WO2025063954A1

WO2025063954A1 - Methods and systems for washroom dispenser installation assessment

Info

Publication number: WO2025063954A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/033434
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vannarak DEMONTEIRO; Reilly HOWELL; Galdric MARCOTTE; Stephen Becker; Nehuen BERON
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc; Kimberly Clark Corp
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc; Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date: 2023-09-22
Filing date: 2023-09-22
Publication date: 2025-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-22

Abstract

A method for determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility is provided. The method includes acquiring a digital copy of the washroom facility. The method also includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application where the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the at least one dispenser. The method also includes outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR WASHROOM DISPENSER INSTALLATION ASSESSMENT

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for determining the location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility.

BACKGROUND

[0002] With respect to ty pical washroom facilities, such as those facilities in an airport, a restaurant, a health care facility, an office building, a manufacturing plant, and the like, dispensers of sanitizing products are typically installed such the sanitizing products can be made readily available to individuals who use the washroom facilities. Specifically, the dispensers are typically permanently or semi-permanently affixed at a location within the washroom facility.

[0003] To this end, personnel are typically sent out to assess the overall layout of the washroom facility and determine a location where the dispenser should be affixed.

However, the determination of a proper location to fix the dispenser may take a considerable amount of time and effort from the personnel. In addition, the determination of a proper location may be prone to errors that may have otherwise been preventable. For example, when personnel is assessing a location they may manually make measurements of the washroom facility to determine an ideal location. The personnel may also make measurements of the dispenser itself to determine how the dispenser may fit at an ideal location. The personnel may also make measurements of the proximity of such a location to either the floor of the washroom facility or the location of fixtures within the washroom facility such as toilets, faucets, or dispensers that were previously placed within the washroom facility. However, when making any of the aforementioned measurements, the personnel may make one or more mistakes which either result in the dispenser being placed at a less-than-ideal location or the dispenser being placed at a location that is at an undesired proximity with fixtures of the washroom facility.

[0004] As a consequence of these errors, certain disadvantages may result. For example, the dispenser may be mounted at a location that is not compliant with guidelines provided by The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consequently, individuals with disabilities may not be able to properly utilize the dispensers of the washroom facilities and the owner of the washroom facilities may be at risk of violation of the ADA. Further, the dispenser may also be mounted at a location that results in unsanitary conditions. For example, the dispenser may be mounted at a location that is in proximity to a toilet such that when the toilet is flushed, microscopic particles from the toilet becomes airborne and come in contact with the dispenser such that the dispenser is rendered unsanitary for use by individuals.

[0005] Thus, a need exists to address the aforementioned concerns. In particular, a need exists to assess an ideal location for a dispenser while reducing the likelihood that errors will occur when the ideal location is determined. Further, a need exists that can reduce the amount of time and effort personnel must undertake to assess and determine such a location.

SUMMARY

[0006] Methods and systems utilized within a washroom facility are presented incorporating aspects of the disclosure. The term "w ashroom facility” is used generically herein to encompass any manner of public, semi-public, or private facility visited by patrons to use sink or toilet facilities, bathing facilities, changing facilities, and so forth. Such facilities are also known as restrooms, toilet closets, public bathrooms, men’s rooms, ladies' rooms, and the like. A typical public or semi-private washroom has a number of toilet facilities or urinals and sinks.

[0007] Although the present methods and systems are particularly useful in an “away-from-home” public or semi-private environment, the methods and systems are not limited by the scope of use. As used herein, the term “away-from-home” means a place or location where people congregate for various reasons or purposes that are outside the typical home. Examples of away-from-home locations include places of business, such as office buildings, office suites, retail stores, and w arehouses, manufacturing facilities; schools; hospitals and other types of medical facilities: places of w orship; hotels and motels; conference centers; and the like. The methods and systems are particularly well-suited for structures where multiple washroom facilities are provided for use of the building tenants or an industrial or manufacturing site where multiple site facilities are provided for a controlled populace. It should be appreciated though that the present methods and systems may prove useful in a washroom facility in a residential or private environment, and such uses are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, a method of determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility⁷ is provided. The method includes acquiring a digital copy of the washroom facility. The method also includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application where the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the at least one dispenser. The method also includes outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0009] In one embodiment of the method, the step of acquiring the digital copy of the washroom facility includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device and forming a model of the washroom facility, the model defining the digital copy of the washroom facility.

