IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO DISINFECTION OF OBJECTS

Abstract

A disinfection apparatus for disinfecting an object is disclosed. The disinfection apparatus comprises at least one disinfection unit operable to perform a disinfection operation on the object to be disinfected, an outer casing and at least one actuating door. The outer casing and the at least one actuating door define a disinfection compartment. The apparatus includes at least one position sensor for detecting the presence of an object to be disinfected having been positioned within the disinfection compartment, at least one obstruction sensor operable to detect whether at least a first safety zone is clear, and a central control unit, the central control unit being operable to control operation of the at least one actuating door, the at least one position sensor, the at least one obstruction sensor, and the at least one disinfection unit.

Claims

1-59. (canceled)

60. A disinfection apparatus comprising: at least one disinfection unit operable to perform a disinfection operation on an object to be disinfected; an outer casing; at least one actuating door, the outer casing and the at least one actuating door defining a disinfection compartment; at least one position sensor for detecting the presence of an object to be disinfected having been positioned within the disinfection compartment; at least one obstruction sensor operable to detect whether at least a first safety zone is clear; and a central control unit, the central control unit being operable to control operation of the at least one actuating door; the at least one position sensor; the at least one obstruction sensor; and the at least one disinfection unit.

61. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the at least one disinfection unit comprises a plurality of ultraviolet light sources operable to illuminate the object to be disinfected.

62. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein: the first safety zone is located externally to the outer casing; and the at least one obstruction sensor comprises an external obstruction sensor operable to detect whether the first safety zone is clear.

63. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, further comprising: a second safety zone, the second safety zone being substantially located inside the disinfection compartment; and an internal obstruction sensor operable to detect whether the second safety zone is clear.

64. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the disinfection unit comprises one or more disinfection elements.

65. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 64, wherein: the disinfection unit comprises one or more backup disinfection elements; and the central control unit is operable to activate the one or more backup disinfection elements in response to the status of the one or more disinfection elements being out of compliance with a predetermined value.

66. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the central control unit is operable to transmit one or more signals indicative of the status of at least one of the at least one actuating door, the at least one position sensor, the at least one obstruction sensor, and the at least one disinfection unit, to at least one of computing device, a distributed computer network, and a computing device connected to a distributed computer network.

67. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein: the central control unit is operable to store operation data associated with the use of the disinfection apparatus; and the operation data includes at least one of the number of times the disinfection apparatus was used, the number of objects that have been disinfected using the disinfection apparatus, time data associated with the how long the disinfection apparatus has been used for, the time at which the disinfection apparatus was used, and the date on which it was used.

68. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein: the central control unit comprises an object communication element; the object communication element is operable to communicate with one or more identifier elements associated with the object to be disinfected; the object communication element is operable to obtain object data from the one or more identifier elements; and the object data includes data on at least one of the type of object, the identity of the object, information on when the object was disinfected by a disinfection apparatus, and location data associated with the object.

69. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the disinfection apparatus comprises one or more object sensors operable to detect at least one property of the object to be disinfected.

70. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 69, wherein: the one or more object sensors are operable to detect at least one property of the object to be disinfected when the object is located within the disinfection compartment; and the at least one property includes at least one of the type of object and the shape of at least a portion of the object to be disinfected.

71. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 70, wherein: the central control unit is operable to classify the object according to the at least one property detected by the one or more object sensors; the central control unit is operable to classify the object according to the shape detected by the one or more object sensors; and the central control unit is operable to classify the object as a simple shape object or a complex shape object.

72. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the central control unit is operable to adjust the operating parameters of the at least one disinfection unit based, at least in part, on data received from the object sensor.

73. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein: the disinfection apparatus comprises a monitoring system operable to record one or more images and/or one or more videos of at least a portion of the disinfection compartment during disinfection operations; and the monitoring system is operable to detect one or more shadows on the object to be disinfected.

74. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the central control unit is operable to modify the operation of the one or more disinfection elements based on the detection of one or more shadows on the object to be disinfected.

75. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 74, wherein: one or more of the disinfection elements is movable between at least two positions in the disinfection unit; and modifying the operation of the one or more disinfection elements includes moving one or more disinfection elements between the at least two positions.

76. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 60, wherein: the central control unit is configured to use data from the one or more external obstruction sensors to classify a person detected by the one or more external obstruction sensors; and the central control unit is operable to allocate user permission to one or more classifications of a person and to deny user permission to one or more classifications of a person.

