阅读说明：本技术 物理用户界面卫生系统和方法 (Physical user interface sanitation system and method ) 是由 威廉.W.艾格纳 于 2019-12-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种触摸屏设备卫生系统和方法。触摸屏设备配置有照射系统,该照射系统用杀死或灭活存在于触摸屏设备的外表面上的病原体的紫外线照射触摸屏设备的外表面。照射系统可以从触摸屏设备内的位置间接地或从触摸屏设备上方的位置直接地照射触摸屏设备的外表面。(A touch screen device sanitation system and method are provided. The touch screen device is configured with an illumination system that illuminates the exterior surface of the touch screen device with ultraviolet light that kills or inactivates pathogens present on the exterior surface of the touch screen device. The illumination system may illuminate the outer surface of the touch screen device indirectly from a location within the touch screen device or directly from a location above the touch screen device.)

1. A method comprising using at least one hardware processor to:

monitoring for the occurrence of a predetermined event of a device having a touch screen interface, an

After the occurrence of the predetermined event or events,

illuminating at least a portion of a touch screen interface of a device having the touch screen interface with one or more amounts of energy for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the one or more amounts of energy and the predetermined amount of time correspond to a desired hygiene level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more amounts of energy comprise one of light or sound.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more amounts of energy comprise ultraviolet light.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more amounts of energy comprise short wave ultraviolet light or UV-C ultraviolet light.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 250 nanometers to 260 nanometers.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein illuminating comprises exposing at least a portion of a touch screen interface of the device to a series of different wavelengths, and the series of magnitudes corresponds to a desired hygiene level.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is expiration of a timer.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the timer is automatically reset upon expiration of the timer.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the duration of the timer is less than one minute.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the duration of the timer is greater than one minute.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the duration of the timer is between 10 seconds and 60 seconds.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is completion of a consumer transaction.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the consumer transaction is a point-of-sale transaction and the device having the touch screen interface is a point-of-sale device.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is receiving input from a user.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving input from a user comprises receiving a selection of a touchscreen function to illuminate a screen with ultraviolet light.

18. A system, comprising:

a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store an executable programming module;

a touch screen user interface;

an illumination system configured to illuminate at least a portion of a touch screen user interface with one or more quantities of energy;

a processor communicatively coupled with the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the touch screen user interface, and the illumination system, the processor configured to control the illumination system to illuminate at least a portion of the touch screen user interface with the one or more amounts of energy for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the one or more amounts of energy and the predetermined amount of time correspond to a desired hygiene level.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more quantities of energy comprise one of light or sound.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more quantities of energy comprise ultraviolet light.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises short wave ultraviolet light or UV-C ultraviolet light.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 250 nanometers to 260 nanometers.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

25. The system of claim 18, wherein the illumination system comprises one or more illumination sources.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more illumination sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes and mercury vapor lamps and speakers.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more illumination sources comprise UV-C light emitting diodes.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more illumination sources are positioned to illuminate an outer surface of the touch screen user interface indirectly via an inner surface of the touch screen user interface.

29. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more illumination sources are positioned to directly illuminate an outer surface of the touch screen user interface.

30. The system of claim 29, further comprising one or more risers configured to position the one or more illumination sources over an outer surface of the touch screen user interface.

31. A system, comprising:

a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store an executable programming module;

a camera system having a respective illumination system configured to illuminate an area comprising a field of view of the camera system with one or more quantities of energy;

a processor communicatively coupled with the non-transitory computer readable medium, the camera system, and the illumination system, the processor configured to control the illumination system to illuminate at least a portion of an object within an area including a field of view of the camera system with the one or more amounts of energy for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the one or more amounts of energy and the predetermined amount of time correspond to a desired hygiene level.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the one or more quantities of energy comprise one of light or sound.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein the one or more quantities of energy comprise ultraviolet light.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises short wave ultraviolet light or UV-C ultraviolet light.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 200 nanometers to 280 nanometers.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength in a range of 250 nanometers to 260 nanometers.

37. The system of claim 33, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

38. The system of claim 31, wherein the illumination system comprises one or more illumination sources.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the one or more illumination sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes and mercury vapor lamps and speakers.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein the one or more illumination sources comprise UV-C light emitting diodes.

