Authors:
Tim Crockett, Bill Dungan, Scott Graham, Brad Johnson, Paul Kokklenberg
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes adding UVC LED emitters to the backlight light array to provide create a harsh environment for biologicals.
Background:
Touch screens are becoming synonymous with retail; from the interactive screen in self-checkout to the touch screen on the Ingenico credit card reader. And in the retail environment, everyone is sharing the same touch points. I was recently shopping with my wife where the checkout line was long and slow because the cashiers had to wipe down the Ingenico card reader between transactions because it was requiring the customers to select "YES" to complete the transaction. Since they cashier was behind a clear isolation wall, they kept having to come around the counter to clean and go back for each transaction.
We already know that exposing bacteria and viruses to UVC light kills them. By adding UVC light sources to the touch screen back light we can make the touch screen more sanitary.
Description:
The back lights for modern touch screens are already composed of arrays of LEDs. Some even use UVA or UVB LEDs to activate phosphorous red, green, and blue regions under small LCD pixels.
The idea is to add UVC LED to the backlight. Since UVC can be damaging to the eyes the UVC LEDs can be turned on separate from the main backlight LEDs, so they are on or dimmer during times of close user proximity between transactions. e.g., Using a presence sensor to turn off the UVC LED circuit when someone is near the display screen.
Claims:
- Use UVC LEDs in the touch screen backlight to sanitize the touch surface.
- Use a presence sensor to turn off the UVC LEDs when a customer is near the screen.
TGCS Reference 2333
