EP4781658A1

EP4781658A1 - Methods and systems for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility

Info

Publication number: EP4781658A1
Application number: EP23952442.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vannarak DEMONTEIRO; Stephen Becker
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: 2026-07-29
Also published as: AU2023466139A1; CN121773605A; MX2026002566A; KR20260065922A; WO2025063953A1

Abstract

A method for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser is provided. The method includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility. The method also includes inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to the digital copy, the digital copy comprising a visual representation of the washroom facility. The method also includes converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING A DIGITAL COPY OF A WASHROOM FACILITY

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility and using the digital copy to inform operators that maintenance is due for dispensers contained within the washroom facility.

BACKGROUND

[0002] With respect to t 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] However, staff and operators who provide the washroom facilities and perform upkeep within the washroom facilities must enter the washroom facilities to determine the condition of the w ashroom facility. Further, the staff and operators must directly interact with the dispensers contained within these washroom facilities to determine whether or not the dispensers require maintenance. Such requirements take time away from the staff and operators that may be better used elsewhere. One such solution to this problem would be to provide a camera within the washroom facility⁷ that is capable of providing a real-time view of the washroom facility. However, such a solution could compromise the privacy of patrons and staff of the businesses who operates the washroom facilities.

[0004] Thus, a need exists to address the aforementioned concerns. In particular, a need exists to provide a digital representation of the washroom facility' to staff and operators while maintaining privacy for patrons and staff who use the washroom facility. Further, a need exists to inform staff and operators that maintenance is needed for dispensers contained within the washroom facilities.

SUMMARY

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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 warehouses, manufacturing facilities; schools; hospitals and other types of medical facilities: places of worship; 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.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, a method for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser is provided. The method includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility. The method also includes inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to the digital copy, the digital copy including a visual representation of the washroom facility. The method also includes converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application.

[0008] In one embodiment of the method, the image capturing device includes a camera or a video camera.

[0009] In another embodiment of the method, the scanned copy includes a first scanned copy and a second scanned copy where the first scanned copy is a scanned representation of the washroom facility and the second scanned copy is a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the method, the method further includes providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to a user via the application.

[0011] In an additional embodiment of the method, the application is configured to provide an augmented reality representation of the at least one dispenser. [0012] In yet another embodiment of the method, the image capturing device includes a sensor including at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the method, the application is configured to provide an on-screen measurement of the washroom facility.

[0014] In yet a further embodiment of the method, the application includes an algorithm, the algorithm including a machine learning algorithm configured to convert the scanned copy to a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation of the washroom facility.

[0015] In still a further embodiment of the method, the at least one dispenser includes at least two dispensers where the method further includes providing an identification for the at least two dispensers, the identification configured to distinguish the at least two dispensers from each other.

[0016] In another additional embodiment of the method, the method further includes providing the location of the at least one dispenser within the w ashroom facility to the user via the application.

[0017] In a further additional embodiment of the method, the method further includes providing a model number or serial number of the at least one dispenser to the user via the application.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, a method of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility is provided. The method includes scanning the washroom facility’ with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the w ashroom facility, the scanned copy including a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser. The method also includes inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to a digital copy. The method also includes converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application, the digital copy including a visual representation of the w ashroom facility, the digital copy further including a digital representation of the at least one dispenser. The method further includes storing the digital copy within the application, the application configured to display the stored digital copy to the operator. The method also includes connecting at least one sensor within the at least one dispenser with the application, the at least one sensor configured to report whether maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser. The method further includes providing a maintenance alert via the application if the at least one sensor reports that maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser. [0019] In an embodiment of the method, the method further includes providing the status of the at least one dispenser in real-time.

[0020] In another embodiment of the method, the at least one dispenser and the application are connected via a server.

[0021] In still another embodiment of the method, the at least one dispenser includes at least two dispensers, and the maintenance alert identifies which of the at least two dispensers maintenance is due.

[0022] In yet another embodiment of the method, the application is configured to provide a maintenance identifier for each of the dispensers of the at least two dispensers where the maintenance alert includes the maintenance identifier tagged to a respective dispenser of the at least two dispensers that requires maintenance.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the method, the maintenance identifier is viewable by the operator on the stored digital copy in the application.

[0024] In still a further embodiment of the method, the at least one sensor is capable of reporting a condition that necessitates maintenance where the maintenance alerts the condition that necessitates maintenance.

