Device and method for protecting the eyes from radiation

Abstract

Device (1) for protecting eyes from radiation, preferably from 100 nm to 1 mm and in particular from UV light or infrared, comprising at least two sensor arrangements (2/3), external (2) and internal sensor arrangement (3), wherein each sensor arrangement (2/3) comprises plurality of radiation sensors (2a/3a) arranged one after the other, which are each arranged along closed curve (2b/3b), and wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) is surrounded by the external (2), and wherein the external and internal sensor arrangement (2/3) are arranged adjacently to each other, and wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) encloses radiation passage region (4), and wherein the radiation passage region (4) comprises radiation passage opening (5), and wherein a closing device (6) is arranged in such a way with respect to the radiation passage region (4) that an incident radiation (S) passing through the radiation passage opening (5) is either let pass through or at least partially attenuated, and comprising control device (8) which is connected to the internal sensor (2), the external sensor arrangement (3) and the closing device (6).

Claims

1. A device (1) to protect the eyes from radiation, preferably in the range from 100 nm to 1 mm and in particular from UV, light, or IR, comprising of at least two sensor arrangements (2,3), an external sensor arrangement (2) and an internal sensor arrangement (3), wherein each sensor arrangement (2,3) comprises a plurality of radiation sensors (2a,3a) arranged one after another along a closed curve (2b,3b) and wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) is surrounded by the external sensor arrangement (2), and wherein the external and internal sensor arrangement (2,3) are arranged adjacently to each other, and wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) encloses a radiation passage region (4) and wherein the radiation passage region (4) has a radiation passage opening (S), and wherein a closing device (6) is arranged relative to the radiation passage region (4) that an incident radiation (S) passing through the radiation passage opening (5) or is at least partially attenuated, and comprised of a control device (8) connected to the internal sensor arrangement (2), the external sensor arrangement 3 and the closing device 6.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing device (6) has at least one mechanically movable element (6a) which lets the incident radiation (S) either pass or at least partially attenuate, and that the closing device (6) has a shutter speed in the range of 10-3 to 10-18 seconds.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanically movable element (6a) is configured radiopaque and has a mirrored surface.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanically movable element (6a) has a radiation transmission in the range of 5% to 99%.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing device (6) is designed as electro-optical radiation shutter.

6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as glasses (10) or as an spectacle attachment (10) with two reciprocally spaced-apart radiation passage regions (4) each having a radiation passage opening (5) and each a closing device (6), wherein each radiation passage region (4) is surrounded by an internal and an external sensor arrangement (2,3).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the two closing devices (6) are individually controllable.

8. The device according to claim 7, comprising of an ambient radiation sensor (7) for detecting the ambient radiation, wherein the ambient radiation sensor (7) is connected to the control device (8).

9. The device according to claim 8, comprising of a detachable optical filter (11), which can be connected in such a way with the device that the optical filter (11) is arranged in front of the sensor arrangement (2,3), the radiation passage region (4) and preferably also in front of the ambient radiation sensor (7).

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein the control device (8) comprises of a storage device (8a), in which at least the direction of incidence of the incident radiation (S) and preferably also a time stamp, GPS position, coordinates or radiation intensity of the incident radiation (S) can be stored or further communicated.

