U.S. patent application number 11/146828 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for handwash monitoring system.
Invention is credited to David L. Snodgrass.
Application Number | 20060272361 11/146828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37492779 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060272361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snodgrass; David L. |
December 7, 2006 |
Handwash monitoring system
Abstract
A handwash monitoring system and method for providing an alert
when a person must wash her hands. A badge worn by the person is
activated to register at least one of a visual, audible or tactile
alarm after a specified time interval or by a beacon placed where
contamination may occur when the badge enters the range of the
beacon. The person must wash her hands according to a predetermined
handwash procedure as set forth by visual and audible prompts
issued by a base unit in a wash area in order to clear the badge
alarm and advance a wash count.
Inventors: |
Snodgrass; David L.;
(Stuart, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOPER & DUNHAM, LLP
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
37492779 |
Appl. No.: |
11/146828 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/245 20130101;
A47K 2210/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/019 |
International
Class: |
D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00 |
Claims
1. A handwash monitoring system comprising: a wash area including a
faucet and a dispenser for washing hands of a person; a base unit
connected to the faucet and dispenser for detecting when the person
has correctly performed a predetermined handwash procedure,
whereupon said base unit advances a wash count; and said base unit
comprises means for deactivating the faucet for a predetermined
period of time upon the base unit detecting the person has
correctly performed a specific step of the predetermined handwash
procedure.
2. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said base unit is equipped with one or more of visual means and
audible means for prompting the person to perform the predetermined
handwash procedure.
3. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said base unit further comprises a memory unit for storing
performance data regarding the predetermined handwash procedure for
one of later retrieval, immediate transmission and delayed
transmission to a remote memory unit.
4. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said base unit is equipped with one or more of communication means
for communicating performance data regarding the predetermined hand
wash procedure to a remote memory unit.
5. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 1, wherein
the faucet and dispenser in said wash area are activated by one of
hand proximity sensors and non-contaminating means.
6. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising means for preventing reactivation of the predetermined
handwash procedure for a predetermined period of time upon the base
unit detecting the person has correctly performed the predetermined
handwash procedure.
7. A handwash monitoring system comprising: a badge worn or carried
by a person for registering one of a hands-washed state and a
hands-unwashed state; a wash area including a faucet and a
dispenser for washing hands of a person; a base unit connected to
the faucet and dispenser for detecting when the person has
correctly performed a predetermined handwash procedure, whereupon
said base unit communicates with said badge to register the
hands-washed state; wherein said badge comprises an identification
badge with a memory containing identification data that is
transmitted to said base unit upon request by said base unit to
begin the predetermined handwash procedure when said badge is
within a predetermined proximity to said base unit; said base unit
comprises means for selecting a language for the predetermined
handwash procedure based upon the identification data; and said
base unit comprises means for deactivating the faucet for a
predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed a specific step of the predetermined
handwash procedure.
8. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said base unit advances a wash count upon detecting when the person
has correctly performed a predetermined handwash procedure.
9. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said badge is equipped with one or more of visual means, audible
means and tactile means for registering one of the hands-washed
state and the hands-unwashed state.
10. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said base unit is equipped with one or more of visual means and
audible means for prompting the person to perform the predetermined
handwash procedure.
11. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said base unit stores performance data of the person regarding the
predetermined handwash procedure along with the identification data
transmitted by said badge to said base unit for later retrieval or
for immediate or delayed transmission to a remote memory unit.
12. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said badge comprises a timer that triggers said badge to register
the unwashed hands state after a predetermined period of time
elapses.
13. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said base unit communicates performance data of the person
regarding the predetermined handwash procedure along with the
identification data transmitted by said badge to a remote memory
unit.
14. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 13,
wherein said base unit communicates with said remote memory unit
using wireless means.
15. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
the faucet and dispenser in said wash area are activated by one of
hand proximity sensors and non-contaminating means.
16. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, wherein
said base unit communicates with said badge using wireless
means.
17. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising a plurality of beacons placed at locations where it is
desired to communicate with said badge to register the
hands-unwashed state when said badge is within a predetermined
proximity to any one of said plurality of beacons.
18. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 17,
further comprising means for preventing said badge from registering
the hands-unwashed state for a predetermined period of time upon
said base unit detecting the person has correctly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure to allow the person to exit said
wash area and pass one or more of said plurality of beacons without
registering the hands-unwashed state.
19. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 17,
wherein said plurality of beacons communicate with said badge using
wireless means
20. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising a plurality of sentinels equipped with one or more of
audible means, visual means and remote means for issuing a warning
when said badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of
the plurality of sentinels while registering the hands-unwashed
state.
21. The handwash monitoring system as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising means for preventing reactivation of the predetermined
handwash procedure for a predetermined period of time upon the base
unit detecting the person has correctly performed the predetermined
handwash procedure.
