Automatic paper towel dispenser with LIDAR sensor
US10791884B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K2010/3668
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An automatic paper towel dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a paper towel, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, and a controller in communication with the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR sensor is configured to emit light toward an object within a detection region at a first time, detect the light reflected by the object at a second time, and calculate a time of flight of the light. The time of flight is an amount of time that elapses between the first time and the second time. The controller is configured to calculate a distance between the LIDAR sensor and the object based on the time of flight and actuate the dispensing mechanism based on the calculated distance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.