11. A method for protecting the eyes from radiation, preferably in the range from 100 nm to 1 mm and in particular from UV, light, or IR, where the eye is surrounded by at least two sensor arrangements (2,3), an external sensor arrangement (2) and an internal sensor arrangement (3), wherein each sensor arrangement (2,3) is arranged in a plurality of sequentially followed radiation sensors (2a, 3a) disposed along a closed curve path (2b, 3b), wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) is surrounded by the external sensor arrangement (2), and wherein the internal sensor arrangement (3) encloses a radiation passage region (4), and wherein a radiation passage opening (5) is arranged in the radiation passage region (4), and wherein a closing device (6) is arranged in such a way with respect to the radiation passage opening that an incident radiation (S) will either pass or at least partially attenuate, and that the closing device (6) is closed if the external sensor arrangement (2) and subsequently the internal sensor arrangement (3) is irradiated by the incident radiation (S), and wherein the closing device (6) is re-opened if initially the internal sensor arrangement (3) and subsequently only the external sensor arrangement (2) is irradiated by the incident radiation (S).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that for both, the left and for the right eye each, a radiation passage opening (5) each having a closing device (6) is planned, and that the closing devices (6) are controlled independently of the respective incident radiation (S).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that an ambient radiation (U) is measured, and that the closing device (6) is only closed and re-opened if the radiation intensity of the incident radiation (S), measured by the external sensor arrangement (2) at least, is higher than the intensity of the ambient radiation (U) or if the thresholds are exceeded.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the closing device (6) can open or close with a shutter speed in the range of 10.sup.3 to 10.sup.18 seconds.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that at least on the external sensor arrangement (2) and preferably also on the internal sensor arrangement (3) the area can be determined in which is irradiated by the incident radiation (S), and that therefrom the incident radiation direction can be calculated, and that in addition to the incident radiation direction preferably also a time stamp, GPS position, coordinates or radiation intensity of the incident radiation (S) can be stored or can be further communicated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

(2) FIG. 1 a perspective view of a device designed as a spectacle attachment.

(3) FIG. 2 a plan view of a pair of glasses with spectacle attachment;

(4) FIG. 3 a schematic view of a device with a closing device using LCDs or other technologies which allow a blackout;

(5) FIG. 4a-4e an exemplary procedure for closing and opening of the device;

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic signal diagram for a control device.

(7) In general, the same parts have the same reference signs in the drawings.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION

(8) The device for protection against laser attacks, increased radiation or stronger light, that is based on a sophisticated UV, light and IR sensor system and that passes the impulse in micro-, nano-, pico-, femto-, atto-, zepto up to yocto-seconds to the closing device and that can open and close at least one or more closing devices in micro-, nano-, or up to atto or faster. This laser and strong light protection shall protect the eye from dangerous and intense radiation that exceed the thresholds, better and faster because one blink lasts 0.25 sec and thus is too slow in this energy range. It is important that the protection device works in close-less than one meter, and in long range.

(9) Today's laser goggles cover only certain wavelengths. The frequencies of laser devices which are however available on the market, starting with the UV radiation from 157 nm, 193 nm, 213 nm, 222 nm, 224.3 nm, 248 nm, 266 nm, excimer XeCl 308 nm, 325 nm HeCd, 332.4 nm, 347 nm, 351 nm, 355 nm 20 and then continuing with the visible light where laser with the following wavelengths such as 402 nm, 432 nm, 441.6 nm, 488 nm, 510.5 nm, green laser with 532 nm, 539.5 nm, 543.5 nm, yellow 578.2 nm, 594.1 nm, up to the red laser with 611.9 nm, 632.8 nm, 647.1 nm, 694 nm and then it continues with the infrared range as Nd. Yag 946 nm, 25 Nd. Yag 1064, 1047 nm, 1079 nm, 1152 nm, 1315 nm, 1319 nm, 1523 nm, 1540 nm, 2001 nm, 2008 nm, 2079 nm, 2090 nm, 3391 nm up in distance IR 1 mm.

(10) The twilight and night area therefore requires at least a light transmission of more than 75%. (see standardization ISO 12312-1 or EN 166.) Developments or

(11) laser protection that work with LCD, OLED and other technologies can also not be used in the twilight and in the night area. Reason for this is again that the light transmittance must be above 75%. The LCD technology works with polarizing filter, as the light transmittance is below the 75% at approx. 40%-50%.

(12) This intense light can temporarily distract pilots and drivers. The visibility of the affected persons can be temporarily affected, disturbed or blocked. Critical phases of flights are:

(13) Start, approach, landing and emergency maneuvers. If the glasses block for a fraction of less than one second, then the person can engage on the incident and act. Otherwise, he has no vision for a short or long period since the eye was overloaded with the radiation. Other concerns are potential eye injuries, which affect the entire eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, lens, vitreous, macula and retina. Moreover, in the evening or at night, there is a difference of the dark environment with strong light which is very high, so that the eye is affected even more by the extreme situation. (More information about laser protection can be found 20 under the BGI 5092 and can be read there).

