Ultraviolet measurement system, ultraviolet measurement method, and program

Abstract

This ultraviolet measurement system comprises a power generation device and an information processing device. The power generation device comprises: an environmental power generation unit that outputs a power generation current according to energy in the visible light region of received sunlight; and a first control unit that transmits information on the power generation current to the information processing device. The information processing device comprises a second control unit for estimating energy in the ultraviolet region of the sunlight on the basis of the information on the power generation current.

Description

Ultraviolet light measurement system, ultraviolet light measurement method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultraviolet ray measurement system, an ultraviolet ray measurement method, and a program for measuring ultraviolet rays in sunlight.

[0002] Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays are divided into UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C depending on their wavelength. Of these, UV-A and UV-B reach the earth's surface, while UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and rarely reaches the earth's surface. The wavelength of UV-A is 315 to 400 nm. The wavelength of UV-B is 280 to 315 nm. The wavelength of UV-C is 100 to 280 nm.

[0003] When exposed to UV-B and other ultraviolet rays with wavelengths close to UV-B, the human body produces vitamin D. Vitamin D is beneficial to the human body, so it is desirable to produce vitamin D by receiving an appropriate amount of UV exposure.

[0004] Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can also cause erythema, which is redness and inflammation of the skin caused by sunburn. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

[0005] Thus, when exposed to ultraviolet rays, it is desirable to receive an appropriate amount of ultraviolet rays and avoid excessive exposure, so it is useful to know the energy of the ultraviolet rays currently being irradiated.

[0006] For example, US Pat. No. 6,299,949 discloses a measurement device configured to measure a user's exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

[0007] Patent No. 7216732

[0008] The measuring device described in Patent Document 1 includes an ultraviolet-sensing light-emitting diode (LED) that can directly detect ultraviolet light.

[0009] However, sensors that directly detect ultraviolet light are expensive, which increases costs.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an ultraviolet measurement system, an ultraviolet measurement method, and a program that make it possible to measure the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0011] The present invention aims to advantageously solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides the ultraviolet ray measurement system, ultraviolet ray measurement method, or program described below in [1] to

[10] .

[0012] [1] An ultraviolet measurement system for measuring ultraviolet rays in sunlight, comprising a power generation device and an information processing device, wherein the power generation device comprises an environmental power generation unit that outputs a generated current corresponding to the energy in the visible light region of the received sunlight, and a first control unit that transmits information about the generated current to the information processing device, and the information processing device comprises a second control unit that estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the information about the generated current. With this configuration, it is possible to measure the energy in the ultraviolet region of sunlight without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0013] [2] In the ultraviolet ray measurement system described in [1] above, the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores a first equation for calculating the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight from the generated current, and the second control unit uses the first equation to estimate the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on information about the generated current. With this configuration, the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight can be estimated using the first equation.

[0014] [3] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to [1] or [2] above, wherein, when estimating the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight using the first equation, the second control unit corrects the generated current based on at least one of date and time, location, temperature, orientation of the energy harvester, and variability in characteristics of the energy harvester, and estimates the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the corrected generated current. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the energy of the ultraviolet region taking into account the influences of date and time, location, temperature, orientation of the energy harvester, variability in characteristics of the energy harvester, etc.

[0015] [4] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until a user holding the ultraviolet ray measurement system produces a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the time until the user produces a predetermined amount of vitamin D.

[0016] [5] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores a second formula for calculating the time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D from the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight, and the second control unit uses the second formula to estimate the time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight. With this configuration, the user can use the second formula to estimate the time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D.

[0017] [6] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the second control unit corrects the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced based on at least one of the user's skin type and the user's exposed skin area when estimating the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced. With this configuration, the time until the user produces the predetermined amount of vitamin D can be estimated taking into account the influence of the user's skin type, the user's exposed skin area, etc.

[0018] [7] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until erythema appears in the user holding the ultraviolet ray measurement system based on the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the time until erythema appears in the user holding the ultraviolet ray measurement system.

