Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9707307B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 16:38:22+00:00

Document:
Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a sterilization operating configuration and a preservation operating configuration.
The current application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/012,644, filed on 28 Aug. 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/694,236, which was filed on 28 Aug. 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet radiation, and more particularly, to a solution for sterilizing, preserving, and/or the like, a storage area of a storage device using ultraviolet radiation.
In general, ultraviolet (UV) light is classified into three wavelength ranges: UV-C, from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 280 nm; UV-B, from about 280 nm to about 315 nm; and UV-A, from about 315 nm to about 400 nm. Generally, ultraviolet light, and in particular, UV-C light is “germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease. This effectively results in sterilization of the microorganisms. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNA from being “unzipped” for replication, and the organism is neither able to produce molecules essential for life process, nor is it able to reproduce. In fact, when an organism is unable to produce these essential molecules or is unable to replicate, it dies. UV light with a wavelength of approximately between about 250 to about 280 nm provides the highest germicidal effectiveness. While susceptibility to UV light varies, exposure to UV energy for about 20 to about 34 milliwatt-seconds/cm2 is adequate to deactivate approximately 99 percent of the pathogens.
The inventors provide a solution for the sterilization, preservation, disinfection, decontamination, and/or the like, of a storage area of a storage device using ultraviolet radiation. For example, an embodiment of the solution is configured to appropriately apply a target intensity and/or wavelength of ultraviolet radiation to preserve, sterilize, disinfect, decontaminate, and/or the like, the storage area by destroying and/or suppressing the reproductive function of viruses and/or bacteria, which may be located within the storage area. Similarly, this solution may be implemented as part of other storage environments, such as pantries, grocery bags, boxes, biological object storage containers, and/or the like.
Aspects of the invention provide a solution in which ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a sterilization operating configuration, and a preservation operating configuration.
A first aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within a storage area; and a monitoring and control system for managing the storage area by performing a method comprising: monitoring a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, and a preservation operating configuration.
A second aspect of the invention provides a food storage device comprising: a storage area configured to store at least one perishable food item; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and a monitoring and control system for managing the storage area by performing a method comprising: monitoring a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, and a preservation operating configuration.
A third aspect of the invention provides a refrigeration device comprising: a storage area configured to store at least one refrigerated item; a component configured to control at least one environmental condition of the storage area, wherein the at least one environmental condition includes at least one of: a temperature, a humidity, a gas convection, or a fluid convection; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and a monitoring and control system for managing the storage area by performing a method comprising: monitoring a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and controlling ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, and a preservation operating configuration.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides a system comprising: at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within a storage area; and a monitoring and control system configured to: monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and control ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, a preservation operating configuration, and a condition monitoring operating configuration, wherein the sterilization operating configuration is configured to disinfect the storage area, the preservation operating configuration is configured to provide a particular level of repression for microorganism growth, and the condition monitoring operating configuration is configured to detect microorganisms within the storage area, wherein the controlling includes adjusting at least one of: a location within the storage area to which the ultraviolet radiation is directed, a direction of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source, or a time scheduling of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
A fifth aspect of the invention provides a food storage device comprising: a storage area configured to store at least one perishable food item; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and a monitoring and control system configured to: monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and control ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, a preservation operating configuration, and a condition monitoring operating configuration, wherein the sterilization operating configuration is configured to disinfect the storage area, the preservation operating configuration is configured to provide a particular level of repression for microorganism growth, and the condition monitoring operating configuration is configured to detect microorganisms within the storage area, wherein the controlling includes adjusting at least one of: a location within the storage area to which the ultraviolet radiation is directed, a direction of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source, or a time scheduling of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
A sixth aspect of the invention provides a refrigeration device comprising: a storage area configured to store at least one refrigerated item; a component configured to control at least one environmental condition of the storage area, wherein the at least one environmental condition includes at least one of: a temperature, a humidity, a gas convection, or a fluid convection; at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to generate ultraviolet radiation directed within the storage area; and a monitoring and control system configured to: monitor a set of current conditions of at least one of: the storage area or a set of items located in the storage area; and control ultraviolet radiation generated by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source using at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations and the set of current conditions, the selectable operating configurations including: a sterilization operating configuration, a preservation operating configuration, and a condition monitoring operating configuration, wherein the sterilization operating configuration is configured to disinfect the storage area, the preservation operating configuration is configured to provide a particular level of repression for microorganism growth, and the condition monitoring operating configuration is configured to detect microorganisms within the storage area, wherein the controlling includes adjusting at least one of: a location within the storage area to which the ultraviolet radiation is directed, a direction of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source, or a time scheduling of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
FIGS. 3A-3B show graphs of illustrative intensity levels of ultraviolet radiation for operating configurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiation system according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 5A-5C show illustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.