[0025] In another additional embodiment, the condition is an indication that the at least one dispenser has a low amount of product, the low⁷ amount of product including an amount of product lower than about 25% of the total capacity of the at least one dispenser.

[0026] In another further embodiment, the operator may clear the maintenance alert to indicate either that maintenance was completed or not needed.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect, a system for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser is provided. The system includes an image capturing device that includes a camera or a video camera, the image capturing device configured to scan the washroom facility thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility and an application configured to analyze the scanned copy of the washroom facility and convert the scanned copy to a digital copy, the digital copy including a visual representation of the washroom facility.

[0028] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a washroom facility' and an example embodiment of a digital copy of the washroom facility;

[0031] FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaway representation of an example dispenser;

[0032] FIG. 3 provides a perspective representation of the example dispenser of FIG. 2; [0033] FIG. 4a provides a side cutaway representation of an example toilet with a valve closed;

[0034] FIG. 4b provides a side cutaway representation of the example toilet of FIG. 4a with the valve opened;

[0035] FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility and informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser within the washroom facility';

[0036] FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of a method for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser; and

[0037] FIG. 7 provides a flow diagram of a method of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility.

[0038] 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

[0039] 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.

[0040] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser. Specifically, a method for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser may include scanning the washroom facility’ with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility'. The method may also include inputting the scanned copy within an application. The application may be configured to convert the scanned copy to the digital copy, and the digital copy may be or include a visual representation of the washroom facility. [0041] The present disclosure may also be further directed to systems and methods of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility. Specifically, a method of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility may include scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility. The scanned copy may include a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser. The method may also include inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to a digital copy. The method may also include converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application. The digital copy may include a visual representation of the washroom facility⁷ and a digital representation of the at least one dispenser. The method may also include storing the digital copy within the application, the application configured to display the stored digital copy to the operator. The method may also include connecting at least one sensor within the at least one dispenser with the application, the at least one sensor configured to report whether maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser. The method may also include providing a maintenance alert via the application if the at least one sensor reports that maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser.

[0042] Thus, multiple benefits may be provided by the presently disclosed methods and systems. For example, a digitized copy of a w ashroom facility may be created for an operator of the w ashroom facility. Such a copy may enable the operator to view the layout of the washroom facility without being within the washroom facility. In addition, the operator of the w ashroom facility may be able to share the copy with users via an application. Further, the application may be able to provide the dimensions of the washroom facility if desired. In addition, monitoring of the conditions within a washroom facility- may be achieved without compromising the privacy of staff and patrons of the business that operates the washroom faci li ty . Further, the staff of the businesses w ho operate washroom facilities may be able to view the status of dispensers within the washroom facility⁷ in realtime. In addition, maintenance alerts may be provided to the staff if the dispensers require maintenance. As a result, staff of the businesses who operate washroom facilities may be able to respond to maintenance concerns more quickly within the washroom facility such as issues with the dispensers. These and other benefits may be provided by' the methods and systems which will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow⁷.

[0043] The present disclosure may be understood with greater detail with reference to the figures. In particular, FIGS. 1-4 provide example embodiments of washroom facilities and dispensers that may be found within washroom facilities, while FIGS. 5-7 provide systems and methods of creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser and using the digital copy to, for instance, inform an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser within the washroom facility, such as the dispensers discussed in FIGS. 1-4.

[0044] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of an example environment of a washroom facility. The block diagram may also serve as an example embodiment of a digital copy of the washroom facility as will be discussed hereinbelow. 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 functional sensor 116 and a processor 118 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0045] 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 service attendant can refill the dispenser 104 with additional product 105.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 drawn product to the user for a dispense operation.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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. The functional sensor 116 may also monitor the state of the dispenser 104 to determine if maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may able to report whether the dispenser 104 is jammed and incapable of dispensing the product 105. In another example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the amount of product 105 container within the product level of the dispenser 104 is low when compared to the total product carrying capacity of the dispenser 104. For example, the functional sensor 116 may report that the product level is lower than about 25%, such as lower than about 15%, such as lower than 5%, such as at about 0%, when compared to the total product carrying capacity of the dispenser 104.

[0050] 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 with 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) water can fill the tank for normal operation. When the valve 132 is closed (FIG. 4a) water is prevented from filling the tank. Functional sensors 116 may be provided with the toilet 130 as well. With the toilet 130, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the toilet 130 is clogged or overflowing.

