CN118284439A

CN118284439A - Antimicrobial smart phone flash

Info

Publication number: CN118284439A
Application number: CN202280071524.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚当·E·M·埃尔托莱; 查尔斯·W·亨瑞
Original assignee: Light Source Co ltd
Current assignee: Light Source Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-24
Filing date: 2022-08-24
Publication date: 2024-07-02
Also published as: KR20240128660A; WO2023028115A1; EP4392083A1

Abstract

An integrated light device for recall from a smart phone includes an antimicrobial light wavelength outgoing from a utility light portal of the smart phone. Studies have shown that antimicrobial light, such as those in the so-called UVC range (about 222nm wavelength), can effectively decontaminate irradiated surfaces against COVID-19 and other harmful deposits on the surface, with minimal harmful radiation to the human body. Replacing or controlling a smart phone utility light (such as an LED responsive to a "flash" function) allows the personal device to be invoked to quickly illuminate a surface before use (such as sitting, eating, opening a door, etc.).

Description

Antimicrobial smart phone flash

The inventors: adam e.m. eltorai and Charles w.henry

Agent case number: LCT21-01PCT

Background

Surface transmission of pathogens may occur on surfaces that are touched by multiple people or surfaces that are open to pathogens in the air. Physical contact represents a viable propagation path for many harmful bacterial and viral contaminants. Indirect contact through intermediate surfaces can be mitigated by frequent cleaning of surfaces that are easily contacted by multiple persons in a short period of time, such as armrests, door handles, and elevator buttons, etc. Chemical disinfectants are an effective means of keeping a constantly touching surface from transmissible diseases, however, if done regularly enough, they may require a lot of manpower. Radiation from some light sources may also be effective, however, radiation may also be harmful to the human body, and thus additional overhead is required to control radiation.

Disclosure of Invention

An integrated optical device for recall from a smart phone includes an antimicrobial optical wavelength that passes from a utility light portal of the smart phone. Studies have shown that antimicrobial light, such as those in the so-called UVC range (about 222nm wavelength), can effectively decontaminate irradiated surfaces against COVID-19 and other harmful deposits on the surface, with minimal harmful radiation to the human body. Replacing or controlling a smart phone utility light, such as an LED (light emitting diode) responsive to a "flash" function, allows the personal device to be invoked to quickly illuminate a surface prior to use, such as sitting, eating, opening a door, etc.

Personal electronic devices, commonly referred to as smart phones or mobile phones (or simply "phones"), are as common as car keys, wallets, and handbags. These personal devices are provided with a screen and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) with a utility illumination selection such that antimicrobial light wavelengths are emitted in response to the GUI. Utility lights are typically provided by LEDs integrated into the phone by the phone manufacturer to be distributed in new devices. Alternatively, physical retrofitting, upgrading or replacing of default LEDs may be performed on the personal device, or some LEDs may be programmed to emit specific wavelengths, such as the 222nm wavelength discussed above.

The configurations herein are based in part on the observation that personal devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablet computers) typically employ utility lighting accessories operable as flash lights. Practical light features are readily available as most adults carry some form of personal device. It is further observed that common touch surfaces (e.g., public seats and benches, sanitary facilities, and public transportation) frequently experience continuous touch/physical contact. It would be beneficial to combine the wide portability of personal devices with illumination sources adapted to illuminate and eliminate surface pathogens. Accordingly, the configurations herein substantially overcome the shortcomings of conventional periodic cleaning by integrating an anti-pathogenic illumination source with personal devices for portable and available surface sterilization devices for everyday use.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a general view of an antimicrobial light source in combination with a personal device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a personal device integrated with an antimicrobial light source;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the personal device and lighting logic of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

Fig. 4 is a remote activation configuration of an external antimicrobial light source.

Detailed Description

In a particular configuration, the personal antimicrobial light device is based on a host device having a battery, a processor, and telecommunications hardware/software, and having control logic on the host device for performing various telecommunications and media operations, such as voice, text, video, and various application "apps" for entertainment, interaction, and information. A light source on the host device is responsive to the control logic for emitting antimicrobial light and directing the antimicrobial light to the target surface for disinfection. An actuation function in the control logic is responsive to a user for actuating the light source. The actuation functionality is integrated with telecommunications hardware, such as a utility "flash" panel, or via a separate app on the personal device for accessing and powering a lighting socket (LED). Generally, the light source has a predetermined wavelength based on the antimicrobial effect of the wavelength. Far UVC (UV-C) light has little detrimental side effects while having highly potent antimicrobial properties.

Retrofitting existing devices or manufacturing new devices with antimicrobial light are both viable methods of integrating antimicrobial light into personal electronic devices. Installing includes identifying a utilitarian light feature of the personal device such that the personal device has a telecommunications circuit and a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Typical personal device architectures are well suited to receive the disclosed external LED and associated control based technology.

The personal device is provided with a light emitting source having a predetermined wavelength selected based on antimicrobial properties. The light emitting source generates a utilitarian light feature in response to activation. This may involve replacing the old visible/illuminating LEDs with UVC light, or at least programming the LEDs with UVC wavelengths of about 222nm or other suitable wavelengths. The light emitting source need only receive signals from the GUI based on a user request to invoke a utilitarian light feature and illuminate a target area of the light emitting source within the emission range to disinfect the target area.

