Coating material for measures against photosensitivity and cataract, light transmission material, window, and lighting fixture

Abstract

To provide a light transmission material having a filter property which offers an environment suitable for a visual property of a user and which takes into account a property of a human cone cell.SOLUTION: A coating agent with a predetermined filter property is applied to a light transmission material. The predetermined filter property has a transmittance of less than 60% in a range between 400 nm and 480 nm. A convolution integral of the predetermined filter property and an absorption spectrum of a human blue core cell in a wavelength range between 400 nm and 480 nm is obtained by cutting a convolution integral of a reference filter property with a transmittance of 100% and the absorption spectrum in the wavelength range by 40% or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to coating materials for preventing photosensitivity and cataracts, light-transmitting materials, and technologies for windows and lighting fixtures. Concerning techniques. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for filtering specific wavelengths of light is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for filtering specific wavelengths of light. Selectively blocks 5-50% of light at all wavelengths within the 0 to 500 nm wavelength range A high performance selective optical wavelength filtering system featuring a selective optical wavelength filter is disclosed. are. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5917622 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention of Patent Document 1 simply focuses on light at all wavelengths within the wavelength range of 400 to 500 nm. It only selectively blocks 5-50% of the light, and does not represent the function of humans to sense light. It did not take into account the properties of pyramidal cells.

[0005] In view of the above background, the present invention provides a method for detecting the visual characteristics of a user (a normal person and / or a photosensitive patient). To provide a light-transmitting material having filter properties to provide a suitable environment. The present invention provides a light-transmitting material having filter characteristics that take into account the characteristics of the cone cells between the eyes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a light-transmitting material coated with a coating agent having predetermined filter properties. The predetermined filter characteristic is a transmittance of less than 65% in the range of 400 to 480 nm. and a relationship between the predetermined filter characteristics and the absorption spectrum of human blue cone cells of 400 to 1000 nm. The convolution integral in the 480 nm wavelength band is the reference filter characteristic of 100% transmittance. The characteristic of cutting more than 40% from the convolution integral of the absorption spectrum in the relevant wavelength band. A light-transmitting material is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an environment suited to the visual characteristics of a user (a healthy person and / or a photosensitive patient) is provided. It is possible to provide a light transmitting material having filter characteristics for providing the desired effect. It is possible to provide a light-transmitting material having filter characteristics that take into account the characteristics of somatic cells. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of photosensitivity. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the three elements of vision. [Figure 3A] Graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in human cone cells. [Figure 3B] 1 is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in blue cone cells. [Figure 4A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the exterior of a building including a light-transmitting material. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light-transmitting material. [Figure 5A] 10 is a graph illustrating light transmittance in a reference filter characteristic of 100% transmittance. [Figure 5B] Graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in human blue cone cells. [Figure 6]10 is a table illustrating the convolution integral for a reference filter characteristic with a transmittance of 100%. [Figure 7] Photograph of the prepared sample. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph illustrating the light transmittance of a light-transmitting material. [Figure 9] 10 is a table illustrating the convolution integral of the filter characteristics of a light-transmitting material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. Overview Figure 1 is a diagram explaining the outline of photosensitivity. Photosensitivity (commonly known as Irlen syndrome) ) is a visual perception disorder characterized by hypersensitivity to light, such as sunlight or fluorescent light, e.g., printing. Symptoms such as letters appearing distorted, difficult to see, or moving (known as "photophobia" In addition, headache or eye strain may occur as a secondary disorder caused by photophobia. Figure 1 shows the visual acuity of letters in patients with photosensitivity compared to healthy individuals. In this example, if a patient has photosensitivity, some of the text will be blurred. The text may become difficult to see, letters may overlap, or the text may shake while you are reading. This may cause problems with reading the text.

[0010] Here, research on photosensitivity, compared with broader eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma, It has a short history and is not widely known. For example, in Europe and the United States, the incidence of photosensitivity is estimated at 2 Surveys and research results have been reported that show the prevalence rate is 6.2-33%. Surveys and research results have been reported that estimate the prevalence to be around 8%. In addition to factors such as the survey subjects, survey conditions, and survey perspectives, factors due to racial differences can be seen. However, at present, the causal relationship between photosensitivity and race has not been clarified. Therefore, the number of photosensitivity patients in Japan is expected to be in the 20-30 range, similar to that in Western countries. This may potentially include a prevalence of approximately % in both Westerners and Japanese people. However, it can be said to be one of the most common disabilities.

