Sterilization device, sterilization system, and ultraviolet output module

Abstract

This sterilization device comprises: an ultraviolet output module which is installed on a wall or a ceiling defining an indoor space and which outputs ultraviolet light; a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module; and a control device that controls the drive device to direct ultraviolet rays outputted from the ultraviolet output module to a specific region. The ultraviolet output module comprises: a first LED that generates ultraviolet rays; a condenser lens in which an irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted such that an average irradiation intensity in a specific region due to the ultraviolet rays generated by the first LED becomes a prescribed value or more; and a first induction lens that guides the ultraviolet rays generated by the first LED to the condenser lens.

Description

Sterilizers, Sterilization Systems, and Ultraviolet Output Modules

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization device that irradiates a specific area in an indoor space with ultraviolet light, a sterilization system including the sterilization device, and an ultraviolet output module mounted in the sterilization device.

[0002] Conventionally, indoor spaces such as hospitals have been disinfected using chemicals such as alcohol or hypochlorous acid, but sterilization using ultraviolet light has also been adopted to reduce the labor required for disinfection and to combat drug-resistant bacteria. Tower-type ultraviolet sterilization devices are known as devices that sterilize by ultraviolet light. Tower-type ultraviolet sterilization devices are equipped with a mercury lamp capable of emitting ultraviolet light at an irradiation intensity of approximately 300 W, and the high-power ultraviolet light emitted from the mercury lamp inactivates viruses and bacteria.

[0003] Tower-type ultraviolet sterilization devices are designed to irradiate ultraviolet rays in all directions to sterilize the entire indoor space. Therefore, in order to ensure the amount of ultraviolet rays required for sterilization within a certain period of time, it is necessary to increase the irradiation intensity. For this reason, tower-type ultraviolet sterilization devices require a mercury lamp as a means for irradiating ultraviolet rays to sterilize the entire indoor space.

[0004] However, tower-type ultraviolet sterilization devices are heavy and difficult to carry. Furthermore, due to considerations of environmental impact, the use of mercury lamps is on the decline. In this regard, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are sometimes used as a light source for ultraviolet irradiation instead of mercury lamps.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,639,390 (Patent Document 1) discloses a germicidal radiation emitter that irradiates a wide area excluding people with ultraviolet light emitted from an LED. JP 2005-203481 A (Patent Document 2) discloses a germicidal device that collects ultraviolet light emitted from an LED and irradiates the collected light onto a resin that is cured by ultraviolet light. U.S. Patent No. 6,547,423 (Patent Document 3) discloses an LED module that diffuses ultraviolet light emitted from an LED and irradiates the resin that is cured by ultraviolet light.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 10,639,390, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-203481, U.S. Patent No. 6,547,423

[0007] The devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are capable of irradiating an irradiation target with ultraviolet light emitted from an LED. However, the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are not configured to irradiate a specific area with the amount of ultraviolet light required for sterilization using LEDs installed on the wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space to be sterilized. Because the irradiation intensity of LEDs is much smaller than the irradiation intensity of mercury, some ingenuity is required to sterilize a specific area using ultraviolet light generated from LEDs installed in a fixed position in the indoor space.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables sterilization using ultraviolet light generated from LEDs fixedly installed in an indoor space.

[0009] A sterilization device according to one aspect of the present disclosure irradiates a specific area in an indoor space with ultraviolet light. The sterilization device includes an ultraviolet output module installed on a wall or ceiling defining the indoor space and outputting ultraviolet light, a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module, and a control device that controls the drive device to direct the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet output module toward the specific area. The ultraviolet output module includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a condenser lens whose irradiation range of the ultraviolet light is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated by the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated by the first LED to the condenser lens.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a sterilization system irradiates a specific area in an indoor space with ultraviolet light. The sterilization system includes a user device that allows a user to specify the specific area within the indoor space, and a sterilization device that irradiates the specific area specified by the user with ultraviolet light. The sterilization device includes an ultraviolet output module that is installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space and outputs ultraviolet light, a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module, and a control device that controls the drive device to direct the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet output module toward the specific area. The ultraviolet output module includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a condenser lens whose ultraviolet light irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated by the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated by the first LED to the condenser lens.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an ultraviolet output module is installed on a wall or ceiling that defines an indoor space, and outputs ultraviolet light toward a specific area of ​​the indoor space. The ultraviolet output module includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a condenser lens whose irradiation range of the ultraviolet light is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED to the condenser lens.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, ultraviolet light generated from a first LED installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space is guided to a focusing lens by a first guide lens, and the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light is adjusted by the focusing lens so that the average irradiation intensity in a specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that a specific area can be sterilized using ultraviolet light generated from a first LED installed in a fixed position in the indoor space.

