CA3231896A1 - Improved photobiological treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

A photobiological treatment device (1) is disclosed, the device comprising: - at least one light-emitting diode (10); - a supervisor (40) suitable for receiving a set of parameters relating to periodic light signals to be emitted, and for generating at least one periodic control signal in accordance with the set of parameters received, said set of parameters comprising at least: o a maximum power of the periodic light signals to be emitted, which power is lower than 100 W/m , o a frequency of the periodic light signals to be emitted, o a duty cycle of said signals, and o a duration of the treatment phase for which the signals are emitted; and - a circuit (50) for supplying the light-emitting diode with power, which circuit is suitable for receiving the control signal generated by the supervisor, for generating a periodic current identical to the control signal received, and for supplying said light-emitting diode with the current generated.

Description

Description Title: Improved photo-biological treatment device Technical area [0001] The present disclosure falls within the field of photo-processing.
biological, that is say about the treatment of biological organisms by the use of signals luminous. She finds particular applications in the field of decontamination, of the preservation of foodstuffs or even in the improvement of qualities nutritional, organoleptic, health of foodstuffs in a approach sustainable and respecting human health, the planet and the animal world.
Prior art

[0002] It has been known for many years to use the properties of the light for decontamination applications, for example water. To do this, we have long used mercury vapor lamps producing UV light continues to wavelength 253.7 nm. Xenon flash lamps were also used emitting short flashes covering the entire spectrum of light.

[0003] The disadvantages of using this type of lamp are numerous.
First place, these lamps are not ecological because they consume a quantity electricity very important and take time to light up because they require go up temperature to operate. Mercury vapor lamps present disadvantage additional to contain mercury, which is harmful to the environment. These lamps are therefore incompatible with ecodesign requirements and, moreover, they will do probably subject to a marketing ban in the future close.

[0004] Furthermore, it is also known that plants have photoreceptors sensitive to different wavelengths, and research work explore currently the possibilities of using these wavelengths to be able to stimulate specifically certain photoreceptors and thus trigger mechanisms allowing to improve certain properties of the treated plants. We can cite by example the article from L. Huché-Thélier et al. c< Light signaling and plant responses to blue and UV-radiation ¨
Perspectives for applications in horticulture", Environmental and Experimental Botany, Elsevier, 2016, 121, pp.22-38. 10.1016/j.envexpbot.2015.06.009. hal-01388732, Or again the article by S. Eichhorn Bilodeau et al. c< An update on Plant Photobiology and Implications for Cannabis Production", 2019, Front. Plant Sci. 10:296 doi:10.3389/fpls.2019.00296.

WO 2023/05272

5 [0005] These publications highlight the diversity of mechanisms organic impacted by light, as well as the diversity of photoreceptors involved and wavelengths to which these photoreceptors are sensitive. However, THE
mercury vapor lamps or xenon flash lamps mentioned previously born are not suitable for this type of application. On the one hand, they generate a number of significant heat in the same direction as the light beam, which reduces their possibilities of use for the treatment of sensitive living plants to thermal and electromagnetic radiation.

[0006] Furthermore, the high light power generated by these lamps is susceptible to quickly saturate the photo-receptors of plants, which induces stress counterproductive to the plant, and thus limits use beyond the simple decontamination surface without damaging the corresponding foodstuffs.

[0007] Finally, these lamps impose a single mode of use (lighting continuous for mercury vapor lamps, flashes for xenon flash lamps), which limit strongly the diversity of photo-biological treatments as well as the targets of treatment.
For xenon flash lamps, the fact that these lamps cover the entire visible spectrum creates a risk of emitting parasitic wavelengths which disrupt the treatment wish. To overcome this drawback, optical filters can be used to filter certain wavelengths, but this implies excess energy consumption by relation to the desired purpose, and therefore a negative ecological impact.

[0008] Given these significant limitations, developments have been made led to replace these technologies with light-emitting diodes, which present the advantage of reduced electrical consumption and less heating of the matrix to be treated, since the light-emitting diodes dissipate the heat in direction opposite to the emission of photons. We know, for example, the document WO
2014/036083, which describes a food storage device such as a fridge, comprising means for the decontamination of stored foodstuffs, these means comprising sources of UV rays which may be diodes, and a device of control that can operate the sources of UV rays in different modes such as that a mode sterilization and a method of preserving foodstuffs.

[0009] However, to obtain the expected results of a photo-treatment biological, it suitable for accurately controlling power and energy quantity received by the target of the processing, and therefore to precisely control the sources lighting. this is confirmed for example by document WO 2018/167439, which describes a method of decontamination of foodstuffs including exposure of foodstuffs to impulses light in the UV range, the pulses being of a duration comprised between 50 ps and 2s, with an energy density between 0.1 kJ/m2 and 3kJ/m2.

[0010] However, these documents do not describe a device making it possible to achieve this level precision in the control of lighting sources, even when it comes to diodes electroluminescent.
Summary

[0011] A photobiological treatment device is proposed, comprising :
- at least one light-emitting diode;
- a supervisor, adapted to receive a set of parameters relating to of the periodic light signals to be emitted, and to generate at least one signal of periodic command conforming to all the parameters received, said set of parameters comprising at least:
o a maximum power of the periodic light signals to be emitted, said maximum power being less than 100 W/m2, preferably less than 30W/m2, o a frequency of the periodic light signals to be emitted, o a cyclical ratio of said signals, and o a duration of emission of light signals, and - a power supply circuit for the light-emitting diode, suitable for receive the control signal generated by the supervisor, to generate a current periodic identical to the control signal received, and to power said diode electroluminescent with the current generated.

