GB2622775A

GB2622775A - Ultraviolet sterilisation device

Info

Publication number: GB2622775A
Application number: GB2213892.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: King Dean
Original assignee: Uvdefence Ltd
Current assignee: Uvdefence Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-23
Filing date: 2022-09-23
Publication date: 2024-04-03
Also published as: GB202213892D0

Abstract

An ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 comprising: a UV-C emitting lamp 3 and a wireless network interface 7; wherein the ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to communicate with a wireless network and at least one other ultra-violet sterilisation device via the wireless network interface. The wireless network may comprise a controller 6, and the device may further comprise a motion sensor 5 and timer 4. Also claimed is a system comprising a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices, wherein each device is configured to communicate with at least one other device via the wireless network. Also claimed is a method of operating the ultraviolet sterilisation device, comprising: sending an initiation or termination message to the device via the wireless network, and upon receiving the message turning the UV-C lamp on or off respectively. Also claimed is a system comprising a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices, with each device comprising: a UV-C emitting lamp, and a motion sensor.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G1322138929 RTM Date:22 March 2023 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: WiFi Bluetooth Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo -1 -Ultraviolet sterilisation device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ultraviolet-C emitting steriliser devices and methods of operating devices to sterilise a volume.

Background

The cleanliness of the environment we live, work and lean in has a profound effect on our health and is of increased interest from the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

io Ensuring that the air and surfaces of the places we inhabit are clean and free of pathogens is more important than ever.

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation is a known disinfectant for air and surfaces alike. The use of UV-C radiation can therefore reduce the presence of harmful pathogens and /5 reduce the risk of infection from both airborne and surface-borne pathogens. UV-C radiation has been used to disinfect air and rooms. Traditional UV-C disinfectors are large and expensive, making it difficult to sterilise more than a small volume or area at once. Exposure to UV-C radiation is dangerous to humans and animals. Therefore, solutions are needed to reduce possible exposure.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an ultraviolet sterilisation device comprising an ultraviolet C emitting lamp configured to illuminate the surroundings of the ultraviolet sterilisation device and a wireless network interface. The ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to communicate with a wireless network via the wireless network interface.

The wireless network interface may be capable of communicating via WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular.

The ultraviolet C lamps may emit radiation between 100-280 nm.

The wireless network may comprise a number, 77, of ultraviolet sterilisation devices. The wireless network may comprise a number, m, of control devices.

The ultraviolet C emitting lamp may comprise a shock-absorbing collar which maybe attached to an end of the lamp. The shock-absorbing collar may be, for example, a foam collar. The shock-absorbing collar may comprise a UV, e.g. UV-C, stable material. The device may comprise a plurality of ultraviolet C emitting lamps.

The device may comprise a reflector configured to reflect ultraviolet C radiation away from the device and into the device surroundings.

The device may be configured, upon receipt of an initiation message via the wireless /.0 network interface, to turn on the ultraviolet C emitting lamp.

The device may be configured, upon receipt of a termination message via the wireless network interface, to turn off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp.

An initiation message may instruct the ultraviolet sterilisation device to turn on the ultraviolet C lamp. A termination message may instruct the ultraviolet sterilisation device to turn off the ultraviolet C lamp.

In this way, the ultraviolet sterilisation device may be controlled via the wireless network. For example, there may be a controller on the network which can send an initiation or termination message to the ultraviolet sterilisation device. Thus, the ultraviolet sterilisation device may be controlled remotely, from outside a room or environment to be sterilised, reducing or eliminating the exposure of ultraviolet C radiation to a user. Thus, the safety of the device, and its operation, is improved.

The wireless network may comprise a controller.

The controller may be an electronic programmable controller. The controller may be a handheld device such as a tablet or a smartphonc. The controller may comprise a wireless transceiver. Thus, the device can be setup in a room or environment, the user can leave the room, secure the room from entry, and then initiate the sterilisation of the room or environment using the controller.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device may further comprise a motion sensor. -3 -

The motion sensor may be, for example, an IR beam sensor, heat sensor, audio sensor, optical sensor, camera, camera with fish-eye lens configured to detect optical flow and the like. There may be more than one motion sensor, or more than one type of motion sensor on each device. The motion sensors may be configured to detect motion surrounding the device.

Upon positive determination of motion via the motion sensor, the ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to switch off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp.

jo Upon positive determination of motion via the motion sensor, the ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to send a message to the wireless network.

The message may be a termination message. The message may be a message to switch off an ultraviolet C lamp(s).