[0019] [8] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein the information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores a third equation for calculating the time until the erythema appears from the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight, and the second control unit uses the third equation to estimate the time until the erythema appears based on the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight. With this configuration, the ultraviolet ray measurement system can use the third equation to estimate the time until the erythema appears in a user who owns the ultraviolet ray measurement system.

[0020] [9] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [8] above, wherein the power generation device further includes a gyro sensor that detects an orientation of the energy harvester, the information processing device further includes a position sensor that detects a position of the information processing device, the first control unit transmits information about the orientation of the energy harvester detected by the gyro sensor to the information processing device, and the second control unit corrects the power generation current based on the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device, and estimates the energy in the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on the corrected power generation current. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet ray region taking into account the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device.

[0021]

[10] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the second control unit automatically corrects the generated current based on the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device. With this configuration, the generated current can be automatically corrected taking into account the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device.

[0022]

[11] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until a user holding the ultraviolet ray measurement system produces a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight estimated based on the corrected power generation current. With this configuration, the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced can be estimated taking into account the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device.

[0023]

[12] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[11] above, wherein the information processing device further includes a display unit, and the second control unit causes the display unit to display the time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D. With this configuration, a user can grasp the time required to produce vitamin D.

[0024]

[13] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[12] above, wherein the second control unit accumulates the time during which the environmental power generation unit has received the sunlight, and causes the display unit to display the time during which the environmental power generation unit has received the sunlight together with the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced. This configuration allows the user to appropriately manage the time spent exposed to sunlight.

[0025]

[14] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[13] above, wherein, when the orientation of the energy harvester is facing a direction that is in the shadow of the sun, the second control unit displays a notification on the display unit, or corrects the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced based on the time spent facing a direction that is in the shadow of the sun. With this configuration, when the orientation of the energy harvester is facing a direction that is in the shadow of the sun, the user can change the orientation of the energy harvester. Alternatively, the time until the predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced can be corrected based on the time spent facing a direction that is in the shadow of the sun.

[0026]

[15] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[14] above, wherein the second control unit estimates a time until erythema appears in a user holding the ultraviolet ray measurement system based on the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight estimated based on the corrected power generation current. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate the time until erythema appears, taking into account the orientation of the energy harvester and the position of the information processing device.

[0027]

[16] The ultraviolet ray measuring system according to any one of [1] to

[15] above, wherein the information processing device further includes a display unit, and the second control unit causes the display unit to display the time until the erythema appears. With this configuration, the user can know the time until the erythema appears.

[0028]

[17] The ultraviolet ray measuring system according to any one of [1] to

[16] above, wherein the second control unit accumulates the time during which the energy harvester receives the sunlight, and causes the display unit to display the time during which the energy harvester receives the sunlight together with the time until the erythema appears. This configuration allows the user to appropriately manage the time spent exposed to sunlight.

[0029]

[18] The ultraviolet ray measurement system according to any one of [1] to

[17] above, wherein, when the orientation of the energy harvester is facing a direction that casts a shadow on the sun, the second control unit displays a notification on the display unit, or corrects the time until the onset of the erythema based on the time spent facing a direction that casts a shadow on the sun. With this configuration, when the orientation of the energy harvester is facing a direction that casts a shadow on the sun, the user can change the orientation of the energy harvester. Alternatively, the time until the onset of the erythema can be corrected based on the time spent facing a direction that casts a shadow on the sun.

[0030]

[19] An ultraviolet ray measurement method using an ultraviolet ray measurement system including a power generation device and an information processing device, the method comprising the steps of: outputting a generated current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of received sunlight by the power generation device; transmitting information about the generated current by the power generation device to the information processing device; and estimating the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the information about the generated current by the information processing device. With this configuration, it is possible to measure the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0031]

[20] A program causing a computer to execute an operation including the steps of: acquiring information on a generated current from a power generation device that outputs a generated current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of received sunlight; and estimating the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the information on the generated current. With this configuration, it is possible to measure the energy of the ultraviolet region without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet light.

