WO2023015389A1 - Appareil de traitement par ultraviolets - Google Patents

Appareil de traitement par ultraviolets Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023015389A1
WO2023015389A1 PCT/CA2022/051220 CA2022051220W WO2023015389A1 WO 2023015389 A1 WO2023015389 A1 WO 2023015389A1 CA 2022051220 W CA2022051220 W CA 2022051220W WO 2023015389 A1 WO2023015389 A1 WO 2023015389A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liner
doorway
ultraviolet
housing
area
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2022/051220
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Alexander Medal
Zi-xiang LIN
Claire Deirdre DOBBIN
Alyssa RAMDYAL
Matthew Garrin TAYLOR
Harshraj Ratnasinh ATODARIA
Manjunath Anand
Natan Ariel MELZER
Original Assignee
Limestone Labs Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/CA2022/051006 external-priority patent/WO2022266762A1/fr
Application filed by Limestone Labs Limited filed Critical Limestone Labs Limited
Publication of WO2023015389A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023015389A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/085—Infrared radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
    • A61L2202/121—Sealings, e.g. doors, covers, valves, sluices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
    • A61L2202/122—Chambers for sterilisation

Definitions

  • the specification relates generally to ultraviolet treatment, and more specifically to an apparatus for treating a handheld object using ultraviolet radiation.
  • United States Patent No. 10,058,169 to Gorelick (“Gorelick”) purports to disclose a device for sanitizing and disinfecting hair styling tools such as hair brushes via ultraviolet radiation.
  • Gorelick purports to disclose that the device is equipped with a chamber disposed in a body equipped with a housing and a base, at least one UV bulb is disposed within the base and is configured to cast UV light to a tool disposed within the chamber.
  • Gorelick further purports to disclose that reflectors orient the emitted UV light such that the maximal surface area of the brush head is sanitized, and that the device is conventionally powered and is configured to deactivate automatically at the end of the sanitizing process.
  • an ultraviolet treatment device comprising a housing enclosing a treatment chamber with a selectively openable doorway in a wall of the housing, the doorway opening between the treatment chamber and an exterior of the housing; an ultraviolet-transparent chamber liner mounted to the housing against the wall around the doorway, the liner separating a first area of the treatment chamber that is accessible though the doorway from a second area of the treatment chamber behind the liner, the first area bounded by a smooth continuous concave interior surface around the doorway; and a source of ultraviolet radiation mounted to the housing in the second area of the treatment chamber.
  • a rim of the liner abuts an inner mouth of the doorway around a perimeter of the doorway whereby the liner forms the entire smooth continuous concave interior surface.
  • the liner is a cup-shaped liner.
  • the rim of the liner extends in a rim plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the liner, and a footprint of the liner projected along the longitudinal axis on the rim plane is encompassed by the rim.
  • the interior surface is a curved surface without comers or edges.
  • the liner is formed of a single piece of material.
  • the liner is molded from the single piece of material.
  • the liner is formed by bonding together a plurality of pieces of material.
  • an ultraviolet treatment device comprising a housing enclosing a treatment chamber with a selectively openable doorway in a wall of the housing, the doorway opening between the treatment chamber and exterior of the housing; an ultraviolet-transparent chamber liner mounted to the housing against the wall around the doorway, the liner separating a first area of the treatment chamber that is accessible though the doorway from a second area of the treatment chamber behind the liner, the first area bounded by an interior surface around the doorway, wherein a lower end of the interior surface is a curved surface without comers or edges; and a source of ultraviolet radiation mounted to the housing in the second area of the treatment chamber.
  • the lower end of the interior surface bounds a lower half of the first area around the doorway.
  • an ultraviolet treatment device comprising a housing enclosing a treatment chamber with a selectively openable doorway in a wall of the housing, the doorway opening between the treatment chamber and an exterior of the housing; an ultraviolet-transparent chamber liner mounted to the housing with a rim of the liner against the wall around the doorway, the liner separating a first area of the treatment chamber that is accessible though the doorway from a second area of the treatment chamber behind the liner; and an ultraviolet source mounted to the housing in the second area of the treatment chamber, and wherein the wall and liner are rigidly secured together and moveable as a moveable assembly relative to a remainder of the housing between an in-use position with the liner received in the treatment chamber with the second area enclosed and a removed position with the liner removed from the treatment chamber with the second area open thereby providing access to the ultraviolet source.
  • the moveable assembly pivots about a pivot axis between the in-use and removed positions.
  • the moveable assembly is pivotally mounted to the remainder of the housing at a pivoting end of the moveable assembly, and a free end of the moveable assembly opposite the pivoting end swings along an arc between the in-use and removed positions.
  • the moveable assembly forms a face of the housing.
  • the face is a front lateral face of the housing
  • the face is a broad lateral face.
  • the doorway is selectively closed by a door, and the door remains with the remainder when the moveable assembly is in the removed position.
  • the liner is mounted to the wall with the first area bounded by a smooth continuous concave interior surface around the doorway in each of the in-use and removed positions.
  • a rim of the liner abuts an inner mouth of the doorway around a perimeter of the doorway whereby the liner forms the entire smooth continuous concave interior surface in each of the in-use and removed positions.
  • the interior surface is a curved surface without comers or edges.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an ultraviolet treatment device
  • Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , holding a first object to be treated;
  • Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , holding two of a second object to be treated;
  • Figure 4 is a front perspective cross sectional view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , with a door closed;
  • Figure 6 is a front perspective cross sectional view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , with the door closed;
  • Figure 7 is a front perspective cross sectional view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , with the door open;
  • Figure 8A is a cut away view of a portion of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 8B is an exploded view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 9 is a front perspective cross sectional view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , with a liner removed;
  • Figure 10 is a front perspective cross sectional view of the ultraviolet treatment device of Figure 1 , with a second liner embodiment
  • Figure 11 is a rear view of a third liner embodiment
  • Figure 12 is a rear view of a fourth liner embodiment
  • Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an ultraviolet treatment device
  • Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a liner of the device of Figure 13;
  • Figure 15 is a side view of the liner of the device of Figure 13;
  • Figure 16 is a first front perspective view of the device of Figure 13, with a moveable assembly in a removed position;
  • Figure 17 is a second front perspective view of the device of Figure 13, with the moveable assembly in the removed position;
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 13 showing a first camera field of view;
  • Figure 19 is a cross sectional side view of the device of Figure 13 showing the first camera field of view
  • Figure 20 is a cross sectional perspective view of the device of Figure 13 showing the first camera field of view
  • Figure 21 is a cross sectional side view of the device of Figure 13 showing a second camera field of view
  • Figure 22 is a calibration image
  • Figure 23 is a threshold result of the calibration image
  • Figure 24 is a portion of the threshold result
  • Figure 25 is an assessment image
  • Figure 26 is a portion of the assessment image
  • Figure 27 is an inverse of the portion of the assessment image
  • Figure 28 is a doubly masked image version of the portion of the assessment image
  • Figure 29 is an assessment threshold result
  • Figure 30 is the assessment image with contours and a bounding box identified
  • Figure 31 is a flow chart of a method of determining whether an object is between the camera and the light bar.
