Application of a safety algorithm in a system comprising a radiator and at least one radiation source

Abstract

In a system (1) comprising a radiator (10), a radiation source (20) configured to emit radiation (21) comprising at least UV radiation, a detector (30) configured to detect an internal radiation intensity within the radiator (10) and a controller device (40), the controller device (40) is configured to apply a safety algorithm after an occurrence of an interference event caused by an object (2) contacting a radiation exit window (11) of the radiator (10). The safety algorithm comprises setting an evaluation state of the radiation source (20) during evaluation periods separated by evaluation intervals, setting an adaptation state of the radiation source (20) in other cases and determining a value of the internal radiation intensity during the evaluation periods in order to evaluate whether it is safe to restore a normal state of the radiation source (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising: a radiator including a radiation exit window, wherein the radiator is configured to receive radiation including at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window is capable of allowing at least a portion of the radiation to pass through to the outside of the radiator; at least one radiation source configured to provide the radiation; at least one detector configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator; and a controller device functionally coupled to the at least one radiation source and the at least one detector.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an object comprising the system as described above, wherein the radiation exit window of the radiator of the system is arranged on the outside of the object.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for adding the system as described above to an existing object, wherein the radiator of the system is applied to the outer surface of the existing object. Background Technology

[0004] WO 2018 / 215272 A1 discloses a system including a waveguide element, an optical sensor, and a control system. The waveguide element includes a radiation exit window, wherein the waveguide element i) is configured to receive radiation, wherein the radiation includes at least UV radiation, ii) is configured to radiate at least a portion of the radiation to the outside of the waveguide element via the radiation exit window, and iii) is configured to reflect a portion of the radiation inward at the radiation exit window. The optical sensor is configured to sense the internal reflection intensity of the internally reflected radiation. The control system is functionally coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to reduce the intensity of the radiation based on a predetermined first threshold indicating a decrease in the internal reflection intensity over time.

[0005] WO 2018 / 215272 A1 teaches that UV radiation can be used to kill microorganisms that may be present on radiation exit windows, or to inactivate or prevent the reproduction of microorganisms. A practical example of microorganisms is bacteria. The disinfection effect of UV radiation is primarily determined by the total dose of UV radiation. In situations where UV radiation is used, specific measures may be necessary when higher organisms, including humans, may be in locations where they may be exposed to UV radiation, especially when these organisms may have physical contact with radiation-emitting surfaces.

[0006] In the operation of a known system, if an object touches the radiation exit window, radiation is coupled out of the waveguide element through the window. This outward coupling means that less radiation remains within the waveguide element, a phenomenon known as (total) internal reflection frustration. Therefore, by using an optical sensor to monitor the intensity of internal reflection of the radiation, it is possible to detect if an object has touched the window, especially an object much larger than a microorganism, such as a human hand or finger. When a fairly large step is observed in the signal provided by the optical sensor, it can be assumed that a relatively large object has contacted the window. To ensure safety in this situation, it can be determined that radiation needs to be shut off (at least temporarily).

[0007] Among other things, the present invention, the subject of WO 2018 / 215272 A1, provides an object including a system, wherein the object includes an outer surface, and the radiation exit window of the waveguide element of the system is configured as at least a portion of the outer surface. Examples of such objects include door knobs, faucet knobs, toilet knobs, toilet seats, railings, kitchen cutting boards, kitchen walls, tables, or (other) public (domestic) objects, i.e., objects specifically designed for use in a home or office, etc. Other examples of such objects include cleanroom walls and medical devices, such as operating tables and operating room walls. In all these possible practical applications of the present invention, the subject of WO 2018 / 215272 A1, it is important that the outer surface remain sterilized, while avoiding situations where the UV radiation used in the process could cause harm to higher organisms (such as humans).

[0008] Generally, in situations where surface disinfection can help prevent contamination, the application of systems known from WO 2018 / 215272A1 is beneficial. This can occur in a variety of environments, including public spaces, workplaces, and home settings. For example, without disinfection measures, control buttons and touchscreens in public spaces constitute points of health risk, as the spread of infectious diseases can occur through them. Bacteria and viruses may be left on a control button or touchscreen by the first person and subsequently picked up by the next, thus spreading diseases carried by the first person. Given that control buttons and touchscreens are found in many types of installations, such as elevators, ATMs, order terminals, payment terminals, and vending machines, their public use is common.