22. A handwash monitoring method comprising the steps of:
instructing a person to perform a predetermined handwash procedure
using a base unit; deactivating a faucet for a predetermined period
of time upon the base unit detecting the person has correctly
performed a specific step of the predetermined handwash procedure;
detecting whether the person has properly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure using the base unit; and advancing
a wash count with the base unit when the person has properly
performed the predetermined handwash procedure.
23. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 22, wherein
said instructing step further includes the step of one or more of
visually and audibly prompting the person to perform the
predetermined handwash procedure by the base unit.
24. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 22,
preventing reactivation of the predetermined handwash procedure for
a predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure.
25. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 22, wherein
said handwash monitoring method further comprises storing
performance data of persons regarding the predetermined handwash
procedure to the base unit for one of later retrieval, immediate
transmission and delayed transmission to a remote memory unit.
26. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 25, wherein
said handwash monitoring method further comprises communicating
performance data of persons regarding the predetermined hand wash
procedure to the remote memory unit.
27. A handwash monitoring method comprising the steps of:
registering a hands-unwashed state on a badge worn by a person;
identifying the person using a base unit located in a wash area
that prompts the badge to transmit identification data stored in
the badge to the base unit to begin a predetermined handwash
procedure when the badge is within a predetermined proximity to the
base unit; selecting a language for the predetermined handwash
procedure using the base unit based on the identification data;
instructing the person to perform the predetermined handwash
procedure using the base unit; deactivating a faucet in the wash
area for a predetermined period of time upon the base unit
detecting the person has correctly performed a specific step of the
predetermined handwash procedure; detecting whether the person has
properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure using the
base unit; and clearing by the base unit the hands-unwashed state
on the badge when the person has properly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure.
28. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said registering step includes the step of activating one or more
of a visual alarm, audible alarm and tactile alarm on the
badge.
29. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said instructing step further includes the step of one or more of
visually and audibly prompting the person to perform the
predetermined handwash procedure by the base unit.
30. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said handwash monitoring method further comprises the step of
advancing a wash count with the base unit when the person has
properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure.
31. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said handwash monitoring method further comprises the step of
issuing one or more of a visual alarm and audible alarm with the
base unit when the person has improperly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure.
32. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, further
comprising the step of preventing reactivation of the predetermined
handwash procedure for a predetermined period of time upon the base
unit detecting the person has correctly performed the predetermined
handwash procedure.
33. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, further
comprising the step of storing performance data of the person
regarding the predetermined handwash procedure along with the
identification data transmitted by the badge to the base unit for
one of later retrieval, immediate transmission and delayed
transmission to a remote memory unit.
34. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 33, wherein
said handwash monitoring method further comprises the step of
communicating performance data of persons regarding the
predetermined hand wash procedure to the remote memory unit.
35. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said registering step occurs when a predetermined period of time
elapses.
36. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, wherein
said registering step occurs when the badge is within a
predetermined proximity to any one of a plurality of beacons placed
at locations where it is desired that the badge register the
hands-unwashed state.
37. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 36, further
comprising the step of disabling the badge from registering a
hands-unwashed state for a predetermined period of time by the base
unit upon detecting the person has correctly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure to allow the person to exit the
wash area and pass one or more of the plurality of beacons without
registering the hands-unwashed state.
38. The handwash monitoring method according to claim 27, further
comprising the step of issuing one or more of a visual alarm,
audible alarm and remote alarm by each of a plurality of
beacon-sentinels when the badge registers the hands-unwashed state
within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
beacon-sentinels; and wherein said registering step occurs when the
badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
plurality of beacon-sentinels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
handwash monitoring systems. More particularly, this invention
relates to a method and apparatus wherein persons are directed to
wash their hands in a step-by-step procedure to promote adherence
to government and industry hygiene standards.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] It is well known that maintaining a high level of employee
hygiene is critical in the food service industry and healthcare
professions, where the spread of bacteria and viruses can
ultimately endanger a person's health. These industries must follow
strict government and industry regulations requiring employees to
wash their hands before and after food preparation, after handling
waste, after they enter a washroom, etc. An increasing number of
industries, such as microprocessor fabricators, utilize "clean"
rooms or sanitary areas that rival the sterile environment of a
surgical operating room. Employees are required to wash their hands
according to a schedule and/or before re-entering the clean area
once they have exited to avoid product contamination. As a general
rule, most industries require employees to wash their hands after
any bathroom use. Many industries also require washing after an
employee has entered any unsanitary area, such as a garbage
disposal area or an infectious area in a hospital. Other industries
may require employees to wash their hands before entering a clean
room or sterile room.
[0005] Numerous inventions such as touch-free, automatic soap
dispensers, faucets and hand dryers attempt to address the problem
of workplace hygiene by making it easier for employees to wash
their hands. Various systems have been developed wherein it is
intended that a counter be incremented each time a person uses a
handwash station. Unless employees are actively supervised in the
washroom, however, there is usually no way to determine whether
they have washed their hands. Furthermore, even if the employees do
wash their hands, there is no way to easily determine whether they
have followed a prescribed government- and/or industry-approved
regimen to ensure they washed properly.
