Wearable UV Sensor Segmentation for UVA-UVB Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UV exposure measurement technologies are inaccurate in various situations, failing to differentiate between UVA and UVB radiation and provide real-time, personalized UV dose thresholds, leading to potential adverse health effects from over or underexposure.

Innovation Solution

A wearable UV sensing device with UVI, UVA, and visible light sensors, combined with a mobile device, uses algorithms to estimate UV exposure, separate UVA and UVB radiation, and provide real-time notifications and user-selectable safe thresholds based on individual UV dose history and symptoms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional UV measuring systems with UV measuring diodes are used, then UV exposure can be approximately measured, but measurement accuracy deteriorates in various situations and cannot differentiate between UVA and UVB radiation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV exposure measurement accuracyVSAvoidability to differentiate UVA and UVB
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the UV measurement function into separate components by using distinct sensors for UVA and UVB radiation. The system employs a first light sensor specifically for detecting UVA exposure and a second light sensor for detecting UVB exposure, allowing accurate differentiation and measurement of each UV type independently rather than using a single conventional UV diode that cannot distinguish between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional UV measuring systems are used, then basic UV detection is possible, but real-time personalized feedback and threshold monitoring are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time personalized feedbackVSAvoidpersonalized UV dose threshold accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors UV exposure data from the sensors, compares accumulated UVA and UVB doses against personalized thresholds, and provides real-time notifications to the user. The system calculates separate accumulated doses for UVA and UVB radiation and alerts users when either threshold is approached or exceeded, enabling timely protective actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows customization of UV exposure thresholds based on individual user needs, skin types, and specific concerns (e.g., Vitamin D synthesis versus sunburn prevention). Users can adjust the accumulated dose thresholds for UVA and UVB independently, and the system adapts the monitoring parameters accordingly to provide personalized feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single UV sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide accurate differentiated UV measurement and personalized thresholds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system simplicityVSAvoiddifferentiated UV dose measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs separate light sensors for UVA and UVB detection, with each sensor optimized for its specific wavelength range. This segmentation enables the system to measure and track accumulated doses of each UV type independently, providing differentiated and accurate measurement data for personalized threshold monitoring and real-time feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple sensing functions into a unified wearable device that simultaneously monitors UVA exposure, UVB exposure, and provides comprehensive feedback. The processor coordinates both sensors and implements a unified threshold management system that handles multiple UV parameters, offering multi-functional capability while maintaining device portability and ease of use.

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 offers accurate, real-time UV exposure monitoring and personalized safety alerts, enhancing user safety by accurately measuring UV dose and differentiating between UVA and UVB, thus preventing adverse health effects from UV exposure.

Implementation Method 1

Some UV measuring systems include a UV measuring diode, which converts the incident ultraviolet radiation signal to electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sensors can be covered by a diffuser with cosine response

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10732034B2Methods, systems, and apparatuses for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 THE JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS TECHNION CORNELL INST
  • US10732034B2 patent drawing
  • US10732034B2 patent drawing
  • US10732034B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and methods for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure for management of ultraviolet dose. The systems can include a wearable device and a mobile device, the system performing accurate measurement of UV exposure.