  • Figure 32 is a flow chart of a method of operating an ultraviolet treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 is operable to treat an object that is placed within the ultraviolet treatment device 100 by directing ultraviolet radiation at the object.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may be a germicidal device, disinfection device, and/or a sanitization device.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may be used to disinfect or sanitize an object received within the ultraviolet treatment device 100.
  • Sanitizing the object may include killing germs (viruses and/or bacteria) on the object, such as killing at least 90% of the population, at least 99% of the population, at least 99.99% of the population, or at least 99.9999% of the population.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 includes a housing 110.
  • the housing 110 may be opaque to ultraviolet radiation.
  • the housing 110 may be made of and/or include plastic and/or metal panels.
  • the housing 110 encloses an internal treatment chamber 114.
  • the housing 110 includes a set of walls 118 enclosing the chamber.
  • the set of walls 118 may include a bottom wall 136, a top wall 138, and a lateral wall 141 extending between the bottom wall 136 and the top wall 138.
  • the chamber 114 may be generally cuboid in shape, with the lateral wall 141 including a front wall 142, a rear wall 144, a right side wall 146, and a left side wall 148. However, it will be understood that the chamber 114 may also have another shape (e.g., spherical, cylindrical or amorphous) in other examples.
  • the housing 110 includes a selectively openable doorway 140 in a wall (in this case, front wall 142) of the housing 110.
  • the doorway 140 opens between the treatment chamber 114 and an exterior of the housing.
  • the doorway 140 provides direct access to an interior 139 of the chamber 114.
  • the doorway 140 may be a lateral access opening 150 in a lateral wall of the housing.
  • the lateral access opening 150 may be in a broad face of the housing 110.
  • the enclosed chamber 114 may have a generally rectangular horizontal cross section, and the lateral wall 141 in which the lateral access opening 150 is formed may be one of the broad walls of a set of lateral walls 140 that includes a pair of broad lateral walls (e.g., front and back walls 142, 144) and a pair of narrow lateral walls (e.g., side walls 146, 148).
  • the lateral access opening 150 may be in a front wall 142.
  • the lateral access opening has a width 160 and a height 162.
  • the width 160 may be less than or equal to the chamber width 124.
  • the height 162 may be greater than or equal to a height 120 of a treatment area 262 of the chamber 114.
  • the width 160 is greater than the depth 128 of a treatment area 262 of the chamber 114 (i.e., the opening 150 is in a broad wall).
  • a wide lateral access opening 150 may facilitate easy insertion of an object, particularly if the object has a broad width (e.g., a smartphone).
  • the device 100 includes a liner 260.
  • the liner 260 is mounted to the housing.
  • the liner 260 is mounted against the wall around the doorway 140 (i.e., against the wall in which the doorway 140 is formed).
  • the liner 260 separates a first area 262 of the treatment chamber 114 from a second area 264 of the treatment chamber 114.
  • the first area 262 is accessible though the doorway 140.
  • the second area 264 is behind the liner 260.
  • the liner 260 separates the second area 264 from the doorway 140.
  • the liner 260 helps keep users from tampering with components that are behind the liner 260.
  • the liner 260 helps keep contamination contained to facilitate cleaning.
  • the object 154 received in the treatment chamber 114 (i.e., the area 162) to be treated is a handheld computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
  • the handheld computing device may be a generally cuboid device.
  • the handheld computing device 154 has a depth 172 that is relatively thin comparted to the width 174 and height 176 of the front face 158 (i.e., the screen) of the handheld computing device 154.
  • the depth 172 may be less than 1 /5th or less than 1/1 Oth the width 174 and/or height 176 of the front face 158.
  • the area 262 may be shaped to hold a handheld computing device (e.g., an iPadTM or similar tablet device). However, it will be appreciated that this does not preclude use of the area 262 to treat one or more other objects (e.g., clipboards, keys, masks, or stethoscopes).
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may be used to treat one or more smartphones as shown in Figure 3, one or more tablets, one or more sets of keys, and/or one or more masks.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may include a hook 178 from which a mask, set of keys, or stethoscope may be hung above and/or beside one or more other device such as a smartphone and/or tablet.
  • the liner 260 is a single body.
  • the liner 260 may be formed of a single piece of material (e.g., molded or carved as a single body) or formed by bonding (e.g., welding or gluing) a plurality of pieces of material together.
  • the liner may be composed from multiple quartz sheets that are welded together along their edges.
  • the liner and/or other ultraviolet- transparent components may be made from one or more materials that are known to pass ultraviolet radiation.
  • the liner may be made from quartz, or fused silica, or single crystals (e.g. sapphire, MgF2, etc.), or transparent ceram ics/spinels (e.g.
  • the first area 262 is bounded by an interior surface 270 around the doorway 140.
  • a lower end 272 e.g., a lower half
  • a smooth surface facilitates cleaning.
  • the lower end surface is without corners and/or edges in which dirt could more readily accumulate and/or be difficult to remove (e.g., wipe out). It will be appreciated that the lower end is the end in which dirt is most likely to accumulate (e.g., due to gravity), and so the shape of this end of the liner is of importance.
  • the entire interior surface 270 is a smooth continuous concave surface. It will be appreciated that this shape facilitates cleaning of the entire surface 270. Various circumstances could result in the accumulation of dirt on lateral or top sides of the liner 260, and a cleanable shape may be desirable.
  • the first area 262 is bounded by a smooth continuous concave interior surface around the doorway 140.
  • the entire interior surface 270 is a curved surface without comers and/or edges.
  • a rim 274 of the liner 260 abuts an inner mouth 276 of the doorway 140 around a perimeter 278 of the doorway 140.