41. A system, comprising:

at least one hardware processor; and

one or more software modules that, when executed by at least one hardware processor, perform the method of any one of claims 1-17.

42. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any of claims 1-17.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to user interfaces, particularly those with touch screen displays, and more particularly to sanitizing physical user interfaces that promote the spread of germs, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Background

Physical user interfaces have increased dramatically with the rapid adoption of publicly accessible keyboards and publicly accessible touch screen devices at points of sale and information points, and even private keyboards and devices that can, but need not, be shared with others. As used herein, a physical user interface, whether accessed on a public device, a private device, or a personal device, is collectively referred to as a "touch screen" interface or device. A significant disadvantage of such touch screen interfaces is that they are susceptible to the transmission of pathogens (agents), such as enteric bacteria, fecal bacteria, staphylococci, listeria, klebsiella and proteus, all of which can cause human morbidity. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method that overcomes, or at least reduces, these significant problems found in the conventional systems described above.

Disclosure of Invention

To address the significant problems of the above-described physical user interfaces, disclosed herein are systems and methods for sanitizing physical user interfaces to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, and/or other pathogens that may cause human diseases.

In an embodiment, the touch screen device is configured with an illumination system that illuminates the exterior surface of the touch screen device with various forms of energy (e.g., light waves, sound waves, heat, etc.) that kill or inactivate pathogens present on the exterior surface of the touch screen device. The illumination system may illuminate the outer surface of the touch screen device from a location within the touch screen device, either indirectly or directly from a location near or above the touch screen device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood by reading the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example personal touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an example public touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device hygiene for a public touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device hygiene of a common physical user interface device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an example personal touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device hygiene for a public touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating an example application of wand hygiene for a personal touch screen device or a common physical user interface device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example public touch screen device with stadium hygiene according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example touch screen device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for automatic sanitization of touch screen devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7A-7C are block diagrams illustrating example point-of-sale touch screen devices according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless processor support device that may be used in conjunction with the various embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for destroying pathogens present on a physical user interface. For example, one method disclosed herein allows a personal or public touch screen device to automatically illuminate an exterior surface of a touch screen user interface with one or more forms of constant or intermittent energy (e.g., light waves, sound waves, heat, etc.) to significantly reduce the number of pathogens present or active on the exterior surface of the touch screen user interface. As used herein, the term "destroying a pathogen" refers to killing or inactivating a microorganism that causes a human illness or disease. The term "sanitization" may also be used herein. These terms are not intended to completely eradicate the pathogen, but rather are intended to reduce or significantly reduce or inactivate the delivery of the pathogen to correspondingly reduce the likelihood that the patient or disease will be delivered from the surface of the physical user interface to the person interacting with the physical user interface.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, while various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Accordingly, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example personal touch screen device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 has a touch screen user interface 15 that is illuminated from within the device 10. The illumination system within the device 10 is configured to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) from within the touch screen user interface 15 and specifically the exterior surface of the touch screen user interface 15. The radiation 30 includes energy of one or more wavelengths and/or sequences of wavelengths that destroy pathogens. The wavelength may be in the electromagnetic spectrum or the acoustic spectrum. For example, the radiation 30 may be in the ultraviolet ("UV") portion of the electromagnetic spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination 30 may be in the infrared spectrum. In an embodiment, the energy may be delivered in a constant inrush current or in a pulsed manner. Advantageously, the delivery of energy can be altered to increase the effectiveness of pathogen destruction. For example, in one embodiment, the illumination 30 may include alternating portions of different wavelengths.