[0013] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sterilization system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sterilization device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for a user to specify a specific area. FIG. 4 is a top view of an ultraviolet output module. FIG. 5 is a side view of the ultraviolet output module. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet output module. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an LED of the ultraviolet output module. FIG. 8 is a top view of an LED of the ultraviolet output module. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the diffusion angle of ultraviolet light output from the LED. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the diffusion angle of ultraviolet light output from the LED and passing through a guide lens and a condenser lens. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the tracking results of ultraviolet light output from the LED and passing through a guide lens and a condenser lens. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the measurement results of the beam profile of ultraviolet light output from the LED and passing through a guide lens and a condenser lens. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the results of bacterial inactivation when ultraviolet light is not irradiated. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the results of bacterial inactivation when ultraviolet light is irradiated. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control device of a sterilization device. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an LED of an ultraviolet output module according to a modified example. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a guide lens of an ultraviolet output module according to a modified example. FIG. 18 is a side view of an LED and a guide lens of an ultraviolet output module according to a modified example.

[0014] The present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated in principle.

[0015] [Configuration of Sterilization System] The configuration of a sterilization system 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sterilization system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the sterilization system 100 includes a sterilization device 1 and a user device 2.

[0016] The sterilization device 1 is fixedly installed on a wall or ceiling of an indoor space such as a hospital, and irradiates a specific area 99 in the indoor space with ultraviolet light to sterilize the specific area 99. The indoor space includes any space requiring sterilization using ultraviolet light, such as an examination room or a hospital room, and is defined by walls and a ceiling. Note that the indoor space is not limited to a hospital, but also includes other spaces such as a school classroom, a bedroom or a living room in a home, etc. The sterilization device 1 is not limited to a wall or ceiling of the indoor space, and may be fixedly installed in other locations, such as a floor or a desk. The specific area 99 is an area targeted for sterilization by the sterilization device 1, and is specified by a user or estimated by the sterilization device 1 itself. Sterilization includes not only bacteria but also the killing or reduction of other harmful microorganisms or viruses. The ultraviolet light output from the sterilization device 1 has a predetermined directionality and is UV-C having a wavelength of, for example, 100 nm to 280 nm (e.g., 254 nm).

[0017] The sterilization device 1 includes a main body 50, an ultraviolet light output device 10, a camera 20, and a distance sensor 60. The main body 50 is fixed to a wall or ceiling of an indoor space. The ultraviolet light output device 10 is attached to the main body 50, and can be adjusted in position relative to the main body 50 to direct the output of ultraviolet light toward a desired area.

[0018] The camera 20 is attached to the main body 50 and captures still or video images of the indoor space. The camera 20 may be a visible light camera capable of capturing images of the indoor space using visible light, or an infrared camera capable of capturing images of the indoor space using infrared light. The sterilization device 1 may include both a visible light camera and an infrared camera as the camera 20. Furthermore, the camera 20 may be configured as a combination of a visible light camera and an infrared camera. The ultraviolet light output device 10 irradiates the specific area 99 with ultraviolet light based on the image data of the indoor space obtained by image capture by the camera 20.

[0019] The distance sensor 60 is a ToF (Time of Flight) camera that can measure the distance from a reference position of the sterilization device 1 to the specific area 99 using infrared rays.

[0020] The user device 2 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22, and is configured as a desktop, laptop, or tablet PC (Personal Computer), or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The display unit 21 includes, for example, a display. The operation unit 22 includes, for example, a keyboard, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a mouse. The user device 2 outputs information input by the user using the operation unit 22 to the sterilization device 1. The user device 2 also displays information obtained from the sterilization device 1 on the display unit 21.

[0021] [Configuration of Sterilization Apparatus] The configuration of a sterilization apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sterilization apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 2, the sterilization apparatus 1 includes an ultraviolet output device 10, a camera 20, a distance sensor 60, a control device 30, and a communication device 40.

