Patent Publication Number: US-2022215339-A1

Title: Automatic household consumable product inventory tracking and re-order devices, systems, and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/US2020/033944, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Devices, Systems, and Methods”, filed May 21, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/971,501, filed Feb. 7, 2020, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/914,645, filed Oct. 14, 2019, entitled “Automatic Household Consumable Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/850,650, filed May 21, 2019, entitled “Automatic Household Sheet Product Inventory Tracking and Re-Order Systems and Methods”; the contents of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Example embodiments of the present invention generally relate to inventory tracking and re-order systems and, more particularly to automatic household inventory tracking and re-order systems and methods for consumable products. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is often difficult for household members to remember when to order or buy household consumable products (e.g., sheet product, such as tissue paper rolls and paper towel rolls; napkins; paper plates; bulk storage products, such as dog food, cereal, and garden and home maintenance products; fluid product, such as soap, juice, soda, and air freshener; etc.). Consumers have to keep track of their current supply of consumable products, keeping in mind when they will next be at the store or when to place an order. Further, in the case of online ordering, they have to account for delivery time. Some subscription based models that re-order after a certain period of time are difficult to use and often ship too much or too little of the consumable product—resulting in consumer frustration. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide automatic tracking of inventory (e.g., consumable products) and re-ordering (such as automatically re-ordering or by notifying the user in some capacity) in an environment, such as a household. In this regard, various devices (e.g., manual dispensers, automated dispensers, various consumable product holders, spindles, storage devices, etc.) may be provided with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more characteristics regarding the consumable product. For example, in the case of tissue paper rolls and/or paper towel rolls, the tracked characteristic(s) may include: is the roll present, not present, has a dispensing roll been replaced, among other things. That information can be sent to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub, cloud server, etc. such as the wireless functionality, including WiFi) that determines whether or not a new order of the corresponding consumable product is needed. Though some of the description herein is focused on paper towel rolls and/or tissue paper rolls, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate usage with other types of household consumable products, such as fluid (e.g., hand soap, dishwashing liquid, fluids for wetted dispensers, air freshener, etc.), napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, such as dog food or cereal, or other types of consumable products for the household environment. 
     In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a household member in charge of ordering replacement inventory) may utilize a software application (e.g., stored on their mobile device, smart appliance, other computing device, and/or available via the internet) to provide preferences and/or settings for facilitating tracking and ordering of the replacement inventory. In some embodiments, a user may select the type of notification and/or automatic ordering functionality that is preferred, which may depend on the type of inventory. For example, upon determining that replacement consumable product is needed, the user may receive a notification of such without any other prompting (e.g., a manual re-order function). Alternatively, a user may receive a notification with a link and/or option to select and initiate an order for replacement consumable product (e.g., a semi-automated re-order function). Further, in some cases, the system may just automatically initiate the re-order with or without notifying the user (e.g., an automated re-order function). 
     Embodiments of the present invention contemplate many different types of devices, such as dispensers, spindles, consumable product holders, and storage devices (among other devices), that can be used with example systems to perform the inventory tracking. In some embodiments, the system is configured to receive sensor data from various devices and, such as through various logic, determine the overall inventory of the household environment (which may or may not include consumable product stored separately from the one or more devices). For example, the system may take into account an original inventory (e.g., set by the user and/or determined over time) and sensor data from two or more devices. In some cases, the system may account for previously ordered consumable product, such as from a recent online order. Then, based on a running inventory count/total (e.g., decrementing as the devices indicate accordingly), the system may determine it is time to initiate re-order functionality (e.g., notify the user, initiate a semi or automated re-order, etc.). 
     In an example embodiment, a system for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality for an environment is provided. The system comprises a first consumables device configured to hold a quantity or level of first consumables. The first consumables device comprises a first consumables sensor configured to determine occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the first consumables within the first consumables device and a first consumables communication interface configured to transmit first sensor data of the first consumables sensor to a remote device. The system comprises a second consumables device configured to hold a quantity or level of second consumables. The second consumables are different than the first consumables. The second consumables device comprises a second consumables sensor configured to determine occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the second consumables within the second consumables device and a second consumables communication interface configured to transmit second sensor data of the second consumables sensor to the remote device. The system further comprises the remote device comprising a processor configured to: receive the first sensor data and the second sensor data; determine a current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment; and determine a current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the second consumables currently in the environment. The processor is also configured to perform re-order functionality for the first consumables in an instance in which the current inventory status corresponds to a threshold re-order inventory status for the first consumables, wherein the re-order functionality comprises a semi-automated re-order function. The semi-automated re-order function corresponds to providing an option for a user to initiate the order to replenish the first consumables, wherein the option requires user interaction prior to initiating the order to replenish the first consumables. The processor is further configured to perform re-order functionality for the second consumables in an instance in which the current inventory status corresponds to a threshold re-order inventory status for the second consumables, wherein the re-order functionality comprises one of an automated re-order function, a semi-automated re-order function, or a manual re-order function. The automated re-order function corresponds to automatic initiation of an order to replenish the second consumables. The semi-automated re-order function corresponds to providing an option for a user to initiate the order to replenish the second consumables. The manual re-order function corresponds to providing a notification to the user that the current inventory status of the second consumables corresponds to threshold re-order inventory status of the second consumables so as to remind the user to replenish the second consumables. 
     In some embodiments, the system further comprises a software application installed on a user computing device. The remote device is configured to: transmit, in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the first consumables, a notification to the software application providing the option, via the software application, to initiate the order to replenish the first consumables. In some embodiments, in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the first consumables, the notification indicates that the current inventory status of the first consumables in the environment corresponds to the threshold re-order inventory status for the first consumables, and in conjunction with the semi-automated re-order function for the second consumables, the notification indicates that the current inventory status of the second consumables in the environment corresponds to the threshold re-order inventory status for the second consumables. In some embodiments, the software application enables the user to modify the re-order functionality for the first consumables to select one of an automated re-order function, the semi-automated re-order function, or the manual re-order function. In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to determine the current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment based on the first sensor data and an estimated or inputted amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment. In some embodiments, the software application enables the user to input the amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment. In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to update the estimated or inputted amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment based on received shipments of replacement first consumables. In some embodiments, the remote device is further configured to update the amount of extra first consumables stored within the environment based on the occurrence of a change in the quantity or level of the first consumables within the first consumables device. 
     In some embodiments, the remote device is configured to determine the current inventory status corresponding to the quantity or level of the first consumables currently in the environment based on a plurality of first consumable devices within the environment. In some embodiments, the plurality of first consumable devices within the environment comprises at least one first type of first consumable device and at least one second type of first consumable device, wherein the first type of first consumable device and the second type of first consumable device comprise different types of sensors configured to sense first consumables. In some embodiments, the plurality of first consumable devices within the environment comprises at least one first type of first consumable device and at least one second type of first consumable device, wherein the first type of first consumable device is configured to store replacement first consumables, wherein the second type of first consumable device is configured to enable dispensing of first consumables. 
     In some embodiments, the occurrence of the change in the quantity or level of the first consumables corresponds to one of installation in or removal of a tissue paper roll from the first consumables device. In some embodiments, the second consumables are one of napkins or plates. In some embodiments, the second consumables are paper towel. In some embodiments, the second consumables are loose bulk storage products. 
     In some embodiments, the remote device comprises one of a remote server or a remote computing device positioned within the environment. 
     In some embodiments, corresponding methods and/or computer program product are provided. 
     In another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a stand portion configured to hold at least one sheet product roll. The stand portion comprises at least one reserve position, wherein each sheet product roll stored on the stand portion is positioned in a corresponding reserve position. The stand portion further comprises at least one sensor, wherein each sensor is positioned relative to a corresponding reserve position and configured to sense the presence or absence of a sheet product roll in the corresponding reserve position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a dispense portion configured to hold a sheet product roll in a dispensing position that enables a user to obtain a dispense from the sheet product roll in the dispensing position. The sheet product dispenser further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device, wherein the sensor data is indicative of a number of sheet product rolls stored on the sheet product dispenser. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided. 
     In yet another example embodiment, a spindle for enabling dispensing of a sheet product roll is provided. The spindle comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The second body portion is sized and configured to be received in a telescoping manner by the first body portion to enable the spindle to extend and compress between a fully extended state and a fully compressed state. The spindle further includes at least one installation protrusion configured to mate with a spindle holder to enable installation of the spindle in the spindle holder such that the spindle defines an installed state, wherein the spindle is configured to define different widths in the installed state. The spindle further includes a first spring configured to bias the first body portion to extend away from the second body portion so as to bias the spindle to the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of when the spindle is in an installed state or when the spindle is in the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a second spring attached to the sensor and configured to bias the sensor toward a fully extended sensor position. The sensor is movable within at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion such that the sensor is configured to sense when the spindle is in the installed state over a range of widths of the spindle. The sensor is not configured to sense that the spindle is in the installed state when the spindle is in the fully extended state. The spindle further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided. 
     In yet another example embodiment, a sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a stand portion configured to fit within an installed sheet product roll. The sheet product dispenser further includes a base portion extending radially outward from the stand portion. The base portion is configured to support the stand portion such that the stand portion extends vertically from the base portion. The base portion comprises a sensor configured to sense the installed sheet product roll. The sheet product further includes a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device, wherein the sensor data indicates presence or absence of the installed sheet product roll. In some embodiments, corresponding methods and systems are provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an example tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of another example tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of an example device (e.g., tracking device, mobile device, smart hub, remote device), in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 4  shows an example tissue paper dispenser for tissue paper rolls for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 5  shows the example tissue paper dispenser shown in  FIG. 4 , where the dispense portion has been rotated to an installation orientation, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 6  shows another example tissue paper dispenser for tissue paper rolls for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, where a top portion of the stand has been removed from a bottom portion of the stand to enable installation or removal of replacement tissue paper rolls on the stand, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 7  shows the example tissue paper dispenser shown in  FIG. 6 , where the top portion has been attached to the bottom portion and replacement tissue paper rolls are installed on the stand, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 8  shows an example tissue paper device that acts as a storage device for replacement tissue paper rolls, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 9  shows an example tissue spindle for tissue paper rolls for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 10A  shows a cross-sectional view of an example tissue spindle for dispensing tissue paper for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, wherein the spindle is in the relaxed (e.g., fully extended) state, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 10B  shows a cross-sectional view of the example tissue spindle shown in  FIG. 10A , wherein the spindle has been partially compressed and is in an installed state, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 10C  shows a cross-sectional view of the example tissue spindle shown in  FIG. 10A , wherein the tissue spindle has been fully compressed and is in the installed state, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 11  shows an example tissue spindle with extender installation protrusions the enable use of an over-sized tissue paper roll in a recessed tissue paper roll holder, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 12A  shows the example tissue spindle show in  FIG. 11 , where one of the extender installation protrusions is in the engaged position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 12B  shows the example tissue spindle show in  FIG. 11 , where one of the extender installation protrusions is in the disengaged position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 13  shows example automated paper towel dispenser for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 14  shows an example paper towel holder for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 15  shows the example paper towel holder of  FIG. 14  with an installed paper towel roll, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 16A  shows an example paper towel dispenser for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 16B  shows a close-up view of a portion of the example paper towel holder of  FIG. 16A , with a paper towel roll installed, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 17  shows an example paper towel dispenser for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 18A  shows a close-up view of another example paper towel dispenser for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 18B  illustrates a top schematic view illustrating example positioning of two sensors on the base portion of the paper towel dispenser shown in  FIG. 18A , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an example paper towel dispenser, where a time-of-flight sensor is angled toward an installed paper towel roll, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an example napkin holder for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 21  shows an exploded view of the napkin holder shown in  FIG. 20 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 22  shows a cross-sectional view of the napkin holder shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein a supply of napkins extends above a sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 23  shows a cross-sectional view of the napkin holder shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein the supply of napkins has been depleted below the sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an example paper plate holder for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 25  shows an exploded view of the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 26  shows a cross-sectional view of the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , wherein a supply of paper plates extends above a sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 27  shows a cross-sectional view of the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , wherein the supply of paper plates has been depleted below the sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 28  shows a bottom cross-sectional view of the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , where the guide plates are in a first position, enabling insertion of a larger-sized paper plate, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 29  shows a bottom cross-sectional view of the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , where the guide plates are in a second position, enabling insertion of a smaller-sized paper plate, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 30  shows a bottom perspective view of an example guide plate for the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 31  shows an example cam plate for the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 32  shows a top perspective view of an example guide plate for the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 33  shows an example base plate for the paper plate holder shown in  FIG. 24 , in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an exploded view of an example bulk storage product holder for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 35A  shows a cross-sectional view of the bulk storage product holder shown in  FIG. 34 , wherein a supply of bulk storage product extends above a sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 35B  shows a cross-sectional view of the bulk storage product holder shown in  FIG. 34 , wherein the supply of bulk storage product has been depleted below the sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a top perspective view of another example bulk storage product holder for use with various example tracking and re-order systems, where a top of the lid is removed, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 37A  shows a cross-sectional view of the bulk storage product holder shown in  FIG. 36 , wherein a supply of bulk storage product extends above a sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 37B  shows a cross-sectional view of the bulk storage product holder shown in  FIG. 36 , wherein the supply of bulk storage product has been depleted below the sensor, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 38A  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to connect a tracking device to the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 38B  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to select a local network for connecting the tracking device to an external network, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 39A  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to enroll in a subscription service or other replenishment service for ordering new consumable product, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 39B  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to select a consumable product order option for use with the subscription service or other replenishment service, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 39C  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to select a battery order option for use with the subscription service or other replenishment service, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to select settings corresponding to a tracking device that is part of the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that provides a user with statuses of various tracking devices that are part of the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 42A  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to set the threshold for a household inventory that corresponds to when to initiate re-order functionality utilizing the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 42B  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to set an extra inventory level, select whether or not to enable automatic ordering, and set the threshold for a household inventory that corresponds to when to initiate re-order functionality utilizing the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to place an order for more consumable product, such as may be provided to the user in response to a household inventory threshold being met, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 44  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that provides information regarding current inventory and battery level for the tracking and re-order system, along with the option to order more of each, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that shows recent orders that have been placed for the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that shows a general system level view of a user&#39;s inventory tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that shows a detail view of a device used in an inventory tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to adjust settings for the tracking and re-order system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to adjust a setting regarding when the inventory of the consumable product is considered low for initiating re-order functionality, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 50  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to set the desired re-order functionality for when the inventory is considered low, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 51  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that enables a user to adjust settings for the tracking and re-order system, where a subscription service is enabled, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; 
         FIG. 52  illustrates an example screen of a user interface that shows details regarding the enrolled subscription service, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and 
         FIG. 53  illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     As used herein, the term “consumable” or “consumable product” may be any type of product that is capable of being used up/depleted and replaced. Some example consumable products contemplated herein include sheet product, such as tissue paper rolls and paper towel rolls, napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, such as dog food or cereal, fluid product, such as soap or air freshener, among other things. 
