UV-B Sensor System for Targeted Vitamin D Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods are complex and inefficient in determining optimal UV-B exposure for vitamin D production in the body and fail to provide effective recommendations for supplementing vitamin D levels through sun exposure and transdermal application.

Innovation Solution

A UV-B sensor device and mobile computing device-based system that calculates UV-B exposure, estimates vitamin D intake, and recommends skin care products to achieve targeted vitamin D levels, while warning against overexposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing methods are used to determine optimal UV-B exposure for vitamin D production, then the process becomes complex and inefficient, but the system fails to provide effective recommendations for supplementing vitamin D levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of determining optimal UV-B exposureVSAvoideffectiveness of vitamin D supplementation recommendations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the UV sensor and the user. This device receives UV exposure data from the sensor, calculates vitamin D intake estimates, compares them to target levels, and generates personalized recommendations. This intermediary processing layer simplifies the complexity for users while ensuring reliable, data-driven recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If UV exposure is increased to achieve target vitamin D levels, then vitamin D intake improves, but the risk of overexposure to UV radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevitamin D intakeVSAvoidrisk of UV overexposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors UV-B exposure through the wearable sensor and provides real-time feedback to the user via the mobile computing device. By comparing measured exposure against target vitamin D levels, the system dynamically adjusts recommendations to achieve adequate vitamin D intake while preventing overexposure. This closed-loop feedback mechanism balances vitamin D production needs with UV safety constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive system with sensor and computing device is implemented, then personalized recommendations are provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalization of vitamin D recommendationsVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and computing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it receives UV exposure data from the wearable sensor, estimates vitamin D intake, retrieves target vitamin D levels, generates supplementation recommendations, and warns against overexposure. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the system achieves high adaptability and personalization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively determines vitamin D sufficiency or deficit and provides personalized recommendations for sun exposure and transdermal vitamin D supplementation, ensuring safe and adequate vitamin D levels.

Implementation Method 1

A UV-B sensor device and App to help a subject maintain or achieve targeted vitamin D levels through sun exposure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV-B radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11756685B2Ultraviolet light sensor and method to achieve targeted vitamin D levels

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The computer system and computer-implemented method of generating and providing skin care product recommendations to a subject, wherein the method comprises determining, by a computing device, a UV-B exposure of the subject; determining, by the computing device, a vitamin D intake due to the UV-B exposure; determining, by the computing device, a target vitamin D of the subject; and providing, by the computing device, a skin care product recommendation to the subject when the vitamin D intake due to the UV-B exposure is less than the vitamin D target of the subject.