[0022] The ultraviolet output device 10 includes an ultraviolet output module 11 and a drive unit 12. The ultraviolet output module 11 is fixed to a wall or ceiling of an indoor space via a main body 50, and outputs ultraviolet rays toward the indoor space. The drive unit 12 includes an actuator such as a motor, and drives the ultraviolet output module 11 to change the orientation of the ultraviolet output module 11, thereby changing the output destination of ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet output module 11.

[0023] The control device 30 includes a calculation device 31, a memory 32, and a storage device 33. Based on the image data of the indoor space acquired from the camera 20, the control device 30 recognizes the position or movement of objects in the indoor space, such as people, beds, desks, chairs, or electronic devices. Furthermore, based on the position information of the specific area 99 acquired from the user device 2, the control device 30 recognizes the position of the specific area 99 in the indoor space or estimates the specific area 99 itself. The control device 30 controls the drive device 12 to change the attitude of the ultraviolet output module 11, thereby changing the output destination of ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet output module 11. Based on the distance data acquired from the distance sensor 60, the control device 30 measures the distance from the reference position of the sterilization device 1 to the specific area 99. As a result, the control device 30 can control the drive device 12 to irradiate the ultraviolet rays output from the ultraviolet output module 11 toward the specific area 99.

[0024] The arithmetic device 31 is a computing entity (computer) that executes predetermined processing. The arithmetic device 31 is configured, for example, by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). A processor, which is an example of the arithmetic device 31, has the function of executing predetermined processing by executing a predetermined program. However, some or all of these functions may be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The term "processor" is not limited to processors in the narrow sense that execute processing using a stored program, such as a CPU, MPU, TPU, or GPU, but may also include hardwired circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA. Furthermore, the arithmetic device 31 is not limited to von Neumann computers such as a CPU or GPU, but may also be configured as non-von Neumann computers such as a quantum computer or an optical computer. The arithmetic device 31 may also be interpreted as processing circuitry. The computing device 31 may be configured as a single chip or multiple chips. Furthermore, the processor and related processing circuits may be configured as multiple computers interconnected by wire or wirelessly via a local area network or a wireless network. The processor and related processing circuits may be configured as a cloud computer that performs calculations remotely based on input information and outputs the calculation results to another device in a remote location.

[0025] The memory 32 includes a storage area (e.g., a working area) for storing program code or work memory when the arithmetic unit 31 executes various programs. Examples of the memory 32 include volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The memory 32 may also be interpreted as a processing circuitry having a function of retaining data or signals.

[0026] The storage device 33 stores various data such as various programs executed by the arithmetic device 31. For example, the storage device 33 stores a control program 331 executed by the arithmetic device 31 and an estimation model 332. The storage device 33 may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, or one or more computer-readable storage media. Examples of the storage device 33 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 33 may also be interpreted as a processing circuitry having a function of retaining data or signals.

[0027] The control program 331 defines a processing procedure by which the control device 30 controls the ultraviolet output device 10 and the camera 20. The arithmetic device 31 operates in accordance with the processing procedure defined by the control program 331, thereby controlling the camera 20 to acquire photographic data of the indoor space and controlling the ultraviolet output device 10 to irradiate ultraviolet rays onto the specific area 99.

[0028] The estimation model 332 includes a neural network (not shown) and estimates the specific area 99 from within the indoor space using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. The neural network of the estimation model 332 may be any algorithm capable of estimating the specific area 99, such as an autoencoder, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), or a generative adversarial network (GAN). Note that the estimation model 332 is not limited to a neural network, and may estimate the specific area 99 using other known algorithms, such as Bayesian estimation or a support vector machine (SVM). The estimation model 332 may also be generative AI (artificial intelligence).

[0029] For example, the estimation model 332 is trained by machine learning to recognize the position or movement of objects in the indoor space and estimate the specific area 99 to be sterilized, based on the photographic data acquired from the camera 20. Such a training method for the estimation model 332 may use supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, or the like.

[0030] The communication device 40 transmits and receives data to and from an external device via wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication device 40 communicates with the user device 2 via a cloud server (not shown) and outputs image information showing an indoor space captured by the camera 20 to the user device 2. The communication device 40 also communicates with the user device 2 via the cloud server described above and obtains information showing a specific area 99 specified by the user from the user device 2. Note that the communication device 40 may communicate directly with the user device 2 without going through the cloud server.

