.) detectable by the dispensing system. For example, the label comprises a first region having a first indicia and a second region having a second indicia. If the first indicia and the second indicia satisfy a dispensing key, then the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container (e.g., installation of the refill container, dispensing of material from the refill container, etc.), otherwise the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., because the refill container is not genuine, the refill container is an incorrect refill container type for the particular dispensing system, etc.). In some embodiments, the label is formed, at least in part, from an ink that changes properties (e.g., visibility, color, texture, shape, etc.) based upon time, humidity, temperature, light, and/or other factors. In an example, the dispensing key may correspond to a first key component associated with a first state of the label at a first point in time (e.g., before alteration of the ink), and a second key component associated with a second state of the label at a second point in time (e.g., after alteration of the ink over time and/or based upon the label being exposed to humidity, temperature, light, etc.).
• In some embodiments, arefill container202 has a label comprising a first region having a shaped indicia, as illustrated by example200 ofFIG. 2. In the illustrated example, the shaped indicia comprises a star shapedindicia204. When therefill container202 is placed into a housing of a dispensing system, the dispensing system may determine whether the star shapedindicia204 corresponds to a dispensing key, such as a star shaped key component. In an example, a visual detector of a dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light with the star shapedindicia204. For example, the visual detector may identify a firstcolored portion204a(e.g., black) that outlines a secondcolored portion204b(e.g., white). A validator of the dispensing system may determine whether the star shapedindicia204 corresponds to a dispensing key, such as the star shaped key component. If the star shapedindicia204 satisfies the dispensing key (e.g., the firstcolored portion204aand/or204bcorresponds to a shape(s) and/or a color(s) of the star shaped key component), then the dispensing system enables operation of therefill container202. Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container202 (e.g., the star shaped key component corresponds to a particular range of green colors). In this way, one or more shape-based labeling techniques may be used to label refill containers to selectively enable dispensing material therefrom, for example.
• In some embodiments, arefill container302 has a label comprising multiple indicia. For example, the label may comprise a first region having a circular shapedindicia306 and a second region having an octagonal shapedindicia304, as illustrated by example300 ofFIG. 3. The first region is separated from the second region by an inactive region308 (e.g., a region that does not affect operation of the refill container302). The circular shapedindicia306 is configured according to a red color and a circular shape, and the octagonal shapedindicia304 is configured according to a green color and an octagonal shape. In an example, a first visual detector of a dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light with the circular shapedindicia306. A validator of the dispensing system may determine whether the circular shapedindicia306 corresponds to a dispensing key (e.g., a first shape key component and/or a first color key component). A second visual detector of the dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light with the octagonal shapedindicia304. The validator of the dispensing system may determine whether the octagonal shapedindicia304 corresponds to the dispensing key (e.g., a second shape key component and/or a second color key component). If the circular shapedindicia306 and/or the octagonal shapedindicia304 satisfy the dispensing key (e.g., where a first shape criterion is a circular shape, a first color criterion is red, a second shape criterion is an octagonal shape, and a second color criterion is green), then the dispensing system enables operation of therefill container302. Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container302 (e.g., where a first color criterion corresponds to purple instead of red). It may be appreciated that in another example, the dispensing key may merely comprise the first color key component and the second color key component (e.g., but no shape key components). In this way, the validator may enable or disable operation of therefill container302 based upon determining whether the red color of the circular shapedindicia306 and the green color of the octagonal shapedindicia304 satisfy the first color key component and the second color key component. In this way, one or more color labeling techniques and/or one or more shape-based labeling techniques may be used to label refill containers to selectively enable dispensing material therefrom, for example.
• In some embodiments, arefill container402 has a label comprising multiple indicia. For example, the label may comprise a first region having a star shapedindicia406, asecond region408 having a cross shapedindicia408, and aninactive region404, as illustrated by example400 ofFIG. 4. Theinactive region404 may be applied to therefill container402 as a “fake” region that does not affect operation of therefill container402. Accordingly, the star shapedindicia406 and the cross shapedindicia408, but not theinactive region404, may be compared with a dispensing key to determine whether operation of therefill container402 is to be enabled. In this way, theinactive region404 may be applied to refill containers to mitigate replication of labels (e.g., counterfeit labels) used to enable operation of refill containers (e.g., by creating uncertainty as to what particular indicia will trigger operation of a refill container).