  • the rim 274 extends up to the edge of the mouth 276 at each point around a bottom end of the perimeter 278 and/or the entirety of the perimeter 278.
  • the liner 260 forms the entire inner surface 270 of the lower end of the first area 262 around the doorway 140 and/or of the entire first area 262 around the doorway 140.
  • the liner 260 forms substantially the entirety of the inner surface 270 of the entire first area 262.
  • the area 262 is substantially fully bounded by the surface 270 in combination with the rear of the door 190.
  • Having an ultraviolet-transparent (e.g., passes at least 75%, 85%, 90%, or 99% of ultraviolet radiation) liner forming the entire surface 270 helps prevent having even small objects (e.g., wire-mesh supports, edges), blocking or interfering with ultraviolet radiation).
  • another component such as the wall of the housing in which the doorway 140 is found may form part of the inner surface 270, with a smooth transition from the rim 274 to the wall.
  • having the liner 260 form the entire surface 270 simplifies the construction and/or use of the liner 260.
  • the liner 260 is a cup-shaped liner.
  • the opening 280 of the cup-shape of the liner 260 opens into the doorway 140.
  • the rim 274 of the liner 260 forms the same shape and size as (i.e. , matches) the perimeter 278 of the mouth 276 of the doorway 140.
  • the cup-shaped liner 260 opens towards the opening 280.
  • the surface 270 has a positive curve from a point 282 opposite the opening 280 to the opening 280 along any path towards the opening 280.
  • the surface 270 is without any portions that are shadowed with respect to the opening 280 (i.e., without any portions that are behind or blocked by other portions of the surface 270 with respect to a line of slight from the opening 280).
  • a cup-shaped liner opening into the doorway 140 prevents portions of the first area 262 from being arranged behind portions of the surface 270 from the perspective of any point in the doorway 140.
  • the first area 262 is a depression (e.g., a sunken place, hollow, or niche) accessible through the doorway 140.
  • a cup-shaped liner reduces a perception of a user that the first area 262 may contain hidden areas that are not visible behind a lip of a doorway or an undulation of the liner itself.
  • the rim 274 of the liner 260 extends in a rim plane 284.
  • the rim plane 284 extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 286 of the liner 260.
  • the longitudinal axis 286 extends between the opening 280 to a point (e.g., point 282) opposite the opening 280.
  • the largest cross sectional area of the first area 262 in a plane parallel to the rim plane 284 is at the rim 274.
  • a projection of the liner 260 projected along the longitudinal axis 286 onto the rim plane 284 is encompassed by the rim 274.
  • the first area 262 has a height 120 along a vertical axis 122, a width 124 along a transverse axis 126, and a depth 128 along a longitudinal axis 130.
  • the first area 262 may be shaped to receive a particular type of handheld object.
  • the depth is relatively small to facilitate use with a handheld object having a relatively thin depth.
  • the depth is less than the height and is less than the width.
  • the depth may be less than three quarters, less than half, less than a quarter, or less than a fifth of the height.
  • the depth 128 may be less than three quarters, less than half, less than a quarter, or less than a fifth of the width.
  • a relatively small depth 128 may facilitate receiving a handheld object having a broad and planar front face.
  • a relatively small depth 128 may allow a user to easily position a handheld object within the area 262 (e.g., in an upright position resting on a narrow side or edge of the handheld object) and/or retrieve the object.
  • the user may be able to lean the handheld object against an innermost end of the liner with an edge of the handheld object resting on a lower end of the liner, and may do so without reaching deep into the area 262, touching a wall of the liner, laying the handheld object down with a broad face of the object against the liner, and/or sliding the handheld object across the liner surface.
  • a relatively small depth 128 may facilitate positioning a handheld object in the area 262 in an upright position (i.e. , resting with an edge of the handheld object on a lower end of the liner).
  • the area 262 is vertically oriented (i.e., a portrait configuration) with a height that is greater than the width (e.g., the height is more than 1 .5 times or more than 2 times the size of the width).
  • the area 262 is horizontally oriented (i.e., a landscape configuration) with a width that is greater than the height (e.g., the width is more than 1.5 times or more than 2 times the height).
  • the area 262 has a height 120 equal to the width 124.
  • a retention feature or member 170 is provided to, e.g., inhibit the handheld object from falling out through the lateral access opening.
  • the retention feature 170 may be secured to or integrally formed with the liner 260. As illustrated, the retention feature 170 is secured to the liner 260. An edge 263 is formed between the liner 260 and the retention feature 170. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments there is a smooth curvature between the liner 260 and the retention feature 170, such as if the retention feature is integrally formed with the liner 260 or includes a flared base and is secured to the liner 260 with the flared base against the inner surface 270 of the liner 260.
  • the retention feature 170 may be secured to the liner 260 by, e.g., welding or fasteners.
  • the retention feature 170 is transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • a retention feature 170 may be at the bottom end of the area 262 to prevent objects from sliding out.
  • an upper retention feature 178 may be provided in an upper end of the chamber, such as in the form of a hook (as illustrated) on which an object (e.g., a stethoscope) can be hung).
  • the illustrated retention feature 170 and hooks 178 are secured against the surface 270 and thereby do not form a part of the surface 270.
  • retention features secured to the liner form edges with the liner but no comers.
  • the liner 260 includes a feature that creates a gap along all or part of the surface along which the object and liner are in contact to allow a user to grip the object.
  • the retrieval feature may be a projection, or an indent or slot in the liner, or a curvature of the liner.
  • the liner 260 includes an off-set projection 300.
  • the off-set projection 300 projects forward of portions of the surface 270 (e.g., defining a local point closest to the doorway 140).
  • the off-set projection 300 is a rib.
  • the exemplary rib is a central vertical rib.
  • the rib may be used to raise portions of the object in the liner 260 off of the surface 270.
  • the off-set projection 300 can be used to separate smaller devices. Separating objects that are placed in the area 262 helps with allowing radiation to reach all surfaces of the objects.
  • the off-set projection 300 may be integral with the liner 260 (i.e. , forming part of the surface 270), as exemplified, or secured to the liner 260. If the projection 300 is secured to the liner 260, in some embodiments an edge 263 may be formed between the projection 300 and the liner 260.
  • the offset projection 300 is transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • the illustrated projection 300 is formed as part of the liner and does form a part of the surface 270.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 also includes a source of ultraviolet radiation 230 (e.g., one or more lamps, such as light emitting diodes, operable to emit ultraviolet radiation, as discussed further below).