     As used herein, the term “sheet product” may include a product that is relatively thin in comparison to its length and width. Further, the sheet product may define a relatively flat, planar configuration. In some embodiments, the sheet product is flexible or bendable to permit, for example, folding, rolling, stacking, or the like. In this regard, sheet product may, in some cases, be formed into stacks or rolls for use with various embodiments described herein. Some example sheet products include towel, bath tissue, facial tissue, napkin, wipe, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, or other sheet-like products. Sheet products may be made from paper, cloth, non-woven, metallic, polymer or other materials, and in some cases may include multiple layers or plies. In some embodiments, the sheet product (such as in roll or stacked form) may be a continuous sheet that is severable or separable into individual sheets using, for example, a tear bar or cutting blade. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet product may include predefined areas of weakness, such as lines of perforations, that define individual sheets and facilitate separation and/or tearing. In some such embodiments, the lines of perforations may extend along the width of the sheet product to define individual sheets that can be torn off by a user. 
     As used herein, a “user” may be a maintainer (e.g., an orderer, a maintenance person or inventory/device manager, etc.) or a consumer (e.g., a person receiving the consumable product). 
     Example Tracking and Re-Order System 
     Consumers today are faced with endless tasks to upkeep their home and current solutions are not meeting their needs. Keeping accurate inventory of household consumable products, such as sheet product like tissue paper and paper towel, may be a major pain point because the consumable product is constantly in need of restocking and it can be a pain to obtain the consumable product from the store. Many consumers have turned to subscription models for their consumable products but have been let down because they are now subject to over/under stocking and price/product changes (or even a skipped delivery) without adequate warning or control. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide automatic tracking of inventory (e.g., consumable product) and re-ordering (such as automatically re-ordering or by notifying the user in some capacity) in an environment, such as a household. Notably, while some example embodiments are described herein with respect to a household environment, any sort of environment is contemplated, such as an office building, office space, commercial space, multiple homes, etc. In this regard, maintaining track of item inventory within an environment can be difficult or timing consuming. Thus, example tracking and re-order systems provided herein utilize various devices and sensors with remote logic to provide automatic tracking and re-order functionality for households. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate example tracking and re-order functionality systems  11 ,  11 ′ contemplated by various embodiments of the present invention. 
     In this regard, various devices (e.g., manual dispensers, automated dispensers, holders, bulk storage devices, spindles, storage devices, etc.) may be provided with one or more sensors configured to detect one or more characteristics regarding a consumable product. For example, some example systems provide a suite of devices that can be purchased and utilized with the example systems to provide for automatic tracking and re-order functionality. 
     In some embodiments, the system  11 ,  11 ′ is configured to receive sensor data from various devices within the household environment  10 . For example, the system  11 ,  11 ′ may be utilized with one or more tracking devices that are configured to track usage of one or more types of consumable products (and may include providing tracking and/or re-order functionality for multiple different consumable products at the same time in the same household environment). As an example,  FIG. 1  illustrates a household environment  10  that includes two tissue dispensers  30   a ,  30 , a tissue spindle  40 , a paper towel dispenser  50 , a napkin holder  60 , and a bulk storage device  70  (although any number of consumable product devices are contemplated and any number of types of consumable products being tracked are contemplated). Additional detail regarding various contemplated devices is provided herein. 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate example communication ability between the various tracking devices of example automatic tracking and re-order systems described herein. For example, one or more tracking devices may be positioned throughout a household  10  (although other environments are also contemplated—such as offices, facilities, stadiums, etc.). Each device may be configured with one or more communication interfaces and may transmit/receive data with respect to at least one of a user mobile device (such as through a software application) and a remote device through an external network (e.g., a cloud server). In some embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 2 , one or more smart hubs  18  may be positioned within the household environment  10  such that the tracking devices may be configured to communicate with the smart hub  18  to enable operation of the system. In some embodiments, one or more of the tracking devices may be configured as a smart hub  18 . Further, though not shown, the devices may be configured to communicate directly with each other. In this regard, different wireless or wired communication protocols may be used (e.g., Z-Wave, Zigbee, WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.) for embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, various functionality of the example embodiments described herein may be performed at one or more of the tracking devices, smart hub  18 , remote device  20 , and/or mobile device  15 . In this regard, the tracking devices, smart hub  18 , remote device  20 , and/or mobile device  15  may include appropriate components, such as a controller, memory, communication interface, user interface, etc., configured to perform the various functionality (such as further described with respect to  FIG. 3 ). 
     The system  11 ,  11 ′ may be configured to receive sensor data from the various tracking devices and, such as through various logic, determine the overall inventory of the household environment (which may or may not include consumable product stored separately from the one or more devices). For example, the system  11 ,  11 ′ may take into account an original inventory (e.g., set by the user and/or determined over time) and sensor data from two or more devices. That information can be sent to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub  18  within the household environment  10  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), a remote device  20 , such as a cloud server (shown in  FIG. 1 ), etc.) that uses logic and algorithms to determine whether or not a new order of the corresponding consumable product is needed. Then, based on a running inventory total (e.g., decrementing as the devices indicate accordingly), the system may determine it is time to initiate re-order functions (e.g., notify the user, initiate a semi or automated re-order, etc.). In some cases, the system may account for previously ordered consumable product, such as from a recent online order. 
     In some embodiments, the system  11 ,  11 ′ may be configured to determine that it is time to initiate re-order functionality in various manners. Various example logic/algorithms for use in determining when to initiate re-order functionality are described herein. For example, the system may determine that it is time to initiate re-order functionality in response to determining that an inventory count for the household environment  10  has reached and/or passed a certain re-order threshold. In some embodiments, the re-order threshold may be based on a user preference. In some embodiments, the re-order threshold may be based on one or more factors, such as available re-order options, estimated delivery time, user preferences, user order history, a certain amount of time passing, etc. 
     Example Device Architecture 
     As detailed herein, various functionality may be performed according to the systems  11 ,  11 ′ via one or more of the tracking devices, smart hub  18 , remote device  20 , and/or mobile device  15 .  FIG. 3  illustrates example components of such devices that may be utilized with various functionality described herein. For example,  FIG. 3  shows a device  120  with a controller  140 , memory  144 , communication interface  146 , a user interface  148 , and one or more sensor(s)  150 . Notably, depending on the desired device, more or less components may be utilized. For example, a tracking device may include one or more sensors (such as described herein), and may not include a user interface  148 . Likewise, the remote device may not include one or more sensor(s)  150 . 
     The controller  140  may be any means configured to execute various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory device such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the controller  140  as described herein 
     The controller  140  may comprise one or more suitable electronic device(s)/server(s) capable of executing described functionality via hardware and/or software control. In some embodiments, the controller  140  may include one or more user interfaces (not shown), such as for displaying information and/or accepting instructions. The controller  140  can be, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, microcomputer, a minicomputer, an optical computer, a board computer, a complex instruction set computer, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a reduced instruction set computer, an analog computer, a digital computer, a molecular computer, a quantum computer, a cellular computer, a solid-state computer, a single-board computer, a buffered computer, a computer network, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a hybrid of any of the foregoing. 
     The controller  140  may include one or more processors coupled to a memory device (e.g., memory  144 ). Controller  140  may optionally be connected to one or more input/output (I/O) controllers or data interface devices (not shown). The memory  144  may be any suitable form of memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) chip, a flash memory chip, a disk drive, or the like. As such, the memory  144  may store various data, protocols, instructions, computer program code, operational parameters, etc. In this regard, controller may include operation control methods embodied in application code. These methods are embodied in computer instructions written to be executed by one or more processors, typically in the form of software. The software can be encoded in any suitable language, including, but not limited to, machine language, assembly language, VHDL (Verilog Hardware Description Language), VHSIC HDL (Very High Speed IC Hardware Description Language), Fortran (formula translation), C, C++, Visual C++, Java, ALGOL (algorithmic language), BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code), visual BASIC, ActiveX, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and any combination or derivative of at least one of the foregoing. Additionally, an operator can use an existing software application such as a spreadsheet or database and correlate various cells with the variables enumerated in the algorithms. Furthermore, the software can be independent of other software or dependent upon other software, such as in the form of integrated software. In this regard, in some embodiments, the controller  140  may be configured to execute computer program code instructions to perform aspects of various embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     The memory  144  may be configured to store instructions, computer program code, sensor data, inventory data, subscription data, online order data, and other data/information associated with the system  11 ,  11 ′ in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by the controller  140 . 
     The communication interface  146  may be configured to enable connection to external systems (e.g., an external network, one or more tracking devices, mobile device(s), a computer server, the controller(s), and/or one or more other system(s)/device(s)). In some embodiments, the communication interface  146  may comprise one or more transmitters configured to transmit, for example, one or more signals according to example embodiments described herein. Likewise, the communication interface  146  may include at least one receiver configured to, for example, receive data according to example embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver may be combined as a transceiver. In this regard, the food request system may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication. In some embodiments, the communication interface  146  may comprise wireless capabilities for WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols. 
     The user interface  148  may be configured to receive input from a user and/or provide output to a user. The user interface  148  may include, for example, a display, a keyboard, keypad, function keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touch screen, or any other mechanism by which a user may interface with the system. Although the user interface  148  is shown as being directly connected to the controller  140  and within the device  120 , the user interface  148  could alternatively be remote from the controller  140  and/or device  120 . Likewise, in some embodiments, other components of the device  120  could be remotely located. 
     The one or more sensors  150  may be any type of sensor configured to enable detection of one or more characteristics of consumable product in relation to one or more tracking devices, such as described herein. In some embodiments, multiple sensors and different types of sensors may be utilized in the same tracking device. Some example sensors include, for example, time-of-flight sensors, infrared sensors, optical sensors, weight-based sensors, capacitance sensors, mechanical switch type sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, laser-based sensors, cameras, among many others. In this regard, various sensor(s) described herein may be configured with appropriate hardware to enable the corresponding desired sensing. For example, the sensor may comprise one or more transmitters and one or more receivers such as for transmitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal accordingly (e.g., for a time-of-flight sensor (which may also include a time component), infrared sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensor may include a receiver for receiving/detecting an intensity of a received signal, such as for an optical sensor or infrared sensor. 
     In some embodiments, other features may be provided, such as a “push to reorder” button. For example, the device may include a button (or other user input) thereon that enables a user to simply provide the appropriate user input, which will send a signal to a remote device to cause initiation of a re-order for the correlated consumable product. 
     Example System Functionality 
     As described herein, various example devices of the system monitor consumable product usage (e.g., tissue or towel roll replacement, amount of product used, etc.). Then, based on various user preferences in a software application, the system may be configured to determine when to initiate re-order functionality. Finally, the re-order occurs and delivery is scheduled and achieved. Example logic/algorithms and re-order functionality are described in greater detail herein. 
     In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a household member in charge of ordering replacement inventory) may utilize a software application (e.g., stored on their mobile device) to provide preferences and/or settings for facilitating tracking and ordering of the replacement inventory. In this regard, a user may indicate various preferences, such as the type/amount of consumable product (e.g., the type/amount of tissue paper roll and/or paper towel roll), preferred ordering method(s) (e.g., shipping details, a preferred ordering website, shipping address, billing specifics, etc.), pricing preferences and/or guidelines, a preferred amount of consumable product (e.g., number of replacement rolls) to have on hand, the user&#39;s WiFi code and password for the device(s) to use, what the standard re-order is (e.g., brand, amount (4-pack, 12-pack, etc.)), when to re-order or trigger a notification to re-order (e.g., when only 1 reserve tissue or towel roll remains), among other things. 
     In some embodiments, a user may select the type of notification and/or automatic re-order functionality that is preferred, which may depend on the type of inventory being tracked (e.g., different re-order functionality may be selected for different consumable products being tracked). For example, upon determining that replacement consumable product is needed, the user may receive a notification of such without any other prompting (e.g., a manual re-order function). Alternatively, a user may receive a notification with a link and/or option to select and initiate an order for replacement consumable product (e.g., a semi-automated re-order function). Further, in some cases, the system may just automatically initiate the re-order with or without notify the user (e.g., an automated re-order function). Further detail regarding example re-order functionality is described in greater detail herein. 
     In some embodiments, other types of notifications are also contemplated, such as notifying the user any time replacement of a consumable product occurs, such as when a tissue or towel roll is changed and/or used. In some embodiments, the user may be given an option as to whether to decrement an overall inventory, so as to help maintain an accurate overall inventory count (e.g., the triggered event may not be an event that should result in decrementing the overall inventory, such as the user just removing and reinstalling the same tissue or towel roll). Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate any type of notification to a user, such as a text message, instant message within the software application, email, call, stored message, audible alert, visual indication, etc., which may occur on the device or a remote device (e.g., the user&#39;s mobile device, a smart hub in the household, other computing device, etc.). Some additional notifications are detailed herein, such as with respect to the example software application. 
     Contemplated example systems may provide various beneficial functions/features. For example, the various tracking devices may be tested and provide reliable technology to help ensure accurate and seamless use; the software application (such as described further herein) may enable entry of customized user preferences; a user can lock in their price and duration for the re-ordered product; a user can select which retailer to use for the re-ordering; and the system can automatically search through a listing of pre-approved retailers for a best price to ensure that the lowest cost option is utilized with the re-order. 
     Example Re-Order Functionality 
     In some embodiments, the system may be configured to operate according to various re-order functionality. For example, once a re-order trigger occurs (e.g., there is only a certain amount of consumable product (e.g., inventory) remaining), re-order functionality may occur according to one of the following preferences: 
     Manual: At the re-order trigger, a user may receive a notification (e.g. text, email, application push notifications, etc.) that they should purchase the replacement product by initiating a re-order. The user is then responsible to fulfill the order however they wish to. 
     Semi-Automatic: At the re-order trigger, a user may receive a notification to initiate, confirm, or cancel a pre-set re-order to purchase the replacement product. If they confirm the re-order, the system will generate an order for their preferred product to be delivered to their preferred address. 