• In an example, the first region is located on afirst surface402a(e.g., a front surface) of therefill container402 and the second region is located on asecond surface402b(e.g., a surface that is different than the front surface). It may be appreciated that the first region, the second region, and/or other regions not illustrated may be located on any surface of the refill container402 (e.g., a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, the front surface, a back surface, etc.). It will be appreciated that a dispensing system may comprise one or more visual detectors that are positioned within the dispensing system such that the one or more visual detectors are capable of detecting respective surfaces (e.g., and indicia thereon) of therefill container402. It will also be appreciated that the instant disclosure, including the scope of the appended claims are not intended to be limited to the examples provided herein. For example, any one or more shapes, colors, textures, etc. may be utilized, implemented, etc., and not merely star, circular, cross shapes, for example.
• In some embodiments, arefill container502 has a label comprising multiple indicia. For example, the label may comprise a first region having atextured indicia504, as illustrated by example500 ofFIG. 5. Thetextured indicia504 is configured according to an arrow shape and a nub texture. In an example, a visual detector of a dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light with thetextured indicia504. A validator of the dispensing system may determine whether the arrow shape and/or the nub texture satisfy a dispensing key. In an example, if the nub texture satisfies a texture key component, then the validator may enable operation of therefill container502. In another example, if the nub texture satisfies the texture key component and the arrow shape satisfies a shape key component, then the validator may enable operation of therefill container502. In this way, one or more texture labeling techniques may be used to label refill containers to selectively enable dispensing material therefrom, for example.
• In some embodiments, arefill container602 has a label comprising multiple indicia. For example, the label may comprise a first 3D region having a firstcircular indicia604 and a second 3D region having a firstpolygonal indicia606, a secondpolygonal indicia608, and a thirdpolygonal indicia610, as illustrated by example600 ofFIG. 6. In an example, a first visual detector (e.g., a first RGB LED) of a dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light (e.g., from a first white LED or other light source) with the firstcircular indicia604. A validator of the dispensing system may determine whether a yellow color and/or a circular shape of the firstcircular indicia604 satisfy a dispensing key, such as a first shape key component and/or a first color key component. A second visual detector (e.g., a second RGB LED) of the dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light (e.g., from the first white LED or other light source) with the firstpolygonal indicia606. In an example, the firstcircular indicia604 and the firstpolygonal indicia606 may be formed at similar or different depths. The validator may determine whether a red color and/or a polygonal shape of the firstpolygonal indicia606 satisfy the dispensing key, such as a second shape key component and/or a second color key component. A third visual detector (e.g., a third RGB LED) of the dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light (e.g., from a second white LED or other light source) with the secondpolygonal indicia608. The validator may determine whether a yellow color and/or a polygonal shape of the secondpolygonal indicia608 satisfy the dispensing key, such as a third shape key component and/or a third color key component. A fourth visual detector (e.g., a fourth RGB LED) of the dispensing system may detect interaction of emitted light (e.g., from a third white LED or other light source) with the thirdpolygonal indicia610. The validator may determine whether a green color and/or a polygonal shape of the thirdpolygonal indicia610 satisfy the dispensing key, such as a fourth shape key component and/or a fourth color key component. In this way, if firstcircular indicia604, the firstpolygonal indicia606, the secondpolygonal indicia608, and/or the thirdpolygonal indicia610 satisfy the dispensing key, then operation of therefill container602 may be enabled. In this way, one or more 3D labeling techniques may be used to label refill containers to selectively enable dispensing material therefrom, for example. As such, a label (e.g., or one or more labels) may be applied to, formed within, etc. a refill container such that satisfaction of a dispensing key by the label may enable operation of the refill container. It will be appreciated that one or more of the foregoing may overlap. For example, a single detector component may comprise the one or more visual detectors (e.g., LEDs) or multiple detector components may comprise the one or more visual detectors (e.g., LEDs). At104, the method ends.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an example of adispensing system700 for controlling operation of arefill container702. Therefill container702 may comprise a label (e.g., a label directly printed onto therefill container702, a label attached to therefill container702, a label formed as part of therefill container702, etc.). The label may comprise a first region having ayellow star indicia704. Thedispensing system700 may be configured to enable operation of the refill container702 (e.g., installation of therefill container702, dispensing of material from therefill container702, etc.) based upon whether theyellow star indicia704 satisfies a dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system700 comprises ahousing706 that, in the illustrated example, is operably coupled to adoor708. In an example, thedoor708 may pivot open from thehousing706 so that therefill container702 may be positioned within thehousing706 for installation (e.g., when operation of therefill container702 is enabled as provided herein). Thehousing706 may comprise various mechanical and/or electrical components that facilitate operation of thedispensing system700, such as one or more components that dispense material from therefill container702. For example, thehousing706 may comprise amotor718 and agear train720 used to operate adispenser722 that is configured to dispense material from therefill container702 when a user activates the dispensing system700 (e.g., a user may engage a dispense lever or place a hand under an optical actuator) (e.g., when operation of therefill container702 is enabled as provided herein).