For example, the ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon receipt of the signal from the motion sensor of the first device, is configured to turn off its respective ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message (e.g. a termination message) via the wireless network to at least a second ultraviolet sterilisation device that motion has been detected. The second ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon receipt of the message from the first ultraviolet sterilisation device, turns off its ultraviolet C emitting lamp.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device, on detecting motion via the motion sensor, may trigger an alarm, for example an audible and/or visual alarm, or send an alarm message to the wireless network to indicate that motion has been detected.

The device may further comprises a timer.

There may be more than one timer. The timer may be configured to turn the ultraviolet C emitting lamp on after a first period of time. The timer may be configured to turn the ultraviolet C emitting lamp off after a second period of time. The ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured, on expiry of the first period or the second period, to send a message to the wireless network. The message may be an initiation message (e.g. if the first period has expired), or a termination message (if the second period has expired). A second ultraviolet sterilisation device, on receipt of the message, may either turn on (initiation message) or turn off (termination message) its ultraviolet C lamp. -4 -

The device further comprises a wheel. The wheel may be attached to one end of each ultraviolet sterilisation device to provide a means for manoeuvring the device into a desired location or position.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices according to the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices are configured to communicate with at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device via the wireless network.

The ultraviolet sterilisation devices may communicate directly with each other, or may communicate via intermediate devices connected to the wireless network. The ultraviolet sterilisation devices may send messages, e.g. initiation or termination messages, to the wireless network. These messages may be received by a second ultraviolet sterilisation device or by a wireless controller on the wireless network.

At least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices in the system may comprise a motion sensor. In response to the motion sensor of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices detecting motion, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to switch off the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a termination message to the wireless network.

The termination message may be a message to switch off an ultraviolet C lamp(s).

or For example, the ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon receipt of the signal from the motion sensor of the first device, is configured to turn off its respective ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message (e.g. a termination message) via the wireless network to at least a second ultraviolet sterilisation device that motion has been detected. The second ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon receipt of the message from the first ultraviolet sterilisation device, turns off its ultraviolet C emitting lamp.

At least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices may comprise a timer. In response to the timer of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices indicating the end of a first time period, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to switch on the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send an message via the wireless network. -5 -

The message may be an initiation message. The message may be a message to switch on an ultraviolet C emitting lamps(s).

The message may be sent to at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device connected to the same wireless network. The message may be send directly, or may be sent via a node such as another ultraviolet sterilisation device, or a wireless controller.

At least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices may comprises a timer; /o and wherein, in response to the timer of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices indicating the end of a second time period, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to switch off the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message via the wireless network.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon expiry of the first or second time period, is configured to turn on or off respectively its respective ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message via the wireless network to at least a second ultraviolet sterilisation device that motion has been detected. The second ultraviolet sterilisation device, upon receipt of the message from the first ultraviolet sterilisation device, turns off its ultraviolet C emitting lamp. Different messages may be sent by the device to reflect the current state of the operating conditions, which may instruct other devices attached to the wireless network to relay messages or perform certain actions.

The at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured, upon positive determination of motion, the expiry of a first time period, to the expiry of a second time period, to send a message via the wireless network that the respective event has occurred to a controller, for example, a handheld controller such as a smartphone.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured to send a termination message to at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices in the system.

The system may further comprise a controller connected to the wireless network, the controller configured to send a message to at least one of the ultraviolet sterilisation 35 devices. -6 -

The message may be, for example, an initiation message, or a termination message.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device may be configured, on receipt of an initiation or termination message, to send an initiation or termination message respectively to one or more of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices. In this way, all ultraviolet sterilisation devices in the system may receive an initiation or termination message via the wireless network either directly or indirectly after a single ultraviolet sterilisation device has received an initiation or termination message. Thus, the ultraviolet sterilisation device, or system of ultraviolet sterilisation devices may be operated safely /o from outside the ultraviolet exposure area or zone.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices. Each device comprises an ultraviolet C emitting lamp configured to illuminate the surroundings of the ultraviolet sterilisation device and a motion sensor. The system configured to sterilise one or more rooms.

The system may be configured to sterilise surfaces and air of one or more rooms simultaneously.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating the ultraviolet sterilisation device of the first aspect, the method comprising sending an initiation message or a termination message to the ultraviolet sterilisation device via the wireless network. Upon receiving the initiation message, turning the ultraviolet C lamp on, or upon receiving the termination message, turning the ultraviolet C lamp off.

The initiation message or the termination message may be sent from a control device or from a second ultraviolet sterilisation device.

The control device may be, for example, a wireless control device, such as a handheld device, for example, a smartphone.

The initiation message or the termination message may comprise a duration of time.

