US20060272361A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20060272361A1
Application number: US11/146,828
Authority: US
Inventors: David Snodgrass
Original assignee: UltraClenz LLC
Current assignee: UltraClenz LLC
Priority date: 2005-06-07
Filing date: 2005-06-07
Publication date: 2006-12-07

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of Related Art

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a handwash monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a representative beacon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a representative washroom according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a representative base unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram showing a representative handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram showing a representative handwash procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

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

FIG. 1 shows arepresentative badge10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment utilizes thebadge10 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. Thebadge10 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.

In addition to apicture108, a person's ID information110 (name, signature, bar code, etc.) is on the face of thebadge10. AnID memory112 contains personal identification information. This memory could include a person's name, physical statistics, identification number, native language, etc. Thebadge10 also contains a transceiver (not shown) to allow communication with abeacon20 and abase unit40. Thebadge10 receives and responds to commands transmitted by thebeacon20 and thebase unit40 as described herein.

Thebadge10 registers a hands-unwashed state whenever it is brought within a predetermined proximity to abeacon20. The hands-unwashed state is triggered by atrigger signal202 transmitted by thebeacon20 and received by thebadge10. The hands-unwashed state can be registered visually by a red indicator light104 and/or audibly by aspeaker106 transmitting an alarm. The red indicator light104 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. Thebadge10 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, thebadge10 could be part of a basic monitoring system that does not utilizebeacons20 at all. In such a system, thebadge10 may or may not include any alarms and triggers the hand washing procedure under the supervision of thebase unit40 when thebadge10 is brought within a predetermined range of thebase unit40.

Additionally, thebadge10 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 abeacon20 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 ofbeacons20 placed at locations where contamination could occur.

Thebadge10 registers a hands-washed state whenever the person washes their hands correctly at awash area30, as determined by thebase unit40. The hands-washed state is triggered by a clear signal408 (seeFIG. 4) transmitted by thebase unit40 and received by thebadge10. This hands-washed state is registered visually by a green indicator light102. Thebase unit40 also transmits a delay signal410 (seeFIG. 4) that activates an exit delay timer (not shown) inbadge10 when the hands are washed to prevent thebadge10 from registering a hands-unwashed state for a predetermined period of time. This allows the person to pass anybeacon20, such as one typically placed outside thewash area30 without registering their hands are unwashed. Alternatively, thebase unit40 could be disabled from detecting thebadge10 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.

Abeacon20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 2. Thebeacon20 is a short range RF device that transmits atrigger signal202 to abadge10 within its range to trigger thebadge10 to register the hands-unwashed state. Thebeacon20 may continuously transmit thetrigger signal202 or transmit only when abeacon motion sensor204 is activated by movement within its range.

Abeacon20 is placed wherever there is a risk of contamination and/or wherever it is desirable for a person to wash their hands. For example, abeacon20 could be placed outside a sterile area in a health care facility so thebadge10 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. Abeacon20 could also be placed in any other areas where contamination is likely, such as garbage disposals, quarantine or infectious areas.

As an optional feature, a separate sentinel unit (not shown) could also issue an alarm when abadge10 in the hands-unwashed state comes within its range. The alarm can be visual by ared warning light208 and/or audible by abeacon speaker208 transmitting an alarm. Similar to thebadge10, the red warning light206 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 thebadge10.

The alarm could be operated until thebadge10 leaves the range of the sentinel unit, or may be operated for a predetermined period of time. The sentinel unit may be combined with thebeacon20 to provide all the above-described functions in one integrated unit.

FIG. 3 shows arepresentative wash area30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment utilizes a touch-free faucet302 and a touch-free soap dispenser304. 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. Abase unit40 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 thebase unit40 can utilize the pre-existing hand proximity sensors, as well as for obvious sanitary reasons. Retrofitting thebase unit40 to an existing conventional wash area, however, can be accomplished by installing applicable sensors to allow thebase unit40 to monitor a hand washing procedure using a direct contact faucet and soap dispenser.

Arepresentative base unit40 according to the present invention is shown inFIG. 4. Abase unit40 is mounted near eachwash area30. The preferred embodiment is equipped with a highly visiblealphanumeric display402 for displaying visual hand washing prompts and aspeaker404 for transmitting audible hand washing prompts.

Thebase unit40 continuously transmits abadge interrogation signal406 within a short range about thewash area30. When abadge10 is brought within range, thebadge interrogation signal406 prompts the badge'sID transmitter114 to transmit an ID signal (not shown) containing the identification data stored inID memory112. Thebase unit40 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.

Thebase unit40 initiates a hand washing program and guides the person step-by-step through the hand washing procedure using visual and audible prompts with thedisplay402 and thespeaker404, respectively. At each step thebase unit40 monitors signals received from the touch-free faucet302 and the touch-free soap dispenser304 to determine if the person is carrying out the hand washing procedure as instructed. Once the person has completed the hand washing procedure correctly, thebase unit40 transmits aclear signal408 to thebadge10 to register a hands-washed condition. This hands-washed state is registered visually by a green indicator light102. Thebase unit40 then transmits adelay signal410 that activates an exit delay timer inbadge10 to keep it from registering the hands as unwashed for a predetermined period of time. This allows the person wearing thebadge10 to pass anybeacon20 without registering their hands are unwashed. Alternatively, thebase unit40 could be disabled from detecting thebadge10 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.