[0051] Functional sensors 116 may also be provided with the sinks/faucets 134 or the urinals 136 as shown in FIG. 1. Like the functional sensor 116 provided with the toilet 130, the functional sensor 116 with the sinks/faucets 134 or the urinals 136 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the sinks/faucets 134 are incapable of outputting water or overflowing or that the urinal 136 is clogged or overflowing.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, flow diagrams and functional diagrams are presented that provide systems and methods of creating a digital copy of a washroom facility’ containing at least one dispenser and using the digital copy to, for instance, inform an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser within the washroom facility.

[0053] Each of the systems or methods may assist in creating a digital copy of a washroom facility, such as washroom facility 100. In addition, each of the systems or methods may assist in creating a digital copy of a dispenser, such as dispenser 104, or other washroom components such as the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 discussed above. In addition, each of the systems or methods may provide be capable of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser, such as the dispenser 104. However, an operator may also be informed if other washroom components such as the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 require maintenance described above.

[0054] The methods of creating a digital copy of a washroom facility and using the digital copy to inform an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser within the washroom facility (FIGS. 6-7) may be understood with greater detail with reference to the components of the systems for implementing these methods (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 creating a digital copy and providing maintenance updates for the dispenser 104 within the washroom facility 100. Instead, the systems and methods discussed hereinbelow may be employed with variety of dispensers and washroom components within a variety of washroom facilities.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 provides a functional diagram for a system for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility and informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser within the washroom facility. As shown, the system 500 may include an image capturing device 502, a server 512, 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 scanned copy 510 of the washroom facility 100. For example, the scanned copy 510 may be a photograph, a video, or other similar media which captures a two-dimensional (2D) the shape, dimensions, and layout of the washroom facility 100.

[0056] While scanning the washroom facility 100, the image capturing device 502 may also determine or be used to determine the location of the dispenser 104 and other washroom components within the washroom facility 100. For example, the image capturing device 502 may be capable of forming a first scanned copy 510 and a second scanned copy 510. The first scanned copy may be a scanned representation of the washroom facility 100 and the second scanned copy may be a scanned representation of the dispenser 104 or the washroom components. More specifically, 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 and the dispenser 104 or the washroom components thereby forming the first and second scanned copy 510. Alternatively, 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 and the dispenser 104 or the washroom components thereby forming the first and second scanned copy 510.

[0057] The scanning of the washroom facility⁷ 100 may also be utilized to form a scanned copy 510 that includes multiple dispensers 104. For example, a first dispenser 104 within the washroom facility 100 may be scanned and a second dispenser 104 (or more) within the washroom facility 100 may be scanned. The first and second dispenser 104 may be scanned together or scanned separately using photographs, video, or other media as discussed above.

[0058] Once the scanned copy 510 is acquired, the scanned 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 or the viewing device 520 via a wired connection 514 or a wireless connection 516. The scanned 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.

[0059] 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. When a scanned copy 510 is provided to the application 508, the application 508 may be configured to analyze the scanned copy 510 of the washroom facility 100 and convert the scanned copy 510 to a digital copy 511 which provides a visual representation of the washroom facility. For example, within the application 508, an algorithm such as a machine learning algorithm may exist which can analyze the scanned copy 510 of the washroom facility' 100 and convert the scanned copy 510 to a digital copy 511.

[0060] It should be understood that the application 508 may be capable of using a scanned copy 510 not formed by the image capturing device 502 to form the digital copy 511. For example, a scanned copy 510 that was previously formed by a different device may be utilized with the application 508. Further, the application 508 may also be able to provide the same functionality to a user with a scanned copy 510 that was preinstalled or otherwise obtained from different means than scanning the washroom facility 100. For example, a user of the application 508 may upload a scanned copy 510 of a washroom facility' 100 that they obtained without the use of the image capturing device 502 which may then be converted to a digital copy 511. In addition, the conversion of the scanned copy 510 to the digital copy 511 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 converting the scanned copy 510 to the digital copy 511. The server 512 may also include the application 508 and be capable of converting the scanned copy 510 to the digital copy 511.

[0061] In an embodiment, the visual representation of the digital copy 511 may be a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the washroom facility 100 in the form of a 3D model. However, the representation may also be a 2D representation similar to what is depicted in FIG. 1. Within either a 3D or 2D digital copy 511, scanned objects may also be formed. For example, a visual representation of the dispenser 104 may be formed within the digital copy 511. Visual representations of washroom components other than the dispenser 104 may be provided such as the sinks/faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. The digital copy 511 may also include other objects or surfaces within the washroom facility 100 such as floors, ceilings, doors, stalls, light switches. The digital copy 511 of the washroom facility 100 may also include the dimensions or measurements of the washroom facility 100 as well as the general appearance of the w ashroom facility⁷ 100 as will be discussed in greater detail below. As a result of this, the locations and orientations of the washroom components such as the dispenser 104 and other objects may be provided by a user or operator by the application 508.

