WO2006114009A1

WO2006114009A1 - Uv-measuring device

Info

Publication number: WO2006114009A1
Application number: PCT/CH2006/000206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Joder; Erich Lerch
Original assignee: Flytec Ag
Priority date: 2005-04-28
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2006-11-02

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional pocket tool (device) (21), comprising at least one tool and/or a measuring element and/or an electronic device or an article which is used daily, and a multifunctional pocket tool comprising at least one UV-measuring device (1) which is used to measure UV-radiation. The invention also relates to a display (13) which is used to visualise the measured UV-radiation.

Description

UV meter

The present invention relates to an everyday use article or a multifunctional pocket device according to the preamble of claim 1 and 'a method for the early detection of increased UV irradiation.

The measurement of UV radiation is becoming ever more important. As a result of the ever-thinning ozone layer, the exposure to UV rays becomes more and more intense and there is a marked accumulation of skin cancer in humans, especially pale skin color.

In 1994, the WHO (World Health Organization) and the WMO (Word Meteorological Organzation) decided to create a measurement and forecasting unit. This UV forecast should be published in all countries with the meteorological forecasts. The goal of the campaign is to reduce skin cancer. However, this generalized information regarding UV radiation is usually not perceived together with the weather forecast or it is too general and does not do justice to local individual events.

More and more care products such as in particular sunscreen are offered, which have a stronger UV filter factor. However, this protection only works if the sunscreen is also applied, which is usually the case only in intense sunshine as in very fine weather. Even with light cloud cover is often on the required prevention omitted because the still high UV radiation is underestimated; one is not aware of this.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a simple device or method which allows people in the open in a simple manner to quickly and reliably determine how strong the instantaneous UV irradiation is.

According to the invention, an article of daily use or a multifunctional pocket device according to the wording according to claim 1 is proposed. It is proposed that an UV-measuring device is additionally provided on an everyday consumer item or on a multifunctional pocket device, such as a key fob, a wallet, a bath bag, a pocket knife, a pocket tool, a mini pocket calculator and the like, for measuring UV radiation.

Accordingly, the proposed consumer item or multifunctional pocket device, or arranged in this, a UV measuring cell provided, and a measuring and

Evaluation electronics to visualize the measured radiation on a display.

The UV measuring cell can be arranged or provided both in or on a housing of the article or pocket device, as well as on a part which can be removed from the pocket device and which can be reused in or on the pocket device. _ O _

Preferably, a temperature device is also provided in or on the article or pocket device, as well as a display to indicate the measured temperature.

By means of a menu circuit can also be selected between different measuring devices or displays, such as the mentioned UV measurement, the temperature measurement, the humidity, etc.

The inventively proposed pocket device or article may u.a. In addition to the UV measurement such as the UV index measurement, the following tools or functions are included:

key holder

Temperature measurement (water or air)

nailfile

Toothpick - tweezers

pen

scissors

pocket knife

Screwdriver - Telephone device (Mobile Phone) etc.

Of course, the above list is just examples, and any other tools or devices may be arranged in the pocket device or article proposed in the present invention. The article of daily use may also be, for example, a wallet, a shopping bag, a bathing bag, a sun hat, etc.

By the inventively proposed pocket device or the article, it is now possible that a wider

People are constantly able to measure the instantaneous UV radiation or to determine the corresponding UV index. This is important because exposure to UV radiation is becoming more and more important when exercising outdoors, especially when exercising outdoors, where usually only light clothing is worn.

By displaying the UV index you can determine how long you can stay in the sun. The UV index takes into account the skin sensitivity and also provides recommendations for protection.

The calculation of the UV index is carried out by measuring the irradiance E _e in watts per square meter, horizontally on the earth's surface. It takes into account the fact that UV radiation is strongly attenuated by oblique radiation due to the thicker atmosphere. The Fig. 1 described below shows this clearly.

The skin is differently sensitive to UV types such as UV A, B or C. This is taken into account by Diffey's erythema curve, taking into account the filter curve of the erythemal spectrum and the effective radiation in the atmosphere.

