WO2021246946A1

WO2021246946A1 - Method and radiation device for controlling disinfection of objects

Info

Publication number: WO2021246946A1
Application number: PCT/SE2021/050522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik WIKSTRÖM
Original assignee: Uvivo Ab
Priority date: 2020-06-05
Filing date: 2021-06-03
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Also published as: SE2050662A1; EP4161590A1; SE544717C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method performed by a control unit (100) for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device (I; II; III). The radiation device is configured for disinfection of objects (01; 02) by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device comprises an enclosure (10) configured to enclose objects (01; 02) to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement (20) arranged inside said enclosure (10) for providing said radiation. The method comprises the steps of: receiving (S1) one or more signals from detection of information of the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10); and, controlling (S2) the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object (01; 02) is adapted. The present invention also relates a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects.

Description

METHOD AND RADIATION DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DISINFECTION

OF OBJECTS

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method performed by a control unit for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The present invention also relates to a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND

Viruses and bacteria transmitted in stores, public rooms, hospitals and other places are costly and at times deadly. Research studies report that pathogens can survive in cases up to 3 or even 9 days. In some cases, such as that one of hospitals, the bacteria and viruses are known to significantly differ to those found elsewhere and can be resistant to treatments such as antibiotics. In stores and public rooms, there are a lot of human presence and touching of materials, whereby the transmission rate of viruses and bacteria requires substantial cleaning and in cases this cleaning does not effectively remove pathogens.

Many viruses and bacteria can lead to severe illnesses and death by infections or diseases. These are transmitted by direct and indirect human contact. For example, like many viruses COVID-19 is transmitted by the droplets and fluid when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Research on related coronaviruses shows that the viruses can live for several days on surfaces and items. Similarly, many bacteria can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with a reservoir of infectious bacteria and they can survive outside of a host and on products and surfaces to remain contagious for extended periods of time.

Significant costs are associated to infections. The problem with many viruses and bacteria are that many people do not experience symptoms and move in public spaces. Combined with that many of the viruses and bacteria are highly contagious, the risk is epidemical and pandemic outbreaks.

Efforts to eradicate or remove contaminates such as virus and bacteria from products and materials have varied in applicability and success. Personal hygiene and washing hands with chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine solutions and distancing from contagious contact points have been advocated, but proven difficult and transmission still occurs. The use of antiseptics in terms of soap, alcohol-based fluid, boric acid, and benzalkonium chloride and iodine are also evident. The problem is that many may be adding to the problem by inducing antibiotic resistance. Moreover, many products and surfaces such as keyboard, touchscreens, or handles are very difficult and almost impossible to sterilize by liquid disinfectants without a negative influence on the electronics that the product is based upon.

UVC radiation has been used in different applications for sterilization and disinfection. EP2174670B1 presents an automated room sterilizer by measuring reflection of UVC from multiple points within an area. The device can calculate the darkest area in the room and can calculate the dose of UVC for sterilization of the room.

US-A-5891399 describes a device where multiple UVC emitters are used to emit 360-degree radiation and a radiation receiver is sensing the output power of the UVC emitters.

DE-U-29812427 describes a sensor for calculating the cumulative radiation for sterilizing an item with UVC. There is however a need for providing control of radiation operation by means of ultraviolet radiation which facilitates efficient disinfection of certain objects.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method performed by a control unit for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation which facilitates efficient disinfection of specific objects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation which facilitates efficient disinfection of specific objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method and a radiation device, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and radiation device are defined in appended dependent claims.

According to the invention the objects are achieved by a method performed by a control unit for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device. The radiation device is configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device comprises an enclosure configured to enclose objects to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation. The method comprises the steps of: receiving one or more signals from detection of information of the object within said enclosure; and, controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object is adapted. Hereby a method for controlling radiation operation of such a radiation device is provided which facilitates efficient disinfection of specific objects in that only the degree of disinfection necessary for the specific object, e.g. a payment terminal or the like, and portions of that specific object need to be provided by means of the radiation emitting arrangement, which facilitates cost efficient operation. This further facilitates reducing the time necessary for obtaining the required disinfection of the specific object.

