Light source unit and fluorescent substance recognition support device

Abstract

To provide a light source unit capable of highlighting a substance to be recognized by irradiating it with light, and a recognition supporting device of a substance having fluorescence.SOLUTION: A light source unit 10 is for a recognition supporting device that supports the existence recognition of a substance absorbing light and emitting fluorescent light. The light source unit 10 emits light of excitation wavelength of the substance having fluorescence, and a half value width of a spectrum of light is 15 nm or less. The light source unit 10 includes a light source 12 that emits the light of excitation wavelength of the substance having fluorescence, and one or more light extractor 14 that extracts light so that the half value width of the spectrum of the light emitted from the light source 12 becomes 15 nm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit for irradiating light to recognize a substance, and to an aid in the recognition of a fluorescent substance. [Background technology]

[0002] An illumination device (a so-called black light) that makes fluorescent objects glow has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-191296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a light source unit and a recognition support device for fluorescent substances that can highlight a substance to be recognized by irradiating it with light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The light source unit of the present invention comprises: A light source unit for a recognition support device that supports the recognition of the presence of a substance that absorbs light and emits fluorescence, the light source unit emits light having an excitation wavelength of the substance; The half width of the spectrum of the light is 15 nm or less.

[0006] In the present invention, The light source unit is a light source that emits light at an excitation wavelength of the substance; and one or more light extractors that extract light emitted from the light source so that the half-width of the spectrum of the light is 15 nm or less.

[0007] In the present invention, the light source unit has a plurality of light source parts, The one or more light extractors may transmit light from each of the plurality of light source units, and extract and transmit light such that the half-width of the spectrum of the light from each of the plurality of light source units is 15 nm or less.

[0008] In the present invention, The one or more light extractors can be for filtering visible light and visible ultraviolet light.

[0009] In the present invention, The light extractor may be configured to maximize transmittance at the excitation wavelength of the material.

[0010] In the present invention, A reflector may be provided between the light source and the light extractor to direct the light in a predetermined direction.

[0011] In the present invention, The excitation wavelength can be at least one of 365 nm, 375 nm, and 385 nm.

[0012] In the present invention, The substance can be an organic substance, including proteins.

[0013] In the present invention, the light source includes a plurality of light source units, an output control unit for controlling outputs of the plurality of light source units; an output variable operation unit for issuing an output control instruction to the output control unit, the output variable operation unit can set the outputs of the plurality of light source units and the output ratios between the plurality of light source units, The output control unit can control the outputs of the plurality of light source units based on the control settings set by the output variable operation unit.

