Touch Screen Cleaning Automation via Usage Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning shared public environments, such as touch screen displays, are inefficient and ineffective in preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens due to lack of timely and targeted cleaning protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system that tracks touch events on touch screen displays and shared surfaces, determining metrics based on usage data to send notifications for cleaning when thresholds are exceeded, initiating a cleaning procedure and providing instructions for staff to ensure thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a periodic cleaning schedule is implemented, then cleaning is performed regularly, but the cleaning is inefficient and ineffective in preventing disease spread
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of touch events and usage metrics before cleaning is needed. By continuously tracking touch events, location data, and usage patterns, the system identifies when cleaning is actually required based on real-world usage rather than arbitrary schedules, enabling timely intervention before contamination becomes problematic
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where cleaning performance is monitored and used to adjust future cleaning schedules. Usage data from touch events and surface interaction is fed back into the system to refine cleaning frequency and timing, creating a dynamic, self-optimizing cleaning strategy that responds to actual contamination risk rather than fixed calendars
2Ease of operation
If cleaning is based on fixed schedules, then cleaning frequency is maintained, but cleaning is not targeted to high-use areas and occurs at inappropriate times
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by differentiating cleaning requirements across different areas of the shared environment. Usage data is aggregated by location, and cleaning is prioritized for high-use areas such as touch screen displays and frequently touched surfaces. The system identifies specific zones with highest contamination risk and directs cleaning resources there, rather than treating all areas uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed scheduling to dynamic, real-time cleaning scheduling. Cleaning frequency and timing automatically adjust based on current usage patterns, allowing the system to respond to changes in environment usage. When usage increases, cleaning frequency increases; when usage decreases, cleaning frequency reduces, optimizing resource allocation
3Loss of time
If manual monitoring of cleaning needs is used, then flexibility is maintained, but timely cleaning response is insufficient and disease transmission continues
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring, analyzing, and triggering cleaning procedures without requiring continuous human intervention. The automated system independently collects touch event data, calculates usage metrics, determines when cleaning thresholds are exceeded, and initiates cleaning protocols, freeing staff from manual monitoring while maintaining rapid response capability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments generally relate to a method for facilitating the cleaning of a touch screen display. The method comprises receiving data from the touch screen display, the data relating to at least one touch event recorded on the touch screen display within a predetermined time period; determining at least one touch metric based on the data; comparing the touch metric to a predetermined threshold value; in response to determining that the touch metric exceeds the predetermined threshold, sending a notification message to a staff computing device, the staff computing device being external to the touch screen display; and in response to receiving a response to the notification message, initiating a cleaning procedure.