According to an aspect of the method, the signals from detection of information of the object comprises signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object. By thus receiving detected information about different geometries and thereby portions of the object requiring higher degree of disinfection and thus also portions requiring lower degree of disinfection, efficient and optimized disinfection of the specific object may be obtained.

According to an aspect of the method, the signals from detection of information of the object comprises signals with information about position of the object relative to said radiation emitting arrangement within said enclosure. By thus receiving detected information about position of the specific object, information about e.g. geometries of the object may be more easily determined and hereby efficient and optimized disinfection of the specific object may be obtained.

According to an aspect of the method, the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure comprises adapting the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object determined to require a higher degree of disinfection. Hereby efficient and optimized disinfection of the specific object may be obtained.

According to an aspect of the method, the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure comprises increasing level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. Hereby more efficient and optimized disinfection of the portion of the specific object requiring a higher degree of disinfection may be obtained, and thus a more efficient disinfection of the object with regard to operational costs, time and result.

According to an aspect of the method, said radiation emitting arrangement is movably arranged within said enclosure, wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure comprises moving said radiation emitting arrangement relative to said object so as to facilitate adapting the degree of disinfection of the object. Hereby more efficient and optimized disinfection may be obtained, and thus a more efficient disinfection of the object with regard to operational costs, time and result. For example, by moving the radiation emitting arrangement, e.g. moving a number of radiation emitting sources/LEDs of a set of radiation emitting sources/LEDs of the radiation emitting arrangement closer to a portion of the object requiring higher degree of disinfection, a more efficient and optimized disinfection of the portion of the specific object requiring a higher degree of disinfection may be obtained, and thus a more efficient disinfection of the object with regard to operational costs, time and result.

According to an aspect of the method, the radiation device comprises one or more optical elements for focusing and/or directing radiation, wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure comprises focusing and/or directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. Hereby more efficient and optimized disinfection of the portion of the specific object requiring a higher degree of disinfection may be obtained, and thus a more efficient disinfection of the object with regard to operational costs, time and result.

According to an aspect of the method, the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. According to an aspect of the method, said radiation emitting arrangement comprises a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation.

According to an aspect of the method, the set of radiation emitting sources comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation. According to an aspect of the method, the radiation emitting arrangement comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

According to the invention the objects are achieved by a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device comprises a control unit for controlling radiation operation of the radiation device. The radiation device comprises an enclosure configured to enclose objects to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation. The control unit is configured to: receive one or more signals from detection of information of the object within said enclosure; and, control the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object is adapted.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object is configured to receive signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object is configured to receive signals with information about the position of the object relative to said radiation emitting arrangement within said enclosure. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure, is configured to adapt the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object determined to require a higher degree of disinfection. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure is configured to increase level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement is movably arranged within said enclosure, wherein the control unit, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure is configured to move said radiation emitting arrangement relative to said object so as to facilitate adapting the degree of disinfection of the object.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the radiation device comprises one or more optical elements for focusing and/or directing radiation, wherein the control unit, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure is configured to operate said one or more optical elements so at to focus and/or direct at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement comprises a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the set of radiation emitting sources comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the radiation emitting arrangement comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

The radiation device according to the present disclosure has the advantages according to the corresponding method as set out herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of the radiation device in fig. 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a plan view of the radiation device in fig. 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control unit for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein the term “link” may refer to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link. The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a control unit for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device, and a radiation device configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device is thus configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. Herein the term “object” may refer to any suitable object such as a payment terminal as exemplified in fig. 2-4. According to an aspect the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. According to an aspect the ultraviolet radiation may be so called FAR UVC radiation.

The radiation device comprises an enclosure configured to enclose objects to be disinfected. Herein the term “enclosure” may refer to any suitable enclosure such as an enclosure for enclosing a payment terminal as exemplified in fig. 2-4. The term “enclosure” may also refer to a larger enclosure which may be configured to house more than one object and different objects requiring different degree of disinfection, and where applicable objects where the ultraviolet radiation is to be avoided and thus should not be provided with radiation. The term “enclosure” may also refer to a larger enclosure in the shape of a room or the like.

