Information Processing Apparatus UV Disinfection with Touch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disinfection methods using ultraviolet light sources in image formation apparatuses are inadequate as they do not ensure sufficient illuminance and may fail to disinfect effectively due to insufficient irradiation time and angle, posing a risk of re-contamination when users interact with the apparatus during disinfection.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus equipped with ultraviolet irradiation devices and a controller that notifies users not to touch the apparatus during disinfection, ensuring adequate irradiation time and angle, and adjusts disinfection based on user interaction and light source output degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultraviolet irradiation is applied to disinfect the apparatus, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but user interaction during disinfection causes re-contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit prevents user operation inputs during the ultraviolet irradiation period, blocking potential re-contamination actions before they can occur. This preliminary prevention mechanism ensures disinfection effectiveness is not compromised by user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays notification information before and during ultraviolet irradiation to inform users of the disinfection process, preparing them not to operate the apparatus during this critical period.
2Reliability
If ultraviolet irradiation time is extended to ensure sufficient disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but disinfection processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts the ultraviolet irradiation time based on the detected output level of the light source. When the output level decreases over time, the irradiation time is extended to compensate and maintain the required integrated illuminance for effective disinfection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the output level of the ultraviolet light source and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the irradiation time, ensuring optimal disinfection effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary processing time.
3Productivity
If high-power ultraviolet light source is used to reduce irradiation time, then disinfection speed is improved, but illuminance requirements become harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously detects the output level of the ultraviolet light source and adjusts the irradiation time accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the integrated illuminance required for effective disinfection is maintained even as the light source output degrades over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the irradiation time based on real-time detection of light source output levels, transitioning from fixed-time irradiation to adaptive time control that maintains disinfection effectiveness throughout the light source lifecycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures effective disinfection by preventing user interaction during the process and maintaining required illuminance, even when users attempt to use the apparatus, thereby ensuring thorough disinfection without compromising usability.
Implementation Method 1
A disinfection method using ultraviolet irradiation is becoming more common. Ultraviolet light source devices for disinfection, especially with wavelengths of 200 to 290 nm, have started to appear in the marketplace.
Implementation Method 2
the norovirus level becomes less than or equal to the detection limit by irradiation using an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) with light output of 7 mW at a distance of 10 cm for 30 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus including at least one unit that receives a user operation, the information processing apparatus includes an ultraviolet irradiation device that performs disinfection processing for disinfecting at least a part of the at least one unit, an operation unit including a display that provides notification to a user, and a controller, wherein during the disinfection processing for the at least a part of the at least one unit, the controller causes the operation unit to provide notification to the user not to touch the information processing apparatus.