[0009] As explained above, the systems known from WO 2018 / 215272 A1 are effective for surface disinfection because radiation is coupled out of the waveguide element precisely at the location where any form of contamination (such as viral or bacterial particles) is present on the waveguide element. However, without measures to detect touch and shut off radiation, the same principle of outward coupling of radiation at the point of contact could potentially and unsafely expose a human touching the waveguide element to UV radiation. In the context of this invention, it was recognized that there was a need to develop useful ways to truly put this measure into practice. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of this invention is to design a system comprising a radiator and at least one radiation source, such that a proper balance is achieved between effectively obtaining disinfection results at the radiation exit window location of the radiator on the one hand, and protecting humans and other higher organisms from harmful exposure to UV radiation provided by at least one radiation source on the other. In the context of this invention, the radiator does not necessarily need to be the same as the waveguide element disclosed in WO 2018 / 215272A1, and in particular, does not necessarily need to be configured to have radiation guiding functionality and rely on (full) internal reflection phenomena in this respect, but the invention does cover the use of such a waveguide element.

[0011] In view of the above, the present invention provides a system comprising: a radiator including a radiation exit window, wherein the radiator is configured to receive radiation including at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window is capable of allowing at least a portion of the radiation to pass through to the outside of the radiator; at least one radiation source configured to provide the radiation; at least one detector configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator; and a controller device functionally coupled to the at least one radiation source and the at least one detector, configured to set a normal state of the at least one radiation source as a default state, in which the at least one radiation source provides the radiation at an intensity at an operating level, and to set to a default state after an interference event occurs involving a change in the internal radiation intensity detected by the at least one detector. The system includes an adaptation state with one less radiation source, in which at least one radiation source provides radiation at an intensity at an adaptation level that is reduced relative to the operating level; and a safety algorithm configured to apply after an interference event, the safety algorithm comprising setting an evaluation state for at least one radiation source during evaluation periods separated by evaluation intervals, in which at least one radiation source provides radiation at an intensity at an evaluation level that is increased relative to the adaptation level; and setting an adaptation state for at least one radiation source outside of the evaluation periods, the safety algorithm comprising determining a value of internal radiation intensity during the evaluation periods, and suspending the safety algorithm and restoring the normal state of at least one radiation source when the value of internal radiation intensity is within the range of an evaluation reference value.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the system according to the present invention includes: i) a radiator including a radiation exit window, wherein the radiator is configured to receive radiation including at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window allows at least a portion of the radiation to pass through to the outside of the radiator; ii) at least one radiation source configured to provide the radiation; iii) at least one detector configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator; and iv) a controller device functionally coupled to at least one radiation source and at least one detector. The controller device is configured to set a normal state of at least one radiation source as a default state and to set an adaptation state of at least one radiation source after an interference event occurs. In this way, assuming that the occurrence of an interference event indicates that the radiation exit window has been touched by a relatively large object (such as a human hand or finger), the controller device is configured to default to activating disinfection of the radiation exit window and, when appropriate, implement safety measures to reduce the intensity of the provided radiation. In the adaptation state, the adaptation level of the intensity of the radiation provided by at least one radiation source can be zero, but this is not necessary in the context of the present invention.

[0013] According to a notable aspect of the invention, the controller device is configured to apply a safety algorithm after an interference event occurs. The safety algorithm provides a repetitive manner to assess whether the situation arising from the interference event still exists, in order to determine whether it is necessary to maintain the adaptation state of at least one radiation source or whether the normal state of at least one radiation source can be restored. To this end, the safety algorithm includes setting an evaluation state of at least one radiation source during evaluation periods separated by evaluation intervals, setting the adaptation state of at least one radiation source outside the evaluation periods, and further includes determining a value of internal radiation intensity during the evaluation periods, wherein the controller device is configured to abort the safety algorithm and restore the normal state of at least one radiation source when the value of the internal radiation intensity is within the range of an evaluation reference value. Thus, an efficient and safe manner of operating the system is achieved, wherein the normal state of at least one radiation source is set to a default state, wherein the adaptation state of at least one radiation source is set after an interference event occurs, and the adaptation state of at least one radiation source is maintained only while the interference situation persists. By repeatedly assessing whether at least one radiation source can be restored to its normal state, and doing so when the assessment results indicate that the internal radiation intensity value within the assessment period is within the assessment reference range, the time at which the system can effectively perform disinfection actions can be optimized. Particularly advantageous is that disinfection actions can be resumed directly after the cause of the interference event has been eliminated. Furthermore, an advantage of this invention is that the application of safety algorithms can be accomplished without requiring additional components in the system, thus without increasing the system's complexity or cost.

[0014] According to one feasible option, an interference event is determined to have occurred when the value of the internal radiation intensity is outside the safe reference range and / or when the change in the internal radiation intensity in a predetermined direction occurs at a rate higher than the interference reference rate. The invention covers various options that can be based on changes in internal radiation intensity and are related to the configuration of the system (especially the characteristics of the radiator), including options where such changes are caused by an increase in radiation emitted from the radiator, options where such changes are caused by an increase in radiation reflected into the radiator, and options where such changes are caused by a combination of changes in outgoing and incoming radiation.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the controller device is configured to adjust a safety reference range. In this regard, according to one feasible option, the safety algorithm includes the step of adjusting the safety reference range based on a previous value of the internal radiation intensity detected directly during a period prior to the occurrence of an interference event, so as to include that previous value and a tolerance window. In this way, it can be ensured that the safety reference range represents the actual configuration of the system precisely at the time of the interference event. Alternatively, according to another feasible option, the controller device is configured to apply a calibration algorithm that includes determining a calibration value of the internal radiation intensity during calibration periods separated by calibration intervals, and includes adjusting the safety reference range based on the calibration value of the internal radiation intensity, so as to include that calibration value and a tolerance window. The calibration intervals can have equal durations, for example, a 24-hour interval, and depending on the actual application of the system, the time for performing the calibration algorithm is preferably set at a time when the chance of the radiation exit window being exposed to higher organisms (such as humans) is minimized to zero. In many feasible applications of the system, this may mean that a time such as 3:00 AM might be suitable for performing the calibration algorithm.

[0016] Another or additional method of adjusting the safety reference range covered by this invention includes having a user interface for receiving user input for this purpose. Furthermore, it should be noted that this invention also relates to the option of a system setting where the safety reference range is fixed. In any case, information representing the reference range and / or reference ratio can be stored in a database, etc., and the safety algorithm may include the step of retrieving such information from the database, etc. While automatic calibration is advantageous, this invention also includes the option of configuring the controller device to apply a calibration algorithm that includes determining a calibration value of the internal radiation intensity during a calibration period initiated based on user input.

[0017] Regarding the safety algorithm, particularly the duration of the evaluation intervals, it should be noted that it may be advantageous if the safety algorithm includes increasingly longer durations of consecutive evaluation intervals. For example, in the case of a door knob, the first evaluation interval could last 1 second. If the evaluation indicates that the normal state of at least one radiation source cannot be restored at this time, one or more additional evaluation intervals with longer durations can be applied, where the first evaluation interval is appropriate given that, under normal circumstances, the door knob is only touched for a short time, and additional evaluations are needed to indicate the less common situation where the door knob is held for a longer period. Moreover, the present invention also provides the possibility of selecting the duration of the evaluation intervals according to the intended application of the system according to the invention. For example, assuming that people will leave the coffee machine after retrieving their coffee, and that people will linger near the control panel of an elevator for a period of time, then in the case of the coffee machine button, the evaluation interval would generally be shorter than in the case of the elevator button.

[0018] To ensure the safety of humans or other higher organisms who touch the radiation exit window of the radiator in all circumstances (and during the assessment period), it is advantageous if each assessment period is at least a thousand times shorter than the assessment interval preceding it. In the example of a 1-second assessment interval, this means that the duration of the assessment period is only 1 millisecond. Within such a short time, the increase in the intensity of UV radiation will not pose a health risk in any way.

[0019] The assessment level of radiation intensity provided by at least one radiation source in the assessment state can be the operational level. This does not change the fact that the assessment level of radiation intensity provided by at least one radiation source in the assessment state can also be between the adaptation level and the operational level. From a safety perspective, the latter may be preferred because the radiation exit window may still be accessed during one or more assessment periods. If the assessment level of radiation intensity provided by at least one radiation source in the assessment state is the operational level, and the controller device is configured to apply a safety reference value range, as previously described, in determining the occurrence of an interference event, then the assessment reference value range can be a safety reference value range.

[0020] The number of radiation sources and detectors in this system can be freely chosen. Depending on the composition of the radiator and the size of the radiation exit window, it may be advantageous if the system includes at least two radiation sources arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator and / or at least two detectors arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator. Moreover, it may be practical to have more than one detector at one detector location or at nearly the same detector location, provided that the detectors are configured and arranged to detect radiation from different / opposite directions. It may be practical if the radiator comprises a block of material within which at least two radiation sources and / or at least two detectors are embedded. For example, the material of the block may be silicone. At least one radiation source may be an LED, especially a UV-C LED, for example. In this case, at least one detector may comprise the same LED, for example, given that LEDs can indeed be used as radiation detectors, where it is practical if the controller is configured to periodically place the LED in detector mode rather than radiation source mode, or at least one detector may comprise any suitable type of individual radiation detector.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an object comprising the system as described above, wherein the radiation exit window of the radiator of the system is arranged on the outside of the object. Examples of such an object include all examples of systems known from WO2018 / 215272 A1 mentioned above. Generally, the object can be selected from the group consisting of structural elements of household appliances, furniture, buildings and vehicles, sanitary components, medical devices, and all of the above-mentioned components. The object can be a door knob, control button, touch screen, etc., which are particularly intended to be touched regularly and temporarily by humans (specifically, different humans).

[0022] The present invention also relates to a method of adding the aforementioned system to an existing object, wherein the radiator of the system is applied to the outer surface of the existing object. This can be done by any suitable means, including by gluing, by using fastening means, or on the basis of snap-fit ​​connections or forming a closed arrangement structure.

[0023] The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and clarified with reference to the following detailed description of a practical embodiment of a system, wherein the system comprises i) a radiator including a radiation exit window, wherein the radiator is configured to receive radiation including at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window is capable of allowing at least a portion of the radiation to pass through to the outside of the radiator, ii) at least one radiation source configured to provide the radiation, iii) at least one detector configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator, and iv) a controller device functionally coupled to at least one radiation source and at least one detector. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures, wherein the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 The basic configuration of the system according to the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the relationship between the output signal of the detector representing the system and time, and the relationship between the intensity of radiation emitted by the radiation source of the system and time.

[0027] Figure 3 Multiple objects that can be equipped with the system according to the invention are shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 The basic configuration of System 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] System 1 includes a radiator 10, a radiation source 20, a detector 30, and a controller device 40.

[0030] The radiator 10 includes a radiation exit window 11. Figure 1 The actual selection of a radiator 10 consisting of a single piece of material and a radiation exit window 11 having a generally flat appearance is shown.

[0031] The radiation source 20 is configured to emit radiation, including at least UV radiation, in one or more directions, and may be, for example, a UV-C LED. Figure 1 In the diagram, the radiation emitted by radiation source 20 is represented by arrow 21. Furthermore, Figure 1 The actual selection of a radiation source 20 embedded within a block of material of the radiator 10 is shown, wherein the block of material is transparent to the radiation 21 provided by the radiation source 20. In the case of the invention, any suitable number of radiation sources 20 can be selected, wherein there can be an arrangement of multiple radiation sources 20, in which the radiation sources 20 are positioned to radiate radiation 21 to corresponding areas of the radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10, regardless of whether there is overlap.

[0032] The detector 30 is configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator 10. Figure 1 The actual selection of detectors 30 embedded within the block of material of the radiator 10 is shown. In the case of the present invention, any suitable number of detectors 30 can be selected.

[0033] The controller device 40 is functionally connected to the radiation source 20 and the detector 30 and is configured to control the operation of the system 1. The invention covers both an option where the system 1 includes a communication device configured to enable wired data communication between the controller device 40 and the radiation source 20 and the detector 30, respectively, and an option where the system 1 includes a communication device configured to enable such data communication wirelessly, and also an option where the system 1 includes a communication device configured to enable such data communication partially wired and partially wirelessly. Figure 1 The actual option of controller device 40 is shown, which includes a unit embedded within the block of material of radiator 10. This does not change the fact that, alternatively, controller device 40 may also include at least one unit located outside the block of material of radiator 10.

[0034] The radiation source 20, detector 30, and controller device 40 can be powered in any suitable manner and can be electrically connected to a power source or battery, for example.

[0035] The radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10 is configured to transmit part of the radiation 21 from the radiation source 20. Figure 1 In the diagram, the outwardly coupled radiation is represented by the dashed line 22. The detector 30 is positioned to receive radiation 23 that enters the material of the radiator 10 from the radiation exit window 11 and is configured to provide an output signal representing the intensity of this internal radiation 23 to the controller device 40. Depending on the structure of the radiation exit window 11, the internal radiation 23 can be obtained by at least one of the following: i) scattering of radiation 21 radiated by the radiation source 20 at the location of the radiation exit window 11 and ii) reflection of radiation 21 radiated by the radiation source 20 inside the radiation exit window 11. It is possible that when an object 2, such as a human finger, appears outside the radiation exit window 11, scattering of radiation 21 radiated by the radiation source 20 occurs, particularly when such an object is present outside the radiation exit window 11. Figure 1 As shown schematically. In any case, when the radiation exit window 11 is in contact with the object 2, both the outwardly coupled radiation 22 and the internal radiation 23 may change.

[0036] The primary purpose of having a radiation source 20 in System 1 is to keep the outside of the radiation exit window 11 in a sterile state. When bacteria or viruses eventually reach the outside of the radiation exit window 11, they are killed or at least rendered inactive by the outward coupling radiation 22 at the location of the bacteria or viruses. In this way, the spread of disease through the radiation exit window 11 is prevented. This function of System 1 is advantageous in many possible applications, especially in applications where the radiation exit window 11 is easily subject to regular and temporary contact by humans and / or animals / pets.

[0037] The controller device 40 is configured to control the radiation source 20 based on signals provided by the detector 30, particularly when it comes to setting the intensity of radiation 21 emitted by the radiation source 20. Indeed, for safety reasons, it is desirable to reduce the intensity of radiation 21, ideally to zero, should a person or animal / pet touch the radiation exit window 11. Therefore, the controller device 40 is configured to set a normal state of the radiation source 20 as the default state, in which the radiation source 20 provides radiation 21 at an intensity at the operating level, and to set an adaptation state of the radiation source 20 after an interference event involving a change in internal radiation intensity detected by at least one detector 30, in which the radiation source 20 provides radiation 21 at an intensity at an adaptation level, which is reduced relative to the operating level. In this regard, it should be noted that an interference event can be determined to have occurred when the value of the internal radiation intensity is outside the safe reference range and / or when a change in the internal radiation intensity in a predetermined direction occurs at a rate higher than the interference reference rate.

[0038] According to a notable aspect of the invention, the controller device 40 is configured to apply a security algorithm after an interference event occurs. (See also...) Figure 2 The nature of the security algorithm will now be explained. The graph shows the relationship between the output signal of detector 30 and time, and the relationship between the intensity of radiation emitted by radiation source 20 and time. The first graph is represented by dashed lines, while the second graph is represented by continuous lines. It should be noted that these graphs are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as representing possible actual values. These graphs are simplified and do not show system delays, etc. During the first time period, starting from 0, the output signal of detector 30 (hereinafter referred to as the signal) is at a normal level N. d And the intensity (hereinafter referred to as intensity) of the radiation 21 emitted by the radiation source 20 is at a normal level N. r At time d, the signal drops to level D. d The change in the signal causes the controller device 40 to determine that an interference event has occurred and to activate the safety algorithm.

[0039] As the first step of the security algorithm, the controller device 40 places the radiation source 20 into an adapted state, which in this example involves the intensity of the radiation 21 provided by the radiation source 20 being zero, i.e., completely absent radiation 21. Therefore, the signal also drops to zero. After the first evaluation interval E1, the controller device 40 only places the radiation source 20 into a normal state for a short evaluation period EP, during which the signal is evaluated. In the example shown, when radiation 21 is provided at a normal intensity, the signal still appears to be at a reduced level D. dThis means that restoring radiation source 20 to its normal state is still unsafe. After the second evaluation interval E2, the action of placing radiation source 20 in its normal state only for a short evaluation period EP and evaluating the signal during that period is repeated. In the example shown, when radiation 21 is provided at its normal intensity, the signal appears to be at a normal level N. d This means that restoring radiation source 20 to its normal state is safe, and the safety algorithm can be aborted. Generally, this is contingent on the assessment actions showing that the signal remains at a reduced level when radiation 21 is provided at its normal intensity. d Then one or more follow-up evaluation actions must be performed until the level N returns to normal. d The signal.

[0040] When radiation source 20 is placed in a state other than the normal state during the evaluation period EP, the above operation can be performed in a similar manner, wherein such a state is the state in which radiation source 20 provides radiation 21 at an intensity between the operating level and the adaptation level.

[0041] For subsequent interference events, the above operations are repeated. To ensure the proper functioning of System 1, the reference value relied upon in determining the occurrence of an interference event is preferably selected such that the safety algorithm is not activated by the presence of relatively small objects on the radiation exit window 11, especially objects with dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers or even smaller, such as small droplets and / or grease / dirt containing bacteria and / or viruses, but only when relatively large objects are present on the radiation exit window 11. In a more complex embodiment of System 1, the controller device 40 is configured to adjust the safety reference range of the internal radiation intensity, i.e., the value represented by the signal. This can be done directly based on the signal detected in the period prior to the interference event, or by periodically performing calibration actions at appropriate times. In any case, the present invention provides a simple and cost-effective method to combine disinfection targets with the detection of possible higher organisms, resulting in maximizing the time that System 1 operates with radiation source 20 in its default state and minimizing the risk of higher organisms being exposed to UV radiation.

[0042] Figure 3The diagram schematically illustrates several objects that can be equipped with the system 1 according to the invention, particularly those found in the bathroom 100 and on the bathroom door 101, namely the toilet seat 102, the toilet flush knob 103, the faucet knob 104, and the bathroom door knob 105. The objects shown are only a few of the many objects included within the scope of protection of this invention. Objects 102, 103, 104, and 105 can be of a conventional design, in which case the system 1 or at least the radiator 10 of the system 1 and the components arranged within the radiator 10 can be arranged on the outer surface of objects 102, 103, 104, and 105. Alternatively, objects 102, 103, 104, and 105 can be of an adaptive design, in which case the system 1 or at least the radiator 10 of the system 1 and the components arranged within the radiator 10 can have a recessed arrangement structure within the components of objects 102, 103, 104, and 105. For example, the radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10 of the system 1 can be flush with the surrounding portion of the original outer surface of objects 102, 103, 104, and 105.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but that various modifications and improvements can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and improvements, provided they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and specification, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details unnecessary for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0044] By studying the accompanying drawings, description, and appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement modifications to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0045] Elements and aspects discussed in relation to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless otherwise expressly stated. Therefore, the fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used to exert an advantage.

[0046] The terms “comprising” and “including” as used herein will be understood by those skilled in the art to encompass the term “consisting of”. Thus, the terms “comprising” or “including” in one embodiment may mean “consisting of”, but in another embodiment may mean “comprising / having / equipped with at least the defined class and one or more optional other classes”.

[0047] Several noteworthy aspects of the present invention are summarized below. In a system 1 comprising a radiator 10, at least one radiation source 20 configured to provide radiation 21, including at least UV radiation, to the radiator 10, at least one detector 30 configured to detect the internal radiation intensity within the radiator 10, and a controller device 40, the controller device 40 is configured to apply a safety algorithm after an interference event occurs caused by an object 2 contacting the radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10. The safety algorithm includes setting an evaluation state of at least one radiation source 20 during evaluation periods separated by evaluation intervals, and setting an adaptation state of at least one radiation source 20 in other cases, determining a value of the internal radiation intensity during the evaluation periods, and determining a value of the internal radiation intensity during the evaluation periods to assess whether it is safe to restore the normal state of at least one radiation source 20, wherein the controller device 40 is configured to reliably terminate the safety algorithm and restore the normal state of at least one radiation source 20 when it is found that the value of the internal radiation intensity is within the range of the evaluation reference value.

Claims

1. A system (1) configured to provide radiation, comprising: A radiator (10) includes a radiation exit window (11), wherein the radiator (10) is configured to receive radiation (21) including at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window (11) is capable of allowing at least a portion of the radiation (21) to pass through and reach the outside of the radiator (10). At least one radiation source (20) is configured to provide the radiation (21); At least one detector (30) is configured to detect the intensity of internal radiation within the radiator (10), the internal radiation being obtained by at least one of the following: scattering of the radiation (21) radiated by the at least one radiation source (20) at the location of the radiation exit window (11), and reflection of the radiation (21) radiated by the at least one radiation source (20) inside the radiation exit window (11); as well as A controller device (40) is functionally connected to the at least one radiation source (20) and the at least one detector (30). The system is configured to set a normal state of the at least one radiation source (20) as a default state, in which the at least one radiation source (20) provides radiation (21) at an intensity at an operating level, and to set an adaptation state of the at least one radiation source (20) after an interference event occurs involving a change in the intensity of the internal radiation detected by the at least one detector (30), in which the at least one radiation source (20) provides radiation (21) at an intensity at an adaptation level, which is reduced relative to the operating level, and The system is configured to apply a safety algorithm after an interference event occurs. The safety algorithm includes setting an evaluation state for the at least one radiation source (20) during evaluation periods (EPs) separated by evaluation intervals, in which the at least one radiation source (20) provides radiation (21) at an intensity at an evaluation level that is increased relative to the adaptation level, and setting the adaptation state for the at least one radiation source (20) outside the evaluation periods (EPs). The safety algorithm also includes determining a value for the intensity of the internal radiation during the evaluation periods (EPs) and suspending the safety algorithm and restoring the at least one radiation source (20) to its normal state when the value of the internal radiation intensity is within an evaluation reference range. The controller device (40) is configured to determine that an interference event has occurred when the value of the intensity of the internal radiation is outside the safe reference range and / or the intensity of the internal radiation changes in a predetermined direction at a rate higher than the interference reference rate.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The controller device (40) is configured to adjust the range of the safety reference value.

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The safety algorithm includes the step of adjusting the safety reference range based on a previous value of the intensity of the internal radiation detected directly during the period prior to the occurrence of the interference event, so as to include the previous value and a tolerance window.

4. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The controller device (40) is configured to apply a calibration algorithm that includes determining a calibration value for the intensity of the internal radiation during calibration periods separated by calibration intervals, and includes adjusting the range of safety reference values ​​based on the calibration value for the intensity of the internal radiation to include the calibration value and a tolerance window.

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The calibration intervals have equal durations.

6. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The security algorithm includes increasingly longer durations for the continuous evaluation intervals.

7. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, Each of the assessment periods (EP) is at least a thousand times shorter than the assessment interval preceding the assessment period (EP).

8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The assessment level of the intensity of the radiation (21) provided by the at least one radiation source (20) in the assessment state is between the adaptation level and the operation level.

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The adaptation level of the intensity of the radiation (21) provided by the at least one radiation source (20) in the adaptation state is zero.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The system (1) includes at least two radiation sources (20) arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator (10) and / or at least two detectors (30) arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator (10).

11. The system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The radiator (10) comprises a material, and the at least two radiation sources (20) and / or the at least two detectors (30) are embedded within the material.

12. An object configured to provide radiation, comprising a system (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the radiation exit window (11) of the radiator (10) of the system (1) is arranged to be located outside the object.

13. The object according to claim 12, wherein, The object is selected from the group consisting of structural elements of household appliances, furniture, buildings and vehicles, sanitary components, medical devices, and all of the above components.

14. A method of adding a system according to any one of claims 1-11 to an existing object, wherein the radiator (10) of the system (1) is applied to the outer surface of the existing object.

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