Electronic apparatus and system

Abstract

To achieve accurate ultraviolet radiation.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus comprises: a light emission part; a light reception part; a processing part; and an output part. The light emission part has a light emission element for emitting at least an ultraviolet ray. The light reception part receives at least the ultraviolet ray and outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received ultraviolet ray. The processing part acquires a state in which, the light reception part receives the ultraviolet ray which is radiated to a subject by the light emission part, and the ultraviolet ray is radiated to the subject according to the signal output from the light reception part. The output part outputs the state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] UV (Ultra Violet) light is generally considered to be effective in sterilizing and inactivating viruses, and there are many sterilization devices that use UV light. However, there is an issue that bacteria and viruses cannot be seen with the naked eye, and it is unclear whether sterilization and inactivation of viruses have been achieved by simply irradiating UV light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-116430 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, one of the non-limiting problems that the embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve is to realize highly accurate ultraviolet irradiation. The problems that the embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve can also be problems corresponding to the effects described in the embodiments, as some non-limiting examples. That is, the problems that the present disclosure aims to solve can be problems corresponding to at least one of the effects described in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The light emitting section has a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light. The light receiving section receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light. The processing unit receives the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the target by the light emitting unit, and acquires a state in which the target is irradiated with the ultraviolet light from a signal output by the light receiving unit. The output unit outputs the state.

[0006] The processing unit may obtain the state as image information or video information.

[0007] The processing unit may execute a process of applying an image filter to the image information or the video information.

[0008] The image filters may include at least an average filter.

[0009] The image filter may include at least a median filter.

[0010] The output unit may transmit the status to an external device.

[0011] The output unit may transmit the status to the device via wireless communication.

[0012] The output may comprise an indicator that shows an indication of the condition.

[0013] The output unit may include a monitor unit that displays the status.

[0014] The optical fiber may further include a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light incident on the light receiving portion.

[0015] The visible light blocking filter may be movable, and the device may further include a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter so that it covers or does not cover the light receiving unit based on a request.

[0016] The light receiving unit may further receive at least visible light and output a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received visible light, and the processing unit may acquire the state based on an intensity signal of the ultraviolet light received by the light receiving unit and an intensity signal of the visible light received by the light receiving unit.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a system includes an electronic device and a device. The electronic device includes: a light emitting unit having a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light; a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; a conversion unit that receives the ultraviolet light irradiated by the light emitting unit onto an object and converts a signal output by the light receiving unit into a transferable signal; A transmitting unit that transmits the signal converted by the converting unit; Equipped with. The device includes a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit; a display data generating unit that converts the signal received by the receiving unit into at least a displayable format; a display unit that displays the data generated by the display data generation unit; Equipped with.

[0018] The conversion unit may convert the signal output by the light receiving unit into an image signal, and the display data generation unit may perform image processing on the image signal and cause the display unit to display the image signal after the image processing.

[0019] The device may further include a request input unit that accepts input from a user, and at least one of the conversion unit or the display data generation unit may set parameters for processing to be performed on the image signal based on the input accepted by the request input unit.

[0020] The electronic device may include a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light entering the light receiving unit, and a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter to cover or not cover the light receiving unit based on a request, and the device may receive the request from a user via the request input unit.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a system includes a light emitting device and electronics. The light emitting device comprises: a light-emitting section having a light-emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light in a predetermined region; Equipped with. The electronic device includes a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light in the predetermined area and outputs a signal corresponding to an intensity of the received ultraviolet light; A processing unit that acquires an ultraviolet ray irradiation state of an object placed in the predetermined area based on an output from the light receiving unit; An output unit that outputs the state acquired by the processing unit.

[0022] The electronic device may have at least one of the functions of any of the electronic devices described above to the extent that there is no contradiction.

[0023] The present invention may further include a device independent of the electronic device, the electronic device having at least one of the functions of any of the electronic devices or devices described above to the extent that is not inconsistent, and the device may have at least one of the functions of any of the electronic devices or devices described above to the extent that is not inconsistent. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3]1 is a flowchart showing processing of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used for explanation, and the shape, size, or size ratio of each component in an actual device to other components does not necessarily have to be as shown in the drawings. In addition, since the drawings are simplified, components necessary for implementation other than those shown in the drawings are also appropriately provided.

[0026] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of use of an electronic device according to an embodiment as a non-limiting example. The electronic device 10 includes, for example, a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light, and irradiates an object T with the light-emitting element to achieve sterilization and virus inactivation.