The radiation device comprises a radiation emitting arrangement arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation.

The method may comprise the steps of: receiving one or more signals from detection of information of one or more objects within said enclosure; and, controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the one or more objects within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the one or more object is adapted.

Herein the term “receiving one or more signals from detection of information of the object within said enclosure” may comprise “receiving one or more signals from detection of information of the at least one object within said enclosure”. Herein the term “detection of information of the object within said enclosure” may comprise “detection of information of one or more objects within said enclosure”.

Herein the term “detected information about the object within said enclosure” may comprise “detection of information about the one or more objects within said enclosure”.

Herein the term “information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object” may comprise “information about different geometries associated with different portions of the one or more objects comprising information about portions of the one or more objects requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object”.

Herein the term “information about position of the object relative to said radiation emitting arrangement within said enclosure” may comprise “information about position of the one or more objects relative to said radiation emitting arrangement within said enclosure”.

Herein the term “portions of the object determined to require a higher degree of disinfection” may comprise “portions of the one or more objects determined to require a higher degree of disinfection”.

Herein the term “emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object” may comprise “emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said at least one object”.

Herein the term “focusing and/or directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object” may comprise “focusing and/or directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said at least one object”. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a radiation device I according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

The radiation device I is configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device I, the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.

The radiation device I comprises an enclosure 10 configured to enclose objects 01 to be disinfected. The object 01 to be infected may be configured to be introduced into the enclosure 10. The object 01 to be disinfected may be configured to be at least partly covered by the enclosure 10. The enclosure 10 may be configured to receive the object 01. The enclosure 10 may have any suitable design. The enclosure 10 may be movable between an open and a closed position. The enclosure 10 may comprise a handle or the like for opening and closing the enclosure. The enclosure 10 may comprise a sensor arrangement for automatically opening and closing the enclosure. The enclosure 10 may have any suitable shape. The enclosure 10 may comprise a bottom portion 10a. The enclosure 10 may comprise a sealing portion 10b. The enclosure 10 may comprise wall portions 10c, 10d. The enclosure 10 is configured to form a space S for housing said object 01.

The radiation device I comprises a radiation emitting arrangement 20 arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation. According to an aspect, said radiation emitting arrangement 20 may comprise a set of radiation emitting sources 22 for emitting UV radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the set of radiation emitting sources 22 may comprise or constitute a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation. According to an aspect, said radiation emitting arrangement 20 may comprise a radiation operation device 24 for operating the radiation emitting arrangement 20. One or more of the bottom portion 10a, sealing 10b and wall portions 10c, 10d may have reflective properties so as to reflect radiation from the radiation emitting arrangement 20, e.g. towards the object 01. According to an aspect said radiation emitting arrangement 20 may be movably arranged within said enclosure. According to an aspect said radiation emitting arrangement 20 may be movably arranged within said enclosure such that at least one or more of the set of radiation emitting sources 22, e.g. UVC LEDs are movable.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the radiation device may comprise one or more optical elements 30 for focusing and/or directing radiation. Such optical element may e.g. comprise prisms or the like.

The radiation device I comprises a control unit 100 for controlling radiation operation of the radiation device I. The control unit 100 may be any suitable control unit for controlling radiation operation. The control unit 100 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure a control unit 100 in accordance with the control unit described with reference to fig. 5.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure the radiation device I comprises a detection device 110 for detecting information about the object 01 within the enclosure 10. The detection device may be arranged within the enclosure in connection to the object 01. The detection device 110 may comprise one or more cameras or the like. The detection device 110 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure a detection device 110 in accordance with detection device 110 described with reference to fig. 5.

The control unit 100 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure operably connected to the detection device 110 via one or more links.

