JP2016140375A - Ultraviolet light irradiation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultraviolet beam irradiation device capable of promoting the production of vitamin D while avoiding the direct incidence of an ultraviolet beam into the eyes of a user and blackening of the skin.SOLUTION: An ultraviolet beam irradiation device (1) comprises: a housing (2) provided with an opening (2a), into which a hand (H) can be inserted; a protective covering (4) provided inside (or a space part 13) of the housing (2) and having a placing face (4a) for placing the palm of the hand (H) inserted thereon; and a UV light source (3) for irradiating the placing face (4a) with an ultraviolet beam for promoting the production of vitamin D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an irradiation apparatus that irradiates ultraviolet light.

  In order to produce vitamin D and the like, it is necessary to appropriately irradiate a person with ultraviolet light in order to maintain health. Therefore, attempts have been made to solve the shortage of ultraviolet light irradiation of patients who are hospitalized due to illness and those who work long hours in underground spaces and indoors.

  For example, Patent Document 1 includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 280 nm to 315 nm, and a cover that has an opening on the upper side so that ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp is not directly irradiated to the lower part of the room. A lighting fixture is disclosed.

JP 2006-318847 A (published on November 24, 2006)

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, the cover of the ultraviolet lamp is installed only in the lower part. For this reason, there is a possibility that the ultraviolet light directly enters the eyes of the user from the opening that is largely open at the top. When ultraviolet light directly enters the user's eyes, there is a problem that it causes acute keratitis and cataract. Moreover, the ultraviolet light from the said lighting fixture is irradiated to the part (for example, face) where a user's skin is exposed. For this reason, there exists a problem that skin, such as a face, may become black.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to promote the production of vitamin D while avoiding that ultraviolet light directly enters the eyes of the user and the skin becomes dark. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus that can perform the above-described process.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a container in which an opening into which a hand can be inserted is formed, the inside of the container, and the insertion. And a light source that emits ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D toward the placement surface.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to promote the production of vitamin D while avoiding that ultraviolet light directly enters the eyes of the user and that the skin becomes dark.

(A) is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which inserted the hand into the said ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. It is an overhead view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the said ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the said ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. It is a circuit diagram which shows the connection of the power supply of the said ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. (A) is a figure which shows the example of determination of the skin type classified according to the amount of melanins. (B) is a figure which shows the example of determination of the skin type classified according to ITA °. (A) is a figure which shows an example which determined the upper limit time which a UV light source irradiates an ultraviolet light according to skin type, (b) is an example which determined the output amount which a UV light source irradiates an ultraviolet light according to skin type FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which controls irradiation of UV light source using the irradiation time corresponding to the determined irradiation amount. (B) is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which controls irradiation of UV light source using the irradiation output amount corresponding to the determined irradiation amount. (A) is an overhead view which shows an example of the protective cover of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. (B) is a side view showing an example of the protective cover.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

(Schematic configuration of ultraviolet light irradiation device)
The ultraviolet light irradiation device 1 is a device that irradiates a user with ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D. For example, when a user who has insufficient vitamin D production due to insufficient ultraviolet light irradiation inserts his / her hand into the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1, the user's palm is irradiated with ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D, resulting in insufficient vitamin D production. Can be eliminated.

  1A is a cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1 includes a container 2, a UV (ultraviolet) light source 3, a protective cover 4, a power supply unit 5, a light source holder 6, and a reflector 7. , Adapter 8, DCDC box 10, and cord 11.

  The body 2 includes a UV light source 3, a protective cover 4, a light source holder 6, a reflector 7, and a DCDC box 10 inside. A space portion 13 is formed inside the vessel body 2, and a user can insert a hand into the inside of the vessel body 2 (space portion 13) through an opening 2 a provided in the vessel body 2.

  Specifically, the container body 2 includes a front part 2b and a rear part 2c, and the front part 2b and the rear part 2c are fixed with screws 9 or the like. Therefore, by removing the screw 9, maintenance inside the container body 2 can be easily performed. In FIG. 1A, only two screws 9 are shown, but they are also used in other necessary places such as the light source holder 6.

  The container body 2 is formed such that the distance between the bottom surface portion 2d and the top surface portion 2e facing the bottom surface portion 2d increases from the rear portion 2c toward the front portion 2b provided with the opening 2a. In other words, the container body 2 is formed in a tapered shape in which the area of a cross section substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 2d is sequentially increased.