• Thedispensing system700 may be configured control operation of therefill container702 based upon the label, such as theyellow star indicia704, satisfying a dispensing key. Thedispensing system700 may comprise afirst illuminator712, such as a white LED or other light source. Thefirst illuminator712 may be configured to emit light740 substantially towards the first region (e.g., towards the yellow star indicia704) of the label of therefill container702. In an example, agasket710 may be configured to block ambient light during operation of the first illuminator712 (e.g., thegasket710 may form a substantially opaque seal around the first region of the label when the refill container is seated within the housing706). Thedispensing system700 may comprise a firstvisual detector714. It may be appreciated that the firstvisual detector714 may comprise various types of visual detection components, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a red, green, blue (RGB) LED, an optical sensor, a photodiode, a photosensor, an active pixel sensor, a camera, etc. (e.g., an example of an RGB LED is illustrated in example900 ofFIG. 9). The firstvisual detector714 is configured to detect a first indicia, such as theyellow star indicia704, of the first region based upon interaction (e.g., reflection742) of the emitted light, from thefirst illuminator712, with the first region. For example, the firstvisual detector714 may identify one or more detected color levels of theyellow star indicia704, such as a red color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a red LED, a green color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a green LED, and/or a blue color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a blue LED (e.g., based upon wavelength(s) of light reflected from the yellow star indicia704). In an example, a hue, saturation, luminance (HSL) model or other color model may be used to convert the one or more detected color levels into detected cylindrical color coordinates that may be compared to acceptable cylindrical color coordinates specified by the dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system700 may comprise a validator716 that is configured to compare theyellow star indicia704 with the dispensing key. In an example, responsive to theyellow star indicia704 satisfying the dispensing key (e.g., the detected cylindrical color coordinates may correspond to the acceptable cylindrical color coordinates specified by the dispensing key), thevalidator716 enables operation of therefill container702 such that thehousing706 accepts installation of therefill container702 and/or thedispenser722 dispenses material of the refill container702 (e.g., themotor718, thegear train720, and/or other components within thehousing706 may become operational). Otherwise, thevalidator716 does not enable operation of therefill container702 because the label, such as theyellow star indicia704, does not satisfy the dispensing key (e.g., therefill container702 is not genuine, is not the correct refill container type, etc.).
• FIG. 8 illustrates an example of adispensing system800 for controlling operation of arefill container802. Therefill container802 may comprise a label (e.g., a label directly printed onto therefill container802, a label attached to therefill container802, a label formed as part of therefill container802, etc.). The label may comprise a first region having ayellow star indicia804 and a second region comprising apurple polygon indicia822. Thedispensing system800 may be configured to enable operation of the refill container802 (e.g., installation of therefill container802, dispensing of material from therefill container802, etc.) based upon whether theyellow star indicia804 and/or thepurple polygon indicia822 satisfy a dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system800 comprises ahousing806 that may comprise various mechanical and/or electrical components that facilitate operation of thedispensing system800, such as dispensing material from therefill container802. Thedispensing system800 may be configured to control operation of therefill container802 based upon the label, such as theyellow star indicia804 and/or thepurple polygon indicia822, satisfying the dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system800 may comprise afirst illuminator812, such as a white LED or other light source. Thefirst illuminator812 may be configured to emit light840 substantially towards the first region (e.g., towards the yellow star indicia804) of the label of therefill container802. In an example, afirst gasket810 may be configured to block ambient light during operation of the first illuminator812 (e.g., thegasket810 may form a substantially opaque seal around the first region of the label when the refill container is seated within the housing806). Thedispensing system800 may comprise a firstvisual detector814 that is configured to detect a first indicia, such as theyellow star indicia804, of the first region based upon interaction (e.g., reflection842) of the emitted light, from thefirst illuminator812, with the first region. For example, the firstvisual detector814 may detect one or more detected color levels of theyellow star indicia804, such as a red color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a red LED, a green color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a green LED, and/or a blue color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a blue LED (e.g., based upon wavelength(s) of light reflected from the yellow star indicia804). The one or more detected color levels of theyellow star indicia804 may be compared with a first color key component and/or