[0062] If multiple dispensers 104 are provided, the application 508 may provide identifiers 533 which can provide identification that assists in distinguishing the dispensers 104 from each other. For example, a unique numeral, shape, or text may be placed with each of the dispenser 104 within the digital copy 511 such that the dispensers 104 may be more readily distinguished from each other within the digital copy 511. Such identifiers 533 may also be used with maintenance alerts as will be discussed hereinbelow

[0063] If a machine learning algorithm is utilized by the application 508 to form the digital copy 511. 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 netw orks (RNNs), one or more transformers (TNNs), or any other suitable neural netw ork configurations. In machine learning, deep convolutional neural networks generally refer to a type of feedforward 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.

[0064] If a machine learning algorithm is utilize within the application 508, the machine learning algorithm may also be configured to convert the scanned copy 510 to the digital copy 511. For example, the machine learning algorithm may include or be a transformer such as a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) that may be utilized to convert the scanned copy 510 to the digital copy 511. For example, if the digital copy 511 is a 3D representation of the washroom facility 100, the machine learning algorithm may be able to convert the 2D scanned copy 510 to the 3D representation of the digital copy 511. Alternatively, if the digital copy is a 2D representation, the machine learning algorithm may be able to convert the 2D scanned copy 510 an alternative 2D representation of the digital copy 511. For example, if the 2D scanned copy 510 included photos or videos of the washroom facility 100 from one perspective (such as from a perspective of atypical patron), the 2D digital copy 511 may be a visual representation from a different perspective (such as from an overhead view as shown in FIG. 1). To achieve this result, the machine learning algorithm including a transformer or GPT may be trained with a variety of photos or videos which are flagged by a supervisor. Specifically, reference data such as images, screenshots, or videos of objects or surfaces that define scanned copies 510 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 the accuracy of the digital copies 511 created. 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 form the digital copies 511.

[0065] Further, if a machine learning algorithm is utilized within the application 508, the machine learning algorithm may also 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 objects within the washroom 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.

[0066] Similar to the scanned copy 510, once the digital copy 511 is formed, the digital copy 511 can either be stored in the memory of the image capturing device 502 or uploaded to another location such as the server 512 or the viewing device 520 via a wired connection 514 or a wireless connection 516. The digital copy 511 may then be accessed or acquired from the memory of the image capturing device 502 or from the server 512.

[0067] In addition, once the digital copy 511 is formed, the application 508 may output the digital copy 511 for viewing by an operator or user. For example, if the application 508 is installed on the image capturing device 502, the application 508 may output the digital copy 511 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 digital copy 511 to the image capturing device 502 via the wired connection 514 or the wireless connection 516. The digital copy 511 may also be output to another image capturing device 502, rather than the image capturing device 502 that formed the scanned copy 510 of the washroom facility 100. In another example, the application 508 may output the digital copy 511 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 digital copy 511 may be viewed from without having the capability of forming scanned copies 510. [0068] The digital copy 511 may include a variety of data. For example, the digital copy 511 may include measurements or coordinates for the objects within the washroom facility 100 such as the dispenser 104. The measurements or coordinates may be show n 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 is placed. In particular, the measurements or coordinates may also be shown on the screens 506, 532 of either the image capturing device 502 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 viewing device 520 may include at least one of a global positioning system (GPS), an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

[0069] The output of the digital copy 511 may also include an augmented reality representation of the w ashroom facility 100 and the objects contained therein. 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, 532 of either the image capturing device 502 or the viewing device 520. The augmented reality representation of the washroom facility 100 may also include flags or notifications corresponding to maintenance alerts issued by the application 508 as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0070] The output of the digital copy 511 may also include model numbers or serial numbers of the dispenser 104 or dispensers 104 within the washroom facility’ 100. The model numbers or serial numbers may assist an operator in either replacing the dispensers 104 or performing maintenance on the dispensers 104 as will be discussed hereinbelow. [0071] The application 508 may also provide other functionality. For example, the application 508 may be configured to inform an operator that maintenance is due for the dispenser 104 contained within the washroom facility' 100. To achieve this, the application 508 may be digitally connected via the server 512 to the functional sensor 116 or 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 functional sensor 116 or the processor 118 of the dispenser 104 may report that the dispenser 104 is out of order or requires maintenance as discussed above.