     Automatic: At the re-order trigger, the system may automatically generate an order for the preferred product to be delivered to the user&#39;s preferred address, with no interaction required of the user. A notification may or may not occur. If a notification does occur, it may occur after the order is placed. 
     Example Logic for Re-Order Triggering 
     Notably, there are many different factors for the logic/algorithms that could be used to cause a re-order trigger. The following provides some example logic/algorithm factors for tissue paper and paper towel roll replacement. 
     Example Reorder Logic 1, Household Consumable Product Remaining: User chooses a specific level of consumable product remaining for their combined household. For example, a user has 3 tissue stands, capable of tracking up to 12 tissue rolls combined. They can configure a combined household level of between 0-11 rolls remaining to trigger the reorder. The individual devices report their corresponding number of rolls, and the system counts those rolls to determine when to trigger re-order functionality. 
     Example Reorder Logic 2, Device Consumable Product Remaining: User chooses a specific level of consumable product remaining for each device in their household. For example, each device could be configured for between 0-3 rolls remaining to trigger the reorder. The delivery could then be associated with a specific device, or bathroom, in the household. The device itself could issue the reorder trigger because it needs no knowledge of other devices in the household. 
     Example Reorder Logic 3, Space Remaining: Rather than tracking consumable product remaining, the number of empty slots available for storage (e.g., in a storage device) is tracked. When there are enough storage slots to accommodate a preferred reorder, the reorder is triggered. For example, a household has 4 tissue stands (16 available slots), and has configured a 12 pack of rolls as their preferred reorder. When there are 12 empty slots available on the combined 4 tissue stands, the order is triggered. An alternative is that the order could be triggered at a threshold slightly below the reorder size. For the example above, since the user has 4 tissue stands and each tissue stand also has a roll in use that is not being tracked, the roll in use could also be considered a storage slot (e.g., 16 tracked slots, and 4 “roll in use” untracked slots for 20 storage slots total). So the system could trigger the reorder of a 12 pack when there are between 8-12 or more slots available with the assumption that some of the rolls in use will need to be replaced when the order arrives. 
     Example Reorder Logic 4, Inventory Management: In this logic example, a household inventory is managed. The user would establish the current household inventory, and the threshold of that inventory that would trigger a reorder (and/or base the trigger on preferred product, i.e. I prefer 12 packs of tissue rolls, and keep my household inventory between 8 and 32 rolls, so at 7 rolls remaining inventory, an order of 2, 12 packs occurs). The device would then track consumption of the inventory to decrement it, and the system would trigger the reorder, and increment the household inventory based on the reorder quantity. There could also be a means for the user to adjust their household inventory themselves (such as via a software application, such as described herein). 
     Example Reorder Logic 5, Predictive Reorder: For this logic example, the system may be configured to predict when to generate a reorder based on monitoring consumption and reorder trends over time for a particular user. Machine learning algorithms can be used where a user can be in manual or semi-auto mode for a training period and the system then switches them to fully automated based on learning the specifics of when a user confirms or cancels an order notification during the training period. This system could adapt over time to refine the accuracy of keeping the users inventory at optimum level by adjusting the reorder frequency to minimize manual requests for product reorder (e.g., user detected their inventory is too low) and to also minimize auto reorders from being cancelled by the user (e.g., user detected that a reorder would make their inventory too high). 
     Example Reorder Logic 6, Consumption Based: For this logic example, the system tracks consumption of the consumable products, and indicates to the remote device when a quantity of product is consumed. The remote device can then reorder product based on a set level of consumption. The user may have the option of choosing an arbitrary reorder level (e.g. reorder every X consumable product consumed), or the system may choose an arbitrary reorder level based on the product specified for reorder (e.g. if a user chooses a 12 pack of consumable product as their preferred reorder, the system could generate a reorder when it sees consumption of 9 consumable products, giving a buffer of three consumable products remaining). These two logic flows could also be combined where the user chooses the “product remaining” value (e.g. Reorder quantity is 12 consumable products, user chooses “2 Product Remaining” so that the remote device will reorder after 12−2=10 consumable product consumed). 
     Example Reorder Logic 7, Always Have a Spare: For this logic example, the consumable products may be sold in bundles of discrete refills where there would be at least 2 refills in what is reordered, and the tracking and reorder system may know the number of refills in the reorder. For example, a device that is a liquid soap dispenser that is refilled with a new bottle of liquid soap by the user when the bottle in use becomes empty may have sensors to detect when the user changes the bottle. In addition, the refill for such a device may be a 2 bottle pack. The device itself could come with a refill pack so that a known starting inventory of 2 can be assumed by the device. The reorder trigger may then ensure the user always has a spare bottle on hand to change out when the current bottle becomes empty, or said another way the trigger may occur when the last remaining spare is placed into the device. So for this example, the user places one of the 2 starting bottles in the device and begins using it. When the device detects that the user swaps to the 2nd bottle, it may trigger a reorder. Since it knows that the refill pack has two bottles, the subsequent reorder trigger may wait for 2 bottle changes to occur and then reorder the next 2-pack refill, and so on. The logic example could be extended to refill packs that have more than two by using, for example, the general rule: Trigger reorder after RefillSize−1 consumption events for the first refill order, and then after every RefillSize consumption events thereafter. This logic example may be useful for types of products that have a low consumption rate (e.g., the user is not likely to consume their last spare before the reorder arrives) and where a spare refill pack is small and easily stored with or near the device. In some embodiments of the logic example, the tracking and reorder system may be configured to enable device specific tracking as opposed to tracking household inventory, such that each device may trigger reorder functionality. 
     Additional Example System Functionality 
     Various example tracking and reorder system described herein may provide further features/functionality. 
     In some embodiments, when a user has multiple tracking devices for the same consumable product type, the system may be configured to inform the user how to distribute the received consumable product their multiple tracking devices. This can be done based on each tracking device&#39;s available capacity and/or based on consumption history. The basis of such example logic may be to help a user distribute the consumable product in their house when they receive a new product order, so they don&#39;t have the burden of redistributing it later if they put more or less than needed at a single location. For example, a user has 3 tissue stands in their household. Tissue Stand 1 has 3 open slots, Tissue Stand 2 has 2 open slots, and Tissue Stand 3 has 1 open slot. Based on historical data for this user, the system may determine that on average each tissue stand will consume the following amounts before it is time to kick off the next reorder: Tissue Stand 1: 2 rolls, Tissue Stand 2: 4 rolls, and Tissue Stand 3: 6 rolls. Upon receiving their 12 pack of tissue when in this state, the algorithm could tell the user to distribute these rolls to ensure each stand will not run out prior to the next reorder as follows: Tissue 1 gets 3 new rolls since it has space for them. Tissue 2 gets 2 rolls to fill the device, and user is told to put an additional roll in that bathroom as a spare. Tissue 3 gets 1 new roll to fill it, and user is told to put at least 3 additional rolls in that room as spares. The user then can distribute the remaining 2 rolls as they see fit. In such a regard, in some embodiments, the logic example helps prevent running out of consumable product on an individual tracking device between replenishment cycles, thus avoiding the need for the user to redistribute their spare product in their household. 
     In some embodiments, the system may be configured to aggregate products that are being tracked. In this regard, a user may have multiple tracking devices monitoring and replenishing consumable products in their household environment or business. In this case, the user may wish to aggregate product re-ordering, for example to reduce shipping costs or various inconveniences associated with multiple orders. In such an example embodiment, the system may be configured to aggregate all two or more auto-replenishment orders and release the orders according to logic. In an example embodiment, the logic may be specified by the user. For example, the user may specify critical consumable product for which the order should be fulfilled immediately, and the user may specify non-critical consumable product for which the order may be delayed. For example, the user may specify that tissue paper is a critical consumable product that must be fulfilled immediately upon the order trigger, whereas paper towels and napkins are non-critical consumable products that should wait to be fulfilled the next time a critical consumable product is ordered. In another example embodiment, the user may specify that the non-critical consumable product should be fulfilled after a maximum elapsed time (e.g., 3 days) if no critical consumable products have been ordered during that time. In another example embodiment, the system may automatically or have pre-set one or more of these parameters, such as elevating a consumable product to critical status, aggregating and fulfilling orders before the maximum elapsed time, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the system may be configured to integrate the tracked consumable product orders with orders for non-tracked products. In this regard, as an example, a user may wish to have additional product replenished in the same order as products that are monitored by tracking device(s) and automatically replenished, for example to reduce shipping costs or various inconveniences associated with multiple orders. In an example embodiment, the system may allow the user to include additional items in the next order. For example, a user might wish to purchase a toaster or a pair of shoes. The system may be configured to allow that user to select those items (e.g., a toaster and a pair of shoes) and place them into a virtual shopping cart so that those items will be purchased and fulfilled for the user the next time the auto-replenished consumable products are ordered. 
     Example Tracking Devices 
     Some embodiments of the present invention contemplate many different types of tracking devices, such as dispensers, spindles, holders, and storage devices (among other devices) that can be used with example systems to perform the inventory tracking. Such devices may include various sensors for tracking usage of the household consumable products (e.g., paper towel rolls, tissue paper rolls, napkins, paper plates, bulk storage products, soap, air freshener, batteries, other “wear” materials, etc.) as well as wireless and/or wired communication interfaces that enable transmitting the sensed data to a remote computing device for use in the system. In this regard, various types of devices are contemplated for use with various embodiments described herein. 
     Notably, in some embodiments, any such tracking devices may be paired to a software application, such as for a mobile device. The tracking devices may communicate with each other, the mobile device, a smart hub for the household, and/or to a remote device (e.g., cloud server) such as described with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     Example Tissue Dispensers/Stands 
     Example tissue paper storage devices/dispensers (e.g., stands, bins, baskets, etc.) may include one or more sensors that are configured to determine how many rolls are stored therein and/or when a roll is removed (such as for replacement/usage). Although the following is described in conjunction with tissue rolls, some embodiments contemplate the same or similar features/functions with respect to other sheet product rolls (such as paper towel rolls, napkin rolls, etc.). 
       FIGS. 4-5  illustrate an example manual tissue paper dispenser  230  (e.g., a tissue roll dispense portion  232  and a stand portion  234 ) for use with example systems described herein. The dispense portion  232  may be configured to hold a tissue paper roll in a dispensing position/configuration that allows a user to receive a dispense of the tissue paper (e.g., pull off one or more pieces of tissue paper). Additionally, the stand portion  234  may store one or more replacement tissue paper rolls. The tissue holder and/or tissue stand may include one or more sensors that track usage of the tissue paper rolls. For example, the holder may include a sensor that senses when a replacement tissue paper roll has been put on the holder—thereby enabling a decrement to the overall inventory. Additionally, the tissue dispenser may include a communication interface capable of transmitting the sensed data to a remote device. In some embodiments, the dispense portion  232  may be removed and the tissue paper dispenser  230  may be utilized as a storage device only (e.g., with the stand portion  234  remaining). 
     The example of  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a tissue dispenser  230  with a dispense portion  232 , a stand portion  234 , and a base portion  236 . The dispense portion  232  is configured to hold a tissue roll  203  during dispensing (e.g., the tissue roll  203  may rotate thereon and enable a user to pull off one or more sections for dispensing). The stand portion  234  may be an elongated portion configured to hold replacement rolls (e.g., reserve rolls  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ). For example, the stand portion  234  may define a diameter sized to fit within a central opening of a tissue roll such that the stand portion fits within each tissue roll stored thereon. Further, as illustrated, the stand portion  234  may be designed such that multiple tissue rolls may be arranged in a stacked formation on top of each other (e.g., the side surfaces of adjacent tissue rolls may touch each other and tissue rolls may support each other—such as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The stand portion  234  may include multiple sensors (e.g., sensors  250   a ,  250   b ,  250   c ,  250   d —as shown in  FIG. 5 ), where each sensor is positioned along the stand portion  234  at an appropriate position to facilitate sensing the presence or absence of a specific reserve roll (e.g., 4 sensors for 4 reserve roll positions). The base portion  236  is configured to hold the stand portion  234  and the dispense portion  232 . The base portion  236  may house circuitry that is used to monitor the amount of replacement rolls on the stand portion  234 . Additionally, the base portion  236  may include a communication interface that facilitates communication with a remote device (e.g., the cloud/internet), a user&#39;s mobile device (such as through a software application on the user&#39;s mobile device), a smart hub, and/or other tracking devices. In such a regard, the dispenser  230  may be able to determine how many replacement rolls are stored thereon and communicate that information to the system for determining and performing re-order functionality accordingly. In some embodiments, the dispenser  230  may determine and perform the re-order functionality itself. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors  250  may be configured as any type of sensor, such as an optical or time-of-flight sensor to sense whether a reserve roll is present. Additionally, however, other ways of monitoring the amount of replacement rolls in the dispenser are also contemplated. For example, the base portion  236  may include a weight sensor that senses the weight applied to the base portion, where more weight may indicate that more rolls are stored thereon. 
     In some embodiments, a user may be able to slide a reserve tissue roll from its reserve position on the stand portion  234  into the dispensing position on the dispense portion  232 . For example, the dispense portion  232  may be configured to rotate or otherwise move/change positions between a dispensing orientation (shown in  FIG. 4 ) into an installation orientation (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Further, at least a portion of the dispense portion  232  may define a diameter sized to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll and there may be a corresponding path  238  between the portion of the stand portion  234  with the diameter sized to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll and the portion of the dispense portion with the diameter sized to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll. In this regard, the path  238  may define a diameter sized to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll such that a sheet product roll stored on the stand portion  234  can be moved along the path  238  to the dispense portion  232 . This would enable a user to slide a reserve roll into the dispensing position when the dispense portion  232  is in the installation orientation. 
     In some embodiments, a wake-up sensor  266  may be used to trigger powering on of the sensors, transmission of information, and/or re-order checking functionality. To explain, in some cases, if the logic for determining whether to re-order replacement rolls is always functioning, that could be a significant power drain on the batteries. Thus, in some embodiments, a wake-up sensor  266  may be positioned in the dispenser  230  to cause the device to wake-up and check if re-order functionality is needed. Thus, the power drain would be reduced. An example wake-up sensor includes a light sensor (e.g., for sensing when the bathroom lights turn on). Another example wake-up sensor  266  may be positioned to determine when rotation of the dispense portion  232  occurs, such that the sensors are only checked when a reserve roll is theoretically moved to the dispensing position. 