FIGS. 6A-6F show illustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show illustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.
FIGS. 8A-8E show illustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system according to embodiments.
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an illustrative storage device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 11A-11B show illustrative ultraviolet radiation sources according to additional embodiments.
FIG. 12 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source according to another embodiment.
As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a solution in which ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a sterilization operating configuration, and a preservation operating configuration. As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more (i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now known or later developed solution. Furthermore, as used herein, ultraviolet radiation/light means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm, while ultraviolet-C (UV-C) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 280 to approximately 315 nanometers, and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 315 to approximately 400 nanometers. As also used herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” to ultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structure has an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least thirty percent for the ultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. In a more particular embodiment, a highly ultraviolet reflective material/structure has an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least eighty percent. Furthermore, a material/structure is considered to be “transparent” to ultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structure allows a significant amount of the ultraviolet radiation to pass there through. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet transparent structure is formed of a material and has a thickness, which allows at least ten percent of the ultraviolet radiation to pass there through.
In any event, the computer system 20 can comprise one or more general purpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices) capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 30, installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code” means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation, that cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 30 can be embodied as any combination of system software and/or application software.
The ultraviolet radiation source 12 can comprise any combination of one or more ultraviolet radiation emitters. For example, the UV source 12 can include a high intensity ultraviolet lamp (e.g., a high intensity mercury lamp), an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED), and/or the like. In an embodiment, the UV source 12 includes a set of light emitting diodes manufactured with one or more layers of materials selected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g., AlxInyGa1-X-YN, where 0≦x, y≦1, and x+y≦1 and/or alloys thereof). Additionally, the UV source 12 can comprise one or more additional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a component for relocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s), etc.) to direct and/or deliver the emitted radiation to a particular location/area, in a particular direction, in a particular pattern, and/or the like, within the storage area. Illustrative wave guiding structures include, but are not limited to, a plurality of ultraviolet fibers, each of which terminates at an opening, a diffuser, and/or the like. The computer system 20 can independently control each UV source 12.
The system 10 also can include an alarm component 23, which can be operated by the computer system 20 to indicate when ultraviolet radiation is being directed within the storage area. The alarm component 23 can include one or more devices for generating a visual signal, an auditory signal, and/or the like. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, where the storage device 52 includes a refrigeration device, a panel 8 can display a flashing light, text, an image, and/or the like, to indicate that ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed into a corresponding storage area 54. Furthermore, the alarm component 23 can generate a noise, such as a bell, a beep, and/or the like, to indicate that ultraviolet radiation is currently being directed to the storage area 54.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating use of operating configurations for operating an ultraviolet radiation source 12 according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the computer system 20 can use data corresponding to a selected operating configuration 50A-50C to adjust one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiation 13 generated by the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12. In an embodiment, the operating configurations 50A-50C include a sterilization operating configuration 50A, a preservation operating configuration 50B, and a condition monitoring operating configuration 50C. In an embodiment, the sterilization operating configuration 50A is configured to disinfect, sterilize, and/or eradicate the storage area of microorganisms. The sterilization operating configuration 50A also can be configured to perform chemical decontamination using any solution. The preservation operating configuration 50B is configured to prevent dark reactivation and photoreactivation of microorganisms to avoid microorganism growth above acceptable levels, as discussed herein. Additionally, the computer system 20 can operate the ultraviolet radiation source 12 in a condition monitoring operating configuration 50C, during which a relatively low level of ultraviolet radiation can be generated in order to detect bacteria and/or the like, which may fluoresce in the ultraviolet light. The condition monitoring operating configuration 50C can be utilized to identify the need for sterilization and/or evaluate an effectiveness of sterilization previously performed.