[0010] In another embodiment of the method, the image capturing device includes a camera or a video camera.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the method, the method further includes uploading the digital copy of the washroom facility to a server, the server including at least one of cloud or physical storage.

[0012] In an additional embodiment of the method, the step of acquiring the digital copy of the washroom facility includes determining a location of one or more preinstalled dispensers within the washroom facility.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the method, the image capturing device or a different device further includes a sensor including at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

[0014] In still another embodiment of the method, the step of outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser includes providing an onscreen representation of a digital copy of the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0015] In yet a further embodiment of the method, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser includes a location that is compliant with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

[0016] In still a further embodiment of the method, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser includes a location that is a distance from one or more fixtures of the washroom facility.

[0017] In another additional embodiment of the method, the distance is larger than a distance of travel of a plume of at least one of a toilet, a sink, or a urinal.

[0018] In a further additional embodiment of the method, the method further includes mounting the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser; scanning, with the image capturing device, the at least one mounted dispenser thereby providing a digital confirmation that the at least one dispenser has been mounted; and inputting the digital confirmation of the at least one mounted dispenser to the application. [0019] In yet another additional embodiment of the method, the method further includes determining, via the application, whether the at least one dispenser was mounted at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0020] In still another additional embodiment of the method, the method further includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to a user.

[0021] In another embodiment, the method further includes displaying the digital copy of the at least one mounted dispenser to the user.

[0022] In still another embodiment, the method further includes displaying a status of the at least one mounted dispenser to the user via the digital copy where the status includes feedback corresponding to a determination that the at least one mounted dispenser requires or does not require maintenance.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the application is configured to provide an on-screen measurement of the washroom facility.

[0024] In an additional embodiment, the application is configured to provide an augmented reality representation of the washroom facility and the at least one dispenser.

[0025] In still a further embodiment, the application includes a machine learning algorithm configured to determine the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0026] In yet still another embodiment, the method further includes outputting, via the application, an amount of dispensers that can be placed within the washroom facility.

[0027] In yet still a further embodiment, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser includes a first location for mounting a first dispenser, and the method further includes outputting, via the application, a second location for mounting a second dispenser where the second location includes a distance from the first location such that the first dispenser mounted at the first location does not interfere with use of the second dispenser mounted at the second location.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect, a system for determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility is provided. The system includes an image capturing device, the image capturing device including a camera or a video camera. In addition, the image capturing device is configured to scan the washroom facility’ and form a model of the washroom facility, the model defining a digital copy of the w ashroom facility. The image capturing device also includes an application configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and output a location for mounting the at least one dispenser. [0029] In accordance with another aspect, a method of mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility is provided. The method includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device and forming a model of the washroom facility, the model defining a digital copy of the washroom facility. The method also includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application where the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the at least one dispenser. The method also includes outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser. The method also includes mounting the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0030] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a washroom facility:

[0033] FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaway representation of an example dispenser;

[0034] FIG. 3 provides a perspective representation of the example dispenser of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 4a provides a side cutaway representation of an example toilet with a valve closed;

[0036] FIG. 4b provides a side cutaway representation of the example toilet of FIG. 4a with the valve opened;

[0037] FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system for determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility;

[0038] FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of a method of determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility; and

[0039] FIG. 7 provides a flow diagram of a method of mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility.

[0040] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility'. Specifically, a method of determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility may include acquiring a digital copy of the washroom facility. The method may also include providing a digital copy of the washroom facility to an application that is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility' and determine a location for mounting the dispenser. The method may also include outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

[0043] Thus, multiple benefits may be provided by the presently disclosed methods and systems. For example, the determination of a location for mounting a dispenser may be streamlined and simplified. Such an improvement may reduce the overall time and cost of determining a location for mounting a dispenser when compared to conventional means. In addition, the methods and systems may also assist in providing greater accuracy in determining locations for mounting dispensers. Such an improvement may reduce the likelihood that the dispensers are used in a suboptimal manner when mounted as a result of being in proximity to other dispensers. Further, greater accuracy in mounting dispensers may also help ensure the dispensers are mounted in a location that complies with particular government regulations such as The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Further, greater accuracy in mounting dispensers may also help reduce the likelihood that the dispensers are contaminated by other appliances or fixtures within the washroom facility such as toilets or urinals. These and other benefits may be provided by the methods and systems which will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0044] The present disclosure may be understood wi th greater detail wi th reference to the figures. In particular, FIGS. 1-4 provide example embodiments of washroom facilities and dispensers that may be mounted within the washroom facilities, while FIGS. 5-7 provide methods and systems for determining locations and mounting dispensers, such as the dispensers discussed in FIGS. 1-4 within washroom facilities.