[0011] Photosensitivity can be caused by acquired factors such as aging, such as cataracts or glaucoma, as mentioned above. Unlike the disease it causes, it is the individual's light sensitivity, i.e., how the eye perceives light. Therefore, the severity of symptoms varies depending on the eye function that each individual is born with. In many cases, medical treatments such as surgery or treatment are not necessarily the best option. Rather, appropriate measures can be taken by using an engineering approach that deals with the light itself. Here, we will explain the mechanism by which the human eye sees things.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates the three components of vision. In some studies, the three components of vision are classified as visual acuity, First, visual acuity is the ability to distinguish, for example, the existence and shape of objects in space. Secondly, color vision is the ability to recognize and grasp the spectrum of light. It represents the classification of colors assigned to each wavelength, that is, the ability to recognize and distinguish hues. Third, brightness is the intensity of light emitted from an object, specifically the wavelengths that the human eye perceives. It represents the ability to perceive brightness (high and low luminance).

[0013] Of the three elements of vision, there are methods for measuring its strength based on visual acuity tests, etc. Compared to vision, there is still little knowledge about color and brightness. In the case of patients with photosensitivity, the function of perceiving "brightness" in particular, that is, the relationship with light sensitivity, Here, the mechanism by which we perceive brightness is explained using human cone cells. Cone cells are a type of photoreceptor cell that controls visual perception from the human eye to the nerves and brain. It has the role of absorbing external light stimuli that pass through the human retina and converting them into electrical signals. Here, we will explain in detail about human cone cells and light sensitivity.

[0014] FIG. 3A is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in human cone cells. In this example, the graph in FIG. 3A shows an example of the absorption spectrum of light in cone cells and rod cells. The vertical axis represents absorbance and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light. There are several types of quartz crystals that have different functional characteristics and wavelength characteristics of light absorption. , M, and L are the three cone cells (called S cone cells, M cone cells, and L cone cells). The absorption spectra of S, M, and L cone cells are shown below. These cells respond to blue, green, and red light. Rod cells, like cone cells, A type of photoreceptor cell. Rod cells have the characteristic of functioning in the dark and have a unique light-absorbing property. R in Figure 3A represents the absorption spectrum of rod cells.

[0015] The graph in Figure 3A shows the light absorption spectrum of the cone cells of a normal human (healthy individual). For example, there are individual differences in light absorption characteristics. In people with the disorder, the abnormality is found in the absorption spectrum of one of the three cone cells. (The absorbance is weaker / stronger than that of a healthy person.) Here, in the case of a photosensitive patient, there are three Among the cone cells, S cone cells (also called "blue cone cells") respond particularly to blue light. The theory that differences in sensitivity between normal and normal people are the cause of visual perception disorders such as photophobia. Here, we will explain about blue cone cells.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in blue cone cells. The graph in Figure 3B shows the absorption spectrum of light in blue cone cells from the graph in Figure 3A. In this example, the absorption spectrum of light in blue cone cells is Toluene has a relatively high absorbance at wavelengths of 380 to 500 nm. In the graphs of Figures 3A and 3B, a spectral peak appears at a wavelength of The absorbance on the vertical axis is calculated by normalizing the absorbance of light at each wavelength absorbed by each cone cell by the maximum absorbance. are expressed as a percentage of the value obtained.

[0017] Here, we will explain how to deal with photosensitivity. In the case of photosensitivity, the blue cone cells are the primary It is believed that adjusting light sensitivity is very important. Sensitivity to light with wavelengths of 380 to 500 nm contained in light (or fluorescent light, etc.) Because they are different from normal people, they are affected by it, and no matter what object they see, As a result, for example, when printing on white paper, Some of the text may be blurred and difficult to read, or the letters may overlap, or the letters may appear to be This causes the symptom of the eye appearing to be shaking. By adjusting the amount of blue light entering the eyes of patients with photosensitivity, the effects of this condition can be alleviated. Next, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0018] 2. Configuration FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of the exterior of a building including a light-transmitting material according to one embodiment. , for example, represents a cross section of a building such as a school building. In this example, the light transmitting material 1 is, for example, It represents a material with a filtering function that transmits or blocks specific wavelengths of sunlight. In this example, the light transmitting material 1 is used for windows in classrooms, etc. The users are students in the classroom. Here, the light-transmitting material 1 has a filtering function for light. Therefore, even if a user has a child with photosensitivity, symptoms such as photophobia can be alleviated. On the other hand, in classrooms where multiple students gather to study, Even for young children, a certain level of brightness must be maintained. So, children with or without photosensitivity have a wide range of brightness perception. To ensure that these children can coexist in one place, we provide light-transmitting materials that provide a bright environment. The purpose is to

[0019] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a light-transmitting material. This shows a cross section of the material 1 cut in the thickness direction. In this example, the light transmitting material 1 is made up of a substrate 10 and a coating. In this example, the substrate 10 is made of, for example, glass, polycarbonate, The substrate 10 is made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic or the like. It is not something that transmits or absorbs long-range light, but rather has as flat a light transmission characteristic (or absorption characteristic) as possible. It is preferable that the coating layer 11 has the following optical properties.