[0006] One existing system for monitoring whether employees have
washed their hands uses three separate signals--one to detect that
an individual has entered a washroom; a second to detect the
individual has exited the washroom; and an alert signal triggered
when the individual has exited the washroom without washing. The
major drawback of such a system is its complexity. A control unit
monitors all vital aspects of the system by analyzing and
interpreting the entry and exit signals coming from separate
sources to determine if hand washing must be performed. It also
monitors a faucet, soap dispenser and blower to determine if hand
washing is performed. The control unit issues an alert signal only
if the hand washing does not occur. If any one component
malfunctions, the entire system fails and employees could exit a
washroom without an alert signal when no washing occurs. Another
drawback of such a method is that it does not support a
predetermined washing time schedule for employees. This method only
requires the employee to wash when entering a washroom or other
facility where it is desirable to wash before exiting. No provision
is made for alerting the employee to wash their hands when the
employee exits a "clean" area or sterile environment and thereafter
wishes to re-enter the clean area. Finally, due to the use of entry
and exit signals to function, such a system necessitates placing a
washroom facility wherever there is a risk of contamination. For
example, to prevent contamination from a garbage disposal area, a
washroom facility would have to be installed in the garbage
disposal area. This is not only impractical for existing facilities
but defeats the purpose of improving overall employee hygiene.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the current invention to solve the
problems discussed above relating to monitoring employee hygiene.
Specifically, it is an object of the current invention to provide a
simple handwash monitoring system that will support a predetermined
handwash procedure.
[0008] A further object of the current invention is to solve the
above problems by retrofitting existing washroom facilities.
Extensive construction of new washrooms or expensive remodeling
will not be required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring system comprising: a wash area including a
faucet and a soap dispenser for washing hands of a person; and a
base unit connected to the faucet and soap dispenser for detecting
when the person has correctly performed a predetermined handwash
procedure.
[0010] The faucet and soap dispenser in the wash area are activated
by one of hand proximity sensors and non-contaminating means. The
base unit is equipped with one or more of visual means and audible
means for prompting the person to perform the predetermined
handwash procedure. The base unit is further equipped with one or
more of visual means for displaying and/or advancing a handwash
count when the person has properly performed the predetermined
handwash procedure. The base unit is further equipped with one or
more of a visual alarm and audible alarm to alert when the person
has improperly performed the predetermined handwash procedure. The
base unit is further equipped with one or more of information
storage means for performance data regarding the predetermined
handwash procedure. The base unit is further equipped with one or
more of communication means for later retrieval or for immediate or
delayed transmission of performance data to a remote memory
unit.
[0011] In this embodiment, the handwash monitoring system comprises
means for deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the
base unit detecting the person has correctly performed a specific
step of the predetermined handwash procedure. The handwash
monitoring system further comprises means for preventing
reactivation of the predetermined handwash procedure for a
predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure.
[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring system comprising: a badge worn or carried by a
person for registering one of a hands-washed state and a
hands-unwashed state; a wash area including a faucet and a soap
dispenser for washing hands of the person; and a base unit
connected to the faucet and soap dispenser for detecting when the
person has correctly performed a predetermined handwash procedure,
whereupon the base unit communicates with the badge to register the
hands-washed state. The faucet and soap dispenser in the wash area
are activated by one of hand proximity sensors and
non-contaminating means. The base unit is equipped with one or more
of visual means and audible means for prompting the person to
perform the predetermined handwash procedure. The base unit is
further equipped with one or more of visual means for displaying
and/or advancing a handwash count when the person has properly
performed the predetermined handwash procedure. The base unit is
further equipped with one or more of a visual alarm and audible
alarm to alert when the person has improperly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure.
[0013] The badge is equipped with one or more of visual means,
audible means and tactile means for registering one of the
hands-washed state and the hands-unwashed state. In addition, the
badge comprises an identification badge with a memory containing
identification data that is transmitted to the base unit upon
request by the base unit to begin the predetermined handwash
procedure when the badge is within a predetermined proximity to the
base unit.
[0014] The base unit comprises means for selecting a language for
the predetermined handwash procedure based upon the identification
data, storing performance data of the person regarding the
predetermined handwash procedure along with the identification data
transmitted by the badge to the base unit for later retrieval or
for immediate or delayed transmission to a remote memory unit, and
communicating with the badge using wireless means.
[0015] In this embodiment, the handwash monitoring system comprises
means for deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the
base unit detecting the person has correctly performed a specific
step of the predetermined handwash procedure. The handwash
monitoring system further comprises means for preventing
reactivation of the predetermined handwash procedure for a
predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure.
