Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of hygiene and sanitation. More particularly, it relates to a system/method for ensuring cleaning of washrooms at the scheduled/stipulated times.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Maintaining a pleasant and odor-free environment in washrooms is a long-standing challenge. Despite employing dedicated cleaning staff, public washrooms stink and cleanliness in washrooms mostly falls short in ensuring pleasant experience for users. Government spends millions for paying wages of cleaning staff or cleaners, yet washrooms remain filthy.
[0004] One of the primary reasons for the non-cleanliness of washrooms is the lack of effective means/measures for tracking washroom cleaning events. Tracking of washroom cleaning is largely done through logbooks/record books filled/signed by the cleaning staff/personnels to mark the date/time when a particular washroom was attended for cleaning purposes.
[0005] To avoid proxy and to ensure that cleaning staff regularly attends the cleaning needs of washrooms, QR Codes and NFC Tags based tracking is also done, wherein washroom cleaners/staff is required to scan or tap the code/tag with his/her smartphone to confirm that washroom cleaner has visited the washroom(s) where he/she was supposed to perform cleaning.
[0006] However, prior art solutions have proved to be ineffective/ inefficient in ensuring that washroom cleaners/ staff actually cleaning the washrooms, not just visit the washroom, fills/signs the logbook/recordkeeping register, or scan a QR code to mark their attendance without cleaning the washrooms.
[0007] To mitigate the prior art problems, a system and/or a method for ensuring effective/efficient cleaning is proposed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an advanced system and advanced method for logging cleaning events.
[0009] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an advanced system and advanced method for logging washroom cleaning effectiveness.
[00010] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an advanced system and advanced method for reporting cleaning events.
[00011] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an advanced system and advanced method for reporting cleaning effectiveness.
[00012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an advanced system and/or an advanced method for ensuring that washrooms must be cleaned effectively/positively before washroom cleaners’ attendance is marked in the attendance logbook/register.