77. The disinfection apparatus according to claim 76, wherein: the disinfection apparatus comprises one or more first external obstruction sensors, orientated towards a first sensing area, and one or more second external obstructions sensors, orientated towards a second area; the first sensing area is at a substantially higher height than the second sensing area; the first sensing area is defined to detect the presence of a first classification of a person at a predetermined distance range to the first external obstruction sensor; and the second sensing area is defined to detect the presence of a second classification of a person at a predetermined distance range to the second external obstruction sensor.

78. A method for controlling a disinfection apparatus for disinfecting an object to be disinfected, the method comprising: detecting that the object to be disinfected is positioned in a first location within the disinfection apparatus; detecting that at least a first safety zone is unobstructed; closing and locking the disinfection apparatus; performing one or more disinfection operations; unlocking and opening the disinfection apparatus; and resetting the disinfection apparatus when it is detected that object to be disinfected has been removed from the first location.

79. The method according to claim 78, wherein the step of detecting that at least a first safety zone is unobstructed comprises using one or more obstruction sensors to detect whether a second safety zone is occupied by a person or object, the second safety zone being located inside a disinfection compartment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0131] FIGS. 1A-1C show a schematic illustration of an exemplary disinfection apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[0132] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method that may be implemented in a disinfection apparatus;

[0133] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an alternative embodiment of the disinfection apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

[0134] FIG. 4 shows another view of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0135] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the embodiment is purely exemplary and that other implementations may easily be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

[0136] A disinfection apparatus 100 comprises an outer casing 102. In the present example, the outer casing is substantially shaped as a cuboid, although it will be appreciated that other shapes may be easily envisaged. The outer casing comprises a top portion 102A and two substantially opposed side portions 102B. The outer casing further comprises a bottom portion 102C. The outer casing further comprises substantially opposed end portions 102D.

[0137] The disinfection apparatus has actuating doors 104 at opposing ends of the outer casing. Each of the actuating doors has a door actuating mechanism 106 operable to move the respective actuating door between an open position and a closed position. In the present example, the actuating mechanism is a powered hinge mechanism operable to allow the door to move between the open position and closed position around a substantially vertical axis. However, it will be appreciated that this is purely for exemplary purposes and that other actuating mechanisms could be envisaged. Examples of alternative actuating mechanisms include, but are by no means limited to: roller shutters; concertina doors; a combined door and ramp; sliding doors; or strip curtains.

[0138] When in the closed position, the actuating doors 104 and the outer casing 102 form a disinfection compartment 108. In some examples, the disinfection compartment is substantially covered with a reflective surface element, including (without limitation): polished stainless steel; reflective paint; or reflective aluminium foil.

[0139] Each of the actuating doors 104 is fitted with a locking mechanism 110 operable to lock the respective door when the disinfection apparatus is in use, thereby to prevent the user or other persons from accessing the inside of the apparatus during disinfection operations. Each locking mechanism is switchable between an unlocked configuration, in which movement of the respective actuating door is enabled, and a locked configuration, in which movement of the respective actuating door is prevented. Further, when in the locked configuration, the locking mechanism ensures that a seal between the respective actuating door and the outer casing is tight in order to prevent ingress or exit of light, compounds or other substances.

[0140] In the present example, the locking mechanism 110 is an electromagnetic locking mechanism. The electromagnetic locking mechanism has a door portion, which is positioned on the actuating door and a casing portion that is positioned on the outer casing of the disinfection apparatus. The door portion and the casing portion are both positioned so as to mutually engage to lock the actuating door when the actuating door is in the closed position. It will be appreciated that several specific implementations of such an electromagnetic locking mechanism may be envisaged by the skilled person.

[0141] Additionally, the locking mechanism 110 comprises a physical key lock that may be used to secure the respective actuating door during transportation and storage. Each actuating door 104 has a door control unit 112 that controls operation of the respective actuating door. The door control unit is connected to one or more of: the respective door actuation mechanism operable to actuate the respective door; the respective locking mechanism operable to lock the respective actuating door; and a central control unit. In some examples, the door control unit is connected to one or more sensors (which will be described in more detail in the following) in addition to or alternatively to being connected to the central control unit.

[0142] The door control unit is operable to cause the one or more actuating doors to be actuated in response to a triggering event. Triggering events include, without limitation: the disinfecting apparatus being in a standby state and an object to be disinfected being detected in the first safety zone; a disinfecting operation being completed; or an emergency trigger being operated. In the present example, on occurrence of a triggering event, the door control unit will send a signal to the respective door actuation mechanism, which in turn actuates the actuating door.

[0143] For purposes of the present example, the door control unit 112 has been described as a separate unit, although it will be appreciated that this is purely for explanatory purposes. In the present example, the door control unit is comprised in a central control unit 114 of the disinfection apparatus. It will be appreciated that the skilled person may envisaged alternative implementations within the scope of the present disclosures.