[0014] The fluorescent substance recognition assistance device of the present invention can include the light source unit of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, a substance to be recognized can be highlighted by irradiating it with light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a light source unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a light source unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This shows an example of the relationship between the spectrum of light emitted from a light source and the transmittance profile of a bandpass filter (light extractor). (A) shows an example of a single wavelength of 365 nm. (B) to (D) show examples of mixed wavelengths of 365 nm and 375 nm. (B) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 75% and the output at 375 nm is 25%, (C) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 50% and the output at 375 nm is 50%, and (D) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 25% and the output at 375 nm is 75%. [Figure 4] This shows an example of the relationship between the spectrum of light emitted from a light source and the transmittance profile of a bandpass filter (light extractor). (A) shows an example of a single wavelength of 375 nm. (B) to (D) show examples of mixed wavelengths of 375 nm and 385 nm. (B) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 75% and the output at 385 nm is 25%, (C) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 50% and the output at 385 nm is 50%, and (D) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 25% and the output at 385 nm is 75%. [Figure 5] An example of the relationship between the spectrum of light emitted from a light source and the transmittance profile of a bandpass filter (light extractor) is shown. An example of a single wavelength of 385 nm is shown. [Figure 6] 1 shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus for supporting recognition of fluorescent substances according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a fluorescent substance according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a fluorescent substance according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded view schematically illustrating components of an assistance device for recognizing fluorescent substances according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure explains the effect of applying the fluorescent substance recognition support device of the embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (ultraviolet light at 365 nm is the maximum wavelength). [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect when the fluorescent substance recognition support device according to the embodiment is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the light of FIG. 10 being irradiated onto the keyboard after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect when the fluorescent substance recognition support device according to the embodiment is applied to the recognition of organic matter in an electric kettle, and shows a photograph of the electric kettle when the light in FIG. 10 is irradiated with the light after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. [Figure 13] This figure is for explaining the effect when the fluorescent substance recognition support device according to the embodiment is applied to the recognition of organic matter in a toilet hand washing area, and shows a photograph of the light in Figure 10 being irradiated onto the hand washing area after passing through a bandpass filter with the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect of applying the fluorescent substance recognition support device according to the embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a plate, and shows a photograph of the light of FIG. 10 being irradiated onto a plate after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. [Figure 15]This figure is for explaining the effect when the fluorescent substance recognition support device of the embodiment is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with light having an excitation wavelength of 375 nm that has passed through a bandpass filter having a peak in the transmittance profile at 375 nm (half-width of 15 nm or less). [Figure 16] This figure explains the experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows the spectrum of light (ultraviolet light at 365 nm, maximum wavelength) irradiated onto the organic matter. This is an example of light irradiation from a recognition support device without a bandpass filter. [Figure 17] 16 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition assistance device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] This figure explains the experimental results when a fluorescent material recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows the spectrum of light (ultraviolet light at 375 nm, maximum wavelength) irradiated onto the organic matter. This is an example of light irradiation from a recognition support device without a bandpass filter. [Figure 19] 18 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition assistance device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] This figure explains the experimental results when a fluorescent material recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows the spectrum of light (ultraviolet light at 385 nm, maximum wavelength) irradiated onto the organic matter. This is an example in which light is irradiated from a recognition support device that is not equipped with a bandpass filter. [Figure 21] 20 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition assistance device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light of FIG. 20. [Figure 22]This shows the light spectrum of a known black light (ultraviolet rays at a maximum wavelength of 385 nm). This is an example of light being emitted from a recognition support device that is not equipped with a bandpass filter. [Figure 23] Figure 22 shows a photograph of the keyboard illuminated by a black light. [Figure 24] Figure 22 shows a photograph of the electric pod when irradiated with black light. [Figure 25] Figure 22 shows a photograph of the black light shining on the hand basin of a toilet. [Figure 26] Figure 22 shows a photograph of the plate when irradiated with black light. [Figure 27] A photograph of the dish illuminated with visible light is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0018] 1. Basic concept of the light source unit When a fluorescent material is exposed to a black light (350-410 nm), it absorbs the ultraviolet light emitted by the black light and enters a high-energy state (excitation) at the molecular level. This excited state is unstable at the molecular level, so the excess energy gained from absorbing the ultraviolet light is released externally, resulting in fluorescence. The released energy is in the form of electromagnetic waves, and when its wavelength is within the range visible to the human eye as colored light, it appears to glow when illuminated by a black light. The wavelength of light emitted by a fluorescent material after absorbing ultraviolet light is determined by the material and is not dependent on the amount of ultraviolet light. However, the amount of light emitted changes as the amount of ultraviolet light changes. In everyday spaces, ultraviolet light weaker than that emitted by a black light is present. Fluorescent materials absorb ultraviolet light and emit light, but because the amount of ultraviolet light absorbed is weak, the amount of light emitted is small and is drowned out by the abundant light of other colors.

[0019] Therefore, we found that by using a bandpass filter that can absorb or cut other light colors (visible light) and controlling the profile of the ultraviolet wavelengths irradiated to emit visible light, the fluorescent substances in the dirt (proteins, bacteria, etc.) will glow and be highlighted, improving visibility. Also, by attaching a bandpass filter that cuts visible light, visibility can be further improved.

[0020] Since the emitted light from phosphors varies depending on the wavelength, by combining multiple wavelengths (for example, a combination of 365nm + 375nm, or a combination of 365nm + 375nm + 385nm) in a balanced manner according to the purpose, it becomes easier to control the visibility, performance, and characteristics.