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an example public touch screen device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 20 has a touch screen user interface 25 illuminated from within the device 20. The illumination system within the device 20 is configured to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) from within the touch screen user interface 25 and specifically the outer surface of the touch screen user interface 25. The radiation 30 includes energy of one or more wavelengths and/or sequences of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum that destroy pathogens. For example, the illumination 30 may be in the ultraviolet spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination 30 may be in the infrared spectrum.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device 10 hygiene to a public touch screen device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal touch-screen device 10 illuminates (and thereby sanitizes) its own touch-screen user interface 15, and the personal touch-screen device 10 is positioned to cause the illumination 30 from its touch-screen user interface 15 to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) at least a portion of the outer surface of the touch-screen user interface 25 of the public touch-screen device 20.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example application of hygiene to the personal touch screen device 10 of the common physical user interface device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal touch screen device 10 illuminates (and thereby sanitizes) its own touch screen user interface 15, and the personal touch screen device 10 is positioned to cause illumination 30 from its touch screen user interface 15 to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) a portion of an exterior surface of at least one common physical user interface device 40.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an example personal touch screen device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal touch screen device 10 includes a camera system 60 that includes one or more illumination sources 70, for example, located on an exterior surface 50 of the personal touch screen device 10. The one or more illumination sources 70 are configured to illuminate at least a portion of the field of view of the camera system 60. The radiation 30 includes energy of one or more wavelengths and/or sequences of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum that destroy pathogens. For example, the illumination 30 may be in the ultraviolet spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 30 may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination 30 may be in the infrared spectrum.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device 10 hygiene to public touch screen device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal touch-screen device 10 illuminates one or more illumination sources 70 located on the exterior surface 50 of the personal touch-screen device 10 such that the illumination 80 illuminates (and thereby sanitizes) at least a portion of the exterior surface of the touch-screen user interface 25 of the public touch-screen device 20. A user of the personal touch screen device 10 may manipulate the personal touch screen device 10 such that more of the outer surface of the touch screen user interface 25 of the common touch screen device 20 is illuminated and thereby sanitized.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating an example application of personal touch screen device 10 hygiene to a common physical user interface device 40, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal touch-screen device 10 illuminates one or more illumination sources 70 located on the exterior surface 50 of the personal touch-screen device 10 such that the illumination 80 illuminates (and thereby sanitizes) at least a portion of the exterior surface of the common physical user interface device 40. A user of the personal touch screen device 10 may manipulate the personal touch screen device 10 such that more of the outer surface of the common physical user interface device 40 is illuminated and thereby sanitized.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example public touch screen device 20 with stadium hygiene according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more risers (riser)100 are located above an outer surface of the touch screen user interface 25 of the common touch screen device 20. One or more risers 100 support one or more illumination sources 75. The one or more illumination sources 75 are each configured to illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the touch screen user interface 25 of the common touch screen device 20. The irradiation 90 includes energy that destroys one or more wavelengths and/or sequences of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum of the pathogen. For example, the illumination 90 may be in the ultraviolet spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination 90 may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In one embodiment, the illumination 90 may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination 90 may be in the infrared spectrum.