[0027] The electronic device 10 has at least a sensor that receives ultraviolet light and acquires ultraviolet light intensity information acquired by the sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a sensor that can receive ultraviolet light intensity in an area that sufficiently covers the area where the light emitting element emits ultraviolet light.

[0028] Without being limited thereto, the sensor may be, for example, a region where the light-emitting element emits ultraviolet light and where the ultraviolet light intensity of the region where sufficient intensity of ultraviolet light is emitted can be acquired. For example, the sensor may be mounted in the electronic device 10 as a sensor that can cover a region where information on the ultraviolet light intensity of a predetermined intensity (approximately 80% as a non-limiting example) can be acquired with respect to the intensity emitted by the light-emitting element.

[0029] The sensor may have a function of converting a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light into image information. As another example, the electronic device 10 may have a function of generating image information from a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light.

[0030] The electronic device 10 acquires the state of irradiation of ultraviolet light in the area where the light emitting element emits ultraviolet light or the area where the sensor acquires ultraviolet light intensity information from the ultraviolet light intensity information acquired by the sensor. The electronic device 10 transmits this information to another device 20, for example, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 1. The device 20 can display the irradiation state of ultraviolet light based on the received information.

[0031] The electronic device 10, for example, acquires time-series ultraviolet irradiation information, converts the ultraviolet irradiation state based on this time-series information into an image, and outputs it to the device 20. The device 20 can present the ultraviolet irradiation state to the user by displaying this image.

[0032] For example, immediately after irradiation starts, the device 20 displays the area as being insufficiently irradiated, as shown in the screen on the left at the bottom. After a certain amount of time has passed since irradiation started, the device 20 displays areas that are sufficiently irradiated and areas that are not sufficiently irradiated, as shown in the screen on the center at the bottom. After a sufficient amount of time has passed since irradiation started, the device 20 displays that all of the area R is sufficiently irradiated, as shown in the screen on the right at the bottom.

[0033] In this way, the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the electronic device 10 can be acquired by the electronic device 10, and the irradiation state can be presented to the user by the other device 20.

[0034] This embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0035] 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a system including an electronic device 10 that performs sterilization and the like, and a device 20. The system 1 includes, for example, the electronic device 10 and the device 20. The system 1 is, for example, a system that irradiates ultraviolet light in the electronic device 10 as described above, and presents irradiation information to a user in the device 20. This system 1 can be used for purposes such as sterilization and virus inactivation.

[0036] The electronic device 10 is a device that irradiates an area in which an object exists with ultraviolet light and acquires the state of the irradiated ultraviolet light from a sensor. The system 1 includes a light-emitting element 100, a light-receiving element 102, a processing unit 104, and an I / F 106. The electronic device 10 may also include a storage unit, a control unit, a power supply unit, and the like, which are not shown. The storage unit can arbitrarily store, for example, information acquired by the light-receiving element 102 and data processed or generated by the processing unit 104.

[0037] In addition, when the information processing by the software is specifically realized by using the processing unit 104 which is hardware, the storage unit can store programs, executable files, etc. related to this software. The processing unit 104 can realize appropriate processing by referring to the programs, etc. stored in the light receiving element 102.

[0038] The light-emitting element 100 includes an element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light at least in the ultraviolet band. By irradiating an object within an area with ultraviolet light from the light-emitting element 100, it is possible to sterilize the object, inactivate viruses, and perform other processes. The intensity of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 100 may be adjustable. The intensity adjustment may be achieved, for example, by using an adjustment function provided in the electronic device 10. Alternatively, the light-emitting element 100 may have any configuration that functions as a light-emitting unit that irradiates ultraviolet light.

[0039] The light receiving element 102 is, for example, a sensor that senses at least ultraviolet light. The light receiving element 102 is, for example, a sensor that includes a light receiving element such as a photodiode that acquires the ultraviolet light irradiation status, such as the ultraviolet light intensity, of the area where the light emitting element 100 irradiates ultraviolet light. As another example, the light receiving element 102 may be a sensor that acquires information on at least a part of the area, rather than the entire area of ​​ultraviolet light irradiated by the light emitting element 100, or a sensor that acquires information on an area with a margin in addition to the entire area. In addition, the light receiving element 102 may have any configuration that functions as a light receiving unit that receives ultraviolet light.