     In some example embodiments, wake-up functionality can be initiated, such as on-demand or at various set points (e.g., during the commissioning process (described more herein)). For example, when a tracking device is first commissioned for use with the tracking and reorder system, instructions could be sent to the tracking device to check the amount of product stored thereon. In some embodiments, the frequency of product checking (e.g., utilizing wake-up functionality) may be increased, as users are more interested in confirming that the tracking device is operating properly during the commissioning process. In some embodiments, a wake-up instruction could be sent when it is determined that the user is utilizing the software application (described in more detail herein) and proximate the tracking device. In some embodiments, the tracking device may connect directly (e.g., wirelessly) to the user device to provide an update to the software application for the amount of product stored therein (e.g., instead of providing the data through an external network—which may delay such reporting to the user). 
       FIGS. 6-7  illustrate another example tissue dispenser  230 ′ with a dispense portion  232 ′, a stand portion  234 ′, and a base portion  236 ′. The dispense portion  232 ′ is configured to hold a tissue roll  203 ′ during dispensing (e.g., the tissue roll  203 ′ may rotate thereon and enable a user to pull off one or more sections for dispensing). The stand portion  234 ′ may be an elongated portion configured to hold replacement rolls (e.g., reserve rolls  203   a ′,  203   b ′,  203   c ′,  203   d ′—shown in  FIG. 7 ). The base portion  236 ′ is configured to hold the stand portion  234 ′ and the dispense portion  232 ′. The base portion  236 ′ may house circuitry that is used to monitor the amount of replacement rolls on the stand portion  234 ′. Additionally, the base portion  236 ′ may include a communication interface that facilitates communication with a remote device (e.g., the cloud/internet), a user&#39;s mobile device (such as through a software application on the user&#39;s mobile device), a smart hub, and/or other tracking devices. In such a regard, the dispenser  230 ′ may be able to determine how many replacement rolls are stored thereon and communicate that information to the system for determining and performing re-order functionality accordingly. In some embodiments, the dispenser  230 ′ may determine and perform the re-order functionality itself. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the stand portion  234 ′ may be separated into multiple parts, such as an upper stand portion  234   a ′ and a bottom stand portion  234   b ′. The stand portion  234 ′ may include multiple sensors (e.g., sensors  250   a ′,  250   b ′,  250   c ′,  250   d ′—as shown in  FIG. 6 ), where each sensor is positioned along the bottom stand portion  234   b ′ at an appropriate position to facilitate sensing the presence or absence of a specific reserve roll (e.g., 4 sensors for 4 reserve roll positions). In some embodiments, the top stand portion  234   a ′ is removably attachable to the bottom stand portion  234   b ′. When detached, such as shown in  FIG. 6 , a user is able to remove a tissue roll from the bottom stand portion  234   b ′ or install a replacement tissue roll onto the bottom stand portion  234   b ′. Once complete, the user may reattach the top stand portion  234   a ′ onto the bottom stand portion  234   b ′, such as by inserting an installation portion  239   a ′ of the top stand portion  234   a ′ into a receptacle portion  239   b ′ of the bottom stand portion  234   b′.    
     Notably, with reference to  FIG. 7 , a benefit of such a two part stand portion  234 ′ enables utilization of a stopper  237 ′ to prevent a user from positioning (or stuffing) a tissue roll onto the top stand portion  234   a ′—which may otherwise hinder free rotation of a tissue roll installed in the dispensing position. In some embodiments, the stopper  237 ′ may be used to prevent a user from moving a tissue roll stored on the bottom stand portion  234   b ′ to the dispense portion  232 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors  250 ,  250 ′ may be configured to point in a direction that provides less opportunity for a false reading. For example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the dispense portion  232 ′ may extend radially away from the stand portion  234 ′ in a first radial direction (e.g., along line L DP ), wherein the at least one sensor (e.g., sensor  250   d ′) is aimed radially away from the stand portion  234 ′ in a second radial direction (e.g., along line Ls) that is different than the first radial direction. In some embodiments, the second radial direction is at least 45 degrees away from the first radial direction in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. In some such examples, a false reading, such as the sensor reading the hanging tail of the tissue roll in the dispensing position, can be avoided. 
     In another example embodiment, the stand portion may include a time-of-flight sensor aimed toward the dispense portion such that the time-of-flight sensor is configured to measure a time-of-flight of a signal emitted toward an outer circumference of an installed tissue roll in the dispensing position. The amount of time between emission of the signal and receipt of a reflected signal corresponding to the emitted signal correlates to an amount of tissue paper remaining on the installed tissue roll. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example storage device  210  for holding reserve tissue rolls. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device  210  includes a base portion  211  and one or more cover portions  212   a - d  that protect stored tissue rolls (such as from splash of a nearby toilet or shower). In some embodiments, similar to the above detailed stand portions  234 ,  234 ′—the storage device  210  may include a sensor in each reserve roll position. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four reserve roll positions, and each position has a corresponding cover portion  212   a - d . In some embodiments, each cover portion may be independently openable and closeable. Alternatively, one or more cover portions may be opened and closed together. 
     In some embodiments, the storage device may be sized to enclose a stand portion and stored replacement tissue rolls stored thereon—e.g., providing a cover for the stand portion. Along similar lines, in some embodiments, a dispenser  230 ,  230 ′ may include a cover or a portion of a cover for protecting tissue rolls stored on the stand portion  234 ,  234 ′. In some embodiments, a top portion of the cover (e.g., the top  213 ) may open to enable one or more tissue rolls to be removed. 
     In some embodiments, the storage device  210  may be adapted, and instead of extending vertically, can extend horizontally (e.g., with adjacent tissue rolls being lined up next to each other instead of being stacked on top of each other). In such an embodiment, the storage device may include one or more mounting features that enable it to be mounted, such as over the back of a toilet. 
     Example Tissue Spindles 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example spindle  40 ′ that may be used with example systems described herein. The spindle may include one or more sensors that track usage of tissue paper rolls. For example, the spindle may include a sensor that senses when a replacement tissue paper roll has been put on the spindle—thereby enabling a decrement to the overall inventory. Additionally, the spindle may include a communication interface capable of transmitting the sensed data to a remote device. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C , an example spindle  340  for enabling dispensing of tissue paper is illustrated in various compression states. Although the following describes a spindle in conjunction with tissue rolls, some embodiments contemplate the same or similar features/functions with respect to other sheet product rolls (such as paper towel rolls, napkin rolls, etc.). 
     The spindle  340  is configured to fit within conventional tissue spindle holders, such as are likely positioned near a toilet in a bathroom of a household. For example, the spindle  340  may include installation protrusions  341   a ,  341   b  on each side that extend outwardly in a longitudinal direction. The installation protrusions  341   a ,  341   b  may be designed to fit within corresponding installation holes of tissue spindle holders. Further, the spindle  340  may include a main body spring  342  and two telescoping body portions (e.g., main body portion  347  and sensor body portion  349 ) that enable the spindle  340  to be retracted (e.g., compressed) and extended along a longitudinal axis of the spindle. In such a manner, a user may compress the spindle  340  to enable insertion of the installation protrusions  341   a ,  341   b  into the corresponding installation holes of the tissue spindle holder. The bias of the main body spring  342  of the spindle  340  may be configured such that the spindle is biased to a fully extended state ( FIG. 10A ) so that the spindle extends to cover the width of the tissue spindle holder to complete installation (e.g., a user may have put a replacement tissue paper roll on the spindle for installation into the tissue spindle holder). In this regard, the example spindles can be easily installed into a wide variety of tissue spindle holders without needing to change bathroom fixtures. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 10A-C , the example spindle  340  is designed with at least one sensor  350  that is configured to determine when the spindle has entered a fully extended (e.g., relaxed) state and/or when the spindle has entered an installed state. In this regard, the sensor  350  may be configured to determine when a theoretical roll change (e.g., removal of an empty tissue paper roll and replacement with a new tissue paper roll) has occurred. In this regard, in some embodiments, the system may assume that a roll change has occurred when the sensor in the spindle indicates that the spindle has entered a fully extended (e.g., relaxed) state (e.g., shown in  FIG. 10A ), since such a situation usually corresponds to occurrence of a roll change. Notably, however, as indicated herein, the system may be configured to utilize other inputs or factors to determine if the event should be ignored or not counted. For example, if multiple events (e.g., trips) of the sensor are indicated within a certain amount of time (e.g., within a short amount of time), then the system may ignore all but one of the events. As another example, the user may be offered a chance to indicate whether to apply a decrement to the inventory count based on one or more indicated events of the sensor. As a further example, a weight sensor (such as in the electronics shuttle  346 ) may be installed in the spindle and utilized to determine if a new tissue roll was installed (e.g., based on the weight sensed by the weight sensor). In some cases the weight sensor may be used to estimate the amount of the product remaining on the tissue roll, such as at various points through the life cycle of the tissue paper roll dispensing. Other fuel gauge sensors are also contemplated. Moreover, other possible factors are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, a user input may be provided on the spindle to enable a user to provide an indication that a replacement roll has been installed (or not installed), such as via one or more buttons (e.g., physical or “touch” enabled). 
     The sensor  350  may be any type of sensor configured to sense entrance of the spindle into the fully extended state and/or into an installed state. For example, a magnetic switch sensor (e.g., a reed switch) may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a first sensor part  350   a  is positioned within the sensor body portion and is biased via a sensor spring  348  toward the fully extended state (e.g., the first sensor part  350   a  is biased to a fully extended sensor position). A second sensor part (e.g., contained within the electronics shuttle  346 ) may be positioned within the main body portion  347  and may be attached (such as via the electronics shuttle) to an end of the main body portion  347  opposite the sensor body portion  349 . In some embodiments, the electronics shuttle  346  may be configured with a diameter and/or width (if non-cylindrical) that is less than the internal width of the sensor body portion  347  such that at least a portion of the electronics shuttle  346  may fit within the sensor body portion when the spindle  340  is compressed (such as in the fully compressed state shown in  FIG. 10C ). In this regard, in some embodiments, the main body spring  342  may be configured to surround the electronics shuttle  346 . 
     When the first sensor part  350   a  is within a certain distance of the second sensor part, the sensor  350  may enter a closed state indicating that the spindle  340  is in an installed state. Examples of this are shown in  FIGS. 10B  (sensor distance D II ) and  10 C (sensor distance Du). However, when the spindle  340  is fully extended, there may be sufficient distance (sensor distance D N ) between the first sensor part  350   a  and the second sensor part such that the sensor  350  enters an open state, thereby indicating that the spindle  340  has entered the fully extended (e.g., relaxed state). Although the above example details a magnetic sensor, other types of sensors are contemplated, such as a mechanical switch sensor, a horizontal magnetic switch (e.g., where the magnets cross over top of each other as the spindle compresses), a plunger switch, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the spindle  340  may include one or more communication interfaces configured to transmit data (e.g., sensor data) to a remote device (e.g., a smart hub, the user&#39;s mobile device (such as through the software application), a remote server, etc.). In some embodiments, the communication interface may comprise a transmitter and/or receiver to enable transmission of the data. In some embodiments, the communication interface may utilize Z-Wave or Zigbee communication protocol for the data transmission (or other communication protocol or options, such as cellular, etc.). In some embodiments, the communication interface may be housed within the electronics shuttle. 
     In some embodiments, a battery (e.g., power source) and/or other electronics (e.g., a processor) may be stored within the electronics shuttle  346  along with the communication interface and/or second part of the sensor. In some embodiments, the spindle may be configured with some wake-up functionality that limits when the spindle communicates the data. For example, the spindle may only transmit data once the sensor senses an event. 
     Notably, however, the installed state may occur over a wide variation of widths of tissue spindle holders, as some embodiments are designed to work with many different bathroom tissue spindle holders—which may come in varying widths. To explain, the illustrated embodiment is configured to provide the automatic tracking and re-order functionality with tissue spindle holders that have a wide variation in widths, to include widths varying from a first distance corresponding to the spindle&#39;s fully compressed state (shown in  FIG. 10C ) to a second distance corresponding to slightly less than the spindle&#39;s fully extended state (e.g., consider  FIG. 10B , which shows an example installed state where the sensor is engaged and the spindle is partially compressed, versus  FIG. 10A , which shows an example fully extended state). In this regard, the illustrated example includes two springs: a main body spring  342  and a sensor body spring  348 . The main body spring  342  biases the main body portion  347  away from the sensor body portion  349  so as to bias the spindle  340  into the fully extended (e.g., relaxed stated). The sensor spring  348  biases the first sensor part  350   a  toward the electronics shuttle  346  (in the main body portion  347 ) and in a position (e.g., a fully extended sensor position) such that the first sensor part  350   a  will enable sensing of when the spindle is only slightly compressed—such as if the spindle is installed in a tissue spindle holder that is relatively wide (e.g., 6.5 in. in width). However, in the fully extended (e.g., relaxed) state the second sensor part (and the electronics shuttle  346 ) are outside of the range of the first sensor part  350   a  such that the sensor is open (as described herein and shown in  FIG. 10A ). Further, however, since the first sensor part  350   a  is able to move within the sensor body portion  349 , the first sensor part  350   a  can be moved further into the sensor body portion  349  to enable more full compression of the spindle  340  while enabling sensing of an installed state (shown in  FIG. 10C ). Finally, the sensor spring  348  biases the first sensor part  350   a  back toward the main body portion  349  such that when the main body portion  349  is released the first sensor part  350   a  will also extend (by virtue of the sensor spring  348 ) to enable sensing of an installed state when the spindle  340  moves to a partially compressed (but still installed) state (such as shown in  FIG. 10B ). 
     In some cases, a user may want to install an oversized tissue roll into a recess-mounted tissue holder in a wall. Unfortunately, the recess-mounted tissue holder may be designed to only hold a smaller-sized tissue roll. In order to enable oversized tissue rolls to be installed in such recess-mounted tissue holders, some tissue spindles may be formed with installation protrusions that are offset from a center axis of the spindle. Notably, some spindles and offset installation protrusions still together define a circumferential footprint that allows insertion in and through a central opening of the tissue roll (e.g., installation of the tissue roll onto the spindle) before installing the spindle and installed tissue roll into the tissue holder. However, due to the need for electronics being contained in the spindle, such a spindle and offset installation protrusions would together form too large a circumferential footprint to fit within the central opening of a tissue roll (e.g., consider the circumferential footprint F C2  in  FIG. 12A ). Thus, in some embodiments, one or both of the offset installation protrusions are configured to move between a disengaged position that is laterally within the circumferential footprint of the spindle for insertion through the central opening of the tissue roll (e.g., consider the circumferential footprint F C1  in  FIG. 12B ) and an engaged position that positions the installation protrusion in an offset manner to enable installation of the spindle and oversized tissue roll into the recess-mounted tissue holder. 