  The UV light source 3 irradiates ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D toward the mounting surface 4a of the protective cover 4 described later. In other words, the UV light source 3 irradiates the palm of the user's hand inserted in the body 2 with ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D. The UV light source 3 is provided on the bottom surface portion 2 d of the container body 2.

  Specifically, a light source holder 6 having a concave shape opened to the upper surface portion 2e is provided on the bottom surface portion 2d. The light source holder 6 is installed on the bottom surface portion 2d so that the distance between the bottom surface portion 2d and the bottom surface portion 6a of the light source holder 6 increases from the rear portion 2c toward the front portion 2b. The UV light source 3 is disposed directly in the center of the recess of the light source holder 6. Thereby, not only the UV light source 3 can not be directly viewed and the eyes can be protected, but also the protective cover 4 can be installed obliquely, and the user's hand can be easily inserted.

  In this embodiment, the LED bare chip which irradiates only the wavelength of 300 nm-315 nm is employ | adopted for the UV light source 3. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, in order to further promote the production of vitamin D, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated by the UV light source 3 is more preferably 300 to 310 nm. Among the ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 280 nm to 315 nm emitted from the ultraviolet lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 280 nm to 300 nm has a strong harmful effect on the skin, and it has skin cancer or stains.・ It is highly likely to cause symptoms such as wrinkles. On the other hand, the UV light source 3 of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment outputs only a wavelength of 300 nm to 315 nm with a low risk of developing skin cancer. Thereby, the production | generation of vitamin D can be accelerated | stimulated, preventing the onset of symptoms, such as skin cancer, a sun tan, a spot and wrinkles.

  Moreover, the illumination system described in Patent Document 1 emits ultraviolet light with a fluorescent lamp. However, it is not easy to radiate only a necessary wavelength with a fluorescent lamp. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using an LED for the UV light source 3, it is possible to set the wavelength of ultraviolet light to be irradiated (output distribution of ultraviolet light) within a certain range.

  The UV light source 3 may irradiate only a wavelength of 300 nm to 315 nm using a spectroscopic lens (cut filter or quartz glass). By using a spectral filter, it is possible to output ultraviolet light in the minimum necessary wavelength range. However, since the cut filter and the quartz glass are expensive, the cost can be suppressed by adopting the LED bare chip for the UV light source 3 as in the present embodiment.

  The UV light source 3 is provided inside the container 2. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet light emitted from the UV light source 3 from directly entering the eyes of the user, and to avoid the possibility of unintentionally staring at the UV light source 3. As a result, the risk of developing acute keratitis or cataract can be avoided.

  The power supply unit 5 is provided in the front part 2b of the container 2, and switches on / off the power supply of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1 by a user operation.

  The reflector 7 guides the ultraviolet light in a desired direction by reflecting the ultraviolet light irradiated from the UV light source 3. Thereby, the light utilization efficiency can be improved. In the present embodiment, the reflector 7 is installed inside the container 2 so as to surround the UV light source 3, and guides the ultraviolet light irradiated from the UV light source 3 toward the palm of the inserted user. . The UV light source 3 is disposed at the center of a substantially conical concave surface (inner peripheral surface) formed by the reflector 7.

  For example, the adapter 8 connects the DCDC box 10 and the rechargeable battery via the cord 11 and supplies a power supply voltage to the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1.

  The DCDC box 10 includes a DCDC converter, and converts the power supply voltage supplied from the adapter 8 into a desired voltage by performing DCDC conversion (DC voltage conversion).

(Protective cover)
The protective cover 4 (mounting table) is disposed inside the vessel body 2 and has a mounting surface 4a on which the palm of the inserted hand is mounted. In other words, the protective cover 4 makes the palm of the hand inserted into the body 2 and the UV light source 3 face each other. The protective cover 4 transmits ultraviolet light. The protective cover 4 has a hemispherical shape and covers the UV light source 3.

  As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the protective cover 4 may be a net-like metal such as a net. (A) of FIG. 11 is an overhead view which shows an example of the protective cover 4 of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 11B is a side view showing an example of the protective cover 4. In order to prevent the finger from touching the UV light source 3 directly, the mesh (mesh) of the protective cover 4 is desirably large enough to prevent the finger from entering.