Thus, the initiation message may determine how long the ultraviolet C lamp on the ultraviolet sterilisation device is emitting for. Likewise, the termination message may determine a period of time for the ultraviolet C lamp on the ultraviolet sterilisation -7 -device to emit for. Thus, the devices maybe turn on to emit UV-C radiation in a room or environment for a duration of time.

The method may further comprise, on receiving the termination or initiation message, 5 sending or relaying the message via the wireless network.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device may send the message to the wireless network.

The method may further comprise receiving a message indicating that motion has been o detected in the surroundings, turning off the ultraviolet C lamp; and sending a termination message via the wireless network.

Thus, on detection of motion in the room or environment, the ultraviolet lamps are turned off, minimising ultraviolet-C radiation exposure to the body or object which triggered the motion sensor. This reduces the ultraviolet-C exposure that may be received by a body or object, for example a person or an animal such a s a pet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a system block diagram of an ultraviolet sterilisation device; Figure 2 is a system block diagram of an ultraviolet sterilisation system; Figure 3 is a system block diagram of an ultraviolet sterilisation system and a first or Figure 4 is a system block diagram of an ultraviolet sterilisation system and a second wireless network; Figure 5 is a system block diagram of an ultraviolet sterilisation system and third wireless network; Figure 6 is a system block diagram of a second ultraviolet sterilisation device; Figure 7 is a render of an ultraviolet sterilisation device; Figure 8 is a render of an ultraviolet sterilisation device; Figure 9 is a process flow diagram of a first method of operation of an ultraviolet sterilisation device; Figure 10 is a process flow diagram of a second method of operation of an ultraviolet sterilisation device; and -8 -Figure 11 is a process flow diagram of a third method of operation of an ultraviolet sterilisation device.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1, an ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 comprises an ultraviolet C (UV-C) emitting lamp 3. Each ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may comprise more than one ultraviolet emitting lamp 3. The lamp is arranged on the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 to emit UV-C radiation to the surroundings of the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2. In other words, the lamp 3 emits UV-C radiation into the room or jo environment the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 is placed in. This is in contrast to other ultraviolet sterilisation devices which only emit UV-C radiation internally to the device. The ultraviolet C lamps 3 may emit radiation with a wavelength of between 100280 nm. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 is for sterilising gas (e.g. air) and surfaces within a room or other environment in need of sterilisation. For example, the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may be used to sterilise a hospital room, a hospital ward, a school classroom, an office and the like.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 further comprises a timer 4 which maybe a digital or and analogue timer 4. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may comprise more than one timer 4. As will be explained in more detail later, the timer 4 may be able to time first and second time periods. There may be more than one timer 4. The timer 4 may be configured to turn the ultraviolet C emitting lamp on after a first period of time. For example a user may set a first time period after which the UV-C lamp 3 is turned on. The timer may be configured to turn the ultraviolet C emitting lamp off after a second period of time, for example, when sufficient time has lapsed to sterilise a room. -0or

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may also comprise a motion sensor 5. The motion sensors may be, for example, an IR beam sensor, a heat sensor, an audio sensor, an optical sensor, a camera (for example a digital camera), a camera with fish-eye lens configured to detect optical flow and the like. There may be more than one motion sensor 5, or more than one type of motion sensor for each ultraviolet sterilisation device 2. The motion sensor 5 is configured to detect motion surrounding the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, that is, if an object moves in the room or environment in which the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 is placed, the motion sensors detects the movement. The motion maybe caused by, for example, a falling object, a person or a pet in the room or environment. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 is configured to -9 -switch off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp 3 when motion is detected by the motion sensor. The motion sensor 5 may be removable by and end user.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 also comprises a controller 6. The controller 6 may receive messages or signals from the timer 4 and motion sensor 5 and be able to control whether the UV-C lamp 3 is on or off. The controller 6 may be an electronic programmable controller. The controller 6 may be a microcontroller. The controller 6 may comprise a processor (not shown), and memory (not shown). The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 comprises a wireless network interface 7 configured to /o communicate with a wireless network. The wireless network interface 7 may be capable of communicating via AViFi, Bluetooth, or cellular.