[0016] The badge further comprises a timer that triggers the badge
to register the unwashed hands state after a predetermined period
of time elapses. The handwash monitoring system further comprises a
plurality of beacons-placed at locations where it is desired to
communicate with the badge to register the hands-unwashed state
when the badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of
the plurality of beacons; means for preventing the badge from
registering the hands-unwashed state for a predetermined period of
time upon the base unit detecting the person has correctly
performed the predetermined handwash procedure to allow the person
to exit the wash area and pass one or more of the plurality of
beacons without registering the hands-unwashed state, and wherein
the plurality of beacons communicate with said badge using wireless
means.
[0017] In addition, the handwash monitoring system comprises a
plurality of sentinels equipped with one or more of audible means,
visual means and remote means for issuing a warning when the badge
is within a predetermined proximity to any one of the plurality of
sentinels while registering the hands-unwashed state, wherein the
plurality of sentinels detects that the badge registers the
hands-unwashed state through wireless means. The handwash
monitoring system further comprises a plurality of beacon-sentinels
for communicating with the badge when the badge is within a
predetermined proximity to any one of the beacon-sentinels to
register the hands-unwashed state in the badge and to issue a
warning using one or more of audible means, visual means and remote
means.
[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring system comprising: a badge worn or carried by a
person for registering one of a hands-washed state and a
hands-unwashed state; a wash area including a faucet and a soap
dispenser for washing hands of the person; and a base unit
connected to the faucet and soap dispenser for detecting when the
person has correctly performed a predetermined handwash procedure,
whereupon the base unit communicates with the badge to register the
hands-washed state. The faucet and soap dispenser in the wash area
are activated by one of hand proximity sensors and
non-contaminating means. The base unit is equipped with one or more
of visual means and audible means for prompting the person to
perform the predetermined handwash procedure. The base unit is
further equipped with one or more of a visual alarm and audible
alarm to alert when the person has improperly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure.
[0019] The badge is equipped with one or more of visual means,
audible means and tactile means for registering one of the
hands-washed state and the hands-unwashed state. In addition, the
badge comprises an identification badge with a memory containing
identification data that is transmitted to the base unit upon
request by the base unit to begin the predetermined handwash
procedure when the badge is within a predetermined proximity to the
base unit.
[0020] The base unit comprises means for selecting a language for
the predetermined handwash procedure based upon the identification
data, storing performance data of the person regarding the
predetermined handwash procedure along with the identification data
transmitted by the badge to the base unit for later retrieval or
for immediate or delayed transmission to a remote memory unit, and
communicating with the badge using wireless means.
[0021] In this embodiment, the handwash monitoring system comprises
means for deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the
base unit detecting the person has correctly performed a specific
step of the predetermined handwash procedure. The handwash
monitoring system further comprises means for preventing
reactivation of the predetermined handwash procedure for a
predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure.
[0022] The badge further comprises a timer that triggers the badge
to register the unwashed hands state after a predetermined period
of time elapses. The handwash monitoring system further comprises a
plurality of beacons placed at locations where it is desired to
communicate with the badge to register the hands-unwashed state
when the badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of
the plurality of beacons; means for preventing the badge from
registering the hands-unwashed state for a predetermined period of
time upon the base unit detecting the person has correctly
performed the predetermined handwash procedure to allow the person
to exit the wash area and pass one or more of the plurality of
beacons without registering the hands-unwashed state, and wherein
the plurality of beacons communicate with said badge using wireless
means.
[0023] In addition, the handwash monitoring system comprises a
plurality of sentinels equipped with one or more of audible means,
visual means and remote means for issuing a warning when the badge
is within a predetermined proximity to any one of the plurality of
sentinels while registering the hands-unwashed state, wherein the
plurality of sentinels detects that the badge registers the
hands-unwashed state through wireless means. The handwash
monitoring system further comprises a plurality of beacon-sentinels
for communicating with the badge when the badge is within a
predetermined proximity to any one of the beacon-sentinels to
register the hands-unwashed state in the badge and to issue a
warning using one or more of audible means, visual means and remote
means.
[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring method comprising the steps of: instructing a
person to perform a predetermined handwash procedure using a base
unit located in a wash area; detecting whether the person has
properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure using the
base unit; and advancing a handwash count by the base unit when the
person has properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure.
The instructing step further includes the step of one or more of
visually and audibly prompting the person to perform the
predetermined handwash procedure by the base unit. In this
embodiment, the handwash monitoring method further comprises
issuing one or more of a visual alarm and audible alarm when the
person has improperly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure.
[0025] In addition, the handwash monitoring method further
comprises deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the
base unit detecting the person has correctly performed a specific
step of the predetermined handwash procedure; preventing
reactivation of the predetermined handwash procedure for a
predetermined period of time upon the base unit detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure; selecting a language for the predetermined handwash
procedure using the base unit based on the identification data; and
storing performance data of the person regarding the predetermined
handwash procedure along with the identification data transmitted
by the badge to the base unit for one of later retrieval, immediate
transmission and delayed transmission to a remote memory unit.