In one embodiment, one or more illumination sources 75 may be controlled by a processor within common touch screen device 20. In alternative embodiments, one or more illumination sources 75 may be controlled by and separate from a processor located external to common touch screen device 20. For example, the one or more risers 100 and the one or more illumination sources 75 can be after-market products applied to a common touch screen device 20.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example touch screen device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Touch screen device 200 may be a personal touch screen device or a public touch screen device. In the illustrated embodiment, the touch screen device 200 includes an internal illumination module 210, internal illumination hardware 220, external illumination module 230, and external illumination hardware 240. Touch screen device 200 can also include a data storage area 250.

The internal illumination module 210 is configured to control the internal illumination hardware 220 such that the internal illumination hardware 220 internally illuminates an outer surface of the touch screen user interface of the touch screen device 200. Advantageously, the internal illumination hardware 220 includes one or more illumination sources configured to internally illuminate (and thereby sanitize) an outer surface of the touch screen user interface of the touch screen device 200. The irradiation includes energy of one or more wavelengths and/or wavelength sequences in the electromagnetic spectrum that destroy the pathogen. For example, the illumination may be in the ultraviolet spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination may be in the infrared spectrum.

The external illumination module 230 is configured to control the external illumination hardware 240 such that the external illumination hardware 240 illuminates an outer surface of the touch screen user interface of the touch screen device 200, e.g. from above. Advantageously, the external illumination hardware 240 includes one or more illumination sources configured to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) an outer surface of the touch screen user interface of the touch screen device 200. Irradiating energy comprising one or more wavelengths and/or sequences of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum that destroy pathogens. For example, the illumination may be in the ultraviolet spectrum substantially between 100nm and 400 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination may be within a short wavelength UV spectrum (e.g., UV-C) substantially between 200nm and 280 nm. In an embodiment, the illumination may be at 254 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the illumination may be in the infrared spectrum.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for automated hygiene of a touch screen device according to an embodiment of the invention. The method may be implemented by any of the personal or public touch screen devices described previously. In one embodiment, the method is implemented by a software application downloaded (directly or otherwise via an application) or otherwise installed on the touch screen device and configured to be executed by a processor of the touch screen device.

Initially, in step 300, an automatic sanitation process is initiated. The initiation may be initiated automatically upon power-up or reset of the touch screen device, or may be initiated in response to a command received directly via a user interface or a command received via wired or wireless data communication. For example, the central controller may initiate a hygiene procedure on a plurality of touch screen devices operating as point of sale devices in commercial operations.

Next, in step 310, the hygiene process monitors the touch screen device for the occurrence of one or more predetermined events. The predetermined event may be the expiration of a timer set at the beginning of the sanitation process. The predetermined event may be the end of a point-of-sale transaction on the touch screen device. Alternative and/or additional predetermined events may also be employed as desired or in accordance with the functionality of the touch screen device. During monitoring, if an event is not detected, the hygiene process continues to monitor for the event, as determined in step 320. If an event is detected, as determined in step 320, the illumination hardware (internal or external) is controlled such that the physical user interface is illuminated (and thereby sanitized). After the physical user interface is illuminated, if it is desired to continue the hygiene process as determined in step 340, the process transitions back to monitoring step 310. However, if it is not desired to continue the sanitation process, as determined in step 340, the sanitation process stops, as shown in step 350. Although step 340 is shown after the irradiation step, the sanitation process may end at any time before or after any number of irradiation steps.

Use case

7A-7C are block diagrams illustrating example point-of-sale touch screen devices according to embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the point-of-sale touch screen device has a touch screen user interface 425. In one embodiment, a software application is downloaded onto the point-of-sale device 400, and the application is configured to control one or more internal or external illumination sources to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) the touch screen user interface 425 of the point-of-sale device 400. The software application may be configured to periodically illuminate (and thereby sanitize) the touch screen user interface 425 of the point of sale device 425 and may illuminate the touch screen with different wavelengths of energy in different orders, and may illuminate the touch screen with other forms of energy (e.g., sound or heat) in light wave energy orders. The software application may also be configured to illuminate (and thereby sanitize) the touch screen user interface 425 of the point-of-sale device 400 upon detecting an event, such as expiration of a timer or completion of a point-of-sale transaction.

In one embodiment, the software application is downloaded onto the point-of-sale device 400 and the application is configured to periodically present a message on the touch screen user interface 425 of the point-of-sale device that prompts a user of the point-of-sale device 400 to obtain a physical cleaning device (e.g., a sanitization wipe) located in proximity to the point-of-sale device and apply the physical cleaning device to the touch screen user interface 425s of the point-of-sale device 400.

In one embodiment, a string of after-market UV-C LEDs or other energy generating devices is purchased and applied to the perimeter of the touch screen user interface 425, such as the touch screen user interface 425 of the point-of-sale device 400. The string of UV-C LEDs or other energy generating devices may be battery powered or plugged into shore power (e.g., through a USB port or otherwise plugged into the point of sale device 400). The string of UV-CLEDs or other energy generating devices may continuously illuminate the surface of the touch screen user interface 425 with energy (e.g., light or sound) or may be configured to periodically illuminate the surface of the touch screen user interface 425 for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the predetermined amount of time is sufficient to effectively sanitize the touch screen user interface.