The computer system 20 is configured to control and adjust a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power (e.g., wavelength) of the UV sources 12 to correspond to a particular operating configuration 50A-50C. The computer system 20 can control and adjust each property of the UV source 12 independently. For example, the computer system 20 can adjust the intensity, the time duration, and/or time scheduling (e.g., pattern) of the UV source 12 for a given wavelength. Each operating configuration 50A-50C can designate a unique combination of: a target ultraviolet wavelength, a target intensity level, a target pattern for the ultraviolet radiation (e.g., time scheduling, including duration (e.g., exposure/illumination time), duty cycle, time between exposures/illuminations, and/or the like), a target spectral power, and/or the like, in order to meet a unique set of goals corresponding to each operating configuration 50A-50C.
For the sterilization operating configuration 50A, a target wavelength range can be approximately 250 nanometers to approximately 310 nanometers. Referring to FIG. 3A, a graph illustrating the intensity level 15A for the ultraviolet radiation over time (both in arbitrary units) of the sterilization operating configuration 50A is shown. The intensity level 15A can be a high intensity short burst of ultraviolet radiation. In an embodiment, the intensity level and time are selected to provide a dose sufficient to achieve a 6 log inactivation of bacteria. For example, such a dose can range between approximately 10 and approximately 100 milliJoules/cm2. In this case, the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation can be selected to provide an overall exposure integrated over the period of exposure to provide such a dose. An illustrative period of exposure comprises a few microseconds. Regardless, it is understood that this level of inactivation is only illustrative and other levels of inactivation can be selected. For the preservation operating configuration 50B, a target wavelength range can be approximately 190 nanometers to approximately 285 nanometers. Referring to FIG. 3B, a graph illustrating the intensity level for the ultraviolet radiation over time (both in arbitrary units) of the preservation operating configuration 50B is shown. The intensity level can be a low intensity ultraviolet radiation that can be either continuous 15B or periodic 15C. The intensity level also can be aperiodic at a predetermined schedule. For the periodic/aperiodic intensity level 15C, the intensity level/duration and period (e.g., time between peaks) can be chosen to be commensurable with the preservation operating configuration 50B, such that microorganisms present in the storage area are prevented from growing upon a predetermined level. Regardless, it is understood that a selected intensity and duration for either operating condition can be adjusted based on one or more of: a target microorganism, a desired level of suppression/inactivation, a wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation, and/or the like.
FIG. 4 shows an illustrative system including an ultraviolet radiation system 10 according to an embodiment. The computer system 20 is configured to control the UV source 12 to direct ultraviolet radiation 13 into a storage area 54 of a storage device 52, within which a set of items 56 are located. The feedback component 14 is configured to acquire data used to monitor a set of current conditions of the storage area 54 and/or the items 56 over a period of time. As illustrated, the feedback component 14 can include a plurality of sensing devices 16, each of which can acquire data used by the computer system 20 to monitor the set of current conditions.