     For example,  FIG. 11  shows an example tissue spindle  340 ′ with extended installation protrusions that enable use of an over-sized tissue roll  303 ′ in a recess-mounted tissue holder  307 ′. In this regard, the recess-mounted tissue holder  307 ′ includes a recessed shell  308 ′ that sits within a wall and roll holders  306 ′ that extend outwardly therefrom. The extended installation protrusions are installed within the roll holders  306 ′. 
       FIG. 12A  shows the example tissue spindle  340 ′ with the extended installation protrusions  341   a ′,  341   b ′ in the engaged position.  FIG. 12B  shows the example tissue spindle  340 ′ with an extended installation protrusions  341   a ′ in the disengaged position. Notably, when in the engaged position, the extended installation protrusions  341   a ′,  341   b ′ are aligned along a second axis (A 2 ) that is offset from a center axis (A 1 ) of the spindle  340 ′. However, in that configuration, when adding in the increased circumferential size of the spindle  340 ′, the overall combined circumferential footprint F C2  of the spindle  340  and the extended installation protrusions  341   a ′,  341   b ′ are too large for fitting through a central opening of a tissue roll. Thus, in order to allow insertion through the central opening, one of the extended installation protrusions  341   a ′ is rotatably connected to the main body portion  347 ′ of the spindle  340 ′. In particular, the extended installation protrusion  341   a ′ is attached to an arm  360 ′ that is rotatably (e.g., pivotably) connected around an axis defined by  361 ′. As shown in  FIG. 12B , the extended installation protrusion  341   a ′ has been rotated to the disengaged position to cause it to fit within the circumferential footprint F C1  of the main body portion  347 ′ for insertion through the central opening of the tissue roll. After insertion is complete, the extended installation protrusion  341   a ′ may be rotated back to the engaged position (shown in  FIG. 12A ) for installation into the roll holder. 
     Example Paper Towel Dispensers 
     In some embodiments, automated and manual paper towel dispensers may include one or more sensors that are configured to sense when a paper towel roll is replaced and/or how much paper towel is dispensed. Although the following describes the holders and dispensers in conjunction with paper towel rolls, some embodiments contemplate the same or similar features/functions with respect to other sheet product rolls (such as tissue rolls, napkin rolls, etc.). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an example automated paper towel dispenser  50 ′ for use with example systems described herein. The paper towel dispenser may be configured to hold a paper towel roll and operate to cause dispensing of a portion of the paper towel roll, such as in response to a user request (e.g., activation of an activation sensor). Additionally, the paper towel dispenser may store one or more replacement paper towel rolls. The paper towel dispenser may include one or more sensors that track usage of the paper towel roll(s) installed therein. For example, the paper towel dispenser may include a sensor that senses when a replacement tissue paper roll has been put on the holder—thereby enabling a decrement to the overall inventory count. In some embodiments, the paper towel dispenser may include one or more sensors that measure the amount of paper towel dispensed. Additionally, the paper towel dispenser may include a communication interface capable of transmitting the sensed data to a remote device. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example paper towel holder  470 . The paper towel holder  470  (which may be referred to as a “collar”) includes a body that is defined by an installation portion  472  configured to fit within a core opening  408  of an installed paper towel roll  405  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 15 ). For example, the installation portion  472  may include one or more fins  471  that fit within and push against the inside surface of the core opening  408  of the paper towel roll  405 —such as to maintain connection between the paper towel holder  470  and the paper towel roll  405 . The paper towel holder  470  also includes a base portion  474  extending radially outward from the installation portion  472  and along a side  409  of the installed paper towel roll  405 . A sensor may be positioned within the body and configured to sense the presence or absence of the installed paper towel roll, such as through the installation portion  472 . The paper towel holder  470  may include a communication interface configured to transmit sensor data to a remote device, wherein the sensor data indicates the presence or absence of the installed paper towel roll. 
     The paper towel holder  470  may include a hole  477  extending through the base portion  474  and the installation portion  472 . The hole  477  may be configured to removably receive a stand portion  452  of a paper towel roll dispenser  450  therethrough (e.g., shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). 
     In some embodiments, the base portion  474  defines a bottom surface that is configured to enable an installed paper towel roll  405  to be supported on a surface by the base portion  474  in a vertical orientation without any portion of the installed paper towel roll needing to touch the surface (e.g., the ground, the counter surface, etc.). In this regard, the paper towel holder  470  may include a friction surface  479 , such as a rubber surface, that may help maintain the position of the holder  470  when it is placed on the surface. In such a regard, the paper towel holder  470  may enable hygienic use (e.g., avoid the installed paper towel roll from contacting the surface). 
     In some embodiments the paper towel holder  470  may include a magnet  476  that may be used for positioning of the paper towel holder  470 . For example, the paper towel holder  470  could be stuck against a corresponding magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator. 
     In some embodiments, a “collar” or similar device may be utilized with other types of products (e.g., toilet tissue, aluminum foil, tape, plastic wrap, gift wrap, etc.). In this regard, the “collar” may be designed to be held by such other products and may, in some embodiments, be configured to work with corresponding dispensers for such products (e.g., similar to as described with respect to paper towel dispensers below). 
     In some embodiments, the paper towel holder  470  may be configured to interact with and/or form a part of a paper towel dispenser  450 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 16A . The paper towel dispenser  450  includes a stand portion  452  configured to fit within an installed paper towel roll  405  (shown in  FIG. 16B ). The paper towel dispenser  450  further includes a base portion  454  extending radially outward from the stand portion  452 . The base portion  454  is configured to support the stand portion  452  such that the stand portion  452  extends vertically from the base portion  454 . 
     The base portion  454  includes at least one sensor configured to sense the presence or absence of the installed paper towel roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the paper towel dispenser  450  includes two sensors  490 ,  492 . Each sensor  490 ,  492  is oriented vertically toward the side of the installed paper towel roll to detect the presence or absence of paper towel. Notably, the first sensor  490  (“S 1 ”) positioned a first radial distance from the stand portion  452  such that the first sensor  490  is configured to detect the presence or absence of paper towel at the first radial distance (e.g., when the amount of paper towel on the installed paper towel roll is greater than or equal to an amount corresponding to a radius of a paper towel roll that extends to the sensor  490 ). The second sensor  492  (“S 2 ”) is also oriented vertically toward the side of the installed paper towel roll and is positioned a second radial distance from the stand portion  452  such that the second sensor  492  is configured to detect the presence or absence of paper towel at the second radial distance, wherein the first radial distance is different (e.g., shorter) than the second radial distance. In this regard, the second sensor  492  may detect the paper towel on the installed paper towel roll when the amount is greater than or equal to an amount corresponding to a radius of the roll that extends to the sensor  492 . 
     In some embodiments, by utilizing the difference in distance between the sensors from the stand portion  452 , a controller can determine different threshold amounts off paper towel on an installed roll. For example, when both sensors  490 ,  492  indicate that paper towel is present, then the amount of paper towel is known to be at least an amount equivalent to an amount corresponding to the paper towel roll having a radius extending to the second sensor  492 , which may for example correspond to 50% of the original amount of paper towel (although other percentages are contemplated). However, when only the first sensor  490  indicates that paper towel is present (and the second sensor  492  indicates that paper towel is not present), then the controller may determine that there is a different amount of paper towel on the roll—such as may be equal to an amount corresponding to when a roll has a radius equal to the distance to the first sensor  490 —such as may correspond to 15% of the original amount of paper towel (although other percentages are contemplated). Such information (e.g., sensor data) can be communicated to a remote device, such as through a communication interface. Thereafter, the sensor data can be utilized by the tracking and re-order system accordingly, such as to decrement inventory and/or notify a user (e.g., send a notification that a replacement paper towel roll is (or will be) needed). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the paper towel dispenser  450  also includes a paper towel holder  470 ′. The paper towel holder  470 ′ may include the same or similar features/components as the paper towel holder  470  described with respect to  FIGS. 14-15 . However, in some embodiments, the paper towel holder  470 ′ may not include a sensor and/or corresponding circuitry components (e.g., a controller, communication interface, etc.). In such example embodiments, the paper towel holder  470 ′ may still perform desirable functions such as allowing a user to easily remove an installed paper towel roll for remote use (e.g., bring it to the site for use in clean up). In this regard, the paper towel holder  470 ′ may stay with the paper towel roll  405 . Additionally, however, the paper towel holder  470 ′ may include one or more holder position sensors, such as a magnet  476  (shown in  FIG. 14 ), that enables determination that the paper towel holder  470 ′ is installed or not installed on the paper towel dispenser  450 . Such a feature may enable additional determinations that may account for a scenario where the user does not “replace” a paper towel roll and, instead, merely moves the paper towel roll and puts the same paper towel roll back on the paper towel dispenser  450  (e.g., the operating status would be still “in use” as opposed to recently “replaced”). This would avoid an improper determination that a replacement of the roll had occurred, otherwise leading to an improper decrement in the inventory level for the household environment. In some embodiments, this could be confirmed by sensor data from one or more of the sensors  490 ,  492  indicating that a similarly sized paper towel roll was reinserted into the paper towel dispenser  450  (e.g., as from a last stored “amount”). 
     In some embodiments, utilizing the data of the holder position sensor may enable determining whether or not the paper towel holder is “lost or missing”. In such an example, the sensors  490 ,  492  may indicate that paper towel is present, but the holder position sensor may indicate that the paper towel holder  470 ′ is not present. 
     The following TABLE 1 provides some example determinations that can be made based on sensor data received from the various sensors of the paper towel dispenser  450 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 State 
                 Collar 
                 S1 
                 S2 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 A 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 User has removed towel roll from stand 
               
               
                 B 
                 1 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Towel roll is nearly depleted 
               
               
                 C 
                 1 
                 1 
                 0 
                 Towel is &gt; S1 diameter, and &lt; S2 diameter 
               
               
                 D 
                 1 
                 1 
                 1 
                 Towel &gt; S2 diameter 
               
               
                 E 
                 0 
                 x 
                 1 
                 Collar Missing or lost 
               
               
                 F 
                 0 
                 1 
                 x 
                 Collar Missing or lost 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In some embodiments, the paper towel holder  470  may comprise one or more non-continuous magnets that wrap around a portion of the circumference of the paper towel holder  470  (such as the base portion  474 ). Multiple magnets may be separated by spaces. A magnet sensor may be positioned on the base portion  454  of the paper towel dispenser  450  and configured to sense the one or more non-continuous magnets as the paper towel roll  405  rotates to measure the rotation of the paper towel roll  405  as it is consumed. A two magnetic sensor approach can also be used to measure rotational direction. Further, in some embodiments, the speed of rotation of the magnet(s) may also help detect whether the paper towel roll  405  is large (few rotations within a time period) or small (many rotations within the time period). 
     In some embodiments, the two optical sensors can be spaced (such as instead of 2 magnetic sensors) so they are out of phase. For this optical encoder approach, the paper towel holder  470  could have holes spaced around the circumference that can block the light or let light through (e.g., similar to a slotted disk). 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another example paper towel dispenser  450 ′ that does not include a paper towel holder  470 . Instead, the paper towel dispenser  450 ′ includes a switch  495  that is depressed when a user installs the paper towel roll. In some embodiments, depression of the switch may provide an indication to a controller of the paper towel dispenser  450 ′ which may be used, such as for wake-up functionality or the like. In some embodiments, the switch  495  may provide a “drag” force against the inside of the installed paper towel roll  405  that may assist in preventing overspin. 
       FIG. 18A  illustrates a similar paper towel dispenser  450 ″ as the paper towel dispenser  450 ′, but the switch  495  is an optical sensor  495 ′ (“S 0 ”) (although other types of sensors are contemplated, such as time-of-flight, infrared, capacitance, etc.). By utilizing the various sensors, different determinations may be made by the controller. For example, if the optical sensor  495 ′ is not registering paper towel, but one or more of the other sensors  490 ′,  492 ′ are, then the optical sensor  495 ′ may be dirty or malfunctioning. Likewise, if the optical sensor  495 ′ is registering paper towel, but the two sensors  490 ′,  492 ′ are not, then the paper towel roll may be nearly depleted. The following TABLE 2 provides some example determinations that can be made based on sensor data received from the various sensors of the paper towel dispenser  450 ″. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 State 
                 S0 
                 S1 
                 S2 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 A 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
                 User has removed towel roll from stand 
               
               
                 B 
                 1 
                 0 
                 0 
                 Towel roll is nearly depleted 
               
               
                 C 
                 1 
                 1 
                 0 
                 Towel is &gt; S1 diameter, and &lt; S2 diameter 
               
               
                 D 
                 1 
                 1 
                 1 
                 Towel &gt; S2 diameter 
               
               
                 E 
                 0 
                 x 
                 1 
                 Sensor S2, or S0, is dirty or malfunctioning 
               
               
                 F 
                 0 
                 1 
                 x 
                 Sensor S1, or S0, is dirty or malfunctioning 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 18B  illustrates an example desired positioning of the first sensor  490 ′ and the second sensor  492 ′ with respect to the stand portion  452 ′. 
     The radius from the stand portion  452 ′ that the first sensor  490 ′ (“S 1 ”) and the second sensor  492 ′ (“S 2 ”) are placed at, rs 1  and rs 2 , may be important for the optimal operation of the device in order to detect the operating states noted in TABLE 2. For example, a single sensor, S 1 , could be used to save cost, but then there may be corner cases that arrive, such as when a roll is close to the same radius that the S 1  sensor is at, and because the stand portion  452 ′ is smaller than the core  408  of the roll  405 , the position of the roll  405  around the stand portion  452 ′ can vary. This could cause the same roll to block S 1  (such that S 1  registers paper towel) or not block S 1  (such that S 1  registers no paper towel) depending on the position of the core  408  around the stand portion  452 ′. In this regard, the roll can shift by: rollShift=dcore−dpole, as shown in  FIG. 18B . 