[0045] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of an example environment of a washroom facility. The washroom facility 100 can include washroom components such as dispensers 104. sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. Each of the dispensers 104, sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 may include a processor 118 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaway representation of an example dispenser, and FIG. 3 is a perspective representation of the dispenser of FIG.

2. A dispenser 104 or hygiene dispenser 104 dispenses consumable hygiene product 105 (e.g., bath tissue, hand towels, hand sanitizer, soap, lotion, deodorizer, air freshener, etc.), which is a product intended to promote good hygiene or sanitation such as by cleaning or sanitizing a user and/or a surface. In some implementations, a dispenser 104, more generally, is a device that holds consumable hygiene product 105 and dispenses the product 105 in response to a stimulus, e.g., an environmental stimulus (e.g., light/darkness), at predetermined (e.g., programmatically set) intervals or by manual user actuation such as pulling an exposed portion of the consumable product or via a pumping-type process (e.g., for some manual soap dispensers). Although FIG. 3 shows a rolled product dispenser 104 (e g., a paper towel dispenser), other hygienic dispensers are also envisioned such as, for example, soap/sanitizer dispensers, bath tissue dispensers, air fresher dispensers (not pictured), hand or facial care dispensers (not pictured), seat cover dispensers (not pictured), surface cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting dispensers (not pictured) including for toilets 130 or urinals 136, and/or the like. Such dispensers 104 are generally refillable such that once the product 105 stored in the dispenser 104 is depleted a sendee attendant can refill the dispenser 104 with additional product 105.

[0047] The dispenser 104 may include a body 107 or outer cover 107, e.g., a composite or metal housing. The outer cover 107 may enclose, fully or partially, a product holding area 102 or interior 102 of the dispenser 104. The product holding area 102 may hold, for example, the product-to-be-dispensed 105 by the dispenser 104 and, in some implementations, one or more electrical or mechanical components used to enable the dispensing process such as a motor, batteries, rollers, sensors to determine when a user requests a dispense, etc.

[0048] The dispenser 104 may also include a dispensing mechanism 110. The dispensing mechanism 110 may operate to dispense a portion of the consumable product 105 in the product holding area 102 (e.g., dispense a length of roll 105 for use to dry hands or a shot of soap 105 or sanitizer to clean hands). In some implementations, for example, for rolled paper towels 105 or wipers 105 or bath tissue 105, the dispensing mechanism 110 may be an electromechanical feed mechanism that includes or operates in conjunction with a motor 119 that, in response to a stimulus such as a user waving a hand proximate the dispenser 104, feeds a length of the roll 105 through an opening 123 in the body 107 to present to the user. For example, the dispensing mechanism 110 can include a series of rollers 122 through which a portion of the roll 105 is fed such that when the dispensing mechanism 110 actuates it pulls and unwinds the roll 105 (or causes the roll 105 to be pulled and unwound) to feed a portion of the roll 105 to the user. In some implementations, the motor 119 can be integral to the roll holder 106 and causes a spindle 109 of the roll holder 106 (e.g., on which the rolled product 105 is mounted) to turn thereby causing the roll 105 to unwind and be dispensed. In the case, for example, of a liquid soap or sanitizer or lotion dispenser 104 the motor 119 may be a pump 119 that draws the liquid product from a bottle, cassette, or other container holding the liquid product 105 and ejects the draw n product to the user for a dispense operation.

[0049] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may be a user-driven dispensing unit, e.g., the dispensing process is not powered by a motor or other electromechanical generator. For example, for a rolled paper product dispenser 104 such as a paper towel or bath tissue dispenser 104, a user may grab an exposed tail of the roll 105 and pull to cause more of the product 105 to be dispensed. For a liquid soap or sanitizer dispenser 104, a user may depress or otherwise manually actuate a pump (e.g., dispensing mechanism 110) to draw- the product 105 from its container and dispense the product 105.