[0040] As an example, the light receiving element 102 includes photodiodes (light receiving pixels) arranged in a two-dimensional array, and an optical system that appropriately focuses light, particularly ultraviolet light, in the area of ​​the object to be acquired onto the light receiving pixel array. The light receiving element 102 senses ultraviolet light in a predetermined area relative to the light receiving pixel array, and outputs a signal acquired by photoelectric conversion in each light receiving pixel. With this configuration, the light receiving element 102 can output the situation where ultraviolet light is being irradiated as two-dimensional image information.

[0041] However, the light receiving element 102 may have a light receiving capability in the visible light band as well as the ultraviolet light band, in which case the light receiving element 102 can output image information using visible light as well as an image using ultraviolet light.

[0042] The processing unit 104 is, for example, a processor mounted on the electronic device 10. The processing unit 104 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processor dedicated to a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specified Integrated Circuit), or a combination of these.

[0043] The processing unit 104 acquires the state of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the target according to the irradiation state of the ultraviolet light received by the light receiving element 102. The processing unit 104 generates image information or video information indicating the irradiation state of the ultraviolet light, for example, based on the signal output from the light receiving element 102. The processing unit 104 can further perform, for example, any filtering process on the generated image data. This filtering process may be a process using an image filter.

[0044] The generation of the ultraviolet irradiation state data may be realized by a processing circuit, part or all of which is formed on the same chip as the light receiving element 102. In this case, the light receiving element 102 may be configured to include part or all of the processing unit 104.

[0045] The I / F 106 is an input / output interface for exchanging data between the inside and outside of the electronic device 10. In the present embodiment, the I / F 106 may include at least a communication interface as a configuration thereof. Data indicating the irradiation state generated by the processing unit 104, for example, the above-mentioned image information or video information, is transmitted to the device 20, which is an external device, via the I / F 106.

[0046] The electronic device 10 thus comprises a light-emitting unit including a light-emitting element 100 that emits at least ultraviolet light, and a light-receiving unit including a light-receiving element 102 that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal according to the state (e.g., intensity) of the received ultraviolet light. The electronic device 10 further comprises a processing unit including a processing unit 104 that acquires the state of the ultraviolet light irradiated on the target from a signal generated when the light-receiving unit receives the ultraviolet light irradiated on the target by the light-emitting unit. The data processed and generated by the processing unit is output from an output unit including an I / F 106.

[0047] The device 20 is a device that receives information transmitted by the electronic device 10 and presents the ultraviolet irradiation state to the user. The device 20 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, smart glasses, a VR (Virtual Reality) compatible device, a computer, or other devices that display data to the user, including but not limited to these. In addition, the device 20 is not limited to a device that outputs data to the user as an image, and may be a device that outputs the ultraviolet irradiation state by sound, vibration, or the like.

[0048] The I / F 200 is an input / output interface for exchanging data between the inside and outside of the device 20. In the present embodiment, the I / F 200 may include at least a communication interface as a configuration thereof. The I / F 200 receives, for example, data on the irradiation state of ultraviolet light generated by the processing unit 104 from the electronic device 10.

[0049] The processing circuit 202 is, for example, a processor mounted on the device 20. The processing circuit 202 may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, a processor dedicated to a specific process such as an ASIC, or a combination of these. The processing circuit 202 converts data acquired from the electronic device 10 into a format to be output on the display unit 204 and outputs the data appropriately. When the data has been converted into an output format in the processing unit 104, the processing circuit 202 controls the display unit 204 to display the data.

[0050] The display unit 204 is, for example, a display provided in the device 20. The display may include a touch panel. The display unit 204 may be provided in the same housing as the housing of the device 20, such as a smartphone.

[0051] As another example, a computer or the like and a monitor may be provided in a housing separate from the housing of the device 20. In this case, the display unit 204 may be connected to the processing circuit 202 or the like via the I / F 200. As yet another example, the monitor may be equipped with the functions of the device 20.

[0052] The display unit 204, under the control of the processing circuit 202, displays the state of the ultraviolet light being irradiated to an object or area by the light emitting element 100. By referring to information such as an image displayed on the display unit 204, the user can confirm whether the object is being irradiated with an appropriate amount of ultraviolet light or for an appropriate time.

[0053] When the device 20 outputs to the user in other forms such as sound or vibration instead of display, the output unit can include modules such as a speaker and a vibrator instead of the display unit 204. The device 20 can output the ultraviolet ray irradiation state to the user by sound from the speaker and a predetermined vibration from the vibrator.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the system 1 in FIG.

[0055] The electronic device 10 and the device 20 start communication via the I / F 106 and the I / F 200, respectively (S10). This communication enables the electronic device 10 to transmit data to the device 20.

