GB2608448A

GB2608448A - Contactless conrtrol unit for a dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2608448A
Application number: GB2109616.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Green Adam; Horsell Matthew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-02
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2023-01-04
Also published as: GB202109616D0

Abstract

A control unit for a dispenser has two sensors. One sensor for detecting the presence of a cup 30 in a dispensing detection zone 13; another sensor for detecting the presence of a user body in a body detection zone 15. The control unit further has a controller for initiating dispensing when both sensors detect a presence in their respective zones (i.e. “two-stage verification”). The control unit may thus provide touch-free or contactless operation, minimising the need for sterilisation or cleaning. The sensors may electronically filter the received light (“collimation filtering” or “electronic collimation”) to reduce crosstalk between neighbouring units. The proximity of a person’s hand to the sensor of zone 15 may control the flow rate of dispensed product. The control unit may be retrofitted to a dispenser. The dispensed product may be e.g. beverage, foodstuff, soap.

Description

CONTACTLESS CONRTROL UNIT FOR A DISPENSER

BACKGROUND

The present specification relates to a control unit for a dispenser, the dispenser configured to dispense a product, and also to a dispenser comprising such a control unit.

Dispensers for dispensing products such as beverages (e.g. water or carbonated drinks), soap, or foodstuffs are common. There are a wide variety of types of dispensers. A common type of dispenser has a push-bar actuator connected to a valve for controlling dispensing of a product. The user must push their cup or receptacle against the push-bar to initiate dispensing of the product. To stop dispensing the product, the user stops pushing the receptacle against the push-bar. In other known dispensers the user must push a button to control dispensing a product, for example on a touch screen.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control unit for a dispenser, the dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising a first sensor configured to detect the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within a dispensing zone, a second sensor configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within a detection zone, and a controller for controlling dispensing product from the dispenser, the controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller is configured to initiate dispensing product in the event that the first sensor detects the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone and the second sensor detects the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone.

Thus, the control unit requires two-stage verification from a first sensor and a second sensor before a product can be dispensed. Advantageously, this means that the controller will not initiate dispensing of a product unless a receptacle suitable for receipt of the product is within the dispensing zone, thereby reducing mess and waste.

The control unit may be referred to as a contactless control unit, as no physical contact from the user is required to control the dispensing of product. This may make the control unit easier to use, particularly for people with physical disabilities. This also reduces the requirement for sterilization or sanitizing the control unit or dispenser.

The second sensor is configured to detect a contactless input from the user, such as the user placing their hand (or other body portion or object) within the detection zone. The second sensor may be configured to detect a gesture from the user within the detection zone.

Optionally, the detection zone may extend from approximately 30 mm to 100 mm from the second sensor. The parameters of the detection zone may be controlled by the controller.

Optionally, the dispensing zone may be roughly perpendicular to the detection zone. The second sensor may be orientated approximately perpendicular to the first sensor. The second sensor may be a forward-facing sensor and the first sensor may be a downward-facing sensor.

Optionally, the second sensor is configured to activate in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone. When the second sensor is activated it is turned on and configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone. This may advantageously reduce power consumption of the control unit, as the second sensor is not turned on until the first sensor detects a receptacle within the dispensing zone.

The first sensor may be configured to output a signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone.

The second sensor may be configured to output a signal to the controller in response to detecting the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone.

Optionally, the controller may be configured to stop dispensing product in response to the first sensor detecting the removal of the receptacle from the dispensing zone.

Optionally, the controller may be configured to stop dispensing product in response to the second sensor detecting the removal of the user body portion from the detection zone.

The second sensor may have an active state and an idle state. In the active state the second sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within a detection zone. In the idle state the second sensor may be configured to detect the presence of a user within a predetermined distance of the second sensor, wherein the predetermined distance is larger than the detection zone.

The predetermined distance may be approximately 1000 mm. Optionally, the predetermined distance may be called the second detection zone, or the idle detection zone.

The idle state may equivalently be referred to as a long-range state, and the active state may he referred to as a short-range state.

Optionally, the second sensor may be configured to activate (or initiate a reading from) the first sensor in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a user within the predetermined distance when in the idle state. The first sensor may be configured to be dormant or inactive when the second sensor is in the idle state, until the second sensor detects the presence of a user.