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet ray measurement system, an ultraviolet ray measurement method, and a program that make it possible to measure the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of sunlight without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet ray measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between power generation current and energy in the ultraviolet ray region; Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between skin type and correction coefficient; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between exposed skin area and correction coefficient; Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an ultraviolet ray measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultraviolet ray measuring system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The ultraviolet ray measurement system 1 includes a power generation device 10 and an information processing device 20 .

[0037] The power generation device 10 is a portable power generation device that can be carried by a user. The power generation device 10 can generate power by receiving sunlight. The power generation device 10 may be a device that can be held in the user's hand or a device that can be worn by the user.

[0038] The information processing device 20 is a portable information processing device that can be carried by a user. The information processing device 20 may be a general-purpose information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may be a dedicated information processing device that can function as the information processing device 20 of the ultraviolet measurement system 1.

[0039] First, the configuration of the power generation device 10 will be described.

[0040] The power generation device 10 includes an energy harvesting unit 11 , a current detection unit 12 , a sensor 13 , a first control unit 14 , and a first communication unit 15 .

[0041] When receiving sunlight, the energy harvesting unit 11 outputs a generated current corresponding to the energy of the received sunlight in the visible light region. The energy harvesting unit 11 outputs the generated current to the current detecting unit 12.

[0042] The energy harvesting unit 11 may include a solar cell panel composed of solar cells. A solar cell panel is a component including solar cells that photoelectrically convert incident sunlight to output electricity. The types of solar cells included in a solar cell panel can be broadly divided into inorganic solar cells using inorganic materials and organic solar cells using organic materials. Inorganic solar cells include silicon (Si)-based solar cells, compound solar cells using compounds, and quantum dot solar cells using quantum dots. Organic solar cells include thin-film solar cells such as low-molecular-weight deposition solar cells using organic pigments, polymer coating solar cells using conductive polymers, and coating conversion solar cells using conversion semiconductors, as well as dye-sensitized solar cells composed of titania, organic dyes, and electrolytes. Solar cells included in a solar cell panel can also include organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells and solar cells using perovskite-based compounds. Tandem solar cells, which combine or stack these solar cells, are also possible. The solar cell panel may be in the form of a thin panel. In this case, organic thin-film solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, or perovskite solar cells fabricated on plastic films or the like are preferred because of their ease of thin molding. It should be noted that when the solar cell panel is in the form of a thin panel, it is not limited to those made of the above-mentioned plastic film, etc., and needless to say, any type may be used as long as it is similarly thin. When the solar cell panel is in the form of a thin panel, its thickness is preferably, for example, 10 μm or more and 3 mm or less from the viewpoint of manufacturing technology.

[0043] The current detection unit 12 detects the generated current supplied from the energy harvesting unit 11. When detecting the generated current, the current detection unit 12 may detect a short-circuit current or may detect a current flowing at an arbitrary point on the IV curve. In this case, it is desirable to point the energy harvesting unit 11 toward the sun so that the detected current is maximized.

[0044] The current detection unit 12 outputs the detected generated current to the first control unit 14 .

[0045] The sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11. The sensor 13 may be any type of sensor that can detect the orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11. The sensor 13 may include, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like.

[0046] The sensor 13 outputs the detected orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11 to the first control unit 14 .

[0047] The first control unit 14 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first control unit 14 controls each part of the power generation device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the power generation device 10.

[0048] The first control unit 14 transmits the information on the generated current obtained from the current detection unit 12 to the information processing device 20 via the first communication unit 15 .

[0049] The first communication unit 15 is capable of wireless or wired communication with the second communication unit 21 of the information processing device 20. When performing wireless communication with the second communication unit 21 of the information processing device 20, the first communication unit 15 may include, for example, a communication module compatible with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication standard. Alternatively, the first communication unit 15 may include a communication module compatible with a wireless communication standard other than Bluetooth.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 20 will be described.

[0051] The information processing device 20 includes a second communication unit 21 , a second control unit 22 , an input unit 23 , a display unit 24 , a storage unit 25 , and a position sensor 26 .