[0072] If the functional sensor 116 or the processor 118 determines that the dispenser 104 requires maintenance, the processor 118 may then communicate the status to the application 508 which can then report and display the status to an operator or user. For example, the application 508 may provide a maintenance alert that reports that the dispenser 104 requires maintenance. The application 508 may also report the status of the dispenser 104 in real-time in addition to providing maintenance alerts.

[0073] If two dispensers 104 are provided within the digital copy' 511, as detailed above, the application 508 also be capable of outputting a maintenance alert that identifies which of the dispensers 104 requires maintenance. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, the application 508 may be capable of providing maintenance identifiers 534 which are placed next to or tagged with the visual representation of the respective dispensers or dispensers 104 which require maintenance. The maintenance identifiers 534 may be viewable by an operator on the digital copy 511 which is stored within the application 508. For example, the maintenance identifiers 534 may take a variety of shapes or colored shapes that are visually distinct from the other objects depicted within the digital copy 511. The maintenance identifier 534 may' also be text that informs an operator that maintenance is needed. The maintenance identifier 534 may also be a color overlaid the visual representation of the dispenser 104 within the digital copy 511. [0074] The maintenance identifier 534 may also appear within an augmented reality⁷ representation of the washroom facility 100. For example, if an operator used an image capturing device 502 or a viewing device 520 to view the washroom facility 100. The digital copy 511 may indicate on a screen 506, 532 of the image capturing device 502 or the viewing device 520 which of the dispensers 104 requires maintenance using the maintenance identifier 534. Specifically, a maintenance identifier 534 may be provided alongside the image shown on the screen indicating which of the dispensers 104 requires maintenance. The maintenance identifier 534 may be a shapes, color overlays, or text as described above. [0075] The maintenance alert may also be capable of informing an operator what is the condition which necessitates maintenance. For example, the maintenance alert may display a code or text which corresponds to a particular issue that necessitates maintenance. The issues that necessitate maintenance may be any of the issues described above with respect to the functional sensors 116 such as ajammed dispenser 104 or a low amount of product within the dispenser 104. However, it should be understood that the maintenance alerts and maintenance alerts may also be provided for the other washroom components such as the toilets 130, sinks/faucets 134, or urinals 136. For example, if maintenance is needed and reported for any of these washroom components, a maintenance identifier 534 may be provided that reports that any of these washroom components are clogged or overflowing. [0076] The identifier 533 may also be used with the maintenance identifier 534. For example, the maintenance identifier may identify the condition that caused the maintenance alert to occur, while the identifier 533 may report which of the dispensers 104 (if multiple dispensers 104 are provided) requires maintenance.

[0077] If the model numbers or serial numbers of the dispensers 104 are provided in the digital copy 511, the model numbers or serial numbers may be utilized with the maintenance alert to better assist an operator in responding to the maintenance alert. For example, if the maintenance alert indicates a particular issue with the dispenser 104, the model numbers or serial numbers may inform an operator what parts or tools may be needed to address the particular issue. More specifically, if the maintenance alert indicates a particular part of the dispenser 104 is not functioning, the model numbers or serial numbers may inform which part may be used to replace the part that is not functioning. Alternatively, if the entire dispenser 104 is unfixable, the model numbers or serial numbers may inform the operator which dispenser 104 should be used to replace the unfixable dispenser 104.

[0078] The maintenance alert may also be clearable by an operator. For example, if an operator attends to the underlying condition which created the maintenance alert, the operator may be able to clear the maintenance alert from the application 508. Alternatively, if the operator determines that maintenance was not needed in spite of the maintenance alert, the operator may also be to clear the maintenance alert. Within the application, the operator may also be able to make an indication of whether maintenance was completed or not needed. Thus, an operator may be able to clear the maintenance alert to indicate either that maintenance was completed or not needed.