a first shape key component of the dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system800 may comprise asecond illuminator818, such as a white LED or other light source. Thesecond illuminator818 may be configured to emit light850 substantially towards the second region (e.g., towards the purple polygon indicia822) of the label of therefill container802. In an example, asecond gasket808 may be configured to block ambient light during operation of the second illuminator818 (e.g., thesecond gasket808 may form a substantially opaque seal around the second region of the label when the refill container is seated within the housing806). Thedispensing system800 may comprise a secondvisual detector820 that is configured to detect a second indicia, such as thepurple polygon indicia822, of the second region based upon interaction (e.g., reflection852) of the emitted light, from thesecond illuminator818, with the second region. For example, the secondvisual detector820 may detect one or more second detected color levels of thepurple polygon indicia822, such as a second red color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a red LED, a second green color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a green LED, and/or a second blue color level corresponding to conductivity associated with a blue LED (e.g., based upon wavelength(s) of light reflected from the purple polygon indicia822). The one or more second detected color levels of thepurple polygon indicia822 may be compared with a second color key component and/or a second shape key component of the dispensing key.
• Thedispensing system800 may comprise a validator816 that is configured to compare theyellow star indicia804 and/or thepurple polygon indicia822, such as the one or more detected color levels and/or the one or more second detected color levels, with the dispensing key. That is, responsive to theyellow star indicia804 and/or thepurple polygon indicia822 satisfying the dispensing key, thevalidator816 enables operation of therefill container802 such that thehousing806 accepts installation of therefill container802, the dispenser dispenses material of therefill container802, etc. Otherwise, thevalidator816 does not enable operation of therefill container802 because the label, such as theyellow star indicia804 and/or thepurple polygon indicia822, do not satisfy the dispensing key (e.g., therefill container802 is not genuine and/or is not the correct refill container type).
• FIG. 9 illustrates an example900 of adispensing system902 comprising anilluminator904, avisual detector926, and avalidator924. In an example, theilluminator904 comprises a white light-emitting diode (LED) or other light source. For example, the white LED may comprise adiode918 that is coupled to ground through aresistor916. Theilluminator904 is configured to emit light substantially towards one or more regions of a label of a refill container. In an example, thevisual detector926 comprises a red, green, blue light-emitting diode (RGB LED) comprising a first photodiode906 (e.g., used to detect a red color level, such as based upon a wavelength corresponding to red), a second photodiode908 (e.g., used to detect a green color level, such as based upon a wavelength corresponding to green), and/or a third photodiode910 (e.g., used to detect a blue color level, such as based upon a wavelength corresponding to blue). For example, thefirst photodiode906 comprises a reversebiased diode912 that is coupled to ground through a resistor914 (e.g., a 1 megaohm resistor or a resistor having a relatively large resistance).
• In an example, a photodiode is configured to operate in a photovoltaic detection mode, such that the photodiode produces a voltage when exposed to light. In another example, a photodiode is configured to operate in a photoconductive detection mode, such that electrical conductivity of the photodiode is controlled based upon exposure to light (e.g., a photocurrent is created based upon the detected light). In some embodiments, an LED is charged to a first voltage, such as a voltage representing a logical 1 (e.g., charged to 5 voltages within 100 to 200 microseconds). The charge of the first voltage is substantially maintained by the LED based upon inherent capacitance properties of the LED. Under reverse bias conditions, light intensity of light incident on the LED corresponds to a photocurrent produced by the LED. In an example, voltage of the LED is polled to determine a decay time corresponding to a time span from when the LED is charged to the first voltage until the LED discharges to a second voltage, such as a voltage representing a logical 0. The decay time is inversely proportional to an amount of light detected by the LED, and thus the photocurrent can be calculated based upon the decay time. That is, when the LED detects relatively increased amounts of light, the LED discharges faster, thus resulting in a decreased decay time. When the LED detects relatively decreased amounts of light, the LED discharges slower, thus resulting in an increased decay time.
• Thevalidator924 may be configured to detect color levels associated with the label based upon light detected by of thefirst photodiode906, thesecond photodiode908, and/or the third photodiode910 (e.g., based upon a photocurrent, voltage level, decay time, etc.). It may be appreciated that a wide variety of electrical-based and/or software-based detection techniques may be used to identify color, shape, and/or texture of a label, and that merely a few examples are provided for illustrative purposes. Thevalidator924 may be configured to convert the electrical measurement data (e.g., conductivity, voltage, current, etc.) into detected cylindrical color coordinates derived from a hue, saturation, and luminance (HSL) model. In this way, thevalidator924 may compare the detected cylindrical color coordinates with acceptable cylindrical color coordinates specified by a dispensing key, for example.