[0050] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may include a processor 118 such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processor 118 may execute instructions stored in memory or otherwise accessible to the processor 118. The processor 118 interfaces with and, in some implementations, controls the operation of other devices/components in the dispenser 104 such as the motor 119 and transceiver 117, which can be used to communicate with external devices. The dispenser 104 may also include a functional sensor 116 that monitors the amount of product 105 dispensed.

[0051] As described above, washroom components can, among others, include toilets 130. For example, referring now to FIGS. 4a-4b, provides cut-away views of an example toilet w-ith a valve. Particularly, FIG. 4a is a side cutaway representation of a toilet 130 with a valve 132 closed, and FIG. 4b is a side cutaway representation of the toilet 130 of FIG. 4a with the valve 132 opened. When the valve is in the open position (FIG. 4b) whaler can fill the tank for normal operation. When the valve 132 is closed (FIG. 4a) water is prevented from filling the tank.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, flow diagrams and functional diagrams are presented that provide systems and methods of determining and mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility. Each of the systems or methods may assist in determining the location for mounting or mounting a dispenser, such as dispenser 104, within a washroom facility such as washroom facility 100. However, the systems or methods may also assist in determining a location for mounting or mounting other washroom components such as the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 discussed above. The methods of determining and mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility' (FIGS. 6-7) may be understood with greater detail with reference to the components of the systems for determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility (FIG. 5). The methods and systems will be discussed in reference to the components of FIGS. 1-4, such as the washroom facility 100 and the dispenser 104. However, the present application should not be construed as limited to only mounting the dispenser 104 within the washroom facility 100. Instead, the systems and methods discussed hereinbelow may be employed to mount a variety of dispensers within a variety of washroom facilities.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system for determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility. As shown, the system 500 may include an image capturing device 502, a server 512, a location determining device 518, or a viewing device 520. The image capturing device 502 may include a processor 504 configured to run an application 508 and a screen 506 to view the application 508. In an embodiment, the image capturing device 502 may be or include a camera or a video camera. In addition, the image capturing device 502 may be configured to scan the washroom facility 100 and form a model of the washroom facility 100 where the model of the washroom facility 100 defines a digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100. The digital copy 510 of the washroom facility' 100 may include the dimensions or measurements of the washroom facility 100 as well as the general appearance of the washroom facility 100. The digital copy 510 may also include other objects or surfaces within the washroom facility 100 such as floors, ceilings, doors, stalls, light switches, or any of the washroom components detailed above.

[0054] While scanning the washroom facility 100, the image capturing device 502 may also determine the location of preinstalled dispensers within the washroom facility 100, and the location of the preinstalled dispensers may be included within the model of the washroom facility 100. For example, if the image capturing device 502 is a camera, the image capturing device 502 may be utilized to take a picture or multiple pictures of the washroom facility 100 thereby forming a digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100. If the image capturing device 502 is a video camera, the image capturing device 502 may be utilized to take a video or multiple videos of the washroom facility 100 thereby forming a digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100.

[0055] Once the digital copy 510 is formed or acquired, the digital copy 510 can either be stored in the memory of the image capturing device 502 or uploaded to another location such as the server 512, the location determining device 518, or the viewing device 520 via a wired connection 514 or a wireless connection 516. The digital copy 510 may then be accessed or acquired from the memory of the image capturing device 502 or from the server 512. As used herein, the server 512 may include either cloud storage, physical storage, or a combination thereof.

[0056] An application 508 may be installed onto the image capturing device 502 or be separate from the image capturing device 502 at another location such as the server 512 or the location determining device 518. When a digital copy 510 is provided to the application 508, the application 508 may be configured to analyze the digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100 and output a location for mounting the dispenser 104. The application 508 may also be configured to output a location of multiple dispensers 104. For example, within the application 508, an algorithm such as a machine learning algorithm may exist which can analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility 100 and determine the location for mounting the dispenser 104.