[0056] The electronic device 10 starts emitting ultraviolet light (S12) by controlling the light emitting element 100. The processing unit 104 may obtain time information of this start, if necessary.

[0057] The steps S10 and S12 may be executed in the reverse order.

[0058] After the light-emitting element 100 starts irradiating the target, the light-receiving element 102 starts receiving the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light-emitting element 100 (S14). The light-receiving element 102, for example, acquires ultraviolet light irradiation information for the area irradiated with ultraviolet light by the light-emitting element 100. The light-receiving element 102, for example, outputs the ultraviolet light irradiation information for the area irradiated by the light-emitting element 100 as image information.

[0059] The processing unit 104 acquires the ultraviolet irradiation state of the target (S16) based on the information output by the light receiving element 102. The acquisition of the state can be realized, for example, as follows.

[0060] For example, the light receiving element 102 acquires image information at an appropriate frame rate and stores it in the storage unit. The processing unit 104 acquires image information of a predetermined number of frames going back from the current time from the storage unit. The processing unit 104 performs filter processing on the multiple pieces of time-series image information to generate an image showing the irradiation state of ultraviolet light.

[0061] The processing unit 104 can obtain the average value of the integral (accumulated value) of the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiated over a specified period of time, for example, by applying a temporal average filter to time-series image information including the acquired ultraviolet light intensity information.

[0062] As another example, the processing unit 104 can obtain an image showing a statistical quantity regarding the intensity of ultraviolet light irradiated at a specified time by applying a temporal median filter to time-series image information including the acquired ultraviolet light intensity information.

[0063] In addition, when there is a movement of the housing of the electronic device 10, the above-mentioned filtering process can be performed on the overlapping parts of the time series data based on an arbitrary object tracking method, etc. The movement of the housing can be obtained from an image, or a six-axis sensor or an acceleration sensor, etc. can be mounted on the electronic device 10, and the movement information can be obtained from the acceleration sensor, etc.

[0064] The processing unit 104 can, for example, extract an area in which the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is less than a threshold value from the image that has been subjected to the above-mentioned filter processing. The processing unit 104 can, for example, present to the user that the amount of ultraviolet irradiation in the area is insufficient by making the color information of the area in which the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is less than the threshold value different from that of the other areas.

[0065] The processing unit 104 may, for example, perform processing to increase or decrease the brightness information of the region, or conversely, may perform processing to increase or decrease the brightness information of a region where the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is sufficient, thereby presenting the region where the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is insufficient to the user. Also, the processing unit 104 may make the information on pixel values ​​such as other colors and brightness of the region where the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is insufficient different from that of other regions.

[0066] The processing unit 104 may divide the image area into two types of areas using one threshold value, or may divide the image area into more image areas using two or more threshold values. In addition, the processing unit 104 may display the image area with a gradation according to the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0067] The electronic device 10 transmits data indicating the ultraviolet irradiation state generated by the processing unit 104, for example, the image data generated as described above, to the device 20 via wireless communication via I / F 106 and I / F 200, and outputs the data, and the device 20 outputs the received image data to the user by displaying it (S18).

[0068] The user can control the electronic device 10 while taking into consideration the irradiation state of ultraviolet light by referring to the display of the device 20. Controlling the electronic device 10 includes, for example, terminating ultraviolet light irradiation from the electronic device 10 when a sufficient amount of ultraviolet light has been irradiated onto an object that the user needs to sterilize, or increasing the intensity of ultraviolet light from the electronic device 10 when a sufficient amount of ultraviolet light has not been irradiated.

[0069] The user can control the electronic device 10 by viewing the ultraviolet light irradiation state outputted from the device 20.

[0070] The electronic device 10 determines whether the process is complete (S20). The electronic device 10 can complete the process, for example, in response to a request from a user who has referred to the image generated by the processing unit 104 (S20: YES). As another example, the electronic device 10 can present to the user whether to complete the process or not when a sufficient amount of ultraviolet light has been irradiated to the entire area of ​​the image generated by the processing unit 104, or can automatically stop the ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0071] Also, it is possible to determine that the process is complete when the user stops the ultraviolet irradiation, and to end the process of S14 to S18.

[0072] If the process is not complete (S20: NO), the electronic device 10 continues the process of acquiring and outputting the ultraviolet irradiation state at the next time while continuing the ultraviolet irradiation (S14 to S18).

[0073] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the electronic device 10 can be acquired by a sensor mounted on the electronic device 10 and can be referred to in another device 20. By referring to the amount of ultraviolet light in the device 20 in this manner, the user can quickly and accurately determine whether or not an appropriate amount of ultraviolet light is being irradiated to a target.