[0012] According to another aspect, a photo-processing device is proposed.
biological including:
- a cavity in which a target to be treated can be positioned, - at least one lighting module of the cavity, each lighting module comprising at least one light-emitting diode and a power supply circuit the diode(s) of the lighting module; And - a supervisor, adapted to receive at least one set of parameters relative to periodic light signals to be emitted, and to generate and transmit to each lighting module a control signal determined from the parameters received, each lighting module being adapted to receive a control signal generated by the supervisor, to generate a current identical to the received control signal, and for power said light-emitting diode with the current generated, and wherein each lighting module is removably mounted in the photo-biological treatment device.

[0013] In embodiments of this second aspect, the parameters can include one or more of the following parameters: maximum power of the periodic light signals to be emitted, said maximum power being less than 100 W/m2, preferably less than 30W/m2, o a frequency of the periodic light signals to be emitted, o a cyclical ratio of said signals, and o a duration of emission of light signals, and

[0014] The devices described above can also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] In embodiments, the device comprises at least one diode electroluminescent emitting in a wavelength range between 260 and 310nm.

[0016] In embodiments, the device comprises at least two diodes, and the supervisor is adapted to generate at least two control signals different relating to at least two diodes.

[0017] In embodiments, all of the parameters include besides the minus one of the following additional parameters:
- a delay time for starting the emission of light signals by a diode or a group of diodes relative to an initial reference time, - a number of repetitions of a processing phase, where a processing phase treatment corresponds to the total duration during which light signals are issued by at least one diode or a group of diodes, and - a time interval between two treatment phases consecutive.

[0018] In embodiments, the device further comprises a sensor temperature suitable for measuring at least one temperature among the group following :
- a temperature in the vicinity of at least one diode electroluminescent, - a temperature in the vicinity of a heat sink of a diode or a diode group, - a temperature of the supervisor, - a temperature in the vicinity of the target to be treated, and the supervisor is configured to receive the temperature measurement and to to modify the duty cycle of the control signal and extend the duration of the control phase treatment when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0019] In embodiments, the supervisor is configured to change to real time the control signal as a function of an ambient temperature, a temperature measured in the vicinity of a diode, and a distance between a diode and the target, so that the light signals emitted by the diodes provide a level energy determined at the target.

[0020] In embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of diodes electroluminescents arranged in a plurality of parallel rows, in whichone pitch between two consecutive diodes in a row and the pitch between two rows consecutive are determined so that the fluence emitted at the level of a plane parallel on the plane of the diodes and located at a determined distance between the diodes and the target either homogeneous.

[0021] In embodiments, the device further comprises a memory storing, for a set of treatments, a set of relative parameters to light signals to be emitted, and/or a Human-Machine interface suitable for receive a set of parameters relating to the light signals to be emitted from a operator.

[0022] In embodiments, each light-emitting diode emits in wavelength range between 200 and 800 nm, with an accuracy of 10nm.

[0023] In embodiments, the device is adapted to emit signals light with a frequency between 0 and 10,000 Hz, for example included between 2 and 100Hz.

[0024] In embodiments, each diode power circuit electroluminescent comprises at least one gated field effect transistor metal oxide and a direct current source connected to the source of the transistor, the signal of command generated by the supervisor being connected to the gate of the transistor.

[0025] In embodiments, the device comprises a cavity in which a target to be processed can be placed for carrying out the processing, and means measuring and adjusting the distance between the light-emitting diode and the target to to treat.

[0026] In embodiments, the device comprises at least one module lighting comprising at least one diode and a power supply circuit for the diode, the lighting module further comprising a heat sink adapted for evacuate the heat generated by the diode(s).

[0027] In embodiments, the device comprises a housing formed by a set of walls, the housing comprising a cavity in which a target to be treat can be placed, and a compartment adjacent to the cavity, housing said supervisor and each lighting module, in which each lighting module is mounted so removable in the compartment.

[0028] In embodiments, the housing comprises a front wall or lateral comprising an access window to the compartment housing each module lighting, said access window being dimensioned so as to allow insertion and withdrawal a lighting module through the window, and the compartment and each module lighting include mechanical connectors adapted to allow the assembly and disassembly of a lighting module through the window.

[0029] In embodiments, the device may comprise a wall of separation of the compartment and the cavity, said separation wall including a through opening, and each lighting module is adapted to be able to to be mounted in the compartment so that each diode illuminates the interior of the cavity through of the through opening.

[0030] In embodiments, the compartment comprises at least one pawn or centering hole of a lighting module and at least one bolt fixing said module to the compartment.

[0031] In embodiments, the mechanical connectors of the compartment comprise centering members and locking members, arranged respectively on two opposite sides of the through opening, the organs of centering being located on the side of the through opening opposite the window access, and locking members being located on the side of the access window.

[0032] In embodiments, the compartment comprises a stop in protrusion for lighting modules, the stop being arranged on an edge of the opening through the separation wall opposite the access window.

[0033] In embodiments, the centering members comprise pions centering located on the stop.

[0034] In embodiments, the locking members comprise at least a bolt mounted on the separation wall.