[0020] The coating layer 11 is a layer for adjusting the light transmission characteristics of the substrate 10. The adhesive layer 11 is formed by applying a coating agent to the substrate 10 and drying it. The coating material is composed of absorbers, additives, and solvents. The absorbers are The absorber is a visible light cutter (VIL) that absorbs light of a specific wavelength. IS absorbent) are mixed and adjusted to obtain the desired filter characteristics. The filter characteristics are, for example, a transmittance of less than 65% in the range of 400 to 480 nm. , and the correlation between this filter characteristic and the absorption spectrum of the human (standard) blue cone cell, 4 The convolution integral in the wavelength range of 00 to 480 nm is the reference filter characteristic of 100% transmittance. and the convolution integral of the absorption spectrum in the wavelength range is cut by 40% or more. This filter characteristic transmits more than 90% of green and red wavelengths above 500 nm. The filter characteristics may be such that the wavelength band above 670 nm is cut off. Furthermore, the filter characteristic may be a characteristic of cutting ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the filter characteristic may be a characteristic that cuts off infrared rays.

[0021] The additives have the function of improving the properties of the coating layer. The coupling agent may, for example, improve the adhesiveness between the coating layer 11 and the substrate 10. The solvent contributes to improving the viscosity, water resistance, and uniformity of the coating. The solvent is selected taking into consideration various properties so that the solvent can be used effectively. For example, butanol, methyl isobutyl alcohol, Ketone, butyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DP GM), and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGM-AC) The composition of the coating agent depends on the required properties of the coating layer 11. In one example, the coating composition is 0.4 to 12 wt% of absorbent. %, solvent is 40-90%, and additives are 0-60wt%.

[0022] There are two methods for applying the coating agent: spray coating and dip coating. coating, spin coating, brush coating, roller coating, or hand coating is used.

[0023] The substrate 10 coated with the coating layer 11, i.e., the light transmitting material 1, has predetermined filter characteristics. In this example, the predetermined filter characteristics are those for transmitting / blocking light of a specific wavelength. In this example, the predetermined filter characteristic is a predetermined The filter defined in the present invention is expressed as an index quantified based on the method. The characteristics of the device will be explained.

[0024] Here, the filter characteristics of the light-transmitting material 1 are determined by the absorption of this filter characteristic and the absorption of human blue cone cells. The convolution integral of the spectrum in the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nm is the characteristic of the reference filter. The convolution integral of the absorption spectrum and the property in the same wavelength band is cut by more than 40%. The reference filter characteristic is the characteristic where the transmittance is 100% in this wavelength band. This refers to

[0025] FIG. 5A is a graph illustrating the reference filter characteristic. In the graph h(x) of FIG. In this example, the vertical axis represents the transmittance (%) and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light (nm). The reference filter characteristics are the transmittance of light in the target wavelength band (here, 400 to 480 nm). It represents a hypothetical characteristic where the transmittance is constant at 100%.

[0026] FIG. 5B is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of light in human blue cone cells. In this example, the curve representing the graph g(x) is the wavelength range of interest (here, 400 to The curve for the wavelength range (480 nm) is shown by a solid line, and the curves for other wavelength ranges are shown by dashed lines. Since the sensitivity of light to light in patients with photosensitivity differs from that of healthy people, To evaluate the extent to which the blue cone cells in healthy individuals can control light transmission, The characteristics of the light absorption spectrum in the sample are needed as a comparison material.

[0027] In this embodiment, in order to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the filter characteristics of the light transmitting material, the transmittance and A method based on convolution integral with absorbance (one example of a predetermined method) is employed. Convolution is a binary operation that adds one function to another while translating it. In this example, the reference filter characteristic for 100% transmittance is The graph h(x) represents the absorption spectrum of blue cone cells in a healthy subject, and the graph g(x) represents the absorption spectrum of blue cone cells in a healthy subject. The convolution integral in the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nm is calculated by the following formula (1): do.

number

[0028] Here, in the present invention, for example, in the graph h(x) in the wavelength band of 400 to 480 nm, The graph g(x) in the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nm is plotted in parallel with the region shown. When moving, the sum of the areas of the overlapping regions is defined as the convolution integral. In this example, in equation (1), C100(X) is the graph h(x) and the graph g(x ) in the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nm. Hereinafter, the convolution integral A specific calculation method will be explained.