[0074] The parameters related to the control of the electronic device 10, such as the parameters of the filter process in the processing unit 104 and the threshold value of the amount of ultraviolet irradiation, can be changed arbitrarily. Predetermined values ​​may be set in the electronic device 10.

[0075] Alternatively, the user may set the parameters via the I / F 106 of the electronic device 10. Alternatively, the user may change the parameters while referring to an image outputted from the device 20.

[0076] Examples of parameters that can be changed include the number of time series data used to create an image (number of images), the type of filter to apply, and the threshold value for determining the UV exposure state.

[0077] By setting the parameters in this manner so as to be changeable, it becomes possible to determine a more appropriate ultraviolet irradiance for different targets.

[0078] Second embodiment In the above description, the electronic device 10 and the display unit 204 are provided in separate housings, but they may be provided in the same housing. In other words, the electronic device 10 may have a display unit as a part of the I / F 106.

[0079] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The system 1 includes an electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 includes a monitor as part of an I / F 106. The electronic device 10 is, for example, a handheld ultraviolet irradiation device, and includes, as part of the I / F 106, a light receiving element 102 that is a sensor that receives ultraviolet light and generates image information, and a monitor that displays image information processed by a processing unit 104.

[0080] The monitor can display the image generated by the processing unit 104 in the above-described embodiment. The user can judge the irradiation state of ultraviolet light by referring to the monitor, and the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be achieved. This embodiment has the advantage that the system 1 does not require a device separate from the electronic device 10.

[0081] The electronic device 10 may further include an indicator as the I / F 106. This indicator is an indicator that shows the state of the ultraviolet ray irradiation amount in the sensing area of ​​the light receiving element 102.

[0082] The indicator may be formed with a light source such as a single LED that lights up when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is sufficient or insufficient. The single light source may output the status to the user by different light emission, for example, flashing when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is insufficient and lighting up when the amount is sufficient.

[0083] As another example, the indicator may be provided with two light sources, one of which lights up when the amount of ultraviolet radiation is insufficient, and the other of which lights up when the amount of ultraviolet radiation is sufficient.

[0084] As another example, the indicator may be provided with three or more light sources and may appropriately present the amount of ultraviolet irradiation to the user. For example, the indicator may be provided with red, yellow, and blue LEDs. The processing unit 104 acquires the ultraviolet irradiation state based on the refined image or the signal output from the light receiving element 102. The processing unit 104 controls the lighting of the red LED when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is insufficient, the yellow LED when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is insufficient in a part of the area, and the blue LED when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is sufficient in the entire area, thereby presenting the amount of ultraviolet irradiation in the area where the target is present to the user.

[0085] The processing unit 104 may generate an image similar to that of the first embodiment, obtain the state of the ultraviolet ray irradiation amount of the entire region based on the generated image information, and control the indicator based on this state. As another example, the processing unit 104 may be configured to obtain the state of the entire ultraviolet ray irradiation amount of the sensing region, rather than as an image.

[0086] Third embodiment The electronic device 10 may also include a visible light blocking filter to suppress the effect of visible light on the light receiving element 102 .

[0087] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment. In addition to the above-described configurations, the electronic device 10 includes a visible light blocking filter 108. The visible light blocking filter 108 is a filter provided on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 102, and is a filter that transmits at least ultraviolet light and blocks or attenuates light in the visible light band.

[0088] As a non-limiting example, the light receiving element 102 may include a photoelectric conversion element that is sensitive to ultraviolet light, and the electronic device 10 may be configured such that a visible light blocking filter 108 is disposed on the light receiving surface side of the photoelectric conversion element.

[0089] The light receiving unit may include another light receiving element that receives visible light in addition to the light receiving element 102 that receives ultraviolet light. In this case, the visible light blocking filter 108 may be disposed on the light receiving surface side of the light receiving element 102 that receives ultraviolet light, and ultraviolet light and visible light images of the same area may be generated from the output from the light receiving element 102 and the output from the light receiving element that receives visible light. In this case, the user may refer to a visible light image in addition to the ultraviolet light image, and the processing unit 104 may arbitrarily mix and output the ultraviolet light image and the visible light image.

[0090] That is, as another aspect of the present disclosure, the light receiving unit may include a light receiving element that receives at least ultraviolet light and a light receiving element that receives at least visible light. The processing unit 104 can acquire the irradiation state of ultraviolet light based on a signal related to the intensity of the ultraviolet light received by the light receiving unit and a signal related to the intensity of the visible light.