Thus, the control unit may be configured to automatically activate or wake-up' when the second sensor detects a user approaching the dispenser when in the idle state (long-range mode). This may improve energy efficiency and also ensures that the dispenser control is still contactless, as the user does not need to manually push a button to wake-up the control unit.

This also reduces the likelihood of the sensors being triggered in error, which can result in erroneous dispensing of product.

Optionally, the second sensor is configured to move from the idle state to the active state in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone.

Optionally, the second sensor is configured to enter the idle state upon initialisation of the control unit or dispenser (e.g. when the control unit or dispenser is powered up or turned on).

Optionally, the second sensor is configured to enter the idle state after the controller has completed dispensing product into a receptacle, or after removal of the receptacle from the dispensing zone.

The second sensor may be configured to enter the idle state after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the removal of the receptacle from the dispensing zone.

Optionally, the first sensor may be a proximity sensor.

Optionally, die second sensor may be a proximity sensor.

Optionally, the first sensor may comprise a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor may comprise an emitter configured to emit light towards the dispensing zone and a receiver configured to receive reflected light (i.e. light reflected from the dispensing zone).

The first sensor may comprise a processor.

Optionally, the first sensor may comprise an infrared photoelectric sensor. Thus, the emitter and the receiver may be configured to emit and receive infrared light respectively.

The first sensor may be configured to emit collimated light. Optionally, the light emitted by the first sensor may be physically collimated, for example by passing the light. emitted by the first sensor through a collimator, such as a slot. Thus, the light emitted by the first sensor may be collimated into vertical corridors.

Optionally, the receiver of the first sensor may be configured using electronic control to filter the infrared light received. This may be referred to as electronic collimation or collimation filtering of the received light.

This physical collimation or collimation filtering of the emitted or received light.

reduces the risk of interference between adjacent control units, as lateral signal reflections that could cause erroneous readings are reduced or not detected. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of the first sensor being triggered by infrared light emitted by a sensor in an adjacent control unit.

Optionally. the first sensor may be configured to determine a height of the receptacle within the dispensing zone.

The second sensor may be configured to activate in response to the first sensor determining that the height of the receptacle is within a predetermined range.

The first sensor may be configured to output a signal to the controller in response to determining that the height of the receptacle is within a predetermined range.

Optionally, the control unit may be configured to control the dispensing of product into receptacles of predetermined sizes (e.g. a small cup, a medium cup. or a large cup). The controller may he configured to control the dispensing of product dependent upon the determined height of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the controller may comprise a memory, wherein a lookup table may be stored in the memory. The lookup table may list the predetermined heights of the receptacles to be used with the dispenser (e.g. the heights of a small, medium and large cup) and a maximum capacity for each receptacle. Thus, the determined height of the receptacle may be used by the controller to set the volume of product to be dispensed.

Optionally, the second sensor may be configured to determine a proximity of a user body portion within the detection zone. In other words, the second sensor may he configured to determine a distance of the user body portion within the detection zone from the second sensor.

The controller may be configured to control a flow rate of the product being dispensed dependent upon the determined proximity of the user body portion.

Optionally, the second sensor may comprise a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor may comprise an emitter configured to emit light towards the detection zone and a receiver configured to receive light reflected from a user body portion within the detection zone. The second sensor may comprise a processor.

Optionally, the second sensor may comprise an infrared photoelectric sensor. Thus, the emitter and the receiver may be configured to emit and receive infrared light respectively.

The second sensor may be configured to emit collimated light. Optionally, the light emitted by the second sensor may he physically collimated, for example by passing the light emitted by the second sensor through a collimator, such as a slot.

Optionally, the receiver of the second sensor may be configured using electronic control to filter the light received. This may be referred to as electronic collimation or collimation filtering of the received light.

This physical collimation or collimation filtering of the emitted or received light reduces the risk of interference between adjacent control units, as lateral signal reflections that could cause erroneous readings are reduced or are not received. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of the second sensor being triggered by infrared light emitted by a sensor in an adjacent control unit.

It will be appreciated that the first sensor and the second sensor may be referred to as sensor arrays.

The first sensor and/or the second sensor may comprise an emitter configured to emit a point source of light.

The receiver of the first sensor and/or the second sensor may comprise an array of receiver elements configured to receive reflected light.

The controller may be configured to control the flow rate at which the product is dispensed dependent upon a distance travelled by the light between the emitter and receiver of the second sensor.