It is understood that the set of current conditions in the storage area 54 can include one or more attributes corresponding to a set of biological activity dynamics present within the storage area. The set of biological activity dynamics can include, for example, a presence of biological activity (e.g., exponential bacterial growth), a location of the biological activity, a type of biological activity (e.g., type of organism), a concentration of the biological activity, an estimated amount of time an organism has been in a growth phase (e.g., exponential growth and/or stationary), and/or the like. The set of biological activity dynamics can include information on the variation of the biological activity over time, such as a growth rate, a rate with which an area including the biological activity is spreading, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the set of biological activity dynamics are related to various attributes of bacteria and/or virus activity within an area, including, for example, the presence of detectable bacteria and/or virus activity, measured bacteria and/or virus population/concentration time dynamics, growth phase, and/or the like.
In an embodiment, the sensing devices 16 include at least one of a visual camera or a chemical sensor. The visual camera can acquire data (e.g., visual, electronic, and/or the like) used to monitor the storage area 54 and/or one or more of the items 56 located therein, while the chemical sensor can acquire data (e.g., chemical, electronic, and/or the like) used to monitor the storage area 54 and/or one or more of the items 56 located therein. The set of current conditions of the storage area 54 and/or items 56 can include the color or visual appearance of the items 56, the presence of microorganisms within the storage area 54, and/or the like. For example, when the computer system 20 is operating the UV radiation source 12, a visual camera and/or a chemical sensor monitoring the storage area 54 may be operated to detect the presence of microorganisms. In a specific embodiment, the visual camera comprises a fluorescent optical camera that can detect bacteria 56 and/or viruses 58 that become fluorescent under ultraviolet radiation.
Furthermore, the computer system 20 can process image data acquired by a visual camera to evaluate one or more aspects of a surface of an article, such as a food item, and determine a treatment required. During such processing, the computer system 20 can detect a region of a surface that is discolored, includes mold, and/or the like. The computer system 20 can identify such discoloration by analyzing a change in color measured over a period of time in which the article has been imaged. Similarly, the computer system 20 can process image data acquired by an infrared camera to detect a change in surface temperature, e.g., due to the presence of mold or discoloration, and determine a treatment required based on the change.
However, it is understood that a visual camera and a chemical sensor are only illustrative of various types of sensors that can be implemented. For example, the sensing devices 16 can include one or more mechanical sensors (including piezoelectric sensors, various membranes, cantilevers, a micro-electromechanical sensor or MEMS, a nanomechanical sensor, and/or the like), which can be configured to acquire any of various types of data regarding the storage area 54 and/or items 56 located therein. In another embodiment, the sensing devices 16 can include a UV detector that is configured to detect ultraviolet radiation within the storage area 54. The absorption of ultraviolet radiation within storage area 54 can indicate the presence of bacteria 56 and/or virus 58. The UV detector can be a solid state ultraviolet radiation detector manufactured with one or more layers of materials selected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g., AlXInYGa1-X-YN, where 0≦X, Y≦1, and X+Y≦1 and/or alloys thereof). For example, the UV detector can comprise any type of ultraviolet sensing device, such as an ultraviolet-sensitive photodetector (e.g., an ultraviolet photodiode). In an embodiment, the UV detector can be selected based on its sensitivity to a particular, narrow band of ultraviolet light, which can be selected using any solution. Additionally, the UV detector can comprise one or more additional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, filter, system for moving and/or redirecting ultraviolet detector(s), etc.) to detect ultraviolet radiation in a particular location/direction, and make the UV detector sensitive to a particular range of wavelengths, and/or the like.
In an embodiment, the system 10 can include a single type of UV source 12 that is capable of operating in both operating configurations 50A, 50B. For example, the system 10 can include a type of UV source 12 that can operate in the high intensity level for the sterilization operating configuration 50A in order to sterilize microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa, and/or the like, and also operate in the low intensity level for the preservation operating configuration 50B in order to prevent the microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa, and/or the like, from growing and reproducing. The computer system 20 can be capable of adjusting the relative intensities, time durations, and/or time schedules of the UV sources 12 to correspond to these operating configurations 50.
