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Microsoft Patents Self-Sterilizing Touch Screen

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Microsoft filed a patent that would provide a solution for those who are concerned about all the germs populating a touch screen surface. Microsoft uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the surface of a screen.

It is widely known that devices such as keyboards and computer mice are the least hygienic places in any household. As we are replacing keyboards with touch screens, those greasy screen surfaces could become prominent transfer stations for bacteria. A patent filed by Microsoft in April 2010 suggests that an ultraviolet (UV) light source could be used to sanitize touch screen surfaces. The UV light source would be integrated into a device and would be positioned with the backlight and kill germs from the rear side of the touch screen.

The patent envisions the technology to be used not only for personal computing devices, but especially devices that are exposed to different people, such as ATM screens at banks, checkout stations in grocery stores as well as kiosks at airports. The technology is designed to be used in combination with a proximity sensor that activates the UV light source when a user is not present - and emit UV light at a wavelength that is suited to sterilize the touch screen.

There was no information in which specific products the technology could become available.

45 Comments Comment from the forums
  • DroKing 22 October 2011 23:10
    That is definitely a awesome idea but shoot don't anybody use soap bar anymore? Maybe that is just the old school in me.
    Reply
  • Pyree 22 October 2011 23:11
    Reassuring for germaphobes. I is also nice to be clean for normal people. Although I ma not really concern about it.

    Now you can steal password even easier. Just need fluorescence powder on the fingers because UV light is already there.
    Reply
  • Anaxamenes 22 October 2011 23:13
    So you can work your entire vacation for free and still come back with a tan! Awesome. :)
    Reply
  • lp231 22 October 2011 23:15
    Some cellphones have a antibacterial coating and it also kill off germs.
    Microsoft can invent something that cleans off finger prints too.
    Reply
  • Parsian 22 October 2011 23:15
    drokingThat is definitely a awesome idea but shoot don't anybody use soap bar anymore? Maybe that is just the old school in me.
    no, unfortunately, there are people who f**king get out of the wash room without washing their hands.
    Reply
  • plznote 22 October 2011 23:16
    Finally! A patent that deserves to be rewarded.
    Reply
  • iceman1992 22 October 2011 23:19
    but won't the user be exposed to ultraviolet light?
    Reply
  • de5_Roy 22 October 2011 23:25
    this tech will take care of some of the most-used, dirtiest surfaces. nice idea.
    however, after ms patents it,
    it will get hacked and used to infect people with viruses.
    it will be used to steal atm passwords.
    criminal will use it to steal fingerprint/palmprint data.
    will cause microsoft to release an sp1.
    will cause microsoft to build a cross platform compatible touch friendly sterilizing system named microsoft touch gr8.0will be sued by apple's isterlizetouchscreen patent.
    Reply
  • DroKing 22 October 2011 23:27
    Parsianno, unfortunately, there are people who f**king get out of the wash room without washing their hands.
    True I do that sometime if its real dirty in there -_-
    Reply
  • drwho1 22 October 2011 23:37
    I would be more interested in a self refill coffee cup.
    /sarcasm.
    Reply