The control unit 100 is configured to receive one or more signals from detection of information of the object 01 within said enclosure 10. The control unit 100 is configured to control the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object 01 within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object 01 is adapted. The control unit 100 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure operably connected to the radiation emitting device 20.

The control unit 100 is according to an aspect of the present disclosure operably connected to the one or more optical elements 30. The control unit 100 may according to an aspect be configured to adapt the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object 01 determined to require a higher degree of disinfection. This may be provided by means of increasing level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement, and/or moving said radiation emitting arrangement relative to said object 01 and/or operate said one or more optical elements so at to focus and/or direct at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view, fig. 3 a side view, and fig. 4 a plan view of a radiation device II according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The radiation device II may be any suitable radiation device II and may be a radiation device according to the radiation device I described above with reference to fig. 1, a radiation device according to the radiation device III described below with reference to fig. 5 or the like. The radiation device II is configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device II, the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.

The radiation device II comprises an enclosure 10 configured to enclose an object 02 to be disinfected. The object 02 is according to the example a payment terminal 02. The payment terminal 02 comprises a keypad 02a and a screen 02b. A human utilizing such a payment terminal 02 will touch the keypad in connection to buying and paying for a product. The keypad 02a will thus be a portion of the payment terminal requiring a higher degree of disinfection. The radiation device II comprises a radiation emitting arrangement 20, see fig. 3, arranged inside said enclosure 10 for providing said radiation.

The radiation device II comprises a control unit 100, see fig. 3, for controlling radiation operation of the radiation device II. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure the radiation device II comprises a detection device 110 for detecting information about the payment terminal 02 within the enclosure 10. The detection device 110 is configured to detect different geometries of the payment terminal 02 comprising detecting the keypad 02a which is determined to require a higher degree of disinfection, and the screen 02b which is determined to require a relatively lower degree of disinfection.

The control unit 100 may according to an aspect be configured to adapt the radiation by means of the radiation emitting arrangement so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on the keypad 02a determined to require a higher degree of disinfection than the degree of disinfection provided on the screen 02b determined to require a lower degree of disinfection.

This may be provided by means of increasing level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement towards the keypad 02a, and/or moving said radiation emitting arrangement closer to said keypad 02a and/or operate said one or more optical elements so at to focus and/or direct at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto said keypad 02a.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control unit 100 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device III according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a control unit controlled radiation device III according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The radiation device III may be any suitable radiation device, and may be a radiation device as describe with reference to fig. 1, a radiation device II as described with reference to fig. 2-4 or the like. The radiation device III is configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device comprises an enclosure configured to enclose objects to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement may be movably arranged within said enclosure. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the radiation device may comprise one or more optical elements for focusing and/or directing radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement may comprise a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the set of radiation emitting sources may comprise or constitute a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement comprises a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the set of radiation emitting sources comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

The control unit 100 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control unit 100 may comprise one or more computers. The control unit 100 may thus be implemented or realized by the control unit comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control unit to perform the herein disclosed method.

The control unit 100 is configured to receive one or more signals from detection of information of the object within said enclosure. The control unit 100 is configured to receive one or more signals from a detection device 110 for detecting information of the object within said enclosure. The radiation device III may comprise or be operably connected to said detection device 110. The detection device 110 for detecting information of the object within said enclosure may be arranged within the enclosure in connection to the object to be detected for easy detection. The detection device 110 for detecting information of the object within said enclosure may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be arranged in connection to the sealing of the enclosure.

The control unit 100, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object may be configured to receive signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object. The control unit 100, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object may be configured to receive signals with information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object.

The control unit 100, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object may be configured to receive signals with information about characteristics of surfaces comprising degree of roughness/blankness of surface and/or pollution condition on surface and/or curvature of surface.

The control unit 100, when receiving signals from detection of information of the object is configured to receive signals with information about the position of the object relative to said radiation emitting arrangement within said enclosure.