[0057] The determining of the location for mounting the dispenser 104 may be performed on a variety of devices or servers. For example, the image capturing device 502 may include the application 508 and be capable of determining the location for mounting dispensers 104. The server 512 may also include the application 508 and be capable of determining the location for mounting dispensers 104.

[0058] In another example, a location determining device 518 may be provided to specifically perform the step of determining the location for mounting the dispenser 104. The location determining device 518 may include a processor 526 and memory to store the application 508 and the digital copy 510. The digital copy 510 may be shared from the image capturing device 502 to the server 512 to the location determining device 518 via a wired connection 522 or a wireless connection 524. or the image capturing device may directly upload the digital copy to the location determining device 518. Thus, the location determining device 518 may also be capable of determining the location for mounting the dispenser 104 via the application 508.

[0059] If a machine learning algorithm is utilized within the application 508. the machine learning algorithm may include a deep learning neural network. As used herein, a deep learning network may include one or more deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs), one or more recurrent neural networks (RNNs), one or more transformer neural networks (TNNs) (such as vision transformer neural networks), or any other suitable neural network configurations. In machine learning, deep convolutional neural networks generally refer to a type of feed-forward artificial neural network in which the connectivity pattern between its neurons is inspired by the organization of the animal visual cortex, whose individual neurons are arranged in such a way that they respond to overlapping regions tiling the visual field. On the other hand, transformer neural networks refers to a feed-forward artificial neural network that is capable of learning context and transforming one form of input into another form of output by focusing on particular data or aspects of the input. [0060] If a machine learning algorithm is utilized w ithin the application 508. the machine learning algorithm may be configured to recognize objects or surfaces within the washroom facility 100 and flag the objects or surfaces for later use. For example, the machine learning algorithm may be or utilize a CNN or a transformer (such as a vision transformer) that is capable of flagging obj ects within the w ashroom facility 100.

Specifically, the machine learning algorithm may be trained to automatically identity objects or surfaces within the washroom facility’ 100 such as floors, ceilings, doors, stalls, light switches, or any of the washroom components detailed above. Specifically, reference data such as images, screenshots, or videos of objects or surfaces may be input into the machine learning algorithm. The machine learning algorithm may then be configured to provide scores or flags of the reference data which correspond to identities of the surfaces or objects. The scores or flags output by the machine learning algorithm may then be rated and input into the machine learning algorithm to train the machine learning algorithm to better recognize the surfaces or objects.

[0061] Further, if the machine learning algorithm is utilized with the application 508, the machine learning algorithm may be trained to automatically determine a location or multiple locations for mounting the dispenser 104. Specifically, the image capturing device 502 may be utilized to capture multiple instances of data corresponding to digital copies 510 of washroom facilities 100. The multiple instances of data may then be input to the machine learning algorithm wfiich may then output locations for correctly mounting dispensers 104. The output of the machine learning algorithm may then be scored or flagged as either accurately determining a correct location for mounting the dispenser 104 or inaccurately determining a correct location for mounting the dispenser 104. The score or flags may then be utilized by the machine learning algorithm to further refine its processes of determining the correct location for mounting the dispenser 104.

[0062] As used herein, the term “the correct location for mounting’" or similar phrases may refer to mounting a dispenser such as dispenser 104 at a location that does not violate a variety⁷ of conditions which may be set within the application 508. One such violating condition may include placing a dispenser 104 at a location such that the dispenser 104 is incapable of being used. For example, if the dispenser 104 is mounted too low on a wall or oriented where the opening 123 abuts a wall within the washroom facility 100, the dispenser 104 may be rendered unusable. Another violating condition may include placing a dispenser 104 at a location that is uncompliant with government regulations such as the ADA. For example, if the dispenser 104 is mounted at a location that is incapable of being accessed by a person with a disability in violation of the ADA. Another violating condition may include placing a dispenser 104 at a location that renders the dispenser 104 unsanitary due to the dispensers 104 proximity to other washroom components. For example, if the dispenser 104 is placed within proximity of the toilet 130 or the urinal 136, the dispenser 104 may be contaminated by the plume from either the toilet 130. the sinks/faucets 134, or the urinal 136 when either are operated. Thus, a correct placement of the dispenser 104 that does not violate the condition would be placing the dispenser 104 at a distance that is larger than a distance of travel of a plume of at least one of the toilet 130, the sink 134, or the urinal 136. A violating condition may also include placing dispensers 104 too close to each other such that use of one dispenser 104 would render simultaneous use of another dispenser 104 unfeasible.