[0029] Figure 6 shows an example of the calculation of the convolution integral for the reference filter characteristics with 100% transmittance. 000. Here, simply, the absorbance of the blue cone cells is calculated from the graph in FIG. 5B. Read the wavelength (from 400nm to 480nm in 10nm increments) and compare it with the reference filter. The sum of the products of the characteristics in the target wavelength band is called the convolution integral C100(X). do.

[0030] In this way, the value of the convolution integral for the reference filter characteristic can be obtained. The total value / reference total value (unit: "%)" is the convolution integral value of the reference filter characteristic "646 It represents the ratio of the convolution integral of the object with "00" as the reference value (corresponding to the so-called "cut rate"). The filter characteristics of the coating layer 11 produced in this embodiment are based on this The performance is evaluated by comparing it with the standard value. The cut rate will be explained later. The predetermined filter characteristics of the filtering layer 11 will now be described.

[0031] Since brightness sensitivity varies greatly from person to person, we need to develop a lighting system that is suitable for multiple users, including those with photosensitivity. For example, if you are aiming for a brighter environment, the wavelength range of 400-480 nm is recommended for people with photosensitivity. It is necessary to maintain a certain brightness while suppressing the transmittance of the surrounding area. When setting the upper limit of brightness (light transmittance), for example, in the range of 400 to 480 nm, The transmittance is preferably less than 65%, more preferably in the range of 30 to 60%. It's nice.

[0032] Furthermore, the convolution backbone C(X) in the light transmitting material 1 is expressed as the convolution integral C100(X) As a standard, it is preferable to cut it by 40% or more (40% or more lower). (X) is the target value of the given filter characteristic and the absorption spectrum of the human blue cone cells. This is the convolution integral in the wavelength band (here, 400 to 480 nm) and is expressed by the following equation (2): can be.

number

[0033] The cut rate fc is expressed by the following equation (3).

number

[0034] According to the research of the inventors of the present application, by setting the cut rate fc to 40% or more, it is possible to prevent photosensitivity. It can suppress the onset of visual and perceptual disorders in glaucoma.

[0035] The inventors of the present application prepared a stock solution for producing the coating layer 11 as follows: This is diluted and applied to a test substrate 10 (a glass plate to be tested) to prepare a sample. The composition of the stock solution for the coating layer 11 in this example is shown in Table 1 below. do. [Table 1]

[0036] The coating agent was obtained by diluting the above stock solution with a solvent. The coating material was prepared using the following procedure. The agent is drawn into a dropper and has dimensions of 40mm (length) x 40mm (width) x 3mm (thickness). A predetermined amount was dropped onto a glass plate for use as a sample. The coating agent was spread evenly (for example, to a thickness of 3 to 4 μm). The vendor allowed the samples to dry at room temperature for 24 hours.

[0037] Here, the inventors of the present application prepared samples in which the amount of coating agent dropped or the dilution ratio was changed. The coating agent was diluted using DPGM as a solvent (Table 2). In Experiments 2 to 5, 2 drops were dropped, and in Experiments 2 to 5, 1 drop was dropped. The dilution ratios were no dilution, 2 times, and 3 times, respectively. times and four times. [Table 2]

[0038] Figure 7 shows a photograph of the prepared sample. The sample is slightly yellowish overall. The inventors of the present application measured the transmittance spectrum (or filter) of the prepared sample of the light transmitting material 1. The measurement conditions are shown in Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0039] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the optical transmission spectrum measured for each sample. The vertical axis represents the transmittance (%) and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light (nm).

[0040] In these experimental examples, the transmission spectrum has a peak near the 410 nm wavelength band. In the wavelength range of 400 to 480 nm, the transmittance is generally kept low. Above 480 nm, the transmittance rises sharply. The filter has the property of transmitting more than 90% of the green and red wavelengths above 500 nm. The spectral shape reduces the amount of light absorbed by blue cones while allowing other cones to The light absorbed by the

[0041] FIG. 9 shows the calculation results of the convolution integral in the filter characteristics of the light-transmitting material according to the embodiment. The convolution integrals for each example were calculated using the same method as in FIG. 6. The total value / reference total value is set to the reference filter characteristic "64600" in Figure 6. In this example, the cut rate is expressed as The degree to which the signal has been cut (reduced) from the value of the convolution integral of the reference filter characteristic is The larger the cut rate, the greater the overall transparency of the light-transmitting material 1. The pass rate will be smaller.