Example apparatus

Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example wired or wireless system 550 that may be used in conjunction with various embodiments described herein. For example, the system 550 may be used as or in conjunction with a personal or public touch screen device as previously described with respect to fig. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, and 5. The system 550 may be a conventional personal digital assistant, smartphone, tablet, or any other processor-enabled device capable of illuminating a touch screen user interface or other physical user interface. Other processor-enabled systems and/or architectures may also be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The system 550 preferably includes one or more processors, such as a processor 560. Additional processors may be provided, such as an auxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor to perform floating point mathematical operations, a special purpose microprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution of signal processing algorithms (e.g., a digital signal processor), a slave processor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., a back-end processor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual or multi-processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such an auxiliary processor may be a separate processor or may be integrated with the processor 560.

The processor 560 is preferably connected to a communication bus 555. Communication bus 555 may include a data channel for facilitating information transfer between memory and other peripheral components of system 550. The communication bus 555 may also provide a set of signals for communication with the processor 560, including a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus (not shown). The communication bus 555 can include any standard or non-standard bus architecture, such as, for example, a bus architecture that conforms to the industry standard architecture ("ISA"), the extended industry standard architecture ("EISA"), the micro channel architecture ("MCA"), the peripheral component interconnect ("PCI") local bus, or standards promulgated by the institute of electrical and electronics engineers ("IEEE") including IEEE 488 general purpose interface bus ("GPIB"), IEEE 696/S-100, and so forth.

The system 550 preferably includes a main memory 565 and may also include a secondary memory 570. Main memory 565 provides storage of instructions and data for programs executing on processor 560. The main memory 565 is typically semiconductor-based memory, such as dynamic random access memory ("DRAM") and/or static random access memory ("SRAM"). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example, synchronous dynamic random access memory ("SDRAM"), Rambus dynamic random access memory ("RDRAM"), ferroelectric random access memory ("FRAM"), and the like, including read only memory ("ROM").

Secondary memory 570 may optionally include internal memory 575 and/or removable media 580 such as a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk ("CD") drive, a digital versatile disk ("DVD") drive, and the like. The removable medium 580 is read by and/or written to in a well-known manner. The removable storage medium 580 may be, for example, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, CD, DVD, SD card, or the like.

The removable storage medium 580 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable code (i.e., software) and/or data. Computer software or data stored on a removable storage medium 580 is read into the system 550 for execution by the processor 560.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 570 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other data or instructions to be loaded into system 550. Such means may include, for example, an external storage medium 595 and an interface 570. Examples of external storage medium 595 may include an external hard disk drive or an external optical drive, or an external magneto-optical drive.

Other examples of secondary memory 570 may include semiconductor-based memory, such as programmable read-only memory ("PROM"), erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), electrically erasable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), or flash memory (block-oriented memory similar to EEPROM). Also included are any other removable storage media 580 and a communications interface 590 that allow software and data to be transferred from an external medium 595 to the system 550.

The system 550 may also include an input/output ("I/O") interface 585. I/O interface 585 facilitates input from and output to external devices. For example, I/O interface 585 may receive input from a keyboard or mouse and may provide output to a display 587. In an embodiment, the display 587 may be a touch screen user interface. I/O interface 585 can facilitate input and output from various alternative types of human machine interfaces and machine interface devices.

The system 550 may also include an illumination system 583. The illumination system 583 is configured to control illumination hardware 584, which illumination hardware 584 is positioned to illuminate an external (user-facing) surface of the touchscreen user interface 587. The illumination hardware 584 may be positioned to directly or indirectly illuminate an exterior surface of the touchscreen user interface 587. In an embodiment, the indirect illumination passes through the touch screen user interface 587 to illuminate an outer surface of the touch screen user interface 587. The illumination hardware 584 may include one or more illumination sources, such as light emitting diodes ("LEDs") or mercury vapor lamps. In one embodiment, the illumination hardware 584 includes one or more UV-CLEDs.

The system 550 may also include a communications interface 590. Communication interface 590 allows software and data to be transferred between system 550 and external devices (e.g., printers), networks, or information sources. For example, computer software or executable code may be transferred to system 550 from a network server via communication interface 590. Examples of communication interface 590 include a modem, a network interface card ("NIC"), a wireless data card, a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, and an IEEE 1394 firewire, to name a few.