Optionally, the first sensor may be configured to determine at least one dimension of a receptacle within the dispensing zone. The at least one dimension may be a height, volume, width, or depth of the receptacle within the dispensing zone.

If the at least one determined dimension of the receptacle does not fall within a predetermined range, then the controller may not initiate dispensing of the product.

If the at least one determined dimension of the receptacle does not fall within a predetermined range, then the second sensor may not be activated, or the second sensor may remain in the idle state.

Optionally, the controller is operable to communicate with at least one of a remote server and a remote electronic device. For example, the controller may be configured to send information such as error messages to a remote server or to a remote electronic device via a communication channel.

The control unit may further comprise a first light source, wherein the first light source is configured to activate in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle within the dispensing zone The first light source may be configured to at least partially illuminate the dispensing zone and the receptacle. Preferably, the first light source is configured to emit light within the visible spectrum. This may advantageously provide visible feedback to the user confirming that the receptacle has been correctly placed in the dispensing zone.

It will be appreciated that the first light source may comprise a plurality of light sources, for example a plurality of LEDs.

Optionally, the first sensor comprises at least one imaging device arranged to capture images of the dispensing zone. The first sensor or the controller may be configured to use object recognition to analyse the images and determine if a receptacle suitable for receipt of product is present in the dispensing zone.

Optionally, the first sensor or the controller may be configured to use object recognition analysis to monitor the capacity of the receptacle. The controller may be configured to stop dispensing product in response to the first sensor determining that the receptacle has reached a maximum capacity.

Optionally. the first sensor or the controller is configured to measure a distance between the first sensor and a support surface for a receptacle to calibrate the first sensor, wherein the support surface defines an end of the dispensing zone. This may also be referred to as 'zeroing' the first sensor. This may account for any movement of the support surface relative to the first sensor and ensure that the first sensor remains accurate.

It will be appreciated that the support surface does not form part of the control unit. The length (or height) of the dispensing zone is equal to the distance between the first sensor and the support surface.

The control unit may further comprise a housing configured to contain the control unit. The housing may also he referred to as a cover.

Optionally, the housing is configured to be coupled to a dispenser. Thus, the control unit may be a self-contained unit that may be retrofitted to an existing dispenser.

The housing may comprise a display panel. The display panel may be a transparent. portion of the housing.

Optionally, the control unit may comprise a second light source, wherein the second light source is configured to at least partially illuminate the display panel. It will be appreciated thai the second light source may comprise a plurality of light sources, for example a plurality of LEDs.

Optionally, the control unit may comprise an electrical connection configured to be connected to a power source in a dispenser to supply power to the control unit. The electrical connection may be configured to be coupled to a solenoid valve power supply in a dispenser. The electrical connection may be coupled to a voltage converter provided in the control unit.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a dispenser comprising a container for storing a product, wherein the container comprises an output, a valve connected to the output, and a control unit according to any embodiment or example of the first aspect of this disclosure, wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve to control dispensing the product from the dispenser.

The valve may he a solenoid valve having a power supply provided in the dispenser. Optionally, the control unit may comprise an electrical connection coupled to the power supply for the solenoid valve, wherein the electrical connection supplies power to the control 30 unit.

The dispenser may comprise a support. surface for receiving a receptacle, wherein the support surface defines an end of the dispensing zone. Optionally, the support surface may he a drip tray.

Optionally, the support surface may be removeable from the dispenser. for example to be sanitized. The first sensor or the controller may be configured to measure a distance between the support surface and the first sensor to calibrate the first sensor.

Optionally, the controller may be configured to measure a distance between the dispensing zone and the first sensor in response to the controller detecting that the support surface has been repositioned (e.2. removal and reinsertion of the support).

Optionally, the controller may be configured to measure a distance between the dispensing zone and the first sensor upon initialisation of the dispenser (e.g. the first sensor may be calibrated when the dispenser turns on or powers up).

Optionally. the control unit is demountable from the dispenser.

Optionally, the dispenser is a beverage dispenser. hi other embodiments, the dispenser may be configured for dispensing other substances.

Optionally the dispenser may comprise a plurality of containers, wherein each container is configured for storing a product and each container comprises an output, a valve connected to each respective output, and a control unit configured to operate a respective one of the valves. Thus, the dispenser may comprise a plurality of control units, each control unit configured to operate a respective valve to control dispensing of one of a plurality of products.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of retrofitting the control unit to a beverage dispenser unit, the method comprising: removing a portion of the dispenser housing; removing the push-bar actuator configured to operate a valve assembly for controlling the dispensing of a beverage from the dispenser; and connecting a control unit according to any embodiment or example of the first aspect of this disclosure to the valve assembly, wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve assembly to control dispensing the product from the dispenser.