[0021] 2. Specific configuration of the light source unit The light source unit 10 is for use in a recognition support device 100 that supports the recognition of the presence of substances that absorb light and emit fluorescence. The light source unit 10 emits light at the excitation wavelength of the substance to be recognized, and the half-width of the light spectrum is 15 nm or less.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the light source unit 10 can include a light source 12, a light extractor 14, a reflector 20, an output control unit 30, and an output variable operation unit 32.

[0023] The light source 12 has n (n is 1 or more) light source units 12az (z = 1, 2, ..., n). The light source unit 12a is selected to have an excitation wavelength of the substance to be recognized. If there are two or more light source units 12a, each may have a different excitation wavelength, or some or all of them may have the same excitation wavelength. The light source unit 12a may be, for example, an LED. If the light source unit 12a is an LED, the output value is not particularly limited as long as it highlights the substance to be recognized, but it can be, for example, 100 mW or more and 20 W or less, and preferably 200 mW or more and 10 W or less from the standpoint of ease of design and ease of handling.

[0024] The excitation wavelength varies depending on the fluorescent substance to be recognized, but when organic substances are to be detected, it can be at least one of 365 nm, 375 nm, and 385 nm. When investigating contamination status, it is preferable to recognize organic substances as the substance to be recognized, and examples of organic substances include proteins.

[0025] Light extractor 14 extracts light emitted from light source 12 so that the half-width of the spectrum of the light is 15 nm or less. There may be one or more light extractors 14. Light extractor 14 may be formed by, for example, a bandpass filter.

[0026] When the light source unit 10 has multiple light source units 12a, one or more light extractors 14 may transmit light from each of the multiple light source units 12a and extract and transmit light such that the half-width of the spectrum of each of the multiple light source units 12a is 15 nm or less. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple light extractors 14a, 14b, and 14c may be provided corresponding to the multiple light source units 12a, 12b, and 12c, respectively. The light extractors 14 may be configured to cut visible light and visible ultraviolet light. The light extractors 14 may be configured to maximize the transmittance of the excitation wavelength of the target substance, thereby enhancing the emission of light from the substance that absorbs the light.

[0027] Light extractor 14 is configured to pass light of the excitation wavelength of light source unit 12a. To set the half-width of the spectrum of the light that passes through light extractor 14 to 15 nm or less, the half-width of the light transmission profile of light extractor 14 is set to 15 nm or less. The light extractor 14 may be configured as a bandpass filter having multiple layers (e.g., 3 to 4 layers) formed by thin film deposition on a single substrate.

[0028] Examples of combinations of the transmittance profile of the bandpass filter and the spectrum of the light from the light source 12 are shown in FIGS.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of the relationship between the spectra W1 and W2 of light emitted from the light source 12 and the transmittance profiles T1, T2, and T3 of the bandpass filter (light extractor). Figure 3(A) shows an example of a single wavelength of 365 nm. Figures 3(B) to 3(D) show examples of mixed wavelengths of 365 nm and 375 nm. Figure 3(B) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 75% and the output at 375 nm is 25%, Figure 3(C) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 50% and the output at 375 nm is 50%, and Figure 3(D) shows an example where the output at 365 nm is 25% and the output at 375 nm is 75%.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of the relationship between the spectra W1 and W2 of light emitted from light source 12 and the transmittance profiles T1, T2, and T3 of the bandpass filter (light extractor). Figure 4(A) shows an example of a single wavelength of 375 nm. Figures 4(B) to 4(D) show examples of mixed wavelengths of 375 nm and 385 nm. Figure 4(B) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 75% and the output at 385 nm is 25%, Figure 4(C) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 50% and the output at 385 nm is 50%, and Figure 4(D) shows an example where the output at 375 nm is 25% and the output at 385 nm is 75%.

[0031] 5 shows an example of the relationship between the spectrum W1 of light emitted from the light source 12 and the transmittance profiles T1, T2, and T3 of the bandpass filter (light extractor). An example of a single wavelength of 385 nm is shown.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the effect when the fluorescent substance recognition support device according to the embodiment is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (ultraviolet light at 365 nm is the maximum wavelength).