  When a general glass is used as the protective cover 4, the light emitted from the UV light source 3 is not passed. Further, quartz glass or a wavelength limiting spectral filter may be employed as the protective cover 4, but if the quartz glass or wavelength limiting spectral filter is employed as the protective cover 4, it becomes very expensive. Therefore, as in this embodiment, as the protective cover 4, the cost can be reduced by adopting a net-like structure that can prevent direct contact with the UV light source 3 while passing the light emitted from the UV light source 3. be able to.

  With reference to FIG. 2, it demonstrates concretely in the state when a user inserts a hand in the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a hand is inserted into the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1.

  As described above, the shape of the protective cover 4 is a hemispherical shape that covers the UV light source 3, and the mounting surface 4 a is the outer surface of the hemispherical shape, and allows the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV light source 3 to pass therethrough. Since the protective cover 4 has a hemispherical shape, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user inserts the hand H into the body 2, the user can naturally place the palm on the outer surface (mounting surface 4 a) of the protective cover 4. . Thereby, the palm of the user's hand is naturally directed to the UV light source 3 by the protective cover 4. Further, the UV light source 3 is covered with a protective cover 4. Therefore, the UV light source 3 is located in a region facing the palm. In other words, the UV light source 3 is provided at a position facing the palm placed on the placement surface 4 a of the protective cover 4. Thereby, the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1 can irradiate the user's palm with the ultraviolet light irradiated from the UV light source 3.

  Usually, the amount of melanin in the palm is smaller than the amount of melanin in the back of the hand. By irradiating the palm with less melanin with ultraviolet light, it is possible to irradiate the user with ultraviolet light while avoiding the skin becoming black. As a result, it is possible to promote the user's production of vitamin D while avoiding the skin becoming dark. Moreover, since there is little obstruction by melanin, there is less variation in vitamin D production due to individual differences, and the user can receive the necessary ultraviolet light irradiation.

  Further, since the UV light source 3 is covered with the protective cover 4, the user can be prevented from touching the UV light source 3 directly. Furthermore, the distance between the UV light source 3 and the hand H can be kept constant by providing the UV light source 3 in the vicinity of the center of the hemispherical protective cover 4 and appropriately adjusting the size of the protective cover 4. Thereby, the intensity of the ultraviolet light applied to the palm (the intensity of the ultraviolet light that strikes the palm) can be adjusted by the size of the protective cover 4.

[Embodiment 2]
An ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1A. The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is different from the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1 in that a display LED 12 (notification unit) is provided, and the other configurations are the same.

(Display LED)
The display LED 12 notifies the user that the UV light source 3 is irradiating ultraviolet light. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the power supply unit 5 switches on and off the display LED 12 simultaneously with the UV light source 3, and when the UV light source 3 is turned on, the display LED 12 emits (lights) visible light. Since the ultraviolet light cannot be seen, the user cannot visually recognize whether or not the ultraviolet light is irradiated from the UV light source 3. For this reason, there is a possibility that the user will stare directly at the UV light source 3 due to an act of inadvertently removing the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1A. Therefore, in the present embodiment, while the UV light source 3 is radiating ultraviolet light, visible light is also output (radiated) by the display LED 12 simultaneously with the ultraviolet light irradiation of the UV light source 3. For this reason, since the user can visually recognize that the ultraviolet light is being irradiated by turning on the display LED 12, it is possible to avoid the danger of the user inadvertently directly viewing the UV light source 3. In addition, forgetting to turn off the UV light source 3 can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the UV light source 3, the display LED 12, and the power source are connected in series. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing connection of the power source of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1A. Thereby, visible light is also radiated | emitted by LED12 for a display during ultraviolet light irradiation of the UV light source 3. FIG. Further, since the UV light source 3 and the display LED 12 are connected in series, when either the UV light source 3 or the display LED 12 fails, the UV light source 3 and the display LED 12 do not function together. For this reason, since the display LED 12 can reliably notify the user of the ultraviolet light irradiation, it is safer than the case where the UV light source 3 and the display LED 12 are connected in parallel.

  In this embodiment, the display LED 12 is used to notify the user of the irradiation of the ultraviolet light from the UV light source 3, but the present invention is not limited to the above as long as the user can be notified of the irradiation of the ultraviolet light from the UV light source 3. . For example, the user may be notified of the irradiation of the ultraviolet light from the UV light source 3 by displaying an image showing the irradiation of the ultraviolet light on a display or by emitting a warning sound from a speaker.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1B according to the present embodiment. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 1B shown in FIG. 7 differs from the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1 in that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation is determined for each skin type, and the other configurations are the same.