[0091] As another non-limiting example, a sensor of a photoelectric conversion element that senses ultraviolet light may be provided on the light receiving surface side with a visible light blocking filter 108. In this case, the visible light blocking filter 108 is disposed outside the semiconductor chip in which the photoelectric conversion element is provided, for example, between the photoelectric conversion element and an optical system that focuses ultraviolet light on the photoelectric conversion element, or inside the semiconductor chip, for example, between the photoelectric conversion element and a microlens provided on the upper surface of the photoelectric conversion element.

[0092] Furthermore, when a visible light blocking filter 108 is provided for each photoelectric conversion element that senses ultraviolet light, a photoelectric conversion element that receives visible light and a photoelectric conversion element that receives ultraviolet light can be arranged to form a light receiving pixel array as a light receiving section. As an example, it is also possible to periodically arrange photoelectric conversion elements that receive ultraviolet light in a Bayer array that receives RGB, and in this case, it is also possible to obtain images with little misalignment between the image for visible light and the image for ultraviolet light without aligning them.

[0093] 6 is a diagram showing an example of another configuration in which a visible light blocking filter is provided. The electronic device 10 may include a filter control unit 110 in addition to the visible light blocking filter 108.

[0094] In FIG. 6, the visible light blocking filter 108 is mounted in the electronic device 10 so as to be movable between a state in which it covers the light receiving surface side of the light receiving element 102 and a state in which it does not cover it.

[0095] The filter control unit 110 controls the arrangement of the visible light blocking filter 108. More specifically, the filter control unit 110 switches between a state in which the visible light blocking filter 108 is arranged on the light receiving surface side of the light receiving element 102 and blocks visible light incident on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 102, and a state in which the visible light blocking filter 108 is arranged at a location other than the light receiving surface side of the light receiving element 102 and does not block visible light incident on the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 102.

[0096] For example, the filter control unit 110 may move the visible light blocking filter 108 to the light receiving surface side of the light receiving element 102 at the timing when the light emitting element 100 starts emitting ultraviolet light. In addition, for example, when a user requests to move the visible light blocking filter 108 via the I / F 106, the filter control unit 110 may move the visible light blocking filter 108 to an appropriate location.

[0097] In this way, the electronic device 10 can reduce the influence of visible light at the timing of acquiring the ultraviolet light irradiation state by including the fixed or movable visible light blocking filter 108. By reducing the influence of visible light, it becomes possible to acquire more accurate data (including image data) of the ultraviolet light irradiation state and present it to the user.

[0098] (Fourth embodiment) In each of the above-described embodiments, image information is generated in the processing unit 104 of the electronic device 10, but this is not limited to this. At least a part of the generation or conversion process of image information may be executed in the processing circuit 202 of the device 20.

[0099] The system 1 includes, for example, an electronic device 10 and a device 20. The electronic device 10 includes a light emitting unit including a light emitting element 100, a light receiving unit including a light receiving element 102, a processing unit 104, and an I / F 106. The configurations of the light emitting element 100 and the light receiving element 102 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0100] The processing unit 104 can operate as a conversion unit that converts the signal output from the light receiving element 102 into data suitable for transfer to the device 20. The processing unit 104 transfers the converted data to the device 20 via the I / F 106.

[0101] The device 20 receives data from the electronic device 10 via the I / F 200 operating as a receiving unit, and the processing circuit 202 operating as a display data generating unit converts the data into an outputtable format, for example, a format that can be displayed on the display unit 204, and displays the data on the display unit 204.

[0102] As a non-limiting example, the processing unit 104 may convert the signal output from the light receiving element 102 into an image signal, and the processing circuit 202 may filter a plurality of image signals obtained from the electronic device 10 to generate an image showing the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the target, and display the image on the display unit 204.

[0103] In this manner, signal processing or image processing can be arbitrarily divided and executed between the electronic device 10 and the device 20 .

[0104] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the I / F 106 on the electronic device 10 side is used to receive requests for parameter and filter control, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the system 1, a request for processing of the electronic device 10 can also be executed from the device 20.

[0105] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the system 1 according to an embodiment. The device 20, as a part of the I / F 200, operates as a request input unit that receives requests from a user. The request input unit of the I / F 200 can receive, for example, parameters used in signal processing or image processing.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the request input from the I / F 106 of the electronic device 10 can also be input from the I / F 200 of the device 20. The user request accepted via the I / F 200 can be reflected in parameters, etc., at the timing of executing signal processing or image processing in the processing circuit 202.