  • the source of ultraviolet radiation is arranged to irradiate an object that is placed in the area 262.
  • the source 230 is arranged in the second area 264.
  • the source 230 is behind the liner. The liner may prevent users who access the area 262 though the doorway 140 from touching the source 230.
  • the ultraviolet radiation source 230 is a plurality of sources arranged around the chamber 114.
  • a reflective surface 238 (e.g., a surface on a reflector) is arranged behind the ultraviolet radiation sources 230 to reflect radiation that is emitted away from the area 262 back towards the area 262.
  • the rear of the door 190 may also be a reflective surface 238.
  • the reflective surface 238 and/or liner 260 may also be shaped to spread the radiation throughout the area 262 and/or towards the area 262 at different angles than initially emitted by the sources 230.
  • the reflective surface 238 is a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface.
  • PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the entire chamber 114 is fully enclosed in reflective surface 238, and at least some of that surface is a PTFE surface.
  • a PTFE surface reflects ultraviolet radiation but allows passage of radio waves.
  • a PFTE surface allows for radio-wave communication with the object while the object is being treated in the area 262.
  • the object may be a phone and/or contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) module (e.g., an ID tag).
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the object may be arranged in the area 262, the door closed, a treatment cycle initiated, and communication conducted between the object and/or module of the object and another device outside the reflective surfaces of the chamber 114 while the object is being irradiated by the sources 230.
  • the other device outside the reflective surface of the chamber 114 is part of the apparatus 100 (e.g., within the housing), such as an object tracker that tracks device treatment using an RFID module on the device.
  • the other device outside the reflective surface of the chamber 114 is a separate device from the apparatus 100, such as a remote server or another handheld device such as another smartphone.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 (e.g., the housing 110) includes a door 190.
  • the doorway 140 can be closed by the door 190.
  • the door 190 is opaque to ultraviolet radiation (e.g., including plastic or metal panels) so that radiation that may be harmful to humans can be blocked.
  • the door 190 may completely close off the doorway 140 to prevent radiation from leaking out through the doorway 140.
  • a surface of the door 190 is reflective.
  • the door 190 may include a surface that is exposed to the area 262 when the door 190 is closed (e.g., a rear surface 193 of the door 190, as shown in Figure 6), and that surface may be reflective.
  • the door 190 is moveable between a closed position (e.g., Figure 6) blocking the doorway 140 and an open position (e.g., Figure 7) removed at least partially from the doorway 140 to provide direct access to the area 262 through the lateral access opening 150 for a user to place the object 154 within the area 262 with the lower edge 156 resting on a bottom end of the liner 260.
  • a closed position e.g., Figure 6
  • an open position e.g., Figure 7
  • one or more peripheral edges 191 of the door 190 rests in a groove or slot or pocket 192 of the housing 110.
  • the groove 192 may extend around a large portion (e.g., 3 of the 4 sides) of the perimeter of the doorway 140, and the door 190 can rest in the groove 192 around the perimeter of the doorway 140 when the door is in the closed position.
  • the door 190 may be opened and/or closed in various ways. In some examples, the door 190 is moveable from the closed position to the open position by lowering the door 190 and/or lifting the door 190. In some examples, the door 190 is received in a pocket 194 of the housing 1 10 when in the open position. For example, in the illustrated example, the door 190 is moveable from the closed position to the open position by lifting the door 190 to move the door 190 into the pocket 194.
  • the door 190 is configured to be moved by a drive system (e.g., an electronic drive system 198 controlled by a control unit 210, as shown in the example of Figure 8B), but may also be manually pushed up if need be.
  • a drive system e.g., an electronic drive system 198 controlled by a control unit 210, as shown in the example of Figure 8B
  • Lowering and/or lifting the door may facilitate use, by keeping the door out of the way of users.
  • lifting the door may facilitate use by users who may be accessing the ultraviolet treatment device 100 from a position that is below the ultraviolet treatment device 100.
  • a user in a wheelchair or a child may access the ultraviolet treatment device 100 from a lower position (e.g., if the ultraviolet treatment device 100 is positioned on a wall or counter).
  • the door 190 has an adjustable shape. This may facilitate moving the door 190 between open and closed positions.
  • the door 190 may include a flexible panel.
  • the door 190 is a segmented door (e.g., a tambour-style door). The segments 196 are secured together as a panel with flexibility in at least one dimension.
  • the door 190 is configured to be adjusted in shape when moved between the open and closed positions. This may facilitate receiving the door 190 in the housing 110 in the open position (e.g., in the pocket 194).
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may include a cover 200 over at least a portion of the groove (e.g., the bottom portion at the bottom of the opening 150, as illustrated) to prevent objects from falling into and/or getting stuck in the groove 192 and/or to inhibit the entry of dirt.
  • the cover 200 may be a moveable floor, and may be moveable between an extended (e.g., raised) position in which it blocks off at least a portion of the depth of the groove 192 and a retracted (e.g., lowered) position in which it is moved such that the portion of the depth of the groove 192 is no longer blocked.
  • the cover 200 may be moved farther into (e.g., down into) the groove to allow the door 190 to occupy the portion of the depth of the groove 192.
  • the door 190 may move the cover 200 to the retracted position.
  • the cover 200 may be biased to the extended position (e.g., via springs 202).
  • the force required to move the cover 200 may be selected to be less than the force provided by the door 190 when the door 190 moves from the open position to the closed position.
  • the cover 200 is shown as a moveable floor over a horizontally extending lower portion of the groove 192 in the illustrated example, it is to be understood that the cover 200 may also or alternatively cover a vertical or horizontal side or top portion of the groove 192 in other examples.
  • the cover 200 may activate sensors or toggles or switches (e.g., a door position sensor that needs to be activated before a control system will increase power to an ultraviolet source to begin the radiation portion of a cycle) when moved by the door 190 into the retracted position.
  • the sensors or toggles or switches may be inaccessible to the user behind the cover 200, which may improve user safety (e.g., by preventing the user from directly activating these switches).
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 includes a control system 210 (e.g., a control system exclusively to operate the door, or a control system to operate multiple components of the device 100) operable to control the position of the door 190.
  • the door control system 210 includes a processor.
  • the door control system 210 may include a processor, a data storage device (e.g., to store programed position information), and a power supply.
  • the power supply may be an onboard power supply (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.) and/or a power coupling (e.g., a power cord) to receive power from an external source (e.g., residential current).