[0042] Here, from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of visual perception disorders due to photosensitivity, a larger cut rate is preferable. On the other hand, if the cut rate is too high, This will hinder the visibility of healthy people who share the same room. For example, the rate is preferably less than 80%. For example, Experimental Examples 2 and 3 are It is preferable because it matches.

[0043] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more of the following items may be combined. may be applied as such.

[0044] (1) Light transmitting material 1 The raw material, shape, and function of the light transmitting material 1 are as exemplified in the embodiment. The light transmitting material 1 can be made of any material as long as it can achieve the required functions. For example, the light transmitting material 1 may have any liquid (material), shape, or function. Alternatively, the coating layer 11 may be applied to the window serving as the substrate 10 in this embodiment. Instead, they are installed to block specific wavelengths of fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs. In this case, the coating layer 11 is applied to the outer wall of the fluorescent lamp or LED bulb. In addition to the windows of buildings, the light transmitting material 1 can also be used for the front of automobiles. May be used in glass, fluorescent lights / lighting fixtures in buildings, or eyeglasses (contact lenses), etc. For example, the light transmitting material 1 may be applied to the windshield of a car. If we assume that a healthy person, not a sensitive person, is driving a car, for example, when exiting a tunnel, When the amount of light entering from the outside temporarily increases, such as when The light transmitting material 1 can limit the amount of light transmitted and protect the driver's field of vision. The protective material 1 can provide an effective bright environment even for healthy people.

[0045] (2) Coating layer 11 The coating layer 11 is not limited to the examples shown in the embodiments. The coating layer 11 may be any solution, composition, content, or Here, the coating layer 11 may have a function, for example, Instead of a substrate 10 to be applied to a window (for example, a primary product), a film, a sheet, The coating layer 1 may be a secondary product such as a seal or a membrane. In the present embodiment, the composition ratio or content ratio of the various stock solutions may be changed. The stock solution itself may be changed.

[0046] (3) Filter characteristics The filter characteristics are not limited to those exemplified in the embodiment. The filter property can be defined in any way, even if it is the absorbance of light rather than the transmittance of light. The reference filter characteristics may be defined in any way. For example, The light absorption spectrum of the human blue cone cells used for characterization varies with age and It may be of a human being with a gender, race, group (individual), or brightness sensitivity. The setting items of the predetermined filter characteristics may be changed in response to the change in the quasi-filter characteristics.

[0047] (4) Cut rate The cut rate is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. The integral cutoff can be any number or range of numbers. The material 1 may be changed depending on the place / situation where it is used, for example, if the light transmitting material 1 is used for a classroom window, When used in this way, the cut rate varies depending on the location of the classroom and the amount of sunlight it receives (south-facing, east-facing). It may be changed.

[0048] (5) User The user is not limited to the example shown in the embodiment. The present invention may be used for cataract prevention purposes. Some of the users may include healthy people, who have no abnormalities in their eye function. The target users are people with various brightness sensitivities, but animals such as pets Or, the target may be a plant whose growth rate changes depending on a specific wavelength of light. may be. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1...light transmitting material, 10...substrate, 11...coating agent, 1000 and 2000...surface

Claims

1. A light-transmitting material coated with a coating agent having predetermined filter characteristics, A transmittance of less than 65% in the range of 400 to 480 nm, and A 400-480° correlation between the predetermined filter characteristics and the absorption spectrum of human blue cone cells The convolution integral in the wavelength band of 100 nm is the standard filter characteristic of 100% transmittance and the absorption filter characteristic. More than 40% of the spectrum is cut from the convolution integral in the wavelength range. It is a characteristic Light transmitting material.

2. The filter characteristics are such that 90% or more of green and red wavelengths above 500 nm are transmitted. be The light-transmitting material according to claim 1 .

3. The filter characteristic is a characteristic that cuts off wavelengths above 670 nm. The light-transmitting material according to claim 1 .

4. The filter characteristic is a characteristic of cutting ultraviolet rays. The light-transmitting material according to claim 1 .

5. The filter characteristic is a characteristic of cutting infrared rays. The light-transmitting material according to claim 1 .

6. A window comprising the light-transmitting material of claim 1.

7. A lighting fixture comprising the light-transmitting material according to claim 1.

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