In another embodiment, the system 10 can include at least two types of UV sources 12. Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of an illustrative storage device 152 according to an embodiment is shown. The storage device 152 includes a first set of UV sources 12A and a second set of UV sources 12B. The first set of UV sources 12A can be configured to operate in a first operating configuration, such as the sterilization operating configuration 50A, while the second set of UV sources 12B can be configured to operate in a second operating configuration, such as the preservation operating configuration 50B, or vice versa.
The storage device 152 can include a plurality of sub-compartments that are individually monitored by the feedback component 14 (FIG. 1). The ultraviolet radiation sources 12 in each sub-compartment can be individually controlled by the computer system 20. For example, a shelf 72 can be partitioned into a first sub-compartment 76 and a second sub-compartment 78, which are separated by a divider 80. The computer system 20 can control the UV source 12A to have a first intensity and a first wavelength, and control the UV source 12B to have a second intensity and a second wavelength. For example, the UV source 12A can include a full intensity, while the UV source 12B includes a zero intensity. Conversely, the UV source 12A can include a zero intensity, while the UV source 12B includes a full intensity. Furthermore, the computer system 20 can independently tune the relative intensities of each UV source 12A, 12B, and either UV source 12A, 12B can have any intensity between zero and full.
As described herein, embodiments can be implemented as part of any of various types of storage systems. FIGS. 5A-5C, 6A-6F, 7A-7B, and 8A-8E show illustrative storage devices for use with an ultraviolet radiation system 10 (FIG. 1) according to embodiments. For example, the storage device can be a refrigerator and/or freezer (FIG. 5A) for storing a plurality of food items. In this embodiment, the computer system 20 can be configured to turn off UV source 12 when a door is open, and automatically turn on UV source 12 when the door is closed. Alternatively, the system 10 can be implemented in a cooler (FIG. 5B). The system 10 can be implemented in a pantry (FIG. 5C, e.g., a shelf in the pantry), and/or the like. The system 10 can be implemented in a food storage container (FIG. 6A), a backpack (FIG. 6B), a grocery bag (FIG. 6C), or a plastic baggie (FIG. 6D). In an alternative embodiment, system 10 may be utilized with an electronic toothbrush (FIG. 6E) or with a mobile touch screen phone (FIG. 6F). The system 10 can also be implemented in a dishwasher (FIG. 7A), or a sushi bar (FIG. 7B). Further, system 10 can be implemented in storage device (FIG. 8A), a vacuum cleaner (FIG. 8B), a floor cleaning robot (FIG. 8C), a floor cleaning machine (FIG. 8D), or a pc tablet case (FIG. 8E). In each case, an embodiment of the system 10 can be implemented in conjunction therewith using any solution. To this extent, it is understood that embodiments of the system 10 can vary significantly in the number of devices, the size of the devices, the power requirements for the system, and/or the like. Regardless, it is understood that these are only exemplary storage devices and that the system 10 may be applicable to other storage devices not specifically mentioned herein.
Returning to FIG. 3, it is understood that the system 10 may include a power component 19 that is implemented separately from the storage device 52 to supply power to one or more of the various components of system 10, such as ultraviolet radiation sources 12, feedback component 14, computer system 20, and/or the like. For example, the storage device 52 may comprise a cooler or the like, which does not include or otherwise require any power source. Furthermore, the storage device 52 may comprise a power source that is insufficient to operate the various devices of system 10 in addition to maintaining one or more aspects of the environment within the storage area 54 for a desired period of time. Regardless, the power component 19 can be utilized to operate system 10. The power component 19 can comprise any source of power including, but not limited to, the power grid, a battery set, an automotive charger, a solar cell, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can implement multiple modes of operation depending on the source of power. In particular, when a power component 19 of limited capacity is being utilized, one or more functions of system 10 can be disabled and/or reduced to lengthen an operating time for system 10. For example, use of ultraviolet radiation source 12 to prolong the life of items within the storage area 54 or disinfect the storage area 54 by generating a higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation can be disabled.