     By going to a second sensor, S 2 , at a different radius than S 1 , the system now has hysteresis to account for this shift. By making rS 2 &gt;rS 1  by more than rollShift, you can guarantee that a roll won&#39;t cover both S 1  and S 2  just due to the roll placement around the stand portion  452 ′. Note that although  FIG. 18B  shows a cylindrical towel roll and core, in practice these can be noncircular due to roll compression, so rollShift may also account for the maximum shift that could be seen with a noncircular roll. The position of S 1 , at rS 1 , could also account for rollShift, by making rS 1 &gt;rollShift to prevent an empty core from covering S 1 . The position of S 2 , at rS 2 , could also account for the smallest diameter “new” roll that is expected, and rollShift of that roll, so that S 2  is guaranteed to be covered by this smallest expected new roll no matter where the roll is placed on the pole (rS 2 &lt;=½ smallest diameter new roll−rollShift). So in summary, example constraints on S 1  and S 2  placement for an example optimal operation may be:
         rS 1 &gt;rollShift   rS 2 &gt;rS 1 +rollShift   rS 2 &lt;=½ smallest diameter new roll—rollShift       

     In some embodiments, the first sensor  490 ′ and second sensor  492 ′ may be positioned along different directions extending radially outward from the stand portion  452 ′. For example, in order to account for a shifting position of the core  408  of the installed roll  405  around the stand portion  452 ′, the first direction (for the first sensor  490 ′) may be angularly separated from the second direction (for the second sensor  492 ′) such as by an angle of 45 degrees or greater (although any angle is contemplated). In this regard, when the sensors  490 ′,  492 ′ are not aligned, the difference between the sensors may account for the shifting of the roll such as to enable a more accurate estimation of the remaining amount of paper towel on the roll. 
     In some embodiments, a time-of-flight sensor may be used. In some such embodiments, the time-of-flight sensor may be positioned in the base and angled upwardly and toward the installed paper towel roll to enable fuel gauging. For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates another example paper towel dispenser  450 ″. Notably, the paper towel dispenser  450 ′″ in  FIG. 19  includes a single time-of-flight sensor  490 ′″ that is directed at angle upward and toward the paper towel roll (e.g., the beam  491 ′″ is directed at an angle θ upwardly with respect to the top surface of the base portion  454 ′″). By knowing the angle θ at which the time-of-flight sensor points toward the paper towel roll  405 ′″, and determining the time of return of the signal, the amount of paper towel remaining on the paper towel roll  405 ′″ can be determined. To explain, the time-of-flight sensor  490 ′″ is positioned a radial distance Di away from the stand portion  452 ′ and angled upwardly and toward the stand portion  452 ′ such that the sensor is configured to measure a time-of-flight of a signal  491 ′ emitted toward an outer circumference  406 ′ of the installed paper towel roll  405 ′″. The amount of time between emission of the signal and receipt of a reflected signal corresponding to the emitted signal correlates to an amount of paper towel remaining on the installed sheet product roll  405 ′″. 
     In some embodiments, this sort of fuel gauging may be useful for determining if a user has simply removed and replaced the same paper towel roll—which could otherwise falsely effect the overall household inventory. For example, if a removal event occurs, then the time-of-flight sensor could be used to see if a less than a full paper towel roll was put back (it could also be less than the previous reading). If however, too big of a fuel gauge difference occurs or more paper towel is on the “new” paper towel roll, then the system may determine that a paper towel roll was indeed replaced. 
     Example Napkin Holders 
     In some embodiments, a napkin holder is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. Notably, while the napkin holder described herein is described with respect to napkins, other sheet product or stackable consumable products (e.g., non-sheet product) may be tracked using the same or similar features for a consumable products holder. 
       FIGS. 20-21  illustrate an example napkin holder  550  for holding and tracking a supply of napkins  505 . In the illustrated embodiment, the napkin holder  550  includes a body  551  with a base portion  554  and a receptacle portion  552  that includes a space  557  for receiving a supply of napkins  505  (e.g., a stack of napkins). A sensor module  560  is positioned within a slot  559  of the receptible portion  552 . The sensor module  560  includes a sensor  590  configured to determine the presence or absence of the napkins at a certain level within the receptacle portion  552 . Additionally, the napkin holder  550  may include a controller and/or a communication interface, such as on a printed circuit board  580  housed in the base portion  554  (although the controller and/or communication interface may be positioned anywhere in the napkin holder  550 ). The communication interface may be capable of transmitting the sensed data from the sensor  590  to a remote device. Notably, one or more batteries  570  may also be stored in the base portion  554  (or other portion) and provide power to the various components/features of the napkin holder  550 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , the sensor  590  may be placed at a vertical position in the receptacle portion  552  that corresponds to determination of a desired threshold amount of napkins in the receptacle portion  552 . In this regard, the sensor  590  may be configured to transmit a signal  591   a  at the vertical position across the receptacle portion  552  so as to be directed toward a side surface  507  of the supply of napkins  505   a . If a sufficient amount of napkins are in the supply  505   a  (such as shown in  FIG. 22 ), the signal  591   a  will reflect off the side  507  and form a return signal  592   a  that will be received at the receiver of the sensor  590 . In such a manner, the sensor  590  may detect the presence of the supply of napkins  505   a  at the threshold level within the receptacle portion  552 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor  590  may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals  591   a ,  592   a  so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal  591   a  and receiving the return signal  592   a  is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of napkins  505   a  is present in the receptacle portion  552 . However, if an insufficient level of napkins  505   b  is present in the receptacle portion  552  (such as shown in  FIG. 23 ), then either no return signal will be received or a return signal  592   b  that reflects off a different surface (such as an opposite wall  597  of the receptacle portion  552 ) will be received. In either case, a certain amount of time will have elapsed after transmission of the signal  591   b  that will indicate that there is not a sufficient level of napkins  505   b  present within the receptacle portion  552 . Such sensor data may be communicated to the system for use therein, such as for determining an amount of napkins present in the napkin holder  550  and/or for inventory control. Notably, although not shown, different and/or additional types of sensors may be utilized with the contemplated napkin holder  550  (e.g., weight based sensors, infrared sensors, etc.). For example, positioning another sensor at a different vertical position may provide a further threshold level that may correspond to an amount of consumable product remaining. 
     In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be oriented differently within the napkin holder  550 . For example, a sensor may be positioned at an angle (e.g., at least partially downwardly) toward the supply of napkins  505 . In such example embodiments, by utilizing a time-of-flight sensor, the amount of time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal to receiving the return signal can be used, such as by a controller, to determine/estimate the amount of napkins within the receptacle portion  552 . 
     In some embodiments, the napkin holder  550  may use a weight-based sensor, such as positioned in the base portion  554  to measure an amount of napkins in the receptacle portion  552  (e.g., based on the sensed weight). In some embodiments, one or more optical sensors can be oriented to measure down to the top surface of the supply of napkins to determine the amount of napkins in the receptacle portion  552 . In some embodiments, a mechanical arm or lever can sit on top of the supply of napkins, and the change of angle can be used to measure the consumption and/or current amount of napkins in the receptacle portion  552 . In some embodiments, a conductive plate can be used to hold down the supply of napkins, and an inductive or magnetic sensor can be positioned within the napkin holder  550  and used to monitor the level of the supply of napkins accordingly. In some embodiments, the napkins may be stacked horizontally, and a linear potentiometer is pushed against the last of the supply (such as via a spring bias)—and the linear potentiometer may indicate the amount of napkins remaining. 
     Example Paper Plate Holders 
     In some embodiments, a paper plate holder is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. Notably, while the paper plate holder described herein is described with respect to paper plates, non-paper plates (e.g., Styrofoam, plastic, etc.) or stackable consumable products (e.g., non-plates) may be tracked using the same or similar features. 
       FIGS. 24-25  illustrate an example paper plate holder  650  for holding and tracking a supply of paper plates  605 . In the illustrated embodiment, the paper plate holder  650  includes a base portion  654  and a receptacle portion  652  that includes a space  657  defined between four guide plates  653   a - d  for receiving a supply of paper plates  605  (e.g., a stack of paper plates—though non-paper plates could be used—as noted above). A sensor module  660  is positioned on one of the guide plates  653   a  and includes a sensor  690  configured to determine the presence or absence of the paper plates at a certain level within the receptacle portion  652 . Additionally, the paper plate holder  650  may include a controller and/or a communication interface, such as on a printed circuit board  680  housed in the base portion  654  (although the controller and/or communication interface may be positioned anywhere in the paper plate holder  650 ). The communication interface may be capable of transmitting the sensed data from the sensor  690  to a remote device. Notably, one or more batteries  670  may also be stored in the base portion  654  (or other portion) and provide power to the various components/features of the paper plate holder  650 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 26 , the sensor  690  may be placed at a vertical position in the receptacle portion  652  that corresponds to determination of a desired threshold amount of paper plates in the receptacle portion  652 . In this regard, the sensor  690  may be configured to transmit a signal  691   a  at the vertical position across the receptacle portion  652  so as to be directed toward a side surface  607  of the supply of paper plates  605   a . If a sufficient amount of paper plates are in the supply  605   a  (such as shown in  FIG. 26 ), the signal  691   a  will reflect off the side  607  and form a return signal  692   a  that will be received at the receiver of the sensor  690 . In such a manner, the sensor  690  may detect the presence of the supply of paper plates  605   a  at the threshold level within the receptacle portion  652 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor  690  may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals  691   a ,  692   a  so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal  691   a  and receiving the return signal  692   a  is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of paper plates  605   a  is present in the receptacle portion  652 . However, if an insufficient level of paper plates  605   b  is present in the receptacle portion  652  (such as shown in  FIG. 27 ), then either no return signal will be received or a return signal  692   b  that reflects off a different surface (such as a wall  697  of an oppositely-positioned guide plate of the receptacle portion  652 ) will be received. In either case, a certain amount of time will have elapsed after transmission of the signal  691   b  that will indicate that there is not a sufficient level of paper plates  605   b  present within the receptacle portion  652 . Such sensor data may be communicated to the system for use therein, such as for determining an amount of paper plates present in the paper plate holder  650  and/or for inventory control. Notably, although not shown, different and/or additional types of sensors may be utilized with the contemplated paper plates holder  650  (e.g., weight based sensors, infrared sensors, etc.). For example, positioning another sensor at a different vertical position may provide a further threshold level that may correspond to an amount of consumable product remaining. 
     In some embodiments, the paper plate holder  650  may be configured to adjust the size of the receptacle portion  652  so as to receive a supply of differently sized plates. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 30 , each guide plate, such as guide plate  653   b  includes a vertical portion  694   a  and a base portion  694   b . The base portion  694   b  of each guide plate may be sandwiched with a cam plate  675  between a top plate  676  and a bottom plate  672 —thereby forming the base portion  654  of the paper plate holder  650 . Notably, with reference to  FIGS. 25, 28, and 29 , the base portion  654  may include a movable button  665  that is movable between a first position corresponding to the guide plates  653   a - d  being in an expanded state (shown in  FIG. 28 ) and a second position corresponding to the guide plates  653   a - d  being in a compressed state (shown in  FIG. 29 ). In this regard, the angular direction of the button  665  is denoted as B 1  or B 2 —thereby showing the different positions. In some embodiments, the button  665  and/or guide plates may be biased to a certain position, such as to be sized for the smallest plate size contemplated. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 28-31 , each guide plate may include two guide pins (e.g., guide plate  653   b  includes guide pins  687   a ,  687   b ). The guide pins are slidably positioned within a corresponding guide slot (e.g.,  677   a ,  677   b ) of a cam plate  675 . With reference to  FIGS. 28-29 , guide plate  653   a  includes guide pins  686   a ,  686   b  that slidably fit within guide slots  676   a ,  676   b , respectively; guide plate  653   b  includes guide pins  687   a ,  687   b  that slidably fit within guide slots  677   a ,  677   b , respectively; guide plate  653   c  includes guide pins  688   a ,  688   b  that slidably fit within guide slots  678   a ,  678   b , respectively; and guide plate  653   d  includes guide pins  689   a ,  689   b  that slidably fit within guide slots  679   a ,  679   b , respectively. Notably, each guide slot is shaped to guide sliding movement of the corresponding guide pin so as to force lateral movement of the corresponding guide plate. In this regard, with reference to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , the guide plates include ledges (e.g., guide plate  653   b  includes ledges  612   a ,  612   b ) that slidingly engage corresponding wall tracks  672   a ,  672   b  of the bottom plate  672 . Thus, when assembled together, a user may operate the button  665  such as from direction B 1  ( FIG. 28 ) to various positions leading to direction B 2  ( FIG. 29 ) to cause rotation of the cam plate  675  which thereby forces lateral movement of the guide plates  653   a - d  so as to cause the space  657  that receives the plates to define different-sized diameters, thereby enabling receipt of differently-size plates therein. 
     In some embodiments, the button  665  may be biased (e.g., via a spring) to the position shown in  FIG. 29 , such as to ensure proximity of the consumable product and the sensor is appropriately correlated. Additional embodiments that utilize a bias to accomplish an appropriate relationship between the sensor and the consumable product may be conceived for each type of tracking device, such as any tracking device stated herein as an example. Some may move the sensor toward the consumable product and/or move the consumable product toward the sensor. 