[0063] In addition, the term “the correct location for mounting” may alternatively or additionally include mounting a dispenser such as dispenser 104 at a location that complies with a set of rules that may either be predetermined or set by an administrator of the application 508. For example, one rule may be that the dispenser 104 must be a predetermined distance from a particular object or surface such as the floor or ceiling, another dispenser 104, a door or a stall, or a light switch (not shown). Specifically, the predetermined distance from the object or surface may be set based on the particular object or surface. More specifically, if the surface is the floor, the application 508 may have a rule that requires the dispenser 104 to be placed at least about 60 centimeters (cm) above the floor, such as at least 75 cm, such as at least about 90 cm. If the surface is the ceiling, the application 508 may have a rule that requires the dispenser 104 to be placed at least about 60 centimeters (cm) below the ceiling, such as at least 75 cm, such as at least about 90 cm. If the object is another dispenser 104, the application 508 may have a rule that requires the dispenser 104 to be placed at least about 45 cm from the other dispenser, such as at least about 60 cm. such as at least about 75 cm. If the object is a door or a stall, the application 508 may have a rule that requires the dispenser 104 to be placed at least about 30 cm from the door or stall, such as at least about 45 cm, such as at least about 60 cm. If the object is a light switch, the application 508 may have a rule that requires the dispenser 104 to be placed at least about 15 cm from the light switch, such as at least about 20 cm, such as at least about 30 cm.

[0064] “The correct location for mounting” may also include multiple locations where the dispenser 104 could be placed. For example, if the application 508 finds multiple locations that either does not violate any conditions or complies with a set of rules as described above, the application 508 may output each of the locations to a user. The user may then choose one of the locations outputted by the application 508 to mount a singular dispenser 104, or choose multiple locations for mounting multiple dispensers 104 as described below.

[0065] The application 508 may also be configured to output an amount of dispensers 104 that can be placed w ithin a washroom facility 100. For example, the dimensions of a dispenser 104 may be input into the application 508 and the application 508 may be able to take the dimensions of the washroom facility⁷ 100 that were previous acquired when forming the digital copy 510 and determine how many dispensers 104 can be placed within the washroom facility 100 without violating any of the aforementioned conditions.

[0066] If multiple dispensers 104 are to be mounted, the application 508 may also be capable of determining the correct location for mounting multiple dispensers 104.

Specifically, the application 508 may be configured to determine a first location for mounting a first dispenser 104. Then, utilizing the data of the digital copy 510, the dimensions of the first dispenser 104, and the dimensions of a second dispenser 104, the application 508 may be configured to determine a second location for mounting the second dispenser 104 that does not interfere with the use of the first dispenser at the first location or vice versa. The application 508 may also ensure that the location of either the dispensers does not violate the conditions previously discussed above.

[0067] The application 508 may also be manipulated by an operator based on particular preference for a location for mounting a dispenser 104. For example, if an operator does not desire for a dispenser 104 to be mounted on a particular wall or at a particular location, the operator may be able to flag the particular wall or particular location within the application 508 as being a location that is to not be included when the application 508 determines a correct location for mounting a dispenser 104.

[0068] As previously mentioned, the disclosure should not be construed as limited to only mounting the dispenser 104 and can also include mounting other washroom components such as the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. In particular, the violating condition may also apply for the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, or urinals 136. For example, the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, or urinals 136 may be placed at a location that fails to comply with the ADA, at a location that contaminates other washroom components, or at a location that interferes with the use of washroom components thus creating a violating condition relating to the correct location for mounting. The application 508 can also be configured to output an amount of sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, or urinals 136, or combinations of washroom components within a washroom facility 100.

[0069] Once the correct location for mounting a dispenser 104 is determined, the application 508 may output the location for mounting the dispenser 104. For example, if the application 508 is installed on the image capturing device 502, the application 508 may output the location for mounting the dispenser 104 to the screen 506 of the image capturing device 502. In another example, if the application 508 is uploaded to the server 512, the application 508 on the server 512 may output the location for mounting the dispenser 104 to the image capturing device 502 via the wired connection 514 or the wireless connection 516. The location may also be output to another image capturing device 502, rather than the image capturing device 502 that formed the digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100. In another example, if the application 508 is installed on the location determining device 518, the location determining device 518 may output the location for mounting the dispenser 104 to a screen 528 of the location determining device 518. In another example, the application 508 may output the location for mounting the dispenser 104 to a viewing device 520 that includes a processor 530 and a screen 532. The viewing device 520 may be provided to specifically act as a device to which the location for mounting the dispenser is output to.

