System and method for detecting proper cleaning of people and items entering a controlled area
First Claim
1. A method for determining whether an item has been washed prior to entering a controlled area, the method comprising:
- physically associating the item with an RFID tag;
logically associating an identity of the item with an identity of the RFID tag;
detecting a presence of the RFID tag when the item enters the controlled area; and
attempting to detect a presence of soap residue when the item enters the controlled area.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a non-intrusive technique for determining whether people and items have been properly cleaned before entering a controlled area. In one embodiment, soap is provided in washrooms, restrooms, sculleries, or other types of facilities for cleaning people and items entering a controlled area. A sensor detects the presence of metallic or other constituents of the soap left behind on the people and items after proper cleaning. The sensor'"'"'s output is read to determine whether the people and items have been recently cleaned. Specific people and items can be identified by detecting a signal from a device, such as a radio frequency identification tag, attached to people and items entering a controlled area. For people, the tag can be incorporated into a name badge or into work clothing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for determining whether an item has been washed prior to entering a controlled area, the method comprising:
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physically associating the item with an RFID tag;
logically associating an identity of the item with an identity of the RFID tag;
detecting a presence of the RFID tag when the item enters the controlled area; and
attempting to detect a presence of soap residue when the item enters the controlled area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for determining whether an item has been washed prior to entering a controlled area, the system comprising:
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an RFID tag physically associated with the item;
logic configured for logically associating an identity of the item with an identity of the RFID tag;
a first sensor configured for detecting a presence of the RFID tag when the item enters the controlled area; and
a second sensor configured for detecting a presence of soap residue when the item enters the controlled area. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for teaching a person to wash his hands, the method comprising:
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physically associating the person with an RFID tag;
logically associating an identity of the person with an identity of the RFID tag;
detecting a presence of the RFID tag when the person enters or leaves a wash room;
attempting to detect a presence of soap residue when the person leaves the wash room;
reporting if the person is detected leaving the wash room without detecting the presence of soap residue; and
in response to the report, instructing the person in personal hygiene. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification