Use of polarized radiation for detecting touches on a radiation exit window

Abstract

In a system (1) comprising a radiator (10), a radiation device (20), a detector device (30) and a controller device (40), the controller device (40) is configured to place a UV radiation source (21) of the radiation device (20) from a default state into a state of reduced radiation intensity when a detection result indicates that an interference event indicative of touching a radiation exit window (11) of the radiator (10) has occurred. In particular, at least one radiation source (21) of the radiation device (20) is configured to emit polarized radiation (22), and the detector device (30) is configured to detect at least one of an intensity of the polarized radiation having a source polarization orientation and an intensity of the polarized radiation having an orthogonal polarization orientation, wherein a change in at least one of these intensities is considered as an indication that an interference event has occurred.

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; a radiation device configured to provide the radiation, including at least one UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation; a detector device configured to detect the intensity of the radiation; and a controller device functionally coupled to the radiation device and the detector device, configured to set a normal state of at least one UV radiation source as a default state, in which the at least one UV radiation source provides UV radiation at an intensity at an operating level, and, upon the occurrence of an interference event, to place at least one UV radiation source from the default state to an adapted state, in which the at least one UV radiation source provides UV radiation at an intensity at a level reduced relative to the operating level, wherein the controller device is configured to determine the occurrence of an interference event by processing input from the detector device.

[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 the disease carried by the first person. Given that control buttons and touchscreens are present in many types of installations, such as elevators, ATMs, order terminals, payment terminals, and vending machines, their public use is very common.

[0009] As explained above, the system known from WO 2018 / 215272 A1 is 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 a radiating device that achieves a proper balance between, on the one hand, effectively obtaining disinfection results at the radiation exit window of the radiator, and on the other hand, protecting humans and other higher organisms from harmful exposure to UV radiation provided by at least one UV radiation source of the radiating device. 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 foregoing, 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; a radiation device configured to provide the radiation, including at least one radiation source, the at least one radiation source including at least one UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation, wherein the at least one radiation source of the radiation device is configured to emit polarized radiation; and a detector device configured to detect at least one of the following: the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source and the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations. The controller device, functionally coupled to the radiation device and the detector device, is configured to set a normal state of at least one UV radiation source as a default state, in which at least one UV radiation source provides UV radiation at an intensity at the operating level, and after an interference event occurs involving a change in at least one of the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source and the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientation detected by the detector device, the controller device places at least one UV radiation source from the default state into an adaptation state, in which at least one UV radiation source provides UV radiation at an intensity at a level reduced relative to the operating level.

[0012] As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention aims to provide a function of the system according to which, when the detection result obtained by the detector device indicates that an interference event has occurred, at least one UV radiation source of the radiation device is switched from a default state to an adapted state. Specifically, at least one radiation source of the radiation device is configured to emit polarized radiation, and the detector device is configured to detect at least one of the intensities of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source and polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations, wherein a change in at least one of the mentioned intensities is considered an indication of an interference event. 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 (e.g., 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 UV radiation. In the adapted state, the reduction level of the intensity of the UV radiation provided by the at least one UV radiation source can be zero, but this is not necessary in the context of the present invention. Furthermore, the system can be designed in any suitable manner to enable the restoration of the default state of at least one UV radiation source in any possible suitable manner after the adaptation state of at least one UV radiation source has been set, and the controller device can be configured in particular to maintain the adaptation state of at least one UV radiation source for only a limited amount of time.

[0013] The insight of this invention lies in the fact that by using polarized radiation for detection purposes, higher detection sensitivity can be achieved without affecting the disinfection function of the system. When UV radiation is polarized, the disinfection effect of UV radiation is indistinguishable. Regardless of whether the UV radiation or other types of radiation are polarized, when the radiation exit window is touched by a relatively large object (such as a human hand or finger), some of the polarized radiation is scattered back into the radiation body, resulting in a change in the polarization orientation of a portion of the radiation. Especially when this type of change is relied upon for the purpose of automatically identifying touch situations, higher detection sensitivity, as mentioned, can be achieved. It should be noted that the detection sensitivity can be higher than in cases where the change in radiation composition due to touch on the radiation exit window is not considered.

[0014] According to one practical option, the controller device is configured to determine that an interference event has occurred when the value of at least one of the intensities of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source and polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations shifts from within the safe reference range to outside the safe reference range. For example, an intensity threshold can be defined, where the safe reference range includes values ​​above or below the intensity threshold, depending on the specific implementation. As previously mentioned, under the influence of a touch on the radiation exit window, a change in polarization orientation can be expected for a portion of the polarized radiation. Therefore, the value of the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source decreases, while the value of the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations increases. At least one of these two effects can be measured. Regarding the option of measuring one of these effects, it should be noted that measuring the latter effect is expected to produce the most accurate results because the value of the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations increases from virtually zero to a certain value, i.e., by a very large factor.

[0015] According to another or additional option, the detector device is configured to detect both the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source and the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations, and the controller device is configured to determine that an interference event has occurred when the ratio of the corresponding intensities shifts from within a safe reference ratio range to outside a safe ratio range. This option may involve even higher detection sensitivity.

[0016] In practical applications of the present invention, polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device has a horizontal polarization orientation or a vertical polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect at least one of the intensity of polarized radiation with a horizontal polarization orientation and the intensity of polarized radiation with a vertical polarization orientation. In principle, any combination of polarization orientations is possible, meaning that the present invention covers all various options: i) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device has a horizontal polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation with a horizontal polarization orientation; ii) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device has a horizontal polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation with a vertical polarization orientation; iii) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device has a horizontal polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation with a horizontal polarization orientation and the intensity of polarized radiation with a vertical polarization orientation. The intensity of polarized radiation with vertical polarization orientation, iv) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device with vertical polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation with vertical polarization orientation, v) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device with vertical polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation with horizontal polarization orientation, and vi) polarized radiation emitted by at least one radiation source of the radiation device with vertical polarization orientation, and the detector device is configured to detect both the intensity of polarized radiation with vertical polarization orientation and the intensity of polarized radiation with horizontal polarization orientation.

[0017] As previously mentioned, UV radiation can be polarized radiation, or another type of radiation can be polarized radiation. The first option implies an embodiment of the system in which at least one UV radiation source is at least one radiation source of the radiation device configured to emit polarized radiation. The second option implies an embodiment of the system in which the radiation device includes at least one UV radiation source and at least one additional radiation source configured to emit radiation of another type besides UV radiation, wherein the at least one additional radiation source is at least one radiation source of the radiation device configured to emit polarized radiation. Other types of radiation can be, in particular, radiation with wavelengths significantly longer than UV wavelengths, such as visible or infrared radiation. Given that the absorption rate of radiation with longer wavelengths is generally significantly lower than that of UV radiation within the radiating body, higher detection sensitivity can be expected when the detection function is based on other types of radiation.

[0018] In one practical embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least one radiation source of the radiating device configured to emit polarized radiation comprises an assembly consisting of means configured to generate radiation and a polarization device arranged in the radiation path of the device and configured to allow only radiation with a predetermined polarization orientation to pass through. For example, the polarization device may include i) a polarizer and ii) a polarization beamsplitter combined with a half-wave plate. In the latter case, the half-wave plate is used to convert the polarization orientation of a portion of the split beam into the polarization orientation of another portion of the split beam, such that only a single polarization orientation is generated. Alternatively, at least one radiation source in the radiating device configured to emit polarized radiation may include, for example, a suitable laser source. Furthermore, it may be practical if the detector assembly comprises at least one assembly consisting of a detector and a polarization filter, such that the detector can only detect polarized radiation allowed to pass through the filter.

[0019] The number of UV radiation sources and detectors in this system can be freely chosen. Depending on the structure of the radiator and the size of the radiation exit window, it may be advantageous if the system includes at least two UV radiation sources arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator, and / or if the system includes at least two detectors arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator. It may also be practical if the radiator comprises a block of material in which at least two UV radiation sources and / or at least two detectors are embedded. The material of this block may be, for example, silicone. At least one UV radiation source may be an LED, particularly, for example, a UV-C LED.

[0020] 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).

[0021] 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.

[0022] The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of a practical embodiment of a system (which is covered by the following definitions): A system comprising 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) a radiation device configured to provide the radiation, including at least one radiation source, the at least one radiation source including at least one UV radiation source configured to emit UV radiation; iii) a detector device configured to detect at least one of the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source and the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientation; and iv) a controller device functionally coupled to the radiation device and the detector device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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:

[0024] Figure 1 An embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown, and

[0025] Figure 2 Multiple objects that can be equipped with the system according to the invention are shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 An embodiment of system 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0027] System 1 includes a radiator 10, a radiation device 20, a detector device 30, and a controller device 40.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Radiation device 20 is configured to emit radiation comprising at least UV radiation. In the example shown, radiation device 20 includes a UV radiation source 21 configured to emit polarized UV radiation at least toward the inside of radiation exit window 11 in one or more directions, wherein the polarized UV radiation has a horizontal or vertical polarization orientation. Hereinafter, for clarity, the polarization orientation of the polarized UV radiation emitted by UV radiation source 21 will be referred to as the source polarization orientation. Figure 1In the diagram, polarized UV radiation is indicated by arrow 22. The UV radiation source 21 includes a device 23 configured to generate UV radiation, such as a UV-C LED, and also includes a polarization device 24 arranged in the path of the UV radiation and configured to allow only the source-polarized radiation waves of the UV radiation to pass through. This function of the polarization device 24 is... Figure 1 As shown, the two short arrows ending at polarization device 24 represent radiation waves that are not permitted to pass through. Furthermore, Figure 1 The actual selection of a UV radiation source 21 embedded within a block of material of the radiator 10 is shown, wherein the block of material is transparent to the polarized UV radiation 22 provided by the UV radiation source 21. In the case of the invention, any suitable number of UV radiation sources 21 can be selected, wherein there can be an arrangement structure formed by a plurality of UV radiation sources 21, wherein the UV radiation sources 21 are positioned to radiate the polarized UV radiation 22 to corresponding areas of the radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10, whether or not they overlap.

[0030] The detector device 30 is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation having a source polarization orientation and / or the intensity of polarized radiation having a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation. Figure 1 A practical selection of a detector device 30, including a detector 31 and a polarizing filter 32, is shown, with the detector 31 and polarizing filter 32 embedded within the bulk material of the radiator 10. In the context of the invention, any suitable number of components formed by the detector 31 and polarizing filter 32 can be selected.

[0031] The controller device 40 is functionally connected to the radiation device 20 and the detector device 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 device 20 and the detector device 30, respectively; an option where the system 1 includes a communication device configured to enable wireless data communication; and an option where the system 1 includes a communication device configured to enable partially wired and partially wireless data communication. 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.

[0032] The radiation device 20, detector device 30, and controller device 40 can be powered in any suitable manner and can be electrically connected, for example, to a power transmission line or a battery.

[0033] The radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10 is configured to transmit a portion of the polarized UV radiation 22 from the UV radiation source 21. Figure 1 In the diagram, dashed line 25 represents radiation emitted from radiator 10 through radiation exit window 11. Detector 31 is positioned to receive internal radiation 26 emitted from the radiation exit window 11 into the material of radiator 10 through polarizing filter 32, and is configured to provide an output signal to controller device 40 representing the intensity of a portion of the internal radiation 26 (i.e., the portion allowed to pass through polarizing filter 32). Depending on the structure of radiation exit window 11, internal radiation 26 can be obtained by at least one of the following: i) scattering of polarized UV radiation 22 radiated by UV radiation source 21 at the location of radiation exit window 11 and ii) reflection of polarized UV radiation 22 radiated by UV radiation source 21 inside radiation exit window 11. This allows scattering of polarized UV radiation 22 radiated by UV radiation source 20 to occur, especially when an object 2, such as a human finger, is present outside 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 emitted radiation 25 and the internal radiation 26 traveling from the inside of the radiation exit window 11 toward the detector 31 change, both in intensity and polarization orientation.

[0034] The primary purpose of the radiation device 20 in System 1 is to keep the outside of the radiation exit window 11 in a sterilized state. When bacteria or viruses eventually reach the outside of the radiation exit window 11, they are killed or at least rendered inactive under the influence of the emitted radiation 25 at their location. 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.