The computer system 20 can be configured to adjust one or more operating parameters of the environmental control component 18 based on a set of current conditions in the storage area 54 and/or an operating configuration 50 of the UV radiation source 12. For example, the computer system 20 can adjust one or more of: a temperature, a humidity, a gas convection, and/or a fluid convection of the storage area 54 in response to a set of biological activity dynamics and according to a currently selected operating configuration. To this extent, each operating configuration can further define a set of target environmental conditions for use during the UV illumination. Such environmental conditions can include a target temperature, a target humidity, additional illumination by non-ultraviolet sources (e.g., visible, infrared), air circulation, and/or the like. Furthermore, one or more of the environmental conditions can change over time during implementation of the operating configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, the computer system 20 can operate the environmental control component 18 to circulate air into a chamber 60. The chamber 60 may be a source of ethylene or other gas and the computer system 20 can control chamber 60 to calibrate exposure of stored articles to such gas. The storage area 52 can also include catalysts 62 for enhancing the suppression of the biological activity, such as, titanium dioxide. Furthermore, the set of current conditions in the storage area 54 can include an operating condition of one or more components of the system 10, such as the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12. Information regarding the operating condition can be used to, for example, notify a user 6 of a problem using the alarm component 23, alter one or more aspects of an operating configuration, and/or the like. Additionally, the set of current conditions in the storage area 54 can include data corresponding to a dose of ultraviolet radiation delivered by an ultraviolet radiation source 12 during a predetermined time period. In this case, the computer system 20 can dynamically determine when to turn off the ultraviolet radiation source 12.
As discussed herein, the computer system 20 can adjust one or more of a location/area, direction, pattern, and/or the like, of ultraviolet radiation emitted by an ultraviolet radiation source 12. To this extent, an embodiment of the ultraviolet radiation source 12 can comprise a movable ultraviolet radiation source 12, which includes one or more components operable by the computer system 20 to redirect the emitted radiation to a particular location/area, in a particular direction, in a particular pattern, and/or the like, within the storage area.
FIG. 10 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source 112 according to an embodiment. In this case, the ultraviolet radiation source 112 includes an ultraviolet emitting device 120 (e.g., ultraviolet LED, ultraviolet laser diode, and/or the like) positioned with respect to an optical element 122. The optical element 122 can comprise any type of structure, which is configured to redirect, focus, and/or the like, ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet emitting device 120. For example, as illustrated, the optical element 122 can comprise a reflective parabolic mirror. However, it is understood that other types of optical elements can be utilized including for example, a flat parabolic mirror, a shaped ultraviolet transparent encapsulating layer (e.g., an inverted truncated conical shape), and/or the like.
One or more of the components of the ultraviolet radiation source 112 can be relocated and/or rotated by the computer system 20 (FIG. 1) to adjust a direction, focus, and/or the like, of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source 112. To this extent, the ultraviolet emitting device 120 and optical element 122 can be mounted in a manner that allows relative movement between the ultraviolet emitting device 120 and optical element 122. Additionally, a mounting structure can be utilized to enable relocation and/or rotation of both the ultraviolet emitting device 120 and optical element 122.
In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source 112 includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mounting structure, which the computer system 20 can activate by various electronic mechanisms, to result in rotation of the optical component with such rotation having at least two degrees of freedom. For example, the ultraviolet radiation source 112 can include a MEMS mounting structure comprising elements 124A-124D, each of which can be operated by the computer system 20 to move in an up or down direction over a particular range of motion as indicated by the corresponding directional arrows. The computer system 20 can induce the motion by, for example, altering electrostatic forces such as in the case of comb-drives. The motion of each element 124A-124D can be synchronized to result in overall tilting of the optical element 122 and ultraviolet emitting device 120 mounted thereto in order to redirect the ultraviolet radiation emitted from the ultraviolet radiation source 112 to a desired location/direction. For instance, the up motion of element 124A combined with a down motion of element 124C can result in a clockwise tilting of the optical element 122. It is understood that due to constraints exerted on the motions of the elements 124A-124D, there are corresponding constraints on the tilt angle of the optical element 122.