This retrofit process is quick and convenient. The expensive valve assembly remains with the dispenser (this is not replaced) and no replumbing is required.

At least one electrical connection in the control unit may be connected to a power supply in the dispenser. In some embodiments, an electrical connection in the control unit may be connected to a power supply for the valve. Thus, the control unit may be plugged inline to replace the push-bar operated actuator with the control unit of the present disclosure. The housing of the control unit may then be connected.

It will be appreciated that the control unit of the present disclosure is not limited to use with beverage dispensers. The present disclosure is not limited to retrofitting beverage dispensers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this disclosure will he descrihed hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference signs relate to like elements and in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a control unit according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of

this disclosure when coupled to a dispenser;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 shows the dispenser of Figure 3 when in use; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a dispenser according to another embodiment of this disclosure; and Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a first sensor or second sensor according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this disclosure are described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a control unit 10 comprising a first sensor 12 and a second sensor 14. The control unit 10 is connected to a dispenser 100 comprising an output 102 for dispensing a product therefrom. The control unit 10 comprises a controller (not shown) for controlling the dispensing of the product from the output 102 of the dispenser.

The first sensor 12 is configured to detect the presence of a receptacle suitable for receiving the product within a dispensing zone (see Figures 4 and 5). The first. sensor is adjacent the output 102. Two LEDs 16 are mounted either side of the first sensor 12. The LEDs 16 are configured to output visible light. The LEDs 16 are configured to activate when the first sensor 12 detects the presence of a receptacle suitable for receiving the product within the dispensing zone.

The second sensor 14 is configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within a detection zone (see Figures 4 and 5). The second sensor 14 may be angled at approximately 90 degrees relative to the first sensor 12. As shown in Figure 1, the second sensor 14 may be a forward-facing sensor and the first sensor 12 may be a downward-facing sensor.

The control unit 10 is contained within a housing 18. The housing 18 is configured to be coupled to the housing of the dispenser 100. Thus, the control unit 10 may be a self-contained unit that may be quickly and conveniently retrofitted to an existing dispenser 100.

As shown in Figure 1, the housing 18 comprises a display panel 19, which is a transparent portion of the housing 18. The display panel 19 may be used to display information such as the name or type of product dispensed by the dispenser, which may include a company logo or trade mark. The display panel 19 may be illuminated by at least one light source 17 provided in the control unit 10 (see Figure 2). This may allow the user to clearly see the information displayed on the panel 19.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the components of the control unit 10 and the dispenser 100 are connected. It will be appreciated that the connections may be wireless connections. The controller 20 is in communication with the first sensor 12, the second sensor 14, the LEDs 16 and light source 17 of the control unit 10. Optionally, the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 14 may be in direct communication.

The first sensor 12 and/or the second sensor 14 may comprise a processor (not shown). Alternatively, processing of data provided by the first sensor 12 and/or the second sensor 14 may be done by the controller 20.

A wireless communication channel may also be established between the controller 20 and a remote electronic device or server 200. Thus, the controller 20 may be configured to send information to the remote electronic device or server 200.

When the control unit 10 is connected to a dispenser 100, the controller 20 is in communication with a valve 104, wherein the valve 104 controls the output of product from a container 106. The valve 104 may be a solenoid valve. An electrical connection of the control unit may be coupled to a power supply for the valve 104 provided in the dispenser 100, thereby providing power to the control unit 10.

During operation of the dispenser 100, there is a two-step verification process that must be satisfied in order for product to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the controller 20 is configured to instruct the valve 104 to initiate dispensing product from the dispenser only if both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 14 output an authorisation signal to the controller 20.

In some embodiments, the second sensor 14 is only activated when the first sensor 12 outputs an authorisation signal to the controller 20. The controller 20 is then configured to instruct the valve 104 to initiate dispensing product from the dispenser only if the second sensor 14 outputs an authorisation signal to the controller 20. This is described in more detail in relation to Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a beverage dispenser 100 comprising a plurality of control units 10. Each control unit 10 may be as described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that although four control units 10 are shown in Figure 3, any number of control units may be provided. It will also be appreciated that the control unit 10 is not limited to use with beverage dispensers.