  The color of human skin (skin) is determined by the amount of melanin, and the higher the amount of melanin, the darker the skin color. The more melanin, the stronger the ability to protect cells from ultraviolet light. Therefore, the allowable amount of acceptable ultraviolet light varies depending on the amount of melanin possessed by the user. People with a higher amount of melanin and a higher tolerance for acceptable ultraviolet light have a lower incidence of skin cancer, and those with a lower amount of melanin and a lower tolerance for acceptable ultraviolet light have a higher incidence of skin cancer. . In other words, even when exposed to the same amount of ultraviolet light, the incidence of skin cancer varies greatly depending on race and skin color. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user's skin type is determined based on the amount of melanin, and the amount of vitamin D produced can be ensured by irradiating the user with ultraviolet light corresponding to the amount of irradiation that matches the user's skin type.

(Functional configuration of ultraviolet light irradiation device)
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 1 </ b> B includes a control unit 20, a melanin amount detection unit 30, and a UV light source 3. Since the UV light source 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The melanin amount detection unit 30 detects the melanin amount that the user has in order to determine the user's skin type. Specifically, the melanin amount detection unit 30 is provided at a position facing the wrist on the palm side of the user in the opening 2a in a state where the user inserts the hand H into the body 2 (not shown). Detect the amount of melanin at the wrist. As the melanin amount detection unit 30, for example, a megsometer can be used. The melanin amount detection unit 30 transmits the detection result to the skin type determination unit 21. Specifically, the melanin amount detection unit 30 transmits the acquired melanin amount in the wrist to the skin type determination unit 21.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, an ITA ° determination unit 31 that determines an ITA ° (Individual Type Angle Angle) may be provided instead of the melanin amount detection unit 30 for the user's skin type determination. ITA ° indicates the whiteness (brightness) of the skin based on the L * a * b * color system (JIS Z8781-4: 2013) depending on the angle.

  Specifically, the ITA ° determination unit 31 includes, for example, a color difference meter (not shown) and an ITA ° calculation unit (not shown). The color difference meter is provided at a position facing the wrist on the palm side of the user in the opening 2a in a state where the user inserts the hand H into the body 2 (not shown). Measure skin color by a * b * color system. The L * value indicates a black to white value, the a * value indicates a red to green value, and the b * value indicates a yellow to blue value. The L * and b * parameters are related to skin whiteness.

  The ITA ° calculation unit calculates ITA ° using the b * value and the L * value measured by the color difference meter. Specifically, the measured b * value and L * value are substituted into the formula [Arc Tangent ((L * -50) / b *)] 180 / 3.416 to determine ITA °. The ITA ° determination unit 31 can directly detect ITA ° by setting the above equation using an existing color difference meter.

  The ITA ° determination unit 31 transmits the calculated ITA ° to the skin type determination unit 21. Specifically, the ITA ° determination unit 31 transmits the acquired ITA ° on the wrist to the skin type determination unit 21.

  In this embodiment, the ITA ° determination unit 31 includes a color and color difference meter, but may include a color illuminance meter and the like instead of the color and color difference meter.

(Control part)
The control unit 20 comprehensively controls various components in the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1B, and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 20 includes a skin type determination unit 21, an irradiation amount determination unit 22, a setting unit 23, an irradiation start unit 24, and an irradiation stop unit 25.

  The skin type determination unit 21 determines the user's skin type based on data from the melanin amount detection unit 30 or the ITA ° determination unit 31. The skin type determination unit 21 transmits the determined user skin type to the dose determination unit 22. The skin type determination will be described later in detail.

  The irradiation amount determination unit 22 determines the irradiation amount of the UV light source 3 according to the skin type determined by the skin type determination unit 21. Moreover, the irradiation amount determination part 22 adjusts the irradiation output amount or irradiation time of the UV light source 3 based on the determined irradiation amount. The irradiation amount determination unit 22 transmits information indicating the adjusted irradiation output amount to the output amount setting unit 23a, and transmits information indicating the adjusted irradiation time to the time setting unit 23b. The determination of the irradiation amount will be described later in detail.

  The setting unit 23 includes an output amount setting unit 23a and a time setting unit 23b.

  The output amount setting unit 23 a sets the irradiation output amount transmitted from the irradiation amount determining unit 22 as the output amount P of the UV light source 3. If the irradiation output amount is set to be constant in advance, the output amount setting unit 23a sets the irradiation output amount set in advance as the output amount P of the UV light source 3. In addition, the output amount setting unit 23 a transmits an output amount P and an instruction indicating the start of irradiation to the irradiation start unit 24.