The object to be disinfected by means of UV radiation from the radiation emitting arrangement of the radiation device III may be any suitable object. The object is according to an aspect of the present disclosure a payment terminal, e.g. a payment terminal as described with reference to fig. 2-4. The payment terminal may comprise a keypad and a screen, wherein the keypad may be determined to be a portion of the payment terminal requiring a higher degree of disinfection. The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the detection device 110 via a link L10. The control unit 100 may, via said link L10, be arranged to receive one or more signals from detection of information of the object within said enclosure. The control unit 100 may, via said link L10, be arranged to receive one or more signals from detection with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object.

The detection device 110 may comprise one or more sensors suitable for detecting the object comprising detecting said information about the object such as different geometries and position of the object so as to determine portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection and, where applicable, portions requiring lower degree of disinfection, and where applicable portions that should not be disinfected. The detection device 110 may comprise one or more cameras and/or one or more laser scanners or the like.

The control unit 100 is configured to control the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object is adapted. The control unit 100, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure, is configured to adapt the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object determined to require a higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit 100, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure is configured to increase level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the control unit 100 may be configured to control dosage level of radiation and/or duration of radiation individually on the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 may comprise and/or be operably connectable to a radiation control device 120 for controlling radiation of the radiation emitting arrangement. The radiation control device 120 may be configured to control dosage of radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement. For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the radiation control device 120 may be configured to control dosage level of radiation and/or duration of radiation individually on the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the radiation control device 120 via a link L20. The control unit 100 may, via said link L20, be arranged to send one or more signals to the radiation control device 120 representing data about level of dosage comprising data about level of radiation and/or data about duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object. The data may comprise increased level of dosage comprising data about increased radiation and/or data about increased duration of radiation onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. The data may comprise decreased level/no level of dosage comprising data about decreased/no radiation and/or data about decreased duration of radiation/no radiation onto portions of said object determined to be sensitive for such radation.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the radiation control device 120 comprises a dosage control device 122 for controlling dosage of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement. For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the dosage control device 122 may be configured to control dosage level of radiation individually on the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the dosage control device 122 via a link L22. The control unit 100 may, via said link L22, be arranged to send one or more signals to the dosage control device 122 representing data about level of dosage emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object. The data may comprise increased level of dosage by increased radiation and/or increased duration of radiation onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the radiation control device 120 comprises a radiation duration control device 124 for controlling duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement. For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the radiation duration control device 124 may be configured to duration of radiation individually on the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the radiation duration control device 124 via a link L24. The control unit 100 may, via said link L24, be arranged to send one or more signals to the radiation duration control device 124 representing data about duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object. The data may comprise increased duration of radiation onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the control unit 100, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure may be configured to move said radiation emitting arrangement relative to said object so as to facilitate adapting the degree of disinfection of the object. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 may comprise and/or be operably connectable to a radiation emitting arrangement moving device 130.

For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the radiation emitting arrangement moving device 130 may be configured to move individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the radiation emitting arrangement moving device 130 via a link L30. The control unit 100 may, via said link L30, be arranged to send one or more signals to the radiation emitting arrangement moving device 130 representing data about moving the radiation emitting arrangement and to which position, and where applicable which individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs should be moved.

According to an aspect of the radiation device, the radiation device comprises one or more optical elements for focusing and/or directing radiation, wherein the control unit, when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure is configured to operate said one or more optical elements so at to focus and/or direct at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 100 may be operably connectable to an optical element device 140 for focusing and/or directing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement. The optical element device 140 may comprise one or more optical elements. The optical element device 140 may comprise a focus optical device 142 comprising one or more optical elements for focusing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement. The optical element device 40 may comprise a directing optical device 144 comprising one or more optical elements for directing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement.