In Figure 3, each control unit 10 is configured to control the operation of a respective valve 104 in the dispenser. Thus, the dispenser 100 may be capable of dispensing a plurality of products simultaneously.

Figure 4 shows the dispenser 100 of Figure 3 during operation of one of the control units 10. The first sensor 12 is configured to detect the presence of a receptacle 30 within a dispensing zone 13. The dispensing zone 13 is a predetermined zone which receives product dispensed from the respective output 102 of the dispenser. In Figure 4, the first sensor 12 is a proximity type sensor arrangement comprising a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor comprises an emitter configured to output infrared light (represented by the dashed lines) and a receiver (not shown) configured to receive infrared light reflected by a receptacle within the dispensing zone 13. By analysing the light received by the receiver, the first sensor 12 (or the controller 20) can determine whether there is a receptacle within the dispensing zone 13 that is suitable for receiving the product.

In some embodiments, the first sensor 12 (or the controller 20) may be configured to analyse the light received by the receiver to determine at least one dimension of a receptacle within the dispensing zone 13. If the at least one dimension of the receptacle is within a predetermined range, then the receptacle is determined to be suitable for receiving the product therein. The at least one dimension may be a height, volume, depth or width of the receptacle 30.

If the first sensor 12 detects the presence of a suitable receptacle 30 within a dispensing zone 13, then LEDs 16 may be activated to illuminate the receptacle 30 and dispensing zone 13.

If the first sensor 12 detects the presence of a suitable receptacle 30 within a dispensing zone 13, then the second sensor 14 may also be activated. When activated, the second sensor 14 may be configured to receive a contactless input from the user to dispense a product. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the second sensor 14 is configured to detect the presence of a user's body portion within a detection zone 15. For example, if the user puts their hand in front of the second sensor 14 within the detection zone 15, then the second sensor 14 may output a signal to the controller 20 to initiate dispensing of the product. As no physical contact is required from the user to control dispensing of the product into the receptacle 30 this advantageously reduces the requirement for sterilization or sanitizing the dispenser.

In other embodiments, the second sensor 14 may not be activated by the first sensor 12 detecting the receptacle 30. Instead, the second sensor 14 may activate at the same time as the first sensor 12, however, the controller 20 is configured not to dispense the product unless the first sensor 12 detects the receptacle and the second sensor 14 receives the contactless input from the user.

The second sensor 14 may be a proximity type sensor. The second sensor 14 may comprise a photoelectric sensor comprising an emitter configured to emit infrared light (represented by the dotted lines in Figure 4) and a receiver (not shown) configured to receive infrared light reflected by an object (e.g. user's body portion) within the detection zone 15. It will be appreciated that a variety of different types of sensor are capable of detecting the presence of an object within the detection zone.

In some embodiments, the second sensor 14 may be configured to detect the proximity of the user's body portion, in other words the distance of the user's body portion from the second sensor 14 within the detection zone 15. The controller 20 may be configured to control the valve 104 of the dispenser such that a flow rate of the product being dispensed is proportional to or dependent on the proximity of the user's body portion. For example. if the user's hand is moved closer to the second sensor 14 then the flow rate of the product being dispensed may increase. Similarly, if the user's hand is moved further away from the second sensor 14 then the flow rate of the product being dispensed may decrease. It will be appreciated that this could be reversed.

In Figure 5 the dispenser 100 is similar to the dispenser 100 in Figure 4, but with a few differences. In this embodiment the dispenser 100 further comprises a support surface 108 for receiving the receptacle 30 thereon, wherein the support surface 108 defines an end of the dispensing zone 13. The support surface 108 may be a drip-tray. The support surface 108 may be removably connected to the dispenser 100.

As the support surface 108 may be removed from the dispenser and repositioned (e.g. after cleaning), the controller 20 (or the first sensor itself) may be configured to measure a distance between the support surface 108 and the first sensor 15 to calibrate the first sensor. This calibration may be configured to take place in response to the controller 20 detecting that the support surface 108 has been removed and then replaced, or in response to the controller 20 detecting that the support surface 108 has been repositioned. In sonic embodiments, this calibration may take place when the dispenser 100 is initialised (i.e. power is turned on), or periodically when the first sensor 12 detects that there is no receptacle in the dispensing zone 13.