[0144] Purely by way of example, in some examples, both actuating doors are controlled by a single door control unit. In some examples, the door control unit is a separate unit from the central control unit of the disinfection apparatus, and may be positioned remotely from the central control unit. In other examples, the one or more door control units are separate from the central control unit but located adjacent or proximal thereto.

[0145] The central control 114 unit is positioned in a control equipment box 116 that is located inside the outer casing of the disinfection apparatus. The control equipment box is made of a suitable material. In some examples, the control equipment box is made of a metallic material. The control equipment box is operable to protect the central control unit from being damaged during operation of the disinfection apparatus.

[0146] The central control unit 114 comprises a processing unit and a memory unit. The central control unit is connected to a display and user input unit 115. The display and user input unit is operable to display operational status and other relevant information to the user before, during and after operation of the disinfection apparatus. The display and user input unit, in some examples, has an audio speaker unit (not shown) for emitting warnings, operation statuses or instructions to a user. In some examples, the display and user input unit has a payment component (e.g., a NFC reader for accepting card payments) for situations wherein it is intended that a user be charged for operation of the apparatus.

[0147] The central control unit 114 comprises a communication unit operable to enable the central connection unit to connect to and communicate with other relevant units or devices in a suitable manner. In some examples, the communication unit comprises means for connecting with a communications network (e.g., a 4G or 5G network). In some examples, the communication unit comprises means for connecting with a data network by way of a wireless connection or a wired connection (e.g., WiFi, ethernet, ADSL or a fibre connection). In some examples, the communication unit comprises means for connecting directly with one or more external devices (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC or other short-range communication protocols). The communication unit is operable to communicate with any relevant devices under any suitable circumstances (e.g., communicating with a repair centre in the event of a fault in the operation of the disinfection apparatus). In some examples, the central control unit has an over-the-air software update capability. In some examples, the central control unit has a physical input software update capability, which enables adjustment of different parameters in the control unit software, including (without limitation) increasing the duration of UV light timing to kill off future virus that may need extra UV light exposure.

[0148] The disinfection apparatus comprises one or more disinfection units 118. In the present example, the disinfection apparatus has four disinfection units, each comprising plurality of light sources 120 that emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It will be appreciated, however, that other types of radiation could be used alternatively to or in addition to the aforementioned ultraviolet radiation.

[0149] The disinfection units 118 are mounted on or attached to a surface of the disinfection compartment 108. As described above, the disinfection compartment is formed of the inside surfaces of the outer casing and the actuating doors. As also described above, in the present example, the disinfection apparatus has four disinfection units. Each disinfection unit extends substantially longitudinally inside the disinfection compartment. In this example, the disinfection units are positioned substantially at each intersection of an inside surface of a side portion 1028 with an inside surface of the top portion 102A or the bottom portion 102C of the outer casing 102. In other terms, each disinfection unit is positioned at the corners of the transverse cross section of the outer casing 102.

[0150] The disinfection units 118 are oriented so as to illuminate or irradiate an object placed in the disinfection compartment. In the present example, each of the disinfection units comprises a plurality of UV light sources 120 and a reflective panel 122 operable to reflect any incident radiation substantially towards the object placed in the disinfection compartment. This maximises the amount of UV light directed towards the object to be disinfected, thereby increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the disinfection apparatus. In the present example, each disinfection unit has two subsets of UV light sources: a primary set and a secondary set. During normal operation, only the primary subset of UV light sources is illuminated. If it is detected that the primary subset has failed, is inoperable or is otherwise not functioning adequately, the secondary subset of UV light sources is switched on. In other terms, the secondary subset of UV light sources is a backup or secondary set of light sources. It will be appreciated that alternative modes of operation may easily be envisaged within the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, both the primary subset and the secondary subset of UV light sources are used during operation of the disinfection apparatus.

[0151] Further, each disinfection unit has a diagnostics element operable to determine whether the UV lights are functioning correctly and to provide information to an operator if there is a failure. In effect, if one light source fails, another will turn on and an error signal will be sent to the central control unit

[0152] The disinfection apparatus 100 comprises one or more positioning aids 124 operable to facilitate the correction positioning of the object to be disinfected. In an example, the positioning aids comprise at least one indent ridge positioned in the floor of the disinfection apparatus. The positioning aids may have any suitable or relevant shape or form. In the present example, the positioning aids are adapted to receive one or more wheels of a shopping trolley. When moved into the disinfection apparatus, the positioning aids facilitate the correct positioning of the shopping trolley. This ensures consistent operation of the disinfection apparatus. Further, speed of operation of the disinfection apparatus is increased, since users spend less time correctly placing the shopping trolley within the disinfection apparatus.