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 is configured to be powered by the power coupling 212 ( Figures 6 and 7) as a primary power supply.
  • the onboard power supply 214 may be included in addition to the power coupling to provide a backup power supply 216. Additionally or alternatively, a backup on-board power supply 216 may be integrated with a module for a visible light source 220 (described below).
  • the door control system 210 may be configured to have the open position as a default position of the door when the ultraviolet treatment device is available and not in use (i.e., coupled to a main power supply and set up for use but not currently running a cycle). While in some examples the default position when not in use may be closed, having the default position as the open position may encourage user interaction with the ultraviolet treatment device 100 and/or decrease the total cycle or engagement time required.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 includes a visible light source 220 (e.g., one or more lamps, such as light emitting diodes) operable to illuminate the interior of the chamber 114.
  • the visible light source 220 may be, as in the illustrated example, in a wall of the chamber 114 (e.g., the top wall 138) and arranged to emit visible light into the chamber.
  • the visible light source 220 is configured to illuminate the interior of the chamber 114 when the door 190 is open and/or partially open (e.g., in the default position).
  • control system 210 may be operatively coupled to the visible light source 220 to control operation of the visible light source 220, and may be configured to increase power to the visible light source 220 when the door 190 is open and/or decrease power to the visible light source 220 when the door 190 is closed.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may also include a camera 226.
  • the camera 226 is arranged to image an interior of the area 262.
  • the camera 226 may be arranged to image the object 154 when the object 154 is positioned in the area 262.
  • the camera 226 may be configured to capture one or more images of the area 262 and/or the object 154 in the area 262 when the door 190 is closed.
  • the camera 226 may be communicatively coupled to a control system (e.g., the control system 210), and the control system may be configured to direct the camera 226 to take an image or series of images before, during, and/or after the door 190 is shut and/or a cycle is initiated.
  • the output of the camera 226 may be passed to the control system and/or sent to another device (e.g., a remote server).
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may include an external communications link, such as a wired connection or a wireless transmitter and/or receiver (e.g., a GSMTM, Wi-FiTM, and/or BluetoothTM antenna mounted on antenna mount 227).
  • a communications link may be used to send data to an external device (e.g., usage data, performance data, or camera output) and/or receive instructions from an external device (e.g., to initiate a cycle, initiate advertising or marketing on a screen of the device 100 or an exterior screen, or adjust the settings of the control system 210 such as to change the duration of an ultraviolet radiation phase of a cycle).
  • an external communications link such as a wired connection or a wireless transmitter and/or receiver (e.g., a GSMTM, Wi-FiTM, and/or BluetoothTM antenna mounted on antenna mount 227).
  • a communications link may be used to send data to an external device (e.g., usage data, performance data, or camera output) and/or receive instructions from an external device (e.g., to initiate
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may also include a screen 228.
  • the screen 228 is and/or is on an exterior surface of the housing 110.
  • the screen 228 is provided to present content to a user.
  • the screen 228 may be configured to present an image or series of images to entertain a user during a cycle (e.g., news or an information video).
  • the screen 228 may alternatively or additionally be configured to present an image or series of images from the camera 226.
  • the screen 228 may display the output of the camera 226 in real time, at least when the door 190 is closed. This may help to reassure users that the object 154 placed in the chamber 114 is being handled with care.
  • the ultraviolet treatment device 100 may also include an ultraviolet source control system communicatively coupled to the ultraviolet source 230 to control operation of the ultraviolet source 230.
  • a common control system 210 may control the ultraviolet source 230 and the door 190, as in the illustrated example.
  • the control system 210 may be configured to prevent operation of the source 230 when the door 190 is open.
  • the control system 210 may be communicative coupled to a sensor 240 to determine the position of the door 190.
  • the sensor 240 may be a Hall effect sensor or a line break sensor (e.g., an infrared break-beam sensor) arranged to sense a break in a beam.
  • the senor may be arranged at an end or side of the lateral access opening 150 at which the door 190 would arrive last when moving from the open position to the closed position.
  • the line break sensor may be arranged such that a break sensed by the line break sensor indicates that the door 190 is closed.
  • the sensors are below the cover 200 and are activated by the cover 200 being in the retracted position.
  • liners 260’, 260”, and 260‘”, having textures and/or lenses are illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, illustrated are embodiments of liners 260’, 260”, and 260‘”, having textures and/or lenses.
  • the liner in addition to being transparent to ultraviolet radiation, is also transparent to visible radiation. A liner transparent to visible radiation may be difficult for a user of the device 100 to see, particularly when the liner is arranged in front of reflective surfaces.
  • the device 100 may include a visibility-enhancing pattern 242 integrated into the liner.
  • the pattern 242 is integrated into an inner-most side or end of the liner opposite the doorway 140.
  • the visibilityenhancing pattern may be within or applied to the liner 260.
  • the pattern 242 may be a frosted or roughed finish, such as etched (e.g., by acid) or abrasively blasted (e.g., sand blasting) into the liner (e.g., a glass or plastic wall).
  • the pattern 242 may be applied to an outer surface of the liner (e.g., a layer overlying the outer surface, such as a sticker or paint applied to the outer surface).
  • the visibility-enhancing pattern 242 is a portion of the liner having a reduced-transparency compared to the rest of the wall.
  • the liner includes optical features to disperse radiation or redirect radiation.
  • the optical features may be, e.g. , optical elements or a thinner portion of the liner wall (e.g., to allow a greater amount of radiation to pass through).
  • the liner includes optical elements 290 to disperse ultraviolet radiation.
  • the liner may include a plurality of discrete optical elements 290.
  • the liner includes an optical element for each source 230.
  • an optical element 290 may be arranged in front of a source 230.
  • Optical elements may be lenses, textures, and/or patterns (e.g., raised ridges or shapes).
  • an optical element may be a truncated cone, lens, sphere, spherical dome, pyramid, inverted pyramid, or inverted truncated cone.
  • optical elements 290 are lenses.
  • optical elements 290 are Fresnel lenses.
  • the optical elements 290 may be integral with the lens body or mounted to the body.
  • the liner may include any combination of optical features.
  • the liner includes both optical elements 290 and a pattern 242.
  • the pattern 242 may be arranged around the optical elements 290 to disguise the presence of the optical elements 290.
  • Optical elements 290 help to disperse radiation, improve the uniformity of object exposure, avoid hotspots within area 262, and/or reduce required cycle time.
  • a pattern 242 may be formed around lenses.