[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring method comprising the steps of: registering a
hands-unwashed state on a badge worn by a person; instructing the
person to perform a predetermined handwash procedure using a base
unit located in a wash area; detecting whether the person has
properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure using the
base unit; clearing by the base unit the hands-unwashed state on
the badge when the person has properly performed the predetermined
handwash procedure; and advancing a handwash count by the base unit
when the person has properly performed the predetermined handwash
procedure. The registering step includes the step of activating one
or more of a visual alarm, audible alarm and tactile alarm on the
badge. The instructing step further includes the step of one or
more of visually and audibly prompting the person to perform the
predetermined handwash procedure by the base unit.
[0027] In addition, the handwash monitoring method further
comprises identifying the person using the base unit that prompts
the badge to transmit identification data stored in the badge to
the base unit to begin the predetermined handwash procedure when
the badge is within a predetermined proximity to the base unit;
deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the base unit
detecting the person has correctly performed a specific step of the
predetermined handwash procedure; preventing reactivation of the
predetermined handwash procedure for a predetermined period of time
upon the base unit detecting the person has correctly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure; selecting a language for the
predetermined handwash procedure using the base unit based on the
identification data; and storing performance data of the person
regarding the predetermined handwash procedure along with the
identification data transmitted by the badge to the base unit for
one of later retrieval, immediate transmission and delayed
transmission to a remote memory unit. The registering step occurs
when a predetermined period of time elapses, and/or when the badge
is within a predetermined proximity to any one of a plurality of
beacons placed at locations where it is desired that the badge
register the hands-unwashed state.
[0028] The handwash monitoring method further comprises disabling
the badge from registering a hands-unwashed state for a
predetermined period of time by the base unit upon detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash procedure
to allow the person to exit the wash area and pass one or more of
the plurality of beacons without registering the hands-unwashed
state.
[0029] In this embodiment, the handwash monitoring method further
comprises issuing one or more of a visual alarm, audible alarm and
remote alarm by each of a plurality of sentinels when the badge
registers the hands-unwashed state within a predetermined proximity
to any one of the plurality of sentinels; issuing one or more of a
visual alarm, audible alarm and remote alarm by each of a plurality
of beacon-sentinels when the badge registers the hands-unwashed
state within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
beacon-sentinels; and wherein said registering step occurs when the
badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
plurality of beacon-sentinels.
[0030] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
handwash monitoring method comprising the steps of: registering a
hands-unwashed state on a badge worn by a person; instructing the
person to perform a predetermined handwash procedure using a base
unit located in a wash area; detecting whether the person has
properly performed the predetermined handwash procedure using the
base unit; and clearing by the base unit the hands-unwashed state
on the badge when the person has properly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure. The instructing step further
includes the step of one or more of visually and audibly prompting
the person to perform the predetermined handwash procedure by the
base unit.
[0031] In addition, the handwash monitoring method further
comprises identifying the person using the base unit that prompts
the badge to transmit identification data stored in the badge to
the base unit to begin the predetermined handwash procedure when
the badge is within a predetermined proximity to the base unit;
deactivating the faucet for a predetermined time upon the base unit
detecting the person has correctly performed a specific step of the
predetermined handwash procedure; preventing reactivation of the
predetermined handwash procedure for a predetermined period of time
upon the base unit detecting the person has correctly performed the
predetermined handwash procedure; selecting a language for the
predetermined handwash procedure using the base unit based on the
identification data; and storing performance data of the person
regarding the predetermined handwash procedure along with the
identification data transmitted by the badge to the base unit for
one of later retrieval, immediate transmission and delayed
transmission to a remote memory unit. The registering step occurs
when a predetermined period of time elapses, and/or when the badge
is within a predetermined proximity to any one of a plurality of
beacons placed at locations where it is desired that the badge
register the hands-unwashed state.
[0032] The handwash monitoring method further comprises disabling
the badge from registering a hands-unwashed state for a
predetermined period of time by the base unit upon detecting the
person has correctly performed the predetermined handwash procedure
to allow the person to exit the wash area and pass one or more of
the plurality of beacons without registering the hands-unwashed
state.
[0033] In this embodiment, the handwash monitoring method further
comprises issuing one or more of a visual alarm, audible alarm and
remote alarm by each of a plurality of sentinels when the badge
registers the hands-unwashed state within a predetermined proximity
to any one of the plurality of sentinels; issuing one or more of a
visual alarm, audible alarm and remote alarm by each of a plurality
of beacon-sentinels when the badge registers the hands-unwashed
state within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
beacon-sentinels; and wherein said registering step occurs when the
badge is within a predetermined proximity to any one of the
plurality of beacon-sentinels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a handwash monitoring system according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a representative beacon according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a representative washroom according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a representative base unit according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram showing a representative
handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram showing a representative
handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0040] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram showing a representative
handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a representative badge 10 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment
utilizes the badge 10 as an identification (ID) badge worn on the
outside of a person's clothing. This allows easy identification of
each individual being monitored, discourages switching badges with
others to avoid hand washing, and facilitates maintenance of each
person's hand washing record in a separate memory location (not
shown). Alternatively, the badge may be built into a uniform or be
worn as a pager or similar device that uses any audible or visual
alert to indicate the person is potentially contaminated and must
wash their hands. The badge 10 may be carried by a person in their
pocket, bag or in any manner that allows the person and/or their
supervisor to become aware the person's hands are unwashed.