[0153] The disinfection apparatus has at least one proximity sensor 126 mounted inside the disinfection compartment 108.

[0154] In some examples, the proximity sensor is formed in a contact pad mounted on an inside surface on either or both of the actuating doors 104. When the shopping trolley is positioned inside the disinfection compartment, the user pushes until the shopping trolley comes into contact with the contact pad or is immediately proximal thereto. This causes the proximity sensor to detect the presence of the shopping trolley and allows the disinfection process to proceed.

[0155] In the present example, the proximity sensor 126 comprises a microwave motion sensor and two photoelectric sensors. The microwave motion sensor is positioned on a top inside surface of the disinfection compartment. This enables the microwave motion sensor to detect motion in substantially all of the disinfection compartment. The two photoelectric sensors are positioned on an inside side surface of the disinfection compartment, so as to detect the presence of the shopping trolley. Each of the photoelectric sensors comprise a radiation source and detector, as well as a reflective element.

[0156] In addition to detecting the presence of the object to be disinfected, at least one of the sensors comprised in the proximity sensor 126 is operable to detect whether a person or animal is present inside the disinfection compartment. Effectively, the proximity sensor performs the function of an internal obstruction sensor as described above.

[0157] It will be appreciated that the proximity sensor 126 described in the present example is exemplary, and that additional or alternative positioning sensors may be envisaged within the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, alternative or additional sensors may be fitted so as to ensure correct operation of the apparatus. It will further be appreciated that the position of the proximity sensor, or one or more of the microwave motion sensor and two photoelectric sensors, is purely exemplary. Numerous specific and advantageous positions may be envisaged within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] In an example, at least one of the indent ridges comprises a pressure sensor that detects whether a shopping trolley wheel is positioned in the correct spot. Any suitable pressure sensor may be used, including (but by no means limited to) load cell sensors; or inductive pressure sensors.

[0159] The disinfection apparatus has at least one access ramp 128 positioned adjacent to the at least one actuating doors 104. The access ramp facilitates access to the disinfection compartment, in particular for wheeled objects such as shopping trolleys. The access ramp is fitted with a rubberized surface 130, which reduces the risk of persons or objects slipping thereon. In an example, the access ramp comprises a suitable pressure sensor operable to detect the presence of an object or person on the access ramp. Any suitable pressure sensor may be used, including (but by no means limited to) load cell sensors; or inductive pressure sensors.

[0160] The disinfection apparatus has guard rails 132 positioned adjacent to the actuating doors and the access ramp. The guard rails facilitate access to the disinfection compartment by aiding in correct alignment of the shopping trolley during entry and exit from the disinfection compartment.

[0161] An external obstruction sensor 134 is mounted on the end portion 102D above the actuating door 104 proximal to the guard rails 132. The obstruction sensor is operable to detect whether an object or a person is present within a first safety zone. In the present example, the first safety zone substantially comprises the area between the guard rails. By ensuring that no persons or objects are present within the first safety zone, the risk of interference with the operation of the disinfection apparatus is reduced. Additionally, the risk of any accidental exposure of a person to the disinfection operation, in case of the apparatus being improperly sealed, is reduced.

[0162] Additionally, in some examples, the obstruction sensor 134 is operable to detect the presence of an object or a user within the first safety zone prior to a disinfection operation. If an object or user is detected within the first safety zone, a signal is sent to the door control unit, so as to open the actuating door in order to allow an object to be inserted into the disinfection compartment.

[0163] In the present example, the obstruction sensor 134 comprises an infrared sensor mounted on the actuating door 104 proximal to the guard rails 132. The infrared sensor is operable to detect the presence of persons or animals inside the first safety zone. It will be appreciated that alternative or additional sensors or types of sensors could be envisaged by the skilled person within the scope of the present disclosure. Examples include, without limitation: microwave sensors; or pressure sensors.

[0164] The disinfection apparatus, in some examples, comprises additional features which may increase the efficacy of the operation of the apparatus or increase the safety of operation of the apparatus.

[0165] In the present example, the disinfection apparatus has at least one emergency trigger 136 which, when operated, causes the operation of the disinfection apparatus to be instantly interrupted. The at least one emergency trigger is located within the disinfection compartment. This enables a person who is accidentally trapped inside the disinfection compartment to prevent the disinfection operation from being carried out whilst they are inside. This feature functions in conjunction with the above-mentioned proximity sensor 126 operable to also detect movement of persons or animals inside the disinfection compartment. If either the emergency trigger or the proximity sensor is activated, the operation of the disinfection apparatus will be halted, switching off the disinfection units 118 and switching the actuating doors 104 to an open and unlocked position.