For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the optical element device 140 may be configured to focus and/or direct radiation from individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs onto/towards portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the optical element device 140 may be configured to focus and/or direct radiation from individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs away from portions of object determined to be sensitive to such radiation. For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the focus optical device 142 may be configured to focus radiation from individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs onto portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

For a radiation emitting arrangement comprising a set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation, the directing optical device 144 may be configured to direct radiation from individual radiation sources, e.g. UVC LEDS of the set of radiation emitting sources, e.g. UVC LEDs towards portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the optical element device 140 via a link L40. The control unit 100 may, via said link L40, be arranged to send one or more signals to the optical element device 140 representing data about focusing and/or directing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto/towards portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

The control unit 100 may, via said link L40, be arranged to send one or more signals to the optical element device 140 representing data about focusing and/or directing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement away from portions of object determined to be sensitive for such radiation.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the focus optical device 142 via a link L40. The control unit 100 may, via said link L42, be arranged to send one or more signals to the focus optical device 142 representing data about focusing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

The control unit 100 may be operably connected to the directing optical device 144 via a link L42. The control unit 100 may, via said link L42, be arranged to send one or more signals to the directing optical device 144 representing data about directing radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement towards portions of object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 6. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 7. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M3 described below with reference to fig. 8. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M4 described below with reference to fig 9. The control unit 100 is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M5 described below with reference to fig. 10.

Figure 6-10 show schematic flowcharts of a method M1; M2, M3, M4 and M5, for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to aspects of the present disclosure. The methods may be performed by means of a control unit, e.g. a control unit 100 as described with reference to fig. 5. The methods may be combined in any suitable manner.

The radiation device is configured for disinfection of objects by means of ultraviolet radiation. The radiation device comprises an enclosure configured to enclose objects to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement arranged inside said enclosure for providing said radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement may be movably arranged within said enclosure. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the radiation device may comprise one or more optical elements for focusing and/or directing radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, said radiation emitting arrangement may comprise a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation. According to an aspect of the radiation device, the set of radiation emitting sources may comprise or constitute a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

The radiation device may comprise or be operably connected to a detection device/sensor arrangement of any suitable kind. Such a detection device may comprise one or more sensors suitable for detecting the object comprising detecting said information about the object such as different geometries and position of the object so as to determine portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection and, where applicable, portions requiring lower degree of disinfection, and where applicable portions that should not be disinfected. Such a detection device may comprise one or more cameras and/or one or more laser scanners or the like.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M1 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M1 comprises a step S1. In this step one or more signals are received from detection of information of the object within said enclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M1 comprises a step S2. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object is adapted.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M2 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S11. In this step one or more signals are received from detection of information of the object within said enclosure comprising signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S12A. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by adapting the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object determined to require a higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M2 comprises a step S12B. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by adapting the radiation so that a lower/no degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object determined to require a lower degree of disinfection/ no disinfection. This may be portions of the object sensitive to such radiation. Step S12A and step S12B may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be performed/initiated at essentially the same point of time.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M3 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S21. In this step one or more signals are received from detection of information of the object within said enclosure comprising signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S22A. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by increasing level of dosage by increasing radiation or duration of radiation or a combination of increasing radiation and duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M3 comprises a step S22B. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by decreasing level of dosage by decreasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require a lower degree of disinfection/ no disinfection. This may be portions of the object sensitive to such radiation.

Step S22A and step S22B may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be performed/initiated at essentially the same point of time. Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M4 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M4 comprises a step S31. In this step one or more signals are received from detection of information of the object within said enclosure comprising signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M4 comprises a step S32A. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by moving said radiation emitting arrangement closer to portions of said object determined to require higher disinfection. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M4 comprises a step S32B. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by moving said radiation emitting arrangement further away from portions of said object require a lower degree of disinfection/ no disinfection. This may be portions of the object sensitive to such radiation.

Step S32A and step S32B may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be performed/initiated at essentially the same point of time.

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M5 for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M5 comprises a step S41. In this step one or more signals are received from detection of information of the object within said enclosure comprising signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object comprising information about portions of the object requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M5 comprises a step S42A. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by focusing and/or directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement onto portions of said object determined to require higher degree of disinfection. According to an aspect of the present disclosure the method M5 comprises a step S42B. In this step the radiation operation is controlled based on the thus detected information about the object within said enclosure by directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement away from portions of said object determined to require a lower degree of disinfection/ no disinfection. This may be portions of the object sensitive to such radiation.