Fig. 1 is a background view of an antimicrobial light source in combination with a personal device. The personal device 101 performs a method of disinfecting via a smart phone flash to quantify and accurately disinfect with antimicrobial light emitted from the smart phone flash. In one configuration, the antimicrobial light source 150 is defined by a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that provides antimicrobial and safe light emission having a wavelength of about 222nm or 405 nm. The antimicrobial light source is integrated into a personal device 101, which may be any suitable electronic device adapted to emit light, such as a tablet, iPad, smartwatch or notebook. Personal devices for telecommunications, internet browsing, and other related personal computing and communication tasks come in countless forms, but generally fall into several categories of devices, colloquially referred to as mobile phones, smart phones, wireless phones, mobile devices, and simply "phones.

In the configurations herein, the antimicrobial light source may be implemented in several forms. The antimicrobial light source (light source) 150 may be integrated in the personal device 101, replacing a local utility light in addition to the utility light, or as a retrofit device adapted for attachment to a smart phone or electronic appliance to enable antimicrobial light disinfection. An associated power supply and switching circuit 150 receives a light source (typically an LED light bulb) in the device housing 110.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a personal device integrated with an antimicrobial light source 150. The personal device 101 is enhanced by the lighting control 152 and the light source 150 provides an antimicrobial smart phone flash system with daily use portability to illuminate various surfaces encountered by the user. The illumination control 152 may also quantify the surface and precisely disinfect the surface by determining the distance and surface quality of the disinfection target. Power is provided by the local smartphone battery 155 because LEDs typically have low current consumption, comparable to the loads that conventional smartphone utility light features have exhibited.

In a particular configuration, the lighting control 152 includes object recognition logic 154 for determining the distance of a target object or surface and the quality of the surface. A visual recognition sensor 156, such as a camera or Charge Coupled Device (CCD), communicates optical properties 156' of the target surface. The current cleanliness of the surface may also be determined by an optical sensor for evaluating the illumination time. When the personal device 101 is placed around the target object to be disinfected, the illumination logic energizes the antimicrobial light source 150 embedded in the smartphone flash. The illumination control 152 invokes a set of instructions in the object recognition logic to perform a 3D scan of the target object and calculate the surface distance and surface quality or properties and the required antimicrobial light exposure time required to reach the specified disinfection level.

The lighting control 152 may be integrated in the form of an application program (app) in the local electronic communications circuitry and software 160 of the personal device 101 or otherwise integrated via memory, control logic, and a processor inherent in the personal device 101. In this manner, the lighting control 152 is invoked via an actuation function in the control logic, which is integrated with the native communications hardware, and is responsive to a user to actuate the light source 150.

In this manner, surface disinfection by a user invokes a host device having a battery 155 and telecommunications hardware 160, and activates a light source 150 on the host device in response to control logic for emitting antimicrobial light and directing the antimicrobial light to a target surface or object for disinfection.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the personal device and lighting logic of fig. 1 and 2. In a particular configuration, a user employs a personal device 101 configured as a smartphone flash, with a light source 150 moving around a target object to bathe the surface in antimicrobial light. Object recognition logic 154 presents the surface cleanliness values on the smartphone display as will be discussed further below in fig. 4. Since most devices have utility illumination characteristics, antimicrobial light source 150 may be an additional LED with a specific wavelength or an LED with the ability to emit various wavelengths, with illumination control 152 radiating the appropriate wavelengths of light for utility illumination or germicidal irradiation. The personal device 101 comprises at least means for turning on an antimicrobial flash, means for arranging the flash around the target object to be disinfected, and means for invoking smart phone software for performing a 3D scan of the target object, calculating the surface distance, and the required antimicrobial light exposure time required to reach the specified disinfection level.

The object recognition logic 154 defines a range detection circuit configured to recognize a distance to the target surface and a disinfection logic to determine a duration of light emission for disinfecting the target surface based on the luminescence of the emitted light and the distance to the target surface. The disinfection logic may include an illumination table 158 accessible to the object recognition logic 154. The illumination table 158 includes entries for time 159-3 and wavelength 159-4 of illumination based on a mapping of distance 159-1 and surface type 159-2. The disinfection logic is configured to calculate the duration and wavelength based on the type of object detected by the object identification circuit by mapping the distance and surface type 156' received via the optical sensor 156 (which may be a local camera). Depending on the illumination source 150, the wavelength may be constant and the time of illumination alone varies. As a safety measure, the object recognition logic (circuitry) 154 may recognize vulnerable entities, such as children and pets, to which UV radiation may be harmful. The disinfection logic is responsive to detection of the vulnerable target to deactivate the light source 150 based on the presence of the vulnerable target.