[0042] In addition to a picture 108, a person's ID information 110
(name, signature, bar code, etc.) is on the face of the badge 10.
An ID memory 112 contains personal identification information. This
memory could include a person's name, physical statistics,
identification number, native language, etc. The badge 10 also
contains a transceiver (not shown) to allow communication with a
beacon 20 and a base unit 40. The badge 10 receives and responds to
commands transmitted by the beacon 20 and the base unit 40 as
described herein.
[0043] The badge 10 registers a hands-unwashed state whenever it is
brought within a predetermined proximity to a beacon 20. The
hands-unwashed state is triggered by a trigger signal 202
transmitted by the beacon 20 and received by the badge 10. The
hands-unwashed state can be registered visually by a red indicator
light 104 and/or audibly by a speaker 106 transmitting an alarm.
The red indicator light 104 may continuously flash for maximum
visibility, begin flashing and then light steadily, simply light
steadily, or use any desired combination. This allows supervisory
personnel to quickly determine if a person must wash their hands
and eliminates the guesswork on the part of the person in deciding
whether or not it is necessary to wash their hands. The badge 10
could also be equipped to vibrate similar to a pager to alert the
person their hands must be washed. Therefore, the different visual,
audible, and tactile alarms can be combined and tailored to suit
the needs of specific industries, in accordance with the level of
supervision desired. For example, an audible alarm may not be heard
in a loud environment, making a visual alarm preferable.
Alternatively, the badge 10 could be part of a basic monitoring
system that does not utilize beacons 20 at all. In such a system,
the badge 10 may or may not include any alarms and triggers the
hand washing procedure under the supervision of the base unit 40
when the badge 10 is brought within a predetermined range of the
base unit 40.
[0044] Additionally, the badge 10 can be equipped with a wash timer
that triggers an alarm after a specified time interval. For
example, a person working in a sterile environment could be
required to wash their hands on a prescribed time schedule despite
not having left the sterile environment to remove possible
contaminants their own bodies might produce. This could eliminate
the need for a beacon 20 altogether and require a person to only
wash their hands on a prescribed schedule. The wash timer could
also be used in addition to a system of beacons 20 placed at
locations where contamination could occur.
[0045] The badge 10 registers a hands-washed state whenever the
person washes their hands correctly at a wash area 30, as
determined by the base unit 40. The hands-washed state is triggered
by a clear signal 408 (see FIG. 4) transmitted by the base unit 40
and received by the badge 10. This hands-washed state is registered
visually by a green indicator light 102. The base unit 40 also
transmits a delay signal 410 (see FIG. 4) that activates an exit
delay timer (not shown) in badge 10 when the hands are washed to
prevent the badge 10 from registering a hands-unwashed state for a
predetermined period of time. This allows the person to pass any
beacon 20, such as one typically placed outside the wash area 30
without registering their hands are unwashed. Alternatively, the
base unit 40 could be disabled from detecting the badge 10 or from
reactivating the hand washing procedure for a specified period of
time. A number of methods may be employed, but the aim is to keep
the hand washing procedure described below from repeating once the
person has washed their hands correctly.
[0046] A beacon 20 according to an embodiment of the present
invention is shown in FIG. 2. The beacon 20 is a short range RF
device that transmits a trigger signal 202 to a badge 10 within its
range to trigger the badge 10 to register the hands-unwashed state.
The beacon 20 may continuously transmit the trigger signal 202 or
transmit only when a beacon motion sensor 204 is activated by
movement within its range.
[0047] A beacon 20 is placed wherever there is a risk of
contamination and/or wherever it is desirable for a person to wash
their hands. For example, a beacon 20 could be placed outside a
sterile area in a health care facility so the badge 10 of any
person exiting the sterile environment registers the hands-unwashed
state to warn the person to wash their hands before re-entering the
sterile environment. Another typical location is outside a
bathroom. A beacon 20 could also be placed in any other areas where
contamination is likely, such as garbage disposals, quarantine or
infectious areas.
[0048] As an optional feature, a separate sentinel unit (not shown)
could also issue an alarm when a badge 10 in the hands-unwashed
state comes within its range. The alarm can be visual by a red
warning light 208 and/or audible by a beacon speaker 208
transmitting an alarm. Similar to the badge 10, the red warning
light 206 could flash, light continuously or use a combination.