  The time setting unit 23b sets the irradiation time transmitted from the dose determining unit 22 as the upper limit time T that the UV light source 3 irradiates. The time setting unit 23b counts the time that the UV light source 3 irradiates, and determines whether or not the time that the UV light source 3 irradiates the ultraviolet light is equal to or longer than the upper limit time T. When the irradiation time is set to be constant in advance, the time setting unit 23b sets the irradiation time set in advance as the upper limit time T that the UV light source 3 irradiates. When the time during which the UV light source 3 is radiating the ultraviolet light is equal to or longer than the upper limit time T, the time setting unit 23b transmits an instruction to the irradiation stopping unit 25 to stop the ultraviolet light.

  The irradiation start unit 24 starts irradiation of the UV light source 3 with the output amount P set by the output amount setting unit 23a according to the instruction transmitted from the output amount setting unit 23a.

  The irradiation stop unit 25 stops the irradiation of the UV light source 3 when receiving an instruction to stop the ultraviolet light from the time setting unit 23b.

(Determination of skin type)
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams showing an example of skin type determination. Skin types I to VI shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are classified according to the difference in skin reaction (red or black) due to ultraviolet light. Skin type I is a type in which the skin reaction due to ultraviolet light is very red, but never becomes black. Skin type II is a type in which the reaction of the skin by ultraviolet light easily becomes red and slightly black. Skin type III is a type in which the skin reaction due to ultraviolet light becomes red immediately after becoming red. Skin type IV is a type in which the reaction of the skin by ultraviolet light does not become so red and immediately becomes black. Skin type V is a type in which the skin reaction caused by ultraviolet light rarely turns red and becomes very black. Skin type VI is a type in which the skin reaction caused by ultraviolet light never becomes red but very black. For example, it is known that many Japanese are skin type III. The smaller the skin type, the smaller the maximum allowable amount of UV light that can be accepted by the user.

  (A) of FIG. 8 is a figure which shows the determination example of the skin type classified according to the amount of melanins. Here, the amount of melanin in FIG. 8A indicates the N value measured with a meggerometer. The smaller the N value, the less melanin. On the other hand, the greater the N value, the greater the amount of melanin.

  When the user's skin type is determined by the melanin amount, the skin type determination unit 21 determines the user's skin type according to the melanin amount measured by the melanin amount detection unit 30. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, when the melanin amount is 450 or less, it is determined that the user's skin type is I. Similarly, if the amount of melanin is greater than 450 and less than 470, it is determined that the user's skin type is II. When the amount of melanin is 470 or more and less than 490, it is determined that the user's skin type is III. Further, every time the amount of melanin increases by 20, the user's skin type is determined to be IV and V. When the amount of melanin is 530 or more, the user's skin type is determined to be VI.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of skin type determination classified according to skin (skin) ITA ° by colorimetry. Here, ITA ° shown in FIG. 8B is brighter as the value increases. Therefore, the larger the value of ITA °, the less the user's skin has a melanin amount. On the other hand, the smaller the value of ITA °, the greater the amount of melanin in the user's skin.

  When the user's skin type is determined by ITA °, the skin type determination unit 21 determines the user's skin type according to the value of ITA ° transmitted from the ITA ° determination unit 31. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when ITA ° is greater than 55 °, it is determined that the user's skin color is very light and the user's skin type is I. When ITA ° is greater than 41 ° and less than or equal to 55 °, it is determined that the user's skin color is a bright color and the user's skin type is II. When ITA ° is greater than 28 ° and 41 ° or less, it is determined that the user's skin color is a moderately light color and the user's skin type is III. When ITA ° is greater than 10 ° and equal to or less than 28 °, it is determined that the user's skin color is tan (matte) and the user's skin type is IV. When ITA ° is greater than −30 ° and less than or equal to 10 °, it is determined that the user's skin color is brown and the user's skin type is V. When ITA ° is −30 ° or less, it is determined that the user's skin color is black and the user's skin type is VI.

(Determination of irradiation amount)
Next, the irradiation amount of the UV light source 3 determined by the irradiation amount determination unit 22 will be described. First, it is assumed that the maximum allowable amount of ultraviolet light that can be accepted by the user is determined in advance. The maximum allowable amount of ultraviolet light that can be accepted by the user is determined, for example, according to the amount of erythema, the maximum allowable amount for a user whose skin type is I is 200 (J / m ² ), and the skin type is II˜ The maximum allowable amount of the user who is VI is 250, 300, 450, 600, 1000 (J / m ² ) in order.

