초록 ▼

A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes a controller in conjunction with a photodetector in order to provide automatic dispensing to a user when an object enters a target area. A controller is programmed to pulse a light source that is mounted proximate the photodetector. The controller cons

A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes a controller in conjunction with a photodetector in order to provide automatic dispensing to a user when an object enters a target area. A controller is programmed to pulse a light source that is mounted proximate the photodetector. The controller constantly monitors the voltage at the receiving signal of the photodetector, and evaluates the difference in voltage from the light pulsed on and off. The controller sums the differences, and constantly updates the differences over a designated period to create an average difference value. The average difference value is summed with a target offset value and compared to a momentary voltage difference. When the momentary difference exceeds the sum of the target offset value and average difference, the controller sends a signal to a dispense mechanism which dispenses a fluid or other product on the object.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A hands-free dispenser for dispensing a product into a target area, comprising:a dispensing mechanism;a light emitting diode associated with said dispensing mechanism;a controller; anda photodetector positioned so as to detect reflected light from said light emitting diode tha

What is claimed is: 1. A hands-free dispenser for dispensing a product into a target area, comprising:a dispensing mechanism;a light emitting diode associated with said dispensing mechanism;a controller; anda photodetector positioned so as to detect reflected light from said light emitting diode that represents light levels of a target area and which generates a voltage received by said controller that corresponds to detected light levels,said controller programmed to:determine an Active Voltage value recorded from said photodetector when said light emitting diode is on;determine an Ambient Voltage value recorded from said photodetector when said light emitting diode is off;determine an Average Difference value based on a series of Active Voltage values minus Ambient Voltage values;determine a Momentary Difference value equal to the difference between an Ambient Voltage value and an Active Voltage value;set a Target Level Offset value, andsend a signal to said dispensing mechanism when said Momentary Difference value exceeds said Average Difference value plus said Target Level Offset value so as to dispense the product into the target area.