SUMMARY
[00013] The present disclosure relates to an advanced system and an advanced method for ensuring that washrooms must be cleaned effectively/positively before washroom cleaners’ attendance is marked in the attendance logbook/register.
[00014] In an aspect, the proposed system for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom, comprising incorporation of one of more odor sensors; an interface for logging washroom entry and washroom exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner; a computing device operatively coupled with said one or more sensors and said interface for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp of the washroom cleaner, for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the exit timestamp of the washroom cleaner, and for determining a difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamps; and means for reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamps.
[00015] The proposed system/method may comprise an interface configured for logging washroom entry and exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner through biometric credentials.
[00016] The proposed system/method may incorporate any stateof-the-art odor sensors, such as an electronic nose (e-nose).
[00017] The proposed system/method may incorporate wired or wireless means for reporting the unsatisfactory difference in odor levels.
[00018] The proposed system/method may incorporate means for raising an audio alarm and means for raising a visual alarm for reporting the unsatisfactory difference in odor levels.
[00019] In an aspect, the proposed method for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom comprises the steps of sensing odor levels of the washroom, logging washroom entry and exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner, collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp and odor levels of the washroom at the exit timestamp, determining a difference in odor levels of entry and exit timestamps, and reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamp.
[00020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[00022] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed system for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[00023] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed system for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Wired or wireless
[00024] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed method for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00026] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00027] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00028] The present disclosure provides a system for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom through incorporation of one of more odor sensors, an interface for logging washroom entry and exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner, a computing device operatively coupled with said one or more sensors and said interface for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp; for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the exit timestamp; and for determining a difference in odor levels between entry and exit timestamps, and means for reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels.
[00029] Referring now to FIG 1, a system 100 configured in a washroom/ Toilet/ Lavatory is depicted, wherein washroom, incorporating one or more odor sensors 102-1….102-3 and a computing device 106.
[00030] Odor sensors 102-1---102-3 can be configured with/without wireless connectivity means. Odor sensors can be a gas sensor, an electronic-nose or e-nose, and it can sense/detect the intensity of smell present in its ambient environment.
[00031] Computing device 106 can be a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, and the like portable devices. The computing device 106 can be configured with a mobile application (or ‘app’) for providing a user interface for washroom cleaners and facilitates them for logging/recording a cleaner’s washroom entry and washroom exit timings/timestamps.
[00032] The computing device 106 is configured with one or more speakers (not shown), one or more visual indication/alarm means, such as LEDs. (not shown). Said speakers and LEDs may be used to raise an alarm.
[00033] User interface presented by the mobile app may also be used to raise an alarm, such as transforming screen/display of the computing device to generate a strobe effect.
[00034] Odor sensors 102 and computing devices 106 can be wirelessly connect/coupled to a cloud server 104. Any one, or all, of the sensors 102-1…102-3 can communicate to the cloud server 104.
[00035] The odor sensors 102-1…102-3 can sense the odor level of washroom 100 in real time and can communicate the sensed odor levels to the cloud server 104. Communication between said sensors and cloud can happen periodically on occurrence of an event (such as when odor levels cross a preset limit), or on-demand.
[00036] According to exemplary implementation of the proposed invention, a washroom cleaner may be required to log/register/record his/her attendance/presence via the proposed system/method.
[00037] When a washroom cleaner (not shown) arrives at washroom 100, he/she is required to log-in/sign-in on the computing device 106. The log-in process can be through username-password/passcode credentials, or it can be done through Biometric credentials input, i.e., scanning of fingerprint, thumb, eye, voice, retina, and/or face on the computing device.
[00038] The moment a successful log-in happens, computing device 106 creates a washroom entry timestamp. As soon as an entry timestamp is created, one or more of the odor sensor(s) 102-1…102(3) are requested by the device 106 to sense/collect the instantaneous odor levels of the washroom and record it on the cloud server 104.
[00039] When the washroom cleaner completes cleaning of the washroom 100, he is required to log-out/sign-out to mark completion of washroom cleaning. Log-out/sign-out can be done by simply pressing log-out button provided on user interface of the mobile phone app installed on the computing device 106, or it can be done through biometric credentials input, i.e., scanning of fingerprint, thumb, eye, voice, retina, and/or face on the computing device.
[00040] The moment a successful log-out happens, the computing device 106 may create a washroom exit timestamp, and as soon as an exit timestamp is created, one or more of the odor sensor(s) 102-1…102(3) may be requested by the device 106 to sense/collect the instantaneous odor levels of the washroom and record it on the cloud server 104.
[00041] Cloud server 104 may be configured to collect and process the odor levels recorded at the entry and exit timestamps. Cloud server 104 may determine the difference in odor levels corresponding to the entry and exit timestamps.
[00042] In an embodiment, computing device 106 may be configured to collect and process the odor levels recorded at the entry and exit timestamps, it may determine the difference in odor levels corresponding to the entry and exit timestamps.
[00043] If the difference in odor levels between said entry and exit timestamps is within acceptable limits, the cleaning activity of the cleaner may be marked successful and may be recorded accordingly.
[00044] If the odor levels at the entry timestamps and exit timestamps have minor/miniscule/unacceptable differences, i.e. the odor levels at the entry timestamp is same or substantially the same as compared to the odor levels at the exit timestamp, which reflects unsatisfactory cleaning of the washroom by the cleaner, the cleaning activity may be marked unsuccessful, alarm may be raised, or unsatisfactory cleaning may be reported to an authorized person/authority.
[00045] Means for reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels may be done by alarm, which may be generated through the user interface of the mobile app, such as transforming screen/display of the computing device to generate a strobe effect. Alarm may be generated through auxiliary audio/visual devices (not shown).
[00046] Means for reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels may be done by wirelessly sending a report of unsatisfactory cleaning to an authorized person/authority. The computing device may create a report and send it over an e-mail, chat, Instant messenger, WhatsApp, or such other communication platforms.
[00047] Taking reference of Fig. 2, which depicts another exemplary embodiment of the proposed invention. In this embodiment, a washroom 200 is configured with odor sensors 202-1…202-3, connected through wires to a device 204 for logging washroom entry and exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner.
[00048] Device 204 may be configured to incorporate an interface for logging washroom entry and exit timestamps. Device 204 may also incorporate a computing device for collecting odor levels at entry and exit timestamps, processing said odor levels, and determining a difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamps.
[00049] Further, device 204 may be configured with means for generating audio and/or visual alarms. Audio alarms may be generated by means of speaker devices, and visual alarm may be generated by incorporation of glowing lamp/LEDs.
[00050] Device 204 may also incorporate means for wirelessly transmitting/ reporting to any other device (not shown). Reporting done by device 204 may relate to unsatisfactory cleaning of the washroom, attendance of the cleaner, entry and exit timestamps, odor levels at different times, etc.
[00051] When a washroom cleaner (not shown) arrives at washroom 200, he/she is required to log-in/sign-in on user interface of the device 204. The log-in process can be through username-password/passcode credentials, or it can be done through Biometric credentials, i.e., scanning of fingerprint, thumb, eye, voice, retina, and/or face through device 204.
[00052] The moment a successful log-in happens, device 204 creates a washroom entry timestamp. As soon as an entry timestamp is created, one or more of the odor sensor(s) 202-1…202(3) are requested by device 204 to sense/collect the instantaneous odor levels of the washroom and transmit the sensed odor levels to device 204.
[00053] When the washroom cleaner completes the cleaning of the washroom 200, he is required to log-out/sign-out. Log-out/sign-out can be done by pressing log-out button, or it can be done through biometric credentials, i.e., scanning of fingerprint, thumb, eye, voice, retina, and/or face on the device.
[00054] The moment a successful log-out happens, device 204 creates a washroom exit timestamp. As soon as an exit timestamp is created, one or more of the odor sensor(s) 202-1…202(3) are requested to sense/collect the instantaneous odor levels of the washroom and transmit the sensed odor levels to device 204.
[00055] Device 204 is configured to process the odor levels corresponding to the entry and exit timestamps. Device 204 then determines the difference in odor levels between said entry and exit timestamps.
[00056] If the difference in odor levels between said entry and exit timestamps is within acceptable limits, the cleaning activity of the cleaner may be marked successful and may be recorded accordingly.
[00057] If the odor levels at the entry timestamps and exit timestamps have minor/miniscule and unacceptable differences, i.e. the odor levels at the exit timestamp is same or substantially the same as compared to the odor levels at the entry timestamp, which reflects improper and unsatisfactory washroom cleaning by the cleaner, the cleaning activity may be marked unsuccessful. For which, an alarm may be raised and/or reporting may be done to an authorized person/authority.