The irradiation amount irradiated by the UV light source 3 is determined to be a value equal to or less than the maximum allowable amount described above. In the present embodiment, as an example, the irradiation amount for a user whose skin type is I is 120, and the irradiation amount for a user whose skin type is II to VI is 150, 180, 270, 360, 600 (J / m ² ).

  (A) of FIG. 9 is a figure which shows an example which determined upper limit time T for which the UV light source 3 irradiates an ultraviolet light according to skin type. Since the irradiation amount is a value obtained by multiplying the irradiation output amount and the irradiation time, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the predetermined output amount P irradiated by the UV light source 3 is 30 mW. The irradiation amount determination unit 22 sets the upper limit time T for the UV light source 3 to irradiate. The skin type I user has 4 minutes, the skin type II user has 5 minutes, the skin type III user has 6 minutes, Adjust to 9 minutes for Type IV users, 12 minutes for Skin Type V users, and 20 minutes for Skin Type VI users.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example in which the output amount P with which the UV light source 3 emits ultraviolet light is determined for each skin type. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the predetermined upper limit time T irradiated by the UV light source 3 is 6 minutes, the dose determining unit 22 determines the output amount P irradiated by the UV light source 3 as the skin. 20 mW for Type I users, 25 mW for Skin Type II users, 30 mW for Skin Type III users, 45 mW for Skin Type IV users, 60 mW for Skin Type V users, and for Skin Type VI users Adjust to 100 mW.

(Example of processing to control irradiation using the adjusted irradiation time)
FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the irradiation of the UV light source 3. In this process, the output amount P of the UV light source 3 is set to be constant in advance.

  The skin type determination unit 21 determines the user's skin type from the value transmitted from the melanin amount detection unit 30 or the ITA ° determination unit 31 (S11). The irradiation amount determination unit 22 determines the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light of the UV light source 3 corresponding to the skin type determined in S11 (S12), and adjusts the irradiation time. The irradiation amount determining unit 22 transmits the adjusted irradiation time to the time setting unit 23b, and transmits a preset irradiation output amount to the output amount setting unit 23a.

  Next, the time setting unit 23b sets the irradiation time transmitted from the dose determining unit 22 as the upper limit time T for the UV light source 3 to irradiate ultraviolet light (S13). Then, the output amount setting unit 23 a sets a preset irradiation output amount as the output amount P of the UV light source 3 and transmits it to the irradiation start unit 24. Then, the irradiation start part 24 starts irradiation of the UV light source 3 with the output amount P (S14). Moreover, the time setting part 23b counts the time which the UV light source 3 is irradiating.

  The time setting unit 23b determines whether or not the irradiation time of the UV light source 3 is equal to or longer than the upper limit time T set in S13 (S15). When the irradiation time of UV light source 3 is equal to or longer than upper limit time T set in S13 (YES in S15), time setting unit 23b transmits an instruction to stop ultraviolet light to irradiation stopping unit 25. The irradiation stop unit 25 stops the ultraviolet irradiation of the UV light source 3 when receiving the above instruction (S16). On the other hand, when the irradiation time of UV light source 3 is less than upper limit time T set in S13 (NO in S15), time setting unit 23b continues the process of S15.

(Example of processing to control irradiation using the adjusted output amount)
FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process for controlling the irradiation of the UV light source 3. This process is different from the process shown in FIG. 10A in that the upper limit time T irradiated by the UV light source 3 is set to be constant in advance.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the skin type determination unit 21 determines the user's skin type (S21, the same processing as S11 shown in FIG. 10A). The irradiation amount determination unit 22 determines the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light of the UV light source 3 corresponding to the skin type determined in S21 (S22), and adjusts the irradiation output amount of the UV light source 3. The irradiation amount determination unit 22 transmits the adjusted irradiation output amount to the output amount setting unit 23a, and transmits a preset irradiation time to the time setting unit 23b.

  Next, the output amount setting unit 23 a sets the irradiation output amount transmitted from the irradiation amount determining unit 22 as the output amount P of the UV light source 3 (S 23), and transmits it to the irradiation start unit 24. The irradiation start unit 24 starts irradiation of the UV light source 3 with the output amount P set in S23 (S24). Moreover, the time setting part 23b sets the irradiation time transmitted from the irradiation amount determination part 22 as the upper limit time T when the UV light source 3 irradiates ultraviolet light, and counts the time when the UV light source 3 is irradiating.