[0035] The photobiological treatment device presented above allows to realise a wide diversity of photo-biological treatments on various targets, with a great precision. In fact, it allows you to control a diode in real time electroluminescent or a group of diodes, to generate light signals periodic corresponding to desired parameters in terms of frequency, duration of signal, interval between signals, etc. It is also possible to combine several diodes of different wavelengths, from UV to infrared, to combine effects sought on a target and thus carry out very targeted treatments and adapted to each type of target to be treated.

[0036] The use of short-term light signals emitted by diodes electroluminescent also makes it possible to limit the light power (irradiance) to to which the target is subjected, which makes it possible to avoid saturating the photoreceptors of plants. Controlling the parameters of periodic light signals allows in besides to control the exposure time of the target to light and therefore also energy light (fluence) received. This allows, particularly in the case of plants and foodstuffs food, to carry out effective treatment without degrading the targets processed.

[0037] In embodiments, the use of diodes, of systems of dissipation active or passive heat and/or adjustment of signal parameters luminous emitted as a function of the temperature measured at the diodes electroluminescent, heatsinks, the diode power circuit and in the vicinity of the targets, allows to control the light signal emitted in real time in order to guarantee optimal treatment targets and maximum diode longevity. The fact of regulating the temperature of diodes allows them to operate in their efficiency zone optimal and therefore to extend their lifespan, with a view to sustainable development.
Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear later.
reading the detailed description below, and analysis of the attached drawings, on which :
Fig. 1

[0039] [Fig. 1] represents a block diagram of a processing device photo-biological according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2

[0040] [Fig. 2] represents an example of a photo-processing device biological.
Fig. 3

[0041] [Fig. 3] represents an example of a control signal generated by a device photo-biological treatment for a set of light-emitting diodes.
Fig. 4

[0042] [Fig. 4] represents an example of a lighting module of a lighting device treatment photo-biological according to one embodiment.
Fig. 5a

[0043] [Fig. 5a] is a schematic representation in top view of a module lighting.
Fig. 5b

[0044] [Fig. 5a] is a schematic representation in side view of the module lighting of Figure 5a.
Fig. 6

[0045] [Fig. 6] represents an example of mounting a lighting module in A
photo-biological treatment device according to one embodiment.
Fig. 7

[0046] [Fig. 7] represents a compartment of a photo-processing device biological, the compartment housing a supervisor and a lighting module.
Fig. 8

[0047] [Fig. 8] schematically represents compared irradiance levels between the device according to one embodiment, a mercury vapor lamp and a lamp Xenon flashes.
Description of embodiments

[0048] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, we will now describe a device of photo-biological treatment 1. This device 1 can be used for applications of decontamination or sterilization, preservation of foodstuffs, plants or seeds, or even in improving nutritional qualities, organoleptic, and sanitation of foodstuffs, plants or seeds.

[0049] The photo-biological treatment device 1 can be used on a target to treat which can be a solid foodstuff, for example fruit and vegetables harvested, or meat or fish, or liquid, such as water, milk, fruit juice or honey. This device can also be used on targets that can be used in agriculture, such as seeds or plants, flowers harvested or cultivated, plants grown in the ground, in fish farming or aquaculture, etc.

The device 1 comprises at least one light-emitting diode 10, and of preferably a plurality of light-emitting diodes 10. In this case where the device includes several diodes, these can emit light of the same length of waves or of several different wavelengths. For example, the device can include several sets 11 of diodes of respective wavelengths, each assembly comprising one or more diodes.

[0051] In order to be able to implement treatments adapted to targets varied, the device 1 comprises a control circuit 2 described below which is configured for control the emission, by the light-emitting diodes 10, of signals luminous periodic products precisely controlled so as not to exceed an irradiance maximum on the target, that is to say the surface density of energy flow received by the target, expressed in W/m2, but also to very precisely control the settings emitted light signals, so that the fluence can also be controlled, that's to say the total light energy received by the target. Device 1 allows typically of keep the irradiance on the treated target low, that is to say less than 100W/m2, typically less than 50W/m2, or even less than 30 W/m2, in order not to saturate the plant photoreceptors and thus maximize the effects of the emission of photoreceptors. With reference to Figure 8, we have schematically represented a level irradiance compared between the device according to the invention, a steam lamp mercury and a Xenon flash lamp. A mercury vapor lamp produces a light, and therefore a continuous irradiance of the order of 10,000 W/m2, while a lamp flash Xenon emits flashes of very high irradiance (of the order of MW/m2) during a length very short, with time intervals of the order of 1 to 2 seconds between two flashes.
The device described below allows, through use and precise control diodes electroluminescent, the generation of periodic light signals whose level irradiance is strictly less than 100 W/m2.

[0052] In embodiments, the periodic light signals are of the slots, and the control circuit is adapted to control the duration at during which periodic light signals are emitted, as well as the frequency and The report cyclical slots. In the case where the device 1 comprises several diodes 10 different wavelengths, each diode or each set of diodes of a even wavelength can be controlled to emit light signals of respective parameters. A diode assembly comprising diodes of several different wavelengths can also be controlled so that issue light signals according to a first configuration, and another set of diodes can be controlled according to a second setting. In these cases, the settings defining the light signals to be emitted may include an emission duration of the signals luminous d, a frequency and a cyclical ratio of the slots which can be appropriate to each diode or each set of diodes.

