Sterilizing touch screen displays with ultraviolet light
US10596281B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A touch screen or touch screen appliance includes built-in UV LEDs. The LEDs sterilize the touch screen at start-up, and periodically during operation. The LEDs may be disposed at the edges of the glass display such that the UV light is completely internally reflected within the glass display to prevent damage or strain to the user's eyes. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed behind the glass display, potentially also behind a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer to sterilize the glass from behind. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed in a layer in front of the glass display, or at angles around the perimeter of the glass display.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.