In Figure 5 the second sensor 14 has an active state and an idle state. In the active state, the second sensor 14 is configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone 15, as described above. In the idle state, the second sensor 14 is configured to detect the presence of a user within a predeteiiinned distance 115 of the second sensor 14, wherein the predetermined distance 115 is larger than the detection zone 15. The predetermined distance 115 may be called the idle detection zone, or the long-range detection zone.

It will be appreciated that Figure 5 is not shown to scale. The predetermined distance 115 may be approximately 1000 mm The detection zone 15 may extend from around 30 mm to 100 mm from the second senor 14.

The second sensor 14 may be configured to enter the idle state upon initialisation of the control unit or dispenser (e.g. when the control unit or dispenser is turned on). Additionally the second sensor 14 may configured to enter the idle state after the controller 20 has completed dispensing product into a receptacle 30, or after removal of the receptacle 30 from the dispensing zone.

When in the idle state, the second sensor 14 may be configured to activate the first sensor 12 when the presence of a user is detected within the predetermined distance 115. The first sensor 12 may be configured to be dormant or inactive when the second sensor 14 is in the idle state, until the second sensor 14 detects the presence of a user.

Thus, the control unit 10 may be configured to automatically activate or 'wake-up' when the second sensor 14 detects a user approaching the dispenser 100. This may improve energy efficiency and also ensures that the user does not need to manually push a button to wake-up the control unit 10 (which makes the control unit easier to user and reduces the need for sanitization of the control unit, etc.).

The second sensor 14 is configured to move from the idle state to the active state in response to the first sensor 12 detecting the presence of a receptacle 30 suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone 14.

In Figure 5, the first sensor 12 comprises at least one imaging device configured to capture images of the dispensing zone 13. The first sensor 13 (and/or the controller 20) is configured to analyse the images and use object recognition software to determine if a receptacle 30 suitable for receiving the product is located in the dispensing zone. The first. sensor 12 (or the controller 20) may be programmed with a predetermined range of dimensions for a suitable receptacle 30. If the first sensor 12 detects an object that does not fall within the predetermined range of dimensions (such as a user's hand) then the controller will not initiate dispensing.

In addition, the first sensor 12 and/or the controller 20 may be configured to use object recognition software to monitor the capacity of the receptacle 30. For example, pattern recognition analysis of the images may allow the first sensor 12 or the controller 20 to determine how full the receptacle 30 is in almost real time. The controller 20 may be configured to stop dispensing the product in response to the first sensor 12 or the controller 20 determining that the receptacle has reached a predetermined maximum capacity.

In some embodiments, the first sensor 12 may comprise both a proximity type sensor and at least one imaging device. Thus, the first sensor 12 may use a combination of object recognition and proximity sensing to determine if a suitable receptacle 30 is positioned in the dispensing zone.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5. the dispenser units are positioned relatively close together, and each dispenser unit is controlled by a respective control unit 10. This can result in light emitted from a control unit erroneously triggering the sensors of an adjacent dispenser unit. To negate this problem (without requiring the dispenser units to be placed further apart) it is preferable to collimate the light emitted or received by the first and/or second sensors.

In some embodiments (not shown) the light emitted by the first sensor 12 and/or the second sensor 14 may he collimated, for example by passing the light through a collimator or a narrow slot. This may be called physical collimation of the emitted light. Alternatively, the light received by the sensor may be processed or filtered using electronic control to remove or reduce erroneous light reflections, which may be referred to as electronic collimation or collimation filtering. This is shown in Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 6, the first 12 and/or second sensor 14 may comprise an emitter 42 configured to emit a point source of light. An array of receiver elements 44 are configured to receive light reflected from a receptacle in the dispensing zone. The emitter 42 and the array of receiver elements 44 may be controlled by a processor 46 provided in either the sensor assembly itself (as shown), or in the controller 20. It will be appreciated that any number of receiver elements 44 may be provided in the array.

The light emitted by the emitter 42 may be an uncollimated beam of light. However, the array of receiver elements 44 may be electronically controlled by the processor 46 to filter the reflected light received. In particular, the receiver elements 44 may be controlled by the processor 46 to remove unwanted stray reflections from the received light. For example, as shown in Figure 6. only the light received by a portion 48 of the receiver elements 44 in the center of the array may be analysed or processed. This filtering process may he referred to as electronic collimation, or collimation filtering.