[0052] The second communication unit 21 is capable of wireless or wired communication with the first communication unit 15 of the power generation device 10. When performing wireless communication with the first communication unit 15 of the power generation device 10, the second communication unit 21 may include, for example, a communication module compatible with the Bluetooth communication standard. Alternatively, the second communication unit 21 may include a communication module compatible with a wireless communication standard other than Bluetooth.

[0053] The second control unit 22 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The second control unit 22 controls each unit of the information processing device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0054] The function of the second control unit 22 will be described in detail later.

[0055] The input unit 23 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the user's operation. For example, the input unit 23 includes, but is not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touch screen integrated with the display of the display unit 24, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0056] The display unit 24 can display various types of data and may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescent) display.

[0057] The storage unit 25 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited to these. The storage unit 25 may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 25 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 20. For example, the storage unit 25 may store system programs, application programs, various types of information received by the second communication unit 21, and the like.

[0058] The position sensor 26 detects the position of the information processing device 20. The position information includes, for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude. The position sensor 26 may include one or more receivers compatible with any satellite positioning system. For example, the position sensor 26 may include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0059] The position sensor 26 outputs the detected position information of the information processing device 20 to the second control unit 22 .

[0060] Next, the operation of the ultraviolet ray measuring system 1 will be described.

[0061] A user of the ultraviolet ray measurement system 1 owns the power generation device 10 and the information processing device 20. The energy harvesting unit 11 of the power generation device 10 can receive sunlight.

[0062] When receiving sunlight, the energy harvesting unit 11 outputs a generated current according to the energy of the received sunlight in the visible light region.

[0063] The current detection unit 12 detects the generated current supplied from the energy harvesting unit 11. The current detection unit 12 outputs the detected generated current to the first control unit 14.

[0064] The first control unit 14 transmits the information on the generated current obtained from the current detection unit 12 to the information processing device 20 via the first communication unit 15. The information on the generated current may be information that includes the magnitude of the generated current.

[0065] The second communication unit 21 of the information processing device 20 receives the information on the generated current transmitted by the first communication unit 15 of the power generation device 10. The second control unit 22 acquires the information on the generated current via the second communication unit 21.

[0066] The second control unit 22 estimates the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight based on the acquired information on the power generation current. Here, the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight may be the energy of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth's surface. In other words, the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight may be the energy of UV-A and UV-B wavelengths. As mentioned above, the wavelength of UV-A is 315 to 400 nm. Furthermore, the wavelength of UV-B is 280 to 315 nm. Hereinafter, "energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight" may be simply referred to as "energy of the ultraviolet region."

[0067] The process by which the second control unit 22 estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region based on the information on the generated current will be described in more detail.

[0068] The storage unit 25 stores an equation for calculating ultraviolet energy from the generated current. Hereinafter, the "equation for calculating ultraviolet energy from the generated current" may be referred to as the "first equation."

[0069] The first equation may be an equation generated based on pre-measured data of the relationship between the generated current and the energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0070] An example of the relationship between the generated current and the energy in the ultraviolet region is shown in Figure 2. The horizontal axis of Figure 2 represents the generated current, and the vertical axis of Figure 2 represents the energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0071] In Fig. 2, graph 101 is a function corresponding to the first equation. Data 102 is measurement data of the generated current and the energy in the ultraviolet region. As shown in Fig. 2, the first equation may be generated by fitting a plurality of measurement data of the generated current and the energy in the ultraviolet region. The storage unit 25 stores the first equation generated in this manner.

[0072] The first equation may be, for example, an equation such as that shown in the following equation (1). However, E ＵＶis the energy in the ultraviolet region per unit area. k1 and k2 are parameters. I is the power generation current. A is the total area of ​​the solar cell panels of the energy harvesting unit 11. n is the number of solar cell panels of the energy harvesting unit 11.

[0073] The above formula (1) is shown as an example of the first formula, and the first formula is not limited to the format of the above formula (1).

[0074] The second control unit 22 estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region based on the information on the power generation current acquired from the power generation device 10, using the first equation stored in the storage unit 25. When estimating the energy in the ultraviolet region, the second control unit 22 may estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region as energy per unit area, as shown in the above equation (1).