[0053] In the case where the device comprises several sets of diodes 10 controlled according to different settings, we note in the sequence T the total duration of a phase of processing comprising controlling several groups of diodes to generate A
light signal according to a respective emission duration. The start of the show luminous by a group of diodes can be shifted relative to another group of diodes, so that the total duration T of a processing phase can be greater than the maximum duration of emission of light signals for all groups of diodes.
Consequently, the parameters defining the light signals emitted respectively by several diodes or set of diodes can also include at less one of the following additional parameters:
- a delay time for starting the emission of light signals by report at the start of the treatment phase, - a number of repetitions of the processing phase, corresponding to a duration total treatment, - a time interval between two treatment phases consecutive.

[0054] Thus, during a processing phase, not all the diodes are ordered to generate light signals at the same time and the duration of emission of the signals periodic light by a diode or a set of diodes can be more short as the duration of the treatment phase.

[0055] Furthermore, the fact of repeating processing phases, with possibly a time interval between two consecutive processing phases, allows to automate a treatment process in which the phases can be repeated repeatedly intervals of regular time, for example every day, every week, etc. Device 1 is therefore configured to allow the emission of periodic light signals entirely controlled, in one or more wavelengths, at low irradiance. There modulation light signals (periodic signals) makes it possible to increase the efficiency of treatments implemented while controlling the exposure time of the target to signals luminous, and therefore the total fluence received at the target.

[0056] Each light-emitting diode 10 of device 1 is adapted to issue light at a wavelength between 200 and 800 nm. Each diode emits in addition with a precision of 10 nm, ie the emission spectrum of each diode is centered on the wavelength of interest with a width of 10 nm at an energy light equal to 90% of the light energy at the peak. In modes of achievement, the device 1 comprises at least one diode 10 or a set of suitable diodes For emit light in a wavelength range between 260 and 310nm.
This wavelength range corresponds to a sensitivity range maximum of UVR8 photoreceptor of plants, which impacts the nutritional properties and there resistance to plant pathogens. The device 1 can also understand least one diode 10 or a set of additional diodes in a range of different wavelengths, for example in the visible.

[0057] According to a non-limiting example, the device 1 may comprise one or several diodes 10 in the UVC field, for example at 270 nm, one or more diodes 10 in the field of UV excluding UVC, one or more diodes 10 in the field of visible and one or more diodes 10 in the infrared domain. There precise selection illumination wavelengths, by the selection of diodes 10, and the control of the modulation of light signals and the energy received by the target allows to send precise signals to plant photoreceptors involved in regulation of phenomena such as germination, vegetative and root growth, flowering, the coloring, which allows, for harvested plants, to preserve the plants and to increase their organoleptic and nutritional properties, and for cultivated plants, improve crop yield and resistance to diseases and pests. THE
control of the light signals emitted and therefore of the energy received by the targets allows trigger biological processes without saturation or deleterious stress.

[0058] The frequency of the periodic light signals emitted by the diode(s) 10 is for its part between 1 and 1000 Hz, preferably between 2 and 100 Hz. These low frequencies allow better efficiency of photo-treatments organic implemented.

[0059] Furthermore, in the case where the device 1 comprises several diodes electroluminescent 10, the diodes are advantageously arranged in such a way has provide the target with a homogeneous fluency. According to Lambert's law, light intensity I

of an orthotropic source is expressed as a function of the light intensity in the axis normal to the lighting surface and the angle a relative to this normal according to the following law:
1(a) = 1(0)cos(a)

[0060] This is applicable to light-emitting diodes, and by consequential for a angle a of 600, the light intensity is equal to 50% of the light intensity at the level of normal. To obtain a homogeneous fluence at the target level, the diodes are therefore advantageously arranged in a plurality of parallel rows, with a step constant between two consecutive diodes of the same row and a constant step between two diodes of two consecutive rows, these steps being chosen so as to to optimise the normal fluence value at any point of a plane parallel to the plane according to which are arranged the diodes.

[0061] Noting P the pitch between two consecutive diodes, and D the distance between the diodes and the plane considered, we obtain a homogeneous fluence with the relationship next :
P
¨D = 2 tan 60

[0062] For a target positioned at distance D, the light intensity received to the normal of a diode or half of the pitch between two consecutive diodes is the even. By example for a linear bar of diodes with a pitch of 4 cm, the distance is equal to 1.16 cm. It should be noted that this proximity is possible with diodes which do not release not heat in the direction of the radiation, but in the opposite direction. Moreover, beyond of this distance, we can consider all the diodes as a uniform source.

[0063] Keith's irradiance formula can be used:
P
E ¨ 2D ln-2 (2a + sin(2a)) i Where E is the irradiance measured at the detector (W/m2), P is the power of the diode (W), L
the length of the diode (m), D is the distance between the diode and the detector (m) and a =
arctan (7%) is the half angle of the visual field of the diode in radians. In this respect, a light-emitting diode offers an illumination angle (planar) of 1200.

[0064] In embodiments, the device 1 comprises an interface Man-Machine 20 and/or a memory 30 which allows the parameters to be selected of the light signals to emit. A memory 30 can in fact store a base of data in which are recorded, for each of a set of treatments different, the parameters of the light signals to be emitted for the implementation of this treatment. A
database may concern processing operations associated with a set of foodstuffs, and for each commodity, sets of parameters associated with different types of treatments.
According to a purely illustrative example, the database can store settings for different treatments specifically adapted to tomatoes, for example:
decontamination, conservation (ie increased lifespan), and settings for different treatments specifically adapted to carrots, for example:

decontamination, conservation, and improvement of nutritional properties.