This allows supervisory personnel to quickly determine if a person
must wash their hands even if the person has somehow disabled the
visual and/or audible alert on the badge 10.
[0049] The alarm could be operated until the badge 10 leaves the
range of the sentinel unit, or may be operated for a predetermined
period of time. The sentinel unit may be combined with the beacon
20 to provide all the above-described functions in one integrated
unit.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a representative wash area 30 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment
utilizes a touch-free faucet 302 and a touch-free soap dispenser
304. The touch-free units are activated by triggering hand
proximity sensors when a person places their hands under each unit
or some other non-contaminating means, such as voice activation
sensors. A base unit 40 mounted near the wash area is operatively
connected to the touch-free units, and monitors the use of each
unit by receiving signals from each unit as it is activated by
triggering its hand proximity sensor. The touch-free units are
therefore preferable to those requiring direct hand contact because
the base unit 40 can utilize the pre-existing hand proximity
sensors, as well as for obvious sanitary reasons. Retrofitting the
base unit 40 to an existing conventional wash area, however, can be
accomplished by installing applicable sensors to allow the base
unit 40 to monitor a hand washing procedure using a direct contact
faucet and soap dispenser.
[0051] A representative base unit 40 according to the present
invention is shown in FIG. 4. A base unit 40 is mounted near each
wash area 30. The preferred embodiment is equipped with a highly
visible alphanumeric display 402 for displaying visual hand washing
prompts and a speaker 404 for transmitting audible hand washing
prompts.
[0052] The base unit 40 continuously transmits a badge
interrogation signal 406 within a short range about the wash area
30. When a badge 10 is brought within range, the badge
interrogation signal 406 prompts the badge's ID transmitter 114 to
transmit an ID signal (not shown) containing the identification
data stored in ID memory 112. The base unit 40 stores the
identification data in an internal memory (not shown) and selects a
prompting language based on the identification data. In this way
each person receives hand washing instructions in their native
language.
[0053] The base unit 40 initiates a hand washing program and guides
the person step-by-step through the hand washing procedure using
visual and audible prompts with the display 402 and the speaker
404, respectively. At each step the base unit 40 monitors signals
received from the touch-free faucet 302 and the touch-free soap
dispenser 304 to determine if the person is carrying out the hand
washing procedure as instructed. Once the person has completed the
hand washing procedure correctly, the base unit 40 transmits a
clear signal 408 to the badge 10 to register a hands-washed
condition. This hands-washed state is registered visually by a
green indicator light 102. The base unit 40 then transmits a delay
signal 410 that activates an exit delay timer in badge 10 to keep
it from registering the hands as unwashed for a predetermined
period of time. This allows the person wearing the badge 10 to pass
any beacon 20 without registering their hands are unwashed.
Alternatively, the base unit 40 could be disabled from detecting
the badge 10 or from reactivating the hand washing procedure for a
specified period of time. A number of methods may be employed, but
the aim is to keep the hand washing procedure from repeating once
the person has washed their hands correctly.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram showing the overall operation
of a handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The procedure begins at step 502 when a person
determines that it is necessary to wash her hands.
[0055] In step 504, a base unit 40 displays a current wash count.
The base unit 40 also instructs the person with the prompt "PLACE
HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM." A touch-free faucet 302
dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her
hands under the touch-free faucet 302. In step 506, if the base
unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet 302 indicating
it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise,
the base unit 40 displays the prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET
& WET THEM" until the person complies. If the person fails to
comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40 resets the
procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash
count.
[0056] In step 508, base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER." A touch-free soap dispenser
304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places
her hands under the touch-free soap dispenser 304. In step 510, if
the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free soap
dispenser 304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to
the next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the prompt
"PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER" until the person complies. If the
person fails to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit
40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the
wash count.
[0057] After receiving a signal from the touch-free soap dispenser
304 in step 510, the base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS" in step 512. The base unit 40
deactivates the touch-free faucet 302 to prevent the person from
prematurely rinsing her hands. Also in step 512, the base unit 40
initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to
zero seconds.
[0058] In step 514, the base unit 40 sounds an audible alarm at the
end of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the
prompt "RINSE HANDS" for a predetermined time. The base unit 40
reactivates the touch-free faucet 302 to allow the person to rinse
her hands. The touch-free faucet 302 dispenses water onto the
person's hands when the person places her hands under the
touch-free faucet 302.
[0059] In step 516, if the base unit 40 receives a signal from the
touch-free faucet 302 indicating it was activated, the procedure
goes to the next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the
prompt "RINSE HANDS" until the person complies. If the person fails
to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40 resets the
procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash
count.
[0060] After the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free
faucet 302, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "WASH COMPLETE,"
resets the procedure to the beginning, and increments the wash
count in step 518.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram showing the overall operation
of a handwash procedure according to the present invention. The
procedure begins at step 602 when a badge 10 registers a
hands-unwashed state. In step 604, the badge 10 signals for a
person to wash her hands.