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 atstep502 when a person determines that it is necessary to wash her hands.

Instep504, abase unit40 displays a current wash count. Thebase unit40 also instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM.” A touch-free faucet302 dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302. Instep506, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count.

Instep508,base unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER.” A touch-free soap dispenser304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free soap dispenser304. Instep510, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free soap dispenser304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count.

After receiving a signal from the touch-free soap dispenser304 instep510, thebase unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS” instep512. Thebase unit40 deactivates the touch-free faucet302 to prevent the person from prematurely rinsing her hands. Also instep512, thebase unit40 initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to zero seconds.

Instep514, thebase unit40 sounds an audible alarm at the end of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the prompt “RINSE HANDS” for a predetermined time. Thebase unit40 reactivates the touch-free faucet302 to allow the person to rinse her hands. The touch-free faucet302 dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302.

Instep516, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “RINSE HANDS” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count.

After thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “WASH COMPLETE,” resets the procedure to the beginning, and increments the wash count in step518.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram showing the overall operation of a handwash procedure according to the present invention. The procedure begins atstep602 when abadge10 registers a hands-unwashed state. Instep604, thebadge10 signals for a person to wash her hands.

Instep606, the person approaches awash area30. When thebadge10 is brought within range of thewash area30, thebadge10 transmits an ID signal containing the person's identification data. Thebase unit40 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.

Instep608, abase unit40 displays a current wash count. Thebase unit40 also instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM.” A touch-free faucet302 dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302. Instep610, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count; further, thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

Instep612, thebase unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER.” A touch-free dispenser unit304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free dispenser unit304. Instep614, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count; further, thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

After receiving a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit304 instep614, thebase unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS” instep616. Thebase unit40 deactivates the touch-free faucet302 to prevent the person from prematurely rinsing her hands. Also instep616, thebase unit40 initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to zero seconds.

Instep618,base unit40 sounds an audible alarm at the end of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the prompt “RINSE HANDS” for a predetermined time. Thebase unit40 reactivates the touch-free faucet302, which dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302.

Instep620, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “RINSE HANDS” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning but does not increment the wash count; further, thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

After thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “WASH COMPLETE,” resets the procedure to the beginning, increments the wash count, and clears thebadge10 to register a hands-washed state instep622.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram showing the overall operation of a handwash procedure according to the present invention. The procedure begins atstep702 when abadge10 registers a hands-unwashed state. Instep704, thebadge10 signals for a person to wash her hands.

Instep706, the person approaches awash area30. When thebadge10 is brought within range of thewash area30, thebadge10 transmits an ID signal containing the person's identification data. Thebase unit40 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.

Instep708, abase unit40 also instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM.” A touch-free faucet302 dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302. Instep710, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER FAUCET & WET THEM” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning and thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

Instep712, thebase unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER.” A touch-free dispenser unit304 dispenses soap onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free dispenser unit304. Instep714, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit304 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “PLACE HANDS UNDER DISPENSER” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning and thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

After receiving a signal from the touch-free dispenser unit304 instep714, thebase unit40 instructs the person with the prompt “LATHER HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS” instep716. Thebase unit40 deactivates the touch-free faucet302 to prevent the person from prematurely rinsing her hands. Also instep716, thebase unit40 initiates and displays a countdown sequence from twenty seconds to zero seconds.

Instep718,base unit40 sounds an audible alarm at the end of the countdown sequence and instructs the person with the prompt “RINSE HANDS” for a predetermined time. Thebase unit40 reactivates the touch-free faucet302, which dispenses water onto the person's hands when the person places her hands under the touch-free faucet302.

Instep720, if thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302 indicating it was activated, the procedure goes to the next step. Otherwise, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “RINSE HANDS” until the person complies. If the person fails to comply within a predetermined time, thebase unit40 resets the procedure to the beginning and thebadge10 does not register a hands-washed state.

After thebase unit40 receives a signal from the touch-free faucet302, thebase unit40 displays the prompt “WASH COMPLETE,” resets the procedure to the beginning, clears thebadge10 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) instep722.

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.

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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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

8. The handwash monitoring system as set forth inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 13, wherein said base unit communicates with said remote memory unit using wireless means.

15. The handwash monitoring system as set forth inclaim 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 inclaim 7, wherein said base unit communicates with said badge using wireless means.

17. The handwash monitoring system as set forth inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 17, wherein said plurality of beacons communicate with said badge using wireless means

20. The handwash monitoring system as set forth inclaim 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 inclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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;

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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 27, wherein said registering step occurs when a predetermined period of time elapses.

36. The handwash monitoring method according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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.