[0065] In the case of a Human Machine interface 20, this may include by example of display means, for example a screen with an interface graphic, and means of entering information, for example a keyboard and/or a mouse and/or a touch screen, allowing an operator to manually enter settings of the light signals to be emitted for each set of diodes 10, and to control THE
start of treatment. The Human Machine 30 interface can also be coupled with memory 30, so as to allow an operator to select a together parameters pre-recorded in memory 30 and corresponding to a type of use particular of the photo-biological device.

[0066] Once a treatment is launched, it is advantageously placed implemented in real time. The Human Machine Interface 30 can be configured to display, when implementation of the processing, one or more of the following information:
the time of start of treatment, total treatment time, time elapsed since the beginning of treatment, the time remaining before the end of the treatment.

[0067] The Human Machine interface 30 can also make it possible to save a set of parameters for later reuse, and also to record and/or consult a set of treatments implemented with the device.

[0068] Memory 30 can be local or can be a remote server to which he can be accessed via a telecommunications network.

[0069] In embodiments, as shown for example in the Figure 2, the device 1 for photo-biological treatment may comprise a housing 100 fixed or mobile containing the light-emitting diodes 10 and the control circuit 2 of the diodes described below, and a computer 200 connected to the box, wired or wireless, the computer comprising the Human Machine interface 20, possibly the memory 30 and a calculator (not shown) allowing the parameters to be communicated derived from the memory or the Human-Machine interface to the control circuit. Alternatively, THE
photo-biological treatment device 1 can be completely integrated, that's to say understand a box 100 containing the diodes 10, the control circuit 2 diodes, and a Human Machine interface 20, for example a touch screen, mounted on the case and allowing an operator to enter light signal parameters at to issue or select, in a memory also stored in the box or accessible has distance, pre-recorded parameters.

[0070] The control circuit 2 of the diodes of the device 1 comprises a source power supply (not shown) in direct voltage, this source being able to be a battery or an AC/DC converter connected to the mains. For example, the tension continuous power supply of device 1 can be 48V. The fact that the device 1 uses a continuous supply makes it possible to strongly limit the fields electromagnetic generated which is healthier for the operator, and also advantageous in of the applications to living plants since electromagnetic fields are likely to saturate certain photoreceptors.

[0071] The control circuit 2 further comprises a supervisor 40, for example example one processor, microprocessor, or microcontroller, which is adapted to receive all the parameters relating to the periodic light signals to be emitted by where the diodes 10, and to generate a periodic control signal, in the form of constant amplitude voltage slots, the parameters of which are identical has all the parameters received. The parameters received by the supervisor 40 define therefore both the light signals to be emitted by the diode(s), and the the signals of command generated by the supervisor 40.

[0072] Consequently, the control signal generated by the supervisor 40 for a diode 10 or a set 11 of diodes comprises a set of slots of tension, defined by the following parameters:
- A duration d during which the voltage slots are generated, this Who corresponds to the duration of emission of light signals for the diode(s) considered, - A frequency f of the voltage slots, which corresponds to the frequency f of the slots of the light signal to be transmitted, and - A cyclical ratio T of the voltage slots, corresponding to the duty cycle T slots of the light signal to be emitted.

[0073] In embodiments in which light signals different must be emitted by at least two diodes or two sets of diodes, the supervisor 20 can generate a control signal for each set of diodes according to the parameters cited above, in which the duration d of slot generation, there frequency f and the duty cycle are specific to each control signal generated for a respective set of diodes. In addition, the parameters defining the signals of command can also include at least one of the parameters additional following:
- a delay time for starting the emission of light signals by report at the start of the processing phase, that is to say a delay period of the first voltage window relative to the start of the treatment phase, - a number of repetitions of a processing phase, corresponding to a duration total treatment, and - a time interval between two treatment phases consecutive.

[0074] With reference to Figure 3, an example of a set of signals of commands generated by the supervisor for processing involving three sets of light-emitting diodes. We have noted in the figure LEDi, LED2 and LED3 the signals of commands associated with each set of diodes 10. For the three sets of LED diodes, the duration T of the treatment phase is common. A phase of treatment can for example last between 10 seconds and 1 hour, and can be repeated from so that a complete treatment can last several days or even several weeks.
Each group is also associated with a frequency f, slots (we have represented the period T, in Figure 3 and f,=1/T,) and a duty cycle Ti of the slots.
Moreover, in the example shown, the control signal associated with the first group of LED1 diodes starts at the start of the treatment phase but has a duration emission d1 shorter than the treatment phase. The other two control signals associates to the two other groups of diodes LED2, LED3 have a delay t2, t3 by relation to start of the processing phase, but these signals last until the end of the sentence.
In another example, they could also end before the end of the phase of treatment.

[0075] For each control signal, the amplitude of the voltage slots is fixed.
For example, the amplitude of the voltage slots can be a few volts.

[0076] Returning to Figure 1, the photo-biological treatment device 1 understand also a power supply circuit 50 of the light-emitting diode 10, or of a set 11 of diodes, adapted to receive a control signal generated by THE
supervisor 40, to convert the control signal into current, that is to say For generate a periodic current proportional to the received control signal, and For supply said diode or said set of diodes with the current generated. THE
fluent generated by the power supply circuit 50 has the same parameters (frequency, duration transmission, cyclical ratio of the slots) than the control signal, only the amplitude slots may be different from the amplitude of the slots of the signal order.