[0070] The output of the correct location for mounting a dispenser 104 may include a variety of data. For example, the output of the location may include measurements or coordinates of the location for mounting the dispenser 104. The measurements or coordinates may be shown as numerals. The application 508 may also be configured to provide an on-screen measurement of the washroom facility 100 or an on-screen measurement of where the dispenser 104 should be placed. In particular, the measurements or coordinates may also be shown on the screens 506, 528, 532 of either the image capturing device 502, the location determining device 518, or the viewing device 520. To help assist with the on-screen measurements, the image capturing device 502 or a different device such as the location determining device 518 or the viewing device 520 may include at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, or a gyroscope. The output of the location for mounting a dispenser 104 may also include an augmented reality representation of the location for mounting. For example, the application 508 may be configured to provide an augmented reality representation of the washroom facility 100 and the dispenser 104 to the screens 506, 528, 532 of either the image capturing device 502, the location determining device 518, or the viewing device 520. The application 508 may also be configured to provide the location for mounting on the screens 506, 528, 532 such that an operator may know the location via mounting the dispenser 104 by comparing the on-screen representation with the physical dispenser 104 and washroom facility 100. Thus, the application 508 may assist in mounting the dispenser 104 at a correct location for mounting the dispenser 104. [0071] The application 508 may also provide other functionality. For example, if the dispenser 104 is mounted, the application 508 may assist in determining whether the dispenser 104 was accurately mounted at the correct location for mounting. Specifically, the image capturing device 502 may be utilized the scan the mounted dispenser 104 thereby updating the model corresponding to the digital copy 510 of the w ashroom facility 100 and providing a digital confirmation that the dispenser 104 has been mounted. The updated digital copy 510 and digital confirmation may then be input to the application 508. The application 508 may then determine whether the dispenser 104 w as accurately mounted at the correct location for mounting. In particular, the application 508 may compare the updated digital copy 510 with its determination for the correct location for mounting the dispenser 104 to determine whether the dispenser 104 was accurately mounted at the correct location. The application 508 may also include a margin for error that sets a threshold for whether the application 508 determines the dispenser 104 was mounted at the correct location. For example, the margin of error may be a set of dimensions. Specifically, if the margin of error is dimensions, the margin of error may range from about 0.5 centimeters (cm) to about 20 cm, such as about 0.75 cm to about 15 cm, such as about 1 cm to about 10 cm. The margin of error may also be a percentile. In particular, if the margin of error is a percentile, the application 508 may take the dimensions of the w ashroom facility' 100 and compare those dimensions with the location where the dispenser 104 was mounted. Using these dimensions, the margin of error may range from about 0. 1% to about 10%. such as about 0.5% to about 7.5%, such as about 1% to about 5% of a length or a width of a wall of the washroom facility 100.

[0072] The application 508 may also be able to provide functionality to a user who may not necessarily be mounting the dispenser 104. For example, the application 508 may provide and display a digital copy 510 of the washroom facility’ 100 through the server 512 to a user (such as staff or patrons of the businesses who operate the washroom facilities 100) with the viewing device 520 via a wired connection 522 or a wireless connection 524. As detailed above, the digital copy 510 may be obtained via scanning the washroom facility 100 and forming the digital copy 510. However, the application 508 may also be able to provide the same functionality⁷ to a user with a digital copy 510 that w as preinstalled or otherwise obtained from different means than scanning the washroom facility 100 and forming the digital copy 510. For example, a user of the application 508 may upload a digital copy 510 of a washroom facility⁷ 100 that they obtained w ithout the use of the image capturing device 502.