[0035] The controller device 40 is configured to control the radiation device 20 based on signals provided by the detector device 30, particularly when it comes to setting the intensity of the polarized UV radiation 22 emitted by the UV radiation source 21. Indeed, for safety reasons, it is desirable to reduce the intensity of radiation 22, ideally to zero, should a person or animal / pet touch the radiation exit window 11. Therefore, the controller device 40 is configured to set the UV radiation source 21 to a normal state as the default state, in which the UV radiation source 21 provides polarized radiation 22 at an intensity at the operating level, and to set the UV radiation source 21 to an adaptation state after an interference event involving a change in the output signal of the detector 31, in which the UV radiation source 21 provides polarized UV radiation 22 at an intensity reduced relative to the operating level. As explained above, this signal represents the intensity of the portion of the internal radiation 26 that is allowed to pass through the polarizing filter 32. In this regard, it should be noted that an interference event is determined to have occurred when the value of the intensity of this portion of the internal radiation 26 shifts from within the safe reference range to outside the safe range.

[0036] When the polarization filter 32 is selected such that the portion of the internal radiation 26 that is allowed to pass through is polarized radiation with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation, the process of determining the occurrence of an interference event can be performed with high accuracy. This is because, in the case of touching the radiation exit window 11, the intensity and polarization orientation of the internal radiation 26 are different from those of the internal radiation 26 under default conditions. Under default conditions, polarized radiation with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation is not actually present, while in the case of a touch, the internal radiation 26 has a different configuration and includes polarized radiation that is not present under normal conditions. This means that, in the case of a touch, the output signal of the detector 31 indicates a significantly higher intensity of polarized radiation with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation. Conversely, when the polarization filter 32 is selected such that the portion of the internal radiation 26 that is allowed to pass through is polarized radiation with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation, the touch situation can be identified based on the fact that the output signal of the detector 31 indicates a lower intensity of polarized radiation with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation.

[0037] To ensure the proper functioning of System 1, the reference values ​​used in assessing the occurrence of interference events are preferably selected such that the presence of relatively small objects on the radiation exit window 11, particularly objects with dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers or even smaller, such as droplets containing bacteria and / or viruses and / or grease / dirt, does not constitute an interference event, while the presence of relatively large objects on the radiation exit window 11 is considered an interference event. This invention provides a simple and cost-effective method for combining disinfection targets with the detection of potential higher organisms, resulting in maximized operating time of System 1 with UV radiation source 21 in its default state and minimized risk of exposure to UV radiation to higher organisms.

[0038] Generally, the system 1 according to the invention may include any suitable number of UV radiation sources 21 and any suitable number of detectors 31. In a complex embodiment, the detector device 30 is configured to detect the intensity of polarized radiation having a source polarization orientation and the intensity of polarized radiation having a polarization orientation orthogonal to the source polarization orientation. In such an embodiment, the ratio of the corresponding intensities may be tracked, and the process of determining whether an interference event has occurred may include assessing whether the ratio has shifted from within a safe reference ratio range to outside a safe ratio range.

[0039] It should be further noted that UV radiation need not be polarized radiation. Alternatively, system 1 according to the invention may include at least one UV radiation source 21 and at least one additional radiation source, wherein it is the at least one additional radiation source configured to emit polarized radiation. For example, such at least one additional radiation source may be of the type configured to emit visible light.

[0040] Figure 2 The 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, for example, a recessed arrangement structure within the components of objects 102, 103, 104, and 105, wherein 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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”.

[0045] Several noteworthy aspects of the present invention are summarized below. In system 1, which includes a radiator 10, a radiation device 20, a detector device 30, and a controller device 40, the radiation device 20 is used for disinfection of the radiation exit window 11 of the radiator 10. The controller device 40 is configured to, when a detection result obtained by the detector device 30 indicates that an interference event has occurred, place at least one UV radiation source 21 of the radiation device 20 from a default state to an adapted state with reduced radiation intensity. Specifically, at least one radiation source of the radiation device 20 (which may be at least one UV radiation source 21) is configured to emit polarized radiation 22, and the detector device 30 is configured to detect at least one of the intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation 22 emitted by the at least one radiation source and the intensity of polarized radiation having orthogonal polarization orientations, wherein a change in at least one of the intensities, as mentioned above, is considered an indication that an interference event has occurred. In this way, assuming that the occurrence of an interference event indicates that the radiation exit window 11 is touched by a relatively large object 2 (e.g., a human hand or finger), the controller device 40 is configured to enable disinfection of the radiation exit window 11 by default and implement safety measures to reduce the intensity of the UV radiation 22 provided when appropriate.