[0031] [Method of specifying a specific area] A method of specifying a specific area 99 by a user will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of specifying a specific area 99 by a user. As shown in Fig. 3, the user device 2 displays an image showing an indoor space on the display unit 21 based on image information acquired from the sterilization device 1. The user uses the operation unit 22 to move a cursor 210 on the screen of the display unit 21 to specify an area in the indoor space that they want to sterilize.

[0032] For example, the user specifies an area that is frequently touched by people or that people spend a long time in contact with, such as a desk, near a pillow, or a nurse call button. The user device 2 outputs specification information indicating the area specified by the user to the sterilization device 1.

[0033] The sterilization device 1 recognizes the specific area 99 specified by the user based on the specification information acquired from the user device 2, and stores the position information of the specific area 99 in the storage device 33.

[0034] This allows the sterilization device 1 to set the specific area 99 designated by the user as the area to be sterilized.

[0035] [Configuration of Ultraviolet Output Module] The configuration of the ultraviolet output module 11 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 4 is a top view of the ultraviolet output module 11. Figure 5 is a side view of the ultraviolet output module 11. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet output module 11. Note that Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet output module 11 when the ultraviolet output module 11 is cut along line A-A' shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the LED 140 of the ultraviolet output module 11. Figure 8 is a top view of the LED 140 of the ultraviolet output module 11.

[0036] 4 to 6, the ultraviolet output module 11 includes a base 110, a housing 120 provided on the upper surface of the base 110, and a cover glass 130 attached to the top of the housing 120. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the ultraviolet output module 11 includes an LED 140, a condenser lens 151, and a guide lens 152 inside the housing 120.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the LED 140 is a chip-type UV-LED mounted on the upper surface of the base 110 and generates ultraviolet light. In the ultraviolet output module 11, multiple LEDs 140 are arranged in a group on the upper surface of the base 110. For example, in the ultraviolet output module 11, three LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C are arranged in a group on the upper surface of the base 110. The LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C are examples of the "first LED" or "second LED" in the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C will be collectively referred to simply as "LED 140." Note that the ultraviolet output module 11 is not limited to multiple LEDs 140, and may include only one LED 140. In other words, the ultraviolet output module 11 may include at least one LED 140.

[0038] The irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light from the LED 140 in the specific region 99 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mW / cm ２ ) or greater, the LED 140 can inactivate viruses or bacteria present in the specific area 99 within a predetermined time (e.g., 100 seconds).

[0039] However, the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted by the LED 140 is approximately 1 W or less, and is not as high as 300 W like a mercury lamp. Therefore, even if the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED 140 fixedly installed in the indoor space is irradiated directly onto the specific area 99 without any special measures, the irradiation intensity will be a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm) that can sterilize within a predetermined time (100 seconds). ２ ) is difficult to achieve. In addition, since the sterilization device 1 is used while being fixed to the wall or ceiling of an indoor space, the user cannot carry the sterilization device 1 and bring it close to the specific area 99.

[0040] Therefore, the ultraviolet output module 11 uses the guide lens 152 to guide the ultraviolet light generated from the LED 140 to the condenser lens 151, and the ultraviolet light guided to the condenser lens 151 is collected by the condenser lens 151 and output to the outside, so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated from the LED 140 in the specific region 99 becomes a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm２ The irradiation range of the ultraviolet light can be adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity is equal to or greater than the average irradiation intensity for a predetermined time (100 seconds), for example.

[0041] 6, the guide lens 152 is configured with a single hemispherical lens that covers the LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C collectively toward the mounting surface of the LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C on the base 110. The guide lens 152 is an example of a "first guide lens" in the present disclosure.

[0042] The condenser lens 151 is disposed on the opposite side of the base 110 when the position of the LED 140 is used as a reference. In other words, the LED 140, the guide lens 152, and the condenser lens 151 are disposed in this order on the path from the base 110 to the cover glass 130. The condenser lens 151 is formed of a biconvex lens that collects ultraviolet light from the LED 140 guided by the guide lens 152 and outputs it in a fixed direction.

[0043] The ultraviolet rays generated from each of the LEDs 140A, 140B, and 140C pass through the housing 120 via the guide lens 152 and enter the condenser lens 151. The ultraviolet rays collected by the condenser lens 151 travel in a fixed direction toward the cover glass 130 and are output from the cover glass 130. The irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays output from the condenser lens 151 is determined so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays in the specific region 99 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm). ２ For example, the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light output from the condenser lens 151 depends on the outer diameter (diameter) L or focal length F of the condenser lens 151, which is made up of a biconvex lens. Therefore, the outer diameter L or focal length F of the condenser lens 151 is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity in the specific region 99 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm ２ ) or more.

