Notification Unit for Disinfection Guidance in Shared Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses, such as multi-function peripherals and ticket/ATM machines, pose a risk of spreading infections due to shared use and the difficulty in determining which surfaces need disinfection, as users are unsure which components to disinfect.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a notification unit that identifies and notifies users of specific components that require disinfection, using a controller to track user interactions and display disinfection instructions on a display unit, ensuring proper disinfection of touched areas without interfering with the device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel is used to operate the apparatus, then the ease of operation is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between operational touches and cleaning touches
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively notifying users of components that require disinfection before they attempt to clean the device. The notification unit displays information about specific contaminated components, guiding users to clean only the necessary areas, thus preventing confusion between operational and cleaning touches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are touched during normal operation, then the functionality and versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the risk of infection spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring which components are touched during operation and providing information back to users about which components require disinfection. The notification unit communicates the status of touched components, enabling users to understand the infection risk associated with specific components and take appropriate cleaning actions.
3Reliability
If the touch panel disables input during cleaning mode, then the reliability of cleaning operation is improved, but the productivity of the apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying users of components requiring disinfection before cleaning begins. This allows users to prepare appropriate cleaning materials and understand which components need attention, enabling efficient cleaning without prolonged device shutdown or mode switching that would reduce productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify a user of information, and a controller configured to identify at least one unit based on an operation performed by the user among a plurality of units included in the apparatus, wherein the notification unit can notify the user of first information indicating the identified at least one unit and second information regarding disinfection of the identified at least one unit.