     Example Bulk Storage Product Holder 
     In some embodiments, a bulk storage product holder (e.g., for bulk storage product, such as pet food, cereal, candy, flour, batteries, coffee, nails, etc.) is contemplated for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein.  FIG. 34  illustrates an example bulk storage product holder  750  for holding and tracking a supply of bulk storage product. In the illustrated embodiment, the bulk storage product holder  750  includes a receptacle portion  752  that includes a space defined therein for receiving a supply of bulk storage product. A lid  751  can be used to access the receptacle portion  752 , such as to remove or add bulk storage product. A sensor module  760  is positioned adjacent one of the walls of the receptacle portion  752  and includes a sensor  790  configured to determine the presence or absence of the bulk storage product at a certain level within the receptacle portion  752 . Additionally, the bulk storage product holder  750  may include a controller and/or a communication interface, such as on a printed circuit board  780  housed in the sensor module  760 . The communication interface may be capable of transmitting the sensed data from the sensor  790  to a remote device. Notably, one or more batteries  770  may also be stored in the sensor module  760  (or other portion) and provide power to the various components/features of the bulk storage product holder  750 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 35A-35B , the sensor  790  may be placed at a vertical position in the receptacle portion  752  that corresponds to determination of a desired threshold amount of bulk storage product in the receptacle portion  752 . In this regard, the sensor  790  may be configured to transmit a signal  791   a  at the vertical position across the receptacle portion  752  so as to be directed toward the supply of bulk storage product  705   a . If a sufficient amount of bulk storage product is in the supply  705   a  (such as shown in  FIG. 35A ), the signal  791   a  will reflect off the bulk storage product and form a return signal  792   a  that will be received at the receiver of the sensor  790 . In such a manner, the sensor  790  may detect the presence of the supply of bulk storage product  705   a  at the threshold level within the receptacle portion  752 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor  790  may be a time-of-flight sensor that provides time stamps associated with the signals  791   a ,  792   a  so as to enable determination that a time period that has elapsed between transmitting the signal  791   a  and receiving the return signal  792   a  is within a threshold time period—thereby indicating that a level of bulk storage product  705   a  is present in the receptacle portion  752 . However, if an insufficient level of bulk storage product  705   b  is present in the receptacle portion  752  (such as shown in  FIG. 35B ), then either no return signal will be received or a return signal  792   b  that reflects off some remote portion of the bulk storage product (e.g.,  797 ) or a different surface (such as an opposite wall of the receptacle portion  752 ) will be received. In any case, a certain amount of time will have elapsed after transmission of the signal  791   b  that will indicate that there is not a sufficient level of bulk storage product  705   b  present within the receptacle portion  752 . Such sensor data may be communicated to the system for use therein, such as for determining an amount of bulk storage product present in the bulk storage product holder  750  and/or for inventory control. Notably, although not shown, different and/or additional types of sensors may be utilized with the contemplated bulk storage product holder  750  (e.g., weight based sensors, infrared sensors, etc.). For example, positioning another sensor at a different vertical position may provide a further threshold level that may correspond to an amount of consumable product remaining. 
     In some embodiments, such as utilizing a time-of-flight sensor, the amount of time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal  791   b  to receiving the return signal  792   b  can be used, such as by a controller, to determine/estimate the amount of bulk storage product  705   b  within the receptacle portion  752 . In this regard, since the bulk storage product may be loose within the receptacle portion  752 , the level of the bulk storage product may not be uniform, such as having a top that is higher in the back  797   b  of the receptacle portion  752  than the front  797   a . Thus, the amount of time that has elapsed between transmission of signal  791   b  and receipt of return signal  792   b  may correlate to the amount of bulk storage product within the receptacle portion  752 . In this regard, a formula and/or look-up table could be prepared that provides an estimate as to the amount of bulk storage product within the receptacle portion  752  based on the time the elapses from transmission of signal  791   b  to receipt of return signal  792   b —which may be provided to the remote device for use with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor may be oriented to transmit a signal vertically down into the receptacle portion. In this regard, the time that has elapsed from transmitting the signal and receiving the return signal may be used to estimate the amount of bulk storage product in the receptacle portion—such as similar to that described herein with respect to  FIGS. 35A-B .  FIGS. 36, 37A, and 37B  illustrate an example bulk storage product holder  850  that includes a lid  851  and a receptacle portion  852 . A sensor  890  is positioned on the lid  851  and configured to transmit a signal downwardly into the receptacle portion  852  and receive a return signal therefrom. With reference to  FIG. 37A , the sensor  890  may transmit a signal  891   a  which may reflect off the bulk storage product  805   a  and be received by the sensor  890  as return signal  892   a . The relatively short time period that elapsed may be determined and used (such as by a controller of the holder  890  or a remote device) to determine/estimate the amount of bulk storage product within the receptacle portion  852 . In this regard,  FIG. 37B  illustrates that less bulk storage product  805   b  will cause a longer amount of time to elapse between transmission of the signal  891   b  and receipt of the return signal  892   b —thereby indicating less bulk storage product  805   b  being within the receptacle portion  852 . 
     In some embodiments, other sensor arrangements may be utilized. For example, the time-of-flight sensor may be angled into the container, such as downwardly and into the container from an upper corner or side. This may provide a more accurate reading. In some embodiments, two or more time-of-flight sensors, each positioned to emit and receive signals to and from a different portion of the container may be used to create a more accurate reading. 
     In some embodiments, other types of sensors may be utilized. For example, a camera may be utilized with image recognition technology to determine the amount of consumable product remaining. In some embodiments, sonar or radar may be utilized. In some embodiments, a weight-based sensor may be positioned beneath the consumable product and used to measure the amount of consumable product remaining. In some embodiments, two different types of sensors may be utilized to provide a double check system. 
     In some embodiments, the device may include a “push to reorder” button. For example, the device may include a button thereon that enables a user to simply push the button, which causes initiation of a re-order for the correlated consumable product. 
     Other Example Tracking Devices and Sensor Embodiments 
     In addition to the above noted devices, other household item devices are contemplated, such as a “placemat” for bathroom essentials, jars for bathroom and kitchen essentials. In such example devices, one or more sensors or other features as described in other devices herein may be utilized, such as a weight-based sensor. 
     Further additional tracking device embodiments, system features, and other related functionality that may be utilized with various embodiments described herein are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/912,751, which was filed Oct. 9, 2019, entitled “Systems and Methods for Inventory Tracking of Sheet Product Rolls”, which is incorporated herein in reference in its entirety. 
     Example Software Application(s) 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a software application, such as may be usable with various tracking and re-order systems described herein. In this regard, the software application may be stored on a user&#39;s mobile or other device (e.g., in the memory of the user&#39;s device) and usable to interact with and/or control functionality of such example tracking and re-order systems. As noted herein, the software application may interact with, such as via various communication protocols, various devices and components of the tracking and re-order system—such as various tracking devices, remote devices, smart hub, etc. 
       FIGS. 38A-52  illustrate example screens of user interfaces for example embodiments of a software application that enables and provides various functionality to a user corresponding to the tracking and re-order systems described herein. 
       FIG. 38A  illustrates an example screen  900  of a user interface that enables a user to connect a tracking device to the tracking and re-order system. When a user obtains a tracking device (such as one of the tracking devices described herein), the user may utilize the software application to commission or add the tracking device to the household environment. This will cause the sensor data from the tracking device to be utilized in the tracking and re-order system for the relevant consumable product for the household environment. The screen  900  provides an illustration of a user&#39;s mobile device  910  being used to capture an image of a Quick Response (“QR”) Code  912  on the tracking device  918 . Based on these instructions, the user may act accordingly to capture an image of a QR Code for the tracking device, which may then link the tracking device with the software application and the user&#39;s account (and, thus, there household environment). Accordingly, the user may press the “Scan” button  914  to initiate the scan for the QR Code or the “Cancel” button  916  to cancel the action. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to self-discover one or more tracking devices, such as within BLE range that are of the correct type. This approach may provide less setup and registration time for the tracking devices and an easier user experience. Additionally, other configuration options may be provided, such as enabling a user to enter details of a tracking device. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to help a user select a local network for use by the tracking device to connect to an external network. In some cases, certain local networks may be better suited for the tracking device (e.g., as opposed to the user&#39;s device). This could be due to the different locations of the tracking device versus the user&#39;s device and/or due to different wireless capabilities (e.g., the user&#39;s device may be configured to work with a different wireless network). In some embodiments, the software application may enable identification and registration of a local network through one or more commissioning options, such as manual commissioning, automatic user device commissioning, and/or automatic tracking device commissioning. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable manual commissioning. For example, the user may manually enter various details regarding the local network the tracking device should use for connection. For example, the user may enter the network name, network security type, and/or the network security password. This information may then be passed to the tracking device (e.g., via a direct wireless connection between the user device and the tracking device, such as BLE, although WiFi could also be used) for utilization by the tracking device. In some embodiments, the tracking device may store the network information in non-volatile memory such that the information won&#39;t be lost if a power loss occurs. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable automatic user device commissioning. For example, the user device may identify available local networks for itself. The user may then select the desired available network and that information may be passed to the tracking device for use (an example screen illustrating available networks is shown in  FIG. 38B —although the way that information is gathered and the corresponding signal strength is different depending on which commissioning approach is utilized). In some embodiments, one or more sets of information (e.g., the network password) may still be needed. In such example embodiments, it may be assumed that the user device is proximate to the tracking device such that the available networks are similar between the two. In some embodiments, the user device may take into account certain capabilities of the tracking device and may, for example, filter out any networks that are not usable by the tracking device. In some embodiments, the user may be able to specify the number of listed available networks (e.g., limit it to 3 networks to choose from, such as the three with the strongest signal strength). 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to enable automatic tracking device commissioning. For example,  FIG. 38B  illustrates an example screen  911  of a user interface that enables a user to select an available local network (e.g., a WiFi network) for the tracking device to utilize for connecting to an external network (e.g., a remote server, etc.). In this regard, the tracking device may be configured to gather available network information regarding available networks that it could connect to. That available network information may be passed to the user&#39;s device to enable selection of which network to utilize for the tracking device. For example, screen  911  includes a listing of available networks  913  identified by the tracking device. In the illustrated example, there are two network options: Network  1   915   a  and Network  2   915   b . The screen  911  may also indicate the signal strength of the network based on where the tracking device is located (e.g., as opposed to the signal strength of the network based on where the user&#39;s device is). For example, Network  1   915   a  has a signal strength illustrated by the icon  909   a  that is filled up, whereas Network  2   915   b  has a signal strength that is less than full as indicated by the icon  909   b  (which is not fully filled up). The screen  911  may also indicate whether the available network is password protected, as indicated by “Pwd”  907  for Network  2   915   b . Notably, other icons or indicators are contemplated for the various features. Once a user indicates a desired network, they can select the “Select” button  919   b  or they can cancel the action by selecting the “Cancel” button  919   a . Depending on the desired configuration, in some embodiments, the tracking device may be configured to check for available networks in the background (e.g., continuously or once initial contact with the user device is initiated). Additionally or alternatively, the software application may send instructions to the tracking device to cause initiation of the search. In some embodiments, the user may be able to specify the number of listed available networks (e.g., limit it to 3 networks to choose from, such as the three with the strongest signal strength). 
       FIG. 39A  illustrates an example screen  920  of a user interface that enables a user to enroll in a subscription service or other replenishment service for ordering new consumable product. In this regard, in some embodiments, the tracking and re-order system may work with an external subscription or reorder service for various consumable product (e.g., an online subscription/reorder service). As described herein, once the tracking and re-order system determines that the household environment inventory re-order threshold is met, the system may provide the user an opportunity to place an order using the previously set-up online order—such as through the subscription or reorder service. 
     Returning to  FIG. 39A , the screen  920  includes an indication of the selected subscription service  921  and may include a visualization  922  of the consumable product (e.g., toilet paper) that is set-up for re-order ability. Option  923  allows the user to enroll in the subscription service and option  924  may allow testing of enrollment. Option  925  allows the user to skip enrollment in a subscription service. Under this option, the software application may simply notify a user when the product is below a threshold—thereby enabling a user to manually order more consumable product. 
       FIG. 39B  illustrates an example screen  930  of a user interface that enables a user to select a consumable product order option for use with the subscription service or other replenishment service. The screen  930  may present various order options, such as may correspond to one or more brand options and one or more amount options (6-pack, 12-pack, 24 oz., etc.) all depending on the type of consumable product and the available order options for the chosen subscription or reorder service(s). The screen  930  in  FIG. 39B  illustrates that a user has indicated a desire  931  to receive a 12-pack order of the “Example Product” brand of toilet paper as the stored online order. The user may now hit “Select”  932  to set that order for later use. 
     Notably, a user may sign up for multiple different order options through the same or different subscription or reorder services. In some embodiments, the system may compare available pricing for each preset order option and choose the best available when placing an order. In some embodiments, user preferences may be accounted for in the decision as to which order option to use. In some embodiments, upon initiation of re-order functionality, the user may be presented with available order options for selection by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may be configured to enable tracking and reorder functionality for batteries that are used to power the various tracking devices. In some such embodiments, the tracking devices may be configured to monitor their battery level and report that to the tracking and reorder system. Once the battery level is below a threshold level, then re-order functionality may be implemented (such as various types of re-order functionality described herein).  FIG. 39C  illustrates an example screen  935  of a user interface that enables a user to select a battery reorder option for use with the subscription service or other replenishment service. The screen  935  may present various order options, such as may correspond to one or more brand options and one or more amount options (6-pack, 12-pack, etc.). In some embodiments, the tracking device may “know” the type of battery needed and provide that information to the tracking and reorder system for automatic selection of the appropriate battery type (e.g., “AA” batteries, “D” batteries, etc.). The screen  935  in  FIG. 39C  illustrates that a user has indicated a desire  933  to receive a 6-pack order of the “Example Batteries” brand as the stored online order. The user may now hit “Select”  937  to set (e.g., save) that order for later use. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates an example screen  940  of a user interface that enables a user to select settings corresponding to a tracking device that is part of the tracking and re-order system. The screen  940  includes an indication of the selected tracking device, illustrated as the “Master Bath” tissue stand  942 . The screen  940  may include notifications such as may require a user&#39;s attention—e.g., the “Device has not reported in 4 days.”  944 . In response, the user may perform maintenance or other action with respect to the tracking device. The screen  940  may also includes a visualization of the tracking device  946 . Further, the user may select an option  948  to be notified when the supply on the specific tracking device (or a portion thereof—such as the stand portion) is empty. This may be in addition to the overall inventory tracking/reorder functionality that occurs. 
     Screen  940  may also include an option for a user to select the threshold amount of consumable product on the tracking device that will cause initiation of re-order functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, a user can move a marker  955  along a track  950  to select a number between “0”  951  and “3”  953 —which may correspond to the number of dispensing or reserve positions for the consumable product being monitored by the tracking device (although it could be less than the full number of dispensing or reserve positions). Once selected, the user may select “Save”  956 . Alternatively, the user can further “Edit”  957  the device settings. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates an example screen  960  of a user interface that provides a user with the statuses of various tracking devices and, if used, the extra inventory tracking that are part of the tracking and re-order system. Line  961  indicates that the user has 2 devices linked to their account. Line  962  indicates that one of the devices needs attention, such as it may be out of or low on consumable product, may not be connected to an external network, and/or may require maintenance of some kind. The first device is indicated as “Tissue Stand BBDF8” at  964   a  and includes a visual image of toilet paper to show the type of consumable product being tracked via the device. To the right of that are various icons  965   a  indicating information about the corresponding device  964   a . For example, the icon of the toilet paper with a red line across it indicates that the device is empty and the green full battery icon indicates that the battery life of the device is close to full. The second device is indicated as “Master Bath” at  964   b  and includes a visual image of toilet paper to show the type of consumable product being tracked via the device. To the right of that are various icons  965   b  indicating information about the corresponding device  964   b . For example, a red triangle icon indicates that attention is needed for the device, an icon of four toilet paper rolls indicates that the device has product installed (such as four toilet paper rolls), and the green full battery icon indicates that the battery life of the device is close to full. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may also enable tracking of “extra inventory”. In this regard, a user may store extra inventory that does not fit on the one or more tracking devices (e.g., the user may store the inventory in one or more places in their home). For example, a user may purchase a 12-pack of tissue rolls, but only have room to put  7  of the tissue rolls on their utilized tracking devices, leaving 5 rolls remaining. The user may input that amount (e.g., “5 Rolls”) as extra inventory (e.g., such as described with respect to the screen  980  illustrated in  FIG. 42B ). The number of rolls (e.g., “5 Rolls”  967 ) in the “Extra Inventory”) are indicated on the screen  960 , and there is an option to “Edit”  969  that number. 
