DATA COLLECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20150228181A1
• Filed: 08/31/2012
• Published: 08/13/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB (Essity AB)
• Original Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB (Essity AB)
• Inventors: Himmelmann, Gunilla, Carney, Joshua
• Granted Patent: US 9,659,481 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063118 Staff planning in a project environment
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands

Abstract

A data collection and monitoring system for at least one defined space within a public or commercial facility includes: a plurality of sensors each monitoring a predetermined parameter; and a data collecting unit arranged for communicating with said sensors within a range of communication which corresponds to the extent of said defined space, with at least one mobile device for a user and with a central server which is associated with a storage medium. The storage medium is adapted for storing and monitoring data related to said sensors. Said data collecting unit is arranged for forwarding data relating to the sensors to the mobile device when the mobile device enters said space.

Claims

1. A data collection and monitoring system for at least one defined space within a public or commercial facility, comprising:

a plurality of sensors each monitoring a predetermined parameter; and

a data collecting unit arranged for communicating with said sensors within a range of communication which corresponds to the extent of said defined space, with at least one mobile device for a user and with a central server which is associated with a storage medium, said storage medium being adapted for storing and monitoring data related to said sensors, wherein said data collecting unit is arranged for forwarding data relating to the sensors to the mobile device when the mobile device enters said space, a link is established between the mobile device and the data collecting unit within said range, and the data collection and monitoring system is configured for determining the presence of the mobile device within said range.

4. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said data collecting unit comprises a detection unit arranged for detecting the presence of said mobile device within said range.

5. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said mobile device is arranged for detecting whether it is located within the range by determining whether a data connection with said data collecting unit can be established.

6. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said server is arranged for detecting whether the mobile device is located within the range by determining the geographical position of the mobile device and determining whether said position is located within said range.

7. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said data collecting unit is arranged for registering the point in time at which said mobile device enters said space and the point in time at which said mobile device exits said space.

8. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said data collecting unit is arranged for initiating deletion of data, relating to the sensors, from said mobile device when it exits said space.

9. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors comprises at least one of the following sensors:

a sensor for measuring the level of a consumable in a dispenser which is arranged in said space;

a sensor for indicating whether a dispenser needs refilling; and

a sensor for measuring the number of visitors entering a given area such as a washroom.

10. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said mobile device is arranged for communicating directly with the sensors and with the central server, for exchange of information.

11. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said space is a hygiene facility, a hospital, a hotel or a similar public or commercial facility.

12. The data collection and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said sensors is associated with a dispenser for said consumable.

2-3. -3. (canceled)

13. A method for collecting data and monitoring at least one defined space within a public or commercial facility, comprising:

monitoring a predetermined parameter by a plurality of sensors;

providing communication between a data collecting unit and said sensors, within a range of communication which corresponds to the extent of said defined space,

providing communication between said data collecting unit and at least one mobile device for a user;

providing communication between said data collecting unit and a central server which is associated with a storage medium, said storage medium being adapted for storing and monitoring data related to said sensors,

forwarding data relating to the sensors from the data collecting unit to the mobile device when the mobile device enters said space, and

detecting the presence of the mobile device within said range.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprises:

registering the point in time at which said mobile device enters said space; and

registering the point in time at which said mobile device exits said space.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprises deleting data, in said mobile device and relating to the sensors, when the mobile device exits said space.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprises measuring at least one of the following parameters of said sensors:

the level of a consumable in a dispenser which is arranged in said space;

an indication of whether a dispenser needs refilling; and

the number of visitors entering a given area such as a washroom.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprises providing direct communication between said mobile device and the sensors and with the central server, for exchange of information.

14. (canceled)