Referring also to Figure 2, the wireless network may comprise a number, n, of ultraviolet sterilisation device 2. The wireless network may further comprise a number, m, of wireless controllers 8 configured to send messages via the wireless network. An ultraviolet sterilisation system 9 comprises one or more ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 and, optionally, one or more wireless controllers 8. The wireless controller may be, for example, a user-controllable device, a handheld device, or a wireless relay controller. The wireless controller 8 may be a smartphone.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may receive an initiation message via the wireless network, and on receipt of the initiation message, the controller 6 turns on the UV-C lamp 3. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may receive a termination message via the wireless network, and on receipt of the termination message, the controller 6 turns off or the UV-C lamp 3. In this way, the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may be controlled via the wireless network. For example, a wireless controller 8 on the network may send an initiation or termination message to the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 over the wireless network. Therefore, the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may be controlled remotely, from outside a room or environment to be sterilised, reducing or eliminating the exposure of ultraviolet C radiation to a user. Thus, the safety of the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, and its operation, is improved.

Referring to Figure 3, when a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 are used in a system 9, the devices may all be on the same wireless network. A first ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, may communicate either directly or indirectly with a second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22. For example, a first ultraviolet sterilisation device 21 -10 -communicates directly with a second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22, but communicates indirectly with a third ultraviolet sterilisation device 23 (denoted by the dashed line) by communicating first with the second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22, and then the second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22 communicated with the third ultraviolet sterilisation device 23. Depending on the positions, locations, and orientations of the ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 and obstacles in between the ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2, direct or indirect communication via the wireless network may change during operation of the system 9. Communication may take the form of a message, packet, or signal being sent, transferred, or exchanged between /o ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2. For example, initiation or termination messages may be sent from a first ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, to a second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22 via the wireless network.

The ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 may be configured to, in response to the motion sensor 5 detecting motion, switch off the ultraviolet sterilisation device's 2 ultraviolet C emitting lamp 3. Simultaneously, the ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 may be configured to send a message (e.g a termination message) to the wireless network. The message is received by the other ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 on the wireless network and they each turn off their respective ultraviolet C lamps 3. The message is further transmitted onto other ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 connected to the wireless network. Likewise, on the expiry of a first or second time period recorded by the timer, a message (e.g. an initiation or termination message) may be enacted on (an initiation message turns the ultraviolet C lamps 3 on, a termination message turns the ultraviolet C lamps off) and propagated through the network in the same way.

Referring again to Figure 2, the message may be sent by a wireless controller 8. In this way, a user can send a message to a wireless network that the ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 are connected to, and turn them all off at once, without exposing themselves to the harmful UV-C radiation.

Referring to Figure 4, the ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 in the system 9 may be arranged in a room so as to adequately provide ultraviolet C radiation to as much of the air and exposed surfaces as possible. For example, there may be a barrier lo in the room which has surfaces also in need of sterilising. The barrier may also reduce the direct communication possible between ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 on the network, and may mean that some ultraviolet sterilisation devices 2 can only be communicated to indirectly from one ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 to another.

Referring to Figure 5, the barriers 10 may be arranged such that the system needs to be carefully laid out to achieve a complete network of devices to ensure adequate sterilisation and also communication. A wireless control device 8 may also be used to communicate with an ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 in the system which can then relay messages to the rest of the network.

jo Referring to Figure 6, the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 (or a second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22 will be explained in more detail later), may comprise a wheel 11.

The wheel 11 may be attached to one end of each ultraviolet sterilisation device to provide a means for manoeuvring the device into a desired location or position.

Referring to Figure 7, a second ultraviolet sterilisation device 22 is similar to the first ultraviolet sterilisation device, but does not include a wireless network interface.

The second ultra violet sterilisation devices 22 may be used together in a system (not shown). The system is configured to sterilise one or more rooms. The system may be configured to sterilise surfaces and air of one or more rooms simultaneously.

The first or second ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may be 100 cm or less tall and 30 cm or less than or 25 cm or less wide. For example, if the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 is a cylinder shape, the length or height of the cylinder may be 100 cm and or the diameter of the cylinder may be 25 cm wide. The weight of the ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may be 25 kg or less, zo kg or less, or preferably, 15 kg or less. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may comprise an aluminium body. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may comprise a reflector 12 arranged to reflect ultraviolet C radiation away from the device and into the device surroundings (e.g. room or environment).

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 may comprise any suitable number of ultraviolet C emitting lamps 3, for example, the device 2 may comprise eight lamps 3, or twelve lamps 3. The lamps 3 may be arranged in a circle, a square, or preferably a sqircle, or superellipse. The superellipse may be defined in the Cartesian coordinate system by the set of all points (x, y) on the curve satisfy the equation: where n, a and b are positive numbers, and n may be greater than 1, and preferably, n is 5 greater than 2. This arrangement may produce more even UV-C irradiation from the device 2.

Each lamp 3 may be a 75 W lamp.

io The ultraviolet C emitting lamp 3 may comprise a shock-absorbing collar (not shown) which may be attached to an end of the lamp 3. The shock-absorbing collar may be, for example, a foam collar. The shock-absorbing collar may comprise a UV, e.g. UV-C, stable material. The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may comprise a plurality of ultraviolet C emitting lamps.

The ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, 22 may comprise a reflector 12 configured to reflect ultraviolet C radiation away from the device and into the device surroundings.

Referring to Figure 9, a message, for example, and initiation message, is sent via the wireless network (step Si). The message may be sent via a wireless controller 8, an ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, or a timer on the device. On receipt of the message, the ultraviolet C lamps are turned on (step 82). The surroundings are monitored for motion (step 53). If motion is detected, then the ultraviolet C lamp is turned off (step 54) and a message, e.g. a termination message, is sent to the wireless network.

Referring to Figure io, a message, for example, and initiation message, is sent via the wireless network (step Sii). The message may be sent via a wireless controller 8, an ultraviolet sterilisation device 2, or a timer on the device. On receipt of the message, the ultraviolet C lamps are turned on (step 812). A timer is monitored (step 513). If the timer has ended, then the ultraviolet C lamp is turned off (step 814) and a message, e.g. a termination message, is sent to the wireless network.

Referring to Figure 11, a timer is set on an ultraviolet sterilisation device 2 (step 821). The timer is monitored (step 822). If the time has finished, then the ultraviolet lamp is -13 -turned on (step S23), and a message (e.g. an initiation message) is sent to the wireless network (step S24).

Modifications It will be appreciated that various modifications maybe made to the embodiments hereinbefore described. Such modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the design, manufacture and use of ultraviolet sterilisation devices and component parts thereof and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. Features of one embodiment may be replaced or /o supplemented by features of another embodiment.

Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

Claims

-14 -Claims 1. An ultraviolet sterilisation device comprising: an ultraviolet C emitting lamp configured to illuminate the surroundings of the ultraviolet sterilisation device; and a wireless network interface; wherein the ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to communicate with a wireless network and at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device via the wireless network interface via the wireless network interface.
2. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured, upon receipt of an initiation message via the wireless network interface, to turn on the ultraviolet C emitting lamp.
3. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the device is configured, upon receipt of a termination message via the wireless network interface, to turn off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp.
4. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the 20 wireless network comprises a controller.
5. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising: a motion sensor.
6. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of claim 5, wherein upon positive determination of motion via the motion sensor, the ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to switch off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message to the at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device to switch off its respective ultraviolet C emitting lamp.
7. The device of any one of claims ito 6, wherein the device further comprises: a timer.
8. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of claim 7, wherein upon positive determination of the timer indicating the end of a time period, the ultraviolet -15 -sterilisation device is configured to switch off the ultraviolet C emitting lamp and send a message to the at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device to switch off its respective ultraviolet C emitting lamp.
9. The ultraviolet sterilisation device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device further comprises a wheel.
10. A system comprising a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices are configured to communicate with at least one other ultraviolet sterilisation device via the wireless network.
The system of claim fo, wherein at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices in the system may comprise a motion sensor; and wherein, in response to the motion sensor of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices detecting motion, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to: switch off the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp; and send a termination message to the wireless network.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices comprises a timer; and wherein, in response to the timer of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices indicating the end of a first time period, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to: switch on the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp; and send an message via the wireless network.
13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices comprises a timer; and wherein, in response to the timer of the at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices indicating the end of a second time period, the at least one ultraviolet sterilisation device is configured to: -16 -switch off the ultraviolet sterilisation device's ultraviolet C emitting lamp; and send a message via the wireless network.
14. The system of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the system further comprises a controller connected to the wireless network, the controller configured to send a message to at least one of the ultraviolet sterilisation devices.
15. A system comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet sterilisation devices, each device comprising: an ultraviolet C emitting lamp configured to illuminate the surroundings of the ultraviolet sterilisation device; and a motion sensor; the system configured to sterilise one or more rooms.
16. A method of operating the ultraviolet sterilisation device of any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: sending an initiation message or a termination message to the ultraviolet sterilisation device via the wireless network; and upon receiving the initiation message, turning the ultraviolet C lamp on; or upon receiving the termination message, turning the ultraviolet C lamp off.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the initiation message or the termination message is sent from a control device or from a second ultraviolet sterilisation device.
18. The method of claims 16 or 17, wherein the initiation message or the termination message comprises a duration of time.
19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: on receiving the termination or initiation message, sending or relaying the message via the wireless network.
20. The method of any one of claims ito 19, further comprising: receiving a message indicating that motion has been detected in the 35 surroundings; turning off the ultraviolet C lamp; and -17 -sending a termination message via the wireless network.