  The time setting unit 23b determines whether or not the irradiation time of the UV light source 3 is equal to or longer than a preset upper limit time T (S25). When the irradiation time of UV light source 3 is equal to or longer than preset upper limit time T (YES in S25), time setting unit 23b transmits an instruction to stop ultraviolet light to irradiation stopping unit 25. The irradiation stop unit 25 stops the irradiation of the UV light source 3 when receiving the instruction (S26). On the other hand, when the irradiation time of UV light source 3 is less than preset upper limit time T (NO in S25), time setting unit 23b continues the process of S25.

  According to the said structure, the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated to a user from the UV light source 3 according to a user's skin type is determined. Therefore, it becomes possible to irradiate the user with ultraviolet light from the UV light source 3 within the allowable range of ultraviolet light that can be accepted by the user. As a result, irradiation with ultraviolet light sufficient to produce vitamin D necessary for one day can be performed. In addition, for example, if the user is a skin type user who easily reacts to ultraviolet light, the user can be irradiated with ultraviolet light with weak power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being sunburned because the ultraviolet light is not output more than necessary.

(Example of software implementation)
The control unit 20 of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1B may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Also good.

  In the latter case, the control unit 20 of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus 1B includes a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software for realizing each function, and a ROM in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by the computer (or CPU). (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1 · 1A · 1B) according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an instrument body (2) in which an opening (2a) into which a hand (H) can be inserted is formed, And a placement table (protective cover 4) having a placement surface (4a) for placing the palm of the inserted hand, and ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D toward the placement surface. An illuminating light source (UV light source 3).

  According to said structure, the ultraviolet light which accelerates | stimulates the production | generation of vitamin D is irradiated toward the mounting surface in which the inserted hand in the mounting base arrange | positioned inside a container is mounted from a light source. The Thereby, the said ultraviolet light is irradiated to a palm with little melanin from a light source. As a result, the user can receive the irradiation of the ultraviolet light while preventing the skin from becoming black due to the irradiation of the ultraviolet light. Moreover, since there is no interference by melanin, there is less variation in vitamin D production due to individual differences, and the user can receive the necessary ultraviolet light irradiation.

  Moreover, the light source which irradiates the said ultraviolet light is provided in the inside of a container. As a result, the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source can be prevented from directly entering the eyes of the user, and the possibility of unintentionally staring at the light source can be avoided. As a result, the risk of developing acute keratitis or cataract can be avoided.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1 · 1A · 1B) according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the above-described aspect 1, and the shape of the mounting table (protective cover 4) is a hemispherical shape covering the light source (UV light source 3). The placement surface (4a) is the outer surface of the hemispherical shape and can pass the ultraviolet light.

  According to said structure, the light source is covered with the hemispherical mounting base which lets the ultraviolet light which promotes the production | generation of vitamin D pass. The outer surface of the mounting table is a mounting surface. For this reason, it is possible to irradiate the palm with the ultraviolet light while preventing the user from directly touching the light source.

  Moreover, since the mounting table has a hemispherical shape, it is easy to place the hand inserted into the body on the mounting surface of the mounting table, and the palm can be naturally oriented in the direction in which the light source is installed.

  Furthermore, the distance between the light source and the hand can be kept constant by providing the light source near the center of the hemispherical mounting table and appropriately adjusting the size of the mounting table. For this reason, the intensity | strength of the said ultraviolet light irradiated to a palm can be adjusted with the magnitude | size of a mounting base.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1A) according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the notification unit (display LED 12) that notifies that the light source (UV light source 3) is irradiating the ultraviolet light in aspect 1 or 2. May be provided.

  According to the above configuration, the notification unit notifies the user that the light source is irradiating ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D. For this reason, a user can be made to recognize that the light source is irradiating the said ultraviolet light. As a result, it is possible to avoid the danger that the user mistakenly looks directly at the ultraviolet light. It is also possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the light source.

  In the ultraviolet light irradiation device (1A) according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the aspect 3, the notification unit (display LED 12) and the light source (UV light source 3) may be connected in series.

  According to the said structure, the alerting | reporting part is connected in series with the light source. For this reason, if one of them fails, they do not function together. As a result, compared with the case where the notification unit and the light source are connected in parallel, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the presence or absence of irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source.