[0075] The second control unit 22 may display the estimated energy in the ultraviolet region on the display unit 24. This allows the user to check the current energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0076] Instead of displaying the ultraviolet region energy value directly on the display unit 24, the second control unit 22 may convert the ultraviolet region energy value into a UV index and display the UV index value on the display unit 24.

[0077] The UV index may be, for example, an index such as the following: 11+: extremely strong 8-10: very strong 6-7: strong 3-5: moderate 1-2: weak

[0078] <Vitamin D> When the human body is exposed to ultraviolet rays, it produces vitamin D. The second control unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may estimate the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet region. The predetermined amount of vitamin D may be, for example, 10 μg of vitamin D.

[0079] The storage unit 25 stores a formula for calculating the time required for producing a predetermined amount of vitamin D from energy in the ultraviolet range. Hereinafter, the "formula for calculating the time required for producing a predetermined amount of vitamin D from energy in the ultraviolet range" may be referred to as the "second formula."

[0080] The second formula may be, for example, a formula generated based on measurement data of the relationship between previously measured energy in the ultraviolet range and the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D.

[0081] The second equation may be, for example, an equation such as that shown in equation (2) below. However, T １ is the time it takes to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D. k3 and k4 are parameters.

[0082] The above formula (2) is shown as an example of the second formula, and the second formula is not limited to the format of the above formula (2).

[0083] The second control unit 22 uses a second equation stored in the memory unit 25 to estimate the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0084] The second control unit 22 causes the display unit 24 to display the estimated time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D. This allows the user to confirm how long exposure to sunlight is required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D.

[0085] The second control unit 22 may also add up the time that the environmental power generation unit 11 has been receiving sunlight, and cause the display unit 24 to display the time that the environmental power generation unit 11 has been receiving sunlight, along with the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D. This allows the user to appropriately manage the time that they are exposed to sunlight.

[0086] When estimating the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D, the second control unit 22 may correct the time required to produce the predetermined amount of vitamin D based on at least one of the user's skin type and exposed skin area.

[0087] 3 shows an example of the relationship between a user's skin type and the correction coefficient. The skin type indicates the skin color. The smaller the number, such as type 1, the lighter the skin, and the larger the number, such as type 6, the darker the skin.

[0088] Generally, the whiter the skin, the shorter the time it takes to synthesize vitamin D, and the darker the skin, the longer the time it takes to synthesize vitamin D. The second control unit 22 can correct the time it takes to synthesize a predetermined amount of vitamin D by dividing the time it takes to synthesize a predetermined amount of vitamin D calculated by the second formula by a correction coefficient as shown in Figure 3 depending on the skin type.

[0089] The user's skin type can be acquired in advance by the input unit 23 of the information processing device 20 accepting input from the user. The second control unit 22 stores the user's skin type acquired via the input unit 23 in the storage unit 25.

[0090] 4 shows an example of the relationship between the user's exposed skin area and the correction coefficient. The smaller the exposed skin area, the longer the time required to produce vitamin D, and the larger the exposed skin area, the shorter the time required to produce vitamin D. The second control unit 22 can correct the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D by dividing the time required to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D calculated using the second formula by a correction coefficient as shown in FIG. 4 according to the exposed skin area.

[0091] The user's exposed skin area can be acquired in advance by the input unit 23 of the information processing device 20 accepting input from the user. The second control unit 22 stores the user's exposed skin area acquired via the input unit 23 in the storage unit 25.

[0092] <Erythema> When the human body is exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays, erythema develops on the skin. The second control unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may estimate the time until erythema develops based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0093] The storage unit 25 stores an equation for calculating the time it takes for erythema to appear on the user from energy in the ultraviolet range. Hereinafter, the "equation for calculating the time it takes for erythema to appear on the user from energy in the ultraviolet range" may be referred to as the "third equation."

[0094] The third formula may be, for example, a formula generated based on measurement data of the relationship between previously measured energy in the ultraviolet range and the time it takes for erythema to appear on the user.