[0073] Once a digital copy 510 is made available, the user may then be able to view the digital copy 510 of the washroom facility 100 and a mounted dispenser 104. The application 508 may also be digitally connected to the processor 118 of the dispenser 104 such that the application can determine the status of the dispenser 104 and provide the status of the dispenser 104 to the user. For example, the processor 118 of the dispenser 104 may report that the dispenser 104 is out of order or requires maintenance. The processor 118 may then communicate the status to the application 508 which can then report and display the status to the user. Thus, the application 508 may⁷ also assist in providing feedback corresponding to a determination that the dispenser 104 requires or does not require maintenance.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, flow diagrams of either determining a location for mounting or mounting a dispenser are presented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that methods 600, 700 may be used to determine the location for mounting or mount the dispenser 104 or other washroom components. Though FIGS. 6-7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of methods 600, 700 or any of the methods disclosed herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of a method of determining a location for mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility. As illustrated at step 602, the method 600 includes acquiring a digital copy of a washroom facility. As illustrated at step 604, the method 600 includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application where the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the dispenser. As illustrated at step 606, the method 600 includes outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the dispenser.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 provides a flow diagram of a method of mounting a dispenser within a washroom facility. As illustrated at step 702, the method 700 includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device and forming a model of the washroom facility, the model defining a digital copy of the w ashroom facility. As illustrated at step 704, the method 700 includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application where the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the dispenser. As illustrated at step 706, the method 700 includes outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the dispenser. As illustrated at step 708, the method 700 includes mounting the dispenser at the location for mounting the dispenser.

[0077] These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A method of determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility, the method comprising: acquiring a digital copy of the washroom facility; providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application, wherein the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the at least one dispenser; and outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of acquiring the digital copy of the washroom facility comprises scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device and forming a model of the washroom facility, the model defining the digital copy of the washroom facility.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the image capturing device includes a camera or a video camera.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: uploading the digital copy of the washroom facility to a server, the server comprising at least one of cloud or physical storage.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of acquiring the digital copy of the washroom facility comprises determining a location of one or more preinstalled dispensers within the washroom facility.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the image capturing device or a different device further comprises a sensor comprising at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser comprises providing an on-screen representation of a digital copy of the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the location for mounting the at least one dispenser comprises a location that is compliant with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the location for mounting the at least one dispenser comprises a location that is a distance from one or more fixtures of the washroom facility.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the distance is larger than a distance of travel of a plume of at least one of a toilet, a sink, or a urinal.

11. The method of claim 2 further comprising: mounting the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser; and scanning, with the image capturing device, the at least one mounted dispenser thereby providing a digital confirmation that the at least one dispenser has been mounted; and inputting the digital confirmation of the at least one mounted dispenser to the application.

12. The method of claim 1 1 further comprising: determining, via the application, whether the at least one dispenser was mounted at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

13. The method of claim 1 1 further comprising: providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to a user.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: displaying the digital copy of the at least one mounted dispenser to the user.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising: displaying a status of the at least one mounted dispenser to the user via the digital copy, wherein the status comprises feedback corresponding to a determination that the at least one mounted dispenser requires or does not require maintenance.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the application is configured to provide an on-screen measurement of the washroom facility .

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the application is configured to provide an augmented reality representation of the washroom facility and the at least one dispenser.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the application comprises a machine learning algorithm configured to determine the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

19. The method of claim 1 further comprising: outputting, via the application, an amount of dispensers that can be placed within the washroom facility.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the location for mounting the at least one dispenser comprises a first location for mounting a first dispenser, wherein the method further comprises: outputting, via the application, a second location for mounting a second dispenser, wherein the second location comprises a distance from the first location such that the first dispenser mounted at the first location does not interfere with use of the second dispenser mounted at the second location.

21. A system for determining a location for mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility, the system comprising: an image capturing device, the image capturing device comprising: a camera or a video camera, the image capturing device configured to scan the washroom facility and form a model of the washroom facility, the model defining a digital copy of the washroom facility, and an application configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility' and output a location for mounting the at least one dispenser.

22. A method of mounting at least one dispenser within a washroom facility⁷, the method comprising: scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device and forming a model of the washroom facility, the model defining a digital copy of the washroom facility: providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to an application, wherein the application is configured to analyze the digital copy of the washroom facility and determine a location for mounting the at least one dispenser: outputting, via the application, the location for mounting the at least one dispenser; and mounting the at least one dispenser at the location for mounting the at least one dispenser.