Automated washing system with compliance verification

Abstract

A system is provided for providing automated washing and verifying compliance of use. The system provides for identifying individual users of one or more cleaning stations through various technologies, such as RFID. Individual's use of cleaning stations is monitored to determine compliance with hand-washing requirements. A compliance report may be generated based on data associated with one or more individuals' use of the cleaning station(s). Educational and/or entertainment content may be displayed to the user when he or she is using the cleaning station. Additionally, the cleaning station may identify containers having authorized consumables such as soap or disinfectant. Optional automated collection and forwarding of hygiene compliance information is performed to provide compliance monitors, such as a regulatory agency, with such information.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for performing hygiene compliance verification, comprising:
 (a) receiving an object identifier;   (b) determining a cleaning protocol from a plurality of different protocols to be used on an object associated with the object identifier; and   (c) implementing the cleaning protocol in connection with the object.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the object identifier indicates that no cleaning is required. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein implementing the cleaning protocol includes:
 (i) cleaning the identified object in accordance with the cleaning protocol; and   (ii) generating a compliant and/or noncompliant signal indicating compliance and/or noncompliance with at least part of the cleaning protocol.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the object identifier is associated with an object type identifier. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the object type identifier is indicative of a type of employee. 
     
     
         22 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . An automated washing station, comprising:
 (a) an identification apparatus operatively associated with the washing station, the identification apparatus operable to at least automatically identify at least one of:
 (1) the user, and 
 (2) an object; 
   (b) a washing station operations monitor operatively associated with the cleaning station and the identification apparatus; and   (c) a memory associated with the washing station operations monitor, the memory comprising at least one of:
 (1) a compliance module operable to record data associated with the user; 
 (2) an information module operable to provide the user with at least one segment of information about at least one of entertainment, a cleaning history statistic, and training; 
 (3) a consumables-authentication module operable to verify that the washing station is operating with a particular substance; and 
 (4) a solutions selection module operable to direct the washing station to perform at least one of the following:
 (A) based on a user identifier, administer at least one of:
 (i) a predetermined mixture; and 
 (ii) a substance; 
 and 
 
 (B) operate a function for a predetermined period of time based on a history of washing compliance for the user. 
 
   
     
     
         27 . A method, comprising:
 providing a washing station, wherein the washing station comprises;   (a) an identification apparatus operatively associated with the washing station, the identification apparatus operable to at least automatically identify at least one of:
 (3) the user, and 
 (4) an object; 
   (b) a washing station operations monitor operatively associated with the cleaning station and the identification apparatus; and   (c) a memory associated with the washing station operations monitor, the memory comprising at least one of:
 (1) a compliance module operable to record data associated with the user; 
 (2) an information module operable to provide the user with at least one segment of information about at least one of entertainment, a cleaning history statistic, and training; 
 (3) a consumables-authentication module operable to verify that the washing station is operating with a particular substance; and 
 (4) a solutions selection module operable to direct the washing station to perform at least one of the following:
 (B) based on a user identifier, administer at least one of:
 (i) a predetermined mixture; and 
 (ii) a substance; 
 and 
 
 (B) operate a function for a predetermined period of time based on a history of washing compliance for the user.