  • a pattern 242 may be on an outer surface of the liner and the optical features 290 also on the outer surface.
  • the liner is composed of one or more materials that can selectively transmit ultraviolet radiation while preventing the transmission of other types of radiation.
  • a liner may be composed of one or more materials such that at least some ultraviolet radiation can pass through the liner but not allow any radiation from the visible spectrum to transmit through the liner.
  • the liner material may improve the ultraviolet treatment device 100 cosmetics by obscuring optical features and additionally obscuring the chamber beyond the liner from view.
  • the color of the liner may be clear transparent or any other color types that may be transparent to ultraviolet light.
  • the liner may further have coatings that is intended to minimize or prevent degradation of material due to prolonged exposure of ultraviolet radiations and in some examples the coating may be required to improve diffusivity and or transmissivity.
  • the coatings described here may be required to reduce the visibility of chamber and or ultraviolet light bulbs to enhance the user experience.
  • FIG. 13 to 17 illustrated is another exemplary embodiment of an ultraviolet treatment device 1100.
  • Device 1100 is similar in some respects to device 100, and like features are indicated by like reference numbers, incremented by 1000.
  • the apparatus 1100 includes a moveable assembly 1330.
  • the moveable assembly 1330 comprises a liner 1260 and a wall to which the liner 1260 is mounted.
  • the moveable assembly 1330 includes a lateral wall of a housing 1110 of the apparatus 1100, such as the front wall 1142.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 may form a face of the housing 1110.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 forms an exterior face of the housing 1110.
  • the exemplary moveable assembly 1300 forms the front face of the housing 1110 extending from the top to the bottom of the housing 1110.
  • the exemplary front face is a broad lateral face.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 is moveable between an in-use position ( Figure 13) and a removed position ( Figures 16 and 17).
  • the in-use position the liner 1260 is received in a treatment chamber 1114 of the apparatus 1100, with a second area 1262 enclosed.
  • the removed position the liner 1260 is removed from the treatment chamber 1114, with a second area 1264 open. With the second area 1264 open, access is provided to an ultraviolet source 1230.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 includes a wall and a liner 1260 that are rigidly secured together and moveable as a single body relative to a remainder 1336 of the housing 1110.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 may be moved in various ways.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 may be slid back and forth along a path (e.g., a track), swung back and forth about an axis, or lifted off.
  • the assembly 1300 is secured to the remainder of the housing in each of the in-use position and the removed position, and while moving between.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 pivots about a pivot axis 1340 between the in-use and removed positions.
  • the exemplary moveable assembly 1340 is pivotally mounted to the remainder of the housing 1110 a pivoting end 1342 of the moveable assembly, and a free end 1344 of the moveable assembly opposite the pivoting end 1342 swings along an arc between the in-use and removed positions.
  • the moveable assembly 1300 includes the liner 1260 and a doorway 1140 into the area 1262.
  • the doorway 1140 is formed in a wall that is included in the moveable assembly 1300.
  • the doorway 1140 is selectively closed by a door. It will be appreciated that the door may be part of the moveable assembly 1300 or part of the remainder. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the door is part of the remainder, and the doorway 1140 is left open in the removed position.
  • the liner 1260 includes corners 1350 and edges 1352.
  • the moveable assembly may include a liner that does not include comers 1350 or edges 1352, such as liner 260 described above.
  • a camera 1226 of the apparatus 1100 is arranged to image the area 1262.
  • the camera 1226 has a field of view 1400. It will be appreciated that a camera 1226 may provide an image of the area 1262. In some examples the camera 1226 provides the image to an on-board control system (e.g., a processor mounted to the housing 1110) and/or an external control system (e.g., a processor of remote server or other device eternal to the housing 1110).
  • an on-board control system e.g., a processor mounted to the housing 1110
  • an external control system e.g., a processor of remote server or other device eternal to the housing 1110.
  • the camera 1226 may capture an image (e.g., a single image, a series of images, or a video) of the area 1226 at predetermined time intervals, at the direction of the control system, and/or in response to user-initiated requests.
  • an image e.g., a single image, a series of images, or a video
  • the camera does analysis of objects within the chamber 1114 and/or area 1262, identification of tagged users and/or devices, ensures the doorway is clear, ensures objects are placed correctly within the chamber to ensure full 360 degree exposure to UV (e.g., not obstructing a spacing volume directly behind the door), monitors the state of the ultraviolet radiation sources 1230, and/or provides a live view for users to safely observe the disinfection and gain assurance their device is unharmed (e.g., on a screen of the apparatus 1100 or transmitted to an external device). Utilizing the same sensor for all these functions enables a compact and cost effective design.
  • the camera can provide a live view of the interior treatment chamber during a sterilization cycle (i.e., while ultraviolet radiation is being emitted into the chamber).
  • a light source (in some embodiments, able to shift its dominant wavelength) emitting in the visible spectrum may be arranged to direct visible light into the chamber to illuminate objects in the chamber before the UV light sources are energized and/or provide color correction during the cycle if the UV sources also generate certain wavelengths in the visible spectrum.
  • the camera 1226 can be used to monitor the state of the ultraviolet sources 1230.
  • the ultraviolet radiation sources 1230 e.g., low pressure mercury lamps, xenon flash lamps, or LEDs
  • the ultraviolet radiation sources 1230 also produce some radiation outside the ultraviolet spectrum (e.g., visible or infrared), and the camera 1226 is used to detect these secondary wavelengths of light and infer the status of the ultraviolet sources 1230.
  • the lamp power supply may fail and erroneously energize the lamps.
  • the camera 1226 while the unit is in an idle state (with the door open) the camera 1226 is used to periodically capture images showing the interior of the chamber, including the ultraviolet sources 1230. These images are analyzed to verify that the ultraviolet sources 1230 are de-energized. In some embodiments, if an anomaly is detected, then the system puts itself in a safe state by disconnecting the power supplies of the ultraviolet sources 1230. [00117] The dangerous nature of UVC prevents users from directly observing the sanitization chamber during a cycle but it is essential for all UV sources to operate as intended to ensure proper sanitization of the target devices. In some embodiments, during a cycle, the camera 1226 captures periodic images which are analyzed to verify the ultraviolet sources 1230 are turning on/off according to the intended schedule.
  • the images are further analyzed to compare the brightness of the multiple ultraviolet sources 1230 within the chamber 1114 to determine their relative output and/or confirm their conformity.