(14) On top of that the laser beams have a different point size (beam diameter) depending on the distance. In 10000 m the point size is approx. 10 m, at 2500 m approx. 2.5 m, in 1250 m approx. 1.25 m. With closer distances like 50 m approx 0.05 m and in 25 m 0.025 m and at a distance of 10 m only 0.01 m. Thus there is a danger in close distance areas, such as the police, tram, bus drivers, train drivers, motorists, etc., where the distance is below 50 m and less than 10 m as compared to flying. Whereas helicopter pilots can also experience this close range. The closer the laser beam, the more intense the energy. Thus the eye must be protected in all situations, close and far.

(15) Also glasses with anti-reflective coating have a light transmission of less than 60% and thus do not reach the 75% light transmittance. These are the international guidelines of ISO 123121 and ISO 12311.1 or EN 166.

(16) If one is omitting the individual colors as some manufacturers do to stop the specific wavelength, then a color discrimination takes place instead and thus the safety in aviation or in the transport and shipping area is at risk.

(17) Laser safety eyewear are subject to the European Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE Directive 89/686/EEC). They are not approved for road traffic.

(18) According to DIN EN 207 the protection must withstand at least 10 s.

(19) For example, a higher protection against acids, alkalis or toxic or reactive gases and vapors. The sensors can be protected against dirt and are coated depending on application with the corresponding transparent or tinted material such as quartz, polymers such as polycarbonate, polyester, copolyester, cellulose propionate, acetate or other polymers.

(20) The construction of the laser protection may not only exist from the front but also all around the eye it must be protected. The radiation may not enter laterally, nor from above or below. It is also crucial to maintain a very large view area, so that security is not limited.

(21) Therefore, one should at least guarantee to have 90 to 180 or more viewing area.

(22) The skin is generally less sensitive against laser beams than the eye. The effect of laser beams to the skin is highly dependent on the intensity of the radiation and it would not only damage the top layer of skin, but also the lower skin layer can be affected by the high intensity. Laser radiation with a high intensity can lead to burns, severe blistering and subsequent scarring of the skin.

(23) TABLE-US-00001 Typical performance European American in milliwatts Examples class class (mW) of applications Classification I Classification I <0.4 mW DVD players Classification 2 Classification II <1 mW Laser pointer Classification Classification IIIa <5 mW Showlaser 3R Classification Classification IIIb <500 mW Showlaser, medical/ 3b cosmetic lasers Classification 4 Classification IV >500 mW Showlaser, medical/ cosmetic lasers

(24) Further information can be found in the literature on the thresholds which are represented in mW and also in time units. These values can be adjusted via software.

(25) FIG. 1 shows a device 1 designed as spectacle attachment to protect eyes from radiation, preferably in the range from 100 nm to 1 mm and in particular from UV, light, or IR. The device 1 comprises of at least two sensor arrangements 2,3, an external sensor arrangement 2 as well as an internal sensor arrangement 3, wherein each sensor arrangement 2,3 has a plurality of sequentially followed arranged radiation sensors 2a, 3a which are each arranged on a closed curve path 2b, 3b. The curve path can run in a variety of possible forms, advantageously circular or oval, but also, for example as polygonal, for example triangular or quadrangular. The internal sensor arrangement 3 is enclosed by the external sensor arrangement 2, wherein the external and the internal sensor arrangements 2,3 are arranged horizontally to each other, and wherein the internal sensor arrangement 3 encloses a radiation passage region 4.

(26) The radiation passage region 4 has a radiation passage opening 5. A mechanical closing device 6 is arranged relative to the radiation passage region 4, in a way that an incident radiation S can either pass through the radiation passage opening 5 or is at least partially attenuated. An electronic control device 8, as illustrated in FIG. 5 is signal conductively connected to the internal sensor arrangement 2, the external sensor arrangement 3 and the closing device 6.

(27) The closing device 6 comprises of at least one mechanically movable element 6a, which lets the incident radiation S either pass through or at least partially attenuates.

(28) Advantageously the movable element 6a allows the incident radiation S to either fully pass or stops it completely. The closing device 6 preferably has a shutter speed in the range from 10-3 to 10-18 seconds.

(29) The mechanically movable element 6a is preferably radiopaque or configured of different OD (Optical Density) and can have a mirrored surface.