The proposed in the inventive pocket device sensor detects only the multiplication of the two mentioned Curves. The integral over the mentioned multiplication divided by 25 mW / m ² gives the UV index, which can vary on earth between the values 0 and 16. Due to the vertical solar radiation, the UV index at the equator is much higher and is usually between 11 and 14, while the UV index is much lower in higher southern or northern latitudes. Thus, the UV index in our latitudes (Switzerland) in the summer about 5 to 7, while the UV index in winter (without snow) only takes the values 1 to 3.

In addition, however, other factors are important, such as weather conditions, altitude above sea level, air pollution, additional light reflection by water, sand or snow, etc. Thus, the UV exposure in clear skies 100%, with light cloudiness, it is still 89%, while In heavy cloudy weather the UV-load can decrease up to 32%. With regard to 1000 meters altitude, an increase of 6% of the UV exposure is recorded.

It should also be kept in mind that grass, soil and water reflect less than 10% of UV rays, while

Fresh snow reflects up to 80% UV radiation. In other words, in a new snow environment, UV radiation is significant, even while under a beach umbrella.

The measurement of the UV index for the data of the meteorological institutes is horizontal to

Earth surface with a photosensitive sensor, which is preceded by a filter with the erythema curve. Such a sensor is shown schematically in FIG. The advantage of a portable sensor is that it has the It measures weighted radiation that really hits the skin, ie also laterally and by reflections on snow or water etc. This value can even be higher than the predictive value of the meteorological institutions. The actual UV sensor is formed by a type of solar cell based on the materials commonly used for the production of solar cells. By choosing different layer thicknesses, the spectral sensitivity can be adjusted.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Showing:

1 shows schematically in section a photosensitive sensor for measuring the UV radiation,

2 is a perspective view of a pocket knife having a UV sensor and a display, FIG. 3 a shows a further embodiment variant of a pocket device according to the invention having a UV sensor, FIG.

FIG. 4a shows a strip which can be pulled out of the device according to FIGS. 3 a to 3 d and 4 b, containing the UV measuring cell and the display and

Fig. 5 is a bath basket for transporting

Badeutensilien, having a UV sensor. In Fig. 1, a UV sensor 1 is shown schematically and in section, by means of which the incident UV radiation 3 is measured. The actual measuring cell 7, which is arranged on a substrate 9, is preceded by a filter 5, containing the erythema curve.

It is not important that the sensor is positioned more or less horizontally to the earth's surface. For the skin is not the meteorologically measured radiation intensity parallel to the earth's surface important, but just the radiation that hits the skin. Since humans do not crawl flat on the ground, the weighted radiation intensity, expressed as the UV index, is more important. The measuring cell itself is designed in the sense of a "solar cell", ie it essentially consists of materials which are usually used for the production of solar cells , wherein a UV sensor 1 is arranged on a cover, and a display 13, by means of which the measured UV radiation is represented, can be switched between the display of the effectively measured radiation in W / m ² or the UV radiation by means of a menu circuit 15. Factor can be selected, which is a number between 0 and 16. Of course, it is possible with the menu control 15 to activate other displays, such as temperature, time, etc. This is depending on which other measuring organs are arranged in the pocket knife or which electronic or mechanical circuits are provided for example in the cover. To supplement only indicated schematically

Tools 12 such as a knife, a pair of scissors and the like, and a retaining ring 17, for example, to arrange the pocket knife on a chain.

In Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the inventive pocket device is shown. This is a credit card-like housing or device, which is shown in Fig. 3a in plan view, in Fig. 3b in longitudinal section and in Fig. 3c in cross section.

Inserted in a slot is a strip-like part 14, comprising the UV sensor 1, the display 13, an on / off button 16 and a menu control 15. It is possible to make the cover of the drawer opaque, whereby the strip-like device 14 can be seen from the drawer to make the UV measurement, or the cover can be made crystal clear transparent, making a removal of the strip 14 is not absolutely necessary.

To supplement schematically shown is a pivotable flap 23, by means of which, for example, a pair of scissors and the like can be removed from the housing 21 for use. In addition, it is possible to arrange in this case a small tweezers, a toothpick, a screwdriver, etc. In Fig. 3b, the pocket device 21 is in the region of the strip

14 shown in longitudinal section, in turn, the sensor

1, the display 13, the on / off button 16 and the menu control 15 can be seen. In Fig. 3c finally, the device or the housing 21 is shown in cross section, wherein the insertion opening for the strip 14 can be seen.