  • the camera 1226 is used to inspect the condition of the ultraviolet sources 1230 and look for some forms of degradation and/or aging. For example the repeated on/off cycling of low pressure mercury lamps causes sputtering of the lamp filaments which can be observed as “blackening” at the ends of the lamps. Images taken periodically during the life of the product can be analyzed to detect any such visual degradation and alert the user that servicing of the unit is required to maintain correct UV output levels.
  • a field of view is adjustable.
  • the field of view may be repositionable, e.g., using an actuator coupled to the camera to move (e.g., roll or shift transversely) the camera relative to the area 1262.
  • the field of view may be adjustable by adjusting settings of the camera to, e.g., change the size or shape of the field of view.
  • the image is used to determine if an object is in a position it should not be in.
  • the camera may be placed on the opposite side of the chamber opening from a large, continuous light bar.
  • the light bar might comprise of many individual light sources (e.g., LEDs) and might operate outside the visible light spectrum (e.g., infrared) to avoid shining in the eyes of the users.
  • the light bar might include a cover with light diffusing properties to blend concentrated light sources into a large bar with uniform light output which can enhance safety and image detection features.
  • the diffusing cover might be made of a material with high UV reflectivity (e.g., PTFE) to further enhance the UV performance of the chamber).
  • a light bar 1500 is mounted to the housing 1110.
  • the light bar 1500 is arranged across the chamber 1114 from the camera 1226.
  • the light bar 1500 is arranged across the area 1262 from the camera 1226.
  • the light bar 1500 includes a diffusing cover 1501 with light diffusing properties.
  • the diffusing cover 1501 overlies light sources of the light bar.
  • the diffusing cover 1501 has an outer surface 1503 that is reflective to ultraviolet light.
  • the apparatus 1100 with the camera and light bar may act as a very high resolution, continuous “light curtain” to detect door obstructions.
  • the apparatus 1100 with the camera and light bar may act as a very high resolution, continuous beam break sensor.
  • the sensor may be capable of detecting even small wires.
  • the sensor may be capable of detecting even very thin obstacles (i.e. , headphone cables) which might not be detectable with other types of door obstruction sensors such as force, proximity, or discrete light sources.
  • the apparatus 1100 with the camera and light bar may ensure that the doorway is clear and objects are in a defined volume.
  • the defined volume may be set back from the doorway (e.g., leaving an airgap to avoid obstructing UV light from side light sources to ensure objects to be treated are exposed to high levels of UV radiation).
  • camera exposure and brightness from the light bar can be adjusted to compensate for a wide range of ambient conditions.
  • implementation includes sophisticated techniques to improve the reliability and robustness of the light bar detection.
  • the camera exposure and the light bar brightness might be adjustable to compensate for a wide range of ambient lighting conditions to ensure reliable and robust operation.
  • the light bar might be capable of rapidly cycling on and off (e.g., via pulse width modulation). This flickering might be synchronized with the image capture to allow consecutive images to capture the light bar both on and off which can be combined and analyzed to further reduce the effects of ambient light, reflections, and light sources placed within the chamber, further improving the reliability and robustness.
  • the light bar 1500 is a diffuse light bar.
  • the light bar 1500 may emit non- visible and/or non-ultraviolet light.
  • the light bar 1500 may emit infrared light.
  • the light bar 1500 includes a plurality of light sources.
  • the light sources of the light bar 1500 may be light emitting diodes.
  • the light bar 1500 is arranged across the area 1262 from the camera 1225.
  • the light bar 1500 and/or the camera 1225 may be located outside the liner 1260 (e.g., in the second area 1264).
  • a plane 1502 parallel to the doorway 1140 and through the camera and the light bar is between the doorway 1140 and a retention feature 1170 mounted to the liner 1260.
  • the retention feature 1170 may be spaced from the doorway 1140 by a separation gap in which the light bar shines.
  • the separation gap into which the light bar shines may be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, or 5 mm. In other words, the arrangement of the light bar results in an error if any objects are not behind the separation gap.
  • the separation gap helps to keep objects away from the rear of the door, to allow radiation to reach the surface of the object that faces the door.
  • the light bar 1500 and the camera 1226 cooperate to detect an object in a position it should not be in.
  • the camera 1226 is operable to take an image that includes a representation of radiation from the light bar 1500.
  • the image can be analyzed to detect the presence of a blocking object between the camera and the light bar 1500.
  • an operating system communicatively coupled to the camera e.g., an on-board operating system such as a control unit 1210 and/or a remote operating system
  • a method 1510 of determining whether an object is between the camera and the light bar includes analysis steps 1512, and may include calibration steps 1514.
  • the calibration steps 1514 include, at step 1515, acquiring a calibration image 1504.
  • the calibration image 1504 is converted to greyscale.
  • a calibration brightness threshold is applied to the calibration image to identify a threshold result 1506.
  • contours of the threshold result 1506 are located.
  • the contours are sorted in order of size.
  • end-sides of a bounding box 1509 of the largest contour are found.
  • the portion 1508 of the calibration image within the bounding box 1509 is saved as a baseline image.
  • the bounding box 1509 is set as a defined portion of any subsequent image taken by the camera, the defined portion being defined relative to the edges of the image.
  • the analysis steps 1512 include, at step 1530, accessing an assessment image 1532 that is to be compared.
  • the assessment image 1532 is converted to greyscale.
  • the assessment image 1532 is cropped to a cropped portion 1540 that corresponds to the light bar.
  • the portion 1540 that corresponds to the light bar may be defined as the portion within the bounding box 1509.
  • the cropped image 1540 is inverted to form an inverted image 1544.
  • the cropped image may be inverted using bitwise not so that the areas which are darker than the original image are now treated as brighter.
  • a doubly masked image 1552 is made.
  • step 1550 may use bitwise and on the masked image 1544 and the thresholds of the calibration image, making further certain that the areas bright were not only relatively but objectively bright in the calibration image: this makes the doubly masked image.
  • an assessment threshold is applied to identify an assessment threshold result 1562.
  • contours 1566 of the threshold result 1562 are found. If there are contours 1566, method 1510 has determined that there is something between the camera and the light bar.
  • images from the camera may be analyzed to identify specifics about objects placed in the chamber, such as the percentage of the chamber that is filled, the size of the objects, or the types of devices being sterilized. These metrics could be used to customize the disinfection cycle by either adjusting the cycle time (e.g., porous surfaces would require additional exposure) or selectively turning off groups of lamps to avoid over exposure (e.g., the back lamps could be turned off first to avoid hot spots which might reduce degradation of materials placed in the chamber).