[0166] Prior to use, the disinfection apparatus is configured in a deployed state. In this state, the at least one access ramps is positioned and locked in an open state. Further, the disinfection apparatus is connected to a power source, such as a mains source. For transportation to and from a deployment location, the disinfection apparatus may be configurable into a transportation state.

[0167] An example of use of the exemplary disinfection apparatus will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that this is purely for exemplary purposes and that further specific implementations may be envisaged by the skilled person.

[0168] In order to initiate a disinfection process, a user positions an object to be disinfected in a first location in the disinfection apparatus. Purely for exemplary purposes, the object to be disinfected is in the present example a shopping trolley. Accordingly, the terms object to be disinfected and shopping trolley will be used interchangeably in the following.

[0169] It will nevertheless be appreciated that the exemplary method as described in the following is equally applicable to other types of objects and in other situations or circumstances. Examples of such objects and circumstances include, without limitation: tools or hand tools; clothing; groceries; food stuffs; cooking utensils; food preparation utensils and equipment; medical instruments and personal protective equipment; electrical components such as mobile phones; jewellery; books and documentation; spectacles; glassware and crockery; potted plants; waste or refuse; toys; bed linen; cosmetics; baggage; or towels.

[0170] In some examples, in an optional method step 201A, prior to a positioning step, it is detected that the object to be disinfected is positioned in a second location. In some examples, the second location is external to the disinfection apparatus. In an example, the second location is substantially identical to the first safety zone. In a specific example, the second location is substantially between a pair of guard rails. Upon detecting the object in the second location, an actuating door is moved from a closed position into an open position to allow access to a disinfection compartment. In some examples, there is a time delay between detecting the object in the second location and the actuating door being actuated.

[0171] During the positioning step, the shopping trolley is positioned into a first location. In the present example, the first location is inside the disinfection compartment. In some examples, the first location is located substantially within the second safety zone described with reference to FIG. 1. The disinfection apparatus comprises one or more positioning aids to facilitate the positioning step. As described above, the one or more positioning aids may have any suitable shape or form in order to facilitate the correct positioning of the object to be disinfected. In the above-mentioned example, the one or more positioning aids comprises one or more indent ridges, each of said indent ridges being adapted to receive at least one shopping trolley wheel.

[0172] In a first method step 201, it is detected that the object is positioned in a first location within the disinfection apparatus. The detection may be carried out in any suitable fashion.

[0173] In an example, the step of detecting that the object to be disinfected is positioned in a first location comprises using a position sensor to detect that the object to be disinfected is positioned in the first location. The position sensor is, in some examples, positioned inside the disinfection compartment. As described above, in the present example, the at least one position sensor is a proximity sensor.

[0174] In a second method step 202, it is detected that at least a first safety zone is unobstructed. The detection step may be carried out in a suitable fashion. In some examples, the detection step is performed using one or more obstruction sensors. The one or more obstruction sensors are used to detect whether the at least one first safety zone is occupied by a person or object.

[0175] In some examples, the second method step further comprises detecting that the second safety zone only contains the object to be disinfected, the second safety zone being located inside a disinfection compartment. In such examples, the second method step further comprises using one or more suitable sensors to detect whether a second safety zone is occupied by a person or object. In the present example, wherein the disinfection apparatus is substantially identical to that described with reference to FIG. 1, this step is performed by the proximity sensor. As persons or animals generally move, as long as movement is detected it may safely be assumed that a person or animal is inside the disinfection compartment.

[0176] If a person or object is present within the at least one first safety zone or the presence of a person or animal is detected inside the second safety zone, any further method steps are prevented from being carried out. In some examples, the detection step is repeated or continuously performed until it is successfully detected that the one or more obstruction sensors are not triggered and the first safety zone is clear. In some examples, the method is interrupted until it is detected that the first safety zone is unobstructed. In specific examples, the method is interrupted for a predetermined interruption time period, after which the second method step is carried out again. The interruption time period may have any suitable length, such as (without limitation): 1 second; 2 seconds; 3 seconds; 5 seconds; or 10 seconds. It will be appreciated that these examples are purely for illustrative purposes, and that several variations of the second method step may be envisaged within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0177] In other examples, the method is interrupted and reset, thereby requiring the method to be restarted.

[0178] Once the second method step is successfully completed, the method proceeds to the next method step.

[0179] In a third method step 203, the disinfection apparatus is closed and locked. In the present example, one or more of the actuating doors is actuated and moved from an open position to a closed position. Subsequently, the one or more locking mechanisms corresponding to the respective actuating doors is engaged.

[0180] In some examples, the third method steps comprises a verification sub-step in which it is verified that the one or more actuating doors is correctly in the closed position. Additionally, the verification sub-step verifies whether the locking mechanisms are correctly engaged and in a locked configuration.

[0181] In a fourth method step 204, one or more disinfection operations is performed. The disinfection operation may be carried out in any suitable fashion using any suitable disinfection unit or units. In an example, the disinfection operation is carried out using the disinfection unit of the disinfection apparatus described in the above example.

[0182] In some examples, the disinfection operation comprises a plurality of disinfection steps or procedures.

[0183] In the present example, the disinfection operation comprises illuminating the object to be disinfected with radiation from the disinfection units comprised in the outer casing of the disinfection apparatus for a first disinfection period. The first disinfection period may be any suitable period of time, including (without limitation): 5 seconds; 10 seconds; 15 seconds; 20 seconds; 25 seconds; 30 seconds; 35 seconds; 40 seconds; 50 seconds; 60 seconds; 70 seconds; 80 seconds; or 90 seconds. In the present example, the first disinfection period is substantially 20 seconds. It will be appreciated that the specific duration is determined by the treatment, the specific type of bacteria or virus to be remove, and by the complexity and type of materials to be disinfected.

[0184] In a fifth method step 204, the disinfection apparatus is unlocked and opened. The fifth method step is substantially identical to the third method step, but carried out substantially in reverse.

[0185] In a sixth method step 206, it is detected that the object has been removed from the first location in the disinfection apparatus. The disinfection apparatus is then reset in order to render it ready for the next disinfection operation.

[0186] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 show another embodiment of the invention, which is substantially identical to the preceding embodiments with the following modifications.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 4, the disinfection apparatus 100 comprises a display unit 115 located on the actuating door 104. This provides a visual aid to the user, and indicates when the disinfection apparatus 100 is available to use. In other embodiments, the display unit 115 could be integrated in the actuating door 104.

[0188] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, the disinfection apparatus 100 includes condition monitoring capability. The disinfection apparatus 100 comprises one or more condition monitoring devices operable to provide the status of each actuating door 104, the proximity sensor 126, the external obstruction sensor 134, and the at least one disinfection unit 118. The central control unit 114 is operable to obtain a status of each actuating door 104, the proximity sensor 126, the external obstruction sensor 134, and the disinfection unit 118 (including the light sources 120). The status includes an indication of whether the component is in compliance with one or more pre-defined operating parameters. The status includes the status of at least some of the components of each actuating door 104, the proximity sensor 126, the external obstruction sensor 134, and the disinfection unit 118 (including the light sources 120). Typically, the status includes one or more fault conditions.

[0189] One or more of the condition monitoring devices 140 are configured to provide a status of the light sources 120, and to measure a parameter associated with the operation of the light sources 120. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the disinfection unit 118 comprises one or more backup light sources 120a (an example of a backup disinfection element). The central control unit 114 is operable to activate the backup light sources 120a in response to the status of the one or more light sources 120 being out of compliance with a predetermined value.

[0190] The display unit 115 is configured to indicate the status of each actuating door 104, the proximity sensor 126, the external obstruction sensor 134, and the disinfection unit 118 (including the light sources 120) and the one or more backup light sources 120a.

[0191] The central control unit 114 is operable to transmit one or more signals indicative of the status of each actuating door 104, the proximity sensor 126, the external obstruction sensor 134, and the disinfection unit 118 (including the light sources 120) to a computing device (not shown), a distributed computer network, and/or a computing device connected to a distributed computer network. The computing device could be a PC, laptop, or smart phone, or the like.

[0192] The central control unit 114 is operable to indicate one or more recommended scheduled maintenance periods, such as a service date, or the like, on the display unit 115.

[0193] The central control unit 114 is operable to store operation data associated with the use of the disinfection apparatus 100. The operation data includes the number of times the disinfection apparatus 100 was used, with a single use of the apparatus 100 being defined in any suitable way according to user preference, such as by one or more disinfection operations being carried out. The operation data includes the number of objects that have been disinfected using the disinfection apparatus 100. The operation data includes time data associated with how long the disinfection apparatus 100 has been used for, the time at which the disinfection apparatus 100 was used at and the date on which it was used.

[0194] The display unit 115 is operable to display at least some of the operation data, including the time data, the number of times the disinfection apparatus is used, and/or the number of objects that have been disinfected using the disinfection apparatus.

[0195] The central control unit 114 comprises an object communication element 142 operable to communicate with one or more identifier elements 144 associated with the object to be disinfected. The one or more identifier elements 144 are located in the object to be disinfected, although they could be located on, or adjacent to the object. The one or more identifier elements 144 are transceiver elements, although any suitable identifier element could be used, such as tags, RFID tags, internet-of-things (IoT) devices, or the like.

[0196] The object communication element 142 is operable to communicate with the one or more identifier elements 144 using one or more communication protocols. The communication protocol is WiFi, although any suitable protocol could be used.

[0197] The object communication element 142 is operable to obtain object data from the one or more identifier elements 144. The object data includes data on the type of object, the identity of the object (e.g. a unique identifier or code allocated to the object), information on when the object was disinfected by a disinfection apparatus, and location data associated with the object.

[0198] The central control unit 114 is operable to communicate the object data to one or more computing devices, optionally over a distributed computing network or wireless communication link.

[0199] The central control unit 114 is operable to display at least some of the object data on the display unit 115.

[0200] The disinfection apparatus 100 comprises an object sensor 146 operable to detect at least one property of the object to be disinfected when the object is located within the disinfection compartment 108. The at least one property includes the type of object. The object sensor 146 is operable to determine the shape of at least a portion of the object to the disinfected. The central control unit 114 is operable to classify the object according to the at least one property detected by the object sensor 146. The central control unit 114 is operable to classify the object according to the shape detected by the object sensor 146. The central control unit 114 is operable to classify the object as a simple shape object or a complex shape object.

[0201] The object sensor 114 is an optical sensor. However, in other embodiments, the, or each, object sensor could be an optical sensor, a camera, electro-optical sensor, infra-red sensor, or the like.

[0202] The central control unit 114 is operable to adjust the operating parameters of the at least one disinfection unit 118 based, at least in part, on data received from the object sensor 146. The central control unit 114 is operable to adjust the operating parameters of the light sources 120 based, at least in part, on data received from the object sensor 146. The central control unit 114 is operable to adjust the operating parameters of the disinfection unit 118 based, at least in part, on the classification of the object. The central control unit 114 is operable to adjust the operating parameters of the light sources 120 based, at least in part, on the classification of the object.

[0203] The disinfection apparatus 100 includes a camera 148 (an example component of a monitoring system), which is operable to record one or more images and/or one or more videos of at least a portion of the disinfection compartment 108 during disinfection operations.

[0204] The camera 148 is operable to detect shadows on the object to be disinfected during disinfection operations. The central control unit 114 is operable to modify the operation of the light sources 120 based on the detection of one or more shadows on the object to be disinfected by the camera 148. Modifying the operation of the light sources 120 includes activating or deactivating some or all of the light sources 120 and modifying the intensity of some or all of the light sources 120.

[0205] In some embodiments, modifying the operation of the light sources 120 can include activating or deactivating light sources 120 located at or adjacent to the inner top surface of the disinfection unit 118, the inner bottom surface of the disinfection unit 118 and/or at least one of the inner side surfaces of the disinfection unit 118, and/or modifying the intensity of the light sources 120.

[0206] One of the light sources 120b (shown in FIG. 3A) is movable between at least two positions in the disinfection unit 118. The movable light source 120b is mounted to a robotic vehicle configured to move the light source 120b between the at least two positions. The central control unit 114 is operable to control the operation of the actuator device. It will be understood that modifying the operation of the light sources 120 may include moving the movable light source 120b between the at least two positions.

[0207] The central control unit 114 is operable to trigger one or more alarms based on data received from the one or more external obstruction sensors 134. The one or more alarms can include visual alarms or warnings and/or audio alarms or warnings. The, or each, alarm may be displayed on the display unit 115.

[0208] The central control unit 114 is operable to prompt a person to use the disinfection apparatus 100. The central control unit 114 is operable to prompt a person to use the disinfection apparatus 100 based on data received from the one or more external obstruction sensors 134. The prompt may include a visual prompt and/or audio prompt. The, or each, prompt may be displayed on the display unit 115.

[0209] The external obstruction sensor 134 is operable to measure or infer a person's body temperature. The central control unit 114 is operable to trigger a warning or alarm if a person's body temperature is above a predetermined threshold and/or below a predetermined threshold.

[0210] The central control unit 114 is configured to automatically move the front actuating door 104 from a closed position to an open position in response to the detection of a person outside of the disinfection apparatus 100 by the one or more external obstruction sensors 134. In this embodiment, the user can use the apparatus 100 without providing any input to the apparatus, which is advantageous to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, for cleanliness, and for ease of use.

[0211] The central control unit 114 is operable to move the front actuating door from the closed position to the open position when one or more of the external obstruction 134 sensors detects the presence of a user. The central control unit 114 is operable to move the front door 104 from the open position to the closed position when the object to be disinfected is in the first safety zone. The central control unit 114 is operable to move the rear actuating door 104 from the closed position to the open position when the one or more disinfection operations are complete. The complete operation of the apparatus 100 can therefore be performed without the user touching the apparatus 100.

[0212] In some embodiments, the central control unit 114 is configured to use data from the one or more external obstruction sensors 134 to classify the person detected by the one or more external obstruction sensors 134. For example, the person may be classified by height, weight, or any suitable parameter. The classification may include classifying the person as an adult or child, or an animal. The central control unit 114 is operable to allocate user permission to one or more classifications of a person and to deny user permission to one or more classifications of a person. The central control unit 114 is operable to maintain the at least one actuating door 104 in the closed position, if a person who does not have user permission is detected by the one or more external obstruction sensor 134. The central control unit 114 is operable to allow the operation of the disinfection apparatus 100 when a user who has user permission is detected by the one or more external obstruction sensors 134.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 3B, the disinfection apparatus 100 comprises a first external obstruction sensor 134a, orientated towards a first sensing area, and one or more second external obstructions sensors 134b, orientated towards a second sensing area. The first sensing area is at a substantially higher height than the second sensing area. There may be some overlap between the first and second sensing areas, or there may be substantially no overlap. The first sensing area may be defined to detect the presence of a first classification of a person at a predetermined distance range to the first external obstruction sensor 134a. The second sensing area may be defined to detect the presence of a second classification of a person at a predetermined distance range to the second external obstruction sensor 134b.

[0214] The second sensing area is defined to detect the presence of a child at a predetermined distance range to the second external obstruction sensor 134b and the first sensing area is defined to detect the presence of an adult at a predetermined distance range to the first external obstruction sensor 134a. The first sensing area is defined such that a child would not be detected at a predetermined distance range to the first external obstruction sensor 134a. In this example, the presence of an adult or child can be determined. It will be understood that the definition of adult and child can be set according to user preference and regulatory requirements. For example, the orientation of the sensors 134a, 134b could be used to determine a height threshold between the sensors, or sensor data could be used to infer whether an adult or child is present. The central control unit 114 is operable to deny user permission unless the first and second external obstruction sensors 134a, 134b both detect the presence of a person.

[0215] The central control unit 114 is operable to obtain a status of the position of the object in the disinfection compartment 108, and this status is indicated on the display unit 115 using a green status for the object being positioned correctly, and red for the object not being in the correct position.

[0216] The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

[0217] For example, although not shown here, the monitoring system could comprise one or more UVA illumination sources operable to illuminate at least a portion of the object to be disinfected when the object is located in the disinfection unit. In this example, the monitoring system is operable to capture one or more images of the disinfection unit when illuminated, and to save the captured images. In this example, the monitoring system is configured to detect the presence of pathogens, bacteria or viruses. The detection of pathogens is carried out using fluorescence imaging, or any suitable imaging method of detecting or inferring the presence of pathogens, bacteria or viruses. The central control unit 114 could be operable to activate the one or more illumination sources of the monitoring system before a disinfection operation begins and/or after the disinfection operation is complete, to assess the success of the disinfection operation.

[0218] The disinfection apparatus could comprise an air supply system operable to provide a positive pressure difference between the inside of the disinfection unit and the outside of the disinfection unit. The air supply system could comprise one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets. The air inlet may be located at an upper region of the disinfection unit. In this arrangement, the pressure difference can mitigate the ingress of debris into the disinfection unit. This arrangement is also thought to assist in disinfecting the disinfection unit.

[0219] The disinfection unit could comprise one or more windows. The, or each, window may be configured to filter UV light. The, or each window may include one or more acrylic or plexiglass panes.

[0220] The disinfection apparatus could comprise one or more motors and one or more wheels, such that the disinfection apparatus can be moved. This is advantageous in some settings, such as a hospital setting.

[0221] The at least one actuating door could include an automatic elevating door mechanism, which may raise the door vertically.

[0222] In some embodiments, the disinfection apparatus may not comprise actuating doors. For example, the outer casing may be movable between an open and closed state, such as by raising the casing vertically, to allow an object to enter the disinfection unit, and lowering the casing to perform a disinfection operation (an elevator-type arrangement). It will be appreciated that moving the casing between an open and closed state can be carried out in a number of ways.

[0223] The disinfection apparatus could comprise an extension mechanism operable to configure the disinfection apparatus between a stowed state and a deployed state. The extension mechanism could be configured to extend the disinfection unit vertically and/or horizontally.