FIGS. 11A and 11B show illustrative ultraviolet radiation sources 212A, 212B according to additional embodiments. In FIG. 11A, the ultraviolet radiation source 212A includes an ultraviolet emitting device 220 mounted to an optical element 222. The optical element 222 can comprise a reflective element, such as a polished aluminum layer, adjacent to the ultraviolet emitting device 220. The aluminum layer can be mounted over a substrate, such as an iron layer. Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation source 212A can include a MEMS mounting structure comprising a mounting element 224, such as a layer of copper, having a thermal expansion coefficient significantly different than that of the optical element 222. The optical element 222 can be solidly connected to the mounting element 224, and the elements 222, 224 can be capable of changing curvature due to a non-uniform thermal expansion of the materials forming the elements 222, 224. During operation of the ultraviolet radiation source 212A, the computer system 20 (FIG. 1) can adjust an amount of bending of the optical element 222 and mounting element 224 by thermally activating the optical element 222 and/or the mounting element 224. For example, the computer system 20 can adjust an amount of current applied through the leads 226A-226D, to create a desired amount of mechanical displacement (bending) in the optical element 222.
In FIG. 11B, the ultraviolet radiation source 212B includes multiple ultraviolet emitting devices 220A, 220B located in different positions on a bendable optical element 222 (e.g., a polished aluminum layer formed on a substrate). In this case, the computer system 20 can induce a desired amount of bending in the optical element 222 by moving one or more of the actuators 224A-224C in the directions shown. As illustrated, the bending can result in the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet emitting devices 220A, 220B to converge on a particular point. Additionally, the computer system 20 can selectively operate only one of the ultraviolet emitting devices 220A, 220B and use the bending to adjust a location of the ultraviolet light emitted therefrom.
It is understood that the ultraviolet radiation sources shown and described herein are only illustrative of various configurations of relocatable and/or movable ultraviolet radiation sources. For example, the solution for inducing bending shown in FIG. 11A can be implemented in conjunction with multiple ultraviolet emitting devices as shown in FIG. 11B. Similarly, the bending solution illustrated in FIG. 11B can be implemented in conjunction with a single ultraviolet emitting device as shown in FIG. 11A. Additionally, it is understood that piezoelectric actuators can be implemented in an ultraviolet radiation source to change a position and/or curvature of an optical element, change a position of an ultraviolet emitting device relative to an optical element, and/or the like.
FIG. 12 shows an illustrative ultraviolet radiation source 312 according to another embodiment. In this case, the ultraviolet radiation source 312 includes a plurality of ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D arranged in multiple groups 321A-321C, where each group 321A-321C is mounted to a corresponding mounting element 324A-324C. In an embodiment, the computer system 20 (FIG. 1) can selectively operate each individual ultraviolet emitting device 320A-320D in each group 321A-321C. Furthermore, the computer system 20 can adjust a direction of light emitted by the ultraviolet emitting device(s) 320A-320D. For example, a mounting element 324A-324C can be bendable and include an optical element as described herein. Furthermore, the mounting elements 324A-324C can be mounted to an actuator 326, which can enable relocation of each individual mounting element 324A-324C in a horizontal direction.