[0044] In this way, the ultraviolet rays generated from the LED 140 fixedly installed in the indoor space are guided to the condenser lens 151 by the guide lens 152, and the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted by the condenser lens 151 so that the average irradiation intensity in the specific region 99 becomes a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm ２ ) or more. This allows the ultraviolet output module 11 to sterilize the specific area 99 using ultraviolet light generated from the LEDs 140 fixedly installed in the indoor space.

[0045] [Verification Results] The verification results of the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet light output module 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the diffusion angle of ultraviolet light output from LED 140. Fig. 9 shows the diffusion angle when the ultraviolet light output from LED 140 is measured directly without passing the ultraviolet light through guide lens 152 and condenser lens 151. In contrast, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the diffusion angle of ultraviolet light output from LED 140 and passed through guide lens 152 and condenser lens 151.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 9, when the ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 does not pass through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151, the ultraviolet light generated from the LED 140 is diffused and emitted. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 10, when the ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 passes through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151, the ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 is emitted in a fixed direction without diffusing, compared to when the ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 in Fig. 9 does not pass through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151.

[0048] 11 is a diagram showing the results of tracing ultraviolet rays output from LED 140 and passing through guide lens 152 and condenser lens 151. As shown in FIG. 11, the ultraviolet rays output from LED 140 and passing through guide lens 152 and condenser lens 151 are collected within the range of outer diameter L of condenser lens 151 and are emitted in a fixed direction perpendicular to condenser lens 151.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the beam profile of ultraviolet light output from LED 140 and passed through guide lens 152 and condenser lens 151. In Fig. 12, the center of LED 140 is set at 0 degrees in the horizontal direction, and a graph showing the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light according to the horizontal position is shown, as well as the reaction of photosensitive paper irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0050] 12, the irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 and passed through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151 is greatest near the center of the LED 140. As a result, the reaction of the photosensitive paper also spreads from near the center of the LED 140 outward.

[0051] In this way, the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light that has been output from the LED 140 and passed through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151 is concentrated within a narrower range than the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light that has been output from the LED 140 and not passed through the guide lens 152 and the condenser lens 151, and is emitted in a fixed direction perpendicular to the condenser lens 151. As a result, the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet output module 11 is concentrated within a predetermined range (for example, a range with an area of ​​40 cm square) in the specific region 99 to be sterilized, and therefore the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light in the specific region 99 is reduced to a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm) that allows sterilization. ２ ) or more.

[0052] Fig. 13 shows the results of bacterial inactivation without UV irradiation. Fig. 14 shows the results of bacterial inactivation with UV irradiation. When UV rays are irradiated on the bacteria as shown in Fig. 14, the bacteria near the center of the LED 140 irradiated with UV rays are more inactivated than when UV rays are not irradiated on the bacteria as shown in Fig. 13.

[0053] In this way, the ultraviolet output module 11 uses the guide lens 152 to guide the ultraviolet light generated from the LED 140 to the condenser lens 151, and the ultraviolet light guided to the condenser lens 151 is collected by the condenser lens 151 and irradiated onto the location where the bacteria are occurring, thereby inactivating the bacteria.

[0054] [Processing flow of the sterilizer] The main processing executed by the sterilizer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the control device 30 of the sterilizer 1. The processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 15 is realized by the control device 30 executing the control program 331. Hereinafter, each step (STEP) will be abbreviated as "S".

[0055] As shown in Figure 15, the sterilization apparatus 1 sets a specific area 99 (S1). Specifically, as described using Figure 3, a user can set the specific area 99 in advance using the user device 2. The sterilization apparatus 1 recognizes the specific area 99 specified by the user based on the designation information acquired from the user device 2, and sets the specific area 99 as the area to be sterilized.

[0056] Alternatively, the sterilization device 1 uses the estimation model 332 to recognize the positions or movements of objects in the indoor space based on the photographic data acquired from the camera 20, and estimates the specific area 99 to be sterilized. For example, the sterilization device 1 may use the estimation model 332 to estimate parts that are frequently touched by people, and set an area including these parts as the specific area 99. Furthermore, when there are multiple parts that are frequently touched by people, the sterilization device 1 may preferentially set parts that are touched more frequently or for longer periods of time as the specific area 99.