     In some embodiments, the extra inventory may be automatically updated depending on various events that occur within the tracking and reorder system. For example, upon a tracking device updating to include a new number of rolls (such as due to the user positioning a new replacement roll on a tracking device and the tracking device sensing the new roll), the extra inventory may be updated (e.g., decremented) accordingly. In some embodiments, the tracking and reorder system may update the extra inventory based on received orders from the subscription service (e.g., based on an actual receipt of delivery, based on an estimated delivery date, etc.). For example, once the ordered 12-pack arrives, the extra inventory may be updated to indicate the addition of 12 rolls. Thereafter, the extra inventory may be further updated once the rolls are placed on the tracking devices (and those new rolls are sensed on the tracking devices accordingly). 
     Returning to  FIG. 41 , line  966  indicates that the account is enrolled in a subscription or reorder service, and provides options for editing that service. 
       FIG. 42A  illustrates an example screen  970  of a user interface that enables a user to set the threshold for a household inventory that corresponds to when to initiate re-order functionality utilizing the tracking and re-order system. Line  971  indicates the applicable subscription or reorder service. Screen  970  includes an option for a user to select the threshold amount of consumable product for the household environment that will cause initiation of re-order functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, a user can move a marker  977  along a track  975  to select a number between “0”  976  and “7”  978 —which may correspond to the number of dispensing or reserve positions for the consumable product being monitored by all of the tracking devices linked to the user&#39;s account (e.g., both devices shown on screen  960  in  FIG. 41 ). Screen  970  also allows a user to initiate an order via the subscription or reorder service by selecting option  981 . A user can also “Save”  982  or “Close”  983  the screen  970  accordingly. 
       FIG. 42B  illustrates another example screen  980  of a user interface that allows a user to input various options for the tracking and reorder system. In some embodiments, the screen  980  may display as a pop-up screen in response to selection of a corresponding option by the user. At  984 , the user may indicate the “Extra Inventory” level for the tracking and reorder system. At  985 , the user may set the type of reorder functionality desired for the consumable product. For example, by enabling “Automatic Ordering”, the tracking and reorder system may be configured to automatically place the subscription order upon the threshold requirement being met. If disabled, instead, the user may simply receive a notification of the threshold requirement being met (thereby allowing the user to go in and order more product, such as using the “Order” option shown in  FIG. 44 ). At  986 , the user may indicate the desired threshold level of consumable product remaining (e.g., number of tissue rolls) for the total (e.g., household) inventory (e.g., on the tracking devices and in the extra inventory) that triggers the desired reorder functionality. Accordingly, the user may “Save” at  987  the selections or may select “Help” at  988  to be offered assistance—such as through an external webpage, placing a call to customer service, etc. 
       FIG. 43  illustrates an example screen  990  of a user interface that enables a user to place an order for more consumable product, such as may be provided to the user in response to a household inventory threshold being met. Once the tracking and re-order system determines that the household inventory re-order threshold is met, the system may provide the user an opportunity to place an order  992  using the previously set-up online order—such as through the subscription or reorder service  991 . By selecting the “Place Order” button  992 , the software application may initiate an online order based on a previously stored online order with the subscription or reorder service. This provides an easy reorder option that still provides the user with the option to control the reorder, such as to prevent over ordering. In this regard, in the alternative, the user may select “Dismiss”  994 , such as if the user would like to handle ordering separately or if the notification was not proper. For example, the user may have additional consumable product in the household environment that was unaccounted for via the software application. Once the user positions the consumable product on the tracking device(s) the software application will detect it and reset accordingly. 
       FIG. 44  illustrates an example screen  993  of a user interface that provides information regarding, for example, current inventory of a tracked consumable product and current battery level for the batteries of one or more tracking devices for the tracking and re-order system. For example, the screen  993  may indicate the tracked products and provide an indication of the saved subscription order and the corresponding, for example, current battery level or current inventory amount. For example, the saved battery order option and a “low” battery level for the Hallway bath tracking device is indicated at  993   a  for batteries, and the saved tissue roll order option and an indication of 5 rolls remaining is indicated at  993   b  for the tissue rolls. Additionally, the option to initiate an “Order”  995   a ,  995   b  is available for each tracked product. Further, a “Settings” option  996  is available for the user to select to make various updates to the system, such as with respect to one or more of the products. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates an example screen  997  of a user interface that shows recent orders that have been placed for the tracking and re-order system. For example, the product ordered is indicated at  998  and the estimated delivery date is indicated at  999 . In some embodiments, the status of the order (e.g., ordered, shipped, canceled, etc.) may be indicated. Once delivered, in some embodiments, the delivery date may be updated accordingly. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may be configured to provide other notifications/functionality to a user. For example, the following lists some example notifications:
         i. When product falls below a specified level in a tracking device.   ii. When a tracking device part or consumable is defective or needs replacement (e.g., batteries, lost paper towel holder (e.g., “collar”), etc.).   iii. When the tracking device has not reported to the remote device within a specified time.   iv. When an order has been placed, shipped, and/or delivered.   v. Notify the user when specified time has elapsed since the order was placed.   vi. Notify the user when a specified time has elapsed since the low product notification.   vii. Notify the user when a specified time has elapsed that the device has been in a continual state of low product.   viii. When a low product level notification has been delayed or shelved.   ix. In some cases, such as with an example tissue stand, users can be notified when the amount of product falls below a specified device level value, or when the combined amount of product across all tracking devices of a type (which may include any “extra inventory”) falls below a specified limit. In some embodiments, logic of this type can be applied to any series of sensors working together to measure inventory or product consumed.   x. When a sensor or logic detects an error with a tracking device.       

     As detailed herein, in some embodiments, the software application may apply various factors in determining re-order and tracking functionality. For example, the software application can factor in the anticipated delivery time of consumable products, minimum desired levels, monitored or inputted consumer usage patterns, preferred minimum product quantity sizes, or other factors. In some embodiments, the software application may determine and provide consumable product “ahead of time” or for the “extra inventory”. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may allow a user the ability to pick and choose which tracking devices and/or which consumable products are enabled for re-order functionality. In some embodiments, the type of re-order functionality (e.g., manual, semi-automatic, automatic) may be selected for each tracking device and/or consumable product. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may provide consumer incentives based on program participation, or the number of automatic or manual retail orders placed. In this manner, users can be rewarded (through financial or other incentives) for purchases through the system. In some cases, the reward may include volume discounts being applied. 
     In some embodiments, the software application may allow for or factor in incentives or customer preferences for which order is placed, such as in conjunction with the re-order functionality. For example, consumers can select their fulfillment channel or retailer from the available choices based on retailers who may participate in various such programs (including, for example, an incentive program for the software application), and replenishment consumable products (including quantity and size) can be selected from available products in the software application for that retailer. 
     Similarly, as detailed herein, in some embodiments, other factors, such as lowest cost or best value or best rated product may be accounted for when recommending or selecting an order option. 
     In some embodiments, the software application can capture and provide the user with data on past purchases, such as may include time frames of the purchases, amount, pricing, etc. This can give the user perspective on the time frames since the last purchase and amount purchased to allow the user to use that data to determine if the replenishment order is appropriate. 
     In some embodiments, the software application can capture and provide the user with data concerning past consumption of consumable products from each tracking device over specified time ranges. This can give the user perspective on usage of a consumable product in the household environment to help determine if they are ordering too much or too early, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the software application can allow users to create a shopping cart of items, which may allow users to save items identified for replenishment by the tracking devices in a bulk order. This order can be stored on the software application and released manually by the user later for fulfillment by a specified retailer. In an example embodiment, the order can be released after a specified time (e.g. 2 days). 
     In some embodiments, the software application can allow users to add additional products not identified by the tracking devices to a shopping list for a specific retailer. This may allow users to add products not tracked by tracking devices to a shopping list of items tracked by tracking devices—thereby potentially saving time and/or shipping costs. 
     In some embodiments, the software application can identify which items on a shopping list were specifically flagged for replenishment from each specific tracking device. This may allow the user to determine which replenishment orders were derived from tracking devices vs. added manually by the user. 
       FIGS. 46-52  illustrate additional example screens of a user interface for example embodiments of a software application that enables and provides various functionality to a user corresponding to the tracking and re-order systems described herein. Notably, such example screens include much of the above described functionality and features and some such features and functionalities may not be re-described below. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates an example screen  1100  of a user interface that shows a general system level view of a user&#39;s inventory tracking and re-order system. The screen  1100  illustrates an overall message section  1105  that details the status of the system and the number of linked devices. If there are situations that require attention, such a corresponding message may be displayed in this section. The screen  1100  also provides a section  1110  detailing different consumable product that is tracked (and there may be multiple types as described herein, each with their own devices and extra inventory). Here, toilet paper is being tracked and the total inventory in the environment is noted in the upper right at  1112  (e.g., 14 rolls). The section  1110  also displays clickable description of the devices (e.g., the basement device  1115   a  and the hallway bath device  1115   b ); as well as the extra inventory amount  1118 . 
       FIG. 47  illustrates an example screen  1120  of a user interface that shows a detail view of a device (e.g., the “Hallway Bath” device) used in an inventory tracking and re-order system. Such a screen  1120  may be navigated to after clicking on the corresponding user input in the prior screen  1110 . In this screen  1120 , a user may control various functionality and features regarding the hallway bath device and view corresponding status of the same. For example, it shows the battery condition at  1121  and when the last connection was at  1122 . It also displays the number of rolls stored on the device. 
       FIG. 48  illustrates an example screen  1130  of a user interface that enables a user to adjust settings for the tracking and re-order system. Such a screen  1130  may be navigated to after clicking on the corresponding user input in the prior screen  1110  (e.g., a “Settings” button or the “Extra Inventory”). The screen  1130  includes an Extra Inventory section  1132  that enables a user to adjust the amount of extra inventory in their environment. The screen  1130  also includes a section  1134  for allowing the user to navigate to a screen where they can input when re-order functionality should occur (e.g., adjust the threshold amount of inventory that triggers re-order functionality). The screen  1130  also includes a section  1136  that allows a user to navigate to a screen where they can adjust the type of re-order functionality that is applied for that consumable product type once the threshold inventory amount is reached. Further, the current threshold amount and action to take are shown on this screen  1130 . The screen  1130  further includes an indication of whether automatic ordering is enabled through a subscription service at section  1138 . 
       FIG. 49  illustrates an example screen  1140  of a user interface that enables a user to adjust a setting regarding when the inventory of the consumable product is considered low for initiating re-order functionality. Such a screen  1140  may be navigated to after clicking on the corresponding user input in the prior screen  1130  (e.g., the section  1134  “When is Inventory Low”). Screen  1140  includes a first section  1142  that illustrates a breakdown of the number of rolls (or consumable product) on each device and in extra inventory—including showing the total inventory in the environment. A second section  1144  allows a user to adjust the threshold amount of inventory in the environment that triggers re-order functionality. 
       FIG. 50  illustrates an example screen  1150  of a user interface that enables a user to set the desired re-order functionality for when the inventory is considered low. Such a screen  1150  may be navigated to after clicking on the corresponding user input in a prior screen  1130  (e.g., the section  1136  “Action To Take”). The screen  1150  includes a section  1152  that allows the user to select which re-order functionality to apply once the threshold amount of inventory in the environment is reached. In the illustrated embodiment, the “Reorder” function that automatically initiates a preset order is greyed out because there is no linked subscription service with a viable automatic order option for the tracked consumable product. 
       FIG. 51  illustrates an example screen  1160  of a user interface that enables a user to adjust settings for the tracking and re-order system. This screen  1160  is similar to screen  1130 , but shows that a subscription service  1162  is linked to the tracked consumable product. 
       FIG. 52  illustrates an example screen  1170  of a user interface that shows details regarding the enrolled subscription service. Such a screen  1170  may be navigated to after clicking on the corresponding user input in a prior screen  1160 . The screen  1170  includes a first section  1172  illustrating details about the subscription service being used and providing a link to edit the subscription service. Section  1174  shows details regarding a planned automatic order option, and includes an option to initiate an order. Section  1176  shows a recent order history. Section  1178  shows the tracking devices that correspond to the tracked consumable product and the planned order. 
     Example Flowchart(s) 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses and computer program products for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality according to various embodiments described herein. Various examples of the operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be provided with reference to  FIG. 53 . 
       FIG. 53  illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for providing automatic tracking and re-order functionality according to an example embodiment. The operations illustrated in and described with respect to  FIG. 53  may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of the components, architectures, modules, networks, and/or systems/devices of system  11 ,  11 ′, such as described herein. 
     The method  1000  may include receiving sensor data at one or more tracking device(s) at operation  1002 , such as described in various embodiments herein. At operation  1004 , the method may include providing the sensor data to a remote device, such as described in various embodiments herein. At operation  1006 , the method may include determining an inventory for a corresponding one or more consumable products for a household environment, such as described in various embodiments herein. Then, the method may include comparing the inventory count to a threshold amount for triggering re-order functionality at operation  1008 , and, at operation  1010 , initiating the re-order functionality if the threshold is satisfied, such as described in various embodiments herein. 
       FIG. 53  illustrates an example flowchart of a system, method, and computer program product according to various example embodiments described herein. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable mediums having computer readable program instructions stored thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures described herein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may be stored by, for example, the memory and executed by, for example, various controller(s) within the system. As will be appreciated, any such computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer program product including the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums on which the computer program instructions may be stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). 
     CONCLUSION 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein may come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.