Step S42A and step S42B may according to an aspect of the present disclosure be performed/initiated at essentially the same point of time.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A method (M1; M2; M3; M4; M5) performed by a control unit (100) for controlling radiation operation of a radiation device, the radiation device being configured for disinfection of objects (01; 02) by means of ultraviolet radiation, the radiation device comprising an enclosure (10) configured to enclose objects (01; 02) to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement (20) arranged inside said enclosure (10) for providing said radiation, the method comprising the steps of: receiving (S1) one or more signals from detection of information of the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10); and

- controlling (S2) the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object (01; 02) is adapted.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the signals from detection of information of the object (01; 02) comprises signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object (01; 02) comprising information about portions of the object (01 ; 02) requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object (01; 02).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signals from detection of information of the object (01 ; 02) comprises signals with information about position of the object (01; 02) relative to said radiation emitting arrangement (20) within said enclosure (10).

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10) comprises adapting the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object (01; 02) determined to require a higher degree of disinfection.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) comprises increasing level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement (20) onto portions of said object (01 ; 02) determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said radiation emitting arrangement (20) is movably arranged within said enclosure (10), wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) comprises moving said radiation emitting arrangement (20) relative to said object (01; 02) so as to facilitate adapting the degree of disinfection of the object (01;

02).

7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the radiation device comprises one or more optical elements (30) for focusing and/or directing radiation, wherein the step of controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10) comprises focusing and/or directing at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement (20) onto portions of said object (01; 02) determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 -7, wherein the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 -8, wherein said radiation emitting arrangement (20) comprises a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation.

10. The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the set of radiation emitting sources comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.

11. A radiation device (I; II; III) configured for disinfection of objects (01; 02) by means of ultraviolet radiation, the radiation device comprising a control unit (100) for controlling radiation operation of the radiation device, the radiation device comprising an enclosure (10) configured to enclose objects (01; 02) to be disinfected, and a radiation emitting arrangement (20) arranged inside said enclosure (10) for providing said radiation, the control unit (100) being configured to: receive one or more signals from detection of information of the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10); and control the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) so that the degree of disinfection of different portions of the object (01 ; 02) is adapted.

12. The radiation device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (100), when receiving signals from detection of information of the object (01; 02) is configured to receive signals with information about different geometries associated with different portions of the object (01; 02) comprising information about portions of the object (01 ; 02) requiring a higher degree of disinfection compared to other portions of the object (01; 02).

13. The radiation device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control unit (100), when receiving signals from detection of information of the object (01; 02) is configured to receive signals with information about the position of the object (01 ; 02) relative to said radiation emitting arrangement (20) within said enclosure (10).

14. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-13, wherein the control unit (100), when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10), is configured to adapt the radiation so that a higher degree of disinfection is provided on portions of the object (01; 02) determined to require a higher degree of disinfection.

15. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-14, wherein the control unit (100), when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01 ; 02) within said enclosure (10) is configured to increase level of dosage by increasing radiation and/or duration of radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement (20) onto portions of said object (01 ; 02) determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

16. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-15, wherein said radiation emitting arrangement (20) is movably arranged within said enclosure (10), wherein the control unit (100), when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) is configured to move said radiation emitting arrangement (20) relative to said object (01; 02) so as to facilitate adapting the degree of disinfection of the object (01 ; 02).

17. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-16, wherein the radiation device comprises one or more optical elements (30) for focusing and/or directing radiation, wherein the control unit (100), when controlling the radiation operation based on the thus detected information about the object (01; 02) within said enclosure (10) is configured to operate said one or more optical elements so at to focus and/or direct at least part of the radiation emitted by said radiation emitting arrangement (20) onto portions of said object (01 ; 02) determined to require higher degree of disinfection.

18. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-17, wherein the ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation.

19. The radiation device according to any of claims 11-18, wherein said radiation emitting arrangement (20) comprises a set of radiation emitting sources for emitting UV radiation.

20. A radiation device according to any of claims 11-19, wherein the set of radiation emitting sources comprises a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured for emitting UVC radiation.