[0107] As another example, a request from a user received by the I / F 200 can be transmitted to the electronic device 10 via a communication interface included in the I / F 200 and reflected in the processing in the processing unit 104 .

[0108] As another example, the visible light blocking filter 108 and the filter control unit 110 described in the third embodiment may be provided. In this case, the control of the visible light blocking filter 108 in the filter control unit 110 can be executed in response to a request from a user acquired from a request input unit of the I / F 200.

[0109] As described above, it is possible for the device 20 to execute at least a part of the signal processing and image processing, and it is also possible for the device 20 to control the user's electronic device 10. In addition to the above, it is also possible for the user to request the device 20 to control the emission of the light-emitting element 100 in the electronic device 10.

[0110] Fifth embodiment In the above-described embodiments, the handheld electronic device 10 as shown in Fig. 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic device 10 may be a fixed device.

[0111] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As illustrated in this diagram, at least one of a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit of an electronic device 10 may be fixed. The system 1 includes a light emitting device 30 and a light receiving device 40.

[0112] The light emitting device 30 includes at least the light emitting element 100 in the electronic device 10. The light receiving device 40 includes at least the light receiving element 102 in the electronic device 10. Other components may be included in either device or an external device. For example, the light receiving device 40 includes a processing circuit and can acquire the ultraviolet ray irradiation state of the target.

[0113] The output section may be provided in the light emitting device 30 or the light receiving device 40, or the device 20 may be provided separately in the system 1.

[0114] Each of the configurations may be provided in the light-emitting device 30 or the light-receiving device 40, to the extent that it does not contradict, and can execute the same processes as the system 1 described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0115] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to fixed systems.

[0116] Although the above-described embodiments are targeted at sterilization, virus removal, etc., by irradiating ultraviolet light, the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for other purposes. System 1 can be used for other purposes, such as irradiating ultraviolet light to harden ultraviolet-curable resin, or irradiating ultraviolet light on skin for vitamin D production or other purposes. When used on the human body, it can determine a sufficient amount of irradiation and can also determine how to avoid excessive irradiation.

[0117] The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0118] (1) a light emitting unit having a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light; a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; a processing unit that receives the ultraviolet light irradiated onto an object by the light emitting unit and acquires a state in which the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the object based on a signal output by the light receiving unit; An output unit that outputs the state; An electronic device comprising:

[0119] (2) The processing unit acquires the state as image information or video information. (1) An electronic device as described in (1).

[0120] (3) The processing unit executes a process of applying an image filter to the image information or the video information. (2) An electronic device as described in (1).

[0121] (4) The image filter includes at least an average filter. (3) An electronic device as described in (3).

[0122] (5) The image filter includes at least a median filter. An electronic device according to (3) or (4).

[0123] (6) The output unit transmits the status to an external device. An electronic device described in any one of (1) to (5).

[0124] (7) The output unit transmits the status to the device via wireless communication. (6) An electronic device as described in (6).

[0125] (8) The output unit includes an indicator that indicates an indication of the state. An electronic device according to any one of (2) to (7).

[0126] (9) The output unit includes a monitor unit that displays the state. An electronic device as described in (2) or (8).

[0127] (10) a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light incident on the light receiving unit; Further comprising: An electronic device according to any one of (1) to (9).

[0128] (11) the visible light blocking filter is movable; a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter so as to cover or not cover the light receiving unit based on a request; Further comprising: (10) An electronic device as described in (10).

[0129] (12) The light receiving unit further receives at least visible light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received visible light, The processing unit acquires the state based on an intensity signal of the ultraviolet light received by the light receiving unit and an intensity signal of the visible light received by the light receiving unit. An electronic device according to any one of (1) to (11).

[0130] (13) The present invention includes an electronic device and a device, The electronic device includes: a light emitting unit having a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light; a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; a conversion unit that receives the ultraviolet light irradiated by the light emitting unit onto an object and converts a signal output by the light receiving unit into a transferable signal; A transmitting unit that transmits the signal converted by the converting unit; Equipped with The device comprises: a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit; a display data generating unit that converts the signal received by the receiving unit into at least a displayable format; a display unit that displays the data generated by the display data generation unit; Equipped with system.

[0131] (14) The conversion unit converts the signal output by the light receiving unit into an image signal, the display data generating unit performs image processing on the image signal and causes the display unit to display the image signal subjected to the image processing. (13) The system described in (13).