[0062] In step 606, the person approaches a wash area 30. When the
badge 10 is brought within range of the wash area 30, the badge 10
transmits an ID signal containing the person's identification data.
The base unit 40 stores the identification data in an internal
memory and selects a prompting language based on the identification
data so that the person receives handwashing instructions in her
native language.
[0063] In step 608, a base unit 40 displays a current wash count.
The base unit 40 also instructs the person with the prompt "PLACE
HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM." A touch-free faucet 302
dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her
hands under the touch-free faucet 302. In step 610, if the base
unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet 302 indicating
it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise,
the base unit 40 displays the prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET
& WET THEM" until the person complies. If the person fails to
comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40 resets the
procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count;
further, the badge 10 does not register a hands-washed state.
[0064] In step 612, the base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER." A touch-free dispenser unit
304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places
her hands under the touch-free dispenser unit 304. In step 614, if
the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free dispenser
unit 304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the
next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "PLACE
HANDS UNDER DISPENSER" until the person complies. If the person
fails to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40
resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the
wash count; further, the badge 10 does not register a hands-washed
state.
[0065] After receiving a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit
304 in step 614, the base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS" in step 616. The base unit 40
deactivates the touch-free faucet 302 to prevent the person from
prematurely rinsing her hands. Also in step 616, the base unit 40
initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to
zero seconds.
[0066] In step 618, base unit 40 sounds an audible alarm at the end
of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the prompt
"RINSE HANDS" for a predetermined time. The base unit 40
reactivates the touch-free faucet 302, which dispenses water onto
the person's hands when the person places her hands under the
touch-free faucet 302.
[0067] In step 620, if the base unit 40 receives a signal from the
touch-free faucet 302 indicating it was activated, the procedure
goes to the next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the
prompt "RINSE HANDS" until the person complies. If the person fails
to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40 resets the
procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count;
further, the badge 10 does not register a hands-washed state.
[0068] After the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free
faucet 302, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "WASH COMPLETE,"
resets the procedure to the beginning, increments the wash count,
and clears the badge 10 to register a hands-washed state in step
622.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram showing the overall operation
of a handwash procedure according to the present invention. The
procedure begins at step 702 when a badge 10 registers a
hands-unwashed state. In step 704, the badge 10 signals for a
person to wash her hands.
[0070] In step 706, the person approaches a wash area 30. When the
badge 10 is brought within range of the wash area 30, the badge 10
transmits an ID signal containing the person's identification data.
The base unit 40 stores the identification data in an internal
memory and selects a prompting language based on the identification
data so that the person receives handwashing instructions in her
native language.
[0071] In step 708, a base unit 40 also instructs the person with
the prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM." A touch-free
faucet 302 dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person
places her hands under the touch-free faucet 302. In step 710, if
the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet 302
indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step.
Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER
FAUCET & WET THEM" until the person complies. If the person
fails to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40
resets the procedure to the beginning and the badge 10 does not
register a hands-washed state.
[0072] In step 712, the base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER." A touch-free dispenser unit
304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places
her hands under the touch-free dispenser unit 304. In step 714, if
the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free dispenser
unit 304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the
next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "PLACE
HANDS UNDER DISPENSER" until the person complies. If the person
fails to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40
resets the procedure to the beginning and the badge 10 does not
register a hands-washed state.
[0073] After receiving a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit
304 in step 714, the base unit 40 instructs the person with the
prompt "LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS" in step 716. The base unit 40
deactivates the touch-free faucet 302 to prevent the person from
prematurely rinsing her hands. Also in step 716, the base unit 40
initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to
zero seconds.
[0074] In step 718, base unit 40 sounds an audible alarm at the end
of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the prompt
"RINSE HANDS" for a predetermined time. The base unit 40
reactivates the touch-free faucet 302, which dispenses water onto
the person's hands when the person places her hands under the
touch-free faucet 302.
[0075] In step 720, if the base unit 40 receives a signal from the
touch-free faucet 302 indicating it was activated, the procedure
goes to the next step. Otherwise, the base unit 40 displays the
prompt "RINSE HANDS" until the person complies. If the person fails
to comply within a predetermined time, the base unit 40 resets the
procedure to the beginning and the badge 10 does not register a
hands-washed state.
[0076] After the base unit 40 receives a signal from the touch-free
faucet 302, the base unit 40 displays the prompt "WASH COMPLETE,"
resets the procedure to the beginning, clears the badge 10 to
register a hands-washed state, and sends performance data regarding
the handwash procedure with respect to identification data in
real-time to a remote memory unit (not shown) in step 722.
[0077] The above invention has been described with specific
embodiments, but a person skilled in the art could introduce many
variations on these embodiments without departing from the spirit
of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. The
embodiments are presented for the purpose of illustration only and
should not be read as limiting the invention or its application.
Therefore, the claims should be interpreted commensurate with the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *