Have you ever been at a loss when you noticed that you didn't have toilet paper after you went into the bathroom and had some extra work? Responses to such cases vary from person to person. Typical examples of responses include "calling someone out loud," "finding an alternative to toilet paper," "waiting for it to dry," and "making nothing happen."

Paper holder "Roll Scout" that informs the smartphone that there is no paper
Paper holder "Roll Scout" that informs the smartphone that there is no paper

"Roll Scout" is a paper holder that saves us from such a desperate pinch. The sensor automatically detects that the paper has run out and notifies the user via the smartphone.

"Roll Scout" detects when the paper is exhausted and informs the user
"Roll Scout" detects when the paper is exhausted and informs the user

The connection with the smartphone is made via wireless LAN. As long as you have an internet connection, you can receive notifications of running out of toilet paper wherever you are in the world.

It might be useful when you can't remember if you needed to buy toilet paper at the supermarket.
It might be useful when you can't remember if you needed to buy toilet paper at the supermarket.

"Roll Scout" was developed by Vivek Pandey and Rinkal Thakker. They are currently looking for investors on kickstarter to market the RollScout. If it succeeds in raising funds, it plans to start shipping the product around October 2014. Prices start at $ 59. A separate shipping fee of $ 15 to Japan is required.

Prices start at $ 59
Prices start at $ 59

The "Roll Scout" is powered by a 12 volt A23 battery. It can be used continuously for about a year. After that, if there is a mechanism to notify the smartphone when the battery runs out, "Roll Scout" will be a perfect system.