[0077] This direct conversion of a control signal to a current power supply diodes allows you to precisely control the switching on and off of the diodes, the ignition corresponding to the phases where the slots of the control signal are at the level high and the extinction corresponding to the phases where the slots of the control signal are at 0, since in this case the diodes are no longer supplied with current. Furthermore, the number of photons emitted by a diode is proportional to the intensity of the current received, SO
the light energy emitted by the diodes powered by this current is proportional to cyclical ratio of the supply current slots thus generated; A
report cyclic to 1 corresponds to a direct current and a maximum energy of the diodes, while that a 50% duty cycle corresponds to the light energy of the diodes equal to the half of the maximum energy.

[0078] In embodiments, the power supply circuit 50 comprises at least minus one metal oxide gate field effect transistor (also known as acronym English MOSFET for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) and a source of direct current connected to the source of the transistor, the control signal received from supervisor being connected to the gate of the transistor. In this way, when the slots of control signal are at their maximum amplitude, the transistor becomes passerby and the Current generated by the current source is supplied to the diodes. When the slots of control signal are zero, the transistor acts as a switch open, none current does not reach the diodes and they go out.

[0079] The device can also include several circuits power supply 50 adapted to each power a set of diodes comprising several diodes of the same or different wavelengths. In this case, each circuit power supply 50 receives a respective control signal generated by the supervisor 40, and generates an identical supply current for all the diodes served by the power circuit 50. The use of multiple power circuits 50 receiving respective control signals therefore makes it possible to control several sets of diodes 10.

[0080] The control circuit 2 described previously allows control in time real light-emitting diodes 10 by the supervisor 40, which allows also to adjust certain parameters in real time. In particular, device 1 treatment photo-biological may include one or more temperature sensors 60, adapted to measure a temperature in at least one of the following locations:

- at least one light-emitting diode, - at the level of a heat sink of at least one diode electroluminescent, examples of heat sinks are described in more detail below, - in the vicinity of the target to be treated, - at supervisor level.
The temperature sensor(s) 60 are also connected to the supervisor to power transmit this/these temperature(s) to it.

[0081] In one embodiment, the device 1 may comprise a sensor of temperature suitable for measuring the temperature on a heat sink placed on the rear face of a diode or group of diodes, since it is on this side that the Heat is generated by a diode. In one embodiment, several diodes electroluminescent lights can be mounted on a support, typically a circuit printed, being placed at regular intervals, and a sensor of temperature can be mounted on the same support between two consecutive diodes. For the measurement of a temperature in the vicinity of the target, the device 1 can include a box 100 delimiting a cavity 110 in which a target to be treated can be positioned, and one or several temperature sensors can be placed in the cavity.
Alternatively, a temperature sensor can be placed between a diode and the target to be treated.

[0082] The supervisor 40 can also be configured to modify in time real the control signal depending on the measured temperature in order to avoid a warming up of the target to be treated and heating of the diodes. In a mode of realization, when the temperature measured in the vicinity of the diodes and/or the target exceeds one threshold determined, the supervisor is configured to modify the duty cycle, by particular to reduce the duty cycle of the slots of the control signal, and to lengthen the respective emission durations of each diode or group of diodes. In indeed, the reducing the duty cycle makes it possible to reduce the light power and so the heat production, and the extension of the duration of the phase makes it possible to compensate for this reduction in power to remain iso-energy. In this way, the supervisor can generate control signals controlled by the temperature measured in the vicinity of the diodes to limit the heating of the target and the diodes, but maintain the same total light energy received by the target.

[0083] The fact of regulating the temperature as a function of the temperature at level of the target prevents excessive heat from degrading the target to treat. The fact of regulating the temperature according to the temperature of the diodes makes it possible to always do operate the diodes in their maximum efficiency zone and limit their aging.

This makes it possible to guarantee a maximum duration of use of the diodes by avoiding A
premature aging.

[0084] The Human Machine interface 20 can then be configured to display there temperature measured by each temperature sensor 60. It can also be configured to display a message or icon informing that the settings of the signal commands have been modified taking into account a measured temperature.

[0085] In embodiments, the photo-processing device 1 organic can also include a distance sensor 70 between the diode(s) and the target, and the supervisor 40 can be configured to modify each signal in real time of control according to the distance between the diode and the target, so that level energy received by the target is always equal to an energy level determined. The signal of control can also be adapted depending on the ambient temperature and of the temperature measured in the vicinity of a diode, as described above.

[0086] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the device 1 can understand means 71 for adjusting the distance between the diode(s) and the target. He can be by example of a support positioned under the target and having a height adjustable. There distance between the diode(s) and the target is advantageously displayed by the interface Man-Machine.

[0087] With reference to Figures 4, 5a and 5b, in embodiments, the device 1 photo-biological treatment comprises at least one, and preferably one plurality of lighting modules 90, each lighting module comprising a set of diodes electroluminescent 10 and a power supply circuit 50 of this set of diodes. THE
lighting module may include a mechanical support for the diodes, for example example one printed circuit 91, also making it possible to ensure the electrical connection of the diodes power supply circuit 50.

[0088] In embodiments, each lighting module 90 comprises in besides a heat sink 92 adapted to evacuate the heat generated by the or the diodes.
The heat sink can be active or passive. For example, the heatsink 92 may include a set of cooling fins arranged in parallel to each other, on a rear face of the printed circuit carrying the diodes, that is to say on the side opposite to the side where the diodes emit light, since this is the side where the diodes emit the most heat. Each lighting module can also include a temperature sensor, this sensor being for example inserted between two consecutive diodes or between two rows of diodes of the module or in the dissipator, allowing the temperature in the vicinity of the diodes to be measured.