  • the cycle time e.g., porous surfaces would require additional exposure
  • selectively turning off groups of lamps to avoid over exposure e.g., the back lamps could be turned off first to avoid hot spots which might reduce degradation of materials placed in the chamber.
  • the camera can be used to allow for customized cycle duration based on device identification.
  • This identification/classification can be done through machine vision and algorithms, in addition to or in alternative to based on device tagging (e.g., tracking devices that have RFID tags).
  • the image is used to determine how many objects have been placed in the chamber 1114 (e.g., in the area 1262) and/or an amount (e.g., a percentage) of a volume of the chamber 1114 and/or area 1262 that is occupied by objects that have been placed in the chamber 1114.
  • the field of view 1400 includes most of the area 1262 (i.e., more than 50%, 75%, or 80%). As exemplified, the field of view 1400 may include the entire lower half of the area 1262, or the enter lower half of the area 1262 behind the retention feature 1170.
  • the camera is arranged such that objects resting on the lower end of the liner 1260 are within the field of view.
  • Information about a number of objects that have a been placed in the chamber and/or a percentage of a volume of the chamber that is occupied by the objects may be used to, e.g., show value and/or modify how the apparatus 1100 operates. For example, information about the number of objects helps show the value of the apparatus 1100 compared to apparatus with smaller chambers that can only fit one device.
  • the percentage of the chamber filled may be used to customize the disinfection cycle by adjusting the cycle time and/or selectively turning off a lamp or group of lamps to avoid over exposure (i.e., the back lamps are turned off first to avoid hot spots which could degrade materials placed in the chamber after repeated use).
  • the apparatus 1100 may include an operating system (e.g., control unit 1210) and/or be in communication with a remote operating system operable to receive an image from the camera, and determine a number of objects that have been placed in the chamber and/or a percentage of a volume of the chamber that is occupied by the objects.
  • the operating system is also operable to change how the apparatus 1100 operates in response to determining a number of objects that have a been placed in the chamber and/or a percentage of a volume of the chamber that is occupied by the objects.
  • the operating system is operable to vary the schedule followed by the radiation sources 1130 in response to determining a number of objects that have a been placed in the chamber and/or a percentage of a volume of the chamber that is occupied by the objects.
  • Varying the schedule may include adjusting a length of time that the radiation is emitted.
  • Varying the schedule may include directing only a subset of the plurality of sources to emit radiation (i.e., turning off the remainder of the sources 1130).
  • the subset selected to emit radiation may be the sources 1130 closest to the doorway. For example, if it is determined that two radiation sources 1130 are needed, the flanking sources 1130a and 1130b may be powered, while the back sources 1130c and 1130d are not powered.
  • a method 1600 of operating an ultraviolet treatment device includes, at step 1602, imaging an interior of a treatment chamber 1114 of the ultraviolet treatment device 1100 to generate an image.
  • Step 1602 is conducted after a user has inserted one or more objects into the chamber.
  • a user may indicate that they have inserted the one or more objects (e.g., press toggle 1603), or the apparatus 1100 may detect that an object has been inserted (e.g., image analysis of images from the camera may detect a hand inserted and then removed, leaving behind an object or objects).
  • the camera is part of an automated door closing and cycle initiation; after detecting a user placing an object in the chamber and removal of the user’s hand, clearing the doorway the door closes and the cycle begins (i.e. , ultraviolet radiation is directed into the area 1262).
  • Method 1600 also includes, at step 1610, analyzing the image captured at step 1602 to determine a number of objects that have been placed in the chamber and/or an amount of a volume of the chamber that is occupied by the one or more objects.
  • the one or more objects are irradiated using ultraviolet radiation sources 1130 mounting in the chamber.
  • the objects are irradiated for a predetermined length of time, and a duration of the predetermined length of time is selected based on the number of objects that have been placed in the chamber and/or the amount of the volume of the chamber that is occupied by the one or more objects.
  • irradiating the one or more objects includes selecting only a subset of the ultraviolet radiation sources to generate radiation, the subset selected based on the number of objects that have been placed in the chamber and/or the amount of the volume of the chamber that is occupied by the one or more objects.
  • the subset may be sources that are closer to the doorway 1140 than a remainder of the plurality of sources 1130.
  • apparatus 1100 is used with tagged devices to provide information about how often a particular tagged device is sterilized. In some embodiments, this is done without a separate user action by instead detecting a Quick Response code on the device once placed within the chamber. [00143] In some embodiments, apparatus 1100 is used to detect tagged users to provide information about how often a particular tagged user sterilizes their devices.
  • this is done without a separate user action by detecting a wrist band worn by the user when inserting a device (e.g., using a camera imaging the area 1262 as the user inserted their hand) or by looking slightly in front of the doorway (e.g., using a camera with a field of view that extends outside the doorway) to detect an identification badge worn (e.g., around the neck) by a user as they insert a device into the doorway 1140.
  • a device e.g., using a camera imaging the area 1262 as the user inserted their hand
  • an identification badge worn e.g., around the neck

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement par ultraviolets, comprenant un boîtier renfermant une chambre de traitement avec une entrée de porte pouvant être ouverte de façon sélective dans une paroi du boîtier, l'entrée de porte s'ouvrant entre la chambre de traitement et l'extérieur du boîtier; un revêtement de chambre transparent aux ultraviolets monté sur le boîtier contre la paroi autour de l'entrée de porte, le revêtement séparant une première zone de la chambre de traitement qui est accessible à travers l'entrée de porte d'une seconde zone de la chambre de traitement derrière le revêtement, la première zone étant délimitée par une surface intérieure autour de l'entrée de porte, une extrémité inférieure de la surface intérieure étant une surface incurvée sans coins ni bords; et une source de rayonnement ultraviolet montée sur le boîtier dans la seconde zone de la chambre de traitement.
PCT/CA2022/051220 2021-08-10 2022-08-09 Appareil de traitement par ultraviolets WO2023015389A1 (fr)

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US202163231696P 2021-08-10 2021-08-10
US63/231,696 2021-08-10
US202163231815P 2021-08-11 2021-08-11
US63/231,815 2021-08-11
CAPCT/CA2022/051006 2022-06-23
PCT/CA2022/051006 WO2022266762A1 (fr) 2021-06-23 2022-06-23 Appareil et procédé de traitement par ultraviolets

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