In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source 312 can be utilized by the computer system 20 to generate ultraviolet radiation of varying directions, intensity, and/or wavelengths. For example, a group 321A-321C can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D that emit ultraviolet radiation at different peak frequencies. Additionally, each group 321A-321C can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D that emit ultraviolet radiation at the same peak frequency, but the different groups 321A-321C can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D that emit ultraviolet radiation of different peak frequencies from that of the other groups 321A-321C. In an embodiment, the computer system 20 can selectively: turn on or off one or more ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D in one or more of the groups 321A-321C; relocate and/or rotate one or more of the groups 321A-321C; and/or the like, based on a location requiring treatment and/or a type of treatment required. For example, the computer system 20 can process data acquired from a visible sensor (such as visible camera) to determine a state of the articles. In response to determining an article requires treatment (e.g., disinfection), the computer system 20 can activate the corresponding ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D as well as adjust the location and/or shape of the corresponding mounting element 324A-324C to deliver an appropriate dose of ultraviolet radiation to an area of the surface of the article requiring treatment.
In an embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D emit at multiple, different peak emission wavelengths. For example, the peak emission wavelengths can be separated by at least two peak half widths of the ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D, where a peak half width is no greater than thirty nanometers. In a more particular illustrative embodiment, a first group, such as the group 321A, can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D the computer system 20 can operate for disinfection, e.g., that emit ultraviolet radiation at a peak frequency of approximately 275 nm. Another group, such as the group 322B, can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D the computer system 20 can operate for preservation, e.g., that emit ultraviolet radiation at a peak frequency of approximately 320 nm (which can increase antioxidant components in a food article). A third group, such as the group 322C, can include ultraviolet emitting devices 320A-320D the computer system 20 can operate for disinfection of different types of bacteria and/or viruses, each of which may require ultraviolet radiation of a different peak frequency.
While shown and described herein as a method and system for managing a storage area, it is understood that aspects of the invention further provide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer system to manage the storage area using a process described herein. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as the analysis program 30 (FIG. 1), which enables a computer system to implement some or all of a process described herein. It is understood that the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of any type of tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated by a computing device. For example, the computer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portable storage articles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage components of a computing device; paper; and/or the like.
wherein the controlling includes adjusting at least one of: a location within the storage area to which the ultraviolet radiation is directed, a direction of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source, or a time scheduling of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring includes detecting a presence of microorganisms using data acquired by the visual camera.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet radiation generated in the preservation operating configuration is continuous, and wherein the camera is a fluorescent optical camera.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one ultraviolet radiation source for the preservation operating configuration includes at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein an ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source is configured for operation in both the sterilization operating configuration and the preservation operating configuration, and wherein the monitoring and control system further adjusts operation of the ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source to correspond to a current operating configuration.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring the set of current conditions of the storage area includes sensing ultraviolet radiation within the area.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sterilization operating configuration includes a high intensity burst of ultraviolet radiation.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein a target intensity and a target radiation duration for the sterilization operating configuration provide an ultraviolet radiation dose sufficient to achieve a 6 log inactivation of bacteria.
10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the monitoring includes detecting a presence of microorganisms using data acquired by the visual camera.
11. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the ultraviolet radiation generated in the preservation operating configuration is continuous, and wherein the camera is a fluorescent optical camera.
12. The storage device of claim 11, wherein the at least one ultraviolet radiation source for the preservation operating configuration includes at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode.
13. The storage device of claim 9, wherein an ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source is configured for operation in both the sterilization operating configuration and the preservation operating configuration, and wherein the monitoring and control system further adjusts operation of the ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source to correspond to a current operating configuration.
14. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the monitoring the set of current conditions of the storage area includes sensing ultraviolet radiation within the area.
15. The device of claim 9, wherein the sterilization operating configuration includes a high intensity burst of ultraviolet radiation.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the ultraviolet radiation generated in the preservation operating configuration is continuous.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein an ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source is configured for operation in both the sterilization operating configuration and the preservation operating configuration, and wherein the monitoring and control system further adjusts operation of the ultraviolet radiation source of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source to correspond to a current operating configuration.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein the monitoring includes detecting a presence of microorganisms using data acquired by the visual camera.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein the sterilization operating configuration includes a high intensity burst of ultraviolet radiation.
(Google translation of title: "Fruit and vegetable preservation technology and equipment"), 2 pages.
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