[0095] The third equation may be, for example, an equation such as that shown in equation (3) below. However, T ２ is the time it takes for the user to develop erythema. k5 is a parameter.

[0096] The above formula (3) is shown as an example of the third formula, and the third formula is not limited to the format of the above formula (3).

[0097] The second control unit 22 uses a third equation stored in the storage unit 25 to estimate the time until erythema appears on the user based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0098] The second control unit 22 causes the display unit 24 to display the estimated time until the user develops erythema. This allows the user to check the time until the user develops erythema, thereby preventing the user from being exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays and developing erythema.

[0099] The second control unit 22 may also add up the time that the energy harvesting unit 11 has been receiving sunlight, and display the time that the energy harvesting unit 11 has been receiving sunlight, along with the time until the erythema appears, on the display unit 24. This allows the user to appropriately manage the time that they are exposed to sunlight.

[0100] <Correction of Generated Current> When estimating the energy in the ultraviolet region using the first equation, the second control unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may correct the generated current based on at least one of the date and time, location, temperature, orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11, and variations in the characteristics of the energy harvesting unit 11, and may estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region based on the corrected generated current. In this case, the second control unit 22 may automatically correct the generated current based on at least one of the date and time, location, temperature, orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11, and variations in the characteristics of the energy harvesting unit 11, without the user having to perform an input operation on the input unit 23.

[0101] When correcting the generated current based on the date and time, the second control unit 22 corrects the value of the generated current obtained from the power generation device 10 based on the date and time at that time, and substitutes the corrected value of the generated current into the first equation to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region.

[0102] This allows the second control unit 22 to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region, taking into account the influence of the Earth's revolution and the influence of the Earth's rotation.

[0103] When correcting the generated current based on the location, the second control unit 22 acquires the location information of the information processing device 20 from the location sensor 26. The location information may include latitude and longitude information.

[0104] The second control unit 22 corrects the value of the generated current acquired from the power generation device 10 based on the position information, and estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region by substituting the corrected value of the generated current into the first equation.

[0105] This allows the second control unit 22 to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region, taking into account the influence of latitude and longitude.

[0106] When correcting the generated current based on temperature, the second control unit 22 corrects the value of the generated current acquired from the power generation device 10 based on the temperature of the power generation device 10 at that time, and estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region by substituting the corrected value of the generated current into the first equation. The second control unit 22 may acquire information about the temperature of the power generation device 10 from a temperature sensor of the power generation device 10. In this case, the sensor 13 of the power generation device 10 may include a temperature sensor.

[0107] This allows the second control unit 22 to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region, taking into account the influence of the temperature of the power generation device 10 .

[0108] When correcting the power generation current based on the orientation of the energy harvester 11 , the second control unit 22 acquires information on the orientation of the energy harvester 11 detected by the sensor 13 from the power generation device 10 .

[0109] The second control unit 22 corrects the value of the generated current obtained from the power generation device 10 based on the orientation of the environmental power generation unit 11, and estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region by substituting the corrected value of the generated current into the first equation.

[0110] This allows the second control unit 22 to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region, taking into account the influence of the orientation of the energy harvester 11.

[0111] When correcting the generated current based on the variation in the characteristics of the energy harvesting unit 11, the second control unit 22 corrects the value of the generated current acquired from the power generation device 10 based on the variation in the characteristics of the energy harvesting unit 11, and estimates the energy in the ultraviolet region by substituting the corrected value of the generated current into the first equation. Information regarding the variation in the characteristics of the energy harvesting unit 11 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 25.

[0112] This allows the second control unit 22 to estimate the energy in the ultraviolet region, taking into account the influence of variations in the characteristics of the energy harvester 11.

[0113] <When the Energy Harvesting Unit is Facing a Shadow in the Sun's Direction> The second control unit 22 of the information processing device 20 can acquire the orientation of the energy harvesting unit 11 detected by the sensor 13 from the power generation device 10. When the energy harvesting unit 11 is facing a shadow in the sun's direction, the second control unit 22 may cause the display unit 24 to display a notification that the energy harvesting unit 11 is facing a shadow in the sun's direction. This allows the user to orient the energy harvesting unit 11 in the sun's direction.