• In some embodiments, a label for use on a refill container for a dispensing system is provided. The label may be used to train the dispensing system for improved accuracy in detecting acceptable color codes on labels for enabling operation of refill containers by the dispensing system. That is, the dispensing system may be initially calibrated with an analog dispensing key. In an example, the analog dispensing key may correspond to one or more analog color tolerance ranges specifying analog ranges of acceptable color values (e.g., red, blue, green, and white levels). However, accuracy of the analog dispensing key may be diminished based upon various factors, such as inaccuracy of color detection technology (e.g., the dispensing system may comprise photodiodes as opposed to sophisticated color detection technology due to a tradeoff of color detection accuracy for cost efficiency), color variations in label print runs or printing machines, etc. Accordingly, the dispensing system may be trained by modifying the analog dispensing key to create a refined analog dispensing key based upon feedback provided by color codes on labels.
• In an example, the label comprises one or more color codes (e.g., circular shapedindicia306 comprises a red color code and octagonal shapedindicia304 comprises a green color code, as illustrated inFIG. 3). For example, the label comprises a first color code (e.g., a blue color code corresponding to a shade of blue) detectable by the dispensing system. The dispensing system may maintain the analog dispensing key specifying one or more analog color tolerance ranges, such as a first analog color tolerance range (e.g., a range of blue colors) and a second analog color tolerance range (e.g., a range of green colors that are adjacent to blue colors on a color wheel). It may be appreciated that the analog dispensing key may not be initially calibrated with correct analog color tolerance ranges, and thus may initially specify more acceptable color ranges than are to be accepted (e.g., blue colors codes, but not green color codes, are actually to be accepted, however, initial calibration may be inaccurately specified shades of green). If a color code of a label satisfies at least one analog color tolerance range specified by the analog dispensing key, then the dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container, otherwise the dispensing system may not enable operation of the refill container. If the color code satisfies the first analog color tolerance range (e.g., the blue color is within the range of blue colors) and not the second analog color tolerance range, then the dispensing system modifies at least one of the first analog color tolerance range or the second analog color tolerance range to create a refined analog dispensing key. In an example, the first analog color tolerance range is affirmed. In another example, the second analog color tolerance range is removed (e.g., the analog dispensing key may have been initially calibrated to detect blue and/or green as acceptable colors, however, the blue color code of the label may be used to refine the analog dispensing key to merely accept shades of blue, thus filtering out shades of green that were not actually supposed to be acceptable colors). In another example, the second analog color tolerance range may be narrowed (e.g., the second analog color tolerance range may be narrowed to merely correspond to shades of green that are similar to blue). In this way, the analog dispensing key may be refined based upon color codes of labels detected by the dispensing system (e.g., a first label of a first refill container, a second label of a second refill container, a threshold number of labels before the dispensing system disables further refinement of the analog dispensing key, etc.).
• In an example, the first color code is affixed (e.g., as a first indicia) to a first side of the refill container and a second color code of the label is affixed (e.g., as a second indicia) to a second side of the refill container. It may be appreciated that the label may comprise any number of color codes arranged according to various configurations (e.g., shapes, sizes, orientations, etc.). In an example, the first color code, and/or second color code, etc. may comprise ink that changes based upon time, humidity, temperature, light, and/or other factors.
• In an example, the dispensing system comprises a validator configured to implement fuzzy logic to learn based upon labels detected by the dispensing system. The validator may be configured to modify the analog dispensing key to create the refined analog dispensing key.
• In some embodiments, a label comprises a first color code detectable by a dispensing system. The first color code may be configured to invoke the dispensing system to generate an analog dispensing key specifying a first analog color tolerance range and a second analog color tolerance range used to determine whether the dispensing system enables operation of a second refill container subsequently associated with the dispensing system. The first analog color tolerance range and/or the second analog color tolerance range may be modified based upon detection of a second color code affixed to the second refill container. In this way, the analog dispensing key may be refined.
• In an embodiment of a label for use on a refill container for a dispensing system, a dispensing system comprises a first color code detectable by the dispensing system comprising an analog dispensing key specifying a first analog color tolerance range and a second analog color tolerance range, such that responsive to the first color code corresponding to the first analog color tolerance range and not the second analog color tolerance range, then the dispensing system modifies at least one of the first analog color tolerance range or the second analog color tolerance range to create a refined analog dispensing key.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to remove the second analog color tolerance range responsive to the first color code corresponding to the first analog color tolerance range and not the second analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to narrow the second analog color tolerance range responsive to the first color code corresponding to the first analog color tolerance range and not the second analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to confirm the first analog color tolerance range as an acceptable color code for activation of the dispensing system responsive to the first color code corresponding to the first analog color tolerance range and not the second analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to enable operation of the refill container based upon the first color code satisfying at least one of the first analog color tolerance range or the second analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, a second color code is detectable by the dispensing system, such that if the first color code and the second color code satisfy the analog dispensing key, then the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container, otherwise the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container.