[0079] The application 508 may also be able to provide the aforementioned functionality to a user who may not necessarily be an operator of the washroom facility 100. For example, the application 508 may provide and display a digital copy 511 of the washroom facility⁷ 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. Once a digital copy 511 is made available, the user may then be able to view the digital copy 511 of the washroom facility 100 and a mounted dispenser 104.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, flow diagrams of either creating a digital copy of a washroom facility or using the digital copy to inform an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within the washroom facility are presented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that method 600 may⁷ be used to form the digital copy 511 of the washroom facility 100 while method 700 may be used to inform an operator that maintenance is due for the dispenser 104 within the washroom facility 100. Though FIGS. 6-7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary⁷ 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.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 provides a flow diagram of a method for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser. As illustrated at step 602, the method 600 scanning the washroom facility⁷ with an image capturing device thereby- forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility. As illustrated at step 604, the method 600 includes inputting the scanned copy within an application where the application is configured to convert the scanned copy to the digital copy that includes a visual representation of the washroom facility⁷. As illustrated at step 606, the method 600 includes converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application. [0082] Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 provides a flow diagram of a method of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility. As illustrated at step 702. the method 700 includes scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility where the scanned copy includes a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser. As illustrated at step 704, the method 700 includes inputting the scanned copy within an application where the application is configured to convert the scanned copy to a digital copy. As illustrated at step 706, the method 700 includes converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application where the digital copy includes a visual representation of the washroom facility and a digital representation of the at least one dispenser. As illustrated at step 708, the method 700 includes storing the digital copy within the application where the application is configured to display the stored digital copy to the operator. As illustrated at step 710, the method 700 includes connecting at least one sensor within the at least one dispenser with the application where the at least one sensor is configured to report whether maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser. As illustrated at step 712, the method 700 includes providing a maintenance alert via the application if the at least one sensor reports that maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser.

[0083] 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 for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser, the method comprising: scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom faci 1 i t i inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to the digital copy, the digital copy comprising a visual representation of the washroom facility; and converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the image capturing device includes a camera or a video camera.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the scanned copy comprises a first scanned copy and a second scanned copy, wherein the first scanned copy is a scanned representation of the washroom facility and the second scanned copy is a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the digital copy of the washroom facility to a user via the application.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the application is configured to provide an augmented reality representation of the at least one dispenser.

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

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the application comprises an algorithm, the algorithm comprising a machine learning algorithm configured to convert the scanned copy to a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation of the washroom facility.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one dispenser comprises at least two dispensers, wherein the method further comprises providing an identification for the at least two dispensers, the identification configured to distinguish the at least two dispensers from each other.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the digital copy to a user via the application.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing the location of the at least one dispenser within the washroom facility to the user via the application.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a model number or serial number of the at least one dispenser to the user via the application.

13. A method of informing an operator that maintenance is due for at least one dispenser contained within a washroom facility, the method comprising: scanning the washroom facility with an image capturing device thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility, the scanned copy including a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser; inputting the scanned copy within an application, the application configured to convert the scanned copy to a digital copy; converting the scanned copy to the digital copy via the application, the digital copy comprising a visual representation of the washroom facility, the digital copy further including a digital representation of the at least one dispenser; storing the digital copy within the application, the application configured to display the stored digital copy to the operator; connecting at least one sensor within the at least one dispenser with the application, the at least one sensor configured to report whether maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser; and providing a maintenance alert via the application if the at least one sensor reports that maintenance is due for the at least one dispenser.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the scanned copy comprises a first scanned copy and a second scanned copy, wherein the first scanned copy is a scanned representation of the washroom facility and the second scanned copy is a scanned representation of the at least one dispenser.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising providing the status of the at least one dispenser in real-time.

16. The method of claim 13. wherein the at least one dispenser and the application are connected via a server.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one dispenser comprises at least two dispensers, wherein the maintenance alert identifies which of the at least two dispensers maintenance is due.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the application is configured to provide a maintenance identifier for each of the dispensers of the at least two dispensers, wherein the maintenance alert includes the maintenance identifier tagged to a respective dispenser of the at least two dispensers that requires maintenance.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the maintenance identifier is viewable by the operator on the stored digital copy in the application.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor is capable of reporting a condition that necessitates maintenance, wherein the maintenance alerts the condition that necessitates maintenance.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the condition is an indication that the at least one dispenser has a low' amount of product, the low amount of product comprising an amount of product lower than about 25% of the total capacity of the at least one dispenser.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the operator may clear the maintenance alert to indicate either that maintenance was completed or not needed.

23. A system for creating a digital copy of a washroom facility containing at least one dispenser, 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 thereby forming a scanned copy of the washroom facility, and an application configured to analyze the scanned copy of the washroom facility⁷ and convert the scanned copy to a digital copy, the digital copy comprising a visual representation of the washroom facility.