Accordingly, there has been described a control unit for a dispenser, the dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising a first sensor configured to detect the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within a dispensing zone, a second sensor configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within a detection zone, and a controller for controlling dispensing product from the dispenser, the controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller is configured to initiate dispensing product in the event that the first sensor detects the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone and the second sensor detects the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone.

Although particular embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it will be appreciated that many modifications/additions and/or substitutions may be made within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A control unit for a dispenser, the dispenser for dispensing a product, comprising: a first sensor configured to detect the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within a dispensing zone; a second sensor configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within a detection zone; and a controller for controlling dispensing product from the dispenser, the controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor; and wherein the controller is configured to initiate dispensing product in the event that the first sensor detects the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone and the second sensor detects the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone.
2. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the second sensor is configured to activate in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone.
3. The control unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to stop dispensing product in response to: the first sensor detecting the removal of the receptacle from the dispensing zone; and/or the second sensor detecting the removal of the user body portion from the detection zone.
4. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the second sensor has an active state and an idle state, wherein in the active state the second sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user body portion within the detection zone and in the idle state the second sensor is configured to detect the presence of a user within a predetermined distance of the second sensor, wherein the predetermined distance is larger than the detection zone.
5. The control unit of claim 4, wherein the second sensor is configured to activate or initiate a reading from the first sensor in response to the second sensor detecting the presence of a user within the predetermined distance when in the idle state.
6. The control unit of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second sensor is configured to move from the idle state to the active state in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle suitable for receipt of product within the dispensing zone.
7. The control unit of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second sensor is configured to enter the idle state: upon initialisation of the control unit or dispenser; and/or after the controller has completed dispensing product into a receptacle, Or after removal of the receptacle from the dispensing zone.
8. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first sensor is a proximity sensor and/or wherein the second sensor is a proximity sensor.
9. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first sensor comprises a photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor comprising an emitter configured to emit infrared light towards the dispensing zone and a receiver configured to receive reflected in frared light.
10. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the second sensor comprises a photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor comprising an emitter configured to emit infrared light towards the detection zone and a receiver configured to receive infrared light reflected from a user body portion within the detection zone.
11. The control unit of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the emitter of the first sensor and/or the emitter of the second sensor is configured such that the infrared light emitted is collimated.
12. The control unit of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the receiver of the first sensor and/or the receiver of the second sensor is configured using electronic control to filter the light received.
13. The control unit. of any preceding claim, wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to determine at least one dimension of the receptacle within the dispensing zone, and wherein the second sensor is configured to activate in response to the first sensor or the controller determining that the at least one dimension of the receptacle is within a predetermined range.
14. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the second sensor is configured to determine a proximity of a user body portion within the detection zone and the controller is configured to control a flow rate of the product dependent upon the determined proximity of the user body portion.
15. The control unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a first light source, wherein the first light source is configured to activate in response to the first sensor detecting the presence of a receptacle within the dispensing zone, wherein the first light source is configured to at least partially illuminate the dispensing zone.
16. The control unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first sensor comprises at least one imaging device arranged to capture images of the dispensing zone, wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to use object recognition to analyse the images and determine if a receptacle suitable for receipt of product is present in the dispensing zone.
17. The control unit of claim 16, wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to use object recognition analysis to monitor the capacity of the receptacle and wherein the controller is configured to stop dispensing product in response to determining that the receptacle has reached a maximum capacity.
18. The control unit. of any preceding claim, wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to measure a distance between the first sensor and a support surface for a receptacle to calibrate the first sensor, wherein the support surface defines an end of the dispensing zone.
19. The control unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing configured to contain the control unit, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a dispenser.
20. A dispenser comprising: herein the container comprises an output; a container for storing a product a valve connected to the output; a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve to control dispensing the product.
21. The dispenser of claim 20, further comprising a support surface for receiving a receptacle, wherein the support surface defines an end of the dispensing zone.
22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the support surface is removeable from the dispenser and wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to measure a distance between the support surface and the first sensor to calibrate the first sensor.
23. The dispenser of claim 22, wherein the first sensor or the controller is configured to measure a distance between the support surface and the first. sensor in response to: the controller detecting that the support has been repositioned; and/or the initialisation of the dispenser.
24. The dispenser of any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the control unit is demountable from the dispenser.
25. The dispenser of any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the dispenser is a beverage dispenser.