Automated monitoring and control of contamination activity in a production area

Abstract

An automated process for monitoring and controlling contamination activity in a production area comprises capturing image from the production area over a period of time, processing the image data with a computer to determine whether a contamination event has occurred in the production area, and activating a contamination control device in accordance with the processing of the image data. The contamination event can be a germ-releasing event from an individual in the production area, a pipe leaking fluid into the production area, etc. The automated monitoring and control may also determine whether an article of contamination control equipment (e.g., face mask, glove, etc) is properly positioned on the individual to prevent the contamination from entering the production area in a form that could contaminate product, equipment, or the production area itself. An automated system for monitoring and controlling contamination includes a computer, an imaging sensor in communication with the computer, and a computer-readable program code disposed on the computer.