Claims

1. A system (1) comprising: a radiator (10) comprising a radiation exit window (11), wherein the radiator (10) is configured to receive radiation comprising at least UV radiation, and the radiation exit window (11) is capable of allowing at least a portion of the radiation to pass through to an outside of the radiator (10); a radiation device (20) configured to provide the radiation, comprising at least one radiation source (21), the at least one radiation source (21) comprising at least one UV radiation source (21) configured to emit UV radiation (22), wherein at least one radiation source (21) of the radiation device (20) is configured to emit polarized radiation (22); a detector device (30) configured to detect at least one of an intensity of polarized radiation having a same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) and an intensity of polarized radiation having an orthogonal polarization orientation obtained by at least one of a scattering of the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) at a location of the radiation exit window (11) and a reflection of the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) inside of the radiation exit window (11); and a controller device (40) functionally coupled with the radiation device (20) and the detector device (30), configured to set a normal state of the at least one UV radiation source (21) as a default state, in which the at least one UV radiation source (21) provides the UV radiation (22) at an intensity at an operational level that is bactericidal or viral or at least renders bacteria or viruses present to be inactivated, and to place the at least one UV radiation source (21) from the default state into an adapted state after an interference event has occurred involving a change of at least one of an intensity of polarized radiation having a same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) and an intensity of polarized radiation having an orthogonal polarization orientation detected by the detector device (30), in which the at least one UV radiation source (21) provides the UV radiation (22) at an intensity at a level that is reduced relative to the operational level and protects humans and / or animals from harmful exposure to the UV radiation.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The controller device (40) is configured to determine that an interference event has occurred when a value of at least one of an intensity of polarized radiation having a same polarization orientation as the polarization orientation of the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) and an intensity of polarized radiation having an orthogonal polarization orientation detected by the detector device (30) moves from within a safe value range to outside of the safe value range.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The detector device (30) is configured to detect both an intensity of polarized radiation having the same polarization orientation as the polarized radiation (22) emitted by the at least one radiation source (21) and an intensity of polarized radiation having an orthogonal polarization orientation, and the controller device (40) is configured to determine that an interference event has occurred when a ratio of the respective intensities moves from within a safe ratio range to outside the safe ratio range.

4. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one UV radiation source (21) is the at least one radiation source of the radiation device (20) configured to emit the polarized radiation (22).

5. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The radiation device (20) comprises both the at least one UV radiation source (21) and at least one additional radiation source configured to emit radiation having a wavelength that is significantly longer compared to UV wavelengths, and the at least one additional radiation source is the at least one radiation source of the radiation device configured to emit the polarized radiation.

6. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one radiation source (21) of the radiation device (20) configured to emit the polarized radiation (22) comprises an assembly formed by a device (23) configured to generate radiation and a polarization device (24) arranged in a radiation path of the device (23) and configured to let through only radiation having a predetermined polarization orientation.

7. The system (1) according to claim 6, wherein The polarization device (24) comprises one of i) a polarizer and ii) a polarization beam splitter in combination with a half-wave plate.

8. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one radiation source (21) of the radiation device (20) configured to emit the polarized radiation (22) comprises a laser source.

9. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detector device (30) comprises at least one assembly formed by a detector (31) and a polarization filter (32).

10. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reduced level of the intensity of the UV radiation provided by the at least one UV radiation source (21) in the adapted state is a zero level.

11. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The radiation device (20) comprises at least two UV radiation sources (21) arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator (10) and / or the detector device (30) comprises at least two detectors (31) arranged at a distance from each other within the radiator (10).

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein The radiator (10) comprises a piece of material and the at least two UV radiation sources (21) and / or the at least two detectors (31) are embedded within the piece of material.

13. An object (102, 103, 104, 105) comprising the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a radiation exit window (11) of a radiator (10) of the system (1) is arranged to be located outside the object (102, 103, 104, 105).

14. The object (102, 103, 104, 105) according to claim 13, wherein The object is selected from the group comprising a construction element, a sanitary part, a medical device and a part of all of the above of a household appliance, furniture, a building and a vehicle. The object is selected from the group comprising a construction element, a sanitary part, a medical device and a part of all of the above of a household appliance, furniture, a building and a vehicle.

15. A method of adding the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to an existing object (102, 103, 104, 105), wherein the radiating body (10) of the system (1) is applied to an outer surface of the existing object (102, 103, 104, 105).

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