[0089] The power supply circuit 50 of the diodes 10 of the lighting module 90 is connected to the supervisor 40, and is configured to receive a control signal for all diodes 10 of the lighting module, that these have the same length wave or not.

[0090] In addition, each lighting module 90 is advantageously configured to be removable relative to the rest of the treatment device 1.

[0091] In this way, the photo-biological treatment device 1 is modular and it is possible to easily replace one lighting module with another, including A
set of different diodes, in order to implement treatments different.

[0092] With reference to Figures 2, 6 and 7 a mode of particular achievement of the integration of a lighting module 90 in a device 1 of treatment. This mode of production is suitable for processing harvested fruits or vegetables, seeds or harvested flowers.

[0093] The processing device 1 comprises a housing 100 formed by a together walls 120, the housing comprising a cavity 110 in which a target to treat can be placed, and a compartment 130 adjacent to the cavity, housing the supervisor 40 and can accommodate a plurality of lighting modules 90. The walls of the case can be perforated in order to ensure ventilation of the air contained in the compartment and therefore THE
cooling of the latter.

[0094] Each lighting module 90 is mounted removably in the compartment 130, and in this regard comprises mechanical connection means removable 93.94 allowing a lighting module 90 to be attached or removed from the compartment 130, and electrical connection means (not shown) also removable allowing the lighting module 90 to be connected or disconnected from the supervisor. The box 100 also includes connection means mechanical removable 103, 104 adapted to cooperate with those of each module lighting. THE
connector also includes means of electrical connection (removable) allowing its connection or disconnection from the lighting module 90.

[0095] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 7, the housing 100 can be in shape substantially parallelepiped, the cavity 110 and the compartment 130 being also parallelepiped. The compartment can be positioned above the cavity 110 receiving the target to be treated, being separated from this cavity by a wall of separation 140 comprising a through opening 141 adapted to allow the passage of the light emitted through the diodes towards the target.

[0096] The through opening 141 can for example be formed of a grid so that allow light to pass through while forming a mechanical support for the modules lighting 90. Alternatively and as shown in Figure 7, the opening crossing 141 may include a single, continuous opening arranged in the wall of separation 140, which is dimensioned so that each lighting module 90 can rest on two opposite edges of the through opening, or that it can be maintained suspended above the through opening by the connection means mechanical of the case. According to yet another variant represented schematically on the figure 2, the through opening may comprise several adjacent openings, a For each lighting module, each opening being separated from an opening adjacent by a rod 142 allowing both to delimit locations for THE
lighting modules and optionally to form a support for the modules.

[0097] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to allow access easy to light modules 90, as well as simple assembly and disassembly of these last. For example, a wall 121 of the housing 100, advantageously a wall frontal or lateral, that is to say the wall of the box intended to face the operator can include an access window 122 dimensioned so as to allow insertion and removing a lighting module through the access window.
Advantageously, the access window is also sized so that an operator can pass the arm or both arms. This access window can advantageously be closed by a door for prevent dust from settling in the compartment. By example, a opening allowing access to the cavity to place the target to be treated and the window access to compartment 130 can be arranged in the same wall of the housing.

[0098] Furthermore, compartment 130 of housing 100 and each module lighting 90 include mechanical connectors 103, 104 which allow the mounting and THE
disassembly of the lighting module through the access window 122. In the mode of embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the mechanical connectors 103,104 of compartment 130 are carried by the separation wall 140 and are arranged on both sides other side of the through opening 141 in a direction extending from the access window 122 to the wall of the compartment opposite the wall 121 in which is arranged the access window. To limit manipulations to an area close to the access window, the mechanical connectors can for example include devices for centering 103 which are arranged at the most distant edge of the through opening 141 from the window access, these centering members may include for example one or several projecting centering pin(s) which can be housed in one or more bore(s) complementary(s) 93 provided on a lighting module, or vice versa. THE

mechanical connectors may also include elements of lockdown 104, arranged in the vicinity of the edge of the through opening the closer of the access window. These locking members can for example understand a bolt 104 carried by a wall, for example the separation wall, that a operator engages in an orifice 94 provided for this purpose on the lighting module.

[0099] The housing 100 can also include a stop 105 placed on the wall of separation at the edge of the through opening farthest from the window access, or on the wall opposite the access window. The centering members 103 of the housing can be mounted on said stop 105, as is the case in Figure 7 where the pawns of centering extend projecting from the stop towards the access window.