Communication interface 590 preferably implements industry-promulgated protocol standards such as the ethernet IEEE 802 standard, fiber channel, digital subscriber line ("DSL"), asynchronous digital subscriber line ("ADSL"), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode ("ATM"), integrated digital services network ("ISDN"), personal communication services ("PCS"), transmission control protocol/internet protocol ("TCP/IP"), serial line internet protocol/point-to-point protocol ("SLIP/PPP"), etc., although custom or non-standard interface protocols may also be implemented.

Software and data transferred via communications interface 590 typically take the form of electrical communication signals 605. These signals 605 are preferably provided to a communication interface 590 via a communication channel 600. In one embodiment, the communication channel 600 may be a wired or wireless network, or any other of a variety of communication links. Communication channel 600 carries signals 605 and may be implemented using various wired or wireless communication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, a conventional telephone line, a cellular telephone link, a wireless data communication link, a radio frequency ("RF") link, or an infrared link, to name a few.

Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs can also be received via communications interface 590 and stored in the main memory 565 and/or the secondary memory 570. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described.

In this specification, the term "computer-readable medium" is used to refer to any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for providing computer-executable code (e.g., software and computer programs) to the system 550. Examples of such media include main memory 565, secondary memory 570 (including internal memory 575, removable media 580, and external storage media 595), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled with communication interface 590 (including a network information server or other network device). These non-transitory computer-readable media are means for providing executable code, programming instructions, and software to the system 550.

In an embodiment implemented using software, the software may be stored on a computer-readable medium and loaded into system 550 via removable media 580, I/O interface 585, or communications interface 590. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into the system 550 in the form of electrical communication signals 605. The software, when executed by the processor 560, preferably causes the processor 560 to perform the inventive features and functions previously described herein.

System 550 also includes an optional wireless communication component that facilitates wireless communication over voice and data networks. The wireless communication components include an antenna system 610, a radio system 615, and a baseband system 620. In the system 550, radio frequency ("RF") signals are transmitted and received over the air by the radio system 615 under the management of the antenna system 610.

In one embodiment, the antenna system 610 may include one or more antennas and one or more multiplexers (not shown) that perform switching functions to provide transmit and receive signal paths to the antenna system 610. In the receive path, the received RF signal may be coupled from the multiplexer to a low noise amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the received RF signal and sends the amplified signal to the radio system 615.

In alternative embodiments, the radio system 615 may include one or more radios configured to communicate over various frequencies. In one embodiment, the radio system 615 may combine a demodulator (not shown) and a modulator (not shown) in one integrated circuit ("IC"). The demodulator and modulator may also be separate components. In the incoming path, the demodulator strips off the RF carrier signal, leaving a baseband receive audio signal that is sent from the radio system 615 to the baseband system 620.

If the received signal contains audio information, the baseband system 620 decodes the signal and converts it to an analog signal. The signal is then amplified and sent to a speaker. The baseband system 620 also receives analog audio signals from the microphone. These analog audio signals are converted to digital signals and encoded by the baseband system 620. The baseband system 620 also encodes the digital signals for transmission and generates baseband transmit audio signals that are routed to the modulator portion of the radio system 615. The modulator mixes the baseband transmit audio signal with a radio frequency carrier signal, generating a radio frequency transmit signal, which is routed to the antenna system and may pass through a power amplifier (not shown). The power amplifier amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to the antenna system 610 where it is switched to the antenna port for transmission.

The baseband system 620 is also communicatively coupled to the processor 560. Central processing unit 560 may access data storage areas 565 and 570. The central processing unit 560 is preferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programs or software) that may be stored in the memory 565 or the secondary memory 570. Computer programs may also be received from baseband processor 610 and stored in data storage area 565 or secondary memory 570, or executed upon receipt. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system 550 to perform the various functions of the present invention as previously described. For example, data storage area 565 may include various software modules (not shown) that may be executed by processor 560.

Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware, for example using components such as application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs") or field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"). Implementation of a hardware state machine capable of performing the functions described herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method steps described in connection with the above described figures and the embodiments disclosed herein may typically be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. Further, the grouping of functions within a module, block, circuit, or step is for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit to another without departing from the invention.

Furthermore, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor ("DSP"), an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described herein, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium including a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is therefore to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is also to be understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited by these specific details.