  In the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus (1A) according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the aspect 3 or 4, the notification unit (display LED 12) may perform the notification by emitting visible light.

  According to the said structure, the said alerting | reporting is performed by radiation | emission of the visible light by an alerting | reporting part. Thereby, it is possible to make the user visually recognize the presence or absence of ultraviolet light irradiation.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1B) according to aspect 6 of the present invention is the skin type of the user who has inserted the hand (H) into the interior (space part 13) of the body (2) in the above aspects 1 to 5. A skin type determination unit (21) for determining the dose, and a dose determination unit (22) for determining the dose of the ultraviolet light according to the skin type of the user determined by the skin type determination unit. It may be.

  According to the said structure, the irradiation amount determination part determines the irradiation amount of an ultraviolet light according to the user's skin type determined by the skin type determination part. For this reason, it becomes possible to irradiate the user with ultraviolet light from the light source within the allowable range of ultraviolet light that can be accepted by the user by skin type. As a result, necessary vitamin D can be produced.

  In addition, for example, if the user is a skin type user who easily reacts to ultraviolet light, the user can be irradiated with ultraviolet light with weak power. Further, since unnecessary ultraviolet light is not output, it is possible to prevent the user from being sunburned.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1B) according to aspect 7 of the present invention is the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus (1B) according to aspect 6, in which the light source (UV light source 3) irradiates the ultraviolet light from the irradiation amount determined by the irradiation amount determination unit (22). A time setting unit (23b) for setting an upper limit time to be performed, and an irradiation stop unit (25) for stopping irradiation of the light source when the irradiation time of the light source is equal to or longer than the upper limit time (T). It may be.

  According to the above configuration, the time setting unit and the irradiation stop unit stop the irradiation of the ultraviolet light when the irradiation time of the ultraviolet light from the light source to the user exceeds the upper limit time determined from the user's skin type. For this reason, the user is not irradiated with ultraviolet light that exceeds the irradiation allowable amount for each skin type. As a result, sunburn, spots, wrinkles and the like due to the irradiation of the ultraviolet light can be reduced.

  In the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus (1 · 1A · 1B) according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 7, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light may be 300 nm to 315 nm.

  According to the said structure, the ultraviolet light irradiated from a light source has a wavelength of 300 nm-315 nm with a low risk of causing a harmful effect on the skin. Thereby, the production | generation of vitamin D can be accelerated | stimulated, reducing the risk of the onset of the symptoms of skin cancer, a spot, and a wrinkle.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation device (1 · 1A · 1B) according to aspect 9 of the present invention is the above-described aspect 1, and the shape of the mounting table (protective cover 4) is a hemispherical shape covering the light source (UV light source 3). The placement surface (4a) described above is the hemispherical outer surface and may be net-like.

  According to the above configuration, the light source is covered with the net-like hemispherical mounting table. The outer surface of the mounting table is a mounting surface. For this reason, the ultraviolet light irradiation device can irradiate the palm with the ultraviolet light while preventing the user from directly touching the light source.

  Further, by using a net-like metal for the mounting table, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a quartz glass or a spectral filter for limiting the wavelength is adopted.

  The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus is operated by causing the computer to operate as each unit (software element) included in the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus. The control program of the ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus for realizing the above in a computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for an irradiation apparatus that irradiates ultraviolet light.

1, 1A, 1B Ultraviolet light irradiation device 2 Body 2a Opening 3 UV light source (light source)
4 Protective cover (mounting table)
4a Placement surface 13 Space (inside the container)
21 Skin type determination unit 22 Irradiation amount determination unit 23a Output amount setting unit 23b Time setting unit 25 Irradiation stop unit

Claims (5)

A body formed with an opening into which a hand can be inserted; and
A mounting table disposed inside the container and having a mounting surface on which the palm of the inserted hand is mounted;
An ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus comprising: a light source that emits ultraviolet light that promotes the production of vitamin D toward the placement surface. The shape of the mounting table is a hemispherical shape covering the light source,
The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the placement surface is the hemispherical outer surface and allows the ultraviolet light to pass therethrough. The shape of the mounting table is a hemispherical shape covering the light source,
The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the placement surface is an outer surface of the hemispherical shape and has a net shape.   The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the light source is irradiating the ultraviolet light. A skin type determination unit that determines a skin type of a user who has inserted a hand into the body;
The dose determination part which determines the dose of the said ultraviolet light according to the said user's skin type determined by the said skin type determination part, It has any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus described in 1.

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