[0057] The sterilizer 1 acquires the contamination level of the specific area 99 (S2). For example, the sterilizer 1 calculates the contamination level according to the number of contacts or the contact time. Note that the sterilizer 1 may calculate a higher contamination level the more the number of contacts or the longer the contact time, but it may also lower the contamination level the longer the non-contact time by humans.

[0058] The sterilization device 1 determines the irradiation amount of ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 according to the contamination level of the specific area 99 (S3). At this time, the sterilization device 1 calculates the distance from the reference position of the sterilization device 1 to the specific area 99 using the distance sensor 60, and determines the irradiation amount of ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 based on the calculated distance. The irradiation amount of ultraviolet light output from the LED 140 is calculated by multiplying the irradiation intensity by the irradiation time.

[0059] Here, the sterilization device 1 calculates the irradiation intensity of ultraviolet light based on the distance from the reference position of the sterilization device 1 to the specific area 99 measured using the distance sensor 60 (for example, 0.1 mW / cm ２ Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 compares the calculated irradiation intensity with the irradiation amount required for sterilization (for example, 5 mJ / cm ２ ) and the irradiation time required for sterilization (for example, 5 mJ / cm ２ ÷0.1 mW / cm ２ = 50 sec.) is calculated.

[0060] The sterilization device 1 determines whether or not a person is present in the specific area 99 based on the photographing data of the camera 20 (S4). If a person is present in the specific area 99 (YES in S4), the sterilization device 1 proceeds to the process of S8 without irradiating the specific area 99 with ultraviolet light. On the other hand, if no person is present in the specific area 99 (NO in S4), the sterilization device 1 irradiates the specific area 99 with ultraviolet light (S5). Note that, in the process of S4, the sterilization device 1 may determine whether or not a person is present in an area larger than the specific area 99, and irradiate the specific area 99 with ultraviolet light if no person is present in the area larger than the specific area 99. Furthermore, in the process of S4, the sterilization device 1 may determine whether or not a person is present in an indoor space, and irradiate the specific area 99 with ultraviolet light if no person is present in the indoor space.

[0061] After irradiating with ultraviolet rays, the sterilization device 1 updates the contamination level of the specific area 99 according to the amount of ultraviolet irradiation (S6). Specifically, the sterilization device 1 updates the contamination level so that the contamination level decreases as irradiation time passes. The sterilization device 1 determines whether or not ultraviolet irradiation is complete (S7). Specifically, the sterilization device 1 determines whether or not the updated contamination level is below the threshold value.

[0062] If the sterilization device 1 determines that the post-update contamination level is still equal to or greater than the threshold and that ultraviolet irradiation has not been completed (NO in S7), it returns to the process of S5 and continues ultraviolet irradiation. On the other hand, if the sterilization device 1 determines that the post-update contamination level is less than the threshold and that ultraviolet irradiation has been completed (YES in S7), it proceeds to the process of S8.

[0063] The sterilization apparatus 1 determines whether irradiation of all specific regions 99 has been completed (S8). If irradiation of all specific regions 99 has not been completed (NO in S8), the sterilization apparatus 1 returns to the process of S1 and sets a new specific region 99. On the other hand, if irradiation of all specific regions 99 has been completed (YES in S8), the sterilization apparatus 1 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0064] The sterilizer 1 may display on the display unit 21 an image indicating the sterilization status, such as "Processing in progress" in FIG. 15, "Waiting for sterilization", "Sterilizing", or "Sterilization completed".

[0065] As described above, the sterilization device 1 guides the ultraviolet light generated from the LED 140 fixedly installed in the indoor space to the condenser lens 151 by the guide lens 152, and adjusts the irradiation range of the ultraviolet light by the condenser lens 151 so that the average irradiation intensity in the specific region 99 becomes a predetermined value (0.1 mW / cm ２ ) or more, the specific area 99 can be sterilized within a predetermined time (100 seconds) using ultraviolet light emitted from the LEDs 140 fixedly installed in the indoor space. Furthermore, since the sterilization device 1 is not configured to indiscriminately irradiate the entire indoor space with ultraviolet light, deterioration such as discoloration of the irradiated surface can be minimized.