In general, the range detection circuit is configured to identify a distance to a target surface. Based on the luminescence of the emitted light and the distance to the target surface, disinfection logic may be activated (such as from the app) to determine the duration of light emission for disinfecting the target surface. Different surfaces (e.g., metal door handles, vinyl seats, wooden benches) can provide different lifetimes for contaminants. In addition, different LEDs emit far UVC light at different intensities (i.e., brightness). The object recognition circuit may invoke the device camera to calculate the duration based on the type of object detected by the object recognition circuit to ensure sufficient radiation of the target surface. The illumination control 152 directs the light source 150 to activate according to the calculated time and wavelength 154'.

The object recognition circuit may also reduce the intensity of the light source or terminate entirely if a sensitive or vulnerable target object is illuminated. For example, identification of a child or infant may be detected and exposure may be avoided, which is detrimental to the child or infant. Accordingly, the disinfection logic is responsive to detection of the vulnerable target to deactivate the light source based on the presence of the vulnerable target. Other security features may be incorporated to prevent accidental exposure to light sensitive objects such as recent skin lesions, light sensitive materials, near optical contact (child lifting lights near eyes, etc.), as well as to identify and act on other security features.

Fig. 4 is a remote activation configuration of an external antimicrobial light source. Fig. 4 depicts an app based on use, including a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 170 with a utility lighting selection 175 such that antimicrobial light wavelengths are emitted in response to the GUI 170. In addition to controlling the light source 150 integrated with the personal device 101, the antimicrobial light may take the form of an attachable or adhesive fixture 172 for semi-permanent attachment near the target area. Antimicrobial light may be attached for directing the emitted light toward a high contact area (e.g., a door handle or a common area seat). Remote personal devices may be invoked to control the emitted light, similar to the control of the on-board LEDs discussed above. The fasteners 172 employ an attachment region 174 (such as an adhesive, tether or strap) configured for attachment in the area where decontamination is to take place. The mount 172 is responsive to a control device for emitting antimicrobial light (i.e., from a remote smart phone). Placing the mount over or adjacent to the high touch area allows for on-demand purging via the app.

While the systems and methods defined herein have been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of disinfecting using a smart phone flash.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising disinfecting a surface of a target object with antimicrobial light emitted from the smartphone flash.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

performing a 3D scan of the target object;

Calculating the surface distance and the required antimicrobial light exposure time required to reach the specified disinfection level;

Energizing the antimicrobial light embedded in the smartphone flash; and

The antimicrobial flash is arranged around the target object to be disinfected.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

disposing the smartphone flash around the target object to bathe the surfaces in antimicrobial light;

Presenting the surface cleanliness value on a smartphone display; and

A mechanism is provided to protect the user from radiation.

5. An antimicrobial smart phone flash.

6. The device of claim 5, comprising an integrated antimicrobial light source powered by a smartphone battery.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the antimicrobial light source further comprises:

a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that provides antimicrobial and safe light emission having a wavelength such as far UVC light or antimicrobial visible blue light.

8. The antimicrobial light source of claim 7 wherein:

the antimicrobial light source further includes additional LEDs having specific wavelengths or LEDs having the ability to emit various wavelengths.

9. The antimicrobial light source of claim 7, wherein the antimicrobial light source is integrated into the smartphone.

10. The antimicrobial light source of claim 7 further comprising:

a retrofit kit adapted for attachment to the smart phone or electronic device to enable antimicrobial light disinfection.

11. An antimicrobial smart phone flash system.

12. The system of claim 11, comprising a system for quantifying and accurately disinfecting a surface with an antimicrobial smart phone flash.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising:

Means for invoking smart phone software for performing a 3D scan of the target object, calculating the surface distance, area, shape and required antimicrobial light exposure time required to reach a specified disinfection level;

means for turning on an antimicrobial flash; and

Means for arranging the flash lamp around the target object to be disinfected.

14. An integrated antimicrobial light device.

15. The device of claim 14, comprising an electronic device comprising one of a tablet, iPad, smart watch, smart phone, 3D scanner, computer, notebook computer, camera, sensor, robot, instrument, or illuminator.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus quantifies and precisely disinfects the surface with safe antimicrobial light.

17. The antimicrobial light source of claim 14, wherein the antimicrobial light source is integrated into the electronic device.

18. The antimicrobial light source of claim 14, further comprising:

A retrofit kit adapted for attachment to an electronic device to enable antimicrobial light disinfection.

19. The lamp of claim 14, comprising a safe antimicrobial wavelength, such as far UVC light or antimicrobial blue light.

20. The device of claim 14, further comprising a User Interface (UI) having a utility illumination selection, the antimicrobial light wavelength being emitted in response to the UI.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

a range detection circuit configured to identify a distance to the target surface; and

A disinfection logic for determining a duration of light emission for disinfecting the target surface based on the luminescence of the emitted light and the distance to the target surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an object recognition circuit, the disinfection logic configured to calculate the duration based on a type of object detected by the object recognition circuit.

23. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an object recognition circuit, the disinfection logic responsive to detection of a vulnerable target to deactivate the light source based on presence of the vulnerable target.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:

A translucent material in optical communication with the light source, the translucent material formed around the sterilization zone.

25. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

an attachment region configured for attachment in a region where decontamination is to take place, wherein device hardware is responsive to a control device for emitting the antimicrobial light.