• In an embodiment, the first analog color tolerance range corresponds to a first color and the second analog color tolerance range corresponding to a second color.
• In an embodiment, the first color is adjacent to the second color within a color wheel.
• In an embodiment, the first color code corresponds to a first color and the second color code corresponding to a second color.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is affixed to a first portion of the refill container and the second color code is affixed to a second portion of the refill container.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is affixed to a first side of the refill container and the second color code is affixed to a second side of the refill container.
• In an embodiment, the first color code comprises ink that changes based upon at least one of time, humidity, temperature, or light.
• In an embodiment, the first color code comprises a first shape and the second color code comprising a second shape.
• In an embodiment of a label for use on a refill container for a dispensing system, a dispensing system comprises a first color code detectable by the dispensing system comprising an analog dispensing key specifying an analog color tolerance range, the first color code configured to invoke the dispensing system to modify the analog color tolerance range to create a refined analog dispensing key based upon detected color data associated with detection of the first color code.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to narrow the analog color tolerance range responsive to the first color code corresponding to the analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to expand the analog color tolerance range responsive to the first color code not corresponding to the analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to confirm the analog color range within the refined analog dispensing key responsive to the first color code corresponding to the analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment, the first color code is configured to invoke the dispensing system to create a second analog color tolerance range within the refined analog dispensing key responsive to the first color code falling outside the analog color tolerance range.
• In an embodiment of a label for use on a refill container for a dispensing system, a dispensing system comprises a first color code detectable by the dispensing system, the first color code configured to invoke the dispensing system to generate an analog dispensing key specifying a first analog color tolerance range and a second analog color tolerance range used to determine whether the dispensing system enables operation of a second refill container subsequently associated with the dispensing system.
• In an embodiment, at least one of the first analog color tolerance range or the second analog color tolerance range is modifiable based upon detection of a second color code affixed to the second refill container.
• Still another embodiment involves a computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions configured to implement one or more of the techniques presented herein. An example embodiment of a computer-readable medium or a computer-readable device that is devised in these ways is illustrated inFIG. 10, wherein theimplementation1000 comprises a computer-readable medium1008, such as a CD-R, DVD-R, flash drive, a platter of a hard disk drive, etc., on which is encoded computer-readable data1006. This computer-readable data1006, such as binary data comprising at least one of a zero or a one, in turn comprises a set ofcomputer instructions1004 configured to operate according to one or more of the principles set forth herein. In some embodiments, the processor-executable computer instructions1004 are configured to perform amethod1002, such as at least some of theexemplary method100 ofFIG. 1, for example. In some embodiments, the processor-executable instructions1004 are configured to implement a system, such as at least some of theexemplary system700 ofFIG. 7 and/or at least some of theexemplary system800 ofFIG. 8, for example. Many such computer-readable media are devised by those of ordinary skill in the art that are configured to operate in accordance with the techniques presented herein.
• Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
• As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module,” “system”, “interface”, and the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component includes a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components residing within a process or thread of execution and a component is localized on one computer or distributed between two or more computers.
• Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Of course, many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
• Further, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first shape and a second shape generally correspond to shape A and shape B or two different or identical shapes or the same shape.
• Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising”.
• Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A label for use on a refill container for a dispensing system, comprising:

a first region having first optical reflecting indicia detectable by the dispensing system such that if the first optical reflecting indicia reflects a specified pattern that satisfies a dispensing key of the dispensing system upon being exposed to light, the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container.

2. The label ofclaim 1, the label integral with the refill container.

3. The label ofclaim 1, the first optical reflecting indicia corresponding to at least one of a color, a two-dimensional shape, a three-dimensional shape, or a texture.

4. The label ofclaim 1, comprising:

a second region having second indicia detectable by the dispensing system for enabling operation of the refill container.

5. The label ofclaim 4, the second indicia corresponding to at least one of a color, a two-dimensional shape, a three-dimensional shape, or a texture.

6. The label ofclaim 4, the first region separated from the second region by an inactive region.

7. The label ofclaim 1, the first optical reflecting indicia comprising ink that changes based upon at least one of time, humidity, temperature, or light.

8. The label ofclaim 1, comprising:

an inactive region that does not affect operation of the refill container.

9. The label ofclaim 4, the first region located on a first surface of the refill container and the second region located on a second surface of the refill container.

10. The label ofclaim 4, the dispensing key comprising a first key component for the first optical reflecting indicia and a second key component, different than the first key component, for the second indicia.

11. A dispensing system for controlling operation of a refill container, comprising:

a dispenser configured to dispense a material of the refill container;

a first illuminator configured to emit light substantially towards a first region of a label of the refill container;

a first visual detector configured to detect a pattern of light reflected from a first indicia of the first region based upon an interaction of the light with the first region; and

a validator for:

comparing the pattern of light reflected from the first indicia with a dispensing key; and

responsive to the pattern of light satisfying the dispensing key, enabling operation of the refill container such that the dispenser at least one of dispenses the material of the refill container or accepts installation of the refill container.

12. The dispensing system ofclaim 11, comprising:

a second illuminator configured to emit second light substantially towards a second region of the label; and

a second visual detector configured to detect a second pattern of light reflected from a second indicia of the second region based upon an interaction of the second light with the second region.

13. The dispensing system ofclaim 12, the validator:

comparing the second pattern of light reflected from the second indicia with the dispensing key; and

responsive to the second pattern of light satisfying the dispensing key, enabling operation of the refill container.

14. The dispensing system ofclaim 11, comprising:

a gasket configured to block ambient light during operation of the first illuminator.

15. The dispensing system ofclaim 11, the first illuminator comprising a white light emitting diode (LED), the first visual detector comprising an RGB LED, and the dispensing key corresponding to one or more color values.

16. The dispensing system ofclaim 12, the label comprising a three-dimensional shape, the first region comprising a first side of the three-dimensional shape and the second region comprising a second side of the three-dimensional shape.

17. The dispensing system ofclaim 15, the validator:

detecting conductivity associated with the RGB LED; and

converting the conductivity to values one or more detected color values.

18. A method for keying a refill container for a dispensing system, comprising:

applying a label to a refill container, the label comprising:

a first region having a first optical reflecting indicia detectable by the dispensing system and a second region having a second indicia detectable by the dispensing system, such that if the first optical reflecting indicia reflects a specified pattern that satisfies a dispensing key and the second indicia satisfies the dispensing key, the dispensing system enables operation of the refill container.

19. The method ofclaim 18, comprising at least one of:

forming the label from ink that changes based upon at least one of time, humidity, temperature, or light;

forming the label as three-dimensional label, the first indicia corresponding to a first depth and the second indicia corresponding to a second depth;

forming the label using a first texture for the first indicia and a second texture for the second indicia; and

forming the label using at least one of a first color or a first shape for the first indicia and at least one of a second color or second shape for the second indicia.

20. The dispensing system ofclaim 11, the validator refining a color tolerance range associated with the dispensing key based upon the comparing.

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