[0100] In this embodiment, each lighting module 90 has the shape of a parallelepiped extending in a main direction. Each module lighting successively comprises, according to this main direction, a box 95 housing the circuit power supply 50 of the diodes 10 then the printed circuit 91 on which are mounted one or two rows of diodes 10, at the rear of which is the heatsink thermal 92.
The centering member 93 carried by the lighting module can be located at the end opposite the lighting module relative to the box 95 housing the circuit power supply, and the locking member 94 can be located at the end of the module lighting corresponding to the box housing the power supply circuit. In this way, a operator can insert a lighting module 90 through the access window of the box 100, in first inserting the end of the module comprising the centering member 93, until that this end reaches the stop and that the centering members 93 of the module cooperate with those 103 of the box. Then, the operator can place the other end of the module on the partition wall at the edge of the adjacent through opening at the window access, and lock the module using the latch 104 provided for this effect. The circuit power supply 50 of the diode being located on the side of the access window, the connection electrical of it with the supervisor is facilitated 40. The operator can Next close the access window 122.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, a photo-processing device biological according to the above description is made with three lighting modules including 250 LEDs distributed over six rows, representing an order emitting surface of 0.06 m2 (surface equivalent to that of an A4 21*29.7 cm sheet). Such device is powered by a 48V DC low voltage source and a current low power supply less than 2A. The consumption of such a device is lower than 100W. Consequently, the electromagnetic radiation from the device is particularly limited, which eliminates harmful impacts on health human as well as the saturation of plant photochromes.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] Photo-biological treatment device (1), comprising:
- at least one light-emitting diode (10);
- a supervisor (40), adapted to receive a set of parameters relating to periodic light signals to be emitted, and to generate at least one signal periodic control conforming to all the parameters received, said set of parameters comprising at least:
o a maximum power of the periodic light signals to be emitted, said maximum power being less than 100 W/m2, preferably less than 30W/m2, o a frequency of the periodic light signals to be emitted, o a cyclical ratio of said signals, and o a duration of emission of light signals, and - a power supply circuit (50) of the light-emitting diode (10), adapted For receive the control signal generated by the supervisor (40), to generate a periodic current proportional to the control signal received, and to power said light-emitting diode (10) with the current generated.
[Claim 2] Device according to claim 1, comprising at least one diode electroluminescent (10) emitting in a wavelength range comprised between 260 and 310 nm.
[Claim 3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least less two diodes, and the supervisor is adapted to generate at least two monitoring signals order different relating to at least two diodes.
[Claim 4] Device according to claim 3, in which the assembly of the parameters further includes at least one of the additional parameters following:
- a delay time for starting the emission of light signals by a diode or a group of diodes relative to an initial reference time, - a number of repetitions of a processing phase, where a processing phase treatment corresponds to the total duration during which light signals are issued by at least one diode or a group of diodes, and - a time interval between two consecutive processing phases.

[Claim 5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in whichone periodic control signal and the diode supply current are of the slotted signals.
[Claim 6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, including furthermore a temperature sensor (60) adapted to measure at least one temperature from the following group:
- a temperature in the vicinity of at least one light-emitting diode, - a temperature in the vicinity of a heat sink of a diode or a diode group, - a temperature of the supervisor, - a temperature in the vicinity of the target to be treated, and the supervisor is configured to receive the temperature measurement and to to modify the duty cycle of the control signal and extend the duration of the control phase treatment when the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[Claim 7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, in whichone supervisor (40) is configured to modify in real time the signal of order in function of an ambient temperature, of a temperature measured in the vicinity of a diode, and a distance between a diode and the target, so that the signals luminous emitted by the diodes provide a determined level of energy at the level of the target.
[Claim 8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (10) arranged according to a plurality of parallel rows, in which the pitch between two diodes consecutive of a row and the pitch between two consecutive rows are determined so that there fluence emitted at a plane parallel to the plane of the diodes and located at a distance determined between the diodes and the target is homogeneous.
[Claim 9] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory (30) storing, for a set of treatments, a set of parameters relating to the light signals to be emitted, and/or a interface Man-Machine (20) adapted to receive a set of relative parameters to light signals to be emitted from an operator.
[Claim 10] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, In in which each light-emitting diode (10) emits in a range of lengths wave between 200 and 800 nm, with a precision of 10 nm.

[Claim 11] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, THE
device being adapted to emit light signals of a frequency included between 0 and 10000 Hz, for example between 2 and 100 Hz.
[Claim 12] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, In in which each light-emitting diode power circuit (50) includes at minus a metal oxide gate field effect transistor and a source of fluent DC connected to the source of the transistor, the control signal generated by the supervisor being connected to the gate of the transistor.
[Claim 13] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one lighting module (90) comprising at least one diode (10) and a diode power supply circuit (50), the lighting module further comprising a heat sink (92) adapted to evacuate the heat generated by the or THE
diodes (10).
[Claim 14] Device (1) according to the preceding claim, including a housing (100) formed by a set of walls (120), the housing comprising a cavity (110) in which a target to be treated can be placed, and a compartment (130) adjacent to the cavity (110), housing said supervisor (40) and each module lighting (90), in which each lighting module (90) is removably mounted In the compartment (130).
[Claim 15] Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in whichone housing (100) comprises a front or side wall (121) comprising a window access (122) to the compartment (130) housing each lighting module (90), said access window (122) being dimensioned so as to allow insertion and withdrawal a lighting module (90) through the window, and the compartment and each lighting module include connectors mechanical (93, 94, 103, 104) adapted to allow the assembly and dismantling of a lighting module through the window (122).
[Claim 16] Device according to claim 15, in which the compartment comprises at least one pin or centering hole of a lighting module and at least one less a bolt for fixing said module to the compartment.
[Claim 17] Photo-biological treatment process, comprising the exhibition of a biological organism to one of the periodic light signals conforming to a set of parameters including:

- a maximum power of the periodic light signals to be emitted, said maximum power being less than 100 W/m2, preferably less than 30W/m2, - a frequency of the periodic light signals to be emitted, - a cyclical ratio of said signals, and - a duration of emission of light signals, said periodic light signals being generated by a device according to one of preceding claims.
[Claim 18] Method according to the preceding claim, in which the photo-biological treatment is one of a decontamination treatment, of sterilization, preservation or improvement of nutritional qualities.
.