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US 6,236,317 B1Granted
Method and apparatus for monitoring actions taken by a user for enhancing hygiene
AssigneeFood Safety Solution Corp.
InventorsGlenn Cohen, James R. Disser, Mark Hersh, Ronald Heagle, Dan Richard, Kevin Brady
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Abstract
An apparatus and a concomitant method for promoting hygienic practices is disclosed. The apparatus is a monitoring unit for monitoring the completion of a desired action, e.g., handwashing, by a user. Upon completion of the desired action, the monitoring unit transmits a satisfactory signal to the user.
Claims20
A monitoring apparatus for promoting hygienic practices, said apparatus comprising:
- a central processing unit (CPU);
- a sensor, coupled to said CPU, for sensing a performance of a desired action by a user;
- a transmitter, coupled to said CPU, for transmitting a satisfactory signal to said user, when said CPU determines that said desired action has been performed by said user;
- a badge worn by said user;
- a receiver mounted to said badge from receiving said satisfactory signal from said transmitter;
- at least one communication medium or reminder indicator mounted to said badge and operatively connected to said receiver for communicating to said user that said desired action has been performed by said user;
- and
- at least one switch mounted to said badge and operatively connected to said communication medium or reminder indicator for configuring settings of said communication medium or reminder indicator in response to an electronic or electrical signal from outside said badge.
5 more elements
A monitoring apparatus for promoting hygienic practices, said apparatus comprising:
- a central processing means;
- a sensing means, coupled to said central processing means, for sensing a performance of a desired action by a user;
- and
- a transmitting means, coupled to said central processing means, for transmitting a satisfactory signal to said user, when said central processing means determines that said desired action has been performed by said user,
- said central processing means being programmed to:
- track information including the times, frequency and locations of potentially unsanitary environments encountered by said user throughout a work shift;
- record information including said user's failure to complete said desired action upon encountering said potentially unsanitary environments;
- generate a report from the tracked and recorded information.
5 more elements
Method for promoting hygienic practices, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) broadcasting, within a directed volume of space only, a directional wireless signal from a badge worn by a user;
- (b) in response to said directional wireless signal, sensing the performance of a desired action by a user;
- and
- (c) transmitting a satisfactory signal to said user, when said desired action has been performed by said user.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.