[00058] Fig. 3 discloses the steps of an exemplary method 300, comprising the step 302 of sensing odor levels of a washroom; step 304 of logging washroom entry timestamp and collecting odor levels of the washroom; step 306 of logging washroom exit timestamp and collecting odor levels of the washroom; step 308 of determining a difference in odor levels corresponding to the entry and exit timestamps; and the step 308 of reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels.

[00059] Thus, the present disclosure provides a system and/or a method is proposed to ensure logging of not just the cleaning events but also the logging of cleaning effectiveness to ensure efficient cleaning by cleaning staff and for ensuring pleasant experience for washroom users.
[00060] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[00061] The present invention provides an advanced system and advanced method for logging cleaning events.
[00062] The present invention provides an advanced system and advanced method for logging of cleaning effectiveness.
[00063] The present invention provides an advanced system and advanced method for reporting cleaning events.
[00064] The present invention provides an advanced system and advanced method for reporting cleaning effectiveness.
[00065] The present invention provides an advanced system and advanced method to ensure logging of not just the cleaning events but also the logging of cleaning effectiveness to ensure efficient cleaning by cleaning staff and for ensuring pleasant experience for washroom users.

, Claims:I/We Claim:

1. A system (100) for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom, comprising:
one of more odor sensors (102-1, 102-2, 102-3);
an interface (106) for logging washroom entry and washroom exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner;
a computing device (104) operatively coupled with said one or more sensors and said interface for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp of the washroom cleaner, for collecting odor levels of the washroom at the exit timestamp of the washroom cleaner, and for determining a difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamps; and
means for reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamps.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, the interface is a biometric interface used for logging washroom entry and washroom exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, the one or more odor sensors are an electronic nose or e-nose.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, the reporting means is a wireless transmitter.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, the reporting means is an audio alarm.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, the reporting means is a visual alarm.
7. A method for ensuring effective cleanliness of a washroom (300), comprising the steps of:
sensing odor levels of the washroom (302);
logging washroom entry timestamps of a washroom cleaner and collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp (304);
logging washroom exit timestamps of a washroom cleaner and collecting odor levels of the washroom at the entry timestamp odor levels of the washroom at the exit timestamp (306);
determining a difference in odor levels between said entry timestamp and exit timestamp (308); and
reporting an unsatisfactory difference in odor levels recorded at the entry timestamp and at the exit timestamp (310).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, the reporting of the unsatisfactory difference in odor levels can be done wirelessly to a cloud server.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, the reporting of the unsatisfactory difference in odor levels is done by raising an audio alarm.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, the reporting of the unsatisfactory difference in odor levels is done by raising a visual alarm.