[0033] The reflector 20 is for directing the light from the light source unit 12a in a predetermined direction, and a known reflector can be used.

[0034] The light source unit 10 can include an output control section 30 for controlling the output of the light source section 12a, and an output variable operation section 32 for issuing output control instructions to the output control section 30.

[0035] When the light source 12 includes a plurality of light source units 12a, the output control unit 30 can be configured to control the outputs of the plurality of light source units 12a, and the output variable operation unit 32 can be configured to set the outputs of the plurality of light source units 12a and the output ratios among the plurality of light source units 12a. The output control unit 30 can control the outputs of the plurality of light source units 12a based on the control settings set by the output variable operation unit 32.

[0036] The output variable operation unit 32 can be configured by a variable resistor such as a balance VR shown in FIG.

[0037] The output control unit 30 can be activated by, for example, a switch. The output control unit 30 can be supplied with electricity by a battery.

[0038] 3. Device for supporting recognition of fluorescent substances As shown in FIG. 6, the fluorescent substance recognition support device 100 can include a light source (e.g., a UV-LED) 12, a light extractor (bandpass filter) 14, a reflector 20, an output control unit 30 (drive circuit), a battery, and a switch circuit.

[0039] A specific configuration of the fluorescent substance recognition support device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] The fluorescent substance recognition assistance device 100 includes a housing 66. The housing 66 contains a positive (+) electrode substrate 65, an LED substrate 63, an LED guard 62, a reflector 20, and a light extractor 30. The positive (+) electrode substrate 65, the LED substrate 63, and the LED guard 62 are fixed to a first substrate fixing case 64. The LED guard 62 is provided between the LED substrate 63 and the reflector 20. The housing 66 has a space for housing a battery 67, such as a lithium-ion battery. The switch negative (-) electrode substrate 69 is fixed to a second substrate fixing case 68. A tip cap 60 is provided at the tip end of the housing 66, which faces the light extractor 30. A switch case 70 is provided at the rear end of the housing 66, which faces the switch negative (-) electrode substrate 69. A first O-ring packing 61a is provided between the tip cap 60 and the light extractor 30. A second O-ring packing 61b is provided between the light extractor 30 and the reflector 20. A second O-ring packing 61c is provided between the positive (+) electrode substrate 65 and the battery 67.

[0041] 4.Effects The inventors of the present application have discovered that when irradiating a fluorescent substance with light of the excitation wavelength of the substance, the presence of the substance, particularly organic matter, can be made more prominent and easier to recognize by setting the half-width of the spectrum of the light to 15 nm or less.

[0042] According to the recognition assistance device 100 of this embodiment, it has been confirmed that in the case of the relationship between the transmittance profile of Figure 10 and the spectrum of light emitted from the light source 12, dirt can be made to stand out as shown in Figure 11 (example of a keyboard), Figure 12 (example of an electric pod), Figure 13 (example of a toilet hand washing section), and Figure 14 (example of a dish).

[0043] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the effect of applying a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to an embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (maximum wavelength of ultraviolet light at 365 nm). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the effect of applying a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to an embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing a photograph of the light of FIG. 10 being irradiated onto the keyboard after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the effect of applying a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to an embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on an electric kettle, showing a photograph of the light of FIG. 10 being irradiated onto the electric kettle after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the effect of applying a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to an embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a toilet hand basin, showing a photograph of the light of FIG. 10 being irradiated onto the hand basin after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics shown in the figure. Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the effect of applying the fluorescent substance recognition support device of the embodiment to the recognition of organic matter on a plate, and shows a photograph of the light of Figure 10 being irradiated onto a plate after passing through a bandpass filter having the transmission characteristics of the same figure.

