METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MATERIAL AND ELECTRONICALLY TRACKING SAME

摘要

A dispensing device is provided for use in a dispensing operation. The dispensing device includes a hand-held housing, a memory to store processor-executable instructions, a processor coupled to the memory and disposed within or communicatively coupled to the hand-held housing, and a camera system mechanically and/or communicatively coupled to the dispensing device to provide image information to the processor. The image information relates to the dispensing operation. The dispensing device also includes a dispensing mechanism to control dispensing of the material. The material is not readily visible after the dispensing operation. The processor analyzes the image information to determine tracking information indicative of a motion or an orientation of the dispensing device. The processor also determines actuation information relating to operation of the dispensing mechanism and stores the actuation information and the tracking information to provide an electronic record of geographic locations at which the material is dispensed.