(30) The mechanically movable element 6a can have a radiation transmission in the range of 5% up to 99% in an advantageous embodiment.

(31) The device 1 can be designed, as shown in FIG. 1, as spectacles 10 or, as shown in FIG. 2, as spectacle attachment 10 on glasses 13. The glasses 13 may include corrective lenses. The glasses 13 may further comprise of a protective filter, so that it is colored and has a light transmittance in the range from 100% to 0%. In this area the device 1 advantageously has a surrounding cover 12 which prevents a lateral non-occurrence.

(32) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a device 1 for glasses or spectacles, with two reciprocal spaced-apart radiation passage regions 4, each with a radiation passage opening 5 and each with one closing device 6, wherein each radiation passage region 4 is surrounded by an internal and an external sensor arrangement 2,3. The two closing devices 6 are advantageously controlled individually.

(33) The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes advantageously an ambient radiation sensor 7 for detecting the ambient radiation.

(34) The device 1 could additionally also include a non-illustrated soluble optical filter, which is connectable with the device in a way, that the optical filter is arranged in front of the sensor arrangement to 2,3, the radiation passage regions 4 and preferably also the ambient radiation sensor 7, in order to filter incident radiation to protect, in particular, the ambient radiation sensor 7 of an excessive light intensity.

(35) The device 1 has, as shown in FIG. 5, has a control device 8 and preferably a memory device 8a as well as a data interface 8b. The control device 8 is connected signal-conducting with the external sensor arrangement 2 of the internal sensor arrangement 3 and the closure device 6.

(36) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a device 1 with external and internal sensor arrangement 2,3, radiation passage region 4 and radiation passage opening 5. The radiation passage opening 5 is at the same time the closing device 6, which is configured as electronic-optical radiation shutter, for example, as LCD radiation shutter.

(37) The device is operated in such a way that an incident radiation S is either let pass through or at least partially attenuated through the radiation passage opening 4, whereby the closing device 6 is closed if the external sensor arrangement 2 and subsequently the internal sensor arrangement 3 is irradiated by the incident radiation S and wherein the closure device 6 is opened again when first the internal sensor arrangement 3 and subsequently only the external sensor arrangement 2 is irradiated by the incident radiation S. FIGS. 4a to 4e show such a method. The figures show an external sensor arrangement 2 and an internal sensor arrangement 3.

(38) In FIG. 4a, the incident radiation S approaches the external sensor arrangement 2 and irradiates it. In FIG. 4b, the incident radiation S is more advanced and also irradiates the internal sensor arrangement 3. Once the control device 8 recognizes this condition, the closing device 6 is closed.

(39) As shown in FIG. 4c, the incident radiation S moves further into the radiation passage region 4. The incident radiation S moves on and will exit at any point from the radiation passage region 4 and thereby, as shown in FIG. 4d, irradiate first the internal sensor arrangement 3 and then the external sensor arrangement 2. The incident radiation S moves on, and, as shown in FIG. 4e, will then no longer irradiate the internal sensor arrangement 3 but only irradiate the external sensor arrangement 2. As soon as the control device 8 recognizes this condition, the closing device 6 will be reopened. This ensures that the closing device 6 is always closed when the incident radiation S is within the radiation passage region 4.

(40) Advantageously, a radiation passage opening 5 is planned, each with a respective closing device for the left and right eye, wherein the closing device 6 can be controlled advantageously independent of the incident radiation S.

(41) Advantageously, the ambient radiation U is measured by the sensor 7 and the closing device 6 will only be closed and opened again if the radiation intensity of the incident radiation S, measured by the external sensor arrangement 2 at least, is higher than the intensity of the ambient radiation U or exceeds the thresholds.

(42) Advantageously the individual sensors 2a, 3a of the external sensor arrangement 2 and preferably also on the internal sensor arrangement 3, can be measured individually or at least in groups, so that the incident radiation S can be measured, and therefrom an incident radiation direction can be calculated as it is know which of the sensors 2a, 3a were irradiated by the incident radiation S. In addition to the incident radiation direction preferably time, GPS position, height, coordinates or a radiation intensity of the incident radiation S will be measured and stored in a storage device 8a.