[0066] [Modification] Although the sterilization device 1 according to the embodiment has been described above, the ultraviolet output module 11 of the sterilization device 1 may be configured in other ways. Below, an ultraviolet output module 11A according to a modification will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0067] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the LED 140 of the ultraviolet output module 11A according to the modified example. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the guide lens 152 of the ultraviolet output module 11A according to the modified example. Fig. 18 is a side view of the LED 140 and the guide lens 152 of the ultraviolet output module 11A according to the modified example.

[0068] 16 , in the ultraviolet output module 11A, a plurality of LEDs 140 are arranged spaced apart from one another on the upper surface of the base 110. For example, in the ultraviolet output module 11A, four LEDs 140D, 140E, 140F, and 140G are arranged spaced apart from one another on the upper surface of the base 110.

[0069] 17 and 18 , the ultraviolet output module 11A includes a plurality of guide lenses 152D, 152E, 152F, and 152G corresponding to the plurality of LEDs 140D, 140E, 140F, and 140G, respectively. The LEDs 140D, 140E, 140F, and 140G are examples of the “first LED” or “second LED” of the present disclosure. The guide lenses 152D, 152E, 152F, and 152G are examples of the “first guide lens” or “second guide lens” of the present disclosure. Each of the guide lenses 152D, 152E, 152F, and 152G is provided on the base 110 so as to cover the plurality of LEDs 140D, 140E, 140F, and 140G, facing the mounting surface of the base 110 on which the LEDs 140D, 140E, 140F, and 140G are mounted.

[0070] In this way, the ultraviolet output module 11A is provided with a guide lens 152 for each of the plurality of LEDs 140, and therefore the ultraviolet light output from each LED 140 can be guided to the condenser lens 151 by each guide lens 152.

[0071] Aspects It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0072] (Item 1) A sterilization device according to one aspect is installed on a wall or ceiling that defines an indoor space and includes an ultraviolet output module that outputs ultraviolet light, a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module, and a control device that controls the drive device to direct the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet output module toward a specific area. The ultraviolet output module includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a condenser lens whose ultraviolet light irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED to the condenser lens.

[0073] According to the sterilization device described in paragraph 1, ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space are guided to a focusing lens by a first guide lens, and the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted by the focusing lens so that the average irradiation intensity in a specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that a specific area can be sterilized using ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED installed in a fixed position in the indoor space.

[0074] (Item 2) The sterilization device according to item 1 further includes a second LED that generates ultraviolet light. The first guide lens further guides the ultraviolet light generated from the second LED to the condenser lens.

[0075] According to the sterilization device described in paragraph 2, the ultraviolet light output from each of the first LED and the second LED can be guided to the condenser lens by the first guide lens.

[0076] (Item 3) The sterilization device according to item 1 further includes a second LED that generates ultraviolet light, and a second guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the second LED to the condenser lens.

[0077] According to the sterilization device described in paragraph 3, the ultraviolet light output from each of the first LED and the second LED can be guided to the condenser lens by the first guide lens and the second guide lens.

[0078] (4) In the sterilization device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the ultraviolet output module further includes a base on which the first LED is placed. The first guide lens is a hemispherical lens that covers the first LED toward the surface of the base on which the first LED is placed. The condenser lens is a biconvex lens that collects the ultraviolet light guided by the first guide lens and outputs it in a fixed direction.

[0079] According to the sterilization device described in paragraph 4, ultraviolet light generated from the first LED placed on the base can be guided to the condenser lens by the guide lens made of a hemispherical lens, and further concentrated by the condenser lens made of a biconvex lens and output in a fixed direction.

[0080] (Item 5) In the sterilizer according to any one of items 1 to 4, the predetermined value is 0.1 mW / cm ２ is.

[0081] According to the sterilization device described in item 5, the average irradiation intensity in a specific area is reduced to 0.1 mW / cm by the condenser lens. ２ By doing as described above, it is possible to sterilize a specific area using ultraviolet light generated from the first LED fixedly installed in the indoor space.

[0082] (Item 6) In the sterilization device according to any one of items 1 to 5, the control device sets an area designated by a user from within the indoor space as the specific area.

[0083] According to the sterilization device described in Section 6, it is possible to sterilize a specific area designated by the user.

[0084] (7) In the sterilization device according to any one of the above items 1 to 6, the control device estimates the specific area from within the indoor space.