In FIGS. 4a and 4b, the strip-like element 14 is enlarged and shown in detail. The description of the individual parts can be dispensed with since, with reference to FIGS. 3 a to 3 c, the strip 14 has already been described in detail. It should merely be noted that, of course, the strip-like part 14 can be used as a stand-alone pocket device, i. a combination with the credit card type device 21 is not essential. In addition, it is possible to further arrange a temperature sensor in the strip-like element 14 in order to either measure the air temperature or, for example, to measure the water temperature of a lake or of the sea during bathing. Accordingly, the display 13 is switched to the corresponding temperature by means of the menu control 15.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment possibility of a consumer article according to the invention, for example in the form of a bath basket 31. At the edge 32 of the bath or beach basket 31, a measuring arrangement 36 is integrated, comprising a UV sensor 1 and a display 33. Especially when bathing pleasure It is essential at all times the UV exposure to be able to capture. Mostly, when swimming as a result of the cooling by the water each too late found that the skin was exposed to excessive UV exposure, ie the sunburn is detected only when either the skin is red or make first pain noticeable. Especially when bathing, it is important that a prophylactic adequate sunscreen is applied to the skin. By specifying the UV irradiation, for example under a sunshade or generally in the shade, a person is unambiguously demonstrated by the statement of the UV irradiation that appropriate measures such as the use of a sunscreen cream are to be used. Optionally, the display may be additionally connected to an audible warning signal by an acoustic or visual warning signal is generated when exceeding a certain UV radiation or by reaching a certain UV index.

Of course, the devices, articles, elements and sensors shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are only examples which can be modified, modified or supplemented by further elements in any desired manner. In itself, it does not matter what kind of pocket device or consumer product is - whether it is a beach chair, a pocket knife, a calculator, a pocket tool, a mobile phone, etc., does not matter in itself. It is important that the UV sensor including display on a pocket device or consumer goods is provided so as to allow a large group of people, anytime, anywhere to inform about the local UV exposure. This is important in order to be able to adjust to the high UV radiation load at all times.

Claims

claims

1. Multi-functional pocket tool (device) comprising at least one tool and / or a measuring element and / or an electronic device or an article of daily use characterized by at least one UV measuring device (1) for measuring UV radiation.

2. Pocket tool or device or article according to claim 1, characterized in that in or on the pocket device or article, a UV measuring cell (1) is provided as well as a measuring and evaluation electronics to the measured radiation to a display (13) visualize.

3. Pocket tool or device or article according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the

UV measuring cell (1) is arranged on or in a detachable from the pocket device part (14).

4. pocket device or tool or article according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pocket device credit card-like design is flat with retractable / removable tools, wherein the UV measuring cell (1) on a re-insertable strip-like part (14) together is arranged with a corresponding display (13).

5. pocket device or tool or article according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device or article further comprises a temperature measuring sensor is provided and a display, possibly combined with the display (13) of the UV measured value, wherein optionally a menu circuit (15) is provided to display different data or measured values on the display.

6. pocket device or tool according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is a

Pocket knife, pocket tool, a mobile phone or the like.

7. pocket device or tool or article according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it is a bath article, such as a bathing bag, a bath basket, a beach chair, a sun hat or the like.

8. A method for informing or orienting the largest possible group of people on the UV radiation exposure, characterized in that UV measuring cells or measuring sensors on handheld devices such as in particular multifunctional handheld devices or - tools or articles of daily use are arranged, which in itself far common, by a large group of people used handheld devices allow orientation of the UV radiation exposure.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the display of the UV radiation exposure in W / m ² or by specifying the respective UV index, preferably in a numerical range between 0 and 16.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the display also indicates how long a person is unprotected, protected in a shelter, protected by means of sunscreen, etc. can stay outdoors.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that in addition an acoustic or optical alarm device is provided, by means of which a person or a group of people to a certain UV exposure reached or reaching a UV index are made aware can.