[0044] On the other hand, the 365 nm light spectrum shown in Figure 16 does not highlight the keyboard dirt, as shown in Figure 17. The light spectrum shown in Figure 18 does not highlight the keyboard dirt, as shown in Figure 19, and the light spectrum shown in Figure 20 does not highlight the keyboard dirt, as shown in Figure 21.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (ultraviolet light at 365 nm, maximum wavelength). FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (ultraviolet light at 375 nm, maximum wavelength). FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, showing the spectrum of light irradiated onto the organic matter (ultraviolet light at 385 nm, maximum wavelength). Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results when a fluorescent substance recognition support device according to a reference example is applied to the recognition of organic matter on a keyboard, and shows a photograph of the keyboard irradiated with the light shown in Fig. 20. Figs. 16, 18, and 20 show examples in which light is irradiated from a recognition support device that does not have a bandpass filter.

[0046] When using a black light with the light spectrum shown in Figure 22, dirt does not stand out as shown in Figure 23 (example of a keyboard), Figure 24 (example of an electric kettle), Figure 25 (example of a toilet hand basin), and Figure 26 (example of a dish). Figure 27 is an example of visible light, but dirt does not stand out.

[0047] FIG. 22 shows the spectrum of light from a known black light (ultraviolet light at 385 nm is the maximum wavelength). This is an example of light being emitted from a cognitive assistance device that is not equipped with a bandpass filter. FIG. 23 shows a photograph of the black light from FIG. 22 shining onto a keyboard. FIG. 24 shows a photograph of the black light from FIG. 22 shining onto an electronic pod. FIG. 25 shows a photograph of the black light from FIG. 22 shining onto a toilet hand basin. FIG. 26 shows a photograph of the black light from FIG. 22 shining onto a plate. FIG. 27 shows a photograph of visible light being shining onto a plate.

[0048] This embodiment can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Light source unit 12 light source 12a Light source section 14 Light extractor 14a First light extractor 14b Second Light Extractor 14c Third Light Extractor 20 Reflector 20a First Reflector 20b Second Reflector 20c Third Reflector 30 Output control section 32 Output variable operation unit 50 Switch Circuit 60 Tip cap 61a~61c 1st~3rd O-ring packings 62 LED Guard 63 LED board 64 PCB fixing case 65 positive (+) electrode board 66 Case 67 Lithium-ion battery 68 Circuit board fixing case 69 Switch negative (-) electrode board 70 Switch Case

Claims

1. A light source unit for a recognition support device that supports the recognition of the presence of a substance that absorbs light and emits fluorescence, The light from the light source unit is irradiated onto the substance, and the presence of the substance is recognized directly and visually without passing through an optical system, the light source unit includes a plurality of light source units that emit light having an excitation wavelength of the substance, the half-width of the spectrum of the light is 15 nm or less; the plurality of light source units include a first light source unit and a second light source unit, the excitation wavelength of the first light source unit is 365 nm; the excitation wavelength of the second light source unit is 375 nm; the first light source unit and the second light source unit are housed in the same housing, The light source unit in which the first light source section and the second light source section emit light in the same direction.

2. The light source unit according to claim 1 , the plurality of light source units include a third light source unit, The third light source unit has an excitation wavelength of 385 nm.

3. The light source unit according to claim 1 , The light source unit is a light source unit including one or more light extractors that extract light emitted from the plurality of light source sections so that the half-width of the spectrum of the light is 15 nm or less;

4. The light source unit according to claim 3 , The one or more light extractors transmit light from each of the plurality of light source units, and extract and transmit light so that the half-width of the spectrum of the light from each of the plurality of light source units is 15 nm or less.

5. 5. The light source unit according to claim 3, The light source unit, wherein the one or more light extractors are for filtering visible light and visible ultraviolet light.

6. The light source unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The light extractor is a light source unit configured to maximize the transmittance of the excitation wavelength of the substance.

7. The light source unit according to any one of claims 3 to 6, The light source unit includes a reflector disposed between the light source portion and the light extractor for directing light in a predetermined direction.

8. The light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an output control unit for controlling outputs of the plurality of light source units; an output variable operation unit for issuing an output control instruction to the output control unit, the output variable operation unit can set the outputs of the plurality of light source units and the output ratios between the plurality of light source units, The output control unit is a light source unit that controls the outputs of the plurality of light source units based on control settings set by the output variable operation unit.

9. A recognition support device for fluorescent substances, comprising the light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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