[0132] (15) The device comprises: a request input unit that accepts input from a user; Further equipped with at least one of the conversion unit and the display data generation unit sets parameters of a process to be executed on the image signal based on the input received by the request input unit; (14) The system described in (14).

[0133] (16) The electronic device includes: a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light incident on the light receiving unit; a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter so as to cover or not cover the light receiving unit based on a request; Equipped with The device comprises: receiving the request from a user via the request input unit; An electronic device according to (14) or (15).

[0134] (17) A light emitting device and an electronic device are provided, The light emitting device comprises: a light-emitting section having a light-emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light in a predetermined region; Equipped with The electronic device includes: a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light in the predetermined region and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; A processing unit that acquires an ultraviolet ray irradiation state of an object placed in the predetermined area based on an output from the light receiving unit; an output unit that outputs the state acquired by the processing unit; A system comprising:

[0135] (18) The electronic device includes: The electronic device has at least one of the functions of (1) to (12) to the extent that it is not inconsistent. (17) The system described in (17).

[0136] (19) a device independent of said electronic equipment; Further equipped with The electronic device has at least one of the functions of any one of the electronic devices (13) to (16) to the extent that it is not inconsistent; The device has at least one of the functions of any of the devices in (13) to (16) to the extent that it is not inconsistent. (17) The system described in (17).

[0137] The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but include various conceivable modifications, and the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described contents. The components in each embodiment may be appropriately combined and applied. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present disclosure derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1: System, 10: Electronic equipment, 100: Light emitting element, 102: light receiving element, 104: processing circuit, 106: I / F, 108: Visible light blocking filter, 110: filter control section, 20: Device, 200: I / F, 202: processing circuit; 204: Display section, 30: Light emitting device, 40: Photodetector

Claims

1. a light emitting unit having a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light; a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; a processing unit that receives the ultraviolet light irradiated onto an object by the light emitting unit and acquires a state in which the ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the object based on a signal output by the light receiving unit; An output unit that outputs the state; An electronic device comprising:

2. The processing unit acquires the state as image information or video information.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The processing unit executes a process of applying an image filter to the image information or the video information.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The image filter includes at least an average filter.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. The image filter includes at least a median filter.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

6. The output unit transmits the status to an external device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

7. The output unit transmits the status to the device via wireless communication.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The output unit includes an indicator that indicates an indication of the state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

9. The output unit includes a monitor unit that displays the state.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

10. a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light incident on the light receiving unit; Further comprising:

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

11. the visible light blocking filter is movable; a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter so as to cover or not cover the light receiving unit based on a request; Further comprising:

11. The electronic device according to claim 10.

12. The light receiving unit further receives at least visible light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received visible light, The processing unit acquires the state based on an intensity signal of the ultraviolet light received by the light receiving unit and an intensity signal of the visible light received by the light receiving unit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

13. The present invention includes an electronic device and a device, The electronic device includes: a light emitting unit having a light emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light; a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; a conversion unit that receives the ultraviolet light irradiated by the light emitting unit onto an object and converts a signal output by the light receiving unit into a transferable signal; A transmitting unit that transmits the signal converted by the converting unit; Equipped with The device comprises: a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit; a display data generating unit that converts the signal received by the receiving unit into at least a displayable format; a display unit that displays the data generated by the display data generation unit; Equipped with system.

14. The conversion unit converts the signal output by the light receiving unit into an image signal, the display data generating unit performs image processing on the image signal and causes the display unit to display the image signal subjected to the image processing. The system of claim 13.

15. The device comprises: a request input unit that accepts input from a user; Further equipped with at least one of the conversion unit and the display data generation unit sets parameters of a process to be executed on the image signal based on the input received by the request input unit; 15. The system of claim 14.

16. The electronic device includes: a visible light blocking filter that blocks visible light incident on the light receiving unit; a filter control unit that controls the movement of the visible light blocking filter so as to cover or not cover the light receiving unit based on a request; Equipped with The device comprises: receiving the request from a user via the request input unit; 16. The system of claim 15.

17. A light emitting device and an electronic device are provided, The light emitting device comprises: a light-emitting section having a light-emitting element that emits at least ultraviolet light in a predetermined region; Equipped with The electronic device includes: a light receiving unit that receives at least ultraviolet light in the predetermined region and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received ultraviolet light; A processing unit that acquires an ultraviolet ray irradiation state of an object placed in the predetermined area based on an output from the light receiving unit; an output unit that outputs the state acquired by the processing unit; A system comprising:

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