[0085] The sterilization device described in paragraph 7 can sterilize a specific area that it has estimated. (paragraph 8) A sterilization system according to one aspect includes a user device that allows a user to specify a specific area within an indoor space, and a sterilization device that irradiates the specific area specified by the user with ultraviolet light. The sterilization device is installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space and includes an ultraviolet output module that outputs ultraviolet light, a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module, and a control device that controls the drive device to direct the ultraviolet light output from the ultraviolet output module toward the specific area. The ultraviolet output module includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a condenser lens whose ultraviolet light irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED to the condenser lens.

[0086] According to the sterilization system described in paragraph 8, ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space are guided to a focusing lens by a first guide lens, and the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted by the focusing lens so that the average irradiation intensity in a specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED installed in a fixed position in the indoor space can be used to sterilize a specific area designated by a user.

[0087] (Clause 9) An ultraviolet output module according to one embodiment includes a first LED that generates ultraviolet light, a focusing lens whose ultraviolet light irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet light in a specific region generated from the first LED is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the first LED to the focusing lens.

[0088] According to the ultraviolet output module described in paragraph 9, ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED installed on a wall or ceiling that defines the indoor space are guided to a focusing lens by a first guide lens, and the irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted by the focusing lens so that the average irradiation intensity in a specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that ultraviolet rays generated from a first LED fixedly installed in the indoor space can be used to sterilize a specific area.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0090] 1 Sterilization device, 2 User device, 10 Ultraviolet output device, 11, 11A Ultraviolet output module, 12 Drive device, 20 Camera, 21 Display unit, 22 Operation unit, 30 Control device, 31 Arithmetic unit, 32 Memory, 33 Storage device, 40 Communication device, 50 Main body, 60 Distance sensor, 99 Specific area, 100 Sterilization system, 110 Base, 120 Housing, 130 Cover glass, 151 Condenser lens, 152, 152D, 152E, 152F, 152G Guidance lens, 210 Cursor, 331 Control program, 332 Estimation model.

Claims

1. A sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto a specific area in an indoor space defined by walls and a ceiling, comprising: an ultraviolet output module that is installed on the wall or the ceiling and outputs ultraviolet rays; a drive unit that drives the ultraviolet output module; and a control unit that controls the drive unit to direct the ultraviolet rays output from the ultraviolet output module towards the specific area, wherein the ultraviolet output module comprises: a first LED that generates ultraviolet rays; a condensing lens whose ultraviolet irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED to the condensing lens.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising a second LED that generates ultraviolet light, wherein the first guide lens further guides the ultraviolet light generated from the second LED to the condenser lens.

3. The sterilization device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second LED that generates ultraviolet light; and a second guide lens that guides the ultraviolet light generated from the second LED to the condenser lens.

4. The sterilization device described in claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet output module further comprises a base on which the first LED is placed, the first guide lens is a hemispherical lens that covers the first LED toward the surface of the base on which the first LED is placed, and the condenser lens is a biconvex lens that collects the ultraviolet light guided by the first guide lens and outputs it in a fixed direction.

5. The predetermined value is 0.1 mW / cm ２ The sterilizer according to claim 1, 6. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the control device sets an area designated by a user from within the indoor space as the specific area.

7. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the control device estimates the specific area from within the indoor space.

8. A sterilization system that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto a specific area in an indoor space defined by walls and a ceiling, comprising: a user device that allows a user to specify the specific area within the indoor space; and a sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the specific area specified by the user, wherein the sterilization device comprises: an ultraviolet output module that is installed on the wall or the ceiling and outputs ultraviolet rays; a drive device that drives the ultraviolet output module; and a control device that controls the drive device to direct the ultraviolet rays output from the ultraviolet output module towards the specific area, wherein the ultraviolet output module comprises: a first LED that generates ultraviolet rays; a condensing lens whose ultraviolet irradiation range is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED to the condensing lens.

9. An ultraviolet output module that is installed on a wall or ceiling that defines an indoor space and outputs ultraviolet rays toward a specific area of ​​the indoor space, comprising: a first LED that generates ultraviolet rays; a condensing lens whose irradiation range of the ultraviolet rays is adjusted so that the average irradiation intensity of the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED in the specific area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a first guide lens that guides the ultraviolet rays generated from the first LED to the condensing lens.

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