[0114] Furthermore, when the orientation of the environmental power generation unit 11 is in a direction that is in the shadow of the sun, the second control unit 22 may correct and calculate the time until a predetermined amount of vitamin D is produced based on the time the unit is in the shadow of the sun. Furthermore, when the orientation of the environmental power generation unit 11 is in a direction that is in the shadow of the sun, the second control unit 22 may correct and calculate the time until a rash appears based on the time the unit is in the shadow of the sun.

[0115] The operation of the ultraviolet ray measuring system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0116] Step S101: The energy harvesting unit 11 of the power generation device 10 receives sunlight.

[0117] Step S102: The energy harvesting unit 11 outputs to the current detecting unit 12 a generated current corresponding to the energy of the received sunlight in the visible light region.

[0118] Step S103 : The current detection unit 12 detects the generated current supplied from the energy harvesting unit 11 .

[0119] Step S104 : The first control unit 14 transmits the information on the generated current obtained from the current detection unit 12 to the information processing device 20 via the first communication unit 15 .

[0120] Step S105: The second control unit 22 of the information processing device 20 estimates the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight based on the information on the power generation current acquired from the power generation device 10. The second control unit 22 may further estimate, based on the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region, the time required for the user holding the ultraviolet measurement system 1 to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D. The second control unit 22 may also estimate, based on the estimated energy of the ultraviolet region, the time required for the user holding the ultraviolet measurement system 1 to develop erythema.

[0121] As described above, the ultraviolet ray measurement system 1 according to this embodiment includes a power generation device 10 and an information processing device 20. The power generation device 10 includes an environmental power generation unit 11 that outputs a power generation current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of received sunlight, and a first control unit 14 that transmits information about the power generation current to the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 includes a second control unit 22 that estimates the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight based on the information about the power generation current. As described above, the ultraviolet ray measurement system 1 according to this embodiment can estimate the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight by detecting the energy of the visible light region of sunlight. In other words, the ultraviolet ray measurement system 1 according to this embodiment can measure the energy of the ultraviolet region of sunlight without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0122] The above description merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

[0123] For example, in the present embodiment, the information processing device 20 is provided with the position sensor 26 , but the power generation device 10 may be provided with the position sensor 26 .

[0124] For example, in the present embodiment, the power generation device 10 includes the energy harvesting unit 11, the current detection unit 12, the sensor 13, the first control unit 14, and the first communication unit 15. However, the power generation device 10 does not need to include all of these elements. For example, the power generation device 10 does not need to include the sensor 13.

[0125] For example, a general-purpose electronic device or device such as a computer may be configured to function as the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment may be stored in the memory of the electronic device or device, and the program may be read and executed by a processor of the electronic device or device. Therefore, the disclosure according to an embodiment may also be realized as a program executable by a processor. The disclosure according to an embodiment may also be realized as an electronic device or device that uses such a program.

[0126] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet ray measurement system, an ultraviolet ray measurement method, and a program that make it possible to measure energy in the ultraviolet ray region without using a sensor that directly detects ultraviolet rays.

[0127] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Ultraviolet light measurement system 10 Power generation device 11 Energy harvesting unit 12 Current detection unit 13 Sensor 14 First control unit 15 First communication unit 20 Information processing device 21 Second communication unit 22 Second control unit 23 Input unit 24 Display unit 25 Storage unit 26 Position sensor

Claims

1. An ultraviolet ray measurement system comprising a power generation device and an information processing device, which measures ultraviolet ray radiation in sunlight, wherein the power generation device comprises an environmental power generation unit that outputs a power generation current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of the received sunlight, and a first control unit that transmits information about the power generation current to the information processing device, and the information processing device comprises a second control unit that estimates the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the information about the power generation current.

2. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 1, wherein the information processing device further includes a memory unit that stores a first equation for calculating the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight from the generated current, and the second control unit uses the first equation to estimate the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on information about the generated current.

3. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 2, wherein the second control unit, when estimating the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight using the first equation, corrects the power generation current based on at least one of the date and time, location, temperature, orientation of the environmental power generation unit and variation in characteristics of the environmental power generation unit, and estimates the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on the corrected power generation current.

4. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 1, wherein the second control unit estimates the time it takes for a user holding the ultraviolet ray measuring system to produce a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight.

5. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 4, wherein the information processing device further includes a memory unit that stores a second equation for calculating the time required to produce the specified amount of vitamin D from the energy in the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight, and the second control unit uses the second equation to estimate the time required to produce the specified amount of vitamin D based on the energy in the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight.

6. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 4, wherein the second control unit, when estimating the time required to produce the specified amount of vitamin D, corrects the time required to produce the specified amount of vitamin D based on at least one of the user's skin type and exposed skin area.

7. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 1, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until erythema appears in a user holding the ultraviolet ray measuring system based on the estimated energy in the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight.

8. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 7, wherein the information processing device further includes a memory unit that stores a third equation for calculating the time until the erythema appears from the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight, and the second control unit uses the third equation to estimate the time until the erythema appears based on the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight.

9. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 1, wherein the power generation device further includes a gyro sensor that detects an orientation of the environmental power generation unit, the information processing device further includes a position sensor that detects a position of the information processing device, the first control unit transmits information on the orientation of the environmental power generation unit detected by the gyro sensor to the information processing device, and the second control unit corrects the power generation current based on the orientation of the environmental power generation unit and the position of the information processing device, and estimates the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on the corrected power generation current.

10. An ultraviolet ray measuring system according to claim 9, wherein the second control unit automatically corrects the generated current based on the orientation of the energy harvesting unit and the position of the information processing device.

11. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 9, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until a user holding the ultraviolet ray measuring system produces a predetermined amount of vitamin D based on the energy in the ultraviolet ray range of the sunlight estimated based on the corrected power generation current.

12. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 11, wherein the information processing device further comprises a display unit, and the second control unit causes the display unit to display the time required to produce the specified amount of vitamin D.

13. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 12, wherein the second control unit accumulates the time that the environmental power generation unit has been receiving the sunlight, and causes the display unit to display the time that the environmental power generation unit has been receiving the sunlight, together with the time until the specified amount of vitamin D is produced.

14. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 13, wherein the second control unit, when the orientation of the environmental power generation unit is facing in a direction that is in the shadow of the sun, displays a notification on the display unit, or corrects the time until the specified amount of vitamin D is produced based on the time that the environmental power generation unit is facing in a direction that is in the shadow of the sun.

15. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 9, wherein the second control unit estimates the time until the appearance of erythema in a user holding the ultraviolet ray measuring system based on the energy in the ultraviolet region of the sunlight estimated based on the corrected power generation current.

16. An ultraviolet ray measuring system according to claim 15, wherein the information processing device further comprises a display unit, and the second control unit causes the display unit to display the time until the appearance of the erythema.

17. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 16, wherein the second control unit accumulates the time that the environmental power generation unit has been receiving the sunlight, and causes the display unit to display the time that the environmental power generation unit has been receiving the sunlight, together with the time until the erythema appears.

18. An ultraviolet ray measuring system as described in claim 16, wherein the second control unit, when the orientation of the energy harvesting unit is facing in a direction that casts a shadow on the sun, displays a notification on the display unit, or corrects the time until the erythema appears based on the time that the energy harvesting unit is facing in a direction that casts a shadow on the sun.

19. A method for measuring ultraviolet rays using an ultraviolet ray measurement system equipped with a power generation device and an information processing device, comprising: a step in which the power generation device outputs a power generation current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of the received sunlight; a step in which the power generation device transmits information about the power generation current to the information processing device; and a step in which the information processing device estimates the energy of the ultraviolet ray region of the sunlight based on the information about the power generation current.

20. A program that causes a computer to perform operations including the steps of: acquiring information about a generated current from a power generation device that outputs a generated current corresponding to the energy of the visible light region of received sunlight; and estimating the energy of the ultraviolet region of the sunlight based on the information about the generated current.

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