Inspection and sanitation device and method
Inventors
Vasefi, Fartash • Barton, Kenneth Edward • MacKinnon, Nicholas Bennett • Carroll, David • Marinkovich, Sava
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12023415-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-02
Expiration Date
2041-01-28
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Abstract
A device is disclosed. The device contains a first light source configured to excite fluorescence emission of a first contaminant on a surface, and a first optical sensor configured to capture one or more images of the fluorescence emission of the first contaminant.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is an inspection and sanitation device that employs a first light source configured to excite fluorescence emission of a contaminant on a surface, and a first optical sensor configured to capture images of the fluorescence emission of the contaminant. The device further includes a display that depicts the surface and overlays a computer-generated image representing the contaminant, covering at least part of the surface shown on the display. This enables visualization of otherwise invisible contamination residues on surfaces.
The background outlines the problem of insufficient and subjective contamination inspection methods in industries such as food preparation, transportation, hospitality, and care homes, where surfaces must be cleaned of harmful pathogens. Current visual inspections by human operators are prone to variability, lack quantification, and are not consistently reliable. Swab-based testing introduces delays and inefficiencies. Existing disinfection methods can be dangerous, slow, or non-targeted. Thus, there is a need for a device and method to detect contaminants on surfaces and to disinfect them efficiently and safely.
The invention solves this problem by integrating multiple illumination sources, optical sensors, and image processing to detect fluorescence emissions characteristic of contaminants such as saliva, organic residues, bacteria, and other pathogens. The system can also disinfect surfaces using ultraviolet illumination with suitable wavelengths and power. The device is able to guide and document the inspection and disinfection process, provide real-time feedback to operators, and prevent unsafe exposure to ultraviolet light through safety sensors and algorithms. Additionally, the device supports remote data communication and management, enabling inspection records, risk assessment, and workflow management.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim that covers a device combining illumination, optical sensing, and display features to excite and detect contaminant fluorescence and represent contamination visually. The inventive features detail the configuration of light sources and optical sensors for fluorescence excitation and imaging, and disinfection capabilities.
Device configured to excite fluorescence and display contaminant imaging
A device comprising a first light source configured to excite fluorescence emission of a contaminant on a surface, a first optical sensor configured to capture images of the fluorescence emission, and a display that depicts the surface with a computer-generated image representing the contaminant overlaying at least part of the surface.
First light source with disinfection illumination capabilities
The first light source comprises illumination at suitable wavelengths and optical power to deactivate or disinfect the contaminant.
Ultraviolet illumination for excitation and imaging
The first light source provides ultraviolet illumination in the wavelength range between 260 nm and 290 nm, and the first optical sensor captures fluorescence emission images in the ultraviolet wavelength range between 320 nm and 370 nm.
Additional optical sensors and light sources for multi-wavelength imaging
The device further includes at least a second optical sensor and/or a second light source configured to excite and capture fluorescence emission of the contaminant in second wavelength bands, which may be ultraviolet or visible bands.
Use of light-emitting diodes arranged in patterns for excitation and imaging
The first and second light sources comprise pluralities of light-emitting diodes arranged, for example, in circular patterns around cameras, to provide excitation illumination.
Multi-camera and multi-illumination system with spectral separation
A system comprising multiple light sources providing different wavelength illuminations and multiple optical sensors each tuned to capture fluorescence emission in specific wavelength bands corresponding to different contaminants, allowing enhanced contaminant detection and classification.
Overall, the claims cover a handheld device configured to excite fluorescence emissions of contaminants on surfaces using ultraviolet and visible light sources, capture images via multiple optical sensors with spectral filtering, display contaminant locations overlaying the surface image, and provide disinfection capabilities through ultraviolet illumination with safety controls.
Stated Advantages
Enhances the ability of on-site inspectors to visualize invisible contamination residues such as saliva and respiratory droplets on surfaces.
Provides immediate detection and disinfection, allowing safe use of surfaces in various industries.
Incorporates multiple illumination and imaging wavelengths to improve specificity and range of contaminant detection.
Integrates safety measures to prevent accidental ultraviolet light exposure to operators.
Enables automatic calculation and control of disinfection time and energy required based on sensor data and contaminant characterization.
Supports documentation and real-time communication of inspection and disinfection processes for audit and management purposes.
Facilitates dynamic risk assessment and task prioritization using artificial intelligence with historical and environmental data for improved sanitation workflows.
Documented Applications
Inspection and sanitation of frequently touched surfaces in industries such as food preparation, transportation, hospitality, and care homes.
Detection and imaging of saliva and respiratory droplet contamination on surfaces to limit the spread of pathogens.
Immediate disinfection of contaminated surfaces using ultraviolet illumination with controlled energy dosage.
Use in managing sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) with guided workflows and remote audit data management.
Integration in dynamic risk management systems for prioritizing inspection and cleaning tasks.
Verification of